Fetch vs. Ibotta: Which Grocery Cash Back App is Better?

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch — but with grocery cash back apps like Fetch and Ibotta, you can at least get a discount!  I’ve been using Fetch for a couple years; awhile back, I tried Ibotta but didn’t love it.  Recently, I tried it again and it’s going a lot… Continue reading Fetch vs. Ibotta: Which Grocery Cash Back App is Better?

Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials: The Skeksis are Scamming Us, and Other Thoughts

A few thoughts I’ve had while writing these money columns (and forever): The System is not designed for us to beat.  The regular people are like the naive Gelflings in Netflix’s Dark Crystal prequel series, going about our lives in ignorance of what’s really happening inside the castle.  The corporations, the mortgage company, the car dealership,… Continue reading Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials: The Skeksis are Scamming Us, and Other Thoughts

Money Hacks For Metalheads and Old Millennials: Making More, Part I

Now we’re getting to the real reason I’m writing these columns: the struggle for the legal tender.  A lot of the books and articles I read about personal finance, side hustling, frugality, etc. didn’t seem realistic.  There would be a whole chapter on asking for a raise, and I work a public service job where… Continue reading Money Hacks For Metalheads and Old Millennials: Making More, Part I

Money Hacks For Metalheads and Old Millennials: Spending Less

"Are my student loans paid off yet?"

Here at Alternative Control, we can’t promise you money for nothing and chicks for free — but we can share some common sense tips to help you get your finances in shape.  The first installment of Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials reviewed the basics: knowing your income, expenses, and spending; brainstorming short term,… Continue reading Money Hacks For Metalheads and Old Millennials: Spending Less

Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials: The Basics

Have you been feeling like a slave to the grind lately?  Does your credit card statement bleep you with a sharp kitchen utensil every month?  This is an awkward subject, but maybe it’s time for “Moneytalks.” I’m not some kind of certified “money expert” and I’m by no means financially independent. I’m just a regular… Continue reading Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials: The Basics