That’s where you, as a virtual assistant (VA), come in. VAs can take care of these types of administrative and marketing tasks so business owners don’t have to.

If you’re looking for a work-from-home job, virtual assisting may be a good option. Although you’ll probably earn more money working for yourself, a virtual assistant company can be a great way to break into the field or find steady work.

List of Virtual Assistant Companies That Pay Well

After researching the hundreds of virtual assistant companies out there, we found two that stand out above the rest: Belay Solutions and Virtual Assist USA. Not only do they pay the most, but these companies also promote teamwork and collaboration with other VAs. 

In addition, they provide VAs with the opportunity to earn pay increases on an annual basis.

1. Belay Solutions

About: Founded by a husband-wife duo in 2010, Belay Solutions employs U.S-based virtual assistants and other specialists like bookkeepers and web developers. Formerly known as eaHelp, Belay serves church leaders, photographers, authors, attorneys, and consultants in addition to small businesses and executives.

Scope of work: While Belay Solutions offers bookkeeping and web maintenance, its primary service is virtual assistance. The company’s VAs help with all types of requests such as project research, travel arrangements, and calendar management.

After Robin Snyder had children and decided to get back into the workforce, she applied for a VA position at Belay. “I spent five years working as a VA at Belay and can’t recommend them enough. They have a great support team and a Facebook community for all VAs to share ideas and encourage one another,” she said.

Snyder was placed with three clients during her time at Belay and all three of them eventually hired her as a freelancer.

Employment type: While Belay Solutions does hire full-time virtual employees in Atlanta, all virtual assistants are contractors. Snyder’s contract was 25 hours per week but she explained that VAs can work more or less if they prefer.

Pay: VAs at Belay can earn between $15 and $18 per hour and receive payment via direct deposit on the 15th of every month. They can receive the opportunity to request a pay increase each year during their annual review.

How to apply: After you apply online and submit your resume, Belay will reach out and ask you a few questions to get a feel for what you’re looking for. If you pass the initial screening, you’ll have a video interview and will be required to pass a few skills tests.

As one of the top virtual assistant websites, Snyder notes it gets thousands of applications each month so it’s important to make yourself stand out as much as possible.

2. Virtual Assist USA

About: Virtual Assist USA has been around since 2008. The company serves entrepreneurs, small business owners, and Fortune 500 companies like Dow Chemical, Harvard Business Review, and Twitter.

Scope of work: While Virtual Assist USA offers a variety of VA services, some of the most popular ones VAs complete include travel booking, data entry, research, and web design. Clients are matched with VAs who meet their unique needs, and since the company fosters a teamwork mentality, if a VA is struggling with a task, another one can assist.

Type of employment: Although Virtual Assist USA only hires full-time employees, it does offer flexible start times. Employees can choose their own schedule as long as it falls between 6:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. EST. Part-time positions are also available for VAs who prefer to work 15 to 20 hours per week.

Pay: VAs earn $18 to $19 per hour starting out and receive payment every two weeks via direct deposit. VAs have the opportunity to earn more through bi-annual and annual compensation reviews. Virtual Assist USA also offers a 401(k), paid holidays, and paid vacation days. 

How to apply: Once you submit your resume through the career page, it’ll go into Virtual Assist USA’s database. If the company believes you’d be a good fit, it’ll conduct two interviews: one over the phone and one via video. While the phone interview is usually about 15 to 30 minutes, the video interview is 45 minutes to an hour and involves a series of behavioral questions.

The goal of the video interview is to see how well you work in a fast-paced environment remotely while juggling multiple clients at the same time.

Related: 16 Best Online Business Ideas for Beginners

Other Virtual Assistant Companies That Pay Well

Not all virtual assistant jobs are created equal, especially when it comes to pay. You may come across several of them that ask for a lot of work in exchange for very low rates. Fortunately, there are some that compensate fairly.

3. Priority VA

About: Priority VA made its debut in 2013 to match small business owners, CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, and coaches to virtual executive assistants or EAs.

Scope of work: EAs perform a number of different tasks including booking travel and appointments, drafting content for blogs and social media, and managing calendars. They are also trained to proactively take repetitive activities off their clients’ to-do lists to simplify their day and increase productivity.

Type of employment: EAs at Priority VA work as contractors.

Pay: Most EAs earn between $16 and $22 per hour. Contractors are paid on a monthly basis via direct deposit.

How to apply: You’ll need to submit an online application and complete a series of follow-up questions and skills tests. You can also expect to participate in two video interviews.

Related: 17 Online Typing Jobs You Can Do From Home

4. Virtual Work Team

About: Founded in 2006, Virtual Work Team specializes in all types of VA services to support clients across the country and world. Its goal is to “help businesses grow” at an affordable price.

Scope of work: Virtual Work Team VAs schedule doctor’s appointments, create slide show presentations and excel spreadsheets, moderate webinars, manage schedules, freelance write, and more. Each VA on the team has their own unique set of skills and is matched to clients who can benefit from them.

Type of employment: Since VAs work as contractors, they can choose how often they’d like to work. Most of the contractors the company hires already have some previous VA experience.

Pay: While pay is based on skills and tasks performed, new VAs can expect to earn between $10 and $35 per hour. VAs receive payment bi-weekly via company check, PayPal, or Payoneer.

How to apply: To work for Virtual Work Team, you can use its online contact form to submit your resume and a few references. If the company wants to move forward with your application, it’ll contact you to set up an initial interview with a hiring manager. The next step is a round table interview with a few team members.

If you’re hired, you’ll need to complete a virtual onboarding process where you’ll meet the team and participate in a formal orientation with your assigned client.

Related: 51 Sites to Find Your Next Freelance Gig

5. REVA Global

About: Connecticut-based REVA Global specializes in VA services for real estate professionals. It also offers marketing and medical virtual assistant services. Founded by a real estate investor, REVA Global’s mission is to help those in the real estate industry save time and money by making the most out of every lead or opportunity they receive.

Mike Qiu, a house flipper in Seattle, hired REVA Global to assist with his business. “I feel very fortunate to have found them and my VA has been tremendous in allowing me to get work done,” he said.

Scope of work: Virtual assistants at REVA Global perform tasks that help real estate professionals including researching and sorting through data to develop lead lists, creating and managing Facebook ads, writing content for a website, updating lead lists, and texting cold leads.

Employment type: Virtual assistants work as independent contractors.

Pay: REVA Global VAs earn between $10 and $15 per hour and receive payment every two weeks via direct deposit.

How to apply: To apply online, you’ll need to attach your resume and take a DISC assessment to uncover your personality type and behavioral style. You’ll also need to create a video that proves you own a reliable computer with memory space.

If the REVA Global team wishes to move forward with your application, you’ll receive an invitation to participate in a few video interviews.

Related: How One Woman Makes $3,000 per Month as a Virtual Assistant

It’s Possible to Earn a Full-Time Income Working for the Right Virtual Assistant Company

If you’re looking for a way to make a full-time income from home, working for a virtual assistant company can provide that. If you’re just getting started, working with a VA company can help you gain experience, connect with clients, and build your VA portfolio. 

Over time, you may find you want to branch out on your own and start your own freelance virtual assistant business. Working as a freelance virtual assistant can give you greater flexibility, higher pay, and complete control over your schedule.

The post 5 Best Virtual Assistant Companies Hiring Right Now appeared first on DollarSprout.

Instead, they put their extra cash toward their mortgage payment, which they paid off in 7 years, and invested Chris’s entire paycheck. This allowed Chris’s wife, Kim, to cut back to part-time work in 2012 after their daughter was born. It also gave Chris the freedom to retire from his career as a physical therapist at the age of 41.

While it was tempting for the Mamulas to succumb to lifestyle inflation when their income almost quadrupled, they knew doing so would keep them from achieving their most important goal: becoming financially independent at a young age.

How Lifestyle Inflation Works

Lifestyle inflation occurs when your spending increases as your income grows. It usually happens gradually over a period of time, making it difficult to notice.

You get a promotion or a raise, so you decide to buy a new car. The payment eats up most of the difference between your old paycheck and your new one. Or maybe you take a new job with a better salary and think, “Now I can finally move into my own place.”

Every level comes with new expenses and things to buy. You kick the savings can further down the road and tell yourself you’ll start to save and invest later when you have more money. But later comes with new financial demands, and the cycle continues.

Lifestyle inflation can make it difficult for you to get ahead financially and meet your long-term goals.

“People who are subject to lifestyle inflation are never able to save a substantial amount of money,” said Taylor Venanzi, Certified Financial Planner and Owner of Activate Wealth, LLC. “They may appear successful on the surface (given their career growth), but they are often unhappy or frustrated internally.”

If you save your pay increases instead of spending them, you can give yourself and your family options that you may not have otherwise.

Tony LeClaire, Certified Financial Planner and Principal at Caliber Wealth Advisory, has worked with many clients with high-paying careers who were diligent about investing their money, rather than spending it when they earned more.

“They woke up one day with a robust portfolio, nice home, and the choice to live a life they wanted to when it came time to retire,” he said.

Related: What is a Financial Plan and How Do You Make One?

5 Ways to Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

As you grow in your career and earn more money over the years, there are several strategies you can implement to keep your spending in check and lifestyle inflation to a minimum.

1. Direct raises to savings and retirement

Any time you get a raise, put all or most of it into your savings or retirement accounts. This strategy is effective because you won’t ever “see” the money in your checking account, so you won’t miss spending it. It’s a behavioral trick that can keep you from getting accustomed to a larger lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“If saving for retirement is your top priority, and you just landed a 5% raise, then immediately bump up your 401(k) contributions by that exact percentage,” said Jeff Rose, Certified Financial Planner. “If credit card debt is haunting you, then direct the raise into your emergency fund and knock out that debt at an accelerated pace.”

2. Follow a plan

Take the time to think about what’s important to you and where you want to be financially 5, 10, and 20 years from now. This can help you resist lifestyle inflation and allocate your extra funds towards your goals.

Avery Breyer, author of multiple personal finance books, said her annual income doubled early in her marriage. But she and her husband saved most of that money and were able to pay off their house in fewer than 5 years. Breyer revealed that this was no easy feat, especially when her high-earning friends were going on exotic vacations each year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Once you’ve figured out how much you need to achieve your goals, lifestyle inflation can suddenly become unappealing because you know it would sabotage your chances of success. One key element of financial planning is your budget.

A budget shows how much money you have coming in, what you’re spending it on, and how you can make changes to save more. Kyle Kroeger, personal finance blogger at Financial Wolves, earned a raise and promotion, which resulted in a 20% increase over the last year.

“Even though we make more money than we have in the past, my wife and I stay disciplined on a spending plan,” he said. “We keep eating out and luxuries to no more than $750 per month.”

3. Avoid the comparison trap

While it’s easier said than done, focus on yourself and disregard what your peers are doing.

Venanzi said there’s no way of knowing all of the things that got your peers into a given situation. Are they spending all of their money on nice things without saving a dime? Do they come from wealth? Do they love their work?

“Don’t worry about what others are doing and focus on yourself and your own progress,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Some level of lifestyle inflation is okay. In fact, it can be motivating. But the key is balancing your goals with luxuries like a new laptop or trip to Europe. However, trying to keep up with friends or neighbors can sabotage your financial future.

Venanzi encourages his clients to buy a house that’s below their budget, go for the car that’s a little cheaper, and try to avoid high-end department stores. These things compound over time and can keep you from meeting your goals.

If you share finances with your partner, try to live off of one salary and save the other. The Mamulas lived off of Kim’s salary and used Chris’s income to save, pay off their mortgage quickly, and invest. This allowed the couple to buy way less house than they could “afford” and drive cheaper used cars.

4. Evaluate your life before the income increases

Once you earn more money, you may be tempted to inflate your lifestyle because you can. However, according to the hedonic treadmill theory, you won’t necessarily experience long-term happiness.

This theory posits that we, as humans, operate at a baseline happiness level. When good or bad things happen, we experience a spike or drop, but we always return to our baseline.

Prior to starting their own firm, Natalie Slagle, Certified Financial Planner and Founding Partner of Fyooz Financial Planning, said she and her husband took jobs that nearly doubled their income. As a result, they doubled their restaurant and clothing expenses.

Finally, she and her husband sat down and asked themselves questions like: Is it necessary to spend $400 a month on clothes? Or $800 a month on going out to eat?

They reflected on what their relationship and lives were like right out of college and realized they were happy when they didn’t have a lot. They already had a wonderful life, so there was no need to double their spending in categories that didn’t bring them much value or joy.

From that point forward, Natalie and her husband were able to reduce their expenses and put those dollars toward their dream of owning a business together.

5. Build your financial support system

Just because it’s your personal financial journey doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. It’s helpful to have a team of people to support and encourage you to reach your goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This can be a friend or spouse who’s working alongside you. You can meet regularly to check-in and update one another on your progress.

A financial coach or Certified Financial Planner can also make an invaluable addition to your financial team. Both can guide you through the process of defining your goals and creating a strategy to accomplish them.

Venanzi compares this to going to the gym. Some people need a trainer or classes to stick to their plan. Don’t think of this as a weakness if it helps you achieve your goals.

Good Times Aren’t Guaranteed to Last

It can be exciting to get a raise or promotion or land a higher-paying job. When you do, it’s all too easy to go to Nordstrom instead of T.J. Maxx, splurge on five-star restaurants six nights a week, and buy the most expensive house and cars you can afford. Doing all these things at once can interfere with your long-term financial goals.

Lifestyle inflation can also lead to hardship if your financial situation changes and you no longer make as much money. The money you earn today may not be the money you earn tomorrow.

Take advantage of today’s good times by saving as much as you can, treating yourself in moderation, and focusing on your long-term strategy.

The post Lifestyle Inflation: 5 Tips for Avoiding the Silent Budget Killer appeared first on DollarSprout.

Since I was a new college grad who needed extra cash, I decided to go. They asked me various questions regarding my current skincare regimen, the products I used, and how I felt about them. It only took an hour, and I got a $75 Visa gift card and a few product samples. Not a bad way to kill an hour.

If you like the idea of getting paid to share your opinions, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places that host paid research studies. While the study I did was in-person, there are many online research studies you can do at home.

NEW: Get free cash back online with DollarSprout Rewards:

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Websites That Offer Paid Research Studies

You can find online focus groups that’ll pay you for your time and feedback through a variety of websites. Each site has its own requirements and payment structure, so it’s a good idea to explore all the options available.

1. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a survey site that’s been around since 2005. It will pay you to take surveys and express your opinions to big brands who want to improve their products and services. After you answer several questions about yourself and create a profile, the site will match you to surveys that are relevant to you.

Any time you complete a survey, you’ll earn virtual points, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or online gift cards. Most surveys take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and you can expect to make between 100 to 200 points or $1 to $3 per survey. You won’t have to buy any products or sign up for other websites.

2. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a survey panel that partners with large companies who want customer opinions. To join, you’ll enter basic information such as your age and where you live. Then, you’ll take a general household survey where you’ll share details about your lifestyle.

You’ll likely receive survey invitations via email several times a year. The number of points you’ll rack up will depend on the length of the surveys.

While short surveys are typically worth anywhere between 5 and 50 points, you can earn up to 5,000 points with longer ones. One point equals $0.01, and you can cash your points in for PayPal cash or donate them to charity.

Related: 17 Best Places to Take Paid Online Surveys for Money

3. Respondent

Respondent is unique because it organizes one-on-one paid research studies online and in person. You can sign up with your email address or via your Facebook or LinkedIn profile through the site.

Once you do, you’ll fill out some basic personal information such as your name, birthday, and email address. They’ll also ask for demographic details like your gender, ethnicity, and educational background.

After you’ve signed up, you’ll browse all of the “projects” available and details like the pay and how long they take to complete. When you see a project that interests you, you can apply to it through a short questionnaire. You’ll be emailed if the company chooses you for their project.

Most of the projects focus on small business or technology and pay anywhere from $50 to $85 via PayPal for 45 minutes to an hour of your time.

4. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com began in 1988 and offers surveys as well as in-person and online focus groups via phone and webcam. After you create a profile, you’ll be emailed surveys and focus group invitations.

The majority of the site’s surveys and focus groups revolve around health and wellness, pet products, finances, and shopping habits.

You’ll earn between $75 and $150 if you participate in focus groups and points for surveys, which you can apply toward a prepaid Visa debit card. You can cash out 100 points for $1.00.

5. Plaza Research

Plaza Research pays parents, kids, teens, students, doctors, and business professionals to share their opinions on new products and services. It hosts surveys and a variety of in-person focus groups throughout the country.

If you attend a focus group, you’ll likely be asked to try a new product, watch a TV commercial, or discuss your thoughts about future products. To receive survey and focus group invitations, fill out an online form. The form will ask you questions about your education, electronic use, employment, household, pets, and more.

You’ll get an email if you’re a good fit for a survey or focus group. The amount you’ll earn depends on its length and scope. Most participants will earn between $50 and $200, paid via check, for two hours of their time.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

6. Mindswarms

You can create an account online or via the Mindswarms mobile app and get paid to answer questions via your smartphone or webcam.

After you apply to a survey that appeals to you, you’ll answer a few targeted questions to make sure you’re a good fit for it. If you are, you’ll answer seven questions and earn about $50. The money will be sent to your PayPal account within 24 hours. You can also redeem your earnings for an Amazon gift card.

7. Fieldwork

Fieldwork has facilitated marketing research studies since 1980. The company hosts in-person focus groups in 11 cities across the U.S. If you don’t live near any of these cities, you can still register for Fieldwork’s national database and participate in online or phone interviews.

To register, fill out an online questionnaire and wait for Fieldwork to call or email you when an opportunity is available. Most in-person focus groups last between one and two hours and can be on random topics such as cereal and video games. Compensation is usually a $75 Visa gift card.

8. User Interviews

User Interviews organizes focus groups in-person, via phone, or video streaming about products, services, and websites. For a chance to participate, create a profile with your birthday, gender, household income, marital status, and education level.

If you find a project that interests you, complete a short screener survey to see if you’re eligible. If you are, you can sign up for the focus group and earn an average of $50 for an hour. You’ll get paid via check.

9. Brand Institute

Brand Institute is a branding agency that supports healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with their marketing initiatives. You can become a Brand Institute panel member after you fill out a short online registration form. If you qualify for a paid research study, you’ll get an email notification and can participate right away.

Payment depends on the survey you take, and you’re more likely to receive invites for higher-paying surveys if you have a medical background. You can earn between $2 and $30 via check or PayPal. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others in healthcare report that they receive about four surveys a month.

10. Engage

Engage finds respondents for various market research and usability studies. It offers both in-person focus groups and online discussions for panel members. You can join the healthcare panel if you’re a medical professional or consumer panel if you’re an everyday consumer.

You’ll have to provide information about your income, marital status, education level, and job. Once you do, you’ll receive an email notification whenever you qualify for a study. Most studies cover topics like cars, electronics, food products, music, and medical conditions. They usually pay $50 to $250 via check or PayPal.

Universities that Facilitate Paid Focus Groups

 
You can also find paid focus groups at colleges and universities. Many of them offer year-round opportunities and focus on psychology and human behavior. While most of these studies are performed online, a few require that you participate in person.

You don’t have to be a student to participate, and payment is typically in the form of PayPal cash, gift cards, or a check. If you’d like to earn money via college-run focus groups, take a look at the schools near your home. Their websites will likely include details about these types of opportunities.

1. Purdue University (See studies)
2. Center for Decision Sciences Columbia Business School (See studies)
3. Northwestern University Department of Psychology (See studies)
4. Harvard University Psychology Study Pool (See studies)
5. MIT Behavioral Research Lab (See studies)

DollarSprout co-founder Jeff Proctor participated in a six-week research study on high-fat diets at Virginia Tech. During the study, he was compensated with meals and $500.

“It was a great experience but very involved,” he said. “I had to check in every day to get weighed, choose my meals, and get several blood and urine samples taken.”

How to Tell if a Focus Group Opportunity is Legit

Even though many focus group opportunities are legitimate, there are plenty of work-from-home scams out there. If you have to pay to participate or reveal confidential information such as your Social Security number or credit card details, that’s a red flag. Stay away from any focus groups that force you to buy products or services or sign up for other websites.

If you find an opportunity that interests you, do some online research to make sure it’s valid. Check the Better Business Bureau to see its rating and read any complaints. This way you can avoid a situation where you get excited about a focus group and then find out it’s a scam.

A legitimate company will never charge you to attend a focus group or take a survey. In addition, they’ll have a privacy policy that’s prominently displayed on their website and will only email you from a business email account, rather than one from a free service like Gmail or Yahoo.

The post 15 Places That Offer Paid Research Studies appeared first on DollarSprout.

Fortunately, you can find ways to save money on your bills. While some bills like your mortgage and car payment are set in stone, others are negotiable. To negotiate your bills, you’ll need to reach out to your providers and convince them to agree to a lower price. If you don’t want to negotiate them on your own, you can use bill negotiator apps.

3 Best Apps That Automatically Negotiate Your Bills

While you can negotiate your bills yourself, using a bill negotiation app has its advantages. In addition to saving you time, an app may increase your chances of successful negotiation, especially if you’ve never done it before. These apps often have professional bill negotiators on staff and relationships with popular service providers.

1. Trim

Once you download the Trim app and link your financial accounts, the company will send you recommendations on how to save on bills. If you paid $50 for internet last month and are now paying $65, Trim will send you an alert and offer to call your internet company and negotiate. If it’s successful, Trim will take 33% of whatever it saves you annually.

Related: Advice from 3 People Who Use Trim to Save Hundreds

2. Rocket Money

Rocket Money finds and cancels unwanted subscriptions, lowers bills, and gets refunds on fees and outages. It can also save you money on your electric bill. To use Rocket Money, download the app and upload recent bills from your service providers. Once you do, the company will start negotiating on your behalf. While the app is free to use, it will take a 40% cut on the money it saves you each year.

3. Billshark

Once you create a Billshark account, you’ll select the types of bills you’d like to save on and upload images of your current bills. Billshark will then negotiate with your service providers and update you on their status. It’ll keep 40% of whatever the company savings you annually.

The Importance of Negotiating Recurring Bills

Bill negotiation lets you continue using the products and services that you need at a lower price point.

Let’s say you pay $150 per month on your family cell phone plan. If you’re able to negotiate $30 off your monthly payments, that’s $360 in annual savings. You could put that money toward other things that are important to you.

The more bills you negotiate, the more money you’re likely to save. If you successfully negotiate multiple bills, you may be able to save thousands of dollars every year.

Related: 18 Passive Income Ideas to Build Wealth Around the Clock

Types of Bills You Can Negotiate

Most bills are negotiable, even though companies don’t make that information public. Many companies are willing to give you a discount so they can keep you as a customer rather than lose you to a competitor.

Medical bills

Hospitals and doctors often negotiate with insurance companies to reduce the amount their patients owe. Daniella Flores, a personal finance expert and owner of I Like to Dabble, used to work at a surgery center and was surprised to learn how negotiable medical bills are. Her tips for saving on them include:

• Look for billing errors: Coding errors, double billing, or fees for services you never received are common occurrences. Ask for an itemized bill and review it carefully for accuracy.
• Pay in full: Some medical providers will give you a discount if you pay for your service in full on the day of the procedure. This strategy works best if you don’t have to rely on a credit card or take money out of savings to do so.
• Ask about bundle pricing: Find out if your doctor will give you a bundle price for all related services. For example, if you had surgery, suggest one price for any pre and postoperative treatments.

Rent

If you’re a quiet tenant, pay rent on time, and don’t want to move, you have a chance of negotiating your monthly rent payments. This is particularly true if you’re renting from an independent landlord rather than a large property company. To negotiate rent, you should:

• Extend your lease: If you ask to extend your lease, you’re more likely to save money on rent because your landlord will view you as a stable investment. Let them know you’re willing to commit to a longer lease in exchange for a discounted rate.
• Research prices: Find out what comparable homes, condos, or apartments are charging for rent. If you discover you’re paying more, you have a strong case to present to your landlord.
• Talk to your landlord in person: If you’re struggling financially for whatever reason, let your landlord know. While you may not be able to reduce your rent forever, your landlord may be willing to work out a lower rate until you can get back on your feet.

Cable and internet

You can negotiate lower payments on cable and internet successfully if you:

• Find out competitor rates: Do some online research to get an idea of what others are charging for the same services. Use any lower rates you find as a negotiation tactic.
• Call again: If the first person you speak to doesn’t offer a better rate, call again at a different time. You may reach a supervisor or someone else in customer service that’s more willing to work with you.
• State you may switch: This tactic works best if you’ve already done your research. Call your provider and state the deal another company is offering you. Let it know if it can’t match or do better, then you’ll be taking your business elsewhere.

Cell phone

Now that discount providers have made their way into the market, cell phone companies don’t mind negotiating lower monthly payments. Before you call up your cell phone company, look at your most recent bill so that you know how much you pay and what you get. Then, follow these tips.

• Compare competitor rates: Determine what other cell phone providers charge and tell your customer service representative if you’ve found a competitor that offers a more affordable rate. This can convince them to negotiate with you and make you a comparable offer.
• Add a line: If you tell your cell phone company that you’d like to add someone new to your plan, it’ll be more likely to give you a better deal.
• Ask for the loyalty department: Most cell phone companies have a loyalty department whose primary job is to retain customers. 

Car insurance

Just like cable and the internet, car insurance companies are competitive and will do whatever it takes to keep you as a customer. When you call your car insurer to negotiate lower premiums, keep these strategies in mind.

• Ask about discounts: Almost every car insurance company offers a long list of discounts. You may be able to claim a discount for things like being a student, avoiding accidents, or driving a new vehicle.
• Comparison shop: Once you know what coverage you need and want, shop around to find out what other insurers are offering. Inform your insurance company of the quotes you received and ask if it can beat them.

Credit cards

While you can’t negotiate the purchases you’ve made on your credit card, you can save in other ways. Contact your credit card company and find out if it can:

• Reduce your APR: If you’ve paid your credit card on time, your provider may give you a lower interest rate. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you tend to carry a balance on your card.
• Remove a late fee: You may be stuck with a late fee if you missed a payment date. If you have a history of on-time payments, ask your credit card company if it can waive it.

Tips for Negotiating Your Own Bills

If you choose to negotiate your bills yourself, here are several strategies that will make the bill negotiation process easier and increase your chance of success.

Determine which bills you can negotiate.

Jot down a list of your monthly expenses and circle any bills you may be able to negotiate. Then list them in order from most to least expensive. Use this list to help you prioritize your negotiation efforts and tackle your largest bills first.

Create a spreadsheet with customer service numbers.

To save time on bill negotiation, create a spreadsheet in Google Docs or Microsoft Excel. The spreadsheet should include a list of all the providers you hope to call and their customer service numbers. This way you can go through the process quickly and don’t have to spend your time looking for contact information.

Write a negotiation script.

A script can also save you time and make the negotiation process less intimidating. You can write a short script of your own or keep this one on hand for when you speak with your providers:

Hi there. I have an issue with my [PROVIDER NAME] bill and was hoping you can help me. My bill is a bit too expensive for me, and I’m looking for ways to save money on it.

 

I noticed that [COMPETITOR] is offering a lower price of [PRICE] on the same service. Is it possible for you to match or beat them? I’m a loyal customer and would love to stay with your company if you can figure out a way to give me a more affordable rate.

 

Thank you so much for your time.

Be polite.

Try to be as respectful and polite as possible when you speak to customer service representatives. Kari Lorz was able to negotiate her credit card interest rate from 24% to 19%, saving her hundreds of dollars per year. She recommends making small talk and asking the reps how they’re doing.

“As someone who has worked in customer service for over 20 years,” Lorz said, “I always try to help people who are nice to me.”

Consider using a bill negotiation app for a month.

Bill negotiation apps are designed to make it easier for customers to save money on their monthly bills. If you’re new to negotiating and need some guidance, try using one for a month. While using the app, take notes on which bills they negotiate successfully so you can later do the work yourself and avoid paying fees.

Related: 16 Passive Income Apps Everyone Should Be Using

Is the Cost of Bill Negotiation Apps Worth the Savings?

Since bill negotiator apps take a portion of the amount they save you, you may be wondering whether they’re worth it. In most cases, the answer is yes. Let’s say Rocket Money saves you $200 annually and takes 40%, or $80; you would still pocket $120.

Unless you diligently negotiate your bills on your own, a bill negotiation app makes sense. It can free up your cash flow with minimal effort and help to improve your finances.

The post How Bill Negotiation Apps Can Save You Hundreds — And 3 Apps to Try appeared first on DollarSprout.

When you spend time on these websites, e-commerce stores and other businesses learn about your browsing habits, buying behavior, and interests. This data helps them improve their marketing campaigns, launch new products, and ultimately make more money.

Most of these websites take your valuable data for free (and sometimes without your explicit permission). But if you don’t mind sharing your personal information, you can find data collection apps that will pay you for your data.

NEW: Get free cash back online with DollarSprout Rewards:

Download on: Chrome | Safari

Get Paid for Your Data with These 14 Apps

Each data collection app will be interested in a different type of data, so don’t worry if you’re not comfortable sharing some of your personal information. You may find an app that only collects data you couldn’t care less about.

Online data

If you spend a lot of time searching the internet, visiting different websites, and checking social media, you can make money with an app that reimburses you for data about your online activities. 

1. Tapestri

The newest and easiest-to-use data collection app to hit the market, Tapestri pays consumers for access to the same day we regularly give away for free on the daily: our location data. 

Starbucks, Facebook, Waze, Instagram, TikTok, you name it. They literally all require location data to function, and we quickly and thoughtlessly give it to them, for free.

With Tapestri, users can earn up to $25 each month — every month — by simply sharing their location data. Tapestri then works with big brands like Lowes, Kohls, Amazon, and more, to fine-tune their advertising campaigns to more effectively reach consumers.

The data shared is completely anonymous, so you aren’t actually contacted by any of the brands.

The best part? You can literally just install the app on your phone and completely forget about it. You never actually have to interact with the app if you so choose. That’s about as passive as income streams come. 

Download: 

• Android; Google Play (4.6/5 stars, 697 ratings)
• iPhone; App Store (4.0/5 stars, 400 ratings)

2. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel

The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel app tracks how people use their smartphones, tablets, and other devices to surf the web. It was designed by Nielsen Research, one of the largest consumer research companies that’s famous for its Nielsen Ratings.

If you sign up and install the app on a device, you can earn up to $50 each year and get entered into various sweepstakes. You can also collect points for having the app run the background while you’re online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise.

3. MobileXpression

MobileXpression is an app created by Comscore, which is a media measurement and analytics company. It gathers data related to your browsing history and duration.

If you install the app on your phone, you can earn credits, which you can redeem for gift cards at different retailers like Dunkin’ Donuts, Cold Stone Creamery, and AMC. The app says you can earn a $10 gift card after you’ve been a member for one week.

Tom Blake has used MobileXpression on and off for the past two years and earned a little more than $100 in Amazon and Starbucks gift cards.

“Just be sure to hold out until you can cash out for the $10 rewards as they give a better value-per-credit than cashing out at $5,” Blake said. “Also, try restarting the app occasionally if you stop earning credits because the app can be finicky sometimes.”

Related: 18 Best Sites for Taking Paid Surveys

4. Honeygain

Honeygain is an app that monitors your web usage data and reports it to companies. You can download the app on Android, Windows, and MacOS devices.

According to its website, you can earn up to $19/month if you download the app on three devices. That’s almost $230 a year for not doing anything except allowing the app to access your usage history.

This average may vary depending on your location (some pay more than others), your internet speed, and how much daily content and traffic you share with Honeygain.

The app has a 4.0 rating on Trustpilot with more than 600 reviews.

Related: 15 Legit Ways to Make Money From Your Phone

5. UpVoice

UpVoice tracks the ads you receive while you browse sites including Facebook, YouTube, and Amazon. The site is the research division of BrandTotal, a competitive intelligence platform that supports brands in its advertising initiatives.

If you visit these participating sites while logged onto the app, you can earn $75 or more in annual rewards. You’ll get a sign-up bonus of 300 tokens, or $5, and receive 10 tokens each day you’re on one or more of the sites.

Once you accrue at least 600 tokens (equal to $10), you can redeem them for e-gift cards to places like iTunes, Spotify, and Target.

Shopping Data

If you like to shop, you might as well earn some extra cash while doing so through an app that collects your shopping data.

6. Dosh

You can use the Dosh app to earn cash-back for both in-store and online purchases you make with a linked credit or debit card at participating stores. Even though stores and offers change on a regular basis, the Dosh app typically includes popular chains like Target and Walmart.

Once you download the app, you’ll add your credit or debit card. Any time you make a purchase at a participating store, the cash-back rewards will be automatically added to your account. While most stores pay 2% to 3%, some have a 10% cash-back reward.

Even if your credit card already offers cash-back rewards, you can earn even more with the Dosh app. Once you have at least $25, you can transfer it to your PayPal or bank account or donate the money to charity.

Related: How to Maximize Your Cashback with Dosh

7. Drop

With the Drop app, you can earn cash rewards for shopping at your favorite stores. After you download Drop, you’ll link your credit or debit card and choose five stores you shop at most often. When the app notices you’ve made a purchase at one of these stores, you’ll receive points.

The number of points you can earn will depend on the stores you shop at. For example, Target may reward you 8 points per dollar while Starbucks offers 12 points per dollar. Once you have at least 5,000 points, equal to $50, you can get gift cards to places like Amazon, Trader Joes, and Domino’s Pizza.

DollarSprout reader Blake earned $52 in free gift cards via Drop over the past two years.

“The app offers plenty of bonuses when you try out a new service,” he said. “I’ve seen it pay anywhere between $30 and $150 in Drop points.”

For example, Drop is currently giving new Sun Basket delivery subscribers 30,000 Drop points, and users can receive 150,000 Drop points for trying Payoff to consolidate credit card payments.

Related: 10 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

8. Pei

Pei is a newer app that gives cash back at certain stores and restaurants. Once you download the app and link your credit or debit card, Pei will track your spending at participating stores and automatically credit your account with points.

After you accumulate at least $15 worth of points, you can cash out via PayPal, bitcoin, or a gift card. Cash-back percentages on Pei range from 1% all the way up to 20%. To maximize your earnings with the app, you can link to multiple credit or debit cards.

Related: 16 Must-Have Cashback Apps for Your Phone

Mileage Data

If you drive every day, you can make some extra money with a mileage data collection app.

9. OnMyWay

OnMyWay pays users to stay off their phones every time they drive to stop distracted driving. Once you enter your phone number on the OnMyWay website, you’ll receive a link to download the app.

You’ll get $10 for becoming a user and earn $0.05 for every mile you don’t text and drive. If you refer a friend, you’ll also lock in $2 plus $0.02 for every mile they drive without texting. You can redeem your OnMyWay Cash for “deals” within the app. These deals are coupon codes to stores like Jordan Lash or Hollywood Sensation. There’s no way to convert that money into PayPal credit or direct deposit.

10. Mobilio

Mobilo’s mission is to reward people for not using their phones while driving. After you download the app, it will activate the GPS feature on your phone. Any time it detects a speed above 12 mph that lasts for at least 2 minutes, the point tracker will begin.

You’ll get one point for every minute you don’t use your phone. If the app notices you’re using your phone, it’ll deduct a point. If you use Google Maps, Spotify, or another app, make sure you put your phone in a cradle so that it won’t move while you’re driving.

You can exchange your points for a new cryptocurrency called Mobilio. In February 2020, Mobilio announced the Mobilio Airbag, the first product you can purchase with its cryptocurrency.

If you use a car-sharing service like Zipcar or Share Now and buy the Mobilio Airbag at least 30 minutes before a ride, it’ll pay for the Zipcar or Share Now damage fee if you get into a crash, as long as you didn’t use your phone during the trip.

11. Safe 2 Save

Safe 2 Save promotes safe driving by rewarding you for paying attention to the road. After you create an account and download the app, you can start earning points. You get two points for every minute of safe driving while going at least 10 mph. If you touch your phone while you’re driving, the app will stop adding points to your account.

You can redeem your points at a specific business, all in-store options that are local to you. Once you visit the business, you’ll present the promotion to the cashier. An example of an in-store promotion is a free ice cream cone at Panera or smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Step Data

These data collection apps pay you to lead an active lifestyle and improve your health.

12. Achievement

Achievement rewards users with points every time they walk, meditate, log meals, and participate in other healthy activities. It’s an aggregator by Evidation Health that syncs to more than 20 other health and fitness apps.

The number of points you earn depends on the apps you choose and the healthy activities you participate in. You’ll get $10 for every 10,000 points and can redeem them via PayPal, direct deposit, or by donating to charity. You need a minimum of 10,000 points to redeem your rewards.

Right now you can earn six points for tracking your heart rate, 100 points for completing a survey on diabetes, and 39 points for walking 14,000 steps. With numbers like that, it may take some time to get to 10,000 points.

Related: 5 Apps That Incentivize Weight Loss with Cash Rewards

13. PK Rewards

PK Rewards incentivize you to exercise. Once you activate the app, it’ll track your workouts.

You’ll receive an effort score after every workout, which will convert to coins. The longer you work out and the higher your heart rate is, the more coins you’ll earn. You can redeem your coins for prizes from brands like Lululemon, Amazon, and Nike.

14. Runtopia

Runtopia offers a variety of features to motivate you to run every day. The app records running data like distance, pace, and calories. It also provides personalized running-focused training plans that can help you meet your unique goals.

If you download Runtopia, complete daily exercise tasks, and track your steps, you’ll earn Sports Coins. You can exchange your Sports Coins for PayPal cash, fitness clothes, and other free products.

Related: 13 Apps That Pay for Your Smartphone Step Data

Watch Out for Illegitimate Data Collection Apps

While data collection apps can be a great way to earn passive income with your smartphone, not all apps that claim to pay for your data are legitimate. It’s important to do your research and only give out information and permissions to trusted apps. Not only can malicious apps slow down your phone, they can create unnecessary identity theft and financial troubles.

Before you download an app that’s not on this list, read its privacy policy, and look for reviews from people who have used it. If something doesn’t seem right, look for a different option.

The post 14 Data Collection Apps For Earning Easy Passive Income appeared first on DollarSprout.

I thought she was kidding until she took out her MacBook and introduced me to Swagbucks. Even though I had a jam-packed schedule, I used Swagbucks to browse the web and complete other easy tasks in my spare time.

If you’re a college student, stay-at-home mom, or anyone else trying to make a little extra money, you can get paid to search the web. All you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection.

Companies That Pay You to Browse the Web

There are a variety of websites that’ll pay you to browse the web and use the internet as you normally would. They each have their own requirements, redemption schedules, and rules to follow.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a rewards and loyalty program that’s been around since 2008. You can earn points or “SBs” when you use Swagbucks Search, a Yahoo-powered search engine. Add the browser extension in Google Chrome to make sure you never miss an opportunity to make money.

SBs are given randomly, so you don’t get paid every time you search. Any time you earn an SB, a notification will pop up and you’ll click “claim.” If you want to make more money via Swagbucks, you can watch videos, answer surveys, and shop online as well.

How points work: 100 SBs equal roughly $1.00

Cash out minimum: 160 SBs or $1 for an Amazon gift card

Payment options: You can redeem your SBs, cash through PayPal, or gift cards to Amazon, Target, and thousands of other retailers.

Daily earning limit: Unclear

Sign-up bonus: 1,000 SBs or $10 (terms and conditions apply)

2. InboxDollars

Founded in 2000, InboxDollars has paid over $59 million in rewards to its members. You can make money if you use its search engine, InboxDollars Search, instead. Every time you complete four web searches, your “Scratch & Win bar” will start to fill up.

Once it’s full, you can unlock scratch cards, which are like lottery cards. InboxDollars will also pay you to watch videos, take surveys, read emails, print coupons, and play games.

How scratch cards work: While you can win scratch cards that are worth $10 to $100, most of them are valued between a few cents to $0.25.

Cash out minimum: $30

Payment options: Once you meet the $30 cash out minimum, you can get paid via check in the mail, Visa prepaid card, or an electronic gift card to a retailer of your choice. You may also donate your earnings to a charity like the American Red Cross or Animal Humane Society.

Daily earning limit: Unclear

Sign-up bonus: Earn $5 for activating your account

3. iRazoo

iRazoo is an online rewards and cash-back site. Since 2007, it’s paid users to search the web, take surveys, watch videos, and enter promo codes. If you set your browser’s default search engine to the iRazoo Engine, powered by Yahoo, you can win iRazoo Points each time you search the web.

Every time you make a unique search, you’ll get the chance to earn between 1 and 25 iRazoo Points. The points will appear randomly on your screen and you’ll need to click a button to claim them.

How points work: 3,000 iRazoo Points equals $5

Cash out minimum: 3,000 iRazoo Points

Payment options: Your points are good for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon and Home Depot.

Daily earning limit: 25 iRazoo Points per day

Sign-up bonus: 100 iRazoo Points

4. Qmee

Launched in 2012, Qmee is a free app that partners with advertisers and rewards members when they take surveys, shop, and search online. You can download the Qmee browser app and make money while you search on Google, Yahoo, and Amazon.

If you see a search result that piques your interest, click on it to get the available reward. You’ll get the same search results you’d see if you didn’t use Qmee, including a few extras that pay to appear in Qmee’s search results. In most cases, your reward will be a few cents each.

How rewards work: Rewards are shown by dollar amount. For example, you may see a $0.07 reward when you click on a search result.

Cash out minimum: None. You can redeem your earnings at any time.

Payment options: Once you earn rewards, you can donate them to charity or redeem them for gift cards or PayPal cash.

Daily earning limit: None. You can earn as much as you want.

Sign-up bonus: None.

5. Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards, formerly known as Bing Rewards, was founded in 2010 to encourage people to use the Bing search engine. You’ll earn credits when you search via Bing, spend money at Microsoft.com, play trivia, and take polls. To become a Level 1 member, you can sign up for a Microsoft account and stay signed in to start earning.

To earn even more rewards, use the Microsoft Edge Browser on your phone or computer to search with Bing. If you do, you’ll become a Level 2 member and can claim up to 600 points a month. To get the points, click “redeem” when you see them on your screen.

How points work: Earn up to 5 points for every search.

Cash out minimum: The reward you choose (gift card, sweepstakes entry, or donation) will determine how much you need to cash out.

Payment options: You can use your points for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and donations to nonprofits.

Daily earning limit: Level 1 members: 5 points per day, 150 points per month; Level 2 members: 20 points per day, 600 points per month.

Sign-up bonus: None

Other Ways to Earn Money Searching the Web

These jobs may require more time and dedication than just using a search engine, but they allow you to earn more money overall.

6. Download Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel

Nielsen is a research company that collects market and consumer information. If you download the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel app, you’ll earn rewards for your online searches. Nielsen will track your internet usage and share it with companies that use the information to create new products and services or improve their existing ones.

They’ll capture things like which websites you visit and how long you stay on those sites. When you accumulate points through the app, you can redeem them for free gift cards to places like Amazon and Starbucks. You’ll need to earn 800 points to cash out for a $5 gift card.

7. Become a Search Engine Evaluator

Search engines are always looking for ways to improve, which is why they hire Search Engine Evaluators. As a Search Engine Evaluator, you can earn $12 per hour or more to check search engine results for quality and relevancy. You’ll provide the human touch search engines need to detect flaws that algorithms can’t yet catch on their own.

Before you get hired, you’ll likely have to pass a test or interview that shows you understand how search engines work. Check companies like Lionbridge, Appen Butler Hill, and Leapforce for Search Engine Evaluator opportunities.

Related: 28 Legit Online Jobs That Are Easy, Flexible, and Profitable

8. Search and Test Websites

User-friendly websites are more important now than ever before. If a website is difficult to navigate, users will leave quickly and may never return. That’s why companies will pay you to search and test websites. You’ll visit a site and offer valuable feedback so that it can be improved for ease of use.

UserTesting.com pays $10 to $15 for short, 20-minute site reviews. Before they hire you, you’ll need to complete a sample test. Once you’re on board, you’ll receive real, paying opportunities. You can cash out your earnings via PayPal.

Related: 14 Places That Will Pay You to Test Websites

9. Use Websites to Research

Businesses pay websites like AskWonder.com to hire research assistants who can find answers to detailed questions.

You’ll need to take a test, which will include a sample question for you to answer, to apply for a research assistant position. Once you get hired, you’ll receive access to a database with guidelines, a list of resources, and tips on how you should approach different topics.

Pay depends on the complexity of the question, among other factors. According to Wonder, researchers can make $15 to $25 per hour depending on the types of jobs they choose and how quickly they work. Payments are processed every two weeks and sent via PayPal.

Related: One Expert’s Advice on Why Weird Side Hustles Work

3 Ways to Maximize Your Earnings

Most of the websites that pay for your web searches reward you with just a few cents per search. At that rate, it can take a while to see any real earnings. Here are a few ways to increase your earning potential:

Sign up with multiple websites: The more websites you sign up for, the more you’ll earn. You can start with one and eventually use three or four. Jot down the websites you choose so that you don’t forget about one and try to rotate between all of them.

Set your default search engine to Bing: When you set Bing as your default search engine and sign up for Microsoft Rewards, you can earn up to 5 points for every search. That way you’ll never miss out on easy rewards.

Try to maximize your daily searches: Any time you have a question or need to research something, be sure to use one of your chosen sites. It’s easy to forget and use your go-to search engine, but then you miss out on some easy cash. That’s why it helps to set your default search engine to one of these new sites and bookmark the others.

There Are Better Earning Options

Searching the web isn’t the answer if you’d like to make a full-time or part-time income. However, it can be a great way to earn some spare change with little effort. This is particularly true if you spend a lot of your time doing research or surfing the web anyway.

It can take a while to accumulate enough points or rewards to redeem a gift card or cash. At the end of the day, there are better ways to make money online.

The post 9 Legitimate Ways to Get Paid to Search the Web appeared first on DollarSprout.

One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to bring the right things. Showing up prepared will impress the interviewer and make you stand out from other candidates.

10 Things to Bring to a Job Interview

Once you figure out what you’re going to wear, it’s time to think about what to bring to a job interview.

1. Resume

Some people leave their resume at home because they assume the interviewer already has a copy of it. Krystal Yates, HR consultant at EBR Consulting, LLC said candidates can avoid this mistake by always bringing multiple copies.

There may be more than one person in the interview who doesn’t have a copy. Even if the person has a copy, they may have marked it up or filed it with human resources.

Related: Make Your Resume Stand Out With These 11 Extracurricular Activities

2. Portfolio

A portfolio with work samples can help you stand out during the interview.

For example, if you’re interviewing for a graphic design position, include your three best design examples in your portfolio. If you’re a writer, make copies of your best articles so that you can leave them with the interviewer.

3. Notepad and pen

Bringing a notepad and pen can help you look organized and show that you’re serious about the position.

Jot down any questions you think of while the interviewer is talking or any information you want to remember. When it comes time to recall what was said or write your thank you note, you’ll be glad you documented the interview.

4. A good attitude

A good attitude and enthusiastic energy are among the most important things you can bring to an interview.

“You want the interviewer to feel your eagerness and view you as a team player that they can picture in their organization,” said Lauren Jackson, a 10-year recruiting professional.

Related: 11 Skills Employers Look for That Most People Never Think About

5. Directions and contact information

If you can’t find the building and arrive late, you may have shot yourself in the foot. That’s why it helps to bring directions on how to get to your interview as well as where to park.

You may also want to print out pictures of the building or write down nearby landmarks to help you find it easier. Write down your interviewer’s name and phone number in case you do get lost and need assistance.

6. Questions for the interviewer

Questions for the interviewer aren’t optional in today’s competitive job market; they’re necessary. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

“Make sure your questions are related to the company and what you can do to help them,” said Fletcher Wimbush, CEO of The Hire Talent. “Stay away from self-focused questions like ‘Can I work from home on Fridays?’ or ‘What is the 401(k) plan like?’”

You should only ask those types of questions after you’ve received an offer.

7. Emergency items

You never know what you may need right before an interview, which is why it’s wise to keep an emergency kit with items like deodorant, breath mints, tissues, hand sanitizer, and a Tide Pen.

This kit can keep your hygiene in check and save you in case you have to sneeze, it gets super hot, or you spill something on your suit.

8. A bag or briefcase

Once you’ve gathered everything you need to bring to your interview, find a briefcase or messenger bag to hold them in. This way you won’t have to come to your interview looking overwhelmed with your hands full of stuff. If you don’t have a briefcase or messenger bag, a clean backpack may be appropriate.

Related: Should You Take a Pay Cut for a New Job?

9. Identification

This may seem obvious, but many candidates forget their IDs in their cars or at home. Bring your driver’s license, passport, or any other document that proves your identity.

Many companies, especially larger ones, won’t let you enter the building without an ID. You should also bring information about the recruiter or hiring manager you’ve been in touch with in case you need to reference it.

10. References

Many companies request references after they’ve interviewed a candidate, but it’s still wise to bring your references with you.

If you have your references on hand during the interview, the interviewer won’t have to contact you later and ask for them. Bring a printed list with at least three professional references and their contact details. This may be included on your resume or on a separate document.

Related: How to Ask for a Raise: The Advice No One Ever Gave You

What Not to Bring to an Interview

For all the things you should bring to a job interview, there are a few you’re better off leaving at home.

Your mom or friend

You may want your mom or friend to tag along to your interview to give you some moral support. Unfortunately, this isn’t a good idea as going to an interview solo shows that you are a confident, polished candidate who is taking the interview seriously.

“You should always walk into an interview by yourself,” Yates said. “Leave everyone else in the car or outside the building.”

Your phone

It can be difficult to part with your phone, but you shouldn’t have it on during an interview. Your phone should be turned off and out of sight as soon as you enter the room where the interview is taking place. Remember that a ringing phone during an interview is a surefire way to annoy the interviewer and miss out on a job offer.

Your laptop

Even if you want to save paper or show off an interactive interface, don’t bring your laptop to an interview. Dana Case, hiring manager at MyCorporation, said many candidates show off their resume, cover letter, and samples on their laptops.

This can be a hassle and waste precious interview time. Case suggests you bring paper materials or email what you want to show to the interviewer instead.

Related: How to Write a Cover Letter That Lands You an Interview

Uncomfortable shoes

Your high heels may look great with your interview outfit, but if they’re uncomfortable to walk in, save them for another occasion. The last thing you want is to slip and fall in front of your interviewer.

Wear closed-toe flats or low heels that you can easily walk around in. Practice walking in your shoes a few days before your interview to make sure they’re comfortable.

Gum

If you’re concerned about bad breath or want to relieve some pre-interview stress, you can chew some gum beforehand. Just make sure you get rid of it as soon as you enter the interview. You’ll appear unprofessional and have trouble speaking clearly if you have gum in your mouth while the interview is being conducted. This also holds true for mints.

Treats for the interviewer

It may be tempting to bring a treat like a cookie, piece of chocolate, or cup of coffee for the interviewer. While this may seem like a nice gesture, Joe Wilson, Senior Career Advisor at MintResume, strongly discourages it. If you do this, your interviewer may misconstrue it as a bribe.

Related: How to Quit Your Job in the Most Professional Way Possible

Know What to Bring to a Job Interview and What to Leave Behind

The most qualified candidate isn’t always the one that gets the job. Even if you’re less qualified for a position than others, being prepared can set you apart. If you bring the right items and leave the wrong ones behind, the interviewer is more likely to view you as a desirable candidate.

They may even choose you over someone with more experience and better credentials. All you have to do is prove that you’re a sharp, well-prepared candidate with potential.

“Some candidates come into an interview overconfident because they believe their previous job titles will blow the interviewer away,” said Clay Burnett, executive recruiter at Clay Burnett Group.

Be prepared for your interview and act like you have to prove yourself to get the job, even if you know you’re a shoo-in.

The post Not Sure What to Bring to a Job Interview? Don’t Forget These 10 Things appeared first on DollarSprout.

With all that driving — to and from work, running errands, visiting friends, going to the gym — the cost of gas and car maintenance can start to add up. But what if there was a way you could offset those costs?

If you’re in search of some extra cash, consider adding a unique passive income stream.

Get Paid to Advertise on Your Car with These Three Companies

If you don’t mind putting stickers or wraps on your vehicle, there are a number of companies that will pay you to advertise on your car.

1. Nickelytics

In a space wrought with scammy looking websites and empty promises, Nickelytics is a clear standout in terms of instant trust. You can listen to an interview with the CEO (above) and hear him talk in depth about the business model and how drivers can benefit.

How the Program Works:

The first step towards making money with Nickelytics is to download the app and sign up to become a driver. From there, you will fill out a short questionnaire answering questions about yourself and your driving habits, your insurance coverage, etc. From there, you’ll just need to activate the app while you are driving so that Nickelytics can then match you with advertising campaigns that you are eligible for.

Once you’ve been matched with a campaign, you will have the option to accept or reject the campaign. If you decide to move forward, depending on the wrap style of the campaign, you will either have a self-install wrap sent to you or you will have a custom install performed. 

Pros:

• Backed by reputable names: Trust is huge in this space. Nickelytics is backed by some of the most prominent VC firms and has a stacked team.
• Focused on delivering strong advertising results: Based on their client-focused approach, it’s likely that Nickelytics will continue to grow in popularity (which means more opportunities for drivers)

Cons:

• Mileage requirements: To drive for Nickelytics, you should drive a minimum of 30 miles a day, 150 miles a week, and 450 miles a month.
• Newer model required: Your vehicle must be no more than 10 years old without any major body damage to qualify for Nickelytics.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn

Nickelytics reports that most of their drivers earn between $175 and $250 per campaign, with some campaigned earning drivers up to $500. Most campaigns last somewhere between 7 days and three months. 

2. Wrapify

Founded in 2015, Wrapify partners with advertisers who are interested in rolling billboards. It hires drivers who don’t mind placing ads on their car and pay them based on how far they drive.

How the Program Works:

To work with Wrapify, download the app and sign up to become a driver. Then, drive to the places you normally go to and receive offers for campaigns. Your offers will be based on your driving habits, which the app will track.

Once you see a campaign that piques your interest, you’ll register, get the advertisement placed on your car, and start to earn money.

The miles you drive within a campaign zone, which is usually within 50 miles of the advertiser’s location, will determine your earnings.

Pros:

• Easy, consistent payments: Wrapify will pay you every other week via direct deposit.
• No long-term commitments: Most campaigns are between 1 and 3 months long, so you don’t have to make any long-term commitments.

Cons:

• Must pass a background check and be at least 21: To drive for Wrapify, you’ll need to pass a background check, which requires no more than two accidents in the past three years.
• Newer model required: You must have a 2010 or newer vehicle without any major body damage to qualify for Wrapify.
• Early termination fees: If you break a contract before its end date and remove the wrapping, you’ll be charged with early termination fees.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn

Wrapify drivers report earning $196 to $452 per month, depending on mileage driven.

Related: 18 Passive Income Ideas for Generating Continuous Wealth

3. Carvertise

Carvertise is a Delaware-based advertising company. It was founded in 2012 and hires thousands of drivers throughout the country.

How the Program Works:

To apply to Carvertise, you enter your name, phone number, and email on a short form on its website. The company will match you to a brand that targets the areas you normally drive to.

After you are approved to become a driver, the company puts car wrap advertising on your car and pays you via direct deposit. The company pays $100 per month for the duration of the campaign. If you participate in a three-month campaign, for example, you’ll earn a total of $300. At the end of the campaign, you will remove the ad.

Pros:

• Opportunities to earn more by parking: If you park your car in certain locations during a set time frame, you may be able to boost your earnings.
• Can accept or decline campaigns: You don’t have to commit to a certain number of campaigns and can participate as much or as few as you’d like.

Cons:

• Must drive 30 miles per day: If you drive less than 30 miles per day, Carvertise won’t hire you as a driver.
• Newer car requirement: Your car must be a 2008 or newer model.

How Much You Can Expect to Earn

Pay ranges from about $300 to $1,200 per campaign.

Related: 28 Online Jobs That are Legitimate, Easy, and Flexible

Companies We Aren’t Sure of But Have Seen Mentioned

A quick Google search will give you long list of car wrapping advertising companies, but that doesn’t mean all of them are worth your time. The names on the list below kept popping up on other articles across the web, but we can’t vouch for their authenticity. We recommend trying to work with Nickelytics, Carvertise, or Wrapify before trying any other companies.

Free Car Media

Why we left them off our list:

Very outdated website along with a weird “start your online business today” link on their homepage that is unrelated to car wrapping. Clicking on the sign up page takes you to a totally different URL.

ReferralCars

Why we left them off our list:

While a clunky website isn’t always an automatic fail, the ReferralCars website leaves a lot to be desired. For starters, the site is not secure, which is a red flag. It also appears that the link to sign up for campaigns just redirects back to the homepage, so it’s impossible to sign up. Chances are, the site used to be legit but is no longer active.

StickerRide

Why we left them off our list:

According to App Store reviews, the customer service has been on the decline. According to users, the app also appears to be very buggy. Proceed with caution.

Related: 13 Ways to Make Money Delivering Food, Packages, and More

What Kinds of Ads Will be Placed on Your Car

Each company has its own strategy for placing ads on cars. While some companies pay to advertise using simple decal stickers, many of them opt for vinyl car wrapping. The wrapping option makes it look like the ads were actually painted onto the cars.

Depending on the size of the ad, the wrapping may cover your entire vehicle or a small part of it. Car wrapping isn’t permanent, so the car advertising company can easily remove it from your car if and when you decide to stop working for it. It’s unlikely that vinyl wrapping will cause any damage to your car, so you shouldn’t have to worry about expensive repairs or new paint.

Related: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Host

How to Find Legitimate Car Advertising Companies

The reality is that car wrap scams are rampant. Do your due diligence and vet a company to make sure it’s legitimate before you agree to work with it.

Application Process: A legitimate car advertising company typically has a formal application process and evaluates your car’s make, model, and year as well as your driving history. If a company isn’t asking those kinds of questions, it might be best to go in a different direction.

No Application Fee: You shouldn’t be charged any application or annual fees to work with car advertising companies.

Insurance Requirements: If a company is reputable, it’ll require you to show proof of car insurance coverage. The company won’t hire you to drive with its ads unless you meet the minimum car insurance requirements in your state.

It Pays for Your Car Wrapping: If a car advertising company asks you to cover the cost of applying or removing car wraps, or states that it’ll reimburse you, it may be a car wrap advertising scam. A legitimate company will pay for this process.

Good Customer Service: Make sure the company you choose offers a customer service phone number or email address you can use to contact it when you have a question or concern. If there’s no customer service information, consider looking elsewhere.

Other Ways to Make Money with Your Car

There are a number of other ways to earn passive income with your car. You can deliver packages for Amazon Flex or restaurant meals via Uber Eats or DoorDash. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, live in a city, or work from home, you can also rent out your car with a company like Getaround to make money when you’re not using your vehicle.

To maximize the earning potential, try combining a few of these options. With just a little time and effort, you can turn your car into a money-making machine.

Related: DoorDash Driver Review: How to Make Money Driving for DoorDash

The post 3 Companies That Pay You to Advertise on Your Car appeared first on DollarSprout.

In fact, according to AAA, it costs an average of $706 per month to own a car._[1] But there are ways you can offset the costs by turning your car into a passive income earning tool.

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10 Smart Ways to Make Passive Income with Your Car

If you choose to pursue these opportunities, you won’t have to make any changes to your schedule or lifestyle. You’ll be able to use your car as normal and make some extra cash while you do it.

Track your mileage

Some companies will pay you in exchange for your mileage data. If you drive a lot and don’t mind selling that information, this is a simple way to earn some passive income with your car.

1. Tapestri

A location data broker, Tapestri works with large brands to help them gain an understanding of consumer shopping habits. They do this by selling the anonymous location data of anyone who uses the app. 

If you use Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Waze, or a million other apps, you’re already giving away your location data for free. (You consented when you downloaded and launched the app). 

With Tapestri, you install the app and forget about it. That’s it. It tracks your location history as you drive around town in your car. You don’t have to interact with the app in any way, and you’ll earn up to $25 each month, every month, just for leaving it installed. 

I made a little over $5 in the first 10 days of using the app and couldn’t care less if Target wants to anonymously know I work from home all day. 

2. OnMyWay

OnMyWay is a data collection app that helps prevent distracted driving. If you go to the website and type in your phone number, you’ll get a link to download the app. You’ll earn $10 just for downloading it and $0.05 for every mile you drive without texting.

Although you won’t receive a payout in cash to your bank account, PayPal, or Venmo account, you can exchange your earnings for in-app deals or to different, lesser-known stores like Hollywood Sensation or Jordan Lash. These deals are coupon codes that advertisers have purchased and range from $10 to $100 in value.

3. Mobilo

Mobilo is an app that strives to put an end to distracted driving by rewarding users with points instead of cash. The app will activate Google Maps or another GPS app on your phone. If it detects a speed above 12 mph for at least two minutes, you’ll get points.

Mobilo will reward you with one point every minute you don’t use your phone. It’ll deduct a point any time you use your phone while driving. You can redeem your points for Mobilo, a new cryptocurrency. The company states that in the future, insurance companies and others who value safe driving will accept Mobilo as a form of payment.

As of February 2020, the only product you can purchase with the cryptocurrency is Mobilio Airbag, which can help you if you get into an accident during a ride with Zipcar or Share Now. If you buy it 30 minutes before your ride and don’t use your phone during the trip, you can use Mobilio Airbag to pay the damage fee Zipcar or Share Now will charge you.

Rent it out

Just like you can rent out a room or your entire home through Airbnb, you can rent out your car and post the listing through various apps. This may be a great option if you don’t use your vehicle often because you live in a city or work from home.

4. Getaround

Getaround is a car sharing app that allows car owners to connect to people who need to rent a vehicle. According to the company, you can use it to earn hundreds of dollars per month as long as your car meets its requirements:

• Model year is 2010 or newer
• Has fewer than 125,000 miles
• Seats a maximum of 8 passengers

To get started with Getaround, create a free account, including details like the dates your car will be available as well as a pick-up and drop-off location. After a 30-day free trial, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $99 and a flat fee of $20 per month to continue to use the app.

A Getaround representative will install Getaround Connect, a device that allows renters to locate and unlock your car. You’ll also receive a digital key so you can access and unlock your car from your phone any time you’d like. Additionally, your car will carry a $1 million insurance policy when you rent it out.

You can read more about the company and how it works in our Getaround review.

5. Turo

Turo is another car sharing app. The company states that you can use it to earn $500 per month or more if you own a car that’s registered in any state except New York. The platform also requires that your car:

• Be no more than 12 years old
• Have 130,000 miles or fewer
• Doesn’t exceed $150,000 in value

To sign up with Turo, create an account, and click on “List Your Car.” From there, enter information like the make, model, and license plate number. Also, include details such as the amount of trunk space and whether your car has features like a built-in GPS or leather seats.

Although Turo will suggest a daily rate for your car, you can choose your own fee. The insurance coverage you select will determine how much of the rental fees you get to keep.

Here’s an overview of your options.

• Standard Plan: If you opt for the standard plan, you’ll get liability coverage and physical damage protection. You’ll also pocket 70% of the price of your trip.
• Premium Plan: You’ll take home 65% of your trip earnings price if you choose the premium plan. This option is similar to the standard plan but also includes wear and tear and loss of rental income.
• Basic Plan: The basic plan doesn’t cover wear and tear or loss of rental income. Turo will pay 20% of the initial $3,750 of any car damage expenses and 100% after that. You’ll get to keep 85% of your trip price.

Jeremy Poland, owner of The Platform Shop, has used Turo to rent out his Porsche Cayenne to business travelers in Houston. He earned $400 per week for two rental sessions that lasted between three to four hours.

For those looking to use the service, Poland offers some advice: “To make good money on Turo, keep your car clean, leave unopened packs of gum, and relist your vehicle every once in a while,” he said. He also explained that the more luxurious your car is, the more you’ll earn.

Related: 16 Passive Income Apps Everyone Should Be Using

6. HyreCar

Unlike Getaround and Turo, HyreCar gives car owners the chance to rent out their vehicles to Uber and Lyft drivers. To use it, create a free profile with photos of your car, registration information, and Uber or Lyft inspection documents. If you haven’t had your car inspected by Uber or Lyft, you can pay $30 and sign up through RideShare Mechanic.

You’ll be notified any time someone wants to rent your car via HyreCar. Then you’ll need to accept their request within 24 hours and coordinate with the driver to give them your keys and verify their driver’s license. You’ll get paid as soon as the driver picks up your vehicle.

When the rental is over, you and the driver will arrange a drop-off time and location.

According to the HyreCar website, you can make up to $1,000 per month if you rent out your car to ride share drivers.

Wrap it with ads

If it doesn’t bother you to drive around with stickers or wraps on your vehicle, you can get paid to place advertisements on your car.

7. Carvertise

Carvertise is an advertising company based in Wilmington, Delaware that connects brands like Amazon and Sprint with drivers who want to earn extra cash by placing ad decals on their cars. It has locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Boston.

To make money with Carvertise, you’ll need to drive at least 30 miles per day and own a car from 2008 or newer. Once you fill out a short questionnaire on its website, the company will match you with a brand that advertises in areas you frequently visit.

If Carvertise believes you’re a good fit, you’ll go to one of its in-person locations so that a representative can put the car wrap ad on your car. You’ll choose from a partial or full wrap ad and earn anywhere from $300 to $1,200 per campaign.

On average, campaigns last three to four months. Carvertise will remove the ad from your car as soon as the campaign is over.

Related: 13 Apps to Help You Make Money Delivering Things

8. Wrapify

Wrapify works with brands who want to promote their offerings through “rolling billboards.” They place wrap ads on cars and pay drivers based on how many miles they drive. If you’d like to earn money with Wrapify, you’ll need to pass a background check and drive a 2010 or newer vehicle.

To sign up to work with Wrapify, download its app and create an account. The app will track your driving habits and send you campaign offers based on the places you frequently visit. If you see a campaign you’re interested in, register for it and go to a nearby Wrapify shop to get your car wrapped.

The number of miles you drive within a campaign zone and the type of wrap you choose will dictate how much you earn. If you opt for a full wrap, you can make anywhere between $264 and $452 per month. With a partial wrap, your earning potential will range from $196 to $280 per month.

9. Local businesses

Local businesses are always looking for new and creative ways to advertise their products and services. This opens up an opportunity for you to reach out to them and ask if they’d pay you to place their name, phone number, and logo on your car.

If they’re interested, propose a fair offer — around $100 to $300 for a month-long campaign, for example — and negotiate from there. Keep in mind that a business that’s been around for years might have a bigger budget, but a startup might be more willing to pay for advertisements.

Once you settle on a price and duration for the campaign, you can work with a local sign maker to create a magnetic sign to place on your car.

10. Free Car Media

Free Car Media is a nontraditional marketing company that pays drivers to place ads on their cars. If you’d like to make money with the company, fill out an online application. If you’re accepted, the company will email you with program details.

Once you select a campaign, Free Car Media will mail you an ad for your rear window with directions on how to put it on your car. If you want to earn more money and drive around with an ad on your entire car, it’ll direct you to a nearby location for professional installation.

Most programs with Free Car Media last six to 24 months and pay between $50 and $400 per month.

Be Cautious About Investing Money Upfront

When you look for ways to make passive income with your car, stay away from any company that requires you to make an upfront investment. If you have to pay to apply or remove a wrap ad from your car, look elsewhere. In most cases, legitimate companies won’t charge you to work for them.

It’s also important to be realistic about the amount of money you can earn with your car. These opportunities won’t replace your full-time job, but they can help offset car-related expenses like your loan payment, gas, or maintenance. Even if your car is paid off, it never hurts to have an extra source of income.

The post 10 Easy Ways to Generate Passive Income with Your Car appeared first on DollarSprout.

For most of American history, it was common for men to be the sole or primary provider in the family while women stayed home to take care of the house and children. It was rare for a woman to work full time, let alone be the primary breadwinner of the household.

Today, that’s no longer the case. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 29% of American wives in heterosexual marriages with two incomes earn more than their husbands._[1]

Danielle Holtjer is an example of a female breadwinner. She owns a counseling clinic while her spouse works in construction. At first, she felt empowered and proud to be the high earner in her home. But as the years went on, she faced challenges and criticisms she never expected.

Her success took a serious toll on her partner’s self-esteem, and her friends and family made negative comments about her breadwinner status.

Holtjer said that even though female breadwinners are no longer unheard of, we still live in a society where men are “supposed to” earn more.

Why It’s Hard to Be a Woman Earning the Majority of the Money

Holtjer’s situation isn’t unique. Many women in her shoes find that being a female breadwinner comes with a variety of challenges.

Guilt

Even though society has evolved, you may feel a sense of guilt if you earn more than your male partner.

“Guilt is often the result of ‘caveman psychology,’ which may lead you to believe that the man needs to be the provider and the woman must take care of the house,” said financial therapist Denise Hughes.

Hughes, who is the breadwinner in her family, said she wards off this guilt by practicing gratitude for her husband’s ability to take on the role of “Chief Entertainment Officer or CEO.” When she’s busy with work, he plans all of the concerts, dinner dates, and other social activities they attend.

Related: Opinion: Married Couples Should Have Separate Bank Accounts. Here’s Why

Negativity from others

As a female breadwinner, you may hear negative remarks from your friends, family, and even random strangers. Many people still cling to traditional beliefs and don’t approve of women outearning their spouses.

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist, said that people will likely say things like, “Your husband must love that you make all the money,” or, “I could never be in a marriage where my husband wasn’t earning more.”

Her advice: Ignore the naysayers and realize that nobody knows what’s best for your family but you. She also recommends that you recognize and take pride in your success.

“When others make you feel bad for earning more than your partner, you may be tempted to downplay your accomplishments,” Bryan-Podvin said. Instead, remind yourself of your hard-earned successes and how far you’ve come.

Related: Money and Relationships: How to Merge Finances without Any Drama

Pressure to succeed

When your partner and children depend on your breadwinning status to live a good life, you may feel immense pressure. Mikaela Kiner feels this often and believes that her care-taking nature doesn’t help. She feels she has to excel in her position as the CEO of an HR consulting firm, but also be there for her two teens.

To take some pressure off herself, she keeps a large emergency fund and suggests that others in her position do the same. This way when uncertainty in the economy, your company, or position arises, you won’t be scared. You’ll feel calm because you have savings and peace of mind.

Difficulty relating to other women

Marketing director Kelly Schuknecht is the breadwinner in her family. She has three kids and has always worked in demanding leadership roles. Over the years, Schuknecht found it hard to relate to other women and develop meaningful friendships with them.

“I’m not the mom who chaperones every field trip or bakes cookies for the school parties,” she said.

Many women have a difficult time understanding her because she doesn’t fit their idea of what a good mom should do for their family.

Related: How to Improve Your Finances Based on Your Enneagram Type

Tips for Breadwinning Women

If you’re a woman who struggles with earning more than your partner, make sure to keep the lines of communication open in your relationship and connect with other female breadwinners for support.

Have frequent conversations with your spouse.

Instead of ignoring the situation, make sure you have open, honest, and constructive conversations with your spouse on a regular basis. Share your feelings and concerns about you being the primary earner and encourage them to do the same.

If you’re overwhelmed with being the breadwinner because you have childcare and household tasks to take care of as well, ask your spouse to take some of those duties off your plate. If your breadwinner status makes your spouse feel less adequate or insecure, lovingly reassure him that his contributions are important to your family.

“It’s essential that you’re both clear about what you need and expect from one another,” said financial therapist Amanda Clayman. “Being flexible and making changes to help each other is just as important.”

Related: How to Get Your Spouse on Board with Paying Off Debt

Connect with other female breadwinners.

It’s a lot easier to cope with the challenges of being a female breadwinner when you surround yourself with other women who can relate. Bryan-Podvin suggests that you attend networking events or join professional organizations to meet other female breadwinners.

“These women can cheer you on and share valuable advice when things get tough,” she said. “They can give you the emotional connection you need to thrive as the successful provider for your family.”

Never make your spouse feel bad.

Men are conditioned within our society to believe it’s their primary responsibility to provide for a family. Not living up to this perceived expectation can create feelings of resentment, frustration, or a lack of self-worth.

Robin Rucinsky has been the breadwinner in her family for the past seven years. She works as a media director while her husband stays at home with their four children. In her early days of being the sole provider, she would get stressed and make comments to her husband about his lack of financial contribution. Those words struck a cord, and they still come back to haunt their marriage on occasion.

Rather than criticize one another, recognize and acknowledge your individual contributions.

In time, Rucinsky and her husband discovered that her working while her husband stays at home is the best decision they’ve made for their family. “Our girls get to have an incredible relationship with a present father,” she said. “Our son gets to spend time with his dad and learn how men can be both providers and nurturers.”

Related: Financial Infidelity: 4 Signs Your Partner Isn’t Being Honest About Money

Remember you’re a team.

Kelly Andersen works in financial services while her husband works as a high school football coach. She significantly outearns her husband but doesn’t use her breadwinner status as a power dynamic.

Andersen recommends that other women in her situation remember that at the end of the day, they’re part of a team with their spouse. Don’t let what each person makes define who they are.

Like Andersen, James Pollard embraces this team mentality. His wife outearned him in the early years of their relationship, and he says it didn’t bother him. He admired his wife’s ambition and encouraged her to earn more because he knew they’d both benefit.

“Unless your wife hides money from you or gives you an allowance, all the money flows to your household,” he said. “You should want her to earn more.”

Related: Should Debt Be a Marriage Deal Breaker? How to Have the Debt Talk

The post How to Overcome the Challenges of Being a Female Breadwinner appeared first on DollarSprout.