Want to put some extra cash in your pocket? I know I do!
In this article, we’ll go over some simple ways you can earn free money and save on expenses. No gimmicks or get-rich-quick schemes here – just practical tips that anyone can use.
Some of these ideas might be new to you, while others might be things you’ve heard of but haven’t tried yet.
Either way, I hope you’ll find a few strategies that work for you. So let’s get started and see how much free money you can earn!
1. Search for Unclaimed Money
Did you know that there might be money out there with your name on it? I’m not kidding!
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), there are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners.
To start your search, head over to Unclaimed.org or MissingMoney.com. These websites are a great place to begin because they are both endorsed by NAUPA.
All you need to do is enter your name and the states where you’ve lived, and the sites will do the rest.
If there’s a match, you’ll be provided with instructions on how to file a claim. The process is completely free, and you don’t need to pay anyone to claim your money.
I gave it a try and was surprised to find $75 from an old utility deposit I made years ago. It took me less than 10 minutes to fill out the form and submit my claim.
So take a few minutes and search for unclaimed money in your name – you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find!
2. Take Advantage of Government Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are several government assistance programs that can help you get back on your feet.
Here are a few to consider:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income families afford groceries. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and other factors. To see if you qualify, visit the SNAP website.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP provides assistance with heating and cooling costs for low-income households. Grants are available to help pay utility bills and make energy-efficient home improvements. To learn more, visit the LIHEAP website.
- Child Care and Development Fund: Working families with low incomes can receive help paying for childcare through this program. Funds can be used for care in a center, family child care home, or by a relative or friend. To see if you qualify, visit the Office of Child Care website.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): If you’re a college student, filling out the FAFSA can help you access federal grants, which don’t need to be repaid. Grants are awarded based on financial need. To learn more, visit the FAFSA website.
These are just a few of the many programs available. To find more assistance programs you may qualify for, visit Benefits.gov.
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking assistance when you need it. These programs exist to help people get through tough times and achieve financial stability.
3. Earn Money with Survey Sites
One easy way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time is by taking online surveys.
Market research companies are always looking for consumer opinions to help inform business decisions, and they’re willing to pay for your thoughts.
Some reputable survey sites include:
- Swagbucks: Earn points (called SB) for completing surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. Redeem your SB for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Survey Junkie: Take surveys on various topics and earn virtual points that can be exchanged for PayPal cash or e-gift cards.
- Branded Surveys: Earn points for sharing your opinions on brands and products. Redeem your points for cash or gift cards.
- InboxDollars: Get paid to take surveys, read emails, play games, and more. Earn cash or gift cards for your participation.
I’ve been using Swagbucks for a few years now, and while it’s not a huge income stream, it’s a nice way to earn a little extra spending money.
I usually do surveys while watching TV or waiting in line, and the points add up over time. Last year, I redeemed my SB for a $100 Amazon gift card just in time for the holidays!
To maximize your earnings with survey sites, be sure to complete your profile thoroughly and honestly.
This helps the site match you with surveys that are relevant to your interests and demographics. Also, be aware that you may not qualify for every survey – that’s just part of the process.
While taking surveys won’t make you rich, it’s a simple way to turn your spare time into a little extra cash or gift cards.
4. Get Cash Back with Shopping Apps
If you’re going to shop anyway, why not get paid for it? Cash back apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh allow you to earn money on purchases you’re already making – both online and in-store.
Here’s a brief overview of how each app works:
- Rakuten: Shop through the Rakuten portal at over 2,500 partner retailers and earn cash back on your purchases. You’ll also get a $10 bonus just for signing up and making your first purchase of $25 or more.
- Ibotta: Earn cash back on groceries, clothing, and more by completing simple tasks like watching a video or taking a poll. Then, just scan your receipt or link your loyalty card to verify your purchases. Ibotta also offers a $20 welcome bonus for new users.
- Dosh: Link your credit or debit card to the Dosh app and automatically earn cash back when you shop at participating merchants. No scanning receipts or activating offers are required.
One of my favorite things about these apps is how easy they are to use.
I have the Rakuten browser extension installed on my laptop, so whenever I’m shopping online, it automatically alerts me if there’s cash back available.
And with Dosh, I just link my credit card once and let the app do the rest.
Of course, it’s important to remember that these apps are a way to save money on purchases you’re already planning to make – not an excuse to spend more than you normally would.
But if you use them strategically and stick to your budget, you can earn a nice little sum of cash back over time.
5. Earn Free Stocks and Bonuses with Investing Apps
Investing can be a great way to grow your wealth over time, but getting started can be intimidating – especially if you don’t have a lot of money to work with.
That’s where investing apps like Acorns, Robinhood, and Webull come in.
These apps make it easy for beginners to start investing with just a few dollars, and many of them offer free stocks or bonuses just for signing up.
Here are some current promotions:
- Acorns: Get a $10 bonus when you sign up and make your first investment.
- Robinhood: Earn a free stock (valued at $2.50 to $200) when you sign up and link your bank account.
- Webull: Get 2 free stocks (valued at $3 to $300 each) when you open an account and make an initial deposit of $100 or more.
Keep in mind that investing always involves some level of risk, so it’s important to do your research and only invest what you can afford to lose.
But if you’re looking for a low-cost way to start building your investment portfolio, these apps can be a great option.
I personally use Acorns to invest my spare change, and I love how easy and automated the process is.
I just link my credit and debit cards, and the app rounds up my purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. It may not seem like much, but over time, those small investments can really add up.
So if you’re new to investing and want to dip your toes in the water, consider signing up for one of these apps and taking advantage of their sign-up bonuses.
Just remember to invest responsibly and always keep your long-term financial goals in mind.
6. Open a Bank Account with Sign-Up Bonuses
If you’re looking for an easy way to earn some extra cash, consider opening a new bank account with a sign-up bonus.
Many banks offer bonuses ranging from $100 to $500 or more for simply opening a new checking or savings account and meeting a few basic requirements.
One bank that’s currently offering a great sign-up bonus is Chase. When you open a new Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposit, you can earn a $300 bonus.
To qualify, you’ll need to open the account online and set up direct deposit within 90 days. Once you’ve met the requirements, Chase will deposit the bonus into your account within 15 days.
Other banks like Discover also offer sign-up bonuses from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for promotions.
With a little bit of research and some smart banking decisions, you can easily earn a few hundred dollars in free money.
7. Use Bill Negotiation Apps to Save Money
Negotiating bills can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but what if there was an easier way?
Bill negotiation apps can help you save money on your monthly bills without the hassle of dealing with customer service yourself.
Here are a few popular options:
- Trim: Trim analyzes your spending, identifies areas where you might be overpaying, and negotiates with providers on your behalf. They can help you save on cable, internet, phone, and medical bills.
- Rocket Money (formerly Truebill): Rocket Money helps you manage subscriptions, lower your bills, and even request refunds for outages or late fees. They negotiate with a wide range of providers, including insurance, cable, and cell phone companies.
- Billshark: Billshark specializes in negotiating lower rates on bills like cable, internet, satellite TV, and wireless phones. They also offer a mobile app for easy account management.
Here’s how these apps typically work:
- Connect your accounts to the app securely.
- The app analyzes your bills and spending patterns.
- The app negotiates with providers on your behalf.
- If successful, you’ll see savings reflected in your account.
While these apps do charge a fee (usually a percentage of the savings they secure for you), they can still help you save money with minimal effort on your part.
8. Play Games to Win Free Money
Did you know that you can earn real money just by playing games on your phone?
It might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several apps that offer cash prizes for playing fun and addictive games.
One popular app is Mistplay, which rewards you with points for playing new games and reaching certain milestones. You can then redeem your points for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Visa, and iTunes.
Another app called Solitaire Cash lets you compete against other players in games of solitaire for real cash prizes.
The app uses a skill-based matching system to ensure that you’re playing against others at your same skill level, so you always have a fair chance of winning.
If bingo is more your speed, check out Blackout Bingo. This app hosts live bingo tournaments where you can compete against other players for cash prizes up to $1,000.
While you won’t get rich playing games on your phone, these apps can be a fun way to earn a little extra cash in your free time.
My favorite app for earning free money through games is Swagbucks Live.
Every weekday, the app hosts live trivia games where you can compete against other players to win cash prizes. The games are fast-paced and challenging, but so much fun.
9. Earn Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
If you have good credit and are responsible with your spending, earning credit card sign-up bonuses can be an easy way to earn some extra cash or travel rewards.
Many credit card companies offer bonuses of $200 or more just for signing up and meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
Here are a few current offers worth considering:
| Card | Sign-Up Bonus | Minimum Spend |
| Citi Custom Cash Card | $200 | $1,500 in the first 6 months |
| Citi Double Cash Card | $200 | $1,500 in the first 6 months |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $200 | $500 in the first 3 months |
Before applying for a new credit card, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand any fees or interest rates.
And remember, the key to making credit card sign-up bonuses work for you is to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.
If you’re strategic about it, earning credit card sign-up bonuses can be a great way to pad your bank account or save up for a big purchase or trip.
Just be sure to use your new card responsibly and don’t overspend just to earn the bonus.
10. Get Paid to Read Emails and Junk Mail
It might sound strange, but did you know that you can actually get paid to read emails and junk mail?
Companies like Small Business Knowledge Center (SBKC) will pay you to forward them your physical junk mail and email spam, which they use for market research purposes.
According to their website, you can earn $20 every 6-10 weeks just for sending in your junk mail and emails. And the best part? They cover the cost of postage, so it’s completely free for you to participate.
I’ve been participating in the SBKC program for a few months now, and it’s been a great experience.
Whenever I get a piece of junk mail or a spam email, I simply forward it to SBKC using their prepaid envelope.
Every few weeks, I receive a check in the mail for my participation. It’s not a ton of money, but it adds up over time and requires very little effort on my part.
Another company called Vindale Research will pay you to read emails, take surveys, and provide feedback on various products and services.
You can earn $1 just for signing up, and an additional $2 for subscribing to their marketing emails.
While you won’t get rich reading junk mail, it can be an easy way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. Plus, it’s a great way to declutter your inbox and mailbox while making some money in the process.
11. Participate in Weight Loss Challenges for Cash Prizes
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds and earn some extra cash, participating in a weight loss challenge might be just the ticket.
Companies like HealthyWage allow you to place a bet on yourself to lose weight within a certain timeframe.
If you reach your goal, you’ll not only feel great about your accomplishment but also earn a cash prize.
Here’s how it works:
- Use the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to determine your prize amount based on how much weight you want to lose, how long you’ll take to lose it, and how much you’re willing to bet.
- Sign up for a challenge and place your bet.
- Verify your weight at the start and end of the challenge.
- If you achieve your weight loss goal, you’ll win your prize money!
HealthyWage offers both individual and team-based challenges, so you can participate solo or with friends for added motivation.
With the potential to earn up to $10,000 for reaching your weight loss goals, this could be a fun and rewarding way to improve your health and your bank account.
12. Maximize Your Employer’s 401(k) Match
One of the easiest ways to get “free money” is to take full advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match program.
Many companies offer to match a percentage of the contributions you make to your retirement account, essentially giving you free money to invest in your future.
For example, let’s say your employer matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary.
If you earn $50,000 per year and contribute 6% ($3,000) to your 401(k), your employer will add an additional $1,500 to your account. That’s a 50% return on your investment before your money even hits the market!
To maximize your employer match, make sure you’re contributing enough to receive the full match amount.
If you’re not sure how your company’s match program works, talk to your HR representative or consult your employee handbook.
I’ve been contributing to my employer’s 401(k) plan for the past five years and have already seen a significant increase in my retirement savings thanks to their generous match program.
It’s like getting a bonus every year just for investing in my own future!
13. Refer Friends to Apps and Services
Many apps and services offer referral programs that reward you for introducing new users to their platform.
By sharing your unique referral link with friends and family, you can earn cash bonuses, credits, or other incentives when they sign up and start using the service.
Some popular referral programs include:
- Rakuten: Earn $25 for each friend who joins and makes a qualifying purchase.
- Ibotta: Get $5 for each friend who signs up and redeems their first offer.
- Fetch Rewards: Earn 2,000 points (worth $2) for each referral who scans their first receipt.
- Dosh: Earn $5 for each friend who signs up and links a valid card.
- Drop: Get $5 for each referral who signs up and links a card.
To maximize your earnings, share your referral links on social media, via email, or in person with friends and family who you think would benefit from the service.
Just be sure not to spam people or share your links in places where it’s not allowed.
14. Apply for Grants and Scholarships
If you’re a student looking to pay for college or a researcher seeking funding for a project, applying for grants and scholarships can be a great way to access free money.
Unlike loans, grants and scholarships don’t need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for those who qualify.
Some places to look for grants and scholarships include:
- Grants.gov: A comprehensive database of federally sponsored grants, including those for students, researchers, and organizations.
- Fastweb: A free scholarship search engine that matches you with scholarships based on your unique profile.
- Scholarships.com: Another free scholarship search tool that allows you to browse by category, major, or other criteria.
- Your school’s financial aid office: Many colleges and universities offer their own grants and scholarships, so be sure to check with your school’s financial aid department.
When applying for grants and scholarships, be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
It can also be helpful to tailor your application to the specific grant or scholarship, highlighting how you meet the criteria and why you deserve the award.
15. Sell Unwanted Items Online
If you have unwanted items cluttering up your home, selling them online can be an easy way to declutter and earn some extra cash.
Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist make it easy to list your items for sale and reach a wide audience of potential buyers.
Some popular items to sell online include:
- Clothing and accessories
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Home decor
- Collectibles
- Toys and games
Before listing your items, be sure to:
- Clean and repair any items as needed.
- Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
- Write detailed, honest descriptions of each item, including any flaws or damage.
- Research similar items to determine a fair price.
- Choose a reputable platform and follow their guidelines for selling.
Last year, I decided to declutter my apartment and sell some of my unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace.
I was surprised at how quickly things sold and how much money I was able to make. In just a few weeks, I had earned over $500 and freed up valuable space in my home.
If you have items you no longer need or use, selling them online is definitely worth considering!
16. Rent Out Your Unused Space
If you have unused space in your home, such as a spare room, garage, or even a parking spot, renting it out can be a simple way to earn extra income.
Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy to list your space and connect with potential renters.
Some things to consider before renting out your space:
- Check your local zoning laws and regulations to ensure short-term rentals are allowed in your area.
- Determine a fair price based on your location, amenities, and similar listings in your area.
- Invest in any necessary upgrades or repairs to make your space more appealing to renters.
- Create a detailed listing with high-quality photos and a thorough description of your space and amenities.
- Communicate clearly with potential renters and establish house rules upfront.
Another option for renting out unused space is Neighbor.com, which allows you to rent out storage space in your home, garage, or shed to people in your community.
This can be a great option if you don’t feel comfortable renting out living space or if you have extra storage space you’re not using.
17. Sell Your Photos Online
If you have a talent for photography, selling your photos online can be a fun and creative way to earn extra cash.
There are several websites that allow you to upload and sell your photos, including:
To get started, you’ll need to create an account with one or more of these websites and submit a portfolio of your work.
Once your photos are approved, they’ll be added to the site’s database and made available for purchase by businesses, bloggers, and other customers.
Each site has its own payout structure and commission rates, so be sure to read the terms carefully before signing up.
Generally, you’ll earn a percentage of each sale, with rates varying depending on the license type and exclusivity of the photo.
To increase your chances of success, focus on creating high-quality, unique photos that stand out from the competition.
Research popular keywords and trends to determine what types of photos are in demand, and consider specializing in a particular niche or style to build a consistent brand.
18. Negotiate Your Bills and Improve Your Credit Score
While it may not be as exciting as some of the other methods on this list, negotiating your bills and improving your credit score can have a significant impact on your financial health over time.
By reducing your monthly expenses and increasing your creditworthiness, you can free up more money to save, invest, or spend on things you enjoy.
Here are some tips for negotiating your bills:
- Research competitors’ prices and use them as leverage in your negotiations.
- Be polite but firm in your requests, and be willing to walk away if necessary.
- Ask for discounts, waived fees, or other concessions that can lower your monthly payments.
- Consider using a bill negotiation service like Trim or Truebill to handle the negotiations for you.
To improve your credit score, focus on:
- Paying your bills on time every month.
- Keeping your credit utilization low (aim for 30% or less of your available credit).
- Disputing any errors or inaccuracies on your credit report.
- Avoiding new credit applications unless absolutely necessary.
- Maintaining a mix of different types of credit (e.g., credit cards, installment loans, etc.).
Over time, small improvements in your credit score can lead to big savings on interest rates and more favorable terms on loans and credit cards.
By taking steps to negotiate your bills and improve your creditworthiness, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success.
How to Get Free Money – Final Thoughts
There you have it – a whole bunch of ways to earn free money and keep more of your hard-earned cash. I hope some of these ideas got you excited to try something new.
The great thing is, you can pick and choose the ones that make the most sense for your lifestyle. Maybe you start with just one or two, and then add more over time.
The important thing is to take action, even if it’s just a small step. Trust me, those little steps can really add up!
