We can probably all agree that money don’t come easy. Most of us work hard, budget carefully, and still feel like we’re just treading water. But we can also agree that in certain situations, money can find their way into our pockets with little to no effort at all. These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes or lottery wins; they’re smart, simple strategies that leverage systems already in place. What’s the catch, you ask?
Well, the catch is simply taking a few moments to learn how these systems work and then putting them into action. It’s about working smarter, not harder, with your finances. The following ideas are proven, legitimate ways to make some easy money, save a bundle, or claim funds you’re entitled to. Forget the daily grind for a second and see what might work for you. Ready to bring in the big bucks without breaking a sweat?
7 certified ways to get free money:
Get cash back on every debit card swipe
Imagine getting paid a little bit every time you buy groceries, gas, or your morning coffee. That’s the reality of cashback programs. There are many advantageous cash-back offers to choose from, and they’re not just limited to credit cards anymore. For instance, for various purchases certain credit card companies offer profitable cash-backs, but savvy consumers can now find debit cards that do the same, without the risk of accumulating debt.
Why do companies do this? It’s a powerful incentive to win your business and encourage loyalty. By giving you a small percentage back, they ensure you choose their card over a competitor’s for your daily spending.
You can get 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in monthly debit card purchases with a Discover Online Checking Account. That’s up to $30 a month, or $360 a year, just for buying things you were going to buy anyway! Even better, you don’t have to pay any overdraft fees or monthly account fees, and there’s no minimum opening deposit or minimum balance. This is a huge advantage over traditional banks that often charge for these services. More than that, you get to use over 60,000 ATMs with no fees, and your funds up to $250,000 are FDIC insured. This federal insurance means your money is just as safe, if not safer, than it would be at a normal brick-and-mortar bank.
To maximize this benefit, consider making this your primary card for routine expenses. The small amounts of cash back from each transaction quickly add up over the course of a year, creating a nice little bonus fund for you to enjoy.
You might also be interested in finding out more about these 5 Purchases You Should NEVER Make with Cash.
Get up to $15,000 in Silver or Gold
As most financial experts will tell you, the secret to protecting and growing your money is diversification. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! This means having your savings distributed across various types of investments, preferably ones that help you increase your capital over time. For instance, stocks can offer great returns, but they also fluctuate along with inflation and interest rates and are deeply influenced by the political and economic environment. One day they’re up, the next they’re down.
One investment that has managed to survive and often thrive no matter the times is gold. For centuries, gold has been seen as a “safe haven” asset. When markets are volatile and currencies weaken, investors often flock to gold, driving its value up. It’s a tangible asset that holds its worth against inflation. However, financial specialists recommend caution when dealing with gold traders. The industry has its share of less-than-reputable players, so not all of them are trustworthy. Always do your research and choose a company with a long, proven track record.
But once you find reliable traders, you can expect some pretty bucks coming your way and gain peace of mind. For instance, Lear Capital, an experienced and highly-rated company in the precious metals industry, has made more than 93,000 customers happy with their investments and transactions. They help people convert their existing retirement accounts or savings into precious metals, securing their wealth.
For a limited period, Lear Capital is inviting people to invest in gold or silver in return for a 24-hour, risk-free purchase guarantee. This is where the “free money” part comes in. Depending on the invested amount, you can receive up to $15,000 in free silver or gold coins, directly adding to the value of your portfolio. The added bonus is that you don’t even have to worry about commissions or trade fees for qualifying IRAs. There aren’t any! In a world of financial uncertainty, adding a little gold to your portfolio could be a brilliant move. Gold anyone?
Use debt relief companies
Unfortunately, debt is a part of life for millions of people. But it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. The real trap is the crushing weight of interest and late fees, which can make it feel impossible to get ahead. Surely there are other ways you can spend your money than just paying interest to banks. In recent years, many people have found a path to freedom by asking for the support of debt relief companies, such as National Debt Relief. The company is a well-reputed one that deals with all sorts of unsecured debts, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and business debts.
The process is designed to be a lifeline. A good debt relief company will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf to lower the total amount you owe. They then consolidate this into a single, more affordable monthly payment. More than 500,000 people have been helped by National Debt Relief to escape the debt cycle. The procedure is quite simple: You fill in a confidential form on their official web page, and a debt coach will soon contact you for a free consultation. If you qualify for their services, then a personalized plan to get rid of the debt is created for you. An affordable plan! You are not obligated to accept it, nor do you have to pay any fees in advance for their assistance. You only pay a fee once they’ve successfully negotiated your debt and you’ve approved the plan.
This is a crucial point: legitimate debt relief services don’t charge upfront fees. This approach can provide a clear end date for your debt, something that making minimum payments rarely offers. It’s time you stopped worrying about debts and started planning for your financial future, don’t you think?
Get $200 cash back when shopping
Believe it or not, there are websites out there that actually give you money to shop online. How does this work? These sites have partnerships with thousands of retailers. When they send a shopper like you to a store’s website, the store pays them a commission. The cashback site then shares a piece of that commission with you. It’s a win-win-win! One such site is Rakuten, where you can receive as much as 15 percent cash back on online purchases from over 3,500 stores. The icing on the cake? You also receive an up to $40 bonus for signing up and making a qualifying purchase. How cool is that?
Using it is incredibly simple. You can either go to the Rakuten website first and click through to the store you want, or you can install their free browser extension. The extension will automatically pop up and remind you to activate cash back whenever you visit a partner store. You get paid via PayPal or a “Big Fat Check” in the mail. It’s truly effortless money.
With the help of other tools such as Capital One Shopping, you can take your savings even further. This free tool automatically searches the world wide web for the best deals and coupon codes every time you’re up for some online shopping and applies them at checkout. It also compares prices across various retailers. Both tools are free and can help you make some easy money and save significantly without even leaving your couch, not to mention your home.
If you want to learn how to make more extra money, check out these 10 Things Frugal People Never Do and Neither Should You
Get a second opinion
No matter how good you think you are at managing your finances, you are probably not expert good. Personal finance has become incredibly complex, with endless investment options, tax laws, and retirement rules. That’s why it’s always a good idea to ask for a second opinion—a professional’s one, that is. A qualified financial expert can analyze your entire financial picture and help you out by pointing out some important means of financial gain that you’ve almost certainly overlooked.
Not sure if a financial advisor might truly help you increase your savings? Let the numbers talk. According to a landmark Vanguard study, if one were to make a $500,000 investment and manage it by themselves for 25 years, they would reach around $1.7 million. That’s a great outcome! However, that same investment, when guided by a financial advisor, would grow to more than $3.4 million! That’s an extra $1.7 million in your pocket, a life-changing amount that could fund a more luxurious retirement, support your children, or create a lasting legacy.
If you’re unsure where to look for reliable, vetted financial specialists, you can start with a free service called SmartAsset. It’s like a matchmaker for you and your money. After you fill out a simple questionnaire about your financial situation and goals, their algorithm will recommend up to three qualified and fiduciary financial experts in your area. You can then interview them and choose the one that’s the best fit, with no obligation. A financial advisor can not only help you increase your portfolio but also significantly reduce your tax burden, draft a holistic financial plan for your needs and lifestyle, maximize your Social Security benefits, or point out advantageous investment instruments and tools you never knew existed. It’s a powerful step toward financial mastery.
Get rid of 25% interest
Sadly, or better said, shockingly, the average credit card interest rate in recent days is close to 25 percent. This is a record high, and not one we should be proud of. This kind of high-interest debt is a financial emergency. A $10,000 balance at 25% APR can accrue over $2,500 in interest in just one year. Reckless borrowing can get you in serious trouble, so try to do it only if absolutely necessary, and with extra attention to the terms.
If you own a home, financial experts often recommend borrowing against your home equity, as the rates are as low as 6.75 percent. This can be done through a home equity loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). You can use this much cheaper loan to pay off your high-interest credit cards in one go, saving you thousands in interest payments. Of course, this move requires discipline. You must use the loan for its intended purpose—to make necessary home repairs or pay off high-interest debts. Just make sure you don’t use it to purchase unnecessary things or support a lifestyle you could not afford otherwise, as your home is now the collateral.
Another powerful strategy is to look for a balance transfer credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR for 12-21 months. This gives you a long, interest-free window to aggressively pay down your principal balance. To find the best deals with the lowest interest for any type of loan, you can use loan shopping sites such as Rocket Mortgage. In a matter of minutes, you can compare offers from various lenders and find out the maximum amount you can get to spend it…wisely!
See also:17 Holiday Overspending Tips: Here’s What You’re Wasting Money On
Reduce your insurance costs by $1,000
Here’s a profitable method to gain some money that many people overlook: pay less for your car and home insurance. Yeah, good idea, but how do I do that, you ask? The answer is simple: you have to shop around. Don’t assume your current provider is giving you the best deal.
Insurance companies often bank on the fact that people dislike the hassle of shopping for new policies. This allows them to engage in a practice known as “price optimization” or a “loyalty tax,” where they slowly increase rates every year for existing customers, who are unlikely to leave. Why should they be allowed to get away with that? There are ways to counterattack, and the best method is to search for similar policies at better prices from competing insurers. Finding the right one could easily save you $1,000 or more per year. The best perk is that you can do it from the comfort of your home, without having to deal with anyone in person.
Here’s how to do it: First, gather your current policy documents so you know your coverage levels. Then, use a reputable online comparison tool or contact a few independent agents. Compare the quotes not just on price, but on making sure the coverage (deductibles, liability limits) is identical. Beyond switching, you can also ask your current insurer about discounts for safe driving, bundling home and auto policies, or installing a security system. A few minutes of effort can result in a massive annual saving.
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