There are two big perks to finding fun jobs that pay well: making money and having fun – you choose the order of importance. The problem is that too many people spend years working jobs they genuinely dislike for companies that treat them poorly.

If you’re feeling stuck in your work life, I’m here to inspire you with some fun job ideas that also pay well. Some of the jobs on the list make great side hustles, and others offer a career opportunity.

For easier reading, I’ve divided the list into five separate categories:

• Freelance work
• Entertainment Industry
• Animal Industry
• Solopreneur
• And, of course, the good old W-2 job!

What one person finds fun differs from another but we think that you will find a few ideas on this list, let’s dive in!

Fun Freelance Jobs That Pay Well

I’ve been working in the freelance industry for over a decade, and I can honestly say that there’s a lot to love about it! Freelancing is fun in that you get to choose the hours you work and the jobs you take. And you have complete control over how much you charge.

While a beginner freelancer may have to start at a lower pay rate, you can raise your rates as you get better at what you do. Here are some ideas for freelancing jobs that pay well. 

For the average pay, we used data from Indeed if it was available. Otherwise, we relied on Zip Recruiter.

1. Graphic Designer

Average pay: $61,475/yr.

Fun component: The world is your palette.

As a freelance graphic designer, you can take on various job types. You can create t-shirt designs and sell them on a site like Redbubble, or list your talents on Upwork and find work creating web pages, logos, and more. Another option: Design and create ads for print and digital venues.

2. Writer

Average pay: $58,610/yr. 

Fun component: Choose the subject matter you love and get paid to write about it.

Freelance writers have a wide variety of subject matters from which to choose. Write for your favorite blog, freelance for a business’s website, or write a book and sell it on Amazon.

✨ Related: How to Make $200,000+ as a Freelance Writer

3. Musician

Average pay: $52,953/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to share your musical talents in public.

Freelance musicians can make money doing everything from performing at weddings and other events to playing on street corners. 

Consider starting a music YouTube channel and get paid from advertisers as well. 

4. Social Media Manager

Average pay: $58,534/yr.

Fun component: Spend your workday on social media sites.

Freelance social media managers help blog owners and businesses share essential information on social media sites. Marketing skills are a must for social media managers.

5. Virtual Assistant

Average pay: $79,279/yr.

Fun component: You can perform a range of tasks depending on the client.

Virtual assistants work on a variety of tasks for business owners. You can do anything from managing a schedule and assigning projects to overseeing websites. 

6. Online Tutor

Average pay: $51,771/yr.

Fun component: Help kids and adults from around the world.

As an online tutor, you can help kids and adults learn everything from math to science to ESL. Several online tutoring companies provide a curriculum to the independent tutors they hire.

7. Web Designer

Average pay: $53,464/yr.

Fun component: Use your design skills to “wow” website visitors.

Freelance web designers can rake in some serious cash and you can take only the projects that excite you the most.

8. Business Consultant

Average pay: $82,758/yr.

Fun component: Help businesses flourish and grow.

If you’re good at being a visionary for businesses that want to expand and grow, consider freelancing in this field for maximum fun and maximum income. 

9. Resume’ Writer

Average pay: $40,000/yr.

Fun component: Use your writing skills to impress clients’ potential employers.

If you have a way with words and can create stand-out resumes, consider freelancing for workers in one or more industries. 

If you’re good, word will spread, and you can raise your rate. To maximize your income, focus on writing resumes for high-paying positions.

✨ Related: Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers and Side Hustlers

Fun Jobs In the Entertainment Industry That Pay Well

If you desire to work in the entertainment industry, the following jobs are great. Both front- and backroom opportunities exist. 

10. Lighting Designers

Average pay: $85,772/yr.

Fun component: Design light shows for concerts, plays, etc.

You can go to school to be a lighting designer or get experience by working at schools and community theaters. Higher-paying jobs will likely require education.

11. Voiceover Artist

Average pay: $98,259/hr.

Fun component: Use your voice to make commercials and more.

You might like working as a voiceover artist if you have an engaging, soothing, or attractive voice. Learn more about this high-income skill and how to get training for it here. 

12. Stunt Double

Average pay: $35,360/yr.

Fun component: Be the brawn behind actors’ wild stunts.

If you’re in great physical shape (think American Ninja Warrior) and are a risk-taker, you might want to take on this potentially lucrative career. 

13. Fashion Designer

Average pay: $61,732/yr.

Fun component: Embrace your creativity as you design clothing, costumes, and accessories.

If you have a knack for clothing design, this could be the job for you. Education is helpful, and you may want to start as a Fashion Stylist to gain experience. 

14. Animator

Average pay: $51,635/yr

Fun component: Get paid to draw cartoons.

Okay, animation extends beyond drawing cartoons, but it’s a fun job nonetheless. While some animators do get a formal education, many do not. 

Pay can increase with experience, and the best animators can easily make six digits a year. 

15. Entertainment Reporter

Average pay: $60,979/yr.

Fun component: Sharing the scoop on local or national celebrities.

Share the latest news on actors, athletes, politicians, and more when you work at this job. You may have to start small, but you’ll move up in the ranks if you’re good. 

16. Event Planner

Average pay: $56,927/yr.

Fun component: You spend your days planning parties.

Do you love to entertain people? Or do you have a gift for planning great parties? 

Event planners can work for companies or as sole proprietors, planning various event types. 

17. Film Critic

Average pay: $37,714/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to watch movies.

Are you good at dissecting movie plots, acting performances, and more? Film critics work for newspapers and magazines and share their opinions of movies with moviegoers. 

Be careful not to overdose on popcorn. 

18. Disc Jockey

Average pay: $56,842/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to play tunes.

Disc Jockeys can work at radio stations or as sole proprietors playing at weddings and other venues. You’ll need an engaging personality and a broad knowledge of the music of your chosen genre.

✨ Related: Ways to Make $500 a Month Extra on the Side

19. Audio Engineer

Average pay: $113,135/yr.

Fun component: Be the sound engineer for sports and other events.

Audio engineers function as the sound experts for theaters, movie sets, sporting events, and more. Learn on your own, get on-the-job training, or pursue a formal education in the subject. 

20. Makeup Artist

Average pay: $73,393r.

Fun component: Creativity unleashed.

As a makeup artist, you can use your talents to make pretty, scary, or fun faces. Work at news stations, on movie/tv show sets, at local fairs, or as a sole proprietor doing wedding and party venues. 

Although Payscale’s average pay for this job is not high, I’ve seen makeup artists earn a much higher wage in many markets. 

Fun Jobs In the Animal Industry That Pay Well

Are you an animal lover? There are many jobs you can find that will pay you well as you interact with animals. 

21. Zookeeper

Average pay: 42,917/yr.

Fun component: Playing with giraffes!

Zookeepers are responsible for feeding and caring for zoo animals. While beginner zookeepers have lower salaries, experienced zookeepers can make $70k per year or more.

A degree in Zoology will help you move up the ranks faster. 

22. Veterinarian

Average pay: $123,745/yr.

Fun component: Your main clients are dogs and cats.

Yes, you’ll need several years of schooling for this one, but you may find it well worth the effort. Work at a vet office or open your own. Move on to teaching one day if you desire. 

23. Dog Walker

Average pay: $43,702/yr.

Fun component: Exercise and cuddly clientele

As a dog walker, you get to choose your clientele and pay rate. Not surprisingly, more dogs equal more money. 

24. Wildlife Conservation Officer

Average pay: $75,929/yr.

Fun component: Help protect wildlife and enjoy nature at the same time.

Conservation officers have several roles: they ensure compliance to hunting laws, help protect wildlife, and create or direct wildlife programs. 

If you love being outdoors and have a heart for wild animals, you might like this job. Education requirements vary, but typically, at least an A.A. is required. 

25. Pet Sitter

Average pay: $48,339/yr.

Fun component: Hang out with other peoples’ pets

As a pet sitter, you may be responsible for staying with others’ pets while they’re away, or you may be required to care for them a few times a day.

Sole proprietors get to choose their clients and their pay rates. Take as many or as few jobs as you want.

✨ Related: Weekend Side Hustles to Pad Your Bank Account

26. Animal Groomer

Average pay: $54,424/yr.

Fun factor: Styling hair for pups instead of people

Animal lovers with a creative side could do well in this position. Education is required, and standards vary based on the state or company. 

27. Vet Tech

Average pay: $39,265/yr.

Fun factor: Care for animals without years of education.

A Veterinarian Technician assists veterinarians as they work. You’ll be able to care for animals without spending hundreds of thousands on your education. 

28. Animal Nutritionist

Average pay: $54,137/yr. 

Fun component: Create and promote healthy lifestyles in animals.

An Animal Nutritionist creates nutrition plans for a variety of types of animals. You can work with farmers, a zoo, or at local universities. 

You’ll need a degree for this job, and you’ll want to have a strong love for chemistry and other science disciplines. 

29. Marine Biologist

Average pay: $53,418/yr.

Fun component: Working with dolphins!

As a Marine Biologist, you’ll manage the habitat and study the well-being of marine animals. You might find a job at a zoo or with organizations that help preserve ocean life. Degree required. 

Fun Solopreneur Jobs That Pay Well

As a long-time solopreneur, I can vouch for the benefits of working for yourself. For example, you can choose your hours, clients, and pay rate. Here are some fun jobs you can do as a solopreneur.

30. Magician

Average pay: $48,959/yr.

Fun component: No explanation is needed.

Magicians are enormous hits at birthday parties, corporate events, and more. You’ll have to train on your own, but the good news is that there are many free training resources out there. 

The better you are, the higher fee you can command.

✨ Related: Ultimate Freelancer’s Guide: Freelancing Tips and Tricks

31. Personal Trainer

Average pay: $46,889/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to push others to their limits.

You might love being a personal trainer if you love exercising and helping others reach fitness goals. 

Find work at local gyms, hold classes in your home, or make house calls. 

32. Information Security Analyst

Average pay: $91,402/yr.

Fun component: Get inside the minds of hackers.

As an Information Security Analyst, your job is to stop hackers in their tracks. You’re the “good hacker” who finds security breaches and eliminates them. 

You’ll probably need a degree in IT or Network Security for this position. 

33 Interior Designer

Average pay: $69,858/yr.

Fun component: Take drab environments and make them shine

Do you walk into a room and instantly start imagining what you’d design differently? If so, you might want to create an interior design business. 

Independent consultants earn more in this field than salaried employees do – spread the word about your services and photos of your work via social media.

34. Professional Gamer

Average pay: 123,552/yr.

Fun component: You’ll get paid to play

People often think that earning money as a game is a scam. However, I can assure you that it’s not. 

You’ll need to be good at the game you want to make money in – really good. Also, you’ll need to have a theme for the content you stream, something that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Earn money on YouTube and other venues from advertisers and personal donations. The more popular you get, the higher your earning potential.

35. Food Critic

Average pay: $27,040/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to eat.

Food critics get to test run meals at restaurants and then share their views on the meal. As a food critic, you might work for a newspaper publication, a magazine, a television show, or as a sole proprietor. 

You can critique meals anywhere from fine dining establishments to mom-and-pop places.

36. Content Creator

Average pay: $116,615/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to share your opinion.

Content creation is another sole proprietor business that people think is a joke. However, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can make $500 a month up to $50,000 a month or more in passive income.

The key to success is engaging content and marketing it correctly. 

37. Photographer

Average pay: $50,093/yr.

Fun component: Capture the emotions of the world with a lens.

If you’ve got excellent photography skills, you can earn much more than the average pay shown here if you put those skills to work. 

Take photos and sell them on a site such as Shutterstock, or hold photo sessions for families, graduates, or wedding couples. 

38. Nanny

Average pay: $50,686/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to play with kids.

As a nanny or au pair, you’ll work as a caregiver for kids or infants. You may get hired as a live-in nanny with free room and board or work on an hourly wage basis. 

No degree is required (typically), but you must be responsible and like children. Note that nannies often have more responsibility than traditional babysitters.

Fun W-2 Jobs That Pay Well

Several “traditional” jobs are fun and pay well. If you like the idea of a set salary and benefits, choose one of these options. 

39. Art or Music Therapist 

Average pay: $64,305/yr.

Fun component: Use art or music to heal.

Art and music therapists use their medium to help patients heal from various physical or emotional injuries. 

Find work in a rehab center, daycare center, senior living facility, or similar. You will require a degree for these types of positions. 

40. Toy Designer

Average pay: $56,160/yr.

Fun component: Get paid to create fun!

As a Toy Designer, you’ll work at companies such as Hasbro and spend your days creating fun and exciting new toys. Need I say more? Some design education is typically required.

41. Cruise Director

Average pay: $87,739/yr.

Fun component: Spend your days on a cruise ship ensuring people have fun

As a Cruise Director, you plan events and activities for visitors to the ship you work on. 

Most positions require a B.A. in theater, performing arts, entertainment management, etc.

42. Video Game Designer

Average pay: $93,022/yr.

Fun component: Create and play video games.

If you love gaming, you might find your happy place in a career as a video game designer. Spend your days designing games and playing until you fix all the bugs.

A Computer Science or similar degree is often required for these jobs.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – our list of fun jobs that pay well. Which one would you choose? While no job is perfect, remember that you have options if you’re stuck at a job you hate. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s some advice on picking the right side hustle. As you open yourself up to the possibility of change, you might be surprised by the opportunities you find.

The post 42 Fun Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well in 2024 appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

However, many other fintech companies and online banks offer features similar to Chime, such as a checking, savings, and credit builder account.

	Best for	Learn more
	Low fees	Learn more
	Credit builder account integration	Learn more
	Cash back on debit card purchases	Learn more
	In-person banking	Learn more
	High iterest rates	Learn more

Varo

Best for: Low fees

• Checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees
• Competitive rates on savings account
• Free credit builder account
• No overdraft coverage

Go to Varo

Founded in 2015, Varo was the first U.S. consumer fintech to receive a national bank charter from the OCC. This means it's a real bank, not partnered with a bank for regulatory purposes.

Like Chime, Varo offers checking and savings accounts with no minimums or fees. Transactions at Allpoint ATMs—that's over 40,000 ATMs—are also free. There is a $3.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs.

The savings account earns a competitive interest rate, and with balances over $5,000, you can earn an even higher rate. This makes the Varo savings account very attractive.

The Varo Believe account is a credit builder account available for those with a Varo checking account and at least $200 in monthly direct deposits. The card works like a pre-paid debit card. You load money onto the card, and this amount becomes your credit limit. Make purchases as normal, and the bill is automatically paid on the due date from the money that was pre-loaded onto the card. This payment is reported to all three credit bureaus.

Here's our full Varo review for more information.

Go to Varo

Current

Best for: Credit builder account integration

• Checking and savings with no fees or minimums
• Competitive interest rate on savings
• Free credit builder account
• Free overdraft coverage

Go to Current

Current is a fintech company that partners with Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank for regulatory purposes and to offer FDIC Insurance.

Current offers a spending account and a savings account. The spending account acts like a checking account, but the debit card is actually a secured credit card. The balance in your spending account is your spending limit. As you use the card, the money is removed from your available balance. Then, when the bill is due, it is automatically paid from the reserved funds.

You may also be eligible for up to $500 in overdraft coverage. If you overspend your account, Current will cover the overage for free and will get reimbursed when your direct deposit hits the account. You must have at least $500 a month in direct deposit to qualify.

Here's our full review of Current for more info.

Go to Current

Discover

Best for: Cash back on debit card purchases

• Checking and savings with no fees or minimums
• Competitive interest rate on savings
• Build credit with a traditional secured card
• Free overdraft coverage

Go to Discover

Discover is best known for its credit cards, but it also has some attractive bank accounts. It offers a checking, savings, money market, and CDs.

The checking account has no fees or minimum balance, and it earns 1% cash back on the first $3,000 debit card purchases per month. See website for details.

The savings account also earns a competitive interest rate. Discover also has CDs and a money market account if you want other savings options.

To help you build credit, Discover offers secured and student credit cards, all of which earn cash back.

Member FDIC.

Here's our full review of the Discover Online Savings Account for more info.

Go to Discover

Capital One 360

Best for: In-person banking

• Checking and savings with no fees or minimums
• Competitive interest rates
• Build credit with a traditional secured card

Go to Capital One

Capital One 360 offers attractive online checking and savings options for consumers. The 360 Free Checking account has no monthly or overdraft fees or minimums and earns a small amount of interest on all balances.

With a CapitalOne account, you can use over 70,000 fee-free ATMs. You can also visit a branch or a CapitalOne Cafe for in-person help or to grab a cup of coffee.

The 360 Performance Savings account earns a competitive interest rate, has no minimum balance or maintenance requirements, and has no monthly fees. If you want more savings options, it also offers money market accounts and CDs.

Capital One has several credit cards for credit building, including a secured card that earns cash-back rewards.

Here's our full review of Capital One 360 for more info.

Go to Capital One

Dave

Best for: High interest rates

• Checking and savings with no fees or minimums
• High interest rates
• Free advances for overdrafts
• Side hustle features

Go to Dave

Dave is a fintech that offers a spending account with an interest rate comparable to that of a high-yield savings account. There are no minimum balance requirements, but there is a $1 monthly membership fee.

The savings account is called a “Goals account,” with the same interest rate as the spending account. So, while it's nice to be able to move your money out of checking so you don't accidentally spend it, it's not necessary since they earn the same interest rate, which is nice.

Dave also has a free short-term loan feature that will advance up to $500 to cover overdrafts. You'll agree to a pay off date when you take the advance.

Dave doesn't have a credit-building account, but there is a side hustle feature that can help you bring in more money. 

Go to Dave

Related: MaxMyInterest Review

Fintech vs Bank

From the outside, a bank and a fintech company seem basically the same, but behind the scenes, they are quite different. I think of a fintech is a layer of customer service between you and a “real” bank. Banks need to be registered and are subject to a lot of regulation, which is not true for fintechs.

Fintechs partner with banks to provide banking services and insurance, while the fintech works on the tech portion of your banking experience. They typically have an app through which you access your account, and they often offer features that traditional banks don't — like Chime's SpotMe feature.

Because fintech banks don't have the regulatory burden that banks do, they can be smaller and more nimble, allowing them to have fewer fees and more features than banks.

Fintechs also often have more niche user bases. Large banks, like Chase or Bank of America, aim to service everyone. However, a fintech may target a more specific group, such as only business owners or only those with poor credit. This more targeted audience allows them to offer very specific products that appeal only to those customers.

Pass through FDIC Insurance

When you deposit money into a bank, it doesn't just sit in the vault. The bank will invest it or loan it out to other customers to make money. If the bank goes out of business — say they make poor investments or have a lot of loans default — they will not have enough money to give everyone their deposits back.

That's where FDIC Insurance steps in. The federal government will take over the bank and ensure that everyone gets their checking, or savings, or CDs, or other FDIC-insured accounts back.

Fintechs don't have their own FDIC insurance. Instead, they partner with banks to provide this. Rather than holding your deposits themselves, they open an account at an FDIC-insured bank and put all the deposits there. Your money is actually sitting in the partnered bank in an account in the fintech's name, along with all the other customers from that fintech. Here's what the IRS says about it:

Pass-through refers to arrangements through which deposit accounts are established by a third party for the benefit of one or more other parties, also known as principals. The deposit account can be established for the benefit of a single owner or it can be a commingled account where deposits from multiple principals are deposited in the same account.

Commingled means mixed up with other people's money. So they take everyone's deposits and put them into one big account with FDIC insurance.

Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. If either the fintech or the partner bank goes out of business, you have insurance on your funds. But it does make things more complicated, and it isn't as straightforward of protection as it would be if you used a traditional bank.

What Is a Credit Builder Account?

A “credit builder account” could be any type of account that helps you build credit, but often it is a secured credit card that works a bit differently than a traditional secured card.

Credit builder accounts often link to a checking account and you use it as a debit card. As you spend money on the card, the funds are removed from your available balance in your checking account. Those purchase amounts are set aside, and then when the credit card bill is due, the funds are used to pay off the credit card. This shows on your credit report as an on-time payment.

Another way a credit builder account can be set up is more like a pre-paid debit card. Instead of linking it to your checking account directly, you can load the card with money, which becomes your credit limit. As you spend, the transaction amounts are removed from your available balance, and when the bill is due, the money you loaded onto the card is used to pay the balance in full.

How is this different from a traditional secured card?

With a secured card, you will send a security deposit. Typically, the amount you send in is your credit limit. Those funds are set aside but are not used to make the card's payment. When the credit card bill is due, you must send in a payment, just like a regular credit card.

The experience of a secured card is just like a regular credit card, except you have to send in a security deposit to qualify for the card. The deposit will be returned to you when your credit is sufficient to qualify for an unsecured card or when you close the account.

Chime Alternatives: Summary

Chime offers several products, including a spending account, a savings account, and a credit builder loan. Many features are free, and your Chime savings account will earn you a competitive interest rate. 

While all of our Chime alternatives offer some of the same features, no other app can offer the same exact features at the same price. Chime is worthy of consideration if you want to build credit and open a spending or high-interest savings account with no monthly fees. 

If you don’t need or want all of those features, you might want to consider one of the alternatives to Chime listed here. 

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

The post Best Chime Alternatives: Which One Is Best for You? appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

Are you a younger teen searching for your first job or an eager parent interested in helping your 14-year-old find a job? 

Believe it or not, many companies hire kids as young as fourteen. In addition, there are plenty of side hustles 14-year-olds can start themselves.

To help you search for a job, I’ve compiled a list of the best jobs for 14-year-olds. Ready? Let’s dive in!

If your child is a year older, our list of the best jobs for 15-years-olds has more options (as older kids have more options).

1. Work at a Movie Theater

Ever thought about working at a movie theater? There are a variety of jobs available, such as working concessions, taking tickets, and cleaning theaters after a show.

AMC is a popular movie theatre chain that will often hire 14-year-olds. With over 946 theaters in the U.S., there is likely one near you.

Note: Not all AMC (or other) theaters hire 14-year-olds due to local laws. Check with a theater near you for hiring age information. 

2. Become a Social Media Manager

Social media managers manage one or more social media accounts for local businesses. The work can involve anything from taking pictures to creating posts to managing interactions.

The job is suitable for anyone who is good with people and has a sound knowledge of at least a few social media channels, like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.  

One way to find work is to reach out to a business owner who could benefit from an improved social media presence.

If you or your parents have a friend or family member who owns a business, that might be a good place to find your first client.

Or you could reach out to businesses in your area and offer your services.

3. Babysit

Do you love kids? Why not work as a babysitter? Babysitters make anywhere from $10 to $20 an hour in many cities. 

Although babysitting is a big responsibility, you might enjoy the work if you can manage and entertain children (oldest siblings, take note!). 

Tip: Work with your parents to create a profile on Care.com to get immediate advertising for your services.

4. Tutor

If you excel in one or more school subjects, tutoring is a great way to make extra money at fourteen.

Younger students often need help learning math, reading, English, etc. Keep your ears open to parents talking about struggling learners, or approach parents you know to ask if they would like to hire you as a tutor. 

✨ Related: Side Hustles You Can Start with Less than $100

5. Work at a Restaurant 

Have you considered working at a restaurant? Many restaurant chains hire 14-year-olds, including: 

• Chick-fil-A 
• Culver’s 
• Dairy Queen 
• KFC 
• McDonald’s 
• Pizza Hut 
• Taco Bell

If you find work in a restaurant, you’ll be expected to perform numerous duties, including processing transactions, filling orders, doing dishes, and cleaning the restaurant. 

6. Scoop Ice Cream

At fourteen, an ice cream store might be a better gig than a traditional restaurant. Aside from serving customers and cleaning up, you could score some free ice cream!

Ice cream stores that hire 14-year-olds include Baskin Robbins, Bruster’s, and Rita’s Italian Ice.

7. Provide a Service

If you’re looking for a way to make extra money, consider selling your services. There are many different tasks people in your neighborhood are willing to pay someone else to look after.

Some ideas include: 

• Cleaning houses
• Mowing lawns
• Working as a Mother’s Helper
• Running Errands
• Visiting with the homebound
• Washing cars

To find customers, hand out flyers or advertise in your local Facebook Community group.

8. Freelance Your Skills

If you have a more specialized skillset, consider selling your services as a freelancer. Freelancing is one of the best work-from-home jobs because of its flexibility. Not sure what you can try? Start by making a list of things you’re good at, then find a way to use each skill to make money.

For example:

• Do you have graphic design skills? Make and sell t-shirts on Redbubble.
• Are you an artist? Find gigs on Fiverr.
• Are you a talented writer? Search for jobs on Upwork or start your own blog.
• Do you know a few things about website development? Start your own web design business.

Regardless of your skills, there is probably a way you can use them to make money. 

✨ Related: Ultimate Freelancer’s Guide: Freelancing Tips And Tricks

9. Work at a Grocery Store

Many grocery stores hire 14-year-olds to work in various departments. You could work as a cashier, grocery or produce clerk, bagger, cart attendant, etc.

Some national grocery store chains that may hire 14-year-olds include:

• Fareway
• Hy-Vee
• Giant Food
• Giant Eagle
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Publix
• Winn-Dixie

Visit your local grocery store for an application and information on available jobs.

10. Work as a Farmhand

Do you live in a rural area? Why not find work as a farmhand? Farmhands do heavy and sometimes dirty work, but you might find, as I did when I worked as a farmhand, that the atmosphere makes the hard work worth it.

As a farmhand, you’ll help care for animals or work with crops such as corn and potatoes. With this type of work, no two days are exactly alike.

Working as a farmhand can also be a great way to connect with nature. 

11. Start a Pet Care Business

Are you a dog or cat person? If so, you could find work caring for pets.

Look for dog-walking jobs or get paid to pet sit for pet owners who have to leave their pets at home for extended periods because they’re traveling or have a busy schedule.

Advertise your services to neighbors, family, and friends, and create a profile on Rover to help you find work in pet care faster. 

12. Become a Golf Caddy

Golf caddies work at local golf courses. As a golf caddy, you’ll be responsible for providing any of the following services to golfers:

• Carrying their clubs
• Keeping clubs and other equipment clean
• Handing them towels, drinks, and tees when they need them
• Ensure their golf bag is organized

As a golf caddy, you’ll earn an hourly wage with the potential for tips if you do a good job. 

13. Take Surveys

If you don’t need to earn much but would welcome a little extra cash, you could earn money by signing up for paid surveys. 

You are providing feedback to various brands by taking online surveys, helping them develop and market the best products and services.

The best survey sites pay in cash or via PayPal when you take surveys at your convenience. 

Surveys might take between 10 and 40 minutes to complete, depending on the survey and the company. Think you’re too young? Most survey companies hire teens as young as 13 to take surveys. 

✨ Related: The 7 Best Paid Survey Sites

14. Work for a Small Business Owner

Another idea for 14-year-olds who want to work is to find a local tradesperson or retail store owner who needs help for a few hours each day or week.

Reach out to people who own trade businesses, retail stores, and other small businesses to see if they need help. 

15. Get a Seasonal Job

You may be able to find seasonal work as a 14-year-old. For instance, you could work for a landscape company mowing lawns or cleaning pools. 

You might find retail stores willing to hire 14-year-olds to work during the holiday season. Working as a lifeguard could be another seasonal job you could pursue, but you can’t pursue this opportunity until you turn 15 due to federal law.

Capitalize on the seasons and the holidays/events that happen year-round and look for opportunities to work when they’re happening. 

16. Work at an Amusement Park

Amusement parks often hire teens as young as fourteen for a variety of job positions. If you have an amusement park near you, you could be hired to: 

• Work in food service
• Get a job cleaning up the park
• Operate certain rides
• Work as a ticket taker
• Work as a cashier in a souvenir shop 

Contact local amusement parks near you to find out about job openings. Most amusement parks begin hiring before the peak season, so don’t wait until it’s too late.  

17. Work at an Orchard

Orchards of all types often hire teenage workers due to the labor-intensive nature of the work. You could work at an apple orchard, vineyard, or berry farm.

Your responsibilities can vary at an orchard, from picking fruit and helping customers to maintaining plants and trees. 

18. Work at an Animal Shelter

Another job for pet lovers is to work at an animal shelter. Animal shelters hire teens for many different responsibilities, such as:

• Cleaning cages
• Grooming animals
• Feeding animals
• Walking dogs
• Playing with pets
• Stocking shelves

This could be an excellent job if you love animals. It can also be a great volunteer opportunity if you’re looking for a way to give back.

19. Computer Repair Service

Are you a 14-year-old computer whiz? If so, consider starting a computer repair business. 

Many people (myself included) have computers but don’t know enough about them to keep them in optimal running condition. 

Use your skills to your advantage by offering computer services in your neighborhood or among your social circle.  

20. Food Prep Worker

Larger restaurants and cafeterias are always looking for food prep workers.

As a food prep worker, you help get food ready to be available to cafeteria customers. You might stock shelves with drinks, ensure adequate supplies like forks or salt and pepper, and prepare menu offerings. 

Check with hospitals and other large food companies for information on job openings.

21. Flip Products for a Profit

Product flipping, also known as retail arbitrage, is easier than you think. It involves buying something for a lower price and reselling it for a profit. 

For example, let’s say you go to a garage sale (or browse the best online sales sites) and find your favorite video game for sale at a rock-bottom price of $5. 

It’s in great condition, so you buy it and then sell it to a friend for the going rate, which is $35. You’ve just made a $30 profit.

It will take some work to figure out which products can sell for a higher price, but once you do, you can make some serious cash. 

Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds

As a 14-year-old, you are subject to federal laws regarding when and how much you can work. Here are some of the guidelines employers are required by law to follow if they hire a 14-year-old worker:

• Maximum of three hours of work on a school day
• No more than 18 hours of work during a week in which school is held
• Maximum of eight hours of work on a non-school day
• 40-hour maximum work week during a non-school week
• Work hours must be between 7 am and 7 pm except from June 1 through Labor Day, in which case 14-year-olds can work until 9 pm.

Any business employing a 14-year-old to work outside these parameters violates federal law. Each state may have its own laws and may be more restrictive than above.

There are also laws regarding how much you must be paid as a working 14-year-old. The federal minimum wage for a 14-year-old is $7.25 per hour. However, the law states that businesses can pay workers as little as $4.25 per hour for their first 90 days of employment.

It’s important to note that individual states may have wage laws that deviate from federal laws, allowing workers to be paid more. Therefore, you must also check your state’s minimum wage laws.

Final Thoughts

The best jobs for 14-year-olds pay a decent wage, adhere to state and federal laws, and provide valuable learning experiences. As you can see from our list, the possibilities are almost endless. Many companies hire 14-year-olds for traditional jobs, but starting your own side hustle is also an option.

If you’re ready to make money as a teen but are having trouble finding work, my advice is to be patient and not give up. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Use our list for inspiration. And talk to people you know. Many employers prefer to hire based on referrals from current employees or people whose opinions they trust.

The post Best Jobs for 14-Year-Olds: 21 Jobs for Younger Teenagers appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

If you’re an eager side hustler, there is no shortage of restaurant delivery side hustles available. One popular company hiring gig workers is DoorDash.

DoorDash is based out of San Francisco, California, and opened its doors in 2013. It’s the largest food delivery app company in the United States and serves over 4,000 cities the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The company contracts over 1 million drivers for delivery. 

You can make money shopping for and delivering groceries when it fits your schedule.

But is DoorDash worth it?

The answer can be a little complicated.

In this DoorDash Driver Review, I’ll let you know what it’s like to drive for DoorDash, your earnings potential, and other facts you’ll want to know. Let’s get started!

At a Glance

• Deliver restaurant orders to customers
• Get paid per delivery, plus tips
• Work your own schedule and only take the deliveries you want
• Must be at least 18 and have a reliable vehicle with insurance

Who Should Use DoorDash

DoorDash is a great side hustle for someone who has a reliable car. It can be safer than doing ridesharing since you don’t have to have strangers in your car. You can choose when and how much you work, which is perfect for someone who needs a flexible schedule.

You get paid per delivery from DoorDash and then can also receive tips from your customers. You will also want to keep track of your mileage so you can deduct that expense when you file your taxes. You will also have to have the discipline to set aside enough to pay your income taxes since DoorDash doesn’t withhold taxes from your pay.

DoorDash Alternatives

Item delivered	Restaurant orders	Groceries	Groceries and everyday items
Pay frequency	Weekly	Weekly	Weekly
Requirements	Must be 18, have a driver’s license and a reliable vehicle	Must be 18, have a driver’s license and a reliable vehicle	Must be 18, have a driver’s license and a reliable vehicle
	Learn more	Learn more	Learn more

What Are the Qualifications for DoorDash Drivers?

If you want to deliver for DoorDash, you do need to meet a list of qualifications the company requires:

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must use a car, motorcycle, scooter, or (in some cities) bicycle for deliveries
• You’ll need a valid driver’s license and active insurance policy 
• You will need to provide your Social Security Number (in the U.S. only)
• You’ll have to consent to a background check

If you meet these requirements, you can sign up to be a Dasher for DoorDash. 

According to DoorDash, signing up to be a Dasher takes just a few minutes. Applicants are approved to Dash in just a few days. 

After you’re approved, you’ll need to complete a short driver orientation online and then finish your application.

Go to DoorDash

How Does DoorDash Work for Drivers?

Once you’ve completed the Dasher orientation and signup, you’ll download the DoorDash Dasher app onto your phone. 

The app will show you two options for working: Dash Now and Schedule a Shift. You might like the Dash Now option as it allows for more flexibility; you can start and stop as you wish.

However, if there are plenty of Dashers in your area when you want to work, you won’t be allowed to choose the Dash Now option. 

For that reason, scheduling a shift could be a better option. It gives you a guaranteed “in” during your scheduled hours, meaning you’ll have a higher chance of earning cash. 

When you’ve opted to work, whether via Dash Now or Schedule a Shift, you’ll see orders pop up on your screen when they become available. 

Each available order will show you important information you need to make an informed decision as to whether or not you’ll take it, such as:

• The route from the restaurant to the delivery location
• The number of miles you’ll drive
• What time you need to deliver the order by
• How many items will be in the delivery
• What your pay will be

You can use that information to determine whether you can logistically complete the order on time and whether you want to take it. 

If you want the order, click “Accept” and be on your way. You have 45 seconds to accept an order before it disappears and is offered to another driver.

What Happens After You Accept An Order?

Once you accept the order, the app will direct you via GPS to the restaurant. You’ll confirm your arrival at the store or restaurant and confirm the pickup of the order. 

Note that some orders are prepaid, and some require you to pay with your DoorDash Red Card. 

The Red Card is DoorDash’s money, not yours, so you don’t have to pay the cost of the order if the client doesn’t pay it. 

Once you arrive at the delivery destination, you drop off the order and go. And once you’ve completed the order, you’ll be eligible for payment.   

✨ Related: 8 Jobs Like Instacart

DoorDash Payment Options

DoorDash pays you via direct deposit to your bank account. The pay period runs Monday through Sunday, and you are paid the following Wednesday. 

There is a payment option called Fast Pay that will give you your Dasher pay right away. You can use Fast Pay daily; however, a $1.99 fee applies every time you use it. 

How Much Does DoorDash Pay?

Ahh, the all-important question: How much does DoorDash pay?

How much you are paid and how long it will take to complete the delivery will vary from order to order. Finally, how much the customer tips can play a big role in how much you earn. Many factors are involved, so the answer is complicated.

If you are picky and only select orders that meet your earning criteria, you can increase your earnings. For example, alcohol deliveries earn more per order compared to restaurant orders. Actual earnings may differ and depend on several factors, like the number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs.

Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on delivery (from when you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over 90 days. It includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.

Tips are a factor too. Clients have the option of adding a tip to the order so you can see what it is right away. Or they can decline to add the tip to the order and pay you cash when you get there, but tips are not guaranteed.

DoorDash does have a few incentive programs that could increase your earnings. We’ll talk about those shortly. 

Go to DoorDash

What Are My Expenses with DoorDash?

You will have to pay for your car’s gas and other expenses if you work as a Dasher. 

That includes toll fees, parking fees, tickets, maintenance, and everything else. 

However, the upside is that you can deduct the mileage you put on when you file your taxes. The current 2024 mileage deduction is 67 cents per mile. 

How To Sign Up for DoorDash

Signing up to be a Dasher with DoorDash is easy. Head to the DoorDash website and click on the Become a Dasher tab at the top right-hand side of your screen. 

You’ll answer the questions listed on the application, which takes just a few minutes. DoorDash typically approves Dashers within just a few days. 

How Can I Earn More with DoorDash?

There are things you can do to help you earn more money as a Dasher. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Work During Peak Hours

DoorDash peak hours can vary based on the locale, aside from the obvious ones: the lunch and dinner rush, nights, and weekends. You may have more earning potential if you’re willing to schedule a shift during peak hours.

2. Refer Other Drivers

DoorDash offers referral bonuses when it needs more drivers in a particular area. If a referral bonus is available, you’ll see a banner that says “Refer Friends” on your account homepage. 

However, your referral has to complete a specified number of deliveries before you are eligible to receive your bonus. 

3. Earn Top Dasher Status

DoorDash’s Top Dasher program allows you to earn more money as a Dasher. DoorDash analyzes your Dasher stats on the first of each month. If, in the previous month, you’ve met the following qualifications, you are considered a Top Dasher and will qualify for the program:

• Customer rating of at least 4.7
• An acceptance rate of at least 70%
• Completion rate of at least 95%
• 100+ completed deliveries in the last month
• 200+ lifetime completed deliveries

If you’ve achieved Top Dasher status for the month, you will have 24/7 Dash Now availability even if there are enough Dashers in the area. In addition, you’ll be prioritized over other Dashers when deliveries become available. 

4. Only Take Larger Orders

Typically, larger orders with more items have a higher pay rate. Taking these larger orders can earn you more cash. 

5. Target Bonus Offers

DoorDash occasionally offers bonuses to Dashers. See your account page for details on any bonus offers. 

6. Avoid High Traffic Areas

High-traffic areas can be disappointing for Dashers. The longer it takes to deliver your order, the less money you make because you’re spending more time in traffic. As you work, learn driving routes to help you work around high-traffic times and areas to maximize your income.

7. Be a Great Dasher

And finally, be a great Dasher. As with any service job, excellent service often results in higher tips. 

Be as timely as possible while still navigating traffic safely. Check the order before you leave the restaurant to be sure everything is there. And bring your delivery with a smile. 

Go to DoorDash

DoorDash Alternatives

If you’re interested in grocery delivery as a side hustle, DoorDash is not your only option. Depending upon where you live, you may also be able to find work with the following DoorDash alternatives:

Grubhub

Grubhub sets a per-order pay rate based on how much time and mileage you’ll put into a trip. As with DoorDash, Grubhub lets you keep 100% of your tips, and they pay weekly via direct deposit. 

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. If you are using a bike, you’ll just need a state ID. If you are in Las Vegas, you need to be at least 21.

Here’s our analysis of Grubhub vs DoorDash.

Go to Grubhub

Instacart

Instacart drivers get paid to deliver groceries, but in most cases, you also need to shop for groceries.

Pay is per order and varies based on the order. With Instacart, you keep 100% of the tips, and it will pay you weekly. You must be 18 years old, be eligible to work in the U.S. and have a reliable vehicle.

Go to Instacart

Shipt

Shipt shoppers get paid to shop for and deliver grocery orders. The Shipt website says their shoppers earn an average of $22 per hour between pay, tips, and bonuses.

To work for Shipt, you must be 18, have a social security number and mailing address, a valid driver’s license and insurance, and drive a reliable vehicle. You must also have knowledge of produce selection and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Go to Shipt

DoorDash FAQs

Is It Worth It to Work for DoorDash?

The answer to that question depends a lot on your situation. The gas mileage of the vehicle you drive, the area you live in, and your available working hours are all factors that affect your earnings. 

And as with any job, the more experience you have, the more you can perfect your Dasher skills and (hopefully) increase your income. 

Go to DoorDash

Final Thoughts

Grocery delivery is a legitimate gig job that doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. DoorDash drivers can make a decent income provided they work to take higher-paying jobs, work during peak hours, and minimize expenses. New Dashers may find that the per-hour earnings are low. For that reason, giving excellent service to help maximize the potential for tips is essential.

The post Is DoorDash Worth It? An Honest DoorDash Review 2024 appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

However, there are a few fintechs and banks that don’t use ChexSystems. Knowing which banks don’t use ChexSystems can help you find a great bank, even if you have had trouble opening accounts elsewhere. We’ll share other tips for working around ChexSystems as well.

	Best for	Learn more
	Broad banking services	Learn more
	Building credit	Learn more
	High interest rates	Learn more
	Fee-free overdraft	Learn more
	Low fees	Learn more

1. Chase Bank

Best for: Broad-based banking services

• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: $4.95 (waivable)
• Early Direct Deposit
• Free ATM usage at Chase ATMs
• No overdraft fees

Go to Chase

Chase is the largest bank in the U.S., and the Chase Secure Banking account is the only Chase checking account that doesn’t use ChexSystems. The $4.95 monthly fee can be waived if you make qualifying electronic deposits of $250 or more per statement period. 

There are no overdraft fees as you can't overdraft the account. You also can’t get paper checks. However, you can get free money orders and cashier’s checks. You can get your direct deposit up to two days early.

With this account, you can use Chase Online Bill Pay to pay bills online for free. You can also send money for free with Zelle. There are also budgeting and credit tools to help you improve your finances.

Go to Chase

2. Current

Best for: Building credit

• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: $0
• Non-interest-bearing
• Fee-free in-network ATMs
• Rewards for debit card purchases

Go to Current

Current is a financial technology company committed to improving banking. When you get an account with Current you don't get your typical debit card. Instead, the card attached to your account is a secured credit card. When you make a purchase, the money is removed from your account just like a debit card, but the funds are held and then used to pay the credit card on the due date.

This helps you build credit in the background without having to worry about it. You use the card like you would a normal debit card, and on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus.

The account also comes with “savings pods” that allow you to move money into savings and earn some interest.

Note: When you open a Current account, you can also open teen accounts for your kids. Each teen account comes with a debit card, savings pod, and parental notifications and controls. 

Read our full review of Current here.

Go to Current

3. Acorns

Best for: High interest rates

• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: $3, $6 or $12
• 3% on checking, 5% on savings
• Free in-network ATM usage 

Go to Acorns

Acorns is a fintech company that lets you round up your expenditures from your checking account and invest them. You can also put a percentage of your paychecks into your Acorns Invest account as well.

Acorns offers three accounts: Personal, Personal Plus, and Premium. The Personal account offers basic banking features. Personal Plus includes investment capabilities, and Premium enhances those investment capabilities and offers banking and investing for your kids as well.

You’ll also get a free Tungsten metal debit card you can use to make point-of-sale purchases and ATM withdrawals. 

This account does not offer paper checks. Account balances are FDIC insured with Acorns’ partner bank. 

Read our full Acorns Review here.

Go to Acorns

4. Chime

Best for: Fee-free overdraft

• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: $0
• Non-interest bearing
• Free in-network ATM usage

Go to Chime

Chime is a fintech company offering spending accounts, savings accounts, and credit builder accounts. They don’t use ChexSystems, and they don’t run a credit check for new customers. 

You can fund your Chime spending account via Direct Deposit or by linking the account with your Chime-supported bank account. Direct Deposits can come up to two days early with Chime. If you qualify, you can get free overdraft protection for up to $200 as well. 

Read our full Chime credit builder review for more on how this works or see our Chime spending account review for complete information about Chime.

Go to Chime

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

5. GO2bank

Best for: Low fees

• Minimum opening deposit: $01
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: $5 (waived if you have monthly Direct Deposit)
• Non-interest-bearing (savings feature has interest)
• Free nationwide ATM network (See app for free ATM locations. $3 for out-of-network withdrawals. ATM owner may also charge a fee. Limits apply.)

Go to Go2Bank

GO2bank is a digital bank of the fintech company Green Dot. You might remember that Green Dot assists people in making cash deposits to online banks. Now, they’ve opened GO2bank and offer online checking services through GO2bank. Here are some of the GO2bank features:

The monthly maintenance fee is $5, but it’s waived whenever you receive a payroll or government benefits direct deposit in the previous monthly statement period.

You can get up to $200 in overdraft protection if you opt in for that feature. Fees may apply, and eligibility requirements apply.

See the GO2bank website for additional details on overdraft protection and overdraft protection fees.

Go to Go2Bank

1 The GO2bank account comes with a Visa Debit card. If you open an account online, there is no fee or minimum balance requirement. If you open an account by getting a GO2bank debit card in a store, then there is a purchase fee and an initial deposit of $20 – $500 required.

What Is ChexSystems?

In a nutshell, ChexSystems is the bank version of a credit-reporting agency. It operates under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Whereas credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion report on your use of credit, ChexSystem reports on your use of deposit accounts at banks and credit unions. 

How Does ChexSystems Work?

ChexSystems monitors your deposit account activity much in the same way that Experian monitors your credit usage. 

The company creates a report for each person who owns a deposit account. Your ChexSystems report might contain items such as:

• Abusive ATM and debit card usage
• Bounced check and/or negative account balance information
• Unpaid negative account balances
• Information about deposit accounts that are involuntarily closed
• Fraud and identity theft information

One thing worth noting; unlike other credit reporting agencies, ChexSystems doesn’t include positive ratings about deposit account behavior.

Instead, a ChexSystems report only includes negative behavior. Some entities have criticized this practice in the past, leading to changes in how long ChexSystems keeps negative items on reports. 

If you haven’t experienced any of the bullet-pointed items mentioned above, you’ll have a clean ChexSystems report with a high score. 

What Are ChexSystems Scores? 

As with credit scores, a ChexSystems score can affect your ability to open a deposit account at a bank or credit union.

A ChexSystems score can land anywhere between 100 and 899. However, you have less insight into how that score affects you than a traditional credit score.

Credit bureaus like Experian are very open about where your credit score lands you in terms of how loan and credit card companies view you.

Conversely, ChexSystems keeps its score-calculating system hidden from the public eye. So, although you can make an educated guess about what a good vs. bad ChexSystems score is, you may never honestly know how ChexSystems ranks deposit account holders. 

What Might Affect Your ChexSystems Score?

You can, however, know what factors might affect your ChexSystems score. Here are examples of some items that may result in a reduced ChexSystems score for you.

• Negative account balances
• Unpaid negative account balances
• Bounced/returned checks
• Both unpaid and paid non-sufficient funds (NSF) checks
• Overuse of debit cards
• Suspected misuse of ATMs
• Suspected fraudulent activity
• Discovered false information provided during the account opening process

If you can keep your deposit account record free from these and similar items, you can be pretty confident that your ChexSystems score will be high.

However, if you have instances of the above circumstances in your deposit account past or present, you should expect your ChexSystems score to suffer. 

No ChexSystems Banks Vs. Second Chance Banks 

We’re talking today about banks that don’t use ChexSystems. But is there a difference between a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems and a so-called “second chance” bank? 

Banks that don’t use ChexSystems have a cut-and-dried procedure; they don’t contact ChexSystems for information on account applicants. 

There is a chance that they’ll use a similar service such as Early Warning Service. However, they don’t contact ChexSystems. 

Conversely, second chance banks often use ChexSystems to research an applicant’s deposit account history; they choose to issue the account regardless of your ChexSystems score.

However, the downside of using a second-chance bank is that you’ll usually pay higher fees for it. 

The good news is that most second chance banks will let you upgrade to a more mainstream checking account after you’ve had 12 months of positive account activity. 

At the end of the day, both second chance banks and banks that don’t use ChexSystems are good options for people who’ve had banking trouble in the past.

Related: Best No Credit Check Bank Accounts

Final Thoughts

If you have a low ChexSystems score, it’s a good idea to investigate further before exploring other options. For example, you have the right to view a consumer disclosure report if a low ChexSystems score led to you being denied a new bank account. You also have the right to dispute information included in the report.

That said, a low ChexSystems score or negative items on your ChexSystems report no longer means you can’t have a checking account. 

With the emergence of fintech banking accounts, second chance checking accounts, and some banks that don’t use ChexSystems, you can still enjoy the convenience of having your checking account. 

The post 5 Best Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

Gift cards are great, especially when you get them for free. But sometimes, you need cold, hard cash to pay the rent, send a friend some money, or catch up on some bills.

Instead of keeping an unused gift card or two in your desk drawer, you may be able to convert them to cash. If they happen to be Visa gift cards, you have several options. Here are some ways to get the most bang for your gift card buck.

Best Ways to Convert Visa Gift Cards to Cash

We’ve compiled seven ways to exchange Visa gift cards for cash or save money on everyday purchases using gift cards. Before we get started, it’s important to note that converting your Visa gift card to cash will often result in some loss of face value. So you’ll want to ensure you’re willing to sacrifice a few dollars.

1. Sell Your Gift Card on CashCash

Cash Cash is a gift card marketplace that lets you buy and sell gift cards.

When you sell cards via CashCash, they tell you the exact amount of cash you’ll receive. This helps you avoid meeting with buyers in person or getting ripped off with a fraudulent payment. If you choose, you can earn more if you opt for a Prepaid Mastercard instead of cash.

For example, on a $25 Home Depot gift card, you can get $21.25 cash or $21.57 on a Prepaid MasterCard.

If you have a $25 Red Lobster gift card, you can get $17.00 cash. You can also get up to 11% more if you swap to another gift card. A nice feature of CashCash is that it lets you check all these prices without logging in.

👉 Check the value of your gift cards on CardCash

2. Sell Your Gift Card on Facebook Marketplace

One of the easiest ways to get cash for your Visa gift card is to sell it on Facebook Marketplace. The main advantage is that you won’t pay a fee. Your biggest hurdle will be convincing potential buyers that your Visa gift card is legit.

Potential buyers won’t know you, so marketing your cards correctly is crucial. Take pictures and screenshots of web pages from the Visa website displaying the card balance. Also, protect yourself as a seller by looking over the profile and the ratings of potential buyers.

Scam Alert!

There are scams in which a potential buyer asks you to get on a three-way call to verify the balance on the card. While this sounds legit, what often happens is that the potential buyer writes down the card number as you share it with the customer service rep and then uses the balance on the card from there without ever paying you for it. Look out for these scams.

Your best bet is to verify the balance online and then share the screenshot with any potential buyers, as mentioned above. Be sure to block out any information that might make it easy for the card information to be stolen. 

3. Convert Your Gift Card to PayPal or Venmo Cash

Another option is to convert your Visa gift card to Paypal or Venmo cash. To do this, you must have two PayPal (or Venmo) accounts in your name. If not, open a second account using a separate email address.

From there, add your Visa gift card information as a payment method on your first PayPal or Venmo account. Then, you’ll send the money to yourself (as a friend transfer) on your second account, using the gift card as the payment method.

You may incur charges from PayPal on one end or the other, so you’ll want to deduct that amount (they show you the fee beforehand) from the gift card balance so you don’t end up in the red.  

Typically, PayPal charges 2.9% plus $0.30. So, if I had a $75 gift card, the fee would be roughly $2.48. In that case, I’d send myself $72.52 cents to account for the fee.

After sending the money to your second account, transfer it to the bank account that’s linked to the second account. You can expect to wait 1-3 days for the funds to hit your bank account. 

You can choose an instant transfer with both sites. However, there will be an additional fee to get the cash to your bank account faster. 

4. Buy a Money Order with Your Visa Gift Card

To get a money order with your Visa gift card, you simply go to a place that sells money orders and buy one with your gift card. Several places sell money orders, including:

• Banks and credit unions
• Money transfer stores such as Western Union
• Walmart
• Other retailers, such as grocery stores

 After you purchase your money order, you can bring it to your bank or credit union and deposit it just as you would a regular check. It’s important to remember that there are fees for purchasing money orders, which will vary depending on where you purchase your money order.

Walmart indicates a maximum fee of $1 for money orders, making them one of the most cost-effective ways to purchase one. Many financial institutions view a money order similarly to a check, which is why it’s so easy to purchase one using a Visa gift card.

Always purchase your money order from a reputable retailer. The brand of money order may influence whether your bank accepts it and the length of hold they place on the funds.

5. Sell Your Visa Gift Card to an Exchange Kiosk

Consider selling your gift card to an exchange kiosk. Gift card exchange kiosks are located in malls around the world. Do an internet search for a “gift card exchange kiosk near me” to find one close to you.

Not all gift card exchange kiosks will accept Visa gift cards. In addition, many have minimum dollar amounts for gift cards and charge fees for the exchange in cash. Because of this, you’ll want to read the fine print on the website belonging to the company that owns the kiosk before you make the trip to where the kiosk is located.

6. Sell Your Visa Gift Card to a Loved One

You could sell your Visa gift card to a loved one. I’ve done this before, and it has worked out well. The key is to make it an attractive deal for you and the buyer.

For instance, I received a gift card for $25 to a store I would never shop at. The store isn’t my style, but my mom shops there frequently.

So, I offered to sell her my $25 gift card for $20. She appreciated the savings, and I loved getting cash for my gift card. The great thing about selling Visa gift cards to loved ones is that you can use them pretty much anywhere. 

7. Offer the Visa Gift Card for Sale at Work

Another option for converting a gift card to cash is to sell it to a co-worker. This method can be especially successful if you work for a larger company. Most companies have a bulletin board in the lunch area, or you could send a group email to your office or your team. Most people love getting a deal, making selling your Visa gift card to a coworker easy. 

Alternatives to Converting Visa Gift Card into Cash

The following options may not get you physical cash, but they can still help you save money with your Visa gift cards.

Regift Your Visa Gift Card

Have you considered regifting your Visa gift card? For instance, let’s say your dad’s birthday is approaching. Instead of spending cash on his gift, you can give him your Visa gift card, thereby increasing (by not spending) the money you have in hand.

The great thing about regifting a Visa gift card is that it can be used to purchase almost anything. The gift card recipient will have plenty of purchase options at their fingertips while you save money.

Use Your Visa Gift Card to Pay Bills

Believe it or not, you can use a Visa gift card to pay bills. Many utility companies will allow you to pay your bill with a Visa gift card, processing it much like a credit card payment. You save money by reducing the cash from your checking account to pay bills.

Use the money you save to invest, take a vacation, or put it towards another financial goal. Check with the utility companies you have services through to find out if they’ll take your Visa number as payment for the bill you owe. 

Purchase Essential Items With Your Visa Gift Card

Another way to use your Visa gift card is to purchase necessities you’d normally have to pay cash for – groceries, gas, medicines, personal items, and more. By using your Visa gift card to purchase these, you can reduce the cash you pay out of pocket.

For instance, if you spend $1,000 on groceries each month and have a $200 Visa gift card to help pay for groceries, your grocery bill now becomes $800, and you have an extra $200 in your pocket.

The same concept works for gas for your vehicle or any other necessities you need to purchase.

If you pay for necessities using your Visa gift card, you’ll come out ahead as long as you’re not buying items you wouldn’t normally buy. 

Practice Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage involves buying low-price items and reselling them for a profit. If you have a knack for getting a great deal on easy-to-resell items, you could use your Visa gift card to buy items at low clearance prices and then resell them for cash.

For instance, you could buy clearance items at Walmart and resell them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

There are tons of apps that can help you sell your stuff online. List your clearance finds on multiple apps to maximize sales and collect a profit from your Visa gift card.

Hint: When reselling items you’ve bought online, charge your buyers for shipping so you don’t cut into your profit. You can also set your price to cover shipping costs and offer free shipping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Visa gift cards are more flexible than store gift cards because you can use them anywhere Visa is accepted. But not everything can be paid for with a gift card. If you need cash, try converting your Visa gift card using one of the abovementioned methods. And always remember to look out for scams when dealing with another party.

The post How to Convert Visa Gift Cards to Cash appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

Do you have a cabinet full of DVDs you’re looking to get rid of? With streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ so readily available, more and more people are getting rid of their DVD movie media collections.

There are several places to sell used DVDs. The best marketplaces will help you sell them quickly and at a fair price. Some of these are fairly obvious, while others may not have occurred to you.

1. Craigslist

Best feature: No fees

Founded in 1995, Craigslist remains a tried-and-true source for selling just about anything. With billions of monthly page views, you’re sure to find an audience for your DVDs, no matter the genre.

While Craigslist focuses on local sales, you can list on any Craigslist area site. This can be helpful when selling easy-to-ship products like DVDs, as it will expand your viewership.

Best of all, Craigslist doesn’t charge selling fees. However, a downside is that it doesn’t offer much in the way of security and doesn’t screen users. This increases the amount of fraudulent activity on the site.

As a result, be sure to practice common safety rules when buying and selling online:

• Meet in a public place
• Tell someone where you’re going
• Only take cash or an appropriate trade
• Don’t fall for common buy/sell site scams
• Go with your gut if something feels off

To increase your chances of success, take great pictures of your items and be honest about the condition of your DVDs. If the case or DVD has cracks or scratches, be sure to note that on your listing. 

2. eBay

Best feature: Worldwide audience

eBay is another long-standing online marketplace that benefits from a massive audience. With over 130 million active buyers at any given time, you’re almost sure to find a buyer for your used DVDs.

While Craigslist users have to search individual cities’ sites, eBay listings can be found worldwide with just one search. 

You can also narrow your search when buying on eBay to only include listings in your local area, but most buyers will search eBay as a whole, especially if the item is easy to ship, like DVDs. 

The biggest downside to eBay is the fee structure. You’ll pay roughly 15% of your sale price for each DVD you sell. And you won’t get help with your listing like you do when you list through online consignment shops. 

When you pay fees on eBay, you’re paying for the ability to reach a huge audience. It may just help you sell your items fast. 

3. Decluttr

Best feature: Immediate offer

Decluttr is an online marketplace for used items, including phones, DVDs, CDs, gaming consoles, games, and more. 

The site was launched in 2013 and has long been known as a trusted site for buying and selling. Where does Decluttr get the items it sells? From individual sellers like yourself. 

Decluttr has made the selling process quite easy. All you have to do as a seller is enter the barcode from your DVD into Decluttr’s selling page. 

Once you enter the barcode, you’ll receive an immediate offer for your DVD. Of course, you can accept or reject the offer.

If you accept their offer, Decluttr will send you a free shipping label. You can then box up the DVDs you’ve sold to them, place the free shipping label on your box, and send them off to Decluttr. 

Once received, Decluttr will assess your DVDs to be sure they’re in the condition you stated. Once they’ve assured you all is well with your shipment, they’ll pay you for the DVDs.

Payment can be made via PayPal or direct deposit to your bank account, or you can donate the proceeds to charity. 

Similar to a pawn shop, you won’t get top dollar for DVDs you sell on Declutter. However, they offer a fast, easy way for you to sell your DVDs and earn some cash. 

4. Facebook Marketplace

Best feature: Local and non-local popularity

Facebook boasts nearly 3 billion users. While not all of those users browse Facebook Marketplace, you can bet your money that a good portion does. 

Besides reaching both local and non-local potential customers, you won’t pay a fee to sell used DVDs on Facebook Marketplace. 

Marketplace does have some safety guidelines in place, the main one being that you can see users’ profiles. This gives you some idea of whom you’re dealing with when you sell or buy on Marketplace. 

Also, Facebook Marketplace’s user-friendly interface lets you create a listing within a minute or two. If you use Facebook regularly, using Facebook Marketplace to sell your DVDs might be well worth your time. 

5. OfferUp

Best feature: Safety tools

OfferUp is fast catching up with local buy/sell sites such as Facebook and Craigslist. With an estimated 56 million annual buyers and sellers, the site is definitely one of the go-to places for selling used DVDs and everything else.

Among its top features, you’ll find:

• Front page photos of items for sale
• A user-friendly website and app
• Instant messaging between users
• The ability to post an ad in less than 30 seconds

One of the top reasons OfferUp is gaining in popularity is its safety features. When you visit OfferUp to buy or sell, you’ll find that every user has to create a user profile. 

The user profile includes a photo, rating, transaction history, and more. The site also features MeetUp Spots, which are police stations and businesses the app has partnered with to facilitate safer meetings between buyers and sellers. 

Like Craigslist, it’s free to list your DVDs on OfferUp unless you choose to pay for premium features that promote your listing.

6. Amazon

Best feature: Massive viewership

With over 300 million active customer accounts, Amazon can be another great place to sell used DVDs. 

You will pay $0.99 cents plus 15% for every DVD you sell on Amazon. However, the number of customers you reach may make the fees well worth it. 

One downside is that due to Amazon’s popularity (they have over twice the active buyers as eBay), your listing may get lost in the abyss of other listings on Amazon. 

In other words, the sheer amount of users Amazon has can make it hard for buyers to find your product unless you’re selling something that’s very rare. If you’re selling movies that a lot of people own, the competition might be too high.

Hint: Amazon’s e-commerce selling program might be a good option if you have a lot of DVDs (or other items) to sell. For $40 a month, you can access a host of business tools to help you sell your items faster, create bulk listings, and more. 

With an e-commerce plan, you still have to pay the 15% selling fee, but you can sell other items and receive additional help as you sell.  

7. SellBackYourBook.com

Best feature: Their best price promise.

SellBackYourBook.com works a lot like Decluttr. You enter the barcode of your DVD and get an immediate quote.

If you accept the price quote, they’ll send you a free shipping label. You box up your DVDs, affix the free shipping label, and send them on their way.

As with Decluttr, your DVDs must undergo an inspection process after they arrive at the warehouse. 

Once they’re approved, you are issued payment. SellBackYourBook.com promises the best price for DVDs compared to similar sites like Decluttr. 

You’ll be paid within three days of your shipment being approved. Note that, as the name indicates, the site also buys and sells books of almost any kind. 

8. FYE

Best feature: In person service

FYE will accept used DVDs and pay you for them. Note that the FYE website will sometimes accept used DVDs for sale on the website, similar to how Decluttr does.

However, FYE doesn’t accept all DVDs on its website and requires you to visit a physical store. FYE has over 200 locations in roughly 40 U.S. states.

When you sell used DVDs to FYE, you can expect more money if your DVDs are in good condition, with uncracked cases and no stickers on them. 

If your DVD cases are cracked, missing original artwork, or have stickers on them, FYE may not accept them for sale.  

Before you visit an FYE location to sell your used DVDs, I recommend that you call the location first to find out if they accept used DVDs and the best hours to visit.

That way, you know when to come in and can be sure there is staff available who is authorized to assess your items and offer payment.

9. Yard Sales

Best feature: Community interaction

Consider holding a yard sale to sell your DVDs. One advantage is that you can sell other items you’re looking to get rid of as well. 

Increase visitors to your yard sale by scheduling it in tandem with community sales if your city has one. You could also put together a neighborhood sale with several of your neighbors.

If neither of those options are available, try to host a multi-family sale at your place by inviting family members and friends to participate. 

To sell your DVDs and other items quickly, organize your yard sale and price items attractively. Advertise your yard sale on social media sites and share the sale information with family and friends as well. 

Give your sale an extra “oomph” by selling baked goods, candy, lemonade, or hot dogs. 

10. Local Resellers

Best feature: Hands-off selling

Check with local resellers to sell your used DVDs. You might find a consignment shop in your area that will accept them on consignment. 

You could also bring your DVDs to a store like Half Price Books. Half Price Books buys books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and more and gives you cash on the spot. 

Check out the Half Price Books website for more details. Note that if you sell to Half Price Books, you should expect to show a government-issued ID of some sort. This rule is in place to help the company avoid taking in stolen goods.

Another option is to sell to local pawn shops in your area. Like Half Price Books, pawn shops will give you an immediate offer for the DVDs you want to sell. 

If you accept the offer, they’ll pay you cash, and you will be on your way. The one downside to selling to a local reseller is that, like Decluttr, you won’t get the highest offer on the items you sell. 

However, if they accept the titles you’re selling, you will receive an immediate sale, so you can make some quick and easy cash. 

Final Thoughts

The best places to sell used DVDs are the places that best help you meet your selling goals. Whether you want to make the most money, declutter quickly, or meet community members as you sell, you’ve got many choices.

The post Where Are the Best Places to Sell Used DVDs? appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

Allowing your children to use debit cards is a great way to teach them how to manage money as they approach adulthood. They can learn to make deposits and withdrawals, set aside money for savings, and plan their spending. What you don’t want is to have to pay fees.

Thankfully, several banks offer debit cards specifically for kids to use with their parents. In this article, I’ll share with you ten free debit cards and a few low-cost paid options that you may find are worth the cost.  

The following bank accounts and debit cards have three things in common: they’re designed for kids to use, they’re free, and they come with a variety of features and benefits.

Let’s take a closer look, starting with an account from Axos Bank.

1. Axos First Checking

Best for: Peer-to-peer transfer capabilities

• Ages: 13-17
• Monthly fee: $0
• Opening deposit: $50
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Earns interest: Yes

The Axos First Checking account is an online-only joint account for teens and parents. Parents can lock and unlock their teen’s debit card right from the app dashboard, view spending, and get real-time notifications.

There is a $100 daily ATM cash withdrawal limit and a $500 daily debit card limit. This account also has a peer-to-peer transfer feature and automated bill pay.

Axos will reimburse the account for up to $12 per statement cycle for any out-of-network ATM fees. However, in-network ATM usage is free. 

It also comes with biometric identification verification using facial recognition and fingerprint recognition. 

Learn more about Axos First Checking

2. Capital One MONEY Teen Checking

Best for: Linking external accounts

• Ages: 8-17
• Monthly fee: $0
• Opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Earns interest: Yes

This account has a daily $500 limit on all combined ATM withdrawals, cash advances, signature-based and PIN purchases. 

As a parent, you can lower this daily amount by calling the Capital One customer service number. 

You can also set up text and email alerts to notify you of account activity. In addition, you can lock or unlock your teen’s debit card at any time. 

Teens can set money aside for spending or saving and set savings goals with the account as well. 

All transactions at in-network ATMs are free. Parents don’t have to have a Capital One account to get a Teen Money account with their children. You can fund the account by transferring from an outside bank account.

Learn more about Capital One

3. Current Teen Banking

Best for: Savings accounts and roundups

• Ages: 13-17
• Monthly fee: $0
• Opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Earns interest: No

Current is a fintech that offers personal banking for adults and the ability for adults to add a teen account to their profile. As a parent, you have the ability to transfer money to your teen, block specific merchants, receive notifications, and even assign chores.

We consider Current one of the best checking accounts for teens. This account also offers savings pods, which are separate pools of money within your teen’s Current spending account.

Teens (or their parents) can transfer money into the savings pod at any time. In addition, you can use the account’s round-up feature, which analyzes all debit card purchases and rounds them up to the nearest dollar, transferring the excess into your teen’s savings pod. 

Note that for teens to have an account with Current, they will have to show a valid picture ID. That ID must come in the form of a currently valid state ID, driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card.

Learn more about Current

4. Alliant Credit Union Teen Checking

Best for: Attractive interest rate

• Ages: 13-17
• Monthly fee: $0
• Opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Earns interest: Yes

Alliant Credit Union’s Teen Checking account offers an interest rate that’s over double that of some of the other accounts we’ve mentioned here. 

If you belong to Alliant Credit Union, you can open a joint account with your teen. Not a member? Simply open your account at Alliant when you open your teen’s account.

Two stipulations must be met for the account to earn interest:

• You must opt-in for paperless statements.
• The account must have one of the following recurring events each month: ATM deposit, Direct Deposit, or electronic deposit from another banking institution.

These requirements should be easy for most families to meet. There are $500 daily limits on PIN-based debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals. 

There is a $5,000 daily limit on signature-based purchases. Parents can monitor account transactions and get notifications. 

Learn more about Alliant

✨ Related: Best Bank Accounts for Kids: Checking and Savings Options

5. Fidelity Youth Account

Best for: Pairing with investing

• Ages: 13-17
• Monthly fee: $0
• Opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Earns interest: Yes

The Fidelity Youth Account is available to teens whose parents have a brokerage relationship with Fidelity. 

This teen-owned account is a brokerage account with a debit card. It is not a joint account with a parent or a custodial account. However, as the parent, you will be classified as an “interested party” and will have access to view transactions, get statements, and sign up to be alerted for activity. You can also close the account and/or cancel the debit card at any time. However, you can not initiate transactions or withdraw money.

In addition to using the Fidelity debit card to make ATM withdrawals or purchases, your teen will have the option to invest with funds from the account. Uninvested funds earn a competitive APY.

Funds can be accessed via debit card for spending. Inside the account, your teen can set up buckets designated for different purposes, such as “spending” or “investing.” Your teen can set the order in which the buckets are accessed for spending.

For example, they could set the spending bucket to be depleted first before dipping into the savings bucket. Transactions will be declined if there is not enough in the cash balance to cover a debit card transaction. Your teen will be reimbursed for any ATM charges they incur. Note that foreign ATM transactions may incur a fee.

You can fund your teen’s Youth account by transferring money from your Fidelity account. 

They can invest in fractional shares of most publicly traded stocks or get fractional shares of Fidelity mutual funds and other products. 

This account is a great option if you’re interested in teaching your teen how to invest.

Learn more about Fidelity

Top Paid Debit Cards for Teens

In addition to the free accounts featured above, paid options are available, too. Below are four popular kids’ debit card programs. After looking at what they offer, you may decide that a paid debit card account has features that better suit your family. 

Greenlight

Best for: Large families

• Cost: $5.99 and up monthly (includes up to five kids)
• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fees: $0
• Earns interest: Yes

Greenlight is a fintech company that helps kids to earn, spend and save money. You load money onto each child’s debit card, and then they can use the debit card to spend. You can set limits on spending and receive notifications.

There is also a whole host of safety features, including location tracking and driving reports.

Greenlight also allows you to set chores and pay an allowance when they are completed—all handled right inside the Greenlight app. It’s customizable, and you can manage it manually or automatically, including allowance payments.

There are three Greenlight subscription plan options. All plans have a free 30-day trial and come with a debit card for each child, chore assignment and management, allowance pay, and parental controls. 

Learn more in our full Greenlight Review.

Learn more about Greenlight

FamZoo

Best for: Family loans

• Cost: $5.99 per month; prepay discounts available
• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fees: $0
• Earns interest: No

FamZoo comes with a debit card that your kids can use to learn to earn, spend, save, and give money. Your child doesn’t need to have a smartphone to use the app; it can be accessed from any device or even text message.

You can set up chores and allowances, set spending limits, and receive notifications. There is even a feature that allows parents to give kids loans. The app allows you to add interest and track payments. You can choose between a 6, 12, and 24-month payment option. 

Your child can create a budget and choose how to manage the money they earn. Interest on the savings balance is parent-paid. 

For more information, check out our FamZoo review.

Learn more about FamZoo

GoHenry

Best for: Two-parent app access

• Cost: $5 per child, or $10 for up to four kids
• Minimum opening deposit: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Overdraft fees: $0
• Earns interest: No

GoHenry is unique in that the app was created to grow with your child. Younger children get a specific set of features. When your child grows into a teenager, the app grows with them, allowing for more independence. You can also add a second parent to the account, and other family members, such as aunts and uncles, can easily transfer money to the kids.

The card comes with the ability to pay for completed chores on demand or to set a payment schedule. Kids can also request an immediate transfer from their parents.

You can set spending limits, get real-time activity notifications, and block or unblock the card from the parent app. The child can set savings goals, and the interest earned on the savings account is “parent-paid,” meaning you can set the interest rate, and any interest paid comes out of your account. It is not paid by GoHenry.

Kids can also send or receive money from friends who have GoHenry. They can also be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 

Your child can earn money by referring friends to the app as well. Another great feature of this app is its age-specific learning center, where you will find articles and games for your kids.

Check out our GoHenry review for more information.

Learn more about GoHenry

Can a Teen get a Debit Card?

Yes, a teenager can get a debit card, however, they will need an adult as a joint owner on the account until they reach 18 years old.

Most banks have accounts with special features for teens, such as no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirements.

What to Look for in a Debit Card for Kids

You’ll want an account with few fees and easy access. The exact features to look for will depend on the age of the child. Kid debit cards, such as Greenlight, give parental access to the account and allow for spending controls and easy payment for chores.

If your child is older, you may want a more traditional checking account. A kid’s bank account allows your child to practice having a checking account and then easily transfer to an adult checking when the child turns 18.

How to Get a Debit Card for Teens

Anyone under 18 years old must have an adult on any account with them. The teen and the adult can open the account together, either with the adult as a co-owner or a custodian. Once the teen turns 18, they can have the other adult removed from the account and become the sole owner.

If your teen isn’t ready for a traditional checking account, paid services such as Greenlight allow you to load money onto a prepaid debit card and have a lot of control and access to the account. You can set spending limits, pay for chores, and get notifications regarding activity on the card. This is a good fit for younger teens who need some freedom but aren’t ready to be out on their own quite yet.

For paperwork, you’ll both need ID, a social security number, and the opening deposit. Depending on the bank, you may need additional information.

How to Teach a Kid to Use a Debit Card Responsibly

Teaching kids smart money management skills starts early. By the time your child has a debit card, hopefully, they have learned how to spend money using cash. You’ll want to emphasize the importance of spending, saving, and giving.

And let them make mistakes! It’s hard to watch your child spend money on something you know they won’t like, but it’s an important lesson for them. Better to learn these lessons on a $5 toy than on a $30,000 car.

If you are using a prepaid debit card for kids, such as Greenlight or Famzoo, you’ll have a lot more control and access to how your child is using the card. Pay attention to how they are using it. Are they spending all the money as soon as they get it? Or do they hesitate to spend even one dollar without excessive contemplation? Gently guide your child to save for bigger purchases while also having some fun now.

Also, go over the mechanics of using a debit card. Make sure they know how to check the balance and show them how the balance goes down when purchases are made. Encourage them to think about how long the money should last and any opportunities to spend money they may have coming up before their next deposit.

As they graduate to a traditional checking account, you’ll want to start discussing fees and minimum balance requirements. Show them how to write a check and use bill pay, and perhaps set them up with budgeting software that can import the transactions into a budget.

Summary

The best free debit cards for kids and teens don’t just offer free debit cards. Additionally, they offer other features that will help you teach your child to manage money well. 

The ability to learn how to budget money to save and allow parents to monitor activity are essential features. Of course, the cost is a factor as well.

Search for the free debit card for your child that fits in with most or all of your family needs.

The post Best Free Debit Cards for Kids & Teens appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

Are you having trouble finding an advisor you can trust? WiserAdvisor is a financial advisor matching service that can help you find professional advisors they have vetted in advance in their network. Their service is free, and there’s no obligation to become a client after an initial consultation.

At a Glance

• Financial advisor matching service
• In business since 1998
• Service is free to use
• Browse a larger pool of advisors through its online directory
• Website offers many financial calculators and educational tools

Visit WiserAdvisor

Who Should Use WiserAdvisor?

WiserAdvisor is best suited for individuals looking for professional financial advice but having trouble finding a trustworthy financial advisor. It could be that they’ve never worked with an advisor or may be dissatisfied with their current advisor.

WiserAdvisor works with fee-only and fee-based advisors, something to be mindful of as you search for an advisor. In addition to advisor matching, the company also offers a large online directory where you can broaden your search.

WiserAdvisor Alternatives

Pricing	Free	Free	Free
Advisor Type	Fee-Only and Fee-Based Advisors	Fee-Only and Fee-Based Advisors	Fee-Only Advisors
Min. Investment Amount	$0	$0	$0
	Learn More	Learn More	Learn More

What Is WiserAdvisor?

Launched in 1998, WiserAdvisor provides users with a directory of qualified financial advisors across the USA. It also offers a free service that matches clients to up to three advisors based on their requirements and preferences. According to WiserAdvisor, its goal is to “help consumers gain fundamental financial knowledge that may enrich their lives.”

In addition to the directory and matching service, WiserAdvisor publishes educational articles and blog posts on its website and provides users access to various financial calculators.

WiserAdvisor Features

WiserAdvisor offers four primary services to its users: a financial advisor directory, an advisor matching service, a financial learning center, and free financial calculators. Here are some key features of each service.

Directory of Financial Advisors

WiserAdvisor maintains a list of qualified and thoroughly vetted financial advisors throughout the United States. The list includes advisors from well-known Fortune 500 companies and small, independent firms.

As you scroll through the list of advisors on the WiserAdvisor website, you’ll find information such as:

• SEC number and other official information
• The current number of advisors at the firm
• The current amount of funds under management
• Number of clients
• Services provided
• Fee structure

Each advisor is registered with FINRA/SEC and has a clean record. WiserAdvisor calls its network independent, unbiased, and trusted. 

Advisor Matching Service

WiserAdvisor matches investors with advisors located near them. According to WiserAdvisor, all advisors on their list undergo an interview process before approval.

To use their service, you simply fill out a form that asks a few questions about your financial situation. Your responses give WiserAdvisor an idea of when you want to retire, how much money you have invested, etc. 

Once you’ve completed the form, WiserAdvisor will match you with 1-3 vetted advisors. From there, you can interview each advisor and decide which one, if any, is a good fit.

Note that WiserAdvisor does match clients with fee-only and fee-based advisors. You can’t necessarily request one or the other. 

That said, WiserAdvisor is transparent about fees, so you can simply turn down advisor recommendations if you don’t like the compensation model.

Financial Learning Center

WiserAdvisor has a financial learning center with blog posts and articles regarding money management. 

Some of the articles listed on the site as of this writing include:

• Financial Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals
• What is Goal-Based Investing?
• Choosing the Best Retirement Accounts
• Why and When You Need a Financial Advisor
• The Complete Guide on Financial Planning for Couples

The articles are geared toward readers with varying levels of personal financial management knowledge, from beginner to experienced. 

For example, you’ll find tips to improve your financial literacy if you’re new to personal finance and investing.

Conversely, the site also has an article on investing $1 million in today’s market. The site’s commitment to serving those with all levels of wealth means that there’s something for everyone.

Financial Calculators

WiserAdvisor publishes financial calculators on its site so you can determine whether you’re on track to retire or make investment projections based on product type, time horizon, rate of return, etc.

Visit WiserAdvisor

How Much Does WiserAdvisor Cost?

WiserAdvisor is free to use, as it doesn’t charge visitors for its services. Instead, it makes its money by charging the advisors listed in its directory.

However, if you hire a financial advisor through WiserAdvisor, they will charge you fees to manage your portfolio. Depending on the advisor, you may be required to pay a fee based on a percentage of assets under management, a flat fee, or commissions.

It’s important to understand the impact of fees on investment returns before signing on with any advisor.

Who Is WiserAdvisor Best Suited For?

WiserAdvisor can benefit a wide range of investors. It might be a good choice if you’re looking for a financial advisor but are unsure where to start. 

As mentioned earlier, the company screens advisors before adding them to its list of recommended advisors. This could make the screening process much easier for you. WiserAdvisor could also benefit you if you simply like learning more about money and playing with numbers. 

Between the blog articles and the financial calculators, there’s plenty of education available. And because the site doesn’t charge consumers, you can use one or all of the services at no cost. 

FAQs

Visit WiserAdvisor

WiserAdvisor vs. Alternatives

Before signing up with WiserAdvisor, it makes sense to look at the alternatives. Here are a couple of companies I found that provide a similar service to WiserAdvisor.

Money Pickle

Money Pickle is an online financial advisor matching service similar to WiserAdvisor. It uses technology to match you with a vetted, trusted advisor in the Money Pickle network. You can get started almost immediately by completing a short survey. You’ll be asked standard questions, such as your age, income, how you currently invest, your portfolio size, and which financial topics are the most important to you. From there, you’ll be paired with an advisor and can book a free, no-obligation consultation. These meetings are done virtually, so you must be comfortable with a telephone or video conversation with your advisor.

Visit Money Pickle

Smartasset

Smartasset is a website packed with free financial resources, including mortgage and investment calculators, reviews and guides, and a free advisor matching service. Smartassets fee-only and fee-based advisors have been vetted and are considered trusted advisors with solid reputations. There is no fee to use Smartasset’s matching service and no minimum investment requirement. However, note that if you decide to hire a financial advisor, they may have an investment minimum.

Visit Smartasset

NAPFA

NAPFA stands for the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors. Its website offers a directory of fee-only financial advisors. Unlike many WiserAdvisor and Money Pickle advisors, NAPFA-registered advisors do not sell financial products on commission. This means that they can be more objective, as they don’t personally benefit from selling you certain types of investments over others.

The NAPFA directory is more “self-serve” than the matching service WiserAdvisor and Money Pickle offer. You can search for an advisor by location and add multiple advisors to a favorites list. If you are interested, you can contact the advisor and book a consultation.

Visit NAPFA

Final Thoughts

If you need a financial advisor but are struggling to find one on your own, WiserAdvisor might be worth a shot. Like some of the competition, their service is free and not restricted to high-net-worth investors.

If you aren’t satisfied with their recommendations, there is no obligation to continue. Just be mindful of the fees that will eventually be charged by any advisor you deal with. There’s a reason that more people choose to manage their investments through online brokers or deal with a robo-advisor.

The post WiserAdvisor Review: A Legit Way to Find an Advisor? appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.

While credit cards are a better option for handling such a shortage, if you don’t have access to them, it doesn’t matter how much better they are!

In this article, we cover the top $50 loan instant apps and some alternatives. The instant loan apps listed here might be a good solution if and when you experience a cash shortfall and need a little help.

While the best solution is to have a fully funded emergency fund, we can’t see the future and we have to deal with the situation we are faced with today.

	Overall money management	Learn more
	Overdraft protection	Learn more
	Working with your existing checking account	Learn more
	Low fees	Learn more
	Frequent advances	Learn more
	Larger advances	Learn more

1. Cleo

Best For: Overall money management

• Loan amount: up to $250
• Fees: $5.99 monthly subscription fee, plus $0 for standard delivery, or between $3.99 and $9.99 for express delivery
• Interest Rate: 0%
• Waiting period: within four business days for standard delivery
• Credit check: No

Visit Cleo

Cleo is a fun personal finance app that offers first-time borrowers anywhere from $20 to $100. After you pay back that first loan, subsequent loans can be as much as $250. To use it, you link up your bank account, and it analyzes your transaction history to offer suggestions on how to improve your finances. That can be very helpful.

Cleo also offers budgeting tools and a credit-building product, Credit Builder, which can improve your options in the future should you need to rely on your credit. It also has a savings account with a competitive interest rate and features that help you save more.

Check out our Cleo review for more.

Visit Cleo

2. Chime

Best For: Overdraft protection

• Loan amount: $20 – $500
• Fees: $0 for standard transfer, $2 for instant transfer
• Interest Rate: 0%
• Waiting period: Within 24 hours with a standard transfer
• Credit check: No

Visit Chime

Chime is a fintech banking app that allows users to open spending accounts with no minimum balance requirement or monthly fees. 

You can be approved for Chime’s SpotMe feature will cover any overdrafts caused by your Chime debit card, up to $200. You need to have a monthly direct deposit of at least $200 to qualify. The MyPay feature allows you to take a payroll advance of up to $500.  You can see your MyPay limit in the Chime mobile app.

There is no credit check with Chime; however, they do use other avenues to verify that the information you entered on your application is correct. 

Chime comes with a free debit card that doesn’t charge fees for debit purchases or in-network ATM use. Take advantage of Chime’s secured Visa credit card if you want to start building your credit history. 

If you’re particularly interested in credit building, you’ll want to read our Chime Credit Builder Review. 

Check out our full Chime review for more information.

Visit Chime

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

3. Brigit

Best For: Working with your existing checking account

• Amount: Up to $250
• Fee: $9.99 per month, plus $0 for standard transfer, or a fee for instant transfers
• Interest rate: 0%
• Waiting period: 2-3 business days for standard transfer
• Credit check: No

Visit Brigit

Brigit is a budgeting app that connects to your existing banking account. It offers a cash advance on your paycheck if you need it. 

Brigit can approve you for any amount between $50 and $250. The app chooses your approved advance amount based on your banking activity. Standard transfers are free but take 2-3 business days. There is an instant transfer feature, but the fees are not disclosed. Some reports state that the fee is between 99 cents and $4.99, depending on the loan amount.

As an optional feature, Brigit might also make an automatic advance deposit if the app’s algorithm shows you are at risk of going negative in your bank account. This feature can save you from overdraft charges via your bank. Brigit automatically sets your advance repayment schedule. 

You can pay the advance back early if you wish. You may also be able to extend your payback period with Brigit.

Check out our full Brigit review for more information.

Visit Brigit

4. Dave

Best For: Low fees 

• Amount: Up to $500
• Fee: $0 for standard delivery, $4.99 for express delivery
• Interest rate: 0%
• Waiting period: Up to three days for standard delivery, within eight hours for express delivery
• Credit check: No

Visit Dave

Dave is a fintech banking app with a variety of features. The instant loan amount you get approved for with Dave depends on several factors, including your account history, your average balance, your monthly deposit amount and how fast you’ve paid back previous advances.

Direct Deposit into your linked account or your Dave account is required, and the money you borrow will automatically be paid back in full once your Direct Deposit hits your account. 

You do have the option to pay some or all of the advance back early if you want to. There’s an option to tip as well, and some of your tip money will go to the nonprofit Feeding America.

Dave does charge a $1 per month membership fee. You get free in-network ATM usage and debit card usage.

There are no overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements with Dave. And you can get your Direct Deposit funds up to two days early. (Here are alternatives to Dave)

Visit Dave

5. Earnin

Best For: Frequent advances

• Amount: Up to $100 per day, $750 per pay period
• Fee: $0 for standard transfers, $2.99 for Lightning Speed transfers
• Interest rate: 0%
• Waiting period: 1-3 business days for standard – Lightning Speed transfers hit your account within minutes.
• Credit check: No

Visit Earnin

Earnin is a popular app designed to help users get earnings from their job early. When you link Earnin to your bank account, you can use Earnin advances and other features. 

Earnin will automatically take back the advanced money when your direct deposit paycheck hits your bank account. If repaying the Earnin loan causes an overdraft, it will reimburse the fee.

You can choose to tip Earnin for the advance it gave you, but you don’t have to. Customer tips are how Earnin stays in business and makes money. 

You can also use the Tip Yourself feature to help build a savings account balance. Note that you have to be employed and get Direct Deposit to use Earnin. Here are some Earnin app alternatives, some of which are included in this article.

Visit Earnin

6. MoneyLion

Best For: Larger advances

• Amount: $25 up to $1,000
• Fee: $0  for standard transfers, up to $8.99 for instant transfers
• Interest rate: 0%
• Waiting period: 1-5 business days for standard transfers
• Credit check: No 

Visit MoneyLion

You can use MoneyLion’s advance features with either an external bank account or a MoneyLion cash management account, called RoarMoney.

The cash advance amount you will be eligible for depends on the amount of your direct deposit, how long you've had the account, and whether you use a RoarMoney account or an external account. When you first qualify, you will be eligible for $25 with an external account and $50 with a RoarMoney account.

If you need to expedite Instacash advances to your RoarMoney or external banking account, Instacash Turbo is the solution. The fee for instant transfers depends on the amount you need and if the money is going to a MoneyLion account or an external account. Fees start at 49 cents for transfers under $5 and go up to $8.99 for transfers between $90 and $100.  

Instacash advances are paid back from your RoarMoney account or your external checking account, depending on where the loan was deposited. 

Looking for something similar to MoneyLion? Check out our article on apps like MoneyLion.

Visit MoneyLion

What is an Instant Loan App?

An instant loan app is an app that lends you a small amount of money for a short period (often less than 30 days). 

You can’t rely on an instant loan app to cover large purchases, like a vehicle or electronics, or as a way to consolidate and pay off debt. Instead, they help you bridge the gap when you’re running a few bucks short in between paychecks. 

Typically, the money you borrow through an instant loan app often has to be paid back in full when you get your next paycheck. For that reason, you can only access small amounts of cash via instant loan apps, it's also why the apps require direct deposit. 

While some instant money apps are free to use, some charge high interest rates and fees. In other words, you might have to pay to use them – and pay handsomely (relative to the size of the loan). 

How to Choose an Instant Loan App

With the plentiful options for instant loan apps, you’ll want to ensure that you choose wisely. You can start that process by asking yourself some questions:

• How often am I short on money?
• How much money am I usually short by?
• Does the fee structure fit my budget and my needs?
• Do the app’s other requirements fit my lifestyle?
• Can I get the money I borrow as quickly as I need to?
• Am I willing to change banks?

When it comes to choosing an instant loan app, you’ll want to be aware of the requirements. From there, you can work to narrow down your list of choices. 

If you aren't willing to switch your checking account over to a new company, then you'll have to use apps that work with external bank accounts, such as Brigit or MoneyLion.

If you frequently need instant transfers, you should choose an app with a low fee for instant transfers, such as Chime.

Lastly, if you’d prefer an app that helps you with money management as a whole, you might like the Cleo app. 

How to Get Approved for an Instant Loan App

People like instant loan apps for many reasons, one being that many of the apps don’t check credit to determine approval.

Instead, instant loan apps utilize other factors, and it’s good for you as a consumer to know which factors matter when it comes to whether you’re approved and how much money you’re approved for. 

Some of the factors that dictate whether or not you’re approved for instant loan money include:

• Regular direct deposits
• Your income
• Your spending habits
• The number of occurrences of insufficient funds in your account
• Whether or not you pay back your instant loans on time

Instant loan apps will usually approve new members for smaller loan amounts, such as $20. Once you’ve shown that you don’t overspend regularly, that you pay back loan amounts on time, and that you’re working to improve your money management, instant loan app companies are more likely to increase the loan amount you’re eligible for. 

Bottom line: Manage the money you have as wisely as you can and show instant loan app companies that you’re worthy of the loan.

Alternatives to Apps for Instant Money

As you can see, instant loan apps may be convenient, but they don't solve the problem of not having enough money. You have a little extra today, but you have to pay it back when you get your next paycheck.

Instead, consider these alternatives for handling small financial emergencies. 

Sell Stuff

Scour your home for items you no longer need and look for the right venues to sell them fast. Some ideas include:

• Having a yard sale
• Posting on Facebook community buy/sell pages
• Advertising on your personal Facebook page
• Placing signs in your yard

Some ideas for things you can sell include clothing, sporting goods, and home/living items such as storage containers and small appliances. 

Start a Side Hustle

Side hustles are a great way to get some extra cash fast. Unlike many traditional jobs where you have to find them, interview, and wait for a start date, some side hustles let you get paid quickly. 

Here are some side hustles that will earn you cash fast: 

• Find (legit, trustworthy) gigs on Craigslist
• Sign up for Taskrabbit
• Deliver food for Instacart or DoorDash
• Drive for Uber or Lyft
• Get a job as a server for a restaurant that will let you start immediately
• Deliver pizzas
• Find gigs on Fiverr

You could also offer to do small jobs such as cleaning jobs for friends, family, and neighbors.

Get creative and start offering to do those tasks that everyone puts off: clean basements and attics, clean cars inside and out, wash windows, wash dogs–you get the idea.

For more ideas on earning quick cash, this article offers 20 simple ways to make money fast. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Using an instant loan app is a great way to get instant money. However, using these apps should be a “last resort” option. Needing short-term loans is a sign that something is wrong. If you find that you are consistently running short of funds, you'll want to get serious about budgeting so you can make long-term sustainable changes to your finances.

The post $50 Loan Instant App: The Best Apps for Instant Money (plus Alternatives) appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.