This Week’s Money Map:

• 🤑 Earn money with the Amazon Prime card before Prime Day 2025

• 🐶 Is pet insurance worth it in 2025?

• 🚗 Hidden car insurance discounts you shouldn’t ignore

• 💰 MG Book Club Week 8: The system is set — now what?

🤑 How to earn money with the Amazon Prime card before Prime Day 2025

If you’ve ever looked at Amazon Prime Day as just a shopping event, it’s time to flip that thinking — literally. While most people are looking for deals this July, you could actually be making money from them. And the key to making it happen? Start now — in May — with a strategy and the right card in your wallet.

Why you should start preparing in May
Prime Day usually lands in mid-July, but savvy earners know the prep starts now. Many of the best opportunities — like getting approved for the Amazon Prime Visa Card, understanding price history trends, and lining up potential resell items — require a few weeks of lead time.

Let’s talk about the card that can set this plan in motion.

Stack up rewards with the Amazon Prime Visa Card
The Amazon Prime Visa offers 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases for Prime members. There’s no annual card fee, and right now, many users are seeing a $150–200 welcome bonus after qualifying purchases. You also earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and transit, and 1% on everything else.

With the Prime Visa, you’ll immediately start saving more on any Prime Day prep purchases, such as inventory for reselling and tools for flipping. If you're reselling, every 5% back on a Prime Day deal increases your profit margin. And when you use your rewards smartly (redeeming for cash or statement credits), that’s free money, no strings attached.

The key is to apply for the card now, so you're ready well before Prime Day drops.

Flip Prime Day deals for profit
Here’s one of the most direct ways to turn Prime Day into profit: reselling. Popular items like earbuds, coffee machines, small appliances, and baby gear often go for 30–70% off on Prime Day — and those same items fetch retail prices (or more) on platforms like eBay, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.

Use tools like Keepa to track price history and know if a deal is really a deal. You can also use the browser extension CamelCamelCamel, which has price alerts and charts to avoid fake discounts.

Stick to brand-name items with strong resale value and fast shipping. Then use your Amazon Prime Visa to maximize cash back.

Offer “deal hunting” as a service
Yes, people will actually pay you to shop smart — especially parents, busy professionals, or folks overwhelmed by thousands of deals. Offer to search for the best deals on their wish list, or help them make the savviest decision by comparing product features and reviews. You can also check price histories and notify when discounts hit.

Market your services through local Facebook groups, parenting communities, and freelancer platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. You can charge per hour or per saved dollar, just be transparent about your pricing. And of course, you can use your Amazon Prime Visa to score cash back on any purchases made.

Insider strategy: Stack rewards with gift cards
Use your Prime Visa to buy discounted Amazon gift cards from trusted sites like Raise or Gift Card Granny before Prime Day. Then, stack those cards with Prime deals and your 5% cash back to stretch your budget and boost your resale margins.

So if you want to turn one of the biggest spending frenzies of the year into a golden opportunity, make sure to apply for the Amazon Prime Visa card, explore Amazon’s deal history with Keepa and CamelCamelCamel, and start brainstorming a product list to flip. July is around the corner — and this time, you could be earning, not just shopping.

🐶 Is pet insurance worth it in 2025?

If you've ever faced a hefty vet bill, you know the financial strain unexpected pet health issues can cause. With veterinary costs on the rise, many pet owners are considering pet insurance as a way to manage these expenses. But is it worth it?

What does pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance policies cover accidents and illnesses, including chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes. However, coverage for pre-existing conditions is typically excluded. Some providers, like AKC Pet Insurance, offer coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. 

It's important to note that routine care, such as vaccinations and dental cleanings, may not be covered unless you opt for a wellness plan.

Comparing the costs
In 2025, the cheapest average monthly premium for pet insurance is approximately $26 from Pets Best. This cost can vary based on factors like your pet's age, breed, and health history. 

Compare that monthly premium with the cost of emergency veterinary care. For instance, emergency surgeries can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Without insurance, you’re on the hook for all of those unexpected costs.

When pet insurance makes sense
Pet insurance can be a wise investment if you have a young pet, as premiums are generally lower and the likelihood of pre-existing conditions is minimal. It’s also recommended if your pet's breed is prone to specific health issues.

Maybe the biggest plus — pet insurance gives your furry family members protection against unexpected, high-cost medical emergencies. For example, if your dog swallows one of your Airpods (true story), the surgery to remove it can cost several thousand dollars. With insurance, a significant portion of this expense could be reimbursed.

Considerations before buying
To be honest, we think getting pet insurance is a no-brainer. But if you’re new to choosing your pet policy, make sure you consider the following:

• Policy details: Understand what is and isn't covered, including any exclusions or waiting periods.

• Reimbursement rates: Policies typically reimburse 70% to 90% of covered expenses after the deductible.

• Annual limits: Be aware of any caps on payouts, which can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

• Provider reputation: Research customer reviews and ratings to ensure the provider has a good track record for claims processing.

Pet insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen veterinary expenses, but it's essential to assess your pet's specific needs and your financial situation. 

🚗 Are you leaving money on the table? Hidden car insurance discounts you shouldn’t ignore

You might be overpaying for car insurance by hundreds — possibly thousands — each year without realizing it. Many people know about common discounts like bundling, low mileage, and safe driver rewards. But there are also hidden savings opportunities that insurers don’t often advertise.

Occupation matters more than you think
 Teachers, engineers, scientists, and health care workers can snag 5–15% discounts with many insurers. Even your education level counts — having a master’s degree or doctorate could qualify you for an additional discount. Still in school? Some companies offer 5–25% discounts for students with at least a B average or on the honor roll.

Your affiliations are gold mines
Alumni associations, professional organizations, and even credit unions often partner with insurers to offer exclusive discounts of up to 25%. Military personnel and federal employees should ask about special rates — these can be 15–20% with some companies.

Timing is everything
Renewing your policy early (typically 7–14 days before expiration) can knock off up to 15%. New customers can get introductory rates that are up to 15% lower than standard prices. This is a great reason to compare options often.

Green vehicles get more green in your pocket
Owners of hybrid and electric vehicles usually get discounts of 5–10%. Alternative fuel vehicles can also enjoy similar savings — these discounts can be combined with federal tax incentives.

Pro tip: Insurance companies don't automatically apply all discounts. Schedule a "discount check-up" call with your agent every six months and specifically ask about these categories.

To save the most on car insurance, compare quotes from different companies. You can also view our buying guide to the best car insurance for 2025 before you make that call. 

💰 MG Book Club Week 8: The system is set — now what?

You’ve automated your savings. You’ve crushed debt. You’ve started investing like a boss (even if you still don’t feel like one). So what’s next?

This week we close out Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to Be Rich — and although it’s the end of the book, it’s just the beginning of living what Sethi calls your rich life.

Keep feeding the machine
The book’s key message in the final chapter is simple: keep going. The system you built over the past seven weeks needs fuel, which is your income. As you earn more, invest more. Increase your 401(k) contributions. Max out your Roth IRA. Funnel cash into your brokerage account. The system will grow your wealth while you sleep, but only if you keep feeding it.

Rebalancing: Boring but necessary
Once a year, check your investment mix and rebalance to stay on track. For example, if your portfolio was set to 70% stocks and now it’s at 80% after a good year, sell off some gains and reinvest in bonds or cash. It’s not sexy, but it’s effective.

The myth of “the perfect time”
Sethi wants you to stop obsessing over whether now is the best time to buy or sell. Instead, stick to your long-term plan. You’ll never perfectly time the market, and you don’t need to. The real risk is not investing at all.

Thinking bigger: The 10-year plan
With your core system humming, Sethi nudges you to zoom out. What do you want in 10 years? A sabbatical? Early retirement? Buying a house in cash? These long-term goals need long-term planning. Start mapping that vision now and reverse engineer with this compound interest calculator.

Giving back is part of being rich
One of the most powerful insights from this chapter? True wealth includes generosity. Whether it's $10 a month or $1,000, giving to causes you believe in isn't just charity — it's a sign that you’re living abundantly.

Bottom line? You’ve done the heavy lifting. Now your job is to keep the engine running, resist the noise, and zoom out to build the life you actually want.

So to wrap this week up: Review your system once a quarter. Automate your raises. Keep investing. And most importantly, ask: “Is this helping me live my rich life?” Because money is just a tool. A rich life is the real reward.

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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