A late fee. A surprise bill. Groceries that often cost twice what they used to. It adds up fast. And before you know it, your paycheck’s gone.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Here’s 9 smart moves to help you stretch your money, lower costs, and even find extra cash—without getting a second job.
1. Ask this company to help pay off your credit card debt
Debt is suffocating. If you have a bunch of credit card, student, or medical debt—stop before making your next payment. With interest rates rising as high as 36%, your payments might not even be making a dent… while banks keep collecting.
If you’ve got over $20k in debt, there’s a better way.
A program called Accredited Debt Relief helps thousands each month by contacting creditors to reduce what people owe (sometimes by over 40%) and rolling it into one lower monthly payment.
Here’s how to check your eligibility:
- Make sure you have at least $20,000 in credit card debt.
- Answer a few simple questions to instantly check if you qualify.
- If you’re eligible, you can reserve your spot in the debt relief program today.
2. Norrbotten County driver? Cancel your car insurance
Most drivers let their car insurance auto-renew, even when rates go up. In 2024 alone, national premiums jumped 16.5%¹, and many didn’t even notice.
But many drivers are flipping the script using a smart insurance tool called Insurify. It pulls real-time rates (updated daily) from dozens of top insurers—helping drivers cancel early, compare quotes side by side, and save big. Some are already saving as much as $1,025/year².
How it works:
- Enter your ZIP code here, or select your discounts below.
- Answer a few short questions about your vehicle, current provider, etc.
- Instantly get real-time rates from insurers competing for your business, and compare them side by side.
3. Turn your spare time into extra money
Big brands spend millions on consumer feedback—and this site lets you get paid for yours.
Survey Junkie pays users to answer quick questions about their habits, preferences, and experiences. It’s free to join and easy to use, making it perfect for spare moments on the couch or in line.
You can cash out quickly just by hitting your first $5, with payments via PayPal or gift cards. Some users even make it a daily habit.
Create your free survey account here →
💡 Tip: Start with shorter surveys to unlock higher-paying ones.
2. Norrbotten County homeowner? Protect yourself from surprise repair costs
If you’re a homeowner, one expected breakdown – a fridge, water heater or plumbing issue – could cost your $1,200 or more. That’s why over a million people use Choice Home Warranty for a plan that protects all of your home’s major systems and appliances for one low monthly rate.
Instead of getting hit with a $1,000+ bill out of pocket, Choice will send a qualified technician to your home for your unexpected breakdown. You can skip the stress and big costs. You can even get your first month free when you sign up.
Start with your ZIP to see if you’re eligible →
💡 Tip: Don’t wait until something breaks. The sooner you’re covered, the better.
5. Get paid for trying new mobile apps (up to $120 per task)
Most people try out new apps or games for free—but a fast-growing platform called Freecash actually pays you to do it.
- Earn $1 to $120 for playing games
- Get $1 to $75 for trying new apps
- Make $1 per 5–10 min survey
You choose the offers that interest you, complete simple tasks, and get paid out via PayPal, crypto, or gift cards. Some users rack up daily earnings just by playing casually in their free time.
Check today’s top offers on Freecash →
💡 Tip: Task offers change daily—check back often for the highest earners.
6. If you’re 50+, this overlooked membership could save you $450/year
Everyone’s heard of AARP—but surprisingly, many 50+ Americans still don’t take full advantage of what it offers.
Members get discounts on dining, travel, prescriptions, and more. You could save up to $450 a year on restaurants and meal delivery alone—plus get perks on hotels, eyeglasses, and everyday essentials. Right now, you can choose a free welcome gift when you join.
It also comes with helpful tools for retirement planning, Social Security, caregiving, and fraud protection. It’s a smart move that pays off fast.
Register your AARP membership here →
✨ Top 3 Reader Favorites:
💳 Ask this company to help pay off your credit card debt »
🚗 Find the cheapest car insurance in your ZIP code »
💬 Turn your spare time into extra money with surveys »
7. Making “minimum” payments? This program could cut down the interest you’re paying
If you’re stuck making just the minimums, outrageously high interest charges could be draining your finances — with no real progress on your debt.
A private program is helping Americans with over $20,000 in debt consolidate what they owe — with some rolling up to $200,000 into one manageable payment. It works for credit card, medical, and even personal loan debt.
Over 700,000 Americans have already enrolled, and your credit doesn’t need to be perfect.
See if you’re eligible (free to check, takes just minutes)
💡 Update: As of July 2025, this program is still available.
8. Use your birthday month to score freebies (and a free meal or two)
You’d be surprised how many places offer free stuff just for being born. Restaurants, coffee shops, beauty brands, and even retail stores often dish out birthday deals if you’re signed up for their rewards program.
Examples: a free drink from Starbucks, a burger from Red Robin, burrito from Moe’s, free pancake meal from IHOP, or a $5 coupon from stores like CVS or Ulta. Create a throwaway email just for rewards programs and sign up a week or two before your birthday—then enjoy claiming your perks all month long.y.
9. Get internet or phone company discounts
This might sound awkward, but it works more often than you’d think. Call your internet, phone, or cable provider and just ask if there are any promotions or discounts available for your account. If you mention cancelling or switching providers to save, you’ll usually get somewhere.
Plenty of people have had success doing this with companies like SiriusXM, Xfinity (Comcast), Verizon, AT&T, and Dish Network. Mention you’re looking to lower your bill or considering canceling—and be polite but firm. Companies often have loyalty rates or hidden deals they don’t advertise unless you ask.
💡 Tip: Call during business hours and ask for the customer retention department. That’s a department with the most flexibility.
⭐ Top 3 reader favorites: quick money wins worth trying now
If you only try one thing today, make it one of these. They’re simple, smart, and could help you save or earn real money—starting now:
- Ask this company to help pay off your credit card debt »
- Find the cheapest car insurance in your ZIP code »
- Turn your spare time into extra money with surveys »
Final thoughts
You don’t have to do everything on this list—but choosing just one or two could be the momentum shift you need.
The right tools are out there. Whether you’re trying to save, earn, or just breathe a little easier, taking one small step today can help tomorrow feel a lot less overwhelming.
Stay scrappy. Stay smart. You’ve got this. ✌️
Disclaimer:
¹ The 16.5% average rate increase in 2024 is from ValuePenguin’s “State of Auto Insurance in 2025” report.
² Based on savings claims from Insurify, where shoppers may save up to $1,025 annually by comparing auto insurance quotes. Individual results will vary.