Personal Finance

12 Money Making Ideas To Help Pay Your Bills

Bills are stacking up on your counter, paperless statements have been filling up your inbox, and your checking account has become a revolving door of automatic payments. Feels like financial slavery, right? In times like these, we can all use some extra cash.

Here’s the good news: this list offers twelve ways for you to replenish your coffers and treat yourself to something special.

1. Uber – Get paid to chauffeur people around your city


Uber is a private taxi service that will pay you to pick up and drive passengers to their destinations. The sign up is super easy, and all you need is a four-door vehicle, valid driver’s license, and in-state insurance. You get 80% of everything you earn as a driver. Contract drivers can make up to $25/hr, all while creating their own hours. And to top it off, the app is magnificent and one of the easiest to use.

2. Swagbucks – Watch TV and earn some dough


Swagbucks pays you in gift cards for filling out surveys and sharing opinions about what you’re watching on TV. The best way to use Swagbucks is by incorporating it into your life without spending extra time collecting points. It won’t make you rich, but a $5 Amazon gift card for something you would do normally is a good deal.

3. Paribus – Make money off your online purchases


Have you ever bought something, only to realize that the price dropped a few days later? We know that Amazon is the biggest culprits in this, so if you buy from them, this app is for you. Paribus monitors your email for your Amazon purchases and tries to get your money back if a price falls. It does this all automatically, without you having to be part of the equation.

4. MyPoints – Get a $10 Amazon gift card


MyPoints is similar to Swagbucks. You earn points that can be converted into gift cards. Accumulate points by shopping at select online realtors and printing coupons. If you sign up now, you’ll qualify for a $10 Amazon Gift Card once you spend $20.

5. Microsoft Rewards – Surf the web for cold hard cash


Did you know you can get paid to browse the internet? That’s right, Microsoft has a rewards program based around their search engine, Bing. As you surf the web, you’ll be garnering points to all kinds of different purchases. This requires no extra work, just use the internet like you normally do on a regular basis.

6. InboxDollars – Enjoy rewards for browsing the ‘net


This one is also similar to Swagbucks. You accumulate points by taking surveys, redeeming coupons, and playing games online. Basically, you earn rewards for doing what you usually do during the day on the web. And the games aren’t half bad, either.

7. Ebates – Earn cash back on your purchases


If you are planning to purchase something online, assuming you’ve researched the best price, check out Ebates for cash-back deals. This is great if you use a website like CamelCamelCamel to get the lowest prices on Amazon but want to make sure other online realtors don’t have the item for less. Plus, you score a $10 Walmart Gift Card for signing up.

8. Letgo – Easily sell your stuff for a quick buck


If you need extra cash in a hurry, you should consider selling your junk. Go through your closet, clean out the bookshelf, empty the attic, or simply dump those old DVDs. Think of it as a virtual garage sale. Letgo is what Craigslist should be.

9. DeCluttr- Effortlessly sell those old CDs, DVDs, and books


If you want to reach a more international market to sell your media to, then hop over to Decluttr. This site is designed for you to make money off your unwanted CDs, games, movies, and books. Plus, you get to ship everything for free.

10. Gadgetscouter – Sell your old cellphone for $$$


Do you have old phones or tablets lying around your house? Did you just get a new phone? Gadgetscouter offers you the best price on your used gadgets. They scour retail sites so you don’t have to. This is a great time saver and an excellent way to make some money right now. Here’s the kicker: it’s completely free. You don’t even have to register. They’re just a referral service. Awesome!

11. WikiBuy – Find the best deal when shopping online


If you’re an Amazon shopaholic, you’ll want to check out Wikibuy. Wikibuy compares Amazon’s prices to a bunch of other major online retailers. Then they show you if someone else has a better price, saving you money. Sure, you’re not exactly making money here, but you’re definitely saving on purchases you would make regardless.

12. ShopTracker – Get rewarded giftcards for sharing feedback on purchases


Another great app for people who frequently shop at Amazon. Shoptracker rewards you for answering anonymous surveys about your purchases. Download the app and connect it to your Amazon account. You’ll receive a $3 Visa gift card for simply joining and an additional $3/month for contributing to their research.

About the author

Mike Roberts

Mike Roberts

Mike has seen how important understanding credit has been in improving his own life. As a result, Mike dedicated himself to teaching others how to improve their lives by raising their credit score and taking control of their personal finances. Mike is an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for knowledge. He’s also a bit of a self-improvement enthusiast, and enjoys sharing what he learns with others.

2 Comments

  • Mike, I wasn’t able to access your latest question about debt and does it expire ? It depends on whether it’s an unsecured debt or a secured debt. In most states, unsecured debts are subject to a statute of limitations. I live in Fl. so the statute here is 5 years. A secured debt has no statute and can be collected or repossessed by the creditor. For example, miss 3 car payments and your car will probably be towed to an impoundment facility.
    Judgments have a 20 year life span [in Fl. ] but the judgment can be renewed after 20 years. Your clients should be aware that even if a debtor makes one small payment on an unsecured debt, the statute begins again for another 5 yrs.
    I’ve been a subscriber for several years now and find your advice ,for the uninitiated, very helpful. Keep up the good work and ignore the negative reviews you occasionally get.

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