Good Cents by Payactiv

The Cost of Food in 2025: How to Save Big on Groceries Each Week

In this episode of Good Cents by Payactiv, host Eric Rosenberg discusses the rising cost of groceries and how mindful budgeting can help. He’s joined by Justin from The Price of Avocado Toast, who shares how he and his wife paid off $132,000 in debt and learned to be intentional with their grocery spending. Key takeaways: * Having a plan for the week helps reduce waste and prevents last-minute, costly food decisions. * Simple meals with versatile ingredients can save money without sacrificing variety. * Use food banks if needed. These resources exist to help people stretch their budgets. * Get creative with ingredients. Repurpose staple items in multiple ways to maximize value. * Shop smart to prevent waste. Buy only what you need for the week to avoid food spoilage.

New Year, New Budget

In this episode, the host, Eric Rosenberg, discusses the importance of budgeting for the new year and how it can set the foundation for financial success. He breaks down the budgeting process into simple, actionable steps to help listeners take control of their finances. Key Takeaways: * Why Budgeting Matters – Budgeting helps reduce financial stress, achieve goals, and make intentional spending decisions. * Review Your Spending – Look at last year’s expenses to understand where your money went and identify areas for improvement. * Set Financial Goals – Define short-term and long-term goals, such as paying off debt or saving for a big purchase. * Build a Budget – Categorize expenses, compare them with income, and adjust spending habits accordingly. * Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses – Identify areas where you can save and prioritize spending on essentials and personal goals. * Automate Savings and Payments – Use automation to ensure bills and savings contributions are handled without extra effort. * Monitor and Adjust – Regularly review your budget to stay on track and make changes as needed.

Utility Savings

In this episode of Good Cents by Payactiv, host Eric Rosenberg explores practical ways to tackle utility expenses, including energy, water, and internet bills. These essentials can strain monthly budgets, but Eric highlights financial assistance programs and energy-saving strategies to ease the burden. Whether you're struggling with high bills or simply looking to save, this episode is packed with actionable insights and resources. Here are the key takeaways * National Assistance Programs: * LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Offers one-time utility bill payments, energy crisis intervention, and weatherization assistance. * Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Provides funding for home upgrades to reduce energy bills. * Lifeline Program (FCC): Supports low-income households with phone and internet bill subsidies. * State-Level Programs: * California: CARE and FERA provide discounts of up to 35% on energy bills. * New York: HEAP offers heating assistance and emergency benefits. * Texas: CEAP delivers bill assistance and energy education. * Pennsylvania: CAP and LIURP reduce utility debts and monthly bills. * Utility Company Assistance: Many companies offer programs for low-income customers, including discounts, appliance upgrades, and free installation of energy-saving devices. Energy-Saving Tips: Optimize energy use with strategies like adjusting your thermostat, using efficient appliances, and weatherizing your home.

How to Earn 400 More Per Month

In this episode of The Good Cents by Payactiv Podcast, host Eric Rosenberg welcomes Daniella Flores, a side hustle expert and founder of I Like to Dabble, to share her insights on how people can earn at least $400 a month through side hustles. Daniella dives into various side hustles and gig apps, explaining how anyone, regardless of their schedule, can build extra income while improving their financial security. Here are the key takeaways: * Getting started with gig apps like Rover, Instacart, and Postmates is an easy way to earn money flexibly. These platforms allow people to offer services like pet sitting or grocery delivery, providing an opportunity to make extra income on your terms. * * Many gig apps experience higher demand during holidays and busy seasons. Taking advantage of these periods, when prices surge, can help boost earnings significantly. * * Flipping furniture, collectibles, and home decor found at thrift stores on platforms like Facebook Marketplace is a profitable side hustle. With minimal investment, you can make quick fixes and sell items for a significant profit. * * Apps like Shift Work and Wonolo can help people find temporary or extra shifts in industries like hospitality, allowing workers to pick up additional hours and increase monthly earnings. When selling items online, it’s essential to meet buyers in public places to avoid scams and ensure a safe transaction. Being cautious throughout the selling process makes it easier and safer for both parties.

Financial Planning For Next Year

In this episode of The Good Cents by Payactiv Podcast, host Eric Rosenberg welcomes Katie Brewer, CFP, to discuss practical tips for financial planning as we enter 2024. Whether you're starting to plan or want to improve your current habits, this episode provides actionable advice to set you up for financial success in the new year. Here are the key takeaways:  * Begin financial planning before the holiday season to reduce January stress. * Set up dedicated accounts for specific goals like holidays or travel to stay organized. * Start by gathering all your financial data to better understand where money is going. * Use budgeting tools like Payactiv to categorize expenses and track your financial habits. * Review your employee benefits and make sure you’re maximizing contributions (e.g., 401(k)). * Check for unclaimed property through state websites and verify your credit report for errors. * List your debts, their interest rates, and prioritize high-interest ones. * * Break down your debt repayment into manageable milestones to avoid feeling overwhelmed.