TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mortgage interest rate chart
How to complete the FAFSA if:
What’s next?
How to maximize your rewards
How to compare car insurance quotes
Quick summary of IRA rules
Application processing is slow
What are interest rates based on?
1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
1. Fly within the U.S. for just 6,000 points each way
1. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
1. Home-based or easily accessible
When is a loan considered ‘jumbo’ in your area?
How does Rover work?
Check the dates
Loyalty program
Income requirements for filing a tax return
1. Start saving early
1. Invest in diverse assets
1. Amazon
1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
Why refinance your car loan?
1. Fly Delta
Sell your car online
If your employer offers health insurance
What does a real estate agent do?
Step 1: Choose your business name and entity type.
1. American typically only offers a status challenge, not a status match
Winner for hotel availability: Marriott
Original Medicare
FSA contribution limit
Step 1: Personal information
1. McDonald’s
It may not be valid for some travel — even if it hasn’t expired
Eligible for an employer-run account?
1. Inpatient hospital care
1. Energy auditing and green consulting
How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
Coinsurance
2. Flexible hours
Recruitment and retention
Understand the budgeting process
Mortgage approval: What’s behind the numbers in our DTI calculator?
Category: Best credit card for college students
1. Ibotta
AT&T
1. Set up a robust — and honest — profile
What mortgage terms are best for me?
1. 401(k) rollover to an IRA
1. Decide on a successful idea
Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
1. EBay : Vast marketplace teeming with cell phone sellers
Lower your interest rate
Ally Bank: Best bank
Ally Home
1. Standard mileage deduction
If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance
Are interest rates going to rise?
What’s behind the numbers in our loan-to-value calculator
The welcome bonus offer
Skip seat selection altogether
Tactic 1: Use points or miles
If the Supreme Court rules on the lawsuit before June 30, 2023
Compare top CD rates
It offers more redemption options
American Airlines
Make sure you qualify
Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
2. U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
1. Review your electric bill
Gather key information about your current loan
2. Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection, British Virgin Islands
Online personal loans
Looking to set up an individual account?
1. Use retail arbitrage to source Amazon products.
2. Garden planning
How do I see my credit score for free?
The pros of Roth IRAs
Goal 1. Set aside $500 to cover emergencies
Stocks
Copay
Coverage eligibility
3. Low financial investment
Decreased cost
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
What are the requirements for Rover?
Boost
1. If you need to top up an award
1. Do chores and odd jobs around the house or neighborhood
2. Amazon : Lots of pre-owned phones with Prime shipping
Where to find Etsy coupons
2. EBay
2. Sonic
1. Decide how you want to invest in the stock market
Lower your monthly payments
Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union
Our pick for: Fixer-uppers
What you get from H&R Block’s free version
Ting: Flex plan + 1GB
Looking to purchase a car?
Wedding liability insurance
Fly direct
If the Supreme court does not rule before June 30, 2023
1. Pick up freelance work online
1. See if you qualify for an exception to the 10% tax penalty
Consider any activity rules or conditions
HSA contribution limit
2. Decide how much home you can afford
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically
2. Actual expenses
Expedited processing fees will eat into your vacation budget
How do your credit scores affect your rate?
Self-employed or a small-business owner?
3. Environmental law
Realtor vs. real estate agent
Deductible
2. The airline typically limits challenges to mid-tier status
Potential for increased productivity
The bonus categories are broader
Verizon
1. You are responsible for the entire loan amount
In-flight food
Understanding your personal loan calculator results
Sign-up bonus
Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
2. Roll your old 401(k) over to a new employer
Airline fees
3. Swappa : Solid marketplace for anyone looking to buy or sell
Jackson Hewitt
Compare car insurance rates by age
Current car loan information you will need
Capital One 360: Best online banking experience
2. Hold Delta elite status when you fly
Property for your laundromat
Easy access
SBA 7(a) loans for hotels
T-Mobile: Connect plan
Step 1: Know when to start retirement planning
What a loan-to-value calculator does
Our pick for: Intro APR
Two important notes
2022 Earned Income Tax Credit
Keep your elite status through spending
How the debt-to-income calculation works
4.5-star plans
Delta Air Lines
2. Sell your stuff in person or online
Replace or repair old or worn-out appliances
The Platinum Card® from American Express
High dividends
2. Max out your retirement accounts
3. Bonanza
Baggage and boarding
Lower your loan-to-value ratio
Bank of America
25,000 miles across North America in United’s lie-flat business class seat
2. Fly lie-flat business class for as few as 13,000 points each way
Comparing health insurance plans: HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS
Option 1: Check your EIN confirmation letter
Food and drink servers
2. Skilled nursing facility care
Landlord associations
The earning power
4. Composting business
Changes and cancellations
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Radon testing
Premium
Before you contact a contractor:
A volatile coin with unlimited supply
Why jumbo loan limits matter
How much does Rover pay?
Free checked bag
Avoid future fees
2. If the price of a ticket is more expensive than buying miles
Step 4: Refine your withholdings
4. Gazelle : One of the original reputable cell phone resellers
3. Check and strengthen your credit
Conventional or government-backed?
How to use coupons
3. Dunkin’
PMI for conventional mortgages
Charles Schwab: Best for ATM access
5-star plans
3. The Cove at Atlantis, Bahamas
You could use a passport to fly domestically too (unless you have Real ID)
What H&R Block Free can do
What is a prepaid debit card?
1. Donate to a qualifying organization
Business term loans
Gifts
Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
Pick an airline with lower seat fees
FSA loans
Goal 2. Contribute to your 401(k)
Refinancing vs. business debt consolidation
One thing to look out for
2. Rakuten
Your trips are better protected
2. Your credit is on the line
2. Choose a membership plan
Reduce your consumption
Check out more from Discover
FSA contributions
3. Keep your 401(k) with a former employer
For economy awards
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Diversification
Basic company information
2. Evaluate your sunlight exposure
You can save on interest
Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush
Lower fees, competitive rates
How it works
SBA 504/CDC loans for hotels
Pros
What is an APR?
Step 2: Figure out how much money you need to retire
The standard tax deduction for 2022 and 2023
Tenant screening services
5. Green cleaning
Baggage and boarding
Difference between a real estate agent and a broker
Bonds
3. American Airlines status challenges aren’t free
What is a prepaid debit card?
Employee preferences and roles
2. U.S. Bank rewards
Winner for best hotel credit card: Hilton
4-star plans
Average seats
3. Sell lemonade
Medicare Advantage
It’s not what you can borrow, it’s what you can afford
Step 5 : Sign and date your W-4
5. Your wireless provider: Most carriers sell pre-owned phones
H&R Block
Fixed or adjustable rate?
Avoid being upside down on your loan
1. Medical transcription services
1. Consider your vending machine options
Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and for branch access (tie)
Utilities
Look for a summary of benefits
What it can’t do
Wedding cancellation or postponement insurance
Baggage
Cheapest auto insurance from the largest companies
What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
Labor
Out-of-pocket maximum
Step 2: Create a business plan.
2023 Earned Income Tax Credit
1. Academic tutor
How did Dogecoin get so popular?
Category: Best all-purpose travel rewards credit card
2. Test websites and apps
How to get paid on Rover
AT&T
Do an energy audit
HSA contributions
Low investment minimums
Seat selection
You can get the car title in your hands faster
BB&T
3. Apply for a Delta-branded credit card — and spend enough to earn the intro offer
4.5-star plans
Credit union personal loans
Prepaid debit card vs. debit card vs. credit card
Credit bureaus
Holiday travel
6. Air duct cleaning
Pay extra for expedited service by mail
Itemize on your taxes
Goal 3. Pay down high-interest-rate debt
Policy proposals in the works
How to use our debt-to-income ratio calculator
1. Get sponsored
Why do conforming loans have limits?
2. See if you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
Student loan interest rate calculator
4. Teach others a skill
How to file an 83(b) election form
If you don’t have Priority Pass
4. Cash out your 401(k)
Ownership and management team
Mortgage term?
4. Anytime Fitness
3. Estimate and compare the cost of solar panels for homes
Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally
FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
Discover Bank: Best savings account
Weigh your family’s medical needs
Drivers
2. Document your contributions
5 types of dividends
3. Hospice benefits
How to use a loan-to-value mortgage calculator
Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
1. Live in the house for at least two years
Understand your service reminder
You’ll be able to make multiple stops
2. Car washing
Prepaid debit card vs. debit card vs. credit card
Communication and technology software
Claiming the credit
American Airlines credit cards
T-Mobile
3. Your access to credit may be affected
Bonus categories …
Get help paying your gas bill
2. Write a business plan
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
No landlord hassles
How to create Etsy coupons
4. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp
Determine your deductible
Earning rates
Input new refinanced car loan information
2. Medical records management
The right equipment
4. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, Cayman Islands
What it looks like
Deal with your passport now, so you can focus on trip planning later
Option 2: Check other places your EIN could be recorded
Put contributions into a Roth
Step 3: Prioritize your financial goals
Itemizing deductions in 2022 and 2023
How does FDIC insurance on prepaid cards work?
SBA loans
7. Fundraiser or grant writer
Use Schedule A
By dates
States with an estate tax
Visit your local IRS office
4. You might get a Hyatt-American Airlines status match offer
What else is on the way
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
4. Explore mortgage options
Intuit TurboTax
Company history
3. Optimize for tax implications
Down payment?
2. Choose an investing account
Improve your chance of loan approval
SoFi: Best for checking, high interest, overdraft fee avoidance and more
Limited customer service
Asset allocation by goals
1. The percentage method
Consider whether you want a referral system of care
1. Do your homework
2. Sell custom print-on-demand products on Amazon.
Food and entertainment
2. See whether you qualify for an exception
Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection
Location of your home
1. Set your refinancing goal.
3. Child care
How does FDIC insurance on prepaid cards work?
Cash redemptions
Verizon
3. To keep miles from expiring
If you have Priority Pass
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
An easy investing experience
5. Planet Fitness
2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
The penalty is steep if you don’t pay off the balance quickly enough
BNC National Bank
4. Spend on Delta-branded credit cards
3. Flights to Hawaii from 20,000 points round-trip
Spa and salon professionals
Can you negotiate with GivemetheVIN?
T-Mobile: Essentials plan
Itemizing vs. the standard deduction: How to choose
Are dividends taxed?
Is rental car coverage primary or secondary?
8. Eco-friendly food supplier
How long will it take to pre-qualify?
Save $70-$80: Become a United or Delta frequent flyer member
Claim a life-or-death emergency
Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes? Consider your filing status
Mutual funds
Try calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service
Policies that apply to the entire workforce
Book travel via the AmEx portal or Expedia
3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
3. Pick up tasks on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
3. Swagbucks
The anniversary bonus could be more lucrative
4. You could be sued by the lender
Mission statement
How to share coupons
Upgradeability
3. Physical/occupational therapy center
Resident status rules
Book one to three months in advance
USDA guarantee fee
Wells Fargo Bank: Best for branch access (tie)
Online brokerage account
Credit-builder loans
3. Don’t miss out on tax deductions for volunteering
4. Home health services
3. Keep the receipts for your home improvements
What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents
Our pick for: Travel
The cons of Roth IRAs
4. Pet sitting or dog walker
1. Making money
Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
What’s included in your DTI ratio?
How to shop for a jumbo loan
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Travel redemptions
How does Wag work?
… Plus a solid fixed rate for ‘everything else’
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
What factors affect the amount you can borrow
Safety ratings
1. Prepay your property taxes
Ask about additional insurance
15,000 miles to Peru in economy or 35,000 miles in business class
Asset allocation by age
Will GivemetheVIN buy my car if I owe on it?
U.S. Cellular: Basic plan
Step 4: Choose the best retirement plan for you
Resident status rules
It takes some work
Our pick for: No credit check at all
Business lines of credit
Holiday decor and attire
How do I make sure coverage applies to my rental?
9. Eco restaurants
1. OneOpinion
SBA loans
By destination
Level of luxury
Regular evaluations and adjustments
Transfer points to travel partners
Supply is limited — but the limit is one quadrillion
Enhanced credit
Category: Best credit card for entertainment
3. Consider converting your 401(k) to an IRA
About the Miles & More frequent flyer program
3. Connect with (legitimate) employers
5. Find local gigs through Nextdoor
Easy to find support
What are the best S&P 500 index funds?
5. Poshmark
6. Orangetheory Fitness
Balance transfers often come with a fee
Reviewing the results
4. Develop a health care app
Business insurance
5. French Leave Resort, Bahamas
Fewer account services
Handy features
2. Shop Around
Complimentary weekend nights at almost any Hilton property
2. Determine how much you owe on your existing loan.
You can use your limo to load up on trip supplies
5. You might be able to get an American Airlines status match through StatusMatch.com
5. Lawn care business
Baggage and seat selection
Product/service and customer
4. Invest for more than retirement
2. Save your registration statements
Set a price alert
VA funding fee
35,000 miles to Colombia in business class
Our pick for: Filling and powering your home
Renew by mail
Does GivemetheVIN buy leased vehicles?
Split between a traditional and Roth IRA to defer taxes
What we like
Limited transfer partners
Charitable donations and tips
What coverage is included?
10. Organic nutritionist
Roll the dice with an upgrade hack
Keep good records
Tactic 2: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
Lifted manufacturing cap
1. Paying for childcare under the table
Delta Air Lines credit cards
U.S. Mobile
5. Your relationship could be damaged
4. If there’s a great bonus on purchased miles
6. Freelance
Scalability
Health savings accounts (HSAs)
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs
6. Ruby Lane
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Transferring a large balance can lower your credit score
5. Diabetic care center
Ally Bank: Best money market account
Caliber Home Loans
4. Fly business class to Europe for just 53,000 points round-trip
PNC sign-up bonus
2. The aggregate method
What about an HDHP with a health savings account?
Managed brokerage account
Travel assistants
Dividend per share (DPS)
What are the prime factors that lenders consider?
2. Survey Junkie
6. Housecleaning
1. High-yield savings accounts
5. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Citi Prestige® Card
Fees
3. Scrutinize your closing paperwork
7. Primrose Schools
Moving forward
How to contact TruStage
Part-year resident status rules
Rebook if you find a cheaper price
Marketing and advertising
Unproven history
Where does GivemetheVIN buy cars?
What makes TurboTax the best overall paid package?
3. Time it right
What isn’t covered?
11. Wind power development
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
Mold inspection
Hope for the best
Tax tools
6. You might consider matching your elite status to an American partner instead
Leave 30% of your income for wants
How to improve your DTI
Used cars now eligible
Average rates from the biggest auto insurers after an at-fault crash
4. Take surveys for money
4. Fiverr
4. Take out the bare minimum when cashing out a 401(k)
You’ll earn that Companion Pass faster
What are the requirements for Wag?
Ting
Tax tools
Consider Original Medicare if you:
How can I qualify to borrow more?
Reliability
Future goals
3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
Baggage and boarding
4. Take advantage of government incentives
6. Home health care service
Deductibles, limits and payouts
Capital One 360: Best online banking experience
80,000 miles in Emirates business class to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia or New Zealand
5. Buy Delta SkyMiles
Part-year resident status rules
Dividend yield
Business credit cards
$250 Hilton resort statement credit
Expect dynamic pricing
3. Review your qualifications.
Index funds
Step 3: Decide what to sell and find suppliers.
7. Housesitting
Use points to upgrade your seat
4. Barclays rewards
2. Promote your business
2. Ignoring overseas income
Lounge access
How to get the best deal for a Lufthansa economy award flight
7. Become a tutor
A 0% intro APR on purchases
Price
How to have less tax taken out of your paycheck
See what federal tax bracket you’re in
6. Compare mortgage rates and fees
Illiquid assets
5. Chat with an advisor
7. Etsy
6. St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Asset allocation by risk tolerance
Cons
Can I drop off my car instead of having it picked up at my home or office?
What makes TurboTax easy to use?
4. Use your insurance
What vehicle rentals are excluded?
12. Geothermal developer
You can use credit card benefits to travel in basic economy
Baggage and boarding
Save $189: Get an AmEx Green card
3. Opinion Outpost
More tax stories
Key terms in this story
Consumer Cellular
6. Removing yourself as a co-signer isn’t easy
More tax stories
4. Set your price and start working
Lufthansa Business Lounge in Washington-Dulles (IAD) — $45
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Why you might roll a 401(k) into an IRA
Target REDcard™ Credit Card
8. Kiddie Academy
Discover Bank: Best savings account
Carrington Mortgage Services (Vylla)
Opening multiple cards may not be possible
What to do if your loan-to-value is too high
$250 airline fee credit
What do I need for my loan application?
Construction loan financing
You can also have a built-in tour guide
8. Errand-running
Cover your card charges
Category: Best balance transfer credit card
Earning rates
How much does Wag pay?
8. Take surveys
Consider Medicare Advantage if you:
3. Choose a name and business entity
Check out state income tax rates
Tax implications
Seat selection
7. Medical foot care
Nonresident status rules
Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
Why does the network matter?
What if someone else’s name is on the title?
Our pick for: Student-friendly features
3. Sell handmade goods on Amazon.
How long will the rental be covered?
13. Solar panel manufacturer
Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
Past years’ tax brackets
7. You may get American Airlines status by doing nothing
1. Multiply your income by 10
Price cap
3. Banking on cryptocurrency
Google Fi
Lufthansa Lounge in Boston (BOS) — $59
For small organizations: Aplos Accounting
How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
6. Citi Prestige® Card
8. Swappa and Gazelle
Synchrony Bank: Best for CDs
80,000 miles to Maldives in business class
Renew in person
Aggregate vs. percentage method
Tracfone: 30-minute airtime card
Step 5: Select your retirement investments
5. Do some of the work yourself
Temporarily expanded SNAP benefits for college students
Seat selection
Foundation inspection
4. Ipsos iSay
Limitations on earning PQPs on preferred and non-preferred partner flights
4. Research and compare lenders.
9. Seasonal chores
Shop with points via the American Express site
Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt repayment
When can DTI be higher than 36%?
5. Make money from your blog as an affiliate
American Airlines loyalty program
Learn about free filing options
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
7. Get a preapproval letter
Untested platforms
9. Kumon Math and Reading Centers
4. Sell some merch
3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds
Earning rates
5. Keep an eye on trade policy
8. Drug treatment/rehabilitation center
What’s covered and what’s not
7. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, Puerto Rico
Do you have preferred doctors?
What if you’re unsure whether you’re supposed to tip?
Review last year’s spending
What if I don’t have personal auto insurance?
14. Plant delivery service
Free Clear membership: Add an AmEx Platinum card to your wallet for free Clear membership
In network
Past years’ tax brackets
5. American Express Membership Rewards
How to maximize your rewards
5. Upwork
Past years’ tax brackets
Watch to learn more about bettering your credit score
9. Monetize your social media accounts
Various Lufthansa Lounges in Frankfurt (FRA) — $65-$76
Why you might not want to roll a 401(k) to an IRA
Customer satisfaction
1. Earn elite status
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Best for same-day, high-limit transfers
Chase
Consumer Cellular: Unlimited Talk Only plan
Dividend payout ratio
Priority Pass Select membership
Perks await when you fly economy with elite status
Travel
Balboa Capital
Expect to pay fees for both cash and award fares
Exchange-traded funds
10. Selling handmade crafts
Use points toward online purchases elsewhere
2. Buy 10 times your income, plus $100,000 per child for college expenses
Income eligibility cap
Card-to-card points transfers
Flexibility of rewards
Find tax software that works for your situation
You might also like:
Upgradeability
6. Fly on Delta partner airlines
Parents who borrowed to help their kids attend college
1. Review your W-4
Is a large network important?
6. Consider an overlay, but carefully
It takes discipline
Angel investors and venture capital firms
How does coverage vary for international rentals?
15. Open a used bookstore
Earning rates
5. MyPoints
Large groups
Out of network
Does the president control gas prices?
2. Managing money
4. Not reporting income from an all-cash business or illegal activities
Winner for ease of points: Marriott
Fare flexibility/ticket changes
How to get paid on Wag
2. Certificates of deposit
10. Get paid to stream on Twitch
Accreditation
Start with the elevator pitch
10. Ace Hardware
9. Childbirth services
2. Find the right location for your vending machine
SoFi: Best for checking and savings combo
If your passport was lost or stolen
What if you can’t afford to tip?
11. Making greeting cards
Redeem for gift cards
3. Use the DIME formula
AT&T
For large organizations: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
How to get an extension
2. Use credit card statement credits to offset Frontier seat fees
7. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
5. Offer memberships
8. St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, St. Kitts
What we like
Set up a sinking fund
16. Green gift shop
How will my loan application affect my credit score?
4. Look for a promotion
5. Gather documentation and submit your application.
Visitors to cities that are walkable or offer extensive public transit
Which credit cards to use for primary coverage
Category: Best 0% APR for credit card purchases
6. Capital One Rewards
How to maximize your rewards
How to maximize your rewards
3. Sell your castoffs
6. Sell your wares on Etsy
Delta Air Lines loyalty program
Is 700 a good credit score?
11. Search for regular jobs for kids
General cost
Citibank
1. Hold on
Borrowers with graduate school debt
2. Make sure your bonus is actually taxable
Find the tax relief company that’s best for you
Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
What is the procedure for filing a claim?
Upgradeability
6. Swagbucks
Step 4: Choose the right ecommerce platform.
12. Art teacher
Donate to charity
T-Mobile
Appendix: How the math works in our examples
Learn how quarterly estimated tax payments work
What are the best Nasdaq index funds?
8. Choose a real estate agent carefully
Stick to the basics
11. Snap-On Tools
10. Medical billing service
Ways to get help
SBA 7(a) loan for hotel acquisition: An example
If you’re getting a passport for the first time
What makes TaxAct the best for assisted tax pro support?
Up to $100 Hilton on-property credit
Put your money in a high-yield savings account
17. Sell bicycles
How long will it take for my application to be approved?
Baggage and boarding
What is an excellent credit score?
8. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
REIT ETFs
2. Use tax-advantaged accounts
Our pick for: Lower-cost appliances and home-repair projects
Know your health insurance terms
Our pick for: A store card
Triton Capital
Options
Travelers staying at resorts
13. Musician
More ways to pay
6. OfferUp
Verizon
3. Money market funds
People who want low maintenance
1. The W-4 form has changed
4. Register your home business
Gap Good Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card
How a 401(k) works
9. Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort, Aruba
If you’re audited
3. Tax deductions
Crowdfunding
18. Sell scooters
How long will it take to get funded?
7. Toluna
Prudence’s policy:
Final assembly requirements
7. Citi ThankYou Points
How to maximize your rewards
4. Earn badges through Live videos
What is the perfect credit score, and how many people have it?
5. Get paid
9. Pick the right type of house and neighborhood
Be passionate
USAA vs. State Farm home insurance
12. Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
11. Nutritionist/dietitian
Charles Schwab Bank: Best for ATM access
Citizens Bank
What if you’re unhappy with the service?
4. Find wholesale products to sell on Amazon.
Other notable benefits
14. Music lessons
7. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
Seat selection
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Standard market investments
3. Rebalance with dividends
4. Contribute to a tax-advantaged account
Ultra Mobile: PayGo
19. Energy-efficient car sales
Scenario: Doctor visits and an MRI
New battery and sourcing requirements
What is a fair credit score?
Regus Express Business Lounge in London-Heathrow (LHR) — $17.50+
2. Note if you are exempt from withholding taxes.
Unique American perks
SoFi: Best for high-interest checking, no monthly fee and overdraft fee avoidance
Pros of a 203(k) loan
7. Ride with Lyft
Higher premiums, more coverage
8. InboxDollars
15. Farmers market vendor
Earning rates
9. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Keep it succinct
13. Keller Williams
12. Alternative health care
If you’re getting a tax refund
Option 3: Call the IRS to locate your EIN
US Mobile: Build your own plan
Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
20. Open a consignment or thrift store
Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
Direct quotes online or over the phone
8. Bank of America® rewards
5. Monetize Reels with bonuses
AT&T
What is a bad credit score?
4. Government bonds
Those looking for a long intro balance-transfer period
5. Get a business license
Traditional real estate
Axos Bank: Great for interest checking on up to $50,000
Cons of a 203(k) loan
4. Exclude home sales
5. Defer your bonus
16. Candle maker
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
7. Poshmark
Upgradeability
SkyTeam Lounge in Sydney (SYD) — $53
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Compare car insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
USAA vs. Allstate home insurance
Fairway Independent Mortgage
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8. Become an Instagram influencer
Best hotel for family travel: Hilton
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10. Stick to your budget
Have structure
14. FastSigns
13. Health information website
Connexus Credit Union: Great for interest checking on up to $25,000
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17. Retail arbitrage
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
3. File a new W-4 form when life changes.
5. Focus on investing for the long-term
5. Carry losses over
8. Sign up for the Delta dining program
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22. Environmental blog
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eWed
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Quontic Bank: Most domestic ATMs
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American Express® Green Card
9. Monetize your Twitch channel
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24. Give bicycle tours
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2. Research index funds
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22. Social media influencer
American Express® Gold Card
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27. Open an organic spa
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10. Book a vacation package with Delta Vacations
2. Search SEC filings
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29. Eco-friendly kids toys
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
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27. Data entry
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33. Solar panel installation
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17. Rent out your car
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19. Refer a friend to a credit card
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13. Travel
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If you’re in the market for an Apple product and have a pile of points collecting dust, applying those points toward your purchase could be a good way to keep some cash in your pocket. However, be aware that those points may have greater value when redeemed for travel instead.
A list of the rewards programs that allow redemptions for Apple merchandise and gift cards are shown below.
In the cases where it’s possible to redeem points for gift cards at the same rate as for cash back or a statement credit, it’s probably better to buy the Apple product outright and use the points to pay yourself back. That way, you can earn rewards on the purchase, and you may be entitled to purchase protections that you won’t get if you pay with a gift card.
Credit card reward program
Merchandise point value, in cents
Gift cards point value, in cents
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards
🤓 Nerdy Tip
The Apple Card earns Apple Cash that can be redeemed for purchases at any retailer, including Apple, or for a cash deposit to your bank account. It’s really a cash-back card, so it isn’t included in our list.
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
The Chase Ultimate Rewards® program offers the best value of any rewards system for redemption toward Apple merchandise. Points are worth 1 cent apiece for both merchandise and gift cards. That means 10,000 points are worth $100.
But frequent limited-time offers can increase that redemption rate for merchandise by 10%, 25% or even 50%, depending on which card you have. If you can hold off on your redemption until one of these offers is available, you’ll get more value out of your points than you would for a statement credit or Apple gift card.
If you don’t have enough points to cover a redemption through the Ultimate Rewards® portal, Chase will let you apply whatever points you have (as long as they pay for a 20% minimum of the total purchase) and charge the remaining cash balance to your card.
However, note that these options are below the valuation CPN puts on Chase Ultimate Rewards® when transferred to travel partners instead.
2. U.S. Bank rewards
U.S. Bank rewards earned on the Altitude and FlexPerks suites of cards can be redeemed for both Apple merchandise and gift cards.
Merchandise redemptions can be made by navigating to the Apple Rewards Store in the U.S. Bank Rewards Center, where points are worth approximately 0.85 cent apiece based on retail prices in the Apple store. That means 11,764 points are worth $100 when redeemed for merchandise.
But when redeemed for gift cards, points are worth 1 cent each. Gift cards are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50 and $100. That means 10,000 points are worth $100 when redeemed for gift cards. Occasional limited-time offers will provide a better redemption rate than this.
U.S. Bank rewards are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for a statement credit or bank transfer. So unless there’s a promotional offer for using points at the time of your redemption, you’d be better off purchasing your Apple gear with your credit card to earn rewards on the purchase, then using your stockpile of points to offset the charge with a statement credit. Doing this gives you the added benefit of being able to shop at any retailer — not just directly through Apple.
3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
PenFed offers two credit cards that earn points redeemable for Apple merchandise and gift cards.
As of October 2022, merchandise redemptions can be made by navigating to the PenFed Rewards portal and selecting the Apple Rewards banner. Based on retail prices from the Apple store, merchandise redemptions result in a point value between 0.6 cent and 0.8 cent apiece.
Points are worth 0.85 cent apiece when redeemed for gift cards, which are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $250. That means 11,764 points are worth $100 when redeeming for gift cards.
There is no direct way to convert PenFed Rewards to cash, but they can be redeemed for travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent apiece.
If you’re looking to burn your rewards on a new MacBook or some AirPods, you’ll get the best value through redeeming for gift cards, then using those for your purchase.
4. Barclays rewards
Applications are currently unavailable for new cardholders looking to earn Barclays rewards. But legacy cardholders of any of the Barclays Arrival cards and those who were moved in a product change to the Barclays View Mastercard are still eligible to earn and redeem rewards.
If you have one of these cards, rewards can be cashed in for Apple gift cards at a redemption rate of 0.5 cent apiece. That means 10,000 points are worth $50 when redeemed for gift cards, which are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $250.
You can also redeem your rewards directly for Apple merchandise, but the gift card will generally provide more value. Based on retail prices direct from Apple, the redemption rate for merchandise will range between 0.3 cent and 0.5 cent per point.
These rates are well below the baseline value of 1 cent per point cardholders can get when they redeem Barclays rewards for a statement credit against travel purchases. Even if you’re strapped for cash, you’d probably be better off trying to cover the cost of a flight or hotel room with rewards and purchasing Apple gear outright.
5. American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards can be used to purchase Apple gift cards at a redemption rate of 0.85 cent apiece. Gift cards are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $100 and $500. That means 11,764 points are worth $100 when redeeming for gift cards. Similar to other issuers, AmEx also releases limited-time offers that increase the value of points redemptions for gift cards.
While this rate is better than the 0.6 cent per point cardholders can receive when redeeming their Membership Rewards for a statement credit, it is still below the baseline value of 1 cent per point available when using points to instead book travel through the AmEx travel portal. And if you’re an optimizer, both of those rates are well below the value CPN puts on Membership Reward points when transferring to travel partners.
6. Capital One Rewards
Points earned on Capital One cards (called miles) can be used for Apple gift cards at a redemption value of 1 cent apiece. That means 10,000 miles are worth $100 when redeemed for gift cards. Gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $200. Like many other issuers, occasional limited-time promotions may provide an enhanced redemption rate.
But Capital One miles can also be used toward cash back or a statement credit at a value of 1 cent per point. If you’re looking for Apple products, you’d probably be better off charging the purchase to your credit card and earning credit card rewards, then covering the purchase price with a statement credit or cash-back redemption. This also has the added benefit of being able to shop at any retailer — not just directly through Apple.
7. Citi ThankYou Points
Citi ThankYou points can be redeemed for Apple gift cards at a value of 1 cent per point. Gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50 and $100. That means 10,000 points are worth $100 when redeemed for gift cards. This redemption value is equal to the cash-back value of ThankYou points when redeemed directly to a bank account or for a statement credit.
Instead of redeeming points for gift cards, you’d be better off buying that new Mac Mini with your credit card and earning ThankYou points on your purchase; then redeeming your ThankYou points for a statement credit against the charge.
8. Bank of America® rewards
Points earned on Bank of America® credit cards can be redeemed for Apple gift cards at a redemption value of 1 cent per point. That means 10,000 points are worth $100 when redeemed for gift cards, which are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, $150, $200, $250 and $500.
Bank of America® points can also be redeemed for a statement credit or as a cash transfer to a deposit account at a value of 1 cent apiece. So if you have a pile of Bank of America® rewards that you want to redeem for a new iPhone, you’d be better off making the purchase with your rewards-earning credit card and offsetting the purchase with a statement credit. This way, you can also shop around for the best deal and not be forced to make your purchase directly through Apple.