The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected everyone, whether that be financially, emotionally, or both. If you have had to cut back on spending or find new ways to make money during the pandemic due to job loss or other loss of income, here are some easy ways you can save money without sacrificing the things you love!
Streaming Services
Even if you have been fortunate enough to keep your job during the coronavirus crisis, you are more than likely working from home. Or, you are at least spending less time going out. Either way, you probably have a lot more free time at home. This means more time to binge your favorite shows. However, those pricey subscription costs for Netflix or Hulu can add up.
One way you can cut back on spending during the pandemic is by taking advantage of free streaming services. One such platform is Crackle. Crackle offers a wide variety of movies and shows, especially popular series from the 1990s and 2000s. Another free streaming platform is Tubi, which offers many obscure and foreign films. If you can deal with watching ads, then switching to a free streaming platform may be worth it for you.
Online Shopping
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us all to decide what is worth the risk of getting sick. For a lot of us, in-person shopping probably did not make the cut. Online shopping has skyrocketed during the pandemic. If you are feeling guilty for excessive online purchases, then you should try Acorns. Acorns is an app that automatically rounds up your online purchases to the nearest dollar. It then takes that difference and invests it for you. Over time, Acorns will grow your investment portfolio and could ultimately make you a lot of money.
Learn a new skill
Another to make money during the pandemic is by learning a new skill. If you have a passion or interest that you’ve always been too busy for, now is the time to perfect it! Many companies offer free ways to learn new skills right from your home. For example, Coursera offers multiple career development courses at no cost. Udemy is another company that has recently added 650 free online courses. You could then profit off your newly learned skill by starting a website or blog and selling your service or product!
Negotiate Your Bills
Many people are struggling financially due to the pandemic, and credit card companies are aware of this. Many of them are offering some sort of debt relief or assistance programs. These may allow you to skip payments, get lower interest rates, or avoid late fees. Every credit card company is different, so it is up to you to call your credit card company and explain your situation. You may be surprised at how much they are willing to work with you.
What are some ways you were able to save money during the pandemic? Comment below.