Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
If you dream of having a baller bank account and the freedom to kick back without a financial worry in the world, it’s possible to hack your spending habits until you’re sitting on a comfy cushion of cash. And since studies show most of us can adopt new, long-lasting behaviors after just three weeks, you could be well on your way to a richer life by the end of the month.
Let go of any worries about your bank account balance, and start living your best life today. We challenge you to take the next 21 days to establish new spending habits! Which of these money-saving ideas will YOU commit to?
WEEK 1 – Establish a Baseline
Start the 21-Day Challenge by figuring out where you stand financially and which expenses you can temporarily trim without shocking your system.
Identify what’s dragging you down
Take a good look at last month’s expenses to get an idea of how much you spent and what you bought. Budgeting apps like Mint can help you by importing and categorizing your electronic transactions in minutes, making it easy to spot areas where you’re overspending.
Identify Unnecessary Expenses: Keep an eye out for businesses you regularly spend small sums of money with and put them on a blacklist. Keep that list on your phone or in your wallet.
Don’t Tempt Fate: Avoid temptation by not carrying cash or taking a different route to work.
Buy needs, not wants
It’s no secret that the best way to save money is to cut out impulse shopping, and only buy absolute necessities.
Feast Affordably: Go food shopping once a week and stick to the list you brought with you. Eat breakfast at home, pack your lunch for work and prepare dinner in your own oven.
Pass on Premium Products: From clothing to electronics to the type of gas you put in your tank, skip the top-shelf items in favor of their more-affordable alternatives.
Use what you’ve got
Another great way to cut expenses is to be resourceful about what you’ve got lying around the house. You don’t need to start making your own soap like you’re the newest member of Fight Club, but you’ve likely got some stuff you could be putting to good use.
Expand Your Recipe Repertoire: Make homemade meals using sites like MyFridgeFood.com that let you to plug in the ingredients you have before telling you what recipes you’re equipped to cook.
Pay in Other Ways: Don’t eat out anywhere without a coupon or gift card.
Enjoy Entertainment You Own: Skip the theater this week and dust off an old DVD instead. Or start reading a new book if it’s been a while since you cracked one open.
WEEK 2 – Cut Off Some Companies
Making a few quick phone calls during the second week of this 21-Day Challenge might save hundreds on recurring expenses, and save you a mountain of money over the years.
Explore your options
Odds are that a talking gecko and an aproned brunette have been jockeying for your insurance dollars for quite some time. Maybe one of them can save you some scratch?
Inquire about Insurance: Collect quotes from competing insurance companies to see if another company offers you a better deal.
Channel Your Inner De Niro: Test your acting skills by threatening to cancel your cable or cell service because your bill’s too high. Most companies will cut you a deal before letting you leave.
Chat up Creditors: Got credit card debt? Call up your card issuer and ask for a reduced rate, or transfer your balance if it means long-term savings.
Break up with brands
Why buy the paper towels with the highest thread count or use the same sandwich bags as the Kardashians, when brand XYZ does the same job? Choosing store-brand products is an effective cost-cutting method that can save you a bundle at checkout.
Focus on Price, Not Packaging: From paper towels and cleaning supplies to painkillers, opt for more affordable off-brand products on your next trip to the store.
Ditch some subscriptions
Now that you’ve watched Beyoncé’s Lemonade, do you still need that subscription to Tidal? Canceling your underused memberships could supercharge your savings.
List Your Memberships: Make a list of any subscriptions or memberships that renew on a monthly or annual basis. Only keep the ones you can’t live without.
Flex for Free: Instead of renewing your gym membership, exercise outdoors, or take advantage of free or donation-based classes offered by many yoga studios and gyms.
Opt Out of Annual Fees: If you have a lengthy credit history and not a lot of debt, consider canceling any credit cards with an obligatory annual fee.
WEEK 3 – Hone New Habits
The home stretch of our 21-Day Challenge is all about the little things. Making small, subtle changes in your daily life and routine can lead to big savings over time.
Slay some vampires
Cut your electricity bill by unplugging “vampire appliances” that suck up power even when they’re not being used.
Stop Paying for “Standby”: If you only use your printer, stereo, or video game console a few times a week, don’t leave those bad boys plugged in day and night. The same goes for any appliance with a digital clock or standby mode.
Unplug Your Internet: No one at home surfing the web while you’re at work? Wireless routers rack up kilowatt hours faster than just about any other appliance. Turn off or unplug your modem and router before leaving home and you could save a chunk of change.
Adjust Your Temps: Turn off your heater’s pilot light during warmer months, and learn to use your thermostat’s built-in timer to reduce your bill. Raising your refrigerator temp a few degrees can also make a measureable difference in your electricity usage.
Go swapping, not shopping
Itching for something new in your life? Instead of whipping out your wallet, tap into your network of friends, family and coworkers to find a slew of items you can breathe new life into.
Exchange Entertainment: See if any of your friends are open to trading books, DVDs or video games.
Purge, Not Splurge: Take items you haven’t worn in a year to a thrift store or consignment shop, some of which offer store credit for something new to you.
Trade Your Threads: Rather than hitting up the mall, organize a clothing swap to trade outfits and accessories with your friends.
Financial freedom starts today
Start Mint’s 21-Day Challenge today and see how much of a difference you can make on your bank account’s bottom line. Tweet or comment about your cost-reduction strategies this month, and stay tuned for our recap.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Previous Post
4 Questions You Should Ask Before Deciding on Graduate School
Next Post
Mint Success: Transitioning from College Kid to Young Professional
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Yep, you are reading this because you need an extra $300 ASAP.
In this post, you will learn the exact ways I have made 300 dollars fast or other methods that I truly know that work. Around here at Money Bliss, we research everything! That way we know you can put in the hustle and make it happen, too!
But with so many ways of making money on the internet these days, which one is best for your situation?
Hey, do you ever wonder how some people seem to make money the way they do?
It’s not by getting lucky–you’ve got to be smart about it.
I’ve looked at different options and ranked them from my favorite method all the way down to what I think is least desirable in terms of time investment and return.
Let’s get started…
How can I make $300 right now?
There are multiple ways to make $300 in a day.
You have to decide what works best for you! Preferably it would be a way that you naturally find enjoyment.
Even better, if you find a way to make 300 dollars fast that you can do repeatedly – that is called passive income.
What are ways to make money fast?
With so many ways to make money, sometimes figuring out what you should do can be a little overwhelming.
There are plenty of ways to make money fast.
You have to decide what you want to do.
35 Specific Ways on How to Make 300 Dollars Fast
Let us break it down for you with some of the most common and well-known methods of earning money.
For each way to earn 300 dollars in 24 hours, we will provide tips on how you could go about doing it.
1. Get a part-time job
One way is to get a part-time job.
You can look online or walk around any business for job postings.
Right now, there are SO MANY places that are DESPERATE for workers! You can easily find a part-time job making $15 an hour to $20 an hour.
2. Do a No-Spend Challenge – Budget to Find $300
A no-spend challenge is a great way to save money fast. I guarantee you can find $300 from your spending.
During a no-spend challenge, you commit to not spending any money on non-essential items for a set period of time. This can be anything from a week to a month.
There are a few different ways you can approach a no-spend challenge. One option is to cut out all non-essential spending for the duration of the challenge. This includes things like eating out, entertainment and shopping for new clothes. Another option is to allow yourself a set amount of money to spend each day during the challenge. This could be $10 per day or $50 per week.
No matter which approach you take, a no-spend challenge can help you save money fast. It’s also a great way to get creative and find new ways to have fun without spending money.
3. Open A New Bank Account & Get a Cash Bonus (Yes, get 300 dollars free)
A simple way to make money fast is by opening a new bank account. In fact, I just did this and received $300!
One way is to sign up for a new account and receive a sign-up bonus. Many banks offer these bonuses, which can range from $25 to $500, just for opening an account and meeting certain requirements. For example, you may need to deposit a certain amount of money within the first month or maintain a minimum balance.
Another way to make money fast with a new bank account is to take advantage of interest rates. Many banks offer higher interest rates for new customers, so you can earn more on your deposited funds.
Finally, some banks offer cashback or reward programs when you use your debit card or credit card for certain purchases. For example, you may get cash back when you use your debit card at grocery stores or gas stations.
4. Hop on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a great way to make some quick money in one day. You can sign up to be a Tasker and choose from a variety of tasks that need to be completed in your area. Once you complete the task, you’ll get paid.
TaskRabbit is great for people who are looking for extra income and don’t mind doing odd jobs. Some of the tasks you can do on TaskRabbit include:
Cleaning
Yard work
Furniture assembly
Grocery shopping
To become a Tasker, you’ll need to create an account and fill out your profile. Once your profile is complete, you can start applying for tasks. Once you’re approved for a task, you’ll need to complete it and submit proof of completion in order to get paid.
5. Sell items you no longer need for quick cash
There are a few things you can do to make some quick cash if you find yourself in a bind and selling items that you no longer need ranks at the top.
This could include clothes, furniture, electronics, or anything else that you have around the house that you don’t need.
You can list these items for sale on websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace.
6. Join an in-person or online focus group
Focus groups are a great way to make some extra money fast. You can join a face-to-face focus group or an online focus group. Online focus groups are usually conducted via Skype or a similar video conferencing platform.
In a focus group, you will be asked to provide your opinions on various topics, products, or services.
The company conducting the focus group will use your feedback to improve its offerings. Focus groups usually last for 1-2 hours, and you will be compensated for your time with cash or gift cards.
Typically, I have made $50-300 for each focus group I completed. The exact amount will depend on the company conducting the research and the topic of the focus group. Learn more.
7. Move to freelance work
The best way to make money fast is to find a need that you can fill and then fill it. For example, if you’re good at writing, you could start offering content writing services. If you’re good at design, you could start offering design services. There are always businesses and individuals who need help with things like this, so if you can provide it, you’ll be able to make money quick.
There are a few different ways to offer freelance services. You can offer your services through a freelancing platform like Fiverr, or you can reach out to businesses directly and offer your services. You can also set up a website and promote your services through that.
Of course, the amount of money you can make will vary depending on the quality of your work and the size of the projects you’re working on. But if you’re able to deliver high-quality work quickly, you should be able to make decent money doing freelance work.
Also, this is a great way to start building consistent income from work from home jobs without investment.
8. Advertise On Your Car As Easy Ways to Make Money
There are a few companies that will pay you to advertise on your car. You can usually sign up for a short-term contract and get paid per month, or sometimes per week or day.
This can be a great way to make some quick cash if you have a car that you don’t mind driving around with ads on it.
Here are a few companies that offer this service:
To sign up, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your car, and then you’ll be able to browse the available campaigns and choose the ones you want to participate in. Once you’ve been approved for a campaign, the company will send you the materials you need to apply the wrap to your car, and then you’ll be on your way!
Double bonus if you do this while driving for Uber or Lyft!
9. Become A Virtual Assistant:
There are many ways to make money fast, but becoming a virtual assistant is one of the most viable options.
Virtual assistants provide administrative, secretarial, and clerical support to clients from a home office. They can perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling customer inquiries, managing social media accounts, and more.
To be a successful virtual assistant, you will need to have strong organizational and time management skills. You will also need to be comfortable using computers and various software programs. Additionally, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with clients via email and phone.
If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, becoming a virtual assistant can be a great way to earn money fast. Check out this free virtual assistant training!
10. Clean Houses
Cleaning houses is a profitable business and most people charge from $35 dollars to $45 an hour, so you can quickly make $300 by cleaning houses. You could start by advertising your services on platforms like Craigslist orNextdoor.
Once you get a few clients, you could start a Facebook group or Instagram account to showcase your work and attract more customers.
You could also look into joining a local house cleaning company as an independent contractor. This would give you the benefit of having a regular income, while still being able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
10. Give Blood OR Sell Plasma:
There are a few ways to make money fast, and giving blood or plasma is one of them – especially if you live in a college town.
You can usually make around $50-75 for giving blood or plasma. Also, many centers offer first time donors a big bonus!
The process takes around an hour, and you can usually donate once a week.
11. Do Grocery Shopping With Instacart:
Instacart allows people to shop for groceries and other items from the comfort of their own homes. As a shopper, you would be able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
For someone who loves shopping, this is perfect because you are not spending your own money!
You would also be able to earn tips from satisfied customers. If you are looking for a flexible way to make money, then becoming a shopper with Instacart could be a good option for you.
12. Test Websites for UI/UX
Testing websites for UI/UX is a great way to make money fast. Here are a few things to keep in mind when testing websites:
Make sure the website is easy to navigate
Check for broken links
Test the forms and checkout process
Provide feedback on the overall design and user experience
Companies want their online experience to be great, so this is a top gig.
13. Tutor Online
There are a few different ways you can tutor online, and each has its own benefits. You can use a platform like Chegg or Wyzant to connect with students who need help in your area of expertise. If you’re more of a self-starter, you can also look for online tutoring gigs on Upwork or Fiverr.
Benefits of tutoring online include:
You can work from anywhere with an internet connection
You can set your own hours
Tutoring is a great way to make $30 an hour
If you’re looking for ways to make money fast, tutoring online is a great option. You can work from anywhere in the world, and set your own hours so that you can fit tutoring into your busy schedule. Plus, tutoring is a great way to make extra money.
14. Writing Skill? Become a Freelance Writer
Also, making money is becoming a freelance writer. There are many websites and online publications that are always looking for new content, and a freelance writer can easily provide this. In addition, a freelance writer can often command a higher rate than other types of writers because of the specialized nature of their work.
Another way to make money fast as a freelance writer is to offer services such as ghostwriting or editing. This can be especially helpful for businesses or individuals who need assistance with their writing but do not have the time or resources to do it themselves. By offering these services, you can still earn a decent living while helping others improve their own writing skills.
Check out this course on how to Earn Money while Writing.
15. Manage Social Media Accounts to Make $300 a Day
There are a few different ways you can make money by managing social media accounts. You can offer your services to businesses or individuals who need help with their social media presence. Here are a few ideas:
Offer to help businesses with their social media strategy. This can include creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics.
Offer to manage an individual’s personal social media accounts. This can include anything from posting updates to responding to comments and messages.
Start your own social media management company. This will require more work upfront, but you can potentially earn a lot more money in the long run.
If you’re looking to make some quick cash, managing social media accounts is a great option. With a little effort, you can easily make $300 or more per day!
16. Become An Uber Or Lyft Driver:
If you’re looking to make some quick cash, becoming an Uber or Lyft driver might be a good option. This past weekend, we met a driver who would not tell me the exact amount he makes, but it was hovering six figures.
You can work on your own schedule and earn money by picking up passengers and taking them to their destination. Plus, you can get paid even more if you’re willing to pick up additional passengers or drive during peak hours.
Key Tip… Learn the routes and areas in which you are more likely to make more money. This may mean driving outside your hometown.
17. Ask for Extra Hours
A simple way to make $300 fast is to ask for extra hours at work. If you’re able to put in the extra work, you’ll likely see a boost in your paycheck.
This can be a great way to make some quick cash if you’re in need.
Many employers will be happy to pay overtime hours or just under the requirements of a full-time position.
18. Rent Your Car
Have you ever thought about renting your car out?
You can do this by signing up with a car rental service like Turo or Getaround. Once you’re approved, you can start renting out your car for quick cash.
Typically, you can earn around $30/hour for each rental, and you can get paid weekly. This is a great way to make some extra money if you have a car that you don’t use often.
19. Rent out a spare room in your house
Renting out a room in your house is a great way to make money fast.
You can charge daily, weekly, or monthly rates, and you’ll get the money right away.
This is a great option if you have an extra room in your house that you’re not using. Just make sure to list the room on a site like Airbnb so people can find it.
20. Open a Shopify Store and Sell
Opening a Shopify store is one of the quickest and easiest ways to start making money online. Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows you to create an online store in minutes, without any prior experience or technical knowledge.
There are a few things to keep in mind when opening a Shopify store:
Choose a niche: When choosing what products to sell, it’s important to pick a niche that you’re passionate about. This will make it easier to market your store and stand out from the competition.
Research your products: Once you’ve chosen a niche, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re offering quality products that your customers will love.
Set up your store: The next step is to set up your Shopify store. This process is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes.
Start promoting your store: Once your store is up and running, you’ll need to start promoting it through social media, blogging, and other marketing channels.
Once your store is up and running, you can start selling products and making money right away.
21. Events Assistant
Thankfully, large events are making a comeback, and thus it is now one way to make money fast is to work as an events assistant.
Events assistants help with the planning and execution of events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and parties. They may be responsible for tasks such as booking venues, arranging transportation, and decorating the event space.
Working as an events assistant can be a great way to earn quick cash, as many events take place on weekends or evenings. You may earn tips in cash, too.
22. Apply For A New Credit Card & Get a Signup Bonus
Applying for a new credit card is one of the easiest ways to make money fast if you have a good credit score.
You can often get a sign-up bonus just for applying, and if you use the right card, you can earn cash back or points that can be redeemed for free travel.
Just make sure to pay off your balance in full each month so you don’t get hit with interest charges.
23. Get Paid To Walk
There are a few ways to make money by walking, including becoming a pet-sitter or dog-walker, delivering food or packages, and even participating in research studies.
Pet-sitting and dog-walking are great ways to get some exercise while making some extra cash. You can advertise your services on websites like Rover or Care.com, or even on local community Facebook groups. Once you build up a clientele, you can set your own schedule and rates.
If you don’t mind doing a little bit of extra work, you could also sign up to deliver food or packages for companies like DoorDash, Postmates, or Amazon Flex. You can typically set your own schedule and rates for these gigs.
24. Wait tables
Working as a waiter or waitress can be a great way to make some extra money fast. In fact, it is easy to net over $300 if you are personable and do your job well!
In most cases, you will be able to keep all of the tips that you earn, which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
Additionally, many restaurants offer their employees discounts on meals, which can further increase your earnings. If you are looking for a way to make some quick cash, waiting tables may be the perfect solution for you as you can start within days.
25. Provide Yard Work Help
Another way to make money fast is by providing yard work services. This could involve mowing lawns, shoveling snow, trimming hedges, or any other type of outdoor work.
You can use online platforms such as TaskRabbit, Nextdoor or Craigslist to find clients, or you can reach out to local businesses or individuals who need help with their yards.
From personal experience, my kids have averaged over $300 a day – just for snow shoveling! Good hustle for those preteens!
This is yet another way to make some quick cash by doing odd jobs for people in your community.
26. Read Books and be Paid as a Reader
There are a few ways to make money by reading books. You can start a book blog and get paid to review books, you can work as a freelance book editor, or you can even get paid to read books!
If you want to start a book blog, you first need to find a niche. What kind of books do you want to review? Once you’ve found your niche, the next step is writing reviews. You can use sites like Amazon and Goodreads to find books to review, and then post your reviews on your blog.
If you’re interested in working as a freelance book editor, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to have experience editing books. Second, you need to be able to showcase your work. And third, you need to be able to market yourself so that potential clients can find you.
One way that you can make money by reading books is by becoming a beta reader. Beta readers are people who read manuscripts before they’re published and provide feedback on the story and the writing. If you’re interested in becoming a beta reader, the best way to find work is by networking with authors and editors who might need your services.
27. Sell a Skill on Fiverr
There are many ways to make money fast, but one way you can monetize a skill you have is to sell it on Fiverr.
Fiverr is a marketplace where people can buy and sell services starting at $5.
If you have a particular skill or talent, you can create a gig offering that service. Once your gig is created, buyers can purchase your service and leave a review.
If you deliver quality work, you will get repeat customers and your gigs will start to rank higher in the search results. This will help you make more money faster.
28. Profit from Baked Goods & Get Rewarded
Cake pops are hot! As most professional bakeries, charge between $1-4 per cake pop, you would need to sell 75 cake pops to make your goal of $300 a day.
Same with sourdough bread! people are selling homemade sourdough bread for $5-8 per loaf. So, you need to sell around 40 loaves to hit 300 dollars fast.
Another option is to offer baking classes in your community to make extra money. This is a hot thing to do for couples and kids.
There are many delicious ways to make money fast from baking.
29. Flip Stuff Online and Be a Reseller
One way to make money fast is to resell items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.
You can find items to resell at garage sales, thrift stores, and even online. Once you have found an item to resell, list it on eBay and set a starting price. Be sure to research the item so you know how much it is worth and what similar items have sold for in the past. You can also offer to ship if you are selling a larger item.
Check out this free training from Flea Market Flipper!
30. Negotiate a Pay Rise
There are a few key things you can do to increase your chances of successfully negotiating a pay rise:
Do your research: find out what the average salary is for your role in your area, and what other people in similar roles at other companies are being paid. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations.
Build a case: put together a document or presentation detailing your successes and value to the company. This will help you make your case in a clear and concise way.
Be prepared to walk away: if the company isn’t willing to meet your demands, be prepared to walk away. This may mean looking for another job, but it’s important to stand up for yourself and not accept less than you’re worth.
This is a great way to increase your paycheck!
31. Do odd jobs for people
One way to make some quick cash is to do odd jobs for people in your neighborhood.
This could be anything from mowing lawns and shoveling snow to painting fences and washing cars. If you have a knack for handyman work, you can list your services on websites like TaskRabbit or Craigslist.
You can also sign up with a local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, to find customers who need help with small projects around the house.
You can house sit for people in your community who are going out of town and need someone to watch their home while they’re gone. Check out a great place with Trusted Housesitters.
32. Start Copywriting
Copywriting is a skill that can help you make money fast. If you can write persuasively, you can earn quick cash by writing articles, sales letters, and web copy.
Here’s how to get started:
Find a need. Look for businesses that are in need of content and start pitching them your services.
Write a great proposal. Your proposal is your chance to sell your services, so make sure it’s well-written and persuasive.
Get paid! Once you’ve landed a client, get to work and start earning money fast!
Check out where to find copywriting jobs.
33. Play with Dogs with Pet-sitting Services
If you love animals, you can offer pet-sitting services to earn some extra cash.
Pet owners often need someone to watch their pets while they’re away on vacation or business trips. If you love animals, this can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
You can also dog walk or pet sit for neighbors or friends.
34. Invest in Stocks or Cryptocurrency.
If you’re willing to take on some risk, you could make money by investing in stocks or cryptocurrency. However, these investments can also lose money, so be sure to research before investing.
This is one way I consistently make an extra 300 dollars a day.
However, this is after I took an investing course and months of practice. If you are analytical and enjoy patterns, this could be for you.
35. Complete online survey and earn extra cash
This is probably my least favorite, but you can make cash fast for very simple work. The amount of money you can make depends on the amount of time you’re willing to spend, and some other factors like your demographics.
Join a paid survey panel.
These panels usually work with marketing research companies who pay panelists for their participation in online and offline surveys. To join a paid survey panel, you’ll typically have to fill out a short sign-up form and provide some basic information about yourself. Once you’re signed up, you’ll start receiving survey invitations by email.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
How much money can you make with each method?
The goal is to make 300 dollars fast, right?
It depends on the way you want to make money and the effort you put into it.
Some like virtual assistants or active trading will take longer to build up and get your experience, but it will be more lucrative as you go. On the flip side, pet sitting or house sitting is quicker to start but could be less consistent with clientele.
What are the pros and cons of each method to make money today?
There are a few different ways to make extra money, and each has its own pros and cons. For example, you could get a part-time job, start a side hustle, or take on some freelance work.
Idea #1 – Another job or More Hours
Getting a part-time job is one of the most common ways to make extra cash. The main pro of this method is that it’s relatively easy to find a part-time gig these days. You can use sites like Indeed or Craigslist to find open positions near you.
The main con of this method is that it can take up a lot of your time, which might not be ideal if you’re already working full-time or taking care of other obligations.
Idea #2 – Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle is another popular option for making extra money. The biggest pro of this method is that you can often make more money with a side hustle than you would with a part-time job.
The biggest con of this method is that it takes time and effort to get your side hustle off the ground.
Idea #3 – Freelance Work Online
Taking on some freelance work is another option for making extra cash. The main pro of this method is that you can often set your own hours and rates.
The main con of this method is that it can be tough to find consistent work.
Best Way to Earn Money Fast
Ultimately, the best way to make extra money is the method that works best for you and your situation.
If you need to make some quick cash, a part-time job might be the way to go. If you’re looking to consistently make a bit more money, starting a side hustle is best.
Top ways to make money fast online
There are many different ways you can make money online.
Some of the most common include affiliate marketing, selling your own products or services on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using your blog as a source of passive income, and creating e-commerce stores.
In fact, learning how to make money online for beginners is a hot topic!
Which methods are best for making long-term income?
There are a variety of methods you can use to make 300 dollars fast. While some methods may only provide you with temporary or one-time earnings, others have the potential to provide you with more long-term income.
Some of the best methods for making long-term income include:
Finding a high-paying job: If you’re looking for more sustainable earnings, then finding a job that pays well is one of the best options. While it may take some time to land a high-paying position, once you do, you’ll be able to earn a steady income that can last for years.
Starting your own business: Another great option for earning long-term income is starting your own business. This can be a great way to earn a passive income, as well as give you the flexibility to work on your own schedule.
Investing in real estate or stock market: Another option for those looking to make long-term earnings is investing in real estate or the stock market. This can be a great way to earn passive income and build up wealth over time.
What are some tips for making money fast?
These are just a few ideas to get you started.
Remember, the key is to be creative and think outside the box. There are many opportunities out there for those who are willing to look for them. With a little effort, you can find a way to make money fast.
Do you need to know how to make 2000 fast?
Tips to Earn Real Money and Make Extra Money Fast
How can you make sure you make the most money possible?
There are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to make the most money possible:
1. Be Clear On Your Expectations
If you want to make extra money, you need to be clear on what you want. Specifically how you are looking to make and how many hours you are going to commit.
Also, you need to communicate this to others around you like friends, family, or kids.
2. Set Prices People Make in Reality
Making sure that you have a clear understanding of the services you’re offering and what the going rate is for those services is crucial.
If you don’t know how much your time and effort are worth, it’s easy to undervalue yourself and end up making less money than you could have. Likewise, if you overprice yourself, people are less likely to use your services.
3. Negotiate a Ton
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you feel like you’re worth more than what the other person is offering, try to negotiate for a higher price.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate when it comes to prices. If you feel like your time is worth more than what the other person is offering, try negotiating for a higher price. It never hurts to ask, and often times people are willing to pay more than they initially offered if it means getting better quality work.
4. Work Hard and Make Real Cash – Not Free Cash
Be willing to work hard. The more effort you put in, the more money you’re likely to make.
If you’re not willing to put in the extra effort, you’re not going to make as much money as you could have.
Free cash won’t just happen; that isn’t someone you strive to be. Work hard and be paid.
Start Earning 300 dollars and Make Money Quickly
There are a lot of ways to make 300 dollars fast.
You just have to be creative and resourceful.
With this guide, you now know 35 ways to make 300 dollars fast. You can start earning extra cash today by following these methods.
You can start by looking for ways to make money in your free time, at home, or online. With a little effort, you can make 300 dollars in no time. Then, on to make 500 dollars fast.
Remember to have fun while you’re earning money! Thanks for reading and good luck!
Then, your next goal will be how to turn 10k into 100k.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
46k salary is a solid hourly wage when you think about it.
When you get your first job and you are making just above minimum wage making over $46000 a year seems like it would provide amazing opportunities for you. Right?
The median household income is $67,521 in 2020 which decreased by 2.9% from the previous year (source). Think of it as a bell curve with $68K at the top; the median means half of the population makes less than that and half makes more money.
The average income in the U.S. is $48,672 for a 40-hour workweek; that is an increase of 4% from the previous year (source). That means if you take everyone’s income and divided the money evenly between all of the people.
But, the question remains can you truly live off 46,000 per year in today’s society since it is below both the average and median household incomes? The question you want to ask all of your friends is $46000 per year a good salary.
In this post, we are going to dive into everything that you need to know about a $46000 salary including hourly pay and a sample budget on how to spend and save your money.
These key facts will help you with money management and learn how much per hour $46k is as well as what you make per month, weekly, and biweekly.
Just like with any paycheck, it seems like money quickly goes out of your account to cover all of your bills and expenses, and you are left with a very small amount remaining. You may be disappointed that you were not able to reach your financial goals and you are left wondering…
Can I make a living on this salary?
$46000 a year is How Much an Hour?
When jumping from an hourly job to a salary for the first time, it is helpful to know how much is 46k a year hourly. That way you can decide whether or not the job is worthwhile for you.
$46000 a year is $22.12 per hour
Breakdown Of How Much Is 46k A Year Hourly
Let’s break down how that 46000 salary to hourly number is calculated.
For our calculations to figure out how much is 46K salary hourly, we used the average five working days of 40 hours a week.
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, divide the yearly salary of $46000 by 2,080 working hours and the result is $22.12 per hour.
46000 salary / 2080 hours = $22.12 per hour
Just above $22 an hour.
Key Points….
That number is the gross hourly income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
You must check with your employer on how they plan to pay you. For those on salary, typically companies pay on a monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly basis.
Just an interesting note… if you were to increase your annual salary by $5K to $51000 a year, it would increase your hourly wage to almost $25 an hour – a difference of $2.40 per hour.
To break it down – 51000 salary / 2080 hours = $24.52 per hour
That difference will help you fund your savings account; just remember every dollar adds up.
How Much is $46K salary Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would be $3,833.
Annual Salary of $46000 ÷ 12 months = $3833 per month
This is how much you make a month if you get paid 46000 a year.
$46k a year is how much a 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 of $46k salary a year, how much can I expect to make at the end of the week for my effort?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
Annual Salary of$46000/52 weeks = $884 per week.
$46000 a year is how much biweekly?
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $884 and double it.
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 52 weeks = 260 working days
Annual Salary of$46000 / 260 working days = $177 per day
If you work a 10 hour day on 208 days throughout the year, you make $221 per day.
$46000 Salary is…
$46000 – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$46,000
Monthly Wage
$3833
Weekly Pay (40 Hours)
$884
Bi-Weekly Pay (80 Hours)
$1769
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$177
Daily Wage (10 Hours)
$221
Hourly Wage
$22.12
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,926
Net Estimated Hourly Income
$16.89
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
46k a year is how much an hour after taxes
Income taxes is one of the biggest culprits of reducing your take-home pay as well as FICA and Social Security. This is a true fact across the board with an all-salary range up to $142,800.
When you make below the average household income, the amount of taxes taken out hurts your hourly wage.
Every single 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%.
So, how much an hour is 46000 a year after taxes?
Gross Annual Salary: $46,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $5,520
State Taxes of 4%: $1,840
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,519
$46k Per Year After Taxes is $35,121
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$35121 ÷ 2,080 hours = $16.89 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $35,121 per year, which is $10,879 per year less than what you expect.
***This is a very high-level example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation and potential deductions. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.***
In addition, if you live in a heavily taxed state like California or New York, then you have to pay way more money than somebody that lives in a no tax state like Texas or Florida. This is the debate of HCOL vs LCOL.
Thus, your yearly gross $46000 income can range from $31441 to $36961 depending on your state income taxes.
That is why it is important to realize the impact income taxes can have on your take home pay. It is one of those things that you should acknowledge and obviously you need to pay taxes. But, it can also put a huge dent in your ability to live the lifestyle you want on a $46,000 income.
46k salary lifestyle
Every person reading this post has a different upbringing and a different belief system about money. Therefore, what would be a lavish lifestyle to one person, maybe a frugal lifestyle to another person. And there’s no wrong or right, it is what works best for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider is your cost of living.
In another post, we detailed the differences between living in an HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL area. When you live in big cities, trying to maintain your lifestyle of $46,000 a year is going to be much more difficult because your basic expenses, housing, transportation, food, and clothing are going to be much more expensive than you would find in a lower cost area.
To stretch your dollar further in the high cost of living area, you would have to probably live cheap and prioritize where you want to spend money and where you do not. Whereas, if you live in a low-cost of living area, you can live a much more lavish lifestyle because the cost of living is less. Thus, you have more fun spending left in your account each month.
As we noted earlier in the post, $46,000 a year is below the average income that you would find in the United States. Thus, you have to be wise in how you spend your money.
What a $46,000 lifestyle will buy you:
If you are debt free and utilize smart money management skills, then you are able to enjoy the lifestyle you want.
Have some fun money in your budget.
Know being frugal green is helpful to stretch your budget.
You are able to rent in a decent neighborhood in LCOL and maybe a MCOL city.
You should be able to meet your expenses each and every month.
Participate in the 200 envelope challenge.
Ability to make sure that saving money is a priority, and very possibly save $3000 in 52 weeks.
When A $46,000 Salary Will Hold you Back:
However, if you are riddled with debt or unable to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, then living off of 46k a year is going to be pretty darn difficult.
There are two factors that will keep holding you back:
You must pay off debt and cut all fun spending and extra expenses.
Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
It is possible to get ahead with money!
It just comes with proper money management skills and a desire to have less stress around money. That is a winning combination regardless of your income level.
$46k Salary to Hourly
We calculated how much $46,000 a year is how much an hour with 40 hours a week. But, more than likely, you work more or fewer hours per week.
So, here is a handy calculator to figure out your exact hourly salary wage.
$46K a year Budget – Example
As always, here at Money Bliss, we focus on covering our basic expenses plus saving and giving first, and then our goal is to eliminate debt. The rest of the money leftover is left for fun spending.
If you want to know how to manage a 46k salary the best, then this is a prime example for you to compare your spending.
You can compare your budget to the ideal household budget percentages.
recommended budget percentages based on $46000 a year salary:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$268
Savings
15-25%
$690
Housing
20-30%
$1052
Utilities
4-7%
$134
Groceries
5-12%
$288
Clothing
1-4%
$23
Transportation
4-10%
$153
Medical
5-12%
$192
Life Insurance
1%
$10
Education
1-4%
$10
Personal
2-7%
$31
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$77
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$907
Total Gross Monthly Income
$3833
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses and no debt.
Is $46000 a year a Good Salary?
As we stated earlier if you are able to make $46,000 a year, that is a decent salary. You are making more money than the minimum wage and close to double in many cities.
While 46000 is a good salary starting out in your working years. It is a salary that you want to increase before your expenses go up or the people you provide for increase.
However, too many times people get stuck in the lifestyle trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses, and their lifestyle desires get out of hand compared to their salary. It is okay to be driving around a beater car while you work on increasing your salary.
This $46k salary would be considered a lower middle class salary. This salary is something that you can live on if you are wise with money.
Check: Are you in the middle class?
In fact, this income level in the United States has enough buying power to put you in the top 95 percentile globally for per-person income (source).
The question you need to ask yourself with your 46k salary is:
Am I maxed at the top of my career?
Is there more income potential?
What obstacles do I face if I want to try to increase my income?
In the future years and with possible inflation, in many modest cities 46k a year will not be a good salary because the cost of living is so high, whereas these are some of the cities where you can make a comfortable living at 46000 per year.
If you are looking for a career change, you want to find jobs paying at least $52000 a year.
Is 46k a good salary for a Single Person?
Simply put, yes.
You can stretch your salary much further because you are only worried about your own expenses. A single person will spend much less than if you need to provide for someone else.
Learn exactly what is a good salary for a single person today.
Your living expenses and ideal budget are much less. Thus, you can live extremely comfortably at $46000 per year.
And… most of us probably regret how much money wasted when we were single. Oh well, lesson learned.
Is 46k a good salary for a family?
Many of the same principles apply above on whether $46000 is a good salary. The main difference with a family, you have more people to provide for than when you are single or have just one other person in your household.
The costs of raising children are high and will steeply cut into your income. As you can tell this is a huge dent in your income, specifically $12,980 annually per child.
That means that amount of money is coming out of the income that you earned.
So, the question really remains can you provide a good life for your family making $46000 a year? This is the hardest part because each family has different choices, priorities, and values.
More or less, it comes down to two things:
The location where you live in.
Your lifestyle choices.
You can live comfortably as a family on this salary, but you will not be able to afford everything.
Many times when raising a family, it is helpful to have a dual-income household. That way you are able to provide the necessary expenses if both parties were making 46000 per year, then the combined income for the household would be $92,000. Thus making your combined salary a very good income.
Learn how much money a family of 4 needs in each state.
Can you Live on $46000 Per Year?
As we outlined earlier in the post, $46000 a year:
$22.12 Per Hour
$177-221 Per Day (depending on length of day worked)
$884 Per Week
$1769 Per Biweekly
$3833 Per Month
Next up is making $50000 a year.
Like anything else in life, you get to decide how to spend, save and give your money.
That is the difference for each person on whether or not you can live a middle-class lifestyle depends on many potential factors. If you live in California or New Jersey you are gonna have a tougher time than in Oklahoma or even Texas.
In addition, if you are early in your career, starting out around 38,000 a year, that is a great place to be getting your career. However, if you have been in your career for over 20 years and still making $46k, then you probably need to look at asking for pay increases, picking up a second job, or finding a different career path.
Regardless of the wage that you make, if you are not able to live the lifestyle that you want, then you have to find ways to make it work for you. Everybody has choices to make.
But one of the things that can help you the most is to create a biweekly budget to make sure you stay on track.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
One of the best ways to improve your personal finance situation is to increase your income. Here are a variety of side hustles that are very lucrative. With time and effort, you can start enjoying the lifestyle you want.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to supplement your daily, weekly, or monthly income with trading so that you can live your best life! This is a lifestyle trading style you need to learn.
Honestly, this course is a must for anyone who invests. You will lose more in the market than you will spend this quality education – guaranteed.
Read my Invest with Teri Review.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
Learn how to buy and resell items from flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales. They will teach you how to create a profitable reselling business quickly
…no matter how much or how little experience you have.
Our friends Cody & Julie of Gold City Ventures are experts at creating five figures of passive income selling printables. Learn how to create your online printables business from scratch with our programs and templates.
Are you passionate about words and reading? If so, proofreading could be a perfect fit for you, just like it’s been for me! I’m excited to share how you can create a freelance business as a proofreader, just like I did.
The ultimate discounted bundle of my 4 best-selling courses and WordPress theme on how to build and grow a profitable blog.
Learn the best SEO practices and how to monetize your blog quickly!
Designed as a 101-level course on freight brokerage, you’ll learn the basics of freight brokering in this online course.
This course is designed for freight brokers in any setting, regardless of their employment status.
If you want to start your brokerage, we’ll show you exactly how to do it. If you are an agent or employee of a brokerage, we’ll take you through sales and operations modules designed to help you source more leads and move more freight.
You can make money as a freelance writer. Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve! Plus get tips to land your first freelance writing gig!
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
The Empowered Business Lab teaches you how to sell your digital products naturally with strategies that just make sense.
Monica helped me find my momentum and my want to pursue my business again.
After taking a second job as a driver for Amazon to make ends meet, this former teacher pivoted to be a successful stock trader.
Leaving behind the stress of teaching, now he sets his own schedule and makes more money than he ever imagined. He grew his account from $500 to $38000 in 8 months.
Check out this interview.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Having children can be rewarding, but thanks to higher rates of inflation, it’s also getting more expensive. Today, parents can expect to spend around $310,000 to raise a child from birth up to age 17, according to a recent Brookings Institution analysis of data from the USDA.
If you’re considering growing your family, understanding all the costs involved can help you prepare financially. Let’s take a closer look at the average annual cost of raising a child in the U.S. and how that figure has changed over the past two decades.
What Is the Cost of Raising a Child in the US in 2022?
Adjusting for higher future inflation, the Brookings Institution estimates it costs $310,605 for a middle-class family to raise a child born in 2015 up to age 17. Of course, the amount you end up spending depends on a number of factors, including household income, the cost of childcare, and where you live.
If you want more personalized insights to help you plan your spending, consider using an online calculator.
Check your score with SoFi Insights
Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*
A Comparison of the Cost of Raising in Child in 2000 vs 2022
The average cost of raising a child in 2000 looked much different than it does now, thanks in large part to the recent surge in inflation rates.
In 2000, a typical middle-income family could expect to spend $165,630 to raise a child to the age of 17. In 2022, that same family would spend $310,605, according to the Brookings Institution analysis, which adjusted the USDA’s most recent estimates for higher expected future inflation. Note that this amount doesn’t include extras like summer camp or birthday parties, nor does it factor in the cost of college.
Top Expenses of Raising a Child in 2022
When it comes to the average cost of raising a child from birth to 17, middle-income families can expect to spend around $17,255 per year. The following table shows where that typically money goes.
Cost category
Average percent (%) of spending
Housing
29%
Food
18%
Child care and Education
16%
Transportation
15%
Healthcare
9%
Miscellaneous
7%
Clothing
6%
Source: USDA’s Expenditures on Children by Families, 2015
Top Expenses of Raising a Child in 2000
Average middle-income parents in 2000 spent around $9,201 per year on child-rearing costs. As the chart below shows, housing and food were the biggest expenses. But compared to 2022, parents spent less on other things, like healthcare and child care and education.
Cost category
Average percent (%) of spending
Housing
33%
Food
18%
Transportation
15%
Miscellaneous
11%
Child care and Education
10%
Healthcare
7%
Clothing
6%
Source: USDA Expenditures on Children by Families, 2000
How to Reduce the Cost of Raising a Child Today
No matter when you become a parent, you’ll likely have some major expenses. The good news is, it is possible to save money while raising kids. Here are some tips to consider:
• Look for ways to lower housing expenses. Housing is the number-one expense for families, so finding ways to trim expenses there can really help you save. For instance, if you’re planning to move, you may want to expand your search to include smaller, less expensive homes located in neighborhoods with lower property taxes.
• Purchase secondhand clothes. Kids tend to outgrow their clothing quickly. Rather than spend a lot on new outfits, shop secondhand whenever possible. Tag sales, thrift stores, and consignment sites are all good places to explore.
• Make the most of your local library. Are expensive streaming subscriptions eating away at the family budget? Consider canceling some of those streamers and heading on over the local library. Not only can you check out books and audiobooks for free, you can also rent DVDs and enjoy free events.
• Shop generic. When it comes to basics like diapers, toiletries, and household cleaners, skip the fancy brand names and go for less-expensive generic versions.
Recommended: From One Child to Two: How to Financially Plan
More Financial Tips for Parents
Whether you’re looking to start a family or add to your brood, there are also some smart financial habits you can start today that can make it easier to afford raising children. As a bonus, these habits can also help you teach your child about money management.
• Pay down debt quickly. When a borrower takes on debt, they repay not only the amount they borrowed, they also owe interest and fees to the lender in exchange for borrowing the money. That’s why it’s so important to pay off debt quickly. The sooner you erase your debt, the less interest you’ll have to pay.
• Create a budget that grows with your family. Coming up with a budget — and adapting it to meet your current needs — can help your finances roll with whatever changes life has in store. It’s a good idea to sit down once a month to evaluate what’s working in the budget, what can be improved, and what new expenses are on the horizon. A spending app can also help you keep tabs on where your money is going.
• Prioritize savings. When you’re raising a family, it’s easy to let long-term savings goals fall by the wayside. One way to make saving second nature is to sock away a portion of each paycheck into a savings account or investment account. By paying yourself first, you’re better positioned to reach your financial goals, whether that’s putting multiple children through college, investing, or saving for retirement.
Recommended: Creating an Investment Plan for Your Child
The Takeaway
Having a family can be rewarding — and expensive. The average middle-class family today will pay around $310,000 to raise a child to age 18. Housing, food, and child care/education are among the top three biggest expenses. The good news is, there are ways to manage expenses and still save for long-term financial goals.
If you need help organizing your finances, consider using a money tracker app. The SoFi Insights app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring, plus you can get other valuable financial insights.
Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.
FAQ
How much does it cost each year to have a child?
The average middle-class family will spend around $17,255 per year to raise a child.
How much does it cost to raise a child to 18 in 2023?
According to a 2022 Brookings Institution analysis of data from the USDA, a middle-class family will spend $310,605 to raise a child to the age of 18.
How much does a baby cost on average?
The average middle-income household family can expect to spend around $12,680 a year to raise a child from birth to 2 years of age, according to the most recent USDA data.
Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio
SoFi’s Insights tool offers users the ability to connect both in-house accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score provided to you is a Vantage Score® based on TransUnion™ (the “Processing Agent”) data. *Terms and conditions apply. (Must click on the link to be eligible.) This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the Rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed into SoFi accounts such as cash in SoFi Checking and Savings or loan balances, Stock Bits, fractional shares and cryptocurrency subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SORL0423005
I first read about the envelope system back in college. I used it regularly, but after graduating and paying off my debt, I sort of abandoned it. I’d gotten a hold of my finances, and I figured I could budget safely without having to use this tactic. I could afford to give myself a break.
Then, last month, I realized just how much of a break I’ve given myself over the years, especially when it comes to food. Upon examining my expenses for the year, I complained to Brian:
“Hey, why am I always paying when we go out? I know it’s the 21st century, but come on!”
“What are you talking about?” he argued. “I always pay!”
“Then why did I spend upwards of $400 this month?” I asked.
“I don’t know, but so did I.”
“No,” I argued. “There’s no way we spent a grand on food in just four weeks.”
Turns out, we did. We’ve been spending a ridiculous amount on food and groceries. And while it hasn’t put us in the poor house, it’s still a waste. It’s a waste because there are things we want to save up for — a house, maybe. Who knows if that’s what we’ll want in a few years? But when we get there, it would be nice to know we have the option and didn’t squander it on burgers and beer.
“We’ve got to start using the envelope system,” I declared.
“What’s the envelope system?” Brian asked.
“We take a set amount of cash from our paychecks and stuff it an envelope,” I explained. “And that’s the only money we can use on groceries and dining out.”
“I don’t like it.”
Brian doesn’t enjoy frugality as much as I do. For him, it’s more of a means to an end. Still, he knew it was the right thing to do if we wanted to stop spending like maniacs.
It’s been almost a month since I’ve returned to the envelope system. Here’s what I’ve learned (and re-learned).
I Overestimated My Frugality
I forgot how much power tangibility has. I stopped using the envelope system years ago because, as I mentioned, I was earning more and was financially independent. My debts are paid, I have an emergency fund and, each month, I auto-deposit into my retirement and savings accounts. All of this convinced me that I was on top of my finances; I didn’t really question my thrift. And maybe I had a good hold on my finances, but I also spent $400+ on food in one month. In fact, in one week, I’d spent $90 on groceries and another $80 on restaurants.
And hey, sometimes in life, things happen and maybe you do spend crazy money like that. Or maybe you really love food, and you earn enough to spend money on what you love. But the thing is, I didn’t even think twice about it. Oh, sure, I noticed I was blowing my budget a little every now and then. Life happens. A friend comes into town one month; I throw a party the next. But I was blowing my budget by the hundreds on a regular basis, and maybe I was in denial, but I failed to admit that.
Being restricted by cash helped me understand how liberal I was being with my debit card.
Expect the Unexpected
This week, we had a couple of friends unexpectedly come into town. They wanted to go out and enjoy the city, and we wanted to show them around. Of course, dinner was involved, because you can’t come to Los Angeles without eating Umami Burger.
“We just won’t go out this weekend,” I told Brian. He argued that their visit shouldn’t come out of the envelope money, as it was unexpected. We talked about it for a while and eventually realized that most of our overspending is usually due to the unexpected: A friend comes into town. It’s someone’s birthday. We have to bring a pie to an impromptu potluck. The things that don’t happen every month keep happening every month. Thus, when we calculate our food budget, we should expect the unexpected.
Planned Splurges Are More Enjoyable
A couple of Saturdays ago, we headed downtown with some good friends. These friends know where all the best spots are to eat, drink and play. We knew we were going to spend money, so before we left, we talked about how much cash we should bring. We decided on $60. Taking out $150 every Friday, this would give us $90 for the week, which should be plenty.
Going out that day, we were conservative with our money. We still enjoyed each spot we visited, but we didn’t spend carelessly, as we knew the $60 would have to last us the entire day. We were more conscious of what we wanted to spend money on. This kept me from ordering cheese fries when I wasn’t even that hungry to begin with. Under the old system, I would’ve ordered the fries without thinking about my budget. Under the old system, my budget was something I dealt with later — I already spent $240? Okay, then I’ll try to only spend $10 for the rest of the month. But using cash made the budget something I had to consider as I was spending. This made budgeting much more effective. No kidding, right?
That day, we held back enough to enjoy the most delicious bowl of ramen later that night. I’d been looking forward to that Ramen all day. Knowing that we planned for this splurge made it all the more tasty.
Leftover Money Feels Awesome
This week, we’ll actually have $12 left over. It’s just $12, but the fact that we stayed within our budget feels great — because it wasn’t hard. We didn’t go out as much, and when we did go out, I ordered less food. I only paid money for things I really wanted. And I don’t feel any different; I don’t feel as if I missed out on anything.
I thought it would be painful to return to the envelope system. It’s a little surprising that spending less has been so easy.
Another thing I learned: it’s important to make a regular habit of looking at the big picture when it comes to my finances. I assumed I was being a good little saver who just had a few occasional unexpected expenses. I didn’t take a step back and consider that I was being haphazard about my spending.
These days, I’m in a much better financial position compared to my college days. The ramen I eat now is a little more sophisticated, a little more expensive. My lifestyle and savings goals now are different than they were in college, but the envelope system works just as well now as it did back then.
This is a guest post from Doug Nordman the author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement.
When Jeff posted 7 Financial Advisors I Would Like to Punch in the Face, I immediately thought of advisors who pretend to understand military pay & benefits.
These professionals may not lie, cheat, or steal– but they can still harm their clients. Instead of admitting ignorance or learning about the issues, these advisors try to shoehorn service members into a generic profile.
They recommend asset allocations and products that may be appropriate for civilians, but those suggestions could be redundant or even harmful to the finances of military veterans & retirees. They give all financial advisors a bad reputation.
Military clients are a challenge.
Advisors have to know at least a little bit about nearly every financial topic, but military clients are a very small percentage of the population. Not only that, but Jeff is one of literally only a handful of financial advisors with military experience.
Servicemembers could manage their own investments, but it’s not easy to find reliable information. When you’re in the military then you’re busy with duty, career, family, and other high-priority concerns– like not getting shot. Your financial future is probably not even in the top ten of your To-Do list.
The Department of Defense wants military and their families to be financially responsible (“Troops, stay out of debt!”), but financial independence isn’t a high priority for them either. You’re unlikely to spend the time & energy learning how to do your own investing, and your chain of command won’t enlighten you either.
Not only are military pay and benefits more complicated for financial advisors, but their military clients may be even more blissfully ignorant than civilians.
These days I manage my own finances, but there were several critical transitions during my career where I would have appreciated the help of a knowledgeable advisor. Even a couple hours of fee-for-service discussion will help you tap-dance through the minefield of choices.
What to look for in an advisor
This is just my personal preference, but I’d want my financial advisor to have hands-on experience with military finances. It’d be great if they were a military retiree or a veteran, but maybe they grew up in a military family or have a spouse/relative in the service. So how do you find these professionals?
I’d be careful about referrals. Your wingmen may know someone who’s using a “great” financial advisor, but do your own due diligence (see below). There’s a huge difference between a financial advisor who encourages you to stay blissfully ignorant, and one who takes the time to teach you how to make your own decisions. You have to be able to detect whether advisors have a clue about your military financial jargon.
If you wander through the neighborhoods around military bases looking for financial advisers, I’m sure you’ll find one or two “specializing” in their local demographic. I wonder whether they really understand military finances or if they’re just one of Jeff’s “notorious seven” preying on ignorant servicemembers. I don’t think legitimate advisers with hundreds of happy clients will set up shop between the used-car dealer and the payday loan office.
(Warning: shameless plug alert!) You could seek out military financial advisors like Jeff. You’re probably going to move around the world during your career, so it might make more sense to start with one who’s comfortable using Internet tech to stay in touch. Better yet, he’s tapped into a network of advisors with similar backgrounds.
I’m no financial expert, but I know how to interview financial experts. Here’s a few questions to start with:
What can the advisor tell you about their military clients?
What problems did they solve for active duty, Reserve/Guard, veterans, and retirees?
Can they share references from those who have achieved financial independence?
Can they show you where to learn more about your pay and benefits?
Don’t be overwhelmed by the following questions. (I’ve been retired for a decade and I’m still figuring out how to explain some of these issues.) You don’t need to know these answers, and you don’t even need to know most of the vocabulary. But you have to assess how your financial advisor answers these questions, and whether they really seem to know what they’re talking about. If they teach you then you’re probably going to be fine. If they dismiss these questions, or belittle your concerns, then you might need to keep searching.
Military pay and allowances:
Do they know the different types of military pay and tax-free allowances?
Do they understand you’re unlikely to be “laid off”and might not need a big emergency fund?
Can they explain the military’s Thrift Savings Plan and help choose your asset allocation?
Can they explain how to use both the Thrift Savings Plan and your IRA?
Do they understand how to invest tax-free pay from combat duty?
Do they know how to use the Savings Deposit Program when you’re in a combat zone?
Do they understand military life insurance and disability benefits?
Can they discuss the risks of buying a home while you’re on active duty, and how to get a VA loan?
Leaving the service for a bridge career:
Can they help you figure out how much money you’ll need to save for the job search?
Can they review your separation benefits and tell you what to expect?
Can they suggest how to use your military healthcare and insurance during the transition?
Do they understand disability ratings and benefits?
Can they help you assess the financial issues of a Reserve/Guard career?
Can they optimize your GI Bill education benefits for you and your family?
Eligible for a military retirement:
Do they understand that a military pension has an inflation-fighting cost of living allowance?
Do they know how your retirement pay is taxed?
Do they know that your civilian 401(k) or IRA might be able to be rolled into the TSP?
Do they understand how to build your retirement asset allocation around your military pension? You might not need more “guaranteed income” or a big bond portfolio.
Can they advise you (and your spouse) how to use the Survivor Benefits Plan?
Can they advise you about Tricare and other health insurance?
Can they discuss military and civilian life insurance?
Can they advise you about the federal long-term care insurance program?
I’ve heard too many sad stories about servicemembers who don’t take advantage of all their military savings programs and benefits. Some might be getting out in a year but they don’t know how to prepare their finances. Others are told they’re going to retire in nine months and get led astray by unscrupulous advisors. A few are paralyzed by indecision and don’t even know who to turn to for help.
What are your next steps?
First, educate yourself. If you’re paying an advisor then learn enough to keep up.
Second, stay in touch. Advisors can only support you when they get regular updates.
And finally, keep pushing yourself for financial independence. Advisors can help you lay out the path, but you have to make the journey!
Doug Nordman is the author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement. He and his spouse retired from active duty and the Reserves after more than 20 years of service, and their daughter is starting her own military career. You can read more at The-Military-Guide.com.
As of the end of 2010, 87.6 percent of the 32.9 million residential mortgages covered by a report from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision were current.
The fourth quarter Mortgage Metrics Report also revealed that the percentage of mortgages that were seriously delinquent fell to its lowest point since the second quarter of 2009.
Meanwhile, completed foreclosures decreased by nearly 50 percent to 95,067, largely due to the ongoing robosigning scandal.
And newly initiated foreclosures decreased by nearly eight percent to 352,318, pushing foreclosure inventory up seven percent to 1,290,253 units, or 3.9 percent of the total servicing portfolio.
But both new and completed foreclosures are expected to increase in upcoming quarters as moratoria are lifted and the huge inventory of seriously delinquent loans and loans currently in the process of foreclosure make their way through the system.
Home Retention Actions Triple Home Forfeiture Actions
During the quarter, loan servicers implemented 473,415 “home retention actions,” which include loan modifications, trial payment plans, and so forth, compared with 146,132 completed “home forfeiture actions,” which include short sales, foreclosures, and deeds-in-lieu-of-foreclosure.
Home retention actions increased slightly from the prior quarter, mainly attributable to new trial plans extended under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which is currently on the chopping block.
Over the past five quarters, loan servicers initiated nearly 2.7 million home retention actions, including roughly 1.1 million loan mods, 1 million trial-period plans, and 640,000 payment plans.
Unsurprisingly, 57 percent of loan mods made since January 1, 2008 that reduced mortgage payments by 10 percent or more were current as of the end of the fourth quarter, while only 34 percent made during the same period that reduced payments by less than 10 percent were in good standing.
The report covers roughly 63 percent of all first-lien mortgages in nationwide, worth $5.7 trillion in outstanding balances.
Inside: Are you thinking about moving out? This guide will help you figure out how much money you need to save and where to find affordable housing. Will $5k be enough to move out?
Moving out for the first time is a huge milestone. It’s a chance to start fresh, create your own space, and live on your own terms.
But it can also be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost.
You want to know if $5,000 is enough to move out?
But there are a lot of factors to consider before making the decision to move out, and we’ve laid them all out for you in this ultimate guide.
So whether you’re just starting to think about moving out, or you’re ready to start packing your boxes, read on for everything you need to know about making the big move.
How much money do I need to move out?
Experts recommend having at least $6,000 to $12,000 saved up before moving out.
However, it’s possible to move out with as little as $5,000 if you focus on knowing how to live cheap and have a stable source of income.
However, if you don’t have a job before moving out, the need for a huge savings account is huge.
How much money should I have if I want to move out?
The minimum amount of money required to move out will depend on where you plan to live and your living expenses.
Shortly you will learn factors to include initial moving costs, rental deposit, and ongoing costs like rent, utilities, and food.
If you are looking to move out in an HCOL area, then you will need more than an LCOL city. At this point in your life, it is important to understand HCOL vs LCOL and how it affects your finances.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What are the expenses you should consider when moving out?
Moving out on your own can be a daunting and expensive task.
There are many expenses to consider when budgeting for your new place especially when you are learning how to move out at 18.
This guide will help you estimate the cost of moving out and provide tips on how to save money.
1. Rent/Utilities
The cost of rent varies depending on the location and size of the apartment or home, with the median rental cost in the US being around $1700 per month.
Along with rent, utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet can cost around $400 per month.
To save money on rent and utilities, consider finding roommates to split costs or negotiating with landlords for a lower rent.
Rent is your biggest expense when figuring out the ideal household budget percentages.
2. Rent Deposit
When renting an apartment, you will typically need to provide a rent deposit. This deposit is a sum of money paid upfront to the landlord to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the lease.
The cost of a rent deposit can vary depending on the location and the landlord’s requirements, but it can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or one to three months of rent.
To save money on a rent deposit, consider looking for apartments with lower deposit requirements or negotiating with your landlord for a lower amount. A clean rental history will help you with this.
3. Moving Expenses
Moving out can be an expensive process, but with some planning and budgeting, you can keep costs under control.
When considering moving expenses, be sure to factor in the costs of moving truck, packing supplies, such as boxes and tape, as well as the cost of hiring movers
To save money on these expenses, try finding free packing materials on Buy Nothing groups or ask friends and family to help you move. You can also minimize your possessions and have less to move.
4. Renter’s Insurance
When moving out and renting a home or apartment, it’s important to consider getting a renter’s insurance policy to protect you from unforeseen events.
Home insurance, also known as renter’s insurance, is a special type of insurance policy that protects your property against losses or damage stemming from covered perils, including fires, storms, or theft. It can give you peace of mind and help you repair or replace your possessions in the event of unforeseen situations.
Insurance premiums are based on various factors, including where you live, how much you choose to insure, and your deductible. Your credit score and history may also affect your insurance rates.
5. Furniture and Appliances
When moving into a new home, it’s important to consider all the necessary expenses for furnishing the space. This includes appliances like a refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave, as well as daily living items such as a mattress, table, and couches.
I remember when I moved into my first apartment by myself and there wasn’t a washer or dryer in the apartment. Just hookups. I had one of two choices: 1) rent from the management company for $35 a month or 2) buy new appliances with 0% interest for $35 a month. I choose option #2 and it saved me money in the long term.
To save money, consider buying used furniture from thrift stores or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. You can also find plenty of free furniture if you are not picky.
By being thrifty and smart with your purchases, you can furnish your new home without breaking the bank.
6. Housewares
When moving out on a budget, it’s important to consider the essential housewares you’ll need to make your new place feel like home. Here’s a list of must-haves and their estimated costs:
By prioritizing these essential housewares, you can make your new place feel like home without breaking the bank.
Don’t forget to check out thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for gently used furniture and household items. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can furnish your new home on a budget.
7. Internet and Phone Bills
The average cost of internet and phone plans varies depending on the provider and the plan you choose. However, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month for internet and $40 to $80 per month for a mobile phone plan. In addition, there may be additional fees, such as equipment costs or activation fees, which can add up quickly.
To minimize these expenses, consider bundling services with one provider. Many companies offer discounts for bundling internet, phone, and cable services.
8. Credit Card Payments
If you thinking about moving out and are currently swaddled in debt, then you probably don’t have enough money to move out. If you have high-interest credit card debt, prioritize paying it off before moving out.
Automating savings on essential bills using Truebill can also help you manage your credit card payments while covering the costs of moving out.
Additionally, ensure that you have an emergency fund and enough money to stay a year to handle unexpected expenses.
Things may get harder if you have to pay for college without help from parents.
How to calculate your moving out budget
Moving out on your own requires careful planning and budgeting.
To calculate your moving-out budget, start by determining your monthly expenses once you move out. Make sure to include the factors discussed above.
Then, decide on your target move out date.
Now, figure out how many months you have to save.
For example, if your target move out date is in 6 months and you need to save $5,000 to cover your expenses, you’ll need to save about $833 per month.
Additionally, create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills or car repairs. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund.
By creating a detailed monthly budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that you can afford to live on your own and achieve your goal of moving out.
Tips and tricks on how to move out
So, you’re finally ready to move out and start your life as an independent adult.
But before you can start your new life, there are a few things you need to take care of first – like, you know, finding a place to live and figuring out how to pay for it.
Learn the lessons from those who did not move out with enough cash – like me.
Tip #1: Create a Budget and Stay Within Limits
Moving out with only $5000 can be challenging, but creating a budget and sticking to it can make the process much easier.
To start, subtract your monthly bills from your monthly income to determine your basic budget.
For instance, if you make $2500 per month and pay $1500 for rent and bills, you have $1000 left for living expenses.
Allocate $400 for groceries and other necessities, $200 for transportation, and $100 for utilities.
This leaves you with $300 for entertainment and other non-essential expenses.
To stay within your budget, consider using a budget binder to track your income and expenses.
Be mindful of living within your means and avoid overspending by resisting the temptation to spend your first paycheck on new household items or entertainment. Instead, opt for more affordable options such as walking around your new neighborhood or having a picnic in the park.
Tip #2: Reduce Expenses Where Possible
One of the hottest topics is becoming frugal green. To save money and the environment at the same time.
When it comes to furniture, try buying used or refurbished items or borrowing from friends and family. Additionally, cutting back on unnecessary expenses such as dining out and entertainment can free up more money.
By being resourceful and creative, it is possible to move out on a budget without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Remember to allocate 50% of your monthly pay towards necessary expenses, 30% towards things you want, and 20% for debt repayment and long-term savings.
Tip #3: Look for Low-Cost Rentals
Finding low-cost rentals can be a challenge, but there are several options available to those who are willing to be flexible and creative.
Renting a basement suite or studio apartment can be a more affordable option.
Consider couch surfing, subletting, or home-sharing arrangements.
Home-sharing can be particularly attractive as it allows you to pair up with an elderly homeowner who needs a little extra help in exchange for low rent.
Find a tiny home rental.
If you don’t mind sharing the space, you can also consider getting a roommate or looking into pod shares. Pod shares are co-living spaces where individuals rent a bed in a shared room, with access to other community spaces like a bathroom and kitchen.
Become a housesitter and be paid to move out. Learn more with Trusted Housesitters.
With a little bit of research and creativity, it is possible to find low-cost rentals that fit your budget and lifestyle. Remember to determine exactly how much you can spend on rent and be open to alternative housing solutions to help keep your costs at a minimum.
Tip #4: Look Into Getting Renters Insurance
When renting you are more than likely going to live closer to others, which means more things can go wrong. Don’t skip out on renter’s insurance, as it can provide the peace of mind and protection you need as a first-time renter.
Without renter’s insurance, unexpected disasters such as fires, storms, or theft can leave you with thousands of dollars in damages that you would have to pay out of pocket.
Renter’s insurance typically costs around $20 per month and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Some affordable options for renter’s insurance include Lemonade, State Farm, and Allstate.
It’s important to shop around and compare policies to find the best one for your needs and budget.
Tip #5: Plan for Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses
It is crucial to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Start by setting aside a minimum of $1000 for an emergency fund.
Ideally, you should aim to save at least three to six months of living expenses in a rainy day fund. Remember, having a contingency plan and emergency fund can provide peace of mind and protect you from financial hardship.
Tip #6: Start Saving for a Security Deposit
Remember to prioritize saving for a security deposit by setting a specific savings goal and putting aside a portion of your income each month before you move out!
With dedication and discipline, you can reach your goal and move out with confidence.
More than likely, if you are a good tenant, you should get your full security deposit back after your lease is over.
Tip #7: Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra money while still maintaining your full-time job. You can earn extra income through various side hustles depending on your skills and interests.
The most common side hustles are online jobs, such as transcription, virtual assistance, proofreading, blogging, freelance writing, data entry, graphic design, and web design. These jobs are flexible and eliminate the need for driving anywhere, requiring only a laptop or computer and a good internet connection.
In fact, learning how to make money online for beginners is a trending topic.
As you start your side hustle, put in as much time as you have available to maximize your earnings. Remember that a side hustle is unlikely to replace the need for a real job, but it can provide a great way to earn extra money and pursue your passions.
Tip #8: Plan Ahead and Create a Timeline
When planning to move out on a budget, it’s important to create a realistic timeline.
Start by mapping out all the expenses you’ll need to cover, such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation. Along with how much money you have already saved for unknown expenses.
Stay organized by keeping a checklist of everything you need to do and when it needs to be done. Don’t rush the process – take your time and make sure you have everything in order before making the big move.
Remember the millionaire quote, failing to plan is planning to fail, so take the time to plan ahead and create a realistic timeline.
Is 10000 a good amount to move out with?
According to various sources, $10,000 is generally considered enough to cover moving out expenses and leave room for emergencies.
However, the actual cost of moving out can vary depending on location, rent prices, and cost of living.
Learn how to save 10000 in a year!
FAQ
There are a couple of different ways to save more money including:
Cut back on frivolous expenses like eating out and buying new clothes.
Sell anything you have that you don’t want or need on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or eBay.
Consider getting an extra part-time job or side hustle to increase your income.
When it comes to furnishings, be thrifty by asking friends and family if they have anything extra they’re getting rid of or checking out second-hand or discount stores.
Set saving goals and track your expenses using a spreadsheet. That will give you a clear picture of what is and is not possible.
Renter’s insurance is highly recommended, and in some cases, required by leases. It provides protection against unforeseen disasters such as fires, storms, or theft that can damage or destroy your possessions.
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is usually affordable and can save you a lot of money compared to paying out of pocket for damages.
Not having renters insurance can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses and potential financial ruin.
You should not spend more on your rent payments than you are comfortable.
Just like with getting a mortgage, you should spend no more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent payments.
You don’t want to be stressed about finances, so you should set a realistic budget for rent that allows you to comfortably cover all of your expenses while still having some money left over for savings.
So, is 5000 enough to move out?
It really depends on your situation.
If you’re moving to a cheaper area and don’t have many expenses, you might be able to make it work.
However, if you’re moving to a more expensive city or have a lot of bills, you might need to save up more money.
When determining how much money is needed to move out, there are several factors to consider, which we covered above. These include where you plan to live, your living expenses, initial moving costs, ongoing costs, and emergency funds.
It’s essential to have a budget and do the math to determine the minimum amount required for a smooth transition to independent living on a tight budget.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and figure out what’s best for you.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
36k salary is a solid hourly wage; above most minimum hourly wage jobs.
For most people, an entry-level job would be paying just over $36,000 a year. The question that remains is can you make a living off $36k a year.
The median household income is $67,521 in 2020 which decreased by 2.9% from the previous year (source). Think of it as a bell curve with $68K at the top; the median means half of the population makes less than that and half makes more money.
The average income in the U.S. is $48,672 for a 40-hour workweek; that is an increase of 4% from the previous year (source). That means if you take everyone’s income and divided the money evenly between all of the people.
But, the question remains can you truly live off 36,000 per year in today’s society since it is well below both the average and median household incomes? The question you want to ask all of your friends is $36000 per year a good salary.
In this post, we are going to dive into everything that you need to know about a $36000 salary including hourly pay and a sample budget on how to spend and save your money.
These key facts will help you with money management and learn how much per hour $36k is as well as what you make per month, weekly, and biweekly.
Just like with any paycheck, it seems like money quickly goes out of your account to cover all of your bills and expenses, and you are left with a very small amount remaining. You may be disappointed that you were not able to reach your financial goals and you are left wondering…
Can I make a living on this salary?
$36000 a year is How Much an Hour?
When jumping from an hourly job to a salary for the first time, it is helpful to know how much is 36k a year hourly. That way you can decide whether or not the job is worthwhile for you.
36000 salary / 2080 hours = $17.31 per hour
$36000 a year is $17.31 per hour
Let’s breakdown how that 36000 salary to hourly number is calculated.
For our calculations to figure out how much is 36K salary hourly, we used the average five working days of 40 hours a week.
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, divide the yearly salary of $36000 by 2,080 working hours and the result is $17.31 per hour.
Just above $17 an hour.
That number is the gross hourly income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
You must check with your employer on how they plan to pay you. For those on salary, typically companies pay on a monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly basis.
What If I Increased My Salary?
Just an interesting note… if you were to increase your annual salary by $7K to $43K per year, it would increase your hourly wage to over $20 an hour – a difference of $3.36 per hour.
To break it down – 43k a year is how much an hour = $20.67
That difference will help you fund your savings account; just remember every dollar adds up.
How Much is $36K salary Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would be $3,000.
Annual Salary of $36000 ÷ 12 months = $3000 per month
This is how much you make a month if you get paid 36000 a year.
$36k a year is how much a 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 of $36k salary a year, how much can I expect to make at the end of the week for my effort?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
Annual Salary of$36000/52 weeks = $692 per week.
$36000 a year is how much biweekly?
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $692 and double it.
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 52 weeks = 260 working days
Annual Salary of$36000 / 260 working days = $138 per day
If you work a 10 hour day on 208 days throughout the year, you make $173 per day.
$36000 Salary is…
$36000 – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$36,000
Monthly Salary
$3,000
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$692
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1,384
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$138
Daily Wage (10 Hours)
$173
Hourly Wage
$17.31
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,290
Net Estimated Hourly Income
$13.21
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
36k a year is how much an hour after taxes
Income taxes is one of the biggest culprits of reducing your take-home pay as well as FICA and Social Security. This is a true fact across the board with an all-salary range up to $142,800.
When you make below the average household income, the amount of taxes taken out hurts your hourly wage.
Every single 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%.
So, how much an hour is 36000 a year after taxes?
Gross Annual Salary: $36,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $4,320
State Taxes of 4%: $1,440
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $2,754
$36k Per Year After Taxes is $27,486
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$27486 ÷ 2,080 hours = $13.21 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $27,486 per year, which is $8,514 per year less than what you expect.
***This is a very high-level example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation and potential deductions. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.***
Taxes Based On Your State
In addition, if you live in a heavily taxed state like California or New York, then you have to pay way more money than somebody that lives in a no tax state like Texas or Florida. This is the debate of HCOL vs LCOL.
Thus, your yearly gross $36000 income can range from $24,606 to $28,926 depending on your state income taxes.
That is why it is important to realize the impact income taxes can have on your take home pay. It is one of those things that you should acknowledge and obviously you need to pay taxes. But, it can also put a huge dent in your ability to live the lifestyle you want on a $36,000 income.
How Much Is 36K A Year Hourly Salary Calculator
More than likely, your salary is not a flat 36k, here is a tool to convert salary to hourly calculator.
Many entry-level jobs start at this range, which may make you believe that a business degree is worth it.
36k salary lifestyle
Every person reading this post has a different upbringing and a different belief system about money. Therefore, what would be a lavish lifestyle to one person, maybe a frugal lifestyle to another person? And there’s no wrong or right, it is what works best for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider is your cost of living.
In another post, we detailed the differences of living in an HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL area. When you live in big cities, trying to maintain your lifestyle of $36,000 a year is going to be extremely difficult because your basic expenses, housing, transportation, food, and clothing are going to be much more expensive than you would find in a lower cost area.
To stretch your dollar further in the high cost of living area, you would have to probably live a very frugal lifestyle and prioritize where you want to spend money and where you do not. Whereas, if you live in a low-cost of living area, you can afford the cost of living and maybe save more money. Thus, you have more fun spending left in your account each month.
As we noted earlier in the post, $36,000 a year is well below the average income that you would find in the United States. Thus, you have to be wise in how you spend your money.
What a $36,000 lifestyle will buy you:
If you are debt free and utilize smart money management skills, then you are able to enjoy the lifestyle you want.
You are able to rent in a decent neighborhood in LCOL.
Driving a beater car is normal.
You should be able to meet your basic expenses each and every month.
Not be able to afford many of the fun spending luxuries.
Ability to make sure that saving money is a priority, and very possibly save $5000 in one year.
When A $36,000 Salary Will Hold you Back:
However, if you are riddled with debt or unable to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, then living off of 36k a year is going to be pretty darn difficult.
There are two factors that will keep holding you back:
You must pay off debt and cut all fun spending and extra expenses.
Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
It is possible to get ahead with money!
It just comes with proper money management skills and a desire to have less stress around money. That is a winning combination regardless of your income level.
$36K a year Budget – Example
As always, here at Money Bliss, we focus on covering our basic expenses plus saving and giving first, and then our goal is to eliminate debt. The rest of the money leftover is left for fun spending.
If you want to know how to manage a 36k salary the best, then this is a prime example for you to compare your spending.
You can compare your budget to the ideal household budget percentages.
recommended budget percentages based on $36000 a year salary:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$150
Savings
15-25%
$450
Housing
20-30%
$884
Utilities
4-7%
$135
Groceries
5-12%
$270
Clothing
1-4%
$18
Transportation
4-10%
$135
Medical
5-12%
$150
Life Insurance
1%
$8
Education
1-4%
$8
Personal
2-7%
$24
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$60
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$710
Total Gross Monthly Income
$3000
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses and no debt.
Is $36,000 a year a Good Salary?
As we stated earlier if you are able to make $36,000 a year, that is a low salary. You are making around or just above minimum wage.
While 36000 is a decent salary just starting out in your working years, it is a salary that you want to rapidly increase before your expenses go up or the people you provide for increase. If not, you will be left working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
However, too many times people get stuck in the lifestyle trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses, and their lifestyle desires get out of hand compared to their salary. And what they thought used to be a great salary actually is not making ends meet at this time.
This $36k salary would be considered a lower class salary. You must make each dollar count in your budget.
Check: Are you in the middle class?
In fact, this income level in the United States has enough buying power to put you in the top 95 percentile globally for per person income (source).
The question you need to ask yourself with your 36k salary is:
Am I maxed at the top of my career?
Is there more income potential?
What obstacles do I face if I want to try to increase my income?
In the future years and with possible inflation, in many modest cities 36,000 a year is not a good salary because the cost of living is so high, whereas these are some of the cities where you can make a decent living at 36000 per year.
If you are looking for a career change, you want to find jobs paying at least $45000 a year.
Is 36k a good salary for a Single Person?
Simply put, you can make it work.
You can stretch your salary much further because you are only worried about your own expenses. A single person will spend much less than if you need to provide for someone else.
Your living expenses and ideal budget are much less. Thus, you can live comfortably for $36000 per year.
And… most of us probably regret how much money wasted when we were single. Oh well, lesson learned.
Is 36k a good salary for a family?
Many of the same principles apply above on whether $36000 is a good salary. The main difference with a family, you have more people to provide for than when you are single or have just one other person in your household.
At the 36K salary with a family, you would need more than one income stream to make this possible without government help.
The costs of raising children are high and will steeply cut into your income. As you can tell this is a huge dent in your income, specifically $12,980 annually per child and this does not include college.
That means that amount of money is coming out of the income that you earned.
So, the question really remains can you provide a good life for your family making $36,000 a year? This is the hardest part because each family has different choices, priorities, and values.
More or less, it comes down to two things:
The location where you live in.
Desire to improve your career and make more money.
Your lifestyle choices.
You will not be able to afford everything on this salary.
Many times when raising a family, it is helpful to have a dual-income household. That way you are able to provide the necessary expenses if both parties were making 36,000 per year, then the combined income for the household would be $72,000. Thus making your combined salary a very good income.
Learn how much money a family of 4 needs in each state.
Can you Live on 36000 Per Year?
As we outlined earlier in the post, $36000 a year:
$17.31 Per Hour
$138-173 Per Day (depending on the length of day worked)
$692 Per Week
$1384 Per Biweekly
$3000 Per Month
Next up is making $40,000 a year.
Like anything else in life, you get to decide how to spend, save and give your money.
That is the difference for each person on whether or not you can live a lower-class lifestyle depends on many potential factors. If you live in California or New Jersey you are gonna have a tougher time than Oklahoma or even Texas.
In addition, if you are early in your career, starting out around 32,000 a year, that is a okay place to be getting your career. However, if you have been in your career for over 20 years and still making $36K, then you probably need to look at asking for pay increases, pick up a second job, or find a different career path.
Regardless of the wage that you make, if you are not able to live the lifestyle that you want, then you have to find ways to make it work for you. Everybody has choices to make.
But one of the things that can help you the most is to stick to our ideal household budget percentages to make sure you stay on track.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
One of the best ways to improve your personal finance situation is to increase your income. Here are a variety of side hustles that are very lucrative. With time and effort, you can start enjoying the lifestyle you want.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to supplement your daily, weekly, or monthly income with trading so that you can live your best life! This is a lifestyle trading style you need to learn.
Honestly, this course is a must for anyone who invests. You will lose more in the market than you will spend this quality education – guaranteed.
Read my Invest with Teri Review.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
Learn how to buy and resell items from flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales. They will teach you how to create a profitable reselling business quickly
…no matter how much or how little experience you have.
Our friends Cody & Julie of Gold City Ventures are experts at creating five figures of passive income selling printables. Learn how to create your online printables business from scratch with our programs and templates.
Are you passionate about words and reading? If so, proofreading could be a perfect fit for you, just like it’s been for me! I’m excited to share how you can create a freelance business as a proofreader, just like I did.
The ultimate discounted bundle of my 4 best-selling courses and WordPress theme on how to build and grow a profitable blog.
Learn the best SEO practices and how to monetize your blog quickly!
Designed as a 101-level course on freight brokerage, you’ll learn the basics of freight brokering in this online course.
This course is designed for freight brokers in any setting, regardless of their employment status.
If you want to start your brokerage, we’ll show you exactly how to do it. If you are an agent or employee of a brokerage, we’ll take you through sales and operations modules designed to help you source more leads and move more freight.
You can make money as a freelance writer. Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve! Plus get tips to land your first freelance writing gig!
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
The Empowered Business Lab teaches you how to sell your digital products naturally with strategies that just make sense.
Monica helped me find my momentum and my want to pursue my business again.
After taking a second job as a driver for Amazon to make ends meet, this former teacher pivoted to be a successful stock trader.
Leaving behind the stress of teaching, now he sets his own schedule and makes more money than he ever imagined. He grew his account from $500 to $38000 in 8 months.
Check out this interview.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
I write a lot about saving money. Like many of you, I’ve found frugality an excellent way to widen the gap between what I earn and what I spend. Frugality helped me get out of debt, increase my monthly cash flow, and ultimately begin to build savings. Thrift is a key component to personal finance.
But to be successful, to build wealth, you must also increase your income. You might do this by changing careers, or by obtaining for a promotion, or by asking for a raise. You might invest in real estate. Or you might start your own business.
I recently interviewed Timothy Ferris, author of The 4-Hour Workweek. I’ve already shared parts of our conversation:
In this final excerpt, Ferriss and I briefly discuss the power of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial skills are valuable whether you own your own business or you have a traditional job. At Soul Shelter, Tim Clark recently provided an overview of entrepreneurship. “I’m a firm believer that our fortunes in life are closely bound to entrepreneurship skills, whether we’re self-employed or choose to work for someone else,” Clark writes. “Studying entrepreneurship means examining the many ways one can earn a living.”
Here then is the final part of my conversation with Tim Ferris:
J.D. My father was a serial entrepreneur. When I was a boy, he was always starting businesses. As a result, I have the entrepreneurship bug, as do both of my brothers. In many ways, Get Rich Slowly is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. I view it as a business. It seems to me that you are very much about entrepreneurship. Did entrepreneurship run in your family?
Tim My father has been in various types of construction and development, and also real estate — buying, selling, investing. He’s been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember, in that respect. He’s always owned his own business. My mother, on the other hand, has worked for Suffolk County, which is part of Long Island, in health services doing physical therapy for geriatrics for the last thirty years.
I feel like I’ve seen the best and worst of both of those worlds — the highly institutionalized employment and then self-employment. There’s certainly dangers and benefits to both, and I think I’ve had a pretty good [chance] to see both up close and personal. But entrepreneurship in the sense of starting businesses really wasn’t something that was recommended to me.
Part of what sparked my interest was Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal. I think most of his books are a waste of time, but that book is extremely good. It’s all about the art of the deal and negotiating and so forth. There’s a lot of really good material, especially the dissection of his schedule. He basically walks through a typical day. Very, very interesting stuff.
When I was doing my undergrad and working in the library for $8 an hour — with no air conditioning and no ventilation in the middle of late spring — I really began to question just how scalable that approach was, even if it were $20, $30, $40, $50 an hour.
I was dyslexic at a young age, and developed coping mechanisms. I ended up being able to read extremely quickly, and to prepare for tests in some unique ways. I had friends saying, “Dude, when do you study?” There was a lot of classroom reading, and I did it, but very few people ever saw me spending more than a half hour on any given day, whereas a lot of students are spending three or four hours.
After a few people asked me this, I put together a seminar. I did the first seminar with guarantees and so forth. I had very low expectations for it, but I ended up walking out three hours later with $20 bills and checks spilling out of my pockets. When I ran the numbers, I realized that this was definitely a better model, but it was still not scalable because I had to be there teaching the seminars. I became very bored of it. After that, I started fantasizing about the different formats that a scalable business could take.
There’s a book by Entrepreneur Press called The Young Millionaires. It’s a really good book. Some of the business models are outdated now, but it basically has two to three page profiles of dozens of late twenty-something and thirty-something millionaires. It really inspired me to brainstorm different options.
J.D. So how do you come up with money-making ideas — or “muses” — that can supply supplemental income and be easy to maintain and sustainable in the four-hour workweek lifestyle? It seems to me there’s no one right answer. It depends on the individual. The Young Millionaires book sounds like it might be a sort of cookbook, or an idea factory.
Tim [I recently had the chance to ask Warren Buffet a question about investing.] If I had asked, “How should I invest my money?” I wouldn’t have received [a good answer]. I had to be very specific: “no dependents, thirtysoemthing, I can cover my expenses with other income or savings, etc.” There were a lot of qualifiers. Just like when somebody asks “How should I invest my money?”, there’s no way you can answer that in a meaningful way. The same is true with muses.
But in general, I would say studying case studies that you’ll find like mine, or The Young Millionaires would be another example, and then reading books like eBoys. I see my book as a valuable starting point so that you don’t focus on the wrong types of businesses, but it requires an analysis of your risk tolerance.
J.D. Do you have any recommendations for people who aren’t entrepreneurial, who don’t have the ability or the interest in creating “muses”? These people might prefer to save and invest instead, but are still interested in the four-hour workweek lifestyle. They’re interested in lifestyle design.
Tim I think one of the misconceptions with the book is that you have to use everything in the book. It’s really designed to be more of a menu of options for people to pick and choose from. I may go to a restaurant that I love, but I may hate half of their dishes. The fact of the matter is there’s no requirement to use “muses” whatsoever to apply the principles in the book. They’re principle-based and not tactical.
The rules in the book are really for increasing output and optimizing results regardless of whether you’re in someone else’s office or your own. That also applies to stocks. If you study The Intelligent Investor, you’ll find that the principles and concepts and the rational deconstruction of things that are made complex — because the croupiers and other people can make money by making it complex — it reads very similarly to The 4-Hour Workweek.
By focusing within an organization on using the proper metrics to measure your own performance, improving those metrics, doing 80-20 analysis, then you can increase your value within the company, and document it in such a way that you can then have more leverage to do things like take mini-retirements or work remotely one or two days a week or have a four-day work week (which many people have done) or simply to eliminate work on the evenings and weekends.
Then [one can] apply the same rational framework to investment. They’re completely applicable and adaptable to someone who has no interest whatsoever in starting a business. I’d say that the vast majority of the people who have used the book work within organizations.
Timothy Ferriss, nominated as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People of 2007,” is author of the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek.