Federal Stimulus Checks Are Gone — But These Secret Money Hacks Can Still Fill Your Wallet!

Alright, so if you were waiting around for another federal stimulus check, I hate to be the bearer of bad news — those are done and dusted. The last big one, called the Recovery Rebate Credit, had a deadline earlier this year, and that window has officially closed.

But don’t stress! There are still plenty of ways to get some extra money in your pocket or help with bills. It’s not as simple as a big check from the government, but with a little digging, you can find options that work for you.

Your State Might Have Your Back

Even though the federal cash has stopped, many states are handing out their own relief money to help out.

For example:

• If you live in New York and made under $75,000 last year, you might get an automatic $200 check — and if you’re married and made under $150,000, that goes up to $400.

• In Colorado, if you’re a senior, disabled, or a surviving spouse, you could qualify for a rebate of over $1,000 to help with property taxes, rent, or heating costs.

If you’re elsewhere, it’s worth checking your state’s website or local news — a lot of places are rolling out similar programs to help with inflation and rising expenses.

Some Programs Are Trying Something New: Guaranteed Income

There are also some cool new programs popping up that give steady monthly payments to people who really need it — no strings attached.

Take the Magnolia Mother’s Trust in Mississippi, for example. They give $1,000 a month for a year to low-income Black mothers, plus $1,000 for their kids’ college savings, plus mental health support. It’s a fresh idea meant to ease financial stress and help families get ahead.

These kinds of programs are still pretty rare, but they’re growing and could be coming to more places.

Make Your Own “Stimulus” With Everyday Money Hacks

You don’t have to wait on the government to boost your cash. Here are some easy ways to put money back in your pocket:

• Use cash-back credit cards or apps like Rakuten and Ibotta to earn money on stuff you’re already buying, like groceries or gas.

• Put your savings where they’ll earn more, like high-yield savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs).

• Got a car or tools you don’t use all the time? Rent them out through apps like Turo or Fat Llama. Or rent your yard for events on platforms like Sniffspot. Easy ways to make extra money.

Don’t Miss Out on Tax Credits and Refunds

Even though the main stimulus checks are done, the IRS is still sending money automatically to about a million people who missed claiming their Recovery Rebate Credit on old tax returns. So keep an eye out — you might get a surprise payment.

Also, some states offer tax rebates. For example, in Colorado, you can get a refund of several hundred dollars when you file your state taxes. It pays to know what’s available where you live!

Think Long-Term: Investing Can Help Grow Your Money

If you’re looking beyond quick cash, investing is a solid way to build your wealth over time.

For instance, putting $1,400 into an S&P 500 index fund 20 years ago would’ve turned into over $10,000 today. It’s not a quick payday, but smart investing can help secure your future.

Sure, the federal stimulus checks have ended, but there are still plenty of ways to get help or make some extra money. From state programs to new income ideas and investing, you’ve got options.

If you want help figuring out what works best for you or want to dig into any of these, just let me know — I’ve got your back!