My $3.80 Survival Guide: 7 Side Hustle Apps Fighting LA Inflation

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 Living in Los Angeles in 2026 feels like a constant battle against the numbers. With gas prices hovering around $5.50 per gallon and a simple grocery run easily exceeding $100, the cost of existence is staggering. Recently, I reopened my Google AdSense account after a 10-year hiatus only to find a balance of exactly $3.80. In this city, that doesn't even buy you a latte.

But I’ve survived worse—trauma, chronic illness, and starting over from scratch. I’m not looking for sympathy; I’m looking for results. To hit my first $100 goal, I’ve turned my daily routine into a data-driven side hustle using seven specific apps.

The "Walking" Strategy: Turning Steps into Cents

Since LA is a city where you’re forced to drive or walk through sprawling blocks, I’ve monetized my movement. I use four apps simultaneously to stack rewards for every step:

  • GeoSmile & Cashwalk: These are my primary trackers for daily movement.

  • Money Walk & WeWard: I use these to double-dip on the same steps I've already taken.

It’s a slow grind, but when your starting point is $3.80, every cent is a tactical win.

The "Receipt" Strategy: Recouping LA Tax

Every time I pay the "LA tax" at stores like Ralphs or Target, I refuse to let the receipt go to waste. I scan every single one into these three powerhouses:

  • Fetch: The most user-friendly for quick points.

  • Receipt Hog & Coin Out: These provide a steady, albeit slow, stream of cashback that adds up over a month of high-priced grocery hauls.




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