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Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners . It’s an expensive double whammy. First, you’re probably staying home more to social distance. Second, we’ve got hot summer temperatures. With that combination, many of us are getting hit with skyrocketing power bills. Experts are predicting that most consumers’ energy bills will rise by at least 10 percent, putting a strain on household budgets. But in California, we found a program that’ll pay you $300 a year (or more!) for turning out the lights and shutting off your appliances for an hour. If you have a utility account with PG&E, SDG&E or Southern California Edison, which cover nearly every single county in California, listen up. OhmConnect is a free tool that will pay you to help save energy when the grid gets stretched. These earning periods are called “OhmHours” and during this time, your j...

Until recently, grocery delivery was a convenient novelty for anyone who preferred to outsource the weekly chore. As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, having groceries delivered has become a vital service for many people. But when you have to dig around for pricing, restrictions, delivery times and other information to find the best grocery delivery service in your area, you might lose your mind. You can get sucked into the novelty of ordering leeks through an app without thinking about its effect on your grocery budget . To cut through the marketing speak, I’ve broken down the details on some of the best grocery delivery services available around the country. Because of increased demand during the pandemic, some services are experiencing delivery delays or have paused new deliveries altogether. Before signing up, read each service’s COVID-19 updates to understand any changes in protocol. 9 of the Best Grocery Delivery Services, Compared Here’s everything you need to know about ...

Many gyms across the country have reopened after the initial shutdown from coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean we’re all comfortable with the idea of using shared weight machines again or taking group exercises classes with people huffing and puffing just a few feet away. So how you can keep up with your workout routine? Enter the home gym. Creating a home gym will not only help you stay in shape but could also save you money in the long run, considering the high cost of gym memberships and boutique fitness classes that can cost more than $20… for a single hour. TPH editor Caitlin Constantine is no stranger to workout-related expenses. As a triathlete, a chunk of her disposable cash goes toward racing fees and nutrition. She’s completed two Ironmans, seven marathons and even two ultramarathons. But those race fees add up, to say nothing of all the time and energy she spends training. Why add in extra hours slogging back and forth to a gym? However, she knows staying in shape c...

Decorating a home can be lots of fun — until you see the price tags. But while some home decor can be ridiculously expensive, there’s a secret in interior design circles: Not every item is worth splurging on. In fact, some interior designers swear by Ikea for certain items. It’s all about knowing when to spend and when to save. When to Save Accent Seating For furniture that you use daily – like your sofa – buy the best and most comfortable that you can afford. Your butt and back will thank you. “But the upholstered armchair in your guest room that gets sat on just a couple of times per year?” asked Lesley Myrick , an interior designer based in Atlanta. “That’s where you can go with the cheap and cheerful option.” World Market has plenty of cheap, cheerful options in this category. You might also check out one of these 20 stores for affordable and stylish home furnishings . Decorations Save your money when it comes to throw pillows, as you can change their color or pattern on ...

The runny nose. The scratchy throat. The general achiness. Yeah, it’s probably not just allergies. In light of the ongoing spread of COVID-19, those symptoms might come with an additional dose of anxiety, topped with a little mass hysteria. No matter the nature of your affliction, you should stay home and practice good hygiene to avoid spreading it. But a sizable chunk of American workers – and especially gig workers – can’t bring their work home and don’t have the luxury of paid sick leave. Way back in February, Uber sent out a memo titled “A reminder about coronavirus” to its drivers, recommending they stay home if they feel ill and disinfect their vehicles regularly. Uber’s long awaited response to coronavirus. Most of their drivers can’t afford to take even one day off. pic.twitter.com/n4W3v41F6F — The Rideshare Dude (@1RideshareDude) February 29, 2020 One ride-share driver tweeted an image of the memo and noted that “most of their drivers can’t afford to take even one d...

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners . Sites that pay you for taking online surveys, playing games, watching videos or searching the web are appealing, right? You’re mindlessly making money — or at least more mindlessly than at your 9-to-5 gig. But finding legitimate reward and cash-back sites might seem near impossible. You’re either plagued with pop-up ads, bombarded with emails or, even worse, caught up in a scam. That’s why we test all the sites we write about. So I signed up for InboxDollars and gave it a spin. Can people really make money on the site? I documented my experience with the company in our review. Here’s what you’ll learn: What Is InboxDollars? Is InboxDollars Legit? How to Earn Money on InboxDollars Pros and Cons How to Sign up for InboxDollars InboxDollars Pro Tips InboxDollars: See What It Offers What Is InboxDo...