The Penny Hoarder
type: channel
date: 2026-03-20T14:18:59Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Got Wandering Feet? 10 Places That Will Pay You to Move There
items: Banks That Pay Early: The 12 Best Early Deposit Banks for 2026
items: Our 7 Top Banks With No Credit Check for 2026
items: The Tax-Time Reality Check: More Than Half of Americans Depend on Tax Refunds for Basic Expenses
items: Looking to Rake in Extra Dough? This App Will Pay You for Shoveling Snow
items: What to Buy on GovDeals: The Best Categories for Real Savings
items: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: How to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity
items: Do You Have Unexpected Bills and No Emergency Fund? These Are Alternatives
items: 11 Pantry Essentials for Whipping Up Easy Low-Cost Meals
items: 13 Second Jobs That Will Help You Pay the Bills

Got Wandering Feet? 10 Places That Will Pay You to Move There
type: item
creator: Robert Bruce
date: 2026-02-28T14:33:08Z
subject: Make Money
subject: evergreen
subject: Has aff links
subject: repub
description: How about some free money to relocate to a new city? Check out these places that will pay you to move there. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: If you could use a change of scenery, why not get free money to move somewhere? In the face of declining or slowing population growth, some cities have decided to get aggressive about their survival. Despite soaring real estate prices in the past few years, there are still cities giving away free land while others are handing out major financial incentives to folks who agree to move to their metropolitan area. Most of the incentives are offered to people already in the workforce, maybe working remotely, and earning at least $50k or more a year. Here are 10 places that really, really want you to move there. 10 Places That Will Pay You to Move There If you’re looking for a new place to call home, but you don’t have your heart set on a specific area or major cities, we’ve found 10 places — both states overall and specific cities — that are offering deals worth thousands of dollars to entice you to make their communities your home sweet home. Places that will pay you to move there include: Tulsa, Oklahoma Kentucky Baltimore, Maryland Newton, Iowa Hamilton, Ohio West Virginia Kansas Indiana Alaska Michigan An added incentive is that several of the programs work with Airbnb so people can come sample the city before deciding to move. 1. Tulsa, Oklahoma Oklahoma’s second-largest city is offering to pay remote workers $10,000 cash to relocate there through its Tulsa Remote program. You’ll get $10,000 cash in the form of relocation expenses, a monthly stipend and the rest at the end of the year. And they’ll throw in a 36-month membership at a coworking space so you don’t have to work all by your lonesome. The only requirements are that you must: Be 18 years old; Eligible to work in the U.S.; Be a full-time remote employee or self-employed full time outside of Oklahoma; Move within the next 12 months; Have not lived in Oklahoma in the previous 12 months; And, you know, want to live in Tulsa. Apply here. 2. Kentucky Red River Gorge is about 90 minutes from Lexington and an outd…

Banks That Pay Early: The 12 Best Early Deposit Banks for 2026
type: item
creator: Dana Miranda, CEPF®
date: 2026-02-23T16:49:05Z
subject: Bank Accounts
subject: evergreen
subject: freelancers
subject: Original
description: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. If you depend heavily on the timing of your paycheck, you know that just a day or two can make a huge difference in getting […] This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. If you depend heavily on the timing of your paycheck, you know that just a day or two can make a huge difference in getting your bills paid on time. Early direct deposit in your bank account can reduce your financial stress and give you an extra cushion to plan your spending and bills. Once a unique feature of neobanks, early direct deposit is now a common feature among online and traditional banks. It gives you access to funds as soon as a payer files payment information, so you could get your paycheck up to two days before your regularly scheduled payday. In this guide, we’ll compare traditional banks, online banks and fintech accounts that offer early pay. We looked at timing of pay, fees, savings APY, overdraft protection and usability to help you decide which account is right for you. Our List: The Best Banks That Pay Early in 2026 The best account for you depends on your financial circumstances. Lots of banks offer early pay features. They’re often paired with a wide variety of other features, from online banking to fee-free overdraft to savings or credit-building tools. Consider all the features and fees of a bank account to choose the one that’s right for you. Traditional Banks That Pay 2 Days Early 1. Fifth Third Momentum Checking With a Momentum Checking account at Fifth Third Bank, you can get access to a direct deposit up to two days early with its Early Pay feature. Momentum Checking is a rare checking account with a brick-and-mortar bank that comes with no monthly service fee and no minimum balance to maintain. You can open the account with no minimum deposit amount. Fifth Third Bank comes with the legitimacy of a long-standing traditional bank, operating since 1858. It offers online and mobile banking as well as more than 1,000 in-person branches in 12 states in the southeast …

Our 7 Top Banks With No Credit Check for 2026
type: item
creator: Dana Miranda, CEPF®
date: 2026-02-23T15:19:48Z
subject: Bank Accounts
subject: evergreen
subject: freelancers
subject: Has aff links
subject: Original
description: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Not having access to a basic checking account makes everything about money management harder — from receiving your paycheck to paying bills to dealing with […] This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Not having access to a basic checking account makes everything about money management harder — from receiving your paycheck to paying bills to dealing with cash. Having negative marks in your credit or banking history has traditionally made many bank accounts out of reach. But that’s changing. Second-chance bank accounts and online banks with no credit check make it much easier to get banked regardless of your financial history. You don’t have to rely on prepaid cards or check-cashing stores forever. No-credit-check banks make full-service banking accessible, even if you have a history of unpaid fees, overdrafts or a low credit score. In this guide, we’ll review some options for no-credit-check banks and second-chance accounts. We’ll help you choose the account that’s right for you based on features, fees, online and mobile access, branch access and other tools to help you rebuild your finances. Our List: The Best Banks with No Credit Check in 2026 The best bank account for you depends on your needs and financial goals. Compare your options to determine which best fits your situation — whether you have bad credit, negative ChexSystems marks or just need an accessible online bank account with no credit check. All of the accounts in our list are FDIC-insured, full-service checking accounts available throughout the United States. We’ve included a mix of online banks, banking apps and traditional banks to help you see your range of options and figure out what might be the best fit for you. Online Banks and Fintech Accounts with No Credit Check Many options are offered through financial technology (fintech) companies. These accounts tend to skip both the credit check and consumer banking reports from ChexSystems and Early Warning Services (EWS). It makes them deliberately welcoming to users who’v…

The Tax-Time Reality Check: More Than Half of Americans Depend on Tax Refunds for Basic Expenses
type: item
creator: Tiffany Connors, CEPF®
date: 2026-02-18T19:20:39Z
subject: Taxes
description: For many Americans, a tax refund isn’t a windfall or splurge money — it’s a critical lifeline for covering essential expenses. In fact, nearly 6 in 10 Americans view their tax refund as essential to their financial health — not discretionary spending — according to a new Tax-Time Reality Check survey from The Penny Hoarder. […] This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: For many Americans, a tax refund isn’t a windfall or splurge money — it’s a critical lifeline for covering essential expenses. In fact, nearly 6 in 10 Americans view their tax refund as essential to their financial health — not discretionary spending — according to a new Tax-Time Reality Check survey from The Penny Hoarder. Further, 58% of respondents said their financial situation hasn’t improved since last tax season. Conducted in January 2026, the survey asked 1,000 U.S. adults from the general population who plan to file a federal income tax return this year about financial pressures, filing habits and why tax refunds matter more than ever. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="Tax-time reality check - finances chart" class="wp-image-221350" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-360x360.jpeg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-100x100.jpeg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/17112746/07-finances-2048x2048-1-300x300.jpeg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Why Tax Refunds Are No Longer Optional For Many Most financial experts will tell you a large tax refund is a sign you’re withholding too much from your paycheck and you’re just giving an interest-free loan to the government. Instead, you should withhold less…

Looking to Rake in Extra Dough? This App Will Pay You for Shoveling Snow
type: item
creator: Jenna Limbach
date: 2026-02-13T18:30:57Z
subject: Make Money
subject: Side Gigs
subject: evergreen
subject: Original
subject: repub
description: This *cool* Shoveler app will help you make money shoveling snow this winter. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: If you’re seeking to earn extra income during the colder months, consider shoveling snow. Many folks are unable to or just don’t want to shovel snow off their driveways and walkways. Being in the 21st century, you don’t need to worry about going door to door and soliciting your services. Thanks to the smartphone app Shovler, you can see those in your immediate area looking to hire someone just like you. What Is Shovler? The Shovler app uses GPS to connect people in need of snow removal with nearby users willing to do the shoveling. Registered snow shovelers can use the app to quickly view and accept jobs within 20 miles of their current location — no haggling or in-person contact required. Daniel Miller, who lives in New York City, created Shovler in 2016 after a winter storm buried his car in snow — and he didn’t own a shovel. He spoke to others in the same situation and came up with the idea for the snow shoveling app. “I used to shovel snow as a kid in the ’90s,” Miller said. “I always had a great sense of satisfaction after completing a large driveway for a neighbor.” How Do You Get Started On Shovler? Before you can put your snow shoveling skills to the test, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes to sign up (including connecting the required payment platform). Download the Shovler app, select “Become a Shoveler” and fill out your information to get started. You will also need to connect a Stripe payment system account to get paid. After creating your account, the app makes it super easy to find snow shoveling jobs in your area. You can search for nearby jobs within the Shovler app or select “go on duty” to be notified when new snow shoveling jobs are added. There are different types of snow removal jobs to choose from. You can make money shoveling driveways and walkways, or digging out cars parked on a city street. Business owners can also hire shovelers to clear the snow in front of their businesses or small parking lots. What You Can Expect as a Snow Shoveler Natha…

What to Buy on GovDeals: The Best Categories for Real Savings
type: item
creator: Rachel Christian, CEPF®
date: 2026-02-11T19:49:50Z
subject: Save Money
subject: evergreen
subject: repub
description: When government agencies need to get rid of stuff, they put it up for auction. That’s what makes government auction sites, like GovDeals.com, a great place to find truly unique finds at a steep discount. GovDeals lets you search thousands of listings in just about every category, from heavy equipment and real estate to fine […] This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: When government agencies need to get rid of stuff, they put it up for auction. That’s what makes government auction sites, like GovDeals.com, a great place to find truly unique finds at a steep discount. GovDeals lets you search thousands of listings in just about every category, from heavy equipment and real estate to fine art and jewelry. This guide breaks down how GovDeals works, why prices are often so low, the best categories to shop for savings, and where you should slow down or skip entirely. What Is GovDeals and Why Prices Are So Low Think of GovDeals like eBay but for governments. It’s an online auction platform where government agencies sell surplus, seized or outdated items directly to the public. Back in the day, many agencies placed ads in the local newspaper when they wanted to sell off old equipment or seized property. But now, cities, counties, school districts, police departments, utilities and other public agencies use GovDeals and other auction sites, where they can reach a bigger audience, to clear out items they no longer need. Because the goal is disposal and cost recovery, not retail profit, many listings start with low opening bids. Prices are often low for a few practical reasons: Items are sold as-is, with limited buyer protections Buyers may have to handle local pickup and transport Listings can be inconsistent because agencies post their own photos and notes Some items are bulky, specialized or expensive to move, which reduces competition <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="760" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/11144141/govdeals-screenshot-1024x760.png" alt="Online auction listing showing item photos and bidding details" class="wp-image-221281" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/11144141/govdeals-screenshot-1024x760.png 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/11144141/govdeals-screenshot-360x267.png 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoar…

HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: How to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity
type: item
creator: Jen Smith
date: 2026-02-09T20:50:28Z
subject: Bank Accounts
subject: evergreen
subject: Original
description: If you’re on the fence about whether to take a HELOC or a home equity loan, here’s what to consider. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Thinking about tapping into your home equity? If you’re looking for ways to finance a home renovation, consolidate debts (hello, student loans!) or fund a big purchase, you might be on the right track. Your home equity could give you quick access to large sums of money, often at a lower interest rate than a credit card or personal loan. But there are several ways to leverage your home equity, including a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and a home equity loan. So which option is right for you? And how do a HELOC vs. home equity loan compare? In this article we’re sharing everything you need to know about the most popular ways to tap into your home equity, including pros, cons and common use cases. What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan is a type of loan that allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. Your equity, or the difference between your home’s value and the amount you own on your mortgage, acts as collateral for the lender. Home equity loans give you a lump sum of money, then you repay it over time with fixed monthly payments at a fixed interest rate. Home equity loans are often used for home improvements, education costs, business investments and more. What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a loan that lets you borrow money against the equity of your home on a revolving basis, similar to a credit card. You can use funds as needed up to a set limit of time, which is usually between 5 to 10 years. You’ll make interest-only payments during this period then be required to pay back principal and interest over the repayment term. HELOCs are most commonly used for large, ongoing expenses, such as home renovations, emergency needs, medical bills or real estate investments. Home Equity Line of Credit vs. Home Equity Loan A HELOC vs. home equity loan may sound similar, but they’re two distinct options with unique pros and cons. To determine the best fit for you, first consider what you’ll be usin…

Do You Have Unexpected Bills and No Emergency Fund? These Are Alternatives
type: item
creator: Stephanie Faris
date: 2026-02-09T20:39:23Z
subject: Make Money
subject: Quick Money
subject: evergreen
subject: freelancers
subject: Original
description: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. One morning, you head out to your car and it doesn’t start. Or, you have a medical emergency that requires major surgery. Maybe a pipe […] This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. One morning, you head out to your car and it doesn’t start. Or, you have a medical emergency that requires major surgery. Maybe a pipe bursts in your master bathroom and does extensive damage. But you have no emergency fund, so how do you get emergency money? Emergencies can strike at any time. An emergency fund can help, but 37% of respondents for The Penny Hoarder’s State of Savings survey don’t have one. That means for two in five U.S. consumers, when something goes wrong, they need a way to get emergency money. We have five avenues for you to consider. Make Quick Cash to Cover Emergency Expenses Expensive emergencies are hard — both emotionally and financially. There are ways to get the money you need if you don’t have an emergency fund, but what about when you have to pay that money back? Or, what if you’re more committed to starting that emergency fund now? We have some ways you can make quick cash below to help with both. 1. Put It on a Credit Card Pros: Immediate access to funds Repay over time No additional application required Cons: High interest rates Unpaid balances can add up Possible credit score impact If you already have a credit card, it can be one of the easiest options in an emergency. But if you can’t afford to pay off the balance in full, you’ll be saddled with the payments for a while. On top of that, credit cards typically come with higher interest rates, and those extra fees can add up over time. Bobbi Rebell, CFP® and personal finance expert at CardRates.com, recommends paying close attention to interest you’ll have to pay. If you have more affordable options available, it makes sense to consider them. “If you do find yourself adding credit card debt to an already bad financial situation, try to negotiate a lower interest rate with the issuer if possible,” Rebell add…

11 Pantry Essentials for Whipping Up Easy Low-Cost Meals
type: item
creator: Larissa Runkle
date: 2026-02-09T20:35:39Z
subject: Save Money
subject: evergreen
subject: repub
description: Keeping these pantry essentials in your kitchen allows you to whip up quick meals and minimize your takeout spending. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Saving money on food comes down to one thing: working smarter, not harder. And that starts with keeping some basic pantry (and freezer) essentials on hand at all times, so you can whip up tasty meals with minimal effort. Saving money in the kitchen is always important, but even more so as food prices rise. The price of food increased 3.1% over the last 12 months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are a number of factors that drive up prices, including rising energy and transportation costs, tariffs and higher labor costs. Why Is It a Good Idea to Have a Well-Stocked Pantry? If you have a well-stocked pantry it makes it easier and cheaper to cook at home and not resort to takeout. A stocked pantry allows you to smartly take advantage of store sales to make meals for your family because you don’t have to buy every ingredient for something you may want to prepare. For example, if there’s a good deal on ground beef at the grocery store and you already have dried breadcrumbs, jarred red sauce and dried spaghetti in your pantry, you’ve got most of what you need for easy spaghetti and meatballs. Pick up a few fresh veggies and make black bean soup with the canned beans and broth you’ve got in the pantry. And how lucky that you have a loaf of French bread in the freezer. The Budget Cook’s 11 Kitchen Pantry Essentials Whole grains and breads Pasta Beans and legumes Baking Nuts and seeds Oils and vinegars Condiments and sauces Dried herbs and spices Shelf-stable foods Frozen fruits and veggies In the fridge If you’re trying to cut down on takeout and looking to stock your cabinets on the cheap, grab these healthy pantry essentials to build quick and easy low-cost meals. Keep an eye out for sales. Also, there is a lot on this list, and you don’t need it all. If your family won’t eat peas, no need to buy that frozen bag of them. Same with pickles and olives, though for some folks, these items are the perfect flavor boosts for salads and sandwiches. 1. Grains an…

13 Second Jobs That Will Help You Pay the Bills
type: item
creator: Matt Reinstetle
date: 2026-02-09T20:34:02Z
subject: Make Money
subject: Side Gigs
subject: evergreen
subject: Has aff links
subject: military-page
subject: repub
description: If you’re hunting for a second job to help make ends meet, make sure it’s a good fit. Check out these possible gigs and know what to look for. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
encoded: Are you thinking about taking on a second job? Second jobs can be a great way to make extra money, pay off bills, grow savings and have some extra cash in your wallet. Also, these second jobs might lead to opportunities to develop new skills, find more job options and explore your passions. But before you sign up for a part-time job or dive head first into a side hustle, you have to think about which second jobs are best for you. With that in mind, here are 13 gigs to consider and some questions to help you find the right second job. Make Even More Extra Money Outside a Second Job Extra cash is more than just extra for a lot of people these days — it’s a necessity to get by. If you’re looking to increase your cash flow and you’re not ready to take on a whole other job, we have some tips to help. We compiled a list of some of our favorite ways to make easy money, whether it’s instead of — or in addition to — a second job. The 13 Best Second Jobs for Anyone If you don’t already have a specific job in mind, here are some second job ideas to consider. These jobs are broken down into categories, including jobs that are app-based, in the service industry and remote. Ride-share driver Meal delivery Doing odd jobs Restaurant server Bartender Fast-food worker Transcriptionist Customer service associate Freelance and creative writing Teaching English as a second language Online tutoring Fitness instructor E-commerce seller App-Based Jobs Thanks to smartphones, app-based gigs have risen in popularity in recent years. Companies such as Uber and Lyft, Rover and GrubHub make it easier for people to find part-time jobs on the fly and work a flexible schedule. Here is a breakdown of some of the more popular job ideas involving smartphone apps. 1. Ride-Share Driver Of course, ride-share driving has to top this list. Over the last several years, it’s become one of the most popular ways to earn extra income. It’s not just a trend anymore. It’s a full blown industry with no sign of slo…