Looking for the best Amazon hacks to save money? If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save a little extra cash, especially when shopping on Amazon. Sure, Amazon already has great prices, but what if I told you there are even more ways to cut down your costs? Over the years, I’ve…
Looking for the best Amazon hacks to save money?
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save a little extra cash, especially when shopping on Amazon. Sure, Amazon already has great prices, but what if I told you there are even more ways to cut down your costs?
Over the years, I’ve found so many helpful tips and tricks that I couldn’t wait to share them with you.
Whether you’re a frequent shopper or just looking to make the most of your Prime membership, these 15 Amazon hacks will help you save money you didn’t even know you could! From using price-tracking tools to earning free gift cards, this list covers everything you need to know to save money.
Recommended reading: 7 Ways To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews
15 Best Amazon Hacks To Save Money
Below is what you need to know about the best Amazon hacks to save money.
1. Use coupons
Amazon often offers promo codes for thousands of products, and sometimes they’re automatically applied at checkout.
To find coupons and deals, go to Amazon’s homepage, “Today’s Deals” or search “Amazon coupons” in the search bar. Doing this will show you a list of the best deals on Amazon for the day which can include items like cosmetics, household supplies, electronics, and almost anything else you can think of.
Some items are reduced automatically, while others make you clip a coupon on the item’s link to get the savings. When you’re ready to check out, make sure the coupon has been clipped and added to your order summary.
Occasionally, the app will have exclusive coupons and discounts, so it’s worth it to have the app if you shop on Amazon a lot.
2. Use price tracking tools
Tools, like Capital One Shopping, can help you find the best deals by tracking price drops. This comes in handy for Amazon products since the prices change so often. For example, a lot of people were finding that Amazon Prime Day items were actually more expensive than before Prime Day.
Other popular price-match tools are Honey and Camelcamelcamel.
To make things more convenient for you (and so you don’t forget to use these price-matching tools), I recommend installing a browser extension on your computer. These extensions make it easy to check any item you’re looking at on Amazon instantly.
You can also set up price drop alerts that will notify you when a price drops to your target price.
Recommended reading: Capital One Shopping Review: Is It Worth It?
3. Choose free shipping for bundling your order
There are ways to never pay Amazon shipping, and here are just a few.
Amazon gives free shipping on orders that meet certain criteria. For non-Prime members, you need to meet a minimum purchase of $35.
Add multiple items to your cart to reach the free shipping threshold.
Keep an eye on promotions that give free shipping on lower threshold amounts.
If you don’t have anything to buy on Amazon to reach free shipping, maybe think about buying household supplies to increase your total (because you always need them anyway).
Thanks to the above tips, I never pay for shipping on Amazon.
4. Choose No-Rush Delivery for free credits
Amazon has a special offer for users called “No-Rush Delivery” where they’ll give you free credits.
Instead of getting your product in two days or less, you’ll get your items a few days later. You can choose this item during checkout.
These credits can be used towards digital content (eBooks, music, movies). The reward credit is usually between $1-$5.
5. Use a cashback credit card
Credit cards are a fantastic way to get cash back and make money back from your purchase.
I use an Amazon Chase card that gives me 5% cash back on all purchases that I make at Amazon as an Amazon Prime member. Nonmembers get 3% cash back on all purchases made on Amazon.
This can add up to hundreds of dollars over the year.
6. Subscribe and Save
Amazon’s Subscribe and Save is a handy way to save money on items you regularly buy on Amazon like cleaning supplies (such as paper towels and toilet paper), cosmetics, groceries and food, vitamins, baby items (like diapers), and so much more. This also includes free shipping and a discount.
For example, if you buy 5 or more subscribe & save products, you can save up to 15% on your order.
Here’s a screenshot showing proof that my sister earned money by playing games on Freecash!
7. Find ways to get free Amazon gift cards
Yes, you can get free Amazon gift cards by filling out surveys.
This isn’t a fast way to make extra money, but it’s something you can easily do on your couch or when you’re trying to pass the time.
Here’s a list of the best survey sites:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Prime Opinion
Five Surveys
You can also earn free Amazon gift cards by playing games on your phone. My sister recently earned $300 in free Amazon gift cards by playing Bingo on the Freecash app. She made this much in just one week!
Recommended reading: 20 Best Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
8. Become an Amazon Vine reviewer
Did you know that you can get hundreds of free products, worth thousands of dollars every year from the Amazon Vine Program?
This program is easy to join and gives you access to thousands of items you can use or gift to friends and family. The Vine program lets you request up to 8 items per day, so you can find all sorts of things you need or totally random items for starting a new hobby.
You may be eligible to be an Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer if:
You have written consistent reviews of your previous Amazon purchases
Your reviews are considered ‘helpful’ to other customers
Your reviews are honest and trustworthy
Recommended reading: How I Received $4,500 in Free Amazon Products by Writing Reviews
9. Get a free trial of Amazon Prime Student
If you’re a student and enrolled in a college or university, you can probably get a free trial or reduced subscription rate on Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime benefits are awesome because you usually get lower prices and free 2-day shipping.
This can make your Amazon Prime account as low as free or around $7 a month (after the 6-month trial period), so this is definitely one of the best Amazon hacks to save money on a Prime membership.
To qualify for an Amazon Prime Student account, you need to have an active .edu email address to sign up for your Prime membership. Amazon will send a verification email to your school email address. This is how Amazon confirms that you’re a student.
You can sign up for an Amazon Prime Student account by clicking here.
10. Shop with credit card points
With certain credit cards, you can automatically apply your points to your Amazon purchase.
For example, I have an Amazon Chase credit card that makes it really easy to use points when I’m checking out on Amazon.
When I’m at the checkout page on Amazon, the payment area includes a section where I can use my Amazon cash-back points on Amazon purchases.
11. Trade in electronics you no longer need
Amazon has a trade-in program that helps you turn your old and unwanted electronics into money.
To do this, just go to the Amazon Trade-In page and tell Amazon about the device you want to trade in. If the electronic is eligible for a trade-in, Amazon will either give you an Amazon gift card or a 20% off coupon, or sometimes both.
You’ll then ship your electronics via UPS for free or drop your old devices off at an approved trade-in location within 45 days. This is a great option for people who like to get the latest tech gadgets or want to declutter.
12. Shop Amazon Outlet
Amazon Outlet is a section on Amazon that features Amazon warehouse and overstock items that are on discount. This section features discounted items across all categories including:
Electronics
Home goods
Clothing
Cosmetics
and more
Use the filter and sort items to narrow down your search to make the shopping process less overwhelming. Also, make sure to check customer reviews and check product descriptions to make sure the item is of good quality.
13. Look for free Audible books
If you’re a fan of audiobooks, Audible usually has promotions offering free audiobooks and free trials. As of this writing, Audible has a 3-month offer for only .99 cents, then $14.99 each month after.
Audible includes:
Premium members get credits that can be used for any titles in their premium selection
Access to exclusive member sales and discounts on all additional purchases
All members can listen to thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts, originals, and more in the Plus Catalog (as much as you want, no limit)
You can find free Audible books by clicking here.
14. Look for Amazon lightning deals
Amazon has lightning deals that are time-sensitive and limited in quantity across different categories.
On the Deals page, look out for the lightning deal badge next to products. Here you’ll see how long the deal lasts or how much of the item is left.
You can also filter deals by category to help you narrow down items. This makes it easier to find items you’re interested in. If an item you’re interested in is 100% claimed, get on the waitlist. If someone doesn’t complete their purchase, you’ll get a notification. You’ll have a short window of time to complete the purchase before the item goes to the next person on the waitlist.
Here’s the email my sister received about her baby registry completion discount.
15. Sign up for a registry
Creating an Amazon registry is a great idea whether you’re having a wedding, expecting a baby, or celebrating another event.
This is also a great way to get a discount on items.
After your event date, Amazon gives a one-time discount on items left on your registry. The discount is typically 10-15% off (higher for Prime members) and applies to select items. You can read about this on Amazon’s website here.
My sister made a baby registry on Amazon when she was pregnant and this Amazon shopping hack definitely works! She was able to save a good chunk of money on the baby registry items that were not bought at her baby shower. I also know of friends who did something similar after they made their wedding registry!
You can create your registry for free on Amazon by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about the best Amazon hacks to save money.
How do I save a lot of money on Amazon?
To save the most money on Amazon, take advantage of these money-saving hacks:
Look for the “Clip Coupon” option on the item’s page to instantly apply discounts
If you regularly purchase certain items, use the Subscribe and Save program
Use tools like Capital One Shopping extension to track price changes and receive price change alerts
How do I stop overspending on Amazon?
If you have a problem overspending on Amazon, use the following tips:
Delete the Amazon app from your phone
End your Amazon Prime subscription
Before making a purchase, wait at least 24 hours before checking out
Unsubscribe from promotional emails
What are the best Amazon hacks to get free stuff?
There are many ways to get free stuff on Amazon. Here are some of the best hacks:
Amazon Vine Program (where select customers receive free products in exchange for reviews)
Choose no-rush shipping to get credits that can be used toward digital purchases
Trade-in eligible electronics for Amazon gift cards
How to save money on Amazon Prime?
If you’re a student, sign up for a 6-month free trial of Amazon Prime Student. The membership costs for students are usually half the cost of a regular Prime membership. You can get the discounted Prime membership rate for up to four years, as long as you have a .edu email address.
You can also pay for your Amazon Prime membership annually instead of monthly. This will give you a discounted per month price.
Another tip is to think about whether you need Amazon Prime year-round. Some people only need it for the holiday season when shopping picks up, while others use the membership year-round.
15 Best Amazon Hacks To Save Money – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on the best Amazon hacks to save money.
Using these 15 Amazon hacks can save you tons of money over time and help you use your Amazon Prime membership better.
Whether you’re using price tracking tools or trading in electronics you no longer use, these tips will help you get the most out of your Amazon shopping experience.
Happy saving!
What do you do to save money on Amazon? What do you think are the best Amazon hacks to save money?
Do you want to know how to save for a baby in 9 months? Having a baby is exciting and joyful, but it also brings new costs. Getting your finances ready in the months before your baby arrives can make things easier. Saving for a baby in just nine months is possible if you plan…
Do you want to know how to save for a baby in 9 months?
Having a baby is exciting and joyful, but it also brings new costs. Getting your finances ready in the months before your baby arrives can make things easier. Saving for a baby in just nine months is possible if you plan and budget well.
To get ready for these changes, you might need to change how you spend money now and save up for future costs. It’s a good time to think about where you can save and how to use your money wisely for your growing family.
Best Ways To Save for a Baby in 9 Months
Below is how to save for a baby in nine months.
1. Set a budget
The very first thing you should do if you want to learn how to save for a baby in nine months is look at your budget.
Setting a budget involves taking a good look at your current finances and figuring out how much money you’ll need to save for baby-related expenses. This will help you plan and avoid any big financial surprises.
First, you need to know where your money is going. Track all your income and spending for a month or two. Include everything like rent, groceries, utilities, health insurance, life insurance policy, and entertainment. Also, don’t forget about annual or longer-term expenses, like possibly a car insurance payment that only comes up every six months or a property tax bill.
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to list all your expenses. And, break down your spending into categories like housing, food, transport, and bills.
Next, review your financial statements, such as bank accounts, credit cards, and any loans. Note any areas where you might be able to cut costs. For example, can you dine out less or cancel unused subscriptions? Can you negotiate any of your bills or shop around to get a better rate?
Finally, total up your monthly income and compare this with your total expenses. This will help you see if you need to make changes to save for baby expenses.
You can learn more at How To Create A Budget That Works.
2. Calculate baby-related expenses
Now, let’s figure out how much money you’ll need for the baby. As everyone knows, having a baby can be expensive!
You can start by listing one-time larger expenses for things like a crib, stroller, and car seat. Then, there are many smaller expenses, like blankets, changing table, diaper bag, swing, rocking chair, dresser, crib mattress, and more (you don’t need everything on this list, though).
Next, think about monthly expenses such as diapers, formula, and baby clothes. And, if you plan on breastfeeding, don’t forget that there may be higher costs with that as well (many people think that breastfeeding is free, but that’s not always the case). Even if you are breastfeeding, you may have costs related to creams, pads, a breast pump, a lactation consultant, and more.
Medical costs can also add up quickly, so you will want to check what your insurance covers for prenatal and postnatal care. You will want to think about what you may have to pay out-of-pocket when/if you go to the hospital for labor, any midwives you may use, and more.
You may also want to think about childcare costs, whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or a babysitter.
Don’t forget to include potential changes in income, especially if you or your partner plan to take time off work.
And then, there are bigger-picture expenses that you may eventually want to start thinking about as well, such as college savings and starting a college fund.
Remember to adjust your budget as needed. Babies grow fast, so your spending will change. Be flexible, and update your budget to meet your baby’s needs.
3. Cut unnecessary expenses
If you need to find more money in your budget and stretch your paycheck, then I recommend looking at your current spending and finding areas where you can cut back. Every dollar saved can go toward your new baby.
Here are some ideas:
Skip eating out frequently. Cooking at home saves a lot of money. Plus, you can make extra portions for leftovers.
Evaluate your subscriptions. Do you need all those streaming services? Cancel the ones you use the least.
Stop buying expensive coffee every day. Brew your coffee at home instead. It’s much cheaper and can be just as tasty (plus, it saves you valuable time).
Limit buying new clothes. See if you can make do with what you already have or shop at thrift stores.
Avoid impulsive buys. Always make a shopping list and stick to it. This helps you avoid buying items you don’t need.
Cut down on travel costs. Save on gas by combining errands into one trip and using public transportation when possible.
Reduce utility bills. Simple actions like turning off lights and unplugging devices can lower your electricity costs.
Look for deals and coupons for groceries and household items. Many stores offer discounts that can help you save a lot.
Now, of course, not everyone will want to do everything on the list. You may want to just try one or two, or you may decide to do them all. It is personal and it all depends on how much money you want or need to save.
Every little bit helps. By cutting unnecessary expenses, you’ll free up money that can go toward preparing for your baby’s arrival.
4. Meal plan and bulk cook
One smart way to save money and reduce stress is by meal planning and bulk cooking freezer meals before your baby is born.
This strategy allows you to prepare meals in advance and freeze them, so you’ll have ready-to-eat options when you’re too busy with the baby to cook.
By buying ingredients in bulk and preparing meals ahead of time, you can save a significant amount on groceries, avoid the temptation of takeout, and make sure you’re eating well during those hectic early days of parenthood.
Plus, having meals ready to go in the freezer means one less thing to worry about as you adjust to life with a newborn.
Some easy meals that you can make ahead include:
Lasagna – A classic dish that freezes well. You can make a big batch, portion it out, and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven.
Stir-fry – Cook chicken and your favorite vegetables with a simple sauce. Freeze in portions and serve over rice or noodles.
Chili – A hearty and versatile meal that’s easy to freeze. Make a large pot, and freeze it in individual portions. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Casseroles – Dishes like shepherd’s pie or chicken and rice casseroles are ideal for freezing. They can be made in bulk and heated up in the oven.
Soups and stews – These are some of the easiest meals to freeze. Options like vegetable soup, beef stew, or chicken noodle soup can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer for later use.
Burritos – Assemble burritos with fillings like beans, rice, chicken, or beef. Wrap them individually and freeze. They’re great for quick, handheld meals.
Meatballs – Cook and freeze meatballs in marinara sauce. They can be served with pasta, in a sub, or as a quick protein-packed snack.
Quiche – A versatile dish that can be filled with various vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Bake, cool, and freeze for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
These meals are easy to prepare in large quantities, freeze well, and can be reheated with minimal effort – perfect for those busy days after the baby arrives.
I really wish I would have done this before I had my daughter. I think it would have been a lifesaver! I have a friend who recently had a get-together (during her pregnancy) with all of her friends and they spent all day prepping meals for her. I thought this was a wonderful idea and so sweet.
I recommend reading 15 Delicious, Easy Freezer Meals For New Moms & Dads to see more ideas.
5. Use cash back apps
Cash back apps can be a great way to save money. These apps give you a percentage of your spending back in cash or rewards.
My favorite cash back apps are:
Fetch Rewards – This is my absolute favorite cash back app, and you can get points back on ANY grocery store receipt, and then eventually turn your points into gift cards.
Swagbucks – This is a rewards site that will give you cash back as well as help you make some extra money online.
Rakuten – This is my favorite cash back site for when shopping online as almost every store is listed on this website.
Upside – This app is a great way to get cash back on your gas purchases.
Honey – This app is great for online shopping and coupon codes.
Cashback apps can make a difference. Every little bit adds up when you are preparing for a baby.
6. Buy secondhand baby gear
One of the best ways to save money when preparing for a baby is to buy secondhand baby gear. Babies grow quickly and tend to use items for only a short time. This means you can find gently used gear at a fraction of the cost.
And, you can often find high-quality brands that are built to last when shopping secondhand! Baby strollers, cribs, and high chairs are usually available in good condition if you shop around. Make sure you inspect these items carefully for any damage or missing parts.
Shopping for used baby clothes can also save you a lot of money. Babies outgrow clothes so fast that you can often find barely worn outfits at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
You can find secondhand baby items at places like thrift stores, online marketplaces, and even through friends and family.
Some of the most popular ways to find used baby gear include:
Once Upon a Child
Goodwill
Salvation Army
Poshmark
Facebook Marketplace
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook
Local parent groups on Facebook – I’m a part of a local mom group in my area, and moms are always giving away free things, such as strollers, clothes, diapers, and more.
7. Find ways to make extra money
There are many ways to make money while preparing for a baby.
Here are some ideas:
Freelancing – You can freelance in areas like writing, graphic design, proofreading, or social media management.
Selling unused items – Go through your home and sell items you no longer need, like clothes, electronics, or furniture. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to sell your items locally or online.
Taking online surveys – Answer online surveys through platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Branded Surveys. While not a huge income, surveys can help you make some extra cash or gift cards that can be used for baby-related expenses.
Providing babysitting or pet sitting services – If you have experience with kids or pets, you may want to babysit or pet sit. Websites like Care.com, local Facebook groups, and Rover can help you find clients.
Starting a side hustle – You may want to try starting a small side business, like selling printables on Etsy, blogging (this is what I do so that I can work from home!), or bookkeeping. A side hustle can grow into a steady source of income over time.
You can learn more at 16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women.
8. Find cheap or free diapers
Diapers can be one of the biggest expenses for a new parent. Buying them on sale or even finding them for free is a smart way to save money.
Some ways to get free or cheap diapers include:
Ask in a Buy Nothing group on Facebook – Join local groups where people give away items they no longer need, including diapers.
Join rewards programs – Sign up for programs like Pampers Club or Huggies Rewards to earn points that can be redeemed for free diapers.
Sign up for diaper coupons – Register on diaper brand websites to receive coupons and promotions via email.
Check online marketplaces – Look for free diapers on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle.
Visit local diaper banks – Access free diapers through local community organizations or diaper banks.
Apply for government assistance – Explore programs like TANF that may offer diaper allowances.
Use the National Diaper Bank Network – Find a nearby diaper bank through this network’s resources.
Reach out to nonprofit playgroups – Connect with local playgroups that provide free diapers to families in need.
Add diapers to your registry – Include diapers on your baby registry or create a diaper fund for your baby shower.
Use cloth diapers – Save money by using reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.
I recommend reading How To Get Free Diapers: Free Diaper Boxes, Samples, Coupons to learn more.
9. Build an emergency fund
An emergency fund is a savings account for unexpected expenses. This might include medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job loss.
This is something that I highly recommend having because it will help to lessen your stress level a little bit once the baby comes. This money gives you peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.
I recommend that you aim to save enough to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. But, you should definitely start small if you need to. Setting aside $1,000 is a good first goal. Even a little cushion can prevent you from going into debt.
Then, save what you can each month. Even small amounts add up over time, and this makes your emergency fund grow slowly and steadily. If you get a tax refund, use it to increase your emergency fund. Extra money can help you reach your goal faster.
And, keep your emergency fund in a separate savings account. It should be easy to access but not too easy to spend.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs for my emergency fund as they have a very high rate. You can get up to 4.40% at the time of this writing through a referral link bonus. According to this high-yield savings account calculator, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $440 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46. That’s a big difference!
Building an emergency fund takes time, so be patient. Consistency is key and I recommend that you keep contributing whenever you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saving for a baby can be tough, but it’s doable with the right plan. Here are some common questions and helpful tips to guide you as you get your finances ready for your new family member.
What are the top ways to save money for my baby’s first year?
To save money for your baby’s first year, I recommend that you find ways to cut unnecessary expenses wherever you can. Try meal planning and bulk cooking to save on food, use cash back apps to get some money back on purchases, and find ways to make extra money.
How much to save for baby’s first year?
Deciding how much to save for your baby’s first year is hard. You can expect to spend on things like diapers, formula (or breastfeeding items), and baby gear. Diapers and wipes might cost around $50 to $100 per month. Formula can add another $100 to $150 each month. Also, include costs for clothes, toys, and medical bills.
What to do if not financially ready for a baby but pregnant?
If you are not financially ready for a baby, but you are currently pregnant, there are things that you can do. I recommend that you reach out to community resources or government assistance programs for help as many areas give free or low-cost baby supplies. You can also ask friends and family for hand-me-downs. Start saving whatever you can now; even small amounts help.
Is 9 months enough time to prepare for a baby?
Yes, nine months can be enough time to prepare for a baby. Start by making a plan and budget right away. Cut back on unnecessary spending, use this time to save as much as you can, and look for deals on baby items.
How expensive is having a baby?
Having a baby can be expensive. The first year alone can cost several thousand dollars. Baby gear, diapers, formula, and medical bills add up quickly. Planning, budgeting, and finding ways to save can make these costs more manageable.
How To Save for a Baby in 9 Months – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to save for a baby in nine months.
Getting ready financially for a baby in nine months might feel like a lot, but with some planning, it can be doable.
By making a budget, cutting out extra spending, and thinking ahead about baby costs, you can save a good amount of money before your baby comes. You can save even more by planning meals, cooking in bulk, using cash back apps, and buying used baby items.
Every bit of savings helps, and by starting now, you’ll be more prepared to welcome your baby without worrying about money.
What do you think are the best ways to save for a baby in 9 months?
Are you looking for the best cash back apps? Finding ways to save money on everyday purchases is always a good idea. Cash back apps are a great tool to help you get some of your money back (and even free gift cards) on things you buy all the time. These apps can reward you…
Are you looking for the best cash back apps?
Finding ways to save money on everyday purchases is always a good idea. Cash back apps are a great tool to help you get some of your money back (and even free gift cards) on things you buy all the time. These apps can reward you with cash, points, gift cards, or discounts just for shopping like you normally do.
With so many cash back apps available, it can be hard to know which ones to use. Some apps focus on groceries, while others give rewards for travel, gas, or online shopping. By using the right cash back apps, you can make sure you’re making the most out of your spending.
In case you want a quick summary, my favorite cash back apps are:
There are many others on the list below that you may find helpful too!
Best Cash Back Apps
These 14 best cash back apps will help you make extra money. You can get cash back for groceries, online shopping, and more.
1. Rakuten
Rakuten is a popular cash back app and site that lets you earn rewards on your everyday shopping. With Rakuten, you get a percentage of what you spend back as cash. It’s a simple and effective way to get free money while shopping at your favorite stores like Target, Macy’s, Walmart, Old Navy, Lowe’s, and many more.
Your cash back percentage depends on the store that you are shopping at but can vary anywhere from around 1% to over 10%, which can add up quickly!
Signing up is quick and free too. Once you create your account, you can start shopping on Rakuten’s website, app, or browser extension. When you shop through Rakuten, the stores pay Rakuten a commission. Rakuten then shares part of that commission with you as cash back.
One of the coolest things about Rakuten is how easy it is to find deals. You can earn cash back on clothes, electronics, restaurants, and even ride-sharing services like Uber. The browser extension helps you find the best coupons and cash back offers.
Rakuten also has a large user base with over 15 million members. They have paid out more than $3.2 billion in cash back since they started in 1999. On average, members earned about $100 in cash back in 2023.
Payment is easy too. You can choose to get paid via check or PayPal.
Please click here to sign up for Rakuten. Plus, you can get a $30 bonus when you spend $30 if you join right now (at the time of this writing; please double-check the current offer).
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a popular app that makes earning gift cards easy, and this is the app that I use for ALL of my grocery receipts. All you need to do is take a picture of your receipts using your phone.
Fetch Rewards lets you earn points by snapping receipts from any store. It works for grocery stores, clothing stores, restaurants, and even gas stations. The app also works with digital receipts from online purchases.
Some examples of what you can earn include 2,500 points for buying General Mills products, 1,000 points for Barilla Pasta, 750 points for Sara Lee bread, 5,000 points for trash bags, and more.
To get started, download the Fetch Rewards app and create an account. Then, shop as you normally do and scan your receipts to earn points. The process is quick and only takes about 10 seconds per receipt.
Once you earn enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards. These gift cards can be used at a variety of places like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and many more. You can also choose to donate your points to charity.
The app is free to sign up for and use. There are no surveys to fill out or barcodes to scan, making it a hassle-free way to earn rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular app where you can earn rewards for doing simple things online. You can shop, watch videos, take surveys, and even play games to get points. These points, called Swagbucks (SB), can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
I have been using Swagbucks for years and I think it’s a great rewards site.
One great feature of Swagbucks is how easy it is to use. You can add a browser extension to automatically earn cash back on your purchases, and this makes it super convenient as you shop online.
Another nice thing is their “Magic Receipts” feature. You just need to upload your receipts from certain stores, and you’ll earn cash back. Many big retailers are included, making it easy to earn points.
With over 20 million users and a strong reputation, Swagbucks is trusted by many. They’ve paid out more than $935 million in rewards to their users.
Please click here to join Swagbucks.
Here’s a screenshot of some of the cash back that I’ve received from Ibotta recently.
4. Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular cash back app that helps you save money on groceries and more. It’s free to download and use and with Ibotta, you can earn real cash back on everyday purchases.
Using Ibotta is easy. You just head to the Ibotta app and add offers for things you want to buy before you go shopping. These offers can be for groceries, clothing, and even dining out.
Next, you shop at your favorite stores, both in-store and online. Ibotta partners with many stores and retailers, so you have plenty of choices.
After shopping, you can redeem your cash back. You do this by uploading your receipt or linking your loyalty card to the app. It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
One great thing about Ibotta is that it offers cash back on a wide range of products from daily essentials like milk and bread to big-ticket items. For example, currently I can get 50 cents back on yogurt, 75 cents back on shredded cheese, $1.00 back on Cheerios, and more.
Another perk is the bonuses that Ibotta offers. These bonuses can give you extra cash back for redeeming certain offers or for reaching specific milestones.
The app is available on both iOS and Android, making it easy to use on most cell phones.
Ibotta is a great way to make some extra cash on things you already plan to buy. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save a little more each time they shop.
You can sign up for Ibotta here.
5. Upside
Upside (used to be called GetUpside), helps you earn cash back on fuel for your car (as well as restaurants and grocery stores, but I like to mainly use it for gas).
Using the Upside app is easy. You just sign up and find deals near you. The app shows you gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants where you can get cash back.
You can earn up to 25 cents per gallon on gas and even more for diesel. Occasionally, you can get deals for higher. For example, I recently redeemed a deal to get 89 cents off per gallon – I received $15.00 in cash back!
For groceries, you can earn up to 30% back in select cities and when you eat out, get up to 45% back at many restaurants.
There are over 50,000 locations in the U.S. where you can save money with Upside. Major gas stations like BP, Shell, and Marathon are included.
To get started, just sign up for free, link your cards, and claim offers through the app. Then, make your purchases as usual, submit your receipts or use the check-in feature, and get your cash back.
Payments can be collected through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.
You can check out Upside here to learn more.
6. Dosh
Dosh is a cash back app that helps you save money without a lot of work. You link your credit or debit card to the app, and it automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating stores or restaurants.
Using Dosh is easy too. After linking your card, just shop like you normally do. The app will take care of adding the cash back to your Dosh wallet. You don’t need to worry about scanning receipts or entering codes, which I think is very nice and convenient.
Dosh partners with many well-known brands, making it simple to save money. You can earn cash back at places like Walmart, Target, and Pizza Hut. The app also works with thousands of hotels, adding more ways to save.
One of the best things about Dosh is that it handles everything for you automatically. It deposits your rewards into your account. Once you reach a certain balance, you can transfer your cash to your bank, PayPal, or donate to charity.
If you like finding deals and saving money without effort, Dosh might be a great app for you. It makes saving easy and fun, helping you make the most of your purchases every day.
7. TopCashback
TopCashback is a great choice if you want to save money on your purchases. This app connects you with over 7,000 retailers, making it super easy to earn cash back.
To start, sign up for a free account. Then, search for your favorite store and click on the offer. After you shop, your cash back gets added to your account.
TopCashback stands out because it tends to have higher cash back rates compared to other apps. This means you can save more money on each purchase.
It’s important to note that while TopCashback is very user-friendly, I did find some reviews where some people find that it could improve in processing times for gift card purchases.
If you shop online often, TopCashback can help you earn cash back on your regular spending. The app is available on both iOS and Android, so you can use it on the go.
8. PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a browser extension that makes online shopping easier and cheaper. When you shop online, Honey automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. You just add it to your browser and it starts working right away.
Honey works with over 30,000 stores. This includes big names like Amazon, Macy’s, and Nike, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a discount on something you’re buying.
Another cool feature is the Droplist. You can keep an eye on items you want to buy and get alerts when their prices drop, and this helps you buy things at the best time and save even more money.
Honey is free to use and easy to install. If you want to save money without the hassle of searching for coupon codes yourself, it’s worth trying out.
You can learn more about Honey by clicking here.
9. Shopkick
Shopkick is an easy way to earn rewards when you shop. You can get “kicks,” which are points, for doing simple things.
For example, you earn kicks just by walking into certain stores, and this makes it super easy to start earning rewards right away.
You can also earn kicks by scanning the barcodes of products in the store. Some items even give extra kicks when you buy them and submit your receipt.
Shopkick isn’t just for in-store shopping. You can also earn kicks when you make purchases online through the app.
Once you collect enough kicks, you can trade them in for free gift cards. These gift cards can be used at many popular stores, which gives you a lot of options.
The app is free to use, and it has a lot of participating stores. This makes it a great way to earn rewards on stuff you already buy.
Here’s a screenshot of my personal Capital One Shopping account. You can see how much money it has saved me here!
10. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a handy tool for anyone who likes to shop online. It’s a browser extension that finds coupon codes while you shop. This makes saving money super easy because the tool does all the work for you. Just shop as usual, and it will automatically apply the best coupon codes at checkout.
I have Capital One Shopping installed on my browser, and I love how it helps me save money without me having to think about it. I used to always forget to look for coupon codes, or sometimes it would take forever to find a coupon code that worked. Capital One Shopping takes all of that wasted time and does it for you.
You can use Capital One Shopping on almost any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. It’s also available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android. This means you can save money whether you’re shopping on your computer or your phone.
Another great feature is the price comparison tool. If you’re looking at an item, Capital One Shopping checks other websites to see if you can get a better deal.
Another perk is that you earn rewards points while you shop. These points can be turned into gift cards for many popular stores. It’s like getting a little cash back on your purchases. I recently redeemed $71.00 in free gift cards for simply just doing my normal online shopping.
You can also add items to a watchlist, and the tool will let you know if the price drops. This way, you can buy things at the best possible time.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and easy to install. Just add the extension to your browser or download the app and then shop as you normally do and enjoy the savings!
You can learn more in my Capital One Shopping Review.
11. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog is a cash back app that helps you earn cash back by simply scanning your receipts.
You take pictures of your shopping receipts and upload them to the app. For each receipt, you get coins. These coins can then be exchanged for money through PayPal or gift cards.
The cool part is, you can use receipts from nearly any store. Whether you shop at a grocery store, department store, or even a gas station, you can take a photo of that receipt and earn coins.
Receipt Hog also has special bonuses and sweepstakes. Sometimes, you might get extra coins or the chance to win larger prizes. It’s a fun way to get rewarded for your everyday shopping.
Recommended reading: 14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts for Money
12. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a user-friendly cash back app that helps you save on groceries, gas, and more. It’s free to download and simple to use.
With Checkout 51, you can look at their weekly offers and select the ones you like. When you buy those items, you just need to upload your receipt to the app.
New deals are added every week, so there is always something new to save on. It’s a great way to cut down on your grocery and gas expenses.
13. Receipt Pal
Receipt Pal is an app that makes earning rewards easy. You just need to scan your receipts and this app works with any store, so you can rack up points from grocery shopping, gas, dining out, and more.
Each time you scan a receipt, you earn points. These points can be turned into gift cards for popular retailers.
The app is free to use. You need to take a picture of your receipt within 14 days of your purchase. Once you upload the receipt, Receipt Pal will handle the rest.
You can also earn extra points by completing surveys and playing games within the app. This can make reaching your reward goals go more quickly.
14. Upromise
Upromise is a cash back app that helps you save money for college. Instead of just giving you cash back for everyday purchases, it allows you to put those savings into a college fund. This makes it a great option for families planning for future education expenses.
When you shop through Upromise, you earn cash back on things you buy. It works with many stores and restaurants. You can also earn rewards by scanning receipts and dining at participating restaurants. The cash back can be automatically transferred to a 529 college savings plan.
Another cool feature is that you can also link someone else’s 529 plan to your account. This means grandparents or other family members can contribute to your child’s college savings too.
Upromise is a good way to turn your everyday spending into savings for the future. It helps make the dream of paying for college a little more achievable.
What Are Cash Back Apps?
You may have questions about cash back apps. If so, then I would like to talk about them and how they work in this section.
Cash back apps help you save money on everyday purchases. By using these apps, you can get a percentage of your spending back in the form of cash rewards.
How cash back apps work
When you shop through a cash back app, the cash back app partners with retailers to earn a commission. Instead of keeping all the commission, the app shares a portion with you so that you will be persuaded to use their app more (everyone wins). This means you get back a small percentage of what you spent.
You start by downloading the app and creating an account. Then, you browse through the app’s partner stores to find the ones you like. When you make a purchase through the app, you earn cash back that you can usually redeem for PayPal, bank deposits, or gift cards.
Benefits of using cash back apps
Cash back apps can save you money without much effort. Every time you shop through these apps, you earn a little back on what you’re already spending. Over time, these small savings add up.
Many apps also give extra bonuses or special promotions, which means even more savings. These promotions can include higher cash back rates for a limited time or bonus cash for shopping in particular categories.
Plus, cash back apps are free to use, making them a simple way to save a bit on everyday purchases.
I use cash back apps all the time, and I like how they can help me save more money easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about the top cash back apps.
Which app gives the most cash back?
Rakuten is known for giving a lot of cash back for online purchases, many times over 5%. Others, like Fetch Rewards, also give a good amount of rewards, especially for groceries.
Do cash back apps really work?
Yes, cash back apps do work and you earn money or points for purchases you make. These apps partner with many stores to give you a percentage back.
What’s the best cash back app for groceries?
I think that Fetch Rewards is the best for groceries. It has good deals on food items at many big grocery stores. You can scan receipts or link your store loyalty card to earn cash back.
Is Fetch or Ibotta better?
Fetch is easier to use since you just scan any grocery receipt. Ibotta requires more work because you must select offers before shopping. Both are good. Ibotta typically pays a little more, but you do have to do a little more work to earn the points.
What are the best automatic cash back apps?
Rakuten and Capital One Shopping are top apps for automatic cash back. Once you download the browser extension, they automatically give you cash back at partner stores. It’s simple and requires no extra work.
Another way to get automatic cash back is by using cash back credit cards. The best rewards credit cards can give cash back of around 1%-2% automatically on your purchases.
How can I tell if cash back apps are safe and legit to use?
To see if a cash back app is safe and legitimate, I recommend that you look for reviews and ratings in app stores.
Best Cash Back Apps – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best cash back apps.
The best cash back apps can help you save money on things you buy every day with little effort. With these apps, you can earn rewards on groceries, eating out, online shopping, and more. Whether you want to save a bit of money or get the most savings, these apps have different features to help you.
Plus, depending on the cash back app, you can get your cash back directly to your bank account, PayPal account, or even through free gift cards.
The best cash back apps don’t have any fees either, so you can save money without having to spend any more.
Looking for the best ways to get free money from the government? Getting free money from the government might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several ways you can receive financial assistance. From helping with monthly expenses to finding unclaimed funds, these programs and resources can be a big help. The…
Looking for the best ways to get free money from the government?
Getting free money from the government might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several ways you can receive financial assistance. From helping with monthly expenses to finding unclaimed funds, these programs and resources can be a big help. The key is knowing where to look and meeting eligibility requirements.
This article will show you different ways to get extra money from the government. Whether you need help with your bills or want to get back money that belongs to you, there are many options for you.
Best Ways To Get Free Money From the Government
Below are the best ways to get free money from the government – for housing, children, health insurance, food, and more.
1. Apply for unemployment benefits
If you lose your job, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits can help you cover some of your expenses while you look for a new job.
To qualify, you usually need to have worked a certain amount of time in the past year. Each state has its own rules, so you should check your state’s specific requirements.
You can apply for unemployment benefits online or by phone, and be ready to provide details about your recent jobs and earnings. This will help determine how much you can get each week.
The benefit amount is based on a percentage of your earnings from your previous job. It can range from about 40% to 60% of your past earnings. This money can be a helpful bridge while you search for new work.
Each week, you’ll need to report if you’re still unemployed and looking for a job. Some states may also ask you to document your job search activities so it’s important to follow these rules to keep receiving benefits.
Unemployment benefits probably won’t cover all your expenses, but they can make a tough time a little easier. Remember to apply as soon as you lose your job to start getting support right away.
2. Check for child tax credits
Child tax credits can be a big help for families.
You might be able to get money back from the government if you have kids such as for childcare or for just having children. The amount you can get depends on your income and the number of kids you have.
The Child Tax Credit now gives up to $2,000 for each child.
Make sure you check if you qualify for these credits. You can find out more by visiting the IRS website or talking to a tax expert.
3. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children get healthy foods. This program is a great way to get extra help when you need it the most, and this is free government money for low-income families. It’s focused on keeping you and your little ones healthy and well-fed.
If you’re pregnant, you can get help right away and continue to receive it for up to six months after giving birth. If you have children, they have to be under the age of 5.
To qualify, you need to meet income guidelines and show that you are at nutritional risk. This can include being underweight or having a diet low in essential nutrients. WIC then provides monthly benefits that can be used to buy specific foods like milk, eggs, and fruits.
To apply, you need to contact your state or local WIC office (you can start by Googling “WIC + your state name”). They will tell you what documents to bring and where to go for your appointment.
4. Use SNAP for food assistance
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a government program that helps low-income families buy healthy food. If you qualify, you get an EBT card loaded with funds every month.
Using SNAP is easy. You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores and it works just like a debit card.
To qualify for SNAP, you need to meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. These can include having a low income based on your household size.
SNAP can be a huge help if you’re struggling to afford groceries. It allows you to buy essential foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
5. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school
Your child may be able to get free or reduced-price meals at school through several programs, and these programs make sure kids have healthy meals every day.
The most well-known program is the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). It provides low-cost or free lunches to millions of children in public and nonprofit private schools.
Schools many times also have the School Breakfast Program. This is similar to the lunch program but focuses on providing a nutritious morning meal.
In addition to these programs, there is the Special Milk Program. This program provides milk to children who do not participate in other meal programs.
Some schools offer the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This allows schools in high-need areas to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost.
To find out if your child is eligible, check with your school. They can guide you through the application process and let you know what your child qualifies for.
6. Seek Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a government program that can help you if you’re facing hard times. It provides financial aid to families with children who are struggling to make ends meet and can help with childcare, job training, and finding work.
To apply for TANF, you need to contact your local TANF office. They will help you through the application process and let you know what documents you need.
It’s important to know that each state runs its own TANF program, so the benefits and services might vary. Be sure to ask your local office (you can also reach out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) what specific help they can offer.
7. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you need help paying your energy bills, you might qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps low-income households with their heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP provides federal funds to reduce energy costs. This can include help with your energy bills and dealing with energy crises.
You can also get help making your home more energy-efficient. This is known as weatherization and might include things like adding insulation or fixing drafty windows.
8. Early Intervention and Head Start
Early Intervention services are great for families with young children who have special needs. These services help kids from birth to age three. They offer things like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Most services are free, and others have a sliding scale fee. They make sure your child gets the help they need, even if you can’t pay.
Head Start programs are for kids aged three to five. They help with early learning and development. Head Start also supports families with health and dental services.
Both Early Intervention and Head Start focus on getting kids ready for school. They help children learn and grow in important ways and also support families by connecting them to resources they may need.
You can usually self-refer your child to these programs (each state has its own), or ask your pediatrician for a referral.
9. Apply for college grants
College grants are a great way to get free money for school. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay back grants. They can help cover your tuition, books, and other school expenses.
One of the most well-known grants is the Pell Grant. For the 2023-24 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. This grant is for students with financial need.
Another option is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This is for students with exceptional financial need. The amount you can get depends on your school and your financial situation.
To apply for these grants, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps the government determine how much aid you qualify for.
Many states and schools also offer their own grants. Check with your school’s financial aid office to see what you might be eligible for. It’s a good idea to apply for as many grants as you can.
Grants can make a big difference in paying for college, so it’s worth the effort to apply. Make sure to look for scholarships too!
10. Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
The Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program can help if you work in public service. This includes jobs like teaching, nursing, firefighting, and more. If you work in these fields and have federal student loans, you may be able to get your remaining loan balance forgiven after ten years of payments.
To qualify, you must work full-time for a qualified government or nonprofit organization. You also need to make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Only payments made after October 1, 2007, count toward the 120 payments required.
The program mainly benefits people who work in low-paying, but important, public service jobs. It’s a way to give back while also getting financial relief. Though the application process can be long and require careful tracking, many find the effort worth it when their loans are wiped out.
11. Claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) gives low- to moderate-income workers and families a tax break.
If your income is under a certain amount, you might qualify. This credit can either reduce the taxes you owe or increase your refund. For 2024, the EITC amounts can go up to $3,995, based on your income and family size.
To claim the EITC, you need to file a tax return, even if you do not owe any taxes. You should fill out Form 1040 and a Schedule EIC if you have qualifying children.
12. Get housing vouchers
Housing vouchers are a great way to get help with rent. They are commonly known as Section 8. These vouchers help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe and decent housing.
To get a voucher, your income must be below a certain level and this varies by location and family size.
With a voucher, you can choose any housing that meets program requirements. This gives you some freedom to pick a home that suits your needs best. The government will pay part of the rent, making it more affordable for you.
13. See if you qualify for down payment assistance
Buying a home can be tough, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment. That’s where down payment assistance programs can help prospective homeowners.
These programs come in many forms. You might find grants, loans, or other types of aid to help you with the down payment. Each state offers different programs and some are more generous than others.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. These can include income limits or being a first-time homebuyer.
14. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that gives monthly payments to people who are disabled, blind, or over 65 and have limited income. You may get help with food, rent, and medical bills.
To apply for SSI, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. There, you can find the application forms and details about the process. You may need to provide information about your finances and living situation.
The application can be done online, by phone, or in person. If you’re under 18 or applying for someone under 18, there are special forms for children.
15. Look for health insurance in the marketplace
We all know that health insurance can be very expensive. Before you skip it, I highly recommend comparing pricing of health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace to see if you can find something more affordable for you and your family.
It’s a great way to get coverage and possibly save money. Sometimes, if you qualify, you can get free or low-cost health insurance plans.
Go to Healthcare.gov to start, and each state has its own Marketplace, so follow the specific steps for your state. It can be a little confusing, so make sure you have no distractions and can spend some time doing this.
During the open enrollment period, you can choose a new plan or keep your current one. If you’ve had a big life event, like losing your job, you might qualify to sign up outside the usual enrollment times.
16. Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with low incomes get health care. If you qualify, you can receive free or low-cost medical services, like doctor visits, hospital stays, and even prescription drugs.
Medicaid is especially helpful for families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
One of the best parts is that Medicaid covers a wide range of services – you can get help with dental care, mental health services, and even long-term care.
Your income and family size usually determine if you can get Medicaid.
17. Search for unclaimed money
You might have unclaimed money waiting for you. This money comes from many sources like unpaid wages, forgotten bank accounts, or unclaimed insurance benefits.
You can check by going to unclaimed.org, the website managed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
Each state has its own database for unclaimed property. Check your state’s website to see if there is money owed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several ways you can get money from the government to help with different needs, like paying for food or getting extra support if you don’t make a lot of money.
What ways can I get money from the government?
There are many ways to get free government money. You can apply for unemployment benefits if you lose your job. Families can also check for child tax credits, which give extra money for children. Programs like WIC and SNAP can help with paying for food, and students can get free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school.
How can I get help from the government if I don’t make a lot of money?
Low-income families can use programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), and more to get help from the government if they don’t make a lot of money.
How can I borrow money from the government?
The government offers student loans for education through programs like FAFSA. Small businesses can apply for loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). There are also some loan programs based on specific needs like starting a farm or buying a home.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form that students fill out to get financial aid for college. It can help you get grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to pay for your education.
Can I borrow money from my social security benefits?
No, you cannot borrow money from your Social Security benefits. Social Security is designed to provide income during retirement or if you become disabled, so it’s not a source of loans or advance cash.
Is there free grant money for bills and personal use?
Yes, there can be grants for specific needs like paying utility bills or home repairs. You might also find grants for education, food, and health care. Check with local and federal agencies to see if you qualify for any of these grants.
How do I find out if I qualify for any government assistance?
You can visit government websites or contact local agencies. Many state and local governments have online tools to check your eligibility. It’s also helpful to reach out to community organizations that can guide you through the application process.
How To Get Free Money From the Government – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best ways to get free money from the government.
There are many ways to get free money from the government, such as for housing, to help pay for your children’s expenses, to afford health insurance, to buy food, and more.
Note: There may be changes or updates to the free government programs above. I recommend contacting the program to learn more. Also, please be sure to stay safe with your sensitive information and only use official websites (look for .gov websites and official government organization websites to start with to avoid scams).
What do you think of these free government programs? Have you ever used any of the ways above to get free money from the government?
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Have you ever thought about life lessons about money?
Honestly, most of us haven’t because we go through our day-to-day lives without taking the time to reflect or even journal about our experiences.
This past week, I had the chance to visit my kid’s elementary school during lunchtime. It has been a LONG time since I have stuck foot in a lunchroom. Wow – that room is loud! Really quickly I realized some lunchtime lessons we tend to forget in life.
These are the best money lessons you need to know.
The teachers were present to keep the lunchroom in order. My hats are off to them! They are amazing ladies with gifted talent (and personally, I am thankful for each of them). They kept control of the chaos to make sure the students did what they needed to do – eat lunch while still enjoying their friends.
After observing the students and the teachers, I realized habits start at a young age. If those habits, don’t change. Then, the cycle repeats. As kids, we learn behaviors whether good or bad (and most of them stick with you through your adult life).
It is a matter of choosing which path we want to live.
So, you are probably wondering what does an elementary lunchroom and money have in common??? I’m going to unpack four lessons learned in grade school that people struggle with in their money life.
These are the financial lessons you must embrace to enjoy a life of financial independence.
How Can I Learn About Money?
Just like reading, writing, and arithmetic, financial literacy is important. It is a building block to becoming financially secure. More specifically, being smart with money opens up doors of opportunities.
You are in the exact place you can learn about money.
Here at Money Bliss, we believe people want to learn to alter money management, so they can enjoy life and money.
Unfortunately, financial lessons are not taught in school or at the home.
So, that means as a college student or young adult, you must become self-taught. There are lots of various opinions and advice that you can get. Some of the best money books are highly rated because they have solid money management tips that are life-changing.
Stick around our Money Bliss tribe! I guarantee you will find insightful tips as many others have that will change your personal finances.
Money Lessons You Need in Life
The important lessons in life are simple.
They are basic practices in life. These are not specific tactics to help you get out of debt, budget better, or save more money.
Your mindset will determine success or failure – just by how you are thinking.
Research has proven that your mindset will determine your outcome.
These are the daily money lessons you need to remember that will help you reach financial freedom.
These life lessons about money are you already know, but you may need to practice them more often.
1. Stay Disciplined
The first lesson is about discipline. Going back to the lunchroom, the kids know the expected behavior. It takes discipline to sit down and actually eat lunch vs. throwing food and chatting with friends then no food is eaten. As adults, we know how much income we make and how much we can spend. With money, it takes discipline to stay within a budget or as I prefer to call it – Cents Plan.
In today’s society, there are many ways to fast cash whether by using credit cards, payday loans, or even a home equity loan. It is super easy to rack up thousands and thousands of dollars in debt in a short amount of time. While it may be fun spending all of that fast cash, it comes at a steep price called interest.
Discipline is living within your means.
It takes discipline to say, “No, you can’t afford this.”
Even better is learning how to live below your means and save more money each month.
2. Avoid Pushing the Boundaries
Oh, children are the best at the second lesson! How far can I push the boundary? At what point, do I actually cross the line? During my time in the lunchroom, I observed students after students trying to push the boundaries. Remember, they have wonderful teachers who have taught them the expected behavior.
However, it is natural behavior as humans to test the boundaries.
With money, pushing the boundaries typically starts out small. $20 over on groceries this month. $100 on eating out because we had to celebrate a birthday. Picking up that one item just because it is on sale even when there isn’t enough money to cover the basic expenses. Then, after time, it starts a snowball effect.
It just keeps rolling and rolling, getting bigger and bigger until overspending is out of control and the person is now smothered in debt.
With money, is pushing the boundaries truly worth it? Why should you test your own boundaries when money is at stake? The answer is no. Stop pushing the boundaries.
In the end, you are only hurting yourself financially by testing the limits and causing undue stress.
Related Money Management Posts:
3. Keep the Focus
Um, hello? Are you listening? Still, reading? Good! Yes, focus is the third lesson.
The lunchroom serves one primary purpose – fill up the belly with food before the next class comes in. However, my observations proved that was the last priority on any of those kids’ agendas. Thankfully, the wonderful teachers were present to provide guidance and focus them back on the task on hand. Did it take one reminder? Um, no. Many reminders to stay focused on their primary purpose.
In our society, there are MORE distractions than ever before. Plus the distractions will keep growing exponentially as technology advances and history has proven. So, what does that mean for you and your money?
Develop a plan and stay focused. Don’t stray. Don’t let others change your plan. Focus.
When we paid off our student loans, we were focused on ONE thing. Pay off our loans as soon as possible. Thus, freeing up cash flow in our Cents Plan. We didn’t stray. No changing our minds when things got tough. We stay focused on our vision – PAY OFF OUR STUDENT LOANS.
Staying focused means creating an overall money vision and making money goals.
Every single day, you are focused on making decisions that will make sure reaching your money goals is attainable.
4. Accountability
Teachers through school help keep kids accountable. They were present in the lunchroom making sure chaos didn’t break out. These teachers provide a firm guiding hand with a huge dose of caring love.
Wouldn’t it be great to have an accountability standard for money? Unfortunately, we don’t have many great examples around us. The U.S. Government is trillions of dollars in debt. Most Americans carry debt on their shoulders while living paycheck to paycheck.
We have never been taught to be accountable with money.
The first step to being accountable with money is an accountability partner – either your spouse, friend, or coach. Someone who will keep your best interests in mind.
The second step is to have benchmarks to hold yourself accountable to. Understand how our tagline “Where Cents Parallel Vision” means to you and how to apply it to your life. Make sure to set long-term visions with attainable short-term financial goals. Also, journaling your journey is a great way to stay focused and track progress!
If you are struggling to find accountability, make sure to join the Money Bliss Tribe!
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What’s the best lesson you’ve learned about money?
Personally, for me, it is living with millionaire habits and possessing their mindset. This all happened well before becoming a millionaire and deeply in debt.
It started by believing that I could be successful with money.
These powerful money lessons helped shaped my perspective, and ultimately, the desire to change money statistics with this blog and online business.
If you are stick in the negative mindset of always being poor or broke, that is where you will stay (unless you decide to take control of your mind). Living paycheck to paycheck is an unfortunate place to be.
If you believe that you can become a millionaire, then that is the best lesson you will learn about money, too.
Every money decision is a building block towards financial freedom. There isn’t one thing that will take you from negative net worth to over $1,000,000.
It is a cumulative effort of many daily resolutions that will change your personal finances.
You Need these Important Lessons about money
All of these money lessons we learned early in life, but still need reminders on a constant basis.
In all honesty, they will help every facet of your life. Build the life of your dreams and find money success.
Don’t forget these personal finance lessons:
Stay disciplined
Stop pushing the boundaries
Focus on money goals
Keep accountable
Think like a millionaire
In order to succeed with money and become financially free is to put into practice the lessons taught in school. We don’t have teachers watching over our every move to guide us.
We need to remember why it is so important to stay disciplined, stop pushing the boundaries, stay focused on our plan, and find accountability.
One of the benefits of the Money Bliss Steps to Financial Freedom is it provides a guide with all of these money lessons on how to succeed the fastest.
The steps are to be done in order, therefore, stay focused on the current step and not be distracted. Ten steps to walk through your life’s journey. They won’t happen overnight.
Just like in school… you took one grade at a time, learn what in needed to advance to the next grade.
Take these important lessons about money and willingly use them in every aspect of your life. You will be overcome with how much you are capable of accomplishing!
The Money Bliss Steps are developed to build upon one another and lay the foundation for financial freedom.
Learn how to manage your money, your way. Not have your money manage you.
Side note on teachers and mentors… I am thankful to all of the teachers who dedicate their lives to enriching students’ lives. Each and every one of you makes this world a better place! Thank you.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Do you want or need to learn how to get free diapers? Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for parents, and they can last for years! The average child can go through over 5,000 diapers, so that is a lot of money. Finding ways to get free diapers can help you save money and…
Do you want or need to learn how to get free diapers?
Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for parents, and they can last for years! The average child can go through over 5,000 diapers, so that is a lot of money. Finding ways to get free diapers can help you save money and make sure your baby always has what they need. There are many options available that can make this possible.
By exploring different programs and resources, you can find free diapers for your baby. From diaper banks to local giveaways, many organizations are ready to help. It’s important to know where to look and what’s available to you so that you can save money and get more free things.
Related content:
Best Ways To Get Free Diapers
Below are the best ways to get free diapers:
1. Ask in a Buy Nothing group on Facebook
One great way to get free diapers is to ask in a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. Buy Nothing groups are local groups where people give away items they no longer need.
Join a group in your area and make a post saying you need diapers. Many parents have extra diapers their baby outgrew and would love to give them to someone who needs them. Make sure to mention the size of diapers you need because this helps others see if they have what you’re looking for. And don’t forget to check the group’s rules before posting.
Or, you can also wait to see if anyone shares that they are giving away diapers too. Many kids outgrow their diaper size or become potty-trained and no longer need diapers. I see free diapers being given away in my local Buy Nothing group all the time.
It’s that simple! These groups can be very helpful and you may find other baby items, too (like free baby clothes and toys).
2. Join rewards programs
Many diaper companies have rewards programs that can help you get free diapers.
Pampers has a rewards program called Pampers Club. By using their app, you can scan your receipts and get points for each purchase. These points can be redeemed for free diapers, baby food, toys, and more. For example, you get $0.20 Pampers Cash for every diaper code you enter and $0.05 Pampers Cash for every wipes code you enter.
Huggies also has a loyalty program. You can earn points when you buy Huggies diapers or wipes. Just take a photo of your receipt using their app, and these points can then be exchanged for free diapers and other baby items.
Other major diaper companies, like The Honest Company and Seventh Generation, also have a rewards program for purchasing their products. Signing up is usually free and can save you lots of money.
Rewards programs might also send you free samples of diapers and discounts, which can be nice to get.
I do want to mention that diaper rewards programs can take a long time to earn enough points for free diapers. So, I wouldn’t look at this method to be your only way to get free diapers – instead, it’s simply a way to save a little bit of money on diapers.
3. Sign up for diaper coupons
Getting free diapers can be as simple as signing up for diaper coupons. Many diaper companies, like Pampers, have special promotions and deals for joining their mailing lists or clubs, and you can get coupons sent right to your inbox.
Having these coupons can cut down on the cost of diapers. Some companies even give free samples along with their coupons.
To get started with this, simply go to your favorite diaper brands’ websites and look for any sign-up options.
Related to this: Don’t forget to browse coupon websites. They sometimes collect deals and coupons from various diaper and baby brands in one place, so that you can see who currently has the best diaper deals. This makes it easier for you to find what you need without having to visit multiple websites.
4. Use cash back apps
Cash back apps can help you save money on diapers. These apps give you a percentage of your money back on purchases. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards tend to have deals on baby products. You can use these apps to buy diapers and earn money back.
For example, I just logged into my Ibotta account to see what diaper deals they currently have. These are constantly changing, but right now you can get $6.00 on Huggies, $3.00 back on Luvs Diapers, $3.00 back on Pampers Swaddlers, $2.00 back on baby wipes, and more.
Fetch Rewards currently has diaper deals too, such as earning 2,000 points for buying Luvs Diapers.
These diaper deals are easy to get. First, download the app and create an account. Then, browse the deals for diapers. When you find a deal, follow the app’s instructions to activate it before you shop, and make sure to save your receipt.
After buying the diapers, upload your receipt to the app. The app’s system will check your purchase and add the cash back to your account. You can accumulate money over time and transfer it to your bank or use it for more purchases.
What’s great about cash back apps is that strategy can be stacked so that you can earn even more points and free diapers. For example, you can use both Ibotta and Fetch Rewards at the same time for the same box of diapers, and you can even scan those same diaper boxes to add them to any diaper rewards programs you’re a part of too (such as Pampers Club and Huggies Rewards).
5. Follow diaper brands on social media
Diaper brands sometimes give away free samples and coupons through their social media pages. If you follow them, you can be among the first to know about these offers.
Brands also share special promotions and discounts on their social media. By keeping an eye on their posts, you can grab these deals before they expire.
This isn’t exactly the best way to get free diapers (I like many of the others on this list more), but it is a possible way to get free diapers.
6. Check online marketplaces
You can find free diapers on online marketplaces. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle tend to have people giving away baby items they no longer need.
Search in the “free” section or post your own request for diapers. Many parents are happy to pass on extras rather than throw them away.
I also recommend joining parenting Facebook groups. You can find them by searching “your town name + parents” or something similar, or even just asking other parents you know. Even the smallest towns have these, so there is a good chance yours does too. Members tend to share tips on where to get free diapers or may even have some to give away. For example, I am a part of a parenting group in my local area, and free diapers are given away at least a few times a week by parents whose child outgrew them.
Of course, you’ll want to be careful when meeting strangers for free diaper pickups. Always choose public places and, if possible, bring a friend with you for safety. Check the condition of the diapers to make sure they are still usable.
7. Visit local diaper banks
Local diaper banks are a valuable resource for families in need. These organizations collect and distribute free diapers to families who can’t afford them.
Diaper banks often have partnerships with community centers, churches, and other local organizations. They can help connect you with additional resources to support your family.
Always call ahead to check the hours and requirements of the diaper banks. Some may need proof of income or residency, so bring any necessary documents with you.
8. Join parenting forums
Joining parenting forums is a great way to find free diapers (such as the What To Expect forum). These online communities are full of parents sharing tips and resources. Some forums have threads dedicated to diaper giveaways and swaps.
On these forums, you can also learn about local diaper banks and other community resources. Parents share details and experiences, helping you find the best options so that you can save money and time.
9. Apply for government assistance
If you need diapers for your baby, government programs can help.
One way is through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Some states also give diaper allowances too.
For example, California’s CalWORKs program provides diapers to certain families who qualify. Washington State also has a diaper allowance for families getting TANF.
10. National Diaper Bank Network
The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) can be a big help if you need free diapers. They work with over 225 community-based diaper banks across the U.S. These diaper banks collect, store, and give out free diapers to families who are struggling.
To find a diaper bank near you, visit their website at NationalDiaperBankNetwork.org. They connect families to resources that help provide diapers and other baby necessities. This can be a lifesaver if you’re having trouble buying diapers for your child.
If you need help quickly, you can call 2-1-1. Specialists are available 24/7 and can help you find local resources, including diaper banks. They can also guide you toward other basic needs, like food and housing support.
11. Reach out to nonprofit organized playgroups near you
Nonprofit local playgroups have more than just fun activities for kids. Many also provide essential items like diapers to families in need.
I am a part of two local playgroups, and they both constantly have diaper drives and are giving out diapers. While I am personally not in need of free diapers, I do know how helpful these types of groups are for our children and families. For the playgroup that I am in, you can simply put in a request for diapers and someone will contact you right away about your options.
You can start by searching for playgroups in your area, asking around in local Facebook groups, or talking to other parents in your neighborhood. You might find listings online or through community centers too.
When you contact these groups, ask if they have any diaper assistance programs. Some playgroups partner with charities to distribute free diapers to families who need them.
Joining one of these playgroups has other benefits too. Your child will get to socialize and play, and you might make some new friends with other parents. It’s a win-win!
12. Add diapers to your registry
Adding diapers to your baby registry is a smart move. You can get a good supply of diapers at your baby shower.
You could also ask for different sizes as babies grow quickly, so having different sizes will help you be prepared.
You can also create a diaper fund. Friends and family can contribute money so you can buy diapers as needed.
I have even seen a new trend lately where people have a raffle at their baby shower for a new TV or something else that is expensive. For each box that a guest brings, they are given one raffle ticket. I’ve seen some parents get a TON of free diaper boxes this way!
13. Reach out to parenting nonprofits near you
Parenting nonprofits are a great resource for getting free diapers. These organizations often provide supplies to families in need.
Nonprofits like Help a Mother Out and Baby2Baby work to increase access to diapers and other baby essentials.
Finding these nonprofits in your area is simple. Try searching online or asking for recommendations from local community centers or hospitals.
14. Contact nonprofit organizations
Nonprofit organizations that aren’t related to babies can be a great resource for getting free diapers too. They sometimes distribute diapers to families in need.
This can include local churches, food banks and food pantries, the Salvation Army, and shelters.
15. Use cloth diapers
Cloth diapers are a great way to save money. They can be reused many times, which means you don’t have to keep buying new ones.
There are many types of cloth diapers. Some have inserts you take out and wash separately. Others come as one piece. Find what’s easiest for you.
Using cloth diapers might seem like more work. However, they can save you thousands of dollars over time. Plus, they are better for the environment since they reduce waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many ways to get free diapers. Some programs provide them for low-income families, while others give samples or help through government services. Here are answers to common questions about how to get free diapers.
What programs give free diapers to low-income families?
Many states have diaper programs for families in need. Reaching out to programs like TANF, diaper banks, and local nonprofits can be a good way to get free diapers for low-income families.
How can I get free diaper samples sent to my home?
You can get free samples by reaching out to diaper manufacturers. Many companies, like Pampers and Huggies, send free samples if you join their rewards programs or sign up for their newsletters.
How to get free diapers from the government?
Some government programs, like TANF, give diaper support. Specific states, such as California and Washington, have allowances for families with young children. Check with your local social services office to learn more.
Can I get help with diapers through the WIC program?
The WIC program mainly focuses on providing nutritious food (like baby formula and other grocery items) to low-income families. It does not usually cover diapers. However, some local WIC offices might be able to share information with you on nearby organizations that can give you diaper assistance. Also, unfortunately, you cannot use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for free diapers either.
How to get Pampers for free?
Sign up for Pampers’ rewards program and follow them on social media. They sometimes have promotions and giveaways where you can earn points that can be redeemed for free diapers.
Does Huggies send free samples?
Yes, Huggies offers free samples. Join the Huggies Rewards program and keep an eye on their social media for any sampling events or promotions. If you sign up for any baby boxes while you’re pregnant, there are typically a few free Huggies diapers as well.
What can be used instead of diapers?
If you’re out of diapers, cloth diapers can be a good alternative.
How To Get Free Diapers – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get free diapers.
As you can see, there are many ways to get free diapers. No matter the quantity of diapers that you need, you may be able to get help affording diapers.
What do you think is the best way to get free diapers?
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
This topic is an age old debate.
Is money a symbol of success?
What does it mean to be financially successful?
Does money make you successful?
Money is the only measure of success, right?
Success is not measured by money, correct?
Is money everything?
The question only look to more questions.
And honestly, those deep-thinking questions are the ones that leave us feeling the most vulnerable and difficult to articulate.
That is why the success is money debate will be hotly contested at any happy hour, break room, or phone call.
Let’s dig into various sides of the argument, so you can make a wise decision for your life.
Just a hint… this topic show many shades of gray and might not be as black and white as you want.
Why is success Measured by Money?
There are many reasons why money is associated with success.
The primary reason is people deep down truly believe that money will change their situation. More money = more happiness. Isn’t that the quote we all grew up on?
Next, measuring success happens in two ways. The things that are tangible like money, assets, cars, houses, jewelry, etc. The other way of measuring success is intangible – something that you can NEVER value even if you tried.
Money opens doors of opportunities. You get to decide what equates to success.
That is why most people judge money success.
No matter how you spin it, money opens opportunities that weren’t available before. That is the final reason why measuring success with money happens.
Is Money the only Measure of Success?
Honestly, absolutely not.
However, one of the best ways to measure progress is with numbers. That is the reason so many people rely on measuring success with money.
Your financial success nonetheless is NOT the only measure of success.
There are many variables that go into your equation of success. Some to consider include:
Lifestyle
Choices to do what you want
Happiness
Gratitude
Ability to give back
Work / life balance
Spending time doing what you want to do
Helping others
The list can go on and on. Thus, the success is money debate will continue for ages.
The key point to remember is the word… YOUR.
This is your journey. Your path with money. You make choices based on your desires.
How to be Successful with Money
And not give up your soul.
This is a delicate balancing act. Honestly, it shouldn’t be labeled as a balancing act because that isn’t an accurate reflection of being successful.
You must find your rhythm.
Find the point where money helps you to do what you want to do in life, but isn’t your #1 focus. Let’s dig into ways to be successful with money.
1. Be Different
Going against the grain of society is gutsy. It is the willingness to be different. This is the moment when you say enough is enough of doing things society’s way and start putting your success first.
It will feel awkward at first.
Anything that is new is harder at first. Just like any resolution, it takes time for a new habit to be made.
Ways to be Different:
Learn to become self-reliant instead of just ordering something online.
When you want to bail on something, show persistence for just a little bit longer.
Sign up for Struggling to Financial Success Money Bootcamp to assess your finances.
Find a like-minded community.
Decide what is more important to you than money.
Learn to say no (and not feel guilty).
Celebrate your successes when you go against society’s norms.
2. Stop the Comparison Game
This is such an easy trap to fall into! Sometimes without even realizing it.
We don’t even need to leave the comfort of our home to start the comparison game. Society even pushes the concept of comparison – even at the young ages. Across all media, it is okay to wish for something you don’t have.
If everyone else is doing it, you might as well, too.
Is comparison the root of all evil? Probably not.
With money, comparison can cause a quick, slippery slope to debt. The average household has $90K of debt (not including mortgage). That is a heavy burden to carry.
Even if you manage to stay out of debt, reaching financial freedom and retiring early will be harder. It is okay to be different. It is okay to stay outside of the comparison game.
Societal pressures are huge. The impact can lead to financial ruin.
From money coaching, I have learned that many of their biggest financial decisions and mistakes have been made with outside pressures.
3. Stay Persistent to Your Plan
Persistence is a trait that was a given when I grew up. Remember the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” It was expected to try over and over again until you succeed. It didn’t have to be perfect; it was the effort that counted.
Today, persistence is a character trait our elementary school stresses to the students. Why? Because today’s kids give up WAY too quickly.
This is your story. Your money journey.
You judge your success with money based on your plan.
Getting out of debt. Stop living paycheck to paycheck. Reaching financial freedom. Retiring early. Those things will not happen on their own (wouldn’t that be great if it could?). It will be tough to reach those milestones.
Ask anyone who reached $1 million net worth, retired at 50, or had a little money left over at the end of the month but covered bills. They will say it was tough at times. But, it is worth the extra effort and persistence in the end.
4. Pay Yourself First
Money success is based on one simple area… saving money before you do anything else.
While this concept seems simple enough, do you actually pay yourself first?
This is something I talk about over and over here at Money Bliss, the reminder continues.
Today is payday, then you move money to a separate savings account.
That is as simple as it gets.
Resources to Pay Yourself First:
5. Be Wary of the Love Of Money
Remember the saying, “Money Talks.” Unfortunately, in today’s society, money talks. It provides access. It provides freedom. Money is a status symbol.
This is not true of every person in society. Not everyone struggles with the love of money.
But, many of our decisions tend to be based on money rather than what is better for our lives.
Everyone dreams of winning the lotto. A chance to finally change their situation. Honestly, winning the lotto creates bigger problems without getting to the root of the love of money.
Find contentment.
The best way to overcome the love of money is to be content with what you have been blessed with.
Regardless of the amount in your bank account, look around and find everything you have been blessed with.
Is Money Success?
What is your opinion?
Does the saying, “Money is the key to success” a part of your life.
The success with money debate will happen for years and there is nothing we can do to change that.
So, you have to define what success means to you.
As we have stated in this post, success looks different to everyone. This is your financial journey and legacy.
What would make you feel like you had an impact?
That is your answer to success with money.
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More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
This is definitely a tough topic to tackle. And the reason why is money is a very highly contested and debated issue, but on the same flip of the coin, it is a taboo subject and nobody talks about money. So the question remains is money everything in life.
I am going to be brutally honest in this post and highlight both sides of the coin. The hard part with money is money provides opportunities. Yet, money can also be the root of all evil.
Thus, is life all about making money?
In this post, we are going to outline everything that you would want to know about this topic – is everything about money. The reasons that you should care about money and the reasons that you need to forget about money.
Too many times, you want desperately to care about money. Yet, you are afraid of taking the right steps to get where you want financially. You are trapped in the vicious cycle of making poor decisions.
Everything is About Money
Everything is about money seems appropriate, right?
You roll out of bed each morning to go out and make money. You think about how you should save your money while you’re out buying a coffee or picking up groceries. Then, you began to think… all I do each and every day is go to work, make money, spend my money, rinse, and repeat. Or maybe you are sticking your head into the sand to ignore your financial situation.
Subsequently, you stress about money because there was not enough left over each and every week. Or maybe there’s a tiny bit leftover, but you are still not happy.
It seems like everything is about money. Life revolves around money. Every decision you make involves money.
That right there is the reason that managing money is so difficult for so many different people because you do not understand why money is good and why money is bad.
So, in your head, you must define good and bad.
Then, how money correlates to your belief system about finances, how you interact with money on a daily basis, and your definition of good / bad. This needs to happen to be able to move forward.
If you want to change how you feel about money and interact with it, then you must decide what steps you’re going to take.
Why is Money Everything?
Let’s go back a few 100 years.
In the times, people had to barter to be able to survive. They exchanged goods and services in order to get the things that they needed. They were able to help others with their services and in exchange get the supplies or services they needed in exchange. It was a basic system that worked for survival.
That is how the first marketplace was developed; it was a bartering system. You had to barter to buy and sell things.
As society became more advanced and industrialized, the concept of money came around. Instead of having to barter for goods and services, you were exchanging money for a good or service. That is how you made money and spent money.
Consequentially, at the basic form, money is almost everything because that is the basis of how we are able to survive and do the things that we need to do on a daily basis.
There is no possible way to go through life without money. Period.
Is Money the Only Important Thing in Life?
Honestly, the answer is no.
If you truly believe that money is the only important thing in life, then you need to think about your priorities. Even in the Bible, it states that money can be the root of evil, but that money itself is not bad.
Money can help others that are in need. It can help provide housing for your family and keeps you fed. It can provide a security blanket, aka an emergency fund in times of need.
So money is needed, but it is not the most important thing in life.
There are plenty of other things that are more important. Look around you and count your blessings.
But, you have to remember the bottom line is that money opens up the door for opportunities.
You Should Care About Money & What Money Can Buy
Is life only about money?
In this section, we are going to outline the exact reasons you should care about money.
Money can buy everything! Specifically a whole lot of things; it can buy you a new house, a new car, take you on that vacation, buy the organic food that you want.
Money can buy you absolutely anything!
The problem with money for the general population is that it is finite. You do not have unlimited access to do everything you want with the money. And that can be a very frustrating situation to find yourself in.
That is why you get caught up in this belief system, that nowadays money is everything.
You have to have money to be able to do anything, to go anywhere, or to buy anything.
But the difference and the key you must learn from this post is while money is important, money management is the critical lesson.
You Should Not Care About Money & What Money Cannot Buy
Why it is said that money is not everything in life?
In this section, let’s discuss the exact reasons why you should not care about money.
Money cannot buy you happiness.
Let me repeat that again, money does not equate to being happy.
Money will not change your depression; money will not make your relationships better. There are many things that money can do, but money cannot cover up the deeply hidden wounds and poor decisions that you made previously.
Those are things that money absolutely cannot buy. And that is the reason that most people say money is not everything.
You have to find happiness in other ways that do not involve your finances. You have to find joy in the simple things. You must find gratitude for what you have.
These are all things that a $100,000 check cannot buy you. Only your heart can buy you these things and that takes some deep soul searching in time and investment.
Can you find the things that make you happy? But money cannot be one of them. And that, my friend, is the reason that money is not everything.
Five Steps to Make Money Work For You (Without Controlling You)
As stated earlier, the critical lesson you must walk away from is proper money management.
You must know how to manage your money. So that money can do everything that you want it to do.
Money can provide you with those opportunities.
With poor money management skills, you are absolutely unable to make progress. You won’t be able to take any steps further.
1. Learn about Money
One thing that is not taught in our education system is how to manage money, why it is important to save, and how to stay out of debt. Our society is living paycheck to paycheck because we are not taught anything better.
You must take the time to learn how money works.
That right there is the reason most people fail with money.
Learning how to save or how to pay off your debt will not happen overnight. Most people quit quickly because they want instant success, instant gratification. And with money, it is a long-term game.
The choices that you make starting today will affect your future. The choices you made one year ago, three years ago, or ten years ago are affecting where you are at financially today.
2. Understand the Purpose Of Money
Money is a tool. Money is not an object.
Hence, let me define that a little bit deeper.
Money is a tool to help you accomplish what you want in life, and where you want to go by utilizing money correctly. You are able to reach your financial goals.
Whereas, money is not an object. That means when flashing your cash when out with friends, flashing that brand new car, or buying that house in a dream neighborhood just because you have something to show off.
That is an object. That is not what money is about; you are just showing off. That is when money is everything, specifically your ego. But, it doesn’t have the right meaning of money success.
3. Consequences of Poor Decisions
This is the reason people feel like money is everything. The past decisions that you have made might have cost you money, you may have lost money and you are still paying for those financial hits today.
Consequently, you feel like money is everything to be able to get out of your current situation.
You need more money to be able to advance your financial freedom. You need more money to be able to pay off the debt that you bought into your life.
The desire for more money and everything circles back to the concept of everything is about money.
There are no ways to move forward because your finances are holding you back. If you are stuck in this trap of past poor financial decisions, you have to recognize those mistakes and learn from them.
Write down your past mistakes, and list exactly what you have learned from them. Once you’ve done that, you have to let it go and let it be a lesson learned.
Focus on positive ways to change your habits.
Find a different community or a new group of friends that have the same values around money that you are striving towards. Then, the temptation of poor money decisions slips away with the bad influences.
Dedicate time to make your goals and values a priority.
4. Talk About Money
Money is a taboo subject in our society.
Because of that, wealth is not passed down from generation to generation. The older generation was taught that you don’t talk about money, so they’re not going to share the lessons that they learned over time. Yet, how many recipes are family favorites that everyone knows how to make because they’ve been passed down from generation to generation.
That needs to change.
You need to learn to talk about money. And that will help you set you up for money success, because like I said…
Money is a tool that can be talked about money. Objects are just showing off.
Kristy@ Money Bliss
While it can be hard to talk about money for the first time, set up a dedicated time with your spouse, significant other or a friend to just ask some questions and learn their money tips.
Maybe even reach out to your parents and ask, “what was your biggest financial failure? What was your biggest financial success?” Learn from their answers. If that is not an option, find a mentor that you believe has done well financially and ask them about making smart financial decisions in their life.
Ask them what they did to get there.
Ask what do they see that you are doing wrong, so that you can change today.
By talking about money, you will learn from other’s mistakes without making those same mistakes.
5. Prioritizing Money Is Not Greedy
If you have money, that does not mean you are greedy.
Unfortunately, money and greed are tied together in many ways.
The difference comes into play with how you view money. Is it a tool or an object?
Greedy with money is when money becomes all about you and your wants. You hold onto your money so tight and cannot use money to help others. It is all about money upholding your flashy lifestyle.
When you prioritize money as a tool in order to buy the things that you need in life. That prioritization leads to money success and you are able to open up doors of opportunity.
And that right there can lead to so many wonderful life choices for you.
That does not mean you are greedy about your money, it means you actively choose to prioritize what money can do for you as a tool.
Is It All About Money?
In this post, we discussed so many variables that can impact your money.
Overall, money is a belief system.
You can believe that it is a tool to help you succeed.
You can believe that it is an object to show off.
And that lies the difference of your perception of money.
Do you perceive whether life is going to be all about money, or are you going to use money as a tool to do things that there is no possible way you could do without that money?
You have to learn to not let money control you and to start controlling your money.
Is money everything or not? I will leave you to come to your personal conclusion.
In this post, we listed why money is a good thing. But, we also listed reasons why money can be evil.
You just have to remember the key to success is money management. In order to do the things that you want in life, you must decide how the income and cash assets will work in your favor.
Now for you, is everything about money or not?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn how to set smart financial goals and change the trajectory of your personal finances. Download our setting financial goals worksheet.
Financial success doesn’t happen just in January. It happens every single day of the year with every single decision you make.
Now, is the time to take your New Year’s resolutions and make them into smart financial goals.
Financial goals will help keep you on track.
There are two ways to look at goals.
You can either set them,
or ignore even making financial goals.
A lot of people don’t like to set financial goals because they feel like they are setting themselves up for failure. (And that is a money mindset that needs to be broken!)
However, by setting smart financial goals, you are more likely to make progress on the things that matter to you most, and that at the end of the day is the most important.
Too many times we see that people are stressed about money and their finances. They prefer to ignore their money situation and dig their head into the sand. You can quickly see that will only make the situation worse, and progress will NEVER be made.
Today, we are going to examine smart financial goals, give a few examples of goals to start with today, and then let you think BIG on long-term financial goals.
Let’s dig in and change your financial future…
What is a Financial Goal?
A financial goal is writing down what you want to accomplish with your money.
It can be big, it can be small.
The size and scope of the money objective does not matter.
The most important part is that you are making a decision, ahead of time about what you want to do with your money.
Everybody has different goals.
Comparing yourself to others is worthless. Each person is on their own financial journey. The only comparison that needs to happen is what is going on with you and your situation.
What are the 5 smart goals?
First, you need to make your goals with this template in mind.
Then, you will become the next millionaire with no money.
S – Specific
An overarching vision for your life is fabulous and will help you to keep on track of what you want to achieve. However, when it comes to making smart financial goals, they need to be specific.
You must clearly identify or define your goal. Be specific.
M – Measurable
With your goal, you must consider how you plan to measure it. Thankfully, this one is easy to quantify with personal finances.
You can gauge progress with dollar amounts or percentages.
If you are paying off debt or starting your journey to saving money, then using dollar amounts makes sense. If you are striving towards financial freedom, then you are looking at savings percentages or metrics to increase your net worth.
A – Attainable
With the smart goal format, we are quick to back off our goals because we don’t think we can achieve them. Don’t sell yourself short.
It is better to reach 80% of your goal than to walk away from it completely because you are 80% closer today than before you set your goal.
Go for a stretch financial goal; you will probably surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. Use those money mantras to keep you on track.
R – Realistic
Think about your financial goal logically. In a levelheaded voice, ask yourself if you are capable of reaching this goal today.
You have to be realistic about the season you are in and what your next financial step is. With the smart goal template, this is the point when you break up your goals into smaller pieces to set reasonable goals.
State your goal in a positive statement.
T – Time-Bound
The last part of the 5 smart goals is probably the most forgotten. Yet, it is the most important to reach your goals.
Changing your perspective on time planning will vastly improve your results.
Keep your financial goals within a timeframe of under 3 months.
Loftier financial goals that are long-term – that is great! You must break them down further into mini-milestones to reach your long term goal.
SMART Goal Example:
A great smart financial goal example would be these statements…
Starting today, I will save $96 each week for the next 52 weeks by transferring money when I get paid.
I will pay off an extra $3000 of student loan debt six months from today.
This year, I will increase my savings percentage to 15% by paying myself first and living off the rest.
These are just a few examples. We will provide more in a little bit.
How To set Smart Financial Goals?
Financial goals will help you make faster progress than you thought possible.
You just must be willing to make changes, be realistic about what you can accomplish, and keep a positive mindset.
Let’s dig in on how to set smart financial goals. This is exactly how you achieve financial goals.
1. Know Where You Stand Financially
That means knowing two important factors. First, what Money Bliss Step to Financial Freedom you are on, and second, what is your net worth?
Those are two benchmarks that will help you to determine what your next financial goal should be.
Without knowing where you stand, you won’t be able to track your progress. Also, knowing your liquid net worth is helpful.
2. Define Your Vision
What is the overarching theme for your life? Think long term 10+ years from now.
Here, at Money Bliss, we like to refer to it as your Dream Big Vision.
This will be the starting point for all of your smart financial goals.
What is the one thing that you want most? This doesn’t have to correlate to money. It can be a LIFE goal.
You must first define your vision to clearly make smart financial goals. Think of it as building blocks. You will progress faster with be stable by building your goals one step at a time versus trying to jump over a few key steps and sinking fast.
Also, make sure you do not have a money block holding you back.
3. Create a Plan
Once you know your Dream Big Vision, you have to create action steps along the way to help you reach it.
That is where the Money Bliss Steps to Financial Freedom will help you define the big financial moves to make along your journey.
Then you can take your personal situation (where you stand financially) and your personal vision to create a plan. Many times your personal finance plan will have many short term and long term financial goals along the way.
Smart Financial Goals Examples
What are some good smart goals? These are the top financial goals we truly believe everyone must accomplish.
Everyone is on their OWN journey.
Here is a list of money goal examples that can be further defined by your situation.
1. Be a constant learner
The first smart financial goal is to be a constant learner. With money management and personal finance, there is so much to learn! We all complain that we weren’t taught how to manage money in schools.
Yet, this is a life-long skill.
Add one or two of these finance books to your booklist. Many of us strive to read books monthly that will enrich our lives.
Recently, I made the decision to want to learn more about investing. While there are a ton of investing books out there (and I have read many of them), I wanted to dig deeper into the investing world. So, I signed up for this course and found a wonderful trading community.
Also, since tax laws are constantly changing, it is wise to stay current on news events and find ways to improve your personal finance situation.
Example #1 – I will read one personal finance book each quarter.
2. Pay Yourself First
This is one of the best long term success factors with money. Yet, it is the hardest for us to grasp.
You must pay yourself first … meaning you save money today for another purpose later.
This is one of the best ways to not be knocked over by unforeseen circumstances and to stay out of debt.
Early on, you must fully fund an emergency fund.
Then, consider saving for a rainy day fund, a down payment on a house, or retirement. This is one of the best money management tips you don’t want to skip.
Example #2 –I will set up automatic withdrawals of 10% of my paycheck to move into a savings account and $200 to Roth IRA when I get paid.
3. Multiple streams of income
A conversation I would love to have with my grandpa is about working for one company for 34 years and retiring with a pension. In today’s world, this is a foreign concept and side hustles are the norm. What would our previous generations say?
Now, you need multiple streams of income.
If you say your job is stable and you’re fine. You are….until you’re not.
That is why you need to be proactive in creating multiple types of income. The quick response is picking up a side hustle. Another would be investing in the stock market. Possibly flipping second-hand items. Maybe picking up a second job.
There are many ways to make money fast. But, you must find ways to make money before you actually need the extra cash.
Example #3– I am going to sign up with Neighbor to lend out the space I don’t use to create extra income.
4. Get out of Debt and Live debt free
You can’t move forward when you have debt hanging over your head and holding you back.
Progress is impossible when you are living with and trying to pay off debt.
The faster you can pay off debt, the better off you are. Then, you need to stay debt free.
This is one of the best smart financial goal examples!
Example #4 – I will pay off the total balance of my student loans before I turn 30.
5. Spend less Than You Earn
This is a simple example. Yet, it is more difficult to achieve with the amount of easy access to credit in our society.
This is an ongoing mandate to live by.
You can easily reach many long term goals, by staying on track in the short term.
Example #5 – I will participate in a no spend challenge for the next 30 days to identify what my spending priorities are.
6. Increase your Saving Percentage
This is one of the best ways to slowly increase your net worth and not notice the difference.
Ultimately, you want to save at least 20% or more of your income. There is no limit to how much you can save.
Save more money today, then work less later.
Yes, there is a trade-off to live below your means. But, the long term impact is well worth it plus you can sleep well at night.
Example #6 – I will increase my saving percentage by 1% each month for the next 12 months. Then, I will be saving 12% of my income.
7. Let money flow through your hands
Too many times, people become so focused on their goals that they forget to let money pass through their hands. This could be with giving money to charitable organizations or paying it forward in the drive-through line.
Don’t make this overall complicated.
Just like Dave Ramsay says about giving, “If you can’t live on 100% of your money, you will still have to make changes to live on 90%.” Start small with giving and increase each year.
Example # 7 – I will research organizations I want to donate money to. Then, pick one to contribute $100 a month for the next year.
8. Keep a Financial goal Journal
Research has shown that if you write down your goals, then you are more likely to achieve them. In fact, statistics show you are 1.4 more likely to reach your goals when you write them down.1
So, be smart and keep track of your financial goals! Plus it is great to look back and see the progress you have made. Each milestone that you have crossed. That is great motivation to keep trucking on your current target.
Example #8 – Buy a money journal and track my progress each month. You can even use Google Keep to create a digital journal.
9. Teach others solid money management skills
Throughout your life, you will learn many valuable lessons. Most of them probably came from the school of hard knocks.
Don’t let those valuable lessons go to waste. Help others learn from your mistakes. We all made them and had to overcome them.
One sentence may positively change the trajectory of someone else’s financial path.
This may seem like an odd example of a smart financial goal. However, your journey has been pivoted by others stepping in to help or maybe be watching others fail.
We need more individuals in this world who understand proper money management. Pass down your knowledge to your kids, local school, friends, neighbors, or by volunteering.
Example #9 – Make monthly meetings with my teenager to discuss money. Discuss a success and failure I did in my past.
10. Retire on Your Terms
The final top financial goal is to retire on your terms when you want.
This looks different from one person to another. Some may want to FIRE. Others love their job and never want to leave. Some are forced to work well beyond what they want.
The key to retiring on your terms is to have enough saved up for you to continue your lifestyle without bringing in earned income.
Honestly, putting off saving for retirement is not a smart financial goal.
Example #10 – Open a Roth IRA and deposit $583 each month to reach the maximum contribution amount each year.
Setting Financial Goals Worksheet
If you want to make progress, you have to take action. If you don’t, then you watch from the sidelines and your dreams go up in smoke.
Take thirty minutes to fill out our financial goals worksheet.
Start with your overall vision. Then, break it down into small bite-sized milestones that you can accomplish. Review monthly and set new money goals once you accomplish previous ones.
Which Financial Goal Examples will you Start With?
Throughout this post, we reiterated this concept. But, it is SO important that it is worth repeating again…
This is your journey. Your journey will be different than anyone else. So, don’t spend time comparing yourself to others. Spend time focuses on what you can accomplish.
From the top financial goals, what is your next priority?
Personal finances are a long term game. You must assemble building blocks to slowly climb one step at a time.
Start with some of the best financial books to get started.
Also, use these millionaire quotes to stay motivated along the way.
Comment below on what your current financial goal is.
Source
Forbes. “Neuroscience Explains Why You Need To Write Down Your Goals If You Actually Want To Achieve Them
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2018/04/15/neuroscience-explains-why-you-need-to-write-down-your-goals-if-you-actually-want-to-achieve-them/?sh=c59f73c79059. Accessed May 8, 2024.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: The decision on where you live is a big life choice. Learn how an HCOL vs LCOL area will impact you financially. Plus find the cost of living city that fits for you.
HCOL. LOCL. MCOL. What do these acronyms mean and why should I care?
Back when I was trying to decide where to live, there wasn’t a big discussion about the high cost of living or low cost of living areas.
You just picked a city close to family or branched out to a new area. Were you drawn to the big city or not? Plain and simple.
Today, there are many tools at our disposal to try and figure out what is the best city to live in based on income, expenses, and the lifestyle that you desire.
In this post, you will see how to analyze what type of city you want to live in and see if it makes financial sense for you.
Why such the price difference between HCOL and LCOL?
In a low cost of living city, you can buy a house for $50,000. In contrast, a median home price in a high cost of living city can cost $1.5 million. This is a correlation between supply and demand in the market.
The more people who want to live in a certain area that has less available space will naturally drive up prices. Whereas most low cost of living areas, the supply is abundant since there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own neck of the woods for much less.
Here’s a quick comparison of HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL.
New York City has the highest cost of living at 100, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco. This graph highlights the difference in cost of living in these example cities.
HCOL Seattle, WA
MCOL Las Vegas, NV
LCOL Knoxville, TN
Cost of Living Index
85.57
69.33
63.26
2 Bed Apartment Rent
$2,724
$1,176
$788
Median Home Price
$826,200
$441,771
$256,188
Median Income
$92,263
$56,354
$33,229
Data from Nerdwallet, Census.Gov, and Numbeo
What is HCOL area Mean?
Simply put, HCOL means a high cost of living.
This type of acronym is to describe certain areas or cities where expenses that impact your budget the most, such as housing, food, and transportation, are more expensive than other areas.
When defining an HCOL area, it is a comparison of the cost of living based on other areas around other cities, states, and countries.
There is no hard line to define high cost of living since it is compared to the other cities.
Is it possible to live in a high cost of living area? Absolutely, it all depends on how you choose to live, the income you make, your lifestyle choices, and your savings percentage.
VHCOL are VERY high cost of living areas, such as Manhattan, Honolulu, San Francisco, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
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Pros and Cons of HCOL
Just because an area is labeled HCOL does not mean that you shouldn’t call the city home and stay away from these areas.
There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages of living in a high cost city.
There are always drawbacks to living in a high cost of living area and you have to decide whether or not what works for you.
In order to make a solid decision on where the best place is for you to live, you need to know this information.
Advantages of HCOL City
Job Market is Solid
First of all, in HCOL cities, the job market is stronger, there are more jobs available, and typically those jobs have a higher paying threshold than other areas.
That is why many companies are attracted to these areas because they know the talent pool of potential employees is much stronger in high cost of living area versus other areas where there are not as many skilled workers.
Income is Higher
Since companies know they must pay their employees a fair wage living in a high cost of living area, incomes are higher to support the increased expenses.
This helps those municipalities collect more taxes, which feed back into the system to provide more for their residents.
More Opportunities
More opportunities abound in a high cost of living cities.
Not only in the job market but there is access to public amenities and conveniences. Some examples include museums, sporting events, transit, best medical services, endless entertainment options, quality restaurants, high-end shopping, and quick access to international airports.
Even better, you can find free entertainment each and every day that does not cost a penny. Here is a list of 101 things to do with no money.
There are many benefits of living in a high cost of living area just because their opportunities are endless. You will always find something to do and there is always stuff going on.
Better Schools
Typically, in your high cost of living cities, that is where you will find the better schools. This is in direct correlation to the job market and skilled workers.
These skilled workers tend to have a higher instance of college graduates and they tend to want the best for their children. As a result, the schools tend to be much better than you would find in other areas.
Higher Chance of Home Equity
Another advantage of big cities is the variety of neighborhoods you can find in a bigger city. You can find the type of house you want to live in and the diversity you crave.
While home costs are much higher, there is also a greater chance of income increasing your home equity much faster than other areas.
For example, in Michigan, you could pay $100,000 for the exact same house in 5-10 years since appreciation will not happen at the same rate as other cities. Whereas, if you look at some of the hot markets, like Denver, Phoenix, or Austin, the home prices have been skyrocketing.
Thus, if you live in those quickly appreciating housing areas, there is a higher chance to increase the value of your house.
Disadvantages Of HCOL Cities
Higher Basic Cost of Living – Specifically Housing
First, housing costs can break the bank. It is the biggest expense for any household.
If you were unable to secure a salary to justify the housing cost, it makes it nearly impossible to be able to afford to live in a high cost of living area.
This is where you would have to get creative and look for housing subsidies or other means to stretch your housing budget.
Harder to Find Houses
Another con of a high cost of living areas is it is much harder to find housing! House and rent prices are higher, jobs are tougher to find where there’s opportunities abound, and you may feel like you are searching for a needle in a haystack.
You need to have the right opportunity to find the proper house for you. If you are looking at buying, you need things to line up properly and in your favor.
Stretch Yourself Too Far Financially
Since incomes tend to be much higher, many people find the urge to spend more discretionary income.
In many cases, this means that the average household may stretch themselves a little bit further by keeping up with the Joneses. They tend to spend more frivolously and not live as frugal.
This is a trap to be aware of if you are in a high cost of living area. You can be savvy with your money and save, but you have to be cognizant of how you spend your hard-earned salary.
HCOL Cities…
These are the HCOL areas. Do you need to avoid them? No, but going into those areas, you must realize the cost of living will be higher.
Here’s a list of all of the cities that are the top 20 cities that are high cost of living areas according to Kiplinger:
1.
Manhattan, New York
(145.7% above U.S. average)
2.
San Francisco, California
(94.7% above U.S. average)
3.
Honolulu, Hawaii
(97.6% above U.S. average)
4.
Brooklyn, New York
(80.5% above U.S. average)
5.
Washington, D.C.
(60.7% above U.S. average)
6.
Seattle, Washington
(56.7% above U.S. average)
7.
Oakland, California
(53.9% above U.S. average)
8.
Arlington, Virginia
(50.5% above U.S. average)
9.
Orange County, California
(50.2% above U.S. average)
10.
Boston, Massachusetts
(48.8% above U.S. average)
11.
Queens, New York
(47.8% above U.S. average)
12.
Los Angeles, California
(46.6% above U.S. average)
13.
Bethesda, Maryland
(45.5% above U.S. average)
14.
San Diego, California
(41.4% above U.S. average)
15.
Alexandria, Virginia
(40.0% above U.S. average)
16.
Stamford, Connecticut
(36.4% above U.S. average)
17.
Portland, Oregon
(34.3% above U.S. average)
18.
Fairbanks, Alaska
(27.9% above U.S. average)
19.
Bergen County & Passaic County, NJ
(26.6% above U.S. average)
20.
Anchorage, Alaska
(24.4% above U.S. average)
Source: Kiplinger
What Is LCOL Area Mean?
LCOL stands for lower cost of living.
These cities have a lower average cost of living versus the average.
Simply put…your ability to stretch your income goes much further in a low cost area compared to a high cost of living area. This is where you can get a bigger bang for your buck.
Pros and Cons of LCOL
The differences in the area where you can live can be vastly different. Thus, providing benefits or drawbacks of choosing to live there.
The cons are typically the reasons that most people want to stay away from these cities.
This is where personal preference tends to play the biggest reason for choosing one location over another.
Just like with a high cost of living area, you need to weigh the pros and cons of living somewhere where expenses are not quite as high.
Advantages of LCOL –
Slower Pace of Life
One of the biggest benefits is a slower pace of living in low cost of living area.
Life doesn’t move as fast.
There is more time to breathe, there is more time to step back and take a bigger picture. It is not go, go, go, go 24/7. Time to enjoy the fresh air and slower pace.
Cheaper Housing
This is why people choose to live in a low cost of living area. Period.
You are able to afford much more house for much less.
That right there, over the long term can make or break somebody financially.
Lower Taxes
Many of the lower cost of living cities also benefit from lower taxes as well. They have lower income taxes, and even possibly, lower property taxes. So, this is something to take into consideration when looking at a low cost of living area.
Check what the difference would be from where you’re currently at to where you are considering moving.
Remote Work
This is the bread and butter spot! When you can take in a higher pay and still live in a LCOL city.
After 2020, remote work is becoming more and more popular. In addition, it is an added benefit companies are including to attract skilled employees.
This is one scenario where you can get the best of both worlds.
Disadvantages Of LCOL Cities
Less Opportunities
First of all, there are fewer opportunities. There are fewer things to do, there are less things going on. The airport is a further drive away.
In a big city, you can always find events happening. It may not be the same in other cities. However, some cities have created programs to draw in residents with the big city feel like Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Income Potential is Lower
The job market doesn’t have the high-paying jobs that you would find in the bigger cities. The income potential in one of these cities does not compare.
Let’s face it… a good majority of your working years are about built around making an income. With a lower cost of living city, the income limitations can be cumbersome and it takes longer to be able to reach your financial goals.
LCOL States and Countries with LCOL
Geographic arbitrage can give you great value for your money.
Arbitrage is the spread of differing prices for the same thing like rent, food, or transportation.
This means you can save more money by living in LCOL state or spend less of your nest egg by living in a LCOL countries.
These are the areas you can find the lower cost of living. There are many LCOL cities to be found as well.
LCOL States:
1.
Mississippi
(84.10% of U.S. average)
2.
Kansas
(86.67% of U.S. average)
3.
Oklahoma
(88.09% of U.S. average)
4.
Alabama
(88.80% of U.S. average)
5.
Arkansas
(89.16% of U.S.average)
6.
Georgia
(89.30% of U.S. average)
7.
Tennessee
(89.49% of U.S. average)
8.
Missouri
(89.75% of U.S. average)
9.
Michigan
(90.54% of U.S. average)
10.
Indiana
(90.57% of U.S. average)
Source: US News
LCOL Countries:
Listed in alphabetical order because there are many to chose from based on your personal preferences.
The definition of MCOL is any area that just has an medium cost of living.
There is not one extreme or another. These cities are just plain average. Maybe slightly above or below the median cost of living.
This can be a sweet spot of reaching your financial goals while enjoying a higher quality of life.
Benefits of MCOL Area
As you can read on Reddit personal finance threads, there are plenty of reasons to live in an MCOL area.
Mostly because these types of cities you can get the best bang for your buck, and still have the pros of living in a high cost of living area, as well as the pros of living in a low cost of living area.
This is where the job market may be very stable with good wages but the cost of living is not going to cost you a fortune.
Also, you can find tons of cities that meet the criteria of a MCOL city.
Cost of Living Varies within Cities
Regardless of whether you choose, HCOL, LCOL, or MCOL areas, the cost of living will be dramatically different between these cities.
Whether you are looking at the downtown area, the outlying suburbs, or maybe even the cities that have popped up around near the main city.
Just because the city is HCOL or LCOL, there will be neighborhoods that will be the outliers to the main part of the city.
So, when you are looking at cost of living, you must know the things that are most important to you and what type of neighborhood that you would want to live in because they can be found.
That is what I call hidden gems.
It is possible to find a cheaper house in a low cost of living or high cost of living area, you just have to do your homework and know what you’re looking for.
Vice versa, it is very possible to find a neighborhood in a low cost of living area that is much higher than the surrounding areas.
How can I buy a house in a high cost of living?
It is possible to be a homeowner in a in a high cost of living area. You just have to be able to afford the down payment on the house to make being a homeowner justifiable, if possible.
Before you decide to buy a house, here are some factors you need to take into consideration..
1. Does it make sense?
First, you have to make sure that it makes logical sense to buy a house. Especially in a high cost of living area because the house prices may not match up to what the income that you are bringing in.
Will you still be able to reach your money goals by purchasing a house? Or will you be house poor?
2. Compare rent to potential mortgage
Will it be cheaper to rent? Or cheaper to have a mortgage?
To figure this out, take what the average rent is in your neighborhood. Then, use a mortgage calculator to figure out the maximum amount you can afford.
Since those calculators will leave you house poor. Decide what you are able to justify in spending on a mortgage and figure out what the mortgage payment is.
Is the mortgage payment less than average rent in the area?
For example, it may cost in a high cost of living area, like San Diego, it may cost $3,000 a month to rent a house. Whereas you might be able to buy a similar home in the same neighborhood and have your mortgage payment of $2,259.
Thus, making buying makes more financial sense than continuing to rent.
3. Expand your horizons
Another tip to afford your dream house – do not be set on that one specific neighborhood in a high cost of living area.
Many times you can find an up-and-coming neighborhood that is much less than the trendier and hip current neighborhoods that you want to live in.
Thus, you can typically save a good chunk of money. Plus in the long run, you greatly increase the potential for home equity.
4. New Homebuyer Programs
If this is the first time you are buying a house, then look into first-time homebuyer programs and grants. (Hint… this is like free money!)
There are many out there because cities want their residents to buy in their neighborhood and their cities because that means they are going to be there for a longer-term.
Also, there are programs for the military, teachers, nurses, single moms, minorities, graduate students. You just have to look.
5. Save for Down Payment
When you are looking at buying a house, this is the time to become serious about saving for a down payment.
You may have to find ways to save more money each month.
This could include things like downsizing your lifestyle to make it possible. Living with friends or family while you save up more money. Or just spending less for a certain period of time until you reach your downpayment goal.
6. House Hacking
The last step is one of the best ways to reach financial independence in a high cost of living city. Plus the concept works well in any city… house hack.
Find a multi-family housing property that you were able to buy. For example, plan to live on one side of the duplex and rent out the other. This will help you pay for your mortgage, by using the rent collected from your renters.
Thus, lowing your overall housing cost, which is your biggest expense.
Where Does Your Income Go the Furthest?
This is a comparison that you may be surprised by the outcome. Thus, proving why you need to do cost comparisons to see what financially makes the most sense when deciding to move from one to the other area.
comparison of income, expenses, taxes, and potential savings!!!!!!!!!!!
Once again, this is personal to your situation. So, take a moment and use the cost of living calculator yourself.
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
No Income States
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
For most people, that is an instant decrease in overall taxes!
Higher Taxed States
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area.
The higher taxes income tax states include:
California
Hawaii
New Jersey
Oregon
Minnesota
The District of Columbia
New York
Vermont
Iowa
Wisconsin
These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
Property Taxes
Property taxes vary from state to state.
In some states with large property taxes, it may even out with no income taxes. While other states, like Illinois, where property taxes are high and income taxes are above the national average as well.
Moving From HCOL to LCOL
The reason that most people move from HCOL to LCOL area is to save money. They want to decrease their expenses – that is the primary driver. Other times, it may be that they’re looking for a different type of lifestyle.
But as you can read on Reddit, everybody has a different personal experience.
It may have been beneficial and may have been bad timing. It may have been the best choice. It may have been the worst decision.
Make sure to factor in the costs associated with the move. Also, any ongoing expenses like travel if you are moving away from family.
How to Choose HCOL or LCOL?
Deciding where you live is one of the most personal decisions that you can make. Nobody can make it for you. You know what you want in life, how you want to live, and where you would feel more comfortable.
So, let’s look primarily at the financial side of making this decision of what is best.
1. Lifestyle You Desire
There are massive differences between HCOL and LCOL cities!! In big cities, life moves at a faster pace. While most cheaper cities areas move at a slower pace, so you have to make the decision of what type of lifestyle.
Do you want you want the big city? Do you want suburbia? Or do you prefer more of a country lifestyle?
When looking at this first factor, your answer should not include money. This is where your heart is. This is where your home. This is the life that you plan on living. This doesn’t include the financial sense.
This includes what makes your heart happy.
2. Your Money Goals
One of the things that discussed the most on this site is the 10 Money Bliss Steps to Financial Freedom. That is where most of our readers find their current money goal. And for good reason, you must build a strong foundation with money one step at a time.
In order to achieve long term financial success, the decision on housing is critical as it is the biggest expense in any budget. And that is can have the greatest impact on your budget!
On the flip side, the amount of income you are capable of making can also make the biggest impact on what you can afford to spend.
You must decide on your current money goal as well as the longer term money vision. Maybe you are looking at wanting to retire early? Love to live a slower life in the future?
It is possible to live in HCOL area where you are able to live extremely frugally and save more money. This is what my friend did over at Tuppennys FIREplace. For them, it was a smarter decision. On the flip side, maybe you are happier living a slower pace of life. Income is not the primary driver and you just want to enjoy life more.
At the end of the day, you must prioritize what you want, how your budget and your expenses correlate, and how your saving rate is impacted in various cities.
3. Season of Life
For those in their younger years may not understand this as much, but as you go through seasons of life, you will realize that you have different goals, objectives, and desires along the way.
When deciding where to live, your current season of life will probably have a very high impact on what you are looking for.
If you have young kids, you probably want to find a neighborhood where you have other families nearby that your kids can interact with.
If you are close to retirement, you may look decide to move out of the good school district because you do not need to pay the premium of living here. You may choose to move to a lower cost of living area, so you have the freedom to travel and help my kids and grandkids.
4. Potential Income & Career Opportunities
The greatest benefit of a high cost of living area is the income potential and the career opportunities. Both are much greater in the bigger cities than you would find in the smaller cities.
If your primary goal is increasing your income and advancing your career, then looking at high cost of living areas an absolute must. Plus you might be able to find something on the outskirts of expensive neighborhoods, that would make the most financial sense.
Then, living in HCOL is justified and necessary and the income can justify the higher costs associated.
On the flip side, there is plenty of income potential as a small business owner in a low cost of living area. You just have to know the market, what your skills are in, and what the needs are in your area.
4. Fixed Expenses
Fixed expenses can be dramatically different in each area.
Write out a list of your top fixed expenses and make sure to compare those as well.
For example, child care costs and tuition are going to be much more expensive in a big city than in the suburbs. Maybe in certain neighborhoods, a car would not be needed; thus, eliminating another big cost and associated maintenance.
While some fixed expenses seem meniscal, over time, they can add up significantly. Thus, helping or hurting your financial picture.
Unspoken Price Tag to Live Somewhere
As we covered in this post, there is a lot to consider when deciding between HCOL, LCOL, or MCOL areas.
It is a highly personal decision that you must take the time to make the best decision for you!
Not someone else, but for you.
One thing to watch out for when looking at where to live is what I call the “price tag” of a beautiful city.
Many times, employers know that the city that people want to live in their city for whatever reason. Thus, you will experience what I like to call the “income hit” to living there.
For example, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Austin are highly desirable areas for postgraduates to live in because they fall in love with the town and they want to stay here for the long term. Thus, employers know that this!
As a result, income for jobs maybe 10 to 15% less than they could make in any other type of market or city. So, that is something just to be aware of when wanting to stay in the city that they have grown to love.
In conclusion, when you’re looking at a high cost of living area versus a low cost of living area, there are two sides to the coin.
One – what makes financial sense. Two – your home is where your heart is.
Consequently, you have to make the decision on what makes sense for you.
While it makes financial sense to move to a lower cost city, at the same time, it may move you away from your family and your support system, and everything that you enjoy, and you may not be as happy in the long run.
Enjoy weighing the alternatives between all of the options available.
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More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
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