Is The Penny Hoarder a Scam or Legit? An Honest Look at One of the Internet’s Most Popular Money Blogs

CONTENT FINISHING CHECKLIST

– IS THE TITLE SHORT AND TO THE POINT

– AI SCORE BELOW 30%

– PLAGIARISM BELOW 3%

– CONTENT FLOWS WELL

– GOOD USE OF TABLES

– KEY POINTS

– JOHNSON BOXES

– IS THE ARTICLE INTENT-BASED

Feature

Details

Site Type

Free money advice blog

Topics

Saving, budgeting, gigs, debt, investing

Cost

Free to read

Revenue

Ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts

Content Style

Casual, simple, beginner-friendly

Authors

Named writers with short bios

Downsides

Lots of ads, some clickbait headlines

Best For

Anyone needing easy, real-world money tips

What Is The Penny Hoarder All About?

  • Origin story: The Penny Hoarder started in 2010, created by Kyle Taylor as a personal blog. Back then, he was sharing his own journey of paying off student loan debt and trying every legal side hustle under the sun to do it. Over time, his blog exploded in popularity and grew into a full-blown media brand.
  • What it covers: Today, the site covers pretty much anything related to personal finance. You’ll find articles on budgeting, debt relief, retirement planning, side gigs, and ways to save money on everyday stuff. It’s written for regular people—no finance degree required—and gets millions of visitors every month.

Who’s Behind The Penny Hoarder Now?

  • Ownership: While Kyle Taylor originally founded the site, The Penny Hoarder was sold in 2020 to Clearlink, which is part of Sykes Enterprises. Eventually, Sykes was acquired by Sitel Group in 2021.
  • Editorial team: Even with the ownership changes, the site hasn’t lost its original tone. The editorial team still includes writers and editors who focus on creating easy-to-digest, down-to-earth content. Articles are written by real people, with their names and bios attached, so you’re not just reading anonymous advice from some content farm.

What Kind of Stuff Do They Write About?

  • Topics covered: There’s a lot of variety on the site.
  • Money-making ideas like online gigs, flexible jobs, and passive income strategies
  • Money-saving hacks, including tips for cutting grocery bills, finding cheaper internet, and lowering utility costs
  • Budgeting tools and strategies
  • Beginner-friendly investing advice
  • Debt relief tips and personal finance updates
  • Style: The content is simple, relatable, and actually useful. They often test apps and interview people who’ve used certain strategies, which adds credibility.

So, Is The Penny Hoarder Actually Legit?

  • Yes, it is: The site doesn’t charge readers anything and is clear about how it earns money. Sponsored content is labeled, and affiliate links are disclosed.
  • Reputation: It’s been mentioned by Forbes, CNBC, TIME, and other major outlets. Writers tend to have journalism or finance backgrounds, and their advice is usually grounded in real-world solutions.
  • Trust factor: It’s not about quick fixes or shady offers. Instead, it focuses on honest advice to help you improve your finances step by step.

Anything to Watch Out For?

  • Ad-heavy experience: One of the most common complaints is the number of ads on the site. They can be a bit much, especially when browsing on a phone.
  • Clickbait headlines: Some article titles can seem exaggerated. You might expect a huge revelation but get fairly basic advice. That said, the information is still solid.
  • Affiliate links: The site makes money from products and services it recommends. You’ll find explanations and disclosures, but it’s good to know the suggestions might be financially beneficial for them.

How Does The Penny Hoarder Make Money Then?

Main revenue sources:

  • Display ads that pay based on page views and interactions
  • Affiliate links that earn commissions when users sign up or buy something
  • Sponsored content from financial companies or tools

Reader cost: None of this costs you anything. There’s no paywall, no hidden subscriptions, and no tricky pop-ups asking for money.

What Do People Think About The Penny Hoarder?

  • General opinion: The overall feedback online is positive. On Reddit, users have talked about using side hustle ideas from the site that actually paid off. On social media, they have a strong following and regular interaction from readers.
  • Common praise: People like the approachable tone and practical tips.
  • Biggest complaint: Ads can feel overwhelming. Still, readers rarely accuse the site of being dishonest or misleading.

Conclusion

The Penny Hoarder is a legit and helpful site for anyone looking to get smarter with their money. It offers free, straightforward advice on everything from budgeting and saving to finding flexible side gigs. While the site does run a lot of ads and occasionally uses catchy headlines, the information is solid and easy to follow. It’s not trying to sell you anything or trap you in shady schemes—it’s just there to give you practical tips that work. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or just want to make better financial choices, The Penny Hoarder is a trustworthy place to start.

Key Takeaway: The Penny Hoarder is a legit, ad-supported money blog that offers free, beginner-friendly financial advice. While it runs a lot of ads and uses catchy headlines, the content is trustworthy, practical, and geared toward real-world money solutions.

FAQs

Does The Penny Hoarder offer personalized money advice?

No, the site provides general financial tips and articles. It doesn’t offer one-on-one coaching or custom financial planning.

Can I trust the products they recommend?

They vet most of the services they mention, but you should always double-check before signing up for anything new.

Does The Penny Hoarder collect and sell my data?

No, they don’t sell your personal data. Like most sites, they use cookies for ads and analytics, and they follow standard privacy practices.

Is everything on the site written by financial experts?

Not always. Some writers are journalists or experienced freelancers, but they focus on delivering practical, accurate advice for everyday readers.

Can I contact The Penny Hoarder directly with questions?

Yes, there’s a contact page on the site for general inquiries and feedback, but don’t expect financial counseling through email.

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