Author: Saeed Darabi

Saeed Darabi, founder of MoneyPantry

Saeed Darabi

Founder, MoneyPantry • Personal Finance Writer • Florissant, Missouri

I came to the U.S. in 2002 as a refugee from Iran at 20 years old, with no money and no English. I didn't learn about personal finance from a textbook. I learned it because I had no choice.

For years before I launched MoneyPantry in 2013, I personally tested survey sites, gig apps, and side hustles to make ends meet. I still do. Everything I publish is based on that hands-on experience, not theory.

MoneyPantry has been cited by Business Insider, the TODAY Show, Good Housekeeping, Lifehacker, and others. It's rated "Great" on Trustpilot.

Full story • How I test things • LinkedIn • satrap@moneypantry.com

Where to Get Free Wooden Crates Near You: 23 Legit Places (2025)

Wooden crates, just like wooden pallets, can be used for storage, DIY projects, home décor, and much more. But if you are looking for wooden crates ... - Continue -

Yes, You Can Buy Money Orders With Gift Cards (Here’s Where & How)

Trying to figure out if you can buy a money order with a gift card? The rules can be confusing, as some places say yes and others say ... - Continue -

30+ Places to Buy Newspapers Near You in 2026 (3 Easiest Ways)

Last week I needed to grab a Sunday New York Times for the crossword puzzle (yeah, I'm old school), and I realized I had no idea which stores near me ... - Continue -

Does Costco Take EBT? (Yes, But Read This Before You Go!)

You're at the checkout with a full cart, but does Costco actually take your EBT card? Yes, but there are a few 2026 rules you need to know before ... - Continue -

16 Jolly Ways to Make Extra Money this Christmas

Christmas, a time that’s full of joy and happiness, can also be tough on your wallet. The good news is that if you need money for Christmas, there ... - Continue -

4 Proven Ways to Make $10,000 a Month in 2026 (Real Math + AI)

If you're wondering how to make $10,000 a month, you're probably tired of seeing the same generic lists with no real numbers or timelines. I get ... - Continue -

Get Paid for Your Videos: 7 Sites That Pay You to Upload Videos

These days, everybody is constantly uploading videos online and on social media. And as a money savvy person, you may wonder if you can actually get ... - Continue -

41 Best Rapper Quotes About Money

There are a lot of great rapper quotes about money. Rappers and money go hand in hand. Rap lyrics about money aren't hard to find in even the best and ... - Continue -

31 Best Free Online Movie Streaming Sites to Watch Free Movies in 2025

Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix and other sites like Netflix – streaming movies and TV shows is easier and more convenient than ever! But, paid ... - Continue -