When you sign into your bank account, do your savings look healthy? Probably not as robust as you’d prefer. It often feels like a constant struggle to build (and hang on to) a respectable emergency cushion.
But what happens if your car conks out, or an unexpected medical bill shows up?
No judgment here — we’re not about shaming. We want to help. You shouldn’t have to part with those Elvis-Presley-signed velvet pants you inherited just to cover a lousy plumbing repair. Those pants are legendary.
Try these suggestions to get started and begin growing your savings so you can relax a little more.
1. Ask for Assistance — You’re Worth It
If you’re in a real pinch, start with 2-1-1, a confidential referral service operated through United Way that connects you with resources for affordable housing, rent relief or utility assistance. It’s designed for people in situations like yours.
To access the service, visit 211.org and enter your location. It will display local programs and provide a phone number to call. It’s basically a one-stop directory for help with food, housing, utilities and employment. If you’ve never reached out before, you likely don’t know what support exists.
You might also explore grant options. For example, Modest Needs offers grants aimed at employees who are just above the poverty threshold and therefore ineligible for many other social programs.
2. Earn Up to $83 Each Time You Win at Bingo
We all have favorite time-suck apps on our phones. But this one actually gives you a chance to win up to $83 each session.
It’s a free app called Bingo Cash, and at the moment, you could octuple your funds — yes, 8x — when you play. Deposit $10 and Bingo Cash adds a $5 bonus to be used in tournaments, where you could walk away with up to $83.
You’ll face off against other players at your level, all with the same board, and the top three finishers can win real cash — anywhere from $1 to $83.
And no, this isn’t some sketchy app. There aren’t even any intrusive ads. On the App Store it has over a million downloads and more than 15,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Curious if your $10 deposit could translate into an $83 payout? Download the free app and jump into your first game right away.
3. Get Paid $225/Month for Watching Short Videos
If we told you you could earn money while watching clips on your computer, you might scoff.
It sounds too good to be true, right?
But it’s real. Create a free account with InboxDollars and you could pocket up to $225 a month. They’ll send short tasks and surveys daily, which you can complete while watching someone bake or catching up on celebrity gossip.
No, InboxDollars won’t replace a salaried position, but it’s an easy side activity you can do while lounging on the couch tonight, wasting time on your phone.
Unlike many sites, InboxDollars pays cash — not points or gift cards. It has already paid users more than $56 million.
Registration takes roughly a minute, and you’ll get an immediate $5 welcome bonus.
4. Win Up to $83 Playing This Popular Solitaire App
Many of us play Solitaire on our phones for fun. Want to try winning money with it?
A free app called Solitaire Cash lets you compete for real money — up to $83 per victory.
Each Solitaire match pits you against at least five other players. Everyone receives the same deck, so outcomes depend on skill. The top three players win real cash.
You can play free practice rounds or enter tournaments starting at just $1. Currently, Solitaire Cash offers a $5 bonus toward tournaments when you deposit $10.
And again, this isn’t a shady app. There are no annoying ads. On the App Store it has over a million downloads and upward of 15,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars.
Want to test your luck and skill? Download the free app and claim your $5 bonus when you add $10.
5. Reconsider Your Car Insurance
When did you last comparison-shop for car insurance? Odds are you’re paying far more than necessary with your current plan.
If it’s been longer than six months since your last insurance quote, it’s time to look again.
If you use a website called EverQuote, you can compare multiple options at once.
EverQuote is the largest online insurance marketplace in the U.S., so you’ll see top quotes from more than 175 carriers delivered to you.
Spend a couple minutes answering questions about yourself and your driving history. EverQuote will then present the best car insurance recommendations. In just minutes you could shave up to $610 off your annual premium.
6. Win Up to $83 Playing This Mobile Game
Many of us already play games on our phones to pass the time. Want to know if you can make money from them?
There’s a free app called Bubble Cash that rewards you for popping bubbles.
The game follows a classic bubble-shooter design, and you’ll compete against other players in your skill bracket to clear the board fastest. Everyone starts with the same layout, so it comes down to ability. The top three players who finish first can win real cash — anywhere from $1 to $83.
On the App Store, Bubble Cash has over a million downloads and more than 12,500 ratings, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars.
To begin, just download the free app and start playing your first match right away.
7. Use This Tactic to Score a $526 Cashback
Chances are a lot of your shopping happens online. Whether it’s pet supplies, paper goods or gifts, you’re likely missing out on rebates.
A free browser extension called Rakuten partners with nearly every online retailer you visit, including Walmart and Target, which lets it deliver cash back when you shop.
For instance, since Denver resident Colleen Rice started using Rakuten, she’s received checks totaling $526.44. For purchases she was already making. Seriously. Rice says she uses Rakuten for routine expenses like car rentals and airline tickets.
It takes less than a minute to install the free extension, set up a Rakuten account and start shopping. All you need is an email address to begin earning instantly at your favorite stores.
Plus, if you earn cash back through Rakuten within the first 90 days of signing up, you’ll receive an extra $10 on your first check. That’s free money for things you’d buy anyway.
