Free Pay Every Friday

Think of this as a way to sell your time to advertisers. At first I didn't believe it either, but 24 hours after joining I was paid directly to my PayPal account and every Friday after that. After providing a little information about yourself, they provide links to various websites. When you view the link you earn AND when you view the site you earn money. This has actually been a very fun way to earn as the links are relevant and personalized. It only takes a few minutes to get started.

1. Join Here Free
   
2. Fill in your MeFile information under "MeFile"
   
3. Set up your Ad Player under "Adgets"
   
4. Provide your PayPal account in "Housekeeping"

When relevant ads are available, they will show up in your adplayer. Just for viewing the ad you get credited $0.05 and then up to $1 for going to their site. At the end of the week you are paid with no minimum payout.

Currently, they are only providing text ads, but video ads are in the works. When downloading music or videos from iTunes for example, you would be able to "sponsor" the download and watch ads that ultimately pay for your purchase. Get a discount product and a little incentive while you wait...win/win situation!

Their referral system pays up to $1.00 per referral. Be sure to let your friends and family know about YouData so they can get paid too. The more people that know, the more ads that will be played and that means more money for you.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Direct Deposit

Everything is becoming automated as computers take over the world. Thankfully, the human species is not yet to this point. Although it may not be such a bad thing if it had some financial automation.

Payday comes and we are handed a check. We go to the bank, cash it, maybe put a little away for safe keeping, and find ourselves spending most of the money before the weekend is over. Hence the reason cash is also known as "liquid." We just can't seem to hold on to it very long before it is spent on the latest movie or a new piece of furniture. Even as a child I had a hard time finding my money jar quick enough to drop the coins in before losing them.

Today most companies offer direct deposit paychecks. If you're not already taking advantage of this, you should be! A simple one-time set up puts your paycheck directly into your bank account. Depending on your employer, you may be able to set up a deposit to multiple accounts.

I no longer do the math. I simply modify the percentage I want deposited into my individual accounts and it happens. The most important part is that I don't initially see this money unless I look at my pay-stub, and by then it's usually already deposited.

The key is to take at least 10% of that which you earn and put it in some sort of investment. This could include a mutual fund, 401k plan, or even a savings account. Start by putting 10% away, out of sight, and it will be out of mind. Of course high yield accounts such as mutual funds and 401k plans will produce more money in the long run, but if all you are in the mood for is your low earning savings account, that will make do. At least it will make more interest than money stuffed in a drawer. Later posts are sure to have more on high yield accounts.

Using direct deposit allows you to start a small savings without really thinking too hard about it. Imagine all the money that the government calls tax. It is commonly withdrawn from your account before you even touch it. This translates into less spending because you are receiving less in your paycheck.

Homework for next time:
1. Set up a direct deposit account
2. Directly deposit 10% of your net income before you see it
3. Repeat number 2 every payday