Orlando, FL, is a stunning Central Florida city with lakes, lush greenery, and dozens of theme parks, like Walt Disney World. There are countless museums, botanic gardens, event venues, and hidden gems, making it a great place to rent an apartment.
The average rent for a studio in Orlando is $1,685, while a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,754. ApartmentGuide has compiled a list of the most affordable neighborhoods in Orlando to rent this year.
7 Affordable Neighborhoods in Orlando, FL
From the charming Lake Eola Heights to the bustling Downtown Orlando, these Orlando neighborhoods offer options that fit into your budget. Check out our list and find the perfect neighborhood for your next apartment in Orlando.
1. Ventura 2. Lake Eola Heights 3. Pineloch 4. South Semoran 5. Baldwin Park 6. South Orange 7. Downtown Orlando
Read on to see what each neighborhood has to offer its residents.
1. Ventura
Average studio rent: $1,020 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,275 Apartments for rent in Ventura
Ventura is the most affordable neighborhood in Orlando. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $1,275, making it about $500 less than Orlando’s average. There are plenty of reasons to love living in Ventura, from attractions like the Ventura Country Club to green spaces like Leroy Hoequist Park. For renters living in Orlando without a car, there are a few bus stops nearby.
2. Lake Eola Heights
Average studio rent: $1,050 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,350 Apartments for rent in Lake Eola Heights
Lake Eola Heights is a charming area just east of downtown Orlando. This affordable neighborhood has many attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Eola and Walt Disney Amphitheaters. It’s also just a few blocks away from the Central Business District, so it’s a great area for commuters and those looking for plenty of nightlife options. For example, you’re close to the SAK Comedy Club, Orange County Regional History Center, and the Vanguard. Lake Eola Heights is near the Lynx Central Station, so catching public transit is easy.
3. Pineloch
Average studio rent: $1,399 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,399 Apartments for rent in Pineloch
With an average one-bedroom rent of $1,399, Pineloch is the third-most affordable neighborhood in Orlando. This neighborhood is an excellent option as it’s near attractions like Lake Conway and the Market at Southside. There are also picturesque views of Lake Pineloch, so this area is great for those looking to be close to nature.
4. South Semoran
Average studio rent: $1,265 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,623 Apartments for rent in South Semoran
South Semoran is the fourth-most affordable neighborhood in Orlando, located in the southeastern part of the city. This neighborhood is a great option if you’re looking for access to plenty of shops and restaurants, as there are plenty of places along South Semoran Boulevard. For example, you can easily access Barber Park, Lake Fredrica, and Lake Conway.
5. Baldwin Park
Average studio rent: $1,300 Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,150 Apartments for rent in Baldwin Park
Just about 3 miles from downtown, Baldwin Park is a stellar neighborhood if you want to live near Downtown while being close to nature. Baldwin Park is home to Lake Baldwin, a beautiful lake with a park and trails, and Blue Jacket Park. You can also check out the charming New Broad Street, which has several restaurants and cafes like Gator’s Dockside and Tactical Brewing Co.
6. South Orange
Average studio rent: $1,595 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,639 Apartments for rent in South Orange
Next up is South Orange, the sixth-most affordable neighborhood in Orlando. South Orange is a charming area just south of downtown with plenty of parks, restaurants, and attractions. Make sure to enjoy the outdoors at Lake Lucerne or grab a meal at one of the neighborhood restaurants. There’s something for everyone living in South Orange.
7. Downtown Orlando
Average studio rent: $1,656 Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,758 Apartments for rent in Downtown Orlando
Claiming the final spot on our list of affordable neighborhoods in Orlando. Also known as the Central Business District, Downtown Orlando has a lively atmosphere and community feeling, with plenty of local cafes and restaurants along Church Street, such as Kres Chophouse and Artisan’s Table. You can also check out some of Downtown Orlando’s green spaces, like Lake Eola Park, or enjoy a night out at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Methodology: Affordability based on whether a neighborhood has average studio and 1-bedroom rent prices under the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com in March 2024.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Explore the ins and outs of planning a group cruise, from choosing the right trip to coordinating on-board activities.
What are the benefits of booking a group cruise for your friends and family?
What amenities do cruises offer that could make travel easier for you and your group?
Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss how to choose and book the best cruise to help you understand the logistics of planning a group vacation at sea. They begin with a discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of going on a cruise with a group, with tips and tricks on selecting destinations that fit your travel style, managing the financial aspects of shared cruise costs and utilizing onboard amenities for all age groups.
Then, Sean and Meghan discuss the ins and outs of cruise excursions and travel tips for groups. They discuss the importance of early reservation for excursions, strategies for avoiding the rush when disembarking at ports, and the value of shared travel experiences for bonding with your party.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
NerdWallet stories related to this episode:
Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
Planning a group vacation is not easy. You need to consider multiple opinions around transportation, lodging, food, entertainment. The Google Doc could be a lengthy one. Not to mention the bill. But there’s one way to go that takes all of those decisions out of your hands. Today we’re going to explore the pros and cons and costs of taking a group on a cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
There are some people who like to sit on a beach during their vacation and not do too much else. If that’s your style, then I’d suggest looking at a cruise like in Hawaii or the Caribbean where there’s a lot of stops at beaches and you don’t have to waste time looking at a city or something if you don’t want to.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Meghan Coyle:
And I’m Meghan Coyle.
Sean Pyles:
This episode concludes our nerdy deep dive into group travel. Meghan, it’s been so fun thinking about all the different ways to travel with friends and family.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, I think we’ve covered a lot of ground, Sean. Group travel and airlines, where to stay with groups, how to get groups from one location to another via cars, trains and public transit. And today we’re going to talk about the option that puts all of that in one place. Well, maybe not the airline part, but you get my drift, my ocean drift.
Sean Pyles:
Yes, it’s time to hit the water for a cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
We’re cruising, Sean.
Sean Pyles:
Will Julie McCoy, Isaac Washington and Captain Stubing be welcoming us aboard?
Meghan Coyle:
Oh, Sean, that is an old school reference for all time, and you’re not that old.
Sean Pyles:
I’m not, but a classic is a classic. But seriously, whether it’s Love Boat or Death on the Nile, trips aboard a cruise are legendary and a huge part of vacation culture.
Meghan Coyle:
They are. In fact, more than 12 million Americans went on cruises in 2022, part of the post pandemic cruise rebound. And if you think about it really, is there any better way to wrangle a group of people in one place while allowing them to pretty much do whatever they want?
Sean Pyles:
Well, cruises are not for me, but you do have a point. So I’m looking forward to hearing more about some of the logistics and costs and things to watch out for and anticipate. And today you are the one in the hot seat.
Meghan Coyle:
I am. I’m not only your purser, I’m your expert.
Sean Pyles:
All right, well listener, we want to hear your thoughts about group travel. Are you organizing a trip for a bunch of friends? If so, how are you going about it and what questions do you have? Leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. Or email a voice memo to [email protected]. Stay with us. We are back in a moment.
Meghan, let’s talk cruises. I have to start out with a confession. I’ve never been on a cruise. I guess it’s a two part confession because the other part is that I’m wary of cruises. So tell me, what is your experience with cruises?
Meghan Coyle:
So I’ve been on three cruises and I’m going on another one this summer and I was also a little wary of them, but my grandma loves them and she just has been booking them as a way to get our extended family together and we literally have four generations traveling together when we go on a cruise. So it’s been nice because, yeah, it’s like a little reunion and we get to see a new place together.
Sean Pyles:
The family aspect seems great because you can get everyone in one place and it’s not that difficult once you’ve all gotten onto the boat. Once you’re there, what’s exciting to you about cruises?
Meghan Coyle:
So I like seeing a lot of destinations. I’m trying to learn how to slow travel, but for right now I love being really efficient and when I have a few days off, seeing as many places as I can in those few days and cruises are a great way to do that. You don’t waste a lot of time driving. And honestly, there are a lot of destinations that are just easier to see by water. For example, I went on an Alaska cruise and I recommend that to anyone who’s a little wary of cruises because there really is no better way to see Alaska. It is just so big. It would be impossible to drive all of that.
Sean Pyles:
And I imagine if you’re someone who doesn’t like to get super into the logistics of traveling and just wants to get on a boat and be shown things, cruises could be really appealing.
Meghan Coyle:
They help you set the itinerary and oftentimes they’ll even tell you what time you need to be at dinner. It can be very planned out for you, which is really nice.
Sean Pyles:
How can folks choose which cruise to go on, there are so many?
Meghan Coyle:
Of course look at cruises that interest you and fit your travel style. So there are some people who like to sit on a beach during their vacation and not do too much else. If that’s your style, then I’d suggest looking at a cruise like in Hawaii or the Caribbean where there’s a lot of stops at beaches and you don’t have to waste time looking at a city or something if you don’t want to.
But if you are more into the city destinations or going to see a different country perhaps, and you need a bit more of a mix of relaxing days and touristy days, then I’d recommend looking at other locations that would maybe provide a mix of those two things for you. So the Mediterranean is often a good option. I think Southeast Asia would be really cool to go see, to get a little mix of both.
Sean Pyles:
So really know yourself, know what you want out of your vacation, know how you like to travel and then see what kind of cruise can fit the bill for you. Like I mentioned, I haven’t done a cruise before and I’m kind of wary of them in part because there are so many people just shoved onto this big boat in the sea and that’s just not my thing. But maybe I would look into a smaller boat, a more intimate type of cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. There are so many different types of cruises like a river cruise for example, might be an example of a smaller ship that might be more interesting to you. And there’s also a lot of newer cruises, newer ships, and they’ve done a lot in the past 20 years probably to make these cruises really private in some ways. There’s a lot of third spaces where you can hang out outside of your room. So if you’re worried about the crowds, you might be pleasantly surprised that there’s actually some places you can go on a cruise ship where you can have some alone time.
Sean Pyles:
Meghan, I’d like to hear why cruises are good for group travel.
Meghan Coyle:
I mean the big plus is that everyone is staying in the same place and there’s lots of different activities for all age groups. So when I travel with my family, my grandma can do some of the bingo and the ballroom dancing.
Sean Pyles:
You’re not joining in on the bingo?
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah. Bingo is not my thing, but I can go to the water park, I can go have a drink with my friends out on the deck. There’s a lot of options for everyone.
Sean Pyles:
And I think that’s important when you’re traveling with a group, you should have some understanding that each person’s going to want to do slightly different things. You don’t need to be together all of the time. And with the amount of activities that are available on a cruise, your grandma can go and play bingo, you can go do something else, your dad could do another thing and it’s no big deal because you know you’ll meet up when the dinner bell rings because the boat tells you you have to eat at this certain time and that’s when you kind of have to regroup.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. And the other thing I wanted to point out is that food is usually included in the cost of the cruise. There might be some upgrades you can get for specialty restaurants on board, but for the most part food is included. And so that I think takes out the biggest stress of traveling with the group, which is feeding everyone and finding something that everyone agrees to and is in the right budget. When it’s all included that it just simplifies it so much.
Sean Pyles:
Not to mention splitting the bill is always a headache when you’re traveling with a group. So it takes that totally out of the equation, which is nice.
Okay. And then what about actually booking a cruise as a group? Do you all need to book at the exact same time? Are there certain accommodations that you need to make when you are a group? How should people approach the actual booking of a cruise when you are doing it as a group?
Meghan Coyle:
So you want to research the different types of staterooms that they have. Those are the cabins that you would book and there’s a lot of different configurations. You could get one with a balcony, sometimes there’s a two bedroom suite sort of situation. So before you book anything, really understand the different types of staterooms and how much each of those would cost. And you don’t have to book all together. You can often select the floor that you’re on in the boat. And I’ve found it’s nice to stay on the same floor or at least the same part of the boat as your family or friends or your group because it just makes it easier to get to each other if they’re right down the hallway. And you can also look for some deals that’ll make traveling as a group cheaper.
So for example, there are a few cruises that do a kid sale free package where you might be able to bring little ones for not no extra cost because you’ll probably have to pay for some of the add-ons, like the drinks or whatever. But that takes out a lot of the cost. And especially with staterooms, it’s not exactly like you’re buying a hotel room where you buy the hotel room and then split it with someone else outside of the payment system. On a cruise a second person is actually another cost. So it’s actually easier that everyone can see how much their space in the stateroom costs.
Sean Pyles:
So that’s another way where being on a cruise makes financing a trip a little bit easier because you have clear divisions of who is paying what to be in a room.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. And I would just warn people to look out for some of the rules about traveling as a group, especially where drink packages are involved. Most cruises come with a complimentary sort of basic drinks package, which is probably just water and soda and coffee and tea and then alcohol or even specialty coffee drinks like some Norwegian cruise lines have Starbucks locations right on the cruise ship, and those might not be part of the drinks package. And sometimes they can be very restrictive about how many people in your group need to have a certain drink package to be able to book or to be able to buy drinks for everyone.
Sean Pyles:
Oh, because they think that just one person’s going to have the Starbucks package and then get coffee for everyone else?
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah. So just be aware that you want to get a drink package that will include everyone and all of the beverages you’ll want.
Sean Pyles:
So read the terms and conditions of all of the expenses that go into a cruise. And is there one clear place where you can see that when you’re booking or is it like you get on the boat and suddenly you realize, oh, we’ve got to get this Starbucks package because X number of people in the group need to get this for the cruise to be happy with us?
Meghan Coyle:
You can do it before you get on the cruise when you’re booking online. That might require reading some of the fine print to make sure you got it exactly right. But if you do not have the drink package you need, you can always add it on when you’re on the boat as well.
Sean Pyles:
Well, as your experience tells us, cruises are really big among families. So what should parents know about bringing their little ones on a cruise? Or even you as you are an adult, but with your family traveling, what should people know about traveling on a cruise as a family?
Meghan Coyle:
The biggest perk of traveling on a cruise with a family is that parents can get free babysitting. It’s literally included in the price of the cruise. They have these things called kids clubs or teen clubs, so maybe not exactly babysitting, but these are places that are specifically reserved for kids of a certain age and they’re often divided into different age groups as well. Even smaller kids that have one kind of kids’ club and then middle grade kids have a different kids’ club, and here parents can literally drop their children off. And throughout the operation hours of the kids club, the kid can just stay there and participate in all sorts of activities. Just make sure you check the hours and also the age requirements. And sometimes these cruises even offer extra babysitting services outside of the normal operation hours. So if you want to have a date night or something like that, you might be able to get babysitting as an add-on to the kids’ clubs.
And then on top of that, other good things to look for on cruises if you’re going with a family is kid-friendly amenities. So cruises like Royal Caribbean and Disney are really well known for having kid-friendly activities like water slides, go-karts, ice rinks, all these things to keep kids and adults entertained. And if you’re booking for a group that includes kids, it’s nice to consider one of these cruise lines that has all of those fun things for them.
Sean Pyles:
Well, on the other end of the spectrum, cruises are super popular among seniors too. So are there any tips for this age group when it comes to making the most of a cruise?
Meghan Coyle:
This is one area where you want to be really cautious about making sure you book accessible accommodations, if someone needs that. Bigger cabin or maybe they want a scooter to ride around on the cruise ship. Actually you can even book a wheelchair rental or a scooter rental before you even get on the cruise from an outside third party company if you’d like and just pick it up before you get on board. I’d recommend working with the cruise because a lot of these cruise lines employ people to specifically handle these cases.
Sean Pyles:
When I think of cruises, I think that they’re essentially like a luxury condo building on the water and they have all sorts of wild amenities. Can you talk us through some of the amenities that people can expect on a cruise?
Meghan Coyle:
Amenities like gyms, pools, spas, those are all pretty standard and I would expect to see those on most ships. One of my hot tips is that you can save on going to the spa with a day pass. And if you go up and ask the people who work there, they might be able to give you some options that are not spa treatments, that might be a little cheaper so you can use the facilities, which is really nice. A lot of times they have entertainment. These can be anything from game shows to Broadway style shows to maybe more customer interaction type of stuff like karaoke. There’s all sorts of different types of shows. There’s even an ice show on the ship with an ice rink.
Sean Pyles:
An ice rink on a boat just seems like it’s breaking laws of nature, but I’ll go for it.
Meghan Coyle:
I know, right? Don’t count out that you can also bring your own entertainment. So my family often brings Mahjong, so we play that on the boat, but you can bring your own games, your own books and download your own TV shows because Wi-Fi is a whole nother thing on the cruise. But if you have things downloaded, you could watch that yourself as well.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Say more about Wi-Fi because I need my internet connection no matter where I am. Is it not accessible often on boats?
Meghan Coyle:
Wi-Fi is similar to the drinks package where you often have to buy some type of package and often it’s for the entire length of the cruise. So there aren’t a lot of ways to get it at a deal. But if you do need the Wi-Fi, it can be worth it to pay for the entire package. Just know that it might not be super fast, especially when you’re out at sea. And of course when you dock and get off at the ports, you can always use Wi-Fi that you find locally or even set up some sort of international phone plan to have Wi-Fi access when you’re off the boat.
Sean Pyles:
All right. Well, Meghan, I want to talk about excursions because excursions or day trips away from the boat are a really big selling point on cruises and they can also make a cruise a lot more expensive depending on the excursion and how many you do. So can you talk us through what people should know about booking excursions, especially for groups?
Meghan Coyle:
Excursions are a pretty costly add-on to your cruise price. So that’s something to keep in mind, especially when you’re booking for a huge group. The simplest way to do it is book the excursions through the cruise line. They often have a desk on board where they can help you book these things or you can book them online before you go on the cruise. And these can range from anything like they’ll take you to different activities at the port, or it could be as simple as they’ll just simply offer you a ride into town. So if you’re doing this with a group, sometimes it’s simplest to just go through the cruise line, but you pay for that convenience.
The other option is you could set up your own excursions and that is often way cheaper. It just requires a little bit of research beforehand that might involve having to book some sort of transportation for your group to help you get to where you need to go. Or it might be as simple as literally walking into town. If your group can handle a 15-minute walk into town, that might be the cheapest option. And large groups might have even more options to customize the excursion to exactly what they want.
Sean Pyles:
One thing that I was a little bit surprised by when it comes to excursions on these cruises is how competitive they can be to book. I’m thinking of my family, which is going on a Disney cruise this spring, and we were talking about this over Christmas and they were looking at booking some excursions for their cruise and a lot of them had already filled up and they were three, four months out from the cruise itself. So I guess I was surprised by how popular they are, one, and two, how expensive they were to do and then also just how competitive it is to actually get in on one of these cruise specific excursions.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, you have to remember that everyone on this cruise is booking these same few options from the cruise line at any port you get off at. For example, the Disney cruise has a private island. I think they actually have two private islands. So depending on what cruise you go on, you might stop at one or the other, but it’s literally like the entire boat empties out and goes to this private island and that can cause some demand backups as well. So it is important to keep in mind that when you are booking excursions, you should do it as early as possible. And if you don’t get something, I would recommend to keep checking back even when you’re on the boat because people do cancel. They get on the ship and they’re overbooked or maybe part of their group bails out and spots can open up last minute.
Sean Pyles:
And also I would imagine that if you don’t get the excursion that you want when you dock somewhere and everyone else is offloading into this destination, it might be a good chance just to hang out on the cruise by yourself because on this boat and everyone else has already left. So a little bit of peace and quiet on this big boat as well.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, that’s actually one of my favorite things is to try not to leave with the crowd in the morning as soon as you dock and give yourself some time for the boat to empty out and you’ll get a little bit of a alone time and it might be easier to grab a taxi when you do get off.
Sean Pyles:
Well, Meghan, do you have any other tips who might be cruise curious with their group?
Meghan Coyle:
I would really encourage groups to look into it because it can be so fun to go on these group trips together and know that no matter what else you do during the day you will see each other at meals, you’ll see each other at night, you’re all staying in the same place. And it takes a lot of the headaches of planning a group trip out of it. So if your group has any interest at all in going on a cruise, I would recommend you look into it.
Sean Pyles:
Well, I’m still a little bit cruise skeptical, but maybe I’ll float this to my friend group next time we’re planning a vacation.
Meghan Coyle:
Let me know how it goes, Sean.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Well, Meghan, it’s hard to believe, but our group travel journey is already coming to an end. We’ve soared the skies, crashed at group friendly lodging, planned trips that made everyone happy and even cruised across the high seas. All this travel talk is making me want to get a trip on the books with my favorite travel companions.
Meghan Coyle:
Same. I can’t wait. I’m a firm believer that traveling with someone is one of the best shared experiences. As long as you don’t hate your travel companions by the end of it, travel can really bring people closer together.
Sean Pyles:
Absolutely. Well, Meghan, thank you so much. It’s been really fun having you co-host this show and bring on some of our fellow Nerds to talk group travel.
Meghan Coyle:
Thank you, Sean.
For now, that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. Also visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. And remember to follow, rate and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sean Pyles:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland. I helped with editing. Kevin Berry helped with fact checking. Sara Brink mixed our audio. And a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Meghan Coyle:
And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
Inside: Learn what 29 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $29 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working? Is $29 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $29.50 an hour annually?
When you finally start earning $29 an hour, you are happy with your progress as an hourly employee. Typically, this is when many hourly employees start to become salaried workers.
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $29 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$29 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $29 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $29 = $60,320
$60,320 is the gross annual salary with a $29 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s Break Down Of 29 Dollars An Hour Is How Much A Year
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $60,320.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is slightly above the $60000 salary threshold, which is desired to become middle-income worker.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $29 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $30,160.
Just over $30000 a year.
How Much is $29 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $5,027.
Annual Amount of $60,320 ÷ 12 months = $5,027 per month
Just over $5000 a month.
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $24 an hour, you average an extra $867 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $2,513.
How Much is $29 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $29 = $1,160 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $580.
How Much is $29 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $1,160 and double it.
$1,160 per week x 2 = $2,320
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $29 an hour = $2,320
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $1,160.
How Much is $29 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $29 per hour = $232 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $290 per day. (10 hours x $29 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $116.
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$29 Per Hour is…
$29 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$60,320
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$58,000
Monthly Salary (173 hours)
$5,027
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$1,160
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$2,320
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$232
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$3,834
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 29 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $60,320 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $29 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $58000 per year.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $29 = $58,000
You would average $232 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$29 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $60,320
Federal Taxes of 12%: $7,238
State Taxes of 4%: $2,413
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $4,614
$29 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $46,054
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$46054 ÷ 2,080 hours = $22.14 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $22.14 an hour. That is $6.86 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting for under $22 an hour wage is much different.
$29 An Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $29.01-29.99.
This is super helpful if you make $29.15, $29.45, or $29.81.
Also, if you work various hours other than the standard 40 hours per week. You can adjust to your personal situation.
$29 an Hour Budget – Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 29 dollars an hour? How much rent or mortgage payment can you afford on 29 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best-case scenario on how to budget your $29 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated that $29 an hour was $22.14 after taxes. That would average $3838 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $29 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1919
Save Money of 20% = $768
Give Money of 10% = $384
Fun Spending of 20% = $768
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $29 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $29 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$402
Savings
15-25%
$1005
Housing
20-30%
$1,181
Utilities
4-7%
$176
Groceries
5-12%
$385
Clothing
1-4%
$20
Transportation
4-10%
$176
Medical
5-12%
$251
Life Insurance
1%
$15
Education
1-4%
$25
Personal
2-7%
$75
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$126
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$1,189
Total Gross Income
$5,027
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses.
Can I Live off $29 Per Hour?
At this $29 hourly wage, you are more than likely double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $29 hourly salary.
However, it is still slightly above the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $29 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $29 an hour annually?
You just have to have the desire to spend less than your income. Plus consistently save.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
Your mindset is everything.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. This is the time to start diversifying my income into multiple streams and start investing. I am going to stretch my 29 dollars per hour.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $29 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $29 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most crucial section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $29.50 will add up over the year. An increase to $30 an hour is a big milestone!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $29 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
Must Read: How to Make Quick Money in One Day: 50 Best Ways to Make Cash
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and becoming financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in 8 months. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Watch his inspiring story!
Tips to Live on $29 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on a $29 an hour or just above $60k yearly salary. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $29 an hour. More importantly stretch how much you make, in case you are in the “I don’t want to work anymore” mindset. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $29 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $29 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income. Learn more on gross pay vs net pay.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt-free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt-free journey.
Jobs that Pay $29 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $29 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Freelance writer
Class A Truck Driver
Managers
Entry Level Marketing Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Customer service managers
Bank tellers
Maintenance workers
Freight broker – Learn how easy it is to start!
Administrative assistants
Athletic Trainers
Event Planners
Day trader
Security guard
Movers
Cashiers
Warehouse workers
Companies that pay more than $29 per hour: Wells Fargo, Disney World, Disney Land, Bank of America, Cigna, Aetna, etc
$29 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 29 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
$60,320
That is making between $60000 a year and $62000 a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
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.
Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free. Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home….
Want to learn how to make money online without paying anything? Here are ways to earn money online for free.
Making money online without putting in money up front is doable for many people. Thanks to the growth of online jobs and businesses, you can make extra money or create a full-time job from home.
It doesn’t matter if you’re skilled or just getting started – there are ways to make money without paying anything at the beginning. You can use your creativity and skills in things like making content, providing digital services, and selling stuff online to make a steady income.
I personally have made money online in many different ways without paying anything to get started, so I know that this truly does exist.
Best Ways To Make Money Online Without Paying Anything
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite ways to make money without investment:
Best way to make money online freelancing – Proofreading
My favorite way to make money online for free – Blogging
Best way to make money online for passive income – Selling printables
Best way to make money online for those who like numbers – Bookkeeping
Below are the best ways to make money online without paying anything.
1. Blogging
Blogging is exactly what I started years ago, and I didn’t pay any money in the beginning to get started.
If you want to make money with a laptop, then this is what I recommend.
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and it has helped me earn over $5,000,000 since then. I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey, not even knowing that people could make money from blogs or how to make a successful one.
Now, it’s my full-time job!
Eventually, you will have costs with a blog, just like with most of the businesses listed below, if you want to grow and make more money. But, the expenses are low compared to how much money you may be able to make.
So, what’s a blog? A blog is like this content you’re reading now – it’s writing on a website. You can blog about something you’re passionate about, something you know a lot about, or even something you want to learn more about (people enjoy following firsthand journeys!).
There are many different niches (topics) that you can write about too, such as travel, personal finance, home, lifestyle, family, food, and more.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables
Selling printables is a way to make passive income from home without upfront costs.
This is because printables are digital files that you can download and print at home. You only need to make one digital file for each product, and then you can sell it multiple times.
They can be things like grocery shopping lists, invites, thank you cards, digital art, or gift tags.
I have bought many printables myself, and many others do too. Recently, I purchased a printable to help teach my daughter the alphabet. It was a useful tool, and I could easily print it at home.
You can learn more about this at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Proofreading
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to start a business without spending a lot of money, then proofreading might be a good choice for you. This can be a part-time job or a full-time career working from home.
Many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders look for errors in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors. So, you probably already have everything you need to get started.
I recommend signing up for a free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make money online without any upfront costs, as you don’t need any expensive equipment to get started.
A freelance writer is someone who writes for different places like websites, blogs, magazines, ads, books, and other things.
I have been a freelance writer for many years now, all from my laptop. I really enjoy being a freelance writer, and I have many friends who do this as well. I started this job because I wanted to make money from home and not spend money trying to figure it out. And, it worked!
This job can earn you more than $50,000 a year. Some of my friends who are freelance writers make over $200,000 a year.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
5. Opening an online store
Starting an online store is a way to make money without upfront costs, and sites like Etsy and Shopify make this possible.
On Etsy, you can sell things like handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. This online marketplace is great if you’re creative and want to sell unique, one-of-a-kind products. Shopify, on the other hand, has more flexibility in what you can sell and allows you to build your personal storefront.
There are many different types of things you can sell, such as digital products like ebooks or web design templates, which don’t require inventory and can be sold repeatedly without additional cost. Physical products, on the other hand, can also be sold but keep in mind that you’ll need a plan for shipping, and you may have to spend money in order to have them as inventory to list on your store.
Another idea is dropshipping. This is a business model where you don’t need to keep inventory or ship products yourself. Instead, you work with suppliers who take care of inventory and shipping for you.
Below are some ideas for things you could sell through an online dropshipping store:
Travel items such as portable luggage scales, neck pillows, or travel cubes
Fitness equipment like yoga mats, weights, or resistance bands
Sustainable products such as reusable utensils, bamboo toothbrushes, tote bags, or eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Camping-related items like hammocks, lanterns, cookware sets, and survival kits
Jewelry such as stackable rings, layered bracelets, anklets, and statement earrings
6. Print-on-demand
Similar to the above, print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where you sell your custom designs on products like T-shirts, mugs, and books, but only print them once an order is placed.
It’s a popular way to start an online business with minimal upfront costs because you don’t have to worry about inventory. Your job is to create the designs and set up your online store.
Once a customer buys a product, the order goes straight to your POD supplier who prints and ships it under your brand name.
7. Stock photography
Stock photography is a way to make money online without any cash up front. If you already have a camera or even just a cell phone, you can get started selling stock photographs.
You are simply taking photos, putting them on a stock photo website, and selling them to people and companies.
People buy stock images from websites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, or Adobe Stock for many reasons, such as adding them to their websites, articles, blog posts, advertisements, and social media.
You can sell many types of pictures, including travel, business, people, food, animals, health, fashion, sports, and more.
For example, if I write a blog post about making money with a laptop, I might buy a stock photo of a laptop. Or, if I need a picture related to making money while traveling, I’d find a picture of a vacation to include in my blog post. Stock images can make a blog post more enjoyable to read.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
8. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a way for you to earn money by promoting products or services online, and you don’t need anything special to get started.
With affiliate marketing, if your friend or follower buys a product through a referral link you share, you get paid a commission – it’s as simple as that.
First, pick products you love and are sure others will benefit from. Then, sign up for their affiliate program. Each program gives you an affiliate link. This link tracks who clicks and buys from your recommendation.
Your job is to share your affiliate link with as many interested people as possible. You could write about it on your blog, make videos, or even just share it on social media.
I recommend signing up for Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook to learn more.
9. Playing games and watching videos for money
There are lots of money-making apps that let you earn cash by playing games or watching videos on your phone.
These apps pay you real money because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. To get you to keep playing, they give you a share of their earnings. For watching videos, the sites reward you with points for watching sponsored videos, and these videos can range from ads to short clips.
Now, these won’t make you rich, but it is a way to make money from your phone without upfront costs.
Here’s a quick list of the top video and game apps that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 15 Ways To Make Money From Your Phone
10. Market research and focus groups
If you love sharing your opinions, market research and focus groups are great ways for you to earn cash online without paying anything. This kind of work connects you with companies seeking feedback on their products or services. It’s all about understanding what you think as a consumer.
Lots of companies want to hear from people like you and me, and you can share your opinions with them using just a laptop or phone, some free time, and a good internet connection.
When I was paying off my student loans, I took online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during lunch, or after work. Even though they didn’t make me a lot of money, they were flexible because I could do them whenever I had time. Plus, they were really easy and didn’t require much thinking!
Here are some survey companies I suggest:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
PrizeRebel
User Interviews – This one pays on average around $60 per assignment (much higher than the rest, but it is a little more work for participants as these are usually video calls or on the phone)
Signing up for these survey sites is free, and typically, they pay about $1 to $3 for each survey you finish.
11. Online tutoring
As an online tutor, you get to teach students from the comfort of your home. Your job is to share your knowledge and help in a subject you know well. You don’t have to worry about traveling or a strict schedule; you can choose when to do your online tutoring gig.
You can make between $30 and $60 per hour or more, depending on the subject’s difficulty and your expertise. And you don’t need to spend any money up front, so it’s a way to earn online without extra costs.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student in a video lesson.
12. Virtual assistant job
You can make money from home as a virtual assistant by doing administrative tasks for clients online. You don’t need anything to get started other than a computer or laptop.
Virtual assistants, or VAs, do tasks similar to administrative assistants, but they work from home or anywhere with internet.
Virtual assistants do things like:
Email management – Answering and organizing emails
Calendar management – Scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
Administrative support – Preparing reports, presentations, and documents
Travel arrangements – Booking flights, hotels, and transportation for business trips
Internet research – Doing online research on topics to write about, competitors, products, etc.
Personal tasks – Booking appointments or making dinner reservations
I’ve been a virtual assistant before (it was actually one of my first online jobs, and I liked how I didn’t have to spend money to become a VA), and I also have one who works for me, so I know how useful they can be! Plus, you don’t need anything expensive to get started.
13. Social media influencer
Being a social media influencer is a real way to make money online without any initial cost, and plenty of people have started their social media accounts by spending absolutely $0. In fact, I think most people start as just a hobby!
You can start with just your phone, by taking pictures and sharing your thoughts on social media accounts like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
You can earn money as a social media influencer through sponsored posts, where brands pay you to promote their products or services in your posts. You can also make money through affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions from sales made through your referral links. Plus, you can sell digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s allowed me to collaborate with brands I love and promote products I already use.
14. Transcriptionist
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a good choice to make money online without upfront costs. This is something that you can learn to do, and transcriptionists usually make around $15 per hour.
As a transcriptionist, you can earn money from home by turning audio files or video files into written documents. Clients can include marketers, authors, filmmakers, academics, speakers, and conferences.
To find transcription jobs, some places to start include:
Rev – Transcribers on Rev earn an average of $245 per month, with top earners making up to $1,495.
CrowdSurf – CrowdSurf pays for short transcription tasks, which are great for those looking for quick, manageable projects.
TranscribeMe – This platform is good for beginners as they give training and only require a reliable internet connection and computer.
Recommended reading: 18 Top Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
15. Video gaming livestreams
Yes, you can make money online with no upfront costs by live streaming (such as a video game that you like to play). Eventually, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality equipment, but you can start right away with what you already have – your computer and phone.
Twitch is a website where you can make money by playing video games, talking with viewers in real time through live streams, and more.
As your viewer count grows, you can start making money. Streamers can earn through ways such as:
Subscriptions – Your fans can pay a monthly fee to support you as subscribers.
Donations – Viewers can send you tips if they enjoy your stream.
Advertisements – You can get paid from ads that run on your live stream.
Sponsorships – Companies may pay you to promote their products.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
16. YouTube
Starting a YouTube channel is a popular way to make money online without any initial investment. You can record videos from your phone or camera, and you don’t really need anything else to get started in the beginning.
You can start a YouTube channel about many different topics like finance, home, travel, toys, pets, and more. There’s a YouTube channel for almost anything nowadays, and there’s still space for more!
In your YouTube videos, you can include links to products you recommend, earn money from ads that play during your videos, get paid by brands to feature their products, and even sell your own stuff.
17. Freelance graphic design
As a graphic designer, you can earn money online without investing any money up front. You can create designs such as logos, social media graphics, and branding materials for clients.
To start, you will most likely want to create a simple but impactful portfolio to display your work. This is your opportunity to show your abilities to potential clients, so you will want to include your favorite projects and what reflects your design style.
You can also sign up on freelance sites like Fiverr where businesses look for designers like you.
18. Virtual bookkeeping
Bookkeepers manage financial records, track expenses, and generate financial reports; it requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
This job typically pays more than $40,000 a year. Plus, many types of businesses require bookkeepers, making it a great career choice with opportunities for growth.
Even better, you can do this job from home using your computer and the internet.
Yes, you don’t need a degree to be a bookkeeper. You can start by learning basic bookkeeping and the software most businesses use.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, there is a free workshop all about finding a virtual bookkeeping job, and you can sign up for free here.
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
19. Write an ebook
Writing an ebook can be a way to make money without needing upfront investment, other than your time and effort. This is something you can do yourself too, such as through the self-publishing route on Amazon.
Ebooks are digital books that you can download and read on devices like tablets, phones, e-readers, or laptops. They’ve become very popular because they’re affordable and easy to access.
I’ve purchased many ebooks myself, ranging from nonfiction to fiction, and many, many other people have as well.
Recommended reading: How this person is making $200 a day in book sales passively.
20. Online travel agent
A travel agent is a professional who helps people plan and book trips, vacations, and other travel arrangements. They give their expertise and support in finding the best deals on transportation, accommodations, and activities, considering their clients’ preferences, budgets, and needs.
Travel agents also give helpful advice on destinations, suggest itineraries, arrange tours and excursions, and handle logistics such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance.
There are many different kinds of niches you can sell vacations and trips in, such as luxury travel, cruises, Disney, budget travel, and adventure holidays.
21. Write book reviews
If you enjoy reading and talking about books, you can make money by writing reviews at home. Authors and publishers want to hear your honest opinions because they help other readers choose their next book. Readers also like these reviews, so it benefits everyone involved.
You don’t need anything other than your computer (or even just your cell phone) to write the reviews. Many times, the book is given to you to review, so you don’t even have to pay for that.
This is typically more of a side gig for spare cash and free books.
Here are some websites where you can make money online by writing book reviews:
OnlineBookClub.org – They give free books for your first book review (and no other payment). After your first review, you can earn cash for each review, usually between $5 and $60.
Kirkus Media – They look for reviewers for both English and Spanish books, particularly in the Kirkus indie section. Reviews involve around 350-word summaries due two weeks after receiving the book. They cover all genres, with over 10,000 books reviewed annually.
Upwork – Create a profile as a book reviewer on this freelance platform. You can choose projects that interest you and set your own rates.
The US Review of Books – They hire freelance writers for 250- to 300-word reviews that go beyond summarizing to provide insights into the book. To join, submit a resume, writing samples, and a couple of references.
Reedsy Discovery – Review books before they are published and get paid through tips from readers, ranging from $1 to $5. It’s an exciting way to influence which books become popular.
Learn more at 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books.
22. Online job opportunities
There are many more ways to make money online that won’t cost you money to get started, and these include:
Finding remote part-time or full-time jobs – If you want a full-time income or are interested in part-time work, popular job search platforms like Indeed can help. They help you find jobs that fit your schedule where you work for someone else as an employee, such as software engineer, developer, human resources manager, IT manager, and more.
Customer service and support jobs – As an at-home customer service rep, you would work for companies, answering customer questions and issues that they may be having.
Data entry and administrative jobs – Data entry jobs are ideal for you if you have a good eye for detail and can work independently.
These are all jobs where you would be working for someone else, but online from home. The company would normally provide you everything you need to get started, such as any software and possibly even the laptop as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make money online without paying anything.
How can I make money online completely for free?
There are many ways to make money online completely for free. You can start a blog, freelance write, bookkeep, write book reviews, sell stock photography, or become a virtual assistant.
How can students earn money online without any investment?
Students can make money online without any investment by answering online surveys, tutoring online, freelance writing, proofreading, blogging, and more. Whether you want to make extra cash or a full-time income, there are many options for students.
How to Make Money Online Without Paying Anything – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money online without paying anything.
Getting started with making money online might feel overwhelming and impossible, but it’s not impossible if you do it right.
The internet has many places where you can show off your skills as a writer, artist, or tutor. You can also sell items online, or even play games and give your opinion in surveys.
What other ways are there to make money online for free without investment?
With sand, sun and sea stretching an impressive 825 miles across the state, Florida is the clear choice for visitors who want to enjoy some time at the beach. In fact, about a third of all travelers will head to at least one of the state’s beaches while visiting.
Beaches can be found along the state’s Panhandle in the north, the Gulf of Mexico in the west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east coast. And don’t forget the dozens of islands that make up the Florida Keys along the state’s southern end.
While it may be impossible to definitively tell you what the best beach in Florida is, here are several contenders for the top spot.
Florida beaches overview
Depending on where you go in Florida, you could end up swimming in one of two bodies of water. The beaches in the Panhandle and down the west side of the state border the Gulf of Mexico, while those on the eastern side of the state sit on the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s the difference? If you’re an early riser and want to watch the sun rise over the water, choose a beach on the Atlantic side, where you’ll find large waves and golden-brown sand. If you prefer catching a vibrant sunset instead, head to the Gulf, where the sand is often whiter and waves are smaller.
It’s warm enough to swim everywhere in Florida between April and October. The further south you go, the warmer the water is in the winter.
During the summer, the Gulf is warmer than the Atlantic. Its waters can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer — sometimes the water is even warmer than the air. Meanwhile, the waters of the Atlantic usually remain in the 80s. For some perspective, most people will be comfortable swimming when the water is about 75-80 degrees.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Many Florida beaches have areas where pets can run off-leash, but make sure to check the specific regulations of the beach you’re visiting before you bring your pet.
Some beaches have lifeguards on duty as well as amenities like bathrooms and snack shacks, while others are more rustic without much in the way of services.
Best beaches to visit in Florida
1. South Beach
With its Art Deco architecture, hip restaurants and bars, and lots of nightlife, Miami’s two-mile long South Beach is the place to see and be seen. Visitors and locals alike also come here to enjoy Lummus Park, a beachside spot featuring playgrounds, walking trails, a fitness area and plenty of popular events.
2. Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach, a family-friendly spot just south of Fort Lauderdale, has clean beaches and a pedestrian promenade, known as the Broadwalk, that features restaurants, shopping and hotels.
If the kids tire of sandcastles and waves, they can visit Charnow Park with its playgrounds and interactive fountain. It’s a good mix of old-Florida charm and modern amenities.
3. Daytona Beach
Farther north on the Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach comes with hard-packed sand and a gentle slope leading to the water — ideal for learning to surf. Here, you’ll find 23 miles of coastline along with plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants.
It’s also one of the few places you can actually drive on the beach — very slowly and tide permitting — for $20 a day per vehicle.
4. Panama City Beach
Up in the Panhandle is Panama City Beach, known for its 27 miles of emerald green waters and sugar sand. Those who fish or dive love the area because of the many artificial reefs just offshore. Plus, the water is some of the clearest in the state.
Many of the beaches face west, meaning the sun sets directly over the water, making for spectacular views.
5. Destin
The Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas are called the Emerald Coast for a reason: The water off the 24-mile stretch of beach is often a vibrant green. Beyond the usual beach attractions of wharfs and piers, Crab Island is a big draw. Not actually an island but a raised sandbar, it’s a place where boaters can hang out, enjoy camaraderie and take advantage of a floating bar in the middle of it all.
6. Clearwater Beach
Farther south along the Gulf coast, near Tampa Bay, is Clearwater Beach. Over the years, it’s been named by many as the top beach in the country. The beach sits on a barrier island and touts 35 miles of sand along with hotels, restaurants and activities including an aquarium and alligator sanctuary.
Visitors can also visit Pier 60, a 1,080-foot fishing pier that hosts a nightly sunset festival.
The best beaches in Florida state parks
Many of Florida’s beaches are located in state parks. They cover 100 miles of coastline across the state, but are usually more undeveloped. Some are home to both nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. The state parks also participate in sand dune and reef conservation efforts to protect the areas from storms, filter out pollutants and serve as fish nurseries.
7. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Located on a barrier island in the Panhandle just south of Tallahassee, St. George Island State Park is a great spot for laid-back beach goers and nature lovers.
It was named the top beach in the country in 2023 by coastal expert Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), who releases a well-known annual U.S. beach ranking. The state park’s beach won accolades due to its nine miles of undeveloped beaches, natural beauty and clear water.
8. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is on the southern end of Key West, where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and fishing, visitors can tour Fort Taylor, a national historic monument that played roles in both the Civil and Spanish-American wars.
9. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
Located near Dunedin just north of St. Petersburg, both Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park consistently top the list of Florida’s best beaches.
While Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, nearby Honeymoon Island’s four miles of beach can be reached by car. It’s also where you can catch the ferry to Caladesi Island.
Other good Florida beach options
In case you still haven’t found the perfect destination for your dream beach vacation, here are a handful of other beaches around the state that may hit the spot.
10. Siesta Key
Located on the Gulf coast about halfway down the state is Siesta Key. The eight-mile island is connected by bridge to Sarasota and has plenty of shopping, dining and sports options. It’s loved by visitors because of its clear and calm water, powdery white sand and outdoor recreation opportunities like parasailing and volleyball.
11. Space Coast beaches
The 72 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral is called the Space Coast. As some of the closest beaches to Orlando, they’re a great choice for travelers wanting to combine a beach trip with some of Florida’s famous theme parks.
The most popular beach in the area is Cocoa Beach. Home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surfing store, it’s a great place to ride the waves and meet fellow surfers. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can try other activities like kayaking, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding.
And visitors of all ages can enjoy a visit to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. If you time your visit to the Space Coast right, you might even be treated to a rocket launch.
12. Fort Myers beaches
Before Hurricane Ian slammed into Fort Myers Beach and nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands in September 2022, the area consistently found itself at the top of many lists of Florida’s best beaches.
As businesses continue to rebuild, there’s still plenty of sand and sun for those willing to come. Shell collectors should head to Sanibel or Captiva Islands, where these ocean treasures can be had in spades thanks to the region’s ocean currents and coastline orientation.
13. Jacksonville beaches
Some of the northernmost beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast are in the Jacksonville area and include St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Dubbed the Historic Coast, there are 42 miles of beachfront to explore, including at Fort Matanzas National Monument, which was built in 1742 by the Spanish military to defend the area.
Driving on the sand is allowed in designated areas along St. Augustine Beach for a fee. And if you need a break from the water, Ponte Vedra Beach offers many world-renowned golf courses.
Florida beaches recapped
If you’re in the mood for a beach vacation, heading to Florida is a great option. With hundreds of miles of coastline spanning two bodies of water, it would take years — if not a lifetime — to explore it all.
Whether you want to combine your beach trip with a visit to Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center, or you prefer the low-key vibes of a state park, Florida has you covered.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Tom Brady, the NFL legend known for his incredible career and for leading his teams to a record seven Super Bowl wins, is making waves off the field in Miami’s real estate scene.
His latest venture? A jaw-dropping waterfront mansion in the ultra-exclusive Indian Creek Island, affectionately dubbed “Billionaire Bunker.”
Yes, you heard that right – Brady is setting up his new bachelor pad in one of the most coveted slices of paradise in Miami, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of spectacular.
For those keeping score at home, Indian Creek Island isn’t just any neighborhood. It’s a veritable who’s who of billionaires and A-listers, with names like Jeff Bezos and Ivanka Trump calling it home.
And now, Brady, fresh off his retirement and stepping into his new life chapter, is about to join this elite roster.
Tom Brady’s megamansion in Miami’s ultra-exclusive Indian Creek Island
Brady’s future digs, a sprawling estate that’s been the talk of the town, sits cozily across the waterway from the abode of his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen.
The supermodel paid $11.5 million for her new spread at 1400 Biscaya Drive in Surfside right after their split and is currently revamping the waterfront home too.
See also: Tour Tom and Giselle’s former marital home in Brookline, Massachusetts
So while the former A-list couple is keeping local construction crews busy, let’s take a closer look at the former New England Patriots quarterback’s sprawling Florida abode — and pin down what makes his newly built mansion a touchdown in luxury living.
Set at 26 Indian Creek Island Road, Tom Brady’s house in Miami has all the hallmarks of a celebrity megamansion to rival those of its deep-pocketed neighbors (Amazon boss Jeff Bezos paid $68 million for a teardown on the island).
We’re talking about a state-of-the-art gym (because, of course), a sleek study, and a waterfront pool and spa that screams relaxation with every ripple.
And for those balmy Florida nights? An outdoor kitchen, lush gardens, and a tree-lined driveway that leads to a motor court, ready to house Brady’s collection of high-end rides.
The property also boasts a plush pool cabana adjacent to an infinity pool lined with palm trees, creating a backyard oasis that’s second to none.
And for that extra touch of privacy and security? A large security house stands guard at the entrance.
Renderings of the mega-mansion have leaked, showing off the primary and guest suites, each with their own terraces.
You can take a peek inside thanks to these indoor renderings obtained by The Real Deal (swipe to see inside Tom Brady’s new house in Florida):
The interiors bear the signature of lauded designer Scott Mitchell of Scott Mitchell Studio, known for his standout designs, combining contemporary architecture with geometrical elements and juxtaposing soft, tactile textures against concrete and other natural materials.
Mitchell’s design style, which creates a sense of understated comfort, has drawn in some of the richest people in the US.
Beyond his long-standing collaboration with Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, he also counted billionaires Larry Ellison and David Geffen as clients, as well as former Walt Disney Studios boss Jeffrey Katzenberg.
It’s clear no expense has been spared in creating this slice of heaven. With construction in the final stages, sources hint that Brady is expected to move in come spring.
By the numbers: How much it’ll cost him
Now, let’s talk numbers because they’re just as impressive as the property.
Brady and Bündchen snagged the 2-acre lot almost three years ago for a cool $17 million. And as hefty as that might sound, it’s worth remembering that the lot sits in one of the richest neighborhoods in the United States.
Properties here typically sell for eight-figure amounts and are rarely up for grabs.
In 2023, a waterfront mansion just down the street from Tom Brady’s house listed for a whopping $85 million. We haven’t seen any other Indian Creek houses pop up on the market since.
But the land cost isn’t reflective of the overall value of the property — which sits north of $50 million.
The construction loan Brady took out from JPMorgan Chase to build his Indian Creek Island house sits at a whopping $35 million, The Real Deal reports.
But when you’re Tom Brady, with an estimated net worth of $500 million and a $375 million deal with FOX as an NFL commentator waiting in the wings, well, let’s just say he’s playing in a league of his own.
Indian Creek Island has long been a haven for the mega-rich, but Brady’s new abode is set to raise the bar even higher. And while he’s traded the gridiron for the good life in Florida, it’s clear Brady is still in the game – the real estate game, that is.
Hunkering down in the ‘Billionaire Bunker’
Indian Creek Island — known as “Billionaire Bunker” due to the high concentration of billionaires that own property here — is a high-security paradise for the ultra-wealthy, nestled on a barrier island in Biscayne Bay, Florida.
This exclusive enclave boasts under 50 waterfront properties, each sprawling over 1.25 acres, centered around a lavish 18-hole golf course.
Homes here are no small investment, with properties here selling for well above the $20 million market, with recent standout purchases consolidating the island’s air of affluence and privacy. Just a couple of homes have traded hands on the ultra-exclusive island in recent years, one being Bezos’ $68 million purchase, and the other another $50 million home.
DJ and producer David Guetta is also looking to join this exclusive club, reportedly snapping up a $69 million newly built house on the island.
The community is so secure that it has its own 13-person private police force patrolling by land and water, ensuring that residents like Tom Brady can enjoy their sanctuary without worry.
From what we’ve seen so far, the NFL legend’s new mansion is more than just a home; it’s a sort of statement that life after football can be equally exciting for the five-time MVP.
And honestly, we can’t wait to see the final reveal. Welcome to the neighborhood, Tom!
More stories
You can buy Tom Brady’s former Florida apartment – But it won’t come cheap
Where does Leo Messi live now? The soccer star’s Miami homes
Serena Williams’ house in Florida has many unique features, but no living room
Are you all about saving, spending, or do you hide your head in the sand when it comes to personal finance matters? This money personality quiz helps you uncover your money style. That, in turn, can be a way to learn about your strengths and weaknesses and manage your cash that much better.
Each person handles their money in a unique way. Some people are laser-focused on saving and building their nest egg. Others believe that money is there to be spent on fun and satisfying purchases and experiences. And still others would prefer to look the other way when talk turns to 401(k)s and IRAs.
By knowing your money M.O., you can take steps to enhance your financial status. Ready? Read on for the details.
What’s Your Money Personality?
Steady Saver
Did the money personality quiz say you’re a steady saver? That likely means that you are well aware of your monthly budget and how much cash is coming in and going out. In addition, you are probably following the standard financial advice to save at least 10% or 20% of your take-home pay.
You may well be investing that in a 401(k) and getting a company match and putting funds into an IRA, too.
You are the kind who may have multiple bank accounts, with savings for various short- and long-term goals, such as the down payment on a home and your toddler’s future educational needs. Heck, you might even brag a little to friends and family about how much you have socked away.
Overall, you have some very impressive financial habits down pat. Keep up the good work. However, are you missing out on living your best life? There is the possibility that you may be overdoing it and being perhaps a tad too rigid. Does saving for Junior’s college fund mean the family can’t take a vacation for the next 17 years? Check in with yourself, and make sure you aren’t overly focused on your future goals.
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Super Spender
To cut to the chase, you love the things that money can buy. Nothing wrong with that! Omakase dinners at that new Japanese restaurant, the perfect new dining table, the latest mobile device, and baby’s first Disney vacay: There are plenty of things that your income can buy that make daily life delightful and memorable.
But when you see money as simply a conduit for experiencing the best here and now, you are likely risking a couple of very important things:
• You may be incurring debt.
• You may not be planning for your future.
• You may be succumbing to lifestyle creep vs. building wealth.
So here are some steps to take:
• Consider whether you are saving towards the important milestone goals that many people aspire to, such as the down payment on a home, a college fund for your kids, and a healthy retirement account.
Meeting with a financial advisor may be a wise move to get you on track for saving for these aspirations and perhaps learning more about the fine points of investing.
• Take a look at your budget, or make one if you don’t yet have one. Among the various budgeting methods is the popular 50/30/20 rule, which says to put 50% of your take-home towards needs, 30% to wants, and 20% towards savings and additional debt payments.
• Check in with your credit card debt. You don’t want your balances and credit utilization ratio to get too high. If you find you are facing challenges, consider a snagging balance transfer credit card offer, using a lower-interest personal loan to pay off credit card debt, or working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to reduce your load.
The Money Shunner
If the money personality quiz indicates that you’re a money shunner, it may mean you are not comfortable with financial matters so you choose to look the other way. Many people feel stressed when thinking about money, whether because they don’t think they are good with numbers or they don’t have a solid base in personal finances (after all, you probably didn’t sit through a budgeting basics class in high school).
But if you tend to avoid money matters, you could be missing opportunities to reach your personal goals and gain a sense of security.
To gain financial literacy, you can dip into self-education. Your bank may have a library of content, or you can try well-respected books, magazines, newsletters, and podcasts. You might also take a class, whether in person or online.
In addition, meeting with a financial advisor could be helpful.
You may also want to pay more attention to your budget and understand your income and how much you’re spending and saving. These steps can help you make friends with your money and get it to work harder for you.
Recommended: Getting Back on Track After Going Over Budget
The Takeaway
A money personality quiz can reveal what your relationship with your finances is like. It can help identify whether you tend to be focused on saving (perhaps too much so), spend a bit too freely, or don’t pay enough attention to your cash. By tweaking your approach, you could build your financial literacy and wealth. Making sure you have the right advisors and banking partner are other important facets of this.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
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FAQ
What are some common money personality types?
There are different ways to categorize money personalities. You may see ones that use the terms spender, saver, and avoider, among others.
How do I know if my money style is too much about spending?
Typical signs that your money style involves too much spending can be having a large amount of credit card debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and not saving enough (or at all).
If my money style is a saver, isn’t that good?
Saver can be an excellent habit and can help you reach your financial goals and be prepared for whatever comes your way. However, you likely don’t want to go overboard and should enjoy your earnings as well.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.
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Orlando is home to the “most magical place on Earth” — Walt Disney World Resort — which makes it a popular destination for tourists. With so many people visiting the local theme parks, attractions and restaurants, the airport can get very crowded.
Enter Orlando’s airport lounges, which can provide a sanctuary from the throngs of travelers while you enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks and other benefits.
Learn more about which Orlando airport lounges are available, where they’re located and how you can get in.
About the lounges at Orlando airport
Currently, there are seven airport lounges spread across all three terminals at Orlando International Airport. Other than the USO Lounge, each lounge is located inside airport security, which means that you must have a valid ticket to visit them.
Admission to these lounges varies based on ticket type, elite status or which credit card you hold. In some cases, you may even be able to purchase a day pass to enjoy lounge benefits.
Terminal A
Orlando’s Terminal A has limited airport lounge options, though may be the most versatile. Its Priority Pass lounge is ideal for travelers because access isn’t limited to a specific airline. Plus, Terminal A has the USO lounge, which offers exclusive access to active duty military.
The Club at MCO Lounge
Location: Terminal A, adjacent to XpresSpa near Gates 1-29.
Opening hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lounge amenities
The Club at MCO Lounge Orlando Airport offers complimentary snacks, beverages and Wi-Fi. It does not have premium food or spa services, but guests can take advantage of its complimentary showers.
How to enter the lounge
Since there are two The Club at MCO lounges at Orlando’s airport, access is restricted based on which gate you’re flying out of. This The Club lounge is available to travelers departing from Terminal A Gates 1-29 and Terminal B Gates 30-59. All others must visit the other location.
Visitors can access the lounge beginning three hours before departure. To enter, purchase a day pass for $50 from The Club website or use your Priority Pass benefits.
USO Welcome Center Lounge
Location: Terminal A, outside of security on Level 1.
Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lounge amenities
The USO Welcome Center Lounge offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and snacks. Visitors can access free Wi-Fi and enjoy DVDs and multiple video game systems. It includes a children’s play area, sleeping quarters and quiet areas, plus a library.
How to enter the lounge
USO lounges are available to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves and Guard, plus their immediate families. Admission is not available to military retirees, disabled veterans and others who have previously served in the military.
Terminal B
Terminal B is where you’ll find the lounges for the major domestic airlines. Travelers must have elite status, a qualifying ticket, a lounge membership or a day pass to enter. If you don’t qualify, the Priority Pass lounge is another option.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Location: Terminal B, near Gate 55
Opening hours: Daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lounge amenities
Inside this Orlando airport lounge, travelers can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, including a full-service bar. This location does not offer conference rooms for visitors. Guests can also use the complimentary Wi-Fi to access the internet to check email, stream shows or browse the internet.
How to enter the lounge
Complimentary entrance to the Admirals Club in Orlando is available to club members when flying on American Airlines or one of its partners.
Additionally, you receive free entrance if you have a ticket for a first or business class international, transcontinental or other domestic flight by American Airlines or a Oneworld airline.
Elite status members of a Oneworld airline with Emerald or Sapphire status can also enter the lounge for free with any ticket for American or a Oneworld partner.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® provides complimentary access to Admirals Club lounges when flying on any American or Oneworld flight. This card also provides complimentary access to immediate family members or up to two guests who are also flying on American or a Oneworld partner.
Day passes are capacity-limited, but available for purchase online or on-site for $79 (or 7,900 AAdvantage miles) when flying on American or a Oneworld partner flight.
U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform are offered free admission to Admirals Club lounges when flying American; these guests may also bring their immediate family or up to two guests.
Delta Sky Club
Location: Terminal B, near Gate 71.
Opening hours:
Open 4:30 a.m to 9:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Open 4:30 a.m to 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
Lounge amenities
The Sky Club in Orlando offers complimentary snacks, beer, wine, spirits and liquor. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi during their stay. It does not have showers, premium food or conference rooms.
How to enter the lounge
Delta Sky Club members can access the lounge when flying Delta or one of its partners, unless they purchased a basic economy ticket.
Purchasing a domestic or international Delta One ticket provides complimentary entrance to the Sky Club. Additionally, if you’re flying on an international first or business class partner flight, you receive free entry.
Delta Medallion elite status provides free access based on the type of ticket purchased. Diamond, Platinum or Gold members can enter the lounge for free when flying Delta Premium Select internationally or on any Delta One flight. One guest can accompany the member if they have the same class of ticket.
SkyTeam Elite Plus members can access Sky Club lounges for free on a SkyTeam international flight or on a domestic flight connecting to a same-day international flight.
Those traveling on partner flights not operated or marketed by Delta can access the lounge for $50 per person. Reserve cardholders can bring immediate family members or up to two guests into the lounge for $50 per person.
The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Centurion cardholders receive complimentary entrance to Sky Club lounges when traveling on a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet. They can bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person. Terms apply.
Delta no longer offers day passes for sale.
The Club at MCO Lounge
Location: Terminal B, near Gate 91.
Opening hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lounge amenities
In addition to complimentary snacks, spirits, beer and wine, this lounge also offers a children’s area. Guests can use the complimentary shower before departing on their flight. It also includes complimentary Wi-Fi for streaming, browsing the internet and checking email.
The children’s area provides an opportunity for children to burn off energy before the flight while the parents enjoy the lounge’s benefits.
How to enter the lounge
Of the two Orlando airport lounges from The Club at MCO, this one serves passengers departing from Terminal A Gates 100-129 and Terminal B Gates 70-99. Passengers departing from other gates within Terminal A and B should visit the other The Club at MCO Lounge location.
United Club
Location: Terminal B, near Gate 43
Opening hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lounge amenities
The United Club lounge offers a full-service bar, light snacks and Wi-Fi for free to its guests. The lounge also has a children’s area for young guests and their parents. A conference room is available for an additional fee for travelers needing to conduct business.
How to enter the lounge
There are many ways travelers can gain access to this United Club lounge. Passengers on United Polaris or business class international or transcontinental flights receive complimentary admission, as can those flying first or business class on a Star Alliance member airline.
Star Alliance Gold members also have access to United Club lounges when traveling on an international flight by any Star Alliance airline.
Travelers can also purchase a United Club membership using cash or by redeeming miles. The price starts at $550 or 75,000 miles per year and varies based on your elite status level.
United Club℠ Infinite Card includes a complimentary United Club membership. With this membership, you and your eligible travel companions can enter these lounges for free whenever you fly on United or a partner airline.
United also offers free admission to active U.S. military personnel traveling on United. This includes those dressed in uniform, on leave orders or traveling on rest and recuperation papers.
Terminal C
The only airport lounge in Terminal C is the Plaza Premium Lounge. Travelers can access this lounge with qualifying credit cards regardless of which airline they’re flying.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Location: Terminal C, on the second floor overlooking Palm Court.
Opening hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lounge amenities
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Orlando International offers complimentary draft beer, food and Wi-Fi. Guests can also use its “luxury washrooms with spa-like shower facilities” to freshen up when they arrive or before their flight departs.
This lounge also offers an entertainment space for families, including a turtle drop game and a curated Orlando Storytelling Wall.
How to enter the lounge
Plaza Premium lounges partner with many major banks to offer complimentary access for travelers. However, it is not included with Priority Pass membership.
Eligible cards for this airport lounge in Orlando include:
Travelers can also book a day pass online through the Plaza Premium website. Price may vary based on when you’re traveling, how many are with you and how long you stay. A three-hour visit in April 2024 is available for $69.18 per person.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you’re buying a day pass, you can save money by purchasing a multi-visit pass ranging from two, five or ten days.
The bottom line
Whether it’s your final destination or you’re on a layover before your next flight, Orlando airport lounges offer an escape from the noise inside the terminal.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well? Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week! I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t…
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well?
Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week!
I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t dread any day of the week, and I genuinely love what I do. Due to that, I hope everyone gets to feel the same about their job as well.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find a job that lets you do what you enjoy and still pays you a good paycheck. Whether you love working online or driving fast cars, there are many job options that let you have fun while also making good money.
Whether you want to make extra income or find a full-time job, there are many fun jobs that pay well that may interest you.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well
When you’re looking for a job, it’s great to find one that you find fun and that also pays well. Here are some top choices to start with:
Bloggers work from anywhere and write about topics such as family, recipes, personal finance, travel, and more. This is what I do, and I think it’s a ton of fun. Plus, it pays very well!
Art therapists use creativity to help others. They draw or paint as a way to support people’s emotional health. This job requires a master’s degree, but it combines art with helping people, which can be very rewarding.
A Ferrari driving instructor teaches others how to drive a luxury sports car. It’s not just exciting; it can also pay between $90,000 and $120,000 a year.
If you like spotting mistakes in content, then finding a proofreading job may be perfect for you. Proofreaders act like an extra set of eyes to read articles, papers, books, ads, and other written content.
Below are over 40 other fun jobs that pay well that I recommend learning more about.
1. Blogger
If you want to find a fun job that pays well, my favorite way is to start a blog. That’s exactly what I do for a living!
A blog is content written on a website. It usually includes articles like what you’re reading here.
You can blog about something you’re passionate about or something you know a lot about. Or even a topic you want to learn more about (people love following others’ firsthand journeys!).
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, my blog has earned me over $5,000,000 over the years.
I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey. At first, I didn’t even know people could earn money from blogs or how to make a successful one. And now, it’s my full-time job!
There are many ways to make money blogging such as:
Advertising revenue (banner ads that you see in blog posts)
Sponsored blog posts (when a blogger partners with a company to promote a specific item or company)
Affiliate marketing (when a blogger receives income for referring readers to a product)
Selling digital products or services (such as courses, clothing, books, and more)
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables designer
Making and selling printables can be a fun way to earn money. When you create printables on Etsy, you only need to make one digital file for each product. After that, you can sell it many times to make more money.
Printables are things you can find online and print at home.
These can be things like a planner, coloring pages, wall art prints, greeting cards, gift tags, and so much more.
I buy printables frequently, and so do others all the time. Recently, I bought a printable for my daughter and it was a useful tool to help teach her the alphabet. I love that I can easily search what I’m looking for and get exactly what I want – plus I can print it right at home quickly!
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Voice actor
A voice-over actor is someone you hear but don’t usually see in things like videos on YouTube, documentaries, radio ads, TV ads, corporate talks, online courses, audiobooks, video games, movies, and cartoons.
Voice actors don’t necessarily need experience for this job (although it can be helpful later on). What’s important is having a voice that matches what the company is searching for.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor
4. Photographer
As a photographer, you get a special chance to capture moments and tell stories with your camera. Photography has many different areas where you can focus, and they can be both satisfying and financially rewarding.
Here are some examples:
Photojournalist – You document events for media outlets, such as National Geographic.
Wedding Photographer – Your role would be capturing wedding moments in couples’ lives.
Stock photo photographer – Photographers can sell their pictures on stock image sites, which are really popular. These sites let customers purchase pictures for things like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
5. Buy and sell flipper
Being a buy-and-sell flipper means you’re into flipping items for profit.
This includes getting undervalued things from flea markets, garage sales, or online places and then selling them for more money.
This could be things like clothing, electronics, furniture, cars, and so much more. Basically, anything and everything!
Your success depends on how good you are at finding good deals, knowing the values in the market, and selling things again for a profit.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
6. Proofreader
As a proofreader, your careful attention to detail can become a rewarding career. Proofreading means going through texts to fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before they get published. This job is important to make sure written content is clear and doesn’t have errors.
Many people, like authors, website owners, and students often hire proofreaders to make their work better. There’s a big need for proofreaders, and you can find jobs on various platforms.
Even the best writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why getting a proofreader can be really helpful for almost everyone.
In fact, although I have written over 2,000 articles, I have a proofreader who will have proofread this very blog post.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
7. Freelance writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, like blog posts and advertising. Freelance writing usually involves working independently. Clients give you a topic, you write about it, and then you might receive feedback, like suggestions to improve or add paragraphs.
You can write about any topic that you want to – such as travel, money, home, and so on.
How much you make as a freelance writer depends on your experience and the topics you write about. When you start, you might earn around $50 to $75 for a 500-word article. As you get better, you can charge more. For a 1,000-word article, you could make between $100 and $150. If you do well over time, you can ask for even higher rates.
I was a freelance writer for many years before transitioning to full-time writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great career where you can mostly work from home on your own.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
8. Graphic designer
A graphic designer is someone who makes designs for people and businesses. As a digital designer, you might create images, social media graphics, printables, T-shirt designs, business cards, stickers, logos, and more.
As a graphic designer, your main job is to communicate through visuals. You use a mix of typography, images, color, and layout to convey messages and brand identities. This field gives you the freedom to express your creativity in different ways, whether it’s through digital designs or print materials.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
9. Social media manager
Being a social media manager is an exciting career choice and your main job is to take care of how a company or person appears online on different platforms. Your tasks include interacting with followers, selecting content, and planning social media posts.
Here are the key areas you typically need to focus on:
Content creation – Create fresh, original posts tailored to each platform.
Engagement – Interact with the audience by responding to comments and direct messages.
Strategy planning – Use data analytics to drive social media strategies, aiming for increased engagement and reach.
The salary can vary, and you can choose to do this job either part-time or full-time.
10. Social media influencer
Related to the above, you can make money with your own social media accounts as well.
Have you ever followed someone on Instagram or TikTok and thought to yourself that it would be fun if you could do something similar?
Social media influencers use different online platforms to create, share, and connect with content that their audience likes. Your success depends on growing a big group of followers and establishing yourself as a trusted voice in your specific area.
As an influencer, you’ll create your brand by sharing your interests, pictures, and opinions on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others.
You can earn money through sponsored posts (when brands pay you to promote their products or services in your Instagram posts), affiliate marketing (earning commissions from sales through your referral links), and by creating digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s a great experience as I get to collaborate with companies I love and promote products I already use.
11. Veterinarian
If you have a passion for animals, then becoming a veterinarian may be a great fit for you.
Veterinarians have a skilled and fulfilling role dedicated to animal health and welfare. The main responsibility is to provide medical care to animals, diagnose health problems, and perform surgeries.
Vets work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and more.
The veterinarian career path is rewarding as it lets you blend a love for animals with the chance to make a positive impact on their lives.
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and obtain a state license to practice. This usually involves:
A bachelor’s degree
A four-year veterinary program
The national average salary for veterinarians is around $100,000 per year.
12. Marine biologist
One job that I dreamed of as a kid was to become a marine biologist. It always sounded like so much fun to work with water and sea animals.
Marine biologists study marine organisms and how they behave and interact with the environment. Your work might take you from coastal wetlands to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Here are some of the things they do:
Conduct research on marine wildlife and ecosystems
Monitor the health of marine habitats
Develop conservation plans
Educate the public and policymakers
Marine biologists are important for understanding marine life and contributing to ocean conservation efforts.
13. Mystery shopper
Retailers, restaurants, and financial institutions need mystery shoppers for detailed feedback to improve their customer service and products.
This might not be a full-time job, but it can provide you with some extra money each month.
I remember when I first learned about mystery shoppers. I was working at a clothing store, and we would have mystery shoppers come in to see how we were doing. We never knew who the mystery shopper was, but we would get to read their report afterward and see what they thought of us.
After learning about mystery shopping, I found a website where I could become one as well. It sounded like fun to get paid to shop.
I would make about $150 to $200 per month through mystery shopping, and I also got free items and services, like $100 to spend at restaurants (where I had to provide feedback while I was there), makeup, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
14. Architect
Architects have a special mix of creativity and technical skills, allowing them to design buildings that are not just attractive but also functional and safe.
Their role includes making detailed plans, and considering factors like sustainability, budget, and client needs.
To become an architect, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture and you’ll need state licensure, which is obtained by passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
15. Stunt person
A stunt person is a cool job where you use your physical skills to create exciting action scenes for movies, TV, and live shows. It’s a big part of making the action look real and thrilling.
To do this job, you might need lots of training in things like martial arts, gymnastics, or extreme sports. You also have to be good at handling pressure and follow safety rules closely.
16. Professional video gamer
Yes, if you like video games, you may actually be able to make money as a professional video gamer.
While the amount of money you can make will definitely vary, top gamers have the potential to earn from tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming content for fans:
Tournaments: Prize pools can be large, reaching into the millions for top-ranking competitions.
Streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay through ads, subscriptions, and donations.
Sponsorships: Companies may endorse you and pay you with sponsorships or free items.
You could maybe even find a job working for a video game designer, testing out video games so that companies can improve their video game design.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
17. Chocolatier
Many people at some point in their lives want to become the person who makes chocolate and candy – sounds amazing after all, right?
A chocolatier is someone who uses cooking and art skills to make chocolates. It’s a job that needs creativity, precision, and a good sense of taste.
You might work for yourself, making chocolates, or you may even work for a large chocolate company. I know people who do both!
18. Personal trainer
If you want to find a job that you’ll love, becoming a personal trainer may be it.
Personal trainers play an active role by combining fitness with motivational skills to help people reach their health and fitness goals. This job includes:
Assessing clients’ fitness levels and health conditions
Developing personalized workout and nutrition plans
Demonstrating exercises and routines to clients
Tracking clients’ progress and adjusting plans as needed
How much you earn as a personal trainer can change a lot based on where you work, your qualifications, and the clients you get. Personal trainers usually make an average of $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
19. Supercar driving instructor
Supercar driving instructors have an exciting job where they help people learn how to drive fast cars on racetracks.
The role includes teaching safety and giving an exciting experience as well as explaining how to handle the vehicles, follow track rules, and use advanced driving techniques.
You can usually earn a high income doing this, plus you get to drive some of the world’s most exotic supercars.
20. Toy designer
Being a toy designer is probably most children’s dream career. After all, who hasn’t loved toys at one point in their life?
The toy industry is always looking for creative designers to make new toys that will grab kids’ attention and imagination.
Toy designers have a cool job where they mix creativity with making things work well. The main aim is to create toys that are fun and help kids learn and grow. This special job combines artistic skills with knowing about how children think and learn.
21. Restaurant critic
Restaurant critics evaluate dining establishments and share their experiences through written reviews. Their main responsibility is to provide an unbiased review of the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
To gain experience and get started, begin by developing your taste buds and learning about different cuisines. This can involve:
Going to cooking workshops
Exploring different food places when you travel
Creating your own blog or starting an Instagram dedicated to food
22. Brewmaster
If you love craft beers and enjoy understanding how fermentation works, becoming a brewmaster could be a fun and rewarding career.
Brewmasters manage the brewing process, such as creating recipes, choosing ingredients, and making sure the quality is top-notch during production.
To start, you might need formal education, such as a degree in brewing science or a related field. However, some brewmasters climb the ladder from roles like brewing assistants, gaining experience through on-the-job learning.
23. Fashion designer
Fashion designers make clothing, accessories, and shoes, and they draw designs, pick fabrics and patterns, and guide how the products designed should be made.
Fashion designing can be a fulfilling career if you love fashion and enjoy creating. It gives you a chance to express yourself personally and can even lead to getting noticed in the industry.
24. Food stylist
Food stylists combine culinary art with aesthetics, making sure that dishes not only taste good but also look delicious and perfect for photographs.
Their duties include choosing ingredients thoughtfully, preparing the food, and presenting it in a way that’s visually attractive. This is important for different media like advertising, packaging, cookbooks, and film.
25. Event planner
Event planners organize events, from big corporate conferences to small weddings. Their main job is to make sure every part of the event matches the client’s vision, fits the budget, and meets the goals.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an event planner is around $50,000 per year. Your salary can change based on things like your experience, where you work, and the size and type of events you handle.
26. Animator
If you’re looking for fun jobs that pay well, then becoming an animator may be it!
Animators make visual creations, and their main focus is on designing characters, environments, and entire worlds in 2D or 3D formats.
Here’s what you may work on:
Character design: Create and develop characters for various media.
Story development: Collaborate on storyboards to plan out visual narratives.
Animation: Work with digital tools to animate drawings and models.
The animation industry values creativity and technical skills and also pays competitive salaries with the opportunity to contribute to exciting storytelling processes. Whether you’re involved in creating animated TV shows, movies, or video games, being an animator can be both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
27. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are professionals who help people buy and sell properties, such as houses and commercial buildings.
I know a few real estate agents, and they all seem to love their jobs. They get to see beautiful new homes and properties and help their clients find their dream property.
Plus, they usually set their own schedule, which can help you create a better work-life balance.
28. Private investigator
Private investigators conduct investigations on various matters, including legal, financial, and personal issues.
This may include doing things like surveilling someone to get information, interviewing people to get details, researching public and legal documents, as well as gathering evidence for cases.
Here are some steps to becoming a private investigator:
Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Perhaps even get a degree or certification in criminal justice or a related field.
Gain experience in a related field such as law enforcement or the military.
Acquire a private investigator license, as required by your state.
29. Romance novelist
Starting a career as a romance novelist can bring both fulfillment and income. If you love storytelling and especially romance, this can be a fun one to think about.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money Self-Publishing Short Romance Novels
30. Interior designer
Interior designers mix creativity with practicality to decorate the insides of properties. Their job is to design and put in place the aesthetic and functional aspects of residential or commercial spaces.
Your job would be to create an environment that looks good and is comfortable for your clients.
31. Airline pilot
Airline pilots have a career that is both exciting and has the potential to make a lot of money. Their main job is to pilot commercial aircraft, flying from one place to another, and making sure everyone on board, including passengers and crew, stays safe.
Some of their daily duties include:
Conduct pre-flight inspections
Navigate the aircraft
Communicate with air traffic control
Monitor weather conditions and aircraft systems
Lead the crew and manage any in-flight issues
32. Drone pilot
Drones have gained popularity lately, not just for recreational use but also for jobs requiring aerial photos and videos. This creates a growing opportunity for individuals to start small businesses and make money with their drones.
Your job as a drone pilot may be to:
Take high-quality images and videos from unique perspectives, such as for real estate, construction, or events.
Perform inspections, surveys, and mapping for various industries like mining or agriculture.
Analyze data and images to give insights to clients.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money With A Drone
33. Sommelier
Sommeliers have a lot of knowledge of wine and can share it in a fun way.
This job is usually found in upscale restaurants, and this role involves suggesting wines that go well with customers’ meals, conducting wine tastings, managing wine service, and taking care of the wine cellar.
34. Chef
Chefs, of course, play an extremely important role in a restaurant kitchen, crafting menus and overlooking meal execution. Their primary responsibilities include tasks like:
Menu Design: They create food menus for a restaurant.
Food Preparation: They oversee and sometimes partake in the detailed preparation of ingredients.
Cooking: They cook the restaurant meals and oversee other cooks in the kitchen.
35. Cruise director
Cruise directors make sure passengers have an unforgettable experience aboard a cruise ship. This job requires a fun personality and excellent skills in managing both entertainment programs and a team of staff members.
Their responsibilities include planning and supervising all onboard entertainment, such as shows, events, and activities.
We went on an around the world cruise recently and had an amazing cruise director. It looked like such a fun job, and they got to travel everywhere that we did (of course!).
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
36. Astronomer
Astronomy is a field that combines the excitement of exploring the cosmos with the satisfaction of solving complex problems. As an astronomer, you enter a world dedicated to understanding celestial phenomena and the principles of the universe.
Usually, a Ph.D. in astronomy or a closely related field is needed to conduct independent research or work at a university. However, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you might find opportunities at planetariums, observatories, or assisting with research.
37. Netflix tagger
If you’re seeking a fun yet rewarding job, becoming a Netflix tagger could be an interesting option. In this job, you watch Netflix content and assign specific labels to shows and movies, influencing the platform’s recommendation algorithm.
To get started, you will need to apply through the Netflix jobs portal, where available positions are listed. Experience in film and media studies, while not mandatory, can give you an advantage.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
37. Geologist
Geologists explore and study the earth’s composition, processes, and history.
Their job can lead to finding valuable resources like minerals, oil, and gas, and they also have an important part in environmental conservation and predicting natural disasters.
38. Dog walker
If you love pets, then this is the fun paying job for you!
Dog walkers do exactly that – walk dogs while their owners are busy, such as at work or on vacation. If you like dogs, then this can be a fun way to spend time with animals and get paid for it.
To become a sought-after dog walker, you should be reliable, good with animals, and you should have excellent customer service skills to build connections with clients. Dog walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air, bond with different dogs, and make money doing something you love.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
39. Ethical hacker
Ethical hackers think and operate like malicious hackers but with a specific goal: identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
They act as safeguards, testing and securing systems to prevent potential breaches for companies.
This job involves a lot of problem-solving skills, as you are looking for possible security problems.
40. Travel agent
If you like planning trips, then becoming a travel agent may be a great way to have a fun high-paying job.
Travel agents craft and sell travel experiences. They help advise clients on different travel destinations and arrange transportation, hotels, tours, and more. It’s a job that not only pays well but allows you to help others travel.
You may help people plan their honeymoon, a trip to Disney World, an around-the-world cruise, and so much more. There are travel planners for every kind of trip that you can think of.
Your knowledge and skill in handling the challenges of travel planning make you a very important help to travelers who want their experiences to be stress free.
The average annual salary can vary by a lot, and this can be either a part-time or full-time job. There is a lot of job growth too, as more and more people are going on vacations!
41. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers give a shopping service for clients who either lack the time or the style to select their own stuff. As a personal shopper, your job may range from picking clothing to finding the perfect gift.
You may work at a high-end retail store, or you may be a freelance personal shopper – there are many jobs in this field!
42. Park ranger
Have you ever been to a beautiful place like Yosemite National Park and wondered what it would be like to work there?
Park rangers work in places like beautiful national parks and get to enjoy the scenery every single day. Their responsibilities include protecting and managing parks, wildlife, and historical sites and making sure that both the natural resources and the visitors exploring them are safe.
To become a park ranger, you usually need a combination of education in fields related to conservation, environmental science, or wildlife management, and relevant work experience.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
43. Tour guide
Being a tour guide gives you a chance to share your love for travel or history with others, all while making a living. You’ll get to be in different places like historical sites, museums, or outdoor adventures.
This can be a low-stress job with a big fun factor – as you get to explore places that you probably already love and are an expert at.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host
44. Yacht crew
Working on a yacht can be a thrilling job that mixes travel, adventure, and the chance to meet new people, along with the possibility of earning good money.
If you work on a yacht, your job could be as a captain, mechanic, server, cleaner, chef, and more. If you’re on a smaller boat, you might even handle all these tasks.
Jobs on a yacht or big sailing boat are usually hard work, but the perk is that you get to travel with most expenses covered, while also earning a high income.
45. Flight attendant
Being a flight attendant is important for making sure passengers are comfortable and safe. You’re like the friendly face of the airline during flights, taking care of different needs and keeping service standards high.
Plus, you get to enjoy the unique perk of discounted or free travel, which is a big perk of becoming a flight attendant.
Flight attendants can earn a good income, and the benefits are excellent. They usually make between $50,000 to over $100,000 a year. The training to become a flight attendant usually takes around 1 to 2 months.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year
46. Art therapist
Art therapists combine the creative process with psychological healing to provide a unique kind of mental health therapy. They conduct one-on-one or group therapy sessions, and being an art therapist can be very fulfilling as you help people discover their voice and heal through art.
Art therapists work at schools, psychiatric hospitals, veterans associations, and more. Usually, you need a master’s degree to enter this field.
They use art therapy to assist people in expressing their emotions, dealing with complex feelings, and enhancing self-awareness. Their job isn’t just about being artistic; it’s deeply connected to therapeutic practices that help a variety of clients.
Another job similar to this is becoming a music therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find fun jobs that pay well.
What is the most high-paying fun job?
The most high-paying fun job can vary based on your skills and interests. Some high-paying fun jobs include being a blogger, pilot, stunt person, and romance book author.
What are random jobs that pay well?
There are many unique jobs, such as a private island caretaker, yacht captain, or a voice-over artist.
Which is the most exciting and highest paying job in this world?
This will depend on who you ask! Maybe it’s being a pilot, a stunt person, an actor, or something else.
What are some fun jobs that pay six figures?
Some fun jobs that pay over $100,000 may include becoming a blogger, selling printables, photographer, architect, and more.
What are some low-stress fun jobs that pay well?
Jobs like a yoga instructor or a massage therapist can be low stress and fun, and they provide a good income, especially when experienced or working in more affluent areas.
What are some fun jobs that pay well without a degree?
You can pursue jobs such as a social media influencer, a real estate agent, or a personal trainer, which can pay well and be rewarding without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Best Fun Jobs That Pay Well – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best fun jobs that pay well.
There are many fun careers that pay a part-time or full-time income.
Careers like voice acting, managing social media, and ethical hacking not only pay well but also let you have a good balance between work and life. The key is to know your talents and find the right fit in these exciting jobs.
I have been working a fun job for many years now, and I really really love it. It makes each day enjoyable and I actually look forward to work. I hope that you get to one day say the same as well.
What do you think are the best fun jobs that pay well?
Starring Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Nick Offerman, and many more recognizable faces along the way, Candy Cane Lane tells the story of the Carver family, as they compete in a yearly holiday house decorating contest to win one hundred thousand dollars.
After losing his job just a few days before Christmas, Chris (Murphy) puts job hunting on the back burner in service of creating a festive masterpiece on his front lawn.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, we felt those Deck The Halls vibes too!
Enlisting the help of his youngest child Holly (sibling of Joy and Nick… get it?), he stumbles across Kringles, a magical Christmas shop where Pepper the elf sells him a ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, Christmas tree.
When it and the ornaments from each of the twelve days unexpectedly come to life and flee the tree on the night of the competition, Chris and his family must find the five golden rings in time or Pepper, who it turns out was exiled from Santa’s workshop, will turn him into a singing ceramic Christmas ornament.
Is it a classic Christmas tale? Not exactly. Is it a little offbeat? Sure.
But did we have fun with the movie and love seeing all of the houses alight and twinkling ahead of the big day? You bet we did!
Now, we know you’re wondering if Candy Cane Lane is a real place, whether you can visit, and if they actually shut down a whole street to film the movie there.
Well, you can have yourself a merry little Christmas because we’ve done the research for you and can answer all of these questions and more – happy holidays!
Is Candy Cane Lane a real place?
Yes, Candy Cane Lane is a very real place located on East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo, California. Every year since 1949, with an understandable one-year hiatus in 2020, the street comes alive in a spectacle of Christmas lights and festive displays made by the residents.
With nightly shows from December 9th – 23rd, and visits every other evening from Santa himself, it’s a sight to behold and definitely one for the bucket list!
Unlike in the movie, there is no competition between neighbors.
Instead, the displays serve to bring the residents and the community together in celebration of the season.
Did they film Candy Cane Lane on the actual Candy Cane Lane?
Whilst it might look just like the real thing, scenes outside the Carver house were actually all shot on a stage.
Where? None other than Colonial Street at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Setting the backdrop for many of our favorite films and television series over the years, if you’re thinking it looks familiar it probably does!
Other productions filmed on Universal Studio’s Colonial Street
Arguably the most recognizable show shot here was Desperate Housewives.
Since the street was as much a character as the residents themselves, we wouldn’t be surprised if some eagle-eyes fans spotted Wisteria Lane the moment they pressed play on Candy Cane Lane.
Other productions include, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Malcolm In The Middle, Leave it to Beaver, Why Him, and Sabrina The Teenage Witch – and that really is just naming a few!
More filming locations from Candy Cane Lane
With no snow to build snowmen or go sledding in, children at the start of the movie can be seen sand surfing and building sandmen instead.
According to Atlas Of Wonders, these scenes were filmed in California on Playa Del Rey Beach. Meanwhile, exteriors from the high school were shot in El Segundo itself.
Other movies that feature Candy Cane Lane
Since we’re guessing you love holiday movies (and movie houses!) just as much as we do, you’ve probably come across Candy Cane Lane in TV shows and films before this one.
Most recently, we saw Candy Cane Lane in the holiday movie The Happiest Season, starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis.
However, this Candy Cane Lane was based on a different, yet equally amazing display in Duboistown, Pennsylvania, and scenes were filmed on Cleveland Avenue in Avalon.
Read all about that and the other dreamy filming locations and houses we tracked down from the movie right here:
Meanwhile, New Girl fans will remember an episode called The 23rd in season one, where the gang drives to Candy Cane Lane at 4 am and proceeds to scream and shout for the residents to turn on their lights.
According to the New Girl podcast, Welcome To Our Show on which the show’s stars, Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris re-watch and give behind-the-scenes info about each episode, this Candy Cane Lane was shot on the Disney ranch.
Why? Like most holiday movies and shows, the episode was not actually shot at Christmas.
The takeaway? Even if you can’t take a trip to Candy Cane Lane this year, there are plenty of festive movies and TV shows that can transport you there from the comfort of your very own home – Merry Christmas everyone!
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