Last updated: February 2026
Got questions about MoneyPantry?
You’re in the right place.
This page covers everything: who I am, how the site works, how I test things, how I make money, and what you can actually trust. If you don’t find your answer here, reach out and I’ll do my best to help.
About MoneyPantry
What is MoneyPantry?
MoneyPantry is a personal finance blog focused on real, practical ways to make money, save money, and find freebies. Not theory. Not get-rich-quick schemes. Just honest, actionable tips that regular people can actually use.
I started it in 2013 and I’m still running it today. Everything on this site is built on real experience, not textbook advice.
Who runs MoneyPantry?
Me. Saeed Darabi. I’m the founder, writer, editor, and the person who personally tests a lot of what I recommend here.
I came to the U.S. in 2002 as a teenage refugee from Iran with no money, no connections, and no safety net. I had to figure out personal finance the hard way, by living it. That experience is the foundation of everything on this site. You can read my full story on the About page.
How long has the site been around?
Since 2013. Over the years I’ve published 2,000+ articles, tested hundreds of apps and platforms, and built a community of readers who trust me to be straight with them. That trust is the most important thing I have, and I don’t take it lightly.
Who is MoneyPantry for?
Anyone who wants to take real control of their finances. Whether you need extra income, want to cut your bills, are looking for a legit side hustle, or just want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, there’s something here for you.
I built this site for people who are actually trying to make things work with the money they have. Not for people who already have it figured out.
Is MoneyPantry free to use?
Yes. Everything on the site is completely free. No login, no subscription, no paywall. Ever.
Is MoneyPantry legit?
Yes. MoneyPantry has been around since 2013 and has been recognized by some of the biggest names in media, including Business Insider, the TODAY Show, Good Housekeeping, Lifehacker, HuffPost, and more. See the full press and media page here.
We’re also rated “Great” on Trustpilot. But honestly, the best proof is the content itself. Read a few articles and you’ll see pretty quickly that this site is built on real experience, not fluff.
How is MoneyPantry different from other personal finance sites?
I know what it’s like to not have enough money to pay your bills. I know what it’s like to have to choose between getting your car fixed or paying rent. I know what it’s like to be broke and barely scraping by until the next payday. I’ve been there.
That’s why I built this site the way I did. Every tip on here is something I’d actually tell a friend who’s struggling. Saving that extra 20 cents on a meal matters when your bank account is empty. I get that, because I lived it.
Most personal finance sites are written for people who are already doing okay. MoneyPantry was built for everyone else.
Using MoneyPantry.com
How can I find what I’m looking for?
The homepage shows the latest posts. You can also browse by category: “Making Money,” “Saving Money,” and “Free Stuff.” And if you’re looking for something specific, just use the search bar at the top of the page. Type in a keyword and you’ll get a list of related posts.
Do I need an account to use MoneyPantry?
No. You don’t need to create an account or sign up for anything. Everything is freely available without logging in.
How can I stay updated with new content?
The easiest ways: bookmark the site and check back whenever you want, or follow MoneyPantry on social media where I share new posts, deals, and tips that don’t always make it to the blog.
- Facebook: @MoneyPantry
- Pinterest: @MoneyPantry
- X (Twitter): @MoneyPantry
- Instagram: @MoneyPantry
I don’t currently have a YouTube channel.
Why should I trust MoneyPantry’s content?
Because I say what actually works, and I say what doesn’t. If something is a waste of time or feels shady, I’ll tell you that straight up. No sugarcoating.
I’ve personally signed up, tested, and cashed out from well over 100 apps and platforms since I started MoneyPantry in 2013. For major survey sites, gig apps, and side hustles, I test things myself whenever I can. I keep records, take screenshots, and document actual payout timelines.
For platforms I don’t test personally, I rely on nearly 20 years of experience in this space, combined with deep research: real user threads on Reddit and forums, payment proof discussions, BBB and Trustpilot patterns, payout thresholds, hidden fees, and red flags most people miss. You can read more about exactly how I evaluate things on the Review Process page.
How MoneyPantry Makes Money
So how does MoneyPantry make money?
Three ways: affiliate commissions, display ads, and occasionally, sponsored content.
Affiliate links: When you click a link on this site and sign up for something, I may earn a small commission from that company. It costs you nothing extra, and in some cases my links actually get you a better deal than going direct.
Display advertising: You’ll see ads on the site, usually run through Google AdSense. These help keep the lights on. I don’t control which specific ads show up.
Sponsored content: Occasionally I work with companies on sponsored posts. I turn down far more than I accept. When something is sponsored, I say so clearly at the top of the post. No exceptions. You can read our full advertising disclosure here.
Does your affiliate model affect your content?
No. I only recommend things I genuinely believe are worth your time. I’ve turned down plenty of affiliate deals because the product wasn’t good enough to recommend. A bad recommendation might earn me a commission once, but it loses a reader forever. That’s not a trade I’m willing to make. Read more about how I keep editorial and commercial interests separate on the Ethics Policy page.
Do you review every product you mention?
For full review posts and top recommendation lists, yes, the product has been tested or thoroughly vetted. For large roundup posts with many listings, some entries are based on deep research rather than personal hands-on testing, and I clearly note which ones I’ve personally tried. You can read the full breakdown of how I evaluate things on the Review Process page.
Content, Research & Expertise
Who writes the content for MoneyPantry?
Primarily me. MoneyPantry is currently a one-person operation. Over the years I’ve had a small team of freelance writers helping with research and testing, but right now it’s just me doing the writing, testing, editing, and updating.
I do occasionally publish guest posts from contributors with relevant firsthand experience, and when I do, that’s clearly noted on the post. Every article, regardless of who wrote it, goes through my review before it’s published. If it’s on MoneyPantry, I stand behind it. You can read more about the editorial process on the Editorial Guidelines page.
I also want to be clear about AI: I use it as a tool for research, outlining, and improving grammar and flow. I do not use it to write articles. Every piece of content on MoneyPantry is written, fact-checked, and approved by me (or reviewed by me when outside writers contribute). AI helps with efficiency. The authorship, judgment, and lived experience are always human.
Do you test the money-making apps and sites yourself?
Yes, for the major ones. I’ve personally signed up, used, and cashed out from well over 100 apps and platforms since 2013. Survey sites, gig apps, cashback tools, side hustle platforms. That’s actually how I first started making money online before MoneyPantry even existed.
I can’t personally test every single platform mentioned on a site with 2,000+ articles. No one person could. For platforms I haven’t personally used, I do deep research: real user experiences on Reddit and community forums, payment proof threads, BBB complaints, Trustpilot patterns, terms of service, payout thresholds, and ownership history. Then I combine that with nearly 20 years of experience spotting what’s real and what’s not.
Can I write for MoneyPantry?
Sometimes. I accept guest contributions on a selective basis from people with real, firsthand experience in the topics we cover. I get a high volume of low-quality pitches and pass on most of them. If you’ve genuinely lived what you’re writing about and it would help MoneyPantry readers, reach out through the Contact page. We pay up to $150 for accepted contributions.
Are the opportunities listed on MoneyPantry legitimate?
I do my best to only list legitimate opportunities, and I avoid anything that looks scammy or too good to be true. That said, platforms change. Apps shut down. Companies change their payout terms. I’d always recommend doing your own quick check before signing up for anything, just to confirm it’s still operating the way I described it.
How do you decide what to feature on the site?
Simple filter: does it actually help someone earn more, spend less, or get something for free? And is it realistic for a regular person with limited time? If yes, it’s worth covering. If it’s a scam, full of hoops, or just not worth the effort, I won’t feature it.
How often do you update old posts?
I follow a priority-based update system. Rate-sensitive content (interest rates, payout minimums, app fees) gets reviewed every 90 days or immediately when I hear something has changed. App and platform reviews get a check at least every six months. Evergreen guides get a full review annually. Every updated article shows a “Last Updated” date at the top so you can see when it was last checked.
With over 2,000 articles, I can’t guarantee every single one is current at all times. If you spot something outdated, please let me know and I’ll check it and update it as quickly as I can. I genuinely appreciate it when readers flag things.
Can I suggest an app or product for you to review?
Yes. Head to the Contact page and let me know. I can’t cover everything, but I read every message and I do take suggestions seriously.
Contact & Support
How do I contact you?
Through the Contact page. I read every message and do my best to reply. If your question is about a specific article, the comments section on that article is usually the fastest way to get an answer, since the whole community can see it and benefit from it too.
What if I found an error or outdated info?
Please tell me. I take accuracy seriously and I’ll check it and fix it as fast as I can. Use the Contact page to flag anything that looks wrong. I genuinely appreciate the help.
Do you accept guest posts or link placements?
Guest posts: on a selective basis, yes. See the answer above on writing for MoneyPantry.
Link placements or paid link insertions: no. I receive a lot of these requests and decline them all. The only links on MoneyPantry are there because they’re genuinely useful to readers, not because someone paid to put them there.
Trust & Transparency
Do you sell or share my personal info?
No. Never. Full details are in the Privacy Policy, but the short version: I don’t sell your data and I don’t share it with anyone except the essential third-party services needed to run the site (like the email newsletter provider).
Is your content written or reviewed by experts?
I’m not a certified financial advisor, and I never claim to be. What I am is someone who’s spent nearly 20 years researching, testing, and writing about personal finance from real-world experience. I know what it’s like to be broke, to build income from nothing, and to make every dollar count. That’s the lens everything on this site is written through.
Guest contributors are selected because they bring their own real experience, not because they hold a credential. Parents managing tight budgets, full-time workers building side hustles, freelancers, people who’ve paid off debt or found ways to save on a fixed income. That lived experience is what makes the advice here actually useful. You can learn more on the About page and the Editorial Guidelines page.
For major financial decisions (investing, retirement planning, taxes, legal matters), please work with a qualified, licensed professional. This site is a starting point, not a substitute for personalized professional advice.
Is MoneyPantry affiliated with any government or official financial organization?
No. MoneyPantry is an independent blog. It’s not affiliated with any government body, financial regulator, or official organization of any kind.
What MoneyPantry Can (and Can’t) Help You With
I get a lot of questions that fall outside what MoneyPantry is actually built to answer. Here’s a quick honest breakdown so you know what to expect.
MoneyPantry is great for: Finding side hustles and gig apps, saving money on everyday expenses, discovering cashback apps and freebies, learning ways to make money online, and understanding practical budgeting basics.
MoneyPantry is not the right place for: Stock picks or investment advice, retirement planning, tax strategy, legal or insurance questions, or any major financial decision that affects your long-term financial security. For those, please work with a licensed professional. I’d rather be honest about that than pretend I can cover everything.
Get the Most Out of MoneyPantry
Not sure where to start? Here’s the fastest path based on what you actually need right now:
- If you need money fast: Start with 39 Ways to Get Money When You Need It
- If you want to build a side hustle: Start with 100+ Free Ways to Make Money Online
- If you want to save more: Start with 300 Practical Ways to Save Money
- If you want a vetted first side hustle: Start with 49 Legit Survey Sites That Pay
💸 Make Money FAQ
What are the best ways to make money online?
There are a lot of options: gig apps, freelance work, selling stuff online, survey sites, cashback tools, and more. The best one for you depends on your skills, your schedule, and how much you want to make. I’ve put together a big list of the best options on this page.
Are paid surveys worth it?
They’re not going to replace a paycheck, but they’re easy, flexible, and genuinely do pay. If you’ve got 20-30 minutes a day, legit survey sites are worth it for extra pocket money. I’ve used many of them myself and cashed out real money.
Can you really get paid to test products?
Yes. There are legit ways to get paid or rewarded for trying products, from free samples to paid usability testing. It’s not huge money, but it’s real.
What apps actually pay real money?
Quite a few. Apps like Rover, TaskRabbit, and Field Agent offer real payouts, usually through PayPal or direct deposit. I’d always recommend checking current reviews before signing up to make sure the payout terms haven’t changed since I last checked.
🛍 Save Money FAQ
What’s the best way to start saving money?
Track your spending first. Just knowing where your money goes is eye-opening. Then look for the easiest cuts: subscriptions you forgot about, bills you can negotiate, and impulse buys you can avoid. Small wins add up fast. A good starting point is these 300 beginner tips for saving money.
Are cashback and coupon apps legit?
Yes. The big ones like Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta are 100% legit and I’ve used them myself. Here’s a list of the best cashback sites I’ve tested and actually recommend.
How can I stop living paycheck to paycheck?
Cut where you can, bring in a little extra if possible, and try to build even a tiny savings cushion. Even $10 to $20 set aside each paycheck is a start. The goal is just to break the cycle, one small win at a time. It sounds slow, but it works.
What are some easy ways to lower monthly bills?
Call and negotiate your bills (cable, internet, insurance, and phone companies often have unadvertised retention deals), cancel subscriptions you don’t actually use, cook at home more, and shop with a list. None of this is glamorous, but it adds up to real money every month.
🎁 Freebies & Free Stuff FAQ
How can I get free stuff?
Sign up for sample sites, join product testing panels, and watch for promotional giveaways from brands. I share legit sources in the Freebies section of the site.
Why do companies give away free products?
They want feedback, exposure, and to build buzz around new products. For them it’s a cheap marketing tool. For you, it’s free stuff. It’s a pretty good deal.
Are freebie sites safe to use?
Most well-known ones are. The rule I always follow: if a site asks for your credit card to get something “free,” walk away. Legit freebie sites don’t need your payment info.
What’s the best way to find legit free samples?
Stick to programs run directly by the brands themselves or by trusted sample box sites. And use a separate email address so your main inbox doesn’t get flooded.
I hope this answered your questions. If something is missing or you’re still not sure about something, just reach out here and I’ll do my best to help.
And whatever brought you to MoneyPantry, I genuinely hope you find something here that makes a real difference for you.
Saeed
This page was last reviewed and updated: February 2026. MoneyPantry is operated by Money Pantry Media LLC, Florissant, MO.
