Have you ever wondered whether you can actually earn money by playing games on your phone? I recently tested this with American Consumer Opinion. Over the course of one week I played a mobile game, completed a few surveys, and then cashed out my earnings. The result: I earned $14.44 in a week and requested … Read more

Have you wanted to start investing but kept postponing it because you didn’t know where to begin? Maybe you opened an investing app, saw too many choices, and thought, “How do I pick?” Investing can feel overwhelming at first: stocks, ETFs, retirement accounts, risk levels, fees, and more. Even people who already invest sometimes worry … Read more

Do you want to start a business but don’t want the expense and commitment of a storefront? A mobile business could be the perfect solution. A mobile business brings services directly to customers—cleaning cars in driveways, grooming pets at home, repairing RVs at campgrounds, or offering tutoring at a student’s house. Instead of waiting for … Read more

Do you want to learn how to earn $500 a week from home? It may seem difficult at first, but there are many realistic paths to reaching that goal—whether you want a steady side income or hope to replace a full-time paycheck over time. Below you’ll find practical ideas you can start from home, tips … Read more

This month marks 15 years since I launched Making Sense of Cents — a milestone that still feels surreal. I began the blog in August 2011 in my early 20s, carrying about $40,000 in student loan debt and trying to figure out my next steps. I had no plan to build a business. I didn’t … Read more

This article is a paid partnership with Members 1st Federal Credit Union. The content was provided by the advertiser and is published for informational purposes only. HELOC rates, terms, and eligibility vary by borrower and lender. Because a HELOC is secured by your home, your home may be at risk if you are unable to … Read more

Do you have collectibles tucked away that you’re thinking about selling? Whether it’s old toys, trading cards, coins, comic books, vintage Pyrex, sports memorabilia, stamps, artwork, or items you inherited, collections can be enjoyable but also take up space. Many items are worth more than you expect, especially if they’re rare, in good condition, or … Read more

Sometime in my 30s, I realized I was tired of holding on to things I didn’t actually want anymore. And I don’t just mean clutter in my house. I mean the pressure to always be productive, the need to keep up with trends, the guilt of saying no, and the idea that success has to … Read more

Have you considered starting a business you can run from anywhere? Whether you want to work from home, travel more, spend winters in a warmer climate, live in an RV or on a boat, or simply control your own schedule, a location-independent business can make it possible. Many of these businesses require little more than … Read more

Wondering how much it costs to own a dog? Whether you’re considering bringing a dog into your home or already share your life with one (or more), understanding the full cost of dog ownership helps you plan and avoid surprises. I’ve owned multiple dogs over the years and have experienced the full range of expenses—from … Read more