Friday, April 19, 2024

Money Makers - How Millennials Make Money from Their Hobbies Online

 

Did you know millennials today are transforming their hobbies into profitable ventures on the internet? As digital natives, this generation is leveraging their tech savvy to garner likes, shares, and subscribers and generate real money!

Reimagining the Landscape of Hobbies

Historically, hobbies were seen primarily as enriching personal activities that acted as stress busters or productive ways to utilize spare time. Digitally empowered millennials have twisted this concept. These young adults have understood for a long time that sharing passions and skills don't just provide personal satisfaction but can also be monetized in today's digital world.

Jason Adler, a software engineer at Repocket, shares his insightful perspective: "Millennials have been quick to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. They have found a direct, global audience for their work by channeling their talents and hobbies online. Hence, these platforms allow them to turn a hobby into a business."

Online Platforms: The Catalyst of Change

Numerous online platforms, from blogging and vlogging to freelancing and virtual goods trading, have enabled people to showcase their hobbies, earn a loyal following, and generate revenue. Here are a few examples:
  1. Blogging and Vlogging: Platforms such as YouTube or private blogs provide a space for creative individuals to share their content and, through advertisements, partnerships, or crowd-funding, gain financial rewards.
  2. Freelancing: Websites bridge freelancers and clients, offering design, writing, coding, teaching, etc.
  3. Online Trading: Digital marketplaces allow for the selling of artwork, handicrafts, and vintage items, among other things.

Navigating the Challenge of Sustained Monetization

While monetizing hobbies online may seem like a sweet deal, it does come with its fair share of challenges. Repocket’s Jason Adler explains, "There's a real art to monetizing hobbies online that needs genuine skill and strategy. You need consistent quality content, a wide subscriber base, and a knowledge of online algorithms to succeed. It may sound intimidating, but one can navigate this path effectively with the right guidance."

Tips for Success

Adler, an experienced software engineer, offers some invaluable advice for millennials looking to generate revenue online through their hobbies:
  1. Set clear goals: Decide what you want to achieve - is it just about the money, or do you want to expand your audience?
  2. Consistency is key: The more consistently you put out content, the more likely you are to retain and grow your audience.
  3. Engage your audience: Interact with your followers. Depending on your platform, this could be through comments, emails, surveys, live chats, or other forms of engagement.
  4. Keep improving: Stay up-to-date with new tools, resources, and developments that could help enhance your content and its delivery.

No longer are hobbies just pastime activities; millennials are proving they can be hobbyist entrepreneurs. With suitable approaches and relevant expertise, this online revolution is all set for more growth and success. As they say in the digital world, "Every click can indeed pay." Ultimately, those who skillfully ride this online hobby monetization trend can turn their passions into paychecks!

Post courtesy of https://repocket.co/ 

World Wisdom - PetSafe Natural Litter

 As Earth Day approaches, it's time to reflect on our impact on the planet and how we can make greener choices in our daily lives. One often overlooked area is pet care. PetSafe Brands can make a difference with its environmentally conscious Natural Litter, providing a sustainable solution for your beloved feline companions. This litter is crafted from renewable, biodegradable materials, making it gentle on the environment. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and synthetic additives – this litter is all about going back to basics. PetSafe Brands understands the importance of air quality, which is why its Natural Litter boasts a low-dust formula. When it's time to clean the litter box, you can rest easy knowing that the Natural Litter is easy to dispose of. Since it's biodegradable, you can simply compost it or dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.


This Earth Day, make a difference with PetSafe Natural Litter. Choose a sustainable option that not only cares for your cat but also cares for the planet. Help create a healthier, happier Earth for generations to come.


Follow PetSafe on Instagram

Thrifty Thinking - Credit Card & Banking Landscape Reports

 WalletHub analyzed interest rates, rewards, and fees across various credit segments and account types, highlighting the most important trends in our quarterly landscape reports. To help people better understand the market, WalletHub released its latest Credit Card Landscape Report and Banking Landscape Report. You can check out some highlights below.

 
Banking Landscape Key Trends
  • Account Rate Increases: Savings account rates increased by 143% in the past year, while checking account rates increased by 126%. CD rates went up by 95%.
     
  • Online Savings’ Leading Rates: Online-only personal savings accounts provide the market’s highest interest rates, offering 3.7X higher returns than traditional checking accounts.
     
  • Credit Union Benefits: Credit unions offer 65X higher interest rates on checking accounts than regional banks (1.94% vs. 0.03% on average).
     
  • High Yields Available: The highest interest rate on a checking account is 5.15%, which you can get from the Redneck Bank Rewards Checking Account. The highest interest rate on a savings account is 5.55%, which you can get from the Flagstar Bank Savings Accounts.

Full report: https://wallethub.com/edu/banking-landscape-report/1629/
 
Credit Card Landscape Key Trends
  • APRs on New Offers: The average interest rate for new credit card offers is 22.89%, as of Q1 2024, up from 22.05% in Q1 2023.
     
  • Annual Fee Trends: The average credit card annual fee is $22.29 (3.29% higher vs. Q4 2023).
     
  • Interest-Free Promotions: The longest 0% introductory period available right now is 21 months, which you can get with the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.

Full report: https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-landscape-report/24927


 
“Consumers should be careful to avoid carrying credit card balances from month to month without a 0% promotion, given how high ongoing APRs have become. Regular interest rates on credit card offers are now close to 23% and have increased by around 4% in the past year alone. This year-over-year increase has cost consumers billions of dollars so far, according to WalletHub’s analysis. Even the most creditworthy consumers are feeling the pain. Interest rates on credit cards for people with excellent credit have increased the most in the past year, rising by nearly 6%.”
 
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“The good thing about high interest rates is that bank accounts are finally providing a decent yield. Savings and checking account APYs increased by more than 125% in the past year. In order to get the best rates, consumers need to evaluate their options, as the average online-only personal savings account offers almost a 4X higher rate than a branch-based account. If you haven’t shopped around for a new bank account in a while, checking out the best deals available right now could certainly be worth your while. Even if you’re struggling with debt, building an emergency fund is essential, and a high APY can make that easier.”

John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor


 

Fun Freetime - IF Costume Tour: MN Stops

 Friday:          Blue will illustrate his magic among the wonderful wildlife at the Como Zoo and Conservatory from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Fans will not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also have a golden opportunity to capture that unforgettable moment with Blue.

Saturday:     After an early stop at the KARE-11 studio on Saturday, Blue will be zooming over to the Mall of America. From the North Garden, Blue will be ready to charm fans with his captivating personality. Here, audiences will get another opportunity to snap photos with the character, truly bringing the essence of family and fun from the movie to life. As a cherry on top, Blue will be giving away fantastic promotional items — a perfect souvenir from a day of whimsical adventure!

About:          From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

 


#IFMovie

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Going Green - Donald Pliner and One Tree Planted

  Donald Pliner, a premier lifestyle brand renowned for its luxurious footwear, is proud to announce a partnership with One Tree Planted, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to global reforestation efforts. This collaboration signifies a shared dedication to environmental conservation and offers a unique opportunity for customers to contribute to the planet's well-being.


As stewards of our planet, Donald Pliner and One Tree Planted unite to address the pressing need for reforestation in regions devastated by wildfires and natural calamities. Through this alliance, Donald Pliner pledges to plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased on DonaldPliner.com from April 19th through April 22nd, coinciding with the celebration of Earth Day. Not only does this initiative seek to rejuvenate nature and restore biodiversity in areas scarred by disasters, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role trees play in sustaining our ecosystem.


For the third year in a row, Donald Pliner will plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased in partnership with One Tree Planted. This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to shop for oneself and find a loving gift for both Mother's Day and Mother Earth. Join us in contributing to the health and well-being of our planet while enjoying our exquisite footwear collection, embodying timeless elegance and sophistication. From unique and artful sandals perfect for summer outings to elegant flats ideal for everyday wear, Donald Pliner offers a diverse range of styles to suit every mother's individual taste and lifestyle. Each pair represents an emotional purchase, making it a truly meaningful and thoughtful gift for Mother's Day.



Additionally, by choosing Donald Pliner for their Mother's Day gifts, customers not only express their love and appreciation for their mothers but also contribute to environmental sustainability. With every purchase, a tree is planted through One Tree Planted, ensuring that each gift carries with it the lasting impact of contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.


For more information about Donald Pliner's initiatives and the partnership with One Tree Planted, please visit https://donaldpliner.com/one-tree-planted 



About Donald Pliner

Donald Pliner is a heritage lifestyle brand with over 35 years of experience, celebrated for its exceptional footwear. Distinguished in both men's and women's footwear, Donald Pliner approaches shoe design as an art form, showcasing impeccable design, material innovation, high-quality craftsmanship, and unexpected comfort. Each piece reflects the brand's dedication to artistry, with decades of experience and a timeless interpretation of trends. Embrace the enduring beauty and craftsmanship of Donald Pliner footwear, styling each piece creatively for years to come. Elevate your style with confidence and sophistication in every step you take.


About One Tree Planted 

One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at onetreeplanted.org.

Website Spotlight - Eternal Applications

 Eternal Applications (EternalApplications.com) today announced the launch of its after-life messaging platform that allows people to create personalized messages that will be delivered to family and friends after they pass away.  These messages allow users to show how much they care, by leaving messages for loved ones to feel their presence by seeing and hearing their words at special occasions and milestones.


Eternal Applications provides peace of mind to users as they craft their legacy, wisdom or life stories to be remembered by.  Featuring easy-to-use text, video and audio tools to make it simple to record and send messages, Eternal Applications users can express their love for the people that matter most and recount memories and life stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

It is often challenging to have difficult conversations face to face, and even harder to convey exactly what you want to convey in the moment. The Eternal Applications platform lets users craft their message exactly as they want it in a comfortable environment.  Users can create their message while they are still of sound mind and the person that their loved ones want to remember. Creating a message not only gives peace of mind knowing it's there in the event that tragedy strikes, but also that you’re there for your loved ones in such an instance.

Eternal Applications is designed to let users leave messages for any occasion, not just immediately after their passing, but for any of life’s major events such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and more.  The platform uses an “Administrator” system to notify when a user has passed in order to "queue" up their messages. An administrator can be anyone. Users typically rely on spouses, children or close family members.

“Losing a loved one is among the most emotionally painful things that can occur and can continue to hurt for months and even years. Eternal Applications offers users a way to help their loved ones through this time,” said Chris Jalbert, founder of Eternal Applications.  “Words fade over time, but by creating a message your loved one gets to replay or reread as often as they want is priceless.”

When a user creates their message, they designate the recipient of the message and their contact information. When the date of delivery arrives, Eternal Applications will send the recipient a link to a secure page where the user will be able to read, view or listen to the message. They will also have the opportunity to download the message and save it to their phone, computer or tablet, keeping the message close to heart forever.

Messages can be purchased as a part of three packages all with a 50 year delivery window and the ability to edit and delete at no additional cost at any time in the future: Basic ($49.99 for one message with 10 unique recipients), Plus ($99.99 for three messages with 30 unique recipients) and Premium ($149.99 for 10 message with 100 unique recipients). All purchases are one time buys - not subscriptions. Messages can be written, audio or video (all same "cost").

ABOUT ETERNAL APPLICATIONS
Eternal Application’s mission is to enable all users to be eternally present with the people they care about.  Whether it's a final message telling your loved ones that everything will be ok, sharing a happy memory with a child, surprising grandchildren with a message on their birthday, leaving a message for future generations to know your story, or simply one last "I Love You" - Eternal Applications was founded to provide user the tools to express how much your loved ones mean to you. More information at eternalapplications.com

Going Green - GoSun Flow

 Whether you’re trekking up a trail in the sweltering heat, or pitching a tent on a snowy night, clean water is crucial to your next adventure. The leading eco startup, GoSun, is dedicated to empowering people through portable/solar-powered products like its outdoor water purifier and pump. 


The GoSun Flow, a winner of the CES Innovation Awards, doesn't require any hand pumping and gives consumers a variety of options to access clean water through a straw, water bag, or water bottle. The solar-powered pump can pump over 100 gallons of water on a single charge.


It can remove microplastics, bacteria, parasites and more (including E. coli, salmonella and giardia) from just about any water source. 


Using a USB-powered pump, The GoSun Flow can pump water at 15 PSI. Run the pump directly on the Solar Case or the included power bank. The filter device lasts for 1,000 liters of filtration and can be easily replaced.


Giveaway - PlasTechFree

PlasTechFree is giving away a pack of game-changing home compostable Kitchen Compost Bin Bags, Pet Waste Bags, and Diaper Waste Bags to one lucky winner! Say goodbye to plastic waste and hello to guilt-free convenience with PlasTechFree.


Click here to view PlasTechFree’s Instagram page!

Click here to view the post!

 

To enter, simply follow these steps:

1. Like the giveaway post on Instagram.

2. Follow @PlasTechFree on Instagram.

 

For extra entries:

3. Tag a friend who's passionate about the planet. Each tag equals one additional entry.

4. Repost our giveaway announcement on your Instagram story.

 

Don't miss out on this chance to win eco-friendly products that will make a positive impact on our environment!

 

Entries close on Sunday, 4/21, at 1 PM EST. Spread the word, and let's work together to create a greener, cleaner future.

 

TV Time - New Shows on Canyon Star TV

 Canyon Star TV keeps expanding its lineup, offering a diverse range of captivating shows that cater to various interests while maintaining top-notch quality in family-friendly programming. New shows are frequently introduced to keep things new and exciting. The latest additions include The Vision with Dr. Alveda King, POP Talk, The Unseen Realm with Paul Renfroe, Crown Awards Show, Meet My Abuela, Life’s Rewards, Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz, Beachy Beach Real Estate, Luxe Life Discovered, Nostalgic Travel, The DLR Cast, Fishing Offshore, The Outsiders Club, Classic Country Saturday Night, Indie Country Music Television, Classic Country Television (CCTV), & more! Canyon Star TV is excited to add fresh, new shows weekly.


To view Canyon Star TV’s new sizzle reel, visit HERE.
To sign up for free and for further information, visit CanyonStar.tv.

“Canyon Star TV is growing like crazy, hitting our 1,045 show addition to the network as of April 1st,” smiles Kelly Kantz. “We are moving in the right direction, and programmers are seeing what we have to offer in our family-friendly programming. Viewers have the full ability to enjoy the programming for FREE. It can’t get any better for our viewers!

Canyon Star TV recently announced other additions, including Under The Golden Spotlight, Insider’s Brief & Bouncing Back with Tony DUrso, The Tim Kelly Show, Classic Country Breakfast With Mikey, Traditionally Lynch, Center Stage With The Stars, Center Stage Live, The Rosie & Bill Show, Discovery Hope, Branson Country USA, Stories Of The Century, and the popular new fan-favorite, Tony’s Backstage Pass. Canyon Star TV is just getting started!

Canyon Star TV is also excited to feature more music videos from some of the hottest names in entertainment, including The Oak Ridge Boys, T. Graham Brown, John Conlee, Doug Stone, Pam Tillis, Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Wills, Marty Stuart, Kelly Lang, and more!

Canyon Star TV recently announced the launch of its first round of institutional funding with a target close date of May 2024 after raising $800K from friends and family and a successful year of organically acquiring content and users. Canyon Star TV plans to raise $2 million for its seed round of capital from strategic investors interested in shaping the future of the family-friendly streaming industry.

Over the past year, founder Joey Canyon and co-founder Kelly Kantz focused on creating a business strategy that focuses on creating a platform that users of all ages can love and safely stream on their devices with no concerns about inappropriate content. At the same time, the revamped business strategy targets over $150 million in annual revenue by 2028 by combining original content creation, deals with advertisers and sponsors, ad-free subscriptions, and a shopping channel currently under development.

  • Canyon Star TV acquired over 1000 family-friendly titles at no cost through deep relationships in the media and entertainment industry.
  • Canyon Star announced its first round of institutional capital one year after launching its AVOD streaming platform in January 2023, organically capturing more than 21,000 viewers.
  • Upon securing funding, Canyon Star plans to begin the production of five original titles, sign at least three content licensing contracts, and onboard 20K new viewers through marketing strategies during 2024.

Canyon Star TV's free streaming platform offers diverse programming, including live music videos, children's shows, talk shows, outdoor living content, and an expanding collection of faith-based programs. With such a varied selection, it is the most family-friendly streaming platform available today!
  
About Canyon Star TV:
Canyon Star TV (CSTV) is a family-friendly television network founded by CEO Joey Canyon, a visionary media entrepreneur and award-winning country music singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer, ​actor, and producer. CSTV officially launched globally in early 2023 and offers the world wholesome ​family programming that celebrates traditional country and Americana music and a full spectrum of entertainment with unique and original content. Viewers can use any streaming device to access a broad range of exclusive programming anytime, anywhere, including everything from popular movies and classic TV shows to shopping, travel, sports, lifestyle, food, and history programs to live performances by some of the best country music artists. Founder/CEO Canyon and President Kelly Kantz combine their love for all aspects of the entertainment industry while providing viewers with something new, exciting, and enriching for the whole family. For more information, please visit canyonstar.tv or contact KellyKantz@CanyonStar.tv.
 

Music Minute - Jade Eagleson: Pure Country

 

As his single “Telluride'' soars up the Canadian radio charts, multi-PLATINUM artist Jade Eagleson is bringing fans more new music today with the digital drop of “Pure Country,” available everywhere today. Released following an incredible fan response on TikTok last year, the anthemic track is very clearly a love letter to hard-working, Country-life loving women and kicks off a new season of music for Eagleson following the release of his critically acclaimed album Do It Anyway last year.
 
 
Written last year with longtime friend Daryl Scott, the track is a celebration of the women who both grew up and were surrounded by the rural lifestyle. “Daryl and I are from the same small farm town so when we get together our shared experiences kind of just pour out of us,” explained Eagleson. “This time we got to talking about the incredible qualities of women who raised us and, from there this song just wrote itself. I hope that every small-town, industrious woman sees themselves in this song and knows how much we appreciate them.” 
 
Brought to life with Eagleson's classic high-energy tempo and unmistakable storytelling, "Pure Country" nods to Eagleson's heroes Shania Twain and George Strait, making it a fast favorite for fans of old-school Country. 
 
“While this release starts the next chapter for me, I wanted it to stay true to my classic Country roots and I think we've done just that,” said Eagelson. “Us cowboys would be nothing without the support of our incredible Country women and this song highlights everything we love about them. I hope it becomes an anthem for everyone who recognizes themselves in the lyrics.” 
 
Heading into a busy summer, Eagleson will be out on the road across Canada, Europe and the U.S. kicking things off by joining Cody Johnson on the Canadian dates of The Leather Tour. Fans can also catch Eagleson in the U.S. at Faster Horses Festival, CMA Fest and Watershed Festival, at multiple festivals across Canada, and in Norway at the Norsk Countrytreff, among many other stops across North America this summer. 

Embracing tradition while pushing boundaries, Eagleson continues to solidify his status as one of Country music's most promising talents. Keep up with him at jadeeagleson.com and on InstagramFacebookTwitter and YouTube.


ABOUT JADE EAGLESON:
At just 29 years of age, Jade Eagleson has made quite the mark on the international Country music scene. Boasting 305M+ global streams and 120M+ views on YouTube since the debut of his self-titled album (2020), which holds four GOLD-certified and two PLATINUM-certified singles as well as the title of most globally streamed debut album by an internationally-signed Country artist, Jade has also landed four No. 1's at Canadian Country Radio (“Lucky,” "All Night To Figure It Out," “More Drinkin' Than Fishin'” feat. Dean Brody, “She Don't Know”), three GOLD-certified tracks on his sophomore album and one PLATINUM-certified track and another two GOLD-certified tracks on his third album Do It Anyway. With the release of his debut single “Got Your Name On It” (2018), Jade was featured as YouTube's Trending 'Artist On The Rise,' marking the first time a Canadian-signed artist in any genre has received the honour. “Got Your Name On It” has since become the first debut single by a Canadian artist to go PLATINUM.
 
These last few years have been unmatched for the Ontario native. Jade kicked off 2024 with his third JUNO nomination for Country Album of the Year and last year was named the 2023 CCMA Awards Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, also taking home the award for Innovative Campaign of the Year during Country Music Week 2023. Jade's third studio album, Do It Anyway and single “Telluride” are available everywhere now. For more info visit https://www.jadeeagleson.com/.