How to start without burning out

What are these apps?

They're called bandwidth-sharing apps. Some companies need to use the internet connections of ordinary people for things like comparing prices, checking that their ads display correctly in different countries, or collecting market data. And instead of building all that themselves, they pay users like you to use a small part of your connection.

In other words: they pay you to lend internet you aren't using. You don't have to do any task, watch ads, or fill anything in.

How do they work?

It's very simple: you install the app, log in, and it stays open in the background on its own, with nothing for you to do. Meanwhile you keep browsing, gaming or watching shows as usual, without having to keep an eye on it. The app adds up your balance and, once you reach a minimum, you can cash out.

They only use your connection: they don't need access to your files or your accounts. They do use some data, though, so the ideal is to run them on a device connected to an unlimited Wi-Fi.

My recommendation: install them on the devices you keep on for most of the day, and also on the computer you use every day. There's a reason for this that you'll understand in step 4, so for now just trust me. 😉

How much can you earn?

Between $1 and $10 a month. I know it's not much, so remember one thing: it's the first step of the guide and the one where you earn the least. But it's money that comes in without lifting a finger, and in the next steps we level up.

You can also connect more than one device to each of these apps: your computer, your laptop, another machine at home... The more you connect, the more you can earn.

What you earn also depends on your location: depending on your country and your connection, some people will earn more and others less.

The two I recommend

My advice is to install both. That way you make the most of your connection and add up what each one pays.

Honeygain

The best known app of this kind. Install it, log in, and forget about it.

Create account on Honeygain

Bytelixir

The second one I use. It works the same way and can run alongside Honeygain.

Create account on Bytelixir

Leave them running at least until you finish the guide. If by then you see they aren't worth it in your country, just remove them and you'll have lost nothing.

And one important detail: even if they pay little, this is a key part of the routine. In step 4 I'll explain why it'll be so useful to have these two set up and installed.

What are these apps?

They're paid survey apps. Brands and companies need to know what people think before launching a product or an ad, and they pay ordinary people to answer their questions. You give your opinion and they pay you for it.

How do they work?

You sign up, fill in a small profile with your basic details (age, country, interests), and the app notifies you about surveys that match you. You pick the ones you want, answer them and add to your balance. When you reach the minimum, you cash out, usually via PayPal or gift cards.

One tip: be honest in your profile. The better you match what brands are looking for, the more surveys you'll get and the less often you'll be told you don't qualify.

When do I use them? Your idle moments

This is the key to the method: you don't need to sit down to do it. It's done in those gaps you already have and that right now just go to scrolling your phone:

• ✓Waiting for the bus, the metro or the train.
• ✓In the supermarket queue or a waiting room.
• ✓When you're on the sofa and don't know what to watch.
• ✓On your work break or between classes.
• ✓A little while before bed.

How much can you earn?

Each survey usually pays a few cents or a little over a dollar, depending on how long it is. So, used calmly in your idle moments and every day, this part normally brings in between $30 and $80 a month. It's not a salary, but it's already a lot more than the previous step, and you notice it at the end of the month.

And a warning so you don't get frustrated: some surveys will screen you out halfway because you don't match what they're looking for. That's normal and happens to everyone. When it does, move on to the next one.

The key: combine them and choose well

Here's what really makes the difference. A single app doesn't give you enough surveys, because each one has its own and depends on your profile. That's why what works is having several at once.

But it's not just about having several: it's about choosing well where to start. Before doing anything, open the apps and check which one offers the best reward. A 5-minute survey can pay you double in one app than in another, and that changes your end-of-month result a lot.

Do the best-paying ones first, and when you run out, move on to the next app. That way your time always goes where it pays most and you earn more in the same time. Combining lets you choose, and choosing is what multiplies what you take home.

And all of this without stress. It's not about spending hours, but about using them when you have a free moment. If one day you don't feel like it, no problem. Consistency, even a little each day, is what adds up.

My recommendation

On your phone, always keep Attapoll and PrimeOpinion installed. And if you work on a computer, add Swagbucks too.

By the way, Swagbucks will have a special feature that we'll see in the next step. That's why it's worth having it set up already. 😉

Attapoll

For your phone. Simple interface and fast PayPal payouts.

Create account on Attapoll

Prime Opinion

For your phone. It notifies you when a survey is available.

Create account on Prime Opinion

Swagbucks

For your computer. Besides surveys, you earn points with videos and daily tasks.

Create account on Swagbucks

As in the previous step, what you earn will depend on your country and your profile. Try them during the guide and, if one doesn't give you surveys, just set it aside.

What is cashback?

When you buy online, the store pays a commission to whoever brought it the customer. Cashback platforms keep a part and give you back the rest. You buy the same thing at the same price, but you get back a percentage of what you spend.

In other words: it's not extra money from nowhere, it's money you were going to spend anyway and that now, in part, comes back to you.

How does it work?

You sign up, go to the store where you want to buy through the platform (or with its extension) and shop as normal. The cashback first shows up as pending and, once the store confirms the purchase, it becomes available. When you reach the minimum, you cash out, usually via PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards depending on the platform.

Each store has its own conditions, so take a quick look before buying: sometimes cashback doesn't count if you use certain coupons or if some products are excluded.

The key: install the extensions

Here's what matters most. If you want to do this method, I recommend installing each platform's extension in your browser. That way, every time you're about to buy from a store with cashback, the offer pops up automatically and you just have to activate it.

Without the extension, you depend on remembering to go through the platform before buying, and you'll usually forget. A purchase you didn't activate is lost cashback.

And as in the previous step, choose well: each platform offers a different percentage for the same store. Before paying, check which one gives you more back and activate that one.

How much can you earn?

There's no fixed figure here, because it depends on how much you buy and where. It's the only method in the guide tied to your purchases: if you shop little online, you'll get back little; if you shop often, you'll notice it. Each store returns a different percentage.

Think of it as a discount that applies itself to what you were already planning to buy. You won't get rich with this, but saving on what you already spend is money that stays in your pocket.

Heads up if you live in Latin America

This method, although effective because it saves you money on your purchases, is not as effective in Latin America. iGraal only works in Europe. Swagbucks does work in Latin America, but don't expect to find many local stores: most will be international. TopCashback is the one with the most stores.

If you live in Spain or another European country, you can use all three. If you're in Latin America, start with TopCashback and Swagbucks and check whether there are stores where you already shop.

The three I recommend

My advice is to install the extensions of the ones available in your country, and compare before each purchase.

TopCashback

The one with the most stores. It has a browser extension that alerts you when you are on a store with cashback.

Create account on TopCashback

iGraal

Europe only. Very strong in fashion, travel and online supermarkets, with an extension that alerts you in each store.

Create account on iGraal

Swagbucks

Also works in Latin America, though with few local stores. And you already have it from the previous step, so make the most of it.

Create account on Swagbucks

If you can't find stores where you usually shop in your country, just set it aside. And if you shop online often, having the extensions installed is one of the easiest ways to save without effort.

What are these platforms?

They are two different platforms that together make a very powerful duo, and both pay you to take part in real studies:

• ✓Prolific: researchers and universities around the world look for participants for academic studies. You answer questionnaires or do small tasks, and you get paid for your time. The average is around $8 to $12 per hour.
• ✓UserTesting: companies pay to see how real users browse their websites, apps and prototypes before launching them. Your job is to complete some tasks and narrate out loud what you think. Each test lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and pays about $10 on average.

Why are they more serious than surveys?

Because whoever pays for them needs quality data: a university doing research, a company about to launch a product. That is why they pay more for your time than an ordinary survey, explain clearly what you need to do, and expect you to do it with attention.

In return, there are fewer of them than surveys and they aren't available around the clock. Studies show up when they show up, and they fill fast. And that leads to the most important thing.

The key: keep them always on

This is the trick of the whole step: get in first. Good studies have limited spots, and whoever arrives first takes them. That's why I recommend keeping both open on your computer at all times, while you're using it or even while you do something else around the house.

And most importantly: turn on notifications for both. That way, when a study comes up, they alert you right away and you can get in within seconds, without staring at the screen. Whoever gets alerted first gets paid first.

Prolific also has a browser extension. Install it so you don't depend on keeping the tab open: it's the most comfortable way to find out the moment a study appears.

Why this duo is so good

Because they complement each other. Prolific gives you studies more often, and you get paid for the time each one takes. UserTesting shows up less, but each test pays well for how short it is. While one is quiet, the other may bring you something, and between the two you cover many more gaps than with just one.

And all of this without changing your routine: you leave them there, do your own thing, and when the alert sounds, you jump in. It's money for staying alert, not for spending hours at the computer.

How much can you earn?

It depends on availability, your profile and how fast you get in. With consistency and notifications on, you can normally expect an approximate range of $40 to $150 a month on Prolific and $40 to $200 a month on UserTesting, although some months are better than others.

There won't always be studies for you: some days nothing will come up, and others several will come in a row. That's normal. What matters is being ready when they do.

Heads up: there may be a waiting list

One important detail: these two platforms may have a waiting list. You fill in your profile and they accept you depending on what they need at any given time, so you may not get in on day one.

I was lucky: I was accepted into both right away. But it can happen, and it doesn't depend on you. If you have to wait, don't be discouraged: fill in your profile calmly and with real information, and in the meantime keep going with the rest of the steps in the guide.

Now you'll understand step 1

I told you in step 1 that there was a reason to install those apps on the computer you use every day. Here it is: if you are going to keep your computer on to stay alert for Prolific and UserTesting, the step 1 apps work during that same time.

So, at the very least, they'll help offset the electricity cost of keeping it on. It's money that comes in without doing anything extra, while you wait for the important stuff.

The two I recommend

My advice is to sign up for both and turn on notifications from day one.

Prolific

Academic studies from universities around the world. It has a browser extension so you don't miss any.

Create account on Prolific

UserTesting

Paid usability tests. When you sign up there is a practice test that, if you pass it, gives you access to the real tests.

Create account on UserTesting

As always, what you see will depend on your country and your profile. Give them a few days with notifications on and, if you see that few studies come up in your case, no problem: move on to the next step with what you already have.

What does it involve?

AI labs need real people to review, evaluate and improve what the AI writes, codes or answers. To do that they hire people through platforms, and those platforms pay per project or per hour.

There are all kinds of jobs: writing, correcting answers, evaluating whether the AI got it right, reviewing code, and many more. That's why it's such a flexible method: there's almost always something that fits your profile.

What do I need?

The main thing is a good level of English: it is required, because almost all projects are in that language. Beyond that, the rest depends on the project. Many do not require previous technical experience, and in others it helps to know a specific subject.

The two I recommend

They're two different platforms and my advice is not to pick one, but to use both, with a specific strategy:

• ✓micro1: once inside, you choose which projects to apply to, and it pays quite well. The initial screening is an interview with their own AI. It has the most open projects.
• ✓DataAnnotation: in my opinion, it is better. But it has an initial test that almost nobody manages to pass, so don't bet everything on it alone.

micro1

More open projects and it pays quite well. There are all kinds of AI training jobs. You need a good level of English.

Create account on micro1

DataAnnotation

Better in my opinion, but with a very demanding initial test. Writing projects, code review and evaluation of AI answers.

Create account on DataAnnotation

My recommendation: how I would do it

Start applying to micro1 right now. The sooner you get into their process, the sooner you can start working. It is the safe bet.

And on a quiet day, calmly and with no rush, take the DataAnnotation test. If you get lucky and pass it, great: you'll have the better of the two. If not, you lose nothing, because you're already ahead with micro1.

If you want to prepare, I have two articles that can help: what the micro1 interview and its rates are like and how to pass the DataAnnotation test.

How much can you earn?

Here you earn quite a bit more than in the previous steps, mainly because you're paid for your knowledge and not for a few loose minutes. What you earn will depend on the projects you get, the time you put in and your level of English.

As with everything: there isn't always work available. But with both platforms active, you have more chances that there's something for you.

First of all: I'm not a financial advisor

I want to make this clear from the start, for your sake and mine.

Why invest what you earn here

What you earn from the platforms in the previous steps is extra money: money you didn't have before and weren't counting on for your day to day. And the usual thing is to spend it on whatever comes first. My idea is different: that this extra money becomes more extra money, getting its full potential out of it.

And here's the good thing about this method: since it's literally extra money, you don't have that initial fear or guilt about losing. You're not gambling your savings, you're using something that didn't exist before. That makes starting much easier, and lets you keep a cool head.

What is Bit2Me and how does it work?

Bit2Me is a platform to buy, sell and store cryptocurrencies. You create an account, verify your identity, add money and, from the app, choose what to buy. It has a wide catalogue, 24/7 support and a Pro version with tighter fees for when you have some practice.

It's one of the most complete options for taking your first steps investing, and it's easy to use from your phone.

Why do I recommend this one?

There are many platforms, but I recommend Bit2Me for a very practical reason: it's available globally. Whatever country you're following this guide from, it's one you can use, and that can't be said of many.

It also offers its own training (an academy to learn the basics), which is very handy when you're starting out.

What can you do with it?

These are the most useful things to start with:

• ✓Buy little by little. You can start with small amounts, and even set up recurring purchases to buy automatically, without watching the price.
• ✓Use the Pro version once you have some practice, to pay lower fees.
• ✓Learn with its academy before putting money in.
• ✓Invest in stablecoins and receive compensation, which I explain next.

Stablecoins and compound interest

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to keep a stable value, usually tied to a currency like the dollar or the euro. They don't go up and down like other cryptos, which is why many people use them to start with fewer surprises.

On some platforms you can hold your stablecoins and receive compensation for it, somewhat like the interest a bank would give you. And this is where compound interest comes in: if you keep reinvesting those earnings, they start generating their own earnings, and over time the effect multiplies. That's why consistency matters more than the amount you start with.

That said, the compensation is not guaranteed and stablecoins are not risk-free either, so read the conditions carefully before using them.

My recommendation

Create your Bit2Me account now, even if you don't have anything to invest yet. Having it ready and verified saves you time when the first earnings from the previous steps start coming in.

And when you have something, go little by little: contribute small amounts, consistently, and reinvest what you earn. That's how compound interest works in your favour.

Bit2Me

Platform to buy, sell and store cryptocurrencies, with 24/7 support, an academy and recurring purchases. Available globally.

Create account on Bit2Me

Why does a job change everything?

Because a job gives you something no extra-money method does: stability. An income you know is coming, that you can plan around, and that is usually much higher than what you add up with apps and surveys.

The earlier steps work great as a complement: it's the money left over that, as you saw in step 6, you can put to work. A remote job is the foundation that makes everything else go further.

Two platforms to find one

These are two different and very good options, each for a different kind of profile:

• ✓Mercor: connects professionals with companies around the world to work hourly, remotely, as a contractor, according to your specialty: programming, writing, finance, law, medicine and more.
• ✓BairesDev: a software development company that hires tech professionals to join international clients' teams remotely. It's not one-off work: it's a stable, long-term position.

Which one fits you?

If you have a specialty (whatever it is) and want to work flexibly and by the hour, start with Mercor.

If you have a tech profile and are looking for a stable long-term position, look at BairesDev. That said, their offers are usually limited to certain countries, mainly in Latin America, so check the requirements of each position.

What's the process like?

At Mercor you start with a video interview of about 20 minutes and verify your identity. When you are assigned a project, you get paid every week.

At BairesDev the selection is tougher: technical tests, interviews and an English assessment. It is worth preparing calmly.

In both cases, having a good level of English opens many more doors.

How much can you earn?

At Mercor, rates range from about $16 an hour for generalist profiles up to $200 for senior specialists, and availability depends on your country. At BairesDev it depends on the position and your experience.

In both cases we're talking about another level compared to the previous steps, because you're paid for your profession and not for a few loose minutes.

My recommendation

Don't wait until you have everything ready to apply. If your profile fits, try both now: applying costs nothing, and selection processes take time.

And while you wait for an answer, keep going with the rest of the steps in the guide: that way your extra money doesn't stop.

Mercor

Hourly remote work for companies around the world, according to your specialty. Video interview of about 20 minutes and weekly pay.

Create account on Mercor

BairesDev

Stable, long-term remote positions for tech profiles, in international clients' teams. Demanding selection.

Create account on BairesDev

Gemsloot: if you play and enjoy it

It's a mobile gaming rewards platform: you collect points by playing and completing simple offers, and redeem them for real money via PayPal, cryptocurrencies or gift cards. It works on Android and iOS and you can withdraw from small minimum amounts.

It only makes sense if you already play and enjoy it. If you don't like games, skip it.

Gemsloot

Mobile games with rewards. Redeem your points for PayPal, cryptocurrencies or gift cards.

Create account on Gemsloot

Atlas Capture: if you do a lot of housework

With your iPhone you record short clips of everyday activities (cooking, cleaning, tidying) that are used to train artificial intelligence. Each task shows its pay before you start, and you cash out via Wise or crypto once you reach the minimum.

If you already do quite a bit of housework each week and want to get paid for it, it's money for something you were going to do anyway. You need an iPhone (iOS 16.4 or later) and a head mount. And a tip: use my referral code GAJGG9MR when you sign up, which adds a nice bonus.

Atlas Capture

Record everyday tasks with your iPhone to train AI. Each task shows its pay before you start.

Create account on Atlas Capture

Kryptex: if you have a powerful computer

Kryptex does cryptocurrency mining with your computer: it automatically mines the one that pays best for your hardware, and you can cash out in Bitcoin, dollars or via PayPal.

It only pays off if your computer is powerful. And keep in mind the electricity cost, because mining pushes your machine to the limit. If you don't have a powerful machine, don't bother.

Kryptex

Automatic cryptocurrency mining based on your hardware. Cash out in Bitcoin, dollars or via PayPal.

Create account on Kryptex

Preply: if you have good English and can teach

Preply is one of the largest online tutoring platforms in the world. You set your hourly rate, your availability and the language you teach, and the platform assigns you students and handles payments, reminders and the virtual classroom.

No qualification is required, although having one improves your ranking. If you have good English and see yourself teaching, it can be one of the best-paid options in this step.

Preply

Online lessons where you set the rate and the availability. The platform assigns you students and handles payments.

Create account on Preply

Fiverr: if you have a skill you can sell

Fiverr is a marketplace where you publish your services as fixed-price gigs, starting from $5. It works very well for specific, repeatable services: logos, translations, texts, video editing, voice-overs, SEO and much more. You define the service, the price and the extras.

It only makes sense if you have a skill to offer. And be patient: the first clients usually take a while to arrive.

Fiverr

Publish your services as fixed-price gigs, from $5. You set the service, the price and the extras.

Create account on Fiverr

And that's the guide

You've reached the end. You don't have to do everything: pick what fits you, start little by little and keep adding. Three things done well pay more than ten half-done.

Come back to this guide whenever you want. Good luck!