Here are the services, products, and companies that we highly recommend. We either currently use them or we think that they are adding value to people’s life. You can save money while looking to invest on a service. You can even earn some extra money from these services!
Wealth Management
Personal Capital
Personal Capital is a money tracking software. You can download the app on your phone, tablet, or browse on their site. You can use this app to track you net worth, investment, assets, cash, and debt automatically. Simply link your bank accounts to the app and the app will start track any changes.
It is similar to Mint app, but in my opinion, Personal Capital tracks net worth and investment better. Whereas Mint is more handy to track day to day expenses.
Get $20 from Personal Capital using this link to sign up (if you’re new to Personal Capital) and link qualified investment. It’s nothing to lose to try. The app is free. You may get some invitation to talk to their financial advisor. But there’s no obligation to respond.
Blogging and Web Hosting
Bluehost
Bluehost is a great hosting solution. It is inexpensive and easy to use. You get a free domain by signing up with their 1 year web hosting subscription.
Refer to How to start a blog from scratch for step-by-step instruction. Blogging is a great way to generate side income, on semi-passive mode. Meaning, once your blog is popular, the existing contents can continue to make money for you without further intervention.
Studio Press
Studio Press is the maker of Genesis framework, which is a popular WordPress theme. I use it for this blog. They make beautiful and fluent template that works instantly on web, phone, and tablet.
I highly recommend it. They are not the cheapest, but if you’re looking to go from zero to a functional site quickly, this is the way to go.
PicMonkey
PicMonkey is an online image editing software. It is easy to use and available as mobile apps too. It’s a great economical option comparing to Photoshop. I use PicMonkey constantly to edit images and put inlay text, shape, and effects on photos and illustrations.
ConvertKit
Convertkit is a mailing list platform that will help you get loyal readers. They provide powerful tool to integrate Newsletter sign up to your site.
PrettyLinks
PrettyLinks is a WordPress plugin that provides a way to make complicated, long url to be short and look professional. I use this to make affiliate link readable. For example, retireby.com/prettylinks.
Affiliate Marketing Course
Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing is one of the best course I take on affiliate marketing (the money generating aspect of blogging). If you’re not familiar with affiliate marketing and don’t have a lot of time to spend on reading books, doing research, and experimenting, taking this course will get you the head start that you need.
If you dedicate a day or two going through this course, you will be much better equipped to start generating side income from your blog.
Cash back
Ibotta is an easy way to get cash back on groceries and shopping. Check out the Treasure Hunt Cash Back article on how I get to receive some cash back while having fun in Target. Use this link to sign up to get $10 Welcome Bonus from Ibotta.
Ebates is another way for you to cash back while shopping online. Before you make a purchase online, be sure to go to Ebates site first to check if there’s cash back option on top of what you’re shopping on. The easiest way is to install their site plugin to make it automatic. Use this link to sign up and you will receive a free $10 cash back when you spend $25 or more.
– JL Collins
– Elizabeth Willard Thames