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30-Day No Spend Challenge: Day 1, Kitchen & Pantry Organization

30-day-No-Spending-Challenge-day 1

Hello again, savvy savers! As many of my readers and online friends may know, I am always juggling several projects, business opportunities, scholastic goals, and home projects at any given time. With so much constantly going on, it’s sometimes easy to forget one of my main passions, and antithesis for this blog, the ability to save money, while live a better live, in hopes of having a “whole living blog,” to help me have a better run life.

So, for 2015 I have decided to take an old-school approach to spending, and so for every other month this year, for the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December I will be participating in a NO SPENDING month cycles! 

Why this crazy idea? Well, a month of NO spending is an awesome way to both reset your spending patterns, as well as to either kick-start your budget or revamp and make changes to any existing budget you or your family may have. This is also a great challenge for personal responsibility; you can track what you have been spending your hard earned funds, and keep yourself on track, in terms of responsible spending thereafter. 

I will be blogging daily about my NO SPEND struggles, victories, and suggestions from the previous day, and will be posting easy-to-follow daily challenges for my readers during my no-spend months. As well, each Sunday will share what I’ve learned, saved, and gained from this challenge as part of my Weekly Goals & Reflections Posts. I hope that many of you will join me in this challenge, as we can all you use more ways to save around the home.

 

 

The rules are pretty simple:  

  • No spending on anything  beyond absolute necessities.
  • Eat from your pantry & freezer as often as you are able.
  • And make changes to the way you purchase and consume goods, services, and commodities in your home. 
  • The idea of the challenge is to keep up with your daily activities,, but the main goal is simply to stop spending.  
  • This challenge can be a life changing experience, as you may just be amazed at how your mindset and perspective will change after just a month of seeing how you can enrich your life, without spending more!

Challenge 1: Part 1, Commitment

This first challenge has two parts. The first part of the first challenge is committing to the challenge itself. Knowing that starting any personal challenge, starts with following through with the challenge itself, and this no-spend month is no exception! 

Also knowing that this April is not just about not spending, although that will be our main goal.  I always challenge each of you to find ways to live well, live better, find new sources of joy, will spending less. You may just find out just how much we already have, and how little more we really need.  And hopefully, by the end of them month, a life rich with family, friends, and creative planning, secured by fiscally responsible measures, will be who we truly are. In addition, I hope to make my posts comments section a place of encouragement and accountability for us all, too!

I’m not gonna lie, there presumably will be tough moments, and for that reason, with one week remaining, stock-up on any items you currently feel you cannot do without. But the biggest reason for following through with this month daily challenges? In the month of February, I was able to save $1,456.87

This month is not about thinking what you won’t be spending and economizing on, but what you are saving for!

With that in mind, for today’s challenge, I encourage you all to physically take a few  minutes to make a list for this month, to include the following:

  • How much you plan to save this month.
  • What are your long-term financial goals.
  • What activities will you plan this month, to take the place of your spending.

 

 

Challenge 1: Part 2, Pantry Organization

I should warn you from the get-go:  my challenge is going to be geared around a lot of cleaning, organizing, self-and home inventorying this month! This is done in an attempt to re-wire our spending habits to include less conspicuous consumption, and finding more contentment is the ability to live off of what we currently have, and moreover, can afford! This is a spend less, dig deeper kind of month!

So today, we are going to start by taking stock of exactly what we have on hand. And if  you are a couponer/stockpiler like me,  you probably have more than a few forgotten packages hidden in the recesses of your pantry, and it’s time they come out to play!

Here’s a few tips for cleaning up your home pantry:

  1. Clear your kitchen counters, kitchen islands, and table before you begin to allow you so you have adequate work space. 
  2. Empty your pantry.
  3. Put like items together; all like items should be grouped separately into piles.
  4. All open containers need to be grouped separately.
  5. Any items that you will not be eating in the next six months, discard.
  6. Any items that will expire in the next three months, that you will not eat, group separately and donate. 
  7. Wipe down and sanitize cleared shelves.
  8. Take a sheet of paper and create an inventory of what you currently have in your home pantry.
  9. Keep in mind, when placing items back into your pantry, arrange items closest to expiration, nearest to the front of your shelf, and those items farthest from expiration towards the back of each shelf.

A few additional tips to keep in mind:

  • All shelved goods should be checked and rotated seasonally, and this is a task that should be placed on your calendars accordingly. 
  • Place all unopened containers in your pantry in like areas; cans with cans, boxes with boxes, jars with jars.
  • Open snacks, cookies, and candy should be taken out of the pantry and placed in other areas of the kitchen so that they can be easily consumed.
  • Be sure to wipe down the front of your pantry; this includes cabinets, panels, knobs, etc.
  • Take a well needed break, for a job well done!

Stay tuned for my end of day report updates on Instagram!

Here’s to saving.

mbnlogosm

What To Buy In June!

What to Buy In June!

Hello again, savvy savers! As we are nearing the end of another month, I thought I’d share my favorite cyclical purchases for this coming June!

Things to keep a look out for:

  • Televisions: The Japanese fiscal year ends in March, which means Japanese-made goods—like tv’s, blueray players and the like—are going to be on sale as they try to get rid of old stock. 
  • Cookware & Kitchen Accessories: As graduation season draws closer, you’ll see a lot of sales for common graduation gifts. So be sure to take advantage of the graduation-centric sales.
  • Vacuum Cleaners: New vacuums usually don’t come out until June, so older models, 2012-2014, are now starting to be on sale for as much as 75% off!
  • Dishware: Wedding season hits its peak in the early summer, and dishware companies respond by slashing prices for all those young lovebirds that have it on their registries. You can find savings of 25 to 50% off!
  • Gym Memberships: Summer isn’t the best time for gyms. Everyone’s forgotten their New Year’s resolutions, and those that haven’t are exercising outside in the nice weather, so now is a good time to haggle on a membership, or seek out equipment for a discount.
  • Tools: Whether you’re buying for dad or not, take this opportunity to stock up on power tools at a discount, upwards of as much as half off at larger box store, like Lowe’s and Home Depot. 
  • Charcoal: Post-Memorial Day Sales will be at rock bottom prices until mid month, before 4th of July cycles begin! 

Food To Buy in June (By Mid Month):

  • Soda
  • Bottled Water
  • Ice Tea Mixes and Lemonade
  • Ice Cream 
  • Cool Whip
  • Peaches
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon
  • Kiwi
  • Cherries
  • Swiss Chard
  • Lettuce
  • Zucchini
  • Summer Squash
  • Pasta Salad Kits
  • Hot Dogs 
  • Hamburg
  • Chicken; thighs and drumsticks
  • Condiments
  • Chips

What Not To Buy:

  • Air Conditioners; New Year’s Day Sales will find portable ac’s and water coolers reduced by half, or more!
  • Grills; wait until Labor Day for grill deals at Lowe’s and Home Depot!
  • Deep Fryers; November will find deep fryers reduced for Turkey-Day sales!
  • Homes; in winter prices can drop by as much as 1/4 in many markets!
  • Patio Furniture; patio sets will drop by 3/4 at retailers, such as Walmart, during post-Labor Day Sales drives!
  • Sandals; this should be a given, but always buy shoes out of season!
  • Bicycles; Summer weather brings cyclists out and about, but come Black Friday bike prices will slash by 3/4!
  • European Trips or Vacations; trips will lower by half come August! 

Here’s to saving,

mbnlogosm

 

How To Earn Money Selling On ETSY!

Hello again, savvy savers! I hope you all are well rested, and ready for the day! So, today I want to focus on creating passive income from items you may have on hand. I am speaking of ETSY. Today, I would like you all to consider all of the homemade crafts, recipes, items, and crafts that you have a knack for making, can easily make from the items you have on hand at home, or items that can be made quickly! Are you a painter, knitter, crafter, good at wood working? Can you make candles, wax melts, or boot cuffs? Then my friend, this is the post for you! I want you all to consider opening up an ETSY Shop, and finding your creative niche!

 

So, why ETSY? 

1) If you’re an artist, jeweler, soap maker, knitter, baker, or you simply have a house full of vintage items, then you might be in a perfect position to start your own business on Etsy.

2) Etsy is an online marketplace designed exclusively for people selling handmade and vintage items.

3) The site allows people from all over the world to sell their homemade goods, and anyone, from stay at home moms to well-respected gallery artists, to have an open market to sell their work.

4) Currently, Etsy has over 400,000 sellers, 7.7 million listed items for sale, and over 7 million customers. In 2010, the site sold more than $300 million worth of goods. 

5) Etsy is egalitarian in nature. This is not simply a place to make a quick buck, but a place where anyone can create a home business, where sales can range from simple, passive income, to massive, evolving sales platforms, depends on your schedule! 
 
 

 

What Can I sell:

  • Crocheted items
  • Soap, lotions and candles
  • Handmade clothing
  • Jewelry
  • Paintings
  • drawings,
  • sculpture
  • Handmade furniture
  • Books and magazines
  • Vintage items (20 years or older)
  • Quilts
  • Bags and purses
  • Baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes, bread, jam, etc.
  • Yarn and other supplies catering to the handmade/crafting crowd
  • Blown glass
  • Handmade paper items
  • Upcycled goods
  • Nearly anything! 

 

How to Sell:

1) You should first start by figuring out what you will create and sell.

2) Next, inventory what supplies you have on hand to create your products.

3) Setting up a Seller Account on Etsy is an easy, two-step process. First, you’ll need to have a Paypal account, and a valid credit card, and will need to enter your billing information. You will need a valid credit card so Etsy can verify your identity.

4) Setting up your shop is going to take more time. You can create a customer banner for your Etsy store, and you’ll want to upload a picture or logo so customers can put a face or image with your shop.

5) Next, create a prototype of several items. It also goes without saying that you’ll also need to photograph all your items, and create a listing for each specific item, too! Also, be sure to use “tags,” or keywords, that will help customers find your items.

6) Something I have found to be helpful it to cross-list items. For instance, imagine you’ve just listed a turquoise necklace. You would use tags such as “necklace”, “turquoise necklace”, and “blue”, all which will help your item get noticed when customers search for those specifics.

7) Pay for your listings. When items sell, be sure to quickly ship, usually within a business week, and mail all parcels with signature confirmation delivery. Payments will be added to your sellers account within 48 hours of payment clearing. All listings will need to be renewed seasonally!

Seller Tips:

  • Fees are charged per sale; a flat 3.5% fee will be added to your sellers account only if an item sells.
  • Fees are refunded on returned items.
  • Be sure to create a clearly expresses return and shipping policy.
  • Be sure to create a detailed customization policy, if you plan to allow changes be made, per order.
  • Consider changing stock seasonally.
  • As your store grows, your sellers account ceiling will grow accordingly; the larger the shop the more charges can be added to your account.
  • All account fees are due the first business day of each month.
  • You can charge shipping costs to your account, up to your limited account cap.
  • Account caps are evaluated and adjusted bi-annually in July and December; you are emailed if your account cap changes.
  • Be sure to create an email account to go with your shop name; i.e. etsyshoptobenamed@gmail.com.
  • Always use USPS’s Media Mail option, for shipping heavy books.
  • Be sure to create a Facebook fan page, to advertise your goods.
  • You can create in-app ETSY coupons for customers; be sure to include a thank you card with your coupon code enclosed with each order to promote return business.
  • One week after delivery, you can politely ask buyers to leave you ship feedback.
  • Never list orders for items that you cannot fulfill or have stock to prepare! 

Support:

  • One of the most amazing aspects of Etsy is the amount of support and the sense of community you get through the site.
  • Etsy has a lot of helpful tutorials to help sellers get more exposure and earn more money.
  • The forums are extensive and Etsy’s thousands of sellers will help answer any question you have about setting up your shop.

So today I challenge you to sell items on ETSY! Moreover, do you already sell on ETSY? What has your experience been like? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! Be sure to come back this evening to see how my daily challenge went, as well as how I was able to additionally save around my home!

Here’s to saving,

mbnlogosm

7 Ways To Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer!

bills

Hello again, savvy savers! It’s a new day, and time for a new challenge! Did you know that you can request from your utility companies, your gas, water, and power companies, an itemized summary of your peak and non-peak hours and service pricing? Did you also know that you could be saving as much as 1/4 off of your bills monthly? Well, you can! Here’s an example…

Starting last Spring, my water bill went up by 20% in a months time! Not that it was a lot of money, but in a year’s time it would have amounted to $400.00! I set out to figure out how to reduce this amount!

 Here’s what I did:

1) I started by calling my city water department, who did not return my call.

2) I then called my city managers office, and was informed by a kind gentleman there, that water, like electricity has a variable cost, and there are peak and non-peak times of the month, season, and year when water charges are higher, so countries and cities can offset the cost of public works projects in many areas. He also said, that you can request in writing, that your city water department tell of you of current charges, pending spikes for everyone, etc.

3) When I found this out last summer, I noticed that charges were higher the last week of the month, so I implemented new water usage strategies in my home; I purchased rain barrel systems to attach to my gutters, which I now use for watering my garden the final week of the month, I also do not wash during that week, making sure all of my wash is prepped before that time, for example.

4) I also checked all of my toilets, plumbing, and water lines for any leaks or pipes that needed to be replaced; luckily they did not!

5) Just these two changes saved me $38.10 monthly on my subsequent water bills!

6) What’s better? I then went on to repeat this process for all of my other services, too! I found out that every county seat in this country must provide customers that opportunity to learn what are peak and non-peak hours for consumption.

7) I then requested this from my local power co-op, and was then able to see that later in the week, from 7-12 am nightly power premiums were less in price, so I adjusted my washing, drying, dish-washing, and vacuuming to this time. I also found out the same schedule from my city managers office, in terms of out city water department, and adjusted watering for my garden to Sunday’s and Wednesday’s, as the water was nearly 20% less in premiums on non-peak times.

With just these seven changes, I was able to save over $400.00 last year!

 So today, I challenge you to pull out your paper and e-print utility statements, check out your peak and non-peak hours, and then write your companies and request an itemized usage statement so that you too can reduce your overall gas, power, and water consumption rates in your neck of the woods! 

So today I challenge you to start the process of seeing where you can save on your utilities, too! Be sure to come back this evening to see today’s recap!

Here’s to saving,

mbnlogosm

How to Make Money on Fiverr!

Hello again, savvy savers! I hope this morning finds you well rested, and ready for a new ahead! For this weeks Thrifty Thursday’s post, I wanted to change gears this morning, and focus on the ways in which we can all make a few dollars, not by selling goods, but by capitalizing on our talents and abilities, using Fiverr.com.

Why Fiverr.com?

  • If you don’t know what fiverr is, you can signup on their website to list “gigs,” small, composed videos you create, educating people on some sort of activity, and in exchange you are paid $5.00!
  • Once you sell enough gigs, you become eligible to offer higher priced gigs and can make more money.

How to Start a Fiverr.com Account:

  1. The first step is signing up on their website at www.fiverr.com. 
  2. Once you’re logged in, you need create a gig.
  3. Under the new and improved Fiverr (V2), you click the Sales link in the top navigation.
  4. Next click on “My Gigs” from the right hand side of the page.
  5. Now you should see a big green button that says “ADD A NEW GIG”.
  6. Start by creating a gig title.
  7. It’s important to remember that when you’re first getting started on Fiverr, you can only sell 5 dollar gigs. 
  8. Sell something you think is valuable to somebody else but won’t take you forever to complete. 
  9. Fulfilling orders means delivering your gig on time within the time frame you specified. 
  10. In order to complete your gig listing, you need to pick a category and provide a description. 
  11. You will then be able to complete a listing, and that’s it!
  12. You can list up to 10 Gigs at a time.
  13. You’re now a Fiverr! 

Here are also a few Fiverr Tips:

  • You may think 10 orders and excellent ratings is difficult to accomplish. 
  • Another thing to note is Fiverr will allow you to upload a video into your gig gallery.
  • Fiverr claims that gigs with videos are viewed almost 3X more often than gigs without video. 
  • Once you have uploaded either a picture or video to your gig gallery, you can tag your gig with up to 5 keywords and provide any special instructions to the buyer.
  • After you publish your gig, it may need review before going live on the website.
  • My very first gig was automatically reviewed but approved within 24 hours.
  • After your gig has been approved and is listed as active in your Fiverr dashboard, you should start promoting it to your friends, family, and anybody else you think might be interested in buying your product or service. For instance, if you’re on Twitter, tweet it. Tons of friends on Facebook? Post it!
  • Fiverr charges a fee. Fiverr takes a 20% cut on every gig. Therefore, your $5 in your pocket payout is now $4, but still a fair payment. 

What would make good Fiverr.com gigs?

  • Are you a homeschooling parent, an educator, or an instructor? Consider showing others learning/teaching techniques or sample lesson plans.
  • Are you an awesome home chef? Post a recipe.
  • Can you juggle? Demonstrate a trick.
  • Are you an awesome storyteller? Record a story.
  • Are you a crafter? Show a demo on a DIY crafting project.
  • Are you a seasoned married couple? Share a video on advice and practice living.
  • Topics are limitless!

So, if you are interested in making money on Fiverr, give it a shot and you may surprise yourself. Do your homework though, and really think about something you can sell that provides value to the world around you. You may only be a few minutes away from being 5 dollars richer! 

So, for today I challenge you to create a Fiverr.com account, create a gig, post a video, and wait for the gigs to come in! 

Here’s to saving,

mbnlogosm

How To Become A Product Reviewer!

Hello again, savvy savers! So, for today’s Wednesday Ways To Save, I want to focus on ways that you can help generate extra funds in your home, and that is with in-product testing!

Product testing is so much fun and rewarding because you’re making a difference with what type of products you’d like on the market.  You’re letting your voice be heard.  Also you’re saving companies money by them not putting products in stores that won’t sell. I’ve tested a lot of products over the years and I don’t remember how many! I’ve tested electronics, toys, food products, beauty products, household products, adult products, websites, and so much more!

Companies are willing to send these products out to “guinea pigs” like us so that they can get a general idea of how well the product will go over once it’s released. And if there are any potential problems that they weren’t aware of before, these can be dealt with beforehand. All they want in return for sending you the product is for you to try it and let them know what you think.

Image result for product reviews

So, why product testing:

  • I’ve been testing products for money for the past 7 years and love doing it! 
  • I get about 4 to 5 full size products and sample products to test a month. 
  • I get the first exclusive look at up and coming products, which I can help companies tailor products that others will enjoy, too!
  • I also participate in at least 1 paid sponsorship per month; the trial experience pays generally range from $5.00-$150.00 for participating.
  • Even if I am not paid for a product test, I am able to keep the product, which helps to generate “funds” to our home, too!
  • It’s a win-win!

The reason for product testing is that Top Brands would like to know what consumers think about new products they’re developing to be sent to stores but before they do that they need your opinions.  This way it’ll save the various companies both time and money if the product doesn’t do well, after the initial testing and marketing drives. 

Please note, majority listed here are survey panels meaning you’ll receive paid surveys from Top Brands and also receive products to test at home depending on your demographic.  Also, you do not need to be a blogger to sign up with these companies!

Image result for product reviews

Here’s how to sign-up:

  1. First, you’ll need to sign up with a company that offers product testing at home. 
  2. Once you do this the company will send you emails to fill out screeners to see if you’ll qualify for their up and coming product testing. 
  3. Once you fill out their screener survey, they’ll let you know at the end if you qualify or not.  For example, let say the company is looking for people to test out their beauty product, if you don’t use a certain beauty product they want you to test then you won’t qualify.
  4. Once you get the approval to test, the company will ask for your address to send you the product to test for a week or two. 
  5. Then they’ll follow up with you with an email asking questions about the product you’ve tested.  Once you’re done, you get paid!

Here are companies that I have worked with:

FREE HCD Research Online Surveys – HCD is a very good survey site, they have really neat surveys that don’t take very long to do. You get paid by a check or depending on the survey you can get a gift card.

National Consumer Panel – Earn valuable points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toy, gift cards, and more

Earn FREE LOreal Products for becoming a Gold Rewards Members! You can earn Free products, coupons and more!

Toluna – Get paid for your opinion. Surfers who participate in this offer can receive a free membership to the Toluna online survey panel.

Smiley360 is another great site to test free products!

Ipsos I-Say Panel – You can earn points for taking surveys Earn points for every completed survey. The more surveys you take, the more points you earn. Cash in your points for American Express gift cards, Amazon gift codes and more, and they also do product testing if you qualify for them. Ipsos is a very good survey company!

Pssst Generalmills -Pssst is fantastic, they send out full size freebies and coupons for freebies.

VocalPoint – Vocalpoint offers fantastic samples throughout the year!

Kraft First Taste – Kraft First Taste sends out coupons for a full size products, along with high value coupons throughout the year!

PopSugar offers fantastic freebies! They even send out full size freebies.

Bzzagent.com -Bzzagent is really neat because they send you a full size products and you review it – Along with other perks that you can receive just by being a member.

Influenster.com – You can earn fantastic samples and so much more! – Registered members “play the game” by unlocking badges that reflect your lifestyle, expertise and power to influence. By earning badges that tell them more about you, Influensters can increase their chances of being selected to receive a themed VoxBox (complimentary packages of products to test & review), rewards (bonus giveaways/discounts) and other special promotions targeted toward our most influential members!

Toluna– I get quite a bit to test with Toluna Panel and the pay is good! When you sign up, click the “Rewards” tab and then click “Test Products” tab.  You’ll also get product test invites in your email Also Toluna has high paying focus groups. Pay by Cash and Gift Cards.

Pinecone Research– Pinecone Research is the most Top Rated Product Testing Company and I receive about 2 to 3 products a month. Pay by Cash, PayPal, Gift Cards, Merchandise, Music, and More!

Valued Opinions–  I mostly receive beauty products to test with Valued Opinions Panel. Also offers to join high paying focus groups. Pay by Gift Cards.

Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel–  You’ll get a free scanner to scan all your household purchases with Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel and you get rewarded for it by getting free electronics and more!  Pay by Free Merchandise.

ACOP– I get a few products from ACOP Panel but their pay is good.  Also offers to join high paying focus groups. Pay by Cash, PayPal, and Tango Gift Cards.

In Home Product Testing Panel– I don’t get much from In Home Product Testing Panel, only every few months and they pay with Target gift cards. Pay by Target Gift Cards.

BuzzBack Panel– I get mostly beauty products from BuzzBack Panel but not many. Pay by PayPal and Gift Cards.

L’Oreal Product Testing Panel– I get new products from L’Oreal to test but for some reason it’s hard to qualify for some of their testing. Pay by Free Beauty Products.

BzzAgent–  BzzAgent is my favorite!  I get so many free stuff to test that I’ve lost count!  Great company!  Doesn’t pay but I love getting so much stuff each month. Pay by MyPoints rewards to redeem for free merchandise, gift cards and more.

Global Test Market–  I mostly get household items with Global Test Market but the pay is great! Pay by Cash.

 Smiley360– I recently signed up with Smiley360 and already tested a couple of things with them.  Doesn’t pay though. Pay by Free Products.

McCormick–  If you like the McCormick brand of foods and seasonings, they offer to review their products and you’ll get paid for it.  They also have contest at times too. Pay by Amazon Gift Cards.

Johnson & Johnson Friends & Neighbors–  I use to get products to test from them quite a bit when my daughters were babies and toddlers, but not so much anymore since my daughters are older.  This name brand company is prefect for mothers with young children. Pay by Cash.

MyViewI’ve done MyView through other survey panels and I had opportunities to do product testing with them. Pay by Gift Cards.

Swaggable:  I get so many free stuff to test that I’ve lost count!  Great company!  Doesn’t pay but I love getting so much stuff each month. Pay by MyPoints rewards to redeem for free merchandise, gift cards and more.

So, today I challenge you to look into the above list and see if you can start product testing today! 

Here’s to saving,

mbnlogosm

April No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 29 (How to Make Money Taking Online Surveys)

img-survey

 
Hello again, savvy savers! I hope you all are well rested, and ready for a new daily challenge! So, for today I want to focus a way you can earn money in your spare time, with online survey sites! 
Why Survey Sites: Last year I earned $420.00 taking online surveys. Here’s how:

  1. The average survey takes 20 minutes, so one could realistically complete 3 online surveys in an hour, and have generated $9.00.
  2. Though is not a great sum of money, the earned survey funds could potentially add up to a $36.00 a month, or $420.00 savings annually.
  3. This is only an average of 3 surveys are taken weekly. based on qualification and availability.

 I used those funds to pay for holiday gifts, birthday gifts, as well as earned Amazon gift cards which paid for my entire years worth of Amazon Subscribe & Save and Amazon Pantry items! Awesome, huh?

Here are my favorites:

1) Harris PollsHarris Polls is the Boss of survey sites. Their research is well-respected and frequently cited; the number of points awarded per survey is generous; and there are lots of rewards to choose from – gift cards, prizes and sweepstakes entries. You can make up to $45 per survey in 20 min the #1 paying survey site today!

2) ZoomPanel: If you’re looking to earn rewards quickly, ZoomPanel is the survey site to join. They typically send out several survey invitations each week, and have a great collection of rewards to choose from – the latest books and movies, electronics, appliances, jewelry, home decor, charitable donations and more; you can earn up to $20.00 an hour with this site.

3) CVS Advisor: CVS Advisor is a must-join site. You’ll probably only get a few survey invitations a year, but you’ll want to respond to those invitations when they come. They reward participants with Extra Care Bucks, and it’s not uncommon to receive $10 in ECBs for participating in a single survey.

4) Swagbucks: Join swagbucks; answer surveys; and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to popular stores and restaurants. Earn additional points by shopping through the site, using their search engine and watching videos. I have earned upwards of $40.00 a month with this site! 

5)  Ipsos I-Say: Ipsos is a global survey-based market research company that serves more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. As an Ipsos I-Say community member, you’ll have the opportunity to take surveys and earn rewards that can be redeemed for money, Amazon.com gift cards, donations such as the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, and prepaid American Express cards. Most members receive surveys at least once each month with an average of about four per month, and the more surveys you take, the more points you earn. In addition, many Ipsos members also have the chance to test new products and services before the general public. I personally use this site weekly, and since joining last year, taking an average of 10 surveys a week, have thus far earned $130.00; $90.00 of this was used on Amazon to help offset my holiday stocking stuffer costs! If you’re interested in joining Ipsos, click here. 

 6) KidzEyes: KidzEyes is a website that conducts market research among 6-12 year old kids, and is in full compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. KidzEyes conducts surveys for children’s companies, and wishes to have kids fill out surveys, in order to provide better products and services for children and sometimes they are interested in hearing parents’ opinions too, in which case, you will help earn your child(ren) additional KidzPoints. When kids complete the surveys that they receive from KidzEyes via email,  and surveys completed earn KidzPoints that can be turned in for cash or prizes’ points can be withdrawn and deposited into your checking account and given directly to your child.

7) Funovation Panel: If you like the idea of influencing the future trends in toys, holiday purchases, and children’s clothing, than the Funovation survey Panel is for you! This is a free survey site, which enters your information into drawings and sweepstakes, often for large ticket toy items, in exchange for short surveys! I have been a member of this site for a little over a year, and have found the surveys fun; its a great way to get sneak-peeks into the upcoming seasons toys and holiday gift ideas! Click here to check the site out and to get more information!

8) PineCone Research: One of my favorite survey companies is Pinecone Research, who is currently accepting new members to their online research panel. This research firm gives points away at the end of each survey, which have a cash out value of $3.00, which can be transferred to an existing PayPal account,  to a pre-paid card, a mailed paper check, which you can set aside to be directed to your savings account!   The average survey takes 20 minutes, so one could realistically complete 3 online surveys in an hour, and have generated $9.00, and though is not a great sum of money, the earned survey funds could potentially add up to a $36.00 a month, or $420.00 savings annually, if 3 surveys are taken weekly. based on qualification and availability.

So today I challenge you to check out the above survey sites, and see if you can start saving today! Be sure to check back tomorrow morning, and see tomorrow’s Daily Challenge!

Here’s to saving,

misty1