The Penny Hoarder

How the Debt Snowflake Method Uses Micro Amounts to Pay Off Debt
Avoid Overdraft Fees by Picking a Bank Without Them
Deadline to Apply for Tinder Class Action Settlement Payout is Feb. 9
Here's How to Get Free Super Bowl Snacks with Ibotta
InsuredNation Could Add $500/Year to Your Budget
5 Reasons 2022 is Going to be a Financial Roller Coaster — and What to Do About It
Homeowners: Call Unlock to Get Access to up to $500K in Cash
Bingo Clash Will Pay You Real Cash for Playing Bingo on Your Phone
The 10 Worst Banks in America: Banks with the Lowest Ratings
Free College Courses for Senior Citizens in All 50 States Plus D.C.
11 Best Food Articles to Help You Save Money All Year

How the Debt Snowflake Method Uses Micro Amounts to Pay Off Debt

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 08:48 AM PST

If you haven't warmed up to the snowball or avalanche debt payoff methods, think smaller. Much smaller.

Consider the debt snowflake strategy for tackling debt. Unlike its better-known siblings, the snowflake method doesn't involve a structured budgeting system for paying down your debt — think of it more like an easy way to throw a little extra money toward your debt.

Just like snowflakes, tiny payments might not seem like much when tackling a mountain of debt. But when they pile up, your snowflake payments can add up to a lot of help. Here's how.

How Does the Debt Snowflake Method Work?

First, debt snowflake is basically an offshoot of debt avalanche and debt snowball, two popular methods for tackling debt. Here's a summary of those methods, in case you're unfamiliar with them:

The avalanche method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. After the biggest balance is paid off, you move on to the next-highest interest debt, and so on. It's the best way to save the most money on interest as you're paying down your debt.
For the snowball method, you pay off the smallest amount of debt first, then work your way up through paying off progressively larger debts. It's great for people who are motivated by small wins as they watch individual debts disappear faster.

Both options involve creating schedules for making payments and putting any money toward the targeted goal — that's not the case with the debt snowflake method.

Accumulation is the key to making snowflake work. It requires you to realize all the ways you can save and/or make extra money each day — above and beyond your usual strategies.

Consider this scenario:

On your drive to work, you stop for a jumbo coffee that costs $4. If you downsize to a medium for $3, you save $1.

At lunch, you and your coworker head to the deli to buy $10 subs. By splitting one instead, you'll add $5 to your snowflake pile.

After work, your neighbor asks if you can babysit her toddler for a couple hours. You consider it a favor, but she insists on giving you $10 for your trouble.

At the end of the day, you've saved/made $16 that you immediately pay toward your credit card balance.

Need more suggestions for piling on the pennies — and dollars? We have a blizzard's worth of ideas:

Ways to Save Money:

Ways to Make Money:

Does the Snowflake Method Actually Work?

We're not trying to pull some snow job on you (like you didn't think I'd go there) — collecting the money you save by splitting a sandwich is not your quick and easy way to pay off $20,000 in credit card debt.

In fact, the snowflake method is likely to produce such small results that you might want to consider it more of an add-on to your other debt payoff method.

But that doesn't mean snowflakes can't help you pay off your debt faster. And if you start looking for ways to save/make money each week — yard sale, anyone? — those little snowflake payments can add up fast.

Let's look at another example:

You're trying to pay off a credit card with a $3,000 balance that's charging you 17% interest and requires a $90 minimum monthly payment. Check out the difference you could make if you could accumulate $100 extra through the debt snowflake method:

	Interest rate	Minimum Payment	Monthly Addition to Your Payment	How Many Months It Will Take to Pay Off Balance	Amount of Interest Paid
No Snowflake	17%	$90	-0-	46	$1088.88
With Snowflake	17%	$90	100	18	$419.80

You'd save about $670 and shave 28 months of your debt payback timeline. Let it snow!

Where to Gather Your Snowflakes

Here's the thing about snowflakes: They melt fast. If you're going to use the snowflake method, you need to move quickly before your micro payments disappear into the abyss of other expenses.

So how do you capture them? If you're using cash, you can start a change jar to collect your savings at the end of the day — just make sure to deposit your savings into your bank account and use the entire amount to pay off the debt on a regular basis.

If you're using a debit card, you can transfer the amounts into a separate account in real time.

Pro Tip

Contact your lender to request that your payments be applied toward your principal balance — it will help you save money on interest and pay off your loan faster.

But beware: Many banks have a limit on the number of transfers you can make in a month, and you don't want all your snowflakes paying for transaction fees.

Instead, keep a running tally of your savings for a specified period (like every two weeks), then pay the total amount at the end of the period. Also check with your lender to ensure that you won't get dinged for making multiple payments in a specified period.

However you save it, do yourself a favor and track the additional amount you paid each month as a reminder of how much those little snowflakes can add up — you can use it for motivation when Uber Eats beckons you.

Less debt? Now that's cool.

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a staff writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder. Read her bio and other work here, then catch her on Twitter @TiffanyWendeln.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

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Avoid Overdraft Fees by Picking a Bank Without Them

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 07:00 AM PST

Banks and credit unions are businesses, and as businesses, they have to make money to succeed. But getting that money through exorbitant overdraft fees is starting to go away.

In the middle of 2021, online banking giant Ally eliminated its overdraft fees completely and then Alliant Credit Union followed Ally's lead. By the end of the year, Capital One became the first top 10 U.S. banks to dump overdraft fees.

Then, barely a week into 2022, Bank of America and Wells Fargo announced changes to their overdraft fee policies. BofA, the nation's No. 2 bank, is cutting its penalty from $35 to $10 and will no longer charge for bounced checks. That change goes into effect in May.

By the third quarter of 2022, Wells Fargo — No. 3 of the nation's Big Four banks — said it will give customers 24 hours to make good on overdrafts and negative balance accounts before enforcing such fees. It is eliminating its $35 penalty for returned items because of non-sufficient funds but has not budged on the $35 overdraft fee penalty.

So the best way to avoid overdraft fees? Bank at a financial institution that doesn't charge them and expect that list to grow in 2022.

Pro Tip

The elimination of overdraft fees is just one of the many banking trends to keep an eye on in 2022.

What Are Overdraft Fees?

Overdraft fees happen when you try to spend more money than you actually have available in your account balances, checking or saving. Such fees can be charged when writing a check that would otherwise bounce, swiping your debit card when you have insufficient funds to cover the purchase or even withdrawing more cash than you have available from an ATM.

Overdraft fees only occur if you have opted into overdraft protection. On the surface, overdraft protection may sound useful. Instead of having embarrassing conversations when your card is declined or running the risk of expensive bounced check fees, overdraft protection allows you to continue making purchases even when you don't have enough money to cover the transaction.

So what's the problem?

Overdraft Fees Are Expensive …

In 2021, the average cost of an overdraft fee was $33.58, according to Bankrate's annual survey on checking account fees. In addition, many financial institutions charge $2 to $5 per day until your account has money again.

Some banks also allow you to overdraw multiple times a day, meaning you could be hit with multiple fees in a single day before you even realize you're overdrawn. Or they don't stop you when your ATM withdrawal exceeds your account balance.

Pro Tip

Check out our current list of bank promotions for a chance to gain a monetary bonus when signing up for a new bank account.

Here's an example of how these fees can add up:

Let's say your checking account has $50 in it, but you swipe your debit card for a pair of sneakers that cost you $100. With overdraft protection, you get to go home with your new pair of kicks, perhaps none the wiser that you have overdrawn.

Because your bank covered the difference between the cost of the shoes and what you had in available funds, your checking account is now in the negative. But it's not just -$50; it's -$85 because your bank charged you a $35 overdraft fee in addition to the $50 it loaned you.

That $100 pair of sneakers winds up costing you $135, plus any daily fees until you've deposited funds into your account to cover the purchase and pay off the overdraft fee.

All of these overdraft fees helped U.S. banks earn $6.18 billion in the first nine months of 2021, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

… But the Cost of Not Banking Is Even More Expensive

Research shows that low-income families, especially those in the Black and Latinx communities, are more likely to face higher and more frequent overdraft fees. Those overdraft fees, as well as other disproportionate fees, are among the top reasons such Americans decide to go without a bank account, according to Money.

During the pandemic, the banking industry has come under fire from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPC) and other regulators for the vast amounts of money it has made from penalty fees, especially from people who had lost jobs.

However, not having a bank account can be even more expensive than facing multiple overdraft fees. For example, those who go without a bank account often use debit cards and money orders to pay for groceries, bills and rent, but these all carry fees, some ranging from $1 to $5 per transaction.

In fact, unbanked consumers spend more than double what those with bank accounts spend on access to their money each year (via check cashing, money orders, prepaid debit cards, etc.)

Pro Tip

Want to save more money on bank fees? Check out our list of the best banks for no ATM fees.

How to Avoid Overdraft Fees

To recap: Overdraft fees are costly, and they can spiral in a way that makes it harder and harder to climb out of a negative balance.

So what can you do to avoid these expensive and unnecessary fees?

1. Opt Out of Overdraft Protection

Contact your bank or credit union if you're unsure if you're signed up for overdraft protection. If you are, ask to opt out. If you opt out of overdraft protection, however, be prepared for your card to be declined if you attempt to spend more than you have available.

Some banks will still charge non-sufficient funds fees (NSF fees) when you attempt to swipe your debit card for more than you have available or write a bad check that is returned. Check with your bank to determine its specific fee structure.

2. Monitor Your Account Regularly

Gone are the days of balancing checkbooks after every check or debit card purchase. While some consumers still go through the process of balancing their checkbooks, more are increasingly allowing their mobile apps to do the work for them. This means you always have an up-to-date available balance right at your fingertips.

Before making any purchase — online or in person — pull out your phone and verify your account balance.

3. Set Up Your Account With Low-Balance Alerts

Log in to your online or mobile banking platform and update your settings so your bank notifies you if your account balance dips below a certain threshold. Then refrain from making any card transactions until you have deposited funds into your account and your bank has processed them.

You'll still need to check your account balance regularly, even with these alerts set up. If you set up an alert for funds below $100, have $150 in the account and spend $200, you'll have spent more than you have available without having ever received a low-balance alert.

4. Set Up Automatic Payments — But Don't Forget About Them

When you set up automatic payments for recurring bills, you can control the exact date that money is withdrawn from your account. Add reminders to your calendar so that you always know when money is being taken from your checking account. This is an area where many have gotten tagged for overdraft fees because they weren't alerted that their account had fallen into the negative balance.

5. Opt In to Direct Deposit for Your Paycheck

An easy way to ensure your checking account balance stays high enough to cover your expenses is to set up direct deposit for your paycheck, rather than waiting for delivery of a paper check and then driving to deposit it (or depositing it via mobile deposit and waiting for the funds to clear).

6. Keep a Cushion in Your Checking Account

Though you're more likely to earn higher interest on money kept in a savings or money market account, it could be to your advantage to keep a chunk of change in your checking account to cover unexpected expenses.

However, since frequent overdrafters have around $300 in their accounts, this advice is likely only to apply to infrequent overdrafters who overdraw out of carelessness, not those struggling to pay bills each month.

7. Consider Overdraft Protection Tied to Another Account

Some banks will allow you to opt in for overdraft protection that covers your purchases by pulling funds from a linked account, like a savings account at the same institution or a checking account with another institution.

Doing so may save you the fee that the bank charges for spotting you the cash when you overdraw, but there may be a separate annual fee for this service, plus a small fee each time you must use it.

8. Don't Pay With Debit Cards for Gas, Hotels or Car Rentals

Such merchants typically place a hold on your card for a couple days; gas stations sometimes charge upwards of $50 while fancier hotels can place significantly more sizable blocks on your card for incidentals. Such a hold could be enough to overdraw you.

Instead, pay cash, use a prepaid debit card or swipe a credit card — but only if you intend to pay it off in full each month.

9. Search for a Bank That Doesn't Charge an Overdraft Fee

The advent of online banking has brought increased competition to the market. Newer online-only entrants especially are offering no-fee accounts to attract new customers. Do your homework on accounts that have no fees and pay out higher interest, and take the time to switch.

What to Do If You Overdraw Your Account

Even if you take precautions, you may still overdraw. Act fast, and you may be able to have the overdraft fee waived — or at least avoid additional fees.

Here's what you should do if you overdraw your account:

1. Deposit Money in the Account Immediately

The fastest way to clear funds is transferring money from a linked savings account, which makes the money available immediately. You can also visit your bank in person to deposit cash.

Getting money in the account right away will help you avoid additional daily fees for being in the negative. It can also help you prevent additional overdraft fees if you have auto payments scheduled or checks on the verge of being deposited.

2. Contact Customer Service

If this is your first time overdrafting (or the first time in a long time), your bank may waive the fee if you speak to customer service. Remember to be polite, as the representative you speak to will likely be the one who can ultimately waive the fee.

If the representative cannot help you, you can always ask to speak to a supervisor or call back and try your luck with a different agent. You can also visit a local branch of your bank to speak to someone in person.

Banks and Credit Unions That Don't Charge Overdraft Fees

These eight financial institutions — banks, credit unions and cash management services — do not levy overdraft fees:

Ally
Alliant Credit Union
Capital One
Betterment *
Axos
Discover
Fidelity*
KeyBank**

*Fidelity's account is a cash management account, which is slightly different from a traditional checking account and is built for those using Fidelity to invest. Betterment is also a cash management service which offers investing programs and a mobile-first checking account.

**KeyBank's overdraft protection for its Hassle-Free Account results in a declined transaction. No fees, but also declined payments for things like rent and utilities can still result in late fees for those struggling with finances.

Timothy Moore covers banking and investing for The Penny Hoarder. He has worked in editing and graphic design for a marketing agency, a global research firm and a major print publication. He covers a variety of other topics, including insurance, taxes, retirement and budgeting and has worked in the field since 2012. Reporting from contributor Kent McDill is included in this report.

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Deadline to Apply for Tinder Class Action Settlement Payout is Feb. 9

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 05:00 AM PST

As if the online dating game doesn't make you feel bad enough. Imagine being 29+ (gasp!) and have America's largest dating app treat you like you're over the hill.

So opposite of the "senior" discount, Tinder had been charging users in California who were 29 and older twice as much for certain subscriptions as younger users. An age discrimination suit was filed and Tinder agreed to a settlement in 2019.

If you're one of those Tinder old folks done wrong, you have until Feb. 9 to file your claim and get $50 if you meet the requirements. About 8 million people in the U.S. use the dating app, and in states other than California, those higher subscription rates still stand.

Of course, there are fine print details and we've got them.

Tinder Age Discrimination Lawsuit

The lawsuit alleged that Tinder broke several age discrimination laws specific to California when it charged a higher price to consumers over the age of 29 for the subscription services Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold.

The price of those subscriptions was $9.99 for users 29 years of age and younger and $19.99 for those over the age of 29. The age upcharge violates the California Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Unfair Competition Law.

Tinder denied the claim and refused to accept legal liability, claiming there is no legal basis that class members should be considered eligible for a relief payout.

However, an agreement was reached in 2019 and payouts will begin once the deadline for filing claims is reached.

Tinder Age Discrimination Settlement Details

Certain Tinder app users from California may be in line to claim a cash settlement as part of the class action lawsuit brought against the Texas-based company.

By "certain,'' the lawsuit specifies eligible class members as:

Tinder users who subscribed to the Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold service upgrades between March 2, 2015 and March 1, 2019, and;
were at least 29 years old when they subscribed.

During that time period, Tinder charged users who were at least 29 years old a higher subscription fee for those two services. That's age discrimination, and against the law, at least in California.

To join the class action lawsuit, claims must be submitted no later than Feb. 9, 2022.

Every class member who files a claim will receive up to $50 depending on how much money is left from the $5.2 million settlement after attorney's fees and other legal costs are paid. The $50 amount also depends on how many class members file a claim for compensation.

Class members will also receive two Tinder-specific app upgrades — 70 Super Likes and one Boost. The value of those items is estimated at $118.30. Those awards are not dependent on the number of class members who join the suit.

Class Action Suits Help Consumers

Class action lawsuits are a popular vehicle for consumers to receive payment for illegal transactions conducted by American firms. It allows class members who meet filing standards to join in lawsuits without being required to hire their own lawyer or pay any court filing or litigation fees.

In September 2021, a $181 million price-fixing class action lawsuit was settled against several fresh and frozen chicken producers. If you bought chicken to be cooked at home between 2012 and 2020, which might just be every adult citizen in the country except vegetarians, you could qualify for a small payout. And, you have until Dec. 31, 2022, to file a claim.

While class action complainants may occasionally receive notifications by mail that they can join a class action lawsuit, often consumers are unaware they may be eligible for remuneration.

Top Class Actions operates a website which updates current existing class action lawsuits that you may be eligible to join. The Penny Hoarder also publishes monthly settlement deadlines.

Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013. He is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

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Here's How to Get Free Super Bowl Snacks with Ibotta

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 02:16 PM PST

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners.

There's no guarantee the game will be competitive, the halftime show will be captivating or the multi-million dollar ads will be compelling enough to rewatch later. But you can hedge your bets on having a good time by serving up great food during your Super Bowl LVI party this Feb. 13.

An app called Ibotta will pay for your pizza, tortilla chips, cookies and some choice ingredients that you can use to craft delectable dips and bites for your Super Bowl spread.

All you need to do is download the Ibotta app or browser extension, and then set up an account — you'll need that account to get 100% cashback on qualifying products at your favorite grocery store.

After linking up with Ibotta, tell them which products you want them to pay for. Just add any of the items below to your Ibotta shopping list, while supplies last:

Red Baron Brick Oven Pepperoni Frozen Pizza – 17.89 ounces
Bubly Sparkling Water 8 pack – 12-ounce cans
Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 8 ounces
Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip and Spread – 15.5 fl ounces
Mission Rounds Tortilla Chips – 13 ounces
Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – 16.5 ounces

Take a picture of your receipt after checking out in-store or ordering online for pickup, or simply link a debit or credit card to your Ibotta account before shopping. In a matter of minutes, you'll be reimbursed for submitting your receipt or using the linked card.

So control what you can control this Feb. 13. Download the Ibotta app or extension so that you can score points with everyone who stops by to watch the Big Game with you.

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InsuredNation Could Add $500/Year to Your Budget

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 01:54 PM PST

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So you've achieved the American Dream. You're married and you own a house and cars. Congrats!

Problem is, the American Dream is so expensive. You've got to pay so many bills to keep the whole thing going.

Here's an easy way to lower one of those pesky bills: When's the last time you compared car insurance rates? If it's been more than six months, you should look again. Chances are you're seriously overpaying.

If you look through a website called InsuredNation, you could save yourself up to $500 a year* in the time it takes to brush your teeth.

No matter where you live, what your credit score is or what kind of coverage you need, InsuredNation's smart matching technology can match you with the right insurance provider — and make sure you stop wasting money every month.

It takes just a couple of minutes to answer some questions. Then the website will show you options that could work for you. You have the freedom to choose whatever provider you think suits you most. You're certainly not obligated to buy, so you have nothing to lose by checking.

The website is free to use and can even save you up to an additional 20% if you add another vehicle to your policy.

More than 10 million Americans have already used InsuredNation to save money on their car insurance. And don't worry — InsuredNation uses advanced data security and encryption technology, so all your personal info is safe.

Answer a few questions here to see how much money you could save with a new policy.

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

*average expenditure $88/mo (based on an NAIC report (2018); a real user's experience.

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5 Reasons 2022 is Going to be a Financial Roller Coaster — and What to Do About It

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 01:25 PM PST

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1. The Sting of Inflation

Prices in 2021 rose at the fastest pace in nearly 40 years, and inflation looks like it's going to be Americans' biggest economic challenge in 2022. Consumer demand, supply chain problems and the spread of the Omicron variant threaten to keep prices rising sharply this year.

A lot of us are feeling the effects at the grocery store, but there are things you can do to save money there. A free app called Fetch Rewards will reward you with gift cards just for buying toilet paper and more than 250 other items at the grocery store.

Here's how it works: After you've downloaded the app, just take a picture of your receipt showing you purchased an item from one of the brands listed in Fetch. For your efforts, you'll earn gift cards to places like Amazon or Walmart.

You can download the free Fetch Rewards app here to start getting free gift cards.

Over a million people already have, so they must be onto something.

2. Rising Rent and Housing Costs

The rent is too high! Rents jumped up by 10, 20 or even 30% in some cities, while the cost of houses just keeps on rising.

Are you thinking about buying? Then there's something you need to start thinking about right now: Your credit score. We know that sounds boring, but it's actually super important, if you're going to be signing up for a mortgage sometime in the future.

The higher your score is, the better deal you'll likely get on your loan. So a good credit score can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

If you're looking to get your credit score back on track — or if you just want to bump it up some more — check out what actually matters with your credit score.

3. The Return of Student Loan Payments

If you have federal student loans, you've been getting a break on making payments — so far. Millions of those owing money have not paid on their loans in nearly two years, since the pandemic began in March 2020.

As of this writing, the Biden Administration has extended the student loan payment pause to May 1, 2022.

But what about after that? Will you be ready to start making payments again? It would be smart to put away money for when the moratorium on payments is finally lifted.

With an Aspiration account, you can earn up to 20 times the average interest on your savings balance. Not only that, but you can earn up to 5% cash back on your debit card purchases, helping you to save more.

It takes five minutes to sign up. And don't worry. Your digital account is FDIC-insured and protected by military-grade encryption. That's nerd talk for "this is totally safe."

4. The Unpredictable Stock Market

What will the stock market do in 2022? Who knows? If we knew this kind of thing for certain, we'd already be rich.

The stock market did well in 2021 despite COVID-19. For instance, the S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq all posted double-digit returns. Basically, all that jargon means investors made a lot of money.

We don't know what 2022 will bring, but we do know that analysts don't expect the stock market to crash. Which means that if you haven't started investing yet, you should consider starting.

Whether you've got $5, $100 or $800 to spare, you can start investing with Robinhood. Both investing beginners and pros love it because it doesn't charge commission fees, and you can buy and sell stocks for free — no limits. Plus, it's super easy to use.

What's best? When you download the app and fund your account (it takes no more than a few minutes), Robinhood drops a share of free stock into your account. It's random, though, so that stock could be worth anywhere from $2.50 to $200 — a nice boost to help you build your investments.

5. Higher Car Insurance Premiums

Car insurance rates are expected to go up in 2022, according to a number of industry sources who have been quoted in the media.

Why? It's because the overall cost of doing business is increasing for practically every company in the U.S., and that includes insurance companies. They'll be passing on that cost to customers like you in the form of higher premiums.

When it comes to car insurance, you should shop around every six months or so anyway. A website called Insure.com makes it super easy to compare car insurance prices. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code and your age, and it'll show you your options.

Using Insure.com, people have saved an average of $540 a year.

Yup. That could be $500 back in your pocket just for taking a few minutes to look at your options.

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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Homeowners: Call Unlock to Get Access to up to $500K in Cash

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 11:35 AM PST

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When you're strapped for cash, it can feel like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Medical bills pile up, debt starts to snowball and retirement can feel impossible.

And for homeowners, sometimes it feels like the only option is selling their house and hoping the cash is enough to cover their needs.

But a single phone call can change that.

A company called Unlock will give people access to the equity in their home, through a Home Equity Agreement. It isn't a loan, so there are no interest charges, no monthly payments and most importantly, no selling your home to get the cash you need.

Before You Call a Realtor, Call This Company

Selling your home to access your equity should be a last resort. When you work with Unlock, you'll get access to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars without a monthly payment, interest, or any of the other drawbacks of a loan.

Knowing how much cash you can get from Unlock takes less than a minute and doesn't require a credit check or credit card. You can get up to $500,000 of your own equity in your home.

Answer a few simple questions about your house and your estimated credit score (Unlock works with people who have scores as low as 500). In less than 60 seconds, you'll see exactly how much cash you can get from your home.

The next step is booking a no-pressure call with an Unlock Home Equity Consultant. Once you sign the paperwork, you can have your money in as little as 14 days.

Why a Home Equity Investment is Better Than a Loan

Taking out a loan can sometimes be more hurtful to your situation than necessary. Whether it's a mortgage refinance, a HELOC or a more traditional loan, they come with monthly payments and plenty of interest. And it means more money out of your pocket every month throughout the life of the loan.

Full disclosure: a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) from Unlock isn't free money. Even though there are no monthly payments like a HELOC or a refinanced mortgage, Unlock will be investing in your home and sharing in its value in the future..

So when you go to sell your house in the future, you'll be sharing part of that profit with them. But if your house loses value, they share in that loss, too.

That means besides a small origination fee, you won't be paying anything to access the equity you already have in your home. It's your money; you can do what you want with it. By using Unlock, you won't have to worry about paying them back every month.

If you're a homeowner and need cash — but don't want to sell your home — see how much equity you can unlock in your own house today.

Kari Faber is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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Bingo Clash Will Pay You Real Cash for Playing Bingo on Your Phone

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 09:32 AM PST

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Most "free" mobile games want to make money off of you through in-app purchases and aggressive ads. But an app called Bingo Clash will actually pay you. Yep, they'll pay you real cash just for winning games on your phone.

The more you win, the bigger the prize pools you'll get to compete for. And you can cash out your winnings for real money.

Before you dive into your first prize pool, here's what you need to know:

What's Bingo Clash?

If it was just your conventional Bingo hall-style game, you might eventually grow tired of it. But Bingo Clash is much more than that — it's a suite of Bingo game modes to keep the experience fresh.

Don't worry if you're a beginner. You're matched with players of your same skill level, so you won't be playing against Bingo Clash veterans right away.

You can go head-to-head with a friend for a social gaming session, or Bingo Clash's matchmaking system can pit you against players of comparable experience levels for more competitive gameplay and the chance to win money.

The more competitive matches you win, the higher you rank. And with higher ranks comes access to more lucrative prize pools. Users can earn as much as $4,000 per game.

It's a similar story with scoring points. The quicker you mark squares, the more points you earn. And with more points come larger earnings if you play for real money

If you want more than a social gaming experience and a chance to pocket prizes, you'll at least need a bit of practice and a handful of powerups.

How to Win Real Money

As the matches play out, players get powerups to use at their discretion. Depending on how you use them, you can catch up if you're behind or secure your victory if you're neck-and-neck with another player.

Some powerups let you mark additional squares; some let you boost your score and others award you extra coins.

You don't need to be a genius to win real money — you just need a little wisdom and experience from playing the game.

One such strategy you'll learn is waiting to collect more points before calling "Bingo," instead of proclaiming victory as soon as you can.

Cashing out your winnings is straightforward. You can have your money sent to your PayPal account or to your bank via Apple Pay.

How to Get Started

Jumping into Bingo Clash is just as easy as joining any casual mobile game. It's available on both Android (4.4 out of 5 stars) and iOS (4.6 out of 5 stars), and the app is regularly enhanced with updates.

It's easy to get started. Just download the free Bingo Clash app to start playing and see how much money you could earn.

*Cash games not allowed in AZ, AK, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, TN, VT and Puerto Rico

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The 10 Worst Banks in America: Banks with the Lowest Ratings

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 09:05 AM PST

If we asked if you were friends with your bank, what would you say?

If your answer is vigorously shaking your head "no," then you might want to keep the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on speed dial.

This government organization started collecting consumer complaints in 2011. Apparently, a lot of people have something not-so-nice to say about financial institutions: More than half a million complaints are housed in its Consumer Complaint Database.

Data like this offers a snapshot of which banks are making their customers happy — and which are not.

The Worst-Rated Banks

What makes a good or bad bank for any customer depends on your needs. A comparison of features alone would be insufficient for calling out the worst banks in America. For that, we need to hear from customers themselves.

Consumer rights service company Fairshake analyzed reviews at Consumer Affairs and spotted the banks with the lowest ratings in the country, mapping the most-hated banks in each state, based on the number of one-star reviews on the consumer review site.

When all was said and done, these 10 were at the bottom of the heap in customers' hearts nationwide:

Bank of America
Credit One Bank
Wells Fargo
Chase Bank
US Bank
Citibank
Ally
PNC Bank
TD Bank
Fifth Third Bank

Runners up: Some regional banks topped the list of one-star reviews in their most popular states, including Associated Bank (Wisconsin), SunTrust (Georgia), BB&T (West Virginia), TCF National Bank (Minnesota), TD Bank (New England), Citizens Bank (Rhode Island), and Regions Bank (southeast U.S.).

Note that the banks with the most poor ratings are also some of the largest banks in the country.

It makes sense that companies with the most customers would be likely to have more reviews — and, therefore, a higher number of one-star reviews — so the ranking is probably a little skewed by size.

But that's not the only reason these banks end up on the list. Other types of studies that account for a company's size have shown that customers have a better experience with community-based banks and credit unions — which doesn't surprise us!

Worst Banks at a Glance

Name	1-Star Reviews Nationwide	Total Assets
Bank of America	2,256	$2.4 trillion	Assessment
Credit One Bank	2,168	$878 million	Assessment
Wells Fargo	2,019	$1.8 trillion	Assessment
Chase Bank	1,627	$3.3 trillion	Assessment
US Bank	1,113	$557 billion	Assessment
Citibank	943	$1.7 trillion	Assessment
Ally	942	$179 billion	Assessment
PNC Bank	842	$462 billion	Assessment
TD Bank	647	$413 billion	Assessment
Fifth Third Bank	665	$206 billion	Assessment

What Makes These the Worst Banks?

Generally, we follow the rule folks have used for millennia to choose which services to buy: Listen to word of mouth.

When you're shopping for a bank, review the features to make sure it has what you need, but make sure to look into customer reviews, ratings and complaints, too. How a bank handles difficult and unusual issues could make all the difference in your experience long term.

According to an analysis of reviews on its sit, banking review site MyBankTracker listed the most common complaints customers have about bad banks, including:

Poor customer service.
Hidden fees
Bounced check fees
Issues with mortgages and loans
Major errors or mistakes
Products and services that don't live up to what was advertised

Best Banks for Features and Promotions

Trying to stay away from the banks with the most complaints? We've rounded up our favorite banks and credit unions based on features we know consumers look for most, including convenience and perks.

These top our list of the best online banks:

Axos Bank
Capital One 360
Ally Bank
LendingClub
Alliant Credit Union
NBKC
Synchrony
Chime
CIT Bank
Discover Bank
Barclays
Charles Schwab

These accounts offer the best bank promotions for new customers:

Aspiration: $150 bonus when you open a new account with a $10 deposit.
Aspiration Plus: $200 bonus when you open a new account with a $10 deposit.
Chase Total Checking Account: $225 when you receive a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days.
TD Bank Convenience Checking Account: $150 when you receive direct deposits of at least $500 within 60 days.
TD Bank Beyond Checking Account: $300 when you receive direct deposits of at least $2,500 within 60 days.
Chime: $100 bonus for you and $100 for a friend when you refer a friend who receives a direct deposit of at least $200.
Bank of America Advantage Account: $100 when you receive direct deposits of at least $1,000 within 90 days.
BMO Harris Smart Advantage Account: $200 when you receive direct deposits of at least $4,000 within 90 days.
BMO Harris Smart Money Account: $200 when you receive direct deposits of at least $4,000 within 90 days.
BMO Harris Premier Account: $350 when you receive direct deposits of at least $7,500 within 90 days.
Discover Bank Online Savings Account: Open account using code BCS122 and deposit at least $15,000 (for $150 bonus) or $25,000 (for $200 bonus) within 30 days.
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking: $150 when you deposit at least $1,000 within 60 days.
Huntington 5 Checking Account: $200 when you deposit at least $1,000 within 60 days.
HSBC Premier Checking Account: $450 when you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $5,000 a month for three consecutive months.
PNC Virtual Wallet: $50 to $400 based on qualifying direct deposits within 60 days.
PNC Virtual Wallet Checking Pro: $200 when you receive $2,000 in direct deposits within 60 days.

How to Choose a Bank to Fit Your Needs

Follow these tips when choosing a bank to find the one that's best for you.

Understand the types of banks. Know the difference between banks, credit unions and online banking platforms.
Consider what you need. Look at your finances, and make a shortlist of features you're looking for, so you know what to ask about.
Make sure the money is secure. Only put your money in an account that's insured by the FDIC (banks) or NCUA (credit unions).
Crowdsource reviews. Read online reviews and ratings, and ask family and friends for their personal experiences with institutions you're considering.
Check the ATM network. If you expect to need cash often, check out an account's ATM fees (or reimbursement policy!), and look at the size and location of the bank's network to make sure you can find ATMs nearby when you need them.
Compare interest rates and fees. Avoid losing your money to nickel and diming. Find an account with low fees and high APY interest.
Look for usability. How's the app and online banking? Does the account help with savings and money management?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Worst Banks in America

Here are our answers to some of the most common questions about bad banks.

Which Bank Has the Most Complaints?

According to a 2016 analysis by LendEDU, TCF National Bank had the most complaints per $1 billion in deposits (i.e. the highest rate of complaints). In 2021, the banking reviews site MyBankTracker listed the most common complaints in its reviews: excessive fees, bad customer service, bounced checks, overdraft fees, loan issues, major errors and failing to live up to their advertised offers.

What is the No. 1 Bank in America?

The largest bank in the United States by assets is JPMorgan Chase & Co., the company formed in 2000 with the merger of investment banking institution J.P. Morgan and retail banking arm Chase Bank. As of 2021, JPMorgan Chase holds nearly $4 trillion in assets.

What's the Worst Bank in the United States?

Bank of America has among the worst reputations with consumers in the country, ranking for some of the most complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as well as the lowest ratings with Consumer Affairs. It ranks alongside some of the largest banks in the country, including Wells Fargo, US Bank and JPMorgan Chase.

Dana Sitar is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and has been writing and editing for online audiences since 2011, covering personal finance, careers and digital media. She is a former staffer at The Penny Hoarder. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, CNBC, The Motley Fool, Inc. and more.

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Free College Courses for Senior Citizens in All 50 States Plus D.C.

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 07:00 AM PST

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We're living longer than ever before, and doing so in better health. So what can you do when you retire and want to keep your mind sharp or need to gain additional skills to stay competitive at work?

For many, the answer is to go back to school. But tuition can be prohibitively expensive.

At the same time, schools want their classrooms to be full of engaged students, regardless of age. In the interest of continuing education, many colleges and universities offer reduced or free college for seniors (typically, adults 60 and up, although the rules vary).

In fact, we found at least one option in every state.

Free (or Cheap) College for Seniors in Every State

While some institutions only allow senior students to audit classes, many offer the chance to earn credits toward a degree at a reduced — or completely waived — tuition rate.

Does your state have a senior citizen education program you can use? Find out below!

1. Alabama

Alabama seniors can attend any two-year institution within the state tuition-free.

Adults 60 and older should contact the financial aid office at any community college for admission and eligibility details.

Some Alabama schools, like Coastal Alabama Community College, offer online courses if you want to avoid in-person classes.

2. Alaska

The University of Alaska waives tuition for senior-citizen residents who receive full social security benefits. Seniors must wait until the first day of classes to enroll to ensure that there's space remaining; they must also complete a tuition-waiver form.

Additional costs such as student activity, health center and lab fees are not covered; the student must pay them directly.

Online courses may be included if offered; check with the admission's office for confirmation.

3. Arizona

All 10 campuses of Maricopa Community College allow senior citizens to take classes for credit at 50% of the full tuition cost.

Students 65 and older must register between the first and second class sessions of the semester to ensure space is available. You can register for in-person, online or hybrid classes.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas waives tuition for anyone 60 and over who wants to work toward an undergraduate or graduate degree at state institutions.

Student fees may apply and senior citizens may only register for classes with space available. If you need online courses, check with your chosen college to see what options you have,

5. California

California State University waives all tuition and dramatically reduces campus fees for residents age 60 or older.

Currently, some Cal State locations are only offering online courses, while others are in person.

6. Colorado

Students age 55 and older may attend class on a space-available basis at Colorado State University. There is no tuition fee, but visitors don't get credit for attending class. It is up to the instructor how participation and grading of assignments and tests are handled. CSU currently offers face to face, hybrid and online classes.

At the University of Colorado Denver, persons aged 60 and above may enroll on a no-credit basis to attend up to two classes per semester as auditors when space is available. (Courses with a lab component are excluded, as are computer courses and online courses.)

7. Connecticut

Residents 62 and up may attend state colleges, including community colleges, for free on a space-available basis.

At Central Connecticut State University, for example, tuition is waived for any resident over the age of 62 who applies for full- or part-time admission for a degree-granting program. Online courses are included.

Senior students may also take non-credit courses on a space-available basis and have tuition waived. All students must still pay all other fees.

8. Delaware

The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College all permit state residents age 60 or older to audit or take classes for credit for free.

At the University of Delaware, students wishing to use the program must apply for admission on a space-available basis. Some graduate degrees may be eligible, as well. Residents can register for online or in-person courses.

Participants must pay all related student fees and buy their own textbooks.

9. District of Columbia

Senior citizens 65 and up may audit undergraduate courses from Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies. These students pay a fee of $50 per course.

In order to audit a course, there must be available space and the instructor of record must approve the enrollment.

Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this program has been suspended through the Spring 2022 semester.

A man reads a magazine with his dog in front of him outside at a table.

10. Florida

The Florida college system waives application, tuition and student fees for those age 60 and above, but colleges will award no credit and will grant admission on a space-available basis. Check to see whether your chosen college covers online courses as well as in person.

Fun fact: Florida Atlantic University's Lifelong Learning Society has the largest adult continuing education program in the U.S. It even has its own auditorium on campus to help serve FAU's 30,000 new registrants each year.

11. Georgia

Georgia residents age 62 and above may take classes on a space-available basis for free at the state's public colleges.

Seniors may choose to take classes for credit or continuing education, but they must apply through the regular admissions process at their school of choice. Many general education courses are offered online.

12. Hawaii

The Senior Citizen Visitor Program at the University of Hawaii and state community colleges allows senior residents age 60 and up to attend courses free of charge. Currently, only online courses are available for unvaccinated students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who wish to take in-person or hybrid courses must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Schools will not award credit nor will they keep permanent records of students' class history.

13. Idaho

Programs in Idaho vary based on institution, but some schools offer good deals. The College of Southern Idaho offers free tuition for lower division courses for students aged 60 years and older, in addition to other benefits. The college has online and in person courses.

At Boise State University, Idaho residents who are at least 65 years old can audit classes on a space-available basis for free except for applicable special course fees. BSU offers online courses as well as in-person ones.

14. Illinois

Upon admission, any senior citizen age 65 and up who meet income requirements can attend regular credit courses at Illinois public institutions for free. Lab, student and other fees still apply. Each institution will have guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.

15. Indiana

Indiana University offers programs that allow retired residents age 60 and to take up to nine credit hours per semester and pay just 50% of in-state tuition fees. Courses are in person.

16. Iowa

Private institution Simpson College in Indianola allows people 65 and older to take one non-credit class for free per semester. Courses are open on a space-available basis and do not include lab courses. Online courses may be available.

17. Kansas

Kansas residents 60 and older can audit courses at state institutions on a space-available basis without paying tuition.

The registration process varies: The University of Kansas and Wichita State University, for example, both require senior auditors to apply for admission. Online or in person courses may be offered.

18. Kentucky

Tuition and fees are waived for students age 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount. Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.

19. Louisiana

Students age 55 and up attending Louisiana state schools receive free tuition and 50% off books and materials at the campus student bookstore. Check with each school to see if online courses are included.

A grandfather and grandson react while reading a book on a couch.

20. Maine

Senior citizens 65 and up may attend undergraduate classes as degree-seeking or audit students in the University of Maine System for free, subject to space availability.

Each college within the system can provide info on the types of courses covered (i.e. online, in-person, hybrid).

21. Maryland

Any student in the University of Maryland System who is retired and over the age of 60 may have tuition waived, even for degree-granting programs.

Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.

22. Massachusetts

Residents age 60 or older can take at least three credits per semester at any state-supported school in Massachusetts and receive free tuition.

Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend in-person classes; each location has information on what online courses are offered.

23. Michigan

Opportunities for seniors in Michigan vary by institution.

At Michigan Tech, for example, students 60 and older can have tuition waived for up to two courses per semester. Seniors must apply through the admissions office. Online courses are offered.

Western Michigan University invites seniors 62 and older to register for one class per semester tuition-free, which may include online classes.

At Wayne State University in Detroit, seniors 60 and up receive a 75% discount on tuition, but must pay registration and related fees. Wayne State offers some online courses.

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24. Minnesota

Minnesota waives tuition for senior citizens 62 and older, but fees and online options may vary by school. At the University of Minnesota, seniors pay a $10 fee per credit, but can audit for free.

25. Mississippi

There's no statewide benefit in Mississippi, but some schools have programs for seniors.

Mississippi State University provides a waiver to residents age 60 or older for classes offered on the Starkville or Meridian campuses or by the Center for Distance Education. Seniors are limited to six semester hours per semester and a maximum of 18 credit hours per calendar year, where space is available. MSU offers online courses as well as traditional in-person ones.

The University of Mississippi's Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning allows seniors 65 and older to take one class per semester (up to four hours) at any UM campus.

26. Missouri

Missouri residents age 65 and older are exempt from paying tuition at state-supported institutions for classes attended on a non-credit basis. Schools may limit the number of students who receive the tuition benefit based on space availability. Online classes are offered in addition to in-person ones.

27. Montana

The Montana University System offers a tuition waiver for in-state residents 65 years of age or older. Campus and registration fees are not waived. Choose from online or in-person classes.

28. Nebraska

Chadron State College allows adults 65 and up to audit one course per semester for free. The college offers classes online and on campus.

29. Nevada

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas allows seniors 62 and up to take autumn and spring courses free of charge. They pay 50% tuition for summer classes. Lab and other course fees are not covered. Online courses may be offered.

A man looks at a book in the library with his two grandchildren.

30. New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers residents 65 and older free tuition for two credit-bearing classes per academic year on a space-available basis, so long as they're not enrolled in a degree program. Courses are offered online or in person.

31. New Jersey

Rutgers University allows retired New Jersey residents 62 and older to audit courses for free in the spring and fall semesters at its Camden, New Brunswick and Newark campuses, space permitting. Current guidelines allow senior citizens to audit in-person or classes if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

32. New Mexico

New Mexico offers reduced tuition of just $5 per credit hour to state residents 65 and older. Online courses are available.

For-credit classes are eligible as well as auditing; senior citizens can take no more than six credit hours per semester. The program is offered on a space-available basis and students are responsible for paying any additional course fees.

33. New York

Many schools offer free or reduced tuition for senior citizens. Queens College allows residents 60 and up to audit any course on a space-available basis after completing a Senior Citizen Auditor Application and paying $80 per semester. Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations are required to enroll.

At SUNY Purchase, New York state residents 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in a maximum of two credit-bearing, on-campus courses in which space is available. They pay a $50 audit fee, $20 ID processing fee and any course fees. In-person, online and hybrid courses are available, and COVID-19 vaccinations are required for anyone coming on campus.

34. North Carolina

Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents age 65 years or older attending North Carolina community colleges. Audit options may be available at other schools.

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, for example, senior citizens may audit classes for free after getting the instructor's permission and submitting an application. Lab, studio, performance, distance education, independent study, internship and special topic courses are excluded. Online courses are available for those who prefer them.

35. North Dakota

Programs vary by institution in North Dakota. At Bismarck State, for example, senior citizens 65 and older can audit one course tuition-free per semester on a space-available basis. They're still responsible for other course fees. Some online courses are available.

36. Ohio

Ohio residents at least 60 years old may attend class at any state college for free. Senior-citizen students do not receive credit and can only register on a space-available basis. They are still responsible for special assessments, such as lab fees, that may apply.

Many Ohio state colleges offer online courses as well as in-person and hybrid.

37. Oklahoma

Oklahoma state colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for senior citizens 65+ who wish to audit classes on a space-available basis.

38. Oregon

Oregon State University allows senior citizens at least 65 years old to audit classes for free.

The University of Oregon also waives fees for seniors 65 and older auditing classes on a space-available basis.

Online course options may be offered depending on availability.

39. Pennsylvania

Clarion University offers a tuition waiver for residents 62 and up to audit classes. At Bloomsburg University, you only need to be 60 to take tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.

There can be additional benefits at the community college level: Bucks County Community College, for example, waives for-credit course tuition for seniors 65 and up so long as they register after students who are paying full tuition. Many courses are offered online, though some in-person and hybrid options are available.

40. Rhode Island

Senior citizens over 60 may request a tuition waiver at the Community College of Rhode Island to attend classes with space available.

Interested persons must submit a Senior Citizen Means Test to verify they are of limited income. A FAFSA is required for all degree-seeking senior students.

In order to attend in-person classes, you must provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Online classes are also available.

41. South Carolina

Residents 60 and above can attend classes at state schools on a credit or noncredit basis, pending space available, for free. The school must grant admission via its normal procedures.

Technology, lab and other fees are the responsibility of the student. Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses for those interested.

42. South Dakota

Residents 65 and older can attend public universities in South Dakota at 55% of the normal cost of tuition for undergraduate or graduate in-person courses on a main university campus.

Interested adults should apply through the regular admissions system and the school will automatically grant the discount upon admission. Student fees are not waived.

Contact your chosen university to see whether online courses are offered.

43. Tennessee

Tennessee residents 65 and older may enroll in tuition-free courses for credit at state schools and community colleges.

Student will still pay application and course fees. Online courses are available for audit in addition to in-person ones.

44. Texas

A senior citizen age 65 or older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours at the University of Texas at Austin.

At the University of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star College, undergrad students 65 and older must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive a tuition waiver for up to six credit hours per semester.

Check with each individual university to see which online and in-person classes are available for enrollment.

45. Utah

Residents age 62 and up may enroll tuition-free at a state institution, space permitting; a quarterly registration fee is required.

At the University of Utah, for example, seniors can audit most classes on a space-available basis and only have to pay a fee of $25 per semester. UOnline Undergraduate classes are not included.

46. Vermont

Vermonters over the age of 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free on a space-available basis in the Vermont State College system. Students can take additional classes at a 50% discount of the tuition rate, either in person or online.

They'll still have to pay administration and course fees for all classes.

47. Virginia

Under the amended terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 years old who earn a taxable income of less than $23,850 annually can audit up to three courses per term for free on a space-available basis at any public institution, either in-person or online.

48. Washington

Institutions in Washington are required to partially or fully waive tuition fees for residents age 60 or older who are enrolled for credit on a space-available basis. Nominal fees may apply to students auditing courses.

Some schools limit senior citizens to a certain number of classes or credits; for example, Washington State University caps the waiver at six credits for the fall and spring semesters. Online programs are available.

49. West Virginia

Although senior students at West Virginia University applying for credit must use the regular admissions form, those wishing to be non-degree students pay just $5 to apply. WVU offers classes online or in person.

50. Wisconsin

Adults 60 and up may audit classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus or at UW-Madison Online for free, where space is available.

51. Wyoming

At Laramie County Community College, senior citizens aged 60 years and up only pay $10 per credit, though they still need to pay any other course or online fees.

Northwest College offers adults 60 and older free tuition up to six credit hours per semester for on-site and online courses, as well as free entry to most college social, cultural and athletic events.

Another Continuing Education Option

More than 100 colleges and universities around the country offer another continuing education program for senior citizens: enrichment courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

Prices vary depending upon the institution. Duke University, for example, has a $50 annual membership fee, and then charges $40 to $150 per class. Senior citizens can choose to take classes online or in person.

OLLI classes don't count toward a degree, but if you're looking for personal development opportunities among older adults, these courses can provide opportunities that mix in the campus experience, too.

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11 Best Food Articles to Help You Save Money All Year

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 05:00 AM PST

Whether you're a skilled home chef or love to eat out, food is something we all need to budget for.

With rising inflation making everything more expensive, we especially welcome all the advice for saving money on food.

Here are some of our best articles to help you reduce your everyday spending.

11 Top Tips to Save Money on Food

Stress less about food costs with these nuggets of helpful advice.

1. Get Someone to Do Your Grocery Shopping for Free

You don't always have to pay a premium to enjoy the benefits of a personal shopper. Grocery chains across the country offer free grocery pickup.

Not only do you save time by not having to do the shopping yourself, but you can avoid impulse purchases, like buying that candy bar at the register when it wasn't on your shopping list.

2. Shop Wisely for Grocery Delivery Services

Choosing grocery delivery is another way to stick to your shopping list and stay within budget. Just be aware of the additional delivery or membership fees.

This article on the best grocery delivery services outlines how each service operates and the associated costs.

3. Enjoy a Meal Delivery Service

Signing up for a meal delivery service takes the pressure off having to figure out what to cook each day.

This article reviews six of the cheapest meal delivery service brands so you understand what each company offers and the costs you'll pay.

4. Dine Where the Kids Eat Free

If you've got a family to feed, eating out at a restaurant can get pretty expensive.

Save money by going to one of these 57 restaurants where the kids eat for free.

5. Celebrate With Birthday Freebies

You should never have to pay for food on your birthday. Don't spend a thing on your next big day by signing up for birthday freebies from one of these places.

Our list includes special offers from dozens of national chains. You can get a free drink from Starbucks, free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, a free burger from Ruby Tuesday and much more.

6. Cheap Recipes to Make on a Vegan Diet

There's a misconception that it's expensive to maintain a vegan diet. In reality, there are plenty of low-budget options for those who only eat plant-based meals.

This article highlights 10 cheap vegan recipes that are filling, healthy and easy to make.

7. Spend Less on Spices

The right spices bring out the best flavors in a dish, but they can be a pricey addition to a recipe. This post shares 10 ways to save money on spices.

8. Have Eggs for Dinner

Eggs are a pretty cheap source of protein, but they're often reserved for breakfast or baked goods.

But don't limit yourself! Eggs can be the star in plenty of dinner dishes too. This post details 24 ways to use eggs to make an affordable dinner.

9. Cut Food Costs When Traveling

While most people focus on airfare and lodging when budgeting for an upcoming trip, the cost of eating away from home also adds up.

Before jetting off on your next vacation, consider these 10 tips to save money on food while traveling.

10. Outsmart Starbucks

Chances are your Starbucks habit isn't what's stopping you from becoming the next self-made millionaire. If you want to enjoy a nice cup of coffee every now and then, we're not going to stop you.

However, we've got several hacks for you to spend less at Starbucks if that's your coffeehouse of choice. Your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you.

11. Score a Nice Bottle of Wine for Less Than $10

Good wine doesn't have to be expensive.

We've rounded up a list of 13 bottles of white wine that cost less than $10 but still taste great. (Prefer red? Here are 13 inexpensive but delicious ones.) Your pals at your next dinner party never have to know.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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Friday, January 28, 2022