5 Ways MyMoneyBlog Can Make You $100
Could you use $100? I thought so. As a fun introduction to new readers of this blog, I am presenting five ways that you can make $100:
1) Earn interest on your cash. Open up a high-yield savings account that links up directly with your existing checking account and pumps up that piddly interest rate you’re getting now. At around 5% APY, with every $2,000 in cash you can make $100 more in interest a year. Banks like Washington Mutual and Citibank are even in the game.
2) Earn some quick cash for signing up for accounts. You can also get $100 upfront just for signing up and making a purchase with several credit cards. Just cut them up afterwards, or use them wisely. I’ve certain made hundreds doing this.
3) Get cashback on everyday purchases. If you are responsible with credit cards, you should really use a credit card that gives you cash back when buying everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and more. Here’s a list of the best rewards credit cards. You can easily get back $100 a year without changing your spending patterns.
4) Save on monthly expenses: Haggle your cable bill down by $20 a month, Save 10-15% a month on Cingular by using your school alumni e-mail to get a corporate discount, or drop that landline and save hundreds by switching to VoIP phone service. Depending on your current services, each of these can save you $100 a year.
5) Make your credit card work for you - For something more risky but potentially more profitable as well, read up on how you can make interest off the credit card companies, instead of paying it. If you borrow 2,000 of the credit card company’s money at 0% and sock it away at 5% (see #1), that’s another $100 a year! Do it with $30,000 (like I do), and make $1,500!
This post was inspired by the Group Writing List Project.
August 14th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
A great list! Now I have to get an alumni email address.
August 14th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Can’t forget the 100$ gift card (which you could redeem for gas, which basically becomes cash savings, as you’d be buying gas anyway) from the Citi Professional card. I just got my cc in the mail this week!
August 14th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
edited: (I dislike the repeated topics)
August 14th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
While I don’t agree w/ smartman’s negative tone and attitude, I do someone agree with his point - that recent topics have been the same boring ones that we’ve read time and time again.
Perhaps, instead of digging up old posts maybe you can talk about some other topics? Maybe you can point someone towards using coupons on ebay to get extra discounts on purchases (circuit city, fandango, etc.)? I know I only pay 50% for my movie tickets by buying fandango codes online.
Hope that helps. Actually maybe I should write up a post myself :p
August 14th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
yes you should justanotherblogger, i appreciate your honesty
August 14th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
As stated in the very first sentence, this post is targetted towards new visitors (welcome!).
I agree that a lot of the recent posts have been on the same topic - it was a large multi-part series, so whaddya gonna do.
This blog remains about my money, and I mainly post about what I’m doing with it, including participating in a reverse stock split and an upcoming house purchase. And while I try to keep things interesting, trying to please both long-time and newer readers is not an easy task.
As far as I know, all us personal finance bloggers are doing this on our free time so let’s keep some perspective. Still, I’ll see what I can do.
Finally, let’s calm down, it’s just a blog. Comments and feedback are welcome, but personal attacks, vulgarity, and insults are unnecessary and will be removed.
August 14th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
All the tips except the fifth one are the slow way to make $100. Why would you want to tie up money you can invest and easily make more than what the banks and credit cards are offering you as incentive? Did you know the banks get at least a 9:1 leverage off money you sock away in their vault? The banks are making even more money off your savings while buying you off for cheap (through a meager interest rate that they term as “high-yield interest”)….
No thanks. I’ll pass.
Brion
August 14th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
Almost everyone has some level of cash laying around, whether for emergency funds or future home downpayments or other short-term goals. Why not get the best return?
August 14th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Add one more tip which I do often:
Check your sunday newspaper for open house incentives. Many builders will give you $25-$50 gift card just for you to visit their model home or listen to their sales pitch. I’ve gotten about $250 worth of gift (ranging from debit card to free movie/sport event tickets). If you are thinking of buying a home or remodeling homes, open house is a good way to get some ideas.
Also, check online for car manufacture test drive promotions. For instance, Hyundai was offering a $50 gift card for testing drive its new line of cars. I was impressed by the quality of new models. Though I am not buying one for now, it certain is a good PR move on the car company part.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:22 am
I really appeciate the posts even if they are recycled information we don’t have to read something if we think we already know it.
I’m getting 25% off the cingular bill and I still dropped them. I just can’t stand cingular to be honest, I had to many complaints and even when I cancelled they still haven’t sent me my money after almost 6 months of complaining that they have money they still owe me. I got sick of calling, so I just filed another complaint with the FCC (as if they care they have the worst ratings) and filed another complaint with BBB.org
Anyway back to the subject, I’d love to see this “I know I only pay 50% for my movie tickets by buying fandango codes online.”
I’m the chump who’s paying full price except getting something back from using the credit card, not 50%
August 15th, 2006 at 5:29 am
I think it’s a nice list, just visiting from Problogger as a new reader. Our list is up if you’d like to look - http://lilduckduck.com/ducky-moments-in-time/240
Have a great day!
August 15th, 2006 at 6:27 am
You know you’ve been reading this blog a long time when you’ve done all five. (Well, almost - waiting for another SunRocket deal before I switch to VIoP)
August 15th, 2006 at 7:06 am
SmartyPants and JustAnotherBoob: Jonathon doesn’t work for you. If he suddenly started writing about all the neat patterns and designs of old lady panties, that’s fine. It’s your option to “change the channel” just like it’s his prerogativeto write what he chooses.
-Wes
August 15th, 2006 at 7:12 am
Ryan don’t wait for another surocket deal, call them and tell them you saw a special and two years for 199 even if the promtion ended. My parents did this and even though it was expired they still wanted the new customers. Actually I got 1 year plus 3 months free and then a few days later I saw 199 for 1 year free instead of 3 months. I called them and they changed it and give me the extra 9 months free. The guy on the phone said that he wasn’t doing me the favor, but anybody who gets service has 31 days to change thier plan, so if a better deal comes along within the 31 days they can change it.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:25 am
Jonathan, you do a great job; this site has taught me so much. Besides, some of us like the repeated topics as it pounds it into our stubborn 20-something’s heads even more. I’m sure there are all kinds of crazy ways to save/earn money in the world, but I dig the simplicity you put forth as well as the links and extra info we can use to read up on our own time.
Also, I respect the fact that you value our time. Most of your posts have an underlying time/beneift value associated with them. And those that don’t you add a caveat such as, “If you have time…” While spending a Saturday touring open houses sounds fun, I would much rather have my time to do as I please. Throwing a ton of cash in Emigrant is a great benefit, and takes very little time or effort. Kudos to you.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:29 am
Jbo: You can buy fandango codes/movie passes on ebay…and then use your credit card to pay for them through PayPal. It’s the best of both worlds! Cheaper movie tickets and cash back through your card.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Wes,
I assume you were directing that comment at me. I never implied that Jonathan worked for me, heck, I even made it clear that smartman’s attitude was uncalled for. All I did was provide some comments and constructive critisism.
If you were offended Jonathan. I’m sorry, you know I’ve been following your site for quite some time now, and I just wanted to offer some suggestions.
And, as promised, my post on saving over 64% on movie tickets - linked
August 15th, 2006 at 8:11 am
Thanks Jonathan, and don’t let the negative remarks effect you. Nobody is forced to read this blog.
I already got $250 in one shot by signing up for the short lived AMEX platinum business card.
I have also had up to $40K in free credit card money earning 5%, although I’m down to $20K now. This scheme will bring me in over $1000 in interest this year!
I wouldn’t have done either of these if I hadn’t been reading your ramblings
August 15th, 2006 at 9:01 am
Nice list…
link
August 15th, 2006 at 9:07 am
I share Jake’s sentiments and totally agree with Wes. I appreciate Jonathan for sharing his keen insights and for being a smart opportunist. I’ve become more proactive in spotting bonuses and promotions. I’ve also been less willing to give in to lousy customer service. Because of Jonathan’s blog and others that he lists, I’ve opened up my Scottrade account and made smart trades. Because of Jonathan, I’ve made $125 off of those punks at Bank of America simply by talking to them. And my wife and I will open up one or two more credit cards to take advantage of the sweet deals. There is a lot I’d like to have Jonathan do on his blog, but I think one works best at his own pace without any unnecessary pressure and expectations. My opinon simply is that Jonathan’s entitled to write whatever he damned well pleases and he should take his time doing so - that’s how it ought to be.
August 15th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Hi…..I have about 20K in cash I’d like to put towards a downpayment on a condo, townhouse, etc. Problem is my credit score is around 620. Do you know of a place I can get a loan at a decent rate. Most likely I will buy and flip the property. Any ideas?
August 15th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Nice tips and good post. I hopped over from problogger…Best to you
August 15th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
Thanks all. As it is, I try to only check this blog at lunchtime while at work. Don’t need all the coworkers knowing about it
Justanotherblogger, like I do appreciate comments and feedback. I believe Smartman felt similarly, but instead voiced it in a vulgar way. I just wrote my own feedback to your feedback
What I found ironic is this whole thing probably initiated because I was trying to please another set of readers, which then alienated other readers. C’est la vie.
August 15th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for listing this for new readers. I suggested
your blog to couple of my friends.
As per the personal attacks and vulgarity about the
blog, I think it takes sometime for people to
understand what to expect from this new media ,?a
blog?.
I have seen similar kind of issues facing authors of a
tech blogs. All i know is it?s not a magazine, its not
a website subscription and its not cable service that
you pay for.
It provides some information which you can take it or
leave it may make some constructive contribution or
unsubscribe if you think it is waste of time.
Information I took from your blog:
1) I had hard time understanding about IRAs
(Traditiona and Roth_ and where and how to set-up.
Took tips from your blog topics did my research and
opened an account with Fidelity.
2) Opened a trading account after following topics on
your blog and got ?motivated? by your blog and other
books suggested here and WSJ and opened trading
account with Scottrade.
3) Started reading about investments and how the US
economics (taxes, employee vs employer, housing and
savings) works ( I am legal (had to mentions legal)
skilled immigrant)
4) Opened Treasury direct account and started saving
on some taxes while i save for my home (if i get Green
Card as i am waiting in line for 5 years)
Is it all good information on this bog?
I do not know. But this is a source for me.
Is it waste of time?
Not for me.
I thank you for your sincere effort.”
thank you,
A
August 15th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
can you use fandango codes more than once or is there a limit? can you use it in any city?
that is a GREAT tip. thanks!
August 15th, 2006 at 6:53 pm
Julez: Thanks for the tip…… I was searching online for hours to see how to get a good deal lol thanks again
August 15th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
[…] And there you have it.? I’m sorry you didn’t learn about some of the top free apps for Mac OSX, the super extensions I use for Firefox, how to get more traffic to your blog by linking it to social bookmarking sites or how to make $100 with a few simple steps but I hope you were semi-entertained or mildly annoyed.? Either way hopefully you read it all. […]
August 15th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Being a constant reader and checking the new post daily. After reading this post, it’s my time to write first comment that I appreciate Jonathan who offers me tips to save/earth $$ in regular life. Besides the $100 GC bonus everyone mentions above, I also applied a AE business credit card and got $250 cash credit through this blog… So keep posting and we are loyal readers.
August 16th, 2006 at 7:54 am
Thanks for the list! I started visting this blog a few months ago and I find myself checking it daily. Thanks for all your work!
August 17th, 2006 at 7:06 am
The Citi Dividend card is no longer available and upon calling, I was told that the 5% cashback will be rolled back to 1% cash back when the card does get issued again. They said that current cardholders will also see the change in the cash back policy soon.
November 5th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
[…] #2 - Link To Your Favorite Post All bloggers love links, and I am no exception. If you have any sort of website, be it big or tiny, webpage or blog, MySpace or Xanga, whatever, just add a new link on *your* site to your favorite post on *this* blog (My Money Blog). Even posting this site to a bulletin board where you are active counts (don’t spam, because it won’t count!). Maybe it was a frugal tip? or money-making idea? or investing advice? […]
November 14th, 2006 at 11:10 am
Nice Blog, helps people who wants to save!
December 2nd, 2006 at 3:52 am
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December 24th, 2006 at 7:16 pm
[…] 5 Ways MyMoneyBlog Can Make You $100 by Jonathon […]