Saturday, November 12, 2016

Earn Extra Christmas Cash With Uber and more...

Guest post Austin of Love Hope Adventure: The holidays are almost here and many of us are considering a side-job to get some extra Christmas cash together. It can be difficult to take on a part-time or seasonal job, especially when there are other ...

Intentional finance. Intentional family. Intentional business.

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Earn Extra Christmas Cash With Uber

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Guest post Austin of Love Hope Adventure:

The holidays are almost here and many of us are considering a side-job to get some extra Christmas cash together.

It can be difficult to take on a part-time or seasonal job, especially when there are other family member's schedules to consider. Thankfully, Uber can help you meet your goals while allowing the flexibility you need.

I've been driving for Uber for a little over two months now, and the benefits of diversifying our income has positively impacted my family.

Benefits of Driving For Uber

One of the key reasons I decided to go with Uber is because of the flexible scheduling. Instead of a manager assigning you certain shifts on particular days, you set your own schedule.

Want to drive two days a week? Go for it! Got a couple hours with nothing to do? Hit the road and earn some quick income. You can add, drop, or switch days based on your family's needs.

Another benefit is quick pay out. Uber pays weekly, so you get a quick return on your work. There's no delay like you might see in a typical job.

I've also discovered a couple of interesting side benefits to driving for Uber. I've started using it to offset gas costs on errands. I had a doctor's appointment one day, so I decided to cut on my app and picked up a ride on the way. This allowed me to make enough money to cover the cost of going to the office!

How Uber Works

Uber is playing a huge role in the new sharing economy. It's built upon a simple concept: they need a ride, you have a car, Uber puts you together.

There are two companion apps that make these transactions possible. The Uber app, and the Uber Driver app. A rider uses the Uber app to call for a ride. Uber then selects the closest Uber driver and dispatches them to pick the rider up.

You make money on the trip, and Uber makes money by facilitating the transaction.

How You Are Paid

In most areas, the rider pays a base rider fee + a per minute charge + a per mile charge. The base rider fee goes straight to Uber, and then they collect 20% of the rest of the fare.

This all happens automatically in the background.

The rider has a credit card attached to their account which is used to pay their fare. The partner connects their bank account and Uber deposits the payout directly each week.

Get Started Now

First, you'll need to get the app. For Android, you can find it on the Google Play Store. For iPhone, you'll need to use your Safari browser and go to the app page on their website. You'll be prompted to set up an account.

Requirements for car and driver vary by region and city. As a reference point, the requirements in my area include having space for four passengers (not including the driver), and the car must be less than ten years old. You will also have to provide some documentation.

This documentation includes, at the very least:

  • a copy of your driver's license
  • vehicle registration
  • proof of insurance
  • relevant information to run a background check

Thankfully, you can just snap a picture of them within the Uber Partner app. You'll also provide banking information so that your money can be directly deposited.

It can take a week or two to get final approval to start driving. If you're considering driving you should get started with the process immediately.

Quick Tips

Each city has a dedicated page on Uber Movement that gives lots of helpful info. It will show you hot spots in your area, the best times and locations to drive, and information on airports and military installations. This information is invaluable. Consult them before you start driving. The city pages cover the basics.

Here are some tips I've picked up fairly quickly.

  • Accepting tips — the Uber app does not have a tipping feature. You can accept tips through cash and even credit cards. I carry a PayPal Here card reader for this reason.
  • Increase your chances of getting fairs — you can use the regular Uber app to increase your chances of getting rides. If you're staking out a busy area like a mall, you want to be the closest driver to potential rides. Turn on the Uber app and you'll see where other nearby cars are. Put some distance between you and them. Move to the other side of the mall, for example.
  • Learn to double dip — redeem your downtime between drives by bringing other work with you. Bring a laptop and get some writing done. Bring a book to read. Carry your knitting/crocheting materials. Have something handy and productive that you can do when you're not busy with rides.

Even if you don't plan to make a career out of it, I highly recommend signing up with Uber. It's a quick, flexible way to make some side money… and as we approach the holidays, we can all use a little extra cash!

Austin married his high school sweetheart in 2003, and is the father of three rambunctious boys. He's a preacher, writer, and designer. Austin's strong desire to see marriages and families thrive led him and his wife to start Love Hope Adventure where they write about communication and intimacy in marriage. 

    
 

48-Hour Giveaway: Thirty-One Gifts Wallet and Zip Top Utility Tote (3 Winners)

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You all are going to be happy because I've got another Thirty-One Gifts giveaway for you today! The last few giveaways I've done from Thirty-One Gifts have been some of my most popular giveaways ever, so I'm excited to bring you yet another one, this time courtesy of Kirstin Tracy.

If you're not familiar with Thirty-One Gifts, they are a company that offers durable and adorable bags and totes in a variety of styles and kinds. They can all be personalized, too.

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway

We’ve loved so many of the Thirty-One gifts products over the years. In fact, a few of them are ones I use every single day!

I was excited because Kirstin sent me the two products this month that she’s giving away to three readers: the Thirty-One Gifts Wallet and Zip Top Utility Tote! Both of these are so practical — and would make great Christmas gifts!

TheThirty-One Gifts Wallet seems very high-quality and durable and I love how it’s laid out. It makes me feel all organized just looking at it!

And I’m really thrilled with the Zip Top Utility Tote. I pack a lunch every single day, including a gallon of water (yes, for real!), and snacks, so this is the perfect size for that. It will also come in handy for when we bring a picnic or food to other events as a family.

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Thirty-One Gifts is offering a November customer special! For every $25 you spend, you can get either their best selling Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote for only $10 or their Zipper Pouch for only $5. You can watch a video here that highlights the products included in the November special.

In addition to that, Kirstin with Thirty-One Gifts is offering a special 10% discount on your entire purchase — exclusively just for MoneySavingMom.com readers! Here’s how to get the discount:

  1. Click here to shop through this link.
  2. Click on “My Parties” in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Then click on “Shop Now” next to the MSM giveaway event.
  4. The 10% discount will be taken off after the order goes through.

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Want to Keep in the Loop About Specials or Get a Free Catalog?

Be sure to join Kirstin's Facebook Group to find out about monthly products specials and more from Thirty-One Gifts.

Plus, you'll want to fill out Kirstin's 2-question survey in order to join her monthly newsletter or receive a catalog.

Also, if you are interested, fill out this form to find out more information about hosting your own online party or joining Kirstin's team so you can earn money selling Thirty-One products.

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Would you like to win a Thirty-One Gifts Wallet and Zip Top Utility Tote? Just click on the graphic below and type in your name and email address for your chance to win.

The Zip Top Totes are great for organizing anything and everything! And the Benjamin’s wallet is their #1 best selling wallet. It has room for all your cards, checkbook, & phone.

This giveaway ends Sunday, November 13, at 11:59 PM, CST.

Enter the Giveaway

    
 

Gretchen’s $27 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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Aldi

1 pkg Frozen Broccoli – $1.19

1 pkg Frozen Strawberries – $2.09

1 pkg Cream Cheese – $0.89

1 pkg Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $1.49

1 can Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup – $0.49 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.44 each after rebate

2 dozen Eggs – $0.89 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate – $0.84 each after rebate

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99

1 loaf Bread – $0.99

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.85

1 Cucumber – $0.59

Total after rebates: $11.64

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Dillons

3 Kroger Frozen Pizzas – $1 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate

1 pkg Hershey Kisses – $1.29, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

4 cans Green Giant Green Beans – $0.49 each

1 Kroger Instant Oatmeal – $0.99, used $0.30/1 e-coupon – $0.69 after coupon

2 pkg Oreos – $2.49 each, used $1.15/2 Checkout 51 rebate – 1.92 each after rebate

6 pkg American Beauty Pasta – $0.49 each, used $0.10 Mobisave rebate 

1 Trolli Candy – $0.50 (My husband loves this candy so I bought it as a special treat for him!) 🙂

1 Kroger Sour Cream – $0.79

1 Kroger Cottage Cheese – $0.79, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $0.39 after coupon

2 Del Monte Tomatoes – $0.49 each

2 half gallons Dillons Milk – $0.99 each

1 pkg Kroger Frozen Peas – $0.88

1 Kroger Yogurt – Marked down to $0.99

1 Kroger Peanut Butter – $2.29, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

2 cans Dole Mandarin Oranges – $1.25 each, used $0.75/2 printable AND $0.75/2 Checkout 51 rebate – $0.50 each after coupon and rebate

2 Chobani Yogurts – Marked down to $0.69 each

2 pkg Ramen Noodles – $0.25 each

1 pkg Green Peppers – Marked down to $0.99

1 pkg Land O Lakes Butter – $2.49, used $0.50/1 printable (no longer available) – $1.99 after coupon

1 pkg Kroger Unbleached Flour – $1.49, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $1.09 after coupon

2.49 lbs Bananas – $1.47

1 pkg Nestle Chocolate Chips – $2.50, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

Total after coupons and rebates: $27.16

Total for all groceries: $38.80

Menu Plan for This Week

We still have LOTS of apples leftover from last week as well as carrot sticks that I will be using up this week.

Breakfasts

Eggs, Toast and Smoothies x 4

Cereal x 2

Oatmeal

Lunches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks, Green Peppers x 2

Cheese Quesadillas, Sliced Apples

Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies x 2

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Spaghetti, 30 Minute Rolls, Steamed Peas

Hamburgers, Chips, Green Beans, Apples

Chicken Tetrazzini, Steamed Broccoli, Pumpkin Muffins (from the freezer)

Savory Crescent Chicken Pockets, Sliced Apples and Bananas

Shepherd’s Pie, Biscuits

Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Steamed Peas

Dinner with family

    
 

Brigette’s $96 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

I spent more than usual this week, but I am trying to incorporate some healthier eating habits for me personally – plus I needed to spend $40 at Harris Teeter to get a cheap turkey! And I’m all about cheap turkey. 🙂 I went ahead and took advantage of some of the sales and stockpiled some items for the next couple of months. Did anyone else get a great price on turkey already?

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Aldi

3 3-lb bags Pink Lady Apples – $8.97

1 large bag Organic Kale – $3.49

1 bag Cilantro – $0.79

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $2.19

1 pkg Zucchini – $1.99

1 pkg Broccoli – $1.49

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.49

1 bag Lemons – $2.49

1 Butternut Squash – $1.89

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.99

2 2-lb bag Carrots – $1.90

1 Artisan Baby Lettuce – $1.99

1 box Honey Crunch Oats – $1.49

1 box Kid’s Krunch – $1.59

1 2-lb bag Pears – $2.67

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $1.89

1 5-lb bag All Purpose Flour – $1.25

1 Cucumber – $0.25

1 Avocado – $1.69

1 gallon Whole Milk – $2.49

1 64-oz carton Orange Juice – $1.69

1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $1.29

3 dozen Eggs – $2.67

2 pkgs Hot Dog Buns – $0.50

Total: $53.32

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Harris Teeter

3 boxes Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese – $3.58, used 3 $.50/1 Printable (doubled) – $0.58/3 boxes after coupons

5 boxes Mueller’s Pasta (B2G3) – $3.38 (there is a printable coupon out there, but it wouldn’t work for me – still cheaper than Aldi, and we needed pasta)

2 cans Dole Mandarin Oranges – $3.38, used $0.75/2 printable (doubled), plus $0.75 evic, plus receive $0.75 back from Checkout51 – $0.38/2 after coupons and rebate

6 1-lb boxes Domino’s Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar – $4.17, used 3 $0.50/2 Domino Brown or Confectioners Sugar, exp. 12/3/16 (RP 09/25/16 R) – $1.17/6 boxes after coupons

1 1-lb bag Chickpeas – $1.29

1 box Graham Crackers – $2.50

1 pkg Sesmark Brown Rice Crackers – $2.50

1 Turkey (22.85lbs @ $0.39/lb) – $8.45

1 pkg Raw Sunflower Seeds – $2.49

1 container Organic Baby Arugula, reduced – $0.99

1 chunk Ginger Root (0.18lb @ $3.99/lb) – $0.72

1 bunch Organic Red Beets – $2.49

1 1-lb box Country Crock Quarters – $2.49, used $0.75/1 Country Crock Product, exp. 12/4/16 (RP 11/06/16 #3) (doubled), plus receive $0.75 back from Checkout51 – $0.24 after coupon and rebate

10 8-oz bags Shredded Cheese (B2G3) – $13.16

2 24-oz containers Galbani Ricotta Cheese – $4.99, used 2 – $1.00/1 Galbani Cheese Product; Includes 8 oz or Larger Only – $2.99/2 after coupons

Total after Coupons and Rebate – $43.35

Weekly Grocery Total: $96.67

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Hard Boiled Eggs, Bran Muffins x 2

Breakfast at Church

Oatmeal x 2

(Flax Granola with Blueberries for me)

Lunches

Macaroni and Cheese, Peppers, Apples x 2

Baked Potatoes with Cheese and Broccoli, Carrots, Pears x 2

Leftovers x 3

Carrot and Ginger Soup (for me)

Dinners

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, Tossed Salad, Carrot and Beet Salad (honestly, I’m probably the only one that will eat more than a bite of this salad – but I’M looking forward to it :))

Hot Dogs on the Grill, Baked Potato Wedges, Homemade Applesauce

Breakfast Casserole, Sauteed Kale, Apple Strudel Muffins

Turkey Gravy over Brown Rice, Roasted Vegetables, Southern Biscuits

Spaghizza, Homemade Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, Green Beans, Reeses Peanut Butter Bars (Company for Dinner)

Chicken and Hummus Pitas (using Homemade Pitas, Hummus, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Lettuce, and Onion), Apple Slices

Leftovers

    
 

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