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

25 Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget

Saving money whether on a tight budget or otherwise is something a lot of us struggle with. Not surprisingly, the average American was saving just ... - Continue -

How to Make Money as a Musician in 2026 (12 Proven Income Streams That Actually Pay)

Want to make money as a musician in 2026? I’ll be honest: it’s still not easy. But the good news? ... - Continue -

How to Get Rich Quickly: 3 Fastest Ways to Build Wealth ASAP!

If you want to get rich fast, your only options are winning the lottery or inheriting a boat load of money from a prince uncle you never knew existed. ... - 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 -

10 Smart Ways to Make a Lot of Money in a Recession

The recession that recently hit the American economy put many people out of jobs and many of those that did have jobs had to accept sizable salary ... - Continue -

30 Businesses You Can Start for Under $100 in 2026

Think you need a ton of money to start a business? Yeah, most people do. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a huge bank account to be your own ... - Continue -

21 Creative & Unique Ways to Make Money (You Could Get Paid to Buy Beer!)

To kick things off here at MoneyPantry.com, I wanted to start with a post outlining a few unique ways to earn extra money. ... - Continue -