This Week’s Money Map:

• 💵 7 easy ways to make money that you can start today (without quitting your job)

• 🛟 The life insurance mistake half of Americans are making

• 🤖 Why you shouldn’t take money advice from AI

• 💰 How to stop feeling guilty about spending money

💵 7 easy ways to make money that you can start today (without quitting your job)

Here’s something wild: the average American is sitting on $8,000 worth of underused stuff — spare rooms, cars, backyards, even hobbies — that could be turned into cash. That means you could start earning extra money this week without quitting your job, investing in crypto, or learning some complicated skill. 

Let’s break down the side hustles nobody’s telling you about.

1. Sniffspot — Rent your yard to dogs
Dog owners are desperate for safe play areas. Sniffspot lets you rent your backyard as a private dog park. Some hosts pull in $1,500–3,000 a month, and bookings are fully insured. Easy cash for that extra backyard space you’re not using.

2. Turo — Turn your car into an ATM
Your car can make you up to $10,000 a year just by renting it out on Turo. You control when it’s available, and they cover insurance up to $750,000.

3. Airbnb Experiences — Get paid for your passions
Love cooking, hiking, music, local tours, or photography? Airbnb Experiences pays you to teach or guide visitors. People earn thousands by sharing what they already know.

4. Peerspace — Rent rooms by the hour
Your loft, studio, or even living room could host meetings, photoshoots, or small events. Some hosts report six-figure annual earnings.

5. Swimply — Make waves with your pool
Swimming pools are in high demand this summer. Swimply hosts make $3,000–12,000 a month renting theirs out by the hour.

6. Spacer — Cash in on your driveway
If you live near downtown or a college, your empty driveway or garage could bring in $400+ a month.

7. Giggster & Bounce — Unique gigs for your space
Giggster connects your home or office to film crews looking for cool locations. Bounce lets you earn by storing luggage or packages for travelers. Both require minimal effort, just extra space.

You don’t need a “big idea” to make extra money — you just need space, stuff, or skills. Pick one of these, set up a listing, and you could be pocketing extra cash within days.

And if you’re serious about side gigs, you’ll eventually need business insurance. It’s cheaper and simpler than most people think, and it protects you when things go awry. Check out small business insurance guides here:

👉 Cheapest small business insurance
👉 Coverage details

Now go make your backyard, car, or pool pay its share!

🛟 The life insurance mistake half of Americans are making — and why you shouldn’t be one of them

The big mistake that nearly half of U.S. adults are making when it comes to life insurance? Not having it! Life insurance isn’t just for parents or the wealthy — it’s a core part of any smart financial plan. 

Why life insurance matters more than you think:

1. It’s about protection, not profit. Life insurance replaces lost income, covers debts, and buys peace of mind. It’s about stability, not getting rich.
2. It’s cheaper when you’re young. In 2025, a healthy 30-year-old can still snag a 20-year, $500,000 term life policy for around $20–30/month. The same policy could cost triple if you wait until your 40s.
3. Work coverage isn’t enough. Most employer-provided group policies only cover the equivalent of your annual salary — barely enough to pay off a car loan, let alone a mortgage or college tuition. Plus, it disappears when you leave your job.

Who really needs coverage?

• Parents or guardians: To fund education, cover child care, and make sure kids don’t inherit debt.

• Homeowners: To keep the mortgage from landing squarely on your spouse’s or co-signer’s shoulders.

• Couples or dependents: If anyone relies on your paycheck, they’re at risk if you don’t have coverage.

What’s new in 2025?

1. No-medical-exam policies are booming — Thanks to AI-driven underwriting, many insurers now approve no-medical exam life insurance to healthy applicants within minutes — no needles, no waiting weeks.

2. Inflation is shifting coverage needs — With higher living costs, financial planners recommend getting a policy for at least 10–15x your income (up from the old 7–10x rule).

3. Bundled policies are trending — Insurers are offering life insurance paired with critical illness or long-term care riders, a response to rising health care costs in the U.S.

4. Digital-first shopping — Millennials and Gen Z are buying policies online at record rates. In fact, nearly 40% of new policies in 2024 were purchased without ever meeting an agent. You can compare the best life insurance providers side-by-side here.

Don’t wait until it’s too late
Rates climb with every birthday, and pre-existing conditions can slam the door on affordable options. The smartest move? Get a quote today, lock in your rate for decades, and relax knowing your family is covered.

Not sure how much coverage you actually need? Use this life insurance calculator to estimate your ideal policy size in just minutes.

🤖 Why you shouldn’t take money advice from AI

Ever wondered why some TikTok investors brag about AI-powered money hacks while others warn it could wreck your retirement? The truth is that AI can be an incredible assistant, but blindly trusting a chatbot with your financial future could leave you broke, taxed to death, or worse, unprepared when life throws curveballs.

Why AI alone falls short

• Lack of personalization: AI gives one-size-fits-all answers. It doesn’t know your entire financial picture, i.e., your goals, kids’ college plans, or that dream of early retirement in Florida.

• No legal accountability: A certified fiduciary has a duty to act in your best interest. AI? None. If it gives you bad advice, you’re on the hook.

• It gives outdated or incomplete info: Many AI models are trained on old laws. For example, retirement strategies could be based on pre-SECURE Act 2.0, missing new rules about RMDs, catch-up contributions, or Roth changes.

• It can’t handle complex scenarios: If you try asking AI about partial Roth conversions, stacking tax brackets, or balancing Social Security timing with Medicare premiums, it usually fumbles.

• It ignores state-specific tax laws: AI may nail federal advice but overlook your state'’s unique tax quirks. That’s the difference between saving thousands and owing thousands.

• No emotional intelligence: Investing isn’t just math, it’s psychology. AI won’t stop you from panic-selling in a downturn. A human advisor knows when to hold your hand.

• No holistic planning: True financial health requires estate planning, risk management, insurance, tax efficiency, and legacy goals. AI can’t really stitch it all together.

What AI can do well
AI shines at quick investment calculations and generating questions to ask your advisor. You can also use it to compare credit cards, understand new tax terms, or model a simple savings plan or budget.

When it comes to financial planning, think of AI as your research assistant, not your money coach. It’s great for general financial wisdom, but when it comes to life-changing moves, verify everything with a licensed professional who knows your full picture.

💰 How to stop feeling guilty about spending money

Ever bought something just for you — a dinner out, a new gadget, a “treat yourself” moment — and felt that little twinge of guilt afterwards? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with money guilt, even when they’re spending on things that matter to them. Here’s how to break the cycle and enjoy your money, guilt-free.

Why we feel guilty about spending

• Social pressure: Trying to keep up with friends or social media can lead to overspending and regret.

• Fear of missing out: FOMO spending often isn’t about the item, but about fitting in.

• Unclear priorities: When you’re not sure what matters most, every purchase can feel like a mistake.

• Lack of a plan: If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s easy to worry you’re hurting your future self.

How to spend money without guilt

1. Know your numbers
Spending guilt usually comes from buying something not knowing whether you can actually afford it. A basic budget can help remove the guesswork. Start by organizing your money into four buckets:

• Fixed cost essentials (50–60%): Rent, bills, groceries

• Investing (10–15%): 401(k), Roth IRA, brokerage

• Savings (5–10%): Emergency fund, short-term goals

• Guilt-free spending (20–35%): Restaurants, hobbies, massages, fancy socks — whatever you love.

If your essentials and goals are covered, feel free to spend the rest without shame.

2. Track and align your spending
Regularly review where your money goes and then ask yourself: are you spending on what you truly value? Many people fall into the trap of spending to keep up with social trends or buying stuff to fit in, often leading to regret.

If your buying habits aren’t in line with your values, adjust your plan. Eliminating low-value purchases can help you feel better about the money you do spend.

3. Practice mindful spending
Pause before big purchases. Try the 30-day rule: wait a month before buying non-essentials. Either you’ll find you don’t want it as much and will decide not to buy, or you’ll feel more confident in your decision and move forward with a guilt-free purchase.

4. Let go of perfection
You don’t have to get every decision right, progress beats perfection. Focus on making thoughtful choices most of the time, and forgive yourself for occasional slip-ups.

Spending money should feel good, not stressful. When you know your priorities, plan ahead, and give yourself permission to enjoy your money, guilt fades away. Remember: a rich life is about living intentionally, not denying yourself the things that matter most.

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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