5 Ways You Could Make Real Money Without Quitting Your Job

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

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

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY² <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.³ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits&nbsp;received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct&nbsp;Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in&nbsp;your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)⁴ <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer. 

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

Try a simple side hustle in your free time

If you have a few free hours on evenings or weekends, you could drive for Uber or Lyft, deliver for DoorDash or Instacart, sell handmade or digital products on Etsy, rent out a spare room on Airbnb, or freelance your existing skills on Fiverr or Upwork — all low-commitment options that can fit around a full-time job and start generating extra income quickly.

Pay no interest into 2027 with this no annual fee card

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

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

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

Apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back card

Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree⁵ <p>LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2026 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Terms and Conditions may apply. </p> wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card

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

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

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

It's almost a no-brainer to apply. 

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

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

How Ohio homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Ohio, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

Access your home equity to cover debt — no monthly payments for 10 years

If you're carrying high-interest debt, your home’s equity may be able to help pay it down — without adding another monthly loan payment.

This isn’t a HELOC or refinance. Instead, Unlock offers a home equity agreement (HEA), which gives you cash today in exchange for a share of your home’s future value.

With Unlock, you could access up to $500,000 of your home’s equity and make no payments for ten years.

• Start by entering your property address here. If you move forward, underwriting will review your credit and property details before final approval.

And don’t worry — Unlock has an A+ rating from the BBB. So see what you’re eligible for, and you could have the funds you need to end your toxic debt loop sooner than you think.

See what you may qualify for with a quick eligibility check

Access up to $150 per day of your paycheck

If you need a few dollars in between paychecks, a little daily cushion can go a long way.

With the EarnIn app you can access up to $150 per day of your paycheck and with a max of $1,000 per pay period.⁶ <p>EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit <a href="https://www.earnin.com/">EarnIn.com</a> for full details</p>

Yes, you read that correctly. You have the option to access your pay as you work and not have EarnIn charge you at all.

You even have the option to access the money within minutes for a small fee.⁷ <p>Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. See the <a href="https://www.earnin.com/privacyandterms/terms-of-service/fees">LS Fee table</a> for details.</p>

The best news? There is no credit check, no interest, no late fees – ever.

How to get started:

1. Visit EarnIn and create an account.
2. Link your bank and employment info.
3. EarnIn will verify your paycheck and you’re all set!

Get started with EarnIn here

Save $28,000 over the life of your mortgage

Too many buyers overpay on their mortgage without even knowing it. Rates and fees vary wildly from lender to lender, but nobody has time to call around and compare, so they might just accept the first offer and hope for the best. Now there's a free service that does the hard part for you.

It's called Own Up, and it compares mortgage offers from a network of top-rated lenders so they compete for your business and you can pick a great deal.⁸ <p>Own Up is a mortgage lead-generation and comparison service. RateGravity, Inc. d/b/a Own Up arranges introductions to participating lenders but does not make loans or credit decisions. Own Up is compensated by participating lenders. Own Up matches you with participating lenders based on your profile. Lender participation varies and does not guarantee multiple offers or competitive bidding. Not all lenders, products, or shopping experiences are available, and availability may vary by consumer profile and loan program. Rates, terms, and availability vary. Lender ratings reflect consumer reviews and/or third-party data. RateGravity, Inc. d/b/a Own Up NMLS #1450805. For consumer information, visit <a href="https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org">www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.</a></p> You fill out a quick 5-minute profile (no hard credit pull),⁹ <p>Exploring options with Own Up does not require a hard credit inquiry; however, a lender may require a hard inquiry and additional personal information, including a Social Security number, to proceed with an application.</p> get matched with top-rated lenders, and see the comparison side by side.¹⁰ <p>Shopping experiences is offered to select customers only, your interaction with Own Up might not include shopping experience. Not all lenders or products are available, and availability may vary by consumer profile and loan program. Rates, terms, and availability vary.</p>

Think about it this way: On a $400,000 mortgage at 7.00%, you'd pay over $558,000 in interest over 30 years. Drop that rate just half a percent to 6.50% and you'd pay around $510,000. That's $48,000 back in your pocket, just from shopping around for a better rate.¹¹ <p>For illustration purposes only. Rates shown are not offers of credit.</p>

Own Up customers save on average $28,000 over the life of their loan,¹² <p>Savings are not guaranteed. Results vary based on borrower qualifications, loan terms, fees, and market conditions. See <a href="https://www.ownup.com/methodology">ownup.com/methodology</a> to see how the savings were calculated. and it costs you absolutely nothing to find out what you'd save.

Own Up is 100% free — there’s no direct consumer fee for Own Up’s service. Own Up is compensated by lenders, not consumers. See what you could qualify for at the link below before you lock in a rate you might regret.

Check your rate in 5 minutes (free)

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

GoldTrustGuide is actively helping Americans find greater retirement security with precious metal investments like gold. In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold increased by 25%.¹³ <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/28/gold-price-surpasses-record-5300-amid-weakening-dollar-fed-independence-concerns/">Source</a></p> They match you with top-rated providers offering physical gold and silver IRAs with a proven track record during unstable markets.¹⁴ <p>Investments carry risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.</p>

Protect your savings today in 3 easy steps:

1. Answer 4 quick questions on your goals and timeline.
2. Get matched instantly with a top-rated provider suited to your goals.
3. Speak to a specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation.

They hold a Top Rated designation from the Business Consumer Alliance and earn a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google. Get your free Gold IRA match today.

Earn 75,000 bonus points — worth up to $1,125 towards travel

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card (Rates and fees) here and you can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months — that's worth up to $1,125 toward travel through Chase Travel℠!

Plus, earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, vacation homes, gas & EV charging, top streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs); 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases — with an extremely low annual fee of $95 and no foreign transaction fee.

The card could pay for itself quickly: you'll earn up to $100 Chase Travel hotel credit each anniversary year, get a complimentary year of Apple TV (a $156 value, must activate by 12/31/26), and up to $120 toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years.

If you travel even once a year, this card could net you $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay. Apply today!

Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card now

Recommended Credit Score FinanceBuzz credit ranges are a variation of FICO®️ scores, one of many types of credit score lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good

670-739

Excellent

740-850

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

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

ClearOne Advantage can help.¹⁵ <p>ClearOne Advantage, LLC is a debt settlement company, not a lender, loan broker, creditor, credit services organization, or debt collector. ClearOne Advantage, LLC does not assume or pay any debts; receive, hold or control funds belonging to consumers; or provide bankruptcy, legal, accounting or tax advice. You should review full program terms and conditions before enrolling. To the extent that any aspect of the debt settlement services relies on or results in the consumer’s failure to make timely payments to the consumer’s creditors or debt collectors, the use of the debt settlement services: (1) Will likely adversely affect the consumer’s creditworthiness; (2) May result in the consumer being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money the consumer owes due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Not available in all states. Some third-party fees may apply. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 12-03822.</p> <p>ClearOne Advantage is not a credit services organization, and we do not make any claims regarding improvement of a consumer’s credit scores. Entering into a debt settlement program could adversely affect your credit score.</p> If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring representative. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for ClearOne Advantage

Not retired? You can still join AARP for massive discounts and your first year is just $15

Think AARP is only for retirees? It isn't. Anyone 18 or older can join, and your first year costs just $15 (about $1.25 a month)! An AARP membership gets you massive discounts on:

• Restaurants (save up to $450 per year!)
• Airfare, hotels, cruises and rental cars
• Meal deliveries
• UPS shipping
• Eyeglasses and even prescriptions that aren't covered by insurance

Plus you'll also get insider info on health and wellness and you can add a partner for free. That’s twice the perks and potentially hundreds saved for just $15. It basically pays for itself.

Joining takes about two minutes:

1. Click the link below, choose your free welcome gift, and select "Join Today"
2. Create your account by answering a few quick questions
3. Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Join AARP for only $15 your first year (renews at $20/yr). Start saving today.

Earn up to a $3,000 bonus with this checking account

We hate to tell you this, really. But if you've never banked with HSBC, you're missing out on extra cash — as much as up to $3,000. Don't worry though … It's easy to fix.

New clients can earn up to a $3,000 Cash Bonus¹⁶ <div class="hsbc-premier-q4-2026-terms"> <p><strong>Q4 2026 New Customer Offer Terms and Conditions</strong><br> Offer valid from September 1, 2026, through and including December 31, 2026 (“Offer Period”). Only New Customers are eligible for this offer.</p> <p><strong>Definitions:</strong><br> “<strong>New Customer</strong>” means a customer that does not have a current or past HSBC account in the U.S. on file. Customers who have a current or past HSBC account in the U.S. on file are not eligible for this offer.<br> “<strong>New Money</strong>” means deposits or investments not previously held by any member of the HSBC Group in the U.S. New Money is determined at HSBC’s discretion.<br> “<strong>Qualifying Balance</strong>” means the total amount of New Money in consumer deposit and/or eligible investment accounts being held by the New Customer (as “primary” account holder) at a determined timeframe described below. <strong>Consumer accounts/assets that are ineligible for Qualifying Balance</strong>: insurance products; fixed and variable annuities; 529 College Savings Plans; any retirement accounts, including, but not limited to, IRAs, Keogh, Simple IRAs and 401(k) Plans; UTMA and UGMA accounts; commercial accounts; and revocable or irrevocable trust accounts.</p> <p><strong>Terms to Qualify for Cash Bonus:</strong><br> New Customer must meet each of the following requirements to qualify for the cash bonus:</p> <ul> <li>Open a new HSBC Premier checking account (“New Account”) during the Offer Period; AND</li> <li>Meet a Qualifying Balance of $50,000 or more of New Money in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 30 calendar days of opening the New Account; AND</li> <li>Maintain the required Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive calendar months following the New Account opening month. AND</li> <li>Remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails.</li> </ul> <p>For purposes of determining whether the New Customer has maintained the required Qualifying Balance and the associated cash bonus tier, the New Customer’s Qualifying Balance will be reviewed at the end of 3 full consecutive calendar months following the New Account opening month.</p> <p><strong>Cash Bonus Tier:</strong> The cash bonus amount is tiered and based on the Qualifying Balance, as follows:<br> Qualifying Balance: Cash Bonus<br> $50,000-$99,999.99: $1,000<br> $100,000-$249,999.99: $1,500<br> $250,000-$499,999.99: $2,000<br> $500,000+: $3,000<br> If all offer requirements are met, the cash bonus will be deposited into the New Account within 8 weeks from the date the New Account is fully qualified. “Fully qualified” means all offer requirements have been met, including the 3-month maintenance requirement. <strong>Any payments may be subject to tax and will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as required by applicable law.</strong></p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> The minimum Qualifying Balance of $50,000 required to earn the cash bonus under this offer is less than the $100,000 combined balance requirement to waive the $50 Monthly Maintenance Fee on your HSBC Premier checking account. If you do not meet at least one of the HSBC Premier qualification criteria, you will be charged a $50 Monthly Maintenance Fee regardless of your eligibility for this promotional cash bonus. Please refer to the HSBC Premier Terms and Charges Disclosure for full details on fee waiver requirements.</p> <p><strong>Additional Terms:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Offer is non-transferable and available only to individuals who are at least 18 years of age.</li> <li>Your New Account must be open and in good standing at time of bonus fulfillment.</li> <li>All promotional offers, products, and services offered by HSBC are subject to updates, modifications, and/or termination by HSBC at any time without notice.</li> <li>Eligible New Customers who take advantage of this offer cannot receive any other New Consumer Deposit Offers provided by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. New Consumer Deposit Offers are defined as incentives in the form of merchandise and/or cash bonus that are offered to consumers who open an eligible checking account and satisfy qualifying activities. <strong>New Assets cannot be applied to meet the requirements of more than one offer, unless the other offer(s) state otherwise.</strong></li> <li>For joint accounts, the first name on the joint account is considered the new customer for the cash bonus.</li> <li>If you do not wish to participate in this campaign or if you qualify for this offer and do not want to receive the cash bonus and/or future marketing messages for this campaign, please contact us and reference offer name: Q4’26 New Customer Offer. You can Chat with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the HSBC US Mobile Banking App or at us.hsbc.com/chatwithus. You can call us at 1-888-662-4722 or outside the U.S. or Canada at 716-841-6866 or contact your Wealth Relationship Manager.</li> </ul> </div> when you open an HSBC Premier checking account¹⁷ <div class="hsbc-premier-qualification-criteria"> <p>To qualify for an HSBC Premier relationship, you need to open an HSBC Premier checking account and meet one of the following requirements. A monthly maintenance fee of $50 will be incurred if at least one of these requirements is not maintained. Refer to your ‘HSBC Premier Terms and Charges Disclosure’ for full details.</p> <ul> <li>Balances of $100,000 in combined U.S. consumer and qualifying commercial U.S. Dollar deposit and investment accounts; OR</li> <li>Monthly recurring direct deposits totaling at least $5,000 from a third party to an HSBC Premier checking account(s); OR</li> <li>Any HSBC U.S. residential mortgage loan serviced by HSBC. Home Equity products, loans that are in foreclosure or bankruptcy, and loans for which servicing rights have been transferred are not included</li> <li>Consumers who maintain Private Bank status</li> </ul> <p>You will not be assessed a Monthly Maintenance Fee for the calendar month in which you open your account and the following 3 calendar months (together, the “Waiver Period”), whether you meet the qualifying criteria or not. If immediately after the “Waiver Period”, you have not met one of the HSBC Premier qualification criteria and your HSBC Premier checking account is charged 3 consecutive Monthly Maintenance Fees, your account will be closed. In addition, any other checking, savings, credit card and Global Money Accounts that you own will be closed, unless you (or a joint account holder on those accounts) hold a different HSBC Premier checking account.</p> </div> by December 31, 2026. Add your preferred amount of deposits and/or eligible investments within 30 days, maintain your balances for 3 full consecutive months, and remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails.

• Get $1,000: Deposit or invest $50,000 to $99,999
• Get $1,500: Deposit or invest $100,000 to $249,999
• Get $2,000: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
• Get $3,000: Deposit or invest $500,000+

HSBC is a premium bank you'll love. You'll manage your finances around the world, with Premier privileges in select countries, perfect for global lifestyles. And you'll get access to a personal Wealth Relationship Manager to help you reach your goals.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. But hurry, this up to $3,000 Cash Bonus won't last forever. Open an account today and add qualifying new deposits to take advantage of this significant bonus while it lasts!

Open your new HSBC Premier checking account here

If you're booking a trip to Disney, get a $100 gift card to use today upon approval! 

If you're booking a trip to Disney, apply for the Disney^®Visa^® Card (Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $100 gift card eGift to use today upon approval! 

There is no extra work beyond being approved for the card to receive the gift card, and no annual fee! 

Plus, you can earn an additional $50 statement credit after spending $500 in the first 3 months and earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all purchases. And you can pay 0% intro APR on select Disney vacation packages for 6 months from the date of purchase (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). That means you can book your next Disney trip now, and pay it off over time. 

If you're planning a Disney trip or visit the parks regularly, this card is a no-brainer. Don't delay — apply today! 

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

Click here to apply for the Disney^®Visa^® Card and get a $100 gift card to use today upon approval

Protect your sensitive info from being stolen for less than $2 a month

Bad news. Your sensitive info could probably already be stolen. Companies sent out more than 278 million data breach notices last year alone,¹⁸ <p><a href=https://www.idtheftcenter.org/>https://www.idtheftcenter.org/</a></p> and Americans who reported an online crime in 2025 lost an average of $20,699.¹⁹ <p><a href=https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2025_ic3report.pdf>https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2025_ic3report.pdf</a></p>

Even one compromised account could impact your credit score or potentially cost you a loan approval, and leave you dealing with unexpected expenses. But you could protect yourself for as little as $2 a month …

This tool called TotalAV checks your info against public breach databases and alerts you if it shows up. It also blocks fake websites that capture your bank, email, and social logins. And it even hunts down spyware built to snoop on your data and exploit you for money.

Independent testing labs rated it a top product in 2026. It works on your computer, phone, and tablet, and annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don't wait. Lock in protection for less than $2 a month today.

Excellent 4.5/5

Turn your home’s value into extra cash

If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.

But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.

Here’s a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.

Using LendingTree’s simple HELOC matching tool⁵ <p>LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2026 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Terms and Conditions may apply. </p> (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.

How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you’re only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what’s called the “draw period,” which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.

Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won’t be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.

To get started:

1. Check out LendingTree’s HELOC matching tool.
2. Answer a few questions.
3. Be matched with personalized offers for you.

Visit LendingTree

Set up direct deposit and complete qualifying activities - pocket $500

If you aren't banking with Truist, you're missing out on a boost of extra cash just by following a few simple steps.

Earn a bonus of $500 after you open a new Truist One Checking account online, in a branch, or by phone between July 14, 2026 and February 2, 2027 using a valid promo code.²⁰ <p><u><b>Terms and Conditions: Truist Checking $500 Offer: </b></u></p><br> <p><b><u>Offer Information</u></b>: Open a new Truist One Checking account or Truist Marquee Checking account online, in a branch or by phone from 7/14/26 through 2/2/27 and earn $500 after you complete the following qualifying activities within 120 days of the account opening (the day after your account is opened is considered day 1). All required transactions for qualifying activities must post to the enrolled account within the 120-day qualification period.</p><br> <ul> <li>Receive at least two qualifying direct deposits* totaling $2,000 or more, <b>AND</b></li> <li>Complete at least 20 qualifying debit card purchases**</li> </ul> <p>Enrollment in the promotion is required (see Enrollment Instructions). A valid promo code must be applied at account opening to enroll in the promotion and cannot be added after the account is opened. Promo codes are single-use only, should not be shared, and once redeemed, the promo code will no longer be valid.</p><br> <p>*A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) deposited into your new checking account via ACH. Person-to-person payments (such as Zelle®), Real Time Payments (RTP), pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another, or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.</p><br> <p>**Qualifying debit card purchases include any purchase made with a Truist debit card and posted to the new checking account within 120 days of account opening. ATM withdrawals using your debit card are not qualifying transactions. Zelle® transactions are not qualifying transactions. Bank fees are not included.</p><br> <p><b><u>Offer Eligibility</u></b>: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 7/14/25 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts and Truist Marquee Checking accounts only. The new checking account cannot be changed to an account type not included in this client offer. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer is available only to U.S. residents with a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number. The client must have a physical address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC.</p><br> <p> </p> <p><b><u>Reward Processing</u></b>: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 10 business days after the qualification requirements have been met. The Promotion is only applicable once per checking account and per client. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward forfeiture will occur if at the time of attempted payout the new checking account: (1) has a $0.00 or negative current balance or (2) is restricted or closed. An account is considered restricted if it has a temporary or permanent block that prevents credits from posting to the account. </p><br> <p><b><u>Other Terms</u></b>: The minimum opening deposit for Truist One Checking is $50. The minimum opening deposit for Truist Marquee Checking is $100. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right, in its sole discretion: 1) to prohibit a reward payout for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist; and 2) to disqualify any account if Truist suspects accounts are being opened for the purpose of exploiting this promotional offer. For Truist Marquee Checking, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is 0.01% for all balances $0.01 and above. The APY is accurate as of 7/14/26 and subject to change at any time, including after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. All standard account terms and conditions apply.</p><br> <p><b><u>Enrollment Instructions</u></b>: Online: A valid promo code must be entered in the promo code field during account opening and the offer must be accepted when presented. <b>By Phone or In Person</b>: Request enrollment in the promotion using a valid promo code during account opening. Once enrolled in the promotion, progress updates are available through Truist Online and Mobile Banking or by calling 800-423-0948.</p><br> <p>Version 2 06032026</p><br> <p class="">Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2026, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.</p> To earn the $500 bonus, your account needs to receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete 20 qualifying debit card purchase transactions within 120 days of account opening. The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 10 business days after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. Terms apply.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following the steps above. Plus, your new account offers benefits like no overdraft fee and options to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on top of the bonus.

Open your account and earn a $500 bonus

Alert: American adults lost $47 billion to scams and fraud in 2025

That's right. According to a new report, American adults lost $47 billion to scams and identity fraud in 2025.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one scam and fraud protection services from OmniWatch, which comes with up to $2,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance,²¹ <p>Restrictions and exclusions apply, <a href="https://app.omniwatch.com/insurance-disclosure">click here to read full details of insurance coverage</a>. Residents of New York receive $1 million of coverage and are not eligible for ransomware or scam protection coverage. <a href="https://app.omniwatch.com/insurance-disclosure-ny">Click here for New York insurance summary</a>.</p> to cover eligible losses and fees should you experience them.

Plans start at $11.99 per month and can include comprehensive protection like 24/7 monitoring and alerts, dark web scanning to identify breached personal data (like your SSN and banking info), antivirus and VPN apps for device security, and expert restoration services at no extra cost.

Right now Omniwatch is offering a free dark web scan to check for vulnerabilities. Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised. 

Start your free dark web scan here here

Ohio residents, save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save big.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping homeowners score huge savings. Their certified master professionals install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it extremely easy to upgrade your windows with financing options available and special limited-time offers. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Complete this short questionnaire to get started

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.²² <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p> Plus, get $200 off your purchase!²² <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p>

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

I moved the money for the rate. Then I found out about the cash bonus during signup. SoFi is running a limited-time offer for new and existing Checking and Savings members who haven't previously enrolled in direct deposit. That's up to $400 in your pocket.

The Things I Didn't Know to Look For

The bonus was eye-catching but these are what actually made me stay:

• Getting paid up to two days early. Direct deposit hits before the scheduled payday, automatically. A small thing that could matter a lot at the end of the month.
• No fee structure to manage around. No monthly fee, no minimum balance fee, no overdraft fees. Plus 55,000+ fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint® network.
• FDIC insurance well past $250,000. Through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program, deposits may be insured up to $3 million across a network of participating banks. If your balance is heading toward six figures, this is the box to check.
• Checking earns, too. Not just savings. The checking balances earn 0.50% APY, which is more than my old bank paid on savings.

Open and fund a SoFi® account to earn your $400 bonus »

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2027

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading low-interest card - the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees).

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months. Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest! After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. 

The best part? The annual fee is $0.

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