7 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2024
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
For those looking to earn money in an easily accessible way, apps provide plenty of avenues to consider. You can use your smartphone to take surveys, pick up a side gig, sell your unwanted stuff and more.
Here’s the scoop on seven free money-making apps. NerdWallet considered apps with at least 3.8 stars and 25,000 reviews in both Google Play and the iOS App Store.
7 of the best apps to make money
- Key takeaways:
- Compare Medigap plans
- Business insurance ratings methodology
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- How do we review brokers?
- LOOKING TO SAVE ON INTEREST?
- How to complete the FAFSA if:
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.
- How to maximize your rewards
- Key takeaways
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Environmental
- Why switch to biweekly payments?
- 1. You may not be entitled to anything
- Usual coverages may not apply
- 1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 1. Start saving early
- 1. Join the AAdvantage loyalty program to earn rewards
- 1. Inpatient hospital care
- Real estate agent commissions
- For domestic travelers
- 1. Delay your application
- Insurer complaints methodology
- Grocery rewards
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- 1. Log in to your account
- Social
- Short-term payment plan
- EV advantages
- Florida High Tech Corridor grant
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Winner for route availability: Spirit
- Enter your information
- 1. Earn travel rewards and get rewarded
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- 1. Ibotta
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- Airport lounge access
- For international travelers
- 1. Fill out the pre-qualification form
- About these resources
- Next Insurance: Best for personal trainers who need coverage fast
- Personal Southwest credit cards
- MetaMask
- Traditional IRA deductions
- Consider which clients you want to serve
- 1. Accounting and bookkeeping
- Strengths
- 1. Redeem miles for American flights
- A faster reservations process
- 1. Decide whether you want to invest in active or passive funds
- AtoB
- Governance
- Long-term payment plan
- 1. Alaska-Canada
- Understand the budgeting process
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- What is a good FICO score?
- EV disadvantages
- Eligible for an employer-run account?
- Pros
- 1. Check your EIN confirmation notice
- Medigap
- Median down payment on a house (in dollars)
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- 2. Decide how much home you can afford
- 1. Decide how much coverage you need
- When your credit score improves or you start to make more money
- Premium Individual: $10.99 per month
- 1. Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Coverage eligibility
- Workers' compensation insurance
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- The 6 standard types of home insurance coverage
- What to know about cash advance apps
- Beware of payment processing companies
- Credit limits, and how you use them, matter
- Flat rewards rate
- Duty-free? Maybe not
- Mortgage rates remain stubbornly high
- 1. Can you distinguish between reputable lenders and scams?
- Fundamental analysis of stocks
- Types of MagicBands
- How being an authorized user can help you build credit
- Axos Basic Business Checking
- Life insurance and the COVID-19 vaccine
- Monthly after-tax income
- Key findings
- Who needs life insurance?
- Southwest business credit cards
- 2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Child tax credit 2023 (taxes filed in 2024)
- Prospera small-business grants
- Weaknesses
- Welcome bonus
- Ability to skip the line when you drop off your car
- 2. Search for award space
- Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom®
- Why it’s the best
- 2. Snag bonus points through partners
- Equity of at least 15% to 20%
- 1. Decide how you want to invest in the stock market
- Dogecoin vs. Shiba Inu
- 2. United can offer multiple types of compensation
- 1. Donate to a qualifying organization
- 2. Work longer
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- Looking to set up an individual account?
- Cons
- Property for your laundromat
- Key questions to ask
- If any of these situations apply to you
- Gas and transportation rewards
- 2. Business consulting
- 2. Book basic economy fare tickets for the lowest rate
- 1. Set financial goals
- When the break-even point matches your plans
- Premium Duo: $14.99 per month
- Company information
- Taxes and neighborhood fees
- Cheap auto insurance from large companies
- Credit score requirement
- Realtor vs. real estate agent
- Pricing guides
- Automatic status
- THE PAYOFF
- LendingClub Tailored Business Checking
- 50% of your income: needs
- 2. Check other places your EIN could be recorded
- Review of your finances
- Financial planning
- Traditional 401(k)
- Pay off other debt
- ANA Mileage Club
- Star Alliance Silver
- 3. Check and polish your credit
- Access to deals and rewards
- 2. Traditional stockbrokers
- FIFO
- 1. Consider your vending machine options
- 2. Skilled nursing facility care
- Dwelling coverage
- Our pick for: Rich travel rewards
- U.S. Treasury bonds
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- 1. SBA microloan
- Cost of a MagicBand
- What is a good VantageScore?
- Alliant: Best for fast funding
- Misconceptions about the costs of raising a baby
- Hot wallet
- Child tax credit 2024 (taxes filed in 2025)
- Retirement benefits
- Premium Family: $16.99 per month
- 2. Calculate your investing budget
- Coast
- If you're less than 30 days late
- Unemployment insurance
- 1. Separate your business and personal finances
- Step 1: Inspect your current policy
- Credit data
- Pros
- 3. Redeem points for trips
- How to do it yourself
- With credit, older is better
- Technical analysis of stocks
- How being an authorized user could hurt your credit
- Chase Business Complete Banking
- Types of Mexican auto insurance coverage
- Short-term capital gains tax
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Self-employed or a small-business owner?
- Hiscox: Best for fitness professionals who work abroad
- Trust Wallet
- Rewards on streaming services
- Enterprise Florida trade grants
- 3. Marketing services
- When you have at least 20% equity in your home
- Improves cash flow
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- Sign-up bonus
- The standard deduction
- A debt-to-income ratio below 50%
- 2. Rakuten
- 2. The Bahamas
- 1. Open an options trading account
- An extra cost
- 2. Do you value personalized loan service?
- Personal loan vs. auto loan rates
- Difference between a real estate agent and a broker
- 2. Undergo a soft credit check
- 3. Earn more
- HEV advantages
- Property appraisal and title search
- Auto loan refinancing
- Utilities
- Unlimited movie and TV streaming
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- Roth IRA contributions
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Avianca Lifemiles
- Star Alliance Gold
- 3. Bitcoin ATMs
- SBA microlenders
- If you're more than 30 days late
- Cons
- 2. Test websites and apps
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- You decide: Is SHIB a good investment?
- Corporate bonds
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Pros of sole proprietorship
- Rewards
- 2. Microlenders
- Robust suite of features
- 3. Delayed flights to or from the European Union may entitle you to cash
- Long-term capital gains tax
- 30% of your income: wants
- 3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- 1. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time
- 4. Real estate business
- Refinance student loans
- 4. Explore mortgage options
- 3. Book American Airlines deals
- 2. Track your money
- Complete Coverage
- Collect and keep track of your payments
- 2. Redeem American Airlines miles on partners
- Premium Student: $5.99 per month
- EveryDollar
- Average cost
- EITC 2023
- Can’t qualify for a business loan
- Why it’s the best
- 4. Travel when it's not as busy
- Title insurance for the buyer
- Flexible redemptions
- Cheap car insurance from midsize companies
- Concierge services
- 1. The home must be your principal residence
- Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals
- First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
- 1. Paying for childcare under the table
- HEV disadvantages
- 3. Call the IRS to locate your EIN
- Auto title loans
- Unlimited reading
- Rewards for online purchases
- Other taxes
- Gold
- Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- 2. Choose your insurance deductible
- Annual fee
- 4. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds
- WEX
- Fast access to capital
- Disability insurance
- 2. Set your business up for growth
- For recently issued passports
- Other structures coverage
- Step 2: Shop for better rates
- Public record
- More paperwork
- Cons of sole proprietorship
- 3. Online lenders
- 1. Get sponsored
- Online retailers
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- Revolving credit
- A decision is made
- Insure Fitness Group: Best for personal training students
- Nerd note
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
- Best for round-trip awards: ANA Mileage Club
- 3. Pick a date
- Specific shares
- If it's an error
- 3. Hospice benefits
- Discover it® Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Potential for high returns
- How to maximize your rewards
- 5. Bring a friend — or three
- Only certain types of transfers are allowed
- High annual fees or poor customer service
- Itemizing
- A credit score over 620
- Preparation and packing
- 3. How fast do you need the money?
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- Personal loan vs. auto loan terms
- If your income exceeds the Roth IRA limits
- Industry-specific setups
- 2. Document your charitable contributions
- 2. Ignoring overseas income
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- Find an in-network ATM abroad
- The right equipment
- Unlimited music streaming
- Exodus
- Roth 401(k)
- 5. Event planning
- 4. Use an American Airlines credit card to earn miles faster
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds
- Credit Karma
- What was the Great Recession of 2008?
- EARN MORE POINTS WITH A MARRIOTT BONVOY CREDIT CARD
- Payment history
- Applying for an IRS payment plan online
- 2. Choose an investment account
- 3. Bermuda
- Municipal bonds
- A challenge for procrastinators (or last-minute travelers)
- Start with a budget
- 4. Consider your spouse
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- Get or maintain good credit
- Planning for baby
- Installment credit
- Bonus offers for new cardholders
- 1. Multiply your income by 10
- Platinum
- Gusto Impact Award
- Winner for reliability: Spirit
- Managing debt
- 3. Evaluate other factors
- Help you choose or switch repayment plans
- Dialysis coverage
- 5. Peer-to-peer money transfer apps
- 3. Decide where to buy mutual funds
- Commercial property insurance
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- 1. States with no income tax
- Your current mortgage payoff
- You've graduated to a permanent card
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- Smaller annual fee
- 2. You must have owned the home for at least two years
- Priority customer service
- 4. Be smart about how you ask
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- 3. Find out if you’ve pre-qualified for a loan
- Whole Foods deals
- Establishing domicile
- 6. Video production
- 3. Budget for emergencies
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- 4. Pick a flight
- Is rental car coverage primary or secondary?
- Flexible qualification requirements
- Don’t want to take on additional debt
- 3. Legitimize your operations
- Our pick for: Intro APR + high rewards on everyday spending
- Step 3: Give your mortgage servicer a heads-up
- Financial information
- There is a pro-rata rule for backdoor Roths
- Travel and entertainment extras
- 3. Swagbucks
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- Book travel via the AmEx portal or Expedia
- Home supply is still limited
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Sign-up bonus
- 4. Personal business loans
- 1. Making money
- THE PAYOFF
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- 3. Banking on cryptocurrency
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- Service credit
- How this calculator works
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- 2. More time means more growth
- Medicare Advantage
- City of Orlando Business Assistance Program
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Building your credit score
- Earning structure
- Kidney transplant coverage
- 6. Wallet software
- Goodbudget
- Other fuel cards to consider
- Insurance rates by car model
- EITC 2024
- But economic outlooks could be bleaker than necessary
- General liability insurance
- For passports issued more than a year ago
- 4. Home health services
- Personal property coverage
- Why it’s the best
- 6. If you're taking Acela, book early
- Divorce or separation from a spouse
- A strong history of paying bills on time
- Maximize federal student loans
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- If your income reduces your Roth IRA contribution
- What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents
- 3. You must have lived in the house for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it
- Track your spending
- Free games
- 4. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Premium tax credit eligibility
- 2. Buy 10 times your income, plus $100,000 per child for college expenses
- Stock mutual funds = higher potential returns (or losses)
- 7. Podcasting
- Consolidate federal student loans
- Accident-Only
- How do I make sure coverage applies to my rental?
- Lower risk
- Equifax ID
- Applying for an IRS payment plan by phone or mail
- Home repairs
- 4. U.S. Northeast-Canada
- Transfer points to travel partners
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- Credit score for FHA loans
- 5. Friends and family
- Expensive annual subscription
- 5. You may be able to switch airlines
- PHEV advantages
- Pay with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
- Business insurance
- ACE Liability Insurance: Best for ACE-certified trainers
- Understand the value of the annual points bonus
- 1. Cash dividends
- Emerald
- Places with the highest median down payments (in dollars)
- 5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs
- Working toward financial goals
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds
- Customize your loan payments
- 3. Upgrade your seats
- Airline points and miles programs
- 5. Pay and book
- Farm Service Agency
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- Citi Dividend
- Step 4: Buy the new policy before canceling the old
- Seller concessions
- 2. States with flat income tax rates
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- 1. Decide where to buy SHIB
- 4. Are you comfortable submitting information online?
- Pros of general partnership
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- Find ways to save
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- 1. Fill out a mortgage application
- 3. Don’t miss out on tax deductions for volunteering
- 5. Investigate divorced spouse benefits
- Negotiate a lower interest rate with your issuer
- Premiums
- Financial planning beyond infancy: College and life insurance
- 3. Investing can trump saving over the long term
- 3. Use the DIME formula
- Cost (and quality) of living
- North America (domestic flights)
- Best for nonstop one-way flights: Virgin Atlantic Virgin Points
- 5. Book discounted award flights
- 4. Tackle high-interest debt
- What coverage is included?
- Saves time and resources
- Purchasing stocks
- Don’t want to give up full control of the business
- 4. Get more options as a non-U.S. entrepreneur
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- Moving costs
- Equity REITs
- 6. Self-funding
- Pros
- 1. Get a brokerage account
- Superior rewards-earnings
- 4. You cannot have claimed the home sale capital gains exclusion recently
- Additional charge for remote access
- 4. Compare pre-qualified offers
- 4. Not reporting income from an all-cash business or illegal activities
- PHEV disadvantages
- Prime Day and Prime Early Access
- 2. Stock dividends
- Price your towing services
- North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency grants
- 8. IT consulting
- Increase your income
- Places with the lowest median down payments (in dollars)
- British Airways Avios
- Saving for and buying a home
- Preventive Care
- Annual companion fare
- Trim level and car insurance rates
- Professional liability insurance
- VA loan benefits:
- 3. States with progressive tax structures
- Call and ask for better terms
- Higher rewards in specific categories
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- Considering booking TAP business class through travel portals
- Cons of general partnership
- Friend and family loans
- Apply for a credit card at a credit union
- If you don’t have credit but are looking to build it
- Understanding your results
- Marketing and advertising
- Diamond
- Should you invest in retail stocks in 2023?
- 4. Consider extra coverage
- Process your requests for deferment or forbearance
- What isn't covered?
- Price
- Step 5: Leave the rest up to your servicer
- Payment trends
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- Mastercard World Elite benefits
- 4. Fiverr
- Ask to pay tuition in installments
- 2. Pick which options to buy or sell
- Mortgage REITs
- Late payment forgiveness
- 7. Venture capital
- Cons
- 2. Research
- 5. You cannot have bought the house through a like-kind exchange
- Limited to Windows users
- 4. Keep the deadline in mind
- Copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- 5. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- 4. The tax advantages are prime for kids
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- Bond mutual funds = lower returns (but lower risk)
- 9. Catering
- 4. Redeem AAdvantage miles for merchandise, other travel and more
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- Hot wallet
- VA loan drawbacks:
- 4. Take surveys for money
- 5. Other Caribbean islands
- Talk to your parents about the hard stuff if you haven’t yet
- Use points to upgrade your seat
- Deductibles, limits and payouts
- Home prices keep climbing
- Pros of buying bonds
- 4. Barclays rewards
- 5. How do you want to manage the loan during repayment?
- Equifax business credit scores
- ARM caps
- 6. Add your minor child
- Money regrets
- If you have credit but want to strengthen your score
- Protect your credit
- 1099-A
- Predict your annual spend in bonus categories
- Free unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos
- What are your options?
- Trezor
- 4. Replace your income, plus add a cushion
- Aer Lingus
- 6. Compare mortgage rates and fees
- 5. Plan for retirement
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds with poor credit
- Free checked bag
- Hotel loyalty programs
- 1. Have your award number ready
- What vehicle rentals are excluded?
- 4. Understand mutual fund fees
- Reduces profit and can be expensive
- Want to test the business idea before fully committing
- Business interruption insurance
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- Loss of use coverage
- Credit history
- Why it’s the best
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Build your score and then switch cards
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- 2. Promote your business
- Earned income restriction
- 6. You cannot be subject to expatriate tax
- Use designated accounts for spending and savings
- 6. Check your credit card for trip delay insurance
- 2. Review your Loan Estimates
- 4. Special dividends
- 10. Social media management
- 6. Earn a companion certificate
- 5. Get a quote
- Your money management style
- Build up an emergency fund
- Cover your card charges
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Hybrid REITs
- Green, Gold and Platinum pay over time cards
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- 8. Angel investors
- 3. Compare ETFs
- Pay bills on time
- QuickBooks Online
- THE PAYOFF
- 1099-B
- Amazon Elements
- 5. The money can be used for more than retirement
- 1. Figure out your gross income
- Choose a business entity
- Alaska
- Diamond Plus
- WomensNet grants
- Money market mutual funds = lowest returns, lowest risk
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Central America
- Maintaining financial health
- Know what compensation you’re entitled to in the U.S.
- Help you certify for loan forgiveness
- 2. Know how many miles you need
- How long will the rental be covered?
- 2. Find the right location for your vending machine
- Closed-loop cruises
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- Home warranty
- Try different ways to avoid overspending
- Welcome offer
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Make Money
- 2. Fund your account
- Cons of buying bonds
- Intro APR offer
- Make a plan to pay off debt
- Keep your job
- Try paying in cash dollars
- 6. World of Hyatt Credit Card
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- Rewards rate
- Alaska lounge pass discounts
- Cold wallet
- Bonus features
- Make a budget
- Mutual funds
- Accion Opportunity Fund
- Break down your results
- Key person insurance
- Public record
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- 3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds
- Shop with points via the American Express site
- Experian business credit scores
- 9. Small-business grants
- Keep credit utilization below 30%
- Sage 50 Accounting
- 5. Formally apply to get your money
- 7. Suspend your benefit
- Aim to earn the Companion Pass
- Amazon Family
- 2. Find your adjusted gross income
- Custodial wallet
- 11. Business planning service
- What do I need for my loan application?
- Etihad Guest Miles
- Saving and investing for retirement
- 6. Optimize your finances with tax planning
- 4. Sell some merch
- 3. Know your travel dates and flexibility
- What if I don’t have personal auto insurance?
- Not suitable for all businesses
- Itemize your deductions using credit card tools
- 2023 tax rates by state
- Flexible redemptions
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- LifeMiles (including an award pricing quirk)
- Publicly-traded REITs
- Pros of limited partnership
- 4. Make the trade
- Excess Roth IRA contributions
- As an Explorist and above
- 1099-C
- General liability insurance for personal trainers
- 6. Dividend funds
- Secure a unique business name
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Florida
- Consider Original Medicare with a Medigap plan if you:
- Low-down-payment mortgages
- Emirates Skywards
- 7. Gather your loan paperwork
- Account linking
- Rein in your spending
- Cyber liability insurance
- Liability coverage
- Firmographics
- Home staging
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 5. Upwork
- Create an estate plan
- Use points toward online purchases elsewhere
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- What’s covered and what’s not
- Eureka
- Competition remains steady
- 10. Crowdfunding
- Keep credit accounts open
- 2. Managing money
- 1. Think long term versus short term
- Respond quickly to lender requests
- Credit cards for earning American AAdvantage miles
- Ledger
- National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant
- 12. Tax consulting
- When did FedNow launch?
- South America
- 7. Take advantage of no change fees on eligible fares
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- How does coverage vary for international rentals?
- Dividends
- 1. Create a business plan.
- Land or sea border crossings
- Down payments and gift funds
- 3. Make your purchase
- Reading candlestick charts
- AmEx EveryDay Cards
- 6. Pick your investments
- Cons of limited partnership
- Develop good credit habits
- Resident status rules
- Payday alternative loans
- 1099-CAP
- Consider Medicare Advantage if you:
- Etihad Guest
- Look to travel insurance
- Pay down debt
- Loss of control over payment collection
- Government bonds
- Business owner's policy
- Appraisal fee
- Redeem for gift cards
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 3. Predict the option strike price
- Public non-traded REITs
- 1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
- 11. Business credit cards
- Space out credit applications
- Watch the calendar
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- 2. Look into tax-loss harvesting
- 8. Use a do-over
- Professional liability insurance for personal trainers
- Spend toward A-List status
- Register for an employer identification number
- Nevada
- Pinnacle Club
- Is there a FedNow app?
- In-flight purchase discount
- Pay with a credit card that earns bonus rewards on rental cars
- 5. Offer memberships
- Security
- Fleet expense management tools
- Think twice before paying taxes with a credit card
- Portion of buyer’s closing costs
- Travel and entertainment extras
- InboxDollars Surveys
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- When applying for a loan online makes sense
- Starting from scratch
- 1099-DIV
- 3. Add back certain deductions particular to MAGI
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Down payment assistance programs
- Iberia Plus Avios
- 8. Get a preapproval letter
- 7. Invest to build your future goals
- Act quickly
- What is the procedure for filing a claim?
- 5. Manage your mutual fund portfolio
- 1. Automate transfers
- Stock splits
- Which credit cards to use for primary coverage
- Payment index score
- Discount points
- A few other fee-related details to note
- The insurer of last resort: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
- Prepare yourself for the future as best as you can
- Donate to charity
- 2. Get direct deposit
- Blue Cash Cards
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- Monitor your credit reports
- Set cash aside
- THE PAYOFF
- Shopping
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- New Hampshire
- 13. PR agency
- Europe
- 8. Veterans and their families can save 10% on airfare
- Could be responsible for debt if customers don’t pay
- 2. Officially launch your business
- Medical payments coverage
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- 6. Mexico
- 4. Store your SHIB safely
- Invest in your financial future
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- 3. Hold the shares inside an IRA, a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Stocks
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- Qantas Airways
- Air Canada Aeroplan Points
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- Customer support
- Inheritance and gifts
- LiftFund
- Google Opinion Rewards
- FHA appraisal
- When applying for a loan in person makes sense
- Private REITs
- 3. Stay on top of things
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Part-year resident status rules
- Travel
- 1099-G
- SafePal
- Dividend yield
- Apply for a business loan
- America’s Seed Fund
- 8. Grow your financial well-being
- Be polite
- Deductibles
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- Use your refund to pay down debt
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- Credit risk score
- Escrow account funds
- Cell phone protection
- 6. OfferUp
- Methodology
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- 4. Determine the option time frame
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Consider using a retirement account
- 401(k) hardship withdrawals
- USAA vs. State Farm home insurance
- South Dakota
- 14. Professional organizing
- Singapore Airlines
- Elite status
- Link your Amazon account
- 2. Count your coins and bills
- The Hartford
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- Prepared to put down roots?
- Pros of C corporation
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- Things to consider
- 4. Call in a pro
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Fraud
- Bonds
- 1099-INT
- 9. Choose a real estate agent carefully
- 9. Download the app for free inflight entertainment
- Reimbursement amounts
- User experience
- Benefits
- 4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
- Swagbucks
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- 4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
- Delta SkyMiles Cards
- Self-finance your business
- Tennessee
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
- Barclays Small Business Big Wins
- 15. Photography
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Recent servicer portfolio transfers
- Pay upfront
- Real estate
- Learn more about SBA loans:
- 3. Lay the groundwork for a future business loan
- Failure risk score
- Flood determination and monitoring fees
- Past years' state tax rates
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- Cons of C corporation
- Nonresident status rules
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Africa
- 10. Browse flights on the low fare calendar
- 9. Estate planning: Protect your financial well-being
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 20-year-olds after a DUI
- Coverage limits
- Reviews
- Drawbacks
- 3. Prep for grocery shopping
- 3. Find your vending machine
- Corporate bonds
- 1. Choose to DIY or get some help
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- How do you get a perfect credit score?
- 1. Live in the house for at least two years
- THE PAYOFF
- What to know about pre-qualifying with bad credit
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Mutual funds
- 1099-K
- Dividend payout ratio
- Friends and family
- Texas
- MGM Rewards
- 10. Narrow down your ideal type of house and neighborhood
- Ascendus
- Government recording fees
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
- Mortgage insurance
- Hilton Honors Cards
- USAA vs. Allstate home insurance
- 16. Event space
- Middle East
- 4. Take advantage of free resources
- Hiscox
- 7. Poshmark
- How's your job security?
- 5. Build a community
- 2. See whether you qualify for an exception
- Save
- AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
- Celebrity Cruises
- AeroMexico
- Avianca LifeMiles
- Loan-origination charges
- An example of buying a call
- Home equity loans and lines of credit
- Exchange-traded funds
- Washington
- Schedule time for grant applications
- 17. Interior decorating
- Asia
- Book through another third-party service
- Small business loans
- Spring road trip? Save money at the pump
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- 3. Keep the receipts for your home improvements
- 1099-LTC
- Cathay Pacific
- Mortgage insurance or fees for government-backed loans
- 5. Focus on investing for the long-term
- Marriott Bonvoy Cards
- Pros of S corporation
- 3. Building a budget
- J.D. Power Ranking
- USAA vs. Geico home insurance
- 1. Determine what type of policies and how much coverage you need
- Purchase tow truck insurance
- Expand your search efforts
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- 4. Minimize restaurant spending
- Equity financing
- Renting a car? Take advantage of rental insurance benefits
- Expand your coverage with endorsements
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- Self-funding
- An example of buying a put
- Are you financially prepared?
- Invest
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- 1099-MISC
- Wyoming
- Oceania
- Complete financial plan and investment advice
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds
- More from NerdWallet
- American Express® Green Card
- Cons of S corporation
- 2. Get multiple quotes
- Choice Hotels
- 11. Stick to your budget
- Justine Petersen
- 4. Explore your financing options
- 2020-2022 earned income credit amounts
- State Farm
- Traveling abroad? Watch for foreign transaction fees
- Pest inspection
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- NCQA Score Range: 2.5 to 4.5 out of 5
- Weigh grant application fees
- 19. Graphic design
- If you want to pay later
- Business grants
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- Home purchase: Basic Home Mortgage 203(b)
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- 1099-NEC
- Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Miles
- Specialized guidance and/or want to meet with an advisor face-to-face
- 5. Get discounts on entertainment
- Prepaid expenses
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- 6. Manage your stock portfolio
- Financial assistance
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- Pay off debt
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- How to compare life insurance quotes
- 3. Compare providers and purchase a policy
- Rank for local SEO
- Keep alternative funding in mind
- 20. Clothing boutique
- 2. Know your own ESG criteria
- FHA refinance loans
- 4. Saving money
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Cash advance apps
- Giving a laid-back loan
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- 1099-OID
- Life insurance quotes vs. rates
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- Hilton Honors
- 12. Make the most of walk-throughs and open houses
- Portfolio management only
- 6. Map out major purchases
- CNA
- Tax monitoring and research fees
- American Express® Gold Card
- Pros of LLC
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- Some Budget locations have free pickup service
- 3. Choose ESG investments
- Repeat
- California adoption cost tax credit
- Consider drone insurance
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- 1099-PATR
- Become a AAA contractor
- 22. Food truck
- Title-related costs
- Fully underwritten life insurance
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- FHA renovation loans
- Cons of LLC
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Kiva U.S.
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- 1099-Q
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds with poor credit
- Budget also rents other equipment
- 7. Restrict online shopping
- Embroker
- Other specialty FHA loans
- Drone permits
- Hire more employees
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- Marriott Bonvoy
- 13. Don’t skip the home inspections
- Buy now, pay later
- 1099-R
- 5. Stock your vending machine with inventory
- Simplified issue life insurance
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- 24. Craft brewery
- 1099-S
- 8. Delay purchases with the 30-day rule
- 11. Sell your photography
- Pros
- 14. Negotiate with the seller
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- Budget offers rental car insurance
- Insureon
- Real estate agent commissions
- Guaranteed issue life insurance
- Business entity summary
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- 25. Ice cream shop
- 1099-SA
- 9. Get creative with gifts
- Grameen America
- 6. Make the right investments
- Property and transfer taxes
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- 26. Personal chef
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- Sinkholes
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- Cons
- 15. Buy adequate home insurance
- Most popular: HO-3 insurance
- Title insurance
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- 27. Landscape services
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- 10. Lower your car costs
- 28. Pet grooming
- Winner for lowest fees: Spirit
- Budget roadside assistance
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- 5. Maximizing your credit cards
- ASPCA vs. Nationwide pet insurance
- Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance
- 29. Florist
- 11. Reduce your gas usage
- Benefits of FHA loans
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 30-year-olds after a DUI
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Disadvantages of FHA loans
- 30. Massage therapist
- Pros
- Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 1. Look at customer satisfaction scores
- ASPCA vs. Embrace
- 12. Bundle cable and internet
- Cons
- Individual stocks
- 2. Consider financial strength
- 31. Nutritionist
- 13. Switch your cell phone plan
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- 6. Borrowing money
- 3. Evaluate the policy options
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds
- Pros
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- 1. Understand your eligibility requirements
- ASPCA vs. Healthy Paws
- Cons
- Dividend stocks
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- 4. Get prices from a handful of companies
- 14. Reduce your electric bill
- 33. Beauty services
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds
- 34. Life coach
- 15. Lower your student loan payments
- 2. Find and choose a microlender
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- 16. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
- 3. Submit your application
- 35. Tutor
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds with poor credit
- Homeowners insurance deductibles
- 36. Daycare provider
- 17. Refinance your mortgage
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 37. Senior care provider
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- 18. Set savings goals
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- 39. Housecleaning
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- 19. Track spending
- 7. Your credit score
- 40. Automotive repair
- 20. Pay off high-interest debt
- 41. Handyman services
- 18. Rent out your car
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 40-year-olds after a DUI
- 21. Keep savings in a high-yield savings account
- 42. Dry cleaners
- 43. Hardware store
- 22. Create a 50/30/20 budget
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 44. Self-storage business
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- 23. Shop consignment and thrift stores
- 46. Rideshare driver
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 47. Website development and design
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds
- 48. Sell clothes online
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- 24. Join initiatives to get free items
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 8. Taxes
- 49. SEO consultant
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds with poor credit
- 50. App development
- 25. Use car sharing services
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- 9. Paying off debt
- 26. Stock up on household supplies when they’re cheap
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- 27. Enjoy community events
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- 28. Cash in on your birthday
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 50-year-olds after a DUI
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds
- 10. Insurance
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds with poor credit
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 60-year-olds after a DUI
- 11. Investing
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds with poor credit
- 12. Starting or running a business
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds with one speeding ticket
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds with one at-fault crash
- 13. Travel
- Cheapest auto insurance in Florida for 70-year-olds after a DUI
- The NerdWallet Smart Money podcast
The best money-making apps
1. Ibotta
How it works: Ibotta lets you earn cash back on in-store and online purchases at over 2,000 supported retailers. Originally for groceries, it has expanded to include clothing, entertainment and eating out, pet supplies and other categories. Offers can be product or retailer-specific. For others, you’ll need to complete an additional task such as watching a video or taking a poll.
There are three possible ways to earn cash back in stores: Add offers and submit your receipt in the app after your shopping trip (you have 7 days to send in your receipt through the app), link your retailer loyalty accounts or purchase a retailer gift card through the Ibotta app. For online purchases, you shop through the app or with the Ibotta browser extension on your computer.
Payment: PayPal, digital gift card or direct to a bank account.
Pros: You’ll receive cash back on in-store purchases quickly — typically within 24 hours. Ibotta also offers a welcome bonus to new users, referral bonuses and a variety of payment methods.
Cons: Making money can be a slow process. You must have at least $20 in cash back to redeem your earnings (some gift cards require at least $25 in earnings). For online shopping, the pending period for earning cash back varies by retailer. Ibotta also charges an account maintenance fee for inactive (no activity for 180 days) or deactivated accounts. The fee is deducted from your balance, not your bank account.
2. Rakuten
How it works: Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) rewards shoppers with cash back on purchases from well-known retailers, restaurants and food delivery services. Users can also earn cash back on travel, gift cards and more. It’s straightforward: Create an account, tap on the store where you want to shop in the app, then make the transaction through the portal. You can also link a credit or debit card to your Rakuten account to earn cash back in-store — as long as you activate the deal through the app first. Rakuten credits the cash back to your account after it confirms the purchase with the retailer.
Payment: PayPal or "Big Fat Check."
Pros: Thousands of stores and purchases are eligible for cash back, so you’ll likely find deals where you already shop. New users can earn a welcome bonus after their first qualified purchase. You can also earn sign-up and referral bonuses. You can make an impact with your cash back earnings by donating a portion to nonprofit partners.
Cons: As with most cash-back services, you have to spend money to make money. You won’t see your earnings right away, either; Rakuten sends out payments every three months on the company's payment schedule, and you need to hit the minimum cash-back balance to get paid. Unlike other apps like Ibotta, you have to remember to initiate your purchase in the app first. If you forget and make your purchase outside of the app, you can't get credit retroactively.
3. Swagbucks
How it works: Swagbucks is a cash-back and rewards app. You earn points, called "SB," by shopping online (there are over 1,500 participating retailers), taking surveys, watching videos, playing games or fulfilling other tasks through Swagbucks. You can redeem those points for gift cards or get cash back to your PayPal account. The total points awarded can vary by task. For example, surveys are typically worth about 40 to 200 SB points each. The minimum balance required to redeem depends on the payout option you choose, but some gift cards are available for as low as 110 SB.
Payment: E-gift card or PayPal. You can also redeem SB for Bitcoin through the new Cryptovoucher Gift Card options.
Pros: Swagbucks offers many easy ways to earn rewards, and there’s no waiting period to cash in. Payments usually arrive within 10 business days after redemption. You can also get a $10 bonus with a qualifying $25 purchase when you join.
Cons: It doesn’t pay much; one SB is worth about a cent. With many tasks valued at pennies, it can take a fair amount of time and effort to make substantial money. Additionally, you won’t qualify for every survey or task, although users can earn up to 5 SB per day if they disqualify. Users often report getting kicked out of surveys in the middle of taking them. This can be due to demographics or dishonest or inconsistent answers, according to Swagbucks.
4. Fiverr
How it works: Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace that features gigs in over 200 categories, such as programming and video and animation. Create an account first, then you can set your profile as a "seller" highlighting your expertise. Post the gig you’re offering, which will include pricing and a description of your services. Pricing ranges from $5 to $995. Clients, known as "buyers," can click through and place orders. You’ll get paid once you complete the job. Fiverr assigns seller levels based on performance. As you move up each tier, you’ll be able to sell more “extras,” such as a faster delivery time.
Payment: PayPal, direct to a bank account, Payoneer or credit to a Fiverr Revenue Card (a prepaid card). Minimum withdrawal amounts vary, and your payment processor may charge a withdrawal fee, depending on which option you choose.
Pros: You don’t have to worry about tracking down buyers because they come to you. You can also earn tips. Fiverr also boasts its flexibility, allowing sellers to complete gigs in their own time or around their 9-5 jobs.
Cons: Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings for every gig, including tips, and there’s a standard 14-day waiting period to withdraw money after completing an order (top-tier sellers wait seven days for funds to clear).
5. Upwork
How it works: Upwork connects freelancers to gigs in writing, design, marketing and other categories on the marketplace. First, you’ll create a profile. It should include information such as the field you’re interested in plus your qualifications, availability and desired rate. Then, you can submit proposals. Clients will review them and offer projects if you seem like a good fit.
You begin each month with a set number of “Connects,” which are like credits that allow you to contact prospective clients. You can earn or pay a small sum for more Connects, but you won’t be charged when clients contact you. You can get paid on an hourly or per-project basis.
Payment: Direct to U.S. Bank, direct to your bank account, wire transfer, Instant Pay, PayPal and Payoneer. Charges apply to some payment options, so be sure to check Upwork for details.
Pros: Upwork helps take the work out of seeking out clients, establishing relationships and getting paid. The service also gives you the flexibility to set your preferred rate and schedule.
Cons: The app is free to download, but initiating contact with lots of clients costs money. Users also get charged a service fee. Upwork takes a 10% cut of your earnings based on how much you’ve billed a client. The more you earn, the more you get to keep. However, you won’t get paid until 10 days after the billing period ends. Remember, too, that you’re competing with other freelancers on the platform. That means clients may choose those who’ve set lower rates.
6. OfferUp
How it works: OfferUp, which combined with competitor Letgo in 2020, functions as a local marketplace you can use to sell your stuff. If you want to reach a broader audience, OfferUp also allows shipping anywhere within the United States except for Alaska, Arkansas and Hawaii. Create an account and snap a picture of your smartphone, car, sofa or whatever it is you’re selling. Once you add a title, description and price, you can post your listing and chat with buyers directly through the app. Then, you'll ship to or arrange a meeting with the buyer.
Payment: When selling locally, OfferUp recommends sellers take cash from buyers and stay clear of accepting payments by check, cashier's check or using other apps. For shipments, sellers can set up deposits to a debit card or bank account.
Pros: Creating a listing is simple and fast, and you’ll get paid instantly when you make a cash sale. You can also view a prospective buyer’s reviews and ratings to get an idea of how trustworthy they are beforehand. If you ship your item, the buyer pays the cost, and OfferUp provides the label.
Cons: You’re responsible for meeting local buyers in person and handling transactions. Sellers must pay a 12.9% service fee, or a minimum of $1.99, for shipments. To be successful, you’ll likely need to invest in a printer so you can print the shipping labels and mail items to buyers.
7. Poshmark
How it works: The Poshmark app is tailor-made for selling clothes, accessories and even home decor. After signing up, you take or upload photos of your item, fill out a description, price it and share the listing. You can also feature items in the app’s "Posh Parties," which are virtual shopping events centered around particular brands, categories and themes. Poshmark emails you a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label once a purchase is made. Then, you send the package via USPS.
Payment: Check, PayPal, Venmo, Instant Transfer or direct deposit to a bank account.
Pros: Poshmark facilitates the entire process, from selling to shipping. Plus, you don’t have to meet with strangers to make a sale. The company will cover lost packages and handle issues between you and the buyer. Getting paid is relatively quick, too; Poshmark issues the money within three days of the buyer receiving the order.
Cons: You’ll pay a fee for selling through Poshmark. The company takes a $2.95 commission for sales under $15 and a 20% commission for sales of $15 or above.