Get a better Uber price: Put in your destination and pick a car. Close the app, then wait five minutes and reopen the app. I usually get at least a 10% lower price doing this trick.
Free online financial calculators to get debt under control, plan for retirement and see your net worth
If you need help managing your money, you’ve come to the right place. We have tons of financial tips for investors and small business owners. Case in point: Here are 10 free spreadsheet templates to help you get a handle on your money.
Scroll down for some of our favorite free online financial calculators brought to you by our sponsor, NetSuite.
1. Wrangle your debt with one of the web’s best free online finance calculators
NerdWallet has helpful tools you should check out. If you want to pay off debt, you’ll want an idea of a realistic timeframe. With NerdWallet’s tool, you can enter things like types of debt, remaining balances, taxes owed and gross annual income.
This calculates your debt load so you know what you’re dealing with. Comparing debt load to income can clarify your path. Underneath the calculator, you’ll find a few helpful debt strategies and links to a quick quiz to help you find a faster way to pay off debt.
2. Plan for retirement
Want to get a personalized snapshot of what your finances will look like if you retire? AARP has you covered. It has a retirement calculator that lets you know if you’re saving enough.
Just answer a few questions about your salary, savings, household status and more. You’ll find out how much money you need to live a comfortable retirement.
Shop safer online with virtual cards
Scammers love to dupe you with fake deals, get you to pay for subscriptions you don’t need, or grab your payment info on a spoof checkout page that looks just like the real deal.
On the other hand, I want to keep you safe and save you money. One of my go-to tricks for secure online shopping might be one you’ve never even heard of.
You can join Amazon One with the new iOS and Android app. Just sign in, snap a pic of your palm, link a payment method and upload an ID. Now your hand is a wallet. It works at Whole Foods, some Panera locations and over 150 spots nationwide.
The Oregon Trail game has been teaching kids about the perils of the West for 50 years, one broken wagon axle at a time. What you might not know is three Minnesota student teachers developed the game and donated it to a nonprofit. How much is it estimated they could’ve made from the sold copies since? Is it A.) $5 million, B.) $25 million, C.) $125 million or D.) $1.3 billion?
When to book a flight for summer vacation
There’s no getting around it: Seeing the world is expensive. I just went to Japan (you should totally go if you ever have the chance), and the costs add up. Sushi was one thing, but the flights? Oof.
My biggest mistake was waiting too late to iron out my plans. Hey, consider this my good deed of the week: I made the mistake so you can save a bunch of money. Let’s look at when to book and what flight to go for to make sure you make it to your destination.
10 surprising side hustles to make some extra cash
“Kim, how can I make money from home?” I’ve been getting this one for years and years. And guess what? Between new apps and the rise of the gig economy, it’s never been easier to make an extra buck.
Entrepreneur (paywall link) gathered some weird and wonderful side hustles, plus real examples of regular folks who make a pretty penny. Don’t worry, no Uber on this list — but I did include an option for those who love to drive.
Tax check: Want to double-check that everything went through? Use this site to see when your refund is expected. Here are other ways to check if your federal and state taxes were filed. Warning: If you’re calling the IRS right now, the wait times are nuts.
500 subscribers to be a YouTube Partner
That’s the minimum to make money from your vids. If you want a cut of AdSense revenue, you need 1,000 subs. You’ll need to rack up watch hours, too — 3,000 for Partners and 4,000 for AdSense. Not to toot my own horn here, but I have 82,500 subscribers on YouTube. Toot-toot.
A pristine copy of Super Mario 64, released in 1996, is the most expensive video game ever sold. Did the cartridge sell for … A.) $1.6 million, B.) $1.1 million, C.) $500,659 or D.) $221,812?
Free filing: The IRS is testing a free tax filing tool called Direct File in 12 states. Finally! Of course, there’s a catch: It’s only for folks in certain areas with specific incomes. Want in? Check here to see if you’re eligible.
SSN sharks: The FTC says Americans lost over $126 million to Social Security scams last year. Reminder: The real SSA won’t slide into your DMs, rush you or threaten to suspend your SSN. Stay sharp, folks.
Is the Amazon Influencer Program worth it?
Want to make extra money while the kids are at school? Need to save for an upcoming vacation? Say hello to the Amazon Influencer Program. Today, 37% of Amazon’s traffic is driven by influencers. That’s a lot of eyes and ears!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
No loans, no monthly payments: An easier way to tap your home equity
We’ve all been there — you’re watching HGTV and suddenly you’re deleting walls and installing Moroccan tile in your mind. But unless you’re cash-ready for that reno, you’re considering tapping your home equity.
Streamline workflow with these automation tips
Are you sick of wasting time on repetitive tasks? You don’t have to go it alone. Automation can streamline lead generators, customer service and other business needs. We’ll show you how in our step-by-step guide to small business automation.
You could be sitting on a goldmine of old tech and toys
Gadgets have a set shelf life — which is why we’re not all still using huge, bulging monitors and portable CD players. You might have cupboards or even an entire basement packed with outdated tech you keep meaning to get rid of. Hang on, though, before you send it all to the trash. Vintage tech — and even toys — can make you some serious cash as collectors’ items.
Smart ways to make more money and find new customers
Small business owners must build trust, set trends and share their customers’ values. Connecting with customers is one of the most important ways to make money.
Success starts close to home. Before connecting with customers, you must build strong bonds with your teammates. Tap or click here for five leadership secrets every small business owner should know.