What Is a Sinking Fund? Definition, Categories & Examples
Sinking funds are savings set aside for infrequent expenses. Add them to your monthly budget so you have the cash saved when you need it.| DollarSprout
Sinking funds are savings set aside for infrequent expenses. Add them to your monthly budget so you have the cash saved when you need it.| DollarSprout
Discover how Dan turned his passion for sourdough into a $1,000-a-month side hustle. Inside: his class setup, marketing strategies, and tips for anyone looking to turn baking skills into real income.| DollarSprout
Melody isn’t new to Pilates. She’s been teaching for over two decades and once ran The Good Space, a full-fledged studio in Houston. 💪 Side Hustle: Pilates studio Elmwood Place Pilates 💰 Revenue: $23,000 net/year 🗓️ Started: Since 2024 Featured Quote: “I didn’t start with a big business plan. I started with a certification, a... The post How This Pilates Instructor Turned a Tiny Home Into a $23K Studio appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
Every platform has its stars. The million-subscriber YouTuber. The podcast host with a book deal. The TikTok creator who quits their job after one viral video. But scroll past the headlines and you’ll find a different kind of creator. A woman with 15,000 subscribers who’s been posting tutorials for years and still earns just $300... The post Everyone’s a Creator Now — But the Middle Class Still Gets Ignored appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
These 6 legit methods show how to earn free Target gift cards without falling for scams. We tested receipt apps, shopping bonuses, sign-up rewards, and more — here’s what actually worked.| DollarSprout
Modest monthly contributions can lead to generous returns over time. Here are the 12 best ways to invest $100 per month to make more money.| DollarSprout
Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer and contributor with nearly a decade of experience. After overcoming $100,000 in debt, she now helps others make smart financial decisions through her work featured on Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Credit Karma, The Balance, and more.| DollarSprout
Discover several smart ways you can put your tax refund to good use with expert advice and real-life examples.| DollarSprout
Many experts agree on the merits of allowance, but disagreements arise when that income is based on doing chores.| DollarSprout
Due to a job loss, disability, or other factors that make it difficult to pay bills, you may be elligible for free government money.| DollarSprout
Monitoring your credit report helps fight fraud and prevent stolen identity. Here are the best places to check your credit score for free.| DollarSprout
If you need a car but find yourself unable to afford one, you may be able to receive a free car from one of these organizations.| DollarSprout
Even six-figure earners can struggle financially. Read Felicia Kelly's eye-opening story of how lifestyle inflation kept her living paycheck to paycheck—and how she transformed her mindset and regained financial control.| DollarSprout
Creating content, selling things online, and babysitting are a few of the many ways to make money as a kid. Here are 20 great ideas to try.| DollarSprout
These millennial bloggers started their blogs within the last 12 months and are already making $1,000 or more per month. Here's how.| DollarSprout
Before launching a cleaning service business, Kyle Stroud was bouncing between bartending shifts and real estate deals, both unstable and unpredictable. Some months were flush. Others left him scrambling to cover rent. 🍋 Side Hustle: Eco-friendly carpet & upholstery cleaning (All Ways Organic) 💰 Revenue: ~$1,000/week (2–3 days of work) 📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ Featured... The post Bartender to Business Owner: How Kyle Built a $1K/Week Cleaning Gig appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
We’ve used Swagbucks and Survey Junkie for years — taking surveys, testing promos, and cashing out dozens of times. On the surface, they look similar. But once you spend time on both, the differences become obvious. Swagbucks gives you more ways to earn (games, shopping, referrals), while Survey Junkie sticks to surveys but usually pays... The post We Tried Swagbucks and Survey Junkie — Here’s the Better Pick appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
Benjamin Bailey was sitting at a café in Europe with his wife when his phone buzzed. Ding. Another $50 payment had come through. Enough to cover lunch, maybe dinner too. 🧮 Side Hustle: Online pension calculator 💰 Revenue: $10K to $11K per year (mostly passive) 🗓️ Started: 2020 Featured Quote: “You’re not trying to be... The post How a College Professor Turned a Simple Calculator Into $10K a Year in Passive Income appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
Steve Hunsaker turned a seasonal side hustle into an $800,000-per-year business hanging holiday lights. Learn how you can start your own Christmas light business with just a ladder and a plan.| DollarSprout
We’ve tested hundreds of apps that claimed you could get paid to sign up — and many weren’t worth the download. But these 17 actually delivered. We earned over $200 just from withdrawable welcome bonuses, often without spending a cent. Some paid us instantly. Others took a day or two. All were easy, legit, and... The post 17 Sign-Up Bonus Apps With Instant (or Fast) Payouts appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
Amelia Eudailey used to log off Zoom calls to attend strategy meetings. These days, she logs off to prep shrimp salad, mash potatoes, and slice sourdough buns — all for a hot dog. 📌 Side Hustle: Swedish hot dog pop-up (Chef Hej Hej) 💰 Revenue: $1,600–$2,000 per event 🗓️ Started: 2023 (full-time since Oct. 2024)... The post She Quit Zoom to Sell Hot Dogs — Now She Grosses $2K a Day appeared first on DollarSprout.| DollarSprout
A former startup VP now earns up to $250/hour from online research studies. Learn how she qualifies for high-paying interviews and how you can start earning from home by sharing your experience.| DollarSprout
One food post. Steady SEO. No burnout. How this solo traveler built a sustainable travel blog — and what’s working for creators in 2025.| DollarSprout
Saving money and being frugal only goes so far. Side hustles, advancing your career, starting a business, or investing will get you further. Join millions of readers and learn how to reach your maximum earning potential.| DollarSprout
If your parents need to count on you for support, their financial woes could become yours. Here's what you can do to prepare for the future.| DollarSprout
Being a female breadwinner is more common than ever before, but it still comes with its challenges. Here's how to cope with them.| DollarSprout
Inflation peaked at its highest point in 40 years back in June. Here are a dozen plus ways to fight back against your reduced spending power.| DollarSprout
A comprehensive financial plan looks at your income, budget, expected taxes, retirement, and more. Here's how to create one in 5 simple steps.| DollarSprout
Short-term financial goals are the key to achieving long-term success. Here are expert-suggested goals that can really help move the needle.| DollarSprout
From building a budget and tracking your expenses to earning extra income and investing, a comprehensive strategy is key to reaching financial independence.| DollarSprout
If you’re wondering how to prepare for an interview, here are a few tips to impress your interviewer and set you apart from the crowd.| DollarSprout
I was $140,000 in debt making $36,000 a year as a RN. Instead of a second job, I got a nursing side hustle, and it paid off in a big way.| DollarSprout
Virtual assistants help businesses with everyday administrative tasks. Here we discuss salary, needed skills, and where to find paying jobs.| DollarSprout
A pay cut may set you up for a higher-paying, more fulfilling career in the future, but there could be downsides too. Here's how to decide.| DollarSprout
Just because parents have the financial means to pay for college doesn't mean they should. Here's what to consider before covering tuition.| DollarSprout
Paulette Perhach is a writer, coach, and speaker who helps individuals build creative careers and financial stability. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Slate, Elle, and Vice. She is the author of Welcome to the Writer’s Life and hosts the podcast Can We Talk About Money?, where she explores the intersection of creativity and personal finance.| DollarSprout
When competing for a job, you don’t want to stand out for all the wrong reasons. Here are commonly-seen resume mistakes experts say to avoid.| DollarSprout
Martin De Anda turned a one-off flyer gig into steady income. Learn how he built a $1K/week hustle — and his best tips for doing it yourself.| DollarSprout
After a layoff, Melia Long turned a simple laundry gig into steady income. Here’s how she did it -- and her best advice for getting started.| DollarSprout
See how Emily Odio-Sutton built a $560K shop selling POD gifts with no prior experience or inventory, using shrewd research to scale quickly.| DollarSprout
Iman Wims turned casual social media posts into steady income, earning $10–$20 per post by promoting local businesses. Learn how she does it.| DollarSprout
Humans are vulnerable to optimism bias, especially when it comes to our finances. Here's how to recognize it and mitigate its effects.| DollarSprout
There are ways to identify financial infidelity early and work through it to save your relationship and protect yourself.| DollarSprout
Knowing what to bring to a job interview (and what to leave behind) can help you stand out as a prepared and serious candidate.| DollarSprout
Hundreds of virtual assistant companies are hiring, but a precious few pay well. These are the virtual assistant companies to work for.| DollarSprout
Lifestyle inflation is a phenomenon where personal spending tends to increase along with increases in income. Here's how to guard against it.| DollarSprout
Here's how to write a resignation letter that's clear, concise, and professional so you can leave your job on good terms.| DollarSprout
We asked 10 CEOs for their thoughts on how to stand out at work. Here were their best tips for getting noticed.| DollarSprout
Quitting a job isn't just telling your boss you’re leaving and walking out the door. Here are ten steps for doing it the right way.| DollarSprout
Wondering what to do when you hate your job and want to quit? These expert-suggested tips can help guide your decision-making process.| DollarSprout
Work-from-home jobs have become extremely popular. 115% more according to a recent study by FlexJobs. Here's where to find the best gigs.| DollarSprout
Earning a graduate degree comes with a significant time and money investment, so it’s important to consider if it’s the right path for you.| DollarSprout
There is a right way to negotiate salary offers. The more informed you are about it, the more likely you'll get what you’re asking for.| DollarSprout
Feeling underpaid can hinder performance, which benefits no one. Here is the best way to ask for a raise at work -- and how much to ask for.| DollarSprout
These successful entrepreneurs, executives, and career coaches discuss their work habits and how you can apply them to your work life.| DollarSprout
From resume tips and getting hired to how to ask for a raise and negotiate a salary, we cover everything that'll help you further your career.| DollarSprout
Lance Cothern is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the founder of Money Manifesto, a personal finance blog dedicated to helping readers master their money and achieve their goals. With over a decade of experience, Lance writes about credit cards, taxes, loans, and budgeting. His work has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Credit Karma, and Investopedia.| DollarSprout
Interpersonal skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and adaptability are some of the important skills employers look for.| DollarSprout
Whether you need to make a resume for your first job or you’re on to the next, four HR experts weigh in on how to get it right.| DollarSprout
If you want to change careers, it’s best to set up a plan of action first. Here's how to find and change your career in a few simple steps.| DollarSprout
Day one of your new job can be intimidating. Whether you work remotely or in an office, making a good first impression| DollarSprout
Discover how Ryan and Kesslan built Hexwood Forge into a six-figure brand, creating unique gaming accessories loved by fans worldwide.| DollarSprout
Learn how one woman scaled her VA side hustle into a thriving six-figure business with proven strategies, tips, and lessons for success.| DollarSprout
Discover how one social worker built a five-figure Etsy shop selling digital templates and the strategies she used to make it a success.| DollarSprout
Looking for easy ways to save money and pay off debt? Our best money management tips will help you make that home, new car, and much needed vacation, a reality.| DollarSprout
When he’s not overseeing financial strategy as DollarSprout’s CFO, Ben Watson, CPA, applies his expertise to Fiscal Fluency, a personal finance and business coaching company. He’s also the co-creator of the Business Launch Kit, an online course offering clear and actionable steps to launch a successful business.| DollarSprout
See how Zach Downey built a $500K cotton candy vending business, overcoming challenges and finding top locations to keep profits rolling.| DollarSprout
Productivity is managing your time, energy, and focus—so you can get work done and still have time to enjoy life. Here's how to maximize it!| DollarSprout
Personal finance is more than just crunching the numbers. It's about using money to create the life that you want.| DollarSprout
Anna Baluch is a personal finance expert with over a decade of experience writing about mortgages, insurance, debt management, and budgeting for outlets like CNN, Forbes, and Business Insider. She lives near Cleveland and holds an MBA from Roosevelt University.| DollarSprout
From part-time jobs to online or seasonal gigs, here are the top jobs our readers have found to supplement their income.| DollarSprout
Over two-thirds of the nation is participating in the supplemental labor market. Explore who they are, popular gigs, and how much they make.| DollarSprout
Telling your boss about a side hustle can have consequences beyond the workplace. Here are the pros and cons, and strategic advice for the conversation.| DollarSprout
Discover several smart ways you can put your tax refund to good use with expert advice and real-life examples.| DollarSprout
When exploring new job opportunities, it's important to look beyond just salary and consider the employee benefits companies are offering.| DollarSprout
AdSense, sponsorships, and product sales are but a few ways to make money on YouTube. Learn about these and more in our monetization guide.| DollarSprout
Kim Porter is a contributor with over a decade of experience writing about personal finance. Her work has been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Credit Karma, Bankrate, AARP The Magazine, and more. She focuses on helping readers understand topics like student loans, credit and debt management, mortgages, and saving strategies to achieve their financial goals.| DollarSprout
Learn how this artist earns over four figures a month after shifting from custom pet commissions to selling prints and licensing deals.| DollarSprout
Discover how Maddy and JD whip up delicious content on TikTok, earning over $1,000 a month with their creative cooking videos.| DollarSprout
Although there are companies that can help you improve your credit score, you can do it on your own for free in just seven simple steps.| DollarSprout
Bill negotiation can leave you more money in your pocket. If you don’t want to negotiate them on your own, you can use bill negotiator apps.| DollarSprout
With free and paid options available, it's not always clear which app may best suit your needs. Here are the popular budgeting apps compared.| DollarSprout
Discover the top apps for selling clothes, collectibles, and more. These platforms offer ease of use, low fees, and quick cash for your items.| DollarSprout
There are many low-cost (or entirely free) ways to market a small business. Here are over twenty small business marketing ideas to consider.| DollarSprout
Learning how to start a business involves validating your idea, conducting research, and filing the proper documents -- here's how to do it.| DollarSprout
Side hustles are great, but they come with tax liabilities you should know about. Here are six tips for avoiding a huge bill come tax season.| DollarSprout
There's tremendous potential to make money delivering food, packages -- and more -- in nearly every local market. Here's how to get started.| DollarSprout
25% of Americans are taking advantage of what's been dubbed the gig economy. Get your slice of the pie with one of these gig economy jobs.| DollarSprout
Passive income apps exist to help users make money outside of the traditional office setting. These are the most-trustworthy apps we found.| DollarSprout
From ads to car sharing, there are several opportunities to earn passive income with your car with minimal time and effort.| DollarSprout
No matter your reason, there are many legitimate options for quickly earning extra cash. Explore dozens of creative ways to make money fast.| DollarSprout
This real estate developer earned $50,000 in two years renting out his RV. Learn his tips to earn passive income with RV Share.| DollarSprout
Passive income is often referred to as the holy grail of wealth building. Learn about ways to generate residual income on your own, and find sources you can tap into immediately here.| DollarSprout
While working from home does come with its perks, mental health experts have found that it can take a serious toll on your mental health.| DollarSprout
Some jobs work better for stay-at-home moms than others. Explore flexible, high-paying jobs and side hustles for moms to make extra money.| DollarSprout
Making more money as a freelance writer is about more than just negotiating rates. See the steps one writer took to earn 40% more per hour.| DollarSprout
Becoming a freelance writer can be a lucrative career path. Uplevel your skills with these tips and strategies from a six-figure writer.| DollarSprout
Freelance jobs allow you to set your own hours, rates, and work from wherever. Here's where to find the best freelance jobs online.| DollarSprout
Freelancing has quickly become a legit way to earn a living from home. Learn about the skills companies are looking for in today's competitive job market.| DollarSprout
A carefully put-together list of ways you can make extra money around the clock.| DollarSprout
