Thursday, June 2, 2022

The Penny Hoarder

The Penny Hoarder

Here's What You Need to Know About Investing in 2022

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 01:00 PM PDT

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.

Here's a good question for the new year: Is 2022 a good time to invest in stocks?

In turbulent times like these, it's hard to know the right financial moves to make. A lot of the tried-and-true advice we've always relied on doesn't seem relevant anymore. Is now a good time to invest? Should I focus on paying off debt? Or saving?

It's helpful to consult with a pro. So we asked Robin Hartill, a certified financial planner, as well as an editor and financial advice columnist for The Penny Hoarder, for advice.

Here are six financial questions we've been getting from readers lately:

1. 'The Cost of Waiting is High'

Question: "Is 2022 a good time to invest, or should I wait the market out?"

Hartill's advice: Take the long view. The stock market will grow your money over time, so you might as well get started sooner rather than later.

"The timing of your investment matters much less than how much time you have to invest," Hartill says. "The S&P 500 has delivered inflation-adjusted returns of about 7% per year on average for the past 50 years. The cost of waiting for the perfect time to invest is high. You're missing out on long-term growth."

Profitable investing is all about taking the long view. Not sure how to get started? With an app called Stash, you can get started with as little as $1.* It lets you choose from hundreds of stocks and funds to build your own investment portfolio. It makes it simple by breaking them down into categories based on your personal goals.

"If you were hoping to make a quick buck off the stock market, now may not be a great time," Hartill said. "We're still in a recession, but the stock market has recovered. But true investing isn't about making a quick buck. It's about growing your money over time."

She recommends budgeting a certain amount of money to invest each month, no matter what.

If you sign up for Stash now (it takes two minutes), Stash will give you $5 after you add $5 to your investment account. Subscription plans start at $1 a month.**

2. 'There's Only So Much Fat You Can Cut'

Question: "My monthly expenses keep going up. Anything I can do?"

"There's only so much fat you can cut from your budget. Eventually, you start chipping away at muscle and bone," Hartill said. "Cutting costs is often a good way to meet your shorter-term goals, like saving for a vacation or a down payment. But for the really big long-term goals like retirement and protecting your family from a worst-case scenario, cutting back only goes so far."

If you need to cut back, though, take a hard look at your mandatory monthly bills — like car insurance. When's the last time you checked prices? You should shop around your options every six months or so.

And if you look through a website called EverQuote, you can see all your options at once.

EverQuote is the largest online marketplace for insurance in the US, so you'll get the top options from more than 175 different carriers handed right to you.

Take a couple of minutes to answer some questions about yourself and your driving record. With this information, EverQuote will be able to give you the top recommendations for car insurance. In just a few minutes, you could save up to $610 a year.

3. 'If You Have Your Spending in Check… '

Question: "My budget is tight. What debt should I focus on paying off?"

"The only way to get out of debt is by spending less than you earn," Hartill said. "But if you have your spending in check, a debt-consolidation loan can help you shed your debt faster."

She added a caveat: "This option only makes sense if it lowers your interest payments. Many people who don't have good credit actually find that the interest rate they're approved for is even higher than what they're currently paying."

It takes just a few minutes to see if that could work for you. A website called Fiona can match you with a low-interest loan. If your credit score is at least 620, Fiona can help you borrow up to $250,000 (no collateral needed) with fixed rates starting at 2.49% and terms from 6 to 144 months.

Fiona won't make you stand in line or call a bank. And if you're worried you won't qualify, it's free to check online. It takes just two minutes, and it could save you thousands of dollars. Totally worth it.

4. 'You Don't Have to Settle for Nothing'

Question: "My savings account bottomed out. Any other ways to make passive income right now?"

"Although interest rates will stay low until at least 2023, that doesn't mean you have to settle for earning nothing on your savings," Hartill said.

Most banks are paying account holders virtually no interest on their savings these days. By signing up for a debit card called Aspiration, you could get up to 5% back when you swipe at certain stores, plus they give you up to 83 times the normal national interest rate on your savings balance.

To see how much you could earn, enter your email address here, link your bank account and add at least $10 to your account. And don't worry. Your money is FDIC insured and under a military-grade encryption. That's nerd talk for "this is totally safe."

5. 'Most of Us Don't Earn Enough'

Question: "How can I possibly earn enough to ever retire?"

Hartill shared a brutal truth with us: "The overwhelming majority of us don't earn enough to get to save our way to retirement."

Ouch, that hurts. But wait, she offers a solution: "Spending money by investing it in the stock market and earning returns that compound into even more money."

"If you need a $500,000 nest egg to retire, you'd have to trim $10,000 from your budget for 50 years straight to get there through savings alone. But if you invested just $5,000 a year and earned 6% returns, you'd get there in less than 34 years."

6. 'The Only Practical Way to Give Your Family Security'

Question: "I have a family. How can I make sure they're protected in these uncertain times?"

"Spending money on life insurance is the only practical way to give your family the security they deserve," Hartill said. "Your life insurance needs are greatest when you have young children. Fortunately, this is often a time when you're still young enough that life insurance is relatively inexpensive."

Maybe you're thinking: I don't have the time or money for that. But this takes minutes — and you could leave your family up to $1 million with a company called Bestow.

We hear people are paying as little as $8 a month. (But every year you wait, this gets more expensive.)

It takes just minutes to get a free quote and see how much life insurance you can leave your loved ones — even if you don't have seven figures in your bank account.

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. He is not a certified financial planner, but he has stayed in a Holiday Inn Express.

*For Securities priced over $1,000, purchase of fractional shares starts at $0.05.

**You'll also bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of the ETFs in your account, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash and the custodian.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

4 Companies To Ask For Money When You Can’t Pay Your Bills

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:57 PM PDT

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.

When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look? Probably not as good as you'd like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

Ask one of these companies to help….

1. Ask This Website to Help Pay Your Credit Card Bill This Month

If you have credit card debt, you know. The anxiety, the interest rates, the fear you're never going to escape…

And the truth is, your credit card company doesn't really care. It's just getting rich by ripping you off with high interest rates — some up to 36%. But a website called AmOne wants to help.

If you owe your credit card companies $50,000 or less, AmOne will match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every single one of your balances.

The benefit? You'll be left with one bill to pay each month. And because personal loans have lower interest rates (AmOne rates start at 2.49% APR), you'll get out of debt that much faster. Plus: No credit card payment this month.

You don't need a perfect credit score to get a loan — and comparing your options won't affect your score at all.  Plus, AmOne keeps your information confidential and secure, which is probably why after 20 years in business, it still has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

It takes less than a minute and just 10 questions to see what loans you qualify for — you don't even need to enter your Social Security number. You do need to give AmOne a real phone number in order to qualify, but don't worry — they won't spam you with phone calls.

2. Get Paid to Play Bingo

There's a free iPhone app called Bingo Cash that pays you up to $80 every time you win bingo. That's money that can go right towards your debt!

The game is based on a classic Bingo format — plus tons of variations on the game. You'll battle it out against other players at your same skill level. Everyone gets the same board and sees the same Bingo balls, so winning is totally a matter of skill. The top three players in a game can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $80.

Over on the App Store, it has a 4.7-star rating (out of 5).

To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.

3. Let This App Spot You Money

It's happened to all of us at some point  — the dreaded overdraft. It's not only embarrassing if your card gets declined at the grocery store over a few bucks, but the fees that come with it only put you further into a hole. Double yikes.

But a banking app called Chime wants to protect you from both of those problems with its SpotMe® feature1. It's a fee-free overdraft protection that lets you overdraft up to $200 (for eligible members) without consequences.

Yep. Just sign up for a free Chime checking account and set up a qualifying $200 monthly direct deposit to take advantage of this face-saving tool. You'll also get access to other sweet features, like getting paid up to two days2 earlier with direct deposit, help automatically growing your savings and access to more than 60,000 fee-free3 ATMs.

Signing up takes just a few minutes. You'll need your Social Security number handy — but don't worry, your information is protected by bank-level security, FDIC insurance and two-factor authentication.

4. Let This App Pay up to $83 When You Win Solitaire

Lots of us already play Solitaire on our phones for fun or just to pass the time. Want to see if you can win money at it?

There's a free app called Solitaire Cash that pays you up to $83 every time you win.

You might be thinking: There's got to be a catch. This is definitely one of those spammy apps, right?

Wrong. There really isn't a catch. And, in fact, there aren't even any annoying ads.

With each game, you'll battle it out against at least five other players. Everyone gets the same deck, so winning is totally a matter of skill. The top three players who solve the deck fastest can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $83.

Over on the App Store, it has over a million downloads and more than 15,000 ratings, averaging 4.7 stars (out of 5).

To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.


*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.

1According to a GOBankingRates savings survey

2Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the round up from your Chime Spending Account to into your savings account. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more into your savings account.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The 5 Best Ways to Earn a Passive Income in 2022

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:45 PM PDT

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.

You've probably heard the term passive income.

It sounds appealing right? According to the definition of passive, it would mean you're earning income without participating or having to do anything at all.

Free money? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, that's a common misconception. Just like you can't pluck money from a tree, you can't expect to earn passive income by being, well, totally passive.

However, it's a viable way to make money, and offers you security and freedom.

If you're interested in establishing a flow of passive income, here's a guide to understanding the term and getting started.

1. Buy a Hotel — Even if You're Not Rich

There's no reason you can't invest in hotels — even if you're not rich.

A company called Yieldstreet lets you get started in the world of real estate by giving you access to private commercial and residential real estate deals in key markets. The best part? You don't have to be the landlord. Yieldstreet does all the heavy lifting.

Normally this is something only available to the super wealthy, but now you can have access to investment opportunities like luxury apartments in Nashville, multi-family property in Dallas — and yes, even a resort-style hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Private real estate has outperformed the average S&P 500 return for the last 25 years, with average annualized returns of 10.3%. And Yieldstreet has a stringent vetting process to decide what properties to invest in to minimize any surprises.

Once invested, you can track your performance on Yieldstreet's website, and watch as properties are acquired, improved and operated. You could earn money through quarterly dividend payments, and over time, you could earn money off the potential appreciation of the property.

So if you want to get started in the world of real-estate investing, it takes just a few minutes to sign up and create an account with Yieldstreet.

2. Get Paid to Play Bingo

There's a free iPhone app called Bingo Cash that pays you up to $80 every time you win bingo.

The game is based on a classic Bingo format — plus tons of variations on the game. You'll battle it out against other players at your same skill level. Everyone gets the same board and sees the same Bingo balls, so winning is totally a matter of skill. The top three players in a game can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $80.

Over on the App Store, it has a 4.7-star rating (out of 5).

To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.

3. Use This Secret Debit Card

Here's the deal: If you're not using Aspiration's debit card, you're missing out on extra cash. And who doesn't want extra cash right now?

Yep. When you sign up for a debit card called Aspiration, you could get up to 5% back when you swipe at certain stores — plus they give you up to 50 times the normal national interest rate on your savings balance.

It's perfect for earning extra cash for things that are already on your shopping list. You were going to buy these things anyway — why not get this extra money in the process?

This card used to have a huge waiting list, but now you can sign up for free.

Just enter your email address here and link your bank account to see how much extra cash you can get with your free Aspiration account. And don't worry. Your money is FDIC insured and under a military-grade encryption. That's nerd talk for "this is totally safe."

4. Get up to $200 in Free Stock

If you feel like you don't have enough money to start investing, you're not alone. But guess what? You really don't need that much — and you can even get free stocks (worth up to $200!) if you know where to look.

Whether you're got $5, $100 or $800 to spare, you can start investing with Robinhood.

Yeah, you've probably heard of 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. Get a Free $225 in Cash

If we told you you could get free money just for watching videos on your computer, you'd probably laugh. It's too good to be true, right? But we're serious.

A website called InboxDollars will pay you to watch short video clips online. One minute you might watch someone bake brownies and the next you might get the latest updates on Kardashian drama.

All you have to do is choose which videos you want to watch and answer a few quick questions about them afterward. Brands pay InboxDollars to get these videos in front of viewers, and it passes a cut onto you.

InboxDollars won't make you rich, but it's possible to get up to $225 per month watching these videos. It's already paid its users more than $56 million.

It takes about one minute to sign up, and you'll immediately earn a $5 bonus to get you started.

The Aspiration Spend & Save Accounts are cash management accounts offered through Aspiration Financial, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, and a subsidiary of Aspiration Partners, Inc. ("Aspiration"). Aspiration is not a bank.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? 6 Ways to Save Money

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:00 AM PDT

Affording hearing aids is challenging if you're an older American on Medicare.

That's because Original Medicare — which covers a majority of beneficiaries — doesn't cover hearing aids, fittings or hearing exams.

That's right — not a dime. And hearing aids are expensive: The average cost for one pair ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.

About 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of people 75 and older have difficulty hearing, according to the National Institute on Aging.

For now, older adults are mostly on the hook when it comes to paying for hearing care.

In this guide, we break down what hearing aid coverage is available to both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.

We also explore other ways to save money on hearing care, including Medicaid and nonprofit programs.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids and Exams?

Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans have hearing aid coverage, but it varies by plan. Some other services are covered under both, however.

Original Medicare

In some situations, Original Medicare coverage may pay for cochlear implants or hearing tests in emergency situations.

Original Medicare covers 80% of the cost of cochlear implants for those who qualify. Cochlear implants are considered medically necessary for the treatment of a severe to profound hearing impairment.

Medicare Part B will generally cover a cochlear implant if you recognize sentences while wearing your hearing aids only 40% of the time or less.

Medicare Part B will also cover 80% of a diagnostic hearing test and balance exams, but only if it is ordered by your doctor or health care provider during an emergency.

For example, a doctor may run these tests to diagnose the cause of dizziness or vertigo.

Need a refresher on how Medicare works? Check out answers to seven frequently asked questions. 

Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare doesn't provide hearing aid coverage, but many Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing health benefits.

Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies. They must provide the same basic coverage as Original Medicare, but plans may offer additional benefits, such as hearing aids.

About 93% of Medicare Advantage plans provided some hearing aid coverage in 2021, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

But how much coverage each Medicare Advantage plan provides varies.

For example, the KFF analysis found that about 60% of enrollees are in plans that require cost sharing for hearing aids, which ranged from $5 up to $3,355 in 2021.

Most plans also include coverage limits and restrict you to a specific network of physicians.

Make sure you calculate your potential out-of-pocket costs when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Remember: Even with a good Medicare Advantage plan, you may still face out-of-pocket costs, such as premiums and deductibles as well as copayments to see an audiologist for fittings.

Need help picking a Medicare Advantage plan? Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program can offer free personalized Medicare benefits counseling. 

6 Ways To Get Cheap Hearing Aids

Medicare beneficiaries who accessed hearing care services spent an average of $914 out-of-pocket in 2018, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. For many, that's simply out of reach.

Some national organizations cover hearing aids for people with low incomes and limited resources. These programs often have strict eligibility criteria and may be difficult to qualify for.

There are other ways to get affordable hearing aids, including shopping around and asking your audiolist for sliding scale payment options.

1. Miracle-Ear Foundation's Gift of Sound Program

The Miracle-Ear Foundation's Gift of Sound program helps provide hearing aids for adults with hearing loss.

The program is available to individuals with significantly limited incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level who have exhausted all other financial resources.

You need to contact your local Miracle-Ear store before starting an application. Supporting documentation from a hearing care professional and an application fee of $150 is required.

You can find more information about the Gift of Sound program along with eligibility requirements here.

2. Help America Hear Program

The Help America Hear program provides hearing aids for adults with limited financial resources.

The program can provide both new ReSound behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal digital hearing aids.

There are three qualifying tiers based on gross household income, personal assets and health insurance coverage.

Every applicant is required to pay a fee, which can range from $125 to $500 for one hearing aid, to $250 to $1,000 for two hearing aids.

The application process is extensive and requires medical documentation, proof of income and proof of health insurance (if any).

The entire application process can take two to six months, according to the organization's website.

If you qualify, you are still responsible for the cost of the hearing evaluation, batteries, accessories as well as extended loss and damage warranties.

Click here to check out the Help America Hear program application.

3. Check Out Costco

Comparison shopping is important if you want to save money on hearing aids.

Wholesale clubs like Costco offer great deals on hearing exams, fittings and devices.

Costco's private brand, Kirkland Signature, sells hearing aids for about $1,400 per pair — about half the price you'd pay elsewhere for a name-brand equivalent. They also offer free hearing tests.

Not every Costco location has on-site audiologists or hearing specialists and you'll need an appointment. You'll also need to sign up for a Costco membership, which starts at $60 a year.

4. Talk to Your Doctor

It never hurts to ask for a discount.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but simply asking your health care provider for a more affordable price can really help.

According to Consumer Reports, almost half of all hearing aid users in their survey who asked for a lower price on their hearing aids ultimately received a discount.

Most audiologists and hearing care professionals offer financing plans and some offer sliding scale payment options.

Wherever you go to purchase your device, try bargaining or asking for a lower-priced model.

The price of a hearing aid is sometimes "bundled" to include the device plus other costs, like the audiologist's services for fittings, adjustments and follow-up care.

Asking your provider to unbundle their services and provide you with an itemized list of charges can help you save money because you'll only pay for what you need.

5. Keep an Eye Out For Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Hearing aids may get much more affordable in the near future thanks to an FDA proposed rule issued in October 2021.

The rule would create a new class of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids available without an exam or fitting by an audiologist.

OTC hearing aids would be available from any seller — and at a fraction of the cost. Consumers could pay about $600 per pair instead of upward of $5,000 per pair, according to Harvard Health Review.

It would also cut the red tape many consumers face: Currently, patients must see a licensed hearing professional and obtain a prescription before they can buy hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids will be available to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, and will be equipped with the same basic technology as traditional hearing aids.

The FDA is currently finalizing its proposed rule. OTC hearing aids are expected to hit the market by the end of 2022, according to The New York Times.

Local Organizations and Programs

Some local and regional nonprofit programs provide financial assistance or discounted hearing aids to those who qualify.

You can call United Way's 2-1-1 social services number or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see what's available.

To find the contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging, enter your zip code into the Eldercare Locator tool operated by the U.S. government.

Other Hearing Care Insurance

Medicare coverage for hearing aids may be limited but Medicaid and VA benefits can help pick up the cost if you qualify.

Medicaid

About one in five Medicare beneficiaries is also enrolled in Medicaid, sometimes referred to as being "dual enrolled."

Medicaid is a federally-funded health insurance program for people with low incomes. It's administered at the state-level, so each state determines its own hearing benefits and limitations.

About half of states offer some hearing benefits and coverage for hearing aids.

What's covered varies even among states with hearing aid benefits. In Florida, for example, you can receive a pair of hearing aids once every three years but in North Dakota, Medicaid recipients are entitled to hearing aids only once every five years.

In some states, like New Jersey and Massachusetts, hearing aids are only available with specific Medicaid plans.

You can see what benefits your state offers along with any limitations and requirements by visiting this comprehensive list from the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Or call and ask the Medicaid program in your state to see if you qualify.

Veterans' Benefits

Veterans may qualify for hearing aids through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

You must enroll in the VA Health Benefits program to qualify.

Once enrolled (or if already enrolled), you can schedule an appointment at an Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for a hearing evaluation.

If the doctor recommends hearing aids, you can receive the devices for free so long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.

The VA will also provide necessary maintenance of any hearing aids you receive, including replacement batteries, cleaning and adjustments.

If you live more than 40 miles from a VA clinic or if you can't get an appointment for at least a month, you may qualify to see a private audiologist through the VA's Choice Program.

The VA provides hearing aids to the following veterans:

  • Former Prisoners of War.
  • Purple Heart recipients.
  • Those rated permanently housebound or in need of routine care.
  • Those with any service-related disability.
  • Those with hearing loss resulting from a disease or medical condition for which they receive VA care or disability.
  • Those who have hearing loss severe enough that it hinders their ability to participate in their own medical treatment or daily living.

Even if you don't use the VA for your other health care needs, it's smart to use it for hearing aids. It's one of the only programs that provides high-quality devices at no cost.

To apply, visit your local VA office, go online or call 877-222-VETS (8387).

Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Is Face ID Safe?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT

Remembering passwords can be a chore, but biometric options such as Face ID from Apple help us log into our favorite devices while keeping them secure.

Instead of typing in a password or code to unlock your device, Face ID, also known as facial recognition, allows you to merely glance at your iPhone or iPad and gain access to its contents — so convenient!

But is Face ID secure enough — even to use with your bank account? As Face ID has become more popular, the majority of banking apps now allow you to log in to your account by simply peering at your smartphone.

Let's take a deep dive into Face ID and see if this method of unlocking your device (and your bank account) is strong enough for everyday use.

What Is Face ID?

Face ID was released in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X; it was an upgrade to Apple's existing biometric unlock feature, Touch ID. Rather than using your fingerprint, Face ID uses advanced hardware to create a three-dimensional facial map that can then be used to unlock your device.

Since Face ID's launch, it is now available on all iPhone devices (except the budget-friendly iPhone SE) and iPad Pro models. The technology is smart enough to lock out unauthorized users, but it can recognize when you change your hairstyle, have applied makeup or are wearing an accessory, such as a scarf, hat, or pair of glasses.

Pro Tip

With the release of iOS 15.4, and using an iPhone 12 or later, Face ID can recognize a user's face even with a face mask, although we'll discuss why you might not want to enable this feature.

Is Face ID Actually Secure?

The short answer is yes, Face ID is quite secure. Here's how Face ID works:

Creating a Facial Map

When you decide to set up Face ID on your device, your iPhone or iPad uses its built-in TrueDepth camera system with a dot projector and an infrared camera to capture a detailed map of your face. Your face is recorded by invisibly projecting thousands of invisible dots onto your skin; the device also captures a two-dimensional infrared image of your face to assist the process.

The facial data that is collected using the TrueDepth system is then converted into a mathematical model, which is used when you attempt to unlock your device. All of this sensitive data is securely encrypted and stored within the device's neural engine and protected within what is known as a Secure Enclave.

Encrypted and Secure

At this point, only the Secure Enclave is able to access this stored model of your face, so you won't need to worry about a random application gaining access to it. But, even though your iPhone has a mathematical image of your face, how accurate is it? Could anyone pick up your phone and accidentally gain access?

According to Apple, the odds of a random person looking at your iPhone or iPad with Face ID and unlocking it are slim: 1 in 1,000,000. Additionally, Face ID uses a three-dimensional depth map of your face, so 2D prints of photographs of your face won't work. The Face ID system has even been designed to avoid being fooled by masks using sophisticated anti-spoofing neural networks.

Additional Precautions

In addition, you'll still be required to set up a traditional passcode on your device. Face ID will also refuse to work in certain situations outlined by Apple, including the following:

  • The device has just been turned on or restarted.
  • The device hasn't been unlocked for more than 48 hours.
  • The passcode hasn't been used to unlock the device in the last six and a half days and Face ID hasn't unlocked the device in the last 4 hours.
  • The device has received a remote lock command.
  • After five unsuccessful attempts to match a face.
  • After initiating power off / Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button simultaneously for 2 seconds.

Why Should You Not Use Face ID?

There are a few situations that can make facial recognition systems, such as Face ID, less secure, so it's important to know what they are. After all, if you are using Face ID to keep your bank app secure, you don't want to do anything that could jeopardize your device's security.

Face ID Weaknesses

For starters, Face ID may be fooled into unlocking if you have an identical twin or sibling who looks very similar to you. While Face ID is designed to avoid these mishaps, if you have an evil identical twin, you may want to consider sticking to a good old-fashioned passcode.

Children under age 13 may also have issues with Face ID. Without certain distinct facial features, Face ID may be more likely to be unlocked for children, but as long as you don't add your children to your iPhone or iPad's Face ID, this shouldn't be something you need to worry about.

Face Mask and Face ID

With the release of iOS 15.4, Apple has made it possible for iPhone 12 or later devices to unlock even if an individual is wearing a face mask. While this feature may appear tempting, it does reduce the security level of Face ID. Rather than relying on a full facial map of your face, this feature focuses on the distinctive features around your eyes.

If you frequently wear a face mask and own an Apple Watch, you can instead enable a feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone whenever you are wearing your Watch and your iPhone is nearby. If your iPhone is unlocked this way, a notification is immediately sent to your Apple Watch, keeping you alerted at all times.

What About Touch ID?

Touch ID is another Apple biometric security feature that allows you to unlock your device using just your fingerprint. Touch ID is currently sold on the iPhone SE, along with select iPad models and select Macs. While not as secure as Face ID, the probability of a random fingerprint unlocking your device is 1 in 50,000.

If your device only supports Touch ID and you are wondering whether you should use it, the answer is still likely yes. For most people, Touch ID is a great solution and is still much more secure than a 4-digit passcode. Additionally, like Face ID, your Touch ID data is encrypted and stored within your device's Secure Enclave for controlled access.

How Do I Use Face ID With My Bank?

If your bank's mobile app for iOS supports Face ID (or Touch ID), it will likely ask if you wish to use it for logging into your account after your first initial log-in with your typical credentials. On your first login, there may also be a check box before you log in where you can select to use Face ID in the future for security and convenience.

If you have already logged into your banking app and have not chosen to enable Face ID, or you were never prompted, we would recommend checking the Settings menu within your banking app and looking under the Security heading. Otherwise, you can always call your bank for additional assistance with its application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the disadvantages of Face ID?

Face ID may not work optimally if you have an identical sibling with similar facial features or if a child under 13 years of age is utilizing the system. Additionally, it may be easier for someone to coerce you into looking at your device to unlock it in comparison to having you give up or provide a passcode.

Can I trust Apple Face ID?

Yes, Apple's Face ID platform is very secure with the odds of a random individual unlocking your device being 1 in 1,000,000. Additionally, Apple does not have direct access to a user's face data as it is encrypted on your device within a secure enclave and is not uploaded to the cloud or anywhere off of your device for storage.

Is face recognition better than a fingerprint?

According to Apple, the chance of someone randomly unlocking a device with Touch ID is 1 in 50,000. In comparison, the chance of someone randomly unlocking a device with Face ID is 1 in 1,000,000; this makes Face ID and facial recognition approximately 20x safer than Touch ID and a fingerprint scan.

Michael Archambault is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Dear Penny: Can I Get My Ex-Husband's Social Security Before He's Eligible?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 07:00 AM PDT

Dear Penny,

I was married to a man for almost 19 years when he decided (unbeknownst to me) that he wanted a divorce. I felt that we had a happy marriage the majority of those years. We only had the occasional disagreement, as most marriages do. 

In fact, he didn't tell me until after the divorce was finalized his reasons for leaving me. He is the father of our two children. It was very devastating for me as well as our children when he left, although he has tried to be a good dad since the divorce and is very involved in their lives. I am 10 years 8 months older than him and am now 60 years old. He has remarried twice in the nine years since our divorce.

I have known for a long time that I can collect Social Security benefits based on his employment, since it will be much higher than my own benefit. However, I didn't realize until recently (and wasn't told by my financial planner) that I can't start collecting Social Security benefits until HE is at full retirement age and not when I am at full retirement age. That would mean I will be in my 70s.

Please tell me exactly when I can start collecting my Social Security benefits based off his income. And is it based off his income when he retires, or his income when we got divorced? Also, is it possible for me to collect Social Security from my own work record when I am at full retirement age and then switch to his benefits when he is at full retirement age?

-S.

Dear S.,

Let's get the bad news out of the way first: You have to wait until your ex-husband is eligible for Social Security benefits to collect on his record, but you don't have to wait until he's reached full retirement age. For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. That means you'd be eligible for spousal benefits when your ex is 62, not 67.

Of course, that doesn't do you much good. You'd still be at least 72 by the time you could start spousal benefits.



Have A Money Question?

Senior editor Robin Hartill is a certified
financial planner and the voice of Dear Penny.

Write Dear Penny

Have a tough money question?
Dear Penny wants to help! Write Dear Penny
for Practical money advice.

Dear Penny Circle Form









You can't take your own benefits and switch to your ex-husband's benefit later on. That's an option that's only available if you were born before Jan. 2, 1954. (The same rule applies for people who want to start with a spousal benefit and then switch to their own benefit later.)

Social Security allows divorced spouse benefits because both spouses contribute economically to a marriage, even if one person earns a lot more. But unfortunately, the rules leave the lower-earning spouse in a bind if they're significantly older.

I get that all of this is difficult to accept, especially given that you were blindsided by the end of your marriage. But you need to focus on how to maximize your own retirement benefits. Claiming your ex's benefits simply isn't viable.

Even though your ex-husband outearned you, don't assume that you'd collect more if spousal benefits were a possibility. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the spouse's full retirement age benefit — and that's only for spouses and ex-spouses who wait until their own full retirement age. Spouses who start at age 62 only receive 32.5%.

When you take your own retirement benefits, you can earn 8% delayed retirement credits for each year you hold off past full retirement age until you're 70. But you can't earn delayed retirement credits with spousal benefits. You'd collect your maximum benefit at 67, your full retirement age.

Many people will actually get more money taking their own benefit instead of spousal benefits, even when the spouse was the much higher earner. As of April 2022, the average monthly spousal benefit was just $837, compared to $1,666 for retired workers.

Social Security bases benefits on 35 years' worth of earnings. If you work less than 35 years, your income for the non-working years is entered as zero. The more years you can work, obviously, the bigger your benefit will be.

You'll probably want to delay benefits for as long as possible, especially if you're in good health. Starting Social Security at age 70 results in a benefit that's about 77% higher compared to starting as soon as you're eligible at 62.

In the meantime, focus on saving as much as possible for retirement. Since you're over 50, you can contribute $7,000 to a Roth IRA in 2022. The limits for most workplace plans, like 401(k)s and 403(b)s are even higher. You can contribute up to $20,500 plus an extra $6,500 catch-up that's allowed for people 50 and older.

I'm sorry that you've been dealt this most difficult hand. But focus on what you can control.

There's still a lot you can do to secure the comfortable retirement you deserve.

Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Send your tricky money questions to AskPenny@thepennyhoarder.com.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Kids Eat Free at Dozens of Restaurants Coast to Coast

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:50 AM PDT

Having kids is expensive. The cost of everything goes up: Clothing, shelter and — of course — food.

We've brought you ways to save on clothes and housing in recent months. Today we're going to show you how to get free kids meals any day of the week.

Some of the restaurants that we've rounded up have locations around the country and others are regional. Many of the following restaurants provide one free kids meal per adult entree ordered.

If you don't see a favorite restaurant here, make sure to ask your server about free meals for kids the next time you stop in.

Places Where Kids Eat Free All Week

Here's our roundup of 57 restaurants that offer free meals to kids on at least one day a week.

Restaurants That Cater to Your Family's Needs

Whether you need curbside meals or have multiple kids to feed, let's take a minute to highlight restaurants that make your life easier.

Free Kids' Meals for Takeout or Curbside

Most offers for kids' eat free promotions are limited to dine-in customers only. This is problematic if you're high-risk, or otherwise still being careful with the pandemic even though many restaurants have returned to business as usual.

However, there are a handful of restaurants allowing customers to claim their free kids' meals without dining at the restaurant.

If you have concerns with indoor dining, another safer place to take advantage of kids eating free is Bruster's, as there is no "inside" to worry about. You just order from the window while standing outside.

Check out our list of 100 free things to do for you and your family.

More Than One Free Kids Meal With Purchase of Adult Entree

Most restaurants only allow you to get one free kid meal per adult entree. This is a problem if you're a single parent with more than one child, or if you are a dual-parent household with more than two children.

To ensure all the littles eat for free, check out these restaurants that explicitly allow for two free kids' meals per adult entree:

  • Fox & Turtle
  • Ponderosa
  • Carrows
  • Captain D's
  • MCL Restaurant & Bakery
  • Holiday Inn

Back to top ↑

A mother and daughter eat fries and bbq food.

Where Kids Eat Free on Sunday

Sunday is the most popular day of the week for kids eat free promotions. Check out these 13 restaurants where kids eat free on Sundays!

The Dickey's BBQ Pit logo. Dickey's Barbecue Pit

To qualify for this deal, your total order must be at least $10. You can only qualify for one free kids' meal per order.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Ages 12 and younger.
  • Number of free kids meals per adult purchase: 1

Unlike many restaurants, Dickey's Barbecue Pit lets you take advantage of the kids eat free promotion whether you dine in or not! Takeout and delivery orders are eligible when you use this promo code at checkout: KEFOLO.

Find a Dickey's Barbecue Pit location.

The Moe's Southwest Grill logo. Moe's Southwest Grill

To qualify for the Kids Eat Free deal at Moe's Southwest Grill, your adult meal must cost at least six dollars.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult purchase: 1

Find a Moe's Southwest Grill location.

The Nantucket Grill logo.Nantucket Grill

Kids eat free at Nantucket Grill in the Triangle — the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina — every Sunday.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.

Find a Nantucket Grill location.

The Rush Street logo.Rush Street

Kids eat free every Sunday night at Rush Street in Culver City, California.

  • When: Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.

The logo for Rooster Fish Grill.Roosterfish Grill

Roosterfish Grill in Largo, Florida, offers free kids' meals every Sunday.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

The logo for Salsarita's. Salsarita's

Most Salsarita's offer two, kids-eat-free nights per week. One of them is often on Sunday. You will want to call your location ahead of time to make sure you dine there on the right night..

  • When: Every Sunday and usually one additional day per week. Time varies by location.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Salsarita's location.

The logo for Nueva Cantina. Nueva Cantina

Nueva Cantina has multiple participating locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, and offers free kids' meals every Sunday.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

The logo for Arriba Mexican Grill. Arriba Mexican Grill

Arriba Mexican Grill in Arizona offers kids' eat free day every Sunday.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find an Arriba Mexican Grill location.

Bourbon Street Cafe

Every Sunday, kids eat free at the Bourbon Street Cafe in Queens, N.Y.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

The logo for Stoney Point Grill.Stoney Point Grill

Stoney Point Grill in Chicago offers free kids' meals on Sundays.

  • When: Sundays.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of an adult entree: 1

The logo for Pi Craft PizzaPi Craft Pizza

In upstate New York, Pi Craft Pizza offers a kids' eat free day on Sundays.

  • When: Every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Pi Craft Pizza location.

The logo for Esplendido.Esplendido

Just outside Detroit, Esplendido Mexican Cuisine has a free kid's meal promotion every Sunday.

  • When: All day every Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of adult entree: 1

This offer is for dine-in customers only.

Surf Shack

The Surf Shack in Tampa, Florida, offers kids meals free with the purchase of an adult meal on Sundays.

  • When: All day Sundays.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Other Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Sunday

Some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. Here are some restaurants where kids eat free on Sunday and other days:

  • Bravo Mexican Grill
  • HOBNOB
  • Cafe Brazil
  • Bruster's
  • Fricker's
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tony Roma's
  • 99 Restaurants
  • Texas de Brazil
  • Fogo de Chao
  • JJ's Grill
  • Frasca's Pizzeria & Bistro

Back to top ↑

A little boy eats pasta.

Where Kids Eat Free on Monday

Monday is another popular day to offer free kids meals. Here are 14 restaurants where kids eat free on Monday.

The logo for Arroga's.Arooga's Grille House & Sportsbar

Arooga's was the first Certified Green Restaurant in Pennsylvania, and it welcomes kids to eat free every Monday.

  • When: All day every Monday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult meal: 1

This offer is dine-in only.

Find an Arooga's Grille House location.

The logo for Woody's BBQ.Woody's BBQ

Not every Woody's BBQ participates in Kids Eat Free Days, but of those that do, they most commonly offer the promotion on Mondays and Tuesdays. You will want to call ahead to ensure you've got the right date for participating locations.

  • When: Most locations offer this promotion on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Age limitations: Either 12 and under or 10 and under depending on location.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of an adult entrée: 1

Find a Woody's BBQ location. 

The logo for Las Magaritas. Las Margaritas

Las Margaritas of Columbus, Ohio, offers a kids eat free promotion during lunch on Mondays at its two locations.

  • When: Every Monday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: One, and the adult also has to order a drink.

Colonial Cafe 

Colonial Cafe in Illinois offers kids eat free days every Monday.

  • When: Mondays.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of an adult entree: 1

Find a Colonial Cafe location.

The logo for Cody's Original Roadhouse.Cody's Original Steakhouse

Cody's Original Steakhouse in Florida offers free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree every Monday and Tuesday.

  • When: Every Monday and Tuesday.
  • Age limitations: Kids ages 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids meal per adult entree: 1

Find a Cody's Original Steakhouse location.

The logo for Huddle House.

The Warbler Chicago

Monday through Friday, The Warbler in Chicago offers Supper Club for families. Each person over the age of 9 pays $27 for family-style dining including one salad, two appetizers, vegetable dishes or house made pastas, flatbread and a dessert. Kids age 9 and under enjoy the meal for free.

  • When: Monday through Friday from 4:30p to 6p.
  • Age limitations: Kids ages 9 and under.

Huddle House

Huddle House offers two kids eat free days per week, on Mondays and Tuesdays.

  • When: All day on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of an adult entree: 1

This offer is for dine-in customers only, and your adult purchase must be at least $6.

Find a Huddle House location. 

The logo for Pressed by Spanglish Pressed | by Spanglish

If you're looking for restaurants where kids eat free in the Triangle area of North Carolina, check out Pressed | by Spanglish on Monday evenings. Pressed also publishes a food truck calendar.

  • When: Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Number of free kids meals per adult entree: 1

The logo for Grand Hacienda. Grand Hacienda

Monday evenings are kids eat free night at Grand Hacienda locations in Florida's Tampa Bay area.

  • When: Monday from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Grand Hacienda location,

The logo for Moretti's. Moretti's

At Moretti's, it's not so much an adult entree that gets you a free kids' meal, but an adult spending at least $20 on food at its Illinois locations.

  • When: Every Monday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: Must spend $20 to get one free kids' meal.

Find a Moretti's location. 

The logo for Buffalo Wild Wings. Buffalo Wings & Rings

Kids eat free on Mondays at almost all Buffalo Wings & Rings. There are a couple locations that don't participate, though. So be sure to contact your specific location before your visit.

  • When: Every Monday.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Buffalo Wings and Rings location.

The logo for Fox & Turtle Fox & Turtle

Monday nights are kids eat free nights at Chicago's Fox & Turtle.

  • When: Every Monday after 4 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2
Want even more free stuff? Be sure to check out these 100+ birthday freebies!

Other Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Monday

Some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. Here are some restaurants where kids eat free on Monday and other days:

  • Rumbi Island Grill
  • HOBNOB
  • MCL Restaurant & Bakery
  • Cafe Brazil
  • Bruster's
  • Fricker's
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tony Roma's
  • 99 Restaurants
  • Texas de Brazil
  • Fogo de Chao
  • JJ's Grill
  • Frasca's Pizzeria & Bistro

Back to top ↑

A little girl eats grilled cheese and fries.

Where Kids Eat Free on Tuesday

You don't have to look far to find kids eat free promotions on Tuesdays, either. We've rounded up 10 restaurants where kids eat free on Tuesday.

The logo for Ruby's Diner. Ruby's Diner

Tuesday evenings are kids eat free night at Ruby's Diner. Most of the locations are in Southern California but there are a few sprinkled in other states.

  • When: Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until close.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.

Find a Ruby's location. 

The logo for Atlanta Bread.Atlanta Bread

Some Atlanta Bread locations offer a kids' night on Tuesday evenings, but you'll want to call ahead of time to make sure yours is one of the participating locations.

  • When: Tuesdays after 5 p.m. though not all locations participate.
  • Number of free kids meals per adult entrée: 1

Find an Atlanta Bread location.

The logo for Carrow's. Carrows

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Carrows locations.

  • When: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until close.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult meal: 2

Find a Carrows location.

The logo for Ponderosa's Steakhouse. Ponderosa

Many Ponderosas participate in Tuesday kids' nights, but not all locations do. Contact yours ahead of time to see if they're a participating location.

  • When: Tuesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. Not all locations participate.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2

Find a Ponderosa location.

The logo for Ruby Tuesday's. Ruby Tuesday

True to its name, Ruby Tuesday offers free kids' meals on Tuesday evenings.

  • When: Every Tuesday after 5 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entrée: 1

This offer is limited to dine-in customers only.

Find a Ruby Tuesday location.

The logo for Rumbi Island Grill. Rumbi Island Grill

Rumbi Island Grill is a Utah restaurant chain that offers kids' nights on both Mondays and Tuesdays.

  • When: Mondays and Tuesdays after 4 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per purchase of an adult meal: 1

Find a Rumbi Island Grill location.

The logo for Bob Evan's. Bob Evans

Kids eat free at Bob Evans on Tuesday evenings.

  • When: Tuesdays after 4 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

This offer is available to dine-in customers only.

Find a Bob Evans location.

The logo for Burgerfi. BurgerFi

Not all BurgerFi locations offer a kids eat free day. But when they do, it's usually on Tuesdays.

  • When: Varies by location, but it is Tuesday at most participating locations.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entrée: 1.

Find a BurgerFI location.

The logo for Alessio's.Alessio's

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at one of the three Georgia locations of Alessio's Restaurant & Pizzeria.

  • When: Every Tuesday.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: One. Adult meal must cost $10+.

Find an Alessio's location. 

The logo for Evvia's.Evviva Bar and Eatery

Tuesdays are kids' eat free day at Evviva Bar and Eatery in Chicago.

  • When: Every Tuesday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult meal purchase: 1

Stack'd

Not every Stack'd Burgers location in Western Pennsylvania offers free kids days, so be sure to call ahead to find participating locations.

  • When: Every Tuesday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.

This offer is for dine-in customers only.

Find a Stack'd location.

Other Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Tuesday

Some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. Here are some restaurants where kids eat free on Tuesday and other days:

  • Huddle House
  • Cafe Brazil
  • Cody's Original Steakhouse
  • The Warbler Chicago
  • Community Tavern
  • HOBNOB
  • Woody's BBQ
  • Stack'd
  • Bruster's
  • Fricker's
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tony Roma's
  • 99 Restaurants
  • Texas de Brazil
  • Fogo de Chao
  • JJ's Grill
  • MCL Restaurant & Bakery
  • Frasca's Pizzeria & Bistro

Back to top ↑

Two children eat lunch.

Where Kids Eat Free on Wednesday

On Wednesdays you can still find some kids eat free offers. Check out these five restaurants where kids eat free on Wednesday.

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

MCL Restaurant & Bakery in the Midwest offers free kids meals all day every Monday through Wednesday.

  • When: All day Monday through Wednesday.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2

This offer is for dine-in customers only.

Find an MCL Restaurant & Bakery location.

The Ikea logo. IKEA

At IKEA, kids eat free or cheap throughout the week depending on their age.IKEA has free baby food available every day for children age 2 and under.

On Wednesdays, kids' meals for children 12 and under are half off when you purchase an adult entree.

You must be dining in the restaurant to take advantage of these discounts and freebies.

Find an IKEA location.

The Luby's logo.Luby's

Kids eat free on both Wednesday and Saturday at Luby's, which has more than 50 locations in Texas.

  • When: Wednesdays and Saturdays at participating locations.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

This offer is good for dine-in only.

Find a Luby's location.

The Bravo Mexican Grill logo. Bravo Mexican Grill

Kids eat free on Wednesday evenings and all day Sunday at Bravo Mexican Grill in Buford outside Atlanta.

  • When: After 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, and all day Sunday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles

Wednesdays are kids eat free day at Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles.

  • When: All day Wednesday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Each qualifying adult entree must be at least $18 in order to qualify for this dine-in only offer.

Other Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays

Some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. Here are some restaurants where offering a free kid's meal on Wednesday and other days:

  • Cafe Brazil
  • Community Tavern
  • HOBNOB
  • Bruster's
  • Fricker's
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tony Roma's
  • 99 Restaurants
  • The Warbler Chicago
  • Texas de Brazil
  • Fogo de Chao
  • JJ's Grill
  • Frasca's Pizzeria & Bistro

Back to top ↑

A little girl eats a burger.

Where Kids Eat Free on Thursday

Thursday is a less popular day for kids eat free promotions, but you can still find them if you know where to look. Here are six restaurants where kids eat free on Thursdays.

Rookie's American Pub logo.Rookies All American Pub and Grill

You can get one free kid's meal with the purchase of adult entrees on Thursdays at Rookies All American Pub and Grill at Illinois locations.

  • When: Every Thursday.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Rookies All American Pub and Grill location.

Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails logo. Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails

Thursdays are kids eat free day at Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails in Southern California.

  • When: All day every Thursday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

Find a Mama's Comfort Food location.

Captain D's

Some Captain D's locations offer kids eat free days. When they do, it's usually on Thursdays.

  • When: All day every Thursday, depending on location.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2

Be sure to call your location first to confirm they participate.

Find a Captain D's location.

The logo for Hobnob. HOBNOB

Most evenings, including Thursdays, kids eat free at four Atlanta area HOBNOB locations.

  • When: Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 1

You must be a member of the loyalty club to take advantage of Kids Eat Free Nights.

Find a HOBNOB location.

The logo for Cafe Brazil.Cafe Brazil

For most of the week, including Thursdays, kids eat free at Cafe Brazil locations in Texas.

  • When: Sunday through Thursday from 5p to 10p.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.

Find a Cafe Brazil location.

The logo for Community Tavern.Community Tavern

Tuesday through Thursday, kids eat free at Chicago's Community Tavern.

  • When: Every Tuesday through Thursday.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entrée purchase: One. Each adult must spend $16+.

Community Tavern is one of the few restaurants that lets you use this offer on carryout orders as well as dine-in orders.

Other Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Thursdays

Some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. Here are some restaurants where kids eat free on Thursday and other days:

  • Bruster's
  • Fricker's
  • Holiday Inn
  • Tony Roma's
  • The Warbler Chicago
  • 99 Restaurants
  • Texas de Brazil
  • Fogo de Chao
  • JJ's Grill
  • Frasca's Pizzeria & Bistro

Back to top ↑

A little boy eats ice cream outside.

Where Kids Eat Free Friday and Saturday, and Everyday

A lot of people go out to eat on Fridays and Saturdays. So it's harder to find restaurants that offer kids eat free promotions on these days.

There are plenty of restaurants that offer kids eat free days every day of the week, though, including Fridays and Saturdays! Here are nine restaurants where kids eat free every day.

The logo for Bruster's ice cream. Bruster's Ice Cream

If you have younger kids, it's good to know that Bruster's Ice Cream will give them free baby cones all the time — as long as they meet certain height requirements.

  • When: Everyday.
  • Age limitations: No age limitations, but your child must be under 40" tall.

Find a Bruster's location. 

The logo for Fricker's. Fricker's

At Fricker's, kids eat free all day everyday. In order to qualify for this offer, you will have to purchase a kids' drink in addition to an adult meal. There are a number of outlets in Ohio plus one each in Indiana and Michigan.

  • When: Everyday.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 10 and under.
  • Number of kids' meals free with an adult meal purchase: 1

This offer applies to dine-in customers only.

Find a Fricker's location.

The logo for Holiday Inn.Holiday Inn

If you're staying at a Holiday Inn, not only do your kids get free meals, but they'll be able to stay at the hotel for free, too.

There are different stipulations for the Kids Eat Free program depending on which region you're visiting. While most Holiday Inns are participating locations, there may be few that aren't. Call your location ahead of time to check before balancing your vacation budget on free kids meals.

North, South & Central America

In the Americas and all countries, you can get two free kids' meals per adult entree. In the Americas and most other countries, you may also be capped at four free kids' meals per family.

  • Age limitations: Kids age 11 or under.
  • Number of kids meals free with purchase of one adult entree: 2 to 4

Europe

Europe is the only market where you can potentially get free kids meals through room service.

  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per one adult entrée: 2 to 4

Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa

  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2 to 4

China

If you are staying in China, there will be only one on-site restaurant that offers the kids eat free promotion. Check with the front desk to learn which one is the qualifying, all-day dining option.

  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per adult entree: 2

Find Holiday Inn locations.

The logo for Tony Roma's.Tony Roma's

Kids eat free everyday at Tony Roma's. And with more than locations on five continents, that's a good deal.

  • When: Everyday.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.

Find a Tony Roma's location.

The logo for 99 Restaurant. 99 Restaurants

To qualify for 99 Restaurants' kids eat free day, you'll need to be a member of the 99 Rewards program. This promotion is good any day of the week — as long as the Redsox won a game the day before. There are dozens of locations in New England and the Northeast.

  • When: The day after a Red Sox win — any day of the week. 
  • Age limitations: Kids age 10 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per one adult entrée purchase: 1

Find a 99 Restaurants location.

The logo for Texas de Brazil.Texas de Brazil

Depending on how old your child is, they can dine at Texas de Brazil for free everyday. Regardless of age, you won't ever pay full price.

  • Under 3 years old: Free everyday.
  • Ages 3 – 5: $5
  • Ages 6 – 12: Half of adult pricing.

Find a Texas de Brazil location.

The logo for Fogo de Chao.Fogo de Chao

Kids eat for free or at a reduced price everyday at Fogo de Chao, too.

  • Age 6 and under: Free all the time.
  • Age 7 – 12: Half of adult pricing. 

Find a Fogo de Chao location.

The logo for JJ's Bar and Grill. JJ's Grill

Kids eat free all day everyday at JJ's Grill, with locations spread across Arkansas.

  • When: All day. Everyday.
  • Age limitations: Kids 12 and under.

This offer is for dine-in customers only.

Find a JJ's Grill location. 

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Kids eat free everyday at Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Chicago from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  • When: Everyday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Age limitations: Kids age 12 and under.
  • Number of free kids' meals per one adult entrée purchase: 1

This offer is for dine-in only.

Pittsburgh-based writer Brynne Conroy is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of "The Feminist Financial Handbook." She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

30 Summer Jobs for Teachers to Earn Extra Money

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:05 AM PDT

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.

While many of us dream of having the summer months off, lots of teachers use their vacations to earn extra cash.

The median income for U.S. teachers is $61,751, according to Salary.com. Teacher salaries recently increased 1.5 percent according to the National Education Association, with starting salaries at just  $41,163. So it's little surprise that more than one in five educators work a second job during the summer, according to analysis from the Pew Research Center.

While it can be essential to paying the bills, working during the summer can also keep your teaching skills sharp and even help you learn a few new things — preferably with someone else footing the bill.

You'll find no shortage of summer jobs for teachers or educators. Many of these opportunities will give you a modest income without a lengthy commitment. When the summer's over, you can resume your day job without having to worry about quitting or keeping a second job.

The summer of 2022 has many more opportunities than last summer as pandemic restrictions have loosened and even ended in some locations. Camps and theme parks are open and individual families are more comfortable with in-person interactions such as tutoring and sports.

Ready to find your new summer job?

Jobs That Will Keep You Teaching

For some teachers, summer is a time to get away from their regular day-to-day work. But for others, teaching is what gets them going in the morning. If that's you, consider one of these jobs to bring in extra income while fulfilling your desire to keep teaching.

1. Teach English as a Second Language

Want to strengthen your teaching skills while earning extra money? Look for opportunities to tutor English as a second language (ESL) students locally and online.

You can contact large corporations in your area that relocate foreign employees to your city and inquire whether they need a freelance ESL tutor to help their staff. Or go online and connect with students all over the world through sites like GoFluent and QKids.

2. Offer Tutoring

School may be out for the summer for you, but that doesn't mean students don't still need a helping hand.

To offer in-person tutoring, start by spreading the word with your students' parents during the school year so they know who to call when summertime rolls around. And of course, shamelessly publicize your tutoring skills to friends and family who have children. A great thing about tutoring is you can set your own rates, with tutors typically charging anywhere between $30 and $80 per hour, depending on the subject, according to Tutors.com.

There are a ton of websites that hire online tutors. Here are some of our favorite online tutoring companies.

3. Become a Test Prep Instructor

This is similar to tutoring, but with a little twist. As a test prep instructor, you can still flex those teaching skills but take a little break from teaching the same stuff you do during the regular school year.

Standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, LSAT, MCAT and GRE are back on the calendar for 2021 and 2022 after many were canceled or postponed last year.

Depending on your area of expertise and skill level, you can earn income over the summer helping students prepare for these tests.

Again, you can simply spread the word through friends and family to tutor locally, which means you can set your own rates. Or you can turn to outlets that are regularly hiring, such as Kaplan Test Prep, where tutors earn an average of $30.72 an hour according to Indeed.com.

Baseball team and their coach

4. Coach Youth Sports

Coaching youth sports during the summer is another opportunity that allows you to continue working with and instructing children — just in a different way from your regular job. Sure, it's not teaching long division, but spending the summer imparting athletic and teamwork skills to children can be just as challenging and rewarding.

Plus, you get to watch kids run around playing sports, which is always adorable. A 6-year-old in an oversized, bobbling baseball helmet? Forget about it.

Check with your community YMCA, recreation centers, churches and camps to find open jobs.

5. Work as a Nanny or Babysitter

Technically, this isn't a teaching gig, but as a nanny or babysitter you'll be working with children and informally teaching them along the way.

You can find a regular full-time nanny job working for parents who prefer that to traditional day care, or just pick up baby-sitting gigs here and there when you feel like making some extra cash.

Start by spreading the word through friends and family, and be sure to mention your teaching position so you have an edge over teenagers willing to do the job cheaply. You can also check out sites like Sittercity and Care.com to find jobs in your community.

Online Summer Jobs for Teachers

Now more than ever there are summer gigs that don't require leaving the house.

6. Sell Your Lesson Plans Online

I love opportunities to leverage what you already have for passive income. You've already done the work. Why not make the most of it?

Take those lesson plans and worksheets you created during the school year and upload them to a site like Teachers Pay Teachers. You will earn 60% to 85% on each sale of your education resources. And this is an opportunity that can continue to bring in additional income year-round without any extra work.

"I only sell digital products, so I don't have to mail anything," Meredith O'Neill, a middle school teacher who sells her resources on the site, told us in May 2017. "The sale and the transfer of my work happens automatically. The payment goes straight to my PayPal account after TPT takes its cut. It's extremely easy once your store is created and your work is loaded."

A woman laughs as she works on her laptop from home.

7. Write and Edit Resumes

If you've got writing skills, you can earn extra cash writing and editing resumes. For some (read: a lot) of us, crafting a resume is like pulling teeth, and people are willing to fork out funds for a final product they feel will help them land a job.

This is a good summer job to pursue if you're interested in part-time work that you can pick up on your own time.

Your personal network is a good place to start, and your teaching background will give you an edge. You can also list your services on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Thumbtack and Fiverr.

If you're interested but need a little refresher on resume writing, check out this step-by-step guide.

8. Work as a Website Tester

You probably already spend a good amount of time browsing the internet and using phone apps, so why not get paid for it? Companies want to know how users interact with their websites and what can be done to make them more user-friendly.

All you have to do is browse and navigate websites and then provide honest feedback. You won't get rich testing websites — expect to earn between $5 and $10 for each test.

UserTesting pays $10 for every 20 minute test; UserFeel pays $10 for every 10-20 minute test; ; and Userbrain pays $5 per test, which lasts 5 to 20 minutes.

9. Direct Sell Your Favorite Products

Are you a big fan of certain products? If you love them and can recommend them to others, why not sell them yourself?

Use social media, your story telling skills, and natural enthusiasm for the product to promote and sell.

The best part — once you get your direct selling business up and running, you can keep it going as a side business throughout the school year.

10. Influence

Influencers set their own hours and enjoy flexibility when choosing a specific genre or niche. While this undertaking could start in summer, it would probably require year round attention.

Though this could turn into a part-time 12 month job, the satisfaction (and profits) multiply the longer you stay in the game. Work hard over the summer to create content and secure a social media following – and reap the benefits all year long.

11. Look Into Work-From-Home Jobs

You spend the school year in a classroom, so consider spending the summer earning extra income from the comfort of home. You'd be amazed how many companies regularly hire work-from-home employees, and with such a broad selection you can find an opportunity that fits your skill set.

Customer service, copy editing, travel consulting, coding, part-time, full-time, seasonal, freelance… honestly, the internet is your oyster. You can start with our Work-From-Home jobs portal to find a gig.

And if you've never forayed into remote work before, take some time to go over our work-from-home guide. It covers topics such as insurance, scams, taxes and how to find a job that fits your lifestyle.

Summer Jobs in the Great Outdoors

You probably spend the rest of the year cooped up in a classroom. Why not spend your months off in the great outdoors and earning extra cash at the same time?

12. Camp Counselor

If you love fresh air and sunshine, consider getting a job at a summer camp.

Writer Amanda Simkin spent three summers working at a summer camp during her eight years of teaching. "Working at a summer camp is a great supplemental job because sometimes you just want to … interact with kids in a more fun-focused and laid-back way," she explains.

Here's how she recommends you find a job. "I learned about openings through word of mouth, but nowadays you can use social media, such as park district websites, Facebook, even Craigslist to find openings," she says. You can also check with your local YMCA, community organizations and churches.

13. Local Tour Guide

People are traveling again and want to discover new places. Know all of the hot spots and hidden gems in your city or neighborhood? Then consider becoming a local tour guide. It's a great way to enjoy the weather, the scenery and good company (hopefully) while earning extra cash.

14. Theme Parks

Theme parks are open again and have a lot of seasonal positions that make great jobs for teachers. You don't have to wear an oversized animal head or drive a little boat through a "prehistoric" lagoon. They need customer service reps, guides, ushers, sales people, food service staff and more. Check out the big parks such as Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Disney, but also consider smaller parks throughout the country.

A group of people go whitewater rafting.

15. Whitewater Raft Guide

Rafting trips are filling up as families are ready to get out of town and embrace the great outdoors. This is the perfect job if you want to work outdoors but you're also looking for an adventure. But be warned: The job is intense and physically-demanding. It also requires long hours and certain qualifications, depending on your state.

Hiring for river guides really amps up around June and July, and recreational hiring in general grows an average of 68% in the U.S. around this time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We'll see what the summer of 2022 brings.

Check out the jobs with Echo Canyon River Expeditions and River Runners.

16. Lifeguard

Like river guiding, this summer job for teachers gives you the perks of getting paid to enjoy the water and sunshine but in a more controlled environment.

Summer is the busy season, so check with city-operated pools, recreation centers, water parks and country clubs for seasonal lifeguarding jobs. Or if you're blessed enough to live on the water, you can spend the summer working on the beach.

The pay for lifeguards varies depending on your location, skill level and employer, but the average salary is $12 an hour according to Indeed.com. Just remember, there are certain certifications and training to complete before you can get that telltale red suit and whistle.

17. Dog Walker

Honestly, who doesn't want to get paid to hang out with dogs in their spare time? Well, maybe cat people… but they don't count.

Start by offering your services to friends and family who don't have the summers off. They may jump at the chance for someone to take their beloved pups out for a walk on long work days.

You can also sign up for Rover. The online network connects dog walkers and sitters to local dog owners through its 4.9-star-rated app, so you don't have to staple flyers on every utility pole across town. Rover says sitters can earn as much as $1,000 a month.

Rover dog-sitter requirements vary by location. In general, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Have access to the Rover app (iOS or Android).

Here's how it works: You'll create an online sitter profile where you'll answer questions about your experience with puppers and your schedule availability.

You can choose to offer a variety of services, including dog walking, overnight boarding at your home or theirs, and daycare. Boarding is the app's most popular service, so offering it can get you more gigs. You set your own rates. (Rover keeps a small percentage as a service fee.)

Dog owners will reach out to you. Accept which gigs you want, then start snugglin' pups. As soon as you complete a service, you'll be paid within two days.

Wag, is another dog walking service that works similarly.

Jobs That Offer a Change of Pace

Maybe you want a summer job that breaks away from the standard tutoring gig. Here are some options all across the board, we're sure at least one will catch your eye.

18. Drive for Uber or Lyft

If you want to make some extra cash without committing to a full-blown job, driving for Uber or Lyft is a legitimate option. Demand for ride-sharing has been growing again after a pandemic-induced slump. To be eligible, you'll need to be at least 21 years old with a year of driving experience, pass a background check and own a car made in 2007 or later.

We talked to Paul Pruce, who had been driving full-time with Lyft for over a year and earning $750 a week as a driver.

Best of all, he could do it on his own time. You can work days, nights or weekends — it's up to you.

Because it's easy to switch between apps, Lyft drivers often also drive for Uber.

Everything you need to know about driving for Lyft or Uber. Which one is right for you?

19. Rent Out Your Driveway

No one wants to worry about feeding a meter while on vacation. If you live near an event center or stadium, rent out your driveway using sites and apps like JustPark or MonkeyParking — or go old school and simply post a "Parking" sign in front of your house. You may only earn $20 per day, but $20 is $20.

A cabin that's available for rent through airbnb.

Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder

20. List Extra Space in Your House

Have a spare room? Airbnb is booking them at high rates. Some cities have less than 10 percent of rentals available. Now is the time to earn some extra money listing that spare room. If you're a good host with a desirable space, you could add hundreds — even thousands — of dollars to your savings account with Airbnb.

A few simple steps can make the difference between a great experience and a less-than-satisfactory one. We talked to Terence Michael, an Airbnb superhost based in Los Angeles.

Here are some of his tips:

  • Break out the labelmaker. "I have the entire house loaded with labels," Michael says. "They look nice; they're modern. This helps people feel less helpless."
  • Be a good host, and stock your place with the toiletries you'd expect at a hotel — toilet paper, soap and towels. Here's a little hack from Michael: "I order on Amazon and have it delivered when people are there."
  • Be kind to your neighbors. "I say, 'I'm not going to put anyone here who I think won't be good for you,'" Michael explains. "And I turn a lot of big groups away, especially in Nashville. I don't want anyone going to the cops or the city."

(Hosting laws vary from city to city. Please understand the rules and regulations applicable to your city and listing.)

21. Rent Out Your Car

If you put Uber and Airbnb together and mix them up, the result is renting out your car for extra money. You're earning extra income from your car, but in the passive way you rent out an extra room — you just have to be cool with strangers driving your car around.

Try services such as Turo or Get Around. When signing up, you'll list your car and its availability — plus, all cars on Getaround include primary insurance during rentals.

22. Host Trivia

Consider yourself a "Jeopardy!" nut? Combine your love for trivia, wealth of teaching knowledge and ability to command a room to become a part-time trivia contest host. After all, coming up with a set of trivia questions isn't too far off from crafting a quiz for your students.

Check with your local restaurants and bars to see whether they're in need of a trivia host. Sure, you might find yourself working only one night a week, but it's a fun way to flex your brain muscles and earn extra money.

This math teacher in Florida told us he earns $125 per week hosting trivia.

23. Rent Out Baby Gear

Renting out baby supplies — what will they think of next? There seems to be a rental service for just about everything these days, and this one is great for earning some extra cash off of that unused baby stuff taking up storage space.

Companies like BabyQuip allow traveling families to rent strollers, car seats, cribs and other baby items instead of lugging around their own gear. So if you have baby equipment you're not using, you can list it for rental.

Manuela Madrid, a stay-at-home mom in Brandon, Florida, works less than 12 hours per month renting out her gear through BabyQuip, and earns between $120 and $180 with each fulfillment. BabyQuip users keep 78% of each reservation fee, but 100% of each delivery fee.

You can sign up for BabyQuip here or try Traveling Baby Company.

24. Officiate Youth Sports Games

Aside from coaching, another way to get involved in youth sports over the summer is by officiating games. Plus, officiating gives you the involvement in local youth sports without having to offer as much commitment that coaching would demand.

One option is working as a youth baseball umpire, a gig that can earn you upwards of $50 per game, which are usually less than two hours long. Aside from directly reaching out to youth sport programs, contact your local umpire association to inquire about open positions.

25. Pet Sit

Similar to dog walking, but with more responsibility, pet sitters can make up to $13 per hour. Bonus — you get to hang out with furry, and not-so-furry friends. With this mix of house sitting and dog walking, you will have access to people's homes and might need to learn a bit about more animal types, not just dogs and cats.

Get certified or shadow a Veterinary Assistant to learn everything you need to know to market yourself as a valuable pet sitter.

Summer Jobs if You Want Some Me Time

Look, if you want to spend your summer months catching up on some much-needed alone time, we definitely don't blame you. But that doesn't mean you can't earn some extra money along the way.

26. Write Book Reviews

Here's a dream scenario: Spend your summer months getting paid to stay curled up with a good book. Freelance book reviewing won't give you J.K Rowling-level finances, but it's a great way to earn extra cash while doing something you love — and were probably going to do all summer anyway.

How much you can earn will vary depending on the publisher and your skill level, but you can typically look to earn anywhere from $5 to $100 per review. Plus, you'll probably get the book for free. Score!

Here are some reputable websites and publishers that will actually pay you for book reviews.

27. Write (and Publish) Your Own EBook

Do you have knowledge to share? Maybe you're an expert at life hacks or popular topics like vegetable gardening or handcrafts. As a teacher, you might have had experiences in the classroom which could help teachers succeed.

Write about it, publish it, make money, AND help others!

Marketing your own ebook is easier if you already have an influencer-level social media following, but if you're looking for a way to monetize your writing skills and knowledge, ebooks are the way to go.

Get ready to channel your inner scribe and type, type, type!

A woman sits on a windowsill while reading a book.

28. House Sitter

If your summer months are going to be spent picking up odd jobs and side hustles, house sitting will fit into your schedule quite nicely — and it's a great opportunity for some alone time.

Whether you're spending the night in the home or just stopping in for a short while each day to bring in the mail, house sitting is a pretty easy way to put extra pennies in your pocket.

Sure, you can go through friends and family, but the chances of that avenue offering paid gigs is slim. Check out professional sites that can connect you with potential clients in your area, like HouseSitter.com.

29. Transcriptionist

A transcription gig is perfect for teachers who just want to throw on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and block out the world for a bit.

You can typically find transcription jobs in three categories: general, medical and legal. Note that the latter two might require additional training or requirements, but that will depend on the employer.

Most transcription jobs are independent contract work, so you can set your own hours and work when you want. Transcriptionists are usually paid by the audio hour, so the amount you earn in comparison to hours worked will depend on your transcription fee. Check out our story on how to become a transcriptionist.

30. Deliver Food

We already talked about driving for Uber and Lyft, and this is kind of the same thing… except you don't actually have to talk to people beyond the "Here's your food, you're welcome, bye."

Working for food delivery services gives you the opportunity to pick up side-gig work when you feel like earning extra cash — while enjoying some mostly solitary time. Uber Eats, GrubHub, Instacart and Shipt all offer flexible hours

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The 6 Best High-Interest Checking Accounts for June 2022

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 04:53 AM PDT

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.

When you think of interest-generating bank accounts, your mind likely goes to savings. After all, that's your reward for building an emergency fund or socking away money for a future expense, right? A regular, end-of-month deposit into your savings account, courtesy of your bank.

The good news: You can also earn interest with select checking accounts.

What Is a High-Interest Checking Account?

A high-interest, or high-yield, checking account offers a higher interest rate (annual percentage yield, or APY) on your money. Unlike a traditional checking account, you may have to keep a minimum balance in the account at all times and meet other requirements — for instance, pay a monthly fee, make a certain number of debit card purchases or schedule a recurring direct deposit — to earn the higher interest rate.

High-interest checking accounts are a solid way to earn more for your money. Whether you bank with a federal credit union, online bank or other type of financial institution, high-yield checking accounts can be a great place to store your cash.

Here's an overview of high-yield checking accounts, what you need to know when choosing one and the top checking accounts available in the market today.

The 6 Best High-Interest Checking Accounts

Name APY Monthly Fees

SoFi Checking and Savings
1.25%
None		 SEE DETAILS

NBKC Everything Checking Account
0.15%
None		 SEE DETAILS

Consumers Credit Union
2.09% to 4.09%
None		 SEE DETAILS

Quontic High Interest Checking
Up to 1.01%
None		 SEE DETAILS

Ally Interest Checking Account
0.10% to 0.25%
None		 SEE DETAILS

Axos Rewards Checking
1.25%
None		 SEE DETAILS

Here are the six best high-interest checking accounts where you can save your money and make a little more at the same time.

SoFi Checking and Savings

Best for Users Who Want Overdraft Protection
4.5 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • Free debit card
  • Fee-free ATM usage via Allpoint
  • Overdraft protection
See Details
SoFi Money is upgrading to SoFi Checking and Savings. This account requires no minimum opening deposit, has no monthly fees, and offers a seriously solid 1.25% APY for the year on your first $50,000. Through a partnership with Allpoint, account holders won't pay fees at 55,000 ATMs worldwide. Oh — and you can earn a bonus up to $300 when you set up direct deposit with a particular amount.
SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
1.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About SoFI Banking

​​SoFi Banking takes a number of steps to make the transition to online banking easy:

  • Through a partnership with Allpoint, account holders won't pay fees at 55,000 ATMs worldwide.
  • Overdraft protection — SoFi members who meet certain criteria and accidentally spend more than they have in their account will be covered up to $50 with no fees.
  • SoFi's website and mobile apps have detailed FAQs, and they make it simple and easy for you to find any information you want.
Check out our SoFi Checking and Savings Review for a full run-down of SoFi's features and offerings.

NBKC Everything Checking Account

Best for Monthly ATM-Fee Reimbursement
3.5 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • 24/7 mobile banking
  • Up to $12 monthly ATM-fee reimbursement
  • No foreign transaction fees
See Details
NBKC is an award-winning regional bank. The NBKC Everything Account offers 0.15% interest on all balances and has no minimum balance requirement. It also features $0 overdraft charges. So, if you have a bad habit of overextending your money, you won't get dinged. One other thing to note: NBKC is an online bank, though you can visit a physical branch if you live in Kansas City, Missouri.
NBKC Everything Checking Account
APY
0.15%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About NBKC Everything Checking Account

The NBKC Everything Checking Account offers other perks, too:

  • Access to over 37,000 ATMs. Keep in mind that the mega-banks, like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, have less than 20,000 in-network ATMs. Plus, NBKC will reimburse you up to $12 monthly to refund those pesky, out-of-network ATM fees.
  • 24/7 mobile banking.
  • The ability to set up auto-pay for recurring bills.

Consumers Credit Union

Best for the Highest APY on Market
4.5 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • Free nationwide checking
  • Anyone can join CCU
  • Can bank online or in person
See Details
If you're torn between a bank and credit union and interested in options with the latter, check out Consumers Credit Union. This credit union has free rewards checking, over 30,000 ATMs, early direct deposit and more. CCU also has one of the best APY rates on the market: from 2.09% to 4.09% when you follow certain guidelines. You can also open an account online or in person in Illinois.
Consumers Credit Union
APY
2.09% to 4.09%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
Over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
More Information About Consumers Credit Union

Consumers Credit Union knows plenty of people still write checks so it allows unlimited check writing. Plus, there is a feature to get paid at day early when you have direct deposit and your employer has provided the requested information. Consumers brags that clients with balances up to $10,000 can earn 80x the national average.

Ally Interest Checking Account

Best for Users Who Worry About Overdraft Fees
4 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • 40,000 fee-free ATMs
  • No overdraft fees as of 2021
  • Super-transparent fees
See Details
Ally Financial Inc. is a leading digital financial services company. With the Ally Interest Checking Account, you'll earn 0.10% for balances under $15,000. But, if you have $15,000, you can earn 0.25%, about 8x the national average for checking accounts that pay interest. You can send money to friends via Zelle, save more with "Round Ups" and more.
Ally Interest Checking Account
APY
0.10% to 0.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About Ally Interest Checking Account

Overall, Ally is an online-only bank with a pretty good high-yield checking account. Last year, Ally Bank eliminated overdraft fees on all accounts for all customers. Another perk is Ally's super-transparent fees. For example, there's no gray area over what an outgoing domestic wire will run you ($20).

Check out our Ally Review for a full run-down of the online-bank's features and offerings.

Axos Rewards Checking

Best for Overall Perks
4 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • Access to 24/7 to virtual financial assistant
  • Free debit card
  • Low minimum opening deposit
See Details
Online-only Axos Bank offers a decent APY — up to 1.25% APY (0.40% + 0.30% + 0.20% + 0.20% + 0.15%)* — with its Rewards Checking account. It's yours, if you're organized, conduct regular monthly deposits and follow other strict guidelines. You just need $50 to open the account
Axos Rewards Checking
APY
1.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
$50
ATM fees
Unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements
More Information About Axos Rewards Checking

Here are the guidelines to receive the higher rate from Axos Bank: Receive $1.5K or more monthly deposits (0.40%), use your Axos debit card for 10 (minimum of $3) transactions (0.30%), maintain at least $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account (0.20%), have a daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account (0.20%) and use your Rewards Checking account to make an Axos consumer loan payment in full each month (0.15%).

Check out our Axos Bank Review for a full run-down of bank's features and offerings.

Quontic High Interest Checking

Best for Users Who are Organized
4 out of 5 Overall
Key Features
  • Over 90,000 fee-free ATMs
  • 24/7 banking
  • You can open an account in three minutes
See Details
Quontic is an adaptive digital bank that offers traditional and future-focused banking services, such as a wearable debit card ring and Bitcoin rewards checking. The company also strives to help those traditionally underbanked secure home loans. Plus, unlike some banks, there are no hidden fees: Quontic lists its Schedule of Fees clearly on its website.
Quontic High Interest Checking
APY
Up to 1.01%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About the Quontic High Interest Checking Account

You need to fund your Quontic account with $100 to get started. To take advantage of the higher interest rate, members need to make at least 10 qualifying point-of-sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle.

Why You Should Consider High-Yield Checking Accounts

We'll be honest — with today's interest rates, you won't be raking in the dough like in years past. The national average for interest checking accounts is a not-so-hot 0.03% annual percentage yield (APY), according to the FDIC.

However, if you can earn something versus nothing for keeping your money in a checking account, we think it's worth exploring. Any secure account where you can safely store and grow your money is a win in our book.

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.

Who Can Get a High-Yield Checking Account?

The short answer? Anyone 18 years old and up. To open any account in the U.S., you typically need the following:

  • Be age 18 and older
  • A U.S. citizen
  • Your social security number
  • A government-issued ID

Certain accounts might suit different individuals better. For instance, a super-organized person who can meet some banks' regular requirements to earn a higher interest rate might fare better with one type of account than someone who's more of a "set it and forget it" type who will be fine with a lower rate and fewer requirements.

Regardless, anyone can benefit from a high-interest checking account.

How Banks Offer Higher Interest Rates

Banks offer attractive rates to incentivize people to open accounts with and keep their money with them. Some companies are able to offer even higher rates than their competitors. For example, online-only banks typically have an edge here. They have less overhead than their brick-and-mortar counterparts and can pass these savings (in the form of higher interest rates) on to consumers.

What to Look for When Opening a High-Interest Checking Account

You want to have a lay of the land before you sign on the (digital) dotted line for a new bank account. Here are some key items you want to review before going with a high-interest checking account:

  • The APY
  • Minimum to open the account
  • Monthly maintenance fee
  • ATM fee
  • Minimum deposit requirement
  • Direct deposit requirement
  • Daily balance requirement
  • Number of debit card transactions you need to hit

Rates can change, so make sure you review your account offerings compared to others on the market from time to time to ensure you have the best setup for you.

How to Choose a High-Interest Checking Account

If you're thinking about moving to a high-interest checking account, take a few things into consideration.

  • Look for accounts that won't negate those interest earnings by charging you fees. However, if you carry a high balance, it may be worth paying a small monthly fee to get a better interest rate. Do the math.
  • Keep an eye on minimum balance requirements. We focused on accounts that don't require a minimum balance, but if you know that you'll consistently have at least $1,000 in your account at all times, you may want to shop around a bit more. There may be a great deal out there.
  • Look at the requirements. Maybe you don't use your debit card that much or you don't want to have a direct deposit. Choose an account that fits with the way you like to use your account.
  • Keep ATMs in mind if you use them. It's 2022, and you shouldn't have to pay those fees. There are too many banks that are willing to cover those for you.
  • Look for accounts with a mobile app. If you do a lot of banking on your phone, make sure the bank you choose has a solid banking app. Once you find the checking account that checks all the right boxes for you and how you like to use your account, sign up and start earning money on your money already.
  • Think outside the box. If your primary bank doesn't offer a high-yield checking account (or the rates or monthly fees are a no-go), see what else is available. Consider all your options for opening a checking account — whether it's a brick-and-mortar bank, credit union, digital-only service or other institution altogether, it quite literally pays to open an account with a bank that will reward you for having an account with them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High-Interest Checking Accounts

Here, we've answered popular questions about high-interest checking accounts.

What Banks Pay the Most Interest on Checking Accounts?

Right now, Consumers Credit Union (a credit union) and Axos (an online-only financial institution) offer two of the highest APY rates on the market, at 2.09% and 1.25%, respectively. However, rates change all the time, so it's essential to check every so often to see which places offer the best numbers. While digital-first organizations tend to offer the highest APY, regional banks and credit unions near you might also offer solid rates.

What Bank has the Highest Interest Rate on Checking Accounts?

APY rates vary at different credit unions, banks and financial institutions (they can vary by location, too).  Make sure an account meets other needs you may have instead of solely chasing a high APY. Take for instance, Axos Bank at 1.25% APY — it offers one of the highest rates on the market. But, you'll need to match particular requirements to hit that number. If you can't meet those qualifications the higher APY won't matter much if you won't reliably be able to earn it.

Where Can You Open a High-Interest Checking Account?

Many traditional brick-and-mortar and digital-only banks, financial institutions and credit unions offer high-interest checking accounts to members. Our list of the six best high-interest checking accounts should get you started. Those financial institutions include Axos, Ally, Quontic, Consumers Credit Union, SoFi and NBKC.

How Much Interest Will I Get on $1,000 a Year in a Savings Account?

This depends on a variety of factors. Let's use an example: If you open a high-yield savings account with $1,000 at an estimated interest rate of 0.50% (that compounds annually) and don't contribute one more dollar all year, you'll end the next 12 months with $1,005.

How Much Interest Does $10,000 Earn in a Year?

you'll end up with $1,305.97 in one year. Again, your results will depend on your own situation. You can always explore other finance products, such as savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs, if they offer more favorable terms for you.

How We Picked the 6 Best Checking Accounts That Pay Interest

Our methodology for this list is simple: According to the FDIC, the average interest rate for interest-bearing checking accounts is currently 0.03%. So, we looked for accounts that came in around that range or, ideally, were higher. (Note: APR fluctuates over time, so a lower rate now could rise in the future.)

Beyond the interest rate, we looked at what else the account brings to the table. We gave preference to ones that don't have maintenance fees or require minimum balances and that offer ATM fee reimbursement.

Contributor Kathleen Garvin (@itskgarvin) is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and former editor and marketer at The Penny Hoarder. She owns a content-writing business and her work has appeared in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

People Say to Give Up These 4 Things and Retire Early — They’re Wrong

Posted: 31 May 2022 01:50 PM PDT

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.

If you're not already rich, the race to early retirement can feel like it's marred by sacrifice. Give up this, give up that — like the only way to retire before 65 is if you suffer now.

Sure, you want to be able to enjoy early retirement, and that means having enough money saved to do so. But you also want to live your life now in a way that brings you joy.

A study from annuity.com found that people would be willing to sacrifice several of life's greatest conveniences to be able to achieve FIRE (financial independence, retire early):

The study shows that 20% of people would forgo having children, 27% would live without a pet and 28% would give up dining out just to have their retirement party a decade or two earlier. Some people would even move into a tiny home or sell their car!

But we know there are better ways. You don't have to give up the things you love just to retire when you'd like to. Here are a few things people suggest giving up to accelerate their retirement timeline — and why we think you shouldn't.

1. What They Say: 'Give Up Your Vehicle'

Between car payments, insurance and repairs, having a car can be a big expense. And people eyeing early retirement do tend toward a minimalist lifestyle, so getting rid of your vehicle can be a tempting expense to cut.

But unless you live in a city that's bikeable or has great public transportation, you're going to need your own way to get from point A to point B. So instead of selling or letting your lease run out, here are a few tips to cut your car expenses down:

  • Buy a used car. Even though the average interest rate to finance a used car is higher than a new car or leasing one, financially you can save thousands of dollars over the course of a few years.
  • Cut your car insurance costs. By checking quotes every six months, you can save an average of $610 a year on your insurance payments. A website called EverQuote makes it super easy to compare car insurance prices. EverQuote is the largest online marketplace for insurance in the US, so you'll get the top options from more than 175 different carriers handed right to you.

2. What They Say: 'Give Up Online Shopping'

Online shopping can be an account drainer — it's so easy to put things into your cart, click a few buttons and wait for your package to arrive a few days later. And if your aim is to save a lot of money over the next decade or two, online shopping can be a major roadblock.

But here's the thing — you can still shop online. You just need to be smart about it: Never overpay, and get cash rewards.

That's exactly what this free service does for you.

Just add it to your browser for free*, and before you check out, it'll check other websites, including Walmart, eBay and others to see if your item is available for cheaper. Plus, you can get coupon codes, set up price-drop alerts and even see the item's price history.

Let's say you're shopping for a new TV, and you assume you've found the best price. Here's when you'll get a pop-up letting you know if that exact TV is available elsewhere for cheaper. If there are any available coupon codes, they'll also automatically be applied to your order.

In the last year, this has saved people $160 million.

You can get started in just a few clicks to see if you're overpaying online.

3. What They Say: 'Give Up Dining Out'

While the world was in quarantine, we learned to be more self-reliant in the kitchen, and many of us saw a significant drop in our dining-out expenditures (take-out, maybe not so much). So it's understandable that 28% of people say they'd give it up entirely to reach their early retirement goals.

But for the other 72% who love going to restaurants and ordering delivery, financial independence isn't off the table. There are just some strategic moves to make so you can keep supporting your favorite local spots and give your family a break from all the dishes.

First, look for discounts: You can find them on Groupon or with a AAA discount. You can even buy discounted gift cards on websites like Restaurant.com. If you have kids, check out restaurants that let them eat free on certain days of the week.

Next, make sure you're getting cash back every time you go out to eat (or swipe your debit card in general).

If you're not using Aspiration's debit card, you're missing out on extra cash. And who doesn't want extra cash right now?

Yep. A debit card called Aspiration gives you up to a 5% back every time you swipe.

Need to buy groceries? Extra cash.

Need to fill up the tank? Bam. Even more extra cash.

You were going to buy these things anyway — why not get this extra money in the process?

Enter your email address here, and link your bank account to see how much extra cash you can get with your free Aspiration account. And don't worry. Your money is FDIC insured and under a military-grade encryption. That's nerd talk for "this is totally safe."

4. What They Say: 'Give Up More Living Space'

The tiny home — or small space — lifestyle has become increasingly popular among the retire-early crowd. It's cheaper to own, likely includes no mortgage and is less expensive to upkeep, as well.

In fact, 17% of people surveyed said they would live in a space smaller than 700 square feet, if it meant they could retire early. For a single person that may be fine, but for couples or families — it might just not be enough.

Instead, you could keep the space you love and find ways to save money and make money with it:

Make up to $300 a month from your empty garage

Extra rooms in your house don't need to be left empty. You can rent out unused storage space — your shed, or your garage — to your neighbors who need it. A website and app called Neighbor can help you earn up to $300 a month, on your terms. Use this calculator to see how much your available storage space is worth.

Kari Faber is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

*Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the extension using the links provided.

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.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

How Healthy Is This Weight Loss Health Food Writer? You Might Want To Listen To This Old Guy…

I recommend eating the way I do, but very few will do it. Too strict. Probably l...