Rideshare and delivery drivers have a slew of things to worry about, largely due to your status as independent contractors. Without the cushion of corporate benefits, drivers often have to pursue options for necessities, with insurance at the top of the list.

Insurance is something that drivers may not realize they need… until they do. There’s nothing sadder than getting your car totaled and still being stuck with the remaining payments… except, perhaps, a family that’s left with no source of income after a driver’s death.

Who wants to think about that, right? There are many concerns drivers might have about their insurance status. In this post we review those by describing 5 mistakes you don’t want to make, including:

1. Assuming, “It will never happen”
2. Not comparing policies
3. Buying too much insurance
4. Not buying enough insurance
5. Neglecting the big picture

We’ll also discuss an option for protecting you and your family from the ultimate loss, with coverage you can count on and afford.

Insurance: What price for peace of mind?

When you signed up to drive and/or deliver for your company, you were required to prove that you had basic insurance on your vehicle. 

In fact, before you can even drive a vehicle, you have to have basic insurance. This protects you, and it also shields other drivers who might be involved in an accident with you.

Your basic insurance covers your vehicle, and to some extent, bodily injuries that might occur as the result of an accident. But what about other aspects of engaging in day-to-day life? You may not think about it much, but your insurance needs go far beyond basic automobile coverage. 

For example, do you have health insurance? What about homeowners’ insurance, or renters’ insurance if you rent a house or apartment? Do you have a plan for how you’ll survive if you can’t work for an extended period of time? And, especially important, what will your dependents do if the worst should happen?

With all these (and other) considerations, insurance can get pretty complicated. To make it even more confusing, insurance companies generally specialize in a certain type of coverage and/or policy. For example, if you have a medical insurance policy, you wouldn’t be able to add a rider for valuables in your home.

Because insurance is so complex, it’s easy to make mistakes when we buy it. Let’s look now at some of the errors drivers need to avoid, and some ways of not spending too much money while still getting everything you need.

The 5 mistakes you can’t afford to make

Mistake #1: Assuming “It will never happen”

Considering the expense that insurance can represent, it’s reasonable for people to weigh the likelihood of something catastrophic happening against the odds of going through life without such an incident. 

But this can be a big mistake. Let’s say you just don’t think it makes sense to pay for health insurance. You might be a reasonably healthy person, someone who exercises regularly and eats a balanced diet. But suppose you’re out for a jog one morning, when your foot hits a divot in the dirt, and you take a spill. You might come out of it totally unscathed… or, you could suffer anything from a broken bone to a closed head injury.

The cost of medical treatment for something like that could easily escalate into thousands of dollars. Do you have that kind of money stashed away to cover such a calamity? The truth is, few people have that kind of money to spare. That’s why it’s smart to be reasonable and take precautions against sustaining huge financial losses even from minor injury.

Mistake #2: Not comparing policies

The ubiquitous, often humorous, ads for insurance that appear online and on TV are designed to convince the public that the funniest character is going to offer the best prices and coverage—which, of course, isn’t necessarily true.

It always pays to compare policies, for cost and for coverage. This applies to car insurance as much as liability insurance for your business. It always pays to shop around. If you purchase from a broker, ask for a chance to compare the policies under consideration, so you know you’re getting the best deal.

Mistake #3: Buying too much insurance

This is what can happen when you’re not careful about reading the fine print. While those policies can be long and arduous to read, you need to read them anyway. It’s important to know what you’re getting and how much you’re going to pay for it.

How could you end up buying too much insurance? One way is inadvertent duplication; you might forget that you already have roadside service through your auto club or your car dealer, and end up paying extra for it inside a car insurance policy. Or, you might get talked into buying insurance against water damage to your home, even though that’s already covered in your basic homeowner’s policy.

Mistake #4: Not buying enough insurance

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. A glaring example is “gap insurance,” which kicks in when your car gets totaled, even in a minor accident. Many people don’t bother with gap insurance—and that can be a huge mistake. Here’s why...

Your basic insurance policy will cover the resale value of the car, but it won’t cover the difference between that and the amount you owe on the loan for the vehicle. Let’s say your $20,000 car just got totaled. It’s easy to assume that the insurance company would pay what it’s worth, but it won’t. It’s likely to be more like $10,000 or $12,000. Do you think the financial institution that gave you the loan is just going to forgive and forget the $8,000 to $10,000 difference? No, they’re not.

Gap insurance would cover you in such an instance. The policy pays off the loan, so you won’t be stuck making payments on a car that’s in the junkyard. And though a policy like this might seem like a luxury when you first insure your car, it will more than pay for itself if you find yourself in this type of crisis situation.

Mistake #5: Neglecting the big picture 

When you look at your life, you might think all your insurance needs all taken care of. You have health insurance, you’ve insured your vehicle and your home, and if you have a separate business, you’ve bought liability insurance. It’s true that you probably have most of the bases covered, but something crucial could be missing: life insurance.

Although it may be uncomfortable to think about your own death, it’s a fact that we’re all going to die eventually. So if you died tomorrow, what about those who are left behind? That’s where many people fail in terms of being responsible about insurance, and their long-term planning in general.

Life insurance makes up for the money you would ordinarily bring in to support your family. In the event of your untimely death, your family (or whoever you designate as your beneficiary) would have a set amount of money that they could count on until they could generate some other source of income.

This money could be used to pay for burial expenses, as well as other items your beneficiary would need. If you think about it, life insurance is the most important kind of insurance you can buy. And, you can get a life insurance policy for an affordable price.

This company “Bestows” the protection you need

When you shop for term life insurance, you’ll want to know that the company you choose is going to offer you the most protection for as little money as possible. 

First, focus on what you need. You’ll want to provide your beneficiary with protection that will replace your income for as long as possible. You might have a job besides your driving gig that provides life insurance, but it probably won’t offer much. Most policies you get from an employer replace your income for a year or two.

What if you have dependents, like children or older adults who are unable to make money of their own? How well will they survive on one or two years’ worth of your annual salary? They’re probably going to need a lot more than that—which is why you’ll need a term life insurance policy such as the 10- and 20-year policies available from Bestow.

The terms of the policy, measured in years, indicate the amount of time the policy is in effect. For example, if you apply and are approved for a policy when you’re 40, the 10-year term gets you to age 50, and the 20-year term will last until you turn 60. As long as you continue to pay your premiums on time, the policy can provide, in the event of your death, and your beneficiaries will be well taken care of.

Bestow stands out for offering solid term life insurance policies, because they work with an A+ rated carrier. This means you can be very certain the company is capable of paying your benefits, again, as long as you pay your premiums.

There are details you’ll want to know, like how soon the coverage might kick in, and under what circumstances it might not pay. Check out the Bestow website to get all these answers and more.

You’ll find that Bestow makes getting and managing your policy extremely simple. Bestow handles everything from your application to your payments, and any changes you might want to make to your policy as time goes on. 

So, please don’t get hung up by any of the mistakes drivers make when they purchase insurance, and by all means, get insurance that protects your loved ones, in case the very worst thing happens. Bestow is here to offer you solid policies, reasonable prices, and the most precious thing of all… peace of mind.

Bestow terms and conditions

Life insurance quotes provided by Bestow Agency, LLC dba Bestow Insurance Services in CA, who is the licensed agent. Term Life Insurance Policies offered by Bestow are issued on policy form LS181 and LS182, or state version including all applicable endorsements and riders, by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products or issues ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply. Not available in New York. North American is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. Limitations or restrictions may apply. A+ (Superior), the second-highest rating out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for North American Company for Life and Health Insurance as part of Sammons Financial Group on August 19, 2020. A.M. Best is a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. Our application asks about your lifestyle and health to avoid requiring a medical exam.

Early in 2021, we are seeing a reemergence of rideshare and a continuation of the growth of food and grocery delivery.

Still, times like these are not the easiest for rideshare and delivery drivers who want to earn good money, as states struggle to reopen, and stay open, in the midst of a still worsening pandemic.

That’s why it’s important for rideshare and delivery drivers to have a way they can earn money both on and off the road.

We’ve found a great way to do just that through a company called Curion, a highly respected consumer insight company that is paying drivers an average of $50/hr to help companies understand what consumers think of their products.

We’ll tell you all about it in this article, by answering these questions:

• How can drivers make money by helping companies understand what consumers think of their products?
• How can drivers participate in consumer panels?
• How much do drivers get paid?
• Who can participate?
• Should drivers do consumer panels?

How can drivers make money helping companies understand what consumers?

Companies everywhere are looking for ways to please the people who might purchase their products. 

Before they can be sure they’re hitting the mark, they test their products on people through surveys, test panels, and focus groups. Most large corporations hire consulting companies to test their products and services with test groups that match their target customer group. You may have heard about this before, but paid little attention to it because your rideshare and/or delivery business was booming. 

You may want to take a closer look at consumer panels now, especially if the lingering effects of the pandemic have you looking for ways to bring in extra cash. 

Curion is positioned in an excellent spot to provide opportunities to drivers. They need people who are willing to spend time rating products and services, and then Curion compensates these people for their time.

All you have to do is offer your time, observations and opinions. You might be presented with an idea for a new product line, a new menu item, or a new household product. Then, you will be asked to use the product, offer feedback, and answer a number of questions. There could also be a written survey involved. Sessions typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while some can go a bit longer.

Curion offers an average earning of $35 for a 30-minute study and $50 for a 1-hour study for people who are available for focus groups and panels, though incentives can potentially even go up as high as $300+ depending on the study. 

How can drivers participate in consumer panels?

Participating in product testing and focus groups can definitely beef up your lower-than-usual income, or provide money in lieu of what you’d earn from driving and/or delivering. There are lots of companies out there, and of course you want to work for one that’s dependable and trustworthy.  Curion Insights is just that. 

Curion is a sophisticated and well-respected market research firm, which also happens to be the largest in the US. It has state-of-the-art facilities for in-person panels and focus groups, and the company follows safety protocols for COVID-19.

Curion also offers online experiences for panelists and product testers. Their clients include corporations that produce food and beverages, personal care and home care products, and other items. The onsite panels can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and will leave plenty of time for you to continue your driving or delivery gig, if you choose.  If by chance the panels take a little longer, they will typically be split up into multiple sessions on different days. 

You can join and apply to get on Curion’s consumer panels through the Curion website.

How much do drivers get paid?

Drivers, like all panelists, will be paid according to the amount of time they spend working on a panel. Unlike many other survey-oriented companies, Curion pays decent money. Payment starts at $50 for a one-hour focus group, or $35 for a 30-minute session. If you do product testing from home, you’ll also receive compensation that is definitely worth your time — though you will have to swing by and pick up your products to test. 

Who can participate?

If you are a consumer of food, personal, and home use products, there is likely a study for which you qualify.  Once you apply, Curion will try to match you with a qualifying panel. Those who are chosen fit into consumer groups that would potentially use or purchase the product or service. As long as you have the availability and fit the right consumer profile, you could be eligible.

And here’s something interesting: Let’s say you’re stuck home with the kids because their schools are closed. Curion looks for consumers aged 13 and up, so if you want, you can make product testing, and earning, a family affair. 

Should drivers do consumer panels?

It goes without saying that you’ll have to decide this for yourself, based on your individual preferences. 

But - if you want to make some extra money, potentially meet like-minded people, and get some ideas of what new products and services are about before they even come to market - consumer panels, if you work with the right company, can be fun, beneficial, and profitable.

We believe you’ll like working with Curion, because the company respects your time, values your opinion, and caters to your needs. Click here to apply to become a panelist. Let your good taste help shape the future of consumer goods and services, and work with a well-established company you can trust—Curion!

There once was a time when cell phones were considered anextravagance, or even frivolous—but that time is long gone. These phonesare now a necessity for people in many professions, including ridesharedrivers, for whom a good cell phone is every bit as important as areliable vehicle. Without it, you’d have no way of getting riderequests, navigating, or even making money. But when seeking out a newcell phone, a huge array of options can either make us drool at thebright, shiny screens, or pull our collective hair out in utterexasperation.

We decided to help you out a bit by bringing the process of finding,and buying, the best cell phone for drivers into focus. Here’s whatwe’ll consider:

• One phone or two?
• Cell phone features: The basics for drivers
• Top phones for drivers: best of the brands
• The best deals
• Must-have accessories

One phone or two?

If figuring out how to buy one cell phone is already an issue for you, it might be hard to imagine why you might want two*.* But some drivers have good reasons for having more than one cell phone.

Some prefer to keep their business cell phone completely separatefrom their personal cell phone, while others find that having two phonesmakes working with more than one driving platform easier to manage.It’s your choice, of course, but it’s one you’ll want to consider beforeyou start to shop. Cell phones aren’t cheap, but there are deals thatoffer an extra phone for almost no additional cost.

There are good reasons to keep your private phone use separate fromyour driving business. For one, you can avoid dealing with thedistractions of personal communication while you’re driving. Also,you’re able to keep your driving-related expenses completely separatefrom personal expenses.

If you’re working for more than one platform, a second phone can helpmake it easier to avoid missing calls. For instance, you might be inthe process of accepting a ride when the other app you had open beginsto ping you. It’s impossible to take two rides at once, of course, andthen … when you don’t respond to that second ping, your acceptance rategoes down the tubes.

Having two phones would allow you to see what’s going on with bothapps, and quickly turn one off as soon as you pick up the call on theother. For some of us, this might be even more complicated, but again,personal preference rules. Whether you want one or two phones is justone decision you should make before you go phone shopping.

Cell phone features: The basics for drivers

The gig driving platforms don’t really require a whole lot from theirdrivers’ cell phones. You’ll need a smartphone capable of running thesoftware, with its own designated SIM card. No dual-card phones areallowed.

Both Uber and Lyft specify the phones that will work best with theirapps. For example, Uber advises drivers to use iPhones with iOS 11.0 orhigher, and Android version 5 or higher. Lyft’s software will run on iOS10 or higher, and Android 5 or higher. Check out these links to getspecific “do’s and don’ts” for iOS and Android for Uber, and both operating systems for Lyft.

Contrary to popular opinion, not all phones run on iOS or Androidsoftware, and those that don’t cannot be used by the driver apps. Hereis a list, put together by Hyrecar, of phones you may not use with Uber:

• Motorola Moto E (Dual SIM – XT1022)
• Motorola Moto G
• Samsung Core 2 Duos (SM-G355H)
• Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime
• Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
• Samsung Galaxy E5
• Samsung Entire J Series
• Samsung Galaxy S Duos 3 VE
• Samsung Galaxy Star 2 Plus (SM-G350E)
• Sony Devices
• Xiaomi Devices

Although this may be disappointing, especially if you own one ofthese phones and planned to use it for driving, there are plenty ofother options.

When you first purchase a phone, you’ll want to get one that’s easyto update and has a decent lifespan. Sometimes, buying an older modelbecause it’s cheap could end up costing you more, should you have to buya new phone again in a year or less.

Screen size is a personal preference, butthere are limits. Most drivers will want a screen that’s 4.5 inches(measured diagonally) or larger. Consider factors such as the size ofyour hands, determining whether or not your fingers or thumbs canquickly and accurately hit the right area of a touchscreen. A largerscreen will give you the ability to swipe between apps and read messagesmore easily, but could also be cumbersome and more costly.

You can buy a phone that’s locked or unlocked,depending on the level of commitment you want to a provider. With anunlocked phone, you can change carriers and keep the same phone. It’salso convenient if you travel out of the country. Always check to seewhich cellular service providers are compatible with your unlocked phonebefore buying.

In terms of “nice to have,” 5G is similar. Do you need5G? For rideshare, probably not— at least for now. But if you’relooking for a phone that will stream data at faster speeds and continueto be supported in the future, you might want to consider 5G phones.This is true even though 5G service is still sparse in the UnitedStates. Of all the phones available, 5G are among the newest, andwhether you choose to get one will depend largely on how much you wantto spend.

If you’re really looking to the future, ***you’ll want your phone to have ***C-Band***C-Band compatibility.In essence, C-Band is a way to get 5G to work more effectively andcover greater distances than it can now. Currently, the iPhone 12s arethe only phones that are C-Band compatible, but that will changethroughout this year. Other companies will be developing the hardwareand will apply for FCC certification. Again, this isn’t a “must-have,”but if you’re investing in a high-end phone you’d like to keep for a fewyears, C-Band compatibility is a feature you’ll want to consider.

Battery life is another importantconsideration. You’ll probably connect your phone to a charger whileyou’re driving, but when you’re spending time parked, waiting atairports or other passenger-rich areas, or mixing in deliveries (andrestaurant wait times) with your driving, you’ll need a battery you candepend on.

Durability matters—a lot. The most honestamong us will admit to dropping our phones or splashing some kind ofliquid on them at least once or twice a shift. So, you’ll want a phonethat isn’t so fragile that its screen will shatter on impact. No matterhow durable your phone is, you’re smart to get a protective case. And tobe fully protected, you might want to look into insurance that wouldcover mishaps or loss.

Economy is a key phone feature for mostdrivers. While it’s nice to have the brightest, shiniest gadget outthere, it doesn’t make sense to over-extend your budget when youprobably won’t be using four camera lenses capable of capturing theintricate patterns in a fly’s wing while you’re doing your ridesharedriving. Don’t be cheap, but do be practical.

Considering all that you’ve read so far, here are the basic qualities you’ll be looking for in a phone:

• Compatible operating system
• Reasonable lifespan
• Screen size that’s comfortable for you
• Reliable battery life
• Durability
• Affordable price

Top phones for drivers: Best of the brands

In this section, we’ll look at the top five phone companies (inalphabetical order) and explore what each has to offer. We’ll then passalong our recommendations for drivers.

Apple iPhone

This mega-company’s offerings are often considered the gold standardfor smartphones, but are they worth the price? If you want the newestiPhone (the 12), prices start at about $730 for the iPhone Mini.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a huge screen and all the bells andwhistles you could ever hope for, including an amazing camera, but italso sports a price tag of $1,000 and up. There are other models pricedbetween these two, and cost varies based on screen size, storage, andmemory size.

Really, the iPhone 12 mini has everything a driver needs, and it’spacked with features. “Apple has managed to stuff every iPhone 12feature into this phone,” says a November 2020 article in Wired. You get a 5.4-inch, high-density screen, 4GB of RAM, and pocket-sized convenience.

If the Mini’s $730 price tag is a bit steep for you, consider the iPhone SE.Built in an iPhone 8 body, the 4.7-inch screen is good enough fordriving and so is the RAM, at 2.0 GB, but there’s no 5G capability. TheSE is priced at around $400 and is considered to be the best value formoney of all the Apple phones. It compares favorably with other popularbrands too.

Best of brand for drivers: Apple iPhone 12 Mini. It has all the latest features, and room for more. It’s also partially waterproof and can be charged wirelessly.

Google Pixel

As the creator of the Android operating system, Google knows what aphone needs to make its software run at its best. So, when you buy aPixel, you’re getting the same kind of uniformity you’d achieve bybuying an Apple phone—in both cases, the hardware and software aredeveloped by the same company, which means the phone and operatingsystem are going to work at optimum levels.

The most inexpensive Pixel phone can be yours for as little as $115,with the highest-price models around $700. Most reviewers recommend youchoose a phone somewhere in the mid-range, such as the popular andhighly functional Pixel 4a.It features 6GB of RAM, a 5.8-inch screen, and can be configured for aslittle as $349. If you want extra memory (128 MB), the phone will runabout $500.

The Google Pixel 4ais a solid phone with some great features, like selective battery powerallocation. The phone notices which apps you use the least and directspower away from them, so you can have all the juice you need for thoseyou use all the time, like your rideshare platform. It comparesfavorably with the iPhone SE, at least in its most basic form. For alittle more (about $600), you can buy a Google Pixel 4XL model, which has a 6.3-inch screen. Both of these phones have a reputation for only average battery life.

There are cheaper models but they will be (if they’re not already)incapable of running the latest versions of Android software. If youwant to go with an older model, make it the Pixel 3a, because it still stands a chance of lasting another year or two.

Best of brand for drivers: Google Pixel 4a. It’sa budget-friendly, reliable, and durable phone that will serve youwell. If you want to have 5G, the 4a 5G is available, and it comes with afaster processor and a price tag of about $500.

LG

This company’s initials don’t really stand for “Life’s Good,” but youmight think that when you see its innovative products. LG’s newestoffering, the LG Wing (around $1,000), has a T-shaped dual-screen design, while another, the LG GBX ThinQ(about $400), has two screens facing each other. You can also detachone and use the phone on a single screen, or buy a single screen versionfor about $200.

All of this is interesting, and kind of cool, but do drivers really need two screens?

Well … maybe. If you want to see your music screen while you’renavigating, this phone will do that. You could keep two driving apps upat the same time too. The problem might be finding a way to mount thesephones in your vehicle since both, when used with both screens, are veryheavy and are not shaped to fit in standard mounts.

Also, with one or two exceptions, the reviews on these and other LGphones aren’t as glowing as phones from other companies. Complaintsrange from “flimsy” design to “sluggish” performance. Neither of theseattributes would endear these phones to a driver’s heart, but if you’rewilling to give up performance and durability for two screens and sleekdesign, you might like an LG phone.

There are other, cheaper LG models, ranging from $175 to $250, butthe reviews describe them as less than reliable. Some improvement hasbeen made with the new 5G model, the **LG V60 ThinQ 5G.** A faster processor and longer battery life make it more appealing, and at about $429 retail, the price is good too.

The deals on LG phones are very tempting, especially if you acquireone through your carrier. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth putting upwith the shortcomings of this brand. And even though the professionalreviewers are not impressed, we see tons of LG phones on the road, soobviously someone is happy with them.

Best of brand for drivers: Both the LG V60 ThinQ 5G and the LG GBX ThinQ wouldserve you well. Don’t let the prices on these phones put you offbecause many of the carriers are throwing them in with servicecontracts.

Nokia

If you want to buy a solid phone that’s affordable, Nokia is a greatbrand to explore. These phones are known for their ability to performwell, without necessarily placing a focus on the fanciest features. Foraround $250, you can get the Nokia 6.2,which will fill most of your basic needs for driving. You can get itwith either 3 or 4 GB of RAM, and it comes equipped with Android 9.Camera quality on this one is a negative, but for $250, you can’t expecta Hasselblad.

If you like the idea of that phone, you might like hearing about the Nokia 5.3even more. You can go up to 6 GB of RAM, and it has a 6.55-inchdisplay. It comes with Android 10, and you’ll get two free upgrades.There is no 5G potential here, but it will carry you through yourdriving gigs quite well. It even has a built-in FM radio and a headphonejack, but just like the 6.2, its camera quality is not all thatimpressive. The price, on the other hand, is stunning—only about $200.

Best in brand for drivers: For economy and function, the Nokia 5.3 has everything you need at an incredibly reasonable price. However, be aware that Nokia phones, as a rule, do not work well on the Verizon network.

Samsung

Like Apple, Samsung is really proficient at producing high-quality,stunningly beautiful phones with lots of bells and whistles. You can geta Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra,with a dazzling display, rapid refresh rate, and dual telephoto lenses,but it’s priced at more than $1,100. Or, you might want to look at a Samsung Galaxy X21, with a slightly smaller, 6.2-inch screen and a price of about $800.

Samsung has so many fascinating and innovative phones, includingmodels that fold in half, and a modified flip phone that’s also asmartphone. It’s unlikely you’re going to need anything that out of theordinary, which is why you might want to consider some of the more basicSamsung models. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A51 sells for around $400 and is upgradeable to 5G capability. If you want to go more upscale to a 5G phone, consider the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, which sells for around $800.

Best of brand for drivers: Samsung phones are builtfor camera quality more than anything, which could be why they’re on thecostly side. For function and reasonable price we like the Samsung Galaxy A51, and we think you will too.

The best deals

Before you invest in any phone, you’ll want to shop around. Theprices we provided here are in the ballpark of what you’ll pay, butthere are deals everywhere. The first place to look is your cellularprovider; many are giving away phones with contracts and upgrades toyour plan. Also, different retailers sell the phones for varying prices.You might notice wild variations depending on memory size or otherfeatures, such as 5G or C-Band compatibility.

You might also be surprised by the affordability of payment plans.You could be the proud owner of a high-end phone for a relatively lowcost, so check with your retailer or cellular service provider. Youcould end up with a fabulous phone for as little as $40 per month.

Re-examine the minimum requirements for your driving platform, and ofcourse, make sure any phone you buy meets those standards and is not onthe “Forbidden Phones” list. Also, think about what you want in aphone. For instance, if you want to use it for gaming, you’ll want to gowith a faster processor and larger RAM capacity. Factor that in whenyou make your purchase too.

If you want to use your phone for serious photography, get a goodone. You’ll have to pay for it, but if taking photos is important toyou, it’s better to make the investment than to have pixelated memories.

Must-have accessories

Once you get your phone, you’ll want to take good care of it and findsafe ways to use it while you’re driving. There are two basicaccessories that we believe are absolute must-haves.

A good case. There’s no question that phones getbumped around more than average when you use them for your driving gig.Even if you insure your phone, the hassle of getting it repaired can putyou out of business for a few days. Good, solid cases are worth everypenny you spend on them. (Consider a screen guard too.)

A secure mount. You already know how important it isto have constant access to your phone. The very best way to achievethis is to get a secure mount, either for your windshield or your dash.You don’t want to take your eyes off the road to accept, reject, start,end, and navigate rides! A good mount will place your phone within reachand at eye level while you’re driving. Check with your state about lawsconcerning windshield mounts, which are intended to protect you from anobstructed view.

Google Fi. Google Fi is a different kind of cellphone plan that is ideal for drivers. It’s flexible, reasonably priced,and operates on tech’s cutting edge. You don’t have to rely on just oneservice’s coverage; Google Fi works with three different carriers tobring you the best quality. You can purchase a data plan, or getunlimited data. And what we really like about this deal is, Google Fi gives back your money if you don’t use all your data.

Plus, as a Gridwise driver, you can get $25 toward your first month of Google Fi service. How cool is that?

Learn more about Google Fi today! Also, while you’re in the learning mood, check out the Gridwise and Google Fi partnership offering discounts to rideshare and delivery drivers.

The essential app

Once you get your phone powered up and ready to go for your rideshare gig, there’s one more thing left to do: Download the Gridwise app,which allows you to track your earnings and mileage automatically.Simply connect your driving app to Gridwise, and we’ll calculate yourearnings and trips for you. You can also enter your expenses so you’llget a full picture of what you’re earning in sleek, clear graphs likethese:

Gridwise is the ultimate assistant for rideshare and delivery driversbecause the app provides so much valuable information. You’ll find outhow many people are at the airports, what events are happening in yourtown, and what traffic and weather alerts you need to be aware of.

The Perks tab offers you even more. Get deals and discounts, direct access to the Gridwise blog, and links to the incredible Gridwise YouTube channel. Join us on Facebook to get in on the driver-centered conversation, and enter our great gas card giveaways. Download the app now, and let Gridwise make your shiny new cell phone work magic on your rideshare driving life.

Google Pixel

As the creator of the Android operating system, Google knows what aphone needs to make its software run at its best. So, when you buy aPixel, you’re getting the same kind of uniformity you’d achieve bybuying an Apple phone—in both cases, the hardware and software aredeveloped by the same company, which means the phone and operatingsystem are going to work at optimum levels.

The most inexpensive Pixel phone can be yours for as little as $115,with the highest-price models around $700. Most reviewers recommend youchoose a phone somewhere in the mid-range, such as the popular andhighly functional Pixel 4a.It features 6GB of RAM, a 5.8-inch screen, and can be configured for aslittle as $349. If you want extra memory (128 MB), the phone will runabout $500.

The Google Pixel 4ais a solid phone with some great features, like selective battery powerallocation. The phone notices which apps you use the least and directspower away from them, so you can have all the juice you need for thoseyou use all the time, like your rideshare platform. It comparesfavorably with the iPhone SE, at least in its most basic form. For alittle more (about $600), you can buy a Google Pixel 4XL model, which has a 6.3-inch screen. Both of these phones have a reputation for only average battery life.

There are cheaper models but they will be (if they’re not already)incapable of running the latest versions of Android software. If youwant to go with an older model, make it the Pixel 3a, because it still stands a chance of lasting another year or two.

Best of brand for drivers: Google Pixel 4a. It’sa budget-friendly, reliable, and durable phone that will serve youwell. If you want to have 5G, the 4a 5G is available, and it comes with afaster processor and a price tag of about $500.

LG

This company’s initials don’t really stand for “Life’s Good,” but youmight think that when you see its innovative products. LG’s newestoffering, the LG Wing (around $1,000), has a T-shaped dual-screen design, while another, the LG GBX ThinQ(about $400), has two screens facing each other. You can also detachone and use the phone on a single screen, or buy a single screen versionfor about $200.

All of this is interesting, and kind of cool, but do drivers really need two screens?

Well … maybe. If you want to see your music screen while you’renavigating, this phone will do that. You could keep two driving apps upat the same time too. The problem might be finding a way to mount thesephones in your vehicle since both, when used with both screens, are veryheavy and are not shaped to fit in standard mounts.

Also, with one or two exceptions, the reviews on these and other LGphones aren’t as glowing as phones from other companies. Complaintsrange from “flimsy” design to “sluggish” performance. Neither of theseattributes would endear these phones to a driver’s heart, but if you’rewilling to give up performance and durability for two screens and sleekdesign, you might like an LG phone.

There are other, cheaper LG models, ranging from $175 to $250, butthe reviews describe them as less than reliable. Some improvement hasbeen made with the new 5G model, the **LG V60 ThinQ 5G.** A faster processor and longer battery life make it more appealing, and at about $429 retail, the price is good too.

The deals on LG phones are very tempting, especially if you acquireone through your carrier. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth putting upwith the shortcomings of this brand. And even though the professionalreviewers are not impressed, we see tons of LG phones on the road, soobviously someone is happy with them.

Best of brand for drivers: Both the LG V60 ThinQ 5G and the LG GBX ThinQ wouldserve you well. Don’t let the prices on these phones put you offbecause many of the carriers are throwing them in with servicecontracts.

Nokia

If you want to buy a solid phone that’s affordable, Nokia is a greatbrand to explore. These phones are known for their ability to performwell, without necessarily placing a focus on the fanciest features. Foraround $250, you can get the Nokia 6.2,which will fill most of your basic needs for driving. You can get itwith either 3 or 4 GB of RAM, and it comes equipped with Android 9.Camera quality on this one is a negative, but for $250, you can’t expecta Hasselblad.

If you like the idea of that phone, you might like hearing about the Nokia 5.3even more. You can go up to 6 GB of RAM, and it has a 6.55-inchdisplay. It comes with Android 10, and you’ll get two free upgrades.There is no 5G potential here, but it will carry you through yourdriving gigs quite well. It even has a built-in FM radio and a headphonejack, but just like the 6.2, its camera quality is not all thatimpressive. The price, on the other hand, is stunning—only about $200.

Best in brand for drivers: For economy and function, the Nokia 5.3 has everything you need at an incredibly reasonable price. However, be aware that Nokia phones, as a rule, do not work well on the Verizon network.

Samsung

Like Apple, Samsung is really proficient at producing high-quality,stunningly beautiful phones with lots of bells and whistles. You can geta Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra,with a dazzling display, rapid refresh rate, and dual telephoto lenses,but it’s priced at more than $1,100. Or, you might want to look at a Samsung Galaxy X21, with a slightly smaller, 6.2-inch screen and a price of about $800.

Samsung has so many fascinating and innovative phones, includingmodels that fold in half, and a modified flip phone that’s also asmartphone. It’s unlikely you’re going to need anything that out of theordinary, which is why you might want to consider some of the more basicSamsung models. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A51 sells for around $400 and is upgradeable to 5G capability. If you want to go more upscale to a 5G phone, consider the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, which sells for around $800.

Best of brand for drivers: Samsung phones are builtfor camera quality more than anything, which could be why they’re on thecostly side. For function and reasonable price we like the Samsung Galaxy A51, and we think you will too.

The best deals

Before you invest in any phone, you’ll want to shop around. Theprices we provided here are in the ballpark of what you’ll pay, butthere are deals everywhere. The first place to look is your cellularprovider; many are giving away phones with contracts and upgrades toyour plan. Also, different retailers sell the phones for varying prices.You might notice wild variations depending on memory size or otherfeatures, such as 5G or C-Band compatibility.

You might also be surprised by the affordability of payment plans.You could be the proud owner of a high-end phone for a relatively lowcost, so check with your retailer or cellular service provider. Youcould end up with a fabulous phone for as little as $40 per month.

Re-examine the minimum requirements for your driving platform, and ofcourse, make sure any phone you buy meets those standards and is not onthe “Forbidden Phones” list. Also, think about what you want in aphone. For instance, if you want to use it for gaming, you’ll want to gowith a faster processor and larger RAM capacity. Factor that in whenyou make your purchase too.

If you want to use your phone for serious photography, get a goodone. You’ll have to pay for it, but if taking photos is important toyou, it’s better to make the investment than to have pixelated memories.

Must-have accessories

Once you get your phone, you’ll want to take good care of it and findsafe ways to use it while you’re driving. There are two basicaccessories that we believe are absolute must-haves.

A good case. There’s no question that phones getbumped around more than average when you use them for your driving gig.Even if you insure your phone, the hassle of getting it repaired can putyou out of business for a few days. Good, solid cases are worth everypenny you spend on them. (Consider a screen guard too.)

A secure mount. You already know how important it isto have constant access to your phone. The very best way to achievethis is to get a secure mount, either for your windshield or your dash.You don’t want to take your eyes off the road to accept, reject, start,end, and navigate rides! A good mount will place your phone within reachand at eye level while you’re driving. Check with your state about lawsconcerning windshield mounts, which are intended to protect you from anobstructed view.

Google Fi. Google Fi is a different kind of cellphone plan that is ideal for drivers. It’s flexible, reasonably priced,and operates on tech’s cutting edge. You don’t have to rely on just oneservice’s coverage; Google Fi works with three different carriers tobring you the best quality. You can purchase a data plan, or getunlimited data. And what we really like about this deal is, Google Fi gives back your money if you don’t use all your data.

Plus, as a Gridwise driver, you can get $25 toward your first month of Google Fi service. How cool is that?

Learn more about Google Fi today! Also, while you’re in the learning mood, check out the Gridwise and Google Fi partnership offering discounts to rideshare and delivery drivers.

The essential app

Once you get your phone powered up and ready to go for your rideshare gig, there’s one more thing left to do: Download the Gridwise app,which allows you to track your earnings and mileage automatically.Simply connect your driving app to Gridwise, and we’ll calculate yourearnings and trips for you. You can also enter your expenses so you’llget a full picture of what you’re earning in sleek, clear graphs likethese:

Gridwise is the ultimate assistant for rideshare and delivery driversbecause the app provides so much valuable information. You’ll find outhow many people are at the airports, what events are happening in yourtown, and what traffic and weather alerts you need to be aware of.

The Perks tab offers you even more. Get deals and discounts, direct access to the Gridwise blog, and links to the incredible Gridwise YouTube channel. Join us on Facebook to get in on the driver-centered conversation, and enter our great gas card giveaways. Download the app now, and let Gridwise make your shiny new cell phone work magic on your rideshare driving life.

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Whether you’re on a rideshare shift or a delivery route, there are times when you need cash in your hand. Finding places to get cash isn’t a problem. There are ATMs almost everywhere, from banks to convenience stores to airports to gas stations. 

Since it’s not the best idea to carry large amounts of cash with you, you probably visit the ATM often to get $10 or $20 at a time. Unless you’re at your own bank, you typically discover that ATM withdrawals are going to cost you. Sometimes you can get charged as much as $3 per transaction… ouch. 

If you’re thinking there must be a better way to bank, you’re right.

In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of branching out from your bank and exploring alternatives that may surprise you. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What a cash card can do for drivers
• Evaluate the services you need
• How to choose the right financial services company 
• A company with a conscience

What a cash card can do for drivers

Let’s remember: A driver’s cash card is more than just a prerequisite for using an ATM. Drivers have the option to use cash cards for multiple purposes, and consolidate financial activity in one place. 

When it’s connected to your driving and delivery apps, your cash card becomes a link to the account where you keep all your earnings. It can also become an easy way to keep track of your work-related expenses. When tax time comes, keeping all your transactions (deposits and withdrawals) on one card can speed the process of keeping your financial records straight.

A cash card also provides security for drivers. The ability to make purchases with a card rather than cash reduces the risk of losing cash or getting it stolen. And, of course, it provides a record of all your fuel and maintenance costs.

Evaluate the services you need

Getting a cash card is only part of the picture, though. Banks offer a smorgasbord of features and services that you may or may not want or need. 

Before you wind up paying high fees and hidden costs associated with many banks’ services, read the fine print. You might be agreeing to pay a monthly fee for having a checking account, or paying a per-transaction cost for activity at the ATM. You also might not need three separate accounts: one for checking, one for short-term savings, and one for long-term savings. 

On the other hand, if you don’t get enough from your financial services company, you could end up lacking features you care about, or even protection of your assets. No matter how well a financial services company seems to cut costs, unless it is FDIC insured, you could suffer greatly if there is some kind of loss.

Also, if your institution offers you a credit card, be sure you’re not committing to an interest rate that’s far higher than the one you could get from another source. Really, unless you’re in need of having your own personal banker, there are many financial firms that could serve you without all the bells and whistles you’ll ultimately wind up paying for.

How to choose the right financial services company

The right financial services company for you depends on your personal and professional needs. Here are some services from which you’ll benefit and may want to consider:

• Low or no transaction fees: Although transaction fees might be small, they can add up. Don’t let them drain your account.
• FDIC insurance: This is a must. If the financial system has problems, you won’t lose your money.
• Cash back on purchases: This is a great perk. Imagine, getting an oil change or buying a new set of tires, and getting money back when you use your card for those purchases.
• Reasonable interest rates: These go two ways, of course. If you’re thinking about your savings account, you’ll want a rate that allows it to accrue some value over time. If you get a credit card, car loan, or mortgage through your institution, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the rates you’re offered.
• Easy access to account information: Great online services (including app-based) that make monitoring and managing your account easy. Phone service, in case you want to talk to a live person, is a nice plus.
• Portability: Because you’re on the move so much, you’ll want to carry your bank information with you. For drivers, app-based services would be especially important.
• Advanced financial options: You may feel comfortable knowing that you can get good rates on a long-term savings account or a retirement account. Room to grow is always a good feature to have in a financial company.
• Compassionate company culture: Most banks are bent on making the biggest profit possible. While that’s understandable, it’s still unpleasant to deal with companies that aren’t known for caring about the environment or their communities. See how your chosen institution measures up.

A company with a conscience

With all this in mind, Gridwise is excited to announce our partnership with Aspiration, a new kind of financial services company. Aspiration is cutting-edge, app-based, and oriented toward a business model that reflects conscience as well as ambition.

Aspiration’s divestment policy ensures that your deposited money will not be used as collateral for fossil fuel financing. Aspiration’s investment policy ensures that your transaction fees are invested in socially responsible ventures that support the environment. Also, the company gives you the opportunity to contribute to charities in ways that help you make a difference. You can donate to causes that help eradicate poverty, promote community development, finance education and health, and foster human rights and the environment.

Aspiration even lets YOU choose the amount you’ll pay for your account fee—and if you’re having hard times, you won’t have to pay one at all. These are just some of the advantages of signing up with Aspiration. 

Now, here’s that deal we know is going to make you happy.

Drivers in the Gridwise community who sign up with Aspiration will get even more! Here are the contents of this special package just for Gridwise users:

Gridwise users receive 

• Receive 10% back (up to $50) when you make at least $500 in purchases on your card;
• Get unlimited fee-free withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs nationwide;
• Earn up to 1.00% variable APY interest on your savings;
• Achieve peace of mind with FDIC-insured deposits (visit fdic.gov for more information);
• Keep more of your money with no hidden fees.

As you can see, Aspiration has a lot to offer, and as a member of the Gridwise community, you’ll get even more. Visit the Aspiration website to sign up, and get the best no-fee cash card, solid financial services, and the privilege of keeping your money with a company that has a conscience. Put the Aspiration + Gridwise deal to work for you now. You’ll be helping yourself, and helping to make the world a little better.

We know. There was a time when you probably thought of rideshare or delivery work as just a side gig. Then, before too long it became your main source of income—until COVID-19 reared its ugly head. 

Now we’re all waiting for the pandemic to back off so we can get our driving volume back up to where it used to be. 

In the meantime, you might want to explore this list of side gigs that we pulled together for you. Who knows what might happen? Your side gig may be such a success that you’ll want to keep going with it even after things are back to the “old normal.” 

We’ll talk a bit about strategy first, and then offer some suggestions that could work well for you. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What makes a good side gig?
• How do you know what kind of side gig is best for you?
• 15 side gigs drivers can dig
• When you’re back to driving

What makes a good side gig?

In general, a good side gig will allow you to make decent money and work flexible hours while you’re using the talents and resources you already have.

Do you have a hobby that could turn into a job? Do you like to make or build things? Are you fluent in another language, or a math whiz who could help someone else master a skill at which you excel?

When you do what you enjoy, things go more smoothly. Remember, if you’re doing a side gig, you’ll most likely be out there promoting yourself as an expert in whatever it is you’ve chosen to pursue—which means you really do need to be an expert. Can you imagine becoming a caterer when you don’t know how to make hard-boiled eggs? Neither can we.

A good side gig will also not be a huge investment. Even if you can make really great hard-boiled eggs, along with a whole array of mouth-watering dishes, you won’t want to finance a large catering business. It’s always good to have the option of starting out small. 

You might think it would be cool to own an auto store franchise, for instance, and that’s a great idea—but only if you have the money to invest. If you’re looking for that kind of side gig, you’ll undoubtedly have to spend some time saving up for it.

How do you know which side gig is best for you?

The first rule for deciding whether a side gig is for you is to find out all the facts. What does this line of work entail? How much will you earn? Are there expenses involved? If so, what are they and how much will they be? After expenses, what will your estimated net income be?

Once you get the facts, you’ll be able to make your choices using common sense and gut instincts. Is this something you have time for? How will you like doing the work? How will you promote your services? Will it be worth the money you make?

You’ll also need some sense of what business is like now, and its future outlook. For example, if you’re interested in being a children’s birthday entertainer, doing face painting or magic tricks or balloon sculptures, it will be challenging to get gigs under current COVID restrictions. Look for businesses that are booming in the COVID environment, and you’ll have more luck getting work. 

And with a little creative thinking, you can modify what you like to do in order to market your skills safely and/or virtually. Paint colorful, whimsical faces on paper or cloth face coverings and sell them to a perplexed parent trying to make a COVID-era birthday party into a happy occasion. You could also do a magic show or create balloon sculptures on YouTube or another channel. You might demonstrate simple designs participants can do themselves, or invent other kinds of craft projects kids will love.

Of course, not all of us are blessed with the type of personality that lends itself to creating children’s parties, or cooking, or cleaning … but there are many side gigs that seem natural to most drivers.

15 side gigs drivers can dig

Here are some side gigs for you to consider, as well as information on how to get started. Click on “Getting Started” to get the details.

1 - Digital marketeer. 

You may be thinking you can’t do this because you don’t know coding, but digital marketing is much broader than that. It involves everything from posting on the Facebook page of your favorite barber or beer distributor to creating a branding package for an up-and-coming website. You can charge per post, or a flat amount for designing a website or social media business page. To get this type of side gig, check with business people you know, or list yourself on a job forum. Business owners are always looking for people to handle this end of their operation.

Getting started: Create an online presence so you can show prospective clients what you can do. Link to websites you’ve designed for friends, or to your own eye-popping Instagram account. From there, get the word out through people you already know, or list your services with an online marketplace.

2 - Virtual assistant (VA). 

Are you good with details? Can you take care of some tasks online, or even do a bit of shopping? Would you be willing to make some phone calls or manage a busy professional’s schedule? If so, you might be an ideal candidate for a VA position.

Getting started: Once you decide on your specialties, put together a marketing and networking program that works for you.  Develop a profile and post it on LinkedIn, Upwork, or another jobs platform. Also, be sure to check with busy acquaintances you’ve heard complaining that they need an assistant.

3 - YouTuber or podcast personality. 

Both of these require creativity, but knowing many of the drivers we hear from, there are lots of you out there. What are you passionate about? Customizing cars? Designing a man cave? Household hacks? Pick a topic that means a lot to you, turn on your camera and/or microphone, and put together your own show. For a small investment, you could create an awesome side gig. Remember, though, that if you want this to be successful enough to attract advertisers, you need to be unafraid of shameless self-promotion.

Getting started: Get the equipment you need, choose your audience, produce the content, and learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other aspects of attracting viewers—and hopefully, paying advertisers. Becoming a financially successful YouTuber isn’t exactly a snap, but if you pursue it with purpose, it could become a labor of love.

4 - Tutor. 

We know our drivers are smart people, so there’s likely something you know well enough to teach others. Whether you’re an inspired creative writer, a math whiz, or an expert at teaching not-so-technically inclined people how to use their smartphones or laptops, you can find opportunities to teach what you know—and earn money doing it. 

Getting started: You can register with an online company that does the kinds of tutoring you feel comfortable with, as well as promote yourself to your local community college, other social groups, and senior centers. Most tutors get paid around $20 per hour, making this a good way to bring in extra cash.

5 - Driving Instructor. 

How can you say you don’t know a thing or two about driving? If you’re itching for more hours behind the wheel, this is one way to get them in. Being qualified as a driving instructor is surprisingly simple, and you can work as an independent contractor or for a driving school. 

Getting started: Investigate what it takes to be certified in your locality, and go through what’s usually a fairly simple and inexpensive process. Then, you can take charge of shaping new drivers and making them road-ready. By educating good, courteous drivers, think of the great service you’ll do for the gig-driving community!

6 - Pet care. 

This can take a number of different forms. You could gather your own pack with neighborhood pets, or work for a dog walking service like Wag or Rover. Cats and other inside pets need love too, and their humans may need someone to care for them from time to time. For instance, people may have disabilities or health issues that make it difficult for them to empty a litter box or clean a hamster cage. Pet owners may also need someone to take their pets to a vet or groomer. If you want to go solo, check around to see what others in your area charge for these types of services, and price yourself accordingly. 

Getting started: First, try pet sitting for someone you already know, and then decide how big you want this business to get. Whether you decide to freelance or work with one of the services, you’ll need to set up your own business; but as a driver, you’re are probably familiar with that process. 

7 - Odd jobs. 

This is one of the most in-demand services, so you’re almost certain to find work. Think of a neighbor who broke her leg—how will she take out the garbage or change the batteries in her smoke alarms? Or, there might be someone who needs a deadbolt installed, or pictures hung, or weatherstripping put on the windows. Those people are out there … waiting for you to help them.

Getting started: Advertise yourself as a “household helper” on virtual boards that cater to your area, or put an ad in a community newspaper. You could also make some calls to see who needs you or knows someone who could use a hand. Another option is joining online listing services such as TaskRabbit, Craigslist, or Handy.

8 - Car care. 

Here’s another skill you probably have down to a science by now. Think of the stressed-out parents in your area. They’re homeschooling their kids and also trying to handle their own jobs remotely, so they’d fully appreciate you for digging out the french fries from between the seats of their luxury SUVs. Or, you might have a neighbor who’s decided to shed one of their vehicles for extra cash. If you have the expertise and the equipment, your detailing work can add substantial value to that trade-in.

Getting started: Word of mouth could work for this, but if you’re really good, and you know how to market your skills, you could advertise on social media boards for your local area. Since this is a service almost everyone needs at some point, you could build a solid future for yourself.

9 - Voiceover for audiobooks. 

If you have a knack for reading out loud, you can consider narrating for audiobooks. You don’t have to be a Tony Award-winning thespian; if you have a pleasant voice, good focus, and mental stamina, this gig can work for you. The explosion of audiobooks and the advent of self-publishing has created a huge demand. Plus, you can easily get set up with equipment for a comparatively low cost.

Getting started: Just try it out!  Read some part of your favorite book into a voice recorder and play it back. What do you think? Will other people want to hear you read? If yes, you’ll need to get that equipment and more information about perfecting this art,. Once you’re all set up, give it a go!

10 - Home repair and installations. 

Are you handy around the house? Many people aren’t, so you can make good money doing household repairs like replacing a ripped screen or installing closet doors or trim. Security is big these days too; people buy those doorbell systems but don’t know how to make them work. If you can get the word out around your neighborhood, or even sign on with a store or a brand that sells products you know a lot about, this could be a rewarding side gig for you.

Getting started: Start out with a word-of-mouth effort, and if you need a boost, think about signing on with a site such as Thumbtack or Angie’s List.

11 - Styling. 

This one’s not for every driver, but we’re willing to bet some of you would be perfect for this job. You simply look at what kinds of clothing your customer might like to wear, make suggestions, and help them do their shopping—all online.

Getting started: You’ll need to learn some important fundamentals, so be sure to do some research before you start. You can sign up with a company such as Stitch Fix, and let them show you the ropes ropes and connect you with clients. You could also, if you’re a good marketer, get your own start-up going. Specialize in a certain population; think working parents, active kids, or seniors with style. If this is for you, gather up your confidence and creativity and make it happen.

12 - Hauling. 

After working and learning from home for all these months, a great number of people have been inspired to clean out their attics and closets. That’s easy enough, but after they get that far, they have no idea how to get rid of their … stuff. If you have a large enough vehicle and the physical prowess to be able to haul away a bunch of discarded belongings, you could be the person they pay to do it. Whether you’re taking items for donation, or just dealing with potential trash, you can charge by the load or by the hour. 

Getting started: It’s pretty simple to start a hauling business, but if you’d rather get referrals from a larger outfit, you can work for a company like 1-800-Got Junk? or one that’s near you.  And, as long as they’re throwing stuff out, you could consider another side gig, namely…

13 - Reselling. 

With the decline in people’s earning power, many are going through possessions they’ve accumulated over the years and deciding to sell them. They usually start out with lots of enthusiasm; but once they get down to the photographing, posting, tracing, and shipping part, they don’t do so well. That’s where you come in! Let them pay you to do all that for them. Maybe you’ll get a percentage of the sale, or you could buy selected items from them and resell the items at a much better price. This can quickly become fun for you if you specialize in items that involve one of your hobbies or special interests.

Getting started: While this is a fairly straightforward business, it pays to invest some time in learning more about the best things to sell and the best marketplaces to use. This article offers tips for the granddaddy of all e-commerce sites, eBay. 

14 - Crafting or building. 

These two specialties are not identical, but both require talent and creativity. You can make crafts—such as key chains for your fellow drivers, or cool leather belts that would make sweet biker gear. If you can build structures, like a garden gazebo or a small woodshed, or even install swing sets for families, you could be a builder. Be sure to look into any licensing requirements and assess your liabilities before you get too far into this. Once you’re ready to go, chances are good that you’ll find plenty of business with friends and neighbors who respect your talent and need your help.

Getting started: As with any other kind of business, be sure to consider aspects such as taxes, accounting, and marketing. Check local outlets that might sell your wares, or connect online with Etsy and other sites that will gladly sell your artistic and practical DIY creations.

15 - Virtual parties. 

People everywhere are itching to get together, even if it’s only online. You could run down your playlists, get people dancing in their living rooms, and create a virtual party spirit right at home with your computer. You can even work with themes if you’d like; think trivia, sports betting, and watch parties for big games and new Netflix releases. Charge by the hour or for a special party package. 

Getting started: This is a fairly new field, so learn more about it and start finding clients. You can begin with friends and family, and then expand from there. Medium-sized businesses, corporations, and other organizations are looking for ways to entertain people between meetings all the time, and they pay well, too. 

After reading through these 15 suggestions, you’ve probably become aware of how important your creativity is to your success with a side gig. Never limit yourself to the ordinary or mundane; instead, think big and invent new ways to do old things. Even if you have to work around shutdowns and social isolation, you can invent new ways of keeping people safe and making the world a better place.

When you’re back to driving ...

Even with a solid side gig, you’ll probably want to continue driving, and Gridwise is here for you. Once you download the app, you can link your rideshare and delivery driver accounts, sign online to Gridwise whenever you drive, and your earnings and mileage will be logged automatically. When you’re all done, and you want to see how much you made with each driving gig, you can get the full story through these slick graphs.

And with our newest feature, you can even log all your expenses with Gridwise, which gives you an overall view of your net earnings once you consider gas, maintenance, and other automotive costs. 

That’s not all Gridwise can do. We give you current airport departures and arrivals, event info, weather, and traffic reports. On our Perks tab, you’ll get easy access to the Gridwise blog and YouTube channel, plus great deals and discounts for drivers.

Join us on Facebook too, so you can get in on our great gas card giveaways and be a part of our fun and active driver community.

Oh, and don’t forget to leave us some comments below to let us know what you think about side gigs, and what kinds of cool and creative ideas you have.

“Working with Gridwise was a very smooth, very quick process. We wanted to attract a specific demographic to be product testers, and our Gridwise campaign successfully drew in exactly who we needed more efficiently than any other channel.” - Heather, Director of Digital Marketing, Curion

What is Curion?

Curion is an innovator in the field of market testing. This cutting-edge company combines fresh thinking with industry-defining methodologies and technologies, which results in a deeper understanding of the consumer and more successful products brought to market.

Curion sees itself as an industry disruptor, going beyond the usual scope of market research to encompass innovations such as applying science to packaging.

Curion conducts product testing by inviting consumers to sample various offerings, and then evaluate their experiences. In addition to sensory research such as taste-testing, Curion leads focus groups composed of the demographic groups customers wish to reach with their products and services. 

At present, Curion works in five areas: Chicago, Redwood City, Central New Jersey, Dallas, and Atlanta. While some testing takes place remotely, most of it is held at Curion’s on-site facilities during business days.

The Challenge

Curion’s consumer population, the pool of people used for product testing, is predominantly female. Not all of Curion’s customers’ products are targeted at women, so Heather needed a way to bring in more males. 

Most consumers come to Curion through referrals or through job listings on Career Advisor. Advertising is a secondary means of getting the right people, and initial efforts were not producing the desired results. Although Heather was using social media to attract more people to participate in studies, the population that responded and eventually became consumers was still lopsided. There were still a lot more females than males in the group of respondents.

Attracting a greater number of males was difficult while using the comparatively nonspecific reach of Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist. Also, many of those responding to the ads were unable to participate during the business day, and didn’t always have reliable ways of getting to the testing sessions on time. 

How could Heather find more male respondents? And once she did, how could she be sure their hours would be flexible, and that they’d be able to reliably transport themselves to the sessions?

During the fall of 2020, Heather found her answer. One of Curion’s corporate investors told her about Gridwise and the male-dominant rideshare and delivery driver population, and she was certain this would be the ideal way to find the people she needed.

Approach

Gridwise is deeply familiar with the gig-driver demographic, and knows how to speak to them in language that will catch their attention. Even more, the Gridwise app can target drivers by region and demographics, with banner ads as well as email and blog posts.

Along with her excitement over the prospects of attracting this population, Heather was thrilled with the experience of working with Alex and Clay of the Gridwise Brand Partnership team. They offered simple solutions, and came back with prices that were in the range Curion had hoped to spend. She was especially pleased that the whole package was ready before her scheduled launch date.

“I presented Alex and Clay with a brand kit, and they produced banner ads almost instantly. The email and blog post came soon after, and we were ready to roll before our launch date.”

After starting in the larger markets and finding great success, Heather is excited about rolling out the campaign to cover Curion’s other locations on the East Coast, West Coast, and in Atlanta.

Strategy

Banner ads were rolled out through the app to Curion’s two largest target markets: Chicago and Dallas. An email and blog post, which gave drivers more details about the opportunities at Curion, followed shortly thereafter.

As the campaign rolls out to Curion’s other locations, the ads will become more specific. Heather finds that the engagement rate is greater when people know the kinds of products they might be testing. For instance, an ad about opportunities to test an energy drink or a phone mount might appeal more than a more generic product.

Results

The results of working with Gridwise were immediate and impressive.

Not only did Heather report conversion rates that were comrable to Curion's other channels, but they were able to target and attract the demographic they needed most.

Heather and the Curion team believe that once they begin testing their offers they'll see even better results.

“Before we worked with Gridwise, it was difficult and expensive to attract the population we needed. With Gridwise, we were able to do so more efficiently than ever.

Rideshare and delivery driving is a great way to make a living, but it has its disadvantages. Many drivers aren't completely satisfied with the work, the pay… or the volatility. Are you one of them?  

Maybe you're between jobs right now. Maybe you've been driving for a long time, and wish you could do something more. Or, maybe you’ve simply concluded, with the COVID-19 shutdowns, that driving just isn't going to generate the amount of money you need.

For a variety of reasons, many drivers could feel motivated to seek out a different way to make a living. In this blog post we'll look at what that might be, and we will share with you how you could change your life for the better. Here's what we'll cover:

• Why making a career change can be easier for drivers
• Why coding is a great option for rideshare and delivery drivers
• Six paths to a career in coding
• Can you learn coding for free?
• The "Springboard" to success

Why making a career change can be easier for drivers

When you're fed up with driving, it can be hard to see what's good about it. 

You work hard, but you don't get benefits from your employers. And just when you think you're getting ahead, a pandemic sweeps through and pulls your business out from under you. 

But when adversity strikes—and it has certainly smacked us upside the head in 2020—we need to look at the advantages we have, and leverage them to make our lives better. So let's look at why, when you want to do something new, being a driver is an advantage.

The biggest plus for drivers is that you make your own schedule. 

You're not tied to a desk, a showroom floor, or any other work environment for a set number of hours. You can take time out of your day to get the training you need to prepare for a new and more rewarding career. And, while you're getting your training, you can continue to earn money with your driving gig.

Also, as a driver you're certainly no stranger to smartphones and apps. You know how to multitask and use your resourcefulness and ambition to put your skills to work.

Why coding is a great option for rideshare and delivery drivers

You use apps all the time. Have you ever wished you could make the apps you use for driving more efficient and easier to deal with? And if your answer is yes, maybe you’ve wondered how you could get a job that lets you do that. 

If the idea of making apps work better appeals to you, getting into coding could be the best career decision you could make. When you do, you'll enter a field that's in incredibly high demand, especially now.

With all the changes that have resulted from the pandemic, none is more obvious than the increased reliance on communication and commerce via apps and websites. Those apps and websites need clever people, like you, to design them and make them work.

Now that everything from grocery shopping to school to work interactions are too risky to be done in person, the need for new ways to conduct business online and/or via the smartphone has become more urgent.

Companies have been scrambling to find enough capable people who can get their systems and services moved to a format that allows business to be conducted online. Many companies advertise widely in a search for coders to fill this urgent need.

Let's dig a little deeper and explore what coding is. 

What it means to “code”

In general, coding involves communicating with the working parts of electronic devices in a language they can understand. Coding uses an intermediate language to send complex instructions to the gadgets we use, from desktops to laptops to smartphones to smart homes.

Why is this necessary? Because computers only understand instructions in binary code: "on or off," or "0 or 1." As digital literacy/coding expert Chris Castiglione explains:

“Think about writing code like this. You don’t speak binary, and the machine can’t come close to understanding human languages. So, for you to tell the computer what to do, you need to design a translator that can act as an intermediary. This is the purpose of code.”

The computer programmers who work with devices at that level write instructions in machine language, also called machine code. They typically need extremely detailed training. And while they are also in high demand, their jobs require lengthy and expensive education.

Fortunately, there are coding jobs that don't require as much training. It's not as difficult to learn the intermediate languages that translate instructions into machine code, which makes it possible for those with the willingness to learn to become coders. 

Writing code that can be used to design websites and apps is fairly straightforward. And as a driver, you've probably developed some ideas that would make working with an app or website a more pleasant experience for the people who use them. That's a highly marketable skill, and there are many jobs for people who have it.

6 paths to a career in coding

Because coders are in high demand, and will likely continue to be for some time, any training you get will be a great investment. Also, working as a coder is almost as flexible as driving. 

There are many full-time job opportunities, but if you want to work part-time, or even as an independent contractor, you’ll have that option. It's also possible to score lucrative work-from-home gigs.

There are numerous types of jobs available to coders; here are six that we thought were especially interesting:

• Website developer: creates websites, front end or back end
• App developer: creates apps
• Product manager: leads a team of system developers
• Database developer: organizes and designs data retrieval systems
• Data analyst: designs programs for displaying data used in business
• Data scientist: develops models for data analysis

A career based on coding opens doors that can lead to success, job satisfaction, and much more money than you could make driving rideshare or delivery. The typical starting salaries for these jobs range from $45,000-$115,000 per year.

Can you learn coding for free?

If you do some web surfing, you’ll find many options for learning coding for free. There are online programs and tutorials that take you through basic design projects, step by step. Some of these include Codewars, Code Academy, Udemy, Coursera, and Code.org. 

Some of these organizations give you the opportunity to develop live projects. For example, you might develop a website for a nonprofit organization. This is good practice, to be sure, but there are some drawbacks to getting your coding education from free services.

One drawback is the lack of interaction with teachers who are dedicated to you and your career goals. Another is that the programs are often designed to produce only rudimentary projects, such as simple retro video games, or one-page websites. Actually, many of these projects are directed toward children in elementary school and casual hobbyists. 

Also, in many cases the courses you want to take won’t necessarily be free. The sites lure you in, and then you might find the course that teaches the language you need or want to learn will cost you a lot of money, 

In general, while these free services sound attractive, you may not gain enough skills from them for a full and prosperous career in coding.

You’d also have to be extremely self-motivated, and somewhat pre-informed before embarking on the journey of learning code from a free site. Also, there is no one to guide you toward the kind of career, and training, that best suits your needs and goals.

One aspect of the free coding programs can benefit you, however—they give you a taste of coding so you can see if you enjoy it. This website lists many of the free coding programs. You could go through them, sample some of the lessons, and decide if you're ready to get serious about changing your life with a new career in coding.

The "Springboard" to success

If you happen to decide that coding is for you, and you're ready to get serious about it, Springboard is your next stop. It’s a boot camp that gets students into the job force right away, so its programs are job-focused. You'll get an overview of coding and the development field, which will help you choose the subjects you want to study, but your instructors will always be focused on jettisoning you into a new career.

Springboard offers three main paths that provide high-quality education for people who want to stand out in the coding and development field.

In the Software Engineering pathway, you'll learn front end development fundamentals and how the web works, and you’ll become skilled in languages and techniques such as Intermediate JavaScript, DOM Manipulation, and Event Driven Programming. If you're geared more toward the world of back-end development, Springboard's program offers opportunities to learn Python, FLASK, and SQL. Before long, you'll build an application using Python on the back end and JavaScript on the front end!

The Data path involves designing business-oriented programs for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data. Springboard even has offerings in AI, which allow you to enhance the way you build models for data analysis. You can also go a slightly different direction with Data Engineering. Your Springboard course will teach you how to develop systems designed to collect and extract data so that it can be packaged and presented. You'll get involved with exciting technologies such as cloud-based design and real-time streaming.

Design puts the focus on making life easier for the people who will use websites and apps. UI design creates the necessary nuts and bolts needed for users to input and extract information, while UX design goes a step further, placing emphasis on the user's experience of using a website or app.

There's more, so we suggest you visit the Springboard website to get more details on their curriculum. Meanwhile, we'll highlight some of the features of studying with Springboard that make its programs ideal for drivers who want to start a new career in coding or data engineering.

• The program is fully online, and you study at your own pace.
• Your course can be completed within six to nine months.
• You get a weekly one-on-one call with a mentor, a student coach, and unlimited calls in between sessions.
• The tuition is reasonably priced, and you don't have to pay until you get a job in your field.
• The program is job-focused and project-based, providing real-world experience, which is the absolute best preparation for a new career.
• A career coach will help you target your job search and prepare you for the hiring process.
• A network of graduates working in the field will give you easy access to top companies that are looking for people with your skills.

If you had to rub your eyes to believe what you read about the deferred tuition policy at Springboard, we don't blame you. For most of its programs, Springboard guarantees you a job, and will not make you pay tuition unless you find a job within six months. Also, unlike other boot camp-style coding schools, Springboard doesn’t take a percentage of your salary once you begin earning.

So… if you're fed up with the grind of trying to eke out a living with rideshare and delivery driving, spring into action! We think Springboard is a great deal, and that its programs can help drivers find reliable, high-paying jobs so we don't have to hustle so hard anymore.

When rideshare or delivery driving is your business, your car is more than just a vehicle. It’s your most important business asset and your source of income. Without your car, it’s pretty difficult to keep your cash flow going.

Because you depend so heavily on your car, you need to keep it in good working order at all times. Sure, maintenance can cost some money, but over time, it’ll be worth it. Why? Because if you don’t take care of your car, you could soon find you’re stuck coming up with cash to pay for a major repair.  

If and when you do, that $100 you should have spent on maintenance could turn into $1000 or more in fixing what went wrong. On top of that, you could also lose out on $100’s or $1,000’s in income as you sit on the sidelines waiting for your car to be drivable again. 

We want you and your car to be together for as long as possible, with as few breaks as possible, so we’ve put together a maintenance schedule every rideshare or delivery driver should follow.

Why do I have to follow a car maintenance schedule?

Like we already said, being left without your car can be a real catastrophe.

And I say this from experience.

When I was a full-time driver, I had a breakdown that took me off the road for nearly 2 weeks.

That meant $2,500 in repair expenses for me AND a loss of at least $2,000 in income. That was bad enough, but the most painful part of the ordeal was that it didn’t have to happen. The whole thing could have been avoided, if only I’d been on top of my car maintenance.

After that experience, I did the smart thing, and began to follow the following maintenance schedule.

Weekly Checks

Windshield wiper blades: If you want to drive like a pro, you definitely need to be able to have a perfectly clear view of the road! Check your wipers frequently, and if they aren’t working up to snuff, replace them with high-quality, long-lasting windshield wipers, such as Bosch ICON™.

Windshield wiper fluid: There’s nothing more annoying than getting caught without windshield wiper fluid! That’s why it’s a good practice to check your wiper fluid every week and ensure it’s at least half full. 7

Tires: Check all 4 of your tires for punctures, gashes, scuffs, or bulges. Also, ensure no steel cord is visible at all. If you see any issues, it might be time for a tire change.

Tire pressure: As rideshare drivers, we’re out on the road constantly, so our tire pressure can rapidly decrease. Take a moment to check your tire pressure once a week to make sure they are inflated properly. Compare your tire pressure to what is recommended in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have your owner’s manual, don’t worry. Google it!

Body and bumper damage: It’s incredibly easy to get a few bumps and scratches without knowing it when you drive 8 – 12 hours a day, often in congested areas. So once a week, or more, have a quick walk around your car to inspect for any new damage, including bumps and scratches. Check closely for any signs of rust as well.

Brake lights and headlights: This one’s especially important for late-night drivers. Park your car in a safe spot, turn your headlights on and ensure all bulbs illuminate. To check your brake lights, back up to a wall, press and hold your foot brakes and use side and rear mirrors to see both brake lights reflected by the wall.

Dashboard warning lights: This is an easy one. When you start your car, simply check your dashboard for warning lights. If you see one pop up, you can simply check your car manual for any lights that come on. If you don’t have your car manual, or even if you do, you can always Google your specific issue as there is almost definitely someone that’s asked about the light on a forum somewhere. Don’t fall into the habit of ignoring these lights!

Leaking fluids underneath the vehicle: Use a flashlight to look under your car for power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, anti-freeze or anything else that could be leaking.

Oil level: Most mechanics and dealerships will recommend oil changes as specified in your car’s owner’s manual which usually falls somewhere between every 2,000 and 6,000 miles.  When you’re a rideshare or delivery driver, that mileage piles up rather fast. Check your oil levels every week to make sure they’re keeping your engine running cool and clean.

To check your oil levels, make sure that your engine has cooled down. Then, take the dipstick out and wipe it off with a rag. Put the dipstick back in and then pull it out and see if the oil levels are where they should be. If they aren’t, you may have a leak which you should get checked out by a pro.

Pro Tip: Always check your engine lights everytime you drive and do your best to take care of any issues as soon as possible.

Every 3,000 Miles

Oil Change: Always check your vehicle’s oil change schedule in your maintenance manual. In most cases, you’ll probably want to change your oil somewhere around every 3,000 miles. Clean oil is crucial. It keeps your car running now, and it also contributes to the longevity of your car. You could stretch the oil changes a bit farther, but it’s safest to try to change your oil at 3,000 miles unless your owner’s manual says otherwise.

Check belts and hoses: Your car’s belts and hoses are key to keeping your car on the road. So, you’ll want to check them out regularly to see if they need to be replaced. If your hoses appear to be brittle, are worn or are bulging, you will need to get new ones. If your belts are frayed or worn, then you’ll need to get replacements.

Air filter: Your air filter keeps harmful substances from getting into your engine, so If it’s damaged or dirty, nasty particles can enter your engine and really clog up the works. Check to ensure that it’s not dirty or blocked. If so, you’ll need to have it replaced.

Brake pads, rotors, and fluid: Your brake pads, rotors, and braking fluid make up your braking system, and if your braking system isn’t working correctly, you might get into serious trouble. Every time you change your oil, take a quick look at your pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure they’re in good working order.

Every 6,000 miles

Tire Rotation: Tires last longer if they’re evenly worn down, but your front tires typically get worn faster. That’s why it’s important to get your tires rotated frequently to prevent the need to replace them faster than you’d like, and spending lots of extra money.

Spark plugs and wires: Ensure that your spark plugs and wires are ready to get the party started. These usually only need to be changed every 30,000 miles or so, so you probably won’t find problems with them all that often.

Replace your cabin air filter: Installing a fresh cabin air filter is probably one of the easiest things you can do to keep your car comfortable. Most vehicles make the cabin air filter easily accessible, and replacing it is as easy as opening a box. The cabin air filter may not be critical to your car’s operation, but it makes riding in your car far more pleasant! This is something you can do for yourself, so if you keep your eye on it and replace it as needed, it won’t turn into a repair you have to pay someone else to do.

Windshield wipers: Like we said before, good windshield wipers are something you can’t afford to ride without. Don’t wait until you can barely see through your windshield to check and change your windshield wipers. Constantly check your wipers to ensure they aren’t getting overly worn. When you replace them, do it with a wiper that’s going to stand up to all kinds of weather and last a long time. Bosch ICON™ windshield wipers last up to 40% longer than other premium wipers, thanks to the bracketless design and materials that are both flexible and durable.

Every 15,000 miles – Find a Good Mechanic

At 15,000 miles you’ll need to check your battery, serpentine belt, timing belt, and wheel alignment, among other things. For these more sophisticated maintenance tasks, it’s best to find a great and trustworthy mechanic, and take your car in for a full inspection.

A good mechanic is like having a good doctor. They give you good recommendations, and allow you to make the final decisions. When you find a mechanic you know you can trust, you will have made a connection you’ll want to keep for as long as possible.

A trustworthy pro can be the difference between your car lasting just 100,000 miles and 300,000 miles, so don’t take this task lightly. How do you find one? Ask friends and family, check Yelp and other review sites, and make sure you do your due diligence. 

If you maintain your car with full attention and care, it will serve you well, and be a fully reliable source of income now and in years to come.