Side Income - Fresh Life Advice

Rethinking the Way You See Money: How to Build a Healthier Relationship With It

May 9, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

How do you build a healthier relationship with money? Today, we will explore how to rethink the way you see money.

Money touches everything, but no one really teaches you how to have a relationship with it that doesn’t feel loaded. We inherit ideas about money from our families, friends, culture, and experiences—often without realizing it—and we carry those stories into adulthood. Some people are afraid to look at their bank account. Others feel guilty every time they spend. No matter where you fall, one thing’s true: a healthier relationship with money doesn’t mean having more of it. It means feeling less anxious, more aware, and in control of the decisions you’re making with what you’ve got.

Get Honest About the Story You’re Telling Yourself

You might think you’re “bad with money,” or that you’ll never have enough, or that wealth is only for certain kinds of people. Those thoughts don’t just come out of nowhere—they’re often shaped by what you saw growing up or the pressure you feel now. Maybe your family struggled, or maybe they never talked about money at all.

Either way, if you’re walking around with old beliefs that no longer serve you, it’s worth taking a step back to figure out where those ideas came from. When you name the story, you finally get to change the ending.

Use a Budget as a Mirror, Not a Restriction

Let’s just say it: most budgeting advice sounds like it’s coming from someone who’s never had to choose between groceries and the electric bill. But a budget doesn’t have to be about cutting yourself off—it’s really just a tool to show you what’s coming in, what’s going out, and where it’s all actually going.

That kind of visibility can be empowering once you stop seeing it as a chore. If the word “budget” makes your shoulders tense up, call it something else. It’s your money map. You get to decide where it leads.

Use Money as Mirror — **Image Source: Money Mirror via FreePik**

Boost Your Income with an Online Degree

If you’re looking to bring in more income without walking away from your current job, an online degree can be a game-changer. It gives you the flexibility to keep working while gaining the qualifications you need to move up or pivot into a new field entirely.

For those drawn to meaningful work, earning a healthcare degree not only increases your earning potential but also allows you to directly improve the well-being of individuals and families. With the right program, you can advance your career in healthcare while still keeping your life in motion.

Have the Conversations You’ve Been Avoiding

Talking about money with people—your partner, your friends, your family—can be weird. But not talking about it? That’s where problems grow. It’s okay to not have all the answers.

What matters is being willing to talk things through, whether it’s splitting rent, figuring out how to pay down debt, or setting shared goals. You don’t have to be perfect with money to be honest about it. And when you let people in, you realize you’re not the only one trying to figure this stuff out in real time.

Have the Conversation — **Image Source: Have The Conversation via FreePik**

Let Your Spending Reflect What Actually Matters to You

Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered why half your money disappears into stuff that doesn’t even feel good? It happens. And it’s usually not about the amount—it’s about alignment.

The trick isn’t to stop spending altogether, it’s to spend like you mean it. When you stop buying out of boredom, pressure, or habit, and start spending on the things that actually light you up or support your goals, your money becomes a tool—not a trap.

Save Without Turning Into a Monk

People love to talk about saving like it means never going out, canceling every streaming service, and brewing sad coffee at home forever. But saving isn’t about deprivation—it’s about options.

Even small, steady savings give you breathing room when life throws something unexpected your way. And when you think of it as paying your future self—who, let’s be real, will definitely appreciate the help—it stops feeling like a punishment and starts feeling like care.

Acknowledge That Money Is Emotional—Because It Is

Here’s the truth: money is never just about math. It brings up fear, shame, pride, envy, hope—all of it. And if you don’t acknowledge that, you’ll end up making decisions based on feelings you haven’t dealt with.

Buying something to feel better, ignoring bills because they stress you out, putting off planning because it’s overwhelming—it’s all emotional. The more aware you are of what’s driving your choices, the more space you create to respond differently next time.

Learn Just Enough to Feel Steady

You don’t have to become a finance bro to get your footing. You just need to understand the basics well enough to stop feeling like you’re always behind or in the dark. That might mean learning how credit works, understanding how to ask for a raise, or finally figuring out how to open a retirement account. Financial literacy isn’t about mastering Wall Street—it’s about not feeling powerless when it comes to your own money. Knowledge is leverage, and you deserve to have some.

Chasing more money will never be the answer if your relationship with it is still full of stress, shame, or confusion. But when you learn to work with your money instead of against it, everything changes. You feel more grounded. You start making choices based on what you actually want, not what you’re trying to escape. A healthy relationship with money doesn’t mean having it all—it just means finally feeling like you’re enough, whether you’re holding a hundred bucks or a hundred thousand.

Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.

What are your thoughts on How to Build a Healthier Relationship With Money? Let me know in the comments below.

Discover a fresh perspective on personal finance at Fresh Life Advice and unlock new insights for your financial success!

April Side Income Report | 2025

May 1, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2025 April Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

FLA’s side hustle income reports are not for the purpose of bragging. This side income amount of money is by no means impressive. The sole purpose of this series is to inspire you to create diversified income streams in order to help you achieve your financial goals faster.

I began this tumultuous F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence – Retire Early) journey almost immediately after graduating from college and shortly realizing it is never ideal to work for someone other than yourself.

After withdrawing from the corporate world, I plan to fully indulge in my mission of helping 10 million people with their own path to financial freedom. I’ve discovered a wonderful community of people with shared mindsets. So I’m currently on a journey to see if we can turn FLA into a little business that supports the mission.

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

After aggressively saving 50%+ of my annual income year after year, I’m approximately 43% of the way to retirement with 7 years to go. I’m aware that side hustles may never fully support one’s expenses, but I’m willing to try.

At the very minimum of making $1/month (what one may consider failure), I am ecstatic as I realize this can be considered supplemental income that will be able to be reinvested into this blog to enhance your reading experience on FLA.

Through my arduous journey, I’ve learned to focus on the future value of money. One dollar to you may look like a standard George Washington-faced bill, but to me, I see its potential. Accounting for 3% inflation, investing that dollar could return 5 times its original value in 25 years. Yes, that’s like putting $1 into an ATM and having it return a $5 bill back to you. How amazing is compound interest?! Hypothetically, you can increase that principal amount, and you’ve got yourself some unbelievable returns.

My hope with these income reports is ultimately to present some transparency for you. By showing it doesn’t take much effort to earn and save, I may motivate you to chase one of your biggest dreams. Dreams may originally sound outlandish, but they all need to start somewhere, right? Without further ado, here is FLA’s April 2025 Side Income Report.

APRIL SIDE INCOME REPORT

The best way to make money is to have various streams of revenue. The best way to protect yourself in the course of ill-fated events stripping you of some of your main sources of income is to diversify.

We have all heard the pragmatic advice of “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” Well, put this theory into practice. The following is my best attempt to develop additional sources of income. Below are the six ways I attempted to make money from my side hustles in the month of April.

Stocks are my absolute favorite money-making assets. Your money can make money for you with the click of a ‘buy’ button! Sure, there are ups and downs in the stock market, but if you look historically at the S&P 500 Index or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, your investment generally grows over the long term. Remember, investing and gambling are not the same thing.

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Simply, they are distribution of some of a company’s earnings to a class of its shareholders. In this case, you are the shareholder. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but the company you invest in will reward you with bonus money!

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

Which stocks have I invested in? I have a few individual stock picks, but the finance community knows this is a loser’s game. I mainly hold VTI, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, which allows you to be diversified and capture 3,674 different stocks with a minimal expense ratio, or annual fee, of 0.03%. Index funds will often take you to the promised land in the long run.

Typically, you have 2 choices with dividends. You can either accept the dividend as cold hard cash or you can choose to reinvest the money back into the same stock automatically. It’s as simple as clicking the ‘yes’ button when prompted with the question on whether or not to re-invest dividends.

I strongly recommend you to reinvest your dividends and capital gains. Why? Well, look at this way: you didn’t have the earned dividend money to begin with. Do you really need it at this moment? Why not let your additional money grow even more? Open up an investment account and enjoy the magic of compounding interest by increasing your principal investment.

April Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $64.60

In my free time, I participate in paid surveys. It’s one of my other sources of income. The surveys are mindless and allow you to temporarily escape from life’s struggles and reality. Oftentimes, you have a chance to play your part in society and provide meaningful feedback on hot topics that may be decided by top companies and government officials.

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Prolific seems to have the highest quantity of surveys available. Each survey also previews an hourly rate to the user. This significantly helps in determining if the survey is worth your time. I’ve seen them range from $3/hour all the way up to $30/hour, but on average are $8/hour.

Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research surveys always reward you with $3 for every survey. Since each survey is typically around 10 minutes long, the site has a pretty standard hourly rate of $12/hour. However, the frequency of surveys is much less than Prolific.

YouGov

Finally, YouGov’s typical survey lasts for 10 minutes and will pay out $1.50, translating to an hourly rate of $6/hr. Even though it is the lowest payout, it still helps to have supplemental income. Again, always consider the balance between time and money.

YouGov is an eclectic group of the media, nonprofits and companies that congregate to find out what the world thinks. YouGov happens to be one of the most-quoted data sources in the US and across the world.

Prolific, Pinecone Research, and YouGov offer all kinds of rewards, but I normally recommend cash payout via PayPal. The transfer is usually instantaneous. Prolific does pay out in GBP, but the money is translated to USD when conducting a bank transfer in PayPal.

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

April Side Income – Surveys Total: $123.16

An additional passive income stream is selling your old goods or unused consumer products. Simply list your items with competitive pricing on Amazon and/or eBay, sit back, and let the buyers make you offers.

I often notice friends, family, and even co-workers constantly looking to throw out items that are still in perfectly good condition; it drives me nuts! Why not let someone bid on the product? Worst case will be that it doesn’t sell, and then you can throw out the item. No harm, no foul.

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there was one stranger that bought an item of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

April Side Income – Selling Total: $40.00

As a blogger, I would like to keep the user experience as clean as possible. Therefore, I have chosen to keep all Google AdSense ads from my website. I am an avid reader of many other blogs, and I can truthfully admit it retracts from the reading experience. I am very proud of this decision and will continue with this route.

April Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

I published my first eBook titled How I Launched, Marketed, and Promoted a High-Traffic Blog in Under 15 Days last year. I only promoted the book as part of the launch, but several people found their way to the sales page. Again, this is a learning process to convert the views into actual sales. As Robert Kiyosaki alludes to in his book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, it’s all about being a best-selling author, not a best-writing author. There is a subtle yet significant difference.

April Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Who would’ve ever thought that spending money would actually earn you money? Well, with cash-back credit cards, now it’s certainly possible. With my Capital One Venture Card, I can now make this dream a reality.

Depending on the card you have, you’ll score 1-2 miles with every dollar you spend. Capital One Miles can be used in a variety of ways and are generally worth between half a cent and one cent apiece.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 1,191 miles, which is equivalent to $11.91.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

When you use points to redeem for cash, each point is worth $.01 (one cent), which means that 100 points equals $1 in redemption value. Each point you redeem for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards is worth $.0125 (one and a quarter cents), which means that 100 points equals $1.25 in redemption value, and points are worth 25% more than if redeemed for cash. For example, 20,000 points are worth $250 when redeemed for travel purchases, or $200 when redeemed for cash. The cost of travel is based on the rates and fares available through the Ultimate Rewards website and travel center, and may not reflect all rates and fares that are available through other sales channels.

If you choose to use points and your Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card to pay for your purchase, each point will be worth $.0125, but your credit card will be charged the full remaining dollar amount.

After this month, I was able to earn $101.70 this month from the Chase card.

April Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $113.61

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2025 is going well.

In 2024, I was able to max out my Roth IRA and 401k – I highly recommend you do the same in 2025 if you have the option! In January, I immediately transferred the maximum $7,000 limit from my taxable brokerage account to the tax-deferred Roth IRA for the 2025 year, with most of it invested in January. The sooner, the better since time in the market often beats timing the market.

Investing is always a great plan. Keep in mind we are in a 10% correction off of all-time highs in 2025 so stocks are on sale! I strongly encourage you to buy stocks while tariffs temporarily hinder company earnings at this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest April income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

If you wish to support this site, but don’t have a need for any of FLA’s affiliate products, you could simply do your regular Amazon shopping through any of the links on this site that lead to Amazon.com. You won’t pay any extra and FLA will receive a small commission. Thanks so much if you do so!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total April Side Income: $341.37

How was your April 2025 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

Editorial Note – Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

User Generated Content Disclosure – Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

March Side Income Report | 2025

April 1, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2025 March Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

MARCH SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

March Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $413.22

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

March Side Income – Surveys Total: $212.36

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were no strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

March Side Income – Selling Total: $0.00

March Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

March Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 941 miles, which is equivalent to $9.41.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $61.14 this month from the Chase card.

March Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $70.55

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2025 is going well.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest March income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total March Side Income: $696.13

How was your March 2025 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

February Side Income Report | 2025

March 4, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2025 February Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

FEBRUARY SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

February Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $172.96

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

February Side Income – Surveys Total: $135.75

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were a couple of strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

February Side Income – Selling Total: $154.80

February Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

February Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 1,668 miles, which is equivalent to $16.68.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $32.68 this month from the Chase card.

February Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $49.36

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2025 is going well.

Investing is always a great time but keep in mind we are near all-time highs in 2025 so stocks are not on sale yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest February income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total February Side Income: $512.87

How was your February 2025 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

January Side Income Report | 2025

February 12, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2025 January Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

JANUARY SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

January Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $107.84

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

January Side Income – Surveys Total: $155.74

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were no strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

January Side Income – Selling Total: $0.00

January Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

January Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 2,832 miles, which is equivalent to $28.32.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $110.27 this month from the Chase card.

January Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $138.59

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2025 is going well.

Investing is always a great time but keep in mind we are near all-time highs in 2025 so stocks are not on sale yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest January income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total January Side Income: $402.17

How was your January 2025 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

December Side Income Report | 2024

January 2, 2025 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2024 December Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

After aggressively saving 50%+ of my annual income year after year, I’m approximately 38% of the way to retirement with 9 years to go. I’m aware that side hustles may never fully support one’s expenses, but I’m willing to try.

DECEMBER SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

December Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $1,091.28

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

December Side Income – Surveys Total: $163.76

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were a couple of strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

December Side Income – Selling Total: $925.09

December Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

December Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 4,101 miles, which is equivalent to $41.01.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $347.59 this month from the Chase card.

December Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $388.60

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2024 went well. Happy New Year!

In 2023, I was able to max out my Roth IRA and 401k – I highly recommend you do the same in 2024 if you have the option! In January, I immediately transferred the maximum $7,000 limit from my taxable brokerage account to the tax-deferred Roth IRA for the 2024 year, with most of it invested in January. The sooner, the better since time in the market often beats timing the market.

Investing is always a great time but keep in mind we are near all-time highs in 2024 so stocks are not on sale yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest December income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total December Side Income: $2,568.73

2024 Monthly Average Side Income: $765.25

2024 Side Income Grand Total: $9,183.00

How was your December 2024 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

November Side Income Report | 2024

December 4, 2024 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2024 November Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

NOVEMBER SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

November Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $198.54

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

November Side Income – Surveys Total: $354.91

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were no strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

November Side Income – Selling Total: $0.00

November Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

November Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 1,187 miles, which is equivalent to $11.87.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $94.76 this month from the Chase card.

November Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $106.63

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2024 is going well.

Investing is always a great time but keep in mind we are near all-time highs in 2024 so stocks are not on sale yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest November income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!

Total November Side Income: $660.08

How was your November 2024 side hustling? Let me know in the comments below.

Affordable Education: How to Earn a Degree Without Breaking the Bank

November 26, 2024 by Fresh Life Advice

What is affordable education? Today, we will explore how to earn a degree without breaking the bank.

Pursuing higher education is a life-changing opportunity, but for many college students these days, the fear of significant debt can overshadow the excitement of earning a degree. The rising cost of tuition has made financial planning an essential part of the college experience. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies that modern students can use to minimize their expenses and avoid long-term financial burdens. From scholarships and grants to researching your educational options and budgeting wisely, this article explores effective ways to get a quality education without drowning in debt.

Engaging in Effective Time Management

Juggling academic responsibilities and work commitments can be a little challenging, but striking the right balance is essential for both your educational and financial goals. By effectively managing your time and setting clear priorities, you can excel in your studies while gaining valuable work experience that reduces your need for student loans. Utilizing planners or digital calendars can really help you organize your tasks and manage deadlines, ensuring that you allocate enough time for studying, working, and self-care. Going along with this, communicating openly with your employers and professors about your commitments can lead to flexible arrangements that accommodate your schedule. Setting healthy boundaries and avoiding over commitment protects you from burnout and keeps your academic performance on track.

Pursuing Affordable Nursing Degrees Through Online Programs

Choosing an online degree program can significantly reduce your educational expenses while offering the flexibility you need. By pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing online, you can balance full-time work and family commitments with your studies, avoiding the financial strain of lost income. Online education allows you to advance into specialized nursing fields like education, informatics, administration, or advanced practice without the hefty price tag of traditional programs. Many online programs are designed to let you learn at your own pace, helping you manage both your time and finances effectively. This approach not only makes higher education more accessible but also empowers you to advance your career without accumulating significant debt.

Unearthing Scholarship Opportunities Through Community Connections

Regularly checking with community organizations such as nearby businesses and local non-profits can uncover scholarships tailored to students like you. These organizations often offer financial aid to residents or those actively participating in regional initiatives, which means a smaller applicant pool and a better chance for you to secure funding. By engaging with local groups, you not only discover scholarship opportunities but also build relationships that could benefit your future career. Attending community events, visiting community centers, and connecting with organization leaders keep you informed about new scholarships and upcoming application deadlines. Taking advantage of these local scholarships can substantially decrease your college expenses and are often less competitive than national awards.

Reducing Student Loan Debt Through Merit-Based Scholarships and Grants

Actively seeking out merit-based scholarships and grants can significantly decrease your reliance on educational loans. Many students successfully obtain scholarships and fellowships awarded for academic excellence or special skills, which can cover substantial portions of tuition and fees. These merit-based financial aids not only reduce your immediate expenses but also lessen the long-term burden of student loan debt. By minimizing borrowed amounts, you can focus more on your studies without the stress of future repayments. Taking advantage of these affordable education opportunities is a proactive step toward a debt-free college degree.

**Image Source: Scholarship Application via Free Pik**

Understanding Credit Cards and Avoiding High-Interest Debt

Understanding the benefits and risks of credit cards is essential to prevent overwhelming high-interest debt. While credit cards provide convenience and can boost your credit score, they often carry steep interest rates that can quickly accumulate if you don’t pay off your balance each month. You might find yourself spending more with credit cards than with cash, as the delayed payment can make purchases feel less immediate. If you habitually overspend and only make minimum payments, your debt can grow rapidly, leading to financial strain and potential credit issues. By educating yourself on how credit cards work, and using credit responsibly, you can reap their advantages without falling into debt.

Saving Money by Sharing Off-Campus Housing Expenses

Exploring off-campus housing with roommates can significantly lower your living costs by dividing rent and utility bills among multiple people. Sharing a living space reduces individual expenses and offers the added benefit of social interaction and support. Being open to less luxurious accommodations can help you find a place that fits your budget without sacrificing comfort. Working together with your roommates to negotiate better deals on services like internet or cable can lead to further savings. By collaborating on these strategies, you can create an economical living arrangement that eases financial stress while enhancing your college experience.

Achieving Financial Success in College with a Detailed Budget Plan

Developing a detailed budget plan is essential for managing your college finances effectively. By carefully monitoring your expenses – from fixed costs like tuition and housing to variable expenses such as food and entertainment – you can make your money last the entire semester. This proactive approach helps you avoid the stress of running out of funds and reduces the risk of accumulating credit card debt, which can have lasting impacts on your financial future. By identifying areas where you can save on affordable education, you may be able to build an emergency fund to handle unexpected costs. Embracing budgeting in college not only supports your current needs but also cultivates financial habits that will benefit you long after graduation.

Graduating with little to no debt is an achievable goal with the right approach and resources. By taking advantage of financial aid opportunities, making smart spending choices, and staying proactive about managing costs, students can focus on their education without the stress of looming debt. Remember, the choices you make today will shape your financial future, so prioritize strategies that allow you to enjoy your college years while building a stable foundation for life after graduation.

Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.

What are your thoughts on Affordable Education? Let me know in the comments below.

Discover a fresh perspective on personal finance at Fresh Life Advice and unlock new insights for your financial success!

Smart Money Moves: Proven Practices to Keep You Financially Grounded

November 20, 2024 by Fresh Life Advice

What are some smart money moves? Today, we will explore proven practices to keep you financially grounded.

Financial stability isn’t just about earning or saving; it’s about building habits that keep you steady through life’s shifts. By focusing on clear, actionable smart money moves, you can create a foundation that supports both current needs and future goals. This isn’t a one-time fix – it’s a mindset that evolves with you, helping you prioritize what matters most while staying adaptable to changing circumstances. Courtesy of Fresh Life Advice, here are some tips to help you design a life where you can feel prepared, confident, and in control.

Build a Budget That Works

Creating a practical monthly budget starts with examining your spending habits. By analyzing where your money has been going, such as noticing a spike in dining out expenses on weekends, you can identify areas for improvement. This insight allows you to set achievable financial goals, like saving a certain amount each month for a future purchase. Utilizing budgeting tools can simplify this process by automatically tracking and categorizing your expenses, helping you maintain financial discipline. A budget tailored to your unique spending habits provides the flexibility to enjoy life while preparing for unexpected financial challenges.

Establish Separate Savings Accounts

Setting up separate accounts for distinct savings goals can be a simple yet powerful way to manage your finances with clarity. By designating individual accounts for specific goals – such as an emergency fund, travel savings, or a future home purchase – you create clear boundaries that help prevent accidental overspending. This approach not only provides visual motivation as you watch each account grow but also makes it easier to track your progress. When each dollar has a designated purpose, you’re less likely to dip into these funds for everyday expenses, making it easier to stay disciplined and committed to your long-term goals.

Stay Vigilant of Financial Scams

Staying vigilant against financial scams is crucial in an increasingly digital world, where threats can appear through phone calls, emails, or even text messages. Recognizing red flags, such as unsolicited investment offers or pressure tactics, can help protect your assets. For suspicious calls, using a reverse phone lookup tool can confirm essential details like the caller’s identity, address, and carrier, which helps filter out potential scams. Many of these services also provide access to complaint databases and frequently reported numbers, offering a clearer picture of the caller’s intentions. For example, using this service can provide details on the 212 area code, helping you make informed choices and shield yourself from deceptive schemes that could compromise your financial security.

Invest and Prosper

Investing is a great way to save for your future and to plan for retirement. To make the most of your investments, diversification is a crucial strategy for managing risk. By spreading your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and regions, you can mitigate the impact of any single investment’s poor performance. This approach not only protects against economic shifts but also enhances your potential for achieving long-term financial goals. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio ensures it aligns with your risk tolerance and objectives, providing a stable foundation for financial growth.

Multiply Your Earnings Through Other Income Streams

Building additional income streams can be a transformative strategy for achieving financial security and flexibility. By exploring opportunities beyond your primary job, such as freelance work, rental income, or investing, you can reduce reliance on a single paycheck and create a buffer against economic shifts. Diversifying income doesn’t just boost your earnings – it also empowers you to pursue interests, build new skills, and expand your professional network. Each stream acts as a financial safeguard, providing stability even when one source may fluctuate.

Create a Safety Net with Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is your financial safety net in times of crisis. Life is unpredictable, and sudden expenses like medical bills or job loss can quickly drain your savings if you’re unprepared. By setting aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses, you create a buffer that allows you to handle unforeseen costs without resorting to high-interest loans or credit card debt. This cushion not only protects you from debt cycles but also provides peace of mind, enabling you to focus on making informed decisions during challenging times.

Early Tax Planning Pays Off

Early tax planning can be a game changer for maximizing deductions and minimizing liabilities. By starting your tax planning early, you can strategically manage your income and expenses to take advantage of available tax benefits. For instance, contributing to retirement accounts not only secures your future but also reduces your taxable income for the year. Early planning helps you avoid tax surprises and ensures a smoother financial journey.

Time for Taxes Money Financial Accounting Taxation Concept — **Image Source: Tax Time via Free Pik**

Visit a Financial Advisor

Seeing a financial advisor offers valuable guidance that can enhance your financial health and help you achieve both short-term and long-term goals. Advisors provide expertise in areas like budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and tax strategies, tailoring their advice to your unique situation and goals. They can help you make informed decisions about managing debt, growing savings, and maximizing your investments, all while helping you avoid costly financial mistakes. With a clear plan in place, guided by professional insight, you gain peace of mind, improved financial stability, and a more strategic approach to building wealth over time.

Consider Homeownership

When you buy a home instead of renting, you build equity over time, turning your monthly payments into an investment rather than just an expense. Owning a home also gives you more control and stability, as you can make changes to suit your preferences without needing a landlord’s approval. Additionally, homeownership can provide tax benefits, such as deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes, potentially saving you money each year. Finally, buying a home allows you to settle into a community and enjoy the security of having a permanent place to call your own.

Achieving financial stability with smart money moves is a continuous process, one that rewards consistent effort and mindful planning. By integrating these practices into your daily life, you’re not just securing your finances; you’re fostering a sense of confidence and resilience that extends beyond money. Staying on track financially allows you to focus on what truly matters, providing peace of mind and opening doors to new opportunities. As you refine your approach and adapt to new goals, remember that every small step taken today builds a more secure and fulfilling future.

Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.

What are your thoughts on Smart Money Moves? Let me know in the comments below.

Find practical tips and inspiration for a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle at Fresh Life Advice.

October Side Income Report | 2024

November 13, 2024November 1, 2024 by Fresh Life Advice

Welcome to the 2024 October Side Income Report.

Let’s start this post with the obligatory caveat:

The reason I’ve decided to publish these income reports is because I want you to be a part of the journey.

OCTOBER SIDE INCOME REPORT

Investors and analysts contend that conducting research on which stock to buy may be active work, but it is a generally held credence that dividends are passive income.

What are dividends?

Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the stocks that paid out dividends this month:

October Side Income – Stock Dividends / Interest Total: $386.88

The 3 survey programs I use daily are:

I strongly recommend any of these three survey websites because of the higher payouts. Our time on this planet is valuable. Always consider how much time you are trading for money.

Prolific

Pinecone Research

YouGov

In fact, Prolific does not have a minimum payout, Pinecone’s minimum payout is $5, and YouGov’s minimum cash payout is $50, albeit YouGov offers the option of a $15 Amazon gift card.

October Side Income – Surveys Total: $487.90

At the very least, donate your stuff. I typically enjoy donating old apparel to the Salvation Army and other charities. It always feels good to know your treasured clothing is not going to waste.

This month, there were a couple of strangers that bought items of my personal inventory I was looking to discard. After fees and small shipping costs, I usually still walk away with a hefty profit.

October Side Income – Selling Total: $55.00

October Side Income – Google AdSense Revenue: $0.00

October Side Income – eBook Blog Startup Manual Sales: $0.00

Earn 50,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Although I’m still trying my best to limit opportunities to throw away those hard-earned paychecks, the positive result is that I earn more in cash back from the credit card rewards.

After looking at my monthly expense report, I saw that I earned 5,089 miles, which is equivalent to $50.89.

I now have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.

Earn 80,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $1,000) once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

After this month, I was able to earn $72.80 this month from the Chase card.

October Side Income – Capital One & Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Cash-Back Rewards – $123.69

Well, that’s it for this month’s side income report! Hope your 2024 is going well.

Investing is always a great time but keep in mind we are near all-time highs in 2024 so stocks are not on sale yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my latest October income report and thank you for contributing if you have previously purchased something through one of my affiliate links!

That’s a wrap for this income report! I am looking forward to earning more money on the side in the future. Stay hustlin’, my friends!