A Guide to Knowing Your ‘Full Retirement Age’ for Social Security
The age 65 has always carried big significance. For baby boomers and those from the previous generation, age 65 was a target. It was the unofficial age for retirement. But we need to adjust our thinking when it comes to that number. Today, many people who turn 65 are still working and, thanks to improved […] 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.
The age 65 has always carried big significance. For baby boomers and those from the previous generation, age 65 was a target. It was the unofficial age for retirement. But we need to adjust our thinking when it comes to that number. Today, many people who turn 65 are still working and, thanks to improved life expectancy, can often look forward to 20 more years of good life and relatively good health. The age 65 has only one official designation; It’s when American citizens are required to sign up for Medicare. Otherwise, 65 means nothing in particular. And that includes when it comes to Social Security. It does matter how old you are when you begin to accept Social Security benefits, because that sets the amount you will receive monthly until you die. The longer you delay taking Social Security benefits, the more you will receive in monthly benefits until you pass away, up to age 70, when the increases stop. But the age 65 plays no role. Ages That Matter to Social Security There are certain ages that DO matter to Social Security, and here they are: When You Turn 62 That is when you can first claim Social Security benefits, unless you have a health factor that would allow you to receive SS benefits at an earlier age. NOTE: You do not need to be “retired’’ to receive SS benefits, but your monthly benefit amount can be reduced if you are making more than $2,040 a month from work in 2026. Claiming benefits at 62 results in a reduction — here’s a chart that shows how much. Here are more details on working and collecting Social Security benefits. When You are 66 to 67 If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born from 1955 to 1960, your full retirement age increases gradually up to age 67. Anyone born since 1961 has a full retirement age of 67. When You Turn 70 This is the age when your monthly Social Security benefits stop increasing, unless there is a cost of living adjustment. What Is ‘Full Retirement Age?’ In the original Social Security Act of 1935, the “full retirement age” was 65 years old. But, improvements in life expectancy caused the Social Security Administration to increase the age of “full retirement” over time. Today, the SSA has set the age of 67 as “full retirement age’’ for anyone born after 1960. “Full retirement age” is when you can start receiving your full benefit. Your monthly benefit increases for every month you do not accept Social Security benefits, up to age 70. The longer you wait, the more you are paid each month up to age 70. After you reach age 70, your monthly benefits do not increase unless there is a cost-of-living adjustment to the benefit schedule. According to the Social Security Administration, the average Social Security benefit check for retired workers in January 2026 is $2,071. The maximum allowable monthly Social Security benefit payment is $5,181. The amount is determined by how many years a person contributed to the Social Security program through their paychecks from work, and at what age they decided to start accepting benefits. So, Why Do I Care When I Turn 65? When you turn 65, you are eligible for Medicare, which matters if you are concerned about health care costs. In the United States of America, there is absolutely no way to ignore the fact that you are about to turn 65 years old, because Medicare won’t let you. Six months prior to turning 65, you begin to receive mailings from private insurance companies offering you so-called “Medigap’’ policies which will cover the costs not covered by the standard Medicare Parts A and B, which are provided by the federal government. It is estimated that one out of every three Medicare recipients utilize a Medigap policy to defray medical care costs. To confuse people even more about whether Social Security cares that you are turning 65, you must go to the Social Security website, ssa.gov, to sign up initially for Medicare. Your official information from Medicare will come in the mail from the Social Security department of the federal government. Otherwise, the main reason to anticipate turning 65 is that you are likely to pay less for food at all of the restaurant chains in America which offer discounts to “senior citizens.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Full Retirement Age There are a lot of questions about the full retirement age and what benefits might come your way when you reach it. We’ve rounded up answers to the most commonly asked questions. Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013. He is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Senior managing editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post for 2026. 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.
You Should Probably Freeze Your Credit. Here’s Why
Data breaches are increasingly common in today’s interconnected world, but you have access to a free tool that can protect you. Here’s how to freeze your credit. 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.
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. Another day, another data breach. While breaches are now commonplace, don’t write them off with a shrug and a, “What can you do, right?” That’s exactly what hackers are hoping for. In addition to checking your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for anything fishy, one of the best ways to protect yourself is with a credit freeze. That way, even if a hacker has all your information, they can’t do anything with it. You can set up a credit freeze within minutes from each of the three of major credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. The best part? It’s completely free. Whether you receive a security alert from your bank or one of the various companies you’ve made purchases from, you’re going to want to know all the right steps to take to ensure your accounts are safe from fraud and identity theft. So, before you commit to going off the grid or hiding out in a bunker in New Zealand, read this. We’ve got all the details you need to keep your personal information (and financials) safe with a credit freeze. When Should You Freeze Your Credit? Many people freeze their credit after their identities have been stolen, which is fine. However, this means you’re basically in a race against the criminal: Who can get to your credit report first? Steven Weisman, a Bentley University professor and author of the fraud and identity theft blog Scamicide, suggests freezing your credit now — and always. He thinks of the tool as a “preventive medicine.” “This is the single best thing someone can do to protect themselves from being a victim of identity theft,” he said. “Even if your Social Security number was in the hands of an identity thief, you’d still be protected.” If you’d rather not put your credit on perma-freeze, then you should also consider it under the following circumstances: You’ve been the victim of a data breach. (At this point, that’s nearly all of us.) You believe you may have become a victim of identity theft. You want to protect your child’s credit. Once your credit is frozen, you will still have access to your credit report, as will current creditors and debt collectors. Employers — current and potential — will have limited access to your credit report, as will some government agencies. How a Credit Freeze Works Credit Sesame defines a credit freeze as “a process which locks down your credit file and prevents identity thieves and cyber criminals from opening credit in your name.” A credit freeze means your credit file is inaccessible to everyone except you, and your current creditors and debt collectors. Creditors, such as banks and credit card companies, ask to see credit reports before giving the green light on opening any new accounts. Since they won’t be able to see your credit history, they won’t be able to extend you (or your hacker) a new line of credit. Makes sense, right? And no, freezing your credit won’t negatively impact your credit score. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman looks stressed while on the phone and holding a credit card near her temple. " class="wp-image-185969" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04141241/credit-card-freeze-3-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images How to Freeze Your Credit The first step is to request a security freeze from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each bureau has a slightly different process, but generally freezing requests don’t take more than a few minutes to complete and are processed in real time when made on the phone or online (but you should allow up to one hour to be on the safe side). When freeze requests are placed by mail, you should allow up to three business days for them to be processed. Contact the 3 Major Credit Bureaus You can freeze your credit by mail, phone or online. Remember: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion all say requesting a credit freeze by mail is the slowest method, and so if time is of the essence, you should consider requesting the freeze over the phone or online. Equifax Online: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ Phone: 888-378-4329 Mail: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348 Experian Online: experian.com/freeze/center.html Phone: 888-397-3742 Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Online: transunion.com/credit-freeze Phone: 888-909-8872 Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094 Information You’ll Need to Freeze Your Credit If you want to conduct a security freeze by phone or online, plan to have the following information handy: Your Social Security number Your birthdate A list of your most recent addresses If you opt to request a credit freeze by mail, you’ll want to include the following information in your written request: Your full name Date of birth Social Security number Last two addresses One clear copy of a government-issued identification card One clear copy of a utility bill, bank statement or other form of proof of address How Much Does a Credit Freeze Cost? Credit freezes now cost nothing, thanks to the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which became effective in September 2018. Before the law’s passage, credit freezes used to cost between $5 and $15 to set up, with a second charge to unlock the freeze. (Victims of fraud were typically exempt from paying these costs.) The law also allows you to unfreeze and refreeze your credit at any time, at no cost. How to Unfreeze Your Credit The time may come when you need to unfreeze your credit — say, to apply for a credit card or shop for a loan. To do so, go to the credit bureau’s website and use the credentials you set up to request the thaw. The freeze should be lifted within an hour, as required by federal law. (If you choose to request your credit thaw by mail, your wait time will be considerably longer — at least three business days from the receipt of the request.) You can also request to have the freeze lifted temporarily, which is especially helpful if you’re looking to rent an apartment or applying for a job, and then want to go back into lockdown. Pros and Cons of Credit Freezes The pros of having your credit frozen are pretty straightforward: It prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name It won’t affect your credit score Best of all, it’s free However, there are some possible pain points you should consider before requesting a credit freeze: Requesting and managing security freezes through three credit bureaus can be time-consuming You’ll need to lift the freeze if you want to apply for a new credit product like a loan or credit card It doesn’t protect your existing accounts What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Credit? A security freeze can be an incredibly powerful and effective tool to protect your identity and your credit, but you shouldn’t allow it to lull you into a false sense of security. Here are a few more steps you should consider to ensure your credit — and your identity — are as safe as they can possibly be: Fraud Alert A fraud alert is a 90-day alert on your account that requires companies to contact you before offering new credit. For example, if you give the company your phone number, they are required to call to verify your identity before getting a copy of your credit report. This is a free service. You only need to set up an alert with one of the credit reporting agencies, and the agency you set up the alert with will notify the other two. Three types of fraud alert are available: fraud alert, extended fraud alert and active-duty military alert. Credit Lock A credit lock will block everyone, including you, from making changes to your credit file. This access is managed through a website or mobile app, and access is instant whenever you need to unlock your credit. This option is also the most expensive, since you’ll need to request a credit lock from each individual credit reporting agency, and they all have slightly different subscription models for this service. While Equifax offers this service for free, Experian charges $24.99 per month after your free seven-day trial. TransUnion doesn’t offer this service. Review Your Credit Reports You can request a free credit report from each of the credit bureaus once a week through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit reports carefully when you get them, ensuring that no new accounts have been opened without your knowledge. If you see anything that looks suspicious on your credit reports, make a note of it — you’ll need this information when you report the fraud and potential theft to the police and the Federal Trade Commission. (You’ll also want to check to ensure no errors have found their way onto your report. It happens!) Credit Monitoring Services If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for a credit monitoring service. These let you know when changes have occurred so you can step in if those changes weren’t caused by you. The alerts make keeping an eye on your credit report a little easier. There are many credit monitoring services to choose from, like Credit Sesame. Credit monitoring tools are often a feature on budgeting apps as well. Monarch Money, for instance, can alert you of significant changes and allows you to see your credit score in your dashboard. <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman looks stressed out while holding a credit card." class="wp-image-185968" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/04140902/credit-card-freeze-2-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images When and How to Freeze Credit for Others There may come a time when you need to complete a security freeze on someone else’s behalf. Here are some general guidelines for completing a credit freeze for someone else. Your Child Most minors under the age of 18 won’t have any existing credit reports. Unfortunately, that makes it that much easier for someone to fraudulently apply for a loan in their name. One way to protect your child from identity fraud is to set up a security freeze on their behalf. Just as you would to set up a credit freeze for yourself, you’ll need to apply separately with each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) online, by phone or by mail. While credit freezes can be set up fairly quickly when requests are made online or by phone, mailed requests can take up to three business days to process. To submit a credit freeze request on behalf of your child, you’ll need: One piece of identification to prove your identity (such as a driver’s license, government-issued ID, Social Security card or birth certificate) One piece of identification to prove that you are the child’s parent or legal guardian (such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate, a copy of the court order, a valid power of attorney or a copy of a foster care certification) Multiple forms of identification to validate the child’s identity, which include a copy of the child’s Social Security card and birth certificate Elderly or Disabled Much as you would for a minor in your custody, there may come a time when you want to set up a security freeze for an aging loved one. If you suspect your loved one might be unable to regularly check their credit due to dementia or some other age-related illness, or that their personal information has been compromised, setting up a credit freeze is a good way to keep their finances safe. Much as you would with a minor, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves both of your identities, as well as your relationship to each other. Be prepared with the following documentation whenever you’re ready to request a credit freeze: One piece of identification to prove your identity (such as a driver’s license, government-issued ID, Social Security card or birth certificate) One piece of identification to prove your relationship to this person (such as a copy of the court order or a valid power of attorney) Multiple forms of identification to validate your loved one’s identity, which include a copy of the person’s Social Security card and birth certificate Active Military When spending prolonged periods of time abroad, it can make good financial sense to set up a credit freeze to avoid opening your finances up to any fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, unless you are legally responsible for someone (via a court order or power of attorney), you cannot freeze their credit for them. The good news is that all three credit bureaus are now offering a free service called Active Duty Alert, which is a yearlong alert system for deployed active military members that notifies them whenever a credit request is made in their name. These alerts can also be set up so that requesting parties are required to provide proof of identification (to further dissuade fraudulency). The best part? Once you set up an Active Duty Alert with one credit bureau, it’s required by law to notify the other two and have them do the same. Larissa Runkle (@therealtorwriter) is a writer and editor living in Colorado. Her work focuses on personal finance, real estate copywriting and lifestyle guides. 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.
How & Where To Buy Unclaimed Amazon Packages in 2026
Have you ever wondered what happens to packages that get lost in the mail? Most of the time, you can actually find these unclaimed or lost packages for sale online — and it’s not only failed Amazon deliveries. You can buy lost and unclaimed packages from all kinds of sources and sell what you find […] 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.
Have you ever wondered what happens to packages that get lost in the mail? Most of the time, you can actually find these unclaimed or lost packages for sale online — and it’s not only failed Amazon deliveries. You can buy lost and unclaimed packages from all kinds of sources and sell what you find as a side gig. You just need to know where to look — and we’re here to help. Make Quick Money Beyond Selling Unclaimed Packages Do you want to start buying unclaimed packages and flipping those items for a profit? Or, maybe you want to keep them for yourself. Either way, you can’t get in on the action without extra cash to buy these packages. Check out some of our favorite ways to earn easy money below so you can buy up unclaimed packages. 7 Places to Buy Unclaimed Packages Here are the best places you can make a profit from buying lost and unclaimed packages. Keep in mind that you may not always find unclaimed packages on these sites, but you may find other items to resell. 1. eBay <img decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/05162855/where-to-sell-clothes-online-ebay-unsplash.jpg" alt="where-to-sell-clothes-online-ebay-unsplash" class="wp-image-202436" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/05162855/where-to-sell-clothes-online-ebay-unsplash.jpg 640w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/05162855/where-to-sell-clothes-online-ebay-unsplash-360x270.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/05162855/where-to-sell-clothes-online-ebay-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /> Unsplash The grandfather of online auctions, eBay, is a prime spot where you can find unclaimed packages. Currently, eBay lists several auctions with bids ranging from $15 to $40 (prices will vary daily) for anywhere between two and 10 packages. Buyer beware, though: You have no idea what you’re bidding on. (We once saw one seller who wrote that packages are “intended for entertainment,” rather than potential resale value) You could be buying fancy jewelry or a bag of rocks. You’ll never know until you open the packages. Should you find some winners, you could sell them on eBay. 2. GovDeals <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture.jpeg" alt="A photo of numerous old office chairs." class="wp-image-170362" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-360x270.jpeg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-100x75.jpeg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-632x474.jpeg 632w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-536x402.jpeg 536w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12161251/office-furniture-300x225.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /> Photo courtesy of GovDeals If an item is lost or unclaimed for 90 days through the United States Postal Service, it may be auctioned off on GovDeals. This site works with the USPS to claim and sell unclaimed mail. You’ll most likely have to pick up whatever you buy though. GovDeals is like eBay for governments. You can bid on anything from a gold ring to a violin to a pottery wheel to a used police vehicle. The site lets you search by categories — and there are a lot of them. 3. Liquidation.com <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman works from home with her small dog sleeping on her." class="wp-image-167988" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/18134800/WFH-data-clerk-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images Liquidation.com is another auction site where you can browse unclaimed packages, but they allow you to see the name brand you are buying. Everything is sold in lots or pallets, and you may or may not be able to see what they contain. At the least, you may know what category the lots are in, so if you’re looking for kitchen equipment, there’s no danger of buying a bunch of shoes. Or you may just buy dozens of unopened packages with no idea what’s inside. Liquidation.com says it’s the largest B2B liquidation marketplace in North America with up to 90% off retail prices. 4. Swap Madness <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A couple work on their laptop while petting their dog." class="wp-image-189541" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20092648/online-banking-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images If you’d rather purchase your unclaimed packages in person, then Swap Madness might be for you. This site helps you find swap meets and flea markets near you in all 50 states. Once you find your specific area or town, the site breaks down all the swap meet and flea market options, with hours, addresses, and contact information. There is no guarantee that you’ll find unclaimed packages at any given flea market, so you may want to contact them ahead of time before you go. That said, you can head to the flea market with an idea of some things you’re interested in buying — and you’ll likely stumble upon them eventually. They’re a treasure trove! 5. 888Lots <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-1024x683.jpg" alt="A senior citizen woman works on her laptop from home." class="wp-image-202204" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30115600/senior-citizens-tax-resources.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Pexels Once you go through the free application process for 888Lots and become a verified customer, you can begin bidding on individual items and lots—which can be either fixed-priced or branded and biddable. Lots are broken down by category. You can buy a box of clothes or lawn and garden things with a detailed list of everything in the box. When it comes to individual items, the online store offers large discounts and also gives you what the item’s estimated retail price is on Amazon. 6. BlueLots <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A person shops online while lounging on her couch." class="wp-image-174684" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/28124814/online-shopping-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images BlueLots is another auction site that allows you to see what items you are bidding on—and, typically, these are large lots of items. When we last checked, you could bid on 100 pieces of jewelry for $155, 75 handbags for $249, and 48 wireless charging pads for $245. These deals are great if you’re a pro at retail arbitrage (buying and reselling online). “Some of the largest retailers in the world, as well as wholesale and closeout suppliers, sell their excess inventory on our marketplace,” according to the BlueLots website About Us page. “Our goal is to make it easy for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses by providing access to great inventory, exceptional software, and high-quality support to fuel our buyers’ success.” 7. Facebook Marketplace <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A man holds a phone while logging into the Facebook app." class="wp-image-177184" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/21131559/FB-marketplace-scams-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Adobe Stock If you choose to buy unclaimed packages or pallets through Facebook Marketplace, be sure to know who you are buying from. Look under seller details to see reviews, and make sure you’re buying from someone with a reputable rating. Facebook Marketplace also makes it easy to buy from sellers in your area — allowing you to skip shipping costs. Worried about getting swindled on Facebook Marketplace? Check out our guide to protecting yourself against Facebook Marketplace scams. Why Buy Unclaimed Packages? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman opens a shipped box at home." class="wp-image-120270" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02190000/ship_openbox.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images What’s the point of purchasing unclaimed packages online or in person? Good question. Other than the serendipity of the “treasure hunt” experience — opening mystery boxes in which you don’t know what’s inside — a lot of these package buyers like to flip the products to make a profit. After buying the items, they sell them on many of the same websites we’ve already listed. If that sounds appealing to you, here are a few ways you can make money selling unclaimed packages. You can open an eBay store and flip the items you’ve bought to make money. Look to buy some of the best items to sell on an eBay store. If you don’t like the hassle of finding a flea market near you to resell your stuff, there are at least a dozen online flea markets willing to help. You can also sell your stuff quite easily right from your smartphone, using one of many apps for selling your stuff online. Your options include Facebook, Decluttr, Poshmark, and many more. Last Word: Watch Out for Scams <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-1024x683.png" alt="The illustration shows a credit card being pulled into a cell phone," class="wp-image-176081" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-360x240.png 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-100x67.png 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-222x148.png 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-314x209.png 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-363x242.png 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-467x311.png 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-649x433.png 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-750x500.png 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-793x529.png 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26120155/mail-delivery-scam-v2.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images and Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder With any website that uses third-party sellers, you have to watch out for scams. That’s no different when you are buying unclaimed packages. These steps can help you stay away from scams. Do your research and only buy from trusted websites and sellers. Pay attention to reviews from buyers who purchased from that vendor. Treat it like your Uber driver reviews. Would you ride with a driver who had three stars out of five? The lower the rating, the more risk you take on as a buyer. Look up a business to see if they have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) ranking. For example, this company has a 1 star rating with nearly 500 reviews. Shop local. Pay attention to local swap meets and flea markets using Swap Madness. Not only does this allow you to buy from people in your community whom you’re more likely to trust, you’ll also save money by skipping shipping fees. Robert Bruce is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering earning, saving and managing money. He has written about personal finance for more than a decade. Timothy Moore contributed to this report. 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.
30 Cheap Organization Ideas to Help Straighten Up Your Home
Whether you’re trying to tame your junk drawer or straighten out your bedroom closet, having good organizational tools is key. You want your belongings to look nice and orderly. You want to know where everything is so you stop buying extra packs of batteries or Band-aids when you already have them… somewhere. But a trip […] 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.
Whether you’re trying to tame your junk drawer or straighten out your bedroom closet, having good organizational tools is key. You want your belongings to look nice and orderly. You want to know where everything is so you stop buying extra packs of batteries or Band-aids when you already have them… somewhere. But a trip to the Container Store or Crate and Barrel for home organization supplies could end up getting pricey. Instead, there are free and low-cost ways to get organized at home without spending a bunch of money. Here are 30 cheap organization ideas that’ll give you some inspiration to tame your chaotic mess at home. Before Tackling a Home Organization Project An important thing to know before starting a home organization project: You don’t want to organize junk. Before worrying about the perfect bins, jars or storage systems, go through your stuff and determine what you really want to keep. If there are things in good condition that you no longer want, consider donating them or selling them for extra cash. Toss or recycle the stuff that’s truly junk. As you make your toss, sell and keep piles, you’ll get a better idea of what organization tools you’ll actually need. For example, if you’re giving away half of your books, you’ll need less shelving space than you may have originally thought. If you’re doing a whole home organization, break the work down into individual rooms so you don’t get overwhelmed trying to tackle everything at once. You may even want to focus on one problem area at a time — such as the kitchen pantry or the hallway closet. Keeping a master list of the items you’re keeping is helpful in two ways: You’ll know what you’ll need organizers for and you’ll clearly scee which things you have duplicates of. After you’ve done all this prep work, it’s time to find the best ways to store and display your stuff — without going over budget. 30 Cheap Organization Ideas As you look through your master list, take note of how you’d like to store certain items. What needs to be out in the open for regular access and what can be stored out of reach for most of the year? The following two lists will highlight store-bought home organization solutions plus other ideas that you can DIY. If your DIY attempts don’t turn out Instagram-worthy, don’t worry. You can always use them for items tucked away on a back shelf. Organization Solutions That Are Budget-Friendly Buys For cheap home organization products, shop at your local dollar store or other discount chains like Walmart, Target, Ikea, HomeGoods or Big Lots. Thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales are other good options. Online neighborhood buy-nothing groups could be a source to score items for free. 1. Plastic Bins or Crates Use these to separate and store items by category. In a linen closet, you can use multiple bins for bathroom supplies, washcloths, hand towels and extra rolls of toilet paper. In a kids’ room, you can use colorful plastic crates to store toys and books. (The Dollar Tree has a huge variety of plastic bins. It’s always a good idea to start there.) 2. Canvas Storage Bins These are good options for lightweight items, such as extra throw blankets in the living room or the dog’s various chew toys. You can use them in a bedroom closet to keep items like scarves or belts together. 3. Pill Organizers Separate and store small items like jewelry or ponytail holders. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A spice rack using magnetic strips hang on the side of a fridge with spices inside the rack." class="wp-image-147432" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26165104/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-6-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Spice racks with magnetic strips attached are used to organize spices on the side of a refrigerator. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder 4. Adhesive Magnetic Strips Attach peel-and-stick magnet strips to the wall over your kitchen counter to display knives or inside your bathroom cabinet to hold manicure tools or stray bobby pins. You can also attach small pieces of magnet to the back of important papers or photos to display on your fridge or on a magnetic dry-erase board in your home office. 5. Ice Cube Trays Purchase extra ice cube trays to organize small office supplies and knick-knacks in your desk drawers, such as paper clips or rubber bands. 6. File Box A file box is the perfect place to store important paperwork. If you have kids, you can use these boxes to collect artwork, essays, report cards and other mementos. 7. Pop-up Hampers For all the parents tired of stuffed animals taking over everywhere: Buy a couple of cheap, wire-and-mesh pop-up hampers to use as designated homes for all your little ones’ stuffies. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two Lazy Susans are on display on a table. They are holding various types of oils for cooking." class="wp-image-147405" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142036/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-4-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Lazy Susans can be used to group items together when organizing your food pantry. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder 8. Lazy Susan Stick one of these rotating turntables in any cabinet as a way to group similar items together and make sure you don’t neglect what’s stored in the back. They come in various sizes and styles. Consider one in the kitchen cabinet or pantry for food items and another under the bathroom sink for cleaning supplies. 9. Three-Ring Binders This common, inexpensive, school-supply item is a great tool for organizing bills, mail and other paperwork cluttering your countertops. 10. Shower Caddies Portable shower caddies may be reminiscent of college dorm life, but they’re also a fitting storage solution for arts and craft supplies or office supplies. They can easily be carried around for household members to use in multiple rooms. 11. Drawer Organizer Tame a junk drawer with a low-cost drawer organizer that will separate items into their own compartments. 12. Pegboard Display items you frequently use or want to easily access. Attach a pencil holder, scissors and tape to a pegboard in your office, or use one to hold tools in the garage. 13. “S” Hooks or Shower Curtain Rings Use these hooks in your closets to hang items like belts, scarves or purses. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="An over the door shoe organizer is shown in a person's home." class="wp-image-147409" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26142744/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-2-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Over the door shoe organizers can hold more than just shoes. They can be used to store toys, art supplies, toiletries or cleaning supplies. 14. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer These multi-pocketed organizational tools are great for many items, not just shoes. Use them to store toys, art supplies, toiletries or cleaning supplies. 15. Carabiner Clip Wrangle rubber bands in a junk drawer or ponytail holders in a bathroom drawer by grouping them together using a carabiner. 16. Travel Soap Containers These small storage solutions are the perfect size for crayons, business cards or clipped coupons. 17. Tension Rods Use a tension rod in your under-sink cabinets to hang spray bottles of various household cleaners. Or you could add an extra rod along the inner wall of your shower to hang little baskets with body wash, shampoo or tub toys. 18. Magazine Racks Place a cheap magazine rack on the kitchen counter to store your aluminum foil, plastic wrap and parchment paper. Or use it in the living room for its intended use — organizing magazines or coffee table books. DIY Home Organization Solutions Don’t empty out your recycling bin just yet. There are tons of ways you can reuse items you already have lying around at home. A few coats of paint, some colorful washi tape, scrapbook paper or wrapping paper can help you turn drab boxes or containers into attractive storage solutions. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="Old cans are used to store pencils and markers." class="wp-image-147411" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143108/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-8-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Recycled cans to hold art supplies or office supplies. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder 19. Recycled Cans Tear the labels off tin cans and use them to hold pencils, pens or paint brushes. A repurposed can could also store beauty supplies like mascara, eyeliner, lipgloss or foundation brushes. 20. Plastic Takeout Containers Reuse sturdy takeout containers to store similar items together. Use one as a makeshift first-aid kit and another for crafting supplies. 21. Cardboard Boxes Cardboard boxes are very versatile DIY storage solutions. You can use larger boxes to store extra throw pillows in the living room or to round up toys in a kids’ room, while smaller boxes can be used to organize mail, important papers or magazines. Be sure to decorate the outside so they look more appealing. 22. Old Backpacks or Suitcases If you have old book bags or luggage lying around, use them to store out-of-season clothing so your closet and drawers are less crowded. You could also use them to store hand-me-down clothing that your younger child is waiting to grow into. 23. Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Rolls Cut these rolls to size to hold various power cords for all your electronics that aren’t in use. 24. Ribbon Attach a ribbon to your wall using nails or push pins. Hung horizontally, use it to hold sunglasses, bracelets, necklaces, scarves or belts. Hung vertically, use clothespins to display hats or photos. 25. Comforter Bags Comforters and bedding sets often come in sturdy plastic packaging with a zippered enclosure. You can reuse these to store out-of-season clothes or bulky winter jackets. 26. Plastic Cups Bundle up power cords and store them in plastic cups to keep them organized. Cups also work well to hold crayons, markers or paint supplies in a kids’ room. Smaller plastic cups — like former yogurt or pudding cups — can contain batteries or other knick knacks in a junk drawer. 27. Glass Beer or Soda Bottles Spray paint these recyclables and then use them to organize bracelets or ponytail holders. 28. Glass Jars Glass jars can be used for multiple purposes, depending on their size. Old pasta sauce or jelly jars can be turned into a piggy bank. Empty baby food jars can hold paper clips or push pins. 29. Tea Boxes Tea boxes divided into multiple sections are good options to organize jewelry or small knick knacks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A styrofoam tray is used to organize crafts such as needle and thread." class="wp-image-147412" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/26143159/SM.CHEAPHOMEORGANIZATION031721-7-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> The bottom of an egg carton can be used to store loose items in a drawer. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder 30. Old Egg Cartons Use the bottom half of an egg carton as a drawer organizer for small items like paper clips, rubber bands or twist-ties. Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at 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.
20 Cheap Home Decor Stores That Let You Deck Out Your Home for Less
The expense of decorating your place can come as a shock. A couple of throw pillows, an area rug and some curtains could total up to more than a month’s rent. But you shouldn’t have to drain your bank account or go into debt adorning your home. Sure, you’ve probably already thought of big-box retailers […] 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.
The expense of decorating your place can come as a shock. A couple of throw pillows, an area rug and some curtains could total up to more than a month’s rent. But you shouldn’t have to drain your bank account or go into debt adorning your home. Sure, you’ve probably already thought of big-box retailers like Walmart, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as the online behemoth Amazon. But there are lots more options for finding deals on home decor. How Much Does Home Decor Cost? Did you know the average American spends up to $2,500 a year on household furnishings and equipment? That’s a lot of throw pillows and picture frames. Residents of certain states spend more than others, with Indiana leading the pack in expensive home decor. While decking out your abode in the latest home accessories and designer furniture can be a costly endeavor, the following budget-friendly stores will help you stretch your decor dollars. Top 20 Cheap Home Decor Stores Here are 20 cheap home decor stores and websites to help you save money as you outfit your place. 1. At Home At Home is a Texas-based chain that operates more than 250 stores in 40 states. According to its website, the large warehouse-like stores “enable everyone to make their house a home… for every style, every room, every season and every budget.” Sign up for At Home Insider Perks for special discounts and information on new products and markdowns. 2. Big Lots We thought we had seen the end of Big Lots when they filed for bankruptcy in September 2024. But after being acquired in bankruptcy court by Variety Wholesalers, Inc in 2025, Big Lots is making a comeback. According to its website, the “new” Big Lots will “combine the best of the treasure hunt shopping experience with closeouts and unbeatable bargains.” As of now, you won’t be able to shop online, but you can head to one of its 217 stores in 15 states to find famous name brands at everyday low prices. 3. CB2 CB2 is Crate & Barrel’s less expensive offshoot brand. Shop the “sales and offers” section of the website for discounted prices and get free shipping on over 1,000 items. CB2 also has more than 20 locations in major cities including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami — where you can meet with a home design specialist. 4. H&M Home H&M is not just a retailer for jeans and T-shirts. You can find H&M Home in select H&M locations — plus there are stand-alone stores in eight cities across the U.S. H&M Home sells a variety of affordable products for your bedroom, living room, bathroom and more. The company’s membership program offers savings and perks for those who sign up. 5. Habitat for Humanity ReStore Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a secondhand store that sells home improvement materials, furniture and appliances. The stock at each of the 1,000-plus retail locations changes regularly as stores rely on donations from the community. In addition to scoring cheap deals at Habitat ReStore, you’ll also be supporting the nonprofit’s efforts of building homes for those in need. Check other local thrift stores if you don’t have a Habitat ReStore near you. 6. Hayneedle Hayneedle is an online retailer sold through Walmart, specializing in home decor and furniture — with a large selection of products to spruce up your outdoor area. Enjoy free shipping on all orders. 7. The Home Depot Power tools or gardening supplies might come to mind when you think of The Home Depot, but this home improvement giant also has a nice selection of home decor options. Shop for furniture, wall decor, lighting, rugs and more. The Home Depot has over 2,300 locations and offers price matching, special sales and virtual DIY workshops. 8. HomeGoods HomeGoods, a sister store to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, stocks its stores with products like bedding, housewares, rugs, furniture and decor — all for low prices. Visit one of the more than 900 stores nationwide. 9. IKEA IKEA is well known for its ready-to-assemble furniture, modern housewares and Swedish meatballs — all at affordable prices. There are more than 450 Ikea warehouse stores across the world. Join the IKEA Family membership club for discounts and rewards. 10. Urban Outfitters Once the domain of college students and hipsters, Urban Outfitters has unique home decor that strikes a balance between trendy and thrifty. Hit up the website home decor sale section for more reasonable prices or the Urban Renewal line that repurposes materials to fashion sustainable home decor and vintage goods. 11. Lowe’s Lowe’s is another home improvement store that sells a selection of home decor products. You can find furniture, wallpaper, window treatments, home accents and more, online or in-store. Use these tips to save money at Lowe’s. 12. Michaels You may think of Michaels as just an arts and crafts store, but you can also buy home decor items that don’t require any DIY skills. Michaels has a great selection of seasonal decor, frames, wall art, floral arrangements and more at its 1,250 locations and online. Become a Michaels Rewards member to get deals and information about upcoming sales promotions. 13. Nordstrom Rack At Nordstrom Rack, you can find discounts up to 70% off original prices. Although the store is mostly known for its clothing and accessories, it also sells a variety of affordable home decor. There are about 350 locations in the United States and Canada. 14. Bed Bath & Beyond Bed Bath & Beyond is exclusively online now, where shoppers can find home goods like furniture, rugs, bedding and more. Overstock purchased BB&B after the company declared bankruptcy in 2023, but you can still earn rewards like you did on Overstock by signing up for Welcome Rewards+, but there’s a cost — $24.95 a year. 15. Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods sells unique hand-crafted products from around the world. Prices vary, but shop sale items or join the Uncommon Perks program for $14.90 a year to enjoy benefits like free shipping. 16. Wayfair Wayfair’s claim to fame is that it’s got just what you need when it comes to decking out your home. The online retailer regularly promotes sales and offers free two-day shipping on thousands of items over $35. 17. World Market World Market sells merchandise from around the globe at affordable prices. The company operates about 240 stores nationwide or you can shop online. Sign up for the World Market Rewards program to earn additional discounts. 18. GoodwillFinds Instead of making your way to one of Goodwill’s 3,300 stores, now you can just click on your favorite bargains and have them shipped to you, via its website GoodwillFinds.com. Learn how you can browse through 100,000 pieces of secondhand merchandise from the comfort of your couch in our article on GoodwillFinds. 19. T.J. Maxx Known for discounted name-brand clothing, T.J. Maxx is also a great place to scout deals on a wide selection of budget-friendly home decor. Whether you’re looking to pick up affordable accent chairs or fake indoor plants that look like the real deal, T.J. Maxx’s clearance section is a one-stop shop for great deals. 20. West Elm If you want to decorate your home like the pages of Architectural Digest without the designer price tag, look no further than West Elm. From outdoor furniture to rugs, West Elm offers a huge selection to put the finishing touches on your dream home. You can also find cheap home decor in the Deals Under $20 section of the website. 4 Tips for Finding Affordable Home Decor 1. Don’t Skip the Thrift Store Online shopping and a site that offers free shipping or same-day delivery make it easy to get sucked into paying more than you can afford. Instead, take a field trip and shop your local consignment and thrift stores to see if someone else’s castoff can be your new centerpiece. 2. Small Details Make Big Impacts Step away from expensive furniture recommendations. Remember, you need only a few distinctive touches or unique items to transform a bland room into a bold statement. You’d be surprised what a few gallons of paint, some plants and an exciting piece of art can do. 3. Get Creative with Wall Art Speaking of art, thinking outside the frame is an affordable way to decorate on a budget. You can get some great deals on crafty displays from Etsy sellers and other stores that sell local art while earning the satisfaction of supporting small businesses. 4. Give Secondhand Furniture New Life Before you plunk down big bucks on that new dining table, consider scouring your classified ads for great deals on sturdy pieces that can be refurbished. Even if it doesn’t fit your home’s aesthetic, you could flip it for a profit. Kaz Weida is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at 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.
26 Tips to Spend Less When You Dine Out at Restaurants
If you find yourself dining out frequently, it pays to find ways to save money eating out. Here are 25 savvy tips to make your restaurant budget stretch. 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.
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. It feels great to have someone else do the cooking for you, but it’s not great for a budget. Whether you’re stopping at drive throughs or sitting down at your favorite restaurant, it adds up. So we found ways you can save money on dining out at restaurants so you can still enjoy a night on the town. How Much Does it Cost to Dine Out at Restaurants? The cost of a restaurant meal in the U.S. depends on the type of restaurant, the location and the economy. Inflation and food shortages have put restaurant prices on a roller coaster ride in the last few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that “food away from home” rose 4.1% year over year in December 2025. Using these savvy tips, you could save money on dining out and cut the cost of lunch or dinner at a restaurant by more than half. 26 Ways to Save Money on Dining Out at Restaurants 1. Go Out to Eat During Happy Hour Restaurant bars often use happy hour discounts to attract crowds before the dinner rush begins. Take advantage of this by eating during happy hour. You’ll save on drinks (or save even more by skipping the alcohol) and find half-priced appetizers at many places, often only in the bar area. 2. Use Credit Card Special Offers Search the benefits section on your credit card account page. You’ll typically find a list of merchant offers that you can opt in for to get a percentage or cash back for purchases at specific restaurants. Be sure to check the offers regularly because they change often and you can find discounts of 15% off or more at some places. Offers are tailored to individual accounts. For example, one of my cards has 64 offers (three for restaurants) while another only has 25. 3. Buy Discounted Restaurant Gift Cards Many people don’t realize you can buy discounted gift cards for restaurants online from sites like CardCash. Want to save even more? Use one of the best cash-back credit cards to buy discounted gift cards and knock an even higher percentage off the cost of a meal out. 4. Let This Free App Help You Earn $290/Year on Gas and Food Download the free Upside app and create a free account. Then, browse the map to find participating restaurants and gas stations near you and claim an offer. Pay with a card linked to your Upside wallet, then tap “Check In” or take a picture of your receipt — this confirms you made a purchase at a participating location, whether it’s dine-in or takeout. Upside will tally up your cash back earnings, and when you’re ready, you can transfer your funds to a bank account, PayPal, or exchange them for a gift card from popular brands like Starbucks and Amazon. You’ll receive your money in two days or less. Download the Upside app to get started — it’s completely free, and works at more than 50,000 businesses. 5. Take Advantage of Free Kids Meals If you are going out with your children, check the restaurant’s website to see if they offer free kids meals. Sunday is the most popular day of the week for kids-eat-free promotions, but some restaurants offer promotions multiple days of the week. And don’t forget to check out the kid’s menu at your favorite restaurant. Often the portions are nearly as generous as adult dinner entrees for much less. 6. Dine Out on Your Birthday Check out these places that give you free stuff on your birthday. Free food rules! Also be sure to fill out your restaurant rewards or diner club profile completely, including your birthday. Sometimes restaurants send you a coupon for a free dessert or appetizer to celebrate. 7. Don’t Skip the Survey Sometimes you’re asked to rate the service and it comes with some compensation in the form of a discount on a future meal. So take a few moments to leave some feedback and pocket the savings. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/late_lunch-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two people try to take bites out of each other's burgers. " class="wp-image-159496" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10103327/late_lunch-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images 8. Research Menus Online Before Dining Out Most restaurants have their menus on their websites, so you can choose a place with inexpensive dishes you like. Check for daily specials, which can help you decide which day to dine out. You can also see menus for restaurants across the country (even some that have no website) at AllMenus.com. 9. Make a Meal of Appetizers and Sides When we became vegetarians, my wife and I avoided meat by ordering side dishes and appetizers. Sometimes it ended up being the best food in the restaurant, and the meal was much cheaper than two entrées. 10. Bring Coupons After using at least 100 restaurant coupons I can tell you: Read the fine print! A buy-one-meal, get-one-half-off coupon gives you a discount of only 25%, and even less if you have to buy two drinks just to get the deal. BOGO coupons are the best, and you can find them in mailers or websites like Valpak.com. 11. Eat a Late Lunch Items on the lunch menu almost always cost less, even when they’re the same entrées served for dinner. Lunch entrees range just a few dollars cheaper but those savings add up fast. You can eat an early dinner at lunch prices if you go to one of the many restaurants that serve lunch until 4 p.m. We especially like to eat lunch out as a cheaper way to check out expensive restaurants. 12. Drink Water When Dining Out Wine and beer with dinner can quickly get expensive. Make dining out about food, and save the drinking for when you get home. We order water with lemon (always free). Many restaurants put the drink menu on the table, but you can hand it back to the server as soon as you sit down to avoid temptation. 13. Skip the Appetizers Unless you’re going to make a meal out of them as a way to save money, skip the appetizers. Most restaurant meals provide more than enough food. And if you’re headed to one of those “small plate” restaurants that are all the rage, ask about the portion sizes before you double up on menu items. 14. Split a Meal When we find restaurants that serve large meal portions, we order a meal to share. Once in a while a restaurant will charge a couple dollars for the extra plate, but even then it’s a way to reduce a dinner bill substantially. Don’t have anyone to share with? Make two meals out of one by asking for a to-go box with your meal and setting aside a portion before you dig in. 15. Order the Daily Special Often the daily special at a restaurant is cheaper than the other entrées. But beware, there are two kinds of daily specials. The ones announced that day are often a way for a restaurant to use up old food. The regular specials that rotate by day are a better bet for a fresh meal at a lower price. Also, keep an eye out for early bird specials that restaurants offer to encourage diners to come in before the dinner rush. 16. Check to See if You Can BYO Wine Some restaurants allow diners to bring their own wine and have the server open it at the table and pour it for a corkage fee. Restaurants generally charge between $10-$40 in corkage fees for diners who want to save money by bringing their own bottle of wine. 17. Take Advantage of Military or Veteran Discounts Many restaurants — particularly big chains — offer a discount to veterans and active military members. Discounts range from 10% to 20% year-round, and some places offer up free food on Veterans Day. You might have to show a military ID. 18. Join Rewards Programs Many restaurants have a program for loyal customers, so sign up! You’ll get emails from local restaurants with special offers and maybe a free appetizer once in a while. Here’s a list of restaurant rewards programs. Note that Open Table also offers rewards or dining points for restaurants that are part of its reservation network. 19. Eat at Casinos Free meals at casinos are less common than they used to be, but many casinos have inexpensive restaurants to attract customers. If you can avoid the temptation to gamble away money, check casino websites for upcoming events that offer free food, like slot tournaments. 20. Go Sampling We sometimes buy a few things when we go to Whole Foods to eat all the free samples. But we also eat enough samples to fill up for free, justifying the cost of the wine and craft beer they serve. (Yes, you can drink as you shop.) Ask employees in your local grocery stores if they have special sample days. Costco is also famous for offering enough free samples to keep you satisfied long after you shop. And those Costco food court deals — $1.50 hot dog, anyone? — are hard to beat. 21. Be Frugal When Traveling If you’re heading out on a trip, there are plenty of ways to blow a bunch of money on food. But there are also ways to save. When you price shop for accommodations, decide if it’s worth it to book a room that has a microwave or other amenities that allow for meal prep (or reheating leftovers from a splurge meal out). Pack snacks and drinks to avoid stopping at convenience stores every time somebody feels munchy. Likewise, bring your own refillable water bottle to avoid purchasing water. And when you get to your destination? Hit the grocery store. 22. Eat at Buffets Dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet is a way to get the most food for your money. If you hit a lunch buffet and you’re too full to eat a big dinner that night, you’ll reduce your food expenses. 23. Eat at Two Restaurants How do you enjoy the ambiance of a high-end restaurant without paying premium prices? Eat a light meal at a cheap restaurant first, and then go to the expensive place with a view for drinks and/or dessert. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pizza-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A little boy grabs a slice of pizza while sitting at the dining room table." class="wp-image-159489" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/10102712/pizza-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Getty Images 24. Order a Pizza or Pickup Meal The old standby. If your goal is just to have someone else cook, order pizzas or fast casual food for pickup. A couple pizzas can feed four people for much less than dining out. Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats have a pickup option that costs less than delivery and still earns points for future discounts. Ideally, you’ll also have a coupon. If you really want to get out of the house, take the pizza with you (see No. 25). 25. Have a Picnic If you want to get out of the house and have someone else cook, order Chinese takeout and head for the park or lakeshore. In our experience, takeout boxes hold more than you normally get at the restaurant, so order one meal to split and take it to a nice picnic spot. 26. Stack Your Saving Strategies The most powerful way to save money on dining out is to combine two or more of these strategies. You might eat half-priced appetizers at a restaurant bar during happy hour using a discounted gift card. Then have that second beer or glass of wine at home. Steve Gillman is a former contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Kaz Weida, a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, contributed. Senior managing editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post for 2026. 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.
How to Use the Debt Snowball Method for Effective Debt Repayment
The debt snowball method can help you pay down credit card debt, one low-balance account at a time. Follow these simple steps. 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.
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. Two major methods dominate the debt repayment sphere: the debt snowball and the debt avalanche. One method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rate first — minimizing interest payments over time. That’s the debt avalanche method. The other method is to prioritize paying off the smallest balances first so you can enjoy quick victories, boost motivation and build momentum. That’s the debt snowball method — a method that’s especially beneficial for folks who need visible progress to stay consistent and committed to their debt repayment journey — and here’s how to do it. What Is the Debt Snowball Method? Popularized by money guru Dave Ramsey, the debt snowball method involves paying off one credit card or loan balance at a time, starting with the smallest balance first until you’re totally debt-free. This debt snowball strategy is perfect for people who are motivated by quick wins. However, there’s a downside: You may end up paying more interest in the long term. Many people disagree with the concept of paying more interest for quicker wins. Why would you pay off smaller balances and let those interest-mongers sit? Because you’re not a robot — you’re a human being. It’s important to pick a debt management strategy that works for you and keeps you engaged. Whether you want to get rid of high-interest credit card debt or even your monthly mortgage payment, using the snowball debt repayment method can help you achieve financial freedom. The debt snowball method helps you take that difficult first step in paying off debt — and then the next step, and the one after that. How the Debt Snowball Method Works It’s a simple process. Here’s everything you need to know. 1. List All Your Debts From Smallest to Largest Start by listing all your outstanding debts. Disregard the interest rates. Then, order them from the smallest balance to the largest. This can be done on paper, a spreadsheet or a budgeting app like Rocket Money or Monarch. Debt accounts we recommend including: Credit card debt Student loans Personal loans Auto loans Unpaid medical bills Mortgage-related debt Any other stuff debt collectors keep calling you about 2. Budget To Pay the Minimum Amount on Every Debt To start a debt snowball plan, you’ll first need to make sure you pay the minimum balance across all your bills, so figure out the minimum due for each debt. If you’re struggling to get out of debt, take a look at your budget and consider ways you can cut back your discretionary spending. Look for ways to earn more money on the side as well. Look for ways every month to lower your spending and increase your income. You’ll need that extra money for the next step. 3. Put All Extra Money Toward Your Smallest Debt Once you’ve budgeted minimum payments for your debts, put any extra money toward the first loan on the list — the one with the lowest balance. That means you’ll be paying the minimum plus your designated extra on that debt. Let’s say $50 plus $150 extra for a total payment of $200. 4. Once It’s Paid Off, Add That Total to the Next Smallest Debt By starting with your smallest debt, you’ll theoretically finish paying the balance off faster than you could have paid any other. But don’t stress if it feels like even the tiniest debt is taking forever to pay off — there’s a learning curve to the snowball method, and most people start off slow. Once you do pay off the smallest debt, take every penny you were putting toward that debt and add it to the monthly payment for your next smallest debt. That means you’ll be paying the first debt’s minimum payment ($50), the second debt’s minimum payment ($100, for example) and your designated extra monthly dollar amount ($150) all toward the second debt. Now, you’re making a $300 monthly payment instead of $100. Continue paying that amount until the second debt is paid off. Depending on the size and interest rate of your second smallest debt, you could see that balance dry up even quicker than the first. 5. Repeat Once your second debt is paid off, apply the debt snowball strategy to all of your other debts. For the third debt account, pay the total of the first debt’s minimum payment ($50), the second debt’s minimum payment ($100), the third debt’s minimum payment ($125, for example) and the designated extra every month ($150). That’s how you snowball your way into putting $425 toward that debt each month. It’s a simple concept but requires patience and consistency. If you’re skeptical about paying a little extra interest but know you need quick wins, give the debt snowball a try. Once this debt management strategy is in place, you’ll see how negligible that extra interest can be. Benefits of Using the Debt Snowball Method The real magic behind the debt snowball method is its psychological effect. When you face a mountain of debt that seems impossible to overcome, breaking it up into easier chunks helps it feel manageable. As you celebrate each new win and milestone, your commitment grows. Along the way, you practice better budgeting and improve your financial skills to avoid accruing more debt in the future. It’s an empowering process that can change how you think about money. Debt Snowball Method vs. Debt Avalanche Method A closely related alternative to the debt snowball method is the debt avalanche method. While the debt snowball disregards interest rates, the debt avalanche method has you list out your debt balances ranked from highest to lowest interest rate. Because these processes take time, you will continue to rack up more interest while paying down debt. If you choose the avalanche method, you may have to wait longer for your first big win, but you’ll save on interest in the long run. Both are effective methods of approaching your debt management plan, just pick which one fits you best. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108455 size-large" src="https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-1024x1024.png" alt="A graphic comparing the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods." width="1024" height="1024" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-150x150.png 150w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-360x360.png 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-768x768.png 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-100x100.png 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-1472x1472.png 1472w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-1104x1104.png 1104w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-912x912.png 912w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-550x550.png 550w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-470x470.png 470w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/30093806/08-18-FB-DebtMethods-300x300.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Elyse Schwanke/The Penny Hoarder Tips for Successfully Using the Debt Snowball Method If your chosen path is rolling that debt up into a snowball you can toss off a cliff, here are some key strategies to consider to keep you on the path to success. Set realistic goals. You might not be able to put an extra $100 toward debt, even if you really want to. That’s why you have to evaluate your budget to determine what makes sense for your finances. Even an extra $25 or $50 is better than continuing struggling with debt. Your snowball strategy will still grow, just at a slightly slower rate. Be patient. The beginning will be the slowest part of this whole process. It can feel like you are going nowhere for months, but stay consistent and trust that you are headed in the right direction. Track your progress. Those little wins are so fun to celebrate, but you can celebrate your progress along the way, too. Using a snowball debt calculator or a simple spreadsheet, check in on your progress regularly. Watch that snow build momentum and get excited about the future. Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them Managing debt isn’t easy, and it won’t always be fun. It takes patience, consistency and careful money management. Even with a process like the debt snowball method, there’s plenty of room for challenges and slip-ups. Don’t let them put you off your goals. High-interest debt can accrue quickly. If you are under the thumb of some extremely high interest rates, they can feel like they are pulling you further from your goal. Stick with the snowball method for the long haul if you’re committed, or switch to the avalanche method if high-interest loans are accelerating too quickly. Giving up too soon. Sticking with the snowball method for a handful of months might not get you to your first win. Commit to spend at least a year working consistently to pay off debt this way before you move on to something else. Racking up more credit card debt. It’s going to be hard to pay off credit card debt if you’re still spending. Dave Ramsey and others suggest having a savings account cushion (even if it’s only a few hundred dollars to start) so you can avoid reaching for the credit card when unexpected expenses hit. There’s a reason this method has been so successful for so many people. It works. For the most part, it’s a simple process that you can manage without the help of a financial advisor or debt management firm. It’s worth a little extra prep and effort to find your financial freedom at the end of the path. 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.
What Is Credit Card Residual Interest and How Can You Skip This Sneaky Fee?
Today is the day you pay off the remaining balance on your credit card. Congrats! But if you waited until you received your statement in the mail, you’ll have to fork over additional money beyond the balance listed before you’re free of the credit card company. Why? Because of a little (or not so little) […] 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.
Today is the day you pay off the remaining balance on your credit card. Congrats! But if you waited until you received your statement in the mail, you’ll have to fork over additional money beyond the balance listed before you’re free of the credit card company. Why? Because of a little (or not so little) thing called residual interest. Residual interest — aka trailing interest — is the amount of additional interest you accrue between the billing date and your payment. If you’re paying off a substantial balance in one fell swoop, the interest tacked onto next month’s statement could come as a very unwelcome surprise. And it could be particularly painful if you don’t bother opening the next month’s statement because you think the balance is already paid. Here’s how you can avoid residual interest — and save yourself from handing over one more dollar than you absolutely need to. What Is Residual Interest? Read the fine print in your credit card statement, and you’ll notice a sentence that reads something like this: Paying your last statement balance may not pay your balance in full. To understand how that’s possible, we need to first learn a few terms and how they apply to your credit card account: Billing cycle: The period of time between your credit card statements — typically around 30 days, depending on the issuer. If your billing cycle starts on the 15th of the month, for instance, it would likely end on the 14th of the next month. Account closing date: The last day of the billing cycle. Due date: The day the payment for the previous billing cycle is due. If anything less than the full amount is paid off by the due date, the leftover amount is charged interest and added to the next month’s billing cycle. Full payoff amount: The total amount that you owe, including accrued interest. If you carry a balance, this number will increase daily. (P.S. It’s different than the “current balance” you’ll see on your credit card statement — unless you pay off your balance every month.) Grace period: The period between the account closing date and your due date — a minimum of 21 days, if your credit card company offers it. If you pay your balance in full every month and don’t take out any cash advances, credit card issuers won’t charge interest on your purchases during this period. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you lose that grace period on any portion of the balance you didn’t pay the previous month and are immediately charged interest on it. What does this mean for you? Let’s say you’ve been paying down your credit card balance for a few months. You get the statement in the mail that says your current balance is $1,000 and you’re ready to pay it off. You go online to make the payment in full, but you schedule it for 10 days later because you’re waiting for pay day. When you get next month’s statement, you’ll see that you were charged interest on that $1,000 for the 10 days between the account closing date and your payment (and probably a couple extra days for the time it took for the statement to arrive in the mail). It might only be a few dollars, but if you don’t pay it, that amount will continue to accrue interest, you’ll get charged late fees and your credit score will take a hit for late (or no) payment. How to Pay Off Residual Interest The best way to avoid residual interest is to pay off your credit card balance every month. (If you’re new to the whole credit card thing, check out this guide for how to use a credit card without going into debt.) However, if you’re close to paying off your card after previously carrying a balance, the best way to avoid residual interest is to call your credit card company. Ask for the full payoff amount as of the date the issuer will receive the payment — remember that could be a few days later than the date you send the payment. If there’s any question whether the company will receive your payment later than the specified date (think: mail delivery or online payment delays), you might want to add a little extra money beyond the specified payoff amount. After all, it’s a lot easier to deal with overpayment than paying for another month of accruing interest. To be on the safe side, check your statement for at least the next two months to make sure you’re not still carrying a balance or were charged additional interest. At that point, you may commence your debt-free happy dance. Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a staff writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder. Read her bio and other work here, then catch her on Twitter @TiffanyWendeln. 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.
Why Health Insurance Premiums Are Rising — And What You Can Do About It
Are you paying more for insurance in 2026? You’re not alone. Employees across the country had health insurance premiums spike this year, 7% on average according to a survey from investment company Mercer. And the Kaiser Family Foundation found that those with plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace are typically facing an even higher hike, […] 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.
Are you paying more for insurance in 2026? You’re not alone. Employees across the country had health insurance premiums spike this year, 7% on average according to a survey from investment company Mercer. And the Kaiser Family Foundation found that those with plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace are typically facing an even higher hike, up to 30%. This article will cover why this is happening and what you can do about it. Why did my health insurance premiums go up? The premium increases of 2026 are in some ways a continuation of different things. First, your employer may have bought their health insurance plan through a broker instead of directly from an insurance company. Brokers, who tout their expertise, are paid on commission and can be incentivized to sell your employer more expensive plans. But brokers are only one part of the issue. Inflation is driving up the cost of everything, including medical care — the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Consumer Price Index data show that medical costs grew faster than the average inflation rate in 2025. Prescription drug spending is up, too, which can cause premiums to rise. For instance, more employer-sponsored plans are covering GLP-1s for obesity. Diabetes medications, cancer treatments, gene therapies and others are also driving up costs. Affordable Care Act subsidies expired in 2025, driving up costs of plans offered through the marketplace. The subsidies, which are tax credits, helped lessen the monthly cost of insurance plans offered through the ACA. What are my options? If you’re struggling to make the math work with higher premiums, there are a few steps you can take to try to remedy the situation. 1. Talk With Your Company If you’re on an employer-sponsored plan, explaining the dire situation to those who have the power to change it could, if you’re lucky, get the wheels turning on a solution. “Go to HR and the CFO – not just HR,” David Contorno, founder and CEO of E Powered Benefits. “We go to HR for these things constantly, but they don’t have the financial insight into the health plan. They’re just looking at the human impact. But if enough people went to the CFO, then hopefully they’d start looking at other solutions.” This is what Contorno’s company, E Powered Benefits, tries to help with. It works with employers – like those facing affordability issues – to put together employer-sponsored health insurance plans that are still compliant, but less traditional and cost less. 2. Switch Employers If costs don’t change with your current employer, you may consider switching. However, you may run into similar affordability issues. Employer-sponsored health insurance premium spikes are a widespread issue in 2026 – not one unique to your particular employer. But shopping around for work and health insurance is still an option — just unlikely a silver bullet. 3. Medicaid May Be an Option – In Select Circumstances Medicaid is a joint state and federal program for low-income individuals. There are multiple requirements for eligibility, including your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and being a U.S. citizen or certain qualified non-citizen. Medicaid laws vary by state, and there are 10 states that have not opted into Medicaid expansion. Depending on where you live, you might be able to enroll in Medicaid rather than accepting your employer’s health insurance plan offer. “There is a bottom floor threshold at which you would qualify for Medicaid, regardless of whether or not you were offered employer insurance,” Contorno said. “But it’s a really low multiple of the federal poverty level. The reality is that if you’re making anything more than the federal minimum wage, you probably won’t qualify for that rule.” 4. Take Advantage of Charity Care Premiums aren’t the only way you pay for health insurance. There are co-pays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs throughout the year. If you have health insurance, you might be surprised to learn you could qualify for the hospital system’s financial assistance policy (FAP). The ACA requires nonprofit hospital systems to run these programs, also known as charity care. Depending on your location and family size, income limits can go well up into the six figures. And you can use them even if you have insurance. In some cases, they can wipe your bill down to $0. If you can’t find information about your hospital system’s FAP online, call the billing department and request the information directly. In some cases, you can negotiate medical bills you can’t afford, even if you don’t qualify specifically for charity care, so reach out to your provider to ask. Pittsburgh-based writer Brynne Conroy is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of “The Feminist Financial Handbook.” She is a regular contributor to 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.
18 Major Employers That Offer Part-Time Jobs With Great Benefits
Think you need to work long hours to qualify for company-backed retirement plans, tuition reimbursements and affordable health insurance? Actually, you don’t have to be a full-time employee to get those perks. There are many companies that offer part-time jobs with benefits. These are generous benefit packages for hourly part-time employees. These 18 companies lead […] 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.
Think you need to work long hours to qualify for company-backed retirement plans, tuition reimbursements and affordable health insurance? Actually, you don’t have to be a full-time employee to get those perks. There are many companies that offer part-time jobs with benefits. These are generous benefit packages for hourly part-time employees. These 18 companies lead the way in offering part-time jobs with benefits. You could land a flexible role that also allows you to attend school, take care of family or do whatever you please. Make Quick Money Outside Your Part-Time Job with Benefits We don’t blame you if you want a part-time job with benefits or extra perks. Whether you’re in-between jobs or just need a little something extra, we have some tools that can help. Check out some of our favorite ways to make quick cash. 18 Companies That Offer Part-Time Jobs With Benefits If you’re looking for a part-time job, start your hunt with these employers. 1. JPMorgan Chase Your savings account could be just the start of earning at a bank. JPMorgan Chase offers benefits to its part-time employees who work between 20 and 40 hours per week after 90 days. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and accident, disability, before-tax flexible spending accounts and group legal services. JPMorgan Chase also offers a 401(k) match starting at 3% annually and increasing by 1% every year up to a maximum of 5%. Other offered benefits are an employee stock purchase plan, a comprehensive health and wellness program, parental leave, backup child care options and discounts on banking services. 2. Costco Hourly part-time employees, who work at least 24 hours per week, can receive benefits from Costco once they’ve accumulated 60 days of service. Health care coverage includes medical, vision, prescription drugs and core dental coverage. All hourly employees working at least 10 hours per week can enroll in voluntary short-term disability insurance, which provides tax-free income replacement in the event of a non-work related accident or illness that prevents work. 3. Lowe’s Part-time employees at Lowe’s are immediately eligible for medical benefits, including prescription drugs, short-term disability, life insurance and dental and vision coverage. All employees are also eligible for a 10% in-store discount. After one year, Lowe’s offers an employee stock purchase option to its part-time workers, as well as a 401(k) after 180 days. Eligible family members can also opt-in for group medical, dental and vision coverage and dependent life insurance. 4. REI Part-time employees at REI become eligible for a benefits package if they work an average of 20 hours per week over a 12-month evaluation period. The company pays the majority of employees’ medical and dental coverage and the full cost for basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), employee assistance program, business travel accident insurance and long-term disability insurance. REI also guarantees a 5% contribution to all employees’ retirement accounts, regardless of an employee’s contributions (or lack thereof). Part-time employees are even eligible for a sabbatical after 15 years. REI also provides a generous PTO package, a wide variety of leave options, and Way Days twice a year — a program that allows employees to take part in their favorite outdoor activity, take on something new or participate in a stewardship project. They also offer a unique public transit benefit which provides a 50% pre-tax subsidy on public transit expenses up to the current IRS limit through payroll deduction. 5. Staples Staples offers its part-time associates access to dental and vision coverage, life, dependent life, accidental death and short-term disability insurance coverage. They’re also eligible for the company’s 401(k) plan. Furthermore, part-time employees are eligible for a variety of benefits for family-based care, help with college and pet care. Staples also offers 10% employee discounts on online or retail items, adoption assistance and its own confidential employee counseling program. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A Starbucks employee holds a drink up while working the drive through counter at Starbucks." class="wp-image-163058" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27115142/starbucks-part-time-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Photo courtesy of Starbucks 6. Starbucks Starbucks is well-known for its benefits program for part-time employees. All you have to do to be eligible is work at least 240 hours over three consecutive months, then continue to average 20 hours per week. Health insurance offered by Starbucks covers routine visits, hospitalization, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, as well as fertility benefits. Alternative care options, like acupuncture or chiropractic treatment, are covered too. After 90 days, employees can opt-in to Starbucks’ 401(k) plan. Other employee benefits include paid vacation time, up to a $40,000 lifetime maximum reimbursement for eligible expenses for adoption and surrogacy, confidential counseling, full tuition assistance and lots of in-store goodies. You can walk away with free T-shirts, a 30% discount on all drinks and 1 pound of Starbucks coffee or box of tea every week. 7. UPS Part-time employees who work between 225 and 400 hours at UPS within a three-month period (which factors to an average of about 20 to 30 hours a week) are eligible for medical and dental coverage, vision insurance, hearing, prescription drugs and an employee assistance program. Part-time employees who exceed 400 hours over three months are eligible for the same benefits as full-time employees. Also, part-time employees can take advantage of the Earn and Learn tuition assistance program that provides up to $5,250 in assistance per calendar year (with a lifetime maximum of $25,000). Eligibility begins on the day of hire. 8. Trader Joe’s After three months and working an average of 30 hours per week, Trader Joe’s “crew members” are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage at a cost as low as $25 per month. The company also offers a matching 401(k) plan and contributes 10% of a crew member’s salary annually to the plan, according to insurance experts. Other employee benefits include a 20% store discount, scholarship programs, store tastings, employee assistance programs and paid relocation and transfers. 9. Aerotek Aerotek is one of the world’s leading staffing agencies. Part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for contributory medical, dental and vision insurance. The company also offers a 401(k) and 529 plan, a tuition reimbursement after six months, dependent care flex spending accounts, a free counseling service and an employee discount program with Aerotek’s many retail partners. 10. Chipotle All hourly crew members at Chipotle are eligible for its robust benefits package that includes medical, vision and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) match after one year of employment. Part-time employees also receive a salary percentage-based bonuses up to an additional month’s worth of pay, mental health assistance, education assistance up to $5,250 annually, stock purchase plan, gym membership discounts and one free meal per shift. Free burritos on Chipotle! 11. USPS The United States Postal Service hires career and non-career (temporary/seasonal) workers. Part-time career workers are eligible for its benefits package which includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program – a plan in which the federal government pays two-thirds of the health insurance premiums for employees and retirees. They also offer federal employee’s group life insurance (FEGLI), and federally backed long-term care, dental and vision and a flex spending account. The USPS retirement system, also available for part-time career workers, offers a fixed annuity based on years of service, a defined contribution 401(k) THRIFT Savings Plan with a 5% employer match and Social Security. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-1024x683.jpg" alt="A Walmart employee stocks the shelves at a Walmart store." class="wp-image-163056" srcset="https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-100x67.jpg 100w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-222x148.jpg 222w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-314x209.jpg 314w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-363x242.jpg 363w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-467x311.jpg 467w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-649x433.jpg 649w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-750x500.jpg 750w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-793x529.jpg 793w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.thepennyhoarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/27114802/walmart-part-time-final.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Photo courtesy of Walmart 12. Walmart As the biggest retailer in the country, Walmart frequently is an option for people looking for part-time jobs. Part-time and temporary associates at Walmart who work an average of at least 30 hours per week over a 60-day period are eligible for an array of benefits. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, critical illness insurance and accident insurance, as well as a 6% 401(k) match after one year and a 10% in-store discount. Walmart also offers mental health resources where members have access to 20 free therapy or coaching sessions a year and other tools. 13. American Red Cross Employees at this major nonprofit are eligible for part-time health benefits if they work 20 hours per week. Those who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for full-time benefits, including an EAP, or Employee Assistance Program. Available to all employees 24/7, this program provides free counseling to all employees on financial, health or life related issues The American Red Cross also offers a 401(k) plan with a match up to 6%. 14. Home Depot Part-time employees at the home improvement retailer are eligible for dental and vision plans, short-term disability and life insurance. Through their Orange Life benefits program, Home Depot offers a variety of discounts across gyms, grocery store chains and electronics stores available to all employees. Home Depot also provides a 3.5% company matching rate for 401(k) plans as well as financial assistance for college students. 15. IKEA The Swedish furniture outlet includes a range of benefits for all employees, including their Tack! Loyalty program. (“Tack” meaning “Thanks” in Swedish) All workers in a given country, regardless of position or salary, will receive the same bonus applied to their pension.IKEA also features a range of health benefits for part-time workers, including up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave and medical plans for all employees that work at least 20 hours a week. There are also in-store employee discounts, which yes, do cover the meatballs as well. 16. World Market The World Market, a chain of import stores, offers its employees a suite of benefits they claim to be one of the best in the retail industry. While the full complement of benefits are for full-time employees, part-time employees can still expect an employee discount at all stores of up to 30%, a competitive 401(k) plan after three months of employment and paid sick leave. The comprehensive benefits available to part-time employees are available across in-store, corporate and distribution center positions. 17. The Walt Disney Company Working at the Happiest Place on Earth does come with a few perks. While most positions at the company will be in California or Florida, any part-time employee working at Disney’s Vacation Club resorts across the world are also eligible for many of the same benefits as those working in Disney’s flagship theme parks.While one of the most attractive benefits in working for Disney include perks like free park tickets, part-time employees can also count on 401(k) plan options, insurance benefits, discounts on Disney products and on-site childcare support. Students working part-time can also take advantage of Disney Aspire, an education program to help students earn credits and degrees. 18. Target One of the largest retail brands in the country, Target has been a market leader for competitive pay at all levels of the organization. Part-time employees work between 20-29 hours a week or are hired as On-Demand Team Members, where you get to choose your own shifts. Target offers equitable pay for all positions, meaning part-time and full-time employees will receive the same pay at an hourly basis. They also offer virtual and physical options for medical and mental health care and 401(k) plan options. Part-time employees can also take part in the <a href="https://worklife.alight.com/ah-angular-afirst-web/#/web/target/contentPage?articleId=5D8243FA-4471-439D-BCD7-920C5FB47F4E&linkId=L_DreamToBePA&tileid=Dream_to_Be_f0f1fc14007d&tileTechnicalName=Dream_to_Be_f0f1fc14007d&baseClntInd=Client&technicalNameForLink=L_DreamToBePA&userFriendlyNameForLink=Dream%2520to%2520Be%2520pre-auth%2520content%2520page&domain=Consumer%2520Experience&baseClientIndicator=Client&isUCCELink=true">Dream To Be program, an education assistance program run by Target that can help with tuition and education supplies. Also, all employees receive a 10% discount at every Target location. Robert Bruce is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. He has written about personal finance for more than a decade. William Fewox contributed to this report. 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.