One of the most popular benefits the U.S. military offers is the GI Bill, which helps current and former service members pay for college or vocational school.
This federal benefit can help veterans transition to civilian life and achieve their educational and career goals. But because a veteran’s eligibility for education assistance can vary based on when and how long they served, their branch of service, and other factors, understanding and maximizing these generous benefits can be a challenge.
If you’ve been wondering how — and how much — the military pays for college, here’s a look at some GI Bill basics.
What Is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill, formally known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the end of World War II. The program was originally designed to offer various financial and social benefits to World War II veterans after they returned home. Those benefits included small business loans, mortgages, and education grants.
Today, the GI Bill specifically refers to any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefit offered to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most frequently used VA education benefit program. Depending on how long you were in the military, it provides up to 100% of your tuition, money for housing, and a stipend for books and supplies.
Besides the GI Bill, serving in the military can give you access to other education-related benefits. As a service member on active duty, for example, you may qualify for certain perks or special repayment options for any federal or private student loans you’ve already taken out.
Types of GI Bills
Since it was enacted in 1944, the GI Bill has been extended — and expanded — several times. As a result, there are multiple parts and programs that can be used to pay for college. Here’s a closer look.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
This current version of the GI Bill is designed to support the latest generation of service members and veterans. If you have served on active duty for at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, you are likely eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. This is the case if you’re still in the military, or if you have already separated with an honorable discharge.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can help cover the cost of college or an advanced degree, technical training, on-the-job training, or licensing/certification. Eligible service members can also transfer unused education benefits to their spouse and children.
Recommended: What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an older GI Bill program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to those who have served on active duty and meet the requirements.
The Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD) is for veterans and current members of the military who have served at least two years on active duty. It provides a monthly benefit payment to use for education and training costs.
The Selected Reserve and Guard Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-SR) provides educational assistance to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including National Guard members. Similar to the MGIB-AD, the MGIB-SR provides a monthly payment based on the type of education or training a recipient is getting.
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Other GI Bill Programs
The GI Bill also includes other education programs available to service members both during and after service, as well as their families. These include:
Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
If you have a disability connected to your military service that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, the VR&E program can help. This GI Bill program can help you explore employment options and get the education or job training you might need to work. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
The DEA program is for eligible spouses and children of veterans who were disabled, died, went missing in action (MIA), or were held as a prisoner of war (POW) during their service. It provides monthly payment to help cover the cost of education or job training for these family members.
Recommended: Guide to Military Student Loan Forgiveness
GI Bill Eligibility for Veterans
GI Bill veterans’ benefits are generally based on when you served, how long you served on active duty, and other factors. You also have to have been honorably discharged.
Though you may qualify for more than one type of GI Bill educational benefit, you can generally use only one benefit for a period of service; so you may have to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. (You can call the VA at 888-442-4551 if you need help making a choice.) Here are the eligibility requirements for different GI Bill programs.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility
If you served in the military after Sept. 10, 2001, you may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. The amount you receive (which could range from 50% to 100% of the full benefit) will be based on how long you served on active duty and other criteria.
To be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits, you must meet one of these qualifications:
• You have served at least 30 days of continuous active-duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and have been discharged due to a service-connected disability. Or:
• You have served an aggregate of 90 days of active-duty or federal service after Sept. 10, 2001, and received an honorable discharge.
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Montgomery GI Bill Eligibility
You may be eligible for the MGIB-AD if you:
• Served between two and four years after June 30, 1985.
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit.
• Had your military pay reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months of service.
You can find a full list of eligibility criteria here.
You may be eligible for MGIB-SR benefits if you:
• Agreed to serve for a period after June 30, 1985 (or for some types of training, after Sept. 30, 1990)
And either:
• Agreed to serve six years in the Selected Reserve, or:
• You’re an officer in the Selected Reserve and you agreed to serve six years in addition to your initial service obligation.
You can find a full list of eligibility requirements here.
Benefits Provided
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Tuition/Fee Coverage
If you’re a veteran who qualifies for full benefits and you attend a public school as a state resident, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay all of your tuition and any mandatory fees directly to your school. You also may be eligible to receive the in-state tuition rate for an out-of-state school.
If you choose to attend a private or foreign institution of higher learning, or a qualifying non-college degree program, a predetermined maximum amount (currently up to $27,120.05) will be paid to your school annually. Benefits for flight training and virtual/online schools, which have their own maximums, also may be available.
Monthly Housing Allowance
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also pays a monthly college housing allowance. The program will pay you a percentage of the full monthly housing allowance based on the percentage of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits you’re eligible for, as well as how many credits you’re taking.
If you are taking 100% of your classes online, you may be eligible for a monthly stipend equal to half of the national average stipend, which is currently $967.40.
Book and Supplies
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be able to receive an annual stipend of up to $1,000 per year to pay for books and supplies. This stipend is paid out at the beginning of each term and is based on the percentage of benefits you’re eligible for and the number of courses you’re enrolled in for the year.
Recommended: How to Pay for College Textbooks
Applying for GI Bill Benefits
If you’re a veteran and interested in getting the military to pay for college, you’ll need to apply for GI Bill benefits. Here’s a look at what’s involved.
Required Documents
Some of the information you’ll be asked for when you apply may include:
• Your Social Security number
• Direct deposit bank account information
• Education history
• Military history
• Basic information about the educational institution or training facility you want to attend
Application Process
You can apply for benefits online at the VA’s website. Alternatively, you can apply by mail. Simply call 888-442-4551 to request an application. Once you receive the application and fill it out, you can send it to the VA regional processing office that’s right for you (you can use this online VA locator). You can also apply by visiting your nearest VA regional office.
It takes the VA an average of 30 days to process an application. If the VA determines you are eligible for educational benefits, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that you can provide to the school you’ve chosen.
Military Tuition Assistance
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) also offers education benefits to current active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members who wish to pursue post-secondary education in their off-duty time. This is one of the many ways you can save money while serving in the military.
Called the Military Tuition Assistance program, it will pay up to 100% of tuition and course-specific fees, with a limit of $250 per semester credit hour and an annual limit up to $4,500. Degrees and programs of study covered include undergraduate and graduate programs, vocational/technical, distance learning, and independent studies. (Housing, books, and other expenses aren’t covered.) Details are available through each service branch’s website.
State Benefits for Veterans
Many states offer education benefits that veterans can use along with, or as an alternative to, their federal GI Bill benefits. To find out about these benefits — which may include tuition waivers, scholarships, grants, and other programs — you can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Education website for your state. Your military branch also may have information about the various benefits available in your state.
Local and regional veterans service organizations also offer scholarship opportunities to qualified candidates. And your employer may provide help with tuition or student loan repayment as part of their veteran financial well-being programs.
The Takeaway
If you’re hoping to further your education when your military service is complete, the GI Bill can help you pay for college, graduate school, and a variety of training and certification programs. Depending on when you served, how long you served, and some other factors, you may receive help paying for a large portion of your education expenses, including tuition and fees, education-related supplies, and housing costs.
Beyond the GI Bill, you also may qualify to receive assistance through state resources, local and regional organizations, your employer, and federal student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
FAQ
Can the GI Bill be transferred to dependents?
If you meet certain service requirements, you may be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to an eligible dependent. You can apply for a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) through the Department of Defense.
Do GI Bill education benefits expire for veterans?
It depends. If you were discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 1, 2013, your benefits won’t ever expire. But if you were discharged before Jan. 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will expire 15 years after you separate from the military.
Montgomery GI Bill benefits must be used within 10 years after your separation date. After that, you could lose any benefits you haven’t used, although the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) may grant an extension under certain circumstances.
What education benefits can I get if I’m still in the military?
If you’re still serving in the military, you may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill, the Department of Defense’s Military Tuition Assistance, and other programs. You can get information at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) website or through your military branch.
Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic
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Martha Stewart Fires Back at ‘Harsh Judgment’ of Maine Home Decor | Us Weekly
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By Laura Rizzo
July 4, 2024
Martha Stewart is defending the transformation of the living room in her Maine vacation home after receiving “harsh” criticism from social media followers.
“I rarely read all the comments that come in after I post, but because I was so happy at the transformation of my Maine living room, I did go through many of the comments and was surprised at the harsh judgment so many displayed!!!” Stewart wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, July 3, to caption a photo of her updated space.
The celebrity chef said she and her “Maine helpers” only spent “three hours” swapping out the furniture, explaining, “We were pleased that the pieces actually fit the room and were proportionate to the large size of the space. [This] was not a ‘decorator’s’ professional installation. It was an attempt to change quickly and efficiently.”
Stewart agreed that a full room makeover would take much more time, promising she would add more details.
“Making a house a home — or a room a beautiful livable space — takes a lot more than three hours,” her post continued. “Of course, there will be color, plants, mirrors, a new rug or two and other art and objects Stay tuned!!!! And by the way, the birds are chromo lithographs by Carroll Tyson known as the ‘6 Audubon of Maine’ — so beautiful!”
The room featured 11 large drawings of various birds surrounding a brick fireplace. Stewart added various cream-colored chairs and couches with black detailing into the sizable space, which featured several smaller seating areas.
Stewart purchased her vacation home, called Skylands, located in Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1997. Originally built in 1925 for auto executive Edsel Ford, the sprawling estate features 12 bedrooms and a pink granite driveway, according to her website.
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The author has kept most of the charm of the original home, which may come as no surprise as the estate was sold with nearly everything included, like the linens and the Fords’ silver and glassware.
“I didn’t have to buy a plate,” Martha told Architectural Digest in 2017 about purchasing Skylands. “Although I’ve certainly added my fair share.”
Despite any internet criticism, Stewart will most likely always keep the classic charm of Skylands, telling AD, “I look at myself as the caretaker of an American treasure.”
97% of consumers search for local businesses online, and 78% of marketers report that digital marketing significantly increases business revenue. If you’re not leveraging digital marketing in today’s mortgage landscape, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity.
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, digital marketing has become an essential competitive advantage for mortgage loan officers (MLOs) using the right tools. With the industry facing high interest rates and inventory shortages, reaching borrowers first and maintaining visibility with past clients and real estate partners is imperative.
The current landscape
According to HousingWire, the real estate market is grappling with high interest rates and limited inventory, creating a challenging environment for mortgage lenders and loan officers. The current state of the market underscores the importance of staying ahead of the competition through effective digital marketing strategies. By leveraging digital channels, MLOs can effectively target and engage potential clients, ensuring they remain visible and relevant.
Why it’s complicated
The mortgage industry has been traditionally slow to adopt new technologies. Many MLOs still rely on outdated marketing methods that are less effective and more costly. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements means that staying up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends, tools, and associated regulations can be daunting for those not well-versed in the field. HousingWire highlights that embracing digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for survival and growth in the current market.
Key questions to consider
What is digital marketing, and how can it benefit mortgage companies and LOs?
How can mortgage companies effectively utilize paid and non-paid digital channels?
What are the cost benefits of digital marketing compared to traditional methods?
How can digital marketing improve referral generation from real estate agents?
What are the advantages of automation and compliance in digital marketing?
Answers to these questions
1. What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing includes all marketing efforts that leverage digital channels like websites, social media, email, other channels to connect with current and prospective customers. The goal is to meet customers where they spend most of their time: online. Digital marketing enables highly targeted, measurable, and cost-effective campaigns, providing a more personalized and engaging customer experience while driving revenue.
2. How can mortgage companies utilize digital channels?
Digital marketing occurs across various channels, categorized into paid and non-paid efforts:
Paid digital marketing:
PPC/Paid search: Mortgage companies can place ads on search engines like Google, targeting keywords relevant to their services. Each time a user clicks on these ads, the company pays, driving high-intent traffic to their website and increasing the chances of lead conversion. This method ensures immediate visibility for competitive keywords, attracting potential clients actively searching for mortgage solutions.
Paid social: By promoting posts or running ads on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, mortgage companies can reach a wider audience. These ads can be tailored to specific demographics, ensuring that the content resonates with potential homebuyers and refinancers. This targeted approach maximizes ad spend efficiency, enhancing engagement and driving more qualified leads to the company’s offerings.
Both Paid Search and Paid Social offer the ability to segment your audience based on numerous factors. This includes demographics such as age, gender, and location, as well as more specific criteria like interests, online behaviors, and purchasing history. By utilizing these segmentation capabilities, mortgage companies can create highly targeted campaigns that reach the most relevant audience, ensuring that their advertising efforts are efficient and effective. This precision targeting helps in maximizing ROI by delivering personalized messages to those most likely to convert, thereby enhancing lead quality and driving higher engagement rates.
Non-paid digital marketing:
Organic search: Optimizing website content with relevant keywords and quality backlinks helps mortgage companies improve their rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs). Higher organic rankings increase visibility and attract more traffic without the ongoing costs associated with paid advertising. This sustainable strategy builds long-term online presence, making it easier for potential clients to find the company organically. However, this strategy takes quite a long time to generate meaningful results.
Web content: Maintaining a blog, updating website content, and participating in online reviews and affiliate marketing helps build authority and trust. Engaging and informative content can attract potential clients, providing valuable information and establishing the company as a thought leader in the mortgage industry. Consistently producing high-quality content also supports optimization efforts, driving organic traffic and enhancing brand credibility.
Email marketing: Sending personalized and targeted emails to potential and existing customers is an effective way for mortgage companies to nurture leads and maintain relationships. Regular updates, newsletters, and promotional offers can keep your audience engaged and encourage them to choose your company for their mortgage needs. Email marketing also allows for segmentation and personalization, increasing the relevance and impact of each message.
Social media: Creating and sharing relevant content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram helps mortgage companies engage with their audience organically. Regular posts, community interactions, and leveraging user-generated content can build a loyal following and enhance brand visibility without direct advertising costs. Social media also provides a platform for real-time communication, allowing companies to address inquiries and build stronger customer relationships.
When it comes to performance differences between Paid Digital and Non-paid Digital, leads generated from Paid Digital convert at nearly 3.4X compared to those generated from Non-Paid Digital and lead to at least an 80% increase in brand awareness according to data from Unbounce.
3. Cost benefits of digital marketing
Traditional lead generation methods often result in high costs per lead, burdening mortgage companies with significant expenses for acquiring new clients. Digital marketing offers a cost-effective solution by enabling precise targeting of specific demographics and optimizing ad spend to ensure maximum impact. This approach not only reduces overall costs but also increases the efficiency of marketing campaigns by reaching potential clients who are most likely to convert.
Research by Evocalize shows that self-generated leads are at least 300% less expensive than purchased leads, providing substantial savings for mortgage companies. By generating their own leads, companies can maintain greater control over their brand and messaging, ensuring consistency and compliance with industry regulations. This strategic shift towards digital marketing allows businesses to allocate their resources more effectively, ultimately driving better financial outcomes.
4. Improving referral generation
Capturing referral business from real estate agents is a common challenge for mortgage companies, often requiring significant time and effort to build and maintain relationships. Digital marketing bridges this gap by facilitating better integration with existing tools and creating co-marketing opportunities with real estate professionals. By leveraging digital channels, mortgage companies can enhance their collaboration with agents, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient referral process.
This synergy not only helps generate high-quality referrals but also strengthens partnerships with real estate agents, fostering long-term relationships that benefit both parties. Through joint digital marketing efforts, such as shared content and co-branded campaigns, mortgage companies can expand their reach and tap into the agent’s network, thereby increasing the potential for new business and reinforcing their market presence.
5. Advantages of automation and compliance
Digital marketing is inherently more efficient than traditional methods, thanks to the power of automation tools that manage campaigns, track performance, and adjust strategies in real-time. These tools ensure optimal results with minimal manual intervention, allowing mortgage companies to focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day campaign management. Automation also facilitates precise targeting and personalization, enhancing the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
Additionally, platforms with built-in compliance features safeguard campaigns against potential legal issues, a critical aspect highlighted by HousingWire. Compliance with industry regulations, such as the recent FCC lead generation rules, is essential for avoiding costly penalties and maintaining consumer trust. By utilizing digital marketing platforms that incorporate compliance mechanisms, mortgage companies can ensure their campaigns adhere to legal standards, mitigating risks and promoting a trustworthy brand image.
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be hard, even if you aren’t a marketing pro
Digital marketing might seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a marketing expert. However, with the right tools, it can be straightforward and highly effective. Here are key features to look for in digital marketing tools that make the process easier and more impactful:
Powerful, flexible automation: Choose tools that offer automation capabilities allowing you to harness your business data effectively. Automation can streamline your marketing efforts, making them more efficient and less time-consuming.
Built-in regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with industry regulations is critical. Look for platforms that have built-in compliance features to safeguard your campaigns against potential legal issues.
Effective co-marketing with real estate agents: The ability to seamlessly co-market with real estate agents can significantly enhance your business. Choose tools that facilitate this collaboration effortlessly.
Hyperlocal marketing: Staying relevant in your borrower’s community is crucial. Opt for solutions that allow you to localize your marketing efforts, ensuring your campaigns are tailored to resonate with local audiences.
Flexible budgets, campaign types, and durations: Flexibility is key in digital marketing. Select platforms that offer a variety of budget options, campaign types, and durations, enabling you to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and business needs.
Investing in digital marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By leveraging tools that simplify and enhance your marketing efforts, mortgage companies and LOs can stay competitive, generate leads, and grow their business efficiently.
Conclusion
The mortgage industry’s landscape is increasingly digital, and the need for effective digital marketing has never been greater. Brokerages and loan officers must embrace these strategies to reach a broader audience, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive. Investing in digital marketing is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about securing a prosperous future in the mortgage industry, even through tough markets. Embrace digital marketing now to ensure sustained growth and success well into the future.
Sources:
Justin Ulrich is the VP of Marketing at Evocalize.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.
To contact the editor responsible for this piece: [email protected]
Are you wondering what the best passive income apps are? The best passive income apps can help you make money and build wealth while sleeping, on vacation, and more. With passive income apps, you can make money using just your phone or computer. These apps help you earn money in different ways, like investing in…
Are you wondering what the best passive income apps are? The best passive income apps can help you make money and build wealth while sleeping, on vacation, and more.
With passive income apps, you can make money using just your phone or computer. These apps help you earn money in different ways, like investing in stocks, getting cash back when you shop automatically, or renting out your things.
Passive income is money you earn without having to work all the time. You might need to do some work at the start, but after that, the money keeps coming in with little effort.
You don’t need to spend hours every day to see results. Many of these apps are easy to use and free, so they are a great way to improve your finances with little effort.
Using the right mix of passive income apps can help you make extra money regularly or even make a full-time income.
Recommended reading: 18 Passive Income Ideas To Earn $1,000+ Each Month
Best Passive Income Apps
Below are the best passive income apps:
1. Freecash
Freecash is a popular passive income app that helps you make some extra money with little effort. You can earn by completing tasks, such as taking surveys or downloading apps.
Another way that you can earn passive income with this app is by referring people to the app. You can earn up to 30% of your referral’s earnings for as long as they are a member. Your referral earnings start at 5% and can go up from there, all dependent on your affiliate earnings.
I have personally earned over $300 in passive income referral earnings from this platform (in addition to affiliate income), so I know that this is real.
Click here to sign up for Freecash.
2. RVshare
RVshare is a money making app where you can rent out your RV to others. This can help you make extra money every month. Many people use RVshare to turn their RV into a good source of passive income.
If you have an RV that you’re not using, you could make $100 to $300 a day, or more, by renting it out to others through RVshare.
RVshare is a great app for making money because it helps travelers save by renting RVs directly from owners, without a middleman. It’s like Airbnb, but for RVs.
You can rent many types of RVs on RVshare, such as:
Class B camper vans
Travel trailers
Pop-ups
Class C Motorhome
Class A Motorhome
Toy hauler
RVshare handles all payments securely and sends money to your bank account one business day after each rental starts.
You can learn more about RVshare here.
3. Neighbor
Neighbor is a self-storage app that lets you rent out extra space in your home. You can make money by offering spots like your garage, driveway, or even a spare room.
You can use this website to rent out your unused space and make up to $15,000 a year. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, parking lot, shed, warehouse, carport, attic, street parking, or even a closet.
You can choose your own prices and decide which reservations you want to accept and host.
Neighbor provides $1,000,000 in host liability protection for your peace of mind. You also receive automatic monthly deposits directly to your bank account for fast payment.
Here’s how Neighbor works:
List your space: Describe your space and set your earning goals on Neighbor.
Respond to renters: Review requests from renters interested in your ad. You can see what they want to store and when, and decide whether to approve or decline.
Schedule move-in: Once you approve a renter, schedule their move-in date.
You can sign up for Neighbor for free here.
You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: How To Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular app that lets you earn money for doing simple tasks online. You can use it on both your phone and computer.
You earn points, called Swagbucks (also known as SB), for activities like taking surveys, watching videos, and browsing the web. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
I have personally received over 110 gift cards from Swagbucks (I like to redeem my points personally for free Amazon gift cards).
Here are some ways to earn on Swagbucks:
Surveys – Share your opinions on various topics and earn points.
Videos – Watch short video clips and earn a few points for each one.
Shopping – Do your usual online shopping through the app’s links and get cash back.
Web browsing – Use the Swagbucks search engine and earn points just for searching.
Referral program – You can refer friends and family to Swagbucks and earn points.
Swagbucks is free to join and use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to make some extra money with little effort.
You can join Swagbucks through my referral link, and receive a $10 bonus.
5. Fundrise
Fundrise is one of the highest-paying passive income apps that lets you invest in real estate with income generating assets. You can start with as little as $10 and get started in around 5 minutes.
Fundrise pools your money with other investors to buy properties, such as single family homes, apartments, and industrial properties. You earn money from rent and property sales.
Investing in real estate can be risky, so make sure you understand what you’re getting into. Fundrise has an easy-to-use app and detailed updates on your investments.
Remember, your money is tied up for a while, so this is for long-term goals. Fundrise makes real estate investing simple and accessible.
You can sign up for Fundrise here.
6. Honeygain
Honeygain is a popular passive income app that lets you earn money effortlessly just by sharing your unused internet bandwidth and your internet connection. You can install it on your desktop or mobile device.
Here’s how Honeygain works:
You keep the app running in the background.
The app uses your unused internet resources.
You get paid for the data shared.
You earn money based on the amount of internet traffic routed through your connection. Honeygain pays $1 for every 10 GB of traffic.
7. Ibotta
Ibotta is a free cash-back app that helps you save money when you shop. You get rewards from shopping both in-store and online.
With the Ibotta app, you sign up for an account, unlock rebates and rewards, shop at stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and more, verify your purchases, and then earn cash. You can redeem rebates from hundreds of stores, and it doesn’t cost you anything – it’s free money!
Plus, Ibotta lets you earn cash back both online and in-store, setting it apart from other companies.
Ibotta stands out as one of the easiest passive income apps because you earn money while shopping as usual. It pays you in cash or gift cards for stores like Amazon and Starbucks.
Please click here to join Ibotta.
8. Airbnb
Airbnb can be a great way to earn passive income with minimal effort. By renting out properties short-term, you can make extra cash without much day-to-day work.
Whether you have an extra room, a vacation home, or even just a spare couch, Airbnb lets you list your space for short-term rentals, transforming unused real estate into a regular income source.
Airbnb manages bookings, payments, and provides insurance coverage, making it convenient for hosts once everything is set up. With its worldwide presence and easy-to-use platform, Airbnb continues to be a leading choice for earning passive income through property rentals.
9. Acorns
Acorns is a popular app that helps you save and invest your money without effort. It rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar. Then it invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio.
For example, if you buy a coffee for $3.50, Acorns rounds it up to $4.00. The extra $0.50 is invested.
You can click here to sign up for Acorns.
10. Rakuten
Rakuten is an easy-to-use app that helps you earn cash back from your shopping. You don’t need to do anything special. Just shop at over 2,500 stores and retailers through the app, the Rakuten website, or by downloading the Rakuten browser extension, and you can earn payouts.
Simply choose a store from their extensive list (including Kohl’s, REI, Toys”R”Us, and more), shop online as usual, and earn cash back effortlessly.
Rakuten earns a commission for directing you to the store where you shop, and they share a portion of that commission with you as a reward.
You can join Rakuten here.
11. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is an app that helps you save money while you shop online.
You don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it. Just download the browser extension and start using it right away.
This automatic savings app stands out because it requires no extra effort on your part. The Capital One Shopping app automatically searches for and applies the best coupon codes as you check out, making sure that you get the most savings possible on your purchases.
You can learn more about Capital One Shopping here.
12. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a fun way to earn rewards from your shopping receipts. You just take pictures of your receipts using the app and you get points.
I use Fetch Rewards all the time and it takes less than one minute to earn points. This mobile app is incredibly user-friendly and one of my favorites. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s super easy to earn rewards on the shopping you’re already doing.
With Fetch Rewards, you earn points by scanning receipts from any store – whether it’s a grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, or gas station. Then, you can redeem your points for gift cards to places like Target or Amazon, as well as other rewards.
Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:
Shop like you normally would.
Scan your receipt after you’re done.
Earn points on Fetch Rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
You can also read my review at My Honest Fetch Rewards Review.
13. Robinhood
Robinhood is a popular app for investing in stocks, cryptocurrency, options, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It’s easy to use and has no fees or commissions, which makes it great for beginners.
Plus, Robinhood’s app is simple and clean. You can see your investments and track their performance easily.
Robinhood also allows you to buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in expensive stocks with just a few dollars.
You can even invest in dividend-paying stocks on Robinhood.
When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re buying a piece of a company that gives you money regularly. Think of it like getting a small thank you for holding on to the company’s stock. These payments usually come from the company’s profits and they’re called dividends.
Here’s a vehicle I rented on Turo when I was visiting Hawaii. The person I rented from had many, many vehicles listed on the site and it seemed to be a good passive income stream for them.
14. Turo
Turo is an app that lets you rent out your car to make extra money. It is a peer-to-peer program where you cut out the middle person and rent out your car.
With Turo, you can earn about $500 or more per month with just one car. If you own a couple of cars, you might make over $2,000 per month. Your earnings depend on the type of car and how often it’s rented.
Just like renting out your RV when you’re not using it, you can also rent out your car!
It’s a cost-effective option compared to traditional rental car companies for customers, and it’s a great way to earn extra money if you’re working from home and your car isn’t in use or if you have a two-car household.
I have rented cars a few times on Turo and I have always had a good experience. It looks like a possibly good way for a person to make money.
15. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is an app where you can earn passive income.
Some of the ways you can earn passive income through this app are by investing your money in the stock market (you can customize your investment portfolio with over 6,000 stocks and ETFs) as well as saving your money in their high-yield account (at the time of this writing, their high-yield savings account rate was 5.00%).
16. Masterworks
Masterworks is an app that lets you invest in fine art.
You don’t need to be wealthy to own a piece of famous art. Masterworks purchases valuable paintings and you can buy shares in these artworks. When the painting is eventually sold, you receive a portion of the profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about passive income apps.
How can I make $1000 a month passively?
There are many ways to make $1,000 a month passively, such as by renting out a space on Airbnb or Neighbor, renting out a car or RV, investing in an investment app such as Masterworks or Robinhood, and more.
Can you make passive income from an app?
Yes, you can make passive income from an app. Some passive income apps include Neighbor, RVshare, Freecash, and M1 Finance.
How can I make passive income from my phone?
You can make passive income from your phone by installing apps that pay you for different things, such as renting out your stuff, getting cash back, or investing your money. For instance, Honeygain pays you for sharing your internet data, while Rakuten gives you cash back for shopping. These apps run in the background, requiring minimal effort from you once set up.
How to make $5,000 a month passively?
You can make $5,000 a month passively by investing more of your money in different kinds of investments, such as stocks and rentals. It may take some time to get to $5,000 a month in passive income, but it is possible.
What are the highest-paying passive income apps?
The highest-paying passive income apps depend on how much time, effort, and money you put into it. But, generally, passive income apps where you are investing your money (such as in the stock market) or renting out things you own (like a property rental or vehicle rental) typically pay the most.
What are some free passive income apps?
Free passive income apps include Freecash, RVshare, Neighbor, Airbnb, Honeygain, Rakuten, and Acorns.
Best Passive Income Apps – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best passive income apps.
As you can see, there are many ways to make money with passive income apps. Some will allow you to earn simply some spare cash, whereas others you may be able to build up and eventually earn a full-time income.
Some may require you to invest your money up front (like Fundrise), and some of them are free passive income apps (like Honeygain or Fetch Rewards).
The best passive income app depends on what you are looking for, the amount of time you have, and the amount of risk that you want to take on.
New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” is where the beauty of the desert meets a tapestry of cultures. The state is famous for its stunning landscapes, lively arts scene, and distinctive green chile cuisine. But what else is New Mexico known for? Whether you’re considering renting a home in Albuquerque, looking to settle into a charming apartment in Santa Fe, or just planning a visit, you’ll soon find that New Mexico has much more to offer than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll uncover the hidden gems and iconic features that make New Mexico a state that’s truly unique and why so many are proud to call it home. Let’s dive in.
1. White Sands National Park
New Mexico is home to the stunning White Sands National Park, featuring 275 square miles of glistening white gypsum dunes. This unique landscape offers people the chance to hike, sled, and picnic among the rolling dunes. The park also hosts the annual White Sands Balloon Invitational, where colorful hot air balloons float over the dazzling white sands. This surreal environment provides a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the natural beauty of New Mexico.
2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 119 known caves, formed by sulfuric acid dissolving the surrounding limestone. The park’s most famous attraction, the Big Room, is one of the largest underground chambers in North America. Visitors can explore the caverns on self-guided tours or watch the evening bat flight program.
3. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, held annually in October. This spectacular event attracts balloonists and spectators from around the globe, with hundreds of balloons taking to the skies. The mass ascensions, special shapes rodeo, and nighttime balloon glows create a magical atmosphere.
4. Green chile cuisine
New Mexico is famous for its green chile cuisine, a staple in the state’s culinary tradition. The Hatch Chile Festival celebrates this iconic ingredient with cooking contests, chile roasting, and food stalls offering everything from green chile stew to chile-infused ice cream. Local restaurants, such as The Shed in Santa Fe, are renowned for their green chile dishes. This spicy delight is a must-try for anyone in New Mexico.
5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves the remnants of an ancient civilization that thrived in the region between AD 900 and 1150. The park’s impressive ruins, such as Pueblo Bonito, showcase the architectural and astronomical achievements of the Chacoan people. Guided tours and night sky programs offer insights into this complex society. Chaco Canyon’s historical significance provides a deep connection to New Mexico’s ancient past.
6. Roswell UFO incident
Roswell is famous for the 1947 UFO incident, where an alleged extraterrestrial spacecraft crashed near the town. The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell gives patrons the opportunity to explore the mystery with exhibits and information on the event. The annual Roswell UFO Festival celebrates this extraterrestrial legacy with costume contests, parades, and guest speakers. Roswell’s unique association with UFOs makes it a fascinating destination for curious minds.
Fun facts New Mexico is famous for
Official state question: New Mexico is the only state with an official state question: “Red or green?” This refers to the choice between red or green chile sauce, highlighting the state’s love for its flavorful cuisine
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city: Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the oldest state capital in the United States.
Roswell’s alien streetlights: In Roswell, you’ll find streetlights shaped like alien heads, a playful nod to the town’s famous UFO incident.
7. Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The adobe structures, some dating back over 1,000 years, are still home to the Taos people. Visitors can tour the pueblo, learn about its history, and purchase traditional crafts from local artisans.
8. Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument preserves the ancient cliff dwellings and structures of the Ancestral Puebloans. The park’s trails lead visitors through Frijoles Canyon, where they can explore kivas, petroglyphs, and the Alcove House, a large ceremonial cave. The combination of archaeological sites and stunning natural scenery provides a glimpse into the lives of the area’s early inhabitants.
9. Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe, offering a picturesque drive through the heart of New Mexico’s mining history. The route passes through charming towns like Madrid and Los Cerrillos, known for their art galleries, shops, and historical landmarks. Passerby can explore old mines, hike scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains.
10. Very Large Array radio telescope
The Very Large Array (VLA) is one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories, located on the Plains of San Agustin. The array’s 27 radio antennas, each 82 feet in diameter, are used to observe celestial phenomena such as black holes and distant galaxies. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about its contributions to astronomy. The VLA’s cutting-edge research and striking visuals make it a standout scientific landmark worth visiting.
11. Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque preserves one of North America’s largest collections of petroglyphs, with over 20,000 images carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. The park offers several hiking trails where people can view these ancient symbols and learn about their historical and cultural significance. The monument’s blend of natural beauty and archaeological importance provides a unique insight into New Mexico’s rich heritage.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.
Hard Rock International has rolled out the red carpet for the launch of its new loyalty program, Unity by Hard Rock.
Artist Noah Kahan recorded a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” for the ad campaign, reflecting how the program aims to connect the brand’s diverse offerings — hotels, cafes, casinos — for members worldwide.
“Hard Rock is uniquely positioned to launch this one-of-a-kind loyalty program that rewards our guests’ passions for entertainment, travel, gaming and food,” Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment & brand management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, said in a statement.
Here’s what you need to know about this new loyalty program.
How to earn and redeem points
Members can earn Unity Points at Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming locations through gaming, dining, merchandise purchases and hotel stays. Earning rates vary.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent at participating cafes, Rock Shops and noncasino hotels.
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on nongaming spending in participating casinos.
Earn game-specific rates in participating casinos.
Points redeem like cash (100 points = $1) at participating locations.
You can use Unity points to earn loyalty status and move up membership tiers. To track loyalty status, Unity uses “Tier Credits” in addition to regular points earned.
You can earn Tier Credits toward higher membership status by spending at Hard Rock and Seminole locations throughout the calendar year. Earn 1 Tier Credit per $1 spent (rates may vary for casino gaming). Note the Tier score resets annually.
Hard Rock Unity member benefits
Unity members can access various benefits and services at over 200 Hard Rock locations worldwide, including hotels, cafes, casinos, Rock Shops and others. Benefits vary across locations and reward status.
There are four membership tiers: Star (0–3,999 tier credits), Legend (4,000–14,999 tier credits), and Icon (15,000+ tier credits). The fourth tier, X, is by invite-only.
Member benefits include:
Hotels and cafes: Members get exclusive rates, birthday treats (Cafes), priority seating (Icon & X tiers), and complimentary live music access (X tier) at participating locations.
Casinos and hotels/casinos: Members can book directly and receive special rates, play-based rewards, and tier-specific benefits.
Hard Rock Games: Unity members earn points and credits with purchases across online games.
Rock Shops: Members earn points and credits on qualifying merchandise purchases in store and online.
Extra travel partner benefits: Unity members enjoy reciprocal benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises programs.
Come Together experiences sweepstakes
In addition the benefits and ways to earn points above, Hard Rock’s Unity program offers “Come Together Experiences,” a sweepstakes series of travel and entertainment prizes throughout the year. Learn details and how to enter at unity.hardrock.com/come-together. At time of publishing, these sweepstakes were open for entries, or coming soon.
Win an all-inclusive Maldives vacation for two at the Hard Rock Hotel. The prize includes a seven-day, six-night stay with airfare, accommodations, watersports, spa access and dining options. Enter by Aug. 31, 2024.
Win a trip to the Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, for three, for three nights (including airfare and ground transportation), a complimentary day cabana and a resort credit. You’ll also get tickets to an Inter Miami soccer match. Enter by June 30, 2024.
Win an intimate concert experience for two with John Legend at the original Hard Rock Cafe in London. You’ll receive signed merchandise, a $200 Rock Shop gift card, airfare, lodging and ground transportation. Enter by July 31, 2024.
You can join Hard Rock Unity for free online or at any participating Hard Rock location, enter the sweepstakes and start racking up points and tier credits on your next visit or stay.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations.
For many Americans, one of the best ways to get closer to their ideal annual income is to learn how to make money online.
According to a 2024 study from Smart Asset, individual Americans need an annual salary of $96,500 to live comfortably in a major city, and families with two children need to make about $235,000.
However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that the weekly median earnings for Americans was $1,139. This makes the median annual salary a little less than $60,000—far below the annual cost of living in many cities.
Some leverage the thriving “gig economy,” where you find contracted gigs in a virtual marketplace, and others generate passive income. Regardless of your skill set and interests, you’re sure to find something that works for you.
We put together a list of 27 different ways you can make money from home to supplement your income. You’ll also learn what it takes to get started and whether or not it’s right for you.
1. Find miscellaneous freelance jobs
A great place to start when learning how to make money online is by looking at platforms that offer a wide range of work. Before diving into the rest of the list, it’s helpful to know about popular platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Every day, people and companies post jobs you may be perfect for.
At these sites, you can type in some of your various skills to see if any jobs are available. You can also create a detailed profile marketing your skills so people can find you more easily and offer you work.
Best for: People with a wide range of skills.
What you need to get started: Skills will vary depending on the specific job.
2. Take online surveys
Many companies out there want to get opinions from specific demographics and will pay you to take these surveys. While these don’t pay as much as many of the other options on the list, they also don’t take that long to do, so they are a simple way to make extra money. You can sign up to take these surveys at websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks.
Best for: Anyone with access to the internet.
What you need to get started: Access to a web browser.
3. Perform data entry
Data entry is a skill that many people can learn if they don’t already have experience. Doing data entry typically involves inputting data from different sources into a spreadsheet. Sometimes, you can find businesses looking for long-term workers, which can offer a little more stability than finding “gig work.” In addition to sites like Upwork and Fiverr, you can find data entry work at TechSpeed and Oworkers.
Best for: Well-organized individuals.
What you need to get started: Some proficiency with spreadsheet programs like Excel and Google Sheets.
4. Become an online tutor
For teachers looking for online side hustles, becoming an online tutor is a great option. Even if you’re not a teacher, you may be able to find some subjects that you can help students with. The platforms that link tutors with students usually cover school subjects like math, English, foreign languages, writing, and more. You can sign up to tutor on websites like TutorMe, Skooli, and Preply.
Best for: Those who love to teach.
What you need to get started: Experience teaching and expertise in the subject matter.
5. Be a virtual assistant
Many businesses of all sizes need additional help, so they hire virtual assistants. Virtual assistant tasks can vary depending on the gig. Some of these opportunities may be for one day of work, but others may need help for longer stretches of time.
These may pay you per job or per hour, and you can find these gigs on any freelance website. As of 2024, the average hourly rate for virtual assistants is $24 per hour and can be upward of almost $34 per hour.
Best for: People with a wide range of skills.
What you need to get started: Skills will vary depending on the specific job, but some skills can be helpful for many gigs like project management, organization skills, and data entry.
6. Get paid for your perspective
Focus groups are a key aspect of marketing, but it’s no longer just for new products hitting store shelves. In the digital age, companies are looking for people to review the user experience for their websites.
Sites like UserTesting pay you to share your opinions about different products from a variety of different brands. There are also sites like Userbrain that allow you to test different websites, applications, and software.
Best for: Individuals who like sharing their opinions.
What you need to get started: Access to a web browser.
7. Rent out your stuff
Do you have things that you don’t mind renting out? Well, websites like FriendWithA connect you with people who are looking to rent various items. Some of the main items people rent include cameras and film equipment, tools, generators, bikes, and other items people may only need for a day or two.
Best for: People with items they aren’t regularly using.
What you need to get started: Items in good condition to rent.
8. Rent out a room
In addition to apps like Uber, Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms in the new “sharing economy.” Many people use Airbnb as an alternative to hotels while traveling, but some people need a room to rent for longer periods.
Joining a platform like Airbnb allows you to make use of the extra room in your home for both travelers and long-term renters.
Best for: People with an extra room or home.
What you need to get started: A well-maintained room or home.
9. Sell used items
Selling used items is one of the best ways to make money because we all have things we no longer use. You no longer need to have a garage sale to sell your old items because there are platforms that can help you find buyers. There’s a long list of platforms that allow you to sell your used items like:
One of the primary advantages is that you’re no longer limited to your neighborhood and can reach a larger pool of potential buyers. If you have unique novelty items you’re willing to sell, you may want to consider a platform like eBay, where people are regularly looking for hard-to-find items. This is also a great way for kids to make extra money by selling old toys.
Some of these sites are also a great way to make money fast online because they have quick payouts once an item is sold. If the buyer is local, you can get paid the same day.
Best for: Those with old items they no longer need.
What you need to get started: Supplies to ship orders or transportation to deliver locally.
10. Sell graphic design services
There’s no shortage of graphic design jobs, and you can find these jobs through freelance websites or directly with businesses. Many businesses of all sizes need people who can design advertisements, logos, and more. If you’re a graphic designer, it may be a good idea to create a website that hosts a portfolio of your work where people can contact you directly as well.
Although it’s helpful if you have a background in graphic design, you can learn many graphic design skills on your own. There are many helpful tutorials for popular programs like Photoshop on YouTube and other social media sites.
Best for: Graphic designers.
What you need to get started: Graphic design software.
11. Create online courses
Is there something you know quite a bit about that you can teach to others? If so, you can create and sell online courses. From work-related topics to yoga to parenting strategies, offering classes for something you are a subject matter expert in can help you make money while doing something you love! Some of the best websites to sell your courses include Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable.
You may want to familiarize yourself with online course platforms because they are a great resource to broaden your skills. If you’re willing to invest some time and a little money, there are many courses to teach you new skills that you can turn into more ways to make money online.
Best for: Those who love to teach.
What you need to get started: Expertise in the subject matter you want to teach.
12.Self-publish books
There are many ways for writers to make money online, and writing books is easier than ever. You no longer need to go through a publisher to make money selling books. Today, there are many different websites that allow you to self-publish and sell your books.
The most popular site is Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), but you can also sell your books on websites like Apple, Google Play books, Kobo, and more. If you have a microphone, you can turn your books into audiobooks as a way to make even more money from your writing.
Best for: Writers.
What you need to get started: Writing software.
13. Start a blog
Blogging became big as a way to make extra money online in the early days of the internet, and it’s still very viable. The great thing about blogging is that you can write about anything you’re interested in and just need to find others who are interested in the same topic.
There are different ways to make money from a blog. You can create your own website and sell Google Ad space or find sponsors. You can also use platforms like Medium, which has a built-in audience, and you can earn revenue as more people read your posts.
Best for: Those who like to write.
What you need to get started: Writing skills and knowledge about a topic.
14. Do freelance writing
Although many news outlets and websites have dedicated journalists, there is also a lot of work out there for freelance writing. Some of the biggest websites out there, from the Washington Post to the New York Times, take submissions from freelance writers.
One of the best ways to find freelance writing work is by following editors on X (formerly known as Twitter). They’ll often post asking for people who can write on a specific topic. Sometimes, these gigs will pay hundreds of dollars for a single article. If you’re a fast writer and can write articles within a couple of hours, you could earn an hourly rate of $100 an hour or more.
If there’s a specific website you’d like to write for, just check and see if they have a page that tells you how to submit pitches for articles. Keep in mind that each publication pays different rates, and sometimes, the work can be inconsistent.
Best for: Writers. What you need to get started: Writing software.
15. Find voice-over work
There are many people looking for voice-over work in advertisements, presentations, or audiobooks. If you can read a script, there may be people out there who will hire you for your voice work. Freelance platforms like Upwork often have miscellaneous voiceover job postings, but you can make more with longer-form content.
ACX is the platform Amazon’s Audible uses for authors to find people to read their audiobooks. The prices vary, but you can sometimes make significantly more there than on the freelance websites.
Best for: Anyone with a great voice.
What you need to get started: A microphone with good quality.
16. Sell arts and crafts
There are many different marketplaces online for those who love making arts and crafts. One of the most popular marketplaces is Etsy, and there’s a market for just about anything you enjoy making. You can make your own prices, and the platform takes a small percentage of the sale.
Best for: Creatives and artists.
What you need to get started: Materials to create items.
17. Sell stock photography and videos
Have you ever wondered where websites get their high-quality photos or videos? Many of them don’t have in-house photographers or videographers. They buy stock photos and stock video footage for a variety of projects.
For those who love photography and videography, there are a variety of websites that will buy your photos and videos. Websites like SmugMug Pro, 500px, Getty Images, and many others will pay you for the rights to your photos and videos.
Best for: Photographers and videographers.
What you need to get started: A camera.
18. Sell royalty-free music
Similar to photography and videography, many websites will pay you for your music. This type of music goes in the background of YouTube videos, advertisements, and anywhere else people may need some background music. Websites like Epidemic Sound and Pond5 are good places to start when it comes to selling your tunes.
Best for: Musicians.
What you need to get started: Instruments and recording equipment. Royalty and licensing information is available on the websites.
19. Create an e-commerce website
There are many websites that allow you to sell your product, but each one takes a percentage of the profits for using their platform. You can keep a larger portion of your profits by creating an e-commerce website.
When you create your own website, you’ll hold onto most of the profits. One of the most popular ways to sell is with Shopify, which easily plugs into your website. Shopify and similar services have fees as well, but it’s less than using a platform like Etsy.
The primary downside is that marketplaces like Etsy have a built-in user base, so you would have to do your own marketing to get the word out about your website.
Best for: People with something to sell who want a larger portion of the profits.
What you need to get started: The ability to create a website.
20. Utilize affiliate links
Affiliate links are a way to make additional money that work in conjunction with many of the other jobs on this list. An affiliate link is a special link that you use for a product or service from a company, and each time someone uses your link, you get a commission. This is how many stay-at-home parents popularized blogging in the 2000s. You can easily make passive income by using affiliate links with any of the following:
Personal blogs and websites
Social media profiles and content
Podcasts
In an interview with Business Insider, creative entrepreneur and YouTuber Roberto Blake explained how he started making $5,000 a month from affiliate marketing. “I fell into affiliate marketing from the Amazon affiliate program, but then I realized a lot of subscriptions and software I was using had programs, too,” said Blake while discussing additional ways to do affiliate marketing.
Best for: Those who also make money from creating a platform like a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast.
What you need to get started: Discussing other products and services that you can link to.
21. Edit audio or video
There are many different job postings on freelance websites for audio and video editing. Many companies find freelancers through sites like Upwork and Fiverr to help them with their marketing content.
In addition to companies hiring audio and video editors, many social media influencers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok outsource their editing. Podcasters often hire audio editors as well.
This is another one of the skills that you can potentially learn if you don’t have experience yet.
Best for: People who enjoy editing audio and video.
What you need to get started: Software to edit audio and video.
22. Edit copy
People are always looking for editors. Whether it’s an author looking for someone to edit their next book or a company that needs an editor for something they’re publishing for the public, people need their words to look excellent. Previously mentioned websites like Upwork and Fiverr regularly have jobs for editors, but you can also find work at Reedsy and Wordvice.
Best for: Those who love language.
What you need to get started: Familiarity with the English language and various types of grammar rules, such as Chicago or AP style.
23. Become a social media influencer
Currently, it’s easier than ever to make money online through social media platforms. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok pay creators directly through their creator programs. Typically, you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for these programs, but some people make hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month through them.
If you’re an online business owner, a writer, or anyone who sells products or services, social media is a great way to find new buyers. On these platforms, you can provide links to your products, and you can also include affiliate links as a way to earn even more.
Best for: People who don’t mind being on camera.
What you need to get started: Some or all of the following: a camera, smartphone, and editing software.
24. Start a podcast
Podcasting is an easy way to start making content that could potentially make you money. You have a lot of creative freedom with podcasts as well. You can talk about topics that you’re interested in, tell stories, or interview people. Then, you can broadcast it to thousands or even millions of potential listeners on apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
It can take some time to make money from podcasting. Unlike social media platforms like YouTube or TikTok, podcasting platforms don’t have a program to pay creators. Podcasters primarily make their money from advertisements and affiliate links. Once you have a dedicated audience, you can reach out to companies to sell ad space on your podcast.
Best for: People who enjoy talking.
What you need to get started: A microphone and audio-editing software.
25. Create a newsletter
Newsletters were some of the first ways for people to make money online. Services like Mailchimp and others allow you to create an email list and send a newsletter out to your subscribers.
The newsletter can be as frequent as you’d like, you can discuss different topics that interest you, and you can put it behind a paywall on your website. Substack is a newer platform that combines blogging with newsletters, and you can charge readers a monthly or annual subscription. This is a helpful tool for those who don’t want to build their own website.
You can also use a newsletter as a way to promote your online business and alert your customers of new products or discounts.
Anne Janzer is a self-published author and discusses how she uses her newsletter to sell more books. “When I have something new going on, I can go and ask those folks, ‘Hey, can you share the word about this?’ and they’re the first ones to go out and post about my new book,” Janzer said in an interview about how her newsletter leads to more sales.
Best for: Writers and people with an online business. What you need to get started: The ability to write.
26. Walk or board dogs
If you’re a dog lover, this may be the right option for you. There are apps like Wag and Rover that connect dog walkers with people, but you can board dogs as well. For those who rent, you may need your landlord’s approval before boarding dogs, but this is a great option for those who want to make money from home.
Both Wag and Rover offer additional dog services for those with other dog specialties. These include:
Drop-in visits to check on dogs while the owner is away
Dog training
Dog sitting
Best for: People who love dogs.
What you need to get started: Possibly transportation to get to clients and a home that allows pets if you choose to board them.
27. Trade stocks
This path of making money from home is on the riskier side, but it can also come with higher rewards. The difference between investing and day trading stocks is that investments are long term, whereas trading involves buying and selling stocks on a daily basis.
To make money trading stocks, you’ll need to stay updated on all of the latest stock news and learn when to buy and sell properly. There’s a learning curve to trading stocks, but some people make full-time income trading stocks through brokerages like Charles Schwab, Vanguard, or Robinhood.
Best for: People with a high risk tolerance.
What you need to get started: Before trading, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about various stocks and how to read the market to minimize losses. Then, you need a computer to trade, or you can trade on apps like Robinhood.
Making money online can help you pay off your debts
If you have a lot of debt, allocating funds from your paycheck can be difficult. Making money online is a great way to earn extra income that you can put toward your debts and potentially improve your credit. Some people are even able to make more money online than they would in an office job.
Having a good credit score is also a way to get access to credit cards and loans. You can use these to fund your online business or better equipment. This all starts with knowing your credit health and having the right tools.
At Credit.com, you can get your free credit report card to check your credit. Sign up for ExtraCredit for additional tools like credit monitoring and ways to report additional payments to the major credit bureaus.
Are you excited to find the best version of yourself possible?
If you are, then you were in the absolutely correct place right now.
When trying to form a new habit or break a bad habit, many times we get lost in the overwhelming feeling that we are just not capable of making any changes. That is why these 30 day challenge ideas will help you become the person that you desire to be.
We cover a bunch of different thirty day challenge ideas across many contrasting areas in your life.
In this post, you are bound to find something that you will want to do.
For me personally, I have jumped on the 30 day challenge concept because I know that just a couple of days of trying a new habit isn’t going to last. I need to do something over a longer period of time to actually have it become ingrained as a habit or part of my life.
So, let’s dig into the best 30 day challenge ideas to get you started.
And don’t worry, we cover what are some fun 30 day challenges!
What is a 30 day challenge?
Simply put, a 30 day challenge is thirty days in a row that you challenge yourself to do something specific.
There are many things that you can do within these 30 days.
But, the goal is to use a thirty day challenge tracker and cross it off each and every day.
If you are not sure what can be achieved in 30 days, then you have never tried one of these challenges. You are able to accomplish more than you thought possible by sticking to the challenge.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Does the 30 day challenge really work?
Yes, you will be transformed at the end of the month if you cross off a majority of your thirty days.
If you have not read Atomic Habits by James Clear, then I highly recommend getting this book ASAP.
This book will help you realize some of the things that you were doing without even realizing it, and causing you to have good or bad habits. Plus, it will help drive the desire to build good habits in your life.
For me personally, this book has helped me to build better habits and make progress. And I wished I read it when it first came out in 2018!
You need to get rid of bad habits that make your life a struggle. Thus, a 30 Day Challenge will help.
This is only true if you are committed to putting in the effort in time.
While you may skip a day and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. As long as you jump back on the bandwagon and continue the next day.
Types of Fun 30 Day Challenges:
Well, let’s be honest if you’re not going to make it fun, then you shouldn’t do it at all! Because it is much easier to complete a fun 30 Day Challenge rather than something that you’re forced to be doing.
So, in order to keep it fun, you can always have a reward tied to the end.
Once you complete your 30 day challenge, then this is your reward for completion.
Too many times we look at thirty day challenges as “what should I give up for a month,” when in reality, you are not really depriving yourself for a month, you are trying to build a better you and better habits.
Here are the fun categories for all of our thirty day challenges:
How to Do a 30 Day Challenge?
As you will see shortly, there are lot of ways that you can intertwine these 30 day challenges together in your life and your schedule.
You may do one of these challenges while you’re sitting in the car waiting to pick up children from their activities. You may carve out time, specifically to work on a new skill, how and when you accomplish these challenges is up to you.
At the end of 30 days though, you are going to find a new level of happiness, enjoyment and fulfillment by sticking to these challenges.
The best way for success is to track your progress! There are resources at the bottom to help you out.
If you fall off the bandwagon for a day or two, that’s okay. Shake it off, and jump right on.
Don’t skip, more than a day. You got to get back on and complete your challenge.
30 Day Challenge Health & Fitness
First of all, I don’t like the sound of a 30 day wealth loss challenge because managing your health and fitness is a lifelong skill.
While thirty day challenge will give you a kickstart, you need to continue focusing on your overall health and fitness level.
Here are quick things to improve your health and fitness in the next month with one of these 30 day health challenge.
1. Do Workouts at Home
There is no reason you must go to the gym, so find a workout that you can do at home. There are plenty on YouTube, as well as subscription services to get you started.
Are 30 day workout challenges good? Personally, I have found that they keep my motivation going and accountable.
2. Daily Yoga
This is a challenge that I completed in the month of September is every day to do yoga. Some days it may be just 10 minutes, other days I may do an hour, but it is just a simple challenge to keep improving my flexibility and movement. Here is my favorite yoga instructor.
3. Drink Only Water, Tea & Coffee
Without realizing it, it is really easy to add a lot of liquid into your body that may not be the best. So, a quick and easy health challenge is to only drink water, tea, and coffee.
Eliminate all extra drinks, especially mixed cocktails, sodas, or energy drinks.
4. Stop Snacking
In today’s society, we are bombarded with eating small meals, and snacking is good for us. However, with the constant influx of food, we are more in a habit of snacking, rather than out of hunger for food.
To stop snacking, focus on your main meals for 30 days. Evaluate how you feel afterward a month.
5. Walk Before Lunch or Dinner
Walk before you sit down to eat a meal. Get outside, stretch your legs and take a walk around the block. It does not have to be for long; it can be 10 minutes or 30 minutes.
But, by taking that time to walk beforehand, you are burning calories and at an opportune time before you eat your main meals.
6. Focus on Core Strength
A quick 10 minute abs / core strength exercise helps us in everyday life. Yet, we tend to forget about building up the strength in our core.
Head to YouTube and do a 10 minute ab workout. It is very quick and easy.
You can easily fit in, when you go to take a break, instead of jumping on Facebook or Instagram. Do a quick 10 minute ab workout, and that will improve your health and fitness level by the end of 30 days.
7. Check out Fasting
Fasting is not for everyone. However, this statement intrigued me… the word breakfast means breaking your fast.
We are bombarded with food options 24/7, but maybe our bodies need a break from eating consistently. Check out this book for more info and talk to your doctor first.
8. Fit Bride-to-be Workout
If you are an upcoming bride, you probably want to be at the best possible fitness level that you are capable of doing. So here is a 30 day workout challenge, just for brides.
30 Day Challange Happiness & Gratitude
We all need a little bit more happiness in our life, and we all could express more gratitude. It does not have to be difficult.
These are simple concepts, but we get too focused on everything that is going wrong in our life. Thus, we do not look around and see the beauty and all of the good that is happening.
9. Walk Outside for Fresh Air
Did you know that fresh air is beneficial for your health? Also, it instantly improves your happiness level. So, all you have to do is step outside and take a fresh breath.
10. Start a Gratitude Journal
This helps you focus on three things. Each day wrote down three positive moments in your life. After you do this over the course of 30 days, your happiness level will improve, as well as your gratefulness.
11. Take Control of Your Phone
There is a great book written by two previous Google employees on how to use your technology appropriately and not have your technology take over your life. Check it out. You need to use your phone for the purposes of your phone, and not as a distraction tool.
12. Take a Social Media Break
Every day you are overwhelmed with the picture-perfect life of everybody else on Instagram and Facebook. Studies prove that will leave you discouraged and unhappy with your real life.
Take a thirty-day break from social media and stop focusing on everybody’s highlight reel. During those 30 days, connect with real people and have real conversations, and let your mind focus on the reality around you.
13. Buy a Bouquet of Flowers
Every once in a while, I splurge and buy a bouquet of flowers to put on the table – just because it brings a smile to my face every time I walk through that room. It is something very easy. Plus for my frugal side, I always buy flowers under $10.
14. What Brings Joy in Your Life?
For a quick minute, think about what just brings that extra joy in my life. Focus on those things. Plan to dedicate extra time to what you want out of life and not what others want for your life.
15. Take a Day for You
This is true for everyone, but right now I am going to speak directly to the mamas out there first. As a mom, we put our family and our kids first. We always make sure that we are available and ready to help them in every possible way. This will leave us drained over the course of a day, week, month and year.
Plan a day for yourself. Take a mental break from being in that role of a mom.
This applies to everyone; take a day to recharge your batteries. Then, you will be able to come back for another day with a fresh gusto!
16. Say Yes to that Hobby
We always have a reason or excuse why we are not going to start that hobby that we have thought about for many years. So, what better time to be happy, and give it a try? Try your new hobby for thirty days and see how it works out.
Resources for More Happiness & Gratitude Ideas:
30 day Financial Challenge
One of the hardest parts of managing money is it takes time to make progress. In a couple of days, you are not going to notice a significant change in one direction or another with your money.
At the end of 30 days, you can actually start to see progress with your money and your habits.
Here are the best financial challenges that you can do within a 30 day time period.
17. No Spend Challenge
If you have never participated in no spend challenge this 30 Day financial challenge is just for you. Learn how you spend money, and why you spend money.
That will help you evaluate whether spending money is worth it or not. Check out how to participate in a no spend month.
18. Have a 24 Hour Buy Period
Oh, retailers love to make a spend, spend, spend. This is your “conscious” way to pause your spending. Wait 24 hours before you could buy anything.
While this may not be convenient, it is a good way to see if you actually truly wanted that item, or if you are buying it for no specific need.
19. Envelope Challenge
With this super popular 100 envelope challenge, there is absolutely no reason that you cannot just do 30 days. Your results will vary on how much you end up saving. But, something is more than nothing!
If you decide to just do the numbers one through thirty, you will end up saving $465 at the end of the challenge. If you keep all the numbers 1-100 and randomly pick thirty envelopes, then your results are going to be different based on what envelopes you pick.
But either way, it is a good way to start saving money.
20. Financially Stable Habits
Regardless of where you are on your money journey, you can pick one of the financially stable habits and focus on those for the month. Pick a few habits to focus on for 30 days. If you want to be successful with money long term, you need to learn how to be financially stable.
21. Pick a Habit of a Thrifty Person
Being thrifty is a great quality to have! You are not cheap with your money, you know when to spend on quality, but a lot of times people look frown upon those who are thrifty.
By being thrifty, you will actually end up saving money in the long term. And that will impact your finances, so learn a quality of a thrifty person.
22. 30 Day Money Saving Challenge – Save $465
Our money saving challenges, here at Money Bliss, are extremely popular, and for good reason, it sets you up for financial success.
There are plenty of options to save money in thirty days. You can save $5 a day over the course of 30 days, and end up saving $350. Or find ways to stop spending money and save $20 a day, then you accumulate $600 in just one month.
30 Day Journaling Challenge
In this section, some people either love or absolutely hate it because journaling can be overwhelming (mostly thanks to Pinterest). We always feel like our journaling is not as good as others, or our handwriting is not as pretty. Or that you do not have the time to dedicate to journaling.
So when it comes to this 30 Day journaling challenge, I challenge you to do what you can do and not compare yourself to others.
Personally, my handwriting and the beauty of my journals are not great either. I do bullet points mostly and that works for me. I just find ways to clear my head and write down my thoughts.
23. Set a Time to Journal
You must dedicate time to journaling. Block out time to journal. If not, It is not gonna happen. You need to set a time for you to journal, whether it is five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or an hour!
Take time for whatever you need to journal what is on your heart.
24. Find Journaling Prompts
Do not go into your journaling time without an idea of what you should journal about. In advance, look for journaling prompts that work for you where every day you focus on a different part of your life.
For example… Day one is work. Day two is your family. The third day is your friends, and keep going from there.
Or start with these money affirmations to guide you.
25. Create a Bucket List
We all have goals, aspirations, and dreams. Nevertheless, have you ever written them out on a list? This is your time to create a bucket list. Start thinking about what you want to do, where you want to go, and how it is going to happen.
26. Write a Letter
Letters are a great way to share your thoughts with others. You may find finishing a letter may take a little bit longer than one day (and that is completely okay).
These letters could be written for future events like once a person graduates from college, gets married, finds their first job, or has a baby – whatever it may be, the letters share your heart now to be opened later down for a future.
27. Journal about your Pet Peeves
If you have certain pet peeves that drive you crazy, then why not journal about them? Then, you can notice signals to stop them before they start or get worse. Consequently, you can also find happiness at the same time.
28. Learning Opportunities
Write a list of all the things that you want to learn. Next, journal about the action steps you need to take in order to start learning and doing.
29. Describe your Life in 5 Words
Sometimes we do not want to write at all, sometimes we want to write a ton, and that is completely okay. If somebody asked you today, describe your life in five words, what would you say? Journal about that.
30 day Self-Care Challenge
It is okay to participate in self care. This is extremely important for your mental health.
Don’t keep putting this off until tomorrow. Wellness at home is extremely important!
This is your chance at self care if not all the other people in your household will be begging for your attention.
30. Extra Time for You
We go through the day focused on everything that needs to be done and a lot of times we do not take a breath. Blocking out time for you is extremely important for self care. Right now, set a timer in your phone for 5-30 minutes of just extra time, just for you, and spend it how you choose.
31. Be Still
Plan the time to take an extra 10 minutes to get away and have time for yourself. Just to be still. It could be when you get ready in the morning, be early to a meeting, or while waiting for kids to be picked up. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to get ready.
32. Get a Massage
Work out all those kinks in your neck and your back plus all that tension. Get a massage for yourself. If you cannot afford regular massages, then look at the handheld massager to use at home.
33. Take a Detox Bath
Soaking in a bathtub is a great way to help with self care. Even soaking your feet is an indulgent experience. By doing a detox bath, you are able to draw out the impurities in your skin. Here are good detox sea salts to evaluate your soaking time.
34. Get Enough Sleep
If you are not sleeping well, then you need to get to the core of the problem. Everybody needs around eight hours of quality sleep. So, pull the drapes, cool the room, and get the rest you truly need.
35. No Phone for a Day
This one is probably going to be a challenge for most of us, but by having a phone-free day you will realize how different you react to things and how different your life actually feels. Sundays are a great day to do this!
36. Get your Hands Dirty
For some people, this may be gardening in the dirt. For others, it may be kneading dough in the kitchen. Whatever it is, getting your hands dirty and activating your hand muscles is therapeutic.
37. Listen to your Favorite Music
Indulge in your favorite tunes. Take time to fill your mind with music that you enjoy! Even better, upgrade the subscription so you have ad-free listening time. Did you know with Amazon Prime, you have access to over 2 million songs for free.
38. Get Dressed Up – Just Because
Dressing nicely brings out confidence. You do not need a reason to dress up. Pick out your favorite dress or dazzle an outfit with fun heels or jewelry. Just because.
Resources for More Self Care Ideas:
30 day Self-Improvement Challenge
You cannot just say you want to improve. You have to put action behind those plans.
Self-improvement is one of the hardest areas to overcome.
We feel like there is too much self-improvement to be done. So, go into this section on simple habits you can start doing today that will make a difference in the long run.
39. Write a List of Areas to Improve
You may have grand goals for everything you can do for self-improvement. But, in reality, we cannot accomplish all those things overnight. So, write a list of areas that you can improve in. Then, focus on certain aspects over the next 30 days. Stick with only three to five of those items on your list.
40. Say Yes
There are many times that we are too afraid to do something new that we will not even give it a try. If you want to improve something in your life, then take the initiative and go ahead and say yes to trying something.
41. Read a Book
Spend at least 10 minutes reading a book. Ultimately, you should spend at least thirty minutes or more a day of reading. Pick a nonfiction book in an area you improve in your life. Make sure it is a topic you enjoy.
Great Self-Improvement Books:
42. Improve your Habits
As said in the book Atomic Habits, you are unable to make progress in life if you don’t start building solid habits. There is no faster way to improve than my daily progression of your habits. Grab a habit tracker and commit to the best 30 days.
43. Write Down Future Goals
If you’re not sure where you want to go in life. If you want to improve in areas you don’t even know where to start. So create a list of goals of what you want to do.
Find: 100 Self Care Ideas For A 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenge
30 Day Productivity Challenge
By being productive, you can get more done. Just because you are getting more done, it doesn’t mean that you need more time.
It means that you are more effective with the time you have in what you can get done.
44. Use a Timer
This is the best way to get focused quickly. Use a timer, set it for 30 minutes, and get to the task at hand. Get it done and move on. By focusing on one thing at a time, you are more likely to be extremely productive during that time.
This is the timer I use.
45. Limit Distractions
If the distractions are notifications on your phone or on your laptop, remove those while you are trying to be productive in whatever you are currently working on. Do not be tempted to do something else. Move the distractions to a different area (hint: your phone)!
46. Habit Tracker
If you really want to be productive, then use a habit tracker! You can cross off all the habits you are specifically focusing on each and every day. By doing this, you are able to be consistent and focus on building those good habits.
47. Plan your Day in Advance
Don’t let life plan you. You must be planning your day in advance. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish. That is how you become productive.
48. Track Your Time
Use a tool like Toggl or a written plan to track your time. This is different than planning your time in your calendar. This is how you actually spend your time. Also, this helps you to realize where your infinity pools of wasted time happen and you can dedicate time towards self car.
Don’t just guess how you spend your day; actually, figure out how you spend every single hour of your day.
49. Understand Time Freedom
If you have never heard of time freedom, then you are missing out on the best self improvement tool available. If you’re wasting a good portion of your day doing things that are not going to make a difference at the end of the day, then what is the point?
Your time is important. Make sure you experience all life has to offer!
30 Day Creativity Challenge
Just for those of us who feel not creative enough, this is for you!
You do not have to worry about being super creative; just by using that other side of your brain, you are able to create new neuropathways and lower many aging conditions.
50. Color Daily
You can pick up a great coloring book for adults that are beautiful and you can spend time coloring yourself. Start with coloring for ten minutes a day and see how you feel.
51. Sidewalk Art
Let your creativity escape onto the sidewalks and driveways. Every day write an inspirational message for others to read. You may start a trend of people stopping daily on their walks.
52. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Let your mind and your body move just because you are enjoying the song. Move to how you feel your body needs to move. Let that creativity come out in ways that you have not experienced since you were a child.
53. Drawing Challenge
Drawing is not my strength. However, over the past year, I have been working with my daughter on drawing challenges for kids. It has helped to overcome my fears, actually improve, and given me more confidence to draw. Here is a great drawing channel to help you start.
54. Play Music
Find ways to be creative and just play music. Just play to play. Do not play to practice. Play for pure enjoyment.
55. Try a New Craft
Head to the craft store and find something that you want to do. There are plenty of crafts to suit your personality. Plus some are a great way to decompress and destress.
One of my friends started knitting hats as a way to pass the time while she was waiting for kids at sports activities.
30 Day Organization Challenge
By far, the most popular 30 day challenges are for organizing your home, your life, your stuff, your clothing, etc. More than likely, it is probably what you first associate with any 30 day challenge ideas.
Organize, declutter, spring clean … Get rid of the extra stuff in your house.
Take time to clean those areas that you have been neglecting. All great ideas, so let’s dig in!
56. Spring Clean
There is a great feeling of getting rid of stuff and the process of spring cleaning. You can feel this freshness in the area. Honestly, this is something we all should be doing each year. Here is a great spring cleaning checklist to help you get started.
57. Sell Your Stuff
Get rid of extra stuff in your house. If you have not used it for the last month, then you more than likely probably do not need it in your house. Start selling your stuff and here is a great resource to help you.
58. Declutter. Declutter Declutter.
There are lots of resources on decluttering. Just remember, decluttering is extremely important because every single day we have more and more stuff coming into our life, but we are not getting rid of more and more stuff.
Take time and declutter by doing a 30 day challenge. You are only focusing on a small area every single day and by the end of thirty days, you have made great progress.
Decluttering Resources for You:
59. Big 30 Day Decluttering Projects
Let’s face it, not every place in our house, we can organize in a day and sometimes they take a month. Perfect examples are the basement or garage. So on those bigger areas, you can still break them down and every day check one thing off the list.
During the overall decluttering challenge, focus on one area or one shelf per day in that space that needs help. Also, give yourself the grace to actually accomplish what you need to get done.
60. Keep a Clean House
Guilty of not being the best housekeeper? Don’t worry most of us are not great. Thankfully, you can easily check off tasks with this clean house checklist!
61. Take in Less
This is something that you can do on a daily basis. Your goal is to nothing or very little into your house, and have zero impact on the trash and waste. Your home slowly producing a minimalistic vibe. This is known as frugal green.
62. Minimalism
One of the best ways to live life with less and spend less money on a regular basis is to be a minimalist. You can choose your level of minimalism. This means that your cupboards are not allowed to overflow with extra stuff; those shelves must fit only what you need and what you use. Check out this minimalism challenge.
30 Day Challenge For Kids
Let’s not forget why we are trying to build good habits for ourselves, we can also instill good habits into our kids!
These are the 30 day challenge specifically designed for kids. All of them are fabulous 30 day challenge for students!
63. Teach Kids to be Grateful
Most children in America are extremely privileged and have access to things, and resources than most of the world and more than their own parents. They have become accustomed to the little things in life and take everything for granted.
So, we must teach our kids to be grateful. Here is a great gratitude challenge for kids.
64. Kindness Challenge
We all know the trouble that happens at our schools. Also, we know kids are choosing mean words, without realizing it, or maybe doing it on purpose. Either way, we need to instill kindness into our children. Here’s a great kindness challenge for kids to get you started.
65. Money Challenge for Kids
Kids need to be taught to save money. There is no way around it. If they are not taught at home, they will not have those lessons as adults. So, teach them to save their age, every single year growing up.
If they start this at age three, by the time they graduate, they will have over $2,000, not including interest in their accounts. Here is the Save Age challenge for kids.
66. Drawing Challenge for Kids
Every kid wants to learn to draw. Let them use their creative side and have fun. It is a simple project to complete each day. Plus when someone joins them, it becomes a fun experience to share. Use this drawing challenge to get the creative juices flowing!
67. Back to School Decluttering
Get the kid’s help on back-to-school decluttering! They need to learn to be responsible for their things too! Make it fun with a scavenger hunt with this back to school calendar decluttering list.
Success happens when you are able to track your progress!
Are you Ready for your Thirty Day Challenge?
The goal of this post is to get you motivated to find fun 30 day challenges for 2021!
It is not overwhelming with all of the possibilities that you could do in order to become fitter more healthy, improve your self care, improve your productivity, or clean out your house.
The goal of these challenges is to provide opportunities for you to choose what you want to do. You can find plenty of 30 day challenges on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. But, don’t get caught up in trying to find all of these challenges.
Pick the thirty day challenge that is on your heart and you want to do. The best 30 day challenge is one that you deep down you need to accomplish.
No one else can write that, or find the challenge for you – only you can do that.
Right now, set a timer for five minutes and think about what areas would you like to do a 30 day challenge.
We have given you plenty of 30 day challenge ideas, but now you need to decide what works for you.
One of the great things about many of these challenges is they overlap.
Above you will find all of the their day challenge examples. Which one is your favorite challenge idea?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
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Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating adventure, especially when you’re heading to Europe. Whether you’re in the mood for an eclair or want to take in the Colosseum, making your way over to Europe involves a lot of moving parts.
That’s why travel insurance can be so beneficial. With protections such as trip delay reimbursement and coverage for lost luggage, travel insurance can help make sure your trip stays smooth.
What’s more, several plans include travel health insurance in Europe, so you can worry less about whether that hike through the Alps is a good idea.
Let’s take a look at travel insurance in Europe as well as other coverage options for your vacations.
How travel insurance works
Because a lot of thought, money and effort go into planning and taking a vacation, protecting your investments (and yourself) with travel insurance can make the difference between an enjoyable memory and a disastrous anecdote you tell at mealtimes.
Travel insurance can cover a variety of things, including:
Common types of travel insurance
Trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption and lost luggage insurance are all sources of protection when you travel, especially on airlines. These can reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses you miss out on due to covered delays, and may pay you back for costs you end up incurring (including lodging, meals, toiletries and clothing).
🤓Nerdy Tip
Although it’s possible to get standard health insurance for trips abroad, it’s much more common to get coverage for emergency care, which includes protections for unexpected injuries and illnesses.
Health insurance for European travel is usually included with a standard travel insurance policy, but there are plan limits and there may be deductibles.
It’s also possible to purchase medical-only travel insurance from certain providers if you aren’t interested in other trip protections.
How to choose between travel insurance companies
Before you start shopping for travel and medical insurance in Europe, evaluate the level of coverage you need based on your age, health, trip duration, destination and planned activities (some adventure sports aren’t always covered). Compare plans from different providers, paying attention to coverage, benefits and prices.
Here’s a short list of factors to consider:
The cost of the policy.
The limits of the plan.
Whether there are deductibles.
Whether the benefits are primary or secondary.
Where you’re going.
How long your trip is.
Whether you already have insurance that’ll cover you.
The types of activities you’ll be doing.
An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) can streamline your shopping experience. Be sure to also read reviews and ratings of individual travel insurance companies to get an idea of customer service and claim resolution processes.
Best plans for health insurance while traveling in Europe
To figure out the best plans for travel and health insurance in Europe, we generated quotes from multiple travel insurance companies using a test scenario. For this example, we used a 37-year-old Nevada resident traveling to Germany for 11 days with a $4,000 trip cost. Here are the winners.
1. GeoBlue
GeoBlue’s Voyager Choice medical insurance for European travel sits head and shoulders above the rest for cost, at only $28.16.
That said, there’s a reason it is so affordable. This plan offers coverage only for medical emergencies and lacks other trip protections. It is a good option if you want to supplement existing travel coverage (say via your credit card) with more medical coverage.
$1 million in medical coverage.
$0 deductible.
Offers direct billing.
No trip protections.
Pre-existing condition coverage requires that you have domestic health insurance.
Can only purchase plans up to six months in advance of your trip.
2. IMG
IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel SE’s comprehensive plan includes both trip protections and health insurance for Europe travel and rings in at just $135.36.
At this price point, it provides excellent primary coverage for medical insurance, offers rental car insurance and includes superior trip interruption reimbursement.
Travel delay reimbursement kicks in after 12 hours.
Baggage loss is capped at $250 per item and $1,500 total.
More expensive than other options.
3. Detour Insurance
The Detour Insurance @The Edge insurance plan is aptly named. Costing $86.90, the plan offers a unique inclusion for the costs of search and rescue, which can provide peace of mind if you’re participating in backcountry adventures.
$1 million limit for medical evacuation.
Coverage can be extended.
$10,000 for search and rescue.
No rental car insurance.
Pre-existing conditions not covered.
$50,000 limit for 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
4. Trawick International
Trawick International’s Safe Travels Protect plan includes primary medical coverage as well as a wide range of trip protections. At $100.03, it even covers cancellations for medical reasons.
$25,000 in emergency medical coverage.
100% for both trip cancellation and trip interruption.
Medical quarantine coverage included.
$100 medical deductible.
$500 lost luggage limit (not a great fit if you are packing several valuables).
Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Other tips for travel and medical insurance in Europe
Do you have a travel credit card? Many of these cards offer complimentary travel insurance as a part of their benefits.
The plan you select may offer secondary coverage, but this matters only if you have existing insurance. In its absence, secondary coverage becomes primary.
Look at your existing health insurance policy. Some plans will provide emergency coverage for you when traveling internationally.
Which credit cards offer Europe travel insurance?
If you’re looking for insurance when traveling to Europe, you may already have it without knowing. Many travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance.
Available types of insurance can include rental car insurance, emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation reimbursement, lost luggage protection and trip delay insurance.
Here are some of the best credit cards for travel insurance:
Top cards with travel insurance
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase’s website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
Travel protections (not a comprehensive list)
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Terms apply.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per passenger for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $2,000 per person for nonrefundable airline, bus, train or ferry tikets.
• Trip interruption: Up to $2,000 per person for nonrefundable airline, bus, train or ferry tikets.
• Lost or damaged luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Learn more
Terms apply.
Travel insurance for Europe recapped
Staying safe is important during your trip to Europe. Health insurance for travel can make a difference, especially if you’re planning on doing anything adventurous. The same can be said for other trip protections, which reimburse you for covered expenses that you incur.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance
Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan
Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.