Eaten an Arby’s Beef ’n Cheddar Recently? Your Credit Card Might Be at Risk

If you’ve eaten at Arby’s recently, keep an on eye your bank and credit card statements.

Cybersecurity reporter Brian Krebs recently confirmed rumors that hackers stole credit and debit card information from as many as 355,000 Arby’s customers using malware attached to payment systems.

Will This Cyberattack Affect You?

PSCU, a credit union service organization, initially issued an alert after receiving a list of Visa and MasterCard numbers that were compromised.

Krebs reported that Arby’s declined to pinpoint an exact time frame for when the breach occurred, though PSCU estimates it took place between Oct. 25, 2016, and Jan. 19, 2017.

The fast-food sandwich giant learned of the security hack mid-January and worked quickly to remove the malware. The breach affected only some of Arby’s 1,000 or so corporate-owned restaurants nationwide. Arby’s franchises were not affected.

Christopher Fuller, Arby’s senior vice president of communications, issued a statement saying the company has “fully contained and eradicated the malware that was on our point-of-sale systems.”

However, patrons of the fast-food chain should still be cautious.

Hackers Have Hit Fast-Food Customers Before

Wendy’s suffered a similar privacy breach at the beginning of 2016. The fast-food chain finally announced it had removed the malware after several months, during which many financial institutions issued customers new cards.

But just two months later, the company admitted that many of its locations were still compromised, and many banks were forced to reissue cards to customers.

What to Do If You’re an Arby’s Customer

If you’ve used your credit or debit card at Arby’s over the last several months, here’s what you should do.

• Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

• Report any suspicious or unauthorized activity to your financial institution immediately.

• If you believe your debit card data could be compromised, make sure you have an alternative payment method for any auto-debiting bills in the event thieves empty your account before your bank is able to take action.

Your Turn: Are you worried that your credit card information has been breached by the Arby’s hack?

Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. While she might give Arby’s a few months to get it together, she’ll be back for those curly fries.

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8 Responsible Ways I’m Using My Tax Refund to Make Me Even More Money

Even though I’ve been a full-fledged adult for more than a decade, 2016 was my first full year in my first full-time, big-girl job.

That means this spring, I’ll receive my biggest tax return ever.

I remember hearing my parents earmark their tax returns each year, usually for home renovations. One year they added a bedroom in the basement, then a sprinkler system for the lawn, a septic system update — super fun stuff.

I was always astounded by how much they were getting back.

For most of my 20s, I was either a barista or an aspiring writer. Those don’t pay well, ergo, I didn’t pay much into or receive much in return from taxes.

Until now.

This year, I expect my tax refund check to be around $3,000. That’s a relatively sizable windfall.

I don’t have a septic system to overhaul, so I’ve come up with some other smart ways to use it — that will actually make me more money down the road.

Here’s what I’m thinking of doing with my tax refund…

1. Putting It into Savings

“Savings” sounds like the most boring thing to do with extra cash, but I’m pretty excited about it this year.

Before you think I’m a total nerd, let me explain why.

I use my Aspiration Summit checking account for emergency and vacation savings. Depositing my tax return will finally put my savings over the $2,500 mark, which means I’ll earn 1% interest on my full account balance. (When it dips below $2,500, the interest is 0.5% — still not bad.)

If I keep my savings above that threshold and continue to contribute my regular $400 each month from my paycheck, I’ll have $7,350 by the end of the year!

I might be able to find a savings account with a higher return, but those usually come with a fee.

Aspiration is totally free to use. Plus, this account’s debit card and free ATMs let me access the funds quickly — perfect for traveling or emergencies.

2. Paying Down Debt

With a cash infusion, I can make a substantial payment toward each of the bills maring my credit history.

I have one old tuition bill for about $4,000 and an emergency-room bill for $1,100.

A few hundred dollars toward each of those will go a long way.

Plus, it’ll let me get started on a payment plan. I still have a long way to go to improve my abysmal credit score, but this will be a huge relief.

3. Self-Publishing a Book

Don’t tell anyone, but I have a book in the works and I plan to self-publish it early this spring.

Because I’m scrappy, I can handle a lot of design, layout and technical aspects of publishing myself and avoid spending a lot of money. But it still won’t be free.

I’ll have to pay an illustrator and an editor. Instead of dipping into my checking account, I can use a bit of the cash from my tax return. I should earn the money back quickly through sales.

After that, I can put the profits back into my savings!

4. Spending It on a Side Hustle

My freelance work is usually digital and writing-based, so I have few startup costs. (Though I am easily-tempted into buying a domain whenever a new idea strikes…)

On the other hand, my partner (who shares my income — and tax return), freelances as a photographer, graphic designer, animator and audio engineer. Those all come with significant costs for equipment and software.

With our windfall, he can buy the camera lens that’s been on his wish list. I don’t know what it does, but I know it’ll help him take better portraits — which means more paid gigs.

5. Planning My Vacations for the Year

No, my tax return won’t pay for an entire year’s travel.

I’ve got places to go! But it’s a good start.

My next vacation — Puerto Rico! — isn’t until May, but I know I need to buy my flights about two months in advance to get the best price. That makes now a perfect time to start looking!

Getting that first big trip out of the way also motivates me to start planning and budgeting to travel for the rest of the year.

I’ve got trips to visit family in Wisconsin and Utah this summer, an annual vacation to New York in the fall, and holiday travel in December. That’s going to take some clever budgeting.

6. Opening an IRA

I’ve been smart enough since starting this job to contribute to my 401(k). Because The Penny Hoarder matches 4%, I contribute that much every paycheck to ensure I get that benefit.

But I know I could be doing more to save for retirement.

My next step is to open an IRA, where I can make regular contributions to save even more (and get a bigger tax break!).

I’m not interested in putting energy into managing investments, so I think I’ll go with an online advisor. Sites like Betterment and FutureAdvisor make it simple: I can start with a small amount of money, set my goals and let the app automatically invest in a safe portfolio for me.

7. Getting a Month Ahead on Rent

Before I had this job, rent was an endless headache. My silly need to sleep indoors ate away about half my income most months.

With unstable freelance income, I used to dread the first of the month. Now, I earn enough to foot the bill.

But I want to do more than keep up. I want to get ahead.

I can drop a chunk of my tax refund check to pay an extra month’s rent (or at least stash it for that purpose). That’s a simple way to keep my peace of mind, just in case times get tough again.

8. Taking a Class

I’ll be 31 this year.

While the idea of going to school at this age seems silly, I’m finally mature enough to actually enjoy what I’ll learn.

I also know it can help me earn more money.

I’ll look into writing workshops at nearby colleges and our local arts center. Maybe I’ll take an online course to learn a new skill, like Excel or Photoshop.

Never hurts to be well-rounded!

Your Turn: How will you spend your tax refund check this year?

Disclosure: What would Abe do? Probably pat us on the back for placing affiliate links in this post. Thanks for helping us fill The Penny Hoarder’s beer fridge!

Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more, attempting humor wherever it’s allowed (and sometimes where it’s not).

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Yes, You Can Find Fresh Produce in February. The 5 Items to Look for Now

Ah, February.

I’m struggling to come up with something nice to say about you, you dreary placeholder of a month. You’re not quite spring (even here in Florida), yet the joys of winter have long since passed us by.

But quite possibly the worst part of the transitory period between the holidays and warm weather is the lack of fresh, affordable produce.

While we Floridians enjoy a lot more local produce more often than the rest of the country (hey, fair’s fair — we never get to see trees change colors), the northern part of the U.S. is stuck eating roots. So many roots. And there are only so many ways you can prepare turnips and parsnips and carrots and rutabagas before you just need something fresh and colorful, for Pete’s sake.

Unfortunately for you Northerners, February leaves farmers markets empty and the produce section at the grocery store pretty sparse. While some fruits and veggies, like bananas,  are imported year-round, it’s always nice to know what’s in season in — or around — your area.

Below, you’ll find a list (a brief one — it is February, after all!) of fruits and vegetables in season and at their lowest prices. And don’t worry if they’re not in your immediate vicinity — peak season in one part of the U.S. often means lower prices and better availability in even the frostiest cities, particularly for produce that travels well.

Be on the lookout for the following fresh produce items at your local grocery store. If you’re looking for more options, hang tight — winter will be over soon!

California: Blood Oranges

Winter is citrus season for many of the warmer coastal areas in the U.S. In California, blood oranges are at peak season December through May: The Moro variety usually peaks in February, while the Tarocco season stretches a bit further into the year.

The blood orange’s name comes from its deep crimson-colored insides — the later in the season, the darker the red usually is. When picking blood oranges in-store, choose ones that feel heavy for their size, regardless of skin color.

These rosy fruits are delicious on their own but can also make a yummy and visually spectacular addition to salads or a fruity salsa. If you’re looking for a fresh way to toss up your dinner routine, try this recipe for blood orange roasted chicken from goboroot.

Florida: Kumquats

Kumquats are in season here in Florida! For me, kumquats evoke memories of climbing my grumpy old neighbor’s tree and stuffing my pockets full of the little golden fruits before he could chase me off and threaten to call my parents.

And while kumquats are no less delicious now that I’m an adult, I’ve been surprised to find they’re actually used in plenty of more refined dishes — more refined than smooshed pocket- kumquats, anyway.

If you’re stumped on how exactly to use kumquats, though, try making this kumquat tagine (it’s like stew) from Eating Well. It’s officially on my menu for this week.

Texas: Spring Greens

In the southernmost states where spring starts early, tender mustard, collard and dandelion greens start popping up in search of the mild weather and gentle sunshine. They grow quickly and abundantly, so they should start appearing in local farmers markets any day now.

The best part? There’s no wrong way to eat greens. Use them in salads, toss them in soups and stews, substitute greens for regular lettuce on sandwiches, or sautee them with bacon like in this recipe from Simply Recipes for a truly Southern side dish.

New York: Sunchokes (Also Known As Jerusalem Artichokes)

Sunchokes are a new discovery for me. Like, I didn’t even know these things existed. But after hearing about their sweet and nutty flavor, crisp texture (somewhere between a water chestnut and a potato), and their extreme versatility, I’m excited to try them out.

Sunchokes are a tuber, the root of a particular variety of sunflower. (I know I just lamented the unending bounty of roots in the winter, but these guys are different!) They look pretty similar to a knobby ginger root, and many say they taste somewhere between an artichoke and an apple (which doesn’t tell you anything too specific, I know). They’re harvested between October and March, but they’re at their sweetest and most delicious after a few frosts have set in.

As far as cooking these homely little roots goes, they can function like apples or potatoes, meaning they are particularly delicious roasted or mashed. This recipe from Bon Appetit pairs sunchokes perfectly with parsnips and beets — both rooty vegetables that shouldn’t be hard to find.

Florida (Again): Grapefruit

Like I said, Florida gets all the good stuff in the winter. To be honest, I didn’t know I liked grapefruit until last year. I had had an unfortunate run-in with a particularly sour grapefruit as a kid and wrongfully assumed they were all as painfully bitter.

But then! Then I tried a perfectly ripened, perfectly sweet grapefruit and haven’t looked back.

Alright now. Are you ready for the best grapefruit recipe you’ll ever try?

I mean, it’s seriously delicious.

Like really good.

Almost too good.

Are you ready?

Step 1: Cut grapefruit in half.

Step 2: Sprinkle with sugar (or don’t — still delicious).

Step 3: Eat with a spoon.

And repeat.

Here Comes the Sun

Now I’ll say it again: February is not the best month for fruits and vegetables in season. March will bring so many juicy fruits and tender spring veggies, and farmers markets will begin to reopen for the season. And we’ll be here to tell you what’s in season in your neck of the woods!

Meanwhile, when you’re in need of some fresh produce to break up the monotony, keep your eyes open for the bright citrus that should be abundant. You need the extra vitamin C to combat the winter blues and keep you going until spring.

Your Turn: What fresh produce are you dreaming of on these dreary winter days?

Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s just glad there’s no offseason for coffee!

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Amazon is Hiring Seasonal Reps to Work From Home and Make $10/Hour

It’s baaaaccckkk!

Amazon’s seasonal work-from-home customer service position is, once again, open.

Last September, the online retail giant opened the same position to meet the predictable holiday shopping spike. With that frenzy over, Amazon just needs folks to help out — because who doesn’t order from Amazon way too much?

Here’s what you need to know.

The Perks of Working as an Amazon Customer Service Associate

This is a work-from-home job, so that means no commute, no dress code and no soggy bag lunches.

Because this gig is part of Amazon’s Reserves program, you get to choose the hours you work based on Amazon’s needs. Amazon posts these hourly needs every week, so you can adjust your schedule according to your needs and lifestyle.

Do note, however, that hours for these Amazon jobs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure you know when schedules are posted.

If you want to work one hour, that’s fine. If you want to ramp it up and work 30-hour weeks, go for it! The average reserve member works about 12 hours a week.

However, hours will increase during peak seasons (think: Christmas). You could be required to work 20 to 40 hours between November and January, and you may also have to work major holidays.

Pay is $10 an hour.

What Makes You Qualified for These Amazon Jobs?

First things first: There are state restrictions.

You must live in one of these 20 states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin or Virginia.

That means Amazon will only consider you if the home address on your application is in one of these states.

Other basic qualifications include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic phone and computer skills.
• The ability to fill out I-9 paperwork in person.

You get bonus points if you…

• Have experience working in a service environment.
• Have people-person skills.
• Know how to operate in a self-directed way.

There’s also mandatory training — which is all online, self-directed and paid.

The position has computer requirements, which are included on the job listing. However, you don’t need a headset or a token — Amazon will ship those to you!

Here’s What Will Happen After You Apply

We’ve got the inside details.

That’s because Amazon hired one of our readers, Marie Snyder, back in August. She told us the interview process was very quick.

Three days after applying, Amazon offered Snyder the position contingent on a background check and attending the orientation (a group Google Chat with her team leader).

After that, Amazon officially brought Snyder on board. About two weeks later, the paid training began.

Snyder says video modules walked her through everything, and quizzes confirmed she had soaked up the knowledge.

It’s all self-paced, so if you’re like me and get test anxiety, stay calm. You’re also in a chat room with your team leader and other employees who will field any questions.

Then, little grasshopper, you’ll start picking up shifts!

Check out the original job listing on Amazon. We’d also like to give a holler to Work at Home Mom Revolution, which shared this opportunity first.

And if you’re not so keen on working for Amazon, you can find additional legitimate work-from-home opportunities on our Facebook jobs page.

Your Turn: Have you worked for Amazon? Tell us about your experience!

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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Mellow Mushroom Wants You to Score a Free Pizza With This New App

Here’s a deal that combines two of our very favorite things in the world: free pizza and three-point shots on the basketball court.

Did we mention the part about free pizza?

Mellow Mushroom is giving away a free small cheese pizza to anyone who downloads a new gaming app.

The chain typically cuts its 10-inch small pizza into four slices, and it typically retails for $7.99.

The app is the ACC 3 Point Challenge, which you can download here. It’s available for free through the Apple and Google Play app stores.

In the online game, players compete in basketball shooting contests. Fans can play as their favorite Atlantic Coast Conference school and take their best shots in three-point shootout-style competitions. Users can play quick matches or try to survive and advance through online tournaments.

Fans who download or update the app will receive an electronic code for the free pizza, redeemable at any Mellow Mushroom location. The growing chain has 180 stores in 21 states.

Mellow Mushroom, which was founded in Atlanta, is a sponsor of ACC sports broadcasts.

The athletic conference has 15 universities, and the app expects you to pick one and represent: “Think you can make it rain from beyond the arc, with the clock ticking and the game on the line? Choose your favorite ACC school and compete as their top marksman, or take some practice shots on our playground court.”

When you go to claim your free cheese pizza, be aware of the terms of the deal: It’s dine-in only and limited to one redemption per party.

Fair warning: You will be definitely be tempted to grab something to go with that pizza. Aside from its pizzas and hoagies, the chain is known for its vast beer selection.

Your Turn: Which do you like more — three-point shots or pizza?

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. He likes mushrooms on his pizza.

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Deal of the week: Valentine's Day deals special

Adam Williams

v-day.jpg

Love may be in the air but it doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. Here’s our guide to the best Valentine’s Day related freebies.

Love may be in the air but it doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. Here’s our guide to the best Valentine’s Day related freebies.

What’s the deal exactly?

Valentine’s Day is upon us and deals website Magic Freebies has compiled some of the best free giveaways for you and your other half.

read more

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Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue. Save on Valentine’s Day. Here’s What to Do

Everyone knows money can’t buy love. But that doesn’t mean that on Cupid’s birthday, we don’t try.

According to the National Retail Federation, lovebirds spent an average of just under $150 on Valentine’s Day gifts and celebrations in 2015 and 2016.

And depending on how serious you are about impressing your date, you could spend a whole lot more. Fancy dinners, gourmet chocolates and pricy bottles of real-deal Champagne can add up quickly. Throw in some jewelry, and Bankrate estimates your battery of classic V-Day offerings could cost more than $500.

Yikes.

10 Penny Hoarder-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts and Ideas

Here’s the thing: There’s nothing wrong with spending some money on a special occasion. If Valentine’s Day is meaningful to you and your sweetie, by all means, splurge!

But if you’re going to spend money on your lover — be it $500 or just $5 — there are better, more creative ways to do so than the chocolate-flowers-dinner shtick.

Here are 10 alternative, money-smart ways to spend your money this year that could make for romantic Valentine’s Day gifts.

1. Put It Into Savings

OK, hear me out, because I know this seems as unsexy as possible.

But contributing to a mutually beneficial savings account is actually crazy romantic.

Whether you’re padding a joint emergency fund or your retirement savings, nothing says “I’m in it for the long haul” more clearly than putting money into a long-term account. Plus, your invested funds will be fruitful and multiply (yes, I went there), making this a gift that actually does keep on giving.

If you and your honey have (or are planning on) kids, you could skip the steak dinner and stick the money into a 529 plan account. Over the course of 20 years, just $100 per month could explode into more than $50,000 for your child’s college education, according to Business Insider.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never had a single meal worth $50K.

Want to make it more romantic in the short term? Write your sweetheart a card letting them know about your contribution, then spend Valentine’s Day afternoon dreaming about what your retirement together will look like.

You could even work together to figure out what you’d need to accomplish to retire early! I promise, it’s a way hotter date than it sounds like — they do call it FIRE, after all.

2. Put it Toward Your Sweetie’s (or Joint) Debt

If your significant other is dealing with student loans, car payments or — worst of all — revolving credit card debt, they’re facing a serious obstacle to achieving bigger financial goals… including ones you might have for your future together.

Consider paying some additional principal toward their car loan or knocking out that final $500 credit card balance they just can’t seem to get ahead of. Trust me, being debt-free is way more useful than a pair of earrings.

3. Put It Toward a Way Cooler, Bigger Joint Purchase

I get it — not every beloved will be satisfied with a contribution to their 401(k) or a break on an annoying monthly payment, even if you write about it in a heart-shaped card.

But if you want to give each other more tangible Valentine’s Day gifts, you can still do better than chocolates and flowers, which will be gone within a month.

Invest the money you would have spent on smaller gifts by paying toward a bigger purchase the two of you are planning to make together. Maybe it’s a new couch or rug for the living room, or a painting you fell in love with that weekend at the art fair. Heck, maybe it’s the house itself!

Even if you can’t pay for the whole purchase, a significant contribution toward a major spend, like a new car, is a thoughtful and useful gift. It still has a palpable, actual-thing component attached to it, even if it’s not there yet.

Another idea, if you’re both sure you’re ready: Take that Valentine’s Day money, and use it to adopt a cat or dog. If your relationship is stable enough, there’s little that’s more romantic than adding a new furry friend to your little family.

Just make sure you’re not in it for the novelty and that you have a contingency plan. Your new pet deserves a stable home, no matter what becomes of your partnership a few years down the road.

4. Take a Vacation

The most expensive romantic meal I ever ate cost about $500 for the two of us. (Sorry, not sorry — that’s just what happens when you live less than 30 minutes from Bern’s Steakhouse!)

Don’t get me wrong. The meal was unforgettable. But we could have taken a pretty amazing weekend vacation for that same amount of money — or even less, if we followed these tips from TPH senior staff writer Dana Sitar, who saw Savannah, Georgia, with her sweetheart for just $300.

Even the best steak in the world, which Bern’s might well be, doesn’t measure up to a road trip to a new place with your favorite person.

5. Help Your Partner Start Their Freelance Business, or Start One Together

Has your S.O. always dreamed of becoming a freelance writer or independent consultant? Do the two of you have an idea for a killer blog that’ll be fun to write together while also helping take care of the bills?

You can start many types of businesses with little or no overhead — many now-successful brands started with $100 or less.

One quick idea: Buy your sweetheart his or her very own domain name, so they can establish the web presence that’s critical in any field these days. Domain names are generally inexpensive and a great gift. Get one that screams “I believe in you!”

6. Put Money Toward Your Sweetie’s Hobby

Does your lover have a passion that includes expensive components they lust after on the regular?

New camera lenses, printing blocks, pointe shoes and even yoga pants are pricy enough to qualify as treats — and they all make great, mega-thoughtful gifts if your honey is really devoted to their hobby.

While it’s closer to traditional gift-giving than most other items on this list, buying your significant other such a targeted gift shows more insight and care than a generic box of chocolates… to say nothing of the gift’s actual usefulness. They’ll think of you every time they use their new gadget to do the thing they love best. How much more romantic does it get than that?

And yes, this idea works even if your partner doesn’t have a pastime that requires fancy equipment.

You could contribute cash to their travel fund or finally knock parasailing off their bucket list, or foot the bill for the yoga enthusiast’s classes for a month or three. She never stops watching “So You Think You Can Dance” reruns? Buy her some ballroom lessons — and tag along to be her dance partner, no matter how goofy you feel.

The point is to get seriously thoughtful about what means the most to your significant other, so it’s really up to you. The possibilities are endless!

7. Put it Toward Your Sweetie’s Education, New Job or Self-Improvement

If you know your S.O. is stuck in a rut at work or is eager to pick up a new skill set, contribute your Valentine’s Day funds toward making their dreams come true!

You could buy them an affordable (but useful!) course on coding, WordPress or anything else imaginable through Udemy, or sign them up for lessons in that language they’ve always wanted to learn.

Maybe you could best spend the money on a professional resume writer who can help your honey move into a more fulfilling position at work. Better yet, whatever you invest might even help your significant other increase their earnings. I’ve never met a box of chocolates that can do that!

8. Donate to a Charity in Your Sweetheart’s Name

Do a good deed in your loved one’s name by sponsoring a needy family through Heifer International or helping save an endangered species through the World Wildlife Fund.

You can choose any charity you know to be meaningful to your partner and make a donation in their name. From Planned Parenthood to Disabled American Veterans to the Humane Society, there’s no shortage of great organizations that depend on donations to help their cause.

Want to really step up the warm and fuzzies? Spend the day volunteering for one of these organizations with your honey. It’s a bonding experience you can feel awesome about, and it’s less expensive than donating.

9. Celebrate a Day or Two Late

Here’s an idea: Do all of the normal Valentine’s Day stuff, but do it Feb. 17.

(And no, not just because that’s a Friday.)

First, once the official holiday is over, you can buy all the Valentine’s Day candy you and your loved one could possibly consume for dirt cheap. Same goes for red roses, heart-shaped cards, stuffed animals — the whole nine yards.

It’s also no secret that many restaurants price-gouge on special occasions, Valentine’s Day included, by creating a pricy prix fixe menu whose excessive, pre-picked indulgences might not even be to your tastes in the first place.

Celebrate V-Day a few days late, and you’ll save money on every aspect of the experience… and have the added romantic bonus of it being your own private holiday.

10. … or Just Don’t Spend it!

I know, I know. You saw this one coming.

But seriously, so many of the best Valentine’s Day gifts and celebrations are cheap or totally free. Here’s one personal example.

On our first Valentine’s Day together, one of my boyfriends was between jobs and thoroughly broke. We made simple plans to hang out at his place and watch a movie or play video games.

After an hour or so at his house, I walked into the bathroom… and found the mirror covered with Post-it notes. On each note he wrote a single descriptive word: “beautiful,” “funny,” “crazy,” “literary,” “zany.” There were more than 50 of them all told — and all of them, according to my boyfriend, were descriptors of me.

The end result? I stared into the mirror and saw myself surrounded by all the reasons he loved me. The project was totally free and remains one of the most romantic things anyone’s ever done for me. I actually kept the Post-its.

There are tons of other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day for free or nearly so:

• Have an indulgent movie or TV-binging marathon night — “Harry Potter,” “Stranger Things” or whatever else strikes your mutual fancy. (Added bonus: lots of cuddles.)

• Get outside! It’s cliche for a reason: A long walk together on a beach is a romantic and beautiful activity, and you’ll actually get to talk. You could also go hiking, kayaking or camping for almost no money, depending on what equipment you have at your disposal. Go pick flowers together somewhere outside instead of buying an expensive bouquet. And there’s always stargazing, which is totally free… and also totally romantic.

• Take a quarter of the money you would have spent on dinner, and make an incredible meal at home. Cooking together is about as cute as it gets!

No matter how you spend the money you’ve set aside for Valentine’s Day, don’t forget the purpose of the holiday: to reaffirm your love and affection for your favorite person in the world.

Yes, that task is daunting… but it doesn’t have to cost a cent.

Your Turn: How will you spend your time and money with your honey this Valentine’s Day?

Jamie Cattanach (@jamiecattanach) is a freelance writer whose work has been featured at Ms. Magazine, BUST, Roads & Kingdoms, The Write Life, Nashville Review, Word Riot and elsewhere. She lives in St. Augustine, Florida.

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Brand New Blog. No Traffic. Here’s What to Do.

Ever feel as if you’re the only person reading your blog?

It’s possible it’s not just a feeling. In today’s digital marketing landscape, it’s difficult to get users to read blogs if they’re not relevant to them.

Even if the blog is relevant and the content is great, in a world of rapid-fire of competing messages from millions of companies, it still doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

If you want to get more eyes to your blog posts and see more interaction from your target audience, read this post—I’ll give you some tips that can generate a larger audience.

Content marketers today can’t afford to ignore the power of social media. Social media platforms often mirror your target audience and act as an echo chamber for your content.

Utilizing a variety of platforms is an easy way to get exposure and to entice new readers to visit your blog.

Actually offer valuable content

The most important and most basic step in getting new visitors is to give them meaningful and relevant to their lives information.

Why am I telling you something you already know? Because you’ve heard it a thousand times, yet most people still focus on “me too” content, which offers little to no actual value.

Experiment with different kinds of information formats, e.g., a video of the top three tips for completing a task related to your industry, insider news that they get from you first, or a humorous spin on a topic related to your business.

The key here is to give your readers engaging and useful content they can apply in their lives right now.

Don’t plagiarize other content. Take a topic trending in your industry, and find a way to make it uniquely yours.

GrooveHQ started their blog with minimal traffic, but now they’re cruising it with tons of engagement.

How did they do it? They took the standard ho-hum help desk content, amped it up, and made it exciting. They started dishing out value.

SumoMe has done a great job of this with their guides. These guides, often exceeding 10,000 words, make a major splash in their industry.

It’s all about the value. People will love that and share it, and you’ll benefit.

Run a contest

Especially when you are just starting your blog, you need to promote it heavily and get it in front of the right readers.

There’s nothing wrong with creating a little buzz about your new blog by incentivizing readers to visit your blog.

I’ve run contests several times. They’ve been particularly successful on Instagram, where I gave away hundreds of headphones and other prizes.

I’ve also teamed up with other companies to promote their giveaways. Every time, it’s been a ridiculous success.

Run a contest, give away free swag, run a trivia contest on social media. These tactics are great ways to encourage new users to check out your blog. Remember, everyone loves free stuff.

To get the pulse on current giveaways in your niche, try out one of Buzzsumo’s features.

Using Buzzsumo, type in the keyword for your niche. I’ll use “content marketing.”

Make sure you filter down the date so you don’t source old contests that are already over.

Now, filter the content type by “giveaways.”

If there are some recent contests, you’ll see them in the results.

You can take this a step further by viewing the sharers for each giveaway.

If they shared a contest in the past, they might be likely to share yours too.

You can message the sharers directly in Buzzsumo, asking them to share and promote your giveaway.

Post shareable images and graphics

What we all know about social media is that striking photos and graphics grab people’s attention.

I never make a post on any platform—website, blog, or social media—without some kind of visual.

Make that your goal as well. A photograph can evoke happiness, laughter, frustration—whatever emotion fits with what you are trying to communicate on your blog.

For example, my homepage on NeilPatel.com includes a video:

Most of my long-form articles (3,000+ words) include dozens of images.

It’s also great to make graphics of shareable quotes or stats that are meaningful to your target audience.

There are plenty of free apps that can help you make quotes.

Try Recite.com.

First, write a quote.

Then, select a visual.

You can save, share, and add it to your blog.

That’s it! Here’s my finished product. Five seconds of work.

That extra visual sizzle can go a long way in making your article shareable and engaging.

Budget for ads

If you have the budget, try paid advertising on your social media channels.

Many social media platforms are selective about what users see, but by investing a little money in a targeted ad, you can select who among your target audience can see your call to action and messaging.

My preferred platform is Facebook. The level of targeting and reach is excellent.

I don’t think you have to pay for ads all the time or even frequently. But if you have a little money to play with, it’s an effective tactic to target your audience in a very specific way.

Create a team of ambassadors

Many people don’t realize that you can get a lot of free exposure by sharing meaningful content with people who are willing to share it with their circles of influence.

This strategy can start organically. You can identify loyal customers who are active on social media.

You can tag them on Twitter or Facebook to see if they naturally share your content.

Over time, you can formalize the process and invite them to join an official team of ambassadors whom you can task with sharing your content.

Show you can be trusted

I can’t offer you a better or more important tip for not only getting people to your blog but also getting them to come back: you’ve got to build trust. The way to do this is by creating an online community your users can trust.

When you see your readers commenting on your blog posts or asking questions, jump in there and talk with them.

Create a relationship with them and give them information that is true and genuine. They’ll start looking up to you because they’ll see you as an expert they can trust.

This ultimately gets to the issue of personal branding.

Personal branding can be a powerful tool for launching your blog to a wider audience. Leverage what you already have to promote what you’re building: your blog.

If you don’t have a personal brand, infuse your blog with personality so it becomes a shareable and engaging place.

Noah Kagan used his personal blog to help him build several businesses:

His blog is still a helpful place where to hang out and get great information, but it’s also a useful tool for Noah’s other pursuits.

Conclusion

If you’re managing a blog but not leveraging social media to get more visitors, you’re missing out on a viable and free tool.

With 1.7 billion daily active users on Facebook, you have the chance to get your best content in front of the largest target audience possible.

Add Facebook ads, and you’ll have even more control in targeting a niche-specific audience who will want to read your blog.

Your blog is a critical part of your content marketing strategy. You can use it to give your audience relevant news about your industry, share lists of pro tips to help them with their daily tasks, and post videos that tell stories about how your company is making a difference.

With all the time you spend creating excellent content, you need to make sure your loyal customer base—as well as new users—see that content.

Remember these six expert tips for maximizing the impact of social media platforms on reaching and engaging your audience and pointing new visitors to your blog.

You’ll be glad you did when you see your blog traffic rise.

Have you tried generating traffic for a new blog? What social media methods did you use?

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Baby Boomers 3X as Likely as Millennials to Keep This Secret From Partners

Pop quiz: Members of what generation are most likely to hide a credit card or bank account from their partners?

Would it be those tech-savvy, selfie-taking, entitled, narcissistic millennials?

No? How about those cynical, skeptical, pessimistic Gen Xers?

No and no. It’s actually those sneaky, sneaky baby boomers.

Older baby boomers are nearly four times as likely as millennials to have a secret credit card or bank account, according to a new survey commissioned by CreditCards.com.

Of older boomers — those ages 63 to 71 — 11% have hidden an account or card from their spouse, partner or significant other. Comparatively, only 3% of millennials and members of the “silent generation” — people in their 70s and 80s — say they’ve hidden an account. Meanwhile, 5% of Gen Xers admit it.

“Keeping secrets in your relationships is never a good idea,” said Matt Schulz, industry analyst at CreditCards.com. “Like any indiscretion, what starts out small tends to build. Spending $25 without consulting your partner may seem incidental, but when those purchases become more frequent or if the amount grows, it can wreak havoc on your accounts and your budget.”

Of course, maybe baby boomers are simply more likely to hide money because baby boomers have all the money. Seriously, they have all the money. They’re the wealthiest generation ever, and they’re getting wealthier.

(Not that we’re bitter or anything. Nooooo, not at all. We are above such petty concerns.)

But those fine, upstanding, selfless souls at CreditCards.com have another point to make with their survey results.

It’s about honesty. It’s about how financial infidelity hurts a relationship. It’s about being honest and open with the person you share your life with.

No matter your age, keeping significant secrets, like a hidden stash of cash, can strain your relationship, family therapist Corey Allan told CreditCards.com. His advice: Go beyond just a one-time conversation about money before you get serious with someone. Instead, keep up an ongoing discussion of finances and priorities — maybe even monthly, as all those bills keep pouring in.

In the survey, 1 out of 20 people said they were in a serious relationship and had concealed the existence of a credit card or bank account from their partner. If you extrapolate that to the entire adult population in the U.S., it works out to 12 million Americans with secret accounts.

One final thought: You can run, but you can’t hide.

“Any time you get into these kinds of things where you are operating behind the scenes, it usually comes out at some point,” Allan says. “We can’t keep things hidden, especially in today’s technological world. Any spouse who has any kind of suspicion can become a detective and find it.”

Your Turn: Have you ever hidden a credit card or bank account?

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Full disclosure: He’s a broke Gen Xer with zero secret bank accounts.

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7 Functional Ways to Make Money With Your Car — Even If It’s a POS

That passenger window you can’t roll down because it will never come back up.

The confounding squeaks and thumps that emanate from under the hood when you turn the key.

The meaningless check-engine light that won’t ever go dark again.

The struggles of owning a beater car are endless, but you’ve come to appreciate the charm of your little lemon.

Then you see how much money your friends earn driving for ride-sharing services. Your ancient beauty may run just fine, but she’s not going to make the cut for passengers.

It’s time you show them what your beater is made of. (It’s more than rust and good luck.)

We found seven ways you can earn money from your car — even if the bumper doesn’t match, and you can’t open the passenger-side door when it rains.

1. Earn Rewards Every Time You Drive

Feel like you’re in your car all day long?

The commute to and from work, running errands, shuttling kids — those miles add up. But you can get paid for each one.

We found an app called MileUp that rewards you for driving. You just download the app, let it run in the background and earn rewards points for each mile you drive. You can redeem your points for gift cards to major retailers, like Amazon and Target.

The app’s goal is to improve accident-detection technology. It anonymously tracks how far and how often you drive and how many stops you make to get a clearer picture of traffic patterns.

Don’t worry — you don’t have to use the app while you drive, so you’ll stay safe!

2. Deliver Food

Maybe you can’t tote passengers around in your old beater, but food doesn’t care how your car looks!

To deliver food through UberEATS, you just have to meet these requirements:

• Be at least 19 years old and have at least one year of driving experience.

• Have a driver’s license, insurance and vehicle registration.

• Be able to lift 30 pounds.

Just like the rideshare option, you’ll set your own hours and only work when and how often you want to. That means how much you earn is largely up to you.

If your car decides not to start one morning, no worries. You can also deliver food on your bicycle!

3. Earn Travel Rewards for Your Everyday Activity

Did you know you can earn frequent flyer miles without buying a flight or using a credit card?

The Frequent Flyer app lets you earn travel rewards points for your location data. It tracks your location and surveys you about places you visit around town.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the app for iOS or Android.

2. The app measures your location data in the background and rewards you with points.

3. Redeem your points for miles or free flights with Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, and other travel rewards with major hotel chains and Airbnb.

The app aggregates your data with other users and turns it into consumer insights for companies who can use it.

4. Get Paid $100 to Drive Safely

You don’t need a fancy car to be a safe driver. We hope you are, regardless of your wheels!

With an Allstate auto insurance policy, you can actually turn your conscientiousness into cash.

Avoiding car accidents makes life better for everyone.

Allstate offers drivers “safe driving bonus checks” — you’ll get two $50 checks for every year of accident-free driving.

That’s $100 a year — and you’ll be safer.

In addition to bonus checks, you’ll also be rewarded with a reduced deductible, saving you money any time you have to make a claim for your vehicle.

You’ll get $100 off your deductible when you sign up, and an additional $100 off each year you continue driving safely, up to $500.

5. Take a Field Rep Job and Be Home for Dinner Every Night

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling for work, but don’t want to commit to being away for days or weeks at a time, this could be the perfect compromise.

A field work job might be just what you need.

These jobs often allow you to work from home on your own schedule, but also require local or regional travel. So you can get that highway time you crave.

Enjoy your solo time on the road, listening to podcasts, music and audiobooks — and get paid for it.

6. Deliver Groceries

Drive your beater around town, and help busy parents and professionals by delivering groceries through Instacart.

Lots of people dread a trip to the grocery store so much they’re willing to pay someone to do it for them.

They’ll put their shopping list into Instacart, and you make money being their personal shopper.

You’ll work with Instacart to set your own hours, so you can work as much or little as you want. Between your commission and tips, you could earn up to $25 an hour — and do your own grocery shopping to boot!

7. Earn $18-$25/Hour Delivering for Amazon

Through Amazon Flex, Prime members can order and receive items from Prime NOW within an hour.

And it’s hiring drivers!

As it rolls out around the country, Amazon is hiring drivers to Flex in a variety of cities.

As a Flex driver, you’ll work through the Amazon Flex app for Android to set your schedule ahead of time or pick up shifts when they’re available — whichever you prefer.

You have to be at least 21 years old and provide your own transportation (but no one says it has to be pretty).

Pay will vary by location, but Amazon says it’s between $18 and $25 an hour. Not bad for a side hustle!

Your Turn: Have you figured out how to make money in your beater car?

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. We’re letting you know because it’s what Honest Abe would do. After all, he is on our favorite coin.

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The Ultimate Guide to Renting an Apartment When You Have Bad Credit

You’ve found the perfect apartment: It’s within biking distance of the office, has a washer and dryer (in the unit?!) and a butler always greets you with a glass of wine when you get home.

OK, maybe it’s just four walls, a roof and a place to plug in your coffee maker.

You send in your lease application, call your designated moving friend (you know, the one with the pickup truck) and wait to hear back from your potential landlord.

But then you get a phone call saying your application has been denied — your low credit score screams “unreliable renter.”

And you’re not the only one: Nearly one-third of Americans have credit scores lower than 601. But the magic number landlords are looking for in potential tenants? It’s 600 or higher.

And since your credit score is, ahem, not great, you might be struggling to find a place to live.

Here’s the deal: Renting with bad credit is hard.

But we’ve put together a guide to understanding how to get an apartment with bad credit — and what you should know along the way.

1. The Easiest Answer is a Guarantor or Co-Signer

The quickest solution is to have someone co-sign the lease with you.

A co-signer generally needs to have the things adulthood dreams are made of: a secure income and a rockin’ credit score.

Usually this person would be your parent or a relative, although it wouldn’t be unheard of to have a friend help you in the right situation. But remember — issues involving money often put excessive strain on relationships.

Make sure you’re able to make the monthly payments before involving someone else’s good credit. If you flake out, they’re responsible for covering your rent.

Or, consider going through a company like Anchor Your Assets. Approval is based on your income, but the company guarantees rental approval by acting as your co-signer while still allowing the lease to be under your name. It charges a fee, but only if you’re approved for an apartment.

Now if you’ve found a guarantor, you’re good to go. If you can’t find one, or you know, you’re an adult who wants to cut the parent bailout lifeline, read on for some tips and tricks for navigating the process on your own.

2. Know What a Potential Landlord Will Find On Your Credit Report

Take an in-depth look at your credit report using an app like Credit Sesame. You’ll find out exactly what’s lowering your score, along with some tips on how to pull it back up.

Start with the glaring mistakes, like a bill you know you paid (and have proof!).

While not everyone can have a perfect credit score, the errors on your credit report may be unfairly bringing yours down — and you don’t have to live with them.

Then, pay off some of your easier to manage debts (i.e. overdue water bills and small medical bills), and work to get out from under those pesky collection agencies. (Pro tip: You can even negotiate some things off your credit report entirely.)

Some of the smudges on your credit report will be there a little longer. Think: big medical bills or loan defaults. You might just have to ride those out while you continue to prove yourself a reliable renter in other ways.

It’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Later on, you won’t want to be caught off guard if you do some negotiating (which you should).

3. Keep These Things in Mind When Negotiating a Lease

Everything is negotiable — if you negotiate it.

What’s the worst that can happen? They say no, and you move on.

Call the office and ask what criteria are used for approval, then formulate your plan. Most places look for good credit (bear with me!) and take-home pay of roughly three to four times the monthly rent, so have those paystubs ready.

Just remember that landlords want to fill spaces (because $$$), so they’re often happy to negotiate a contract that you’re both comfortable signing.

Letters of Recommendation aren’t Just for Job Applications

Presenting your potential landlord with letters of recommendation should be your first move.

These can come from a few sources (previous landlords, old roommates, even your bank) and should paint a picture of a responsible, bill-paying adult. You should also ask your employer to write a letter stating you have a secure income and are a reliable employee.

Letters of recommendation will prove to your landlord that you’re serious about being a responsible renter.

Besides, you’ll look more prepared and like you went out of your way to put the landlord’s mind at ease — both of which will score some points.

Be Prepared to Pay Extra

Because your low credit score tells a potential landlord you might be a risk, prepare to pay a little extra upfront. They’ll often ask for a security deposit that could be a third of a month’s rent or larger.

Or, consider starting with a month-to-month, three- or six-month lease. Rent is usually higher for shorter lease terms, but this gives the landlord an easy out if you do struggle to pay the rent.

You can eventually revisit the idea of a 12-month lease after building a good relationship with your landlord.

In some (read: desperate) situations, you could even offer outright to pay a higher monthly rent amount. Some landlords will be willing to take the risk for a higher price.

Explain Yourself with a Good, Old-Fashioned Appeal to Humanity

If none of these negotiation tactics have worked, it can never hurt to do a little begging (no shame in that game).

Take the time to explain the black marks on your credit report (like that whopper of a hospital bill) and talk about yourself. Be up front about anything the credit check might bring up, and explain what you’re doing to fix your credit score moving forward.

Providing a little backstory will help the landlord to see you as a responsible, honest person who just needs a place to live.

4. You’ll Have Better Luck if You’re Willing to Live Outside of the Area

If you’ve tried negotiating, but are still struggling to secure a lease, you might need to expand your search criteria.

Cities are competitive — competitive jobs, competitive parking and competitive housing. Apartment complexes have to have a system for narrowing down potential tenants. The easiest decision maker? A credit check.

If you’re willing to move outside of the popular areas, you’ll have better luck finding an apartment that accepts you regardless of your credit score, and one that doesn’t have three other people with good credit in a Hunger Games-style battle for that downtown loft.

Sure, commutes aren’t fun (or cheap), but it’s usually less expensive to live outside of the city, so you’ll save money in other places.

Besides, there are plenty of ways to make the commute sting less, like making money by carpooling.

5. Finding a Roommate Could Be the Answer to Your Renting Woes

I know, roommates are the worst.

But having a roommate is good for a few reasons, and not just because you can sneak bites of their leftovers.

If you can find a roommate with a better credit score, have them put their name on the lease while you sublease directly from them. Just don’t ask about it on the first roomie-date… things could get awkward…

Or, find someone advertising a room to rent by checking community message boards and Craigslist (cautiously). You might find someone who is already securely on a lease and is just looking for a roommate to occupy the extra space and fork over some cash.

In most cases, you’ll be able to move right in — no credit check required.

Either way, your roommate is trusting you to pay your rent, even if there’s no contract. Hand over those rent checks in a timely fashion — that money is worked into your roommate’s budget and will definitely be missed.

Additionally, because there’s no formal lease agreement, you’ll also have to put in some effort to become the ideal tenant or risk getting booted out. (Yep, even if you’re family.)

6. Some Apartments Don’t Check Credit

If all else fails, there are apartment complexes that don’t check credit scores.

While these may be outside of your target area, they’re worth considering. You’ll be able to nail down a lease with just your direct deposit history and those letters of recommendation.

A quick Google search using “your area” + “no credit check apartment” returns websites like Yelp and Yellow Pages, featuring lists of complexes where people have had success in renting with bad credit — or even no credit.

If you’re near a college town, look into university-affiliated housing. These places often don’t request a credit check because most students don’t have any credit at all. They’ll be serious about your proof of income, though!

7. Budget Extra Time for Your Search

Start apartment hunting yesterday.

Searching for an apartment that doesn’t check credit can be a lengthy process, and you don’t want to be forced to sign a more expensive lease just because your time is up.

Your search is going to take some extra legwork — and consequently, some extra time.

And if we know one thing as side-hustlin’ Penny Hoarders, it’s that time is money!

Once you find the right apartment, spend the next year or two mending your credit history and bringing up your score.

Focus on paying off your credit card debt and consider taking on a side gig to help you meet your financial goals sooner.

And one final tip: Ask to have your rent payments reported to the credit bureaus.

Your landlord might already be prepared to do this, but if not, you can do it yourself. Be careful though — if you do fail to pay the rent, it will only bring your score down further.

Happy hunting!

Your Turn: Have you ever had trouble renting an apartment because of your credit score?

Disclosure: You wouldn’t believe how much coffee The Penny Hoarder team goes through. This post contains affiliate links so we can keep the grinds stocked!

Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. And yeah, she likes her coffee.

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9 Ways to Survive Being Stranded in an Airport — Without Going Broke

Got the Brown Avocado Blues? Don’t Toss ’Em. Try These 11 Yummy Recipes

I have a love-hate relationship with avocados.

Love, because they’re inexpensive and delicious and creamy and wonderful, and they go perfectly with just about anything.

Hate, because there’s a six-hour window of perfect ripeness that falls randomly and unpredictably somewhere between day one and day seven of purchase, after which they’re mushy and gross.

Listen, I know it shouldn’t be that difficult, but my closest grocery store only stocks them “ready five minutes ago” or “hard as a rock.”

It makes me wonder if there’s a job market for “avocado ripeness babysitter” — someone who stands in your kitchen poking your produce and sounds the alarm the second they feel that perfect soft-but-not-squishy tenderness that signals avocado perfection.

Not a real thing? Ah, but a girl can dream.

You’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados into the trash after missing that (very slim) window, because let’s face it: Avocados just aren’t as good when they start to go mushy. And with avocado prices rising over the last several months, that’s good money you’re throwing away.

The good news, however, is that as long as there’s vibrant green meat somewhere (just scrape away the brown spots), that brown avocado can still be seriously yummy.

Never again will I toss an avocado just because it’s past prime guacamole-making texture. In my never-ending quest to save money on groceries and reduce food waste, I’ve discovered a few overripe avocado recipes, and lemme tell ya’, they’re delicious.

Sauces and Dressings

The easiest way to fancy up any meal (and use up those avocados) is by making a simple sauce or dressing. Five minutes, a food processor and voila!

1. Magic Green Sauce

This sauce from Lindsay over at Pinch of Yum is made with all green foods — right down to the pistachios. It’s a delicious velvety sauce you can use in just about any way you like! Use it as a veggie dip, salad dressing or marinade (think creamy chimichurri), or spread it on a sandwich for an extra-fresh kick. Magic, I tell you.

2. Creamy Avocado Vinaigrette

Alright, this. I knew about yogurt-based avocado dressings, but they’re always a little overwhelming with nothing to cut the rich, yogurty, buttery taste. This recipe from Chef Emeril himself is my new thing. Like, my “people are going to start avoiding me in an effort to never hear my lengthy avocado vinaigrette soliloquy again” thing. It’s light and refreshing, and has worked on every salad I’ve put it on so far.

Appetizers and Snacks

Arguably the best types of foods. In fact, I’ve been known to order an all-appetizer dinner (because variety and a cheap alternative to that $20 entree).

3. Avocado Nut Bread

In the same way you would turn your brown bananas into moist (sorry), delicious banana bread, try making this avocado nut bread from Food with your overripe avocados. I love any version of veggie bread, but the added bonus here is that the bread turns out green. (I think maybe I never outgrew the whole funny-colored foods fascination — purple ketchup, where you at?)

4. Corn and Avocado Fritters

If you’re one of those people wrapped up in a sordid love affair with avocado, try dipping these corn and avocado fritters from Give Recipe into the magic green sauce for a seriously avocado-y snack. Snacks on snacks on snacks.

Lunch and Dinner

Even in a main dish, the diva avocado manages to take center stage.

5. Avocado Egg Salad

For this one from All Recipes, you want to let the avocado go an extra day or two past peak ripeness anyway (because it will be softer and creamier), so it’s perfect for those of us who aren’t able to time an avocado intentionally.

6. Avocado Pasta

I’m Italian. I should LOVE pasta, right? Oops.

The thing is, pasta is such a heavy meal — so it’s strictly a comfort food in my eyes. But this stuff? This glorious, light, refreshing dish from Damn Delicious puts pasta back in my regular dinner rotation.

7. Blackened Chicken with Avocado Cream Sauce

This one from Womanista is a winner winner chicken dinner (um, yeah, I did have to say that). Again, that avocado cream sauce is the perfect place for a mushy avocado, because it all gets smoothed out in the food processor anyway.

Desserts

I know, I know… Healthy foods and desserts shouldn’t mix. But just hear me out on this one: I promise only good things lie ahead with these dessert avocado recipes.

8. Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Perhaps the most famous (infamous) hidden-avocado recipe is chocolate avocado pudding. This version, from the Mother Nature Network, tastes decadent without all the sugar and cream found in most desserts, and it’s pretty customizable as far as add-ins and texture.

Bonus: This one’s vegan.

9. Chocolate Caramel Avocado Brownies

Do I even need to say anything about this recipe from Mike over at The Iron You?

Chocolate? Yes please. Caramel? Keep it coming. A healthier spin on my favorite food group? Done and done. (Wait — brownies are a food group, right?)

Drinks

What’s next, an avocado cocktail?! Um, yes, actually.

10. Avocado Margarita

The thing is, I’ve never met a margarita I didn’t get along with — for the evening, anyway. But I think this light and creamy margarita from Bon Appetit is about to set the bar (pun intended) pretty high.

11. Smoooooothies

Smoothies might just be the easiest way to disguise the texture of a mushy brown avocado. And while there’s no wrong way to make a smoothie, this recipe from Real Simple has the added bonus of using up your not-so-perfect apples, too. But really, avocados go well with just about any smoothie ingredients given their buttery, almost nutty flavor.

Bonus Round: Avocado Face Mask

If you still can’t handle the thought of eating an avocado that’s past its prime, you could try a do-it-yourself avocado face mask. Over at Natural Beauty Tips, you’ll find a few different versions that all call for basic pantry ingredients, so you won’t have to make an extra trip to the store.

Consider this the beginning of the rest of your avocado-filled life — no more throwing your grocery budget in the trash.

Your Turn: What’s your favorite recipe for using up that overripe produce?

Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s currently accepting applications for that “avocado ripeness babysitter” gig.

The post Got the Brown Avocado Blues? Don’t Toss ’Em. Try These 11 Yummy Recipes appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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