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

Get Paid to Post on Forums: The Only Sites Still Paying in 2026 (Up to $150 Per Session)

Can You Get Paid to Post on Forums?: Yes, but most of the sites people recommend are dead. A few platforms are still paying in 2026, and one of them ... - Continue -

Get Paid to Test Drive Cars: 4 Real Ways [$28/hr]

Can you get paid to test drive cars?: Yes! There are four legit ways, from $25 gift cards at local dealerships to $28/hour as a paid vehicle evaluator ... - Continue -

How to Make Money Selling Candles from Home: Honest Income Breakdown [2026]

Can you make money selling candles? Yes, even part-time sellers earn $200–$2,000 per month depending on where they sell. Read on to learn about the ... - Continue -

How I Made $1,000 in a Weekend (And It’s Even Easier in 2026)

How to make $1,000 in a weekend Do a room-by-room home audit to pull furniture, tools, electronics, and clothes you're not using. Price everything at ... - Continue -

Is Selling on eBay Worth It? Here’s What Fees Actually Cost You in 2026

Is selling on eBay worth it in 2026? It depends on your category. eBay takes 13-17% of every sale including shipping. First 250 listings are free ... - Continue -

11 Apps That Pay You to Work Out in 2026 (+ One That Pays $1,000/Year)

The best apps that pay you to work out: Sweatcoin (best for outdoor walkers), Evidation (best passive earner), CashWalk (best for beginners), WinWalk ... - Continue -

Free Pallets Near You: How I Got 13 Free Pallets in One Day

Where to get free pallets: Your best bets are hardware stores, garden centers, grocery stores, and construction sites. Look for the "HT" stamp and ... - Continue -

How to Make Money Recycling Wood Pallets in 2026 (I Made $80 in 5 Hours)

Every article about making money recycling wood pallets makes the same promise. "Make $1000 a week just by picking up pallets!" Then you read ... - Continue -

How to Make Money Online in 2026 Without Skills (I Tested These 5 Easy Methods)

If you're searching for ways to make money online without skills, you're usually not looking for a long-term business idea. You just want something ... - Continue -