Category Archives: Work at Home

Turning your ride into a cash cow by renting your car out is the savvy move you didn’t know you needed.

Think about it! Your vehicle, cruising around, racking up fast cash, while you’re doing, well, absolutely anything else. Sounds pretty sweet, right?

Whether you’re looking to pay off loans faster, save up for a vacation, or just want to earn more money to splurge, renting your car could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

So, let’s get into how you can start padding your wallet by renting your vehicle!

Quick Picks

Turo
Uber’s Carshare
Lyft’s Express Drive

5 Ways To Rent Your Car Out for Extra Cash

Thanks to the magic of car sharing, making money with your car is easier than ever.

By renting your car out through these awesome car-sharing companies, you can make extra cash in the gig economy.

With these companies, car owners rent their vehicles every day of the week, and now so can you.

1. Turo

Turo is one of the popular car sharing companies.

With the rental service from Turo, your car can bring in some passive income that can help with your car payments or stash away cash for a rainy day.

And don’t sweat the what-ifs. Turo’s support team has got your back with solid insurance and roadside assistance, making sure everything is taken care of.

They offer a hefty $750,000 in third-party liability protection plans. That’s a big deal- it means you’re covered big-time if anything goes sideways when you rent your car to someone.

2. Uber

Driving for Uber means you’re the boss of your vehicle and own schedule, using your vehicle to make rides around town.

But Uber has another way to rent out your car! Uber’s Carshare service turns your idle vehicle into a moneymaker, letting others rent it.

It’s rolling out in cities like Boston, part of the sharing economy. You set your car’s rates and schedule, with Uber providing insurance, a lockbox, and GPS for smooth, contactless rentals.

It’s a savvy way to earn money, especially if you’re taking out a car loan or just want extra cash, but it’s currently only available in limited areas.

3. Lyft

Lyft, the ride-sharing giant, has a neat twist for car owners like you! Their platform isn’t just for catching rides; it’s also for making your car work for you.

With Lyft’s Express Drive program, you can rent your car to Lyft drivers who might not have a car of their own or who are looking for a short-term vehicle solution.

This means your car could be out there, earning its keep, while you’re doing whatever you love.

It’s a great way to earn passive income, especially if you have a spare car that’s just gathering dust in your garage.

4. HyreCar

Have you got a car just sitting around? Why not let it earn you some cash with HyreCar?

If you rent out your car on HyreCar, you can potentially earn over $720 a month. However, the amount you actually earn will depend on your location, specific vehicle, and market conditions.

Pick a protection plan to keep things smooth with an extra safety net on top of your insurance coverage. Once you list your vehicle, you’ll get rental requests from checked-out drivers.

5. Getaround

Getaround is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that lets you rent out your vehicle by the hour.

Imagine your car helping you pay its own bills while you’re not using it! This service is pretty widespread and available in over 100 cities across the U.S., making it convenient for many people.

However, the Getaround Connect service (keyless entry) requires a one-time setup fee of $99 plus a listing fee of $20 per month to have your car on the site.

Getaround also has a list of types of cars it doesn’t support, focusing on accessibility, cost, and practicality for the average user.

Other Apps To Make Money With Your Car

Renting out your car is not the only way to make money with your vehicle.

If you enjoy driving and would like to earn extra income while you’re on the move, food and grocery delivery services offer another great opportunity.

DoorDash

DoorDash is a cool app that lets you get food from local restaurants delivered right to your doorstep. You could be one of the Dashers making those deliveries happen.

On average, Dashers make about $19 per hour, which is pretty neat if you’re looking to make some extra cash.

Postmates

If you’re looking for a way to earn some cash on the side, driving for Postmates could be right up your alley. It’s not just about food; you can deliver all sorts of things with this app.

Now, for the part you’re probably curious about: the pay. Postmates drivers can pull in more than $25 per hour on average. Yep, you heard that right.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is like the foodie version of Uber, where you can make money zipping around town and delivering delicious meals to hungry folks.

Uber Eats drivers typically earn cash for each order they pick up and drop off, plus some extra dough based on how far they travel.

On average, drivers bring in around $17.31 to $19 per hour before taxes and expenses.

Grubhub

Grubhub is the go-to for satisfying those cravings without leaving the couch. You can make money getting those meals from point A to B!

On average, Grubhub drivers pull in around $20 per hour. Not too shabby, huh? If you’re thinking about going full-time, that could add up to roughly $41,600 a year.

Instacart

Instacart is the grocery hero of busy folks everywhere, and you can get paid to shop for them and deliver groceries.

You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. If you meet those basics, you could put yourself to work.

Now, let’s talk green. Instacart pays drivers based on the batches they complete, so the more grocery trips you make, the more money you earn.

FAQs

Can I make money renting my car?

Absolutely! Renting out your car can be a fantastic way to boost your income. You can potentially earn $200 to $2,000 a month.

How much you can make when renting your car depends on several factors, such as what kind of car you have, how old it is, how often people rent it, and where you’re located.

What happens if my car gets damaged while rented?

If your car sustains damage while it’s out on a rental, the process for handling it typically depends on the insurance you have and the platform you drive with.

Most rental platforms offer insurance coverage to protect both the renters and you and the renter in case of accidents or damage during the rental period.

This coverage can include protection from physical damage, roadside assistance, any liability issues, and other potential expenses.

In the event of damage, you’ll need to report the accident or incident to the rental platform and follow their specific procedures in the insurance policy for filing a claim for your rental car.

This may involve providing documentation, such as photos of the damage, repair estimates, and other relevant information to the rental service.

What cars are best for renting out?

Typically, potential renters of car-sharing services demand well-maintained, clean, and reliable cars.

However, certain makes and models tend to be more popular among renters due to their reputation for performance, comfort, and style with the rental company.

Some of the best cars for renting out on a car-sharing service include:

Ford Mustang
Jeep Wrangler
Toyota Prius
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

How else can I make money with my car?

There are other ways you can turn your vehicle into a money-making machine.

One popular option is to sign up as a delivery driver for food and grocery delivery services like DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart.

These platforms allow you to use your car to deliver meals and groceries to customers, earning money for each delivery you make.

Do I need extra insurance while renting out my car?

Before you start renting out your vehicle, it’s a good idea to double-check with your car insurance provider to see what liability issues are covered and what are not.

You might also want to consider additional coverage for your vehicle, like a personal insurance policy tailored specifically for rentals, just to be on the safe side.

Luckily, most rental car-sharing platforms have their insurance plans in place to provide coverage for car sharing.

Final Thoughts

There are all sorts of ways you can use your wheels to pad your wallet with same day pay.

From car rentals like Uber, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to making money renting out your vehicle.

That’s not all! We’ve also explored other cool ways to earn money with your car, like delivering food and groceries with DoorDash.

With so many options out there, the road to financial freedom might be closer than you think!

Diving into stocks for kids might sound trickier than teaching them to ride a bike- there are bound to be a few wobbles along the way!

But just like those first pedal pushes, getting your child started on their investing journey can be incredibly rewarding with the best investments for kids.

It’s not just about stashing away cash for the future; it’s about sparking an early interest in how money can grow and spending time giving them a giant leap ahead financially.

And hey, who knows? You might just be nurturing the next big financial guru in your household.

So, let’s talk about how you can invest money for your kids’ futures and grow wealth before they even know what money is!

Key Takeaways

Investing money for your kids now gives them the perks of long-term growth from multiple investment options.
Getting your kids started with a custodial brokerage account like the 529 Savings Plan or UGMA/UTMA accounts lays the groundwork for a solid financial future.
Sprinkle a little variety into their investment portfolio with a mix of ETFs, index funds, mutual funds, and more, steering clear of the risky business of penny stocks and crypto.
Make a start investing a blast for the young ones by picking stocks from fun, familiar names like Nintendo, Mattel, Disney, Netflix, and Nike, turning the learning process into an adventure.

Popular Stocks For Kids

Now, let’s talk about making investing fun and relatable for kids.

One way to do this is by investing in popular brands that they know and love.

Many brands offer stocks that you can invest in using Robinhood and other accounts, and here are some your kids might be interested in:

Nintendo

Nintendo really shines in the gaming industry, not just for its awesome games but also as a cool investment idea.

It’s a company avid gamers of all ages love, which makes it an intriguing investment opportunity.

For a parent or grandparent looking to give a meaningful gift to a Nintendo-loving kid, investing in Nintendo on their behalf could be a thoughtful and impactful choice.

Mattel

Mattel is the folks behind some of the most iconic toys ever!

Barbie, Hot Wheels, and a bunch of others that probably filled your childhood with joy and maybe a bit of chaos if you ever stepped on one barefoot.

When it comes to investing, Mattel can be a cool choice.

You could say something like, “Hey, you love playing with Barbie, right? Well, guess what? We own a tiny piece of the company that makes her!”

Disney

What better place to teach your kids to invest than with Disney? I mean, who doesn’t love Disney, right? It’s like the ultimate childhood dreamland.

You open up a custodial account in your child’s name, and you decide to sprinkle some Disney magic into your kid’s investment portfolio.

Not only are you giving them a piece of the happiest place on earth, but you’re also teaching them valuable lessons about saving and investing.

Netflix

Netflix is that awesome streaming service where you can binge-watch your favorite shows and movies to your heart’s content.

Why is Netflix such a neat investment for the little ones? It’s like the ultimate source of entertainment, with a treasure trove of shows and movies for kids and grown-ups alike.

Plus, they’re always coming up with cool new stuff, from animated adventures to gripping dramas.

Nike

Investing in Nike can be like scoring a goal in your kid’s custodial account.

Your little one is all about sports, right? Whether they’re dribbling a basketball or kicking a soccer ball, they’ve got that competitive spirit.

It’s like being part of the team, but instead of scoring goals, you’re scoring potential returns on investment.

Investment Accounts For Kids

Do you think the stock market is just a “grown-up” thing?

Well, guess what? Kids can totally get in on the action, too, and it’s never too early to start setting aside money for their livelihood.

Think what would happen if you put $1,000 into some stocks for your little one right when they’re born. Fast forward to their golden years, and bam! They’ve got funds for college and more!

That tiny investment could balloon into a whopping big number, kind of like planting a teeny seed and watching it shoot up into a giant tree.

I’m talking about setting up an investment account that’s just their size- yep, a brokerage account or a custodial account where they can start building their fortune, bit by bit.

So, let’s get into all the options you have to set your kids up for financial success:

529 Savings Plan

The 529 Savings Plan is a special kind of investment account that’s all about stacking up cash for your kiddo’s school days down the road.

The really cool part is that you’re in the driver’s seat. You can tweak things, switch up who’s going to benefit from this pot of gold, and really make it work for your family’s needs.

And guess what? It comes with some sweet tax perks that make it even more awesome.

Pretty much anyone can add money to it, making it a team effort to fund your child’s education.

You get to pick from a bunch of different baskets of goodies, like a low-cost index fund or ETFs, to make sure this treasure chest gets bigger and better over time.

You can use an online investor like Betterment or Upromise to open a 529:

Betterment is great for hands-off investing- it’s a robo-advisor that rebalances the portfolio and has tax advantages; check out my Betterment Review to learn more!
Upromise is a special service- you can link your cards, and Upromise will round up your purchases and invest the difference.

UGMA Custodial Brokerage Accounts

UGMA Custodial Brokerage Accounts strike a balance between a neat way to kickstart a child’s education about investments and a practical tool for financial planning.

You’re setting up a brokerage account where kids can explore the stock market, mutual funds, and more under the watchful eyes of a guardian until they’re mature enough to take the reins.

You can use M1 Finance to open a UGMA (plus a UTMA below!) and use their pre-made investment pies to find some steady, long-term investments perfect for growing money as your kid grows up.

Tax-wise, these investment accounts have their charm. Contributions can be made up to $18,000 in 2024 with fewer tax bumps, allowing the savings to grow more efficiently.

When college application time rolls around, this investment account steps into the spotlight since they’re in the minor’s name, potentially nudging the financial aid calculations.

UTMA Custodial Brokerage Accounts

UTMA Custodial Brokerage Accounts are pretty cool when you think about it. They’re not just about dipping your toes into stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

Nope, they open the doors to investing in tangible stuff, too, like real estate, collectibles, or even art.

It’s like giving kids a real-world tour of investment possibilities beyond the usual and putting more eggs into other potentially profitable baskets.

Learning about market ups and downs is one thing, but learning the real value and growth potential of tangible assets? That’s next-level education for any young investor.

By the time they’re set to take over their UTMA account, these young folks are going to be all set to chart their own course in the vast ocean of wealth-building.

Custodial Roth IRA

Setting up a Custodial Roth IRA for the young ones in your life can grow into a full-blown money tree by the time they’re thinking about retirement.

With a Custodial Roth IRA, an adult- like a parent or guardian- can start investing in stocks, bonds, or other long-term investments on behalf of their child.

All the growth within this account, I’m talking dividends, interest, capital gains, you name it, grow tax-free.

There are contribution limits each year. The contribution limit in 2024 is $7,000 a year or $8,000 a year if you are 50 and above.

And when it’s time for your child to retire or they need to pull money out for other qualified expenses, they can do so without paying a penny in taxes on those earnings.

You can use Empower to set up a Custodial IRA- we had signed up for budgeting and money management, but this app has opened doors to investing for our kids!

Custodial Traditional IRA

The Custodial Traditional IRA is all about giving kids a leg up in the world of saving for the golden years, but with a twist.

It’s pretty similar to the Roth IRA, but a traditional IRA plays by a different set of rules when it comes to taxes.

With this account, the money put away gets to grow without the taxman dipping his hands in the pot until it’s time to take it out. That’s when taxes come into play.

Setting one up means you’re laying down some serious groundwork at a financial institution that could help their money balloon over time.

And because you’re the adult in charge until they’re age 18 (in some states, age 25), you do the work on getting investment growth journey and teach them about it as they get older.

Different Investment Options

If you plan on starting a custodial account for kids with the stock market, it’s important to learn about setting up a brokerage account or a youth account.

Creating a diversified investment portfolio by investing in index funds and mutual funds and buying stocks for kids helps kids invest in different investment accounts.

ETFs

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can give your child a taste of the entire stock market in one go.

Think of it as investing in a big basket that holds a bunch of different stocks or assets.

This way, with just one investment through a custodial account, your child can own a piece of all those companies or bonds, making it an efficient way to start learning about investment management.

Investing in ETFs comes with a bunch of benefits. They’re known for:

Diversification: Because ETFs hold many different assets, they spread out risk more than investing in a single stock might.
Safety: While all investments have risks, spreading them across various stocks or bonds in an ETF can offer a safer route compared to putting all your in just investing in individual stocks.
Practicality: ETFs are easy to buy an Exchange Traded Fund and also sell them, much like stocks on the stock market, making them a straightforward option for getting your child interested in investing.
Comprehensive coverage of the market: You can cover whole sectors or the entire market in one investment, giving a broad exposure that would be hard to achieve otherwise.
Cost-effectiveness: Generally, ETFs come with lower fees than buying many individual stocks, making them a cost-effective choice for investment choices.

You can invest in ETFs using a platform like Robinhood– where it’s commission-free investing!

Index Funds

Index Funds are a smart pick for getting a big piece of the market pie with just one investment.

For parents or guardians eyeing investment choices, index funds offer a low-hassle way to help kids’ savings grow over time.

By mirroring a specific market index, these funds offer a straightforward route to broad market exposure and diversification.

What’s cool about index funds is how they manage to keep costs down.

They’re known for having low management fees because they’re passively managed- no need for a team of analysts picking stocks, which also means fewer expenses passed on to investors.

They’re a good fit for custodial accounts, where you’re aiming to build a foundation for future financial savvy without the steep learning curve or the high fees that can eat into growth.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds in a custodial account are a great way to get kids into investing.

They’re like a big pot where everyone throws in their money to invest together. This pot is then used to buy a bunch of different investments, like stocks or bonds.

They spread out the investment to lower the risk and are managed by pros, making them a solid choice for helping kids grow their savings over time.

This way, with just one investment, you get a piece of a lot of different places, spreading out the risk.

When you open a custodial account for a kid, it is set up by an adult for a minor, and it can hold mutual fund investments until the kid is old enough to manage it themselves.

Plus, it’s handled by professionals who pick and choose the best places to put the money to work, so you don’t have to worry about the details.

Large Dow Companies

When it comes to introducing kids to the stock market, picking out big names from the Dow Jones Industrial Average can be a smart move.

Why? Investing in large, well-known companies can offer both the chance for growth and a bit of stability, which is pretty cool for someone just starting.

These big companies, let’s say the folks who make iPhones or the biggest names in software, healthcare, beverages, and payment processing, have been around the block.

Some examples of Large Dow Companies to buy stocks in include:

Apple Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Johnson & Johnson
The Coca-Cola Company
Visa Inc.

What NOT To Get Into

NO Penny Stocks

It’s wise to avoid Penny Stocks, especially for young investors. These stocks are typically priced very low and can be quite volatile, leading to significant risks.

Their low price points might make them seem attractive, but they’re prone to sudden and unpredictable changes in value.

Plus, Penny Stocks can be targeted for market manipulation due to their low trading volumes, making them less reliable and more susceptible to sharp price swings.

Avoid Crypto

Cryptocurrencies, while trendy, might not be the ideal investment avenue for kids to make sure their investment portfolios earn a steady income- steady being the keyword!

Their highly volatile past performance and the unpredictability of their market value make them a risky choice.

The rapid fluctuations in prices can lead to potential losses just as quickly as gains, making it challenging for young investors to navigate.

For those new to investing, it’s generally recommended to opt for more stable and understandable investment options like I listed above.

FAQs

How can I invest for my child?

When it comes to investing for your child’s future, you’ve got a few options to choose from. You can consider custodial accounts like IRAs or even a 529 Savings Plan.

Each of these accounts comes with its own set of features and benefits, so it’s worth taking the time to explore each one to find the best fit for your child’s needs.

It’s important to think about the long term when investing for your child’s future.

Consider long-term investments that can grow steadily over time, harnessing the power of compounding to build wealth.

A great way to teach your kids about money and investing in the stock market is by showing them how investments work and helping them understand why saving for the future is important.

Can I buy stocks for my child?

Yes, parents can buy stocks for their children through custodial accounts or other investment accounts designed for young investors.

These accounts allow parents to manage stock purchases and other investments until the child reaches the age of majority.

What should I invest in?

When it comes to deciding what to invest in for your kids, it’s all about what your financial goals and risk tolerance are.

Here’s a breakdown of some options to consider:

ETFs
Index Funds
Mutual Funds
Individual Stocks (Nintendo, Disney, etc.)

By diversifying your investments for your kids across these options, you can build a balanced portfolio that has steady growth over time.

And remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with brokerage services or financial advisors who can provide investment advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Plus, with online brokers, investing has become easier than ever and features like fractional shares allow you to buy exchange-traded funds with smaller amounts of money.

What stocks are good investments for kids?

When you start investing and choose stocks for kids, it’s all about striking a balance between stability and potential growth.

Good investments for kids include well-known, stable companies like Disney, Apple, and Nike stock, as well as diversified index funds and ETFs.

Buying stocks that your child finds interesting can also make the investment process more fun and educational.

What is the best stock to buy for kids?

When buying stocks for kids, it’s important to consider factors like the company’s ability to innovate and its track record of revenue growth and past performance.

And with the rise of online brokers, investing in stocks like Disney, Nike, and Mattel has never been easier.

Just remember to do your research and consider your child’s interests and investment goals before making any decisions.

How much money should I invest?

The amount of money to invest really depends on your individual financial goals and circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to save for your child’s education, build a nest egg for the future, or simply teach kids about investing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Even a small investment can grow significantly over time, thanks to the power of compound interest. So, don’t be discouraged if you can only invest a little at a time.

Every dollar counts, and starting early can make a big difference in the long run.

How to invest $1,000 for my child?

Investing $1,000 for your child’s future is a fantastic idea, and there are a few options you can explore to make the most of that investment.

One option is to open a custodial account with a free brokerage platform.

These accounts typically have no account fees or subscription fees, allowing you to invest your $1,000 without worrying about additional costs eating into your investment returns.

Another option to consider is a 529 plan, which is specifically designed to help families save for education expenses.

How much money can I make?

When you invest money, the returns can depend on different things, like the stock performance or other investments you choose, how much you invest, and how long you stay invested.

It’s important to consider any account fees or subscription fees associated with your investments, as these can impact your overall returns.

By minimizing fees and expenses, you can keep more of your investment gains.

Starting early and investing consistently can help maximize your potential for growth over time, contributing to your personal finance goals and financial security.

And remember, you can always sell stocks if needed, but staying invested for the long term is often the key to achieving significant returns.

Final Thoughts

Opening investment accounts and investing money for your children is one of the best ways to set them up for financial freedom.

That money can make a huge difference in going to college, affording a home, starting a business, and so much more! 

Plus, introducing children to investing can provide valuable lessons in financial literacy that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

From 529 Savings Plans and custodial brokerage accounts to investing in popular kid-friendly brands, the options are many and varied.

Remember, it’s important to start early, invest consistently, and focus on long-term growth. So, why not start planting those financial seeds today?

Ready to level up your paycheck with a high-paying job?

Say goodbye to wondering which jobs will fatten up your bank account– I’ve got the inside scoop on careers that bring in the big bucks across different industries.

No more fretting about your educational background– it’s time to focus on landing that dream job and watching those dollar signs roll in.

Whether you’ve got a fancy degree or not, there’s a pathway to serious cash waiting for you that may fit your background and skills.

Quick Picks

Best Freelancing Career – Proofreading
Earn Passive Income – Blogging
Best For Beginners – Freelance Writing
Find Freelance Jobs Of All Kinds – FlexJobs

10 Jobs That Make A Lot Of Money: No Degree Needed

Did you know you don’t always need a college degree to land a high-paying job?

There are plenty of gigs out there that offer a sweet paycheck without requiring job seekers to have a bachelor’s degree.

Here are my tips for jobs you could start, no schooling needed:

1. Proofreading

Average Annual Salary – $57,736
Requirements – No degree required

Maybe you’ve got a knack for spotting typos and ensuring that everything reads just right. If you do, becoming a proofreader could be just what you are looking for in a high-paying gig.

Proofreaders have the flexibility to work remotely and set their own schedules, making them the masters of their own destiny.

Plus, in today’s digital age, where error-free content is king, the demand for skilled proofreaders is higher than ever.

Proofread Anywhere’s FREE workshop is a fantastic resource for learning about proofreading and starting your new freelance career.

2. Blogger

Average Annual Salary – $49,443
Requirements – No degree required

If you’ve got a passion for a particular subject and love writing, starting a blog could be your ticket to a high-paying job.

Successful bloggers often find their niche or focus on a particular topic that really gets them fired up. That way, there’s plenty to write about, and work becomes interesting!

Then bloggers monetize their work with ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing- things that have earning potential for years with an active audience.

Want to learn more about blogging? Sign up for my FREE Start Your Blog Bootcamp to find out my strategies for running this blog and earning 6 figures!

3. Freelance Writer

Average Annual Salary – $50,875
Requirements – No degree required

A freelance writer covers all sorts of topics and formats– think blog posts, articles, website content, you name it.

The versatility of a freelance writer is boundless; you can create SEO-optimized articles, pen heartfelt personal essays, or snappy social media posts.

What’s cool is that freelance writers have the freedom to pick and choose their projects, set their own schedules, and work from pretty much anywhere with Wi-Fi.

My FREE Freelance Write From Home eBook can help you get started with some of the writing basics and start making money from home.+

4. Bookkeeper

Average Annual Salary – $43,971
Requirements – Depends on the job; most require a high school diploma

From balancing the books to handling transactions, bookkeepers keep the financial side of things running smoothly for multiple clients.

The beauty of bookkeeping is that you can do it from pretty much anywhere, making it a dream job for those who love the idea of working remotely.

Getting certified with a course like Bookkeeper Launch can open doors to even higher-paying gigs, all without the need for a fancy degree.

5. Facebook Ads Manager

Average Annual Salary – $122,419
Requirements – Varies per job; higher-paying jobs may require 3 years of experience or a degree

Social media is taking over as the star player in almost every business’s marketing playbook. Becoming a Facebook Ads Manager could be your ticket to a seriously sweet gig.

Businesses are shelling out big bucks to make a splash online, and Facebook Ads Managers are the ones making it happen behind the scenes.

All you need is a solid understanding of Facebook’s advertising platform (FB Side Hustle can help!), a knack for numbers, and a way with words to whip up ad copy that stops thumbs mid-scroll.

6. Real Estate Agent

Average Annual Salary – $46,014
Requirements – No degree, but need a real estate license

Real estate agents play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the complexities of buying, selling, or renting properties.

It’s a career path filled with endless opportunities and the potential to rake in some serious cash.

Becoming an agent requires passing an exam after completing a specific amount of real estate education.

But the commissions can be pretty sweet and make it worth getting your real estate license, making it one of those high-paying gigs you can snag without needing a degree.

7. Online Shop Owner

Average Annual Salary – $55,338
Requirements – No degree required

Anyone can start an online shop and make money selling handmade products, dropshipping products, or doing flea market flipping.

With platforms like Shopify, you can showcase your products or services without needing a physical store. It’s like having a global storefront right at your fingertips!

The cool thing about being an online shop owner is the income potential.

You can make some serious dough, especially if you get savvy with things like dropshipping, wholesale deals, or creating your own products.

8. Virtual Assistant

Average Annual Salary – $42,599
Requirements – No degree is required

Virtual assistants, or VAs for short, are like the superheroes of remote work.

They handle all sorts of tasks to help individuals and businesses stay organized and on top of things.

From managing emails and scheduling appointments to tackling customer inquiries and keeping social media accounts buzzing, VAs are the go-to folks for getting stuff done.

A popular place to find VA jobs is FlexJobs, where many beginners can find entry-level jobs.

9. Sales Manager

Average Annual Salary – $132,146
Requirements – Retail jobs don’t require degrees; other industries vary

A sales manager wears many hats and plays a crucial role in driving the success of a company’s sales team.

In retail positions, their primary responsibility is to lead and motivate the sales team to achieve or exceed sales targets.

This involves setting sales goals, developing strategies to reach those goals, motivating the sales team, identifying opportunities for growth, and closely monitoring progress.

10. Affiliate Marketer

Average Annual Salary – $75,710
Requirements – Doesn’t require a degree

Affiliate marketers promote products or services on their platforms and earn a commission for each sale made through their referral links.

It requires a good understanding of online marketing strategies, SEO, and the ability to build a strong relationship with your audience.

Legendary Marketer can help you learn about affiliate marketing! It offers many eBooks, courses, and campaigns to teach people about affiliate marketing.

13 Jobs That Make A Lot Of Money: Degree Needed

If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you have some serious career options to consider for better pay.

From software development to surgery, there’s a whole world of high-paying jobs waiting for folks like you.

11. Construction Manager

Average Annual Salary – $132,641
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree

Construction managers are essentially the point person for the project.

Their job is to oversee every aspect of the project, from planning and budgeting to execution and completion.

They work closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and laborers to ensure projects progress smoothly, stay within budget, and meet quality standards and deadlines.

This involves scheduling tasks, managing resources, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

12. Software Developer

Average Annual Salary – $78,090
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (computer science, software engineering, or related field)

A software developer is a high-demand professional who specializes in creating and maintaining software programs and applications.

Software developers primarily write software and build applications and systems that we use in our daily lives- mainly on our phones!

Many software developers also enter the field through an alternative career path, such as self-study or on-the-job training.

13. Data Scientist

Average Annual Salary – $119,224
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (data science)

A data scientist works across a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and retail.

They analyze data to help businesses make better decisions.

They use their skills in math, statistics, and programming to find patterns and insights that can improve products, predict trends, or optimize operations.

14. Surgeon

Average Annual Salary – $434,321
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then a medical degree, followed by residency

A surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in performing surgical procedures to address injuries, diseases, and medical conditions.

These professionals utilize various medical procedures to operate on patients, tackling a broad spectrum of health issues.

Surgeons operate in hospitals, clinics, and various healthcare settings, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

15. CEO

Average Annual Salary – $832,600
Requirements – MBA or other advanced business management degree

A CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is the highest-ranking executive with often the highest-paying jobs in a company.

They’re responsible for making corporate decisions, managing the operations and resources of the organization, and ensuring the company achieves its goals and objectives.

The CEO typically reports to the board of directors and works closely with other top executives to develop and implement the company’s vision, mission, and strategic direction.

16. Investment Banker

Average Annual Salary – $268,674
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (finance, economics, business administration, or a related field); a master’s degree is a plus

An investment banker is a professional within the finance industry who specializes in various financial services, including advising individuals and companies on investments.

These professionals are known for their high salaries and expertise in analyzing financial data to provide strategic recommendations.

They offer guidance on investment opportunities, asset allocation, and risk management strategies tailored to the specific needs and goals of their clients.

17. Veterinarian

Average Annual Salary – $116,097
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, and a state license

A veterinarian is essentially your pet’s equivalent of a doctor.

They specialize in animal healthcare, covering everything from your household pets like dogs and cats to livestock, exotic animals, and even wildlife.

Their job is pretty straightforward: diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions in all sorts of creatures.

18. Physical Therapist

Average Annual Salary – $100,501
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree

A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping people recover from injuries or surgeries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall mobility.

They work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to elderly patients seeking to improve their mobility and independence.

Physical therapists use a combination of hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, and specialized equipment to help patients achieve their treatment goals.

19. Pharmacist

Average Annual Salary – $151,426
Requirements – Doctor of Pharmacy degree

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses prescribed medications accurately, verifies dosages, and checks for any potential drug interactions or allergies to prevent adverse effects.

Pharmacists also give guidance to patients on how to take their medications correctly, including dosage instructions, timing, and potential side effects.

They often work with other healthcare providers when they prescribe medication therapy and make sure that patients have the best possible outcomes from their treatments.

20. Accountant

Average Annual Salary – $61,814
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (accounting or a related field)

An accountant is responsible for tracking income and expenses, preparing financial statements, and ensuring that everything is in line with relevant laws and regulations.

Accountants have different levels of expertise and qualifications:

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs): Advise clients on financial plans, prepare and file their taxes, and create financial reports
Specialized Accountants: Focuses on internal financial management for businesses.
Auditor: Meticulously examining financial records and ensuring that companies play by the rules.
Forensic Accountant: Investigates financial crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.

21. Orthodontists

Average Annual Salary – $152,562
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, a Dental degree (DDS or DMD), and a 2-3 year residency

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in fixing crooked teeth and other issues with your bite.

These experts have spent years studying how to fix all sorts of dental issues, from crowded teeth to pesky overbites.

Using braces, retainers, and other nifty gadgets, they work their magic to move your teeth into the perfect position gradually.

22. Chemical Engineer

Average Annual Salary – $130,030
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (chemical engineering or a related field)

A chemical engineer is like a super-smart problem solver who uses a mix of chemistry, math, biology, and physics to create all sorts of stuff we use every day.

They are the masterminds behind all sorts of stuff you use every day, from the toothpaste you squeeze onto your brush to the fuel that powers your car.

Chemical engineers figure out how to turn raw materials into useful products, making our lives easier and more efficient.

23. Dermatologist

Average Annual Salary – $381,900
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then a medical degree and a residency

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.

From the annoying acne that pops up at the worst times to those mysterious rashes that leave you scratching your head (literally!), dermatologists are the go-to pros.

But it doesn’t stop there! They’re also on the front lines of the medical field when it comes to detecting and treating skin cancer, which is serious stuff.

FAQs

What jobs do millionaires have?

Millionaires come from all walks of life and hold a wide range of jobs.

Some may have inherited a lot of money or struck it rich through investments or entrepreneurship.

Many others have climbed the ladder in traditional careers or built successful businesses over time with only a high school diploma and little to no formal education.

You’ll spot them in music, acting, tech, finance- pretty much every field you can think of!

Can I make 6 figures?

Making an average salary of six figures is totally doable!

Whether you’re aiming for a career in medicine, engineering, finance, or tech, there are plenty of paths that can lead you there.

And guess what? You don’t always need a fancy degree to make it happen.

Some folks have built awesome businesses from scratch and hit that six-figure mark without ever stepping foot in a college classroom.

How can I make 500K a year?

Making an average salary of 500K a year is a big goal, but there are definite paths to get there, usually starting with a degree followed by a few more.

One option is to aim for high-paying professions like medicine, law, or dentistry. These are the highest-paying industries, but require hard work and education to achieve $500k.

Another idea is specializing in money-making fields like the ones on my list can lead to hefty payouts with business success.

Whether it’s creating a popular app, starting a successful fashion brand, or diving into real estate, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those willing to hustle.

What careers make the most money?

Medicine is often at the top of the list. Doctors, especially those in specialties like surgery or cardiology, can rake in some serious dough.

CEOs, especially those leading major corporations, can command astronomical salaries, not to mention bonuses and stock options that can send their total compensation into the stratosphere.

Which job pays the best salary?

The highest-paying careers vary, but one of the highest-paying jobs is CEO. Salary.com says that as of January 2024, the average CEO salary in the United States is $832,600.

This puts CEOs among the highest-paid professionals, with their compensation often reflecting the size and success of the companies they lead.

Is switching careers worth it for more pay?

Deciding whether to switch careers for a higher average salary really comes down to what matters most to you.

On one hand, a bigger paycheck can open up all sorts of doors. It might mean living more comfortably, paying off debt faster, or finally taking that dream vacation.

Plus, if you’re not feeling fulfilled in your current gig, a higher salary in a new field could be just the change you need to reignite your passion for work.

Final Thoughts

From fixing grammar goofs as a proofreader to coding up a storm as a software developer, there are a lot of high-paying jobs out there just waiting for the right person.

Good-paying jobs have a variety of requirements- some that you may already have or ones that have such a high salary you may consider going back to school!

But hey, if you’re ready to skip the office and be your own boss, you should become a freelancer, put your current skills to work, and find high-paying jobs on FlexJobs.

So, what’s holding you back? If you’re hungry for a career that can fill your pockets while keeping you fulfilled, it might be time to dig in and see what’s out there!

It might seem like a lot to invest $500 at first, but it’s a powerful stepping stone in the investment world.

Investing isn’t just about growing your wealth; it’s an important step towards securing your retirement and building lasting wealth.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into investing or a pro aiming to diversify your portfolio, understanding how to invest $500 can make a big difference in your financial journey.

From tapping into commission-free ETFs to investing in a Roth IRA or 401k to investing in an S&P 500 security, it’s important to make the best decisions about your investment choices.

Key Takeaways

Grow Your Money with $500: Dive into cool options like real estate crowdfunding, robo-advisors, and index funds.
Spread Your Investments Out: Diversifying your investments is key to playing it safe. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and steer clear of the temptation of quick, risky wins.
Make Compound Interest Work for You: Regularly putting away $500 can unlock the power of compound interest. It’s a smart and safer route to growing your money over time.
Pick Trustworthy Platforms: Picking Fundrise for real estate or Robinhood for stocks is a sure way to invest with trusted investment apps.

How to Invest $500 Wisely: 10 Best Ways to Maximize Funds

Numerous options exist for investing your $500. From the stock market to real estate, robo-advisors to index funds, the opportunities are plentiful.

Don’t worry if these terms seem a little alien now; we’re going to break each one down so you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to start investing like a pro.

1. Invest In Real Estate (REITs)

If you have $500, investing is your best bet for your money to make money. And real estate is a popular and lucrative asset class, but it usually requires a lot of capital and expertise.

You can earn income from rent or appreciation, depending on the project- but the best part is you don’t need to buy a home or be a landlord!

REITS owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate, such as apartments, malls, hotels, or warehouses.

They trade on stock exchanges like any other company, and they pay dividends to their shareholders. 

Using crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, you can invest in residential and commercial projects with other investors. 

With crowdfunding platforms, you can choose from different types of property, such as residential, commercial, or industrial, and different levels of risk and return.

And Fundrise starts at only $10 for fractional shares, so your $500 can be put some eggs into a lot of baskets!

See why else I think Fundrise is the best for investing with my in-depth Fundrise Review.

2. Use A Robo-Advisor

Investing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Imagine having a financial advisor who’s available 24/7, doesn’t charge hefty fees, and tailors your investment strategy just for you.

That’s where robo-advisors come in.

Think of a robo-advisor as your digital investment co-pilot. They use sophisticated algorithms to create personalized portfolios based on your unique situation.

With a robo-advisor, you choose your risk and investing preferences, deposit your initial investment, and then let the algorithm do the rest.

No daily monitoring, no stress- just watch your money grow over time!

Betterment is one of the most popular robo-advisors that makes investing $500 straightforward and stress-free with a $4 monthly fee or an annual fee of just 0.25%.

Check out why people think it’s one of the top Robo-advisors in my honest Betterment Review.

3. Diversify Your Assets

Diversifying your investments is a smart strategy that involves spreading your $500 monthly investment across various asset classes to help manage risk in your investment account.

Here are some other ways you can create a diversified investment portfolio with your brokerage account.

Individual Stocks: By selecting stocks from different sectors, you’re leveraging market opportunities while mitigating sector-specific risks.
Mutual Fund: Mutual funds are a practical choice for those looking for funds managed by a fund manager.
Bonds: These fixed-income securities offer regular interest payments, making them less risky compared to stocks with steady income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Instruments such as money market funds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and short-term government bonds offer liquidity and safety.
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): ETFs trade on exchanges similar to stocks, offering diversification across various assets with the flexibility of stock trading.

Consulting a financial advisor can give you tailored advice, ensuring your diversified portfolio strategy aligns with your circumstances and investment objectives.

4. Invest In Fractional Shares

With fractional shares, you can build a diversified portfolio without needing thousands of dollars. It’s like having a buffet of stocks where you can sample a little bit of everything.

The shares are like bite-sized portions of a company’s stock. Instead of buying whole shares, you can invest based on a dollar amount.

With just $500, you can spread your investment across multiple companies. Imagine owning a slice of Amazon, Google, and Tesla, all while keeping your investment manageable.

To get started, look for online brokerages that offer fractional trading. On platforms like M1 Finance, new investors can buy fractional shares with ease and get consistent investing in multiple companies.

5. Get A High-Yield Savings Account

When you save $500 in a high-yield savings account, you’re making a smart choice because these accounts offer higher interest rates than regular ones.

By putting your monthly savings into a high-yield account, you earn more over time, thanks to better interest rates.

When choosing an account, aim for one with the highest interest rate but with low or no fees to maximize your earnings like the ones at Chime.

They offer 2% on your funds- meaning every month, you earn $10+ just for letting your $500 sit there- and the more you save every month, the more cash you get!

6. Invest In Retirement

When you start putting money into a retirement account, you’re essentially setting aside funds that will grow over time, thanks to interest and investment returns.

There are different ways to invest $500 in retirement accounts, like a 401 k account, which is often offered by employers, and IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), which you can set up on your own.

Each type of retirement account, like a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA, has its own rules about how much contributions you can make each year and when you can withdraw the money.

Generally, these accounts come with tax advantages that can help you save more in the long run.

The earlier you begin investing in a retirement account, the better.

Even small amounts put into a retirement account can grow significantly over time with compound interest, so $500 could be a lot more by the time you retire.

7. Get Into Index Funds

Many investors choose to put their money into a fund that tracks specific indexes, like the S&P 500.

These funds offer a way to invest in a broad range of companies, making it simpler to diversify your portfolio without having to buy shares of each company individually.

Index funds are popular for their low fees and the fact that they mimic the performance of the indexes they track.

To start investing in these funds, many brokers offer the option to open a brokerage account. You can also invest through a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or a 401 k account through an employer.

These accounts come with different tax benefits, which can help grow your wealth over time.

8. Invest In Tangible Assets

Investing in tangible assets means putting your money into physical things that have value. This class includes real estate, gold, artwork, and collectibles.

People invest in tangible assets for several reasons. They can provide a way to protect your money against inflation, as their value might increase when the cost of living goes up.

Also, some tangible assets, like rental properties, can generate income through rent.

Buying tangible assets often requires more upfront investment than other types of investments. For example, purchasing property requires a significant amount of money for a down payment.

But if you buy collectibles for $500 or less now and get that money plus profit a bit quicker than properties.

9. Consider Peer Lending

Peer lending means lending your money directly to individuals or businesses through online platforms.

Instead of going through a traditional bank, borrowers get funds from regular people looking to invest. As an investor, you earn money back with interest as the borrower repays the loan.

Peer lending platforms let you choose who you lend to and how much. You can see the purpose of the loan, the repayment period, and the interest rate before deciding.

Investing with peer-to-peer lending can offer higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts or CDs, but it also comes with higher risk.

There’s always the chance that a borrower might not repay the loan, meaning you may not get your money back. It all comes down to the platform you use and the agreement you have.

10. Pay Off Debts

Another strategy that can instantly improve your financial health- paying off debt.

It might not offer the thrill of watching an investment grow, but it provides a guaranteed return by saving you from future interest payments.

When you pay off debt, especially debt like credit card balances, you’re earning a return equal to the interest rate on that debt.

For example, if you’re paying off a credit card with a 20% interest rate, you’re avoiding future interest payments that would have cost you significantly more over time.

Investing Do’s & Don’ts

Investing isn’t just about picking stocks or throwing cash into the latest trend. It’s about smart moves, like knowing when to hold back and when to dive in.

With these handy dos and don’ts, you’ll be on your way to making your investment dreams a reality, whether you’re starting with $500 or more.

Investing Do’s

Start early and invest regularly
Set clear financial goals
Diversify your portfolio
Look for commission-free trading
Understand your risk tolerance
Monitor and rebalance your portfolio
Invest for the long-term
Use tax-advantaged accounts
Seek professional advice when needed

Investing Don’ts

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Don’t chase hot tips
Don’t ignore fees
Don’t let emotions drive your decisions
Don’t forget to review and adjust
Don’t overlook tax implications
Don’t expect quick riches

FAQs

How can I make more money from $500?

Making more money from a $500 investment involves a mix of strategy, patience, and, sometimes, a willingness to take calculated risks.

Here are some things you might want to try:

Start a Side Business: Use the $500 as seed money to start a small side business, like selling handmade goods online, starting a dropshipping business, or becoming a freelancer.

Learn a High-Demand Skill: Consider using the money to invest in learning a new skill or improving an existing one, especially if it can increase your earning potential (like coding!).

High-Interest Savings Accounts or CDs: These are a safe way to earn a bit more without risk. Look for the best rates to maximize your returns.

Peer-to-Peer Lending: Platforms that allow you to lend your $500 directly to individuals or small businesses can offer higher returns than traditional savings accounts or CDs.

What are the best investments to invest $500?

Some popular investing options that cater to a variety of goals and risk tolerances are:

Individual stocks
Mutual Funds and ETFs
Index Funds
Bonds
Real Estate Crowdfunding or REITs
High-Yield Savings Accounts or CDs
Robo-Advisors

Before you start to invest, it’s important to research and understand each option’s potential risks and returns.

Consider starting small, especially if you’re exploring more volatile investments like stocks.

Diversifying your investments can also help manage risk. And remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint; patience and consistency are key to seeing your $500 grow over time.

Is it smart to invest $500 a month?

Yes! Putting away $500 a month is definitely a smart move.

Think of investing as a steady, easy-going way to grow your money, kind of like planting a garden that blooms over time.

Rather than buy things or put the money in a regular savings account, $500 has the potential to double over a year with a diverse portfolio.

Can I double $500 quickly with investments?

It’s tempting to aim for rapid gains through high-risk investments, but it can be a bit of a tightrope walk with risk and reward.

Quick wins can be thrilling, but they’re also risky, and there’s a chance you might end up back at square one if things don’t pay out as you hope.

Investing for the long-term is more about steady growth over time, where you don’t have market dips or losses as much.

By prioritizing consistent contributions and aiming for long-term growth, you’re on a path to building wealth more reliably.

Final Thoughts

Investing $500 might seem like a small step, but it can be the beginning of a big journey toward financial freedom.

Whether you choose to invest in real estate with Fundrise, use a robo-advisor like Betterment, or get into other investment types, deciding to invest is smarter than spending or saving.

Remember, the best investment strategy is the one that aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline.

You have a whole list of the best investments to put to use, so diversify your portfolio and see how much your $500 can grow this year!

So why not take that $500 and start investing in your future today?

If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at the end of the month, wondering where all your money went, you’re not alone.

We’ve all been there, trying to make sense of our cash flow and how to manage money better. That’s exactly why I’m diving into the world of budgeting tools today.

These handy budgeting tools are not just about keeping track of your expenses; they’re about unlocking the secret to meeting your savings goals without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re saving up for a dream vacation, a new gadget, or just aiming to keep your finances in check, this list has a budgeting tool that can help you.

Key Takeaways

Digital tools are all about making life easier with automation and convenience at your fingertips.
Budgeting apps can often sync to your bank account, credit cards, loans, and more to get a better picture of your cash flow.
You can also use spreadsheets to manage your money with more hands-on review.
If you’re someone who likes to feel the paper between your fingers, a budgeting template lets you get up close and personal with your financial planning, giving you total control.
There is no need to shell out cash to budget your cash. There are free budgeting apps like Empower that offer cool features like keeping an eye on your bank account.

Budgeting Tools

Whether you’re juggling monthly bills, trying to make sense of your bank accounts, or just stepping into the world of personal finance, here are some tools to get your budget started:

1. Empower (previously Personal Capital)

Empower, formerly Personal Capital, isn’t just any free app. It’s like your financial command center, ready to give you the lowdown on your money.

You can keep an eye on all your financial accounts – from bank accounts to credit cards and even your retirement and mortgage accounts, all in one place with this budgeting app.

It also lets you create custom categories for your spending so you can track exactly where your money is going each month in a way that makes sense to you.

Sounds pretty neat, right?

Empower shines as one of the best budgeting apps out there, not just because it lets you monitor your money with ease, but it also doubles as an investment tool.

Check out my in-depth Empower Review to see why it’s my #1 pick for digital budgeting!

2. YNAB

Are you ready to give every dollar you earn a mission? YNAB (You Need A Budget) is a budget app that is available on both Google Play and the App Store.

Thanks to its nifty zero-based budgeting system, you get to create savings goals and plan expenses with laser precision.

It actively helps you connect your bank accounts, including checking, savings, credit cards, and loans, ensuring you have a holistic view of your financial landscape.

And guess what? You can take this budgeting powerhouse for a spin with a 34-day free trial!

If it feels like a match made in financial heaven, you’re looking at $99 a year or $14.99 a month – a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial control.

Check out why I think it’s worth the cost with my honest YNAB Review!

3. Quicken

If you’ve ever felt like you needed a finance degree to manage money and track your spending, credit card payments, and investments, Quicken is about to be your new best friend.

Whether you need to see money across multiple financial institutions with custom reports, track your expenses as they happen, or want educational resources, Quicken’s got your back.

And when it comes to budgeting resources, it’s a powerhouse, allowing you to create personalized budgets that really stick.

Plus, with top-notch security features like data encryption and multi-factor authentication, you can sleep easy knowing your financial info is locked up tighter than Fort Knox.

Yes, there’s a monthly or annual fee, but the packages range from $2.39 – $5.99 per month- think of it as investing in your financial peace of mind.

To read more about its packages and what it has to offer, read my full Quicken Review here.

4. Goodbudget

Goodbudget puts a digital twist on the classic envelope system that’s making waves in the budget apps world.

No more actual envelopes lying around- instead, you get digital ones that are a breeze to manage.

Goodbudget is all about hands-on management and dividing your money into these envelopes, with designated roles for what the money is for.

Since it doesn’t automatically sync with your financial accounts, you’ll need to punch in your expenses manually, which will help make sure your expenses don’t go over your budget limits.

The free version gives you 20 envelopes to play with and a whole year of account history to look back on.

If you’re all in and want to take things up a notch, the premium version has your name on it. For just $8 a month ($70 annually), you unlock unlimited envelopes for every expense you can think of.

5. Every Dollar

Every Dollar is a budget app that’s all about giving every single one of your dollars a job to do.

If you’re into zero-based budgeting, where not a penny goes unaccounted for, this app might just be your financial soulmate.

Starting with the basics, the free version of Every Dollar gets you in the driver’s seat of your finances.

You manually add your income and expenses, categorize your cash flow to see exactly where your money’s going, and even set up those oh-so-important bill reminders.

It’s like having a personal dashboard for your money right on your mobile device. And yes, it’s got those essential security features to keep your financial data safe and sound.

There’s also a premium version of Every Dollar. It introduces the convenience of syncing transactions directly from your savings accounts, account balances, and credit cards.

6. PocketGuard

PocketGuard is a budgeting app that’s all about keeping your finances straightforward and stress-free. This app isn’t just about showing you the numbers; it’s about giving you insights.

With features like a transactions list, a colorful spending pie chart, goal setting, and customizable budget categories, managing your money becomes less of a chore.

PocketGuard links up seamlessly with your bank account, credit card accounts, and any other financial accounts you have.

You get a complete picture of your finances, all in one place.

Whether you’re sticking with the free version on the App Store or Google Play or opting for the premium options, you can rest easy knowing your financial data is well protected.

7. SoFi Insights

SoFi Insights is a free app that is a personal finance dashboard that not only tracks every dime but also helps you set and nail your spending targets and savings goals.

With SoFi, it’s super easy to link up all your accounts so that you can see your balances in one glance and make sure you’re spending less and saving more.

You also get to check your credit score anytime, for free. SoFi lets you peek at your VantageScore 3.0 credit score without dropping a penny.

But SoFi isn’t just about monitoring; it’s about empowering.

They offer you a chance to schedule a free 30-minute call with a certified financial planner to plan what your money should do.

8. Excel Budgeting

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean downloading the latest app or software- sometimes, good old Microsoft Excel is all you need to get your finances in tip-top shape.

Excel comes packed with free budget templates and built-in formulas, making it a dream come true for those of us who have a soft spot for spreadsheets.

It’s not very hard to set up a budget in Excel– add in your money info from credit cards and more, and the formulas do the number-crunching for you.

The internet is also brimming with tutorials from Microsoft, Excel Easy, and other helpful sites to give you the guidance you need to become a budgeting wizard.

9. Google Sheets

For anyone who’s all about keeping their budgeting game online and collaborative with your partner or family, Google Sheets is your go-to tool.

It’s packed with a variety of templates that can make setting up your budget as easy as pie.

What’s really cool about Sheets is its ability to work with third-party software, allowing you to import transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards directly into your sheets.

Say goodbye to manually entering all those past transactions!

And don’t forget about my Digital Budget Planner – it’s designed specifically for Sheets and is a total game-changer for managing your cash flow and hitting financial goals.

10. Envelopes

Are you looking for hands-on money management, no apps needed?

The envelope budgeting method is like going old school with a twist, perfect for those of us who like to see and feel where our money’s going.

You take your monthly income and split it into different spending categories—groceries, entertainment, utilities, you name it.

Then, each category gets its envelope filled with the cash allocated for that purpose.

It turns budgeting into a tangible, almost game-like process. You can literally see your spending limits for each category, which is a powerful deterrent against overspending.

11. Budgeting Templates

With budgeting templates, you’re not just tracking numbers; you’re laying down the blueprint for your financial freedom.

You can print one out every month, fill it in, and track your money by hand if you need to have more control over your finances.

And the best part? There are many free budgeting templates to use!

If you’re on the lookout for a free way to get your money matters sorted, you’re in luck because I’ve got just the thing for you– my FREE Simple Budget Template.

It’s like your financial best friend, making the whole budgeting process a breeze. No more scratching your head over complex software or wondering where your cash is disappearing each month.

FAQs

Why should I budget?

Budgeting is like setting up a roadmap for your finances- it’s important for a multitude of reasons, and here’s why you should consider making it a part of your routine:

Control Over Your Money: Budgeting puts you in the driver’s seat. Instead of wondering where your money went, you’ll be telling it exactly where to go.
Focus on Money Habits: Ever splurge on impulse buys or unused subscriptions? Budgeting shines a light on your spending habits, highlighting areas where you can cut back.
Prevents Overspending: By setting limits for different spending categories, a budget ensures that you live within your means.

Will budgeting help me save money?

Budgeting is a game-changer when it comes to saving money. You clearly see where your money is going and where you might be leaking cash without realizing it.

By giving every dollar a purpose, budgeting makes sure that you prioritize saving as part of your monthly routine.

You’re more likely to think twice about impulsive purchases, which helps you build your savings.

Is it better to budget by hand?

Whether it’s better to budget by hand depends on your personal preference and how committed you are to entering past transactions and keeping track of the budget.

Budgeting by hand takes a little more time and forces you to slow down and really consider each entry, making you more mindful of your spending habits and financial goals.

For those who prefer quick access to their financial overview or enjoy the ease of syncing transactions directly from their bank accounts, digital budgeting tools or other apps might be more efficient.

In my opinion? Using both Empower and a printable budget keeps us honest and helps us focus on saving rather than spending or spending on more important things.

What app would help me budget digitally?

Choosing the best budgeting app can significantly enhance your financial management strategy. Several popular budgeting apps are tailored to various preferences and financial objectives:

Empower: Empower takes center stage as a holistic financial app, offering features that help you monitor your spending and save cash, all in one place.
You Need A Budget (YNAB): YNAB is designed for proactive budgeting, helping users live within their means, reduce debt, and save more effectively.
SoFi Insights: SoFi Insights combines easy budgeting tools with free access to a certified financial planner to help manage your money.

Are there free budgeting tools?

Yes, there are free budgeting tools out there designed to help you manage your finances without costing you a penny.

Many budgeting apps available on Google Play and the App Store provide robust free versions that cater to various financial management needs and have great security features.

The downside is free apps may include in-app ads to help make the app free.

A free budgeting app can be just as good as other apps that are premium apps. We use Empower and have been happy with it since day 1!

What’s the 50/30/20 rule?

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting principle that assigns 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and the remaining 20% to savings or debt repayment.

This rule ensures that every dollar of your income has a specific purpose, helping you manage your income effectively.

Depending on your income, you can adjust the rule to fit your needs- sometimes, living expenses are more expensive, or you get a bonus that can go right to savings.

Can I use Mint to budget?

Mint, once a popular budgeting tool, has officially shut down, leaving many users in search of a new financial ally.

But there’s no need to worry- tools like Empower have stepped up to fill the void.

Empower is more than just a free budgeting app; it’s a comprehensive financial command center.

With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Empower stands out as a top choice for those looking to get their finances under control without missing a beat.

It offers the ability to monitor all your financial accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and even retirement and mortgage accounts, in one convenient place.

What is the 75/10/15 rule?

The 75/10/15 rule is another budgeting principle that splits money into three main categories: expenses, savings, and debt repayment or investment.

Here’s how it breaks down:

75% Expenses: This portion covers all your living expenses, including rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and any other costs for your day-to-day life.
10% Savings: This segment is dedicated to building your savings. It could be saving for an emergency fund, a down payment on a house, and more financial goals.
15% Debt Repayment or Investment: The remaining 15% is allocated towards paying off debt beyond the minimum payments required or investing to earn more passive income.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your finances in check is easier than ever, thanks to all the budget tools right at your fingertips.

From the hands-on approach of budgeting templates to the seamless efficiency of budgeting apps, there’s something out there for everyone’s budgeting style and needs.

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your money and track spending, these tools are designed to help you meet your financial goals, keep an eye on your spending, and boost your savings game.

So try out a free app like Empower today to put your money to better use from here on out!

We’ve put together a list of the 21 best jobs for pregnant women.

Whether it’s a work-from-home job or a traditional career, there are many options available for that can fit into your life and your own schedule.

Many of these options are great for you to keep on as a stay-at-home mom job, so you also have options for long-term careers to provide for your growing family.

Quick Picks

Since we have so many jobs for pregnant women to go over, here’s a quick list of our top picks for you:

Start Your Job Search – FlexJobs
Best Work From Home Job – Proofreading
Best Freelance Job – Bookkeeping
Most Flexible Online Job – Virtual Assistant
Highest Earning Potential – Blogging

What Jobs Should Pregnant Women Look For?

There are many job opportunities for expecting mothers- some jobs may be better suited for pregnant women than others.

When looking for a job as an expecting mom, consider the following factors:

Whether the job is physical or sedentary
Looking for a new job during pregnancy and after childbirth
If they offer flexible work hours
The amount of travel required
Whether you’ll be exposed to chemicals or other potentially harmful substances
Your income and benefits, such as paid maternity leave

Let’s go over some side hustle jobs that you can handle while pregnant, and then you can scale into full-time careers after your baby is born:

21+ Best Jobs For Pregnant Women

1. Blogger

Pay Rate: $19.32 an hour

A blog can be an excellent business for pregnant moms- and just about anybody! Not only is it a great way to connect with other moms-to-be, but it can also be a source of passive, long-term income.

To succeed as a blogger, you must find your niche, write blog posts, and build an audience on a platform like Bluehost.

Once you have done that, you can start making money blogging through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Suppose you are creative and passionate about pregnancy and motherhood. In that case, you can blog about your experience, but you can honestly blog about anything!

We can teach you how to get started with our Blogger Boot Camp and our step-by-step starter guide!

2. Proofreader

Pay Rate: $25.03 per hour

Becoming a proofreader is one of the best jobs for pregnant women because it doesn’t require any physical activity, and you don’t need a degree or much previous experience to get started.

A proofreader reviews written documents and checks them for errors in grammar and spelling. Proofreaders are an essential part of the writing process, as they help to ensure that documents are error-free.

Proofread Anywhere offers a free workshop to teach you how to make money as a proofreader and get down the basics for starting this side hustle.

You’ll learn how to find proofreading jobs, what to charge for your services, and how to build a proofreading business.

3. Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping is a great remote job for pregnant women with a high school diploma who want to work from home.

It’s a flexible job that can be done around your schedule and doesn’t require any physical activity.

A bookkeeper is in charge of keeping track of a company’s financial data.

They work with business owners to ensure that all financial accounts are up to date and balanced and make sure they have money from their clients.

They must be detail-oriented, have strong math skills, and communicate effectively with business owners to get the most accurate information.

If you’re interested in becoming a bookkeeper, check out the 3 free courses offered by Bookkeepers Launch, where you can learn how to start your bookkeeping business in only 90 days!

4. Virtual Assistant

Pay Rate: $20.51 per hour

A virtual assistant is an administrative assistant who provides administrative support, including managing emails, creating documents, and handling customer service inquiries.

Virtual assistants can work remotely, so they can often choose their hours and work wherever they have an internet connection.

The pay for virtual assistants is usually anywhere from $20 – $55 an hour, making it a perfect job for pregnant women who want to work from home and still make a full-time income.

If you aren’t sure how to become a virtual assistant, we recommend checking out the Savvy Systems Free Training to see how you can start today.

5. Social Media Manager

Pay Rate: $22.63 per hour

If you’re interested in a career in social media management, this is one of the perfect jobs for pregnant women.

You’ll need skills including writing, marketing, graphic design, and social media know-how.

As a social media manager, you’ll need to know how to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You’ll also need to know what makes an excellent social media post.

You can find courses on how to use different social media platforms, and you can also find courses on how to create great content for social media.

6. Freelance Writer

Pay Rate: $25.16 an hour

When finding jobs for pregnant women, freelance writing is one of the best options to work from home and flexible options you can pick.

Freelance writing is a great fit because you can be your own boss, set your hours, and make your own income.

This gives you the freedom and flexibility to do what you want when your baby is born, and you do not have to worry about finding childcare or taking time off from work.

You can find jobs as a writer using job platforms. On FlexJobs, you can job search by experience level, plus promote your services on your own profile.

Freelance Write From Home is a great resource for women who want to learn how to make more money as freelance writers.

7. Facebook Ads Manager

Pay Rate: $29.12 hourly

Facebook Ads Manager is one of the great work-from-home jobs for pregnant women because it’s a very flexible job using Facebook to make money.

Businesses could hire you to create and manage their ads on Facebook. They often need help connecting with social media users and getting them to buy their products and services.

This gives you a lot of opportunities for creativity, and if you like working in social media, it gives you another chance to do so. You can design your own ads and target them to specific audiences.

Now, we know not everyone knows how to create these ads and make them perform well. You can start learning what it takes with free training from Facebook Side Hustle Course.

8. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Pay Rate: $15.66 an hour

Being a dog walker or pet sitter is one of the best jobs for pregnant women. It’s a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and bonding time with pups of all shapes and sizes—all while getting paid!

And since you can generally set your hours, so all-in-all, it’s a perfect gig for expectant parents who want to stay flexible and keep up light exercise during their pregnancy. 

Rover connects pet owners with people who can help care for their fur babies.

Dog walkers and pet sitters create profiles where they can list their availability, rates and services offered, then sit back and let pet owners contact them with jobs. 

9. Arbitrage Seller

Pay Rate: Varies by item

Have you considered selling popular products online but didn’t know how to do so?

Retail arbitrage is a classic example, where people source products at low prices and sell them for a profit.

You buy items like sunglasses, kitchen utensils, bathroom organizers, and more in bulk- it’s a higher price for a large quantity, but you buy it for less per item.

So if you buy 500 sunglasses at $5 a piece, that’s $2,500 you’re spending- but when you sell them for $15 a piece, you actually make $7,500 in sales.

$5,000 in profit just from selling popular sunglasses? Yes, please!

For one, it is a relatively low-stress job that can be done from the comfort of your home, with fewer working hours and more passive income than many jobs.

10. Market Research Analyst

Pay Rate: $15.35 per hour

Pregnant women looking for a challenging and rewarding career should consider becoming market research analysts.

This pregnancy-friendly job offers a great salary, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work from home.

Market research analysts play an essential role in helping companies make decisions about their products and services by gathering data and formulating marketing strategies.

This job is one of the few that does require a degree in most cases, but you can bring home over $60K if you stick with this career option!

11. Graphic Designer

Pay Rate: $21.90 an hour

Consider working from home or freelance gigs to make extra money if you’re a talented graphic designer with outstanding graphic design skills.

Graphic designers are in high demand, and pregnant women can easily find remote jobs in this field.

As a graphic designer, you’ll create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.

You’ll create graphics for clients’ websites, social media accounts, and marketing materials.

Graphic designer jobs can be found on Fiverr, Upwork, and other freelancing websites. A quick job search brings up lots of options!

12. Customer Service Rep

Pay Rate: $17.33 an hour

Customer service jobs and working as chat agents are classics for many people, and it’s a good option for you to work at home while pregnant.

As a customer service rep, you’ll be the one customers turn to when they need help with a product or have a question about their account.

Your client or company trains you on things you need to know and often gives scripts or bullet points of information to provide customers.

Customer service reps help people solve problems. You can make a difference in someone’s day by giving them the help they need!

13. Website Tester

Pay Rate: $26.15 an hour

If you’re pregnant and looking for a remote job, consider becoming a website tester.

Website testers test websites for bugs and errors and suggest how the website could be improved.

Some companies may ask you to watch videos, use in-site calculators, use their checkout, and more to make sure their customers won’t have issues with any services.

This is an easy job from home, where you just need your computer and reliable internet.

You’ll possibly record using the website and write a report, but otherwise, there’s no physical activity needed, so it gets a thumbs up from us for pregnant ladies.

14. Online Tutors

Pay Rate: $23.92 an hour

For pregnant women, working as an online tutor is one of the most suitable online jobs to stay home and earn money. You use whatever skills and knowledge you have to help others learn.

You could tutor college students if you have a degree, but you can often help young students learn math or even teach adults how to cook.

There’s no limitation to what you can tutor and what you can charge people to learn.

Many online tutoring services allow you to work from your computer, and many offer flexible hours to work around your schedule.

You can sign up with BookNook today and see what subjects you can start tutoring!

15. Database Administrator

Pay Rate: $29 – $38 an hour

A database administrator is responsible for the organization and maintenance of a company’s database.

They work with the data within the database to ensure that it is properly organized and accessible.

This can be challenging but rewarding for pregnant women with a degree, as it offers good pay and room for growth.

DBAs typically work regular business hours but still has opportunities to work from home.

16. Daycare

Pay Rate: $14.38 per hour

Working in daycare can be an enriching experience– especially for pregnant women.

Not only do you get to nurture young minds and watch them grow, but you also get to enjoy plenty of cuddles and kisses and get some experience in motherhood before your baby is born.

Additionally, because most daycares operate during regular business hours, you don’t have to worry about working late nights or weekends.

And don’t worry, there are typically plenty of breaks built into the day- which can be a lifesaver when dealing with pregnancy symptoms like fatigue or nausea.

17. Financial Planner

Pay Rate: $31.04 an hour

Being a financial planner is one of the best jobs for pregnant women. Financial planners help people save for their future and make sound investment decisions.

You would be helping provide budgeting, financial tracking, and so on so that your clients meet their financial goals.

This job offers good pay, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work from home, which is a huge plus for pregnant job seekers.

You can take on as many or as few clients as you want as an independent contractor.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed during your pregnancy, you can always take a break and pick up again when you’re ready to start again.

18. Photographer

Pay Rate: $20.84 hourly

Freelance photography can be an excellent way for pregnant women to make money working a fun job!

There are a few ways to turn your photography hobby into money-making work as a freelance photographer. They include:

Taking local photos
Photographing pets
Selling your photos on stock photo sites
Be a wedding photographer
Sell photos of your feet

19. Online Community Manager

Pay Rate: $27.08 an hour

As an online community manager, you would manage and moderate online communities such as forums, social media groups, and chatrooms.

For most social media, it’s ensuring people follow the rules of the group/community and interact appropriately so everyone can coexist peacefully and share/receive information.

For a company, you would essentially make sure marketing strategies follow community guidelines on social media platforms to keep their brand cohesive and appropriate for all end users.

These online jobs are perfect for pregnant women as they can be done entirely from home with a reliable computer and internet.

You can take breaks whenever you need them and don’t have to worry about commuting.

20. Event Planner

Pay Rate: $22.42 hourly

Being an event planner is one of the best jobs for pregnant women. Not only do you get to be your own boss, but you also get to set your own hours and work from home.

These jobs can sometimes come with physical requirements, like setting up a venue or walking around while coordinating groups, but you can set limits with clients as your pregnancy progresses.

In addition, event planners can often take on smaller projects that can be completed in a shorter time frame, which is ideal for pregnant women who may not have the energy for a full-time job.

21. Influencer/YouTuber

Pay Rate: $17.20 hourly

Being an influencer or YouTuber is one of the best jobs for pregnant women. It’s a fun, creative way to make a living and allows you to be your own boss.

And if you create great videos and grow a strong audience, you could make thousands per video, just like some YouTubers do!

You can set your own hours, work from home, and care for your baby simultaneously. Plus, you can earn more income on social media from sponsorships and ads/affiliate marketing. 

We’ve been growing our YouTube channel, and taking a course like Mastering YouTube has really helped us get on track and figure out the direction and content of our channel. 

Side Hustles For Extra Cash

If you’re currently expecting and looking for more ideas to make money, a side hustle can be a great way to bring in some extra passive income. 

Here are some of our favorites that would be perfect for expectant mothers:

Survey Apps

There are many ways for pregnant women to make extra money, and one of the easiest is through survey sites and apps.

You can download the apps, answer some surveys, and make money from your answers. Simple!

Plus, many survey sites offer other ways to earn money- you can watch videos and ads, shop online, play games, and more.

Here are the best survey sites that we’ve used:

Swagbucks Surveys ($10 sign-up bonus)
Inbox Dollars ($5 sign-up bonus)

MyPoints
Survey Junkie
Pinecone Research
Opinion Outpost
Lifepoints

Gig Apps

Being pregnant is expensive. From buying maternity clothes to stocking up on diapers, many costs come with having a baby.

So, how can pregnant women make extra money without looking for jobs for pregnant women to help cover these expenses? One option is to use gig apps for freelancing work.

Gig apps allow users to sign up for short-term jobs or tasks and offer flexible ways for pregnant women (and others!) to boost their income.

For example, a pregnant woman could use a gig app to find work as a dog walker or a professional house cleaner.

Investing

Investing can be a great way to make some extra passive income. And with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to start investing.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, there’s an option for you to earn passive income.

Here are some apps you can use to start investing in stocks and even get your retirement fund started:

Robinhood– offers commission-free stock trades in stocks, including cryptocurrency; read more in our Robinhood Review
Acorns– helps you invest your spare change, so you don’t have to think about investing actively; find out more from our Acorns Review
Betterment– offers automated investing for those who want a more hands-off approach, where you can invest in stocks and your retirement; check out our Betterment Review to learn more about it

Freelancing Jobs: Pros & Cons

Pros

Can work from anywhere
Quiet work environments (depending on your home!)
Design your work schedule
Choose which projects you want to work on
Plenty of job sites and apps to find clients
No office politics
You are your own boss!

Cons

Contractors don’t have the usual company benefits- no employee health insurance; you have to find your own, like Christian Healthcare Ministries
No 401(k)
Find your own clients

FAQs

Are the side hustles mentioned suitable for women at all stages of pregnancy?

Most side hustles like survey apps, gig apps, and investing can be done from the comfort of your home and have flexible hours, making them suitable for all stages of pregnancy.

What are the financial risks involved with freelancing?

Freelancing typically involves fluctuating income, and you’re responsible for your own taxes, retirement planning, and healthcare.

However, many find the trade-off for increased flexibility and autonomy worthwhile.

Remember to always conduct due diligence before getting involved with any financial investments or online platforms, especially those that require personal information.

How can I find online community manager jobs?

Online community manager jobs are frequently listed on job platforms such as Upwork, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

Networking through online forums and social media platforms can also lead to job opportunities.

Is it feasible to balance being an influencer/YouTuber while pregnant?

Yes, it’s entirely possible!

Being an influencer or YouTuber provides the flexibility to create content on your schedule, making it easier to balance with the demands of pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

There are many excellent side hustles and jobs for pregnant women that allow for a flexible work schedule, plenty of breaks, and the ability to work from home.

We found that the best gig economy jobs include freelance writing, graphic design, blogging, and social media marketing.

You can work on your own terms as your own boss, plus you can take breaks as much as you need and work as much or as little as you want.

There are so many options to pick from. Just think about your skills, what your passions are, and what schedule you might want to work with.

Then, decide what gives you the best chances for success and growth as well as a good paycheck!

Almost everyone has heard of Amazon and its many products and services. You may not know that you can get paid to write reviews for Amazon products.

Whether a seasoned reviewer or just starting, getting paid to write Amazon reviews can be a great way to make some extra cash.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to get started writing Amazon reviews, what the requirements are, and how much money you can expect to make.

If you want to get started making money sharing your opinion, you can get started signing up with Swagbucks! 

Get Paid For Amazon Reviews

Survey Sites

You can get paid to write opinions about products on the survey sites, and sometimes, that can include getting paid for Amazon reviews on products.

Several companies selling stuff will pay you or give free gift cards to you to answer surveys and provide feedback on products they sell on Amazon.

The amount you can earn will vary depending on the company and the length of the survey, but it’s typically a few dollars per survey.

You can also sometimes earn points that can be redeemed for free Amazon gift cards.

Some of the best survey sites are:

Swagbucks 
Survey Junkie
Kash Kick

So, if you’re interested in making extra cash, taking surveys is a great option. Just be sure to research each company carefully before signing up to ensure they’re reputable.

Write Reviews For Other Sites

You can get paid for Amazon reviews, but you can also get paid for writing product reviews for other brands.

For many review websites, it’s hard to get enough unbiased, helpful reviews written. They may offer a payment or free items in exchange for a good review.

You can earn money as a freelance writer and get paid to write Amazon reviews. 

And the best part is that you don’t need to be an Amazon reviewer expert; as long as you provide a helpful, honest opinion, you can get paid for writing Amazon reviews.

After you land the writing gig, they usually send you an outline for the review of the Amazon product. Once you write the review, you’ll send the draft of the review to the blogger to post.

Writing jobs can be found on FlexJobs, Upwork or Fiverr. Some gigs pay by the word, others pay by the hour, and some pay by the article.

Start Affiliate Marketing

You can get paid for Amazon reviews on your own website- starting with affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to make money online these days, and for good reason. It allows you to earn commission by promoting products or services on your blog or social media platforms.

The key to successful affiliate marketing is partnering with brands that align with your audience and brand.

This creates a win-win situation where you can promote products you genuinely believe in and earn money at the same time.

To get started with affiliate marketing, sign up for an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction.

These platforms have thousands of brands you can partner with and receive a unique affiliate link to share with your followers.

Whenever someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you earn a commission. And the best part?

You don’t have to handle any inventory or customer service – the brand takes care of everything.

You can learn everything you need to know about starting an affiliate marketing business with this 15-Day Online Business Builder Challenge. 

Social Media Influencer

As a social media influencer, you can make money reviewing Amazon products with your existing audience on your social media channels.

It’s one of the best online jobs to earn money through Amazon affiliate marketing. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with your audience and give them valuable product recommendations.

Sign up for an Amazon Influencer account and start sharing unbiased reviews with your followers. You’ll earn a commission when they make a purchase using your affiliate products link.

YouTube Channel

You can make money online reviewing products by making videos for a YouTube channel. You can create a video review of purchased products using your Amazon account.

You can then post the video on your channel. If you can generate a lot of views and clicks on your videos, you can make a tidy sum of money through the YouTube ad revenue sharing program. 

You need an Amazon Influencer account and a YouTube account to start your Amazon review. Then, you can start making money by reviewing products on Amazon.

An excellent course to take to help you learn about making money on YouTube is Mastering YouTube.

Book Review Websites

Working with book review websites is one of the most effective methods to earn money by reviewing Amazon items.

Amazon authors looking for positive reviews for their books often sign up with websites that pair them up with reviewers looking for a writing job.

You’ll receive a free review book and get paid for your review.

Some websites to check out for writing book reviews that give free books are:

Any Subject Books
Readers’ Favorite
Online Book Club

Amazon Vine

The Amazon Vine Voice program gives reviewers a high rank and the chance to test and write about products for free before release.

It’s a great way to get paid to write product reviews because you can test products and provide feedback on products that have not yet been released.

To become a part of the Amazon Vine Voice program, you’ll need to have an Amazon account in good standing, have a good reviewer ranking, and be invited by Amazon.

Write Reviews For Free Products

When we’re looking to purchase on Amazon, one of the first things we do is check out the reviews.

After all, hearing from others who have already tried out the product can give us a good sense of what to expect.

And with so many products available on Amazon, it’s helpful to have some guidance in making our decision.

But did you know that you can get free stuff for writing an Amazon review on product pages? That’s right – you can get free products just for sharing your thoughts on Amazon items.

Disclaimer

Before we tell you how to get free products for incentivized reviews, we need to tell you about the two points of view on this and let you decide which is best for you.

You can get products to review on Amazon in two ways. The first way is to sign up for an Amazon Vine account.

This program is invite-only and is reserved for those who write quality reviews. If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of products each month that you can test out and review.

The second way to get products to review is by writing reviews for companies who give away free products for review.

Amazon has some Terms and Conditions for sellers to go by, and one condition is that they don’t provide free products to the reviewers- so it’s at the company’s risk to do so by explicitly giving things away for good reviews.

Steps for Writing Reviews

If you’re looking to get paid to leave reviews on Amazon, there are a few things you need to do.

We suggest leaving reviews for products you have bought and waiting for an Amazon Vine invitation, but there are some options to getting paid for your thoughts:

Get An Amazon Account

If you don’t have an Amazon customer account, you’ll need to create one to get paid for writing reviews. You can sign up for a free account here.

It may help to have an Amazon Prime membership so that you can get free two-day shipping on products, but it’s not required.

Visit Websites

This is for those not waiting for the Amazon Vine invitation. Look for Amazon review sites offering a product you’re interested in and have expertise in.

It could be a book in your favorite genre, a cooking appliance you love, or a gadget you use daily. Once you find a company offering the product, sign up with the company.

Get Free Stuff

To write an honest review, you’ll need to have used the product yourself. Some companies will offer you free or discounted products for writing a review.

If the company doesn’t offer free products, you may be able to purchase the product at a discount.

Some of the better companies to receive free stuff from are:

CashbackBase
AmzDiscover
Brandbacker

Write Product Reviews

When you write a review for Amazon, the most important thing is to be specific about what you liked or didn’t like about the product. Some questions to ask when you review products are:

Was it the color, the size, the quality?
Did it meet your expectations?

The more specific you can be, the more helpful your review will be for other shoppers. 

It’s also important to remember that everyone has different needs, so what didn’t work for you might be perfect for someone else.

For example, suppose you’re looking for a heavy-duty notebook to use at work but find the one you purchased too flimsy.

In that case, another shopper looking for a lightweight notebook for school might appreciate your Amazon review. 

FAQs

Is it legal to get paid to write reviews ON Amazon?

Amazon changed its terms of service in 2016 and stopped allowing reviewers to be compensated with free or discounted products for writing a review ON Amazon.

They want legit product reviews that help people and are not influenced by the free products.

However, there are plenty of ways to get paid for writing about Amazon items.

A few companies will pay you to write positive reviews of their products that sell on Amazon in a blog post or on social media to help them boost their sales.

These companies sell things like books, apps, and electronics.

It is important to note that you can get banned from Amazon for writing paid reviews. Amazon is very strict about people trying to manipulate their review system.

So, if you write paid reviews, spread them out and only write a few per month.

How many Amazon reviews can I write without getting in trouble?

You can write up to 5 Amazon reviews a week without getting in trouble. It’s hard for an Amazon reviewer to write more than one daily review. Try to space them out over a few days.

If you write too many reviews, Amazon may deem your account illegitimate and suspend it so you can’t review items. So be sure to stick to the limit when you write reviews for Amazon!

How much can I make to write reviews for Amazon products?

The earning potential for Amazon reviewers is different for everyone. It depends on how many reviews you write, what products you review, and how detailed your reviews are.

On average, you can make around $10 per review. However, some people make more, and some people make less.

It is also important to note that you will not get paid by Amazon directly. The companies that pay you for your reviews will send you the payments through PayPal or another method.

If you write a product review for an Amazon product on your blog using an affiliate link, you will earn a commission on any sales from your review. It’s a great way to leverage Amazon and add multiple income streams to your budget.

The earning potential here is much higher, but it also depends on the product you are reviewing and how many people buy it after reading your review.

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a form of advertising in which businesses pay affiliates for each customer or visitor they bring in through their marketing efforts.

Basically, you earn a commission by promoting other people’s products. You find a product you like, promote it to others and earn a piece of the profit for each sale.

It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved – the company gets more sales, and you get to earn extra money and make a passive income.

We recommend reading this FREE eBook by Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. This eBook can show teach you how to make money with your blog!

How do I start a blog?

You’ll need a domain name and web hosting to start a blog. We recommend Bluehost for hosting and getting a free domain name for your site.

Once you have your domain and hosting, you’ll need to choose a blogging platform and set up your account. WordPress is the most popular platform that you can use to make money blogging.

After you’ve set up your blog, it’s time to start writing! Start by drafting some posts and then publishing them.

You’ll also want to build an audience by promoting your blog on social media and other channels.

How can I become a freelance writer and write reviews?

There are a few ways to become a freelance writer and write reviews.

You can start by looking online for freelance writing jobs, or you could start your own blog and write reviews as part of your content.

Additionally, many companies always look for talented freelance writers to create product reviews for their websites or blog.

Start researching the best ways to become a freelance writer and build your portfolio!

Our Thoughts

We hope this guide helped you learn more about this side hustle – how to get paid to write reviews for Amazon!

Whether you write your blog or become a freelance writer, there are many opportunities for you to make money online by reviewing an Amazon product.

While there are ways to get paid to write Amazon reviews ON Amazon, we do not recommend this way of earning money as it can put your account at risk of being suspended.

Instead, we suggest writing reviews on your own blog or website or becoming a freelance writer for other companies.

Thanks for reading, and happy earning as an Amazon reviewer!

Today we will go through and look at the best ways that you can earn some free money starting today.

You can basically get paid to do nothing with many of these options, with little to no effort to make money right now.

Some of these ways are just tweaking how you shop, some of them are optimizing and monetizing your downtime, but all of them are guaranteed easy and free moolah!

There are lots of different ways that you can do this, and hopefully, you can try them all out and get lots of free cash.

Quick Picks

There really are many profitable free money hacks out there, including sign-up bonuses, survey cash, and more!

Before we get into all 50 ways you can snag free money today, let’s talk about our top 5 favorites, including apps that offer instant sign-up bonuses:

Best Survey Site: Swagbucks is a great app where you can answer questions, play games, shop around online, and more to earn money on the side.
Best Cash Back App: Honey is our favorite cash back app that not only helps us earn money back when we shop but also automatically looks for coupons, so we spend less more often!
Best Site To Get Paid Watching Videos: InboxDollars  is another survey site where you can watch videos and earn cash, which I usually do while I exercise to make money for my workout.
Best Place To Resell Electronics: Decluttr can be a great website to sell electronics and more, decluttering your house and making more money while you do it.
Best Investment Platform: Robinhood is the best investment platform for beginners because it’s easy to navigate and invest in; plus, they offer 2 free stocks for joining!

Survey Websites & Apps

We spend so much time on our phones, why not get paid for it?

Instead of simply watching videos on Facebook or TikTok or taking Buzzfeed or Sporcle quizzes, you can do the same thing and get money!

One of the go-to’s for getting some cash in is heading to paid survey sites to get free money.

You aren’t exactly going to get rich from doing these, but it is a great way to get some free cash on the side and pad your wallet.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is our first pick, it is a great site to get some free money on because there are so many things that you can do besides taking online surveys.

You will earn SB’s on there which are the points that you accrue and trade in to get free cash through PayPal or get free gift cards to your favorite stores.

Before you sign up for the surveys on this site, it will let you know how many SB’s you will earn before you do it- sometimes it’s 1 SB or even 1,000 SBs.

That way you’ll know what you’ll earn for the time you put in, and you can decide which ones will be more profitable.

2. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is one of the most popular survey sites out there and another easy way to earn cash.

It’s a paid survey site with over 3 million members and is worth all the hype

You can earn $0.10 – $1 for taking a survey in only 5-20 minutes, and you can cash out to your bank account, PayPal account, and gift cards.

It’s more moolah than you earned on that Buzzfeed Hogwarts House quiz, right?

You will earn points for completing surveys and can redeem those points instantly for free PayPal money or free gift cards.

3. InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays you cash for taking surveys, watching videos, and signing up for different services.

The best thing about using InboxDollars is that they pay out in real cash.

You have to earn $30 before you cash out, but you can get $5 for signing up!

A hack Kelan is sneaky with is watching their videos- he’ll open up a bunch, turn the volume down, and play them all!

You earn anywhere from $0.01 – $0.25 per 1-2 minutes, but hey free cash for minimal effort is nothing to snuff at.

And you can cash out to your bank account, PayPal cash, or gift cards.

4. MyPoints

MyPoints is a rewards website that gives you points for doing a bunch of different tasks.

You can then exchange those points for free cash, gift cards, or travel miles.

They have Amazon gift cards starting at $1 so you can cash out quickly!

You can get paid to share your opinion by completing the surveys and earn 400 points for your time, which is about $2.50.

There are other ways to earn money on the site as well such as watching videos and reading emails.

5. Opinion Outpost

 

Opinion Outpost is a survey site that you can make some extra money on that may have fun survey options.

The short surveys emailed to you are quick and easy. The payouts are pretty quick too, so you don’t have to wait around for your money and rewards. 

You’ll earn about $0.5o – $1 per survey- but like other survey sites, you can earn up to $5 on surveys that take more time

We found that you can make about $1 -$2 per hour, which you can convert to cash rewards or gift cards.

Shopping With Cash Back

When you are doing your shopping and are going to be spending money anyway, it’s always a good idea to try and get some absolutely free money for doing so.

Luckily for us, there are lots of different ways that you can earn extra money shopping:

6. Ibotta

We absolutely love Ibotta!

It’s one of the free money apps that rewards you with cash back for shopping with brands that you were going to be purchasing from anyway.

You will need to download the app and then open it up. You then select the items that you are going to be buying, and then go and buy them! After that all you need to do is upload your receipts.

7. MyPoints

We already covered MyPoints in the surveys section, but we wanted to include it here as well because you can earn free money for doing your shopping.

One of the ways that you can earn money on MyPoints is with cash back.

All that you need to do is click through on their site to the retailer that you are purchasing from and it will track that transaction.

8. Rakuten

Rakuten is the new name for a company that you may know quite well – eBates.

Rakuten is another cash back website that works in a similar way to MyPoints.

All that you need to do is click through to the retailer that you will be purchasing from and you will get cash back for doing so.

There are lots of awesome stores on here such as Amazon and Target.

9. Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping is an online shopping tool that helps you to save money on your purchases.

There is a browser extension that you will need to download for this to work.

After downloading the extension, you can either leave it to run in the background or click on it and type in the item that you are going to be purchasing.

Capital One Shopping helps you find available deals and save money whenever possible.

10. Honey

Honey is the perfect shopping tool to use if you tend to forget to look for coupon codes when you are doing your online shopping.

Honey is a browser extension that you leave to run in the background. It will pop up and let you know if there are coupons available on the site that you’re on.

Not all sites have coupons available and it won’t pop up if this is the case.

When you are checking out this is when it will pop up and search through the coupon codes for you.

11. Dosh

Dosh is a money-making app that’s really hands-off.

This is one of the easiest ways to earn free cash because you don’t have to actively do anything!

All that you need to do is link your credit card to it and then it will work automatically, giving you cashback on your shopping.

Watching Videos & Movies

Do you enjoy watching videos?

Kelan is quite the couch potato, and he loves being able to earn money with his favorite relaxing pastime!

If you feel the same way, this could be your favorite way to earn extra money on the side!

There are a few sites that we recommend for this that we’ve already talked about:

12. InboxDollars
13. Swagbucks
14. MyPoints

But here’s a new one to check out that not many people have heard of!

15. Market Force Information

Market Force Information is a bit different from what we’re used to, but a lot of fun!

You will be almost like a secret shopper for the movie companies and will get entry to movies for free.

There are various things they could ask you to do, such as count how many people are watching a movie or watch some trailers.

Money-Saving Robots

There are all kinds of ways that you can get free money, and now let’s check out robot programs finding free money for you.

You don’t necessarily earn more money on this one- but you get to keep your hard-earned income by saving on pesky bills!

16. Trim

If you are looking for ways to save money on your bills, you’ve got to sign up to Trim.

Trim is an artificial intelligence assistant that will go through your finances and see if you can save money on any of them.

It will help with subscriptions that you’ve forgotten to cancel or have duplicates of and can negotiate bills for you as well.

17. Bill Shark

Bill Shark is another company that works by negotiating your bills and canceling subscriptions.

As you can see, they boast that they can help you reduce your bills each month by 25%!

So if you spend $200 a month on your bills, you could start off saving $50!

You can also earn rewards on their program by sending them photos of your receipts for additional cash back.

Decluttering Your House

I don’t know about you, but I love a good declutter!

Not only do you get more space in your home, but you also get more money in your pocket from selling your stuff.

There are many online flea markets you can join to sell your clutter and make a profit back from unused goods.

18. eBay

eBay is one of the most popular sites to sell on due to the number of people that are on there buying stuff!

If you have large or bulky items to sell, don’t let that put you off as there’s a ton of money to make there.

You can sell your unwanted/unused stuff or resell stuff you find in thrift stores, both of which can be profitable sales.

If you want to learn more about selling on eBay, check out our article on selling on eBay or learn about being a Flea Market Flipper.

Our friends Rob and Melissa make their full-time income by selling on eBay. Their business model is flipping items that they find for free or very cheap.

You can sign up for their Flea Market Flipper course to get started today.

19. Decluttr

Do you want to sell your stuff but you’re short on time?

An option that you could consider is Decluttr.

There’s a lot less work involved in this because all that you have to do is scan your items, let it give you a price, and then send it all in one box together.

20. Gazelle

This is the site that you want to get on if you have some smartphones that you want to sell.

Gazelle is a site that you can sell them on, but it’s always worth checking on other sites first too.

Investing

There are some companies out there that will give you free stock for signing up, so get started on investing with extra cash.

Now it’s possible to lose money when you invest, but if you pick the right platforms and learn more about investing, you could become a millionaire and retire early.

It’s never too late to start investing- you can start today and make money for your future!

21. Robinhood

 

Robinhood is an online brokerage that gives you free stock when you sign up.

They’re one of the most popular investment platforms and were the first to offer commission-free trading.

The only catch is that you aren’t allowed to choose the stock yourself – they will give you one at random.

22. Webull

Webull is a broker-dealer that is offering free shares when you sign up.

You can get started with a $0 minimum and they have many investment options to get your portfolio stacked up!

You then also get another free share when you deposit $100 into your account, which is a great starter amount for new investors.

You can use Robinhood to invest in stocks and ETFs but also get involved in cryptocurrency to diversify your portfolio.

23. Acorns

If you’ve been thinking about investing, you are going to want to check out the micro-investing app Acorns.

This Robo-advisor has many great features, but the best feature is when they round up your purchases to invest spare change.

So when you pop in the gas station and pick up snacks, the $5.25 will get rounded up to $6, and the extra $0.75 will be invested in your portfolio.

It makes it easier to invest without thinking about it every day.

Some investors think Robinhood and Acorns are close competitors, but you can see for yourself which is the better fit for you.

24. Betterment

Joining Betterment is great because they’re a helpful Robo-advisor that can align your portfolio to your financial goals every time.

They’ll create your portfolio for you and manage it every day to make sure you avoid losses. 

Betterment has a management fee of 0.25% meaning if you have $10,000, then your fee would only be $25 for the year.

They run excellent bonuses such as 12 months of investing for free. This is a great cash bonus because knowing the fees within investments is important.

Refinancing Student Loans

When you’re looking for free money, you are going to want to look at some quick wins which will save you a lot of money over time as well.

Refinancing your student loans is one of those ways, but you need to work out if it’s going to be worth it for you.

25. Credible

Credible isn’t a student loan provider, but it will help you find the best loans for you across all of the providers.

26. SoFi

In order to be able to refinance your student loans with SoFi, you will need to have a credit score of 650 minimum.

27. LendKey

LendKey is an online marketplace where you can refinance your loans through local credit unions or banks.

Getting Into Shape

Another great way to earn free money doing things that you were likely to be doing anyway, like getting fit!

Similar to survey sites, you can earn cash by just going about your typical routine.

28. Rover

This may not have been the first thing that you thought of when it came to getting fit, but this is a perfect way to do so!

On Rover, you can get paid to walk dogs, so it’s fun as well as good exercise.

29. HealthyWage

HealthyWage is another fun one as well, as the whole concept is that you place a bet on yourself to hit a weight loss goal!

If you win the bet, you win cash, and get a direct deposit into your bank account within a few days.

Read our HealthyWage review to learn more about their weight loss challenges and prizes.

30. Sweatcoin

You may have heard of this one before – the app that pays you to walk.

You get paid via coins which are a cryptocurrency.

31. Achievement

On this app, you can earn points for running, cycling, swimming, and more.

You can also get points for logging on and tracking things such as meals.

New Savings Accounts

Rather than having regular bank accounts, you could get free money for opening special savings accounts!

Here are the best:

32. CIT Bank

CIT Bank is one of our favorites, and they are frequently offering bonuses for signing up e.g. $150 or $300 (depending on your deposit).

It’s worth doing especially if you factor in their good savings interest rate, which is 0.65% APY.

33. Chime

Chime is another option for a high-yield savings account (HYSA), where you can earn 0.5% APY on your account.

HYSAs are the best option to get more money for your savings and grow it automatically without any extra work!

34. Chase Bank

With Chase Bank the sign-up bonuses are worth checking out!

They tend to offer big bonuses for joining, e.g., $600 bonus for opening an account with $25.

Credit Card Rewards

As long as you don’t rack up your credit card debt, you’ll make money with rewards cards from buying what you already need and getting more money for it.

Here are our top picks for rewards credit card companies:

35. Capital One

This Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is a popular travel credit card and you can earn points with each purchase that you make on it

36. Chase

Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best travel reward credit cards out there, but it’s worth noting the annual fee is quite big and you have to spend a lot on it to qualify.

37. Discover

Discover offers a credit card that gives you cash back rewards on purchases that you make on it.

A great thing is that the rewards don’t expire, so you can save them up and use them at any time.

Join Clinical Trials

Now like the surveys, you do have to put in some work to get cash, but this is certainly worth looking into.

If you don’t have much going on some days and need to fill your time, why not join a trial?

You can sometimes make an easy $50 in just a few hours with clinical research!

38. Centerwatch.com

There is a list on Centerwatch.com with specific information about each trial and what it relates to.

This is handy to find the one that would apply to you before you go anywhere.

39. ClinicalTrials.Gov

ClinicalTrials.gov also has handy search tools to help you find trials you can participate in to make money.

You can search by topic, area, and advanced terms.

Sell Plasma

There are some great and weird ways to make money, and here’s one that so many people swear by!

40. Sell Plasma

You can get paid for selling your plasma, and although it’s not technically free money, there’s not much effort that goes into doing it.

You can easily make around $200 per month by going in and giving plasma!

Sell Data

There are companies out there that will buy your data for their market research, similar to paid survey sites.

Here are some companies that you can join to do this:

41. Mobilexpression

MobileXpression is a market research company that will pay you for your data from your phone. All that you need to do is download the app and let it work in the background.

42. Nielson Computer and Mobile Panel

Nielson is another similar one in that you can get free money for sharing your internet usage.

You just need to download the app and it will track it in the background. You will earn points for doing this.

43. SavvyConnect

The SavvyConnect company collects your data as you use the internet and will pay you up to $5 per month for doing this

Unclaimed Money

Is there anything better than finding money that you had forgotten about?! 

Unclaimed money is basically unclaimed funds like tax returns, insurance money (especially unclaimed life insurance benefits), utility deposits, unclaimed pension funds, and more.

44. Missing Money

Missing Money is a database where you can search for unclaimed funds that you could have out there.

Just enter your information and it will let you know if you have unclaimed money to get back.

You can also find unclaimed money using Credit Karma, they have a tool called the Unclaimed Money Tool that you can check routinely for missing money.

Review Products, Websites, and Services

There are ways that you can get free money online from reviewing things, which is another form of market research from these companies.

45. Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research is generally a survey site, although they do product testing often as well, with free money and products available to you.

46. Usertesting.com

On Usertesting, you will be paid to test various websites and apps.

There are companies out there who want to check their sites, programs, etc. work and will give you free money for this.

FAQs

Now we will take a look at some questions that you may have about free money:

Is There Such a Thing as Free Money?

There is such a thing as free money, but it does depend on how you look at it.

There are some things that you will need to put some energy into in order to get the free money, but the opportunities are out there!

How Can I Get Free Money Right Now?

If you’re eager to get your hands on some free money right now then we would suggest some of the best ways mentioned in this article:

Donating plasma
Selling your stuff on eBay
Signing up for free stock
Opening bank accounts for bonus money
Referral bonus apps– refer friends to apps you use

There are so many ways that you can make free money, so it’s up to you to pick!

What about options for low-income families?

For low-income families, there are payment assistance programs out there to help with the costs of living.

For example, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps cover heating and cooling costs people struggle with.

You can check out all the financial assistance programs and other payment assistance benefits from the government right here.

Free Money Opportunities Are Everywhere!

Hopefully, you will have seen throughout this article that there are a lot of different ways that you can earn free money now.

There are so many money-making hacks that will get more money in the bank every day.

You can use money-making apps, cash back apps and cards, some low-key side hustles, and more to make easy money on the side.

Whilst some require more effort than others, there are lots that require minimal effort.

There’s so much free money out there in the form of free gift cards, PayPal cash, and more- it’s time to get some of that for yourself!

Have you ever tried any of these before? Which would you like to give a try?

Do you want to know how to start a blog and earn an income from your writing?

Well now is the best time to start blogging and make a living with your own experiences and passions!

The best part is you need ZERO technical skills to get started, and by following our Savvy in-depth guide your blog online could be up and running in as little as 15 minutes.

We are Kelan & Brittany two professional bloggers who went from being clueless and frustrated to making over $10,000 in a single month in less than two years. 

When we started our blog in 2016, we had no idea what we were doing. It was frustrating, time-consuming, and stressful.

This is why we put together the ultimate guide on how to start a blog. It contains everything we have learned over the years of blogging condensed into 9 steps to make it as simple and easy as possible.

We now help thousands of people every month start and make their blogs profitable in as little time as possible.

UPDATE: Bluehost is now offering an exclusive deal to our readers. You can now start your blog for as little as $2.95/month and it comes with a FREE domain name!

So if you have not already we recommend you take advantage of this deal and start your blog with Bluehost now. Then, come back and use these steps and tutorials with easy directions to finish up.

Quick Picks For Amazing Blogging Tools

Now some of you want to quickly know what tools are the best and which can help you set up a successful blog right now and start making money ASAP!

Here are our top picks for top-performing blogging tools:

Best Webhosting Site: Bluehost
Best Blogging Platform: WordPress
Best AI Writing Program: Jasper
Best Site For Search Engine Optimizing: SurferSEO
Best Way To Create Landing Pages: ConvertKit
Best Photo Site For Quality Images: DepositPhotos
Best Way To Track Blog Traffic: Arhefs
Best Program To Edit Your Work: Grammarly

Why Even Start a Blog?

To Make Money Easily Online – The majority of the people wanting to know how to start a blog are doing it to make cash online. We make a full-time income from our blog and so do many others. Making money as a blogger is hard work but has very little risk and low cost to start. There is no other business in the world you can start with such little risk.
Just For Fun – People have been blogging for years just for fun and there is nothing wrong with that. It is fun to have a place to express yourself and share your experiences with complete strangers.
To Help Others – You will soon find many bloggers blog for the sole purpose of helping others. We LOVE talking about personal finance and how managing our finances literally changed our lives. The most successful blogs provide an insane amount of value to their readers.
To Join The Incredible Blogging Community – We have personally been a part of many close-knit communities including things like college, dance, fire department, and law enforcement. I will say with no hesitation the bloggers in our community have been the most helpful of them all. Don’t be shy when you start blogging! There are so many people willing and able to help. You can join our private blogging group on Facebook Blogging with Purpose to get started.
To Learn New Skills and Open Up Doors – When we started our blog, we had no idea how much there was to learn. We got over the learning curve fairly quickly and learned a TON in the process. I was able to land a remote work-from-home marketing position using our blog as my work experience on my resume. Starting a blog is a great way to learn how to run a website and learn digital marketing.
To Market Your New or Existing Business – A blog is a great way for individuals and large corporations to reach their customers, provide value, and hopefully turn them into repeat paying customers.
To Be Your Own Boss – It can be freeing to be totally in charge of your work, your hours, and sometimes it’s really mindblowing how productive it is to work by yourself 

Do you see how starting a blog has many different purposes? After you understand why you want to start a blog everything else will fall into place quickly. So keep reading, let’s do this!

Here are my easy-to-follow steps to get start a self-hosted WordPress blog, no technical experience is required.

The 9 Easy Steps on How to Start a Blog

Here is a quick rundown of the 9 steps we used to create our own money-making, successful blog:

Understanding your “WHY”
Decide what topic/niche to blog about
Choose a blogging platform/software
Find a good web hosting provider
Choose your domain name
Get started on WordPress
Customize and design your blog
Writing your first blog post
Optimizing your blog

Step 1: Understanding Your WHY in Starting a Blog

One of the most important steps in starting your blog is understanding why you want to start it in the first place.

For us, we just wanted a side hustle we could work on together and make a little money from. One that would finally allow me to work for myself and stop bouncing from job to job trying to find happiness. 

Well, it turns out after nine months working on our blog part-time we had grown it to the point where I decided to quit my job and run our site full-time!

You can see from our income reports our blog has blessed us in many ways financially. But it’s not about the money. It is about having the FREEDOM to not have to work for someone else, create my own schedule, and actually have an impact on others.

We get to spend more time with the family, travel more, and not stress about money like we use to.

I like to share our story because understanding your why is very important when starting a blog.

In starting your own blog you open your life up to the endless possibilities your blogging business can bring.

Work from home – You no longer have to wake up at 6 am and take that long morning commute. You can work in your PJs all day long if you want. You can travel anywhere in the world and bring your blog with you.
Make more money than a salaried job – The income potential is off the charts. Some of the top bloggers in a variety of niches are making over $100,000 per month!
Positively impact and change the lives of people around you – As humans, we naturally want to help and serve others. There is no better way to positively impact people through your own personal blog.
Become internet famous – Let’s be honest getting recognized for your hard work is special.
Spend more time with your family & friends – Time is the only thing we cannot get more of in life. Create the life you want with your blog and start spending more time on what is important.
Travel more and start new hobbies – Starting a blog can give you the freedom to travel more and start those hobbies you have always put on the back burner.
Unlock your life’s potential & FREEDOM – Until you leave your daily commute to your 9-5 job with your horrible boss, it is hard to understand what freedom even feels like. Starting a blog unlocks the ultimate freedom of time and money allowing you to have full control over every aspect of your life. It’s hard to even begin to describe how incredible actually feels.

Step 2: Decide What Topic/Niche to Blog About

If you’re starting a blog for your business or organization, your blog should be centered around the products and services you provide.

If you’re an individual starting a blog you have a lot more flexibility when choosing your topic and niche to blog about. Here are some of the most important things to consider.

Passion – You MUST pick something you have a huge passion for. At its core, this will be your personal blog, so you should write about what you care about. If you start blogging about something that doesn’t interest you, it will most likely fail. Figure out what topic you can never stop talking about. Then take 10 minutes and come up with as many blog posts as possible. You should be able to come up with close to 100 potential blog posts with little effort, and your first blog post should be in the works as you get your blog started.
Experience or Expertise – What is a topic you have lots of experience, education, or expertise in? You don’t need to be Dave Ramsey to be a personal finance blogger. You just need to have your own unique angle and story you share.
Large Market – Make sure you pick a blog niche that you have the potential to grow within. A blog about personal finance has a much better chance of making more profits than a blog about taking care of monkeys. I mean, monkeys sound cool, but is there a big target audience?

The goal of any blog should be to become an authority in that profitable niche. You want to be the go-to blog people turn to to help solve their everyday problems.

Step 3: Choose a Blogging Platform/Software

If you want to drive, you need a car. If you want to start a blog, you need a blog platform.

There are a few well-known blogging platforms to choose from. These include WordPress, Wix, Blogger, Squarespace, and Weebly.

Obviously, they all come with their pros and cons. But as you can tell from the visual below WordPress is by far the most popular.

It’s easy to use, super flexible, and extremely functional. Not only that it has a massive community of users who all share ideas, tools, and plugins. 

We have always used WordPress as our blogging platform and recommend it as the best option!

If you do start your blog on WordPress (which you 100% should), you have two options: hosted or self-hosted.

You want to completely avoid the hassle and headache that comes with a free hosted blog. If you go the free route, you greatly limit your ability to make money with your blog; you don’t technically own it, and it can get shut down at any point in time.

With a blog on Bluehost, it’s the complete opposite. You have 100% control over every aspect of it, your ability to earn money from your blog is limitless, and it won’t randomly get shut down.

This blogging guide will walk you through how to start a self-hosted WordPress blog, the platform we recommend to everyone.

Step 4: Find a Good Web Hosting Provider

Hopefully, by now we have shown you the importance of starting your blogging journey with a self-hosted WordPress page.

So let’s break it down real quick. In order to have a blog live on the internet, you need two things: a blogging platform and a web hosting site to “host” it on the internet. Without having a web hosting company your blog cannot be seen or accessed.

Our Tried & True: BlueHost

So what hosting website should you use?

We recommend Bluehost for your blog hosting account for many different reasons.

After using Bluehost for over two years with our blog, we cannot say enough good things about them and the service they provide. From our personal experience, we honestly believe Bluehost is the best blog hosting site for new bloggers to use.

Reasons to use Bluehost:

Bluehost is extremely affordable for everyone at only $2.95 per month. The value is unbelievable!
Bluehost has fantastic customer support that works 24/7.
You can easily figure out a custom domain and get it off the ground!
You will be self-hosted which will enable you to have complete control over your blog.
Install WordPress through Bluehost, which is 100% FREE.
Bluehost offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
You will look professional to readers, companies, advertisers, and anyone else that comes to your blog since you will be self-hosted.

Click here to start your blog for only $2.95/month and receive a domain name at NO COST! 

Selecting Your Web Hosting Plan

Next, you want to select which hosting plan you want to be on. If you are just starting out the basic plan will be more than enough and you can always upgrade down the road.

One thing to note is the option for “domain privacy”. This is a feature we recommend getting to protect your personal information. This can be added on during the checkout process for only about $1 per month. The next step will be selecting your domain name to use with your web hosting site. If you don’t have one yet that’s not a problem we have a nice hack to help you out. Either way, you can continue moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Choose Your Domain Name

You know what you want to write about, and you’ve got some blog post ideas- but what about your blog name?

You need to have a blog name that stands out, speaks to your blog’s purpose, and can be turned into a domain name for your website!

Your domain name is your web address, not the same as the blog hosting site. It’s what people will type in to find your site. For example, our domain name is TheSavvyCouple.com.

If you don’t have your name yet start thinking of something short, catchy, and easy to remember.

Don’t let this step trip you up! Remember to not overcomplicate it. It’s the blog content you create and not entirely the name that matters in the end.

If you have previously registered a domain and want to use it for your new site, enter it on the right. If you don’t already have one, enter the domain name you came up with on the left.

You can also try out a few using Bluehost’s domain name-checker below:

Enter your account information:

Now choose the hosting package you plan on using (we recommend basic starting out) and decide how far in advance you want to pay. Bluehost bills upfront on 1,2,3, or 5 years.

Unfortunately, they do not offer a monthly payment option. The hosting companies that do offer monthly payment plans are normally 3 – 5X the cost. As you can see for three full years of blog hosting it comes out to just over $100. That’s an insane value for starting your online blogging business.

You will see other add-on options when you are filling out your package information. Our recommendation like we mentioned above is to only select the Domain Privacy Protection for about $1 per month. Everything else is not needed at this time.

The total at the bottom is what you will pay today. So for example, if you choose the three-year plan you pay around $100 and you are set for three full years!

Step 6: Get Started on WordPress

You did it! Now you can start working on your blog right away. Now we recommend WordPress for your web platform as it’s one of the best free blogging sites.

You actually just install WordPress on your blog, and the best part is Bluehost makes installing WordPress on your blog super easy and it’s FREE.

Create Your Password

Now, this may seem like a no-brainer for you, but to start a blog, you need a password.

Just think… how many websites have you been locked out of because you forgot your password? 

This is a big deal! You want a strong password so your blog is safe from hackers, but you also need to remember your password so you don’t have to struggle to get into your account.

We recommend a password that’s easy to remember but also motivates you or speaks to what your blog is about. That way it truly is a no-brainer for you!

Start Building Your Blog With WordPress

As we said, WordPress is our backbone for creating our blog and getting our blog posts out into the world! 

And we aren’t the only ones- over 90% of bloggers use WordPress! So yeah, we do think you should use it to create a successful blog.

When you create your WordPress blog, you’ll be asked a few questions- like what kind of site you’re creating and who it is for.

Then you’ll select key components of your site- like having an About Me page or having a store right on your webpage.

Once you’re wrapped up, your WordPress Dashboard will be ready to use and you can get all the other details into place.

The next step is picking a sure-fire theme from BlueHost to attract the masses!

Pick A Starting Theme (Remember It Can Change!)

When you start a blog, think of it as starting your own brand. Your name is important, but so is your color scheme, your images, and even your font.

The more professional your blog site is, the more readers will be attracted to it. And the easier the layout of your site, the more people will use it!

Selecting a theme is the last step to getting your basics in place. You can pick a free WordPress theme and hit the ground running, so do some scrolling and see what strikes your fancy.

There are some great free themes you could use for your blog to make every new blog post stick out, or simply use as inspiration if you want to be more hands-on with your theme and layout.

You can use top-ranked blogs on Google from your blog niche community as you for inspiration- but don’t go copying too closely!

A WordPress theme may be what they used, but those aren’t a copywriting problem. you want your own individuality to shine through regardless.

You may want to make a list of details and components you think are key for good traffic- or you may find things you can’t stand as a reader on someone else’s blog!

Now, don’t forget that you can always change your mind. Your theme doesn’t have to be set in stone, especially as your business builds and grows. You may find that you branch out and your logo and theme don’t encompass your blog’s niche anymore.

Add Plugins To Make Things Easier

Now WordPress plugins can be your bread and butter to make a blog post seamless, and many of them are free to use, so you don’t have to spend additional money to make your blog run smoothly. 

You can run through the list of plugins on the left side of your WordPress Dashboard- it’s in the list, about halfway through and underneath appearance.

You can click “Add New” and simply scroll through for whatever you need. Here are some suggested plugins you may want to consider!

Some bloggers think of plugins for easier affiliate program usage, connecting with Google Analytics (sometimes quicker than just going to the Google Analytics page!), and even contact form templates so readers can get on your email lists.

It’s worth seeing what options your content management system (hopefully WordPress!) has that could benefit you.

Now You’re Basics Are Up & Running!

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now the proud owner of a WordPress blog.

Your site will start out with a temporary domain name. Don’t be freaked out!

New domains can take up to 24 hours to activate. Bluehost will take care of this step automatically.

Here is a video showcasing the basics of navigating around the WordPress Dashboard:

Now it’s time to buckle down, get your blog fully fleshed out and designed, and start making some killer content. Can’t wait to see your blog up and running!

Step 7: Customize and Design Your Blog

Now that you have your new WordPress blog set up and you understand the basics of how to use WordPress it’s time to make a few customizations that we feel are important.

Things to customize right away:

Change your domain from HTTP to HTTPS – Yes, this sounds super technical but it’s not. You are simply making your site secure and Bluehost does this automatically with the switch of a button.
Change your permalinks – Change your URLs to just show the slug.
Change your username – Make sure you change your username from “Admin” to something a little more secure.
Install the essential plugins – Install the following essential plug-ins we recommend all bloggers use Jetpack, Wordfence, SEO Yoast, Google Analytics, and Short Pixel.

That’s really the final step to get your format ready to plug and chug with every blog post- so are you ready to write that first blog post?

Step 8: Writing Your First Blog Post

You’ve got a new blog up and running- but it’s in desperate need of content!

You can’t just start a blog and somehow make an income from it without writing blog posts!

Have you thought about what you’re going to write? You need an idea for your first blog post.

You picked out your blog niche, and probably have some ideas running around in your noggin, so now it’s time to put pen to paper. 

Or in this case, fingers to keyboard.

If your niche is cooking, maybe your first blog post is about how you started cooking, who taught you to cook, and one of the first recipes you ever cooked.

If your niche is reviewing products (yay affiliate sales!), you can start with one of your favorite products that you use all the time. Or you could write a blog post about the worst product you feel like you wasted money on.

Your options are endless in every niche, but the main takeaway for writing your first blog post is this- write something that encompasses your niche, and stick with it for every blog post that follows.

You’ll want to do keyword research to know what blog post ideas and topics are ranking well in your niche and use those to make your own blog articles stand out.

Besides that, you just need to brush up on your writing skills and make sure your grammar is good.

If you’re worried about that, make sure you use a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, which have spelling and grammar checks, or sign up for Grammarly for a free grammar check assistant!

Jasper

Now once your blog is up and running, you may want to spend less time writing- but how?

Well, Jasper is a new program that you could use to auto-write unique and quality content. Jasper is an AI program that will follow commands to write content with only a few prompts and input on your end.

If you use our link, you can have a free trial with Jasper to check it out, plus you can learn more about why you should use it and how with our Jasper AI Review.

It’s $29 a month for the basic package. That can be about $350 a year, but it could cut your writing time in half! 

So your blog posts are written quicker, and you can publish more to make more money! It’s certainly an option to consider once your blog starts to generate a profit.

Step 9: Optimizing Your Blog

Now that you’ve got some blog posts, do you know about optimizing them?

You need to get your blogs ranked on search engines like Google and to do so; you need to optimize your content specifically for search engines!

Optimizing your blog is how bloggers get more people on their blog, and the more who read it, the more likely people will click links or buy things.

So that’s how you’ll be bringing home the bacon!

You need to make sure your content is being seen by as many people as possible, and here’s how to make that happen.

Here are a few things you should know to win at SEO management:

You need to pick popular or applicable keywords in your niche- for example, a good one for a cooking blog would be “cheap meals” or “spend less on groceries”
You need a blog post title that stands out and a short but clear meta description- you can use the top competitors on Google as guides to pick a good title for your blog post, like “21 Best Cheap Meals For Your Picky Eaters” with a quick rundown on why people need to read that blog point (aka- stressed parents have enough to worry about, cheap meals for kids would help!)
Backlinks and Interlinks- you not only want to link your own content in your new blog post (interlinking), but you also want to link to other websites with a high authority (domain rating) that adds to the readers’ experience, like if you linked to a nutritional website about what kids need to eat for good health that relates to your meal ideas

You’ll first want to learn about search engine optimization (SEO) and determine your strategies to make your blog post appear higher in search engines.

We actually took the course Stupid Simple SEO to learn about all the different elements of SEO, and it changed how well our blog posts did right away!

Then you may want to consider Ahrefs or getting a Google Analytics account to track your traffic and get more details on your blog’s performance.

Google Analytics can help you get a good visual for how a single blog post is doing or even your entire blog at a glance, with just a few clicks. 

SurferSEO

Now for our blog, we trust SurferSEO to optimize our writing and make every blog post more likely to rank on Google and drive organic traffic on our blog.

Once we pick a keyword- a topic we want to talk to people about- we use Arhefs to learn more about our competitors for that keyword and if we have a chance to get onto page 1 of Google. 

If you’re on page 1, you’re more likely to get clicks on your blog post- leading to more money potential from viewers!

So we see if we’ve got a shot, and then we pop over to SurferSEO and create a new document for our keyword.

Once you do, you can start putting in text and images, with Surfer making suggestions for how long your post should be, what keywords you should use, and even how many images you may need.

What’s cool about this product, besides the great SEO work it does, is that you can create Audits of old blog posts and go through them to make sure they’re optimized as well!

Check out more about this program with my in-depth Surfer SEO Review, and get the skinny on how to use it to make better content.

Tips For Monetizing Your Blog & Gaining Traffic

So your site is up and running and now you’ve got content that you need people to read- and not only that, you need to do some affiliate marketing in order to bring in some money!

Here are the main ways to gain traffic on your blog and how to properly monetize it.

Tell People About It!

Seems like another no-brainer, but seriously, if you don’t talk about it, who will?

You can create business cards and think of your blog like a product you want to sell- any way you go about it, you need to bring it up and tell people about it!

When you start a blog, it needs to stand out, but you must also think about how people will find it. And your first fans are the people who already back you up now- your friends and family.

Tell your friends and family about your new blog, give them a link to share on social media, and see how your personal network grows your business.

Another thing you may want to consider is creating a Facebook page or group, as well as a mailing list so fans can interact and follow you, get notifications about new articles, and even create a community around your niche topics.

We use ConvertKit to create landing pages and email lists, that way we can promote our own Savvy products and info with our readers. If you want to learn more of the nitty-gritty on how ConertKit works, check out our review!

Network In Your Niche

On that note, have you connected with any other blogs or even blogging groups on Facebook?

We have our Facebook blogging group, where we share new blog posts as well as talk about blogging resources and see how other bloggers are doing on their blogging journey.

It helps to find other bloggers, because even if they may not be your target audience- and they may not use your links necessarily- you can backlink content from their blog and make it more likely they’ll do the same.

Being linked on other blogs can get your name out there and attract more readers in your niche. Plus, you could even write guest blog posts for them and vice versa if you get some good networking opportunities! 

Paid Advertisements (Google Adsense) 

One of the most straightforward and popular methods for monetizing a blog is through Google AdSense.

This service provided by Google allows bloggers to earn income by displaying ads on their websites.

When visitors to your blog click on these ads, you get paid—a process known as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

Setting up AdSense is relatively simple; once you sign up and your blog is approved, you can start displaying ads that are relevant to your blog content and your audience’s interests.

The key benefit of using Google AdSense is that it works on autopilot- after you place the ad code on your site, Google’s algorithms handle the rest, from ad selection to payments.

Plus, AdSense is highly customizable. You can choose the types and sizes of ads displayed to best fit your blog’s layout and design, ensuring a seamless integration that doesn’t detract from your user’s experience.

However, to truly capitalize on AdSense earnings, you’ll need substantial traffic; the more visitors you have, the higher the likelihood of ad clicks and, consequently, more revenue.

That’s where SEO comes in!

Check Competitors Affiliates

When you were thinking about your niche, your blog name, and all that jazz, I’m sure you did a lot of research and have some go-to blogs that you like and think of as strong competitors. 

Well, doing keyword research and reading through the top articles on Google can be a good way to find out what businesses you should be connecting with!

If you see affiliate links in your competitors’ articles, odds are you should consider joining their affiliate programs and writing blog posts about them.

Now you’ll notice we’ve got affiliates and our own links throughout this article- as a finance blog, we get links for jobs people are interested in, for courses to help you all grow as professionals, and even businesses to help you manage your money.

For example, we’re part of the Bluehost Affiliate Program and wrote a review on our affiliate experience– because we recommend them as an affiliate to join but also because their web hosting services are amazing and top-notch.

You can do some of the same with whatever niche you’ve picked! For a cooking blog, write an article about delivery services and get those affiliates; for a blog that reviews products, get Amazon affiliate links for the products people should be trying out too.

Now we don’t have an affiliate link for everything we recommend though, so don’t limit the links you include for your users- quality experience for them is always the goal, and that’s how you get dedicated readers and repeat visitors!

Look For Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsored blog posts could be a huge money-maker depending on your niche.

Sponsored content is essentially posting you’re paid to write about a company’s products or services, where you use their affiliated links and give your own input on the good and the bad of whatever it is.

For a cooking blog, it could be a paid post about new kitchen tools or even meal delivery services! For a product review blog, your opportunities are huge because they could be from any industry.

Even when you’re a small blog just starting out, it isn’t impossible to get a sponsored blog post. Just like finding affiliate partners, you can use competitors in your niche to find brands to contact for sponsored articles. 

Other than that, you can cold contact brands you like or use middle-man websites like Tap Influence (our favorite), Blog Meets Brand, and Tomoson.

These middlemen can connect you with brands that want bloggers/influencers to write and tell people about their products or services.

Make & Sell Merch

Selling your own products or services is another way you can earn income from your blog. 

Every blog post could be a blank canvas to promote things you sell in relation to your blog!

As we mentioned before, we have a Shopify store where we sell printables and shirts, and even online courses to teach you even more. 

Your earning potential is all about what you make and sell- whether it be a cookbook to sell or even your own version of popular products, you can create something to sell to your readers.

Think about the blogs, podcasts, and even Facebook and Instagram pages you follow- they have custom shirts, stickers, and anything you can think of!

So, once again, brainstorm what you would be willing to design or order from another company for your fans.

When in doubt, as always, see what your competitors are up to!

Total Costs Of Running A Blog

The costs of running a blog all depend on what options you take out of all the stuff we’ve talked about and more.

With the very basic cost of starting your blog- literally just the website- your cost could be as little as $36 using BlueHost your first year.

After your website is made, how much you spend is up to you- you could spend $200 a month hiring a freelance writer and as much as $500+ on programs or software to optimize your blog.

Here are the main costs of running a blog that we’ve encountered:

Webhosting

BlueHost is an affordable open for webhosting, with all the basic options you need at a good cost. You can pick free options to save money, but they have their limitations like most free programs do.

BlueHost is only $2.95 a month if you use our link, and the domain name won’t cost you extra! Some other sites can cost $15 a month, or even $80 a month!

Tally up the costs, and you could spend $180 – $960 a year for a more expensive webhost!

Employing Just Yourself Vs. Paying Others

Will you be writing blog posts for your blog or is your goal to hire freelance writers to create blog content?

If you write everything yourself, your profit is all your own pay- so it isn’t exactly a direct cost of running a business unless you specifically decide to pay per hour or something. 

Your cost is more about time, not money, and how much time you put in can only increase your profits!

If you pay someone else, it costs money of course- a freelance writer can charge around $22 an hour.

It can increase your blog post output and give you more affiliate opportunities, but it can be hard to pay someone when you aren’t making much profit.

Programs & Memberships

Besides a web host, there are some other technical costs to running a blog. 

How will you get photos for your site? How do you know your blog post will rank highly on Google? 

There are stock photo sites where you can pay a monthly fee or pay per photo, and those costs will add up depending on how you add photos.

You could use paid sites like DepositPhotos to find really specific, high-quality photos for your featured image, and then use free stock photo sites to find photos for inside your blog post.

Next, there are other great blogging resources you can use to make sure you rank well on Google. 

As we discussed, the higher you rank, the more likely you’ll get seen- getting seen means more money-making opportunities, plus increasing your Domain Rating on Google!

You can use SurferSEO to compare what you’re writing to the top competitors on Google. It’s a paid service, with plans starting at $49 a month, so the cost does add up to $588 per year. 

But, SEO optimization is your best bet to get traffic on your blog, so the profit potential dramatically increases using a program like SurferSEO!

FAQs About Starting a Blog

Can I start a blog for free or does it cost a lot of money? 

Certainly, but you will greatly limit your ability to make more income in the long run! 

If you look around there is no professional blogger out there not using a self-hosted blog. When you get a self-hosted blog you have complete control over every aspect of your online business. 

Free blog sites like Blogger, Medium, Wix, etc are great if you just want to blog as a hobby. But if you plan on making money you need to have a self-hosted website. 

Other reasons to not go the free blog route:

They can completely shut down your blog at any time. You have no control over it.
You will limit your ability to make money with low-quality setups.
You will end up having to purchase many upgrades from your free account anyways.
Free blogs have very basic features that limit your ability to be successful.
If it’s free you won’t take it seriously. It’s proven when you invest in something you put more effort into it. 
Companies will not take you seriously if you want to partner with them. 

How do I log onto WordPress?

The easiest way to get onto your WordPress Dashboard is to type in yourdomainname.com/wp-admin. Obviously, you would put the unique URL that you just created in front of /wp-admin.

Once you successfully log in for the first time make sure you bookmark this page as you will use it very often.

When in doubt, make a bookmark on your browser! That way you don’t have to search for it every time, and the link will be at the ready anytime you need to get back to the ole grind.

If you forgot your login credentials you can always use the “forgot password” method. But we have found it easier to go to your inbox and find the welcome emails sent from Bluehost.

Reminder there will be two separate logins:

Bluehost – where you manage your hosting, backups, domain names, and pay your hosting bill.
WordPress – the dashboard where you create posts, customize your website, and manage your entire blog.

How do I change the design, look, and feel of my blog?

I’ll show you in the video below how to customize your WordPress theme to get it looking just the way you want it:

You need a theme for blog pages to present your content the way you want it to look. Your theme can be changed at any time and each one comes with a variety of different customizations you can make.

Starting a FREE theme will most likely fit your needs but as you get further into blogging a premium theme is a must for many reasons.

We are big fans of WordPress themes and encourage you to look through them to see if one of the free WordPress themes is exactly what you’re looking for.

But as we said, premium themes may be a benefit for you down the road if you want, here are our two favorite places to find premium themes:

Theme Forest – A huge marketplace of themes you can search through. This is the perfect place to start and find a premium theme that will fit your needs.

How do I get traffic to my blog without paying?

Search engines are part of what makes your blog successful- and how well you do in a search will determine the traffic you get.

Driving traffic is a very important part of becoming a successful blogger. The three main ways of driving traffic to your blog include social media, SEO (search engine optimization), and then paid traffic.

When you are first starting out Pinterest should be the social media platform you master. It’s a visual search engine, and unlike most social media platforms, the users are actually looking for content.

It is much different from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where your posts are being shown without the user asking for that content.

Another thing to consider when starting out is understanding the importance of a long-term SEO strategy. Search engine traffic might be the most advanced traffic to understand and be successful with.

But if you learn the basics upfront it will save you hours of time in the future going back through and auditing old blog content to be optimized for SEO.

You can also learn more about increasing blog traffic by reading How to Increase Blog Traffic: 7 Tips We Used to Drive 300,000 Page Views.

How do I make money with a blog?

Some people start a blog and write their first blog post to share stuff they’re excited about.

Most people start a blog to make extra money on the side or use it for a full-time income.

There is nothing wrong with starting something with money as a goal! We started our blog as a side hustle to make some extra money each month, and it turned into so much more.

Once you understand how to create quality content and have the traffic coming to your blog, it’s time to start learning how to monetize your blog.

Here are the 4 main ways to monetize your blog:

Ads (Google Adsense)
Affiliate Marketing (affiliate links)
Sponsored Blog Posts
Selling your own products and services

Read our own blog post How to Become a Full-Time Blogger & Make Money Within a Year for more information on making your blog profitable.

How do I switch from HTTP to HTTPS with my Bluehost account?

Bluehost makes this very simple once your domain name is set up and working on your site correctly. Remember, once you register your domain name, it’l take Bluehost up to 24 hours to activate it on your site.

Bluehost makes it very easy to “secure” your site. Which is important for a few reasons.

First, it keeps Google happy which is very important for SEO. Google has stated the standard for getting ranked in search engines is to have a secure site. So don’t put yourself at a disadvantage by not doing this.

Second, if your site is not secure your readers will get a huge warning when they land on your site telling them it’s not secure. This will make it much harder to collect emails, make conversions, and sell your products.

So here is how to turn on your FREE SSL Certification with Bluehost. Changing your URL from HTTP to HTTPS and, in turn, making your site secure.

Log into your Bluehost account
Click “my sites”
Click “manage sites”
Click the “security” tab on the next screen
Toggle the “Free SSL Certificate” to the on-position

That’s it! Give it a few hours to install your SSL certificate correctly and your website will not be secure.

You can verify it’s secure by seeing the “lock” in front of your URL.

What are some of the biggest mistakes when starting a blog?

As I’ve mentioned above, blogging has a fairly large learning curve so mistakes are going to happen.

But in life, I have found those mistakes are the real way to learn what works for you. Once you make a mistake, learn from it, and never let it happen again.

We actually went out and interviewed over 20 professional full-time bloggers and asked them what their biggest mistake was when they started their blog.

Their answers are extremely valuable to newer bloggers. Click here to read the article.

How do I keep my blog legal? 

There are a few disclosures, terms and conditions, and policies you should be aware of when starting a blog.

We actually used Legal Bundles to learn about being compliant with the law and making sure our blog was safe.

It’s not critical to have these as soon as you start your blog but it is something you want to take care of quickly. 

Having the proper legal templates on your site will be the safety net you want in a place to prevent yourself in the rare occurrence of being sued. 

Click here to read how to keep your blog legal from the start. 

Help! I am stuck setting up my blog. What do I do?

If you run into trouble setting up your blog through Bluehost simply reach out to their customer support for some guidance here.

Actually calling customer support in general always seems to work better than using chat. If you’re in the US, call 844-213-7846.

They should be able to answer any questions you might have, access your account, and get you pointed in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Blog

I truly believe anyone can be successful blogging if they put in the work. The learning curve can seem a little overwhelming but as time goes on things will start to click.

Starting a blog is by no means a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s starting an online business that can change your life and provide for your family for years to come.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? Are you happy with where you will be? Do you want to be working the same 9-5 job that takes up all of your time and limits your income?

I know I wasn’t going to let that happen!

I took the leap of faith and started our blog not knowing anything about writing content, navigating WordPress, or even how to drive traffic.

The key is just getting started! If you tell yourself “I will start my blog next month” you will regret it. It’s just like trying to lose weight, excuses don’t work- the action does.

We have a private Facebook group Blogging with Purpose specifically for helping bloggers turn their blogs into profitable online businesses.

So no more excuses. Head over to Bluehost now to start your blog and your journey on completely changing your life!

After you have started your blog you need a community to support and motivate you. Take a minute and join our private Facebook group Blogging With Purpose.

We have some of the leading experts willing and able to answer any blogging questions you might have.