BFP 138: 4 Steps to Turn a Profit with…
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BFP 138: 4 Steps to Turn a Profit with…

I start in 2 weeks then have about 2 months to pitch a model and get it passed by their Powers That Be, so have to hit the ground running.
At this early stage they have expressed particular interest in improving their Facebook following
I have done stuff like this in the past, but with for-profits and on a much smaller scale. This is bigger and community sector, so slightly different. Also my experience is about 3 years out of date.
What should I be reading to get up to speed?
Is there a body of decent, empirically-based best-practice guidelines I might refer to that could be relevant to this? (not the normal circle-jerk self-appointed 'guru' rubbish thats everywhere on Google)
Grateful for any suggestions offered. Thanks in advance.
Pinterest has released its 2019 Halloween report, which reveals insights into what people are searching for this time of year.
Will Rogers once said, “The fastest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.” However, Will Rogers didn’t have access to the internet or smartphones. Today getting a little extra play money can be as easy as wasting a little bit of time on your smartphone.
If you’re willing to spend a little time watching ads or taking surveys, it’s not that tough to rack up a few dollars in gift cards. It’s important to note that you’re not going to get rich doing any of these, but if you can score enough free gift cards to pay for a pizza, that’s still a win in my book.
The internet is deluged with promises of winning money from games and videos, many of which fail to deliver, so we’ve put together a list of the best free gift card apps that have paid off in the past.
Parents shouldn’t play favorites, but out of all the apps that let you earn gift cards, this one is my top choice.
It’s easy, it requires very little extra effort (unless I have some time to kill), and it’s paid off. I earned enough points on here to get a $20 iTunes gift card on two different occasions.
Swagbucks offers a few different options for earning points. The simplest option is to make Swagbucks your homepage and then use it to do your normal searches. You’ll earn Swagbucks (SB) randomly. Once you have enough SB, you can cash them in for free gift cards.
Other ways to earn SB include surveys, games, watching ads, and shopping. A few examples of gift cards available include a $25 cash card for PayPal (2500 SB), a $25 Amazon gift card (2200 SB), and a $5 iTunes card (425SB)
Pro tip: The games don’t pay out often. Skip them unless your only aim is to have fun.
Check out our review for more info and tips.
The Ibotta app lets you earn gift cards while you do your grocery shopping. When you sign up for Ibotta, the app will ask for favorite stores and apps so it can personalize offers to locations that match your shopping habits.
Before you shop, log onto the app and choose products or tasks for your shopping trip. Once you’ve completed your purchases, take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app. Ibotta then deposits the cash you’ve earned into your account within 48 hours.
Some common tasks in the app include purchasing any bread for 25 cents back or any orange juice for 25 cents back. There are some brand-specific deals that can earn you a little more money back.
Ibotta offers some bonuses for using the app regularly or referring friends. You’re not likely to earn a ton of money quickly, but it wouldn’t be too difficult to save up $20 or more in a month.
Our Ibotta review has all the deets.
If you’re trying to squeeze more steps into your day, Sweatcoin may be the motivator you need to get moving. There are a few catches, the first being that the app has a maximum of 5 coins per day. And you must walk outside for the app to calculate your steps (sorry, treadmill lovers). Also, you must keep the app open to track your steps.
You earn .95 coins per 1,000 steps. Once you’ve earned enough coins, you can trade them in for different gifts ranging from money off your energy bill to gift cards.
One current promotion (as of publication) is cash for invites. If you invite 20 people, you get $20. You’ve got to put in some serious street time to earn higher gift cards, but if you’re walking outside a lot anyway, it’s a quick and mindless way to win gift cards.
See our Sweatcoin review for more information.
Drop is a free gift card app that lets you earn gift cards when you link debit and credit cards to your account. Every time you spend money using one of your linked cards, you earn points. Those points can be traded in for different gift cards.
The idea behind this app is that more people are shopping where they can get rewarded and are less concerned about brand loyalty as long as they get a benefit from switching.
When you’re first asked to link credit cards, you may not see your card or bank. At the bottom there’s an option to search; most customers will be able to find their bank there. You should also note that you can’t switch retailers after you pick them, so choose wisely.
You can earn points by adding a second card to Drop, referring friends, and spending money where you normally do. When you shop at one of the brands or locations you chose, you’ll automatically earn points.
You’ll need to have 5,000 points to earn a gift card. Note: Each retailer earns a different number of points per dollar spent.
You should also know that sometimes Drop offers in-app deals one-that offer a much higher reward. While most points credit to your account within three days, the larger offers may take longer to deposit into your account.
Read our Drop review here.
While Microsoft Rewards isn’t technically an app, it’s still a program you can use in the background and earn points.
You can earn points by leaving your account logged in and using Bing as your search engine, completing daily polls, and taking quizzes. Level 1 users can earn five points per day. Level 2 users earn up to 20 points per day searching Bing.
Most of the quizzes are entertaining, and they’re easy to complete. Plus, you get bonus points for meeting point goals several days in a row. If you have a few minutes to burn during the day, you can quickly snag several hundred points. You can earn up to 20 points per dollar shopping at the Microsoft store.
The kicker here is that your points can be traded in only for Microsoft rewards (however, that should have been a given, considering the title). You can use points to earn a Microsoft gift card or to enter sweepstakes to win items like an Xbox One. Are you feeling charitable? You can donate your points to charity too.
If you prefer to do your earning on the go, you can earn Microsoft Rewards points by downloading Microsoft Launcher on any Android device.
InstaGC is a free gift card app that operates much the same as Swagbucks. You can earn points for shopping, surveys videos, and doing web searches.
The simplicity of the reward system on this one may be appealing for some people. For every 100 points you have, you earn $1 towards a gift card. InstaGC has many gift card options from 1-800 Flowers to Hulu, American Airlines, and iTunes. You can access the website from your phone, although there’s no app right now.
You’ll earn a different amount of points depending on the task you complete. For example, one thing you can do is visit certain websites and complete a task (like print coupons or watch a slideshow). Surveys tend to offer higher points (100+), but you can also sign up for free trials and watch videos as well.
Unlike other free gift card apps, when you redeem your points here, you have instant access to your gift card. You don’t have to wait for it to show up in your email hours or days later.
The National Consumer Panel is a partner of Nielsen (the company known for putting out TV-watching numbers). The trick with NCP is that you have to apply to become part of the panel.
The application is simple. All you have to do is fill out a short survey and the panel lets you know when a spot opens up in your area. The market research company offers gift cards as rewards for scanning items you bought at the grocery store.
Unlike traditional apps, NCP sends you a scanner in the mail. (You may be able to scan the items using an app on your phone too depending on your neighborhood).
You transfer the data to the panel, they convert it into points, and you can save your points or redeem them for free gift cards or other prizes.
The NCP isn’t always looking for panelists in every area, but you may get lucky, or you can check back every few months.
You can access InboxDollars online or on the app. Unlike many other options, Inbox Dollars lets you earn actual money instead of points.
When you sign up for InboxDollars, the company connects you with companies looking for feedback on their services or products. You can earn a little bit of money every time you participate in a survey, play games, watch videos, use coupons, shop or receive certain emails.
For paid emails, you get paid for each email you read. Some may require you to complete a small questionnaire.
As of publication, InboxDollars is offering a $5 bonus just for signing up. Cash rewards range from 50 cents up to $15 or more. You can earn cash by logging in every day and completing a few simple tasks, so even if you don’t have time to complete a survey, you may still be able to stack up money. You have to accumulate at least $30 before you can cash out.
Find out more in our InboxDollars review.
Perk is another point-based free gift card app you can use when you have a little extra time. The idea behind Perk is that you can earn free gift cards just doing what you’d normally do online including shopping and searching.
You can redeem your points for cash, gift cards, airline miles, and donations. The Perk system is a little more complicated than some of the other free gift card apps on the list because you can earn Perk Points and Perk Coins.
You earn Perk Points by shopping, searching, and answering trivia questions. You can trade your accumulated points in for free gift cards, electronics, and donations. Perk Tokens allow you to enter bigger sweepstakes for prizes like phones and $100 gift cards.
You can purchase Perk Tokens in the catalog by using your Perk Points. You can earn also earn tokens by completing different tasks on the app.
Earning rewards on a free gift card app is possible. You’re not likely going to make enough to pay off a mortgage, but with a little persistence, you can foot the bill for dinner the next time you go out with your friends.
With easy access via your favorite mobile device, you can earn a little cash while killing time in the waiting room. Just remember to use caution when you download any app or provide personal information. A quick search for reviews should help you stay away from scam apps.
Which would be easier to save: $800 per year or $2.19 per day? That’s a trick question. Both get you to the same place come December. However, spreading your savings out tends to be easier. This is the premise behind an app called Qapital.
By taking a dime here and a quarter there, Qapital has found a way to help people save more each and every month. Often, Qapital does this without its users even realizing it. By allowing you to automatically set aside money on your own terms — in the least painful way possible — Qapital has made saving easy and accessible for anyone, no matter their financial situation.
So what exactly does Qapital do? And how is it so different from many of the financial tools we already have at our fingertips? In this Qapital review, let’s talk a bit about this fun (and free) app. We’ll see whether it can help you reach your money goals.
Launched in 2012, Qapital is an app for iOs and Android devices. It’s designed to integrate with users’ bank accounts to help them painlessly save money each and every day, in small amounts that aren’t even noticeable to most.
By spreading savings out over a longer period of time — and automating the process — users can not only set and meet their goals, but do so without even realizing they are.
In the last year, Qapital has seriously expanded the features offered to users. The app is more than just a savings automator now. It also offers a range of personalized products, features, and resources designed to help you improve your overall financial situation.
Additionally, the app now offers a Visa® debit card you can link to your existing checking account. This allows you to divert funds into your Qapital savings account even easier than before.
Let’s say you bought yourself a $4.13 latte this morning on the way to work, before grabbing a $1.50 paper for the train. At lunch you grabbed a $6.71 deli sub. And after work, you stopped to fill up your car for $33.20.
Before Qapital, this would have simply been a day when you spent $45.54. However, after linking Qapital to your existing bank account, this could instead be a day when you put $2.46 into savings without even realizing it.
Repeated daily for a year — whether by buying groceries, paying a bill, or enjoying a movie with your spouse — this would equate to nearly $900 in savings! All without lifting a finger or initiating a single transfer.
How does it work?
Qapital operates on a “round up” basis. First, you link your bank account (likely, an existing checking account that you use for daily spending). Then Qapital will take your purchases and round them up according to your predetermined rules.
For many, this looks like the example above. Your $4.13 latte becomes a $5 purchase (with 87 cents going into savings), the $1.50 paper becomes $2 (diverting 50 cents), and so forth.
This pocket change isn’t likely to be enough that you’ll even realize it’s gone. After all, how many of us would ever feel the difference between a $6.71 sandwich and a $7 one?
Even still, those pennies and nickels and dimes add up over time. This can grow a substantial nest egg that you might not have otherwise saved. And Qapital will manage it all for you.
Here’s a look at a few of the features that make Qapital worth a serious look.
With Qapital, you’re in charge of how — and how much — you automatically save each time you spend. This is done by setting some “rules” for how the app will run.
Here are a few rules to choose from:
Qapital makes it easy to not only set your goals, but also save toward them in the most automated, hands-off way possible.
So what are you saving toward? Is it an exciting trip somewhere? A big purchase or event that you need to fund, such as a wedding?
Maybe you want to simply pay off your debt and wipe the slate clean. Or perhaps, it’s something entirely different. Whatever your goals, Qapital can help you not only define them, but also meet them.
When setting up the app, Qapital will as you to create your goal or goals. Choose between prompts such as Do Something, Go Somewhere, Get Something, Pay Off Debts, Just Start Saving, and Something Else. You can also add to these goals at any time down the line.
The app will also ask you to name your goal and identify how much you need to save in order to reach it. You can also change your cover photo to further identify the goal and motivate you along the way.
Then, you’ll pick the rule that you want to use when working toward that goal. The Round Up Rule is the default, but you can choose between any of the rules mentioned above. You’ll then need to link your bank account (if you haven’t done so), and you’re ready to start saving!
Maybe you’ve met your savings goal and are ready to use the cash. Or perhaps you simply need a buffer for some unexpected expenses. Accessing your Qapital savings is easy and free.
Through the app, you’re able to quickly withdraw any portion of your savings directly back into your linked checking account with just a few clicks. However, keep in mind that transfers can take a few days to process and for the funds to be available. Any delay in posting will depend on your individual banking institution.
It’s obvious that Qapital is a great tool to use if you’re looking to automate your savings process and better reach your goals. But what if you want to do more with that money?
Investing tools are available to the top two tiers of Qapital users (those with Complete or Master monthly plans). By unlocking Qapital Invest, you’ll have the option to invest your hard-earned savings and grow them for your long-term goals… like retirement.
Users will set Invest Goals based on the target amount they want to save and their time horizon, or when they plan to use that money.
There are five portfolios to choose from, comprised of 12 different asset classes. The one that suits you best will be determined by these future plans mentioned, as well as your individual risk tolerance. To assess your tolerance, Qapital will need to ask you just a handful of questions.
Qapital will then recommend a portfolio that’s most suited for your plans, allowing you to grow your money in the most effective way possible while also being “ready” when you need it most. (Many of you may recognize this strategy, since it sounds very similar to target date retirement funds.)
From there, you’ll just need to establish saving rules for your investment account and watch your portfolio grow.
There are three monthly levels to choose from, depending on the features you want most from Qapital and how you intend to save. These range in price from $3 a month all the way up to $12.
| Basic | Complete | Master | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3/mo. | $6/mo. | $12/mo. |
| Create unlimited personalized savings goals | ![]() |
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| Transfer funds between goals | ![]() |
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| Design automatic savings rules | ![]() |
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| FDIC-insured up to $250,000 | ![]() |
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| Qapital VISA® Debit Card | -- | ![]() |
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| Pay yourself first with Payday Divvy | -- | ![]() |
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| Track cash flow with Spending Sweet Spot | -- | ![]() |
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| Personalized investment portfolio options | -- | ![]() |
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| Money Missions challenges | -- | -- | ![]() |
| Access to exclusive webinars | -- | -- | ![]() |
| Get the first look at new Qapital features | -- | -- | ![]() |
| Average annual savings | $1,500 | $4,300 | $5,000 |
According to Qapital, the savings seen by each membership level varies significantly. If you were to also enjoy these “average” savings, it would be well-worth the additional cost to opt for the Masters level.
Even still, the average Basic member still saves $1,500 annually just by using the app, after a mere $36 in fees over the year. That’s still not a bad return!
Qapital does offer a free trial for users who want to test the waters prior to committing. As of this writing, the trial was a full 30 days, and new users are welcome to cancel anytime.
After the 30 days trial has passed, users are billed the monthly fee for the membership level they chose at sign-up.
To sign up and start enjoying your free month, you don’t need to provide Qapital with a credit card number or anything. Just download the app, choose your membership level, and start setting goals.
Qapital takes steps to ensure that your personal and financial information is kept safe every step of the way.
Any communication between you and the app is protected by the highest SSL and TSL standards. Important information — such as your Social Security number and banking credentials — is never stored on their servers, and everything else is encrypted before transmission from the app.
Qapital uses a service called Plaid in order to link its app with your bank account of choice. You’ll be asked to create a PIN, which you’ll use each time you open the app, and you also have the option to add TouchID.
Lastly, Qapital will never share or sell your information to third parties.
There are plenty of reasons why Qapital might be the right app to help you kickstart your savings and quickly reach your goals. Of course, it’s not perfect for everyone.
This wouldn’t be an honest review if we didn’t cover a few of the things that might irk you about saving with Qapital. Here are a few that bugged us the most.
No interest earned on savings. While savings account rates aren’t anything to write home about, you can earn a decent amount (around 2.00% APY, at the time of this writing) with the right online bank. With Qapital, however, your savings won’t be earning anything extra.
Of course, you can use Qapital as a way to automatically save, then transfer that money into the high-yield savings account of your choosing. While this is an added step, it’s the only way that your funds will see a return outside of investing them in a well-performing portfolio.
Qapital is mobile app only – there’s no web platform. These days, people do everything on their smartphones and tablets. That’s good news for Qapital. The company doesn’t offer a web platform, so logging in from your mobile device is your only account management option.
There’s no way to reach customer service by phone. Qapital is a stellar mobile-only platform. While this can be a great thing, it’s also a downside if you ever want to reach a human to ask a question. Qapital doesn’t offer a direct customer service option, so if you need help, email is your only choice.
The process can be a bit slow. Some users have complained that it can take as many as 10 days for Qapital to begin rounding up their purchases and saving money for them. Additionally, it can take a few days when transferring funds back and forth between your Qapital account and your checking account.
While this isn’t likely to be a deal-breaker, there were enough grumblings about it online that it felt important to mention.
Now on to the good stuff — if you haven’t already been convinced by the information above, of course.
It’s easy and painless to start and doesn’t require much money. Starting and funding a brand-new savings account can be daunting. And preparing to tackle a big financial goal — such as saving for a wedding, buying a new car, or paying off your debt — can seem almost impossible when you don’t have much wiggle room.
However, by choosing an app such as Qapital you can automate the process in a way that’s both manageable and stress-free. Odds are that you don’t even feel the pinch of the savings being set aside for you. Plus you don’t have to worry about doing any of the work manually.
The app works with almost any bank in the U.S. Connecting Qapital to your checking account is hassle-free for most users. The linking process is done safely through a fintech processor (Plaid), and Qapital is able to link up to almost any bank in the United States.
There are endless IFTTT options. No matter what your daily habits might be, you can turn them into savings with “If This, Then That (IFTTT)” rules. Want to send a quarter to savings every time you pin something new on Pinterest or publish a new tweet? You can do that. Want to send yourself a dollar each time you hit the gym? There’s an option for that, too.
If you’re not sure whether Qapital is the right savings automation app for you, there are some great alternatives on the market that you can choose from. Today, let’s compare Qapital against three of them: Acorns, Chime, and Digit.
If you love the idea of an app automatically rounding up your purchases in order to grow your savings in a hands-off way, you’ll probably love Acorns. This platform works similarly to Qapital, in that it will bump your charges up to the next dollar, putting the difference in a designated savings account.
The difference? While Qapital is mostly for meeting savings goals, Acorns is focused on investing those squirreled-away funds.
Designed to learn your spending habits over time, Digit is another great app that will save automatically on your behalf. Rather than rounding up each individual purchase, Digit watches your spending habits to see what you can afford to save. The service calculates different savings amounts throughout the month based on when and how you spend your money.
| Qapital | Digit | Acorns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savings-only option | ![]() |
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| Investment option | ![]() |
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| Round-up feature | ![]() |
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| Savings earn interest | -- | -- | ![]() |
| Mobile app | ![]() |
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| Web platform | -- | ![]() |
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| Specific scheduled savings | ![]() |
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| Set multiple goals | ![]() |
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| FDIC insured | ![]() |
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| Cost | $3, $6, or $12/mo. | $5/mo. | $1, $2, or $3/mo. |
As with any big journey, your road to savings begins with a single step. Whether you’re looking to pay off a mountain of debt, save for a big purchase (such as a home or car), or just want to tuck away enough for a safety net, the key is in saving as much as you can, when you can.
By automating your savings, you can take much of the stress and hassle out of the process. And by spreading your savings into small, hardly noticeable contributions, you’ll also take out much of the pinch. This is where Qapital really shines.
By utilizing the app’s easy round-up feature or IFTTT rules, you can take a “set it and forget it” approach to savings. Before you know it, you’ll have a nice little balance built up… and you didn’t have to initiate a single transfer.
If you want to learn more about Qapital, or try out a free 30-day trial of the app, you can visit the website here.
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