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

Is Pie Adblock Legit?: Yes, It Is (My 2026 Review)

This Pie Adblock review is for anyone who’s tired of ads and wondering if this extension that blocks ads and pays you is the real deal. Pie claims ... - Continue -

Get Paid to Listen to Podcasts: The Honest Truth (2026 Guide)

You’ve seen the headlines, I'm sure: "Get Paid to Listen to Podcasts!" or "Make Money with an App That Pays You to Binge Your Favorite Shows!" I ... - Continue -

Powerball Jackpot Hits $815 Million: How to Play Without Wrecking Your Budget

I get it, you see that $815 million Powerball jackpot and start dreaming about life-changing money and what you’d do if you won. But let’s be ... - Continue -

Free Amazon Gift Cards: 30+ Legit Ways That Actually Work (2026)

Who wouldn't enjoy a free Amazon gift card? With "Earth's Biggest Selection" of products, it’s basically free cash to spend on whatever you ... - Continue -

Free Gift Cards: 21+ Legit Ways to Earn Real Rewards in 2026

Let's be honest, when you're on a tight budget, every single dollar counts. I know what that's like. After coming to the U.S. with nothing, I ... - Continue -

Get Paid to Write in 2026: 101 Sites That Pay $50-$500/Article (Tested by Actual Writers)

I’m writing this article about writing platforms that pay beginners because when I initially started writing for pay over a decade ago, I had no idea ... - Continue -

25 Places to Cash a Cashier’s Check Near You (With & Without a Bank)

Figuring out where to cash a cashier’s check safely is the final step some of us have to deal with after a big sale. I learned this firsthand when ... - Continue -

10 Best Places to Sell Used DVDs for Cash (2026 Guide)

I tested the top DVD selling apps and websites so you don’t have to. I even scanned the exact same titles across multiple platforms to see the ... - Continue -

Load Cash App Card for $1: 2026 Store List (Walmart, CVS, 7-11 + Fee Breakdown)

Got cash in your pocket that you want to deposit to your Cash App card quickly but don't know where to go to load your Cash App card? You're not ... - Continue -