Pictures: Mecum Kissimmee Auto Auction 2024
Electric car models eligible for $7,500 tax credit cut to 13
The number of electric vehicle models eligible for a consumer tax credit of as much as $7,500 fell sharply as new rules and narrower criteria reduced the number of qualifying models to 13 from about two dozen.
10 best money-making apps in 2024
Technology is making it easier than ever to make a little extra cash, whether it’s taking on side gigs or getting rewarded for certain purchases. With a money-making app, you can look for gigs, deals and other ways to earn money simply by browsing on your mobile phone.
There’s a slew of money-making apps available on the market tailored to a variety of skills and needs. These apps are some of the best to help you make a bit of extra money.
Best apps to make money
App | Best for
| Rakuten | Cash back online |
| Ibotta | Cash back in-store |
| Upside | Cash back on gas |
| Depop | Selling clothes |
| Swagbucks | App-based tasks |
| TaskRabbit | Local tasks |
| Fiverr | Freelancing |
| Survey Junkie | Taking surveys |
| UrbanSitter | Babysitting |
| Rocket Money | Saving on bills and subscriptions |
1. Rakuten: Best for cash back on online purchases
Rakuten is an app that earns you cash back for shopping at over 3,500 stores online. It works by partnering with different stores and getting paid a commission for sales, which is then shared with the customer in the form of cash back.
Some popular brands that Rakuten partners with include Etsy, Macy’s, StubHub and Best Buy. A few stores come with the opportunity to earn over 10% cash back on purchases.
You can earn cash back by shopping through the Rakuten app or downloading the Rakuten browser extension. It’s also possible to collect earnings from in-store purchases by linking a card to Rakuten in the app and then using the linked card to pay in-store. Earnings are paid out four times a year, and they can be distributed by check or PayPal.
More retailers are charging return fees. Here’s how to pay less
By Kimberly Palmer | NerdWallet
If you’re someone who likes to return and exchange gifts after the holidays, prepare yourself: Making returns could feel a little different this year.
“It’s going to be hard for consumers to navigate,” says shopping expert Trae Bodge. “The return policies are all over the place.” The biggest change, she adds, is that more retailers are charging fees for returned merchandise.
About 40% of online and brick-and-mortar retailers are charging fees for returns this year compared with 31% last year, according to David Morin, vice president of customer strategy at Narvar, which handles shipping, tracking and returns information post-purchase for online retailers. Those return shipping or restocking fees are generally $3.99 to $9.99, he says.
The good news is there are ways to minimize return fees and in some cases avoid them altogether. Here’s what experts recommend.
Review return policies in advance
Because retailer return policies vary so much and many have recently changed, Morin recommends checking the return policy before you make any purchases, even if it’s at a store you’ve bought from before. “Many retailers are offering an extended return window during the holiday gift season, but always look at the fine print,” he says.
Big budget films are recreating Florida elsewhere. It might get worse.
TAMPA — Sean Michael Davis spent the early part of his career as crew on big-budget movies in Florida. Those included “Dolphin Tale” and “The Punisher.”
He next hit the road for eight years as a camera operator for “Cops” and “House Hunters.”
Seven years ago, wanting to be home more, Davis walked away from reality television and sought a return to feature films in Florida.
“But they just don’t exist here anymore like they used to,” said Davis, a Tampa Bay resident who authored “Shoot to Thrill! The life and times of a reality TV cameraman.” “There are not enough for steady work.”
If things had been different, he could have recently worked with Zachary Levi, Woody Harrelson, Chris Evans and Emily Blunt. Each starred in movies about Tampa Bay. But those productions recreated the area in Georgia and Malta because Florida lacks a state film incentive program.
Those who work in the industry expect productions will now shun the Sunshine State at a higher rate. That’s because, in July, the state dissolved its Office of Film and Entertainment, which brought productions here and then provided logistical support.