12 Recession-Proof Side Hustles to Help You Make Money

Whether or not we were actually in a recessiondepends on who you talk to. And with that said, the conditions are still ripe for a possible recession moving into 2023. After peaking in the summer, inflation has slowly dropped to7.7%in the month of October. If thats not enough, the stock market fell into abear marketrecently after gradually declining throughout the year. Amid all this doom and gloom, whats a worker to do?...

November 15, 2022 · 2 min · 391 words · Crystal Peters

From Lights to Cameras, Here’s How to Set Up a Smart Home on a Budget

Now, automating your home is merely a truth of todays world. But can you create a smart home without destroying your wallet? Just remember to be nice to your virtual assistant. If you’re considering adding smart appliances to your home, check out our guide onthe best times to buy appliances. We dont want a repeat of Disneys 1999 movie Smart House. That just wouldnt be much fun. What Is a Smart Home?...

November 15, 2022 · 3 min · 529 words · Johnny Simpson

Student Loan Forgiveness Applications Have Been Paused. Now What?

Since the online form for one-time federal student loan forgiveness opened in mid-October, applications have been pouring in. Heres what borrowers need to know. What Happens Next to the Student Debt Relief Plan? Overwhelmed by your budgeting options? Takeour quizand get customized recommendations based on your style and financial situation. Rulings by a federal judge in Texas and the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals are part of half a dozen lawsuits against the student debt relief program....

November 15, 2022 · 2 min · 288 words · Kevin Rodgers

7 Easy Ways to Outsmart Porch Pirates and Protect Your Holiday Packages

Thanks mostly to Jack Sparrow, we have come to romanticize the idea of pirates. But pirates are thieves, and they do not work exclusively on sailing ships or in port towns. (And 17% caught the thief on camera). Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed. Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire....

November 14, 2022 · 2 min · 267 words · Michael Mcfarland

Worried About the Cost of College? We Found 3 Ways to Go for Free

Are you worried about the massive cost of getting a college education? Here are two magic words for you: free college. Is there even such a thing? Going to community college is a surefire way to save money on a degree. But community colleges also offerseveral resources that are free or cheap. Yes, there is, if you play your cards right. Sure, thats nice if you happen to work for Fidelity....

November 14, 2022 · 2 min · 380 words · Nicholas Johnson

Dear Penny: Can I Get Survivor Benefits if Our Marriage Record Was Destroyed?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges I am a widow. My husband was 53 when he died. He was collecting Social Security disability for about two years preceding his death. Once you finally get your finances in order, you want to keep them that way. Here areseveral moves to make now. Is this option still available? Would I be eligible for 100% of his? When I called Social Security, the lady said, It will be a surprise....

November 13, 2022 · 3 min · 556 words · Sarah Taylor

These Are the Costs of Van Life That Come With the Freedom

If you search the #vanlife hashtag on Instagram, youll be rewarded with more than 7 million images. Common themes includesunsets over the sea,cozy-looking campfires, andinteriorvandesignsthat could make you drool with longing. If one things certain about #vanlife, its thatlotsandlotsof dogs are living it. The Rodriguezes spent a year and a half building out their Sprinter van — which also afforded them time to save up for going on the road. Photo courtesy of Abigail Rodriquez...

November 11, 2022 · 3 min · 540 words · Sarah Bryant

15 Holiday Crafts You Can Make and Sell for Extra Cash This Season

With the holiday season here, its time to put that Pinterest addiction to good use! Find easy Christmas crafts to make and sell at holiday fairs and festivals. Plus, if you enjoy crafting, its an easy way tofund your hobby. Looking for cheap gift ideas your friends will never know cost $10 or less? Ditch the discount bottle of wine and check out ourholiday gift guide. These are the perfect solutions for crafters and homebodies to finding this yearsholiday side gig....

November 10, 2022 · 4 min · 775 words · Phillip Fowler

5 Steps to Wrangle Your Debt Faster With the Debt Lasso Method

Ready to wrangle in that credit card debt? Want to learn more? What Is the Debt Lasso Method? What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card and How Do They Work Auten and Schneider get that question a lot. But a lot of people forget those first two pieces and the last two pieces. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed....

November 10, 2022 · 3 min · 492 words · Lisa Wells

Rental Scams Are on the Rise: Here Are 5 Ways to Spot a Fake Ad

If a Zillow or Craigslist apartment listing sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most fraud victims lived in Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities, and were in search of affordable housing. Thats a 64% increase from the previous year. Heres how to spot a scam and keep yourself safe. How Do Rental Scams Work? 7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People Do you avoid people too? Enough small talk....

November 10, 2022 · 3 min · 498 words · Jesse Weaver DVM

5 Steps to Becoming a Freelance Illustrator

Getting paid to make art may sound like an unattainable dream, but look around: Art is everywhere. And most of them got paid for it, too! How to Become a Freelance Illustrator Afreelanceillustrator creates images for clients. Kati D, the artist behind Thoughtless Illustrations, recommends providing clients with different concepts and working together to develop what works and what doesn’t work. This is a photo of Kati and one of her illustrations....

November 9, 2022 · 3 min · 538 words · Teresa Floyd

Dear Penny: My Best Friend Died. Is Her Husband Liable for Her Secret Debt?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges My best friend was recently killed by a drunk driver. Im helping her husband sort everything out, and weve discovered she was hiding credit card debt. She also had several student loans he didnt know about. Trying to climb out of debt? Here are50 ways to bring in extra money this month. His name wasnt on any of it. Is he liable for these debts?...

November 9, 2022 · 3 min · 441 words · Krystal Ward

How to Add $1,098 to Your Bank Account Before Christmas

There are all sorts of things people hope to give and receive during Christmas. The holidays are expensive, after all. How does an extra $1,098 in your savings account sound? Its too good to be true, right? Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed. Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire....

November 9, 2022 · 4 min · 774 words · David Houston