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

10 Legit Ways to Get Paid to Advertise for Companies in 2025

Did you know you can get paid just for promoting brands, even if you don’t have a massive following? Of course, you did. One look at your social ... - Continue -

Get Paid to Advertise on Your Website: 6 Ways to Monetize Your Site

Want to get paid to advertise on your website? If you have a website or blog with steady traffic, there are hundreds of thousands of companies that ... - Continue -

How to Sell Scrap Metal for Cash Near Me (2025 Guide)

Selling scrap metal is actually one of the most profitable forms of recycling. One of the main reasons this is the case is the fact that you can ... - Continue -

How I Paid off My Mortgage 15 Years Early (and 5 Easy Ways for You to Do the Same)

Most people close to their retirement (or even otherwise) tend to have their sights set on two of the most important financial goals for any ... - Continue -

6 Ways to Make Money Playing Games Even If You’re Not an Avid Gamer

Do you want to earn big bucks playing games? Sounds like a dream, right? But it isn’t - nowadays, there are even sites that pay you to play ... - Continue -

How to Make Money Growing Plants, Trees & Vegetables

Most of us don't think of growing plants and vegetables as a way to make money. We traditionally think the veggies that we grow in our gardens ... - Continue -

How to Make 400 Dollars a Week (Outside of the Box Way!)

I need $400 fast! I have heard that phrase so many times that I have started to think about unconventional ways you can earn an extra 400 dollars a ... - Continue -

How to Make 300 Dollars in a Week (or Day) with Balloons!

There are lots of ways to make money online and offline. The trick is to be creative. Here is a simple method this guy I know is using to pull ... - Continue -

How to Make Money with Hubpages Fast

When it comes to online publishing websites, not many players get as big as HubPages and Squidoo. I am going to talk about my experience in making ... - Continue -