Making Money

Uber Eats Driver Requirements: Car, Scooter, and Bicycle

March 12, 2019 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

The Uber Eats driver requirements are more flexible than those for regular Uber drivers. The requirements are the same if you’re planning to deliver Uber Eats by car. However, you can also deliver Uber eats by scooter or bicycle. Therefore, you have more options available to you. Those options do vary by location, so even though we’ve provided extensive information on the topic below, it’s important to note that your own experience might differ depending on where you live.

Uber Eats Driver Requirements – By Car

If you are already an Uber driver, then it’s really easy to become an Uber Eats driver. You simply go into your app, select “account” and then select “vehicle options. From there, you accept the terms of agreement that allow you to receive Uber eats deliver requests. You can keep this option on every time that you drive. On the other hand, you can easily toggle it off if you don’t want to deliver food for a little while.

If you aren’t yet an Uber driver, then you need to sign up to deliver Uber Eats. Like with regular Uber drivers, you’ll go through a screening process. You’ll have to upload your photo and required documents. Then, once approved, you’ll be able to begin accepting deliveries.

It’s fairly easy to meet the Uber Eats driver requirements for car delivery. They’re mostly common sense rules for driving a car. You have to meet the minimum age to drive in your city. In most cities, the age is 19. Plus you have to have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. Those things are pretty obvious. Additionally, you need to have at least one year of driving experience under your belt.

Finally, you have to have a car (2-door or 4-door), that is no older than 1998. Note that regular Uber drivers have to have a car that’s 2006 or newer, so the requirements for Uber Eats drivers aren’t as strict. If you think about it, that is sensible. Nobody else is entering your car when you just do food delivery for Uber. Therefore, it doesn’t have to be sparkling new. Of course, it still has to run reliably so that you can deliver food quickly.

Regular Uber Driver Requirements

If you want to sign up to be a regular Uber driver in addition to delivering Uber Eats, then the process is slightly more stringent. You have to have a 4-door car, not a 2-door car. If you are under age 23, then you need three years of driving experience instead of just one year. Furthermore, Uber will closely examine your car and your driving record before approving you.

Need to earn some extra money? Sign up to be an Uber Eats driver here!

Uber Eats Driver Requirements – By Scooter

The Uber Eats driver requirements for scooter drivers are pretty simple. You can use any 2-wheel scooter as long it meets the following two restrictions:

50 cc or less motor
Doesn’t travel faster than 30 mph

In other words, you have to deliver by scooter, not motorcycle. If you have or can borrow, a scooter that meets those requirements, then you can be an Uber Eats scooter delivery person. Of course, in order to drive a scooter, you still need to have a driver’s license. Plus you have to have a year of driving experience to meet the minimum Uber Eats driver requirements. In most cities, you’ll need to be 19 to drive a scooter for Uber Eats. However, this varies by location.

Uber Eats Driver Requirements – By Bicycle

If you’re at least 18 years old, then you can sign up to be a bicycle delivery person with Uber Eats. You must have a government ID, but it does not have to be a driver’s license. When you sign up for the service, there’s a section that asked about your transportation. Obviously, you’ll choose “bicycle” in this section. It’s fairly straightforward.

There aren’t any requirements or limitations regarding the type of bicycle that you can use for Uber Eats delivery. You’ll probably want something fast so that you can get to your delivery spots quickly. After all, the more you deliver, the more money you make. Plus you’re more likely to get good tips on fast deliveries. Additionally, you’ll be carrying food with you, so some type of on-bike storage is a good idea.

You Need a Phone for Uber Eats Delivery

This probably goes without saying, but you need to have a smartphone in order to become an Uber Eats delivery driver. After all, the phone is your tool to receive order information. Your phone must have airtime because you might occasionally need to call a customer about a delivery. It must also have up-to-date app and GPS capability. Here are additional Uber Eats driver requirements for the phone:

Minimum of 2 GB RAM
Minimum of 2 GHX processing speed
4.7″ or larger screen size

If you have an Android device, then it must be 6.0 or newer. If you have an iPhone, then it must be iPhone 6 or newer. You can check the Uber website for a list of currently banned devices that don’t meet these minimum requirements. If you have a relatively new smartphone, then you are probably in the clear. Do note that the newer your device, the more likely it will be that you’ll get the best results. The apps are kept up to date, so if you have an older iOS, then it might not run as smoothly.

Check Uber Eats Driver Requirements In Your City

The requirements listed above apply to drivers in most US cities. However, each city has different rules when it comes to Uber and other rideshare and food delivery services. Furthermore, laws are constantly changing. Therefore, it’s important to check the current laws in your city that apply to Uber Eats delivery.

Furthermore, some of the food delivery options aren’t available in every area. For example, delivery by bike is limited primarily to dense urban areas. If you live in a more sprawled-out area, then you might not be able to deliver by bike. This makes sense because people want their food delivered quickly and a bike can only go so fast. When you sign up for Uber Eats, you’ll have that section where you have to choose your transportation mode. If “bicycle” isn’t listed there, then you’ll know that it’s not currently a delivery option in your area.

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Fall Cleaning Tips to Make Money and Declutter

August 16, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Fall is a great time to declutter. With colder months approaching, you’ll be able to get the unnecessary clutter, dust, and germs out of your home before you’re cooped up in there for a while. What if you could better your finances by tidying up? These fall cleaning tips can help you save and make money.

Save Money Decluttering Your Home This Fall

Yes – that’s right. In addition to making it easier to relax and unwind in your home, decluttering can help you save money. While you are decluttering and cleaning, you may realize that there are items in your home in need of attention. For instance, if you clean your windows, you may notice damages that may impact the ability to heat your home through the winter.

Another way fall cleaning may help save money is in maintaining some of your more expensive appliances. One great thing to do in the fall is dust and clean your refrigerator’s condenser coil. Doing this can prevent you from having to call a handyman down the road as well as keep your food at the correct temperature, preventing spoiled food items. Inside the fridge, you can also get rid of expired items and clean shelves to prevent illness (another opportunity to save).

Dusting the entire house while you’re doing your fall cleaning is recommended as well. Dust can build up and cause health issues and allergies. Getting rid of that will help prevent illness throughout the winter.

While you are in the kitchen, take an inventory of what you have in your pantry and make a list. This will give you an idea of what you already have and prevent you from spending unnecessary cash at the grocery store.

Lastly, don’t forget to flip your mattress! Doing so will extend the life of your mattress and, ultimately, save you money.

Make Money Fall Cleaning

If you’re aiming to rack up savings through fall cleaning, you may also be interested in knowing that you can make money as well. While you are going through closets and getting rid of things, set items aside that you may be able to sell. Thankfully, with modern technology, you won’t even have to set up a yard sale if you don’t want to. You can post your items for sale online.

Facebook Marketplace: The Facebook Marketplace is a great way for people in your area to check out the items you have for sale. It is essentially an online yard sale. Many of these “yard sale” pages have search functions for people looking for something specific so be sure you use good keywords in your description. People in the Saving Advice forums have chatted about their experience with the Marketplace, see what they are saying.
Craigslist: Craigslist is another great place to post your unwanted items. Read about how to make money on Craigslist here.
eBay: One of the more popular places to post items for sale is eBay. Many sales are auction-style and it can be exciting to watch the price of your items go up. Here’s how to make money on eBay.

Even if you don’t feel like posting your items for sale or having a garage sale, you can still benefit financially by donating your items. Be sure to get a receipt when you make your donation so that you’re able to deduct it from your taxes next year.

Now that you know how decluttering and cleaning can help your mental, physical, and financial health, here is the ultimate fall cleaning checklist to get yourself and your home ready for winter.

Fall Cleaning Checklist

Readers, would you add anything to our checklist? Let us know in the comments below.

Best Jobs for Retirees and People Collecting Disability Benefits

July 9, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

best jobs for retirees

As of 2015, according to data from the US Census Bureau, approximately 47.8 million Americans were over the age of 65. An additional 8.7 million people were receiving Social Security Disability benefits during 2017, based on information from the Social Security Administration.

While many of those people collect financial benefits on a regular basis, not all of them want to entirely exit the workforce. Part-time, flexible, or remote options can be some of the best jobs for retirees as well as individuals on disability.

In most cases, retirees can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits without penalty as long as they reach full retirement age first. In fact, it may even help boost their benefits in future years.

Those on Social Security Disability, however, must remain within certain income limits. Otherwise, reductions in their benefits usually occur. This means that having control over your earnings is a must, especially if you want to keep your benefits.

Uber or Lyft Driver Are Some of The Best Jobs For Retirees

If you have a car and a license, being an Uber or Lyft driver is an excellent option. You maintain complete control over your schedule, giving you the ability to exert control over your income.

This can be an ideal option for disabled persons who need to stay within an income limit. Once you get close to the threshold, you can wait until the next month before driving again. It’s also one of the best jobs for retirees as it provides for a high amount of flexibility, ensuring you are only working when you want to be.

Dog Walker

For people who like to fit some activity into their day, being a dog walker might be ideal. You typically get a substantial amount of control over your schedule as you can pick and choose your clients. Plus, you can make sure that you stay within any income limits simply by keeping an eye on your projected earnings.

If you want to start working as a dog walker, you can advertise your services locally with flyers or sign up with one of the online portals that connect dog walkers to clients.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitting is a little more involved than dog walking. Usually, you are responsible for not just exercising the animal, but providing them with basic care. Tasks like refilling food and water bowls and spending time with the pets are a must. However, the work is often pretty low-key and can be quite enjoyable.

Freelancer

In today’s gig economy, freelancing opportunities are plentiful. If you’re a skilled writer, editor, graphic designer, programmer, or have any other skill that works as a remote position, you can monetize your knowledge.

Some sites even connect freelancers to people who need simple tasks done. For example, you could pick up dry cleaning, deliver groceries, or help someone assemble furniture, most of which don’t require a specific skill set to get started.

Typically, you can pick and choose your clients, set your own rates, and decide which projects interest you. Since you are essentially self-employed, your income is largely in your control as well.

Housekeeper

For those who enjoy cleaning, becoming a housekeeper can be one of the best jobs for retirees and individuals on disability. While the work is physical, heavy lifting isn’t usually a requirement. Being able to set your own rates and hours are other common perks of this line of work.

House Sitter

House sitting offers some unique opportunities. You may be able to find gigs that let you make money while others simply provide you the ability to stay at the home. This can be an ideal arrangement for retirees looking to travel on a budget. You can eliminate hotel costs in exchange for keeping an eye on someone else’s property. Just focus on locations that peak your interest and plan to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Tax Preparer

If you have accounting skills and the proper credentials, working as a tax preparer is another excellent option. Most of the work is highly seasonal, focusing mostly on the period between the New Year and tax filing day.

You may be able to find part-time opportunities with large chains or strike out on your own if you need to keep control over your income. Otherwise, working full-time during tax season can provide you with a small nest egg that can sustain you over the year when combined with retirement funds.

Tour Guide

If you are an expert on your community or near museums, you may be able to find work as a tour guide. Many of these opportunities are part-time and give you a chance to interact with a wide variety of people.

For those who want to try it out first, see if local zoos, art galleries, museums, or aquariums accept volunteers. You’ll need a solid knowledge base to get going in the field, but studying up can be fun if you are passionate about the subject.

Tutor

Subject-matter experts might want to consider tutoring. You can usually choose your grade level and area, letting you focus on topics you enjoy and at a comfortable level.

Often, you can freelance as a tutor or sign up with a service. Either way, you should have a reasonable amount of control over your hours, making it a highly flexible form of work.

Ultimately, all of the jobs listed above are great options for retirees and people with disabilities. Just make sure to watch your income if you are subject to restrictions. That way, you can keep your benefits while you earn additional money.

Do you know of a job that retirees or those on disability may enjoy? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about having a comfortable retirement? Give these a try:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Investing in Art and Antiques for Fun and Profit

June 20, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Investing in Art and Antiques for Fun and Profit

Yes, you make money investing in art and antiques and have fun while you do it — if you’re savvy about things.

Although the rate at which antiques appreciate hasn’t been benchmarked, fine art has delivered an average annual return of 8.9 percent since 2000, according to Artprice.com.

To achieve anything comparable requires does require knowledge of the world of art and antiques, but if this is something you’re already interested in, that can make this a fun type of investing.

Diversification

Investors learn that having a diversified portfolio helps protect your money during market fluctuation. Diversification spreads out your risk: that way, if one area is experiencing losses, they might be offst by gains in other areas.

As such, antiques and art provide a great opportunity to diversify your investments — which can improve your overall performance.

The diversification comes from the fact that their values are not correlated to stock prices. If your stocks go down, your antiques and art might not lose value at the same time. In fact, they may flourish during these periods.

Illiquid Assets

However, it’s important to note that art and antiques are illiquid assets: You can’t sell them as easily as you might be able to unwind other types of investments.

Instead, you have to track down a buyer or find a suitable mechanism, like an auction, to attempt to make a sale.

This means antiques and art aren’t ideal as immediate income sources. However, if you embrace a long-term buy-and-hold strategy, pay attention to the market, and properly time your sales activities, you can make a significant profit.

Unique Costs

While all investments cost money — and that’s generally reflected in the price you pay for them — there are additional costs associated with art and antiques.

First, you must house the items. Whether this means placing them in your home or an appropriate storage unit, one way or another you’re paying for that.

If you have to store it somewhere other than where you reside, you need to make sure it’s somewhere you will be able to control the temperature and humidity — to protect the art and antiques from damage.

Insurance

Speaking of the potential for damage, you will need to insure your art and antiques. This might require you to first pay for an appraisal to determine their value so you know how much coverage to buy.

Then, you need to secure coverage through an insurance provider. High-value items may require you to purchase a rider on your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance; or you might need to obtain a completely separate plan, depending on which insurer you choose.

Maintenance

Another cost associated with art and antiques involves care and maintenance, which makes sure the assets do not lose any value.

roper cleaning techniques are a must, especially if you are going to use the items in your décor.

You also need to be careful when you use them, such as by using coasters on antique tables to avoid condensation rings.

Commissions

Additionally, depending on how you intend to buy and sell your antiques and art, you might end up paying commissions.

Not unlike the commissions you pay when you buy and sell stock, third-party art and antique auctioneers and dealers charge fees for their services.

The commissions usually amount to a percentage of the sale value — so it’s in the dealer or auctioneer’s best interest to command the highest price for items. If you sell through an auctioneer instead of a dealer, you might want to set a minimum sale price.

Popularity is an Important Factor

Since art and antique sales are predominately managed in the private market, popularity is a primary driver for value. Just because an antique or piece of art is old, that doesn’t automatically make it valuable.

Specific artists or craftspeople, periods, or styles may be more appealing for a certain period of time. Then, similar to a fad, interest may fade, leading the pieces to lose at least some of their value.

Similarly, supply and demand play a substantial role. Antiques and art only have value if there is a buyer willing to make the purchase. If a piece or artist is in demand, people may increase the amount they are open to paying in an attempt to secure the item. In an auction-style setting, this creates a bidding war, driving the price up.

However, if an antique or piece of art isn’t in demand, finding even a single buyer may be a challenge. If you really need to sell the item, you may have to accept a lower price to complete the transaction.

Investing in Art and Antiques for Fun and Profit

One of the benefits of investing in art and antiques is that you can actually enjoy the items — unlike stocks and bonds, which you can’t put on display the way you can with furniture, paintings, and sculptures can be a part of your décor.

If you enjoy the works of a particular artist, adore a furniture period, or simply find pieces that bring you joy, it can be fun to add them to your collection. This provides you with some level of intrinsic value, which can be just as beneficial as a financial gain.

Plus, if you appreciate the piece, embracing a buy-and-hold strategy isn’t a burden. You can enjoy the work while it is in your home, making it easier to wait until the market supports a high sales price.

Risk of Fakes

Just like any other type of investment, there are risks associated with art and antiques — such as the prevalence of fakes and bogus reproductions.

If you are looking at the items as an investment, you need to seek out reputable dealers and auction houses who can vouch for their authenticity and that an item is original.

Ideally, you want verification from an expert in writing and, if available, records about the piece’s history, including previous owners and details that show the piece is genuine.

Before you invest in art and antiques, do your research. That way you can make sure you are truly getting an investable item and not something that won’t retain or improve its value.

Readers, what kind you collect antiques and art as an investment? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about investing? Here are a few to get you started.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

How Much YouTubers Really Make Versus Patreon

June 15, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 1 Comment

Many people dream of becoming YouTube stars — presuming that because a few elite achievers have made small fortunes on the platform, then perhaps anyone can.

The top earners make it look easy — like Daniel Middleton, who pulled in $16.5 million in 2017; Evan Fong, who made $15.5 million that year; Dude Perfect, who made $14 million; and Markiplier, who earned $12.5 million.

Unfortunately, these figures are the exception rather than the norm: The vast majority of YouTubers barely make anything, if they are able to monetize their channels at all.

A recent study found that 96.5 percent of those trying to become YouTubers don’t earn enough from advertising to cross the poverty line.

If you break into the top 3 percent of YouTube’s most-watched channels, you might make $16,800 in ad revenue — that’s only $4,460 over the poverty line for a single person or $400 over the line for a couple.

Meanwhile, it keeps getting harder to cross that line because the top channels’ share of overall viewership is increasing.

Source: Bloomberg News and Mathias Bärtl of Offenburg University of Applied Sciences

As if that wasn’t challenging enough, YouTube has also made it harder to earn money from a video channel through a policy at the beginning of the year: New channels can’t collect advertising revenue from YouTube until they have 10,000 subscribers and a minimum of 4,000 watch hours over the previous 12-month period.

This has lead new video creators to supplement their efforts on YouTube with other income streams. Without a doubt, it’s a lot of hard work — something that others underestimate.

Sponsorships and Pledges

While some YouTubers have been supplementing their income through selling their own sponsorships, other video creators have been raising money on Patreon, which is a crowdfunding platform for content. And while the platform isn’t limited to video creators, many YouTubers embrace the platform to create revenue.

Unlike the largely ad-driven model behind YouTube, Patreon essentially lets you sell subscriptions in the form of pledges. Subscribers pledge financial support on a monthly or per project basis.

Effectively, Patreon users are collecting donations from fans. Many video creators who started on YouTube have gone on to earn more money through their Patreon profiles than they ever did on YouTube.

Patreon Versus YouTube

Plus, Patreon appears to be more transparent than YouTube. Creators can see how much is pledged — and also look at rankings of what others are earning.<

Exactly how much a YouTuber makes through Patreon varies dramatically. Generally, you’ll need a strong following before anyone is willing to pledge any money.

Quality content is king in this case, so it requires putting your best foot forward. Plus, there needs to be an incentive for people to pledge — not just a rehashing of videos already posted on YouTube. It should have exclusive content available only to the subscribers or other rewards that are relevant to the channel.

A Patreon channel doesn’t have to be tied to YouTube at all. Or, the same Patreon account can also support ventures on other platforms, like Twitch, or even personal websites.

Taking Breaks

Interestingly, many YouTubers, even those with millions of subscribers, are taking breaks from the platform in droves.

Why would they risk a potential source of income by stepping away? For their mental health, to put it simply.

Ruben “El Rubius” Gunderson, who runs a channel with 30 million subscribers, recently said he was stepping away from YouTube, at least for a while. And he isn’t alone.

Numerous popular YouTubers have posted videos discussing decisions to step away from the site, largely pointing to the stress of keeping up the pace and pressure to keep creating while trying to stay relevant.

Many talk about burnout, while others mention the risk of a full breakdown. The pace required to keep up is hard for many to grasp, and many YouTubers stop enjoying the process as the stress piles up.

Can You Make Money as a YouTuber?

Yes, it’s still possible to make money as a YouTuber — but it requires a lot more effort than most people realize. The vast majority of creators won’t make enough to live on if they earn anything at all.

By adding other options, like linking to a Patreon account — or selling sponsorships directly — the chances to make money increase.

Posting videos on a daily basis can also help — that’s what popular creators like PewDiePie do.

Additionally, you need to be willing and able to promote yourself tirelessly. In addition to filming, editing, and posting videos, most YouTubers are active on other social media sites, using them to promote their videos and engage with fans.

The amount of time required to keep all of these balls in the air can be staggering, so don’t underestimate the workload.

Many Factors Determine Success

Additionally, whether someone will be successful on YouTube depends on a variety of factors — including the strength of a person’s network of contacts (after all, this is social media).

While the quality of the video content plays a large role in determining success, so does the person’s chosen niche.

Certain topics are fairly saturated and may be dominated by big-name YouTubers. Breaking into these niches could be a challenge, particularly if you aren’t bringing anything unique to the table.

However, if you are engaging, have a unique perspective, and are willing to do a lot of work in the hopes that one day you’ll make some money, it might pay off at some point. But, with all the competitive pressures, it’s by no means a sure thing as a money maker.

If you want to make the risk worth it, you need to pick a niche that you are truly passionate about. Not only will your enthusiasm make you more engaging, but it also makes it feel like less of a chore.

Readers, what kind of online videos do you most enjoy watching? What about creating them?

Looking for more great articles about making money? Give these a try.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

making money on YouTube, making money on Patreon, earning money online

6 Easy Ways to Generate Passive Income on a Budget

May 1, 2018 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

Passive income is a highly sought-after option and often a misunderstood concept. It requires an upfront investment and a high level of nurturing at the start. Over time and with hard work, passive income sources grow to a point where they can maintain themselves, offering you a consistent revenue even when asleep.

That said, no source of income which is truly passive. You must do some work; otherwise, you will jump in and snap up the income opportunity before you even earn anything. Here are six easy ways to generate passive income on a budget.

1. Take Advantage of YouTube

Bust out your iPhone and begin recording some informative videos. You need viral videos to begin making money on YouTube’s AdSense platform. You can also generate income if you own a modestly viewed channel where you post excellent videos regularly.

In some cases, channel partners earn fame with time and end up winning other deals on TV and commercial. For instance, Justin Bieber began on YouTube. Therefore, even if you won’t make millions, you can still reach a particular level of YouTube fame.

2. Sell an eBook Online

Self-publishing is mainstream today. Whenever you purchase an eBook from Amazon, the chances are that the e-book was self-published. The entire process of self-publishing is pretty easy. Consider creating a top-quality piece of highly informative eBook and sell it on Amazon.

You shouldn’t expect instant success. You need to do a lot of book marketing before you can turn your investment into a passive source of income.

3. Offer Consulting Services

This isn’t quite a source of passive income. However, it can become one of your top sources of income. Take whatever the skill you have acquired through your education or day job and begin offering consultation services outside your work hours.

Note that this is work you are used to doing. Thus, you are professional, and you can charge better prices for your services. Besides, you will enjoy more flexibility across the board as compared to your 8 am to 5 pm job.

4. Start Dropshipping

If you’re contemplating setting up an e-commerce business without worrying about all the annoyances associated inventory, dropshipping is a great option. All you need to do is to create a storefront and establish great relationships with different manufacturers.

Whenever a client places an order, you will simply send the invoice to the right manufacturer, and the item will be shipped directly to your client. The only cash outlay you have will come once the client has paid for the item. If you intend to start drop shipping, Shopify is a great platform you can start from.

5. Blogging

Blogging can be both rewarding and a passive income stream. You can set up a simple WordPress blog. Simply grab an excellent WordPress theme and start writing. You can generate income by creating and selling your products, selling affiliate products, or even by advertising.

Note that starting a blog isn’t the easiest path to richness, but you try it.

6. Sell Products on Amazon

Digital products are not the only things can be sold online. You can also offer physical products. Though managing everything on your own may hectic, there are other options.

‘Fulfilled by Amazon’ program is a popular income option. All you need to do is create a product or purchase it in bulk and ship it to Amazon. The platform will list it, sell, and deliver it to you. Note that entire business may require a huge initial capital outlay. However, once Amazon gets your products, you don’t need to anything else.