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Live: The $800 Loophole Just Closed
Until now, the U.S. let anything under $800 enter the country without tariffs. That’s why your (essential) $50 bulk order of instant udon noodles was so cheap.
But starting this week, that exemption is gone. And imports from everywhere are included.
Roughly 60% of de minimis shipments came from China last year, but everything from Italian leather to Canadian protein powder now comes with a cover charge.
What this means for you:
Everyday items cost more: Budget goods see the steepest jumps—exactly the stuff students rely on. So cherish that udon.
Small business big prices: Many resellers, vintage shops, and side hustlers order low-cost goods abroad. Expect them to raise prices or stop carrying some items.
Holiday season warning: Economists expect shortages and delays as postal services in other countries pause shipments to figure out the new rules.
Tariffs might not crash the U.S. economy, but they will mess with your shopping budget. So consider getting Christmas gifts early if you celebrate, and let's see if we can get your income rising faster than your stress.
Learn: How to Increase Your Cash Flow
If prices are going up one of the best defenses is making more money.
While I write a lot about budgeting on this newsletter (and for good reason!), it's a lot harder to save your way to riches than it is to earn your way there.
Knowing how to manage your money is important, but part of maximizing your finances is increasing your income, so here are some ways to do that right now:
Clinical trials – Universities and hospitals often pay participants (sometimes hundreds of dollars) for short-term studies.
Credit card bonuses – Many cards offer $200–$600 just for hitting a spending minimum. Caveat: only works if you use the card responsibly. Do not get a new card for the sign on bonus if it is going to harm your finances down the line.
Sell your stuff – That pile of clothes you haven’t worn since high school? That could make you some cash. And even if you don't have fancy clothes, selling 5-10 T-shirts at $1-$5 adds up!
Tutoring online – Sites like Tutor.com make it pretty easy to teach a topic for some change. They explicitly hire college students!
Part-time gig – Campus jobs can give you reliable weekly income and can work around your schedule. Also doing freelance or just picking up a part-time job can help.
Focus your spending – Instead of spending on whatever, focus on spending only on what you really want. For example, I like experiences with friends and I spend a lot of money on that. But I spend very little on shopping for myself.
If you have a longer term job, asking for a raise is also an important part of raising your income.
Personal finance done right should maximize what you enjoy while maintaining your financial wellbeing. Saving and preparing for emergencies is important. That said, increasing your income and spending on things that make you happy are just as important!
Leverage: Depop & Facebook Marketplace
Selling clothes online is one of the easiest entry points to extra income. And, it helps create space for whatever else you may want.
It's high time you got rid of that oversized space kitten sweater anyway.
The easiest way to get into this game is through Depop or Facebook Marketplace. Depop is harder to set up but is where everyone online shops for used clothes. Marketplace is easier but can be full of scams.
Pros:
Turns old clothes into quick cash.
Simple platforms make listing easy.
Eco-friendly way to recycle fashion.
Cons:
Facebook marketplace scammers.
Requires some patience—items don’t always sell overnight.
Depop shipping can be annoying.
If your closet has more “maybe someday” pieces than clothes you actually wear, maybe sell them and get something more "tomorrow's fit."
Also, quick reminder that I am not sponsored by any of the tools I note here. I wish I was! These are just the tools I use.
Launch!
Pick one.
If you’d like to increase your income, try one of the strategies above today. List a shirt on Depop, apply for a part-time gig, sign up for a credit card bonus, or sign up for that psychedelic mushroom mind reading clinical trial.
Regardless of whether your favorite goods are getting way pricier or not, some extra cash never hurts. ;)
Hey!
Thank you so much for being a part of this newsletter. I am grateful to write to you weekly and I hope this helps you feel more confident with your finances.
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I have a goal of helping people learn personal finance. It works better when more people get my emails.
Thank you for helping me (and your friend) out!
—Ben Brosnahan
