People are buying high-ticket items on eBay, filing returns, then sending back thank-you cards instead of the product. Sellers are reporting the scam (with proof the return label is on a tiny envelope) but get stuck in an endless appeals process. Good luck getting eBay on the phone to help. I’d steer clear for now.
5 legit ways to make extra cash on your schedule
If you’re sitting on a pile of cash sipping mai tais in Bora Bora right now, congratulations (and where’s my invite?). For the rest of us, making a little extra money never hurts.
People ask me all the time for an easy way to rake in the dough. Do those exist? Yes and no.
Creative side hustles are sexy but not a sure bet: A recent survey of 1,000 creators shows 55% of full-time employees make money on their side hustle in the first year. But 54% of them made under $10,000.
Lucky for you, I found a low-risk way to test drive the creator life, plus four other practical ways to make some money on the side.
Have a brick-and-mortar store?
If you have the crew to do it, become an Amazon Hub Delivery Partner. They drop off 20 to 50 packages a day for you and your staff to deliver. As for the pay, we’re not talking peanuts — this can add as much as $27,000 per year to your bottom line.
Have an opinion?
Sign up for paid surveys. Just do me a favor and don’t Google “paid surveys,” or you’ll end up on junk sites. User Interviews is legit. You may have to apply for several before you get approved, but they pay well. Content Queen Allie scored $40 for a 10-minute call.
The downside? They pay in gift cards, but Amazon and Visa are both options (and basically cash).
💸 Pro tip: A lot of survey sites or product-review options will make it seem like you’re gonna make a lot of money. Try this: Search for “Reddit” and the company’s name to see recent posts from real people. One company looked great, but a quick Reddit search revealed it was more like $50 for years of work. Pass!
Have property?
Rent it out. Here are two ways to do it without strangers stepping foot inside your house:
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Pack light, travel right
✈️ These affordable, unique accessories should be in your bag.
- Add an extra layer of security with a portable safe (17% off). Secure it with a cord when you arrive at your hotel.
- On a plane that makes you plug in your headphones? Try these wired Sony earbud headphones (50% off).
- Tidy up your wired earbuds with this pack of two cord organizers (13% off) for you and your travel buddy.
- This travel wallet can hold your boarding pass, passport, ID and cards so you have ’em on hand.
- Organize all your cords and wires with this accessories bag.
😎 For my biggest fans: Off to somewhere hot? Snag a portable neck fan (11% off), so you can chill out in the sun.
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It never hurts to ask: Some credit cards offer extended warranties on anything you buy with the card. If your expensive vacuum or laptop craps out, it’s worth asking Amex or Chase if they’ll pay to repair or replace it.
Gen Z doesn't know what cash is
Hand Gen Z a $20 bill, and watch the confusion unfold. Turns out handling cash is harder when you’ve only known credit cards and Venmo.
🚘 Hertz data breach alert: Hackers probably have your driver’s license, credit cards and Social Security number after breaching one of Hertz’s vendors late last year. No word on how many people are affected. Watch your bank and credit card statements for little charges, say under $10. That’s how hackers test to see what numbers really work.
Traveling soon? Don’t mess with pricey roaming fees or sketchy airport SIM cards. I use Saily eSIM — it’s the smart, secure way to stay connected anywhere in the world. Just download the app, choose your plan and you’re online in minutes. Here’s a how-to video. No physical SIM needed!
Keep calm and travel on
🧳 Grab some gear for spring break or your everyday life.
- This slim RFID wallet ($10) helps keep your cards safe from digital pickpockets.
- Catch some Z’s on your flight with a memory foam neck pillow (20% off).
- A tablet holder (13% off) will entertain your little ones on long drives.
- Tangled cords? An electronic organizer ($13) keeps them neatly packed.
- Now you won’t lose a multi-charging cable ($8) at the bottom of your bag.
🐶 Puppy love? I can’t stop talking about my new pup, Bella (sorry, not sorry). Check out these dog seat covers to save your back seat from dirt and fur.
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🥷 Another gold bar scam: A Florida woman lost over $280,000 after scammers tricked her into thinking her Social Security number was compromised. A fake federal officer told her to protect her assets by buying gold from a bullion store. They arranged a delivery, gave her a secret “password” and then vanished. PSA: No legit agency asks for gift cards, crypto or undercover missions.
🚘 Buy a car, get $2,300: You’ll score that in Amazon gift cards if you shop on Amazon Autos. You can see prices up front and customize your ride right from your couch. When you’re ready, schedule a pickup, sign the paperwork at the dealership and drive off. In about two weeks, you’ll get two emails from Amazon, each with a $1,150 gift card.
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7 credit card commandments: Credit cards are a great way to build your credit history and improve your credit score, but they come with some pitfalls. Clark Howard has seven rules (like paying your balance in full each month) for using credit cards. Subscribe to Clark.com’s free newsletter for more must-have money tips.
💸 Imagine winning the lotto: I bet you have. A Hillsboro, Missouri, couple thought the magical moment was real when someone told them they’d won $17 million. All they had to do was pay taxes upfront. They mailed over $800,000 in cash and gift cards to random addresses until their daughter figured out what was going on. They’re not getting that money back.
Hosting a New Year’s Eve party?
🕺 3, 2, 1 … Make it count!
- Grab a felt letterboard (8% off) to customize a cute welcome message for your guests.
- Forget political talk; use conversation-starter cards to spark some fun discussions.
- When else would it be socially acceptable to drink sparkly champagne? This cocktail glitter ($9) is completely edible!
- It’s not a real party until someone spills their drink. A red wine stain remover (9% off) should come in handy.
- Your guests don’t want to cheer with mugs. Pick up some pretty champagne flutes!
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Life Skills 101: Gen Zers grew up with apps and cards, not cash. That’s why you might have trouble paying for items if you get a 20-something cashier. More often than not, they think bills are counterfeit. Know someone born between 1997 and 2012? Tell them no one really counterfeits $5, $10, $20 or $50 bills — only $100s! Meanwhile, a new study proves handing over cash gives you a “sting” you don’t feel with an app. Want to keep your spending in check? Use cash. No wonder Gen Z is so in debt.
💳 “Kim, how do I take credit cards?” I get this question from small-biz owners. Stripe is a solid option that’s safe and won’t cost you a fortune. They’re not a sponsor; we use Stripe and like it here at Komando HQ!
🏴☠️ Yarr, the booty: Bitcoin millionaire Jon Collins-Black set up a real-life treasure hunt to promote his new book, “There’s Treasure Inside.” He buried five treasure chests worth over $2 million across the country. They’re filled with actual treasure, too — items owned by Pablo Picasso and George Washington, shipwreck bounty, gold, and rare Pokémon cards. Such a great marketing idea!
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Don't cancel this after a loved one dies
It’s typical to cancel credit cards, utilities, and subscriptions after someone passes. But a common mistake is pulling the plug on this too soon.
Get cash for your broken gadgets
Got old gadgets just collecting dust? You can turn them into Amazon gift cards, and the best part — they don’t even have to work!
Look out for this new gift card scam
Heads up, last-minute gift-givers! Be wary of a widespread scam when picking up gift cards this season.