Author: Lauren Bennett

Lauren Bennett is a core contributing expert to the MoneyPantry team, specializing in practical financial strategies for everyday life. Below you will find all the articles she has authored for our site.

With over a decade of experience in the personal finance space, she writes detailed, actionable guides on mastering a budget, navigating the world of frugal living, and launching effective side hustles.

Lauren shares MoneyPantry’s core belief that financial advice is only useful if it’s clear, easy to understand, and grounded in real-world experience. Her work perfectly embodies our mission to demystify personal finance for everyone.

To maintain our high standards, every article by Lauren is personally reviewed and fact-checked by our founder, Saeed Darabi, ensuring the advice is always accurate, trusted, and aligned with our values.

To learn more about our editorial process and the full story behind MoneyPantry, please visit our main About Page.

Where Can I Buy an IKEA Gift Card? (The Best Options!)

Many of us like shopping at IKEA either at our local store or online, which is why IKEA gift cards can make for great presents for holidays, ... - Continue -

43 Places to Buy Ice Near You (Cheap Cube, Crushed or Bulk Ice)

If you’re hosting a party or gathering, you need ice, right? Or perhaps you have a side hustle to make extra money and you need to keep food and ... - Continue -

30 Gas Stations that Take Apple Pay (& How to Find More Near You!)

While many gas stations take Apple Pay, some only allows you to pay at the pump while others let you also pay for other items you buy ... - Continue -

Instacart Shopper Review: Is Working for Instacart Worth It?

A popular way to make money nowadays is by shopping for and delivering food to customers. Next to Shipt, one of the most popular grocery delivery ... - Continue -

Top Seafood Places That Accept EBT Near Me & Food Stamps

If you are receiving SNAP benefits, which used to be known as Food Stamps, and enjoy fish, crab, oysters, and other seafood, you might be wondering ... - Continue -

15 Stores with the Best Layaway Programs in 2025

Retailors and stores with layaway allow you to put down a deposit on an item to “lay it away” for future pickup. Basically, you pay a deposit, and ... - Continue -

24 Places to Buy Hay Bales Near You!

Whether you need a small amount of straw for your garden, hay or straw for a décor project, for feeding animals on a farm, for your garden compost ... - Continue -

53 Gas Stations That Accept EBT/Food Stamps Near Me!

A lot of gas stations accept EBT, however like with many grocery stores that accept EBT, you can only use your EBT benefit to pay for certain ... - Continue -

10 Best HelloFresh Alternatives for Meal Kit Delivery (Healthier & Cheaper)

Meal kit delivery companies like HelloFresh can make cooking a whole lot easier. You don’t have to research recipes, plan out meals, or shop for the ... - Continue -