Since the start of the stay-at-home orders, many of us have probably gotten better at saving, or at the very least don’t want to take the risk on spending on luxury expenses. I’ve spoken with quite a few people recently who were grateful for these tips after discussing it with them. Most of this is common knowledge and all it takes is a simple reminder to take the initiative. Besides who doesn’t like a little extra money in their hands.

1. Credit/Loan Assistance and Forgivness

Like the majority of anyone over the age of 21 in America, I have numerous sources of debt: Student loans, credit cards, car loans, insurance,etc. Most financial institution companies are providing some type of relief depending due to financial hardship.

All that needs to be done is to inform the institution that you are undergoing some sort of financial hardship due to COVID-19. Whether it be a layoff, reduction in hours or dipping your hands into your emergency funds. The worse thing the lender can say is no. After being annoyed follow the automated prompts from the customer service line I got in touch with an customer service representative for each institution. Most provided me with a grace period for at least couple off months before I needed to pay my monthly bills again, this also included no building interest for most. One of my credit card companies even waived the interest my billed for previous month. For those will Apple Cards you can just go to your Wallet app and enroll in their Customer Assistance Program.

2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance/Unemployment

Those who do not qualify for normal unemployment and undergone a reduction in hours or was laid off, can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Go to Gov2go and use their one stop shop platform/app to apply. Small Business Owner? Check out the Paycheck Protection Program and the other Loan and Debt options being listed by the Small Business Association. Make sure you are actually in need of financial assistance, as we’ve seen with some of the deceased receiving Economic Impact Payment and the Paycheck Protection Program being abused by larger corporations. The system and auditing process for these application’s aren’t perfect, so don’t be that guy/girl and only apply if you need it.

Speaking of the Economic Impact Payment, tomorrow is the deadline. If you haven’t even received it yet, click this link and follow the instructions listed.

3. Warranties

My rear break-pads were due for a replacement and it was about two years bought my last set. I checked on Amazon on the pads I purchased and noticed that they had a two-year limited warranty on the product. Fortunately for me, I also bought my front break pads the same day. After a phone call with the company I bought them from, they shipped out a new set of front break pads along with the rear ones and it arrived within a few days at no cost. Again, all it took was one phone call.

Try your hand at looking the replace any parts that would be relatively costly, whether it be household appliances, car/electronics parts or video games systems/accessories.

4. Side Hustles

Now is the best time to make those hobbies of yours into a source of passive income. As tragic as this pandemic is, most have been trying to make the best of it and finding new hobbies because of it. Good at sewing, start making/selling masks. Good at cooking or enjoy exercising, try starting a YouTube channel or Facebook/Instagram Live your processes and tips. Have a car, try UberEats, GrubHub, Doordash or one of the numerous delivery/rideshare companies out there. I wouldn’t recommend picking up passengers due to COVID, but too all drivers, please wear a mask.

Maybe even try your hand at doing one of your dances you do when no one is looking and become TikTok famous;the chances of that happening are slim to none though.

5. Freebies

Numerous businesses are taking a hit and some are adapting to the crisis to keep their doors open. Look online for freebies as there are new ones every day. Most restaurants are offering free delivery with Doordash,Grubhub, and other delivery platorms . Other chains giving rewards in their apps for free food to have customers to return and possibly purchase more. Streaming apps are offering free service and streaming of certain shows Take an initiative to go to your favorite local restaurants and see if they have any rewards programs or just support them in general. First Responders specifically have numerous freebie options.

-Till Next Time,

Malik Kwazi Hall