Wallet Watch newsletter: Every day we're hustling (on gig apps)

Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought, maybe I should give Uber a try? It's a thought that's crossed my mind, especially as I save for a house. 

Around one-fifth of Long Islanders identify as gig workers and there's no shortage of apps to try. My colleague Victor Ocasio and I researched more than 80 while reporting for our story about side hustling locals and the various platforms they use. Did you know you can rent out your car? Or your pool? I didn't. 

Some Long Islanders have been able to leverage work through platforms like pet care app Rover into fully fledged businesses while others have used gig jobs to build a financial cushion on top of their primary income. 

But that's not to say it's all sunshine and rainbows. Experts warn that working as an independent contractor comes with risks of its own, like unpredictable pay and limited access to safety nets. 

We delve into that and more in our latest for Wallet Watch. Check out the piece here.

From our readers

Maui Jenn on Facebook asks:

PSEG and National Grid Delivery Fees?! Why are the delivery fees higher than the actual usage? Why do delivery fees continue to go up when usage goes down?

I contacted Newsday reporter Mark Harrington, who covers energy, to ask about this. Last winter, he reported that LIPA and National Grid both increased delivery charges in 2026.

The increase from National Grid is part of a three-year rate hike approved by the state Public Service Commission. The utility has said that delivery rates would hold steady in 2027.

LIPA's board approved its own increase. The state commission would review LIPA's delivery rate only if the utility revenue requirement exceeds 2.5% in a year. LIPA owns the electrical transmission and distribution system and contracts with PSEG Long Island to provide services to customers. 

Delivery charges are for the expense to transport energy to homes, Harrington said in an email. That expense includes power lines and gas pipelines, among other things. If gas costs are low and usage is down, delivery rates might be or seem higher "because utility expenses almost always go up and stay up."

The best way to address this is to cut usage or use less gas, he said. Time of day rates, solar power and other efficiency programs can also help cut bills. 

Have a question you'd like to submit? Confused by a bill? Spotted a price hike? Ask our team and we might answer it in the next edition. Email walletwatch@newsday.com or click here.