10 Ways You Can Find Free Money Now!

Does money grow on trees?

I have been searching for a long time and haven’t found a money tree yet. But, I’m still looking! 

In the meantime, there are some things you can do right now to get free money. Surprisingly, most require little to no effort, either!

Cash is just waiting to get snatched up by someone. And that someone should be you!

Here are 10 ways you can earn free money today. You may even be shocked to learn that most will pay a higher hourly rate than you earn at your job, too!

#1 – Unclaimed Money 

There are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds! These assets come from businesses, the government, and other sources that owe individuals money.

These organizations do their best to try and track down the rightful owner, but are unable to. Often the individual has moved and their mail is no longer getting forwarded. After, after a certain amount of time, the money gets turned over to the government.

These agencies aren’t required to keep trying to track down the rightful owner. But, they do maintain a database of the monies that have gotten turned over to them.

There may be cash sitting with your name on it, just waiting for you to collect it! All you have to do is check and see!

Search each of these links and see if you can find free money today!

• Unclaimed.org
• USA.gov – Unclaimed Money

#2 – Free Money At Work

Your employer not only pays your salary but also gives you benefits, too! Make sure you are taking advantage of everything your company offers.

Many workers leave money on the table every year by not contributing to their employer-sponsored retirement accounts. 

Most employers provide a 401k or Health Savings Account (HSA) to their employees. Some even match a percentage of the contributions that the worker makes. Yet, I still meet people who don’t have or regularly contribute to these tax-advantaged accounts!

You should contribute at least the minimum to your 401k and HSA to get the maximum your employer matches. This is free money and an immediate 100% return on investment!

Also, many employers offer charitable gift matching. This is a great way for you and your employer to give back. The charity receives extra support and it will help further their cause. Not only that, but charitable donations are linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction. A win-win-win situation for all parties involved!

#3 – Credit Card Bonuses

By now, you have been a long time subscriber and have built good financial habits. You are living on a budget and working towards your goals. Since your spending and finances are under control, take advantage of the benefits that credit cards offer.

There are all sorts of perks for signing up and using credit cards. These companies are willing to give you tens of thousands of points for joining. Many offer cashback or redeemable miles, too.

There is nothing better than getting free money for buying the items you were planning to purchase in the first place!

Check out the best credit cards and their perks at NerdWallet. 

I always use a credit card when making purchases. Not only are these transactions linked to my budgeting app, but I earn rewards too. Last year, I was able to use my points for 2 plane tickets to Bali and 30 days of hotel stays! 

#4 – Bank Account Bonuses

Financial institutions love giving new customers big signup bonuses. They want to attract capital, so they can turn around and lend the money out at much higher interest rates.

For every dollar a bank has in deposits, they can lend out $10! This reality is called fractional reserve banking. It’s part of the reason we experience inflation every year.

Financial institutions give out free money when you open both checking and savings accounts. Take a look at some of the best sign up bonuses currently offered at GoBankingRates.com. 

Now, if only banks would continue treating their customers this well once the enrollment process ended!

#5 – Invest Idle Money

Inflation is constantly destroying the purchasing power of your dollars. Cash that sits in a checking account is losing value.

Earn free money by investing your idle capital. 

When investing, you should be compensated for the risk that you take. And not all assets have equal risk. Before you make any investment make sure you understand it, are comfortable with it, and realize its pitfalls.

#6 – Get Paid To Track Your Money

Is this Heaven? Did my dreams finally come true?

You already know where your money goes. So, you might as well get some free money for keeping track of it!

There are many different budgeting apps. Out of all of them, Personal Capital  is my favorite! It’s safe, easy to use, and you can set it up in less than 10 minutes. 

This app provides valuable insights into your money. The cash flow feature graphs your savings, income, and expenses over time. It allows you to check your current performance and compare it to your previous results.

Sign up for Personal Capital today and receive up to $20 in Free Money! 

#7 – Refinance Consumer Debt

Saving money on debt payments is one of the best ways to find free money. It lowers your expenses and allows you to pay off your balances faster!

Here are a few ways you can lower your debt payments today:

1. 0% Credit Card Balance Transfer – We haven’t seen negative interest rates yet. So, 0% debt is the best you can do! Focus on getting rid of these balances before you have to start paying interest, again.
2. Lower Your Vehicle Payment – Check the current interest rates and compare them to what you currently pay. Look at local Credit Unions, too. Sometimes, they have even lower rates on vehicle loans.

Consolidate Student Loans – Most students graduate with $10,000s in student loan debt. Combine them all into one payment or lower the rate on each. Either is a sure way to save  you money!

#8 – Download Apps

Software that yields free money, there’s an app for that! 

Check out these 3 programs that will pay you for using them:

1. Paribus  – Gives you refunds on the things you have already bought. It scans your inbox for receipts, then monitors these stores and the items you bought. It alerts you with any potential savings and helps you get money back. Technology at its finest!
2. Achievement – Allows you to earn points for participating in health-related activities. These include walking, meal logging, and meditating. You can redeem points for cash or make donations to charity. As a user, you take part in research to better understand human health, while achieving your personal goals, too!
3. Ibotta – Sign up and get a $20 bonus! – Use this app to earn cashback on everyday purchases, Over 400 retailers are signed up and some allow you to make purchases online! A few companies that participate are REI, Target, Home Depot, and CVS.

#9 – Rent Items You Don’t Use

We all have lots of stuff. Most of the time these products are idle, sit, and collect dust!. 

Earn free money by renting out the things you don’t use! Several apps that can help are:

• Spinlister – Rent out your bike, surfboard, SUP, and snow gear!

• Fat Llama – Rent out any and everything! Users are currently renting out their DJ equipment, cameras, and drones

• Neighbor – Lease out your unused space and parking spots

• Airbnb – Make extra money from leasing out a bedroom or rental home 

I rented out one of the bedrooms in my home for years. It was a great deal for both of us and we ended up becoming great friends. If you are willing and able, I strongly recommend that you decrease your housing expense and find a good roommate.

#10 – Free Money In Your Home

There is probably money sitting in your house. Not your actual house, but in your mortgage and home’s equity.

Housing is your largest monthly expense. Reduce it by refinancing your home loan to a lower rate.

A lower payment is just one of the benefits of refinancing. Others include skipping at least 1 month of payments, getting up to $2,000 cashback, and doing it all for FREE!