New Cash Back Apps — by Unknown on

Two weeks ago I wrote a post about the most popular money making apps that existed  to my knowledge.  Click Here to read that post (Most Popular Money Making Apps)
but of course there is always more to share that  I didn't know of until now. Making money with Cash Back is fun and  it puts extra money in your pocket so why not do use them.

1. Snap By Groupon 

How it works

Snap by Groupon gives you cash back on everyday grocery purchases - no matter where you shop. It's like having grocery coupons on your mobile phone, but way better!

Our offers work at any store, and you never have to hassle with clipping or redeeming paper coupons. Just follow these simple steps:

1) Download the Snap app for iPhone or Android, or use the Snap website

2) Browse our offers before you shop

3) Purchase promoted products at any store

4) Snap a photo of your receipt and get cash in your account!

Earn $20 in cash back and we'll send you a check. It's that simple. Plus, you can earn even more cash by sharing Snap with friends. Visit us at snap.groupon.com for more information. Happy Snapping!

2. Berry Cart 

Step 1 : Discover

Find deals on the best organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO foods near you.

Step 2 : Learn

Learn what Ancient Grains are and what the deal is with Acai’ and Chia seeds. Find out what a company like Sweet Riot stands for.

Step 3 : Earn

After you buy the product and snap a picture of the receipt, we send you money!

Download the FREE app and start browsing exclusive Berry Cart offers on foods you can feel good about.  We’ve hand-picked only the best all natural, organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO kinds of foods for you.  You won’t see high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors here.

Digest bite-sized insights about each product with a fun fact, quiz, testimonial, and more. We tell the story about products and brands that have a great story to tell.

That’s right.  Each action you complete on Berry Cart unlocks a one-time rebate that you can redeem after you buy the product.  Just take a picture of the receipt, and within 24 hours Berry Cart will send you real money that can be cashed out through PayPal or various gift cards.

3. Check Out 51

How Checkout 51 works

1. Browse your offers and buy products at any store.
2. Upload your receipt using Checkout 51.
3. We’ll confirm your purchase and credit your account.
4. When your account balance reaches $20, you can cash out and we'll mail you a check. Please see ourTerms for more details.

Using our mobile app? We came up with this pretty How It Works guide to show you how it’s done. You can also skip right to the photo-taking tips!

What do you think of these apps?
I think that these apps are pretty cool and I enjoy using them. <3  

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Bankruptcy or Debt Consolidation — by Unknown on

2 weeks ago I got the scare of my life. My mom called me telling me I have a tax lien on me and that I owe $3,073 to New York State. She said if you don't pay it you'll end going to jail. I was so scared and petrified that I didn't know what to do. None the less it was for a business and i have never owned a business before. So I called New York State hoping to get answers as to what was going on. I called they fixed what they needed to fix.

However, since this experience was so terrible for me, and panicked so much. I really thought I may have to file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is everyone's last death wish, because granted it takes away all of the debt that you can't pay off. when you really think about what it's doing to your like damn do I really needed to do this. 

So I had to sit and think what could be done being a freelance model and the fact that I just got fired from my part time job as a server what was I gonna do. The debt collectors are not going to stop calling me something needs to be done. 

After thinking and remembering reading this book that I read called  America's Cheapest Family Which talked about this company that helps you get out of debt. Money management International, I admit I was a little worrisome about it. I thought that it couldn't hurt though. What a debt management program is, is a debt consolidation program. Which I believe is after thinking about it is better than filing for bankruptcy.

I decided to write a blog about bankruptcy VS. Debt consolidation, because this experience taught me to just learn and think before you do and to manage your money granted I should preach to the choir but this is still something that's on my mind. 

I want to get out debt and this is gonna be my year to do so.

The consequences of not having good credit and being in debt are: 

• High interest rates on your credit cards and loans
• Credit and loan applications may not be approved
• Difficulty getting approved for an apartment
• Security deposits on utilities
• You can't get a cell phone contract
•  You might get denied for employment
• Higher insurance premiums
• Calls from debt collectors
• Difficulty purchasing a car

Figuring out the best option to get out of debt is probably the best way to go, so after doing some research her's some information that maybe of use to you from

 http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/debt-consolidation-v-bankruptcy.html

No one ever wants to make the wrong decision make the one by learning your options. 

Debt Consolidation

Proponents of debt consolidation often promote this strategy as a simple way to save money and protect your credit rating. When you consolidate your debts, you reorganize multiple debt payments into one payment. You can choose to consolidate debt through a secured loan or an unsecured loan. (To learn more about the types of debt consolidation, visit Nolo’s Debt Consolidation topic area.)

Pros of Debt Consolidation

Here are some of the advantages of using debt consolidation to better manage your debt.

Protect your reputation and credit rating. Unlike bankruptcy, debt consolidation is not a matter of public record. Anyone who looks hard enough will find out about your bankruptcy. Bankruptcy records are viewable through an electronic subscription service called PACER or at any federal bankruptcy courthouse. Although a debt consolidation loan may show up on your credit report, it does not typically lower a credit score like a bankruptcy filing does.

Maintain your access to credit. Unless prohibited by the debt consolidation agreement, you can keep your credit cards. This may be helpful should an emergency arise. However, if you already owe a significant amount of money or are in default, you may not be able to use your credit cards or be approved for additional credit. Also, continued credit card use may defeat the purpose of debt consolidation.

Simplify your debt management. When you consolidate your debt, you no longer have to keep up with multiple payments, at different interest rates, to various creditors. Instead, you make one convenient payment.

Lower interest rate and monthly payment. If you consolidate your debts, you may be able to obtain a more manageable monthly payment, with a lower interest rate. As a result, you will have more cash available each month to meet your high priority needs.

Cons of Debt Consolidation

Although there are some advantages to debt consolidation, it’s not an option to take lightly. You could end up costing you money in hidden fees and tax liability. And more important – you could lose property.

You could lose your property. If you use property such as your home or vehicle as collateral for the debt consolidation loan, you could lose that property if you default on the loan payments.

Also, if a lender gives you a debt consolidation loan, there may be a cross-collateralization clause that allows that lender to take other property it has financed if you default on the debt consolidation loan. For example, let’s say that you have a car loan through your credit union and then the credit union gives you a debt consolidation loan. Under the cross-collateralization clause, if you default on the debt consolidation loan, the credit union could repossess your car – even if the car payments are current. (Learn more about cross-collateralization.)

Beware of hidden costs. Although lower interest rates and monthly payments are appealing, a debt consolidation loan could end up costing you more money. Often, debt consolidation loans help you achieve a lower monthly payment and interest rate in exchange for extending the repayment period. If you stay in debt longer, you may end up paying more over the long term.

Negative tax consequences. Depending on your financial condition, any money you save from debt relief services such as debt consolidation may be considered income by the IRS, which means you pay taxes on it. Credit card companies and other creditors may report settled debt to the IRS, which the IRS considers income.

Bankruptcy

Through bankruptcy, you may eliminate or restructure certain debts while under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. The most common types of bankruptcy cases that individuals and small businesses file are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case allows you to eliminate many types of debt. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy case allows you to restructure your debts through a supervised repayment plan. (To learn more about the differences between these types of bankruptcy, see our Bankruptcy topic area.)

Pros of Filing for Bankruptcy

Here are some of the advantages of using bankruptcy to deal with your debt problem.

Protection from creditors. When you file for bankruptcy, you get the protection of the automatic stay. The automatic stay prohibits most creditors and collectors from engaging in collection activity against you. The automatic stay has the power to stop harassing phone calls, lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures. (To learn more about the automatic stay, see our Bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay topic area.)

You get a fresh start. Through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you may eliminate most unsecured debt such as medical bills and credit cards. You may also surrender real estate or vehicles that you have financed if you don’t want to keep those debts. (To learn more about which debts can be discharged, read Which Debts Are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?)

Through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you repay a portion of your unsecured debts through the court-supervised repayment plan. And depending on your situation, you may be able to pay for your vehicle at a reduced rate. You can also save your home from foreclosure and vehicle from repossession.

Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy has its drawbacks as well. Here are a few:

Negative impact on credit rating. A bankruptcy filing lowers your credit score. Depending on the type of bankruptcy case you file, the filing may stay on your credit report for seven to ten years. However, if you already owe a significant amount of money, you may already have a poor credit rating, especially if you are in default. Once you receive your bankruptcy discharge, you will have a clean slate. Some creditors even actively solicit recent bankruptcy debtors because they know that there are time limits on filing for bankruptcy again.

You may have to make some sacrifices. You may have to make some sacrifices in order to qualify for bankruptcy, such as surrendering nonessential or luxury possessions. Also, if you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you will be on a strict budget for three to five years and you can’t obtain credit during that time without the court’s permission.

Privacy and reputation. Your employer may learn about your bankruptcy case if you permit it to pull your credit report, or if your Chapter 13 plan payments are made through payroll deductions. (To learn whether your employer can fire you because of your bankruptcy, see Post-Bankruptcy Discrimination: Is It Legal?)

Bankruptcy records are available at the federal bankruptcy courthouse where they are filed and through the federal court system’s subscription-only PACER service. However, as a practical matter, your family and friends are unlikely to find out you’ve filed bankruptcy unless you owe them money.

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Government Help For Creatives — by Unknown on

I never really do a post like this where I rant on about a topic. But I am sure I am not the only one who has noticed this whether you are a model, photographer, makeup artists, actress, wardrobe stylist, blogger whatever it maybe I am sure you felt like this at some point in your life. So earlier last week I had to go to apply for public assistance, to receive cash assistance you know the deal but because I don't work full time I have to do this program called back to work or America Works (New York).

Indeed I went to the orientation for the program, and when I was done I had a question of concern. Well what do I do if i have other things to do besides this and I have a photo shoot or something. The lady in turn says that we find that this program doesn't really work for artists, photographers and models etc. So I asked her why, she said that HRA feels that anything of self employment or creative is not a stable enough job. (Little does she know)

Now I am not saying I want to be on public assistance forever or take advantage of the system. What I am saying is that for the time being I am struggling and could use the extra help. Being in a creative field doesn't mean that what I do is not stable. J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series while being on public assistance. So why can't I? She admitted that she would take jobs for less money just so that she can stay on public assistance. None the less she was also a single mother. I am not even a mother yet and I am trying to be an entrepreneur and accomplish dreams way beyond my hearts content. 
To read more on J. K. Rowling's story click below: http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/161299/jk_rowlings_brutal_honesty_about

I feel as if the government just wants you to struggle and work a job for someone else for the rest of your life versus accomplishing your dreams. The government won't acknowledge what you do unless your making millions like Beyoncé.
Reading more into this subject matter I deciced to research some information and read into this matter. 

" Similar results bore out in a study of the link between entrepreneurship and eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which Olds details in the 2014 paper "Food Stamp Entrepreneurs." His research examined what happened after a significant expansion of SNAP threshold levels in the mid-2000s, which loosened eligibility requirements such that more people qualified for the food stamp program. He found that newly eligible households were 20 percent more likely to include an entrepreneur as a result of the policy. Incorporated businesses ownership increased by 16 percent among the newly eligible."  http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/7589.html 

Reading up on this topic, I have read an article that states, that blank state allows for lower income families to be on public assistance to start there own business. This program is called Aspire; I am wondering what would it take for New York City to create a program like this because I am sure there are some smart individuals that would like to start a business but because they have limited resources financially  , and maybe bad credit they can not anything about doing so.When your like me who is frugal and is always looking for ways to make money, and pay off my debt getting a little help while struggling is not gonna kill the system. Granted I have realized I am way over my time or at least that's what people tell me all the time.  So i am just trying to find a balance and make something work is that so wrong of me? http://smallbusiness.chron.com/can-start-own-business-welfare-2479.html http://microfinance.com/English/Papers/Self_Employment_and_Poorest.pdf http://fieldus.org/publications/WTWBrief1.pdf Post Sponsor Ad:

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Saving Money With Jessi From The Budget MAMA — by Unknown on

Everyone knows me for me wanting to save money. However Recently, I found myself  reaching a moment of being stuck and not exactly know what to do.  Blocked and feeling like I was having bad luck after bad luck.  But than I was scrolling through Pinterest  and I  found a picture that led me to TheBudgetMama.com with in doing so, I read her E Book that she write with other bloggers.  I decided that I would reach out to Jessi and the others and feature them on my blog.  See where and how they save their money.  Maybe this can save me and my sanity because currently I have none. So introducing Jessi :)  of TheBudgetMama.com.  

What is your inspiration?

My inspiration for saving money comes from struggling to manage my money early on in my adult life. I was raised in an extremely frugal household, but I rebelled against those teachings when I was let out into the "real world" and ended up almost bankrupt at 21 years old. I've seen what the darkness of financial hell looks like and I never want to go back. I got my t-shirt. 

What is the hardest part of saving money?

Delaying gratification. It is so hard to tell myself "no" when I truly want or believe "need" something. I can always make up some justification for a purchase but if it does match with my budget, I have to tell myself "no". My family depends on me being an adult and being able to resist the temptation of impulse shopping. 

Is it possible to get out of debt for someone who feels like it's not possible?

Yes. I remember what it felt like to have that burden on my back, and I still have it. We are not 100% debt-free yet, but we have paid off over $40,000 so far and with every little bit it gets easier to breathe, even with the burden still on our backs. When you feel like you're lost in the never ending cycle of debt, reach for hope. Make a debt payoff plan by first making a budget. I credit the first budget I ever made on my own as saving my life because it forced me to take real ownership of the mess I had made. I worked two jobs, sold off as much stuff as I could, and even gave up my tax refund checks to make a dent in my debt. It is possible to get out of debt, no matter how deep in the hole you may feel, don't ever give up. 

When and how did you start your blog?

I started The Budget Mama in July of 2012. 

Is there any advice you can give to new bloggers out there?

Blogging is not for the faint of heart and if you're only in it to make money, you will just end up burned out. Make sure you are passionate about whatever it is that you are writing about. I once heard that if you can't write at least 500 words on a subject/topic then you shouldn't be writing on it. I truly believe that. You have to have passion to be a blogger. 

What advice would you give to people who are new to the idea of saving money? 

"A bargain isn't a bargain if you don't need it." For most, when they get excited about saving money for the first time, they start couponing like crazy and chasing sales, which is truly great for saving money, but if you don't need it, you are still wasting money. When starting out with saving money, look at your budget and determine where you can cut - do you still have a gym membership you never use, or do you have 500 channels but only watch 2, or do spend way too much at Starbucks? You can cut those expenses and save money quickly. Over time, once you get used to saving money, you will spot ways to save easily. 

What are some of the ways you save money?

We don't have cable and haven't had it in 8 years. It is amazing what not watching commercials will do for you - it will save you tons! I also avoid stores that I know I spend a ton of money in, like Target who even has a Starbucks inside just calling my name! I also quit following deal sites because I was so tempted to purchase things simply because they were a great deal. 

Where can the readers find you on social media?

They can find me on 
Facebook at http://facebook.com/thebudgetmama
 Twitter at http://twitter.com/thebudgetmama 
 Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/thebudgetmama 
Instagram athttp://instagram.com/thebudgetmama

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Most Popular Money Making Apps — by Unknown on

I really do have a thing for making money and saving money. So I decided to put together  a list of  AWESOME APPS  that I feel like you should all have! 

1.ShopKick

Download the free Shopkick app and get mobile coupons plus rewards for walking into stores. Here’s what they say about it:

So what is Shopkick?

Shopkick is a free app that can be found in the iPhone or Android application store. If you set your smartphone to locate your position, ShopKick will recognize what stores or restaurants you enter. You receive “kickbucks” or points that you can redeem for rewards like a Target giftcard. When you enter a store or restaurant or scan certain barcodes you will earn kickbucks. By using Shopkick, you can get  scannable Target Coupons to redeem at checkout.

To learn more about Shopkick, visit their website here.  Check out all the best Target deals here.

2. Ibotta

Have you checked out the new iBotta app?  The payout is high and it’s really simple to do. Just sign up for iBotta and download the free app. Choose any of the products that you plan to buy at the store and click on the earning opportunities and watch the videos, take the quick surveys, or read the information to add the cash to your account.

Purchase the product at an approved retailer (make sure you’re buying it when it’s on a great sale and using a coupon, too!) Take a picture of your receipt when you get home and your cash will be added to your account. You can transfer your cash to your Paypal account whenever you want to cash out.

3. Swagbucks App

Earn money for watching videos on your phone. You’ll earn 2 Swagbucks for every 5 videos watched. There’s a limit of 50 Swagbucks per day that you can earn per device, but that can add up quickly. 

4.Ebates.com 

you can choose from over 1,700 stores online rebates and coupons. It absolutely pays to shop online. I know many people who shops online with ebates and save from up to $10 - and more on single purchases. It's a great app !

5. Viggle

This is the easiest and most rewarding way that we earn money from home. All you do is simply download the Viggle app on your smart phone and start checking into your favorite shows! If you have more smartphones in your household, it will be easier to earn even more gift cards each month

6. Jingit

Jingit is great because you earn actual money (that can be added to your Jingit debit card). Simply download the Jingit app on your smart phone and log in on your computer.

You can earn money from watching ads, scanning products at Walmart and even for buying those items. It is easy to transfer the money from Jingit to your debit card, and can be used anywhere a credit or debit card is accepted.

By doing these little things each day, I am able to earn money that goes towards groceries, lunches out, and even gifts!

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The Chronicles of my Credit Card — by Unknown on

The Method to the Madness

Money has always burnt a hole in my pocket, and with an ever-growing wish list, it’s hard not to – I've already lined up my next purchase before I've even been paid. But after reaching a point where my spending habits were no longer sustainable and I was paying the consequences for choosing new shoes over bills far too often, I had to change the way I shopped. Cold turkey was never an option, so I've now developed a method to the madness that is me with a not-yet maxxed-out credit card. When Sheila J asked me to write a post on how I save money shopping, I thought I’d share my top tips for spending wisely.

The Wardrobe Incorporation Rule

If you asked me, and I suppose you kind of are since you’re reading this post, I’d say this tip is the most important. A new purchase that doesn't go with anything you already own is either a trap for spending more money on new stuff, or a complete waste of money when you never wear it. I can’t count the number of times I've ending up spending more money on a top to go with the new skirt I bought, or a jacket to match the dress. Worse is when I realise I've got something still sitting in my wardrobe with the tags still on. Like last month when I moved house and found a leotard from ASOS that I’d bought 18 months ago with the tags still on. I don’t even wear leotards, and this one didn't go with anything in closet so it was a complete waste.

Now, before I leave the change room (or hit “checkout” on my laptop), I think of three complete outfits made up entirely of things I already own that the potential purchase will go with.

The Cost Per Wear Method

This is another important tip and while it isn't new – the term is often dropped in the pages of magazines – does anyone actually use it? And I mean actually calculate the cost per wear of a garment? Sure, I've used it to justify a purchase to my boyfriend “Can I borrow twenty bucks? I spent all my money on a new pair of shoes, but they've got a great cost per wear!” I’ll use anything to rationalise a purchase.

But now, I genuinely use this method to make sure I’m shopping smarter. I don’t whip out a calculator in the shopping center, but I do think ‘how expensive this item?’ and ‘how often will I wear it?’

I figure if I’m genuinely going to wear something a lot, I can afford to spend a bit more money on it. Which brings me to my next tip . . .

The Quality Analysis

Savvy shopping is more than just buying the cheapest option. You need to factor in the quality of a garment in relation to how often you’ll wear it. For something that’s only going to see the light of day a handful of times – go cheap! But for a staple, this is key.

I bought a pair of cheap ballet flats to wear on my commute to work. After a couple of weeks, they fell apart. I’d only spent twenty bucks on them, so I just bought another pair. But then the same thing happened again. I realised that replacing the cheap flats was actually more expensive than forking out $100 for a decent pair of shoes.

The Plan of Attack

This tip was the hardest to implement, as I found it required the most self control, but it made the biggest difference to my credit card.

Before heading out shopping, I always develop a plan. What do I want to buy? How much do I want to spend?

I thought about what I needed. This could be specific, such as a knee length black pencil skirt for work, or more vague like something light and bright for the summer whether it be a top, dress or play suit. I also set a budget, for example, I decide I’m only going to spend $100 on a dress for this wedding, or I've got $200 to buy clothes for the summer whether it’s made up of two dresses at $100 each or 5 tops at $20.

The hard part is sticking to it. At first, I had to write it down as a note on my phone and keep on looking to remind myself, but my self control has gotten better with practice – like a muscle being exercised.

The Sale Factor

This one is pretty simple – don’t buy it just because it’s on sale. Be sure to run through all of the other steps like you normally would for any purchase. A pair of shorts on sale for $5 might be a bargain, but if you never, or rarely, wear them, that’s still a waste.

Have you tried any of these tips before? What are your favourite money saving techniques?

Miranda is best described as a lover of shoes, chocolate, shopping sprees and warm weather. She is the author The Chronicles of my Credit Card, a blog that strives to prove style isn't dictated by budget. She lives in Sydney, Australia and works in digital marketing for a global book publishing company.

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Fabulous Hair on a Budget — by Unknown on

 Nothing makes me happier than when my bills are paid, and my hair is laid. Most models live pretty active lifestyles to stay in shape, and keeping your hair salon fresh is no easy task. Here are some tips for keeping your luscious locks looking runway ready until your next hair appointment.     Dry shampoo is your best friend Working out 3-5 times a week can take a toll on your hair, but who has the time or money to get their hair done everyday? Not only are frequent salon visits expensive, they consume time that could be spent perfecting your craft, or getting some beauty rest.   In between salon visits, I like to use TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo Spray. It adds volume to limp, oily hair, but what I love most is that it keeps my hair fresh enough that I don't have to wash my hair more than once a week, because overwashing strips our hair of natural oils, which can make curly hair dryer, and straight hair oilier.  

Cut out the middleman

In order to remain relevant in this industry, sometimes you have to constantly change your look. This week's photo shoot may require waist-length waves. Next week's? A short bob. But when you're on a budget, the last thing that you want to do is cut the hair that you spent a few hundred dollars on. That's why I love www.aliexpress.com, a wholesale website where you can get quality hair extensions for up to 60% cheaper than most brand names. Not only is this hair super affordable, but it can last up to a year, even after coloring and applying heat.

Here are a few of our favorite vendors:

• Virgin Curly Hair
• Virgin Straight Hair
• Virgin Wavy Hair

If you don't want to sew it, grow it!

The only thing more fabulous than flawless extensions is a healthy head of your own hair. A few of my favorite products to stimulate hair growth are Jamaican Black Castor oil, Mustard Seed oil, and Peppermint oil applied directly to the scalp. These oils can also be used to promote eyebrow/lash growth. In my next post, I'll be showing you how to make your own hair conditioners and serums, so stay tuned for that.





XO,

Trishy

Instagram: @SweetFaceTrishy

Twitter: @SweetFaceTrishy

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