12 Simple Money Tasks You Can Complete During Lunch
Have an hour to spare? Instead of scrolling or streaming, consider using that time to check off a few quick financial tasks. They’re simple, don’t require any special tools, and can help you stay organized while making progress on your money goals.
Review Your Credit Report
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Checking your credit report helps catch incorrect account details or unfamiliar entries, both of which can lower your credit score or indicate identity theft. You can access free weekly reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com. Regular checks improve accuracy and protect your credit profile over time.
Freeze Your Credit
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Freezing your credit limits access to your report, which then reduces the chance of fraudsters opening accounts in your name. It takes minutes to go through each of the three bureaus. If needed, you can temporarily lift the freeze online or by phone, usually within an hour of the request.
Obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN
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An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) prevents others from filing tax returns in your name. After verifying your identity through the IRS, you’ll receive a six-digit code to use when submitting your taxes. A new code is issued every year. It’s especially useful for those at higher fraud risk.
Search for Unclaimed Property
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You could be owed money from dormant accounts, insurance refunds, or old paychecks. Visit MissingMoney.com, a free site backed by state treasurers, to check across 49 states and more. The site links directly to official programs and makes it safe and easy to start the claims process if needed.
Negotiate a Better Cellphone Plan
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A five-minute call to your provider can reduce your monthly bill. Ask about promotions or senior discounts, especially if you’re over 55. Providers like T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Consumer Cellular offer age-based plans with lower rates and extras. Always review your data usage before making changes.
Use Grocery Store Apps for Savings
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Many grocery chains offer mobile apps with exclusive coupons and personalized deals. You can earn rewards or cash back simply by scanning items or uploading receipts. Apps like Flipp, Ibotta, and Checkout 51 let you track prices across multiple stores and save money on regular purchases.
Apply for a Balance Transfer Credit Card
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A 0% interest balance transfer card can help eliminate debt faster. Some cards give up to 21 months of no interest, according to NerdWallet. That’s valuable time to pay down balances without additional charges. Approval usually requires a credit score of 670 or higher, so eligibility must be checked first.
Create a Dedicated Email for Shopping Promotions
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Separate your shopping from everyday communication by using a different email. This keeps your main inbox clutter-free while helping you track promotions, coupons, and early access sales. It also reduces the urge to make impulse buys since you’re not constantly seeing tempting ads in your primary inbox.
Set Up a My Social Security Account
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A My Social Security account gives you secure access to your earnings record, future benefit estimates, and more. Visit ssa.gov to create one, and never share your login credentials. Monitoring this account helps prevent fraud and ensures your reported earnings match what’s recorded by the government.
Shop Around for Auto Insurance
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Premiums vary widely even for the same coverage. Use comparison tools like The Zebra, Policygenius, or Insurify to collect quotes from multiple insurers. Always compare deductibles, liability limits, and extras to get a true match. Most people find they can save significantly just by switching providers.
Automate Your Savings
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Setting up recurring transfers from checking to savings builds good habits. It’s easy to automate through your bank’s app, and doing it right after payday means you’re less likely to spend what you planned to save. Even small amounts add up over time thanks to consistency and compounding interest.
Review and Cancel Unused Subscriptions
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Many people forget about subscriptions they no longer use. Apps like Rocket Money or Mint help you see recurring charges and cancel them with minimal hassle. Reviewing these charges once a month helps stop silent budget leaks and ensures your money only goes toward services you actually use.
Set a Short-Term Financial Goal
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Whether it’s $500 for emergency savings or paying off a store credit card, small goals provide focus. Break them into weekly or monthly targets, and track your progress. This makes the process manageable and motivates consistency, especially when the result is visible in your bank account or debt total.
Use Cash-Back Apps for Everyday Purchases
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Apps like Rakuten, Dosh, and Upside pay you for shopping at stores you already use. You simply activate the offer before checkout or link your card to earn rebates automatically.
Review Your Budget
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Take 10 minutes to review recent spending and check for unnecessary expenses or rising costs. Adjust where needed—maybe dining out is creeping up, or utility bills have increased. This quick review helps keep spending intentional, gives you control over your finances, and supports any short- or long-term goals.