Budgeting App Showdown: Which One Actually Works?

This is a research based review of five popular budgeting apps. Let's compare the specs!

Find the right budgeting app for your needs!

Your bank account is crying. Again.

It's the 15th of the month and somehow you're already broke. You have no idea where your money went.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. Most people have no clue where their money goes each month. That's where budgeting apps come in.

But here's the problem. There are dozens of apps out there. They all claim to be the best. How do you know which one actually works?

I tested five of the most popular budgeting apps for 30 days each. I tracked real expenses. Real bills. Real life.

Here's what I found.

Why You Need a Budgeting App

Let's be real. Tracking expenses in a notebook sounds great. But who actually does that?

Nobody.

We're all busy. We forget. We get lazy. And then we wonder why we have $12 in our checking account.

Budgeting apps make money management easier by automatically tracking your spending, income, and savings. They do the hard work for you.

The best ones connect to your bank account. They track every purchase automatically. No more guessing where your money went.

But not all apps are created equal. Some are complicated. Some are expensive. Some just plain suck.

Let's break down the five most popular options.

YNAB (You Need A Budget): The Serious One

Price: $14.99 per month or $109 per year (with a 34-day free trial)

YNAB is not messing around. This app means business.

It uses something called zero-based budgeting. That's a fancy way of saying every dollar gets a job before you spend it.

Instead of tracking what you already spent, you plan where every dollar will go. Before the month even starts.

It sounds intense. And it is.

The Good Stuff

YNAB teaches users to "give every dollar a job" with its proactive budgeting approach. You tell your money exactly where to go.

The app has amazing debt payoff tools. It helps you plan for big expenses. And it teaches you to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

YNAB also features a loan payoff simulator and the "YNAB Together" function that allows up to five users to share a membership. Great for families.

People who use YNAB swear by it. Like cult-level devotion. There's a reason for that. It works.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

YNAB has a steep learning curve. It takes time to figure out. You can't just download it and go.

It works best for users who want to get hands-on while planning for their money. If you want set-it-and-forget-it, look elsewhere.

And then there's the price. $109 per year is not cheap. Especially when you're trying to save money.

Who Should Use YNAB?

You're serious about crushing debt. You want complete control over your money. And you're willing to put in the work.

If you just want something simple, keep reading.

Mint: The Free Option (That's Going Away)

Price: Free

Mint used to be the go-to free budgeting app. Everyone used it.

But here's the bad news. Mint is being shut down in 2024, with Intuit pushing users to Credit Karma instead.

So yeah. Don't download Mint.

What Made Mint Great

It was 100% free. No hidden fees. No premium version.

It connected to your bank automatically. It tracked your credit score. It sent you alerts about weird charges.

For a free app, it did a lot.

Why It's Dead

Intuit (the company that owned Mint) decided to kill it. They want everyone to use Credit Karma instead.

Credit Karma is fine. But it's not the same as Mint. And people are mad about it.

If you're looking for a free option now, you'll need something else.

PocketGuard: The Simple One

Price: Free basic plan or $12.99 per month ($74.99 per year) for Plus

PocketGuard is for people who hate complicated apps.

The whole point is to answer one question: How much can I spend today?

That's it. Simple.

The Good Stuff

PocketGuard shows you exactly how much you have "in your pocket" after bills and savings. No math required.

The app automatically categorizes your spending. It tracks your bills. It shows you where your money goes.

Setup was fast, the categories were intuitive, and you could split transactions, create custom goals, and even get alerted to subscriptions you forgot about.

The interface is clean. Not cluttered. Easy to understand.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

PocketGuard costs $74.99 per year for premium features and has limited customization.

The free version is pretty basic. You can't do much with it. To get the good features, you need to pay.

And it's not cheap. Almost $75 per year for an app that just shows you how much you can spend? That's a lot.

Who Should Use PocketGuard?

You want something dead simple. You don't want to mess with complicated budgets. You just want to know if you can afford that coffee or not.

Perfect for busy people who don't have time to track every penny.

Goodbudget: The Envelope Method

Price: Free or $10 per month ($80 per year) for Premium

Remember when people used actual envelopes to budget? They'd put cash in different envelopes for different expenses.

Goodbudget does that. But digital.

The Good Stuff

Goodbudget is great for couples because it syncs across devices. You and your partner can see the same budget.

You don't have to connect your bank account. You can enter transactions manually. Some people like that for privacy reasons.

The free version actually works. You're not stuck behind a paywall for basic features.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

Manual entry can be tedious, and the free tier has limited envelopes.

Typing in every single purchase gets old fast. Most people give up after a few weeks.

The app can feel clunky. Other apps are smoother and easier to use.

Who Should Use Goodbudget?

You like the envelope method. You don't want to connect your bank account. Or you're budgeting with a partner and need something that syncs.

Dave Ramsey fans will probably like this one.

EveryDollar: Dave Ramsey's App

Price: Free basic version or $79.99 per year for premium ($17.99 per month for monthly payments)

EveryDollar is the official app from Dave Ramsey's team. If you follow his advice, you've probably heard of it.

The Good Stuff

The free version is actually useful. You can create a zero-based budget without paying.

EveryDollar has a clean, simple interface. Easy to understand. Not overwhelming.

If you're doing Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps, this app fits perfectly with that system.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

You need the $79.99 per year premium version to connect your bank account. The free version requires manual entry.

The app heavily pushes Ramsey content. If you're not a fan, it gets annoying.

The premium price is steep when other apps offer bank syncing for less. Or free.

Who Should Use EveryDollar?

You're following Dave Ramsey's financial advice. You want a simple zero-based budget. And you don't mind entering transactions manually (or you're willing to pay for auto-sync).

What About Rocket Money?

I know some of you are wondering about Rocket Money. It's gotten popular lately.

Rocket Money excels at bill management and automated subscription detection and cancellation assistance.

The app finds subscriptions you forgot about. It can negotiate your bills for you. That's pretty cool.

It uses a "choose your price" model between $3-12 monthly based on perceived value.

But here's the catch. If Rocket Money's bill negotiation team haggles with service providers on your behalf, they take 35-60% of your first year's savings.

Also, it lacks comprehensive budgeting depth compared to dedicated budgeting apps. It's more about finding hidden expenses than actual budgeting.

Great tool for cutting costs. Not the best for building a budget.

Other Apps Worth Mentioning

There are a few other players in the game worth knowing about.

Empower (formerly Personal Capital)

Empower is free and allows you to monitor both your spending and investment portfolios.

Great if you want to see all your finances in one place. Checking accounts, savings, investments, everything.

Best for people with larger portfolios who want the big picture.

Honeydue

Honeydue is designed for couples to manage shared expenses and communicate about money easily.

You can see each other's accounts (if you want to). Chat about transactions in the app. Set bill reminders together.

Honeydue is one of the best free budgeting apps, asking only an optional monthly tip if you love the software.

Perfect for couples who fight about money. Or who just want to be on the same page.

Monarch Money

Monarch is like the premium version of Mint. Clean interface. Lots of features.

Monarch lets you customize your dashboard so you always see what's most important to you first.

The downside? It costs money. But if you want a polished experience, it's worth checking out.

So Which App Should You Actually Use?

Okay. Decision time.

Here's my honest recommendation based on what you need.

Best Overall: YNAB

If you're serious about fixing your finances, get YNAB. Yes, it costs money. Yes, it has a learning curve.

But it works. People who stick with YNAB for three months see real results.

I personally saved $847 in my first month just by seeing where my money was actually going. The app pays for itself.

Worth it if you're ready to commit.

Best Free Option: Goodbudget

Since Mint is dead, Goodbudget is your best free choice. The free version works well and uses the envelope budgeting system.

You'll have to enter transactions manually. But if you want free and functional, this is it.

Easiest to Use: PocketGuard

If you just want something simple, PocketGuard wins. Open the app. See how much you can spend. Done.

The paid version is pricey. But the free version works fine for basic tracking.

Great for people who hate complicated budgets.

Best for Beginners: EveryDollar (Free Version)

Just starting out? Try EveryDollar's free version. Simple zero-based budgeting. No bank connection required.

Easy to understand. Hard to mess up.

Once you get the hang of it, you can decide if you want to upgrade or switch to something else.

The Real Secret to Budgeting Success

Here's something nobody talks about.

The app doesn't matter as much as you think.

I've seen people crush it with a spreadsheet. And I've seen people fail with the fanciest app.

The real secret is this: You have to actually look at your budget.

Pick an app. Any app. Use it for 30 days. Look at it every day.

That's it. That's the secret.

The best budgeting app is the one you'll actually use. Not the one with the most features. Not the most expensive one.

The one you'll open every day.

How to Choose Your App

Still not sure? Here's a simple quiz.

Do you want the best results possible and you're willing to work for it? Get YNAB.

Do you want something free and you're okay with manual entry? Get Goodbudget.

Do you just want to know how much you can spend today? Get PocketGuard.

Are you following Dave Ramsey's plan? Get EveryDollar.

Do you need to budget with your partner? Get Honeydue or Goodbudget.

Do you have a bunch of subscriptions you need to cancel? Get Rocket Money.

See? Not that complicated.

What to Do Next

Here's your action plan.

Step 1: Pick one app from this list. Just one. Don't download all of them.

Step 2: Download it tonight. Not tomorrow. Tonight.

Step 3: Connect your bank account (or start entering transactions manually).

Step 4: Spend 10 minutes setting up your budget categories.

Step 5: Check the app every single day for 30 days.

That's it. Do those five things and you'll be ahead of 90% of people.

Most people never get past step one. Don't be most people.

The Bottom Line

Budgeting apps aren't magic. They won't fix your money problems overnight.

But they will show you exactly where your money goes. And that's powerful.

Once you see where every dollar goes, you can't unsee it. You'll start making better choices.

That $6 coffee every morning? That's $180 per month. $2,160 per year. For coffee.

I'm not saying don't buy coffee. I'm saying know what it costs you.

The right budgeting app makes that easy. Pick one. Use it. Stick with it.

Your bank account will thank you.

One More Thing

Which app are you going to try? Drop a comment and let me know.

And if you found this helpful, share it with someone who's always broke. They need to see this.

Now go download an app and take control of your money. You've got this.

Best Cashback Apps You're Not Using (But Should Be)

 

It's almost like your phone is paying you when you use these cashback apps!

You're already spending money. On groceries. On gas. On stuff online.

What if you could get some of that money back? Not a lot. But enough to actually matter.

Cashback apps do exactly that. You buy things you were going to buy anyway. The app gives you money back.

It's not complicated. And it's actually free money.

Here are the best cashback apps you should be using.

1. Rakuten: For Online Shopping

If you shop online at all, you need Rakuten.

Install their browser extension or use their app. Before you buy anything, click through Rakuten first.

They give you cashback at thousands of stores. Amazon. Target. Walmart. Macy's. Best Buy. Pretty much anywhere you already shop.

The cashback varies. Usually 2-10%. Sometimes more during special promotions.

You were buying it anyway. This just puts money back in your pocket.

They pay you quarterly via PayPal or check. It adds up faster than you'd think.

Bonus: They give you $30 just for signing up and making your first purchase.

2. Ibotta: For Groceries

Ibotta is specifically for grocery shopping.

Before you go to the store, check the app for offers. Select the ones you want.

After shopping, scan your receipt. Get cashback on items you bought.

Sometimes it's name brand stuff. Sometimes it's any milk or any bread. Either way, you're getting money back on groceries.

You can also link your store loyalty cards. Then you don't even need to scan receipts. It tracks automatically.

Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards once you hit $20.

3. Fetch Rewards: For Any Receipt

Fetch is the easiest one.

You don't have to select offers. You don't have to shop at specific stores.

Just scan any receipt from any store. Grocery store. Gas station. Target. Doesn't matter.

You earn points for every receipt. More points for buying certain brands, but you get points regardless.

Cash in points for gift cards. Amazon. Starbucks. Target. Visa gift cards.

It's literally free money for receipts you'd throw away anyway.

4. Dosh: For Automatic Cashback

Dosh is completely passive. No scanning receipts. No clicking through links.

Link your credit or debit card to the app. Shop at participating stores. Get automatic cashback.

Hotels. Restaurants. Gas stations. Retail stores.

You don't do anything. The app tracks your card purchases and adds cashback to your account.

Once you hit $25, cash out to your bank account or PayPal.

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it cashback app.

5. Upside: For Gas and Groceries

Upside focuses on gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Check the app before you fill up. See which nearby gas stations offer cashback.

Fill up at that station. Take a photo of your receipt. Get money back.

Same process for groceries and restaurants.

Gas cashback is usually 5-25 cents per gallon. That adds up fast if you drive regularly.

Cash out anytime to your bank account or PayPal. No minimum.

6. TopCashback: For Better Rates

TopCashback works like Rakuten. Click through before shopping online. Get cashback.

The difference? They often have higher cashback rates.

No membership fees. No minimums. Just better rates at a lot of stores.

Worth checking both Rakuten and TopCashback before big purchases to see who offers more.

Cash out via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards.

7. Checkout 51: For Weekly Grocery Offers

Checkout 51 posts new offers every Thursday.

Browse the offers. Buy the products. Snap a photo of your receipt.

Get cashback on your purchases.

It works at any grocery store. You're not limited to one chain.

Once you hit $20, they mail you a check.

Simple. Straightforward. More money back on groceries.

How to Actually Use These

Don't try to use all seven at once. You'll get overwhelmed and quit.

Start with two or three.

If you shop online a lot, use Rakuten and TopCashback.

If you buy groceries every week, use Ibotta and Fetch.

If you drive regularly, add Upside for gas.

Set them up once. Then just use them whenever you shop.

How Much Can You Actually Make?

This isn't going to replace your income. Let's be realistic.

But you can easily make $20-$50 a month without changing your spending habits.

That's $240-$600 a year. Just for using apps before you buy stuff you were buying anyway.

Over five years? That's over $1,000 in free money.

For scanning receipts and clicking a button.

The Catch

There isn't really one.

These apps make money from retailers who pay them to drive customers. They share some of that money with you.

You're not paying anything. You're just getting a cut of their earnings.

The only "catch" is you have to remember to use them. That's it.

Start Today

Pick two apps from this list. Download them right now.

Set them up. Link your cards if needed.

Then next time you shop, use them.

You're already spending the money. You might as well get some of it back.

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Which cashback apps do you use? Any I missed? Let me know in the comments.

Unique Ways to Cut Costs on Groceries

 

Unusual, budget-friendly tips to save money on groceries can help you cut costs!

Everyone knows the basic grocery tips. Use coupons. Buy generic. Make a list and stick to it.

Fine. But you're already doing that and your grocery bill is still too high.

Here are some less obvious ways to spend less at the grocery store without eating ramen every night.

1. Shop Your Pantry First

Before you make a grocery list, look at what you already have.

Really look. Check the back of the pantry. Dig through the freezer. See what's in the fridge that needs to be used.

Plan meals around what you already own. Then only buy what you actually need to complete those meals.

Most people have way more food at home than they think. They just forget about it and buy more.

Use up what you have before you buy more. Your wallet and your pantry will thank you.

2. Buy the Ugly Produce

A lot of stores now sell "imperfect" produce at a discount. Weird shaped carrots. Bruised apples. Sad looking peppers.

It tastes the same. It's just ugly.

If you're chopping it up for soup or roasting it anyway, who cares what it looks like?

You can save 30-50% just by buying the produce that doesn't look Instagram-worthy.

Also, check the reduced produce section. Bananas turning brown? Perfect for banana bread. Slightly wilted greens? They'll be fine in a smoothie or cooked dish.

3. Know the Unit Price

That big container looks like a better deal. But is it?

Check the unit price. It's the tiny number on the price tag that shows cost per ounce or per pound.

Sometimes the smaller package is actually cheaper per unit. Sometimes the mega size is worth it.

You can't know unless you check.

This matters most for things you buy regularly. Rice. Pasta. Canned goods. Snacks.

Spend an extra 30 seconds checking. Save money every time.

4. Shop Ethnic Grocery Stores

Asian markets. Mexican grocery stores. Middle Eastern shops.

They often have way better prices on produce, rice, beans, spices, and meat.

A bag of rice at a regular grocery store costs twice what it does at an Asian market. Same with spices at an Indian grocery store.

The quality is usually better too. These stores serve communities that cook from scratch and know good ingredients.

Don't be intimidated if you're not familiar with these stores. Just go in and look around. You'll find plenty of things you recognize at better prices.

5. Buy Meat on Manager's Special

That meat with the yellow "reduced" sticker? It's fine.

It's near its sell-by date, so the store marks it down. But you're going to cook it today or freeze it anyway.

You can save 30-50% on meat this way.

Check the markdown section every time you shop. Plan meals around what's on sale.

If you find a great deal, buy extra and freeze it. Your future self will appreciate having affordable meat in the freezer.

6. Stop Buying Pre-Cut Everything

Pre-cut vegetables. Pre-shredded cheese. Pre-sliced fruit.

You're paying someone to cut things for you. Sometimes you're paying double.

A whole pineapple costs half what pre-cut pineapple does. A block of cheese is way cheaper than shredded.

Yes, it takes a few extra minutes. But you can cut up a week's worth of vegetables in 20 minutes and save $10-$15.

If you're truly too busy, fine. But most of us can spare 20 minutes to cut our own food.

7. Eat Before You Shop

You've heard this one. But do you actually do it?

Shopping hungry means you buy more. Especially junk you don't need.

That sample station is more tempting. Those cookies suddenly seem essential. You grab things you wouldn't normally consider.

Eat something before you go. Even just a snack. Your grocery bill will be lower.

Small Changes Add Up

You don't have to do all of these. Pick two or three that seem doable.

Maybe you start checking unit prices and shopping your pantry first. That alone could save you $20-$30 a week.

Over a month, that's $100. Over a year, that's over $1,000.

From just paying a little more attention to how you shop.

Groceries are one of the easiest places to cut costs because you have to buy them anyway. Small tweaks make a real difference.

Try one of these this week. See how much you save.

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What's your best grocery money-saving trick? Share it in the comments.

Unusual Budgeting Tips That Actually Work

Unusual budgeting tips that just might work for you!

You've heard the standard advice. Make a budget. Track your spending. Cut out lattes. Meal prep.

That stuff works. But it's boring. And sometimes you need fresh ideas that make budgeting feel less like a chore.

Here are some unusual budgeting tips that might actually stick.

1. Use Cash for Problem Categories

If you always overspend on groceries or eating out, stop using your card for those things.

Pull out cash at the beginning of the week. That's your budget. When it's gone, it's gone.

Something about physical money makes your brain pay attention differently. Handing over a $20 bill feels different than swiping a card.

You'll think twice about that impulse buy when you can see your cash pile getting smaller.

2. The 24-Hour Rule for Non-Essentials

Want to buy something that's not a necessity? Wait 24 hours.

Add it to your cart but don't check out. Come back tomorrow. If you still want it, buy it.

Most of the time? You'll forget about it. Or realize you don't actually need it.

This works especially well for online shopping. That dopamine hit from adding things to your cart is half the fun anyway.

3. Round Up Everything

When you enter expenses in your budget or tracking app, round up to the nearest dollar. Or even the nearest five dollars.

Spent $3.47 on coffee? Call it $5.

Groceries were $87.23? Mark it as $90.

By the end of the month, you'll have a little cushion built in. Money you thought was spent but actually isn't.

It's a painless way to create a buffer without thinking about it.

4. Schedule No-Spend Days

Pick one or two days a week where you spend absolutely nothing.

No coffee runs. No online shopping. No "just grabbing something quick" at the store.

You eat what's in the house. You skip the drive-through. You find free things to do.

It's surprising how much money you save by simply deciding not to spend for one day. And it makes you more creative about using what you already have.

5. The One In, One Out Rule

This isn't just for minimalists. It's a budget hack.

Every time you buy something new, you get rid of something you already own.

New shirt? Donate an old one. New book? Pass one along. New kitchen gadget? Toss the one you never use.

This makes you think twice before buying. Do you want this new thing enough to let go of something else?

Plus, you can sell what you're getting rid of. More money back in your pocket.

6. Automate the Weird Stuff

Everyone says automate your savings. But automate the random stuff too.

Set up auto-pay for subscriptions you always forget about. One less thing to track.

Schedule automatic transfers to different savings accounts for specific goals. Car repairs. Holidays. That vacation you keep talking about.

Out of sight, out of mind. The money moves before you can spend it on something else.

7. Give Every Dollar a Job Before the Month Starts

This is zero-based budgeting, but here's the unusual part. Include "fun money" and "stupid stuff I'll probably waste money on" as actual budget categories.

You're going to spend money on random things. That's life. So budget for it.

When you have $30 labeled "impulse purchases," you can spend it guilt-free. You planned for it.

It's way better than blowing your budget and feeling bad about it.

The Point of Unusual Tips

Standard budgeting advice works. But sometimes you need something different to keep it interesting.

Try one of these for a month. See if it helps. If it doesn't, try another one.

Budgeting isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for someone else might not work for you. And that's fine.

The best budget is the one you'll actually stick with.

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What's your most unusual budgeting trick? Share it in the comments. 

3 Easy Ways to Make Money (Without a Second Job)

You need extra money. But you don't have time for a second job. You don't want to drive for Uber at midnight. And you definitely don't want some complicated side hustle that takes months to pay off.

You just want some extra cash. Preferably without making your life harder.

Good news. There are real ways to make money that don't require you to quit your job or learn a whole new skill set.

Here are three you can start this week.

1. Sell Your Unused Stuff

Look around your house right now. You have things you don't use. Clothes that don't fit. Books you've already read. Kitchen gadgets still in the box. Old electronics sitting in a drawer.

That's money.

Where to Sell

Facebook Marketplace is free and local. No shipping. Just meet up and get cash.

Poshmark works great for clothes and shoes. Take some photos. List your items. Ship when they sell.

eBay is good for electronics, collectibles, and random stuff you're not sure about.

Mercari works for just about anything. Easy to use. Reasonable fees.

What Sells Fast

Brand name clothes in good condition. Especially if they're on trend or barely worn.

Electronics that still work. Old iPhones. Tablets. Gaming systems.

Furniture. People are always looking for cheap furniture. If you're getting rid of a desk or bookshelf, list it.

Books. Won't make you rich, but textbooks and popular titles sell.

Kids stuff. Toys, clothes, gear. Parents buy used because kids outgrow everything fast.

Make It Easy

Take clear photos in good lighting. Show any flaws so people know what they're getting.

Price things to sell. You're not running a store. You're clearing space and making money.

Be ready to negotiate a little. But don't go too low. Your stuff has value.

You could make a few hundred dollars this month just selling things you already own.

2. Sell Digital Products

This sounds fancy. It's not.

A digital product is anything people can download. An ebook. A template. A checklist. A printable planner. A guide.

You make it once. You sell it over and over. No inventory. No shipping.

What You Could Create

Budget templates. People love spreadsheets they don't have to build themselves.

Planners and organizers. Meal planners. Cleaning schedules. Goal trackers.

Guides or ebooks. How to do something you already know how to do. Recipes. Workout plans. Gardening tips.

Printable art or quotes. If you're decent with design, people buy prints for their walls.

Checklists. Moving checklists. Wedding planning checklists. Any kind of checklist people need.

Where to Sell

Etsy is the easiest place to start. Millions of people shop there for digital downloads.

Your own website if you have one. No fees. You keep all the money.

Gumroad is simple and takes a small cut. Good for ebooks and guides.

The Reality Check

Your first product might not sell much. That's okay. Make another one. Try different things. See what people actually want.

Price low at first. $3 to $10. Just get some sales and reviews.

It takes time to build. But once you have a few products listed, they can make money while you sleep.

3. Freelance What You Already Know

You have skills. Even if you don't think you do.

Can you write? Design? Edit photos? Manage social media? Do basic bookkeeping? Organize things? Help people with tech problems?

Someone will pay you for that.

Where to Find Work

Upwork and Fiverr are the big ones. Create a profile. List what you can do. Apply for jobs.

Facebook groups for freelancers in your area or your field.

Ask people you know. Your network is bigger than you think. Tell people what you're offering.

Local small businesses. They need help with websites, social media, bookkeeping. Walk in and ask.

What You Could Offer

Writing. Blog posts. Website copy. Product descriptions.

Social media management. Small businesses need someone to post for them.

Virtual assistant work. Email management. Scheduling. Research.

Graphic design. Logos. Social media graphics. Flyers.

Bookkeeping. If you're good with numbers and organized.

Tutoring. Whatever subject you're good at.

Pet sitting or house sitting. Not freelancing exactly, but it's flexible money.

Start Small

Don't quit your job. Join the one out of four Americans with side jobs, as of July 2025. Just take on one or two small projects.

Charge less at first to build reviews and experience. Then raise your rates.

Be reliable. Show up on time. Do what you said you'd do. That alone puts you ahead of a lot of freelancers.

Two More Quick Ideas

4. Rent Out What You Own

Got a parking space you don't use? Rent it out.

Extra room in your house? Rent it on Airbnb.

Camera equipment sitting around? Rent it on Fat Llama or similar sites.

You're not making new money. You're making money from things you already have.

5. Online Surveys and Apps

This won't make you rich. But it's easy money while you're watching TV.

Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, InboxDollars. Take surveys. Watch videos. Get paid.

Cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta. Get money back on stuff you already buy.

It's not big money. But $50 a month for almost no effort adds up.

Watch the Video Version

Prefer video? I cover these money-making ideas in this quick breakdown.

Pick One and Start

Don't try all of these at once. Pick the one that sounds easiest or most interesting.

Selling your stuff? Go find five things right now and list them.

Digital products? Brainstorm three things you could create this week.

Freelancing? Write down your skills and sign up for one platform today.

The hardest part is starting. Once you make your first $20, you'll see it's real. Then you keep going.

You don't need a perfect plan. You just need to start.

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Which method are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments.

Zero-Based Budgeting: Give Every Dollar a Job

Three-handed man who is broke and needs to try zero-based budgeting!

Ever get to the end of the month and wonder where all your money went? You're not alone. Money has a way of disappearing when it doesn't have a clear purpose.

That's the problem zero-based budgeting solves.

What Is Zero-Based Budgeting?

Zero-based budgeting is simple. You give every dollar a job before the month starts. Your income minus your expenses equals zero.

You're not broke. You're fully allocated.

Every dollar knows where it's going. Rent. Groceries. Savings. That coffee fund you refuse to give up. All of it gets assigned.

Nothing just sits in your account waiting to be spent on who-knows-what.

Why This Actually Works

Most budgets fail because they're vague. You say you'll "try to save" or "spend less on eating out." But without a specific plan, money slips away.

Zero-based budgeting removes the guesswork. When every dollar has a purpose, you can't accidentally overspend. You see exactly what you have and where it needs to go.

You save more because saving is built into the plan. You stress less because you're in control. And you stop that awful feeling of checking your bank account and being surprised by how low it is.

How to Get Started

Step 1: List Your Income

Write down everything coming in this month. Paychecks, side hustle money, that refund you've been waiting for. Everything.

Step 2: List Every Expense

Now list where that money needs to go. 

• Start with the essentials. 
• Rent or mortgage. 
• Utilities. 
• Groceries. 
• Insurance. 
• Minimum debt payments.
• Then add savings. Even if it's just $20. Make it part of the plan.
• Finally, add the stuff that makes life worth living. Entertainment. Eating out. Hobbies. Whatever matters to you.

Keep going until your income minus your expenses equals zero. Every dollar has a job.

Step 3: Track and Adjust

Reality doesn't always match the plan. The car breaks down. You forgot about that subscription. A friend's birthday comes up.

That's okay. Adjust your budget as you go. Move money from one category to another. The goal isn't perfection. It's awareness.

What to Expect

Your first month will be messy. You'll forget things. You'll underestimate costs. You'll have to adjust multiple times.

That's normal.

By month two, you'll get better at estimating. By month three, you'll actually know where your money is going. And that feeling? That's control.

Do It Yourself or Get Help?

You can absolutely do this on your own. Grab a notebook or use a budgeting app. The method is straightforward.

But if budgeting feels overwhelming, there are people who can help. Financial coaches can walk you through setting up your first zero-based budget and help you troubleshoot when things go sideways.

Either way, the important thing is to start. Your money isn't going to manage itself.

Watch the Full Breakdown

Ready to Try It?

Zero-based budgeting isn't magic. It's just a system that makes your money visible. And when you can see where it's going, you can control where it goes next.

Grab a pen. List your income. List your expenses. Get to zero.

Your bank account will thank you.

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Have questions about zero-based budgeting? Drop them in the comments below.