Legit Money Making Apps: 18 Verified Platforms That Actually Pay In 2026
We’re doing that all the time – scrolling through our phones while sitting on the bus or pretending to look busy during a slow afternoon. Meanwhile, our bank account is giving us that judgmental stare. But what if I told you that same phone could actually help pad that account instead of just draining your battery?
Let’s have a real talk about legit money making apps that people use to earn anywhere from fifty bucks to several hundred dollars extra each month. In the next sections, I’ll show you ways to turn your spare time into actual cash.
How this whole thing actually works
These companies we’re going to talk about aren’t just handing out money because they’re feeling generous. They’ve got actual business reasons for paying you.
Companies need consumers to test their products, share opinions, complete tasks, or buy stuff. Rather than hiring expensive market research firms or full-time employees, they’re essentially crowdsourcing these jobs to millions of smartphone users. You’re providing value – whether that’s data, labor, or purchasing power – and they’re compensating you for it. Pretty straightforward transaction when you strip away the marketing fluff.
Now, you’ll find these apps fall into pretty distinct buckets:
- Survey and rewards apps that pay for your opinions and attention
- Cashback platforms that give you money back on regular purchases
- Freelance marketplaces connecting you with actual paying gigs
- Selling apps where you can flip your unused stuff for cash
- Delivery and driving platforms for flexible gig work
- Passive income options that run quietly in the background
If you’re putting in consistent effort across a few different apps, you’re looking at somewhere between $50 and $500 monthly. Some people do better, especially if they’re treating the gig work platforms seriously. Others might earn less if they’re just casually tapping away during commercials. The key is understanding what you’re signing up for from the jump.
Time vs money
Here’s the crucial truth you must understand: nobody’s becoming a millionaire here. Realistically, if you’re putting in consistent effort across a few different apps, you’re looking at somewhere between $50 and $500 monthly. Some people do better, especially if they’re treating the gig work platforms seriously. Others might earn less if they’re just casually tapping away during commercials.
Do the hourly rate check: This is the single most important habit to develop. For instance, if a survey pays $1.00 and takes 12 minutes to complete, you’re effectively earning $5 per hour. Is that worth it to you? If you’re spending 30 minutes on surveys to earn $2, that’s a $4/hour rate – probably not worth it unless you genuinely have zero other options for that time.
The key is understanding what you’re signing up for from the jump. Think of it as a scale:
The beauty of legit money making apps is they require essentially zero commitment. Don’t like one? Delete it and try another. Find something that pays better? Shift your focus there. This flexibility is precisely what makes them appealing for supplemental income.
The apps that actually deliver
Survey and rewards: Your spare minutes have value
Let’s start with probably the easiest entry point – survey and rewards apps. These are perfect for anyone who has pockets of downtime throughout their day. What makes this category appealing is the absolutely minimal barrier to entry. You don’t need special skills, equipment, or even much concentration. Just a phone and some time to kill.
Common characteristics across survey and rewards apps:
- Low effort, low barrier – anyone can start earning immediately
- Flexible timing – complete tasks whenever you have spare minutes
- Multiple earning methods – surveys, videos, games, shopping
- Point or cash systems – most use points that convert to real money or gift cards
- Realistic earnings – typically $30-$200 monthly depending on dedication
Swagbucks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.4/5)
Launched in 2008, Swagbucks is a versatile platform where you earn points (“SB”) not just from surveys, but also by watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
- What you’ll earn: $50-$200/month for regular use.
- The best part: Excellent payout flexibility. Redeem for PayPal cash ($25 minimum) or get slightly better rates on gift cards (Amazon, Target, Starbucks). Look for sign-up bonuses for new users.
The interface can feel cluttered at times, and not every survey you start will actually let you complete it – demographic screening is real and sometimes frustrating. Nevertheless, the sheer number of earning opportunities means you can usually find something to do.
Survey Junkie
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.5/5)
True to its name, Survey Junkie offers a focused, no-frills experience centered entirely on paid surveys. It features a clean interface free of games, videos, or shopping portals.
- What you’ll earn: $30-$80/month for regular users.
- The best part: Clear transparency and efficiency. You see the exact points and estimated time (5-30 minutes) for each survey upfront, so you can decide if it’s worth your effort. Payout is quick via PayPal or e-gift cards once you hit 500 points ($5).
Be prepared for a lower earnings ceiling compared to multi-activity platforms. While the straightforward experience means fewer sudden disqualifications, the income potential is inherently limited by available surveys.
InboxDollars
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.5/5)
InboxDollars differentiates itself by dealing exclusively in real US dollars instead of points, offering a direct psychological reward for every task completed.
- What you’ll earn: Approximately $30-$150/month, depending on activity.
- The best part: The tangible satisfaction of watching a cash balance grow. You see direct deposits like “$0.75” for a survey, eliminating point conversions. New users often get a sign-up bonus (e.g., $5) for a quick start. Payouts start at $15 via PayPal, gift cards, or prepaid Visa.
This concrete system can feel slower, as you watch small dollar amounts accumulate. Some users report occasional technical glitches. However, for those who prefer real currency over abstract points, the direct feedback is a significant motivator.
Cashback apps: Getting paid for stuff you’d buy anyway
Moving along, cashback apps are legitimately my favorite category because they require the least behavior change. You’re already buying groceries and shopping online, right? Might as well get a percentage back. The genius here is that you’re not creating new tasks – you’re just adding a profitable layer to activities you’d do regardless.
What these cashback apps have in common:
- Zero extra spending required – you’re buying things anyway
- Automatic or semi-automatic – minimal effort after initial setup
- Stackable rewards – often work alongside store loyalty programs
- Quarterly or instant payouts – depends on the platform
- Partnership networks – thousands of retailers participate
Ibotta
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.8/5)
Ibotta is a dedicated cashback app focused on groceries and everyday purchases. The workflow is simple: browse and select offers in the app, shop at partnered retailers, then scan your receipt to earn cash.
- What you’ll earn: $10-$50/month from routine shopping, with higher earnings possible through strategic offers and referrals.
- The best part: Seamless integration with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, plus a rewarding bonus structure for completing offer sets. Its referral program ($10 per qualified friend) is notably generous. Payout is available at a $20 minimum via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
The targeted offers can tempt you into buying specific products for the cashback, potentially nudging your spending. To maximize earnings without overspending, it’s best to use the app primarily for items you already plan to purchase.
Fetch Rewards
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.9/5)
Fetch Rewards offers a uniquely hands-off approach to earning. You simply scan any receipt from almost any store, and it automatically awards points for eligible purchases without needing to select offers in advance.
- What you’ll earn: $5-$10 in value monthly for regular receipt scanning, with higher earnings possible during special promotions.
- The best part: Ultimate simplicity and universal acceptance. Scan receipts from grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more to earn a baseline of points, with bonuses for partner brands. Redeem points for gift cards (starting at 3,000 points, or ~$3) to a wide variety of popular retailers.
Earnings are paid out exclusively in gift cards, not cash. This locks your rewards into specific retailers, which may limit flexibility compared to cash-out platforms.
Rakuten
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.8/5)
Rakuten is the leading cashback platform for online shopping. By installing its browser extension, you can activate a percentage back at checkout from thousands of partnered retailers.
- What you’ll earn: Varies significantly with spending, but users easily earn $100-$300+ annually from routine purchases.
- The best part: Extensive retailer network and potent bonus features. Cashback rates are frequently boosted with double-promotions, and a strong referral program offers $30 for you and a friend. Payments are sent reliably each quarter.
Cashback only applies when you remember to activate it via the extension or app before completing your purchase. Furthermore, funds are disbursed quarterly, so there is a waiting period before you receive your earnings.
Freelance platforms: When you’ve got actual skills to sell
Now we’re getting into territory where earnings can seriously scale up, assuming you’ve got marketable skills and can hustle a bit. Unlike passive apps or quick surveys, these platforms require real work – but they also offer real compensation that can genuinely supplement or even replace traditional income.
What freelance platforms typically offer:
- Scalable income potential – earnings tied to skill level and effort
- Flexible scheduling – work when you want, as much as you want
- Skill development – you improve while earning
- Portfolio building – reviews and ratings create future opportunities
- Global marketplace – access to clients worldwide
Fiverr
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.9/5)
Fiverr is a leading freelance marketplace for digital services, connecting sellers offering specific “gigs” with clients worldwide.
- What you’ll earn: $200 to $2,000+ monthly, based on your service, skill level, and client reviews.
- The best part: A vast, established market for virtually any digital skill – from writing and design to programming and marketing. The gig-based system allows you to define your services and pricing clearly.
The platform charges a 20% commission on all earnings. As a new seller, breaking through the competition to secure your first orders and build a reputation can be a significant initial hurdle.
Upwork
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.6/5)
Upwork is a professional freelance platform focused on project-based and long-term contract work, where freelancers submit competitive proposals to client job postings.
- What you’ll earn: $500-$3,000+ monthly for established freelancers in fields like writing, development, design, and marketing.
- The best part: Access to higher-value, substantive projects and the potential for lasting client relationships. A sliding-scale commission (from 20% down to 5%) rewards ongoing partnerships.
The proposal process is highly competitive and requires significant time investment. The platform has a steep initial learning curve and strongly favors experienced professionals with robust portfolios, making it challenging for beginners to secure their first clients.
Tasker by TaskRabbit
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.7/5)
TaskRabbit connects local service providers, or “Taskers,” with clients needing help with hands-on tasks like furniture assembly, moving, cleaning, and handyman work.
- What you’ll earn: $25-$40/hour on average, leading to $500-$5,000+ monthly depending on hours and local demand.
- The best part: High earning potential for physical work and direct client appreciation. You set your own hourly rates, the platform handles payments and provides insurance, and strong ratings can lead to a steady stream of repeat business.
The work is physically demanding and requires reliable transportation and tools. Income is highly dependent on your local market’s demand and your ability to build a positive client reputation from the start.
Selling apps: Monetizing what others leave behind
Everyone’s got stuff they don’t use anymore – cluttering closets, garages, and storage units. These apps make it stupidly easy to turn that clutter into actual money, and honestly, the decluttering itself often feels as valuable as the cash.
Common features of selling platforms:
- Low barrier to entry – just photograph items you already own
- Built-in shipping solutions – prepaid labels or buyer arrangements
- Payment protection – platform holds funds until delivery confirmation
- Fee structures – usually 10-20% of sale price
- Various niches – fashion, general goods, tech, collectibles
Poshmark
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating : 4.8/5)
Poshmark is a leading peer-to-peer marketplace for selling new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories, combining retail with strong social community features.
- What you’ll earn: $50-$200/month for casual closet cleanouts, and $1,000+/month for dedicated resellers sourcing inventory.
- The best part: A turnkey selling process with prepaid shipping labels and a massive, active buyer community. The platform’s social tools (“Posh Parties,” sharing) can dramatically increase item visibility and sales for engaged users.
Poshmark takes a flat $2.95 commission on sales under $15, and 20% on sales of $15 or more. Most successful sellers price items 10-20% higher than their target to allow room for the “offer” feature where buyers can negotiate.
Mercari
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating : 4.8/5)
Mercari is a streamlined, general-purpose marketplace for selling everything from electronics and home goods to collectibles and clothing.
- What you’ll earn: $100-$300/month for casual sellers decluttering, with higher potential for in-demand categories like electronics.
- The best part: A simple, no-fuss selling experience with a clear 10% commission, flexible shipping options, and a broad buyer base that facilitates faster sales than niche platforms.
Sellers report that electronics and collectibles move particularly fast, often within days of listing. The main challenge is pricing competitively since buyers can easily compare with similar listings.
Delivery and driving: The gig economy heavyweights
If you’ve got a car and some time, delivery apps can generate real money quickly. These platforms represent the most visible face of the gig economy, and for good reason – they offer the highest short-term earning potential of any category we’ve discussed.
What delivery platforms typically provide:
- Immediate earnings – cash out daily or weekly
- Complete schedule flexibility – work literally whenever you want
- No boss, no schedule – true independent contractor status
- Variable income – highly dependent on location, timing, and effort
- Vehicle costs – gas, maintenance, and depreciation come out of earnings
DoorDash
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.7/5)
DoorDash is the market-leading food delivery platform, connecting drivers (Dashers) with local restaurant orders for pick-up and drop-off.
- What you’ll earn: $15-$25+ per hour during peak meal times, depending on market, with significant earnings potential on weekend nights.
- The best part: High demand and flexible instant-access (“Dash Now”) scheduling. “Peak Pay” bonuses during busy periods directly boost pay per delivery, and strategic work during dinner rushes maximizes income.
Earnings are highly variable and dependent on tips, time of day, and your local market. Maintain customer ratings above 4.7, and you will keep getting priority access to high-paying orders.
Uber – Driver: Drive & Deliver
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.4/5)
Uber Driver is a widely used gig-driving app that allows drivers to earn money by providing rides to passengers and delivering food and packages, all within one platform.
- What you’ll earn: $15–$30+ per hour depending on demand, location, and time of day, with the ability to increase earnings during surge pricing and peak travel periods.
- The best part: The app provides upfront trip details, including estimated earnings and trip distance before accepting a request. Drivers can also seamlessly switch between passenger rides and delivery opportunities to maximize earning potential and reduce downtime.
Earnings can fluctuate based on demand, traffic, and rider availability. As with all gig driving, drivers are responsible for vehicle expenses such as gas, maintenance, and insurance, and earnings may be less predictable during slower hours.
Instacart
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.8/5)
Instacart is a leading grocery delivery platform where shoppers accept, fulfill, and deliver customer orders from partner supermarkets.
- What you’ll earn: $15-$30 per hour on average, with higher earnings possible through large orders, batch shopping, and strong tips.
- The best part: The ability to batch multiple orders for greater efficiency and the potential for generous tips. Shopping during peak weekend times yields the highest volume and best earnings.
The biggest earning factor is accepting good orders – high item counts with appropriate compensation – and declining low-paying orders that would tank your hourly rate.
Roadie
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.5/5)
Roadie is an on-demand delivery service for items ranging from small packages to large goods, designed to connect drivers with deliveries that align with their planned routes.
- What you’ll earn: Variable supplemental income, with individual gigs paying $8-$50+ depending on size and distance, but no guarantee of consistent volume.
- The best part: Highly flexible, non-rushed deliveries that allow you to monetize trips you were already planning to take. The variety of item sizes provides diverse opportunities.
Drivers appreciate that Roadie deliveries often feel less rushed than food delivery – there’s no hot pizza getting cold. However, the inconsistent availability of good gigs means you can’t rely on it the way you can with DoorDash or Uber. Most users check the app opportunistically when they’re already planning a trip to see if there’s a paying delivery along the way.
Passive and investment apps: Money while you sleep (sort of)
Finally, we’ve got options that require minimal ongoing effort once you set them up. These won’t make you rich, but they’re the definition of easy money – set it and mostly forget it.
What passive income apps offer:
- Minimal time investment – setup once, earn continuously
- Background operation – runs without active attention
- Lower earnings – trade-off for low effort
- Various mechanisms – data sharing, micro-investing, market research
- Long-term perspective – daily earnings are tiny but accumulate
Acorns
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (App Store rating: 4.7/5)
Acorns is a micro-investing platform that automates saving by rounding up everyday purchases and investing the spare change into diversified portfolios.
- What you’ll earn: Not immediate income; this is a long-term wealth-building tool. Users can passively accumulate hundreds or thousands of dollars over years through consistent, small contributions.
- The best part: Completely automated, painless saving and investing that requires no active management. The “Found Money” partner program adds passive contributions when you shop, and recurring deposit features help accelerate growth.
This is not a source of short-term cash flow. The monthly fee ($3-$9) can be a significant percentage of and erode gains on smaller account balances. Returns are subject to market risk and require a long-term perspective.
Nielsen Mobile Panel
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (App Store rating: 4.2/5)
Nielsen Mobile Panel is a passive data-sharing app from a major market research firm that rewards users for allowing it to collect anonymized data on their internet and app usage.
- What you’ll earn: Approximately $50 annually in guaranteed rewards, typically paid out via gift cards.
- The best part: Truly passive, “set-it-and-forget-it” earning that requires zero active effort after installation. Payout is reliable from a well-established, legitimate company.
You are trading a significant amount of personal data (browsing history, app usage) for a relatively small annual reward. The earnings ceiling is very low and fixed. This option is only suitable for those comfortable with the privacy trade-off detailed in the app’s terms.
Honeygain
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5)
Honeygain is a passive app that allows you to earn money by sharing your device’s unused internet bandwidth, which is used by companies for market research and content delivery.
- What you’ll earn: Approximately $20-$30 monthly, depending on your connection speed, data plan, and usage patterns.
- The best part: Completely passive background operation that monetizes an existing resource (your internet connection) without requiring active work.
The main considerations are whether your internet service provider allows this kind of bandwidth sharing (most do, but check terms of service) and whether you’re comfortable with the security implications of sharing your connection. The company claims all traffic is encrypted and monitored for malicious activity, though tech-savvy users recommend running it on a separate network if possible.
Don’t get scammed: Your forensic checklist
Unfortunately, for every legitimate platform, there are sketchy operations trying to exploit people looking for extra income. Before you download anything, run it through this simple checklist. Generally speaking, legitimate platforms will pass easily.
1. The business model test
Can you quickly figure out how the app pays you and how it makes money itself? If it’s vague (“we share ad revenue!”) or silent, be very suspicious. Essentially, a legitimate app has a clear, honest way it makes money itself, which then allows it to share some with you. If you can’t understand how the app profits, that’s your first red flag.
2. The background check
- Company info: Does the website list a real office address and have a proper “About Us” page?
- Reviews: Don’t just look at the star rating. Instead, read the 2- and 3-star reviews. Do people complain about not getting paid? Is customer support nonexistent? Furthermore, search “[App Name] scam” or “[App Name] reviews” on sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
3. The red flag detector
Warning signs that should make you immediately suspicious:
❌ Upfront fees to “unlock earning potential” or “activate your account” – any app requiring upfront payment is almost certainly a scam
❌ Impossible earnings claims like “$300/hour working from home!” – if an app claims you’ll make $500 per day working an hour from your couch, that’s fantasy
❌ Fake or suspicious reviews – identical five-star reviews with generic praise
❌ No verifiable company information – can’t find details about who runs it
❌ Requesting sensitive info too early – asking for SSN before you’ve even completed a profile
❌ Impossible payout thresholds – need to earn $500 before first withdrawal
❌ Pyramid structure – earnings primarily come from recruiting others
❌ Payment issues – consistent complaints about people never receiving money
4. The start-small trial
Never invest days of work into a new app. Therefore, your first mission is to reach the lowest cash-out threshold. Can you actually get that $10 or $15 into your PayPal or bank account? Ultimately, this is the only way to prove it’s one of the legit money making apps.
How to actually make it work
Finding the right app is just the first step. To really make it worthwhile, follow these strategies:
- Stack your efforts: Combine apps from different categories. For example, use a cashback app like Rakuten and a coupon finder like Honey and a receipt scanner like Fetch for the same shopping trip. Essentially, this “stacking” maximizes every dollar.
- Build a routine: Link app use to habits you already have. For instance, scan your receipts every Sunday night. Do a few surveys with your morning coffee. Similarly, check for cashback offers before any online purchase.
- Track for taxes: If you’re doing gig work or freelancing, the income is taxable. Therefore, a simple spreadsheet to log your earnings (and car mileage for delivery apps!) will save you massive stress during tax season.
- Guard your data: Be cautious with permissions. For example, a receipt scanner needs camera access, but it shouldn’t need your contacts. Moreover, use a strong, unique password if you’re creating an account.
Beyond apps: Building a real online business with dropshipping
If you’re reading this far, you’re probably thinking bigger. Maybe you want income that can actually scale beyond a few hundred bucks monthly. Maybe you’re tired of trading hours for dollars and want something that can grow while you’re not actively working. That’s where dropshipping enters the picture.
Dropshipping is essentially running an online store without handling any inventory. You create a website, list products, and when someone buys from you, the supplier ships directly to your customer. You’re the middleman, keeping the profit margin between wholesale and retail prices. No garage full of boxes, no trips to the post office, no upfront investment in inventory that might never sell.
What makes dropshipping appealing compared to the apps we’ve discussed:
- Higher profit potential – individual sales can net $20-100+ in profit, not $0.50 per survey
- Scalability – your income isn’t capped by your available hours
- Real business asset – you’re building something that could be sold later
- Automation friendly – much of the work can run on autopilot once established
- Creative control – you choose your niche, branding, and products
The catch? It’s not as simple as installing an app and immediately earning. You need to build a store, drive traffic, handle customer service, and actually market your products. There’s a learning curve and some initial effort required.
However, the income potential is substantially higher than any of the apps we’ve covered – people running successful dropshipping stores make anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ monthly, sometimes significantly more.
Starting dropshipping with AliDropship
This is where AliDropship comes in. For $39/month, you get a ready-made online store, built-in automation tools, and support from a team that actually helps you get set up.
Here’s why it works:
-
Turnkey store
You get a professional, pre-built site filled with trending products. No endless setup or guesswork. Your store arrives ready to start selling almost immediately, and the products are already imported with optimized descriptions, photos, and pricing.
-
Automation
From adding products to processing orders, most of the heavy lifting runs on autopilot. When a customer places an order, the system automatically forwards it to the supplier, processes payment, and arranges shipping. Additionally, inventory tracking happens automatically, so you’re not selling out-of-stock products.
For those who don’t know marketing or simply want hands-off promotion, there’s also an automated promotion feature (paid add-on) where the system handles everything for you – running campaigns across Amazon, Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Essentially, you can set it and let the platform drive traffic to your store while you focus on other things.
-
Premium products
You get access to a huge catalog of high-quality items, including big-name brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, Guess, and Gucci. Most dropshipping stores are stuck selling generic products that compete purely on price. Having access to recognized brands means you can command better prices and build customer loyalty faster.
-
Beginner-friendly
Even if you’ve never done online marketing, AliDropship includes marketing materials, social media templates, and promotional strategies that have worked for other sellers. The support team provides real guidance on choosing your niche, setting up payment processing, and launching your first campaigns.
In short, AliDropship gives you an all-in-one solution – professional store, automation, premium products, and expert support. It’s perfect for anyone who wants side income that can grow faster than casual survey apps or delivery gigs.
If you’re ready to turn your entrepreneurial ideas into real income, AliDropship makes starting simple, fast, and practical.
What is the most legit money app?
Which app pays real money?
Most apps we have covered pay real money through PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards. Rakuten and Ibotta pay via PayPal. DoorDash and Uber Eats offer instant cash-out or weekly deposits. Survey apps like Swagbucks convert points to cash once you hit minimum thresholds (typically $5-$25). Always test by cashing out at the lowest threshold first to verify the app actually pays.
What apps pay $100 a day legit?
Realistically, very few apps pay $100 daily without major effort. Delivery apps like DoorDash might reach $100 in 8-10 hours during peak times (before expenses). Freelance platforms like Upwork can generate $100+ daily with in-demand skills and established clients. Survey and cashback apps will not get you anywhere near $100 daily – they are for supplemental income of $50-$200 monthly. Be skeptical of any app promising $100+ daily with minimal effort.
Which is the No. 1 earning app?
How do I make money on my phone?
Start with 2-3 apps from different categories. Install passive options like Rakuten for automatic cashback and Nielsen for background data collection. Add survey apps like Swagbucks to fill dead time. If you have a car, try DoorDash for active income. If you have skills, explore Fiverr or Upwork. Stack multiple streams – passive cashback ($20-30/month), surveys ($30-50/month), and gig work ($150-250/month) can reach $200-330 monthly. Track your hourly rate and focus on what works best.
