But using Mistplay was different. Mistplay is a fun app where you play popular games and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to well-known retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and the iTunes store.

Once I started playing games on Mistplay, I forgot that this was a side hustle app. I was having fun, playing trivia, shooting bubbles, and playing a Game of Thrones-themed slots game.

Some people download Mistplay to make money, not just to have fun. But is it a good side hustle or just an interesting diversion?

What Is Mistplay?

Mistplay is an app that pays you for playing games, and it has a 4.1 rating on the Google Play store. Unfortunately for Apple users, it’s only available on the Google Play Store, but iPhone users can join the iOS waiting list to be notified when it’s available.

It only takes about a minute to create your account. You have to share your birthday, gender, and choose an avatar.

Once you input that information, you’ll be asked to pick your favorite games. Mistplay will then use this information to decide which games to show you.

The Mistplay games list includes Super Mario Run, Pokemon Go, Fruit Ninja, chess, Solitaire, Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes, and dozens of others. There are games in every category from action to arcade to sports, strategy, and word games.

You can select multiple games to play. I chose Super Mario Run, Bubble Shooter, and Words with Friends 2, and I got 200 bonus points just for getting started.

You can use the points to buy new avatars or cash them in for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, eBay, Starbucks, and the Apple Store. They also have gift cards for relevant stores such as GameStop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox. If you love to play other types of video games, then you can use Mistplay to earn money to support your video game hobby.

You can also find Mistplay codes that provide bonus points. Follow the app on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see when they post these codes. 

Another Mistplay hack is to try to play games on consecutive days, because you’ll earn more bonuses. Set a reminder on your phone to play every day to continue the streak.

Here’s a review of Mistplay’s pros, cons, and what to know before you sign up:

200-Point Welcome Bonus

200 Points Welcome Bonus Earn bonus points for downloading your first game.

DollarSprout Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Mistplay pays users in gift cards to play mobile games on their smartphones. It's a good way to pass the time and earn a few dollars worth in gift cards. The app is available to Android users but the company plans to extend it to Apple users as well. Join the waiting list to get notified.

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Pros

• 4.1 rating on the Google Play Store
• Wide variety of games
• Can earn gift cards to popular retailers

Cons

• Only available on the Google Play store
• No desktop version available
• Takes a long time to earn real money
• Have to download each game individually
• Can drain battery life quickly

Is Mistplay Worth It?

Mistplay has good reviews from users who verify that the app pays points and that it’s simple to earn gift cards. However, Mistplay doesn’t make it clear how much you have to play to earn enough points for even a $5 gift card.

The hourly rate is very low once you consider how much time it takes to earn a few bucks. If you truly only care about making extra money, there are better side hustles out there.

But if you’re limited to what you can do and don’t have constant access to a laptop or desktop computer, then Mistplay may be a decent avenue for making extra money. For example, if you work a job where you have access to your phone or commute on the bus, then Mistplay may be one of the few ways to make extra money during that time.

If you already love playing games on your phone, then this may be one of the only side hustles that doesn’t feel like “work.” Another upside is that it doesn’t require any money to sign up. You don’t have to drive around in your car and pay for gas and wear and tear.

Related: 13 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

How Does Mistplay Work?

To use Mistplay download the app, create a profile, choose your favorite games, and start playing. Each game has to be downloaded individually on your phone, which can take several minutes.

As you start playing the games, you’ll earn points that you can eventually use to redeem for a retailer gift card. If you play the same games every day, you’ll level up and potentially earn more points the more you play.

A review of Mistplay’s games shows that there are dozens to choose from, so you won’t get bored playing the same one or two games.

While Mistplay is probably one of the most fun side hustles you can have, it may be one of the lowest-paying. I’d play each game for about 10 minutes and would earn between 2 and 20 points each time.

You need 400 points to earn a 50-cent Amazon gift card. Based on my gameplay, it would take about six hours to earn a 50-cent gift card or about 12 hours to earn $1.

There may be ways to earn more points faster once you gain experience and level up, but it’s not clear how much this would boost your total earnings.

May drain battery life

To use the app, I had to change my phone’s battery settings from power-saving to optimized so the games can run faster and more smoothly. This will likely drain my battery life faster, but thankfully I can charge my phone easily at home.

If you’re playing games on-the-go, make sure you have a charger or battery pack with you. You can also set reminders to turn the battery settings down when you’re done playing.

Large variety of games

Mistplay has a lot of different games available, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find a game that you genuinely enjoy playing. Although I don’t consider myself someone who seeks out mobile games, I’ve enjoyed the game variety that Mistplay offers.

However, one downfall to Mistplay is that you have to download games separately onto your phone; you can’t play them directly in the app as I had assumed. For instance, if you want to play Scrabble GO, you have to install it before you can play.

It can also take some time to download all the games. Sometimes even loading the games can take a while. I’m not sure if that’s because of my WiFi or the game, but if you’re going somewhere without WiFi, make sure to download all the games you want beforehand.

Apps like Mistplay 

Mistplay isn’t the only app of its kind. Here are some of the top apps like Mistplay that pay you to play games.

Swagbucks

While Swagbucks is known for their surveys, you can also play games on the site. Their games are somewhat similar to Mistplay and include Wheel of Fortune, Trivial Pursuit, and Angry Birds Champion. You can play the games for free or pay a cash entry fee for the chance to win real money. You’ll also earn Swagbucks points if you pay these fees.

Related: DollarSprout’s Swagbucks Review

InboxDollars

When you play games on InboxDollars, you earn scratch cards. These scratch cards may have cash prizes that you can win. Games include Wheel of Fortune, Sudoku, Solitaire, and more.

If you spend money on the cash tournament games, you’ll earn a percentage of that back in your InboxDollars account. New users get $5 for signing up for InboxDollars.

Related: DollarSprout’s InboxDollars Review

Mistplay Review Summary: It’s Fun, but You Won’t Earn Much Money

Although I did enjoy using the app, if your primary goal is to make money playing video games, you might want to try something else. Mistplay has such a low-paying hourly rate that you’re likely better off with a different side hustle like taking surveys, delivering for DoorDash, or grocery shopping for Instacart.

Plus, there’s no option to cash out directly into your bank account or a prepaid debit card; you can only cash out for gift cards.

But if you already love playing mobile games and want to be rewarded for it, then using Mistplay is a good choice. If I was stuck on a five-hour flight or car ride and only had my phone, Mistplay would be a fun way to earn money while killing time.

The post Mistplay Review 2024: Is the Gamer Rewards App Worth It? appeared first on DollarSprout.

I was working as a newspaper reporter in a small town where I didn’t know anyone. My workday lasted from 2 to 10 p.m., which left little time to hang out with people. My boyfriend lived in a different city three hours away, and I quickly realized that newspaper life wasn’t for me.

I complained about my job constantly. People told me I should quit and find something else, but I couldn’t afford to quit without a back-up plan, and because the country was still recovering from the Great Recession, it was hard to find a job.

5 Steps to Take When You Hate Your Job

Finally, I was able to land something else that was a better fit. I was able to quit gracefully and stay on good terms with my bosses. But the experience taught me a lot about what to do when you hate your job and want to quit.

1. Examine why you hate your job.

When I wanted to quit my newspaper job, I knew that I wanted to leave the industry entirely. While some of my complaints were directly tied to the city and my assignment, most of my problems were with the industry as a whole.

If you hate your job, you have to sit down and figure out what exactly you hate about it. Is it a lack of autonomy? The hour-long commute? A lack of flexibility? Knowing what you don’t like can prevent you from choosing a job with the same qualities.

When I decided I wanted to quit, I made a list of what I didn’t like about this job. For instance, I hated working on weekends and holidays, and I also wanted better benefits like a 401(k) and more paid vacation days. I didn’t want to work in a high-pressure environment that jobs in journalism offer.

Understanding why you don’t like your job is crucial to helping you figure out what you want in your next one. It’ll help prevent you from settling and being just as unhappy in your new position.

Related: Make Your Resume Stand Out With These 11 Extracurricular Activities

2. Evaluate your options.

Take a look at your budget if you’re considering handing in your resignation letter without another job lined up. You need to make sure that you can afford to be out of work and address any spending changes you may need to make until you find something else.

First, look at your total savings and emergency fund. Since most people in America can’t cover a $400 emergency, you need to evaluate if you can swing being unemployed for a certain period of time. It takes the average person about five months to find a new job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Make sure you have enough money to cover your bills and any emergencies that might arise during that time.

Write out a list of all your necessary expenses, including groceries, debt payments, transportation, utilities, and anything else you need to pay for. See what you can get rid of if you quit your job. You might need to pause any subscriptions, memberships, and other entertainment expenses. If you live alone and can get out of your lease and move in with a friend or significant other, that could have a substantial impact on your budget.

You should also brainstorm to see if you can work somewhere else or start a side hustle while you’re job hunting. When I wanted to quit my job, my boyfriend suggested I get a part-time gig at Starbucks to cover the bills while I looked for something else. I considered this option, but then realized I wouldn’t be able to afford my student loan payments on a Starbucks barista’s income.

As much as it hurt, I had to keep working even though I was miserable and my mental health was suffering. But I knew that going further into debt wouldn’t make me feel better if I quit my job.

Even if you can afford to quit financially, you should consider how quitting will look on your resume. If your resume shows that you don’t stay longer than a year or two, then future employers might assume you lack commitment. 

Related: When is it OK to Take a Pay Cut for a New Job?

3. Identify the change you want to make.

Before you start looking at new jobs, take some time to really consider what you want to do. If you’ve been in your field for a while and like what you do but find your current situation toxic, then finding a similar job somewhere else might be the best choice. But if you’re feeling confused and aren’t sure that you want to stay in your field, it may be time to consider going back to school, starting a business, or switching industries entirely.

When I was a newspaper reporter, I realized how much I hated working nights, weekends, and holidays. Suddenly, being able to spend time with my boyfriend for Christmas and his birthday meant more than working for a newspaper. When I looked for a new position, I made sure it had paid holidays and weekends off.

Make a list of what you’re looking for and rank your priorities. Then create a separate list of what you’ve enjoyed about previous jobs and companies. You should also write down any careers or fields you’re interested in.

For example, if you’ve always loved to draw or paint, maybe a career in graphic design would be interesting. If you love working with kids, teaching could be your next move. Write down anything that you’ve always found fascinating or interesting — no matter how irrelevant it may seem.

Then do some internet research or talk to a career counselor about what you’re interested in. Call a university with a degree program and see if you can talk to someone there.

Related: How to Change Careers Smoothly in 6 Simple Steps

4. Work your plan.

The first thing I did when I decided I wanted a new job was to start emailing everyone I knew. I told them that I was looking for a different opportunity and asked if they knew of anything.

It was one of these connections that told me about a special newsletter that went out to people interested in the non-profit community, so I signed up for it. It turned out to be a wise choice because that newsletter was where I found the announcement about the opening for my next job.

When you reach out to people, simply mention that you’re looking for a different opportunity. You don’t want to be dramatic or coy, and you don’t need to go into all the reasons you’re unhappy. That could prevent them from recommending you or sending you opportunities.

But if you’re professional about it, they’re more likely to help. And if someone sends a useful tip or hint, consider responding with a hand-written note or gift card to Starbucks or Amazon.

Updating your social media profiles is also important. First, make sure that any personal profiles, like your Facebook page, are set to private. Many companies will comb through social media to see if there’s anything incriminating on there, and for many companies, what you share can be a dealbreaker.

Update your resume or LinkedIn profile with your current job and refresh it with any significant accomplishments. For example, if you won an award or learned a new skill, make sure it’s on your resume. You should also update your references if they’re out of date.

It may also be helpful to contact your references and confirm they still want to provide a recommendation for you. Before you send out your resume, make sure you proofread and check it for any errors; you don’t want a simple mistake to prevent you from getting a job you really want.

Depending on what you do, creating a website portfolio could help you land a gig. This may not be applicable if you’re a nurse, but it may be useful if you’re a writer, graphic designer, or marketing consultant.

Related: How to Quit Your Job the Right Way

5. Keep working hard at your current job.

When I wanted to quit my job, it was hard to stay motivated. I found myself not caring and feeling completely depressed. But my boss noticed. One day, he called me into his office and asked if I still wanted to work there. He said I seemed very disinterested in the last company meeting.

That’s when I realized that I had to put in more effort. I didn’t want to risk getting fired. I still needed the job to cover my bills, especially my student loan payments.

As difficult as it is, you still have to work hard even if you hate your job and want to quit. This is doubly true if you’re staying in the same field or in the same city and you might run into your current boss after you leave.

It’s also important not to burn bridges even after you leave, especially if you’re at the beginning of your career. When I quit my newspaper job, I had to schedule an exit interview with the HR department. The exit interview was a chance for me to share any concerns or complaints I had. I was so excited.

But then I spoke to a former internship editor who said not to be honest during my exit interview. He said that anything I said would be shared with my bosses who could use it to retaliate against me in the future, like if someone called them for a reference.

“I know you want to be honest, but the best thing is to be polite,” he said.

I was disappointed. There were many legitimate complaints I had, but I kept quiet. Now, years later, I’m glad I did. The world is a small place, and you never know where a former boss might end up.

Related: How to Ask for a Raise

Treat Quitting as Seriously as You Take Finding a Job

Everyone loves a good quitting story, like the one about the flight attendant who quit his job by deploying the emergency slide. A story that goes viral may seem fun, but it’s usually a bad career move.

Even when you hate your job, quitting should be taken seriously. If you do it wrong, it could affect your ability to get another job. But if you are professional about it, then you can seamlessly move from one job to another, even in the same field.

Related: 10 Tips to Negotiate Your Salary for a New Job

The post Hate Your Job and Want to Quit? 5 Tips for Planning an Exit appeared first on DollarSprout.

Sometimes it’s because you want to wear clothes you fit into years ago. Or maybe your doctor said some of your health problems could be relieved if you lost some weight.

But finding the motivation and discipline for weight loss is hard. A survey from 2013 to 2016 found that half of the adults surveyed reported trying to lose weight at some point in the previous 12 months._[1]

With so many different types of diets, workout plans, and apps available, it seems overwhelming to find a specific plan to follow.

That’s where getting paid to lose weight comes in. Money can be a powerful motivating factor, and the consequences are real when you lose money from your wallet. These weight loss bet apps and programs pay people money when they successfully reach their weight loss goals.

But not all apps that pay you to lose weight are made equally. Research the various options and find which one works best for your goals and lifestyle.

5 Apps that Pay You to Lose Weight

With so many different kinds of diet bet apps to choose from, sifting through them can be confusing. Here are five highly reviewed apps to check out.

1. HealthyWage

HealthyWage is one of the premier weight loss apps. It has a simple premise — people decide they want to lose weight and place a bet on themselves.

How it works

Users pick an amount they want to lose and then decide how much money they want to wager. HealthyWage has a prize calculator that determines how much you can win. Then you decide how much time to give yourself. If you register as a team, the total winnings can equal up to $10,000.

It should be enough to motivate you to stick to your workout plan, even if you’ve struggled in the past. If you need more time, you can extend the bet by buying more time.

Pros

The app’s payouts are significant, and you’ll win cash — no need to convert points into a gift card.

Cons

There’s no way to cancel the bet once you’ve started. If you have a personal tragedy or a health problem, you’ll still have to complete the bet. The only way to get your challenge suspended is if you get pregnant.

Related: DollarSprout’s HealthyWage Review

2. DietBet

DietBet is another weight loss app that pays you when you reach certain weight loss goals. You can’t win as much as with HealthyWage, but you might be more likely to win something.

How it works

DietBet offers three different challenges you can join:

• Kickstarter: Lose 4% in 4 weeks
• Transformer: Lose 10% in 6 months
• Maintainer: Keep it off for 12 months

Pros

The long-term challenges make it easier to win some money. DietBet also discourages people from trying to lose weight in an unhealthy way, so you can’t win if you’ve lost too much weight at the end.

Cons

The amount you win depends on who else is competing with you. The more people that win, the smaller the payout will be. You also have to pay your bet upfront.

DietBet charges the following fees:

• 25% fee for bets between $0-$99
• 20% fee for bets between $100-$249
• 15% fee for bets between $250-$500
• 10% fee for bets more than $500

3. Achievement

Achievement is an app where users can earn points which can be redeemed for rewards. Users can earn up to 80 points per day for tracked activities such as biking, running, or walking. Other non-physical activities such as logging your sleep or meditating will earn you up to 6 points for each activity.

How it works

You can redeem 10,000 points for a $10 reward. It can take 5 to 7 business days to see your reward.

Achievement is available on both iPhone and Android devices. You connect the Achievement app to your other fitness apps and devices including Fitbit, MapMyRun, and Apple Health.

Every time you log something on one of these devices, you’ll earn points with Achievement. In this sense, you’re not betting anything so there’s no money to lose. You’re simply being rewarded for healthy activities.

Pros

Achievement lets you track different kinds of physical activity, not just losing weight. This can promote a more holistic look at your health. You can also redeem your rewards for cash via PayPal, so you’re not stuck with a gift card you don’t want.

Cons

It can take a long time to earn enough to cash out for a reward. If you earn the maximum of 80 points every day, it’ll still take you four months to earn a reward.

Related: 12 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

4. StickK

StickK isn’t just a weight loss app, it’s an app to help you commit to any kind of goal, whether it’s losing weight or competing in an Ironman. Users have to sign Commitment Contracts that cost money if they don’t reach their goal.

If you fail to meet your goal, the money will go to a pre-determined person, charity, or StickK itself. You can also pick a charity with a mission you don’t support for some extra motivation to succeed.

How it works

An official StickK “referee” will verify your claims. You can also invite people to watch your progress and encourage you.

If you choose an ongoing commitment, you have to submit a report every week to update StickK on your progress. You can also pick a one-shot commitment, where you only report at the very end.

StickK referees are the ones who decide if you successfully completed your check-in. What’s interesting is that the referee is someone you know, such as a friend or partner.

Pros

It’s available on both iPhone and Android devices. Users decide how much money to put on the line when they make a commitment contract, and there’s no limit to this.

Cons

The biggest downside to StickK is that you can’t actually win money. There’s no positive reinforcement with StickK. It’s only the threat of losing money that binds someone to a goal. This can be discouraging for people.

5. Walgreens Balance Rewards

The Walgreens Balance Rewards for healthy choices program is a four-week health challenge that people can join for free. There are two types of challenges: physical and lifestyle. You can participate in both of these at the same time.

When you complete one week of each challenge, you’ll earn 100 points. You can earn a maximum of 2,000 points after successfully completing a four-week challenge. This is worth $2 toward Walgreens purchases.

How it works

You can track your progress manually or automatically, which you can do by connecting your phone to a Walgreens-approved app. Then you have to link it to the Balance Rewards program.

Pros

Because this is a free program, there’s no risk by signing up. If you complete the challenge, you’ll earn a small reward you can redeem at Walgreens.

Cons

You won’t earn as much money using this program compared to other diet bet and weight loss apps. You can also only use your rewards at Walgreens.

Related: 13 Apps That Pay You to Walk

Other Ways to Make Money Losing Weight

If you’re not a fan of these apps or challenges, you can find other ways to get paid to lose weight.

Office challenges

Instead of using a formal app, you can create an in-person office challenge between coworkers. Set up an honor system and see who loses the most weight after a certain number of weeks. You can also do this between friends or family members.

Instead of doing it by pounds lost, you can do it by the percentage of total body weight lost. Each person can put in a certain amount of money, and you can divide the prizes for first, second, and third place.

Insurance reimbursements

Some insurance plans offer extra benefits to encourage members to lose weight. They may pay for your gym membership, cover the fee for Weight Watchers, or reimburse your 5K entrance fee.

You’ll have to check your insurance plans for these ancillary benefits.

Bets with friends

Instead of doing a diet bet, you can do a different kind of bet with friends. You can all decide to stop drinking for a month or make a pact to give up dessert. This will be based on an honor system so it will be harder to track. Each person can put in $5 or $10, and the winner takes the entire pool.

How to Stay Motivated While Getting Paid to Lose Weight

Losing weight isn’t something you can put on autopilot, even if you’re using a third-party app. You’ll need to find other ways to motivate yourself.

Pick an exercise plan you enjoy.

When people complain about exercise, I always tell them the same thing: “Find a workout that doesn’t feel like exercise.” Instead of forcing yourself to run when you hate running, find a workout you like.

It can be anything from hiking with your dog on the weekends or doing Pilates on your lunch break. If possible, find both cardio and strength-training workouts so you’re targeting both fitness aspects.

If you find a workout you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to go to the gym. Instead of dreading it, you’ll find the motivation to go even when the weather is bad or when you’re stressed with work deadlines.

Share your goals.

Sharing your goals with friends and family members can help you if you’re trying to avoid certain foods or if you’re training for a race. When you share your goals, you may be able to find kindred spirits who will cheer you on and offer encouragement.

Be wary of sharing your goals, though. Sometimes sharing your goals releases a rush of endorphins, even though you haven’t actually accomplished anything. But if you have a friend who’s achieved a similar goal, it might be helpful to share your aspirations and pick their brain for advice and tips.

Find an accountability partner.

Trying to lose weight by yourself is tricky, especially if you live alone or your partner isn’t committed to the same goal. That’s why it helps to have an accountability partner. You can find one by posting about it on social media and asking someone from your gym.

Your ideal accountability partner should be someone who has similar goals. You should check in with each other on a weekly basis, in a text or email thread. You can even set up a Slack channel just for the two of you.

Accountability partners will help you find solutions to your problems, let you vent when you’re frustrated, and celebrate your success. They’ll cheer you on and remind you not to be hard on yourself.

Celebrates wins.

Trying to lose weight often isn’t a linear road map. It can ebb and flow. Some weeks you might only lose half a pound. Other weeks you may not lose any. And during the holidays, you may even gain a few pounds.

That’s why it’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. You should celebrate any kind of success, like when you start running more than one mile at a time or when you find a way to enjoy kale. Non-scale victories deserve recognition, too.

Celebrating wins can keep you motivated even if you’re months away from your target weight. You can celebrate wins with your accountability partner, publicly on social media, or privately in a journal. Seeing how far you’ve come can help you feel proud, especially if you’re likely to start comparing your weight loss journey to someone else’s.

Write down your why.

Losing weight for its own sake isn’t enough. You need a concrete reason. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose 15 pounds” say, “I want to lose weight so I can feel more energized for my kids.”

You can also have multiple reasons that can change as you progress. Your initial “why” might be to run a 5K, but you can change it to a marathon.

Having a strong why will keep you going when it’s 15 degrees and you haven’t worked out. It’ll keep you on track when you’re at a restaurant and want to order dessert.

A specific why is more likely to work, so think about this one. Then write it down somewhere and post it where you can regularly see it — on your bathroom mirror, on your computer at work, or even as the background on your phone.

Related: 16 Passive Income Apps to Earn Money on Autopilot

How to Choose Your Favorite Weight Loss Challenge App

Struggling to pick which app you’re interested in? You may not have to pick just one. Some of the apps listed here can be used together so you can double-dip and earn points in two separate systems.

Figure out what you’re really looking for in an app. Is it the social camaraderie or the possibility of getting paid to lose weight? Then pick an app that features that option.

There are other choices if you don’t love the idea of possibly losing money or aren’t into tracking your weight regularly. You can also use apps like MyFitnessPal, which lets you add friends who can see your food journals and how often you exercise. Although these apps aren’t as structured as weight loss challenge apps, they can offer other benefits.

The post 5 Apps That Will Pay You to Lose Weight appeared first on DollarSprout.

They’ll spend hours poring over budgeting spreadsheets, examining the finer details of their investment accounts, and organizing the cash in their wallet by denomination.

For someone like that, being offered basic budgeting advice is like preaching to the choir.

For the rest of us, there’s the 50/30/20 budgeting system.

Whether you’ve struggled to budget consistently in the past or you’re looking to find a less time-intensive method, the 50/30/20 might be the approach you need to finally make it all click.

What Is the 50/30/20 Budget?

The 50/30/20 system was designed to make budgeting more accessible to people who get overwhelmed by complicated spreadsheets and budgeting apps. It was popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren in her book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.

The beauty of the 50/30/20 budget is in its simplicity. It’s designed for people who want to track their spending without dividing each expense into a dozen separate categories.

Users of the system divide their transactions into just three buckets: needs, wants, and debt payments/savings. Spending is broken up into 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt. Groceries would be in the needs group, makeup would be a want, and student loan bills would be a debt payment.

Here’s an example of what kinds of transactions might fit into each category:

Related: How to Make a Budget

Is the 50/30/20 Budget Right for You?

If you’ve tried to budget before and never quite got the hang of it, a 50/30/20 budget might be right up your alley. It’s like starting a fitness program. Jumping straight into a powerlifting routine might leave you sore and unmotivated, but starting with some light yoga will allow you to build a consistent exercise habit.

With the 50/30/20 system, you can start with the basics and get more complex as your financial literacy improves. It’s less of a specific system and more of an overarching philosophy.

It’s vague but flexible.

The 50/30/20 budget has become popular with people who struggle to categorize their spending. If you have separate line items for household goods and groceries, for example, a simple trip to Costco for saran wrap and cooking oil forces you to separate individual items from your receipt. With the 50/30/20, that kind of fussing is unnecessary.

The upside to this broader approach is that you spend less time figuring out how to budget each shopping trip. The downside is that you don’t really see where your money is going. If you need to cut some expenses from your “wants” category, the 50/30/20 budget won’t show exactly where you’re overspending.

It puts savings and debt on the back burner.

One of the reasons the 50/30/20 budget is popular is because it allows for 30% of a consumer’s income to go toward discretionary spending. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave as much room for savings and paying off debt.

If your student loan payments make up 20% of your budget and you aren’t saving anything for retirement, the 50/30/20 approach could give you a false sense of stability. In reality, you’ll just be forced to play catch-up in the future.

Anyone who uses the 50/30/20 budget while paying off a significant loan balance should still try to save between 10 and 15% of their salary for retirement, even if that means shifting the spending ratio to allow for more saving.

It may not be a long-term solution.

The 50/30/20 is often suggested for beginners because it’s easy to use and set up. It also leaves a lot of room for variation, as long as you’re staying within the correct spending ratio.

But as a long-term budgeting strategy, the 50/30/20 budget might not hold up as well as a traditional line-item budget. That’s because the 50/30/20 split makes less sense above a certain income bracket.

When you’re making an entry-level salary, the 50/30/20 ratio is perfect. It allows you to enjoy your life and live comfortably while still prioritizing debt repayment and saving for retirement. But as your career progresses and your income increases, spending 30% of your income on discretionary items can be frivolous, and it can hold you back from reaching significant financial milestones.

Under the 50/30/20, someone making $80,000 a year after tax would have $2,000 a month for discretionary spending. That may be reasonable for someone with a robust social life and multiple hobbies, but many people would have to go out of their way to spend that much. As you approach upper-middle class, it makes more sense to follow a personalized budgeting system and devote more of your income to building a nest egg.

Related: How to Use the Cash Envelope System to Stop Overspending

How to Use the 50/30/20 Budget

There are three simple steps to creating and implementing a 50/30/20 budget spreadsheet.

Step 1: Figure out your take-home pay.

The first step in creating a 50/30/20 budget is to figure out your net income since that’s the figure you’ll be dividing from. Your net income is how much you take home after payroll taxes are deducted.

Look at your most recent pay stub to see what your take-home pay is. Even though your health insurance and retirement contributions may be deducted from your paycheck, you want to count these expenses as part of your budget.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll want to figure out your take-home pay after federal and state self-employment taxes. These will vary depending on your income and business expenses, so just use your best estimate.

People with irregular salaries, like salesmen working on commission or those with seasonal income, should use a realistically low figure when calculating take-home pay.

Step 2: Calculate your percentages.

First, make a list of all your transactions from the past month:

Then divide them into needs, wants, and savings/debt categories. Divide each of the three categories by your take-home pay to calculate your percentage, then compare those percentages to the ideal amounts. For this example, let’s assume a take-home amount of $2,700 per month.

Step 3: Adjust your spending and saving.

Like most people who create a 50/30/20 budget, you’ll probably discover that your percentages are out of alignment like the example above. Maybe you’re spending too much on your needs and not enough on your savings, or your wants category might be out of control. Don’t beat yourself up – it’s normal to find out your spending is a little off.

Examine where you need to make a change and explore options for how to save money in those categories. In this example, you can clearly see that the needs category greatly exceeds the 50% goal. To cut back, this person could reexamine their utility usage, negotiate with their cell and internet providers, or find a less expensive apartment.

You can also see in this example that student loan and car payments are mostly responsible for exceeding the 20% debt payment/savings category. In that case, it could be wise to make faster debt payoff a goal or try to pick up a side hustle.

The 50/30/20 Budget Simplifies Managing Your Money

Overall, consumers who like and stick with the 50/30/20 budget do so because of how simple it is. There’s little doubt on how to categorize expenses, and evaluating your spending can take just a few minutes each week.

The 50/30/20 budget has stuck around because it helps people who want to be responsible with their money but don’t like the restrictive nature of most budgeting systems.

The post The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained (with Examples) appeared first on DollarSprout.

These days, checkbooks have largely gone the way of the dinosaur. Some people still keep one around for old times’ sake — or for budgeting reasons. But for the most part, they’ve been almost entirely replaced by debit and credit cards.

For anyone who remembers the slog of balancing a physical checkbook, this isn’t such a bad thing.

But there are times when a plastic card or paper cash just won’t do. For instance, say you need to mail a significant sum of money or send a secure payment. People without checking accounts also need a way to pay bills. For anyone in situations like these, a money order is the solution.

How to Fill Out a Money Order in 5 Simple Steps

Here’s a simple guide on how to fill out a money order and what to do with it after you’re done.

1. Add the recipient

Like filling out a check, you have to designate a specific recipient on each money order. Write the name of the person or organization to whom you’re sending money on the line that says some variation of “Pay to” or “Pay to the order of.”

The designated recipient must match the person or business’s legal name because the bank or post office cashing the money order will check their ID. Using a nickname or incorrect spelling may cause issues for the recipient when cashing their check.

2. Fill in the purchaser’s address

After writing the name of the recipient, add your residential address on the designated space. Some money order forms ask you to list the recipient’s address as well.

The address line is mostly a relic of the time before you could easily reach a purchaser or recipient by phone or email, so it’s not typically required. You can always ask the cashier if it’s acceptable to leave the address line blank.

3. Provide any additional information

Like checks, personal money orders have a line to write a note to the beneficiary.

If you’re sending a birthday check to your sister, write a memo like, “Happy 25th birthday.” If it’s a rent check to your landlord, write your apartment number. If you’re paying a bill, include your account number so the company can credit your account accordingly.

4. Sign your money order

Once you’ve filled out the money order, sign it and hand it to the cashier. You only have to endorse the front, as the recipient signs the back of a money order.

5. Keep your receipt

A receipt is proof that you sent the money order, which is handy if you’re paying rent or other bills. You can also use the receipt to cancel a money order, like if you find out you’ve been scammed. If a money order is lost, the receipt will help you recoup the money and purchase a new money order.

Always keep the receipt until you confirm the person has received and cashed the money order.

How to Send Your Money Order

Sending a money order is simple because there are so many places to do it. Chains like Western Union and MoneyGram are available at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores, and convenience stores. The post office sends money orders as well.

Your bank or credit union may also provide money orders, often for free depending on your account. Talk to your bank first to see if this option is available.

If your bank is far away or doesn’t offer free money orders, you can choose a third party to send one. Deciding which company to choose depends on where you live and how much you want to spend, so do a little research to get the best rate.

The post office charges $1.25 for money orders of $500 or less and $1.75 for money orders between $500.01 and $1,000. Western Union charges $1.50 and Moneygram charges $.89.

Most personal money orders have an individual limit of $1,000, so you have to divide the amount into separate money orders to send more than that. If you’re paying rent with a money order, chances are you’ll have to do this.

You can pay for a money order with cash or a debit card. The money has to come out of a bank account because the issuing company has to verify that you have the funds.

If you try to pay for a money order with a credit card, the card company will count it as a cash advance and charge you a high interest rate.

Where to Cash a Money Order

There are a few options on where to cash a money order. First, look at the issuer. If it’s a Western Union money order, you can go to a Western Union location to cash it. If it’s a United States Post Office money order, you can go there.

Going directly to the issuer will usually cost less money than a different location, and it’s often free.

You can also deposit a money order directly into a checking or savings account at your bank or credit union. When doing this, you may not receive access to the full sum right away. The bank has to verify the legitimacy of the money order, which can take a few days to process.

When to Use a Money Order

Money orders might seem like an unnecessary hassle, but there are times when it’s actually better to use one instead of a check. If you’re sending money overseas, a money order is probably the least expensive and safest way to do so. The post office can send money orders to 28 different countries.

A money order is also more secure than a check because it doesn’t have any identifying information on it. Banks can identify it by the money order number rather than by your account number. A check will always have the account and routing number visible, which can be used to hack into your account. If you’re sending funds to someone you don’t know that well, a money order is a great way to add a layer of security to the payment.

The post How to Fill Out a Money Order (Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on DollarSprout.

It’s fun to set it up, see how fast it is, and try out the new features. But then you’re stuck with your old phone.

Throwing it away seems like a waste, and you may not want to donate something you paid hundreds of dollars for. So the next logical step is to try to sell your old phone.

But then you have to make sure your data and personal information are completely wiped, and how do you know what’s a good price?

Nowadays, there are many sites where you can sell your old phones. These places turn what was once a hassle into a seamless transaction.

11 Best Places To Sell Your Phone For Cash

Figuring out where to sell your old phone is difficult because there are so many different services. It’s important to compare them to find out which one will offer the most for your cell phone.

1. Decluttr

Decluttr is one of the easiest places to sell your phone online. You can go to the website or download the app. Just type in the item, find it in the search results, and click sell. It accepts brands including:

• Apple
• Samsung
• Google
• HTC
• Sony
• Motorola
• OnePlus

Once you pick the brand, you’ll have to find your phone’s exact model. It’s important to be sure exactly what it is because Decluttr will pay more for certain models. Once you’ve chosen the model, you need to decide what kind of condition it’s in.

Be honest because Decluttr will always examine a device so it doesn’t help you to pick a better condition. When you’re done, hit the “Sell to Decluttr” button and see how much the offer price is.

Decluttr will provide a prepaid mailing label for you to print so you can ship your items for free.

Related: DollarSprout’s Decluttr Review

2. Buyback Boss

If you’re looking to sell your iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, or tablet, Buyback Boss is a simple and free website you can use. You just input details about your phone such as the carrier, memory capability, and model, and it’ll provide an instant quote. The quote comes with a 14-day price lock and a price-matching guarantee, so if you get a higher offer from another site, Buyback Boss promises to honor it. 

Once you accept its quote, you’ll use the prepaid shipping label to send your device. Upon receipt, Buyback Boss will inspect it and if it passes, you can choose to receive your payment via check, PayPal, or make a charitable donation to Lighthouse for Hope. If your phone doesn’t pass the inspection, Buyback Boss will give you less money or send the device back to you. 

Related: 15 Legit Ways to Make Money From Your Phone

3. Swappa

Swappa is an online marketplace where you can sell a phone to a personal buyer. Items should have intact screens, not have any missing buttons, and not have other signs of physical or cosmetic damage. You also can’t sell any broken phones.

Swappa doesn’t charge any seller listing fees. Payments are made via PayPal so buyers are protected and can demand refunds if they buy a phone which isn’t as described. That’s why being honest in the description and photos is so important.

Related: Swappa Review 2024

4. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free place to try to sell your phone. Go to Facebook.com or the app, log in to your account, select the Marketplace, and click “Sell Something.” Then write a detailed description of your phone including the asking price, post some photos, and start selling.

It can be hard to price items to sell on Facebook because you never know how much your phone may sell for (or how much people are willing to pay). Price it higher than you like so there’s room for the buyer to haggle, but also keep a minimum purchase price in mind. You don’t want to sell your phone for less than you think it’s worth.

You’ll have to meet up with buyers in person, so be sure to pick a safe public place near you.

5. Gazelle

Gazelle is an online selling site where you can enter your phone’s information and get a quote. You can ship the item for free with a prepaid mailing label and get paid via Amazon gift card, PayPal, or check.

Gazelle will ask you questions about your phone to determine its worth, like if it has trouble powering on, if there are any scratches or cracks, and if it’s fully functional. Answer truthfully so the company doesn’t change your payout amount when it receives the phone.

Right now, Gazelle offers a $5 bonus on your trade-in when you join its email list.

Related: DollarSprout’s Gazelle Review

6. Craigslist

Craigslist is another popular place to sell devices because it’s free to use, you can potentially get paid in cash today, and it takes a few minutes to post an item for sale. To get the most money, take time getting good pictures of the phone.

Buyers will trust you more if you provide an accurate and detailed description. If you don’t take good photos of the phone or you hide any dents, cracks, or scratches in the description, the buyer may change their mind in person.

However, you may not get as much money as you want for your phone because it’s difficult to verify the condition and worth of a mobile device. Price your phone fairly but try to get as much money as possible.

Like Facebook Marketplace, be aware of your surroundings when meeting up with a buyer to sell your phone using Craigslist.

Related: How to Sell on Craigslist: 6 Steps to Increase Your Earnings

7. eBay

eBay is the premier place to sell something online because of its robust marketplace. But selling on eBay can get a little complicated. First, know that eBay always takes the buyer’s side. That’s why you have to be honest. If your phone has a problem, mention it in the description or you can get in trouble with the site.

When selling your phone on eBay, you can put it up for auction or pick a Buy It Now price. You can also allow buyers to send you their best offers if you’re in the mood to haggle. You can decide to offer free shipping or have the buyer pay for it. If you choose the former, make sure to factor in those costs when setting a price.

To get an idea of how much you should sell your phone for, search for the phone’s model name and number on eBay.  Click on the “sold” items on the left to see how much sold phones went for.

Taking professional-looking photos of the merchandise and writing relevant descriptions will help you find potential buyers in a short amount of time.

Online Trade-In Services

Trade-in services let you exchange your old phone for cash or a gift card. It can be an easier option than selling to a site or person directly.

 8. Use the Amazon Trade-In program

Amazon’s Trade-In program is one of the most popular trade-in services available. You send your old phone in exchange for an Amazon gift card, which you can use as credit to buy a new phone from the site.

You’ll have to answer a few questions about your item before receiving a quote. You’ll receive specific instructions on how to ship your item to the Amazon offices.

After two business days, you’ll receive an email informing you whether your trade-in item is eligible. Once it’s approved, Amazon will send you a gift card for the equivalent amount.

Amazon’s Trade-In program is one of the most reliable trade-in services you can find. You might get more money out of your old phone through eBay or one of the other selling apps, but Amazon’s efficient system and customer support provide more assurance that the trade-in process executes without a hitch.

Related: 25 Ways to Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards (Up to $100 or More)

 9. Use Walmart’s Trade-In Program

Walmart’s trade-in program is similar to Amazon’s. However, unlike Amazon’s trade-in service, Walmart’s program is handled by CExchange, a third-party company, instead of being done in-house.

Despite the third party, it’s a pretty straightforward process. Just search for the model of your device through the site’s trade-in program page under the relevant category. Once you find it, the site will tell you how much your item is worth.

After answering a few questions, you’ll get a printed shipping label along with the option to send the item to CExchange. Once it’s approved, you’ll receive a Walmart gift card equivalent to the total amount indicated on the appraisal.

10. Trade your old cell phone to Best Buy

Best Buy’s trade-in service is similar to the other options, but with one added convenience: the option to submit your old phone directly to a physical store.

It’s still the same process online. Choose the item to submit, answer qualifying questions, receive a trade-in quote, and then ship the item to the Best Buy offices. You can also take the phone into a local Best Buy store. Whether you submit the phone in person or in the mail, you’ll get paid with a Best Buy gift card which you can use for any product in the store or website.

Related: 14 Best Places to Sell Video Games

11. Use the Apple Trade-In

Apple’s trade-in program only applies to Apple products. If you want to trade your old iPhone for a new Apple device, it makes sense to do it through the official store.

All you need to do is visit the trade-in page, answer a few questions, and the site will offer you a trade-in estimate for an Apple gift card or instant credit at the Apple Store. Better yet, it’ll provide you with an opportunity to help save the planet by offering to send your old phone to a recycling partner.

Related: 19 “Odd” Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well

How Much Can I Get If I Sell My Old Phone?

How much you get depends on the phone, how popular the model is, how new it is, and the condition it’s in. For instance, if you’re selling a recent iPhone model, you’ll earn more than if you’re getting rid of an old Moto.

Is your phone a premium model?

Premium phone models usually sell for more than other versions. But you can still get a good price for your used phone, even if it’s not the latest iPhone.

Does it have all the original packaging?

You can usually get more money if your phone has its original packaging like the box and manual it came with. However, if you don’t have it, don’t worry. You can still sell your phone without the original packaging.

Are you selling your phone’s accessories, too? 

Selling accessories like a charger and phone case can help you increase your asking price. A case isn’t necessary, but it’s helpful to include the charger, especially if it’s the original one. If you have multiple chargers, include those, too.

Related: How to Get Free Phones (or Free Phone Service)

What to Do Before You Sell Your Phone

Selling your cell phone is simple, but there are some key steps to follow. If you skip these, you could risk opening yourself up to huge privacy issues and other problems.

Unpair it from any other devices you own.

If your phone is linked to any Bluetooth devices, make sure to go in and unpair it. To unlink your phone, go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Bluetooth settings. Unpair every paired Bluetooth device you find there. Settings may vary according to the phone model.

Back up your important data.

Go through the phone and see if there’s any data you need to back up, like photos, files, and videos. Many mobile providers have their own cloud storage system or you can use Google Drive or Dropbox. Verify that your information is backed up before deleting it. It can be a huge disappointment to erase your phone and forget that your grandma’s last voicemail was on it.

Reset your phone to factory settings.

This is one of the most important things to do when selling your phone. Resetting the phone to factory settings means deleting any shared or saved information like passwords, photos, and more. This is the only way to ensure your privacy will be safe when you sell your phone online.

Every phone has a different way to erase your settings, but you can generally find instructions online. Remember, once you reset your phone, you can’t undo it. Backup and save any photos, messages, or videos to an external device or a cloud service before resetting your phone.

Related: 37 Ways to Make Money Fast When You Need It

Go Sell Your Phone Online

Once you’ve restored the phone’s settings, assembled the accessories, and created a solid listing, you can try to sell it online. Because there are so many different avenues, you don’t have to worry if your phone will be accepted somewhere. There’s a good chance one or more of these will give you a cash offer for your phone today.

If you do all that you can and your cell phone still doesn’t sell, you can always recycle it or donate to a program that helps domestic violence victims and survivors.

The post 11 Best Places to Sell Your Phone for Cash (High Payouts) appeared first on DollarSprout.

I was extremely cost-conscious when I applied to college. My parents weren’t going to pay for everything, so I had to apply to schools I knew I could afford.

I knew the cost of tuition and the price of on-campus housing would be expensive. But I wasn’t prepared for the cost of textbooks. I couldn’t believe I’d spend hundreds of dollars on books each semester — almost as much as my meal plan.

When you’re paying so much for textbooks, you want to get as much money back for them as possible. That’s why knowing the best places to sell textbooks is so crucial.

When you’re taking out student loans to pay for everything, every dollar you get back is a dollar you don’t have to borrow.

Best Places to Sell Used Textbooks Online

With so many different sites that sell books online, you want to find the ones that offer the best prices.

1. BookScouter

BookScouter is an aggregate site. You type in the ISBN number and rather than getting one fixed price, you get a range of prices from more than 30 different buy-back sites. BookScouter is a good place to see what your options are before choosing where to sell your used textbooks.

Depending on the book’s popularity, you may not get offers from all 30 sites. At the very least, it’s a good starting point.

Related: How to Earn Money Selling Your Used Books with BookScouter

2. Decluttr

Decluttr makes textbook buyback easy. You download the app, use the app’s scanner to automatically scan the bar code, and wait for their price. If you agree to the price, you’ll accept the offer and print out a pre-paid mailing label.

You have to mail the items in and after Decluttr receives them, you’ll be paid. If the items are not in the condition you described them, you may be paid less.

Related: How Much Could You Make Selling Your Electronics with Decluttr?

3. Cash4Books

Cash4Books works like other websites where you can sell used books. Customers input the book’s ISBN number, get the offer, accept it, and print out a pre-paid label to send in their books. Payments are made via PayPal or check.

The site mostly takes college textbooks, so high school students should look elsewhere if they’re trying to resell books. According to the website, Cash4Books primarily takes textbooks published in 2016 or later. If you have older books, consider using a different site.

They have a list of their 500 most popular titles so you can see what they pay for high-demand books.

4. BooksRun

BooksRun is another site where you can sell back your textbooks. Sellers enter the ISBN number, choose the condition of the book, and then check out to print their label. You can also download the Android or iPhone app to scan the barcode, which is easier than inputting the ISBN number manually.

You’ll get paid within four days after the book has been processed, and you can choose between PayPal or check.

5. ValoreBooks

ValoreBooks has the same book buying and selling model as its competitors. Type in the ISBN number, view the price, accept it, and print out a pre-paid shipping label. ValoreBooks has a minimum $15 order, so you may have to sell multiple textbooks to meet it. You’ll be paid via check or PayPal.

The site will evaluate the books when they get them. If your book is damaged in any way, you may have the offer rescinded.

6. BookFinder

BookFinder aggregates book buyback options and includes sites like Amazon, BooksRun, and sellbackyourbook.com. You can see which site offers the most money and then click through to their link to sell your book.

This site doesn’t seem to include as many stores as BookScouter, so check there first.

7. TextbookRush

TextbookRush is available on the web or as an iPhone app. Like other sites, you enter the ISBN number, view the offer, and ship it with a pre-paid shipping label.

Offers are valid for 20 days, and customers can choose to get paid via direct cash deposit or PayPal. A key difference between TextbookRush and other sites is that you can choose to be paid via store credit. This will earn you an extra 5% more than the other payment options.

If you’re going to need books for the next semester, choose store credit to get more money.

8. Student 2 Student

Student 2 Student is a different kind of textbook buyback site. Instead of shipping your books through a site and getting paid through them, you list your books and sell them to real students near you. You’ll sell the books to other people from your college and meet on or around campus to exchange the book and payment.

This can be a good option if you don’t have the ability to send in books or have specific books that other textbook sites aren’t looking for.

9. Textbook Buyer

Textbook Buyer is a site where you can only sell books. It’s not clear what they do with the books since you can’t buy books on the site.

Textbook Buyer pays for all shipping costs. Payment is only available via check, but the site claims it sends out checks as soon as the books are received. Books must be in very good condition. If they’re not, you may have the price adjusted once it arrives or it may be discarded without payment made to you.

10. Barnes & Noble

Book retailer Barnes & Noble seems to have a more stringent book buyback policy. Two popular titles weren’t on their current buyback list. You must also sell at least $10 worth of books for each total order.

Payment is available via check or PayPal and can take between one to two weeks after receiving the shipment.

11. eCampus

What makes eCampus different is that sellers can list their books and set their own prices. If you have a book and want to get the most money for it, you can list it on eCampus for the price you want.

eCampus takes a 15% commission off each book sold and provides a partial credit for shipping. They pay via bank deposit on a weekly basis.

12. Amazon

Most people know Amazon as a place to buy things, but you can actually sell textbooks on Amazon. Go to their trade-in store and click on “Books.” Next, type in the name of the book or ISBN number.

Amazon will ask you a few questions about the book’s condition, like how much is highlighted or if any pages are damaged. Answer honestly. If you send in a book that’s in worse condition, the offer may be withdrawn. You’ll receive payment via Amazon gift card.

See Also: Legitimate Online Jobs for Students, Moms, Kids, Teachers and More

Where to Sell Used Textbooks Near Me (in Person)

If you don’t have a post office or UPS store near you, then selling books online may be a hassle. It may be more worthwhile to sell them locally, especially if you have a car.

13. Secondhand Bookshops

There are a number of different used or secondhand bookshops where you can sell your textbooks.

Half Price Books

Half Price Books is a second-hand store that sells a huge variety of books. With more than 100 stores, it’s likely that there’s a Half Price Books near you.

The store can’t give you an estimate over the phone or online; you have to bring them in person. You’ll receive cash if they accept your books. They accept textbooks, fiction, and even kids’ books.

2nd and Charles

2nd and Charles has locations in states all across the country including Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. You bring in your items and can leave them there for the staff to examine and price. You’ll get a text or email notification when they’re ready.

If your books are accepted, you’ll receive payment in cash or store credit. They offer more money in store credit, but it’s a great way to make money now if you need it.

Local Used Bookstores

If you have a used book store near you, check it out to see if they buy textbooks. If they’re located near a college campus, these stores often stock popular textbooks.

You’ll have to take your books with you to the store and probably wait a few minutes to find out their value. Still, it’s a good option for those who don’t have a car but have a book store within walking distance.

14. Craigslist

If you live in a college town and have lots of leftover textbooks, selling on Craigslist may not be a bad idea. You can sell them as a lot or divide them by class. For example, if you took the basic required freshman English course, you can sell all the books necessary for that class.

Make sure to meet somewhere public to exchange the books and always get the money in cash.

15. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free place to sell anything, including textbooks. If you live in a city with lots of college students, you can find a decent selection. There’s no seller’s fee on Facebook Marketplace, and you can see buyers’ ratings on the marketplace.

16. letgo

Letgo is available as a website and an iPhone and Android app. It’s available in most major cities including New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, but also in smaller ones such as Wichita, El Paso, and Tampa.

Sellers can list their items on letgo and then wait for a buyer. Buyers can haggle the price on letgo, so you’ll want to list your textbooks at a high price and then negotiate down. Because you meet up in person, you should only accept cash as payment.

17. OfferUp

With OfferUp, you can sell items both locally and online. To sell online, you have to turn on the “Sell & ship nationwide” feature. There will be a 12.99% service fee for items that are shipped.

OfferUp is available as an iPhone and Android app and on desktop. It immediately finds your location to see what’s closest to you. You can communicate with buyers directly through the app, and users can rate one another. Low ratings or missing a profile picture may indicate red flags.

18. NextDoor

NextDoor isn’t a selling app. It’s a website where you can join your local neighborhood online. People post about yard sales, lost dogs, and community events.

However, you can also make a post about selling your books. Because the people looking at it live near you, this is a good option if you have books to sell and don’t have access to a car. You may struggle finding customers so don’t rely on this as your primary way to sell your textbooks.

See Also: 40 Creative Ways to Make Money Fast

Check Multiple Sources Before Selling Your Used Textbooks

Comparing costs is an important life skill to learn, especially when it comes to managing your own money. Getting as much money back as possible for your books is a good place to start practicing this skill.

You may have to sell your books at different sites and stores to get the most cash possible. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you procrastinate. The longer you wait to sell your books, the more dated they’ll be and the less money you’ll get for them. To maximize how much you get back, try selling them as soon as the semester is over.

The post 19 Best Places to Sell Textbooks for the Most Money appeared first on DollarSprout.

Much has changed about the app over the past seven years, and almost none of it for the better. Here are what remain of the pros, the notable cons, and why we think you’re better off using other popular cash back apps.

What Is Drop?

Drop is a popular loyalty rewards app designed to help users earn points for their everyday purchases. By linking your debit and credit cards to the app, you can accumulate points automatically whenever you shop at partnered retailers.

These points can be redeemed for free gift cards from a wide range of popular brands, making Drop a seemingly effortless way to get rewarded for the shopping you’re already doing.

In addition to its seamless integration with your payment methods, Drop offers a variety of ways to maximize your earnings. Users can also participate in activities such as paid surveys, playing games, or referring friends to the app to rack up even more points.

Why We’re Concerned About Drop

Drop is the only cash back app we’ve ever reviewed that can claim they provide fully automatic cash back to users. It was, and remains, an enormous perk, as all competing apps require receipt scanning, offer loading, or some form of manual offer activation.

Drop is theoretically as simple as linking a preferred payment method and earning free cash back — or so it was.

There are several red flags that have arisen since our last annual review which have prompted us to drop our rating from 3.5 to 1.5 (out of 5 stars):

 Concern #1:  Users must manually opt-in to earn cash back each Wednesday, despite their card information already being linked. Drop is plausibly receiving attribution and payment from merchants for qualifying user purchases, but not distributing points to users if they haven’t opted in that week.

 Concern #2:  Users — myself included — report extreme difficulty redeeming gift cards for earned points during “drop” periods. Drop seems unable to fulfill on-demand withdrawals from users for earned points, resorting instead to periodic withdrawal windows where users can try and redeem a seemingly small number of valid gift cards.

 Concern #3:  For the small percentage of users able to successfully redeem their points for a gift card, there is now a company-stated [up to] 60-day waiting period for gift card delivery, with few users ever reporting card arrival.

While we’re not privy to the inner workings at Drop, we’re concerned users are being left little in the way of options for redeeming rightfully earned points. Our experience isn’t isolated, with hundreds of Reddit users reporting similar experiences.

How Drop Works

Understanding how Drop works is essential to making the most of its features and maximizing your rewards. Here are the app’s key features and tips for maximizing your earnings.

Signing Up for Drop

To begin using Drop, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Follow the prompts to create an account by providing your email and setting up a password. After verifying your email, you can complete your profile, which helps tailor the app’s features to your preferences.

Completing all the steps can unlock up to 8,800 points — equivalent to an $8.80 Welcome Bonus.

Select five merchants to earn ongoing points

Drop will ask you to choose the retailers you use most. My list included Safeway, Urban Outfitters, Lyft, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.

Once you log in for the first time, you’ll be able to see the wider list of Drop retailers which includes:

This initial setup is straightforward and prepares you to start earning rewards on your everyday purchases.

Linking Your Cards

Once your account is set up, the next step is to securely link your debit and credit cards to the Drop app. This process is crucial as it allows Drop to track your purchases and award you points automatically.

To link your cards, navigate to the card linking section in the app and follow the instructions to enter your card details. With your cards linked, you can start earning points on eligible purchases without any extra effort.

Earning Points

With your cards linked, you can start earning points on your everyday purchases. Drop automatically tracks your spending at partnered retailers and awards you points for every eligible transaction. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for various rewards.

Drop offers personalized deals based on your spending habits, allowing you to earn bonus points for shopping at specific stores or purchasing certain items.

In addition to earning points through purchases, Drop offers a few other ways to boost your earnings: Games, Surveys, and Refer Friends.

Related: 17 Legit Ways You Can Get Paid to Shop

Games

Currently, the only available game on Drop is called “Pets.” In this game, users are awarded a virtual pet to care for. The experience begins with watching your pet hatch from an egg.

To keep your pet happy, you need to interact with it daily, which includes tasks like feeding and playing with it. Consistent care rewards you with gifts from your pet, such as points and other surprise perks.

Surveys

Drop also offers paid surveys as a method for users to earn additional points. These surveys are provided both by Drop and through partnerships with market research companies like Tap Research. They cover a wide range of topics, allowing users to share their opinions and insights on new or established products or services.

By participating, users can accumulate points for each completed survey. Occasionally, you’ll encounter Boosted Surveys, which offer double the usual points, making them ever-so-slightly more worth your time. Engaging in these surveys regularly can modestly boost your point balance, helping you reach your redemption goals more quickly.

Refer Friends

Drop’s “Refer a Friend” feature allows users to earn additional points by inviting friends to join the app. Each user receives a unique referral link to share.

When a friend signs up using this link and makes their first purchase on Drop, both the referrer and the friend receive a 5,000-point bonus ($5).

Redeeming Points

Once you’ve accumulated enough points, redeeming them on Drop is straightforward. Points can be exchanged for gift cards from a variety of popular retailers, including Amazon, Starbucks, and many others. To redeem, simply navigate to the Rewards section in the app, browse the available gift card options, and select the one you want. Confirm the redemption, and you’ll receive the gift card electronically, ready for immediate use.

Gift cards are available in two tiers: those starting at $5 (Amazon and Starbucks only) and those starting at $25, which include options like Uber, Apple, Dunkin, Ulta, StubHub, Airbnb, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and more.

Related: 20 Best Money Making Apps for Earning On the Go

Pros & Cons

While Drop offers several opportunities to earn free money, it is not without several limitations. Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of using the Drop app:

Pros

Ease of Use. Automatically earn points through linked cards.
Variety of Rewards. Wide range of gift card options starting at $5.
Earning Opportunities. Collect points through games, surveys, and referrals.
Amazon Cash Back. One of few platforms offering cash back at Amazon.

Cons

Hard to Redeem Points: Major concern over point redemption issues.
Feature Restrictions: Some features may be locked or have limited access.
Limited Survey Availability: Fewer surveys compared to other sites.
Gift Card Tiers: Higher minimum point thresholds for many gift card options.

Alternatives to Drop

Given our concerns about Drop, you might be better off using a different cashback app. Here’s a comparison of some popular alternatives that offer reliable rewards and a smoother user experience:

Verdict

While Drop offers an appealing array of features and opportunities to earn rewards, our experience and the feedback from other users indicate significant concerns that outweigh the benefits. The manual weekly opt-in requirement, difficulty in redeeming points, and prolonged waiting periods for gift card delivery are substantial drawbacks.

From personal experience, these issues have transformed what was once a user-friendly app into a source of frustration and disappointment. Despite its automatic cash back feature, the current state of Drop falls short of expectations, making it less reliable compared to other cash back apps.

We recommend exploring alternative options like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Capital One Shopping, which provide a more consistent and rewarding experience for users looking to earn cash back on their everyday purchases.

Related:

• 18 Best Passive Income Apps to Earn Extra Money
• How This Frugal Mom Earned $830 With Cash Back Apps
• 12 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

FAQs

Rating Methodology

To ensure consistency and objectivity in our cashback app reviews at DollarSprout, we use a standardized evaluation framework. Here is the detailed methodology for evaluating the Drop app, which can be applied across all cashback app reviews:

The post Drop Review 2024: Why Better Cash Back Apps Exist appeared first on DollarSprout.

What are the best short-term investments to maximize your returns?

Most often, people in this situation are saving for a short-term goal — a down payment on a house, shiny new car, or planning for kids in the not-too-distant future.

You don’t want to leave your money sitting around in a low-interest savings account making mere pennies a month. However, you also don’t want to take on a great deal of risk since that’s money you’re planning to use in the next few years.

Short-Term High-Yield Investments

Putting your money into short-term high yield investments can be the perfect compromise between earning basically 0% interest and taking bigger risks with long-term investments. Don’t worry, I’ll explain exactly where to invest money to get good returns and also give some short-term investment examples along the way.

What Constitutes a Short-Term Investment?

When most people think of investments, they think of things like stocks, bonds, 401(k)s, and IRAs. These types of investments and investment vehicles are typically part of a long-term investment portfolio used to fund goals like saving for college funding retirement. They often mature for decades before they’re cashed in for their intended purpose.

A short-term investment, on the other hand, grows for several months to years. Once it matures, the investment can be cashed in for its full value. Therefore, if you know you’ll need your funds in the next 3-5 years or sooner, short-term investments are usually the way to go.

Are Short-Term Investments Risk-Free?

Short-term investments usually carry far less risk than long-term investments, but that does not mean that they are completely risk-free.

If you’re relying on your money being there when you need it in a few short months or years, it makes sense that you would want to take on as little risk as possible. However, even some of the best short-term investments come with some degree of risk.

That said, you can still manage your risk by choosing the right options for your situation.

As with most types of investing, the less risk you take, the less reward you will often receive.

The Best Short-Term Investment Options With High Returns

Now that we’re on the same page with what short-term investment options with high returns are and the risks involved with any investment, let’s take a look at how to start investing your money short term for the best combination of returns vs. safety.

1. Online high-interest savings accounts

Time Span: Indefinite

Return: 0-2.50% APY

When it comes to investing young, savings accounts aren’t the most lucrative option.

However, if you want access to your money at any time and to maximize your returns, high-yield online savings accounts are a great option.

Every bank offers FDIC coverage up to $250,000. As long as your account stays below that amount, you’re guaranteed access to your money even if the bank fails, which is highly unlikely.

It’s not uncommon to see some of the best savings accounts offer interest rates that are more than 5-10 times the national average. With no monthly fees and low (or no) minimum balance requirements, you can withdraw your money at any time without closing your account.

With inflation currently around 2.4%, you’ll still lose purchasing power with this short-term investment strategy (i.e. inflation is greater than your return)._[1] However, you’ll still see a higher return than keeping your money in a lower-interest savings account.

Related: 15 Expert Tips for Beating Inflation

2. Money market accounts

Time Span: Indefinite

Return: 1-2%

Money market accounts are a hybrid between a checking and savings account. With a money market account, you can write checks and make withdrawals. However, you may be required to keep a higher minimum balance to keep from incurring fees.

Newly-opened money market accounts typically offer higher interest rates than savings accounts. Restrictions on the number of withdrawals allowed within a given period of time make them less liquid than a checking account but more liquid than a CD, and with comparable interest rates.

3. Certificate of deposit (CD)

Time Span: 3 months to 5 years

Return: 0.5-3%

CDs are another great option for short-term, high-yield investments.

With certificates of deposit (CDs), you give up flexibility in being able to access your funds in exchange for a higher return. CDs are essentially a loan you give to a bank. They come with a fixed interest rate and a determined maturity date, at which you’ll receive access to your original investment plus the accumulated interest.

You can still withdraw your money from a CD at any time. However, doing so will incur an early withdrawal penalty, the amount of which varies depending on the bank.

The length of CDs varies from 3 months to 5 years. The longer you’re willing to part with your money, the more interest you can earn. An online bank like CIT Bank offers some of the highest CD interest rates.

4. Take advantage of promotional deals

Cash-back rewards aren’t what most people imagine when they think of short-term investments. However, taking advantage of these promotional offers is an easy way to make money in a short period of time.

Many rewards credit cards offer a bonus of some sort when you sign up and spend a certain amount within the first three to six months. For example, the Capital One® Venture® credit card offers a 50,000-mile bonus. In order to qualify, you’ll need to spend $3,000 in the first 3 months of opening your account.

Those 50,000 miles translate to $500 in travel. Not a bad investment for minimal effort.

We don’t recommend racking up credit card debt just to collect bonuses. However, if you only use your new card for expenses you’d be paying for anyway (food, groceries, gas, utilities, etc.), and pay it off every month, then it can be a decent short-term investment opportunity.

Another promotional offer to look out for is bank account bonuses. Oftentimes, banks will offer promotions for new customers who open an account and sign up for direct deposit or deposit a specified minimum within a certain number of days.

These rewards range from $100 to $400+. Right now, Chase is offering a $350 bonus to new customers.

Qualifications include opening a checking account and setting up direct deposit ($200 bonus), opening a bank account online and depositing $10,000 of “new” dollars (not from another Chase account — $150 bonus).

5. Municipal bonds

A municipal bond is issued by a local, state, or government agency and used to complete public projects like building highways or new schools.

These short-term high-yield investments (well, depending on the bond) are backed by the government entity that issues the bond, and interest earned is usually exempt from federal taxes.

There are two types of municipal bonds: revenue or general obligation (GO). Revenue bonds are backed by a specific revenue source, such as hotel tax or toll road fees. General obligation bonds, on the other hand, are not backed by a specific project.

Although it’s possible for the issuer to default on the bond, the chances of that happening are relatively low, especially compared to corporate bonds. The risk is associated with interest rates.

When interest rates rise, the value of a municipal bond decreases. When interest rates decline, the value of a bond increases. Longer-term bonds are more susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. Therefore, the shorter the maturity date, the less risky your investment.

One of the best investment apps on the market, Ally Invest, offers an easy and straightforward way to invest in municipal bonds.

6. Peer-to-peer lending

Time Span: 3-5 years

Average Return: 3-8% per year

Where To Invest: LendingClub

Peer-to-peer lending involves loaning money to individuals and businesses outside of the traditional banking and loan system. This is typically done through online platforms that connect borrowers with lenders. There are benefits on both sides of this equation.

Borrowers receive access to more money at lower interest rates than they may find elsewhere. Investors (you) get an alternative short-term investment strategy with competitive returns, plus the joy of knowing you’re helping fund someone else’s goals.

The way you invest with peer-to-peer lending companies is by purchasing notes, which represent a fraction of a loan. You can spread your investment over multiple notes with different loans and borrowers, thereby diversifying your portfolio and reducing risk.

Here’s how LendingClub explains it:

LendingClub offers notes as low as $25 each. That doesn’t mean you’re funding someone’s $25 loan. Rather, you’re funding a fraction of a loan in the amount of $25, and other lenders fund the rest.

According to LendingClub, 99% of its borrowers with 100+ notes see positive returns.

What makes peer-to-peer lending one of the best short-term investments is the level of ease and simplicity. LendingClub assigns a grade of A through E to each loan. As a lender, you get to choose the types of loans you want in your portfolio by either selecting one of its portfolio options or manually selecting loans.

As with any investment, the higher the risk, the greater the potential reward. Lending Club’s website cites historical returns between 3% and 8% per year.

Keep in mind that with peer-to-peer lending, your money is tied up for three to five years. If you need access to your funds sooner than that, then take a look at the other items on this list.

7. Pay off high-interest debt

Paying off high-interest debt is one of the best short-term investments you can make. I know that getting out of debt may not sound like an investment, but let’s look at the math.

Say you have a $3,000 balance on a credit card with a 20% APR. You could save around $600 in one year’s interest by paying off the balance. That’s equal to a 20% return on your investment, not to mention the years of future payments wiped clean.

If you’re concerned about the idea of parting with so much cash all at once, then consider transferring your high-interest debt to a 0% APR credit card and paying it off before the introductory interest period ends.

For example, the Discover it® card offers a 0% APR for the first 14 months. That gives you over a year to pay off your high-interest debt without accruing any more interest.

What’s the Best Way to Invest Money Short Term?

That depends on a few things. When deciding on the best way to invest money short term for your situation, consider your timeline. How long until you need your money back? If your savings goal or project is a few years out, then you may consider options like peer-to-peer lending or CDs.

If, however, you only have a few months to a year to invest, then promotional bank deals or a high-interest online savings account may be a better option. Typically, the longer the maturity of your investment, the higher the return.

Another factor to consider is the level of risk you’re willing to take on. Municipal bonds, for example, are riskier than opening an online checking or savings account. As with maturity, the greater the risk, the higher your potential return.

As you can see, short-term investing is vastly different from investing in the long term. Whichever methods you choose, you’ll want to make sure your money is easy to access and not too risky for your short-term goals.

The post 7 Best Short-Term Investments for Growing Your Money appeared first on DollarSprout.

The problem is, I can only eat so much stuff in a single day. Ben & Jerry’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Cheesecake Factory, I’m looking at you!

Since I know I’m not the only one who likes getting free stuff from businesses on my birthday, we’ve put together an epic list of all the best birthday freebies we could find.

Fill up your gas tank, grab a few friends, plan your route, and get ready for all the birthday freebies!

85 Companies Offering Birthday Freebies, Discounts, & More

If you love free stuff, and you’re searching for “birthday freebies near me,” here’s where to look.

Food and Drink Birthday Freebies

1. Abuelo’s 

Abuelo’s provides a special birthday offer if you join its Mi Aubelo’s rewards program. You’ll also get a coupon just for joining. 

2. Applebee’s 

If you sign up for the Applebee’s e-club, you’ll be eligible to get a free food item on your birthday. The item will vary depending on your location. Some restaurants provide a free dessert while others give a free entrée with the purchase of another entrée.  

3. Arby’s

When you join the Arby’s email list, you’ll get a coupon for free fries and a soft drink if you purchase a signature sandwich. You may also receive a free shake on your birthday.

4. Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain provides a free travel mug and a birthday lunch or dessert if you join its email list. 

5. Auntie Anne’s

Join the Pretzel Perks program at Auntie Anne’s and get a free birthday treat. You’ll also receive a free pretzel after your first purchase of $1 or more.

6. A&W

If you join A&W’s Mug Club, you’ll get a free root beer float on your birthday, and you’ll also be eligible for other deals and coupons.

7. Benihana 

Adults who join the Benihana rewards program, The Chef’s Table, will qualify for a $30 gift certificate. It’s not valid on the weekends or for alcohol, so be aware before you go. Otherwise, this $30 birthday freebie should cover most of an adult entree.

For birthday freebies for kids 12 and under, there’s a Kabuki Kids program, which entitles them to a free mug with the purchase of a kid’s meal during their birthday month. They’ll also get a birthday card in the mail.

8. bd’s Mongolian Grill

Members of the bd rewards program will get a free birthday meal and a $5 off coupon for your first visit. 

9. BJ’s Brewhouse 

BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus members will get a free pizookie on their birthday (which is like a cookie cake) and a free pizookie for joining the program. 

10. Black Angus Steak

By joining the Prime Club at Black Angus, you’ll get a free birthday steak dinner if you purchase another steak dinner. If you purchase a regular entree, you’ll get a free dessert. You can only use this birthday deal once. For each birthday after that, you’ll get a free cookie with the purchase of an entree.

11. Boston Market

Customers and members of the Rotisserie Reward program will get a free cookie on their birthday, no purchase necessary.

12. Bojangle’s

Users who join the Bojangle’s email list get a free Bo-Berry Biscuit for their birthday and a free half gallon of iced tea just for signing up.

13. Cold Stone Creamery

If all you want is a birthday treat, go to Cold Stone for ice cream. If you join the My Cold Stone Rewards Club, you’ll get a BOGO free ice cream creation coupon on your birthday (plus 25 points toward a future purchase). For every $1 you spend in the future, you’ll earn another point. You can redeem 50 points for $5 worth of ice cream that you can use any time.

14. Carvel

If you join the Fudgie Fantatics, you’ll get a free ice cream cone on your birthday. You may also get other coupons and special offers.

15. Chili’s

When you become a member of the My Chili’s Reward program, you get a free dessert on your birthday. You’ll also get other discounts, like free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage if you visit a Chili’s once every 60 days.

16. Culver’s

Culver’s will send you a birthday coupon for a free sundae. When you register for its My Culver’s program, you’ll also get a BOGO coupon for a Value Basket.

17. Denny’s

Get your first free birthday meal at your local Denny’s. Its free Rewards Program lets you build your own Grand Slam meal every year. You’ll also get a 20% off coupon to use on your first order after joining the program.

Related: 35 Legit Ways to Get Free Money

18. Dippin’ Dots

Get free Dippin’ Dots on your birthday when you join its email club. You’ll get other fun offers throughout the year as well. 

19. Dunkin’ Donuts

Customers who join the DD Perks reward program get a free beverage on their birthday, excluding cooler beverages. The birthday reward expires within seven days of your special day. 

20. Del Taco

Members of the Del Taco Raving Fan Club will get a free premium shake on their birthday (chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla) and a coupon for two free tacos when they register.  

21. Edible Arrangements

For free chocolate-covered fruit, you can join the Edible Rewards program from Edible Arrangements. Its birthday treat is a 12-piece box of chocolate-dipped fruit. The reward program comes with additional perks, like a free chocolate-dipped fruit box every 3rd purchase.

22. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Bagel fans will get a free egg sandwich, with purchase, on their birthday when they join the Schmear Society from Einstein Bros. Bagels.

23. Famous Dave’s

Join Famous Dave’s Famous Nation club and get a free birthday treat and other offers and coupons.

24. Firehouse Subs

Head over to Firehouse Subs and grab a free medium sandwich if you’re a member of the Firehouse Rewards program. Your free sub offer starts on your birthday and ends 6 days after. Parents can also enroll their children in the program so they can get a free kids’ combo or free medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink.

25. Friendly’s

Friendly’s gives members of its BFF Email Club a free medium sundae on their birthday, 25% off their visit, and other discounts throughout the year.

26. Godiva Gourmet Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? The Godiva rewards club is free to join and comes with one free chocolate on your birthday, plus another every month.

Related: 40 Free Things to Do With Friends When You’re Broke 

27. Habit Burger Grill

Users who join the CharClub at Habit Burger Grill get a special birthday treat. 

28. IHOP

Breakfast lovers get free pancakes on their birthday when they join the MyHop rewards program. You can also get free pancakes just for joining the program and on the anniversary date every year.

29. Jason’s Deli

Not only does Jason’s Deli give out free ice cream every day, but you can also get a gift voucher for $5 toward anything on the menu, like a sandwich, bowl of soup, or any other entree. Join the Jason’s Deli Birthday Club to receive this offer.

30. Jersey Mike’s

Get a free birthday sub from Jersey Mike’s when you join its rewards program. 

31. Krispy Kreme

Members of the Krispy Kreme Rewards club get a free doughnut for signing up and other offers during the year. 

32. Landry’s Select Club 

Landry’s owns several steakhouses, including McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Signing up for the Select Club will get you a $25 birthday reward you can use any time during your birthday month.

33. Marie Callender’s

Users who join the Marie Callender’s email rewards program get freebies on their birthday and wedding anniversary, and a special offer just for joining. 

34. The Melting Pot

Fondue lovers will enjoy a free box of chocolate-covered strawberries with dinner at The Melting Pot. Join the Club Fundue program to receive this reward.

35. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s provides a free burrito on your birthday when you sign up for its rewards program. You’ll also get a free cup of queso when you join the program.

36. Olive Garden

Olive Garden rewards members get a free dessert, worth up to $8.50, on their birthday. 

37. On the Border

The Club Cantina program from On the Border provides a free birthday surprise and free queso (with the purchase of an entrée) when you join.

38. Panera Bread

You can grab a free birthday pastry from Panera Bread as a member of its MyPanera program. If you’re already a big Panera fan, you can earn more free meals or drinks throughout the year by accumulating points on your purchases.

39. Pei Wei

Pei Wei’s rewards program, My Wei, provides a small plate of free food on your birthday. Customers can choose from crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls, or pork egg rolls. 

40. Perkins

MyPerkins rewards members get a free birthday treat, and kids 12 and under are also eligible. You also get a 20% off coupon for joining.  

41. Pinkberry

Download the Pinkberry app on your phone or sign up for a free online Pinkcard to get a free frozen yogurt on your birthday and after 10 purchases.  

42. Pita Pit

Members of the Pita Pack Rewards Club get a free pita on their birthday. Those who visit more frequently will be eligible for more rewards, between $1 and $6 to put toward any purchase.    

43. Planet Smoothie

Smoothie lovers will get a free smoothie on their birthday when they sign up for the Planet Smoothie Club.

44. Ra Sushi 

Ra Sushi provides a $20 gift certificate on your birthday and half-birthday if you join its rewards program, The Hook Up. There are Ra Sushi locations from California to Texas to Maryland.

45. Red Lobster

Seafood lovers who join the My Lobster Rewards Club will get a birthday surprise and points every time they visit Red Lobster.

46. Red Robin

Members of the Red Robin Royalty program get a free burger on their birthday. 

47. Ruby Tuesday

Rewards members get a free burger or garden bar entree on their birthday and a free appetizer just for joining.

48. Sonny’s BBQ

Members of ‘Q Crew Perks get a free Big Deal Combo on their birthday. You’ll also get $5 off when you sign up.

49. The Spaghetti Warehouse

Members of The Warehouse Club get a special birthday meal and a free appetizer with an entrée purchase. 

50. Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks members get a free cupcake on their birthday when they join. You can also earn points with each visit and potentially get more rewards.  

51. Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks offers a free single-serve drink or food item on your birthday. You’ll need to become a rewards member at least one week prior to your birthday to be eligible. There’s no size restriction on the free item, so you can opt for a Venti (its largest size). You’ll need to have made at least one purchase in the previous 12 months to get a free birthday item.

Related: How to Save Money at Starbucks: 15 Ways to Get Cheap Starbucks Drinks

52. Steak ‘n Shake

Members of the Rewards Club get a free specialty milkshake on their birthday and a free Double ’n Cheese ’n Fries.  

53. Subway

The Subway MyWay rewards program provides a free birthday surprise to members, and you’ll earn more points for each visit.

54. Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse gives a free birthday surprise and free appetizers to members of its VIP Club.

55. Uno Pizzeria & Grill

You’ll get a free dessert and appetizer if you join the Uno’s Insider Club.

56. Wienerschnitzel

Members of the Wiener Lover’s Club get a free item on their birthday and a free chili dog for joining.

57. Wingstop

Get a free birthday gift and free fries for signing up for the Wingstop rewards program.

58. Yogurt Mountain

Customers in the YOMO Club get a free treat on their birthday. You’ll also be notified of new products.

59. Zaxby’s

The Zax Club comes with a free combo meal on your birthday and a free sandwich meal when you join.

Makeup and Beauty

If you love makeup, here are some free birthday makeup offers.

60. The Body Shop

Members of the Love Your Body club get a $10 off coupon during their birthday month.

61. Aveda Free Services

Participating Aveda locations give out a free travel size body oil when you join its email list. You can redeem in store or online.

62. Sephora 

By signing up to be a Sephora Beauty Insider Member, you can score a small birthday beauty treat from brands like GlamGlow, Bite, and Bumble and Bumble. You can redeem at a brick-and-mortar store, a Sephora JCPenney location, or at sephora.com anytime during your birthday month.

63. Ulta

Ulta provides a free birthday gift and 2X points on all purchases during your birthday month.

64. Smashbox

You have to be a Level 2 or 3 member to get a free birthday gift from Smashbox. That means you’ll need to spend at least $75 in previous purchases to qualify.

65. Urban Decay

When you’re part of the UD Beauty Junkies program, you’ll receive birthday freebies and offers, which change every year.

66. BareMinerals

Spoil yourself with a free birthday gift from BareMinerals. As a member, you’ll also receive a 15% offer for filling out your profile and $10 off for every $150 spent.

67. Lancôme

Sign up for Lancôme’s Elite Rewards Program to receive a free gift on your birthday each year. 

Clothes 

If you’re in the area, you’ll want to check out the opportunity to snag some free birthday clothes from these brands.

68. J. Crew Factory

The J. Crew outlet store provides a birthday discount if you join its email list.

69. Old Navy

When you join Old Navy’s birthday club, it’ll send you free birthday stuff on your special day. You’ll also get a 20% off coupon when you join.

70. Express

When you join the EXPRESS NEXT program, you’ll get a surprise birthday gift.

71. Victoria’s Secret

As an Angel Credit Card holder, Victoria’s Secret will send you a free birthday gift every year. You’ll just need to periodically use your card to keep the account active. The card also gets you free shipping, rewards on every purchase, and $25 off your first order as a cardholder.

72. American Eagle and Aerie

Clothes shoppers who join the American Eagle Real Rewards program get a special birthday coupon on their birthday. 

Related: 10 Legit Ways to Get Free Clothes Online

More Places to Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday

73. Swagbucks Bonus Points

Swagbucks is a great way to get points for taking surveys or watching videos. You can also get extra points on your birthday.

74. Disney Movies

Sign up for a Movie Rewards account and it’ll send you free rewards points. Save up and use your points as credit toward your favorite Disney movie.

Related: I Took My Family to Disney World for Free. Here’s How You Can, Too

75. AMC

Planning to catch a movie in person on your birthday? If so, go to your nearest AMC Theater and get a free large container of popcorn on your special day when you become an AMC Stubs Insider. If you already happen to be an A-List or Premier member, then you also qualify for a free large fountain drink as well.

Related: How and Where to Watch Movies Online for Free

76. Harkins Theatres

If you live near a Harkins Theatre, you’ll get a $5 coupon when you join the My Harkins Awards program.

77. Redbox

When you join the Redbox email list, you get a free movie on your birthday. Like most programs, it also offers points and special codes throughout the year.

Related: How to Get Spotify for Free or at a Discount

78. Alamo Drafthouse

Join the free Victory rewards program to get a free ticket on your birthday. You can also earn points for each visit, which may entitle you to an extra birthday ticket. Victory members also get two other free tickets each year.

79. Showcase Cinemas

Join the StarPass loyalty program and get a free regular popcorn on your birthday.

80. DSW 

Join the VIP club program at DSW to automatically qualify for a $5 voucher on your birthday. You can use that in store or online. If you reach its Elite member status by spending over $500 on eligible items in a calendar year, you’ll qualify for $10 in birthday benefits.

81. Journeys 

When you join the Journeys Birthday Club, you’ll receive a free birthday coupon.

Birthday Freebies for Kids

82. Medieval Times Admission 

If you’re looking for birthday freebies for kids, you can enroll kids 12 and under in the Medieval Times’ version of a birthday club program, known as The Birthday Fellowship. That’ll get you free admission along with the paid admission of an adult. The offer is valid any time throughout their birthday month. You’ll get an email with the details in the weeks leading up to the celebratory day.

Feel like stepping it up a notch? You can book a birthday party for an extra $7 per person and get fun perks like cake and an announcement in the stadium.

83. Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club

It’s free to join the Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club, and kids get a free cupcake on their birthday. They also get a 30% off coupon on their first purchase.

84. Chuck E. Cheese

Kids who are part of the More Cheese rewards club can get a free treat on their birthday and half birthday. They also get a free one-topping personal pizza on their first visit.

85. Journeys Kidz Club

Parents who sign their kids up for the Journeys Kidz Birthday Club will get a free coupon.

There Are Tons of Places to Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday

If you time your rewards, you can earn free ice cream, steak, makeup, entertainment rewards, and more.

When you sign up for many of these freebies, you won’t get just get free stuff on your birthday. You’ll also get perks all year long. Make sure to register for these rewards at least a month before your birthday since many companies require advance notice for you to qualify for a birthday freebie. 

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