Just Sharing: Helpful Tips, Tools & Programs I Use
Over the years, I’ve learned about several products, services, and simple choices that can save money, prevent problems, or make life a little easier. Some of these lessons came from personal experience, while others are things I wish someone had shared with me sooner. None of the items on this page are required parts of the field inspection training. I’m simply sharing information and programs that I personally use or believe may be helpful to you.
The Gas You Buy Matters More Than You May Think
Do you choose a gas station mainly because the price is a few cents cheaper? That small savings may not always be the best bargain in the long run. The quality of the gasoline you put into your vehicle can affect engine deposits, performance, fuel economy, and the life of important engine components. For field inspectors especially, your vehicle is one of your most important tools.
Please watch this video all the way to the very end. A few minutes of your time could help you avoid expensive repairs and potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
Important: Better-quality gasoline does not mean buying premium or a higher octane than your vehicle requires. Use the octane recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and choose a reputable gasoline that meets TOP TIER™ standards.
Referral disclosure: Some programs below include my personal referral link. I may receive a reward if you sign up through one of these links, at no additional cost to you.
Save Money on Gas and Dining with Upside
I use the free Upside app to earn cash back on purchases I would already be making. Before buying gas, groceries, or eating at a participating restaurant, I open the app, find a nearby offer, and claim it. Then I make my purchase as usual using a debit or credit card connected to the app.
The businesses and discounts vary depending on where you live. In my area, I regularly see offers from familiar gas stations such as Shell, BP, Sunoco, and Exxon. I also see offers from places such as Kroger, Jersey Mike’s, IHOP, and Taco Bell. Upside includes participating gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants, so it is worth checking the app before making an everyday purchase.
One caution: I do not choose a gas station solely because it offers the largest cash-back amount. Shell, BP, Sunoco, and Exxon are listed as TOP TIER gasoline brands. Circle K and RaceWay are not listed under those brand names, and Kroger is not listed nationally as a TOP TIER gasoline brand. Because the store name and the gasoline brand shown on the pump may not always be the same, I check the pump and the official TOP TIER list before filling up. A large discount is not worth ignoring the fuel-quality information in the video above.
One thing I especially like is how little paperwork is involved. For most of my purchases, Upside verifies the transaction through the card connected to the app, so I do not have to photograph and upload a receipt. I still keep the receipt until the cash back has finished processing, just in case there is a problem.
Once a purchase is verified, the cash back appears in my Upside account. When I am ready, I can transfer the money directly to my bank account. The transfer may take several business days, but requesting it through the app is easy. Upside also offers gift-card cash-out options.
These are real results from my own account. My app currently shows that I have earned $423.46 through Upside, including $186.45 in referral earnings. Individual results will vary depending on the available offers, where you live, how frequently you use the app, and whether other people use your referral link.
Upside also allows users to share the app with friends. Referral bonuses may be available after a new user completes the required qualifying purchase. The amounts, requirements, and available offers can change.
Tap the button below to view the current Upside offer and download the free app. The signup offer is connected automatically, so there is no referral code to remember or type.
Banking Made Simple with SoFi
I have lived in several different states, and one problem I repeatedly encountered was that the banks I used were not available after I moved. That is one reason I appreciate SoFi. It is an online bank that allows me to manage my checking and savings through its website and mobile app, no matter where I live.
I can deposit a paper check by taking pictures of the front and back, move money between checking and savings, connect other financial accounts, make transfers, and use Zelle if I choose. My Social Security and VA disability payments may also arrive before their normally scheduled deposit dates. The app is easy to use and has made managing my everyday banking much more convenient.
Because I have been retired for many years, my regular income comes from Social Security and VA disability benefits. SoFi says eligible direct deposits include recurring payroll, pension payments, and government benefit payments such as Social Security when they are sent electronically by an employer, benefits provider, or government agency. Social Security retirement, Social Security disability, pensions, and qualifying government benefits may therefore count, although SoFi makes the final determination.
One thing I especially liked when I joined was receiving a cash bonus after my qualifying deposits were recognized. At the time this page was prepared, a new customer opening a first SoFi account through a qualifying referral link could receive a $50 referral reward after depositing at least $50 within the required period. New customers setting up their first eligible direct deposit could also qualify for a separate direct-deposit promotion based on how much eligible income was deposited during the qualifying period. Offers, amounts, and requirements can change, so check the current terms shown through the signup button below.
The main drawback is that SoFi does not have a local branch for services such as having a document notarized. For my everyday checking, savings, deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, however, it has worked very well for me.
Acorns Early — Help Your Kids Learn to Use a Debit Card Responsibly
Children need a chance to learn how to handle money before they become adults and suddenly have to figure everything out on their own. I use Acorns Early with my grandson Kristian, whom I have raised since he was in diapers. He is now nine years old, but I opened his account when he was seven. This is how I pay his allowance, and it gives him practical experience earning money, saving for things he wants, and making purchases with his own debit card.
Acorns Early is designed for children and teenagers ages 6 through 18. The parent or guardian manages the account, while the child receives a debit card and an age-appropriate app. Parents can send money, schedule an automatic allowance, assign paid chores, set spending controls, receive notifications when the card is used, and lock the card if it is lost or stolen.
Kristian also discovered the Money Missions in his app. These are short financial lessons with videos and quizzes that teach children about earning, saving, budgeting, spending, and other important money skills. I set it up so that he earns an extra 50 cents every time he completes a lesson. That little bugger figured it out quickly, and now completing financial lessons is one of the ways he earns extra money to pay for the video games he wants.
What I like most is that he is learning through real experience while I remain in control of the account. Because it is his own allowance and lesson money, he has to decide whether he wants to spend it immediately or save it toward something more important. He is learning that the things he enjoys cost money and that extra money has to be earned, saved, and budgeted.
This is not a free service. Acorns currently lists Acorns Early Lite at $8 per month, which covers up to four children. Acorns Early is also included with the $12-per-month Acorns Gold plan, along with additional Acorns services. Prices, plans, promotions, and referral offers can change, so review the current offer through the button below before signing up.
I believe the monthly cost is worthwhile when the account is actively used to teach a child how to earn, save, budget, and use a debit card responsibly.