6 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially

Quick ways to earn cash without a second job

1. Give plasma: You can typically make anywhere from $30-$70 each time you give, with some centers offering new donor bonuses as high as $700 for the first month. Plus, you can go as often as twice a week.
2. Sell your stuff online: You can sell just about anything on Facebook Marketplace with relative ease. From clothing to furniture to kitchenware, if you have stuff just taking up space, see what you could earn listing it online.
3. Use money-earning apps: Take surveys, test games, upload your shopping receipts … the list goes on. There are a ton of apps that offer rewards and cash for various simple tasks. In fact, you’ll find some options in this list.
4. Sell unused gift cards: Seriously. If you have gift cards lying around, you could sell them for up to 92% of their value with sites like CardCash.

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps. 

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY¹ <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings (3.30% APY standard + 0.70% APY boost for six months) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.² <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits&nbsp;received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct&nbsp;Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in&nbsp;your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct&nbsp;Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on&nbsp;checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time.&nbsp;These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% (as of 4/20/26)³ <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 4/20/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer. 

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Earn a bonus worth $200 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (Rates and fees) here and you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months — that's worth $200 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also lets you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! If you travel even once a year this card could is worth it and could net you with $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring debt specialist. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!⁴ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief

Find creative ways to earn cash during your free time

1. Thrift and flip: Head to local thrift stores, estate sales, or pursue free listings online. With a little skill and elbow grease, you could repurpose old furniture and other goods and sell them locally or online.
2. Do work for older neighbors or family: From mowing the lawn to helping replace light bulbs, chances are there is someone nearby who could use your help. Beyond making a few extra bucks, they are sure to love the company.
3. Haul large items with your truck: If you drive a pickup, you could advertise haul-away or large item delivery services in your area on sites like Craigslist.
4. Pick up photography: You don’t need to have an official business or work weddings for this side gig. Head out to festivals, nightclubs, or popular areas in your city and offer to take people’s photos. Then airdrop or email the photos of your subjects for a small fee.

Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Take control of high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, that monthly bill could feel impossible when your bank balance is already running on fumes.

This new tool could help you regain control over your debt quickly. You’ll get tailored recommendations and matches from companies based on your debt situation that could help you pay down your debt quickly and possibly with less interest

Here’s how to get started:

1. Click the link below.
2. Answer a few quick questions about your income and financial situation.
3. Securely connect your accounts through Plaid (banking, savings, credit cards, debt, investments).
4. Instantly receive a personalized debt solution plan, including which companies could best match your situation.

This service is 100% free. Click the link below and see which programs you might match with.

Click here to see which options you could match with

Pick up gig work from a trusted website

1. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex: Use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages during your off-hours. According to Amazon, most drivers can earn between $18-$25 an hour.
2. Do odd jobs on Taskrabbit: Sign up to be a tasker, and choose small jobs in your area in over 50+ service categories. You get to keep 100% of what you chargem, plus tips. Tasks can include moving furniture, running errands, IKEA assembly, and more.
3. Pick up freelance microtasks: Check out a freelance platform like Upwork and look for postings for simple tasks like data entry, proofreading, image tagging, and more.
4. Event staffing: You could pick up work for events like weddings, business conferences, or festivals. Just do a quick internet search for companies in your area. Beyond pay, some people report scoring added perks like free food for their time.

Earn 10% cash back on your next Walmart purchase

If you're still using an account that charges monthly fees and you earn next to nothing on your savings, you need to try OnePay. When you bank through OnePay, you get a mobile banking app and secured credit card with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and no overdraft fees.⁵ <p>OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Builder Cards through OneProgress Services LLC (NMLS 2460509) are issued by banking partners Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International Incorporated</p>

Sign up for OnePay here and you can earn 3% cash back on Walmart, gas, or dining on up to $150 spent per month, with eligible deposits.⁶ <p>Only available to customers who either (i) received $500+ in direct deposits or (ii) had a total balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. Individual reward details can be found in the OnePay app. For certain reward offers utilizing the OnePay CashRewards Card, and third-party cards linked in the OnePay Wallet, purchases must be made using the physical card. See terms at <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1558140187896023793&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwBfZ3AXx4EOk4moLbRM2gd58uzMlwnwVKWhNkw6kbCbEzLx9CbD7%2FhEPyDre86JOB7ejUDt%2B8XOCZz0AAAA%3D">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p> On top of that, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits⁷ <p>3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.35% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.35% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 5/13/2026, but may change at any time before or after account opening.</p> and get paid up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.⁸ <p>Direct Deposit is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data</p>  And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.⁹ <p>Bonus Term 10/27/2025 – 12/31/2026. Bonus applied to your first purchase of gas using an Upside Offer for gas (“Gas Offer”). Use of a Gas Offer must be made during the Bonus Term to earn the Bonus. Limit of one per customer. Cash back is provided as OnePay Points, which can be redeemed as a deposit into a OnePay deposit account, or other available options. Gas Offers are not available in New Jersey or Wisconsin. Cash back amounts and caps vary by gas station and are subject to change at any time. Any gallon or spend caps applicable to a Gas Offer will also be applicable to the Bonus. See <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwBfZ3AXx4EOk4moLbRM2gd58uzMlwnwVKWhNkw6kbCbEzLx9CbD7%2FhEPyDre86JOB7ejUDt%2B8XOCZz0AAAA%3D">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p>

You also get fee-free overdraft with eligible deposits,¹⁰ <p>Fee-Free Overdraft is available to OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. You must be 18 or older. When on, Savings Backup will be used before Fee-Free Overdraft. Overdraft balance is due right away. Eligible transactions are at the discretion of OnePay and may exclude certain transactions (e.g., bill pay, global transfers). <a href="https://support.one.app/hc/en-us/articles/360052260773-Savings-Backup-and-Overdraft-Protection">See details</a>.</p> fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide,¹¹ <p>For all other ATM transactions, the Cash Out fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.</p> and free bill pay with eligible deposits.¹² <p>Only applies to OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. For all other accounts the $3 Bill Pay Fee applies for each bill paid.</p>

Limited time offer: earn 10% cash back on your first Walmart purchase made within your first month, on up to $200 spent.¹³ <p>Only available to customers who initiate their account application through certain channels from 3/21/25 - 9/30/26. Cash back earned as OnePay Points. See terms at <a href="https://static.one.app/terms-and-conditions/t/5210c05b/10firstpurchasefulllongformterms43026.html?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1558140187896023793&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwB%2B1ehXEQx8iWrY2qGnYRrz5dmequ%2FUpxqYIm1m4RM84DgZmqBdhd3uY6%2FIRBaTose5sbwfnVNlu%2FPhynH5CAAAA">OnePay.com/10percent</a>.</p>

Open a OnePay deposit account today

Save up to $2,000 on every flight you take (yes, it’s crazy)

Sounds kind of insane. And maybe you’re skeptical if this actually works or not. But either way … you’re probably curious. If you want to save a ton on travel (even international), Dollar Flight Club makes it so you could potentially pay less for any flight you take.

They’ve been helping travelers save since 2016 (so you know they’re the real deal), shipping crazy flight deals straight to your email — up to 90% off normal price for many flights. Just pick your destination and let them do the rest. They hunt deals 24/7 so you don’t have to.

Now, some insider info: They *do* offer a free version … but it puts you on a 2-3 month waitlist. Skip the wait and get instant access to the best deals with a Premium+ membership instead. For a limited time, FinanceBuzz readers can try Premium+ free for 14 days!

How to try Premium+:

1. Enter your email at the link below.
2. Pick your departure airport and dream destinations.
3. Enter your payment info and start your free trial of Premium+.

This is the fastest way to unlock the best flight deals that could save you up to 90% off flights. At the end of the trial, you’ll be upgraded to the $99 per year membership.

Enter your payment info here to start your free Premium+ trial

Ohio homeowners borrow from your home’s equity

HELOCs are experiencing a resurgence among credit-worthy homeowners, who see them as a cost-effective way to eliminate high-interest debt or finance home improvements.

The best part is you can actually keep your current mortgage rate by getting a HELOC with this genius product! No hassle.

See if you qualify!¹⁴ <p>All mortgage lending conducted by Upstart Mortgage, LLC dba Upstart Home Lending. NMLS #2443873. Equal Housing Opportunity.</p>

How to get started:

1. Check out Upstart Home Lending at the link below.
2. Answer a few questions about your home.
3. See if you qualify and get your personalized rate and payment.

See if you qualify

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 

In addition to this welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. 

It's almost a no-brainer to apply. 

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Take this quiz and see if you can retire early

Do you know if you can retire early? One of the best ways to find out is by speaking with a financial advisor. You could potentially retire years earlier with the right moves and a little work.

Our advice:Take this quiz from Unbiased. In just a few short questions, it can match you with a vetted financial advisor in your area. Once you get matched, you get a free consultation with your advisor to discuss your situation and future goals.

Join over 10 million people who have found a great fit in an advisor with Unbiased.

Take the quiz

Paid Non-Client Promotion

FinanceBuzz doesn’t invest its money with this provider, but they are our referral partner. We get paid by them only if you click to them from our website and take a qualifying action (for example, opening an account.)

Access up to $500K of your home equity with no additional monthly payments

If you want to access your home equity — but don’t qualify for a traditional HELOC — Splitero could be perfect.

How it works: Splitero is a Home Equity Investment product that bets on your home's future value going up. You get cash now, and when you cash settle, sell, or refinance, you give Splitero a small portion based on how much your home is worth then.

(By the way, if your home value decreases, the value of the percentage Splitero is entitled to also decreases. That could be a lot safer for you.)

Splitero is rated “A” by the BBB and you can use the money however you like. Pay off debt, renovate your home, or invest, all without worrying about additional monthly payments.

You may qualify if you:

1. Have some equity in your home — 30% or more.
2. Have a credit score of 500+.
3. It’s your residence, and you live there.

Your cash-back card is costing you free flights

Here's a number most people don't think about: if you spend $3,000/month on a flat 1.5% cash-back card, you're earning about $45/month. Sounds fine — until you realize the right travel rewards card would turn that same spending into enough points for 2-3 free round-trip flights a year.

That's 2-3 free flights you're not taking. Not because you can't afford them — because your card isn't working hard enough.

FinanceBuzz can help you find the right travel rewards card for your spending — free, and without affecting your credit score.

See How Much You're Missing

Give your teen the money app they actually want

When it comes to their money, you want to give your teen freedom — but you also want to see what they’re doing. Most accounts give you one or the other, but not both.

Cash App solves this problem. It’s a secure way for teens to manage money with your help,¹⁵ <p>Teens aged 13 to 17 can join with approval from eligible parent or guardian. To view the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a teen, please visit the Sponsored Accounts section of the Cash App Terms of Service.</p> and Cash App is U.S. teens' favorite financial services brand for payments.¹⁶ <p>YPulse Brand Tracker | YScore+, Favorite Diagnostic | Aug 12 2024 - Aug 10 2025 | Nationally representative sample of 13-17-year-olds in the U.S. | Minimum base n = 100 per brand</p> They can send, spend, and even save, and best of all, there are no monthly or hidden fees.

Check your teen’s activity, balance, and transactions, set limits to build habits responsibly, and know when they send money to someone new. They can even design their own Visa debit card¹⁷ <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank&nbsp;partner(s). See cash.app for more details. Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards&nbsp;issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A.&nbsp;Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement),&nbsp;Sutton debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton), and Bancorp&nbsp;debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> ¹⁸ <p>Free Cash App Cards come in black, white, pink, or glow-in-the-dark. Card use fees apply.</p> and get instant discounts at places they already shop!

With Cash App, you can give your teen the freedom they want with the safety of your oversight. Download the app today.

Download Cash App for free today

Pay no interest into 2027 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Discover it^® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.49% - 26.49% Variable.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it^® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This practically doubles its value at the end of your first year.

Apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back card