1000 ways I save and earn while self-employed!
The listicle you’ve all been waiting for. I’m adding one new tip every day to celebrate 1,000 days of quitting corporate. Understand the behind-the-scenes of how I actually live my frugal-meets-extravagant lifestyle while earning an inconsistent income.
Save Money
Use your library card. My goal to read 45 books in 2025 would cost me up to $900 a year if I bought books new.
Total saved: ~$900
AmEx Offer for 2 free months of Peacock streaming service. I wanted to get Peacock streaming service to watch more episodes of SNL. I noticed one of my AmEx card will reimburse me for 2 months. I will definitely set a reminder to cancel prior to the second renewal month.
Total saved: $21.98
Happy Hour at the Nail Salon. My nail salon offers “happy hour” midweek from 2-4pm. Due to my flexible schedule I try to make appointments during that time. I did this 3 times in 2025 and saved $5 each time. Please note, I always tip my manicurist on the full price of the service!
Total saved: $15.00
Earn Money
Participate in class action settlements. In April 2023, I submitted a claim for a Facebook class action and in October 2025 I earned $30.61. It was deposited directly in my PayPal account.
Total earned: $30.61
2025 NY Stimulus Check. In November 2025, I received a $150 check for existing in this economy, just kidding, kind of. You can learn more about this and if you qualify here.
Total earned: $150.00
Earn interest in a HYSA - Year to date, I have earned $773.13 from stashing cash in a high yield savings account. As of November 10th, I’m earning 3.30% APY on my cash.
Total earned: $773.13
Refer a friend to Ally HYSA - I have been using Ally for 10+ years to earn interest on my savings. I like their savings buckets, user interface and commitment to DEI. I have referred friends to Ally and this year, I successfully referred 2 people at $50 per referral. Want to sign up? To be fully transparent, I do earn $50 if you sign up. Only sign up if it’s right for you!
Total earned: $100.00
Earn Points
Delta’s Bags on Time Policy - you earn 2,500 Skymiles for domestic checked bags that don’t arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes, submit a ticket on their website within 3 days of your flight
Total earned: 10,000 Skymiles for 4 delayed bags in 2025
Earn Gift Cards
Survey from SquareSpace - in September 2025, I received an e-mail to complete a survey about using Acuity/SquareSpace. The e-mail stated the survey would take ~10 minutes and you would be rewarded with a $15 gift card. I successfully completed the survey and chose a Chewy.com gift card. I shop at Chewy.com often to buy food, litter and treats for my foster kittens
Total earned: $15 gift card
Total 2025 Impact
Total tips shared: 9
Total saved: $936.98
Total dollars earned: $1,053.74
Total gift cards earned: $15.00
Total impact to net worth: + $2,005.73
Total impact to points: + 10,000 Skymiles
Want to learn more from me?
Have more questions? Follow Lauren on Instagram and Threads @pointsforchange
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. My suggestions are simply suggestions and not financial advice. You should always consider your personal financial situation and what works best for you prior to making financial decisions because personal finance is… well… personal.
Affiliate links: On this page you may see referral links where Points for Change LLC is compensated in referral bonuses, free months to subscription services or other compensation for sharing links to products we love. All reviews are the opinion of the writer and not influenced by the companies mentioned.