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Raising kids on your own means every dollar has to stretch further, and finding extra cash each month often feels like an uphill battle.
As a single parent, I’ve discovered there are actually plenty of free ways to make life easier: from apps that turn downtime into extra cash to services that cut hidden costs and lower bills. Some even help protect both your kids and your wallet, which makes a real difference when you’re juggling everything on your own.
Every item on this list is free to try, built for busy parents, and designed to deliver what matters most: more money left over, more peace of mind, and more time with family.
1. Win up to $512 playing a Skill-Based Phone Game That Pays
Think making money from a phone game sounds too good to be true? With , you actually can. This viral, solitaire-style iPhone game is skill-based (not just luck), and it has has US players winning as much as $512 per match.
It won’t replace your job, but if you’re lounging on the couch, stuck at the airport, or just killing time before bed, why not earn a little extra while putting your skills to the test? Beats wasting time on games that never pay you back.
Getting started is simple: download the free app, play when you’ve got a few minutes, and cash out your winnings directly to PayPal or Apple Pay.
Limited-time bonus: Add $10 to your account today and get an extra $5 to play with.
and start earning while you play.
2. Paying Far More Than You Should for Car Insurance
If you’ve been with the same insurer for years, you’re likely paying far more than you should.
Comparing prices can feel like a hassle, but staying put often means losing money every single month.
is a free, trusted site that compares real quotes from 100+ top insurers in minutes. Drivers who switched saved up to $1,025 a year, with some quotes starting around $29/month.
Just answer a few short questions about your car and driving history to see your lowest offers instantly.
Trusted by drivers nationwide and featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox News, and NPR, Insurify is one of the most respected insurance marketplaces.
3. Skipping Pet Insurance and Hoping for the Best
You love your pet like family, but when something unexpected happens, it’s not just the worry that hits you. It’s the bill. A broken leg can cost over $3,000, a swallowed toy can run $2,500 or more, and even simple treatments for ear infections or allergies can top $300. Most pet owners don’t realize how fast it adds up until it’s too late.
That’s where Lemonade Pet Insurance changes everything. It helps cover unexpected costs from accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, and medication, so you can focus on your pet’s recovery instead of your wallet. Lemonade uses advanced AI to process claims incredibly fast, often approving payouts within minutes.
Pet owners rate Lemonade among the top choices for affordability and speed. Plans start at around $10 a month, and you can adjust your coverage to match your pet’s needs and your budget. Plus, Lemonade donates unclaimed premiums to animal charities through its annual Giveback program, helping pets beyond your own.
It’s easy to sign up, simple to manage through their app, and backed by thousands of verified five-star reviews. If you want peace of mind and protection that works when you need it most, .
4. Still Paying 20% Interest? You Could Cut That Massively
If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is a stressful time.
wants to help. If you owe less than $100,000 in credit card debt, Credible can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your credit card debt with a personal loan almost instantly.
They facilitate over 200 million loan requests a year — and it only takes minutes to check your options.
5. Keep Your Kids - and Your Wallet - Safe. PERIOD
Let me tell you — if you’re handing your kid a regular phone without protection, you’re making a HUGE mistake. The internet is a total mess. Creeps, scammers, garbage content — it’s out of control.
That’s why smart parents all over America are turning to Bark. Two incredible options, one mission: keep your kids safe and your wallet secure.
Install it on any device your kid already uses — phone, tablet, laptop. It monitors texts, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram — over 30 platforms. You get alerts for danger, bullying, predators, inappropriate content — you see what matters, not every message. Total game changer.
Now this is BIG. The Bark Phone looks like a normal smartphone — but it’s built from the ground up for parental control.
- You decide what apps they can use
- You control screen time
- You approve contacts
- You get location tracking in real time
No workarounds. No loopholes. You’re in charge.
And it’s not just about safety — it saves money too. No surprise charges. No shady app installs. Just peace of mind and smart parenting. Whether it’s the app or the phone, it’s the smartest move you’ll make all year.
6. Protect Your Stuff starting $5 a Month
Renting? Don’t leave your stuff (or your wallet) unprotected.
covers your things from theft, fire, water damage, and more — starting at just $5/month. You can even get covered in seconds, right from your phone.
It’s fast, affordable, and actually kind of enjoyable (yep, really). Plus, Lemonade pays claims super fast—sometimes in minutes—and gives back to causes you care about.
No paperwork. No hassle. Just solid coverage that works. .
7. Drowning in Debt? There’s a Way Out
Drowning in debt? You’re not alone, and trying to climb out can feel overwhelming. But what if there was a way to break free?
may be able to help. If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card bills, medical expenses, or personal loans, they could help you resolve it for less than you owe with one affordable monthly payment.
There are no upfront fees, and some people become debt-free in as little as 24–48 months.[3]
8. Avoid $1,300 Repair Bills for Pennies
Here’s a no-cost way to check if you qualify for home protection that could save you thousands. Choice Home Warranty helps cover major systems and appliances when they break from everyday use. [2]
Instead of paying $1,300 or more to fix your AC, you could pay a small service fee and have a pro handle it quickly. They’ve been around since 2008, their plans are budget-friendly, and claims are handled 24/7.
For a limited time, you can get special pricing, one month free, and $50 off.
9. Redeem Real Cash Prizes Playing These Games
This won’t make you rich by the weekend. But could help you redeem real cash prizes while you sit back and play classic games, from slots to blackjack.
It is free to join, you play with virtual currency - no purchase necessary - and some platforms even offer bonuses that multiply your coins for new players.
10. Tap Into Your Home’s Equity—Without Touching Your Mortgage Rate
Planning a major purchase, consolidating debt, or making home improvements? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) could be a smart way to access the cash you need—without refinancing your mortgage.
A HELOC works like a credit card backed by your home:
- Borrow only what you need
- Make interest-only payments during the draw period (usually 10 years)
- Repay over time—typically up to 20 years
The advantage? Your existing mortgage rate stays intact. Plus, most HELOCs come with variable interest rates, so if market rates go down, your rate might too.
Bankrate simplifies the search. Their HELOC comparison tool lets you:
- Answer a few simple questions
- Instantly compare offers from top-rated lenders
Choose the best fit—fast, free, and with zero obligation
[7]
11. Waiting for Payday? Get Paid 2 Days Early
Tired of hidden fees and waiting forever for your paycheck? GO2bank is a modern mobile bank that helps you take control of your money.
You can get paid up to 2 days early with ASAP Direct Deposit and avoid overdraft fees up to $200.* It’s backed by Green Dot, so you get the tech of a mobile bank with the security of a trusted name.
[6]
12. Seniors: Save Up to $1,025 a Year on Car Insurance
On a fixed income, high auto insurance costs can drain your monthly budget. But you don’t have to keep overpaying.
Insurify is a free, trusted marketplace where you can compare real quotes from over 100 insurers in just minutes. Seniors who switched report saving as much as $1,025 a year — money that stays in your pocket instead of going to the insurance companies.
The process is straightforward: answer a few simple questions, see multiple offers instantly, and choose the plan that works best for you.
Featured in Forbes, USA Today, and Fox News as one of the nation’s leading insurance marketplaces.
13. Pet Insurance: How Thousands of Pet Owners Are Saving Big on Vet Bills
Over 2 million pet owners are already finding smarter ways to save, and this is one of their favorite secrets. Vet costs can jump from a quick $100 visit to $2000+ in an instant when emergencies hit. Instead of draining your savings, smart pet parents are turning to Lemonade Pet Insurance to handle surprise costs from accidents, illnesses, and treatments.
Plans start at about $10 a month, and Lemonade’s modern approach means claims get processed in minutes, not weeks. It’s one of the highest-rated options for affordability and speed, and pet owners love how easy it is to manage everything right from their phone.
There’s another reason people are talking: Lemonade gives part of unclaimed premiums to animal charities, so you’re not just protecting your pet, you’re helping others too.
It’s fast, affordable, and trusted by thousands of pet families who want peace of mind without overpaying.
and see how much you could save today.
14. Paying the Same Old Car Loan
If your car loan hasn’t been updated in the last 18 months, you’re almost certainly overpaying. Most drivers keep paying the same high loan they signed years ago, even though interest rates have dropped and better deals are now available.
The smartest move right now is to use a marketplace where lenders compete for your business instead of applying to one bank at a time. The best option we’ve seen is , connecting you with a national network of over 150 trusted lenders offering their most competitive rates.
Drivers refinancing through AUTOPAY save $123.97 per month, and many see even bigger drops, often more than the cost of a full tank of gas. You also won’t make a payment for 45 days after approval, giving you instant breathing room and faster results.
It’s quick, secure, and 100% online. Over 700,000 drivers have already used AUTOPAY to lower their payments and lock in better terms while rates are still low.
15. Refinance Your Car Loan and Keep More Cash Every Month
Many drivers are surprised by how much they can save just by updating their car loan. With interest rates dropping, lenders are now competing to offer lower payments to qualified drivers, and it takes only minutes to see if you can get a better deal.
makes it easy by connecting you with a nationwide network of over 150 trusted lenders, all competing to offer you their best rate. Drivers who refinance through AUTOPAY save $123.97 per month on average, with some saving even more. You also won’t make a payment for 45 days after approval, which means your savings start immediately.
It’s fast, completely online, and checking your rate doesn’t affect your credit score. Over 700,000 drivers have already refinanced and are paying less every month.


