Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Frugal Fellow Save money. Be frugal. Live Life. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/blog/) - [11 Illegal Ways to Make Money Now in 2025](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/illegal-ways-to-make-money/) - There are many ways to make some extra cash, but what are some illegal ways make money? This article has the details you need. - [49 Work From Home Jobs To Make Money Now](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/work-from-home-jobs/) - Learn about the best work-from-home jobs with this guide, offering 49 top remote opportunities. - [35 Exciting Part-Time Weekend Jobs to Make Money Fast](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/part-time-weekend-jobs/) - Part-time weekend jobs let you work flexible hours and earn more money. Here are some great part-time gigs and how to land your next job. - [12 Genius Holiday Budgeting Tips You Need to Try](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/holiday-budgeting-tips/) - The holidays are one of the best times of the year, but they can also be one of the most expensive. And things aren't getting better: according to the National Retail Federation, holiday spending is expected to reach record levels in 2023, with a projection between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. If you're one of - [Google Pay Review 2025: The New Info You Need](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/google-pay-review/) - Contents Toggle Who Accepts Google Pay?How to Use Google PayNo More Google WalletSecurity FeaturesOther BenefitsGoogle Pay DrawbacksGoogle Pay Review: Summary In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, how we pay is no exception. In this review, we’ll take a look at what Google Pay is and where and how to use it. Nowadays, using - [Trim Review 2025: Save Money Easily and Automatically](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/ask-trim-review-2020/) - Contents Toggle What is Trim?How Much Does Trim Cost?Trim Free FeaturesTrim Premium FeaturesWhat Are People Saying About Trim?Trim Review: The Verdict Today I’d like to take a look at an app that can help automate your savings and thus make you happier and your wallet healthier. In this Trim review, we’ll take a look at - [Boost Your Income Now: Uncover the 18 Best Cash-Paying Survey Sites of 2025](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/surveys-that-pay-cash-instantly/) - Explore top-rated cash-paying surveys in 2023. Earn real money by sharing your opinion. Turn your free time into a profitable venture! - [Stash Review 2025](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/stash-review/) - Contents Toggle What is Stash?Stash FeaturesSavingsInvestingCheckingStash Pricing & FeesPros & ConsIs Stash Right For You? In the very early days of investing, most people wouldn’t even consider it. It was too expensive to get started, and much, much too complicated. Thankfully, both of those issues are being addressed by investing services such as Stash. These - [9 Apps That Round Up Change for 2025](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/apps-that-round-up-change/) - Contents Toggle Round-Up Apps1. Acorns2. Stash3. Qapital4. Qoins5. ChimeAutomatic Savings Apps6. Digit7. AlbertPartial Shares Investment Apps8. M1 Finance9. RobinhoodApps That Round Up Change: Conclusion Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, - [Bank Smarter in 2025: Your Guide to the 11 Best Free Checking Accounts of the Year](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-free-checking-accounts/) - Contents Toggle 1. Schwab High Yield Investor Checking2. NBKC Bank Personal Checking3. BBVA Free Checking4. Chase Total Checking5. Varo Online Checking Account6. Ally Bank Free Checking7. Chime Online Banking8. Discover Checking Account9. Capital One 360 Checking10. Simple Online Banking11. Bank5 Connect High-Interest CheckingBest Free Checking Accounts: Conclusion Money is tight for many of us nowadays. - [Survey Junkie Review 2025: Legit Way to Make Extra Cash or a Waste of Time?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/survey-junkie-review/) - This Survey Junkie review covers how it works, pros and cons, and helps you decide if it's worth your time. Get started with Survey Junkie here. - [Why Should You Care about Early Semi-Retirement?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/early-semi-retirement/) - Contents Toggle What Is Semi-Retirement?The Personal Finance Blogging Community Has a ProblemWhen FIRE Falls ShortIntentional Early Semi-RetirementStep OneStep TwoStep ThreeHow Early? Have you ever thought about retiring early, but then became discouraged when hearing that FIRE should be achievable within 15-20 years? If so, early semi-retirement might be for you. Sure, if you’re in your 20s or 30s, - [How Long Does it Take to Pay Off Student Loans?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-pay-off-student-loans/) - How long does it take to pay off student loans? Learn about the factors affecting repayment, and strategies to pay off your loans faster. - [Swagbucks Review 2025: How to Earn Free Gift Cards and Get Paid via PayPal](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/swagbucks-review/) - Looking for an easy way to earn some extra cash from the comfort of home? In this Swagbucks review, we break down the pros and cons of this survey site. - [The Best Personal Finance Tips for 2025](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/personal-finance-tips/) - Contents Toggle 1. Start A Money-Making Blog2. Make Some Cash With Swagbucks3. Open A High-Interest Savings Account4. Fill Out Surveys And Earn Gift Cards5. Personal Finance Tips: Cut Out Bottled Water6. Pick Up A Side Gig8. Get Financially Health By Selling Extra Stuff9. Pay Down DebtNow Put These Personal Finance Tips to Work Now that - [Budgeting 101: Complete Guide to Always Having Enough](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/budgeting-101/) - Contents Toggle Determine Your Take-Home PayDecide on a Type of BudgetingFigure Out Your ExpensesBudgeting 101: Rent/MortgageCar Payment and RepairsBudgeting 101: FoodUtilitiesMedical BillsCredit Card BillsLoans (Student Loans, Personal Loans)Budgeting 101: Discretionary SpendingDecide How Much You Want to SaveBudgeting 101: Always Have Enough Creating a budget can seem like a challenging task. You might have many different - [Don't Get Tricked! How to Spot the Best BOGO Deals](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/bogo-deals/) - BOGO deals can save you big! Learn how to find them and make the most of your shopping dollars. - [Tired of Missing Out? Discover Flexible Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/stay-at-home-mom-jobs/) - Want to work from home and still be there for your kids? Find flexible stay-at-home mom jobs that use your skills or let you be creative. - [Why These Work-from-Home Amazon Jobs Are the Best in the Industry](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/amazon-work-from-home-jobs/) - Working from home is all the rage these days. According to the U.S. Career Institute, 65% of employees who work in an office would prefer to work remotely all the time. Not all employers allow remote work, but Amazon is one of them. Of course, these aren't warehouse or delivery jobs. They generally involve doing - [How to Sell Stuff on eBay to Make Extra Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/sell-stuff-on-ebay/) - Pokémon cards, Beanie Babies, Pez Dispensers - oh my! In the early days, eBay was all the rage. But things have changed, and in this post, I'll discuss how to sell stuff on eBay to make extra money today. You might even wonder whether it’s still worth it to sell stuff on eBay. Of course, - [9 Best Apps to Sell Stuff Locally](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-apps-to-sell-stuff-locally/) - Contents Toggle Reasons to Sell Stuff LocallyAvoid Shipping CostsKeeping Your Local Economy HealthyBuilding Local RelationshipsBest Apps to Sell Things Locally1. Facebook Marketplace2. eBay3. LetGo4. OfferUp5. nearme6. Tradyo7. Shpock8. SocialSell9. 5MilesBest Apps to Sell Stuff Locally: Conclusion Got stuff to sell locally, but not even sure where to start? I know I have had this problem. - [What Can I Sell to Make Money? How to Make a Killing](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/what-can-i-sell-to-make-money/) - Selling something can be a great option when you want (or need) to make money. You can make a quick buck by selling physical items you already own, or you can develop digital products, potentially providing recurring income. While physical items typically require less time and upfront, they can be more labor intensive, especially if - [The Shocking Truth About Debt in the United States](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/debt-in-the-united-states/) - Let’s face it, debt in the United States is a problem. From our national debt, student loan debt, and consumer debt. Debt in the United States is a problem on all levels. Why is that?I’m a firm believer that it starts with the lack of education on the topic. Only 17 states require high school - [SoFi Review: Conquer Your Student Loans Today](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/sofi-review/) - Contents Toggle SoFi Student Loan Refinancing BenefitsSoFi Student Loan RatesSoFi Review: The ProcessSoFi Student Loan ConsolidationOther Ways to Refinance Student LoansIncome-Based RepaymentSoFi Review: In Closing TFF Rating: ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you - [What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/what-does-a-virtual-assistant-do/) - Remote jobs with flexible hours are all the rage these days, and why wouldn't they be? There's nothing like the flexibility of setting your own hours and avoiding the morning commute. One of the many jobs that can fit the bill is working as a virtual assistant (VA). But this just isn't one where the - [9 Best Freelance Jobs for Frugal People](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/freelance-jobs-for-frugal-people/) - Are you a college student hoping to make some extra pocket money? Or a nine to five employee who wants to start a side hustle without spending too much on startup? For most businesses, you have to invest something to make something. However, the freelancing market is a world of opportunities for frugal people. If - [8 Online Jobs College Students Can Do to Earn $15 per Hour](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/online-jobs-for-college-students/) - Online jobs for college students are an excellent way for college students to earn a flexible income remotely in their spare time. - [Get Paid Now: 17 Online Jobs that Pay Daily](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/online-jobs-that-pay-daily/) - These easy jobs pay cash daily can help boost your income. From simple tasks during errands to jobs with a learning curve, find something that suits you. - [7 Sites Like Fiverr: Work For Dollars, Not Pennies](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/sites-like-fiverr/) - Contents Toggle Why Remote Work?1. Remote.co2. Remoteok.io3. Upwork4. Indeed5. LinkedIn6. Google7. FreelancerSites Like Fiverr: Conclusion Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, read our full disclosure policy. If you’ve ever considered - [Frugal Living Isn't Everything - Here's Why](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/frugal-isnt-everything-heres-why/) - Contents Toggle Extreme Frugal Living Doesn’t Always WorkMajor Purchases Can Negate Frugal LivingShould You Keep a Frugal Budget?Increasing Your IncomeFinding a Balance Between Frugality and Wasting TimeIncreasing Your IncomeHustle, Hustle, HustleFrugal Living Is All About Balance Yes, I know. Gasp. How could I possibly say that frugal living isn’t everything, given that it is literally in - [Multiplayer Madness to Mind-Benders: Discover the Best Free Online Games](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-online-games/) - Looking to play some online games but don't want to spend? These free online games let you play without breaking the bank. - [Work-From-Home Setup Guide: How to Create a Killer Home Office](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/work-from-home-setup/) - Having the perfect work-from-home setup can be a process, but it's well worth it. Learn about the best work-from-home setup here. - [Cash App Free Money: How it Works](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/cash-app-free-money/) - Cash App is a popular mobile payment app that allows people to send money to each other using a mobile app. While Cash App is best known for this feature, you can also get Cash App free money. What is Cash App? Cash App is a mobile payment app that lets Cash App customers send - [Is Freelance Writing Hard with ChatGPT?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/freelance-writing-with-chatgpt/) - Is freelance writing hard with ChatGPT? Chances are, you won't succeed with this strategy. I explain why and what to do instead. - [5 Ways to be Frugal While Saving the Environment](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/5-ways-to-be-frugal/) - Contents Toggle 1. Bring Your Lunch Instead of Buying It2. Be Frugal by Ditching Bottled WaterGrowler Refill at Whole FoodsYou Have Options3. Use Public Transportation to Be Frugal4. Frugal Living Tip: Buy in Bulk5. Switch to Shampoo Bars (in Bulk if Possible!)Frugal Living Tips the Environment Will Thank Us For Recently I read a post - [Say Hello to a New Way of Watching: 15 Cable TV Alternatives That Promise Pure Delight](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/cable-tv-alternatives/) - Contents Toggle 1. Netflix2. Hulu3. Hulu+ Plus Live TV4. Sling TV5. YouTube TV6. DirecTV Stream7. Amazon Prime Video8. Apple TV+9. Disney+10. Android TV11. fuboTVStreaming/Viewing Accessories12. Local HD Broadcasts13. Amazon Fire TV Stick14. Roku15. Chromecast Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if - [12 Easy Ways to Get Free Amazon Gift Cards](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-amazon-gift-cards/) - It seems that more and more, people are in need of ways to score some free stuff. And that's why, in this post, we'll take a look at the best ways to get free Amazon gift cards. Amazon's crazy shows no signs of leveling off any time soon. Plus, I started writing this in the - [Superpay.me Review: Is This Survey Site Worth Your Time?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/superpayme-review/) - Contents Toggle What is Superpay.me?Ways to Earn on Superpay.meTaking Surveys on Superpay.meWatching VideosCompleting OffersCash ContestsPayment ProofSuperpay.me Promo CodesSuperpay.me ReferralsIs Superpay.me Legit?Where is Superpayme Available?Superpay.me Review: The Verdict Whilst perusing the interwebs for new topic ideas, I came across this one: Superpay.me. I hadn’t really heard of it, so I wondered if it was legit. In - [Penny-Wise and Prosperous: 11 Proven Strategies to Quit Wasting Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/stop-wasting-money/) - Contents Toggle Why Do People Waste Money?How to Stop Wasting Money1. Cut Back on Housing Expenses2. Bought an Electric Vehicle3. Embraced Used Products4. Cut the Cord5. Switched to Google Fi6. Stopped Paying So Much For Coffee7. Embraced Generics8. Embraced Dollar Stores9. Gave Up Meat (Mostly)10. Used Trim to Find Unnecessary Expenses11. Worrying About My InvestmentsHow - [Ibotta Review: The App You Need to Easily Save on Groceries](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/ibotta-review/) - Contents Toggle How Ibotta WorksHow to Use IbottaUsing the Browser ExtensionShopping Online Through the Ibotta AppUsing Ibotta When Shopping In-storeLinking Loyalty AccountsSubmitting ReceiptsIs Ibotta Legit?When Does Ibotta Add New Offers?How Do Ibotta Offers Work?The Verdict Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) - [How to Make Passive Income on Amazon](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/passive-income-amazon/) - Making passive income on Amazon isn't easy, but it can be done. Learn how to make it a reality with these money-making strategies. - [How Do You Work for Amazon From Home?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/work-from-home-amazon/) - How do you work from Amazon from home? It's easier than you might think, as Amazon hires a large number of people for remote positions. - [From Frugal to Financial Freedom: How to Excel in Low-Income Saving Challenges](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/money-saving-challenge-low-income/) - Money saving challenge low income can help you save money even if you're broke. Follow these challenges to increase your savings. - [How to Become a Freelance Writer: From Passion to Profession](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-become-a-freelance-writer/) - Freelance writing is one of the best ways to find freelance work. How do I know? Over the past few years, I have built a six-figure freelance writing career alongside working on my own blog. Read on if you want to know how to become a freelance writer. Starting a freelance writing business is no - [Elevate Your Savings with Money Saving Challenge Envelopes](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/money-saving-challenge-envelope/) - Have trouble saving and want to get back on track? Try a money saving challenge envelope system to get things in order. - [Make More Money Now: Top Jobs Paying $50/Hour](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/jobs-that-pay-50-an-hour/) - Jobs that pay $50 an hour may seem difficult to come by, but they are fast becoming a necessity in today's economy. Here's where to find them. - [Unwanted Amazon Gift Card? Here are 12 Proven Ways to Convert it into Hard Cash](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/sell-amazon-gift-cards-for-cash/) - Contents Toggle Most Effective Ways to Sell Amazon Gift Cards for Cash1. Cardpool2. Raise3. Gameflip4. CardKangaroo5. LetGo6. Ask Amazon for a Refund7. Pay with Amazon Pay8. Use the Card on Amazon, then Sell the Items9. Reddit10. eBay11. Facebook Marketplace12. Craigslist Sure, you can buy anything on Amazon these days – anything from 1,500 ladybugs to - [Best Money Making Apps to Make Extra Cash Fast](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-money-making-apps/) - Contents Toggle What Are Money Making Apps?1. Swagbucks2. Steady3. MyPoints4. Rakuten5. Drop6. Lympo7. Survey Junkie8. Foap9. Decluttr10. Checkout 5111. Whealthy12. TaskRabbit13. Gigwalk14. Google Opinion Rewards15. Trim16. Dave17. Cash AppMoney Making Apps: Conclusion Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase - [CIT Bank Review: Great Rates, But Should You Sign Up?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/cit-bank-review/) - Contents Toggle About CIT BankWhat Kinds of Accounts Does CIT Bank Offer?Online CheckingSavings AccountsMoney Market AccountCertificate of DepositCustomer SupportBanking User ExperienceWrapping it Up Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, read - [How (and Where) to Get Free Birthday Stuff Online](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-birthday-stuff-online/) - Contents Toggle List of Free Birthday Stuff Online1. Starbucks2. Dunkin’ Donuts3. Aveda4. bareMinerals5. DSW6. JCPenney7. Redbox8. GameStop9. American Eagle Outfitters10. Famous Footwear11. J.Crew12. Kiehl’sFree Birthday Stuff Online – Conclusion We all like free stuff. But who has time to physically go to every place offering free stuff? You can’t possibly hit them all. That’s why this - [How to Find Your Citibank Routing Number (Plus a Complete List!)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/citibank-routing-number/) - Your Citibank routing number is an essential number you will need for a variety of online transactions. In this article, you will find a full list of Citibank routing numbers as well as how to find this number. About Citibank Citibank was founded in 1812 in New York, NY, at the time known as the - [Unlock a World of Free Music: Dive into the 10 Best Sites for Free MP3 Downloads](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-mp3-downloads/) - If you are looking for free MP3 downloads, these are some of the best places to get them legally and without violating copyright law. - [Decluttr Review: Quickly and Easily Declutter Your Life](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/decluttr-review/) - Contents Toggle Decluttr App OverviewWho Owns Decluttr?How Does Decluttr App Work?What Can You Sell on Decluttr?Price GuaranteeHow Much Does Decluttr Pay for DVDs?What Does Decluttr Do With Your Stuff?What Are People Saying About It?Decluttr Review: Conclusion Do you have too much stuff? In this Decluttr review, we’ll consider an app that can help in just - [7 Best Ways to Save Money on College](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/7-best-ways-to-save-money-on-college/) - I have talked about some of these before, but I wanted to put all the best ways to save money on college into a single post. As a result, if you've been around awhile, you may already know most of these. But, hopefully, the newcomers can learn something! Although I don't talk about myself often - [25 Money Saving Tips You Need (And Will Love)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/money-saving-tips/) - Contents Toggle Taking it One Step at a Time1. Cut the Cord2. Consolidate Subscription Services3. Reduce Car Insurance Coverage4. Buy Used Cars – With Cash5. Refinance Student Loans6. Get a Cheaper Cell Phone Plan7. Optimize Your Investment and Retirement Accounts8. Cut Back on Alcohol9. Join Rover10. Move Money to High-Interest Savings11. Invite Friends Over Instead - [Supercharge Your Savings: Dive into the 6-Month Money Saving Challenge and See the Results!](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/money-saving-challenge/) - Contents Toggle Money Saving Challenge: Apps to Help You SaveIbottaDropOther Ways to Save money1. Bring Your Own (Healthy!) Lunch to Save money2. Stop Paying So Much For Coffee3. …And Stop Buying Bottled Water4. Money Savings Challenge: Cut The Cord5. Do Something CHEAP!6. Use Rakuten To Save Money On Everyday Purchases7. Go For The Store Brand - [Federal Student Aid: How Much Does it Actually Help?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/federal-student-aid/) - There are many different types of federal student aid (FSA). Although the amount of information this creates can seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. The easiest way to understand the options available is to approach it from the right angle. You probably won't be eligible for every type of federal student aid. Many of - [Student Loan Debt: A Vicious Cycle](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/student-loan-debt/) - I recently saw a Facebook post that seriously got me thinking about student loan debt. This is not to say I have not done so before – I most certainly have. However, this particular post made me think about things from a new angle.I wasn’t able to find the original post, but here’s the gist - [Iowa Student Loan Pros and Cons](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/iowa-student-loan/) - Iowa Student Loan is based in West Des Moines, IA and was founded in 1979. They are a non-profit student loan lender. They manage over $2.6 billion in student loans. With so many student loan options, it can be difficult to decipher the best option. In this post, we will look at Iowa Student Loan - [Should You Refinance Student Loans?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/should-you-refinance-student-loans/) - Contents Toggle Federal or Private Student Loans?Federal Student Loan ForgivenessRefinance Student Loans: the BenefitsStudent Loan Interest RatesRefinance Student Loans: Consolidate All Kinds Of Loans“Shopping” Interest RatesLower Monthly PaymentsShould You Refinance Student Loans? Student loans are a growing problem in the US. According to the New York Fed, student loan debt stood at over $1.7 trillion in Q4 - [8 Creative Ways I Paid Off My Student Loans](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/pay-off-student-loans/) - Student loan debt is surging to unprecedented levels, burdening millions of people. Here are 8 creative ways I paid off my student loans. - [Can Money Make Us Happier? The Truth May Surprise You](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/can-money-make-us-happier/) - Not too long ago, Constantly Curious posted a video that sparked a serious internal conflict. You might even say an all-out brawl between emotion and rationale. I highly recommend giving the video a watch, as it's under five minutes long. However, the basic idea is this: having a ton of money might not make us - [Is Being a Penny Pincher Ever Irresponsible?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/penny-pincher/) - In a recent post, I discussed the idea that frugal living isn't everything. This is more or less synonymous with being a penny pincher. In other words, being frugal can help optimize your life, but it has its limitations. And even though this sort of post seems counter-intuitive to what this blog is all about, - [How You Can Save Money Right Now by Buying in Bulk](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/save-money-buying-in-bulk/) - If you're looking for money-saving tips, you might hear the advice to buy less. However, when you buy in bulk, the price per unit tends to fall. Buying in bulk can be intimidating, especially if you try to stick to a budget. When you buy something in bulk, you purchase a large quantity of it - [How I Get Freelance Writing Clients](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-get-clients/) - Hello, all! I'd like to do something a little different today. We keep hearing that Google is giving precedence to first-person experiences and stories. Given this change in the tides, I've decided to share some of my own experiences in hopes it might help a person or two. Specifically, I will be discussing how to - [Get Lost in a World of Books: 14 Essential Free Book Apps You Don't Want to Miss](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/14-free-books-apps/) - Contents Toggle 1. OverDrive App2. Libby By OverDrive3. BookFunnel4. Aldiko5. Prolific Works6. Wattpad7. Apple Books8. Google Play Books9. Kindle10. Nook11. Goodreads12. 50000 Books & Audiobooks13. Kobo14. Bonus: Project Gutenberg Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through - [Honey Review: Make Online Shopping Sweet!](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/honey-review/) - Contents Toggle What is Honey?How the Honey Extension WorksHoney Supported RetailersInstalling HoneyWhat is Honey Gold? How Much Is It Worth?What Are People Saying About Honey?How Does Honey Make Money?Is Honey Extension Safe?The DownsideThe Verdict Honey has been getting a lot of attention lately as it recently partnered with PayPal. But is Honey really all that - [Millionaires Giving Away Money? It Makes More Sense Than You Think](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/millionaires-giving-away-money/) - If you think millionaires giving away money sounds like a fairytale, you're in for a surprise. The reasons they do so are many, but the move isn't exactly shrouded in mystery. In fact, there are actually some sensible reasons for giving away money. Why Are Rich People Giving Away Money? It's important to understand why - [7 Easy Side Hustles to Make Money from Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/7-easy-side-hustles/) - Contents Toggle 7 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Money Online1. Earn Extra Money from Cash Back Apps ($20 – 50 per month)2. Make Easy Money with Online Surveys ($50 – $100 per month)Make Money Online Through Freelancing3. Become a Virtual Assistant ($15-50+ per hour)4. Freelance Writing ($100-500+ per article)Online Side Hustle Business Ideas5. Start a - [Surprisingly Easy Jobs for Lazy People With Minimal Stress](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/jobs-for-lazy-people/) - Looking for a low-stress job? We've got options – from house sitting to freelance writing, even professional cuddling! Find the best jobs for lazy people here. - [Earn Money from Your Couch: Legit Online Data Entry Jobs with Daily Payouts](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/data-entry-jobs-daily-payment/) - Find online data entry jobs with daily payment! Flexible work, ideal for fast income and work-from-home opportunities. Explore our guide today. - [How to Find Your Bank of America Routing Number](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/bank-of-america-routing-number/) - Contents Toggle About Bank of AmericaHow Bank of America Routing Numbers WorkList of Bank of America Routing NumbersHow to Find Bank of America Routing NumberRouting Number on CheckRTN Via Online BankingHow to Find Bank of America Routing Number on AppBank of America ABA Routing NumberHow Do Bank of America Routing Numbers Work?Account Number vs. Routing - [Wealth of Wisdom: The 11 Best Personal Finance Books Ever Written](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/personal-finance-books/) - Contents Toggle Your Money or Your LifeThe Simple Path to WealthThe Total Money MakeoverFinancial FreedomI Will Teach You to Be Rich, Second EditionRich Dad, Poor DadSecrets of Six-Figure WomenStack Your SavingsPassive Income FreedomHow to Stop Living Paycheck to PaycheckThe Millionaire Next Door Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small - [Complete Guide to Your KeyBank Routing Number (Plus a Full List)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/keybank-routing-number/) - If you are a KeyBank customer and do any kind of online banking, you will need your KeyBank routing number. That number will be different based upon where you live. In this post you will find a list of KeyBank routing numbers which you will need for wire transfer and direct deposit. This number is - [ESG Investing: A Better Future Through Investing?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/esg-investing/) - Contents Toggle ESG Investing: EnvironmentESG Investing: SocialESG Investing: GovernanceHow Does ESG Investing Work?Should I Get Into ESG Investing?PerformanceStudies Show…The Holdings MatterHow Do The Funds Stack up from an ESG Perspective?More than Just “Ethical Investing”Will I Pull the Trigger? What is ESG investing? ESG investing stands for Environment, Social, and Governance investing. Traditionally, investing would focus - [How Bad Financial Habits Can Help You Get Financial Benefits](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/bad-financial-habits/) - Hey frugal people! I have a very special post today. This is actually the very first guest post I have ever had here on TFF! This post comes to us from Nelly. In the post, Nelly discusses ways in which bad financial habits can actually benefit us. I think it goes without saying that we - [How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/cheap-flights-to-anywhere/) - Contents Toggle Cards Used to Get Cheap Flights to AnywhereChase Sapphire Reserve: Best Credit Card for cheap flightsPros:Cons:Chase Freedom FlexPros:Cons:Chase Freedom UnlimitedPros:Cons:Transferring PointsChase Portal vs. Transfer to Travel PartnersCash vs. PointsWrapping Up – How to find Cheap Flights to anywhere In just two short weeks, I will be on a plane headed to Europe. And - [5 Ways My Relationship with Money Has Changed](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/relationship-with-money/) - I'd like to talk about some of the ways my relationship with money has changed. Each one of us could potentially have a vastly different relationship with money, depending on a lot of different factors. Money is a funny thing, actually. Unless you are completely self-sufficient and can produce everything you use and consume, you - [How to Invest Money for Ultimate Growth](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-invest-money/) - Contents Toggle How to Invest Money in Your Employer’s Retirement PlanRoth 401(k)How to Invest Money in the Right Retirement FundIRA vs Roth IRAHow to Start Investing in StocksHow to Invest Money in the Stock MarketThe Three-Fund PortfolioHow To Invest Money In SavingsHigh-Interest Savings When people want to know how to invest money, I often see - [How to get paid on YouTube: What's the Secret?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-get-paid-on-youtube-whats-the-secret/) - If you enjoy watching YouTube videos, you might have wondered how to get paid on YouTube. After all, it seems like a fun and maybe even an easy way to make money. Plus, remote work is more popular than ever due to COVID-19. The pandemic has changed not only how we think about work but - [Is Credit Karma Safe? (Read This Before Using It)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/is-credit-karma-safe/) - Contents Toggle Your Credit Score Matters A LOT. Here Is Why:About Credit KarmaIs My Info Safe With Credit Karma?But How Does Credit Karma Make Money?The Pain Of Viewing Your Credit Score And Credit Report Before Credit KarmaCredit Karma Provides Much More Than Your Credit ScoreDo I Have To Use Credit Karma?Negatives of Using Credit KarmaCredit - [Is Consumerism Responsible for Your Floundering Budget?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/is-consumerism-killing-your-budget/) - What do you do when you see the soles of your shoes starting to look worn? Do you take them to a shoe repair shop that will fix them for less? Or do you simply replace them? The latter is exactly what consumerism wants you to do. Let me be the first to say I - [How to Start a Blog and Make a Full-Time Income from Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/start-a-blog/) - "Is blogging dead?" It's a surprisingly sensible question, especially if you're on the outside looking in. You've probably heard blogging is dead from various places, for one reason or another. Well, let me be the first to spoil it for you: Blogging is NOT dead. Not even close, actually. In fact, some people are earning - [Payday Loans Direct Lenders Explained](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/payday-loans-direct-lenders/) - Contents Toggle Payday Loans OverviewHow Payday Loans WorkWhat is a Direct Lender?Payday Loans Near YouPayday Loans OnlineAre Payday Loans Bad?Are Payday Loans Legal?Pros and Cons of Payday LoansPayday Loan ProsPayday Loan ConsCan Payday Loans Garnish Your Wages?Conclusion on Payday Loans Direct Lenders Payday loans direct lenders are payday loans you borrow directly from a lender. - [Start Saving Big: 9 Tips to Lower Your Grocery Bill That Are Total Game Changers](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/save-money-on-groceries/) - Contents Toggle 1. Buy In-Season2. Keep an Inventory3. Learn When Things Go on Sale4. Get Cash Back on Groceries5. Use a Chase Freedom Card6. Do Your Best Army Crawl7. Buy an Instant Pot8. Plan Ahead9. Skip the Spice Aisle Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no - [13 Transcription Jobs from Home to Work Remotely](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-transcription-jobs/) - Transcription jobs can be a great way to make extra money from home while working as a transcriptionist. Here are the best jobs available today. - [3 Totally Legit Ways to Get Free Xbox Gift Cards](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-get-free-xbox-gift-cards/) - Contents Toggle Xbox Gift Cards vs. Microsoft Gift CardsWays to Earn Free Xbox Gift Cards1. Microsoft Rewards2. Complete Surveys to Claim Free Gift Cards3. Xbox Game Pass QuestsWhen Do Xbox Gift Cards Expire?Are Xbox Gift Cards Region Locked?How to Redeem Xbox Gift Cards1. From an Xbox One2. From a Web Browser3. On a Windows PC4. - [Drop App Review: Why You Need this App in Your Life](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/drop-app-review/) - Contents Toggle How Drop App WorksDrop App OverviewWhich Stores Are Supported by Drop?Drop App US RetailersPower Offers: Earn Points AutomaticallyHow Much Do You Earn With Power Offers?Drop App Chrome Extension (Beta)Get Drop Offers In Your InboxAwesome Easter Egg: Snake!Is Drop App Legit?Is Drop App Free?Wanna Get $5 For FREE?How Does Drop Make Money?What is the - [How to Get Free Robux](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-get-free-robux/) - Contents Toggle What Are Robux?Robux Gift CardsDiscount SitesRobux as RewardsRoblox SubscriptionA Note About Robux GeneratorsFinal Word In this post, I will give you the best ways to get free Robux. If you aren’t familiar with it, Robux is the currency for the online game called Roblox. Roblox is an online creation platform. The closest comparison - [18 Frugal Living Tips Guaranteed to Save You Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/frugal-living-tips/) - Contents Toggle Why Do You Need Frugal Living Tips?Is Frugal Living Good or Bad?1. Save Money by Getting Free Gift Cards2. Trim Unnecessary Expenses To Exercise Frugal Living3. Negotiate Prices When Possible4. Frugal Living Tips: Have a Plan When Grocery Shopping5. Use Ibotta To Get Cash Back On Groceries6. Buy Used Items Instead of New7. - [Why Fundrise and DiverseyFund Are the Next Big Things](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/fundrise-and-diversyfund/) - Contents Toggle Publicly Traded REITsPrivate EquityCrowdfunded Real Estate FundsDiversyFund Fee StructureFundrise Fee StructureFund InvestmentsDiversyFund InvestmentsFundrise InvestmentsSupplemental incomeBalancedLong term growthWhat About Liquidity?DiversyFund LiquidityFundrise LiquidityInvestment RisksFor Accredited InvestorsOffering DetailsFinal Thoughts Note: this post was written in partnership with DiversyFund. If you’re a reader of personal finance blogs, you know that real estate investing is a hot topic. - [Don't Get Fooled by Work-From-Home Scams](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/work-from-home-scams/) - Contents Toggle Run Away if You See These Red FlagsThe Job Posting and Description Lacks DetailThey Require Payment Up FrontYou Can’t Find Any Information About The CompanyWhen Things Are Too Good to Be True, They Usually AreSpecific Jobs That Are BogusMedical BillingEnvelope StuffingMystery ShoppingHow to Find Legitimate Work-From-Home JobsConclusion There are a lot of office - [The Secret's Out: 10 Guaranteed Ways to Sip Starbucks without Spending a Dime!](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-starbucks/) - Contents Toggle 1. Get Free Starbucks with Gift CardsCash-Back Credit Cards2. Use Survey Junkie to get Free Starbucks3. Starbucks RewardsHow Starbucks Rewards Works4. Starbucks Double-Star Days!5. Starbucks Happy Hour (BOGO)6. Get Free Starbucks On Your Birthday7. Free Refills at Starbucks8. Pop-Up Parties at Starbucks9. Surf the Web and Complete Tasks for Points10. Save Some Change - [AES Student Loans: All The Info You Need](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/aes-student-loans/) - Contents Toggle History of AES Student LoansThe End Of FFELWhat Is The Purpose of AES Student Loans?Types of AES Student Loans OfferedMaking Payments on AES Student LoansDirect DebitOnline PaymentsMobile PaymentsCheck PaymentsTargeting PaymentsWhat If You Can’t Pay Your AES Student Loans?Can You Get Lower Interest Rates or Payments?Income-Sensitive RepaymentIncome-Based RepaymentRefinancing Your AES Student LoansAES Student Loan - [Barista FIRE: Bridging the Benefits Gap](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/barista-fire/) - Contents Toggle A Massively Successful Coffee EmpireStarting The FIREEligibility for Health InsuranceBarista FIRE: Why Not Just Use the ACA?Starbucks Health Insurance PlansHealth Savings Account (HSA)What is Your FI Number?Barista FIRE vs. Coast FIREWhat Do You Think? Barista FIRE is an interesting concept. It’s becoming increasingly popular, which could be in part due to rising health - [InboxDollars Review: Worth it or a Waste of Time?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/inboxdollars-review/) - InboxDollars can be a fun way to make a bit of extra money. But is it really worth your time? This InboxDollars review will look to answer that question. You might think, based on its name, that InboxDollars is all about receiving paid offers in your inbox. While that is part of the equation, there - [Challenges of Budgeting: What Can You Do About Them?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/challenges-of-budgeting/) - There are definitely numerous challenges of budgeting. While sticking to a budget can help you keep monthly expenses under control, sometimes it can be challenging. And it’s not just the urge to spend money (though that is part of it). If you plan to stick to a budget, you will probably run into some hurdles. - [How to Spend Less Money: Change Your Mindset](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-spend-less-money/) - If you're on the path to financial independence, a large part of that is probably determining how to spend less money. After all, reducing expenses has the potential to fast-track your path to FI. But before I dive deeper into that concept, let me ask you a question... How many women do you know who - [Book Review: You Can Retire Early!](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/book-review-you-can-retire-early/) - I'm always looking for great new personal finance books. Not just for myself, but, more important - for all of you. Any book that can help you improve your finances is worth a read. And Deacon Hayes's You Can Retire Early! does just that. There's no shortage of personal finance books out there. Some are - [9 Things To Do in Prague, Czech Republic](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/things-to-do-in-prague/) - Mid-way through my mini Euro-trip, I arrived at one of my most anticipated destinations: Prague, Czechia. While Germany is amazing, I had a feeling Prague would be my favorite, and I was spot on. The architecture in Prague 1, AKA Old Town, is absolutely breathtaking. That combined with great food, great sights, and great accommodations - [FinCon 18: Money, Friends, and Flamingos](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/fincon18/) - Ahh, what exciting times the past several days have been. Not only did I have the best time attending my very first FinCon; I also had time to see Universal Studios for the first time. To say that it was a good trip would be an understatement. Like many others I've seen, I am pushing - [The Finance of Giving: No Money = No Progress](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/the-finance-of-giving/) - If you follow me on Twitter or have been following my blog for a while, you may know that sustainability is important to me. Recently, I semi-binged on the Our Planet series on Netflix. This series is very well done. It’s similar to what you typically see on National Geographic, but the visuals are amazing, - [What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Budgeting?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/budgeting-advantages-disadvantages/) - Contents Toggle Do I Need a Budget?Advantages of BudgetingGetting Expenses Under ControlIncreasing Your Savings RateUnderstanding Your Spending HabitsDisadvantages of BudgetingFinding the Right Budgeting MethodStress When Your Budget Gets TightBeing More DeliberateConclusion on Advantages and Disadvantages of BudgetingGet my FREE budget printable! Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission - [What Are the Benefits of Working From Home?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/benefits-of-working-from-home/) - Contents Toggle 1. Avoiding the Commute2. Work Wherever the Heck You Want3. Work While In Your Underwear4. Lower Stress Levels5. Fewer Distractions6. Saving MoneyWorking From Home = Living More Intentionally I’ve been thinking an awful lot about recently about the idea of challenging the traditional 9-5. If you have been following this blog for a - [15 Apps That Pay You to Walk and Stay Active](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/apps-that-pay-you-to-walk/) - Contents Toggle 1. Rover2. SweatCoin3. Evidation4. Earthmiles5. Charity Miles6. LifeCoin7. Lympo8. winwalk9. Yodo10. Runtopia11. StepBet12. Fit for Bucks13. CARROT Wellness14. CircleCare15. Walgreens Balance Rewards Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, - [How to Make Money from Hobbies (Get Paid to Have Fun!)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/money-making-hobbies/) - Contents Toggle Providing ValueSo, What Are these Money Making Hobbies?1. Photography2. Review Your Favorite Products3. Play Online Games4. Become a Streamer5. Thrift Store Flipping6. Furniture Flipping7. Dog Walking8. Become a Food Tour Guide9. Start a Blog10. Create Premium Content for Websites11. Freelance Writing12. Become a DJ13. Investing14. Sell Crafts on Etsy15. Raise ChickensWhat’s Your Favorite - [The Only Guide You Need on Emergency Funds and Cash Reserves](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/emergency-funds-and-cash-reserves/) - Contents Toggle What is an Emergency Fund?Emergency Funds Are Your First Line Of Defense Against Financial AilmentsHere Are The 3 Main Reasons You Need An Emergency FundAvoiding Unnecessary DebtHelp Manage Investment Or Economic VolatilitySafeguard Against A Job ChangeThe Downside Of Emergency Funds — Opportunity CostHow Much Do You Need To Set Aside In Your Emergency - [Skyrocket Your Savings with These 15 Creative Money Saving Challenge Ideas](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/types-of-money-saving-challenges/) - Depending on your budget and preferences, different types of money-saving challenges may work better for you. Try each to see what works best. - [How to Invest with Little Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-invest-with-little-money/) - Contents Toggle Employer-Sponsored Retirement PlanRound Up Your PurchasesIndex FundsM1 FinanceExchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)Tax-Efficient InvestingHigh-Interest SavingsCertificate of DepositNow You Know How to Invest With Little Money! Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, - [I Quit My Job Because My Sanity is More Important Than Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/i-quit-my-job/) - Contents Toggle My Journey into – and Exodus from – the Corporate WorldA Change of PaceA career, or just a job?Student Loans: (Partly) the Reason I Quit My JobI Quit My Job Without Another One!What’s Next?Writing, SEO, and…?Building a Better NetworkIn Closing It was 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. Just an ordinary morning in - [Why You Might Not Need a Budget](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/why-you-might-not-need-a-budget/) - Budgets, budgets, budgets! It seems like they’re all the rage. You’ve probably scoured the internet trying to learn how to budget. They must be an absolute necessity, right? Hold on there – not so fast. In this post, I’m going to go why a budget may actually not be necessary. But first, some background. I’ve - [Google Fi Review: A Digital Nomad's Dream](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/google-fi-review/) - Contents Toggle Google Fi NetworksGoogle Fi RatesGoogle Fi DevicesGoogle Fi InternationalInternational Calling RatesCustomer SupportThe GoodThe Bad Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, read our full disclosure policy.Google Fi is a - [Weekly Review: Best Budget App for iPhone](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-budgeting-app-for-iphone/) - Contents Toggle Getting Started with Weekly BudgetingIncome informationExpensesLinking Your Bank AccountTracking Your Weekly SpendingRolloversBudgeting GuidesWeekly: Best Budget App for iPhone TFF's Rating: ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Times are tough for many people these days. For those of us who are struggling, a few dollars can make a huge difference. To help navigate this - [How Your USAA Routing Number Works](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/usaa-routing-number/) - Contents Toggle What is USAA?Who is Eligible for USAA Federal Savings Bank?Routing Number for USAA Checking AccountWhich USAA Routing Number for Direct Deposit?What is a Routing Number?The Purpose of Routing Numbers and Why We Need ThemOrigin of the Routing NumberHow USAA Routing Numbers Are FormedThe Checksum AlgorithmHow to Find Your USAA Routing Number1. USAA Online - [The 6 Best Ways to Save Money on Housing](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/save-money-on-housing/) - Contents Toggle 1. Find a Roommate (or Several)2. Downsize Your Home3. House Hack4. House Sit5. Stay With Friends When Travelling6. Rent out Your House While You’re AwayWhat’s Your Favorite Way to Save Money on Housing? I talk a lot about the “big three” expenses and what I like to call a top-down approach to cutting - [How to Get Free Redeem Codes for Google Play](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-google-play-redeem-codes/) - Contents Toggle Google Play HistoryWhat Are Google Play Redeem Codes?How to Get Free Redeem CodesComplete Surveys For Free Google Play Redeem CodesUse Swagbucks to Get Free Google Play Gift CardsCARROT WellnessGoogle Play Promo CodesUse Store Gift Cards To Get Google Play Redeem CodesFree Google Play Reedeem Codes: Conclusion If you own an Android device, there’s - [How to Get Rich Even with No Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-get-rich-with-no-money/) - Contents Toggle Best Ways to Get Rich with No MoneyFigure Out What “Rich” Means to YouStructure Your Life to Meet Those GoalsDo Your ResearchKnow Your WorthInvestPay Off DebtUse a Top-Down Approach to Cutting ExpensesGetting Rich Doesn’t Mean What You Think it Means In this post I want to talk about how to get rich with - [Cheap Things to Do for Fun This Weekend](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/cheap-things-to-do-for-fun/) - 2. Visit a Local Museum Not all museums are free, but it’s worth investigating. Here in the US, it really depends upon where you live. In certain parts of the country, free museum is more common than in others. In this area, we have an art museum, a history museum, a natural science museum, and - [Charles Schwab Review: Worth the Switch?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/charles-schwab-review/) - I recently switched my checking account to Schwab, so I thought I would give you my honest opinion in this Charles Schwab Bank review. In the past, I have exclusively used more traditional banks. But I tend to be a bit of a nomad, so I wanted something that would suit that lifestyle better. But - [Student Loan Series #1: Saving Joyfully](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/student-loan-series-saving-joyfully/) - Hello and welcome to the first entry in the student loan series! This is the first post in a brand new series here at TFF. The purpose of this series is to help you gain perspective with regard to student loans. In addition to helping understand how you compare to others, the hope is that - [Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps: How to Finally End Financial Misery](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/dave-ramsey-baby-steps/) - Contents Toggle Dave Ramsey Baby Steps IntroductionThe Breakdown Of Each StepStep 1: Save $1,000 in an Emergency FundStep 2: Pay Off All Debt Except Your MortgageStep 3: Finish The Emergency Fund With 3 To 6 Months Of SavingsStep 4: Invest 15% Of Income Into Roth IRAs And Pre-Tax RetirementStep 5: College Funding For KidsStep 6: - [How Credit Favors the Wealthy – and Preys upon the Poor](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/credit-favors-the-wealthy/) - I check my credit report pretty religiously on Credit Karma. Why do I check it so frequently, you? Ohh, I’m not sure. I’m bored? I’m a nerd who actually finds it kind of fun to track? Yeah, both of those reasons are pretty accurate.One of the items on your credit report is derogatory marks: I never paid - [Are Robo-Advisors Worth Using? The Pros & Cons](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/robo-advisors/) - Contents Toggle Robo-Advisor PerformanceRobo-Advisor FeesWhat Is The Best Robo-Advisor?BettermentSoFiAllyWealthsimpleBloomAutomated Investing: Better than No Investing A while back, I created a portfolio on Betterment. Betterment is one of the many robo-advisors available today. I saw the ads and at the time and I figured it was a good way to get into investing. In general, robo-advisors - [PLS Check Cashing: How to Get Cash Instantly](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/pls-check-cashing/) - PLS check cashing is a check cashing service that lets you cash checks for a 1% fee plus $1. PLS Financial Services, or PL$, stands for Payday Loan Store. Founded in 1997, they are based in Chicago, IL and have locations in 12 states. Check Cashing Services Available With PLS PLS offers multiple check cashing - [Is Real Estate Investing Truly Passive Income?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/is-real-estate-investing-truly-passive-income/) - The following is a guest post from Financial Wolves, a blog focused on helping you make more money to achieve financial freedom Financial freedom! Everyone is striving to attain this state. Whether in developed countries or third world countries, everyone wants to have a sense of freedom when it comes to money. No one wants - [How Credit Cards Could Help You Reach FI](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/credit-cards-fi/) - Financial independence is a central theme of this blog because it's such a powerful concept. And guess what? Credit cards can help you get there. Of course, I always have to qualify these statements by saying that credit cards are not without risk. I'd be remiss to recommend even more cards if you currently hold - [Starbucks Happy Hour: How Does it Work?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/starbucks-happy-hour/) - Contents Toggle What is Starbucks Happy Hour?What You Can GetIs Starbucks Happy Hour Today?Does It Work at Target?Does Starbucks Happy Hour Include Refreshers?When Is Starbucks Happy Hour in 2020?Why It’s BeneficialAre Starbucks Happy Hour Cards Real?Starbucks Happy Hour: Conclusion Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no - [Is Free College Tuition Possible in the US?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/free-college-tuition-us/) - It's an interesting question. In some ways it's a very simple one; in other ways, not so much. With a certain presidential candidate promising free college as part of his campaign and growing national student loan debt, I feel it's a good question to ask. So, is free college tuition possible in the US? Is - [Student Loan Series #2: Diana on a Dime](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/student-loan-series-diana/) - Hey all! Welcome back to the Student Loan Series. This is the continuation of a post series that started with Saving Joyfully. The purpose of this series is to gain some insight from some friends who also had large amounts of student debt. I've given you my tips for paying off student loans, but I'm - [How to Repay Your Federal Parent PLUS Loan](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/parent-plus-loan-less-painful/) - I often tell people that my student loans really sucked. I usually qualify that statement with the fact that this was a Federal Parent PLUS Loan. In this post, we'll take a look at how to make your Federal Parent PLUS Loan less painful. What is a Federal Parent PLUS Loan? In short, a Federal - [6 Ways Anxiety Makes Life Difficult](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/6-way-anxiety-makes-life-difficult/) - Anxiety is a complicated subject, to say the least. While I am not a psychologist by any stretch of the imagination, I speak from experience. That's because anxiety is something that affects me personally. And by that, I mean it is a daily struggle. That may not be obvious because I tend to be pretty - [Saving Money in Europe: Simple Tricks for Getting There and Traveling for Less](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/saving-money-in-europe-simple-tricks-for-getting-there-and-traveling-for-less/) - Europe is a dream destination for many travelers and with good reason. It’s home to some of the world’s most iconic sightseeing, richest history, and interesting cultures. Depending on what part of Europe you’re visiting, it can also be very expensive. (Cities like London and Paris come to mind…) But even if you’re going to - [7 Reasons We Weren't Prepared to Buy Our Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/buying-a-home-not-prepared/) - Contents Toggle 7 Reasons We Weren’t Prepared to Buy Our Home1. No Emergency Fund2. We Put Nothing Down3. Used an FHA Loan4. Did Few Inspections5. We Used Seller Help6. Didn’t Talk to Neighbors7. Jumped in too FastConclusion Home buying is often considered a key part of wealth building. Whether or not you agree, for most - [My Why of FI](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/my-why-of-fi/) - "My why of FI" - how's that for a rhyming phrase? Anyway, I have a confession to make: I'm not the most decisive person. If you ask me what I like to do for fun, I will probably have a difficult time responding very confidently. I mean, other than working on this blog, of course! - [Types of Budgeting: Which One is Right For You?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/types-of-budgeting/) - Contents Toggle Why Are Budgets Important?Do I Need a Budget?Types of BudgetsMonthly BudgetingWeekly BudgetingStatic BudgetFlexible BudgetIncremental BudgetingAnnual BudgetingActivity Based BudgetingEnvelope BudgetingEvent BudgetingTypes of Budgeting: ConclusionGet my FREE budget printable! There are many types of budgeting. Many of us might just think of a stuffy Excel spreadsheet with a bunch of numbers. However, there are actually - [Prioritizing Savings and Debt: Which Is More Important?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/prioritizing-savings-and-debt/) - As you can probably imagine, one of the things I spend a lot of time doing is reading comments on other blogs. I also read comments in Facebook groups, posts in forums, etc. It's always good to stay attuned to the questions many of you out there regularly ask. Usually, a common theme in many - [Emergency Funds Are a Must. Do You Have One?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/emergency-funds/) - So, in this post, I mentioned emergency funds, and I've been meaning to write a separate post about them. That's because everyone - or at least every household - should have one. And yet, as I mentioned in my introductory post, most Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. That is scary. I mean, it seriously worries me - [Visa Card Number Explained](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/what-is-visa-card-number/) - A Visa card number is the 16-digit code printed on either the front or the back of your credit card. This combination of numbers is unique to each credit card. Each credit card number also contains identifiers that indicate the card is a Visa and the issuing bank. In particular, if your credit card is - [CountAbout Review: Keep Track of Your Cash For Less](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/countabout-review/) - Contents Toggle Customizable DashboardHow Much Does CountAbout Cost?UsabilityProduct SupportSecurity – Is My Information Safe?Mobile AppCountAbout Review: Conclusion Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, read our full disclosure policy.In this CountAbout - [Frugal at Your Fingertips: Apps That Free Up Your Finances](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/frugal-at-your-fingertips/) - By: Ben Lovell If you’re as old as I am, you’ll remember a time (not so long ago) when new tech required you to breach a certain threshold of either financial well-being or flagrant over-indulgence. New software was a significant investment, Bluetooth headphones were a status sigil, and Flat Screen TVs were the centerpiece for - [Is Munich Worth Visiting? Absolutely! Here's Why](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/is-munich-worth-visiting/) - Contents Toggle Munich Hotel Near Train Station – A Must for MeBest Things to Do in Munich: Munich Residenz, Munich Residenz Treasury, MarienplatzResidenz München (Munich Residence)MarienplatzMarienplatz (Again), BMW Museum MunichBMW WeltBMW Museum MunichBMW Museum Munich PriceBMW Museum Munich HoursExploring Munich: Sendlinger Tor, Schnitzel, and More!Englischer Garten (English Garden)Public Transportation – Best Way to Get AroundEating - [Reflecting on Two Weeks of International Travel](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/two-weeks-of-travel/) - Contents Toggle Taking it SlowMore Time is Always BetterDay TripperMoney ManagementEating Like a LocalSprechen Sie Englisch?Plan, Plan, Plan What a couple of weeks it’s been! I just returned to the US after my first trip *ever* outside of North America. Honestly, I wish I could have said that years earlier, but better late than never, - [College Tuition: A Bubble Ready to Burst?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/college-tuition-bubble/) - It's no secret that college is expensive. Personally, I studied at Marquette University. I really enjoyed my time there, but the fact is that Marquette tuition is not cheap. College tuition rates have risen at unprecedented rates over the past several decades. At the same time, inflation-adjusted salaries for college grads have remained virtually unchanged - [Your Net Worth Is Not Your Self-Worth](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/net-worth-self-worth/) - Ever since starting this blog, I've been pretty active on Twitter. In fact, before starting it, Facebook was probably my main social media platform. Nowadays, though, it's been all about "the Twitters." Mostly that has been for the purpose of engaging with other bloggers and to promote this one. Although I will admit, Facebook doesn't - [How to Be Frugal and Stop Begging for Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/stop-begging-for-money/) - Has begging for money become the new norm? It seems that the internet has become an easy way for people to become online panhandlers. I’ve shared many ways to make extra money from home, online, and even creative side hustle ideas (ie “Dave jobs” for all of you Dave Ramsey fans).From CyberBeg to BeggingMoney, there’s - [Lucky Day App Review](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/lucky-day-app-review/) - Although there are a lot of ways to make money online, you might think you've heard just about all of them. But there are probably a lot of apps you haven't come across, and we're looking at one of them today. In this Luck Day app review, we'll look at whether this app is worth - [What Does a Stock Represent?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/what-does-a-stock-represent/) - Contents Toggle Difference Between a Stock and a ShareInitial Public OfferingStock Represents Voting PrivilegesStocks Represent OwnershipIssuing Additional SharesStocks Represent Growth PotentialHow Are Stocks Sold?Stocks to BuyWhat Does a Stock Represent? If you’re new to investing (or even if you aren’t!), you might ask yourself: what does a stock represent? Simply put, a stock represents a - [401(k) Contribution Limits 2023](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/401k-contribution-limits-2019/) - Contents Toggle 401(k) Contribution Limits 2023401(k) Employer Contributions 2023Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits 2023Can You Contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA?401(k) Contribution Limits 2023 Over 50Roth 401(k) Limits: Is There a Difference?Keys to 401(k) InvestingOther Considerations401(k) Contribution Limits 2023 in Summary 401(k) contribution limits are always changing. This is also true for other types of - [Financial Independence Retire Early: What Is It?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/financial-independence-retire-early/) - Hey all! Hope you’re having a fantastic evening (or morning, or afternoon). I’d like to discuss a topic that is central to my mission: financial independence retire early. This is such an important topic that I don’t really need a reason to discuss it, but something actually did prompt me. Like so many people out - [Starting The FIRE: How to Retire Early](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/starting-the-fire/) - I don't know about you, but personally, I definitely fret over the idea of working "forever." That's why, as mentioned on my various social media profiles, I'm starting the FIRE! Of course, I wouldn't actually work forever. But when I consider the idea of working until 65 or 67 - I figure I may as - [How to Cook for One (and Still Save a Ton!)](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/how-to-cook-for-one/) - This is one of those posts I probably should have written a long time ago. Why? Because not only is it a learning experience for me, but knowing how to cook for one is something many people struggle with. And yet, it is an invaluable skill. The savings may not be quite as large for - [7 Best Energy Saving Products To Immediately Reduce Your Everyday Energy Costs](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/best-energy-saving-products/) - Here at TFF, I have for a long while had a mission of creating more content focused on a very specific mission: helping readers save money while also being more environmentally conscious. I did so in my five ways to be frugal post and I wanted to expand on that concept here. Regardless of your - [6 Reasons Getting Fired Was Actually Amazing](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/6-reasons-getting-fired-amazing/) - For a lot of us, losing our jobs can be a crisis. Especially with so many people living paycheck to paycheck and not having adequate emergency funds. For me, getting fired was actually amazing. And no, not getting FIREd...but that will happen eventually - I hope! Some background: this is not a recent or new - [Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock: The Critical Differences](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/preferred-stock-vs-common-stock/) - Preferred stock grants no voting rights to shareholders, while common stock does. The main benefit of preferred stock is that it grants shareholders priority of the company's income. This means preferred stocks are paid dividends before common stock; preferred stocks are also paid out before common stocks in the event of a liquidation. So, what - [Achieving Intentional and Sustainable Living](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/intentional-sustainable-living/) - Back in September 2018, there was an event held here in the US called the Global Climate Action Summit. This summit was all about sustainable living. Technically the GCAS is more of an organization than a single event, but they organized a huge gathering in San Francisco. The event spanned three days and featured some - [The 6 Best Ways to Save Money on Transportation](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/save-money-on-transportation/) - Contents Toggle 1. Save Money on Transportation by Avoiding Financing2. Buying with Cash3. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate4. Saving on Insurance5. Become a Bike Warrior6. Walk it Out If you’ve been reading my blog for any period of time, you’ve probably noticed I frequently talk about the “big three” expenses – housing, transportation, and food. In a - [Is Debt Consolidation the Answer to Your Problems?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/debt-consolidation/) - Contents Toggle What Is Debt Consolidation?How Does Debt Consolidation Work?Ways To Get A Debt Consolidation LoanZero Percent (0%) Interest CardsPrivate Loan To Consolidate DebtDebt Consolidation CompaniesHome Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC) Loan401k, 403b, 457 Loans – Borrowing From Your Retirement PlanDoes Debt Consolidation Actually Work?Debt Consolidation Example ScenarioWhat Is The Average Debt Consolidation Interest Rate?How - [Marie Kondo Method: What's the Deal?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/marie-kondo-method/) - Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about the Marie Kondo Method. Marie Kondo is an organizing consultant who invented the method. It’s also sometimes known as the KonMari Method. This new trend, plus growing environmental concerns, have really had me thinking. The thing is, so much of what we do comes down to conditioning. We’ve - [Heidelberg: A Dazzling Gem in Southern Germany](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/heidelberg-germany/) - Contents Toggle Bikes! Bikes Everywhere!Schloss Heidelberg (Heidelberg Castle)Heidelberg TunDeutsches Apothekenmuseum (Pharmacy Museum)Wining and Dining in HeidelbergLodging in HeidelbergFinal Thoughts (And More Photos!) As some of you already know, I recently took a trip to Europe. This was a big deal for me because I had never been. Not only that, but it was the first - [Leasing vs Buying a Car and My Green Initiative](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/leasing-vs-buying-a-car/) - Leasing a car is something you may have often heard you should never do. And while I generally agree with this sentiment, I think there can be exceptions. Leasing vs buying a car is not always as clear-cut as you may think. But first, some background. A while back, I started working on a now-defunct blog - [What Makes Siteground Superior To The Popular Bluehost?](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/siteground-superior-to-bluehost/) - Bluehost is a very popular host. There are a lot of bloggers out there constantly recommending it. Look, I'm not trying to rain on their affiliate parade, but when I started blogging, I originally went with Bluehost. Nowadays, I'm with SiteGround, and I recommend them as a great alternative. I saw all those posts saying "Bluehost ## Pages - [Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/) - Save money. Make money. Be Frugal. - [Bob Haegele -- Ghostwriter for Fintech Leaders & Finance Executives](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/hire/) - Bob Haegele is a ghostwriter who helps founders, executives, and B2B brands grow their authority, attract inbound leads, and publish high-quality content. - [Recommendations](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/blogging-tools/) - With so many products and services out there, it can be tough to sift through them all. So, I thought I would help you out by sharing some of the blogging tools I personally use! Again, all of these are tools I personally use and am comfortable recommending to you all. Hosting - SiteGround While I - [How to Make Extra Income From Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/make-extra-money/) - Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase a product through my link. To learn more, read our full disclosure policy.Would you like to make extra money but aren’t really sure what’s out there? Or maybe you have some idea, - [About](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/about/) - The Frugal Fellow is a blog focusing on topics around personal finance. As a 30-something, my goal is primarily to help millennials take control of their finances. Regardless of your situation, though, this is extremely important. So, this site will look to explore some ways to achieve your goals, and, hopefully, become financially independent! By the - [Author Pages](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/author/) - Author Pages This section is a place to hold my author pages on various websites where I write or have written.BankrateBusiness InsiderDough RollerFinanceBuzzForbes AdvisorGOBankingRatesOwnerlySmartAssetSuperMoney Contact Me - [Privacy Policy](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy Effective date: December 31, 2018 The Frugal Fellow operates the www.thefrugalfellow.com website. This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data. Our Privacy Policy for The Frugal Fellow is based on the - [Contact](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/contact/) - Have a question? Or a burning desire to save more money, and you just know I can help? Or maybe you have a killer content idea? Whatever you’ve got, feel free to hit me up; I’d love to chat with you. Name Email Message Send - [Disclosure](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/disclosure/) - General Information The Frugal Fellow provides general educational information on various topics on this website as a public service, which should not be construed as financial, professional, or tax advice. These are my personal opinions only. The term “you” refers to anyone who uses, visits and/or views the website. Please read this disclaimer carefully, and I reserve - [What I'm Up to Right Now.](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/now/) - What I’m Up to Right Now. Taken on the bridge just north of Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic Of course, the fact that I haven’t been travelling as much as nothing to with whether or not I’d like to be travelling. It’s mostly been not knowing what my income would actually be – plus not ## Categories - [My Story](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/my-story/) - [Student Loans](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/student-loans/) - [Career](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/career/) - [Investing](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/investing/) - [Credit Cards](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/credit-cards/) - [Frugal Living](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/frugal-living/) - [Budgeting](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/budgeting/) - [Retirement](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/retirement/) - [Misc.](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/misc/) - [Sustainability](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/sustainability/) - [Travel](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/travel/) - [Financial Independence](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/financial-independence/) - [Work From Home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/make-money/work-from-home/) - [Side Hustles](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/make-money/side-hustles/) - [Debt](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/debt/) - [Save Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/save-money/) - [Make Money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/make-money/) - [Money Saving Challenges](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/save-money/money-saving-challenges/) - [Survey Sites](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/category/make-money/survey-sites/) ## Tags - [Student loans](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/student-loans/) - [Career](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/career/) - [Investing](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/investing/) - [Frugal Living](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/frugal-living/) - [Budgeting](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/budgeting/) - [what to do if you lose your job](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-job/) - [i just lost my job](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/i-just-lost-my-job/) - [what happens if you get fired](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/what-happens-if-you-get-fired/) - [just got fired](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/just-got-fired/) - [how to deal with getting fired](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/how-to-deal-with-getting-fired/) - [parent plus loan](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/parent-plus-loan/) - [income-contingent repayment](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/income-contingent-repayment/) - [how to save money](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/how-to-save-money/) - [money saving tips and tricks](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/money-saving-tips-and-tricks/) - [money saving tips](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/money-saving-tips/) - [job](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/job/) - [work from home](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/work-from-home/) - [money saving challenge](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/money-saving-challenge/) - [budget envelopes](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/budget-envelopes/) - [money saving challenge envelope](https://www.thefrugalfellow.com/tag/money-saving-challenge-envelope/)