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.

100 Legit Direct Sales Companies (Perfect for Moms Who Want to Work from Home!)

If you’re on the hunt for a list of direct sales companies, then this is the post for you. Having your own business is something that many people ... - Continue -

10 Best Places to Sell Disney VHS Tapes for the Most Cash!

When I was a kid, I loved Disney movies. Still do really, who am I kidding! When I was a kid I’d watch Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the ... - Continue -

20 Best Odd Job Apps to Make Extra Cash (Earn up to $78/hr)

We could all use more money, right? That’s why so many of us work odd jobs. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to make extra cash or ... - Continue -

Is CarVIO Legit? All You Need to Know About Selling Your Car!

This is a review of CarVIO, an online company that will buy used cars as well as new ones. Whether you have a brand new car or slightly used one with ... - Continue -

40 Jobs Where You Work Alone: Earn up to $193/hr!

Do you wish you had a job where you work alone? Well, you’re not the only one. Statistics show that introverts make up 25% to 40% of the ... - Continue -

22 Ways to Get Free Coffee Samples by Mail

What's better than a cup of coffee? Free coffee of course! I love a good cup of coffee in the morning and I’m not the only one. There are a lot ... - Continue -

Free Chocolate Samples: These Companies Send you Free Chocolate by Mail!

Who doesn’t like chocolate? For us sweet-toothed people, nothing matches the sweet flavor of chocolate! And what’s better than chocolate? Free ... - Continue -

12 Legit Ways to Get Free Business Cards in 2025 (Free Shipping!)

Many professionals, like salespeople, CEOs, and small business owners carry business cards, because, well, they still result in leads. Having a ... - Continue -

If a Deposit is Pending Can I Use the Money? (The Surprising Answer!)

A question I see quite often when it comes to banking is this: “If a deposit is pending, can I use the money?” When money is deposited in your ... - Continue -