I’ve often thought of switching to a cheaper carrier, but I worry about getting service in my area, if I can bring my own phone, and other hidden costs.

But what if a cheap cell phone plan can tick all the boxes without you noticing a drop in coverage?

The different discount plans available have increased competition and driven costs down. A study by the Tax Foundation found that wireless bills dropped 17% from 2008 to 2017._[1] Even the “big four” wireless companies of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have dropped their prices.

But price confusion can add to the fear of changing providers. Companies can charge different fees that make it hard to compare plans. A $50 per month plan could end up $60 or more after taxes and other charges.

While the cheapest plan might not be the best pick for you, there are plenty of options to help you cut costs.

12 Cheap Cell Phone Plans for the Budget-Minded Consumer

There are lots of cheaper cell phone plans out there. The amount of money you could save might surprise you, especially if you’re paying for services you don’t need, like unlimited data.

1. Mint Mobile

Starting at just $15 per month, Mint Mobile has plans that come with all the features of a big-name company.

Mint Mobile launched in 2016 as a spin-off of Ultra Mobile and offers the cheapest unlimited data plan for a single line. Go here to see if Mint Mobile is available in your area.

2. Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless is a well-known discount provider with some of the best cell phone plans available. The company started in 2011 using Sprint’s network but expanded to include T-Mobile’s service area in 2016.

3. Total Wireless

Owned by TracFone, Total Wireless uses Verizon’s network to deliver low-cost plans without a contract. Cell phone and plan options are available to purchase on its website and inside most Walmart, Target, and Dollar General stores.

4. Sprint

You’ll recognize Sprint as one of the most popular wireless providers. It’s part of the “big four” cell phone companies and features competitively priced plans.

It offers cheap phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and data.

5. Ting

Wireless company Ting started in 2012 and has quickly gained popularity. Ting doesn’t have typical monthly plans. Instead, you only pay for what you use which makes it one of the cheapest phone plans for one person.

6. Gen Mobile

Gen Mobile is a lesser-known cheap cell phone service that’s great for people who don’t use a lot of data. You aren’t locked into a contract and can enjoy nationwide coverage on Sprint’s network.

7. U.S. Cellular

America’s fifth-largest wireless carrier is U.S. Cellular. It offers cheap cell phone service that includes

unlimited everything at a low price.

Make sure to check for coverage availability because the company doesn’t offer plans in every area.

8. TracFone

TracFone offers some of the best prepaid cell phone plans. The plans have been a major draw since the company began in 1999. In 2013, TracFone started its “Bring Your Own Device” program.

9. T-Mobile

You’ll recognize T-Mobile from its purple-themed plans. The award-winning company was founded in 1999 and has some of the best deals on family cell phone plans.

10. AT&T

As one of the “big four” wireless companies, AT&T has higher prices than most of the others on this list. It began in 1877 as the Bell Telephone Company and are now the largest company in the telecom industry.

11. Good2Go Mobile

You might not have heard about Good2Go Mobile, but it’s been providing cheap cell phone plans since 2004. The prepaid option keeps your budget in check so you won’t see any surprises on your monthly bill.

12. Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a respected choice for discount cell phone plans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T.

One thing that sets Cricket Wireless apart is that you can lease-to-own a phone without a credit check.

Related: How to Get Free Phones

Plan Comparison Chart

When considering different carriers, you don’t have to give up your phone number. Most companies allow you to port your number to a new plan. See how the top five cheap cell phone plans can help you save money.

5 Things to Consider Before Making The Switch

Consider what you’ll be using the cell phone for before you jump to a new plan. Heavy data users should go with a wireless company with cheaper prices on data.

1. Coverage: GSM vs. CDMA

GSM and CDMA are two different technologies that power communication between cell phones. Every cell phone company, no matter how big or small, has to pick at least one to use, though some companies rely on both to power their network.

If you’re bringing your own phone to a new plan, you must know which technology your phone uses. For instance, you can’t bring a phone that uses CDMA to Mint Mobile because that company uses GSM. Without a GSM phone, you’d have to purchase a new phone to switch to Mint Mobile.

2. Prepaid vs. Contract

Prepaid phone plans can be less expensive than contract plans, though usage and data can be limited. You aren’t able to switch to a new company if you’re locked into a contract, which is why prepaid plans are good for some people.

3. Shared Family Plans vs. Individual Plans

Sharing a plan with other family members is an easy way to cut down on your bill. However, you can run into trouble with data usage if one member is a heavy phone user. Individual plans limit cell phone use and data package to a single user.

4. Bring Your Own Phone (and Number)

It’s easy to port your current number over to a wireless provider. To bring your own phone to a new plan, find out if you own the phone or are leasing it. Some providers charge you to rent the phone so make sure you can take your phone with you before you cancel your service.

5. WiFi Capable Plans

WiFi calling gives you more access to a wider range of places. With free internet access, you’re able to make phone calls and send text messages without cell phone service. This feature can be helpful if you live in a rural area or in a city where buildings can block cell phone signals.

Switching to an Affordable Cell Phone Plan Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Service

If your cell phone bill is causing you stress, consider switching to a cheaper plan. You can probably find a cheaper service that still offers all of what you need from a cell phone carrier.

You don’t have to sacrifice coverage quality when switching carriers; discount carriers don’t have to mean lower quality service. Some of the cheapest cell phone plans use the same technology and towers as the big-name companies which means you get the same service for less money.

Related: Where Can I Sell My Old Phone? The Best Places to Earn the Most

The post 12 Cheap Cell Phone Plans that Still Offer Strong Value appeared first on DollarSprout.

Its original shows and movies have helped the company grow in popularity despite price increases. While the streaming service is a cheaper alternative to cable television, many subscribers on a budget aren’t happy with Netflix hiking up the costs…again. 

I’ve been a long-time fan of Netflix and took advantage of its rent-by-mail service in the early 2000s. Living in a rural area meant I didn’t have the internet speed to join the streaming service when it first launched, but then in 2013, I was finally able to join. The Netflix cost increase over the last few years has made me wonder if it’s still worth it. I track every expense in my budget, and every little bit I can cut helps.

But what if there was a way to keep your Netflix subscription without having to pay for it? The free 30-day trial used to be a great starting point, but now there are fewer ways to get Netflix for free.

NEW: Get free cash back online with DollarSprout Rewards:

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How Much Is Netflix Usually?

Netflix has four subscription tiers at different price points. Plans start at $6.99 per month and go up to $19.99 per month.

While the monthly expense might not seem like much, you can save up to $239.88 per year if you can find a way to get Netflix for free.

Related: How to Work as a Netflix Tagger, Plus Hacks to Make Extra Money Watching Videos

3 Ways to Get Netflix for Free

While some countries still offer a Netflix Free plan, US-based readers will be sad to learn there’s no such option available. Instead, you’ll need to leverage one of these last three remaining options for getting free Netflix.

1. Rent DVDs free for a month.

Netflix offers a free one-month trial of their DVD rental service. You can sign up for either the Standard or Premier plan, which are typically $7.99 and $11.99 per month, respectively.

Both plans allow you to rent an unlimited number of DVDs per month. They also come with free shipping and returns, zero late fees, and the ability to cancel any time. You’ll be asked for your payment information when you sign up for the free trial. If you don’t cancel your subscription before the trial ends, Netflix will start charging you the standard monthly rate for the plan you chose.

2. Join a friend or family member’s Netflix subscription.

If you have a friend or family member with a Netflix account, ask if they mind sharing their login credentials with you. This is one of the most common practices for getting free Netflix, and one many college students practice.

When you ask, be prepared to receive a no. Some friends or family won’t want to share their email and password, and others might ask you to pay half the monthly subscription cost.

3. Take advantage of free Netflix offers with your mobile carrier or internet provider.

If you’re a T-Mobile customer, getting free Netflix is easy. The wireless company has a program called Netflix on Us where T-Mobile will pay for your Netflix account.

There are a few limitations, and not every plan is eligible for this promotion. You must have two or more lines to qualify, and your T-Mobile plan determines whether you get a Netflix Basic or Standard plan.

Magenta and Magenta Military plan holders can get the $8.99 Basic subscription. Magenta Plus and T-Mobile ONE with ONE Plus plans can get a Standard subscription priced at $13.99.

Related: 13 Legit Ways to Make Money Watching Videos

No More Free Netflix Streaming Trials

The easiest way to get Netflix for free used to be to sign up for a 30-day trial. Every plan gave you the first month free, which would help you decide if the service was worth it for you. However, as of October 2020, Netflix no longer offers free trials to U.S. users. 

You can still change or cancel your Netflix subscription at any time free of charge. There’s also a chance that if you sign up and later cancel your account, Netflix might email you with a limited free-trial offer to get you to remain a customer.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Netflix Bill

Tracking down a Netflix gift card or promo code can help you save on this popular streaming service.

1. Buy discounted Netflix gift cards.

Discount Netflix gift cards are a great way to save money on your subscription. Raise.com specializes in buying and selling discounted gift cards. People can sell their unused or partially used gift cards to Raise, which then sells them to other consumers at a discount.

Instead of paying full price, get a gift card for a lower price from a site like Raise.com and redeem it toward your membership. Raise also has discounted iTunes or Google Play gift cards if your Netflix subscription is tied to an iTunes or Google Play account.

2. Find a Netflix promo code.

To lower the cost of Netflix, look for free Netflix codes to activate discounts. RetailMeNot is a popular site that allows community members to upload deals and promo codes.

Slick Deals and Coupons.com also specialize in coupons and promo codes. Each site lists deals in an easy-to-read format and lets you know if the coupon is verified or not. You can also see how many people have successfully used the discount codes.

3. Cancel if you’re not using it.

Netflix doesn’t have annual contracts or commitments. It’s a subscription service that you buy on a month-to-month basis. With no long-term obligation, it’s easy to cancel your membership when you’re not using it.

You can find movies or TV shows at the library instead of keeping your Netflix subscription and sign back up when the latest season of “Stranger Things” is released. You can easily reactivate your membership when you log in to your account, and once you’re done binging, cancel it again.

Related: Cable TV Alternatives: How to Cut the Cord and Save Tons of Money

4. Split the cost with family and friends.

If you live with family or friends, consider splitting the cost of the monthly subscription. Netflix’s terms of service allow you to share your account with members of your household.

If you have the Standard plan, you can have up to two devices streaming at the same time. If you have the Premium plan, you can have four devices streaming at once. Use an app like Splitwise or Venmo to make collecting money easy if you’re the one paying the bill.

5. Rotate between cheap Netflix alternatives.

Netflix is a popular choice for streaming, but it’s not the only one out there. Other subscription-based services provide similar access to television shows and movies. Some free options include Pluto TV, Crackle, Vudu, and the Roku Channel.

Hulu

Hulu is free for customers who have a Sprint unlimited plan. Go to your account page and activate the Hulu plan to get unrestricted access to its streaming library.

Spotify is another way to download movies for free online with Hulu, though you must be a student to qualify. A student subscription to Spotify gives you access to Hulu’s ad-supported plan and Showtime series. This costs $4.99 a month. You can also get Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $12.99 a month. If you enjoy live sports or rewatching Marvel movies, then this bundle may be a better fit than Netflix.

Amazon Video

Amazon Prime has more benefits than you might realize, and there are even free ways to get an Amazon Prime subscription. Besides free two-day shipping, you get access to Amazon Video, which has thousands of movies and TV shows. It regularly gets Oscar-winning movies on top of its own award-winning Amazon Original movies and shows.

HBO Now

HBO has several options for free content on its website, but they’re limited to premiere episodes. If you have a cable or satellite provider, unlimited access to HBO Go may be included with your television package.

HBO Now is its standalone streaming service. You can create a new account to get a 7-day free trial, but this requires a different email address if you’ve redeemed a trial before.

Tubi TV

For a free streaming experience, consider Tubi TV. The service has over 20 million active users and offers a library with more than 15,000 movies and television shows. You’ll have to watch a few ads since that’s how Tubi keeps its service free. The company has made deals with MGM and Warner Bros., which allows it to carry big shows and movies.

Disney+

If you’re a Verizon Unlimited customer or have Verizon Fios or 5G Home Internet, you can get a free year of Disney+. Go to your account and then add Disney+ to it. After the year is over, it will cost the regular price of $6.99/month or $69.99 if you buy a year’s subscription.

Related: How to Get Free Cable TV

How to Make Room in Your Budget for Netflix

If you can’t find a way to get free Netflix, your next best option is to increase your income or cut your other expenses to make room for it. 

Negotiate your monthly bills.

There’s almost no way to get free Netflix forever. When your free trial expires or you switch phone providers, you’ll have to go back to paying for the service.

Instead of skipping your streaming subscription, try reducing your other bills with a service like Rocket Money or Trim. These sites will contact your bill providers to negotiate a lower rate. You only pay them if they’re successful in negotiating a better price. You can use the cost savings from this to pay for your Netflix subscription.

Earn $16+ per month to pay for Netflix.

If you tried cutting your bills and still need money to pay for Netflix, look for ways to make extra money to cover the cost of your subscription. For example, you can sign up to take paid online surveys and use the extra money you earn to pay your monthly Netflix bill.

If taking surveys doesn’t sound like fun, try another side hustle that will pay for Netflix and other recurring bills.

Free Netflix Is Hard to Come By

Netflix has grown into a popular streaming service, which makes the company reluctant to offer free or discounted options. After your 30-day free trial, you can switch to T-Mobile to continue watching your favorite television shows and movies for free. Or you could collect survey rewards points to redeem for a gift card to cash in for free Netflix.

Even though options are limited, you can still save some money on your Netflix subscription if you implement one or more of these strategies.

The post 3 Legit Ways to Get Netflix for Free appeared first on DollarSprout.

It caters to your desire to save time, avoid crowded stores, and you can scroll through thousands of items with a few clicks or swipes. In many ways, Amazon has revolutionized the retail industry in this era of convenience.

Amazon was always my go-to option when I didn’t have time to run to a traditional store. I bought most household goods and several gifts from its site thinking I was saving time and money. And with high competition in the e-commerce world, I assumed Amazon’s prices were competitive, if not the cheapest.

My blind loyalty ended when I found that Walmart.com sold the exact same printer ink I bought on Amazon for almost $20 less.

As it turns out, many shoppers have had similar experiences. Prices for home goods on Amazon are 34% higher than the same products at Walmart, according to an article by Business Insider_[1].

Even if you can afford to spend more to shop at Amazon, why should you? Luckily, there are alternatives to Amazon that can save shoppers even more time and money.

The Best Websites Like Amazon to Do Your Shopping

Amazon’s overwhelming selection of products doesn’t guarantee it’ll have what you’re looking for at the best price. This is when shopping at sites like Amazon can help. You might find more specialized items with better prices, offers, and deals.

1. Target

Target.com is an Amazon alternative that carries a similar range of goods. The site offers competitive prices and gives an extra 5% off to Target REDCard holders.

Target has several of the same time-saving delivery options shoppers find at Amazon, including:

• Same-day delivery with Shipt
• In-store pickup for online orders
• Drive-through delivery to your car
• Free next-day shipping on daily essentials of $35 or more
• Free 2-day shipping when you use your REDcard or spend at least $35

Target’s subscription option rivals Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program. Subscribing to deliveries with Target awards you with free shipping and 5% off every order.

2. Overstock

One of the best websites like Amazon is Overstock.com. The site doesn’t sell food or beverages, but the selection of trendy furniture, home decor, electronics, and office supplies doesn’t disappoint.

Purchase totals over $45 ship for free and are only $4.95 if the order doesn’t meet that minimum amount.

Another perk of buying on Overstock is the return policy. Your refund amount will include the full cost of the item plus any shipping charges paid if you start the return process within 30 days of your order.

Overstock’s membership is an excellent alternative to Amazon Prime. Called Club O, it costs a mere $19.95 per year.

Benefits include:

• Free shipping on every purchase
• 5% back in rewards
• Competitor price matching guarantee
• Up to $40 in rewards for reviewing a purchased product
• Up to 45% savings in the Club O Extra Rewards Store

3. AliExpress.com

AliExpress is a massive shopping site that sells products at much lower prices than you’d find on Amazon. This company cuts out the middleman with its factory-direct store model.

The site has thousands of items that range from high-end merchandise to discount and bulk deals. On AliExpress, you get bargains on clothing, computers and electronics, pet products, beauty items, automobiles, and home improvement.

4. Newegg.com

If you’re shopping for electronics and tech products, Newegg.com is one of the best alternatives to Amazon you’ll find. The excellent customer service, daily deals, and fast shipping are major draws of this leading e-commerce site.

Newegg matches Amazon’s excellent shipping with items arriving in as few as one business day. Some larger items, such as televisions or appliances, come with a White Glove Delivery option. This superior service will deliver your purchase to your room of choice, unpack the item, and take care of excess packaging remnants.

For even more savings, the Newegg Outlet sells open box, clearance, and refurbished electronics at discounted prices.

5. Barnes and Noble

Next to Amazon, Barnes and Noble is the go-to retailer for books of all kinds. It has a well-established online presence and over 600 bookstores throughout the U.S.

Barnes and Noble also offers excellent prices on gifts, games and collectibles, art supplies, and decorative goods. Looking for other bookseller sites? Books-A-Million, Powell Books, and other indie bookstores have an online presence as well.

6. BuyDig

BuyDig’s site claims it’s the “Internet’s Digital Superstore.” Comparable to Amazon, this site is known for selling the best computer, sports and fitness, office supplies, TV, kitchen, and houseware brands.

Free ground shipping is always available, though it frequently features free upgrades for faster shipping.

Like Amazon, BuyDig has a straightforward return policy and can issue a full refund if you change your mind about a purchase.

7. eBid

Online auction site eBid has some of the best prices on new and used goods in all product categories. As of 2019, the site has over 2.7 million items for sale.

eBid has 28,000 categories to choose from and sells items like:

• Football jerseys
• Antique lamps
• Vintage jewelry
• Bicycle parts
• iPhones
• Designer cologne
• Nursery bedding

Related: 13 Best Places to Sell Your Jewelry Online

8. Online Marketplaces

When shopping online, sometimes the best value is found directly from sellers in your area wanting to get rid of their things.

Local Facebook Groups have been known to offer steep discounts on everything from laundry soap and clothing to electronics, camping equipment, and furniture. Facebook Marketplace has also gained popularity as a site to find low-priced items.

Another well-known online marketplace is letgo. Letgo allows shoppers to find local goods in their own neighborhood through the app and website.

Alternatives to Amazon for Selling Your Stuff

Selling your stuff online can help if you need cash or want to free up space in your home. Amazon’s Trade-In program is an option, but it only pays in Amazon gift cards and processing could take up to 10 days or more.

There is a multitude of alternative websites that offer similar or better buy-back options as Amazon.

9. Decluttr

Decluttr fast-tracks the process of selling unwanted items. There’s no hassle of taking photos to list an item for sale or waiting to find a buyer.

It can buy CDs, DVDs, games, books, cell phones, tech gadgets, and LEGO® products directly from you.

The app has a free valuation tool that gives price estimates instantly. If you accept the offer, you pack and ship your items to Decluttr using the free shipping label provided.

Decluttr sends money for your items by PayPal, check, or direct deposit to your bank. Or you can opt to donate your earnings to a charity of your choice.

Related: How Much Could You Make Selling Your Electronics with Decluttr?

10. Buyback Boss

Buyback Boss is an easy, streamlined way to get money for your used smartphone, tablet, or other electronics.  All you need to do is answer a few questions about the device’s specifications and you’ll get an instant quote. If you get a higher offer from another site, BuyBackBoss has a price-matching guarantee which means you can still get that price but through its site instead of its competitor’s. 

If you accept its offer, it sends you, via email, a pre-paid shipping label you can use to ship the device. You can choose your payment in the form of a physical check, PayPal deposit, or a charitable donation.

11. BookScouter

Do you have old textbooks collecting dust around the house? BookScouter can help trade them in for cash.

The site saves time by comparing offers from multiple vendors with one click and is known as one of the best places to sell textbooks.

The highest price isn’t always listed first so make sure to review all options before selling back your textbooks.

Related: BookScouter Review: How to Flip Your Used Books for Cash

12. Gazelle

Gazelle is a top pick to sell your electronics. The company reports paying over $200 million to people selling their used laptops, tablets, smartphones, and electronic devices.

Within minutes, Gazelle will provide an offer for your item.

Gazelle pays you by check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card. Pick your preferred payment method to get money in your hand.

Related: Gazelle Review: What You Need to Know Before Selling Your Phone

13. Shopify

Consider Shopify to make even more money selling your things. This online platform is easy to use and has a low startup cost.

With Shopify, you can:

• Create your own online store
• Promote and sell products
• Make money on your site, with mobile, social media, and in-person sales

If you’re on the fence, Shopify has a free 14-day trial with no credit card required.

14. Letgo

Letgo is the perfect way to sell large items or things that are hard to ship. The site and app focus on your local market, where arranging pickup or delivery is an option.

Snap a photo and add a few details to your listing to attract buyers. Shoppers can search your items online or with the app, making letgo an excellent Amazon alternative.

15. OfferUp

Another local app, OfferUp, allows sellers to post almost anything for sale. Listing items from iPads and automobiles, to craft supplies and prom dresses takes fewer than 30 seconds.

OfferUp enables buyers in your area to ask questions or submit an offer through the app. The buyer will pay in person, so there’s no need to set up a system to accept payments online.

16. Etsy

Etsy is a fan-favorite destination to sell handmade designs, vintage items, craft supplies, and more. Like Amazon, it’s a very well-known site with a loyal base of buyers and sellers.

There’s no upfront investment to worry about, which makes Etsy a fantastic option to list items for sale.

To begin, create a free account and add items to your Etsy store. You control your earnings by setting your own prices. Payment options include direct deposit and PayPal.

How to Save Money on Sites like Amazon

The high brand recognition and vast selection of products make Amazon a convenient one-stop shop. Plus, paid online survey sites often pay you in free Amazon gift cards, making shopping there even more tempting.

It’s important to remember that Amazon isn’t the only option. Shopping might be more efficient and less expensive at one of the Amazon alternatives listed above. And, if you’re a seller, make sure to compare the selling and listing fees to get the most profit for your used items.

The post 16 Best Alternatives to Amazon for Shopping Online appeared first on DollarSprout.

Apparently, I’m in the minority when it comes to holding that opinion.

According to a U.S. Consumer Expenditures report, Americans spend an average of $1,833 a year on new clothes and the latest fashion.[1] An astonishing figure to someone who can’t even separate $40 from their wallet for a new pair of jeans.

Alas, I digress. Given my penchant for penny-pinching, settling for merely heavily discounted clothing seemed wrong. I wanted to see if one could get entirely free clothing. As it turns out, you can — and you don’t even have to work that hard to get them.

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9 Ways to Get Free Clothes Online

If you’re feeling poor, and don’t want to break the bank on new designer clothing from expensive brands like Nike, check out this list of ten legit places to get free clothes online.

1. Participate in Refer-a-Friend programs

Many retailers have referral programs that let you earn free clothes. The best part is both you and your friends can benefit when you refer them by word of mouth or by sharing your link online.

Some of those programs include:

A. ThredUP

ThredUP is your ticket to scoring free used clothes online. This online marketplace sells quality secondhand clothing at a deep discount. The site features two ways to earn free clothes.

First, thredUP pays $10 every time you refer a friend to its site. Refer five people and you’ll have $50 to buy new clothes. The second option is to sell your unwanted clothing on the website. It sends you a “Clean Out Bag” to ship your stuff.

To get paid for your clothes, choose thredUP shopping credit, a prepaid Discover gift card, or PayPal.

B. Swap.com

Swap.com is an online thrift store that sells items on consignment. You earn $10 for every person you refer to the company’s site with its Share & Earn program. It only pays you in Swap.com credit instead of cash.

You earn more credit by selling used clothing. You’ll have to submit an application to become a Premier Seller and wait for Swap.com to approve you.

C. Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix provides a personal styling program with clothes delivered to your door. You can earn Stitch Fix credit if you participate in its refer-a-friend program.

Sign up for an account to get your unique referral link. Then, share that link on social media, by text, or email to invite friends to sign up for Stitch Fix.

You earn a credit each time someone signs up through your link, and that credit goes toward the $20 styling fee the company charges for each order.

If you buy an item from your Stitch fix cox, the $20 will go toward the final cost. You receive five items in each box and you can request certain trends or products when you request a new box.

D. Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway’s referral program pays you $30 when you refer someone, and they get $30 off their first order.

You can rent dresses for special occasions or a nice suit for a job interview. Rent the Runway also has accessories you can rent to match your new outfit.

2. Set up a clothing swap

A clothing swap is a fun event to set up with your neighbors, friends, or local mom’s group. You decide ahead of time how many items of clothing and accessories to bring, and each person shows up to trade clothes with everyone else.

Clothing swaps work best when invitees wear similar sizes and styles. Set up tables or clothing racks to display the items and sort by clothing type or occasion.

3. Check for free online clothing giveaways

Sweepstakes Fanatic is an online site that has free clothes giveaways. The company has a five-star rating on Trustpilot with 98% “Excellent” ratings from reviewers. The limit on sweepstakes entries varies from product to product. Some let you enter once, while others have daily or weekly entry options.

Get free clothing online for children, women, and men in need from Community Clothes Closet. The company helps students, seniors, disabled persons, the homeless, and those with low or limited income. A human service organization, school, or church must refer you to qualify for this option, and you can get free clothing for up to a year.

4. Look on Facebook groups

Check your local yard sale groups on Facebook for free or low-cost used clothes.

You won’t believe the clothing some people sell or give away because they’re too busy to have a yard sale. When you find something you like, arrange a time to meet and pick up the item with the item’s owner.

5. Don’t forget to check Craigslist

Craigslist is a massive online classified marketplace. Sellers list homes, cars, electronics, RVs, and more on the site.

For free clothing, navigate to the “free” link in the “for sale” section. You could get a great top or a pair of jeans. Or you might find entire boxes and huge bags full of free clothing. This is especially handy if you have kids who are constantly outgrowing their clothes.

6. Check out Freecycle.org

Freecycle.org is an online network with local chapters set up in communities around the world. Everything listed on the site must be given away for free, so you don’t pay for anything.

If you’re looking for free clothes, check Freecycle.org to see what’s available for adults, teens, children, and babies. If you look regularly, you’re bound to find great free clothes.

7. Earn rewards points (and spend them on clothing)

Perhaps the most simple of ways to get free hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, and shoes alike is to register for a rewards site (or sites) that allow you to earn points — points that you can redeem for cash, or in this case, clothes.

Several options exist online to earn points. Some programs let you redeem points for gift cards, but some give you cash. Either way, trading rewards points for clothes is a great way to fill your closet.

8. Cash in your credit card reward points

Some credit cards provide rewards points when you shop at certain retailers, and how much you earn depends on the card you use. Some cards issue 1% cash-back on all categories while others provide 5% cash-back at department stores.

New cardmembers can also earn lucrative sign-up bonuses when they spend above a certain threshold. You can redeem these points for gift cards to retailers or as a statement credit on your account to cancel out a recent clothing purchase.

9. Start a fashion blog

Starting a fashion blog can be a good way to get free clothing from companies. Once you set up your blog and attract readers, companies may send you free clothing by mail to review on your site.

You can also use affiliate links to promote your favorite products and earn a referral fee. If you have a favorite pair of jeans, you can promote the brand on your blog and earn enough money to buy a new pair.

This is more of a long-term approach, so don’t expect to be able to test clothes for free until your blog has a steady stream of fans.

Free Clothes Fit Just the Same

If you’re dead broke and have no money coming in till your next paycheck, there are a number of ways to get free clothes online, but be prepared for a little bit of a time investment on your part.

If you don’t have the luxury of time, remember that Facebook, yard sale groups, and Craigslist are the still quickest ways to get your hands on free clothing. The items won’t necessarily be new, but there are still ways to mimic the latest fashion on the cheap.

Related: 8 Best Sites to Sell Clothes Online

The post 9 Legit Ways to Get Free Clothes Online appeared first on DollarSprout.

A number that’s certain to grow as “jobs” continue to shift in their setting, from the traditional cubicle to the devices in our hands.

If you’re feeling behind the times, and are looking to start your own online side hustle, getting paid to test websites is one such way to increase your income.

Online testing companies hire people to work from home and test sites on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

From eCommerce websites selling retail, to service-based sites that might teach English as a second language, businesses need testers to utilize their platforms and give feedback on their experience.

What are User Testing Websites?

The Ecommerce Foundation reports 88% of customers research a product online before buying it, even if they plan to make the purchase in-store. Businesses need to have straightforward websites. They can lose a lot of sales if their website fonts are too small, the colors are off, or if it’s hard to navigate.

Website testing companies pay people to test and review websites and apps for cash. The goal is for you to give honest opinions on the layout, design, and overall user experience so the business can improve its site.

12 Best Places to Find Website Testing Jobs

You don’t need advanced technical skills or a computer science background to be an online tester. You just have to give honest feedback about the layout, design, and functionality of a website. Here are the best places to get paid to test websites:

1. TestingTime

TestingTime is another online company that lets you test websites for money. Once you fill out your profile, you’ll be matched to paid projects.

The tasks last between 30 and 90 minutes. Local on-site testing is an option if you live nearby. Otherwise, you’ll work from home and share your testing experience using Skype.

You can earn up to €50 per hour, which equals about $55 USD. Payment will transfer to your PayPal or bank account within 10 days.

2. UserTesting

UserTesting has remote website testing jobs for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, and Android. It works with big-name clients like Microsoft, Evernote, and Wikipedia.

You’ll have to complete a sample assignment before getting paid assignments. New tests are available every day, and you can choose between recording your experience or having a live conversation with a customer.

UserTesting jobs pay $10 for each 20-minute recording and up to $60 for your real-time feedback about the usability of the website.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a PayPal account. You’ll also need to download a screen recorder on your computer to complete the tasks.

3. Enroll

Enroll builds a social community into its website testing platform. It gives out reward badges to share with your friends and pays you cash for each test you complete. You can look at a sample test on the website to see what kinds of tasks are available, and you don’t have to sign up to try it out.

The platform is open to people ages 13 and up, but residents of the European Union must be at least 16 years old. You can use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Enroll doesn’t share how much you’ll earn with each test, and it uses PayPal to pay testers.

4. Userfeel

You can get paid to test websites and apps from companies like Rakuten, Lowe’s, and Target as a usability tester with Userfeel.

You have to do a qualifying test when you sign up, and your results determine how many testing jobs will become available to you as a tester.

Userfeel pays $10 per test which lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. You can get paid through PayPal or with Amazon gift cards.

5. Userlytics

Userlytics hires remote testers to test websites and mobile apps or to view video commercials. You need to install recording software on your computer or use the Userlytics app on your smartphone to complete the tasks.

Pay varies from $5 to $15 per task, though some tasks can pay up to $90 (making it one of the highest paying website testing jobs available).

6. IntelliZoom

IntelliZoom hires remote website testers to review websites for money using desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices. The signup process is straightforward, and you’ll get paid to review websites as soon as you finish with the registration process.

Once you pass the practice test, you’ll get emails when a new test becomes available. A task can take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on if it’s a simple survey or one that requires you to record your opinions as you test websites.

The pay averages $2 per survey and $10 for studies where you record audio or video. Your earnings can take up to 21 business days to arrive in your PayPal account. Users should proceed with caution because the website says it only pays testers if the client is happy with the recording it receives.

7. Amazon Mechanical Turk

Amazon Mechanical Turk has a variety of paid tasks including testing websites for money.

Each test has a different pay rate, and higher-paying tasks can require special skills to qualify. After you complete the task, Amazon Mechanical Turk pays you in Amazon gift cards or by sending cash to your bank account.

Check out the forum r/mturk on Reddit for tips from other workers on how to increase your earnings.

8. Analysia

Analysia offers opportunities to earn money for testing websites, though it says you shouldn’t expect more than a few tests per month. This limitation shouldn’t matter if you’re active on other sites.

The pay rate is $10 per task which lasts 10 to 15 minutes each, and Analysia sends payment via PayPal.

9. Respondent

Respondent is a good choice for people that get bored from time to time and need to switch things up. Beyond website testing, Respondent will pay testers to take paid surveys and conduct other market research-oriented tasks.

You sign up by connecting your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, and the company matches you to testing jobs according to your location and work history. The average interview length is 30 minutes, and testers earn about $140 an hour for completing the tasks.

Your payment goes to your PayPal account after you finish, but Respondent takes a 5% cut of your pay as a “fulfillment fee.”

10. Userbrain

Userbrain requires its workers to install a Chrome extension or download its iOS app.

You can claim new tests every week, and each one takes between five and 15 minutes to complete.

Before you begin, Userbrain will provide instructions on how to use the site and ask you to complete a sample test. The pay is $3 per test, and money is sent via PayPal.

11. UserZoom

You can complete website testing jobs with UserZoom using Google Chrome or your Android or Apple phone.

How much you earn depends on the task, although live remote sessions can pay up to $100. Payment is fast, and UserZoom sends your earnings with PayPal within seven days.

12. TryMyUI

TryMyUI pays you for recording your reactions and frustrations as you use websites. Testers earn $10 for each test, and the company pays you through PayPal every Friday.

The average time for each task is 20 minutes, which makes it ideal for earning extra cash in your spare time.

Related: 13 Ways You Can Get Paid to Test Products at Home

Need a Side Job? Test Websites for Money

Website testing is a great way to make money online. Being a usability tester doesn’t take a lot of time or commitment. Plus, you can do it at home or on the go.

You won’t make a full-time living from a website testing job, but it’s an excellent way to increase your income on the side. And that can give you much-needed cash to cover expenses or help you make extra money to fund vacations or other lifestyle luxuries.

The post 12 High-Paying Companies Offering Website Testing Jobs appeared first on DollarSprout.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could combine a few errands into a single trip? Thanks to stores that give you physical cash back on debit card purchases, you may be able to do your shopping and bank transactions in one location.

From in-store ATMs to gas stations and grocery stores, there are many ways to withdraw cash from your checking account without stepping foot inside a bank.

NEW: Get free cash back online with DollarSprout Rewards:

Download on: Chrome | Safari

How Can You Get Cash Back with a Debit Card?

When you pay with a debit card at a physical retailer, you often have the option to get physical cash back. This allows you to withdraw cash from your checking account during the transaction without paying a fee.

If you request cash back, the extra money is included in the total sale price. Your bank then deducts the combined amount from your checking account. 

Getting cash with your debit card can cost you. Some stores set a minimum purchase amount before you can get cash back with your debit card. In some cases, you may be required to buy something you didn’t want or need.

You might also pay a fee to withdraw cash using your debit card to help cover the store’s costs. It’s similar to what you’d pay at an out-of-network ATM.

4 Places to Get Cash Back with a Debit Card

Many everyday stores and retailers provide cash back when you pay with a debit card. If you’re always paying extra ATM fees or having to borrow cash from friends, memorize this list of stores so you can get cash on your own.

Get cash back at the grocery store

You can get cash back at the grocery store by paying with your debit card instead of using credit or cash. Grocery stores from Albertsons to Winn-Dixie allow you to make a withdrawal from your checking account when you swipe your card and enter your PIN during check out.

Since most stores don’t charge a fee to withdraw money from your checking account, it’s one of the best options to get cash and save some money at the same time.

Most stores have a limit on how much you can withdraw. If you need $500 in cash for next weekend’s road trip, a trip to the bank may be a better option.

For a smaller amount of cash, you can visit:

Gas stations that give cash back

With a gas station on virtually every corner, it’s easy to get cash if you’re running errands, taking a road trip, or need it quickly.

The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. Some locations have caps of only $10. The majority don’t charge fees to get cash back, so that’s a plus.

If you’re looking for a gas station for cash back, try:

Remember that many gas stations are independently owned and operated even if they’re part of a franchise. In this case, the policies can vary from store to store. It’s a good idea to call ahead to ask about limits and fees.

Use your debit card to get cash at department stores

In addition to grocery stores and gas stations, some department stores let you get fee-free cash back with your debit card.

Department stores like Costco, Target, and Walmart are just a few of many options. There’s typically a minimum purchase requirement to consider. Sometimes paying for a small, cheap item with your debit card is enough.

When you need cash, you can usually find it at:

• Costco
• Kmart
• Target
• Walmart
• Walgreens
• Rite Aid
• CVS
• Staples

Not all merchants will process these requests at the register. You may have to visit the customer service desk instead.

Withdraw cash from an ATM

The most obvious place to get money with your debit card is to visit the ATM at your bank. This lets you avoid paying out-of-network ATM fees. These fees cost $2 or more per withdrawal, so it pays to use the ATM at your bank, even if it isn’t the closest.

You might qualify for fee reimbursement if your bank offers it. In that case, if you can’t use your bank’s ATM and are charged a fee, you’ll be automatically reimbursed for that fee.

There are a lot of surcharge-free ATMs located all across the country, and banks and credit unions usually participate in a card network so you can access them.

Some of the major ATM networks include:

• Star
• MoneyPass
• Allpoint
• Pulse Select
• Alliance One
• TransFund
• CO-OP (for credit unions)

If your account is at a credit union, it’s likely they participate in the CO-OP network which gives you access to almost 30,000 free ATMs. You can also use your bank’s ATM locator through their mobile app to find fee-free places to get cash.

Cash Back vs. Cash Withdrawal

The term “cash back” can refer to both getting cash from a store while you’re shopping in person and the cash back you earn when using a specific app that’s linked to your debit card.

If a cashier asks, “Do you want cash back?” while you’re checking out, they mean if you want to get physical dollar bills.

On the other hand, there are apps that offer cash back which refers to the percentage of the total purchase you can earn when the debit card is linked to the app.

3 Places You Can’t Get Cash Back

Using your debit card to request cash back is a simple process, but there are a few places where getting cash back isn’t an option, such as:

• Most clothing stores
• Home goods stores
• Home furnishings stores

These places don’t give you a choice to withdraw cash. If you’re shopping for a new outfit, picking up a lamp, or buying a new sofa, you may have to go elsewhere to get cash back with your debit card.

Pros and Cons of Getting Cash Back with a Debit Card

Paying with a debit card is a popular way to shop, and getting cash back is just an extra perk. But before you start making this a regular habit, you should consider these points.

Cash Back Apps You Can Use with Your Debit Card

In addition to getting cash back with your debit card, you can also earn a percentage of your purchase back when you link these apps to your debit card.

Dosh

Dosh is an app, available on the App Store and the Google Play Store, that has an in-store cash back program. You can earn cash back when shopping in-store with retailers including:

• Walmart
• Cost Plus World Market
• Sephora
• Finish Line

You can even earn cash back through nearby restaurants and hotels around the world. After you’ve earned cash back through Dosh, you can transfer it to your bank, Venmo, or PayPal account. You need to have at least $25 in cash back to withdraw. 

Rakuten

Most people know Rakuten as a browser extension, but you can also sync it to your debit card to get cash back.

Here’s how the process works. You create an account online, and click on the “in-store cash back” section. From there, you’ll see a range of in-store cash back offers, including:

• H&M
• Athleta
• Levi’s
• Gap
• Finish Line

Rakuten’s browser extension will also alert you of any deals or savings opportunities when you shop online.

Related: The Best Cash-Back Apps to Save Money Shopping Online and In-Store

The post 35 Stores That Give Cash Back on Your Debit Card Purchases appeared first on DollarSprout.

Most people avoid talking about money, which could be why 43% of U.S. workers think their employers don’t pay them enough, according to a 2018 Gallup poll._[1]

Asking for more money can give even the most confident employee some anxiety, especially if you’re not sure your boss will go for it.

A lot of people struggle with asking for a raise when it’s their first job or when they’ve been given more responsibility without an official promotion.

If a year or more has passed since your last pay raise, now might be a good time to approach the subject with your supervisor.

Reasons to Ask for a Raise

Employers don’t hand out pay increases like candy on Halloween. If you want to make more money, you have to ask for it. And before you do that, you have to know why you’re asking.

You’re underpaid

Most Americans are earning about $5,000 fewer than what they’re worth, according to a study by Glassdoor._[2] And not earning what you deserve is one of the most common reasons for asking for a raise.

Make an appointment to talk to your supervisor. Don’t be afraid to ask for more money if you’ve proven yourself in your current role. If possible, bring data that shows you’re underpaid.

Make sure to compare apples to apples. If you’re an executive assistant at a small non-profit, don’t compare your salary to an executive assistant at a Fortune 500 company.

You’ve been given more responsibility

A promotion is a highly sought-after badge of honor, but it doesn’t automatically come with more money. Ask for a pay raise if you’ve taken on additional responsibility and your employer hasn’t compensated you for it. It doesn’t have to be after an official promotion. If your scope of work has increased or changed, you’re in a position to negotiate your salary.

Before you meet with your boss, take an inventory of your tasks and responsibilities and self-assess your performance. Your supervisor should be aware of your efforts if you’re exceeding expectations. If they’re not, it’s time to communicate with them.

Share your accomplishments frequently instead of waiting for your annual employee review. Your manager is more likely to approve your pay raise if they already recognize you as a super-star employee.

Use data and statistics to prove what you’ve accomplished. Hard numbers are always better. If you don’t have those, use referrals and positive reviews to show what you do.

You’ve been loyal

More than half of Americans would take a job at a new company if it meant higher pay, according to a study from Indeed.com._[3] But many people stick around at their job because they’re not sure what else is out there, even if they’ve gone a while without a salary increase.

If it’s been more than a year since your last raise and you don’t have an annual review coming up soon, now might be the perfect time to meet with your boss to discuss your loyalty, the contributions you’ve made to your team, and ask for a higher salary.

If the company has put a permanent freeze on raises, focus on how your work has decreased expenses or increased profits. Having hard data can convince an otherwise stubborn boss.

Related: What to Do When You Hate Your Job and Want to Quit

How to Ask for a Raise When You’re Underpaid

The difference between wanting a raise and getting a raise is taking action. But knowing what to say isn’t easy, especially if you’ve been denied a raise before.

1. Know your reasons for asking

Everyone wants to earn more money, whether it’s to pay off debt or to save for a dream house. Without a larger salary, your dreams may be put on hold.

But you can’t ask for a raise because you want to buy a vacation home in Florida. A few good reasons to ask for a pay raise include:

• You’re exceeding expectations
• You’ve taken on additional or more difficult tasks
• Your pay is less than others in the same field
• You haven’t had a pay increase in at least a year

If you want more money, prove you deserve it. Bring a list of your accomplishments and achievements when you meet with your employer. If possible, have specific stats and numbers you can point to.

It’s not enough to say that you increased productivity in your department. It’s better to have a concrete number of projects that you completed, compared to the previous year.

2. Research your value

You might think you’re valuable but your employer needs to see proof. Research typical pay scales before you consider how much to ask for if you’re underpaid.

Visit job postings to view current rates and check salary websites for information. Recruiters can also provide good data to find out if what the average rate of pay is for someone in your position.

Remember that salaries can vary by region due to differences in the cost of living. Also, the same job title can have inconsistent job duties, so be mindful of that when you’re doing research.

Salary website values can be an excellent guide to determining a fair wage, but the rates might not apply to your situation.

3. Keep your boss and company in mind

Your supervisor can’t always approve a raise, even if they agree that you deserve it. Revenue and profit impact the business’ budget. If sales are down, the money might not be available.

But your past contributions and future potential could change their answer. Prove you’re worth the extra money by adding value to your team and the organization. If they don’t automatically agree to your raise, ask if you can set some yearly goals that will come with a salary bump.

Related: How to Quit Your Job the Right Way

4. Draft your talking points

Never walk into a meeting to discuss a potential pay raise without rehearsing what you’ll say. Anticipate the questions your boss might ask and have answers ready to show you’ve put effort into your request.

Take the time to write down your talking points. List the reasons you believe you deserve your pay raise and gather data to back up your claim.

Focus on the benefits you provide your department and the value you bring to the company. Leave your personal finances out of the discussion no matter how stressed out you are about money. No one deserves a raise just because their house needs a new roof or because their dog is sick.

Once you draft your talking points, practice your pitch and perfect your delivery. Ask a friend or family member to role-play with you to ease your anxiety. You’ll feel much better about your meeting if you’re prepared.

Related: How to Prepare for a Job Interview

5. Set up a meeting

Your best bet is to set up a meeting with your supervisor instead of ambushing them in the hallway or during a random afternoon. Spur-of-the-moment requests are rarely taken seriously. Plus, you’re more likely to catch your boss on a bad day or stumble through your words without proper planning.

Consider your boss’s other responsibilities and avoid emotional situations. Scheduling a meeting in the middle of impending budget cuts isn’t wise. A better time to set up an appointment is after you’ve landed an important client or gone above and beyond on a big project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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You work your butt off. You’ve taken on extra responsibilities at the office. You slave away after hours. You’ve gone above and beyond to impress your boss and be the best employee you can be. And now…you want that raise! ⁣ ⁣ I mean, who wouldn’t? ⁣ ⁣ Make sure to follow these steps so that you position yourself in the best light possible when going after that raise! You got this!

A post shared by DollarSprout Personal Finance (@dollarsprout) on Sep 26, 2019 at 1:41pm PDT

What to Expect After You Ask for A Raise

You’ve researched salary information, gathered your talking points, and pulled off the perfect meeting. All that’s left is waiting to hear whether your boss agreed with you — and if you’ll get a bigger paycheck.

Feedback

If you’ve asked for a raise, count on getting feedback. Your employer will want to comment on your work performance and if they agree you deserve to make more money.

This can be nerve-wracking, but feedback from your employer is valuable in helping you grow in your role and career.

A waiting period

You shouldn’t expect an immediate decision. Most likely, you must wait for your raise request to go through the proper channels. Your boss may also want to think about your proposal before giving you a definite answer.

The wait can feel exasperating. Whatever you do, don’t push for an answer. Give your employer space and respect the time they need to consider your pay raise. If you still haven’t heard anything in a couple of weeks, send your boss a quick note.

Plan B

It takes a lot of courage to ask for a raise, and being turned down is discouraging. If your request isn’t approved, keep a professional attitude. The last thing you want to do is ruin your reputation and burn bridges.

Evaluate your situation to determine your next step if your raise is denied. Start looking for a new job if you’re unhappy and severely underpaid. You can also ask to move to a new department in the same company.

You might consider a clean slate by switching to a new employer. Or maybe you can wait it out at your current job and ask again in six months.

Related: How to Avoid Lifestyle Inflation When Your Salary Increases

With the Right Approach, Getting a Raise is Possible

Motivation is hard to maintain if you’re not happy with your pay rate. Take a proactive approach and engage your supervisor in an open dialogue. Gather data and statistics to show the value you bring to the company.

When you’re ready, set up a meeting to ask for a pay raise. Act confident, but prepare to be told no. Rejection can sting, but it isn’t the end of the world.

Stay motivated and seek professional development opportunities to enhance your skills. Eventually, you’ll get the pay you deserve even if it means leaving for a better opportunity with a new company.

Related: Top Employee Benefits to Look for in a New Company

The post How to Ask for a Raise appeared first on DollarSprout.