I get at least 10 or so emails a week from readers about how to translate savings into other areas besides the grocery store.  After seeing that this seems to be a common question I started thinking about other ways I save. 

I started making a list and was surprised at all the “little” things that I do in a week to either save money or earn money.  I thought I would share some of what I consider to be the best and easiest ways to get GREAT perks!

Swagbucks–would be definitely among my favorites.  This is probably the fastest and easiest way to earn rewards!  When I say rewards –they have tons of options…from gift cards to cash via pay pal.  I like to exchange my Swagbucks for Amazon.com gift cards.  A $5 Amazon gift card is 45 Swagbucks–which is fairly easy to obtain without much effort.  You earn Swagbucks by doing online searches…it is that easy!  When you get your friends to sign up under you you also get a point everytime they earn points too (up to 100)…so the potential is great!  If you get 5 friends to sign up under you and each of you earn 3 swagbucks per day you will have enough for a $5 Amazon gift card in 3 days (6 people x 3 points (x 3 days)  = 54 points!) You can also install the toolbar or widget to earn points as they often publish FREE codes. Go HERE to get started! I can tell you that thanks to Swagbucks–many of my Christmas needs are covered!

MyPoints –this is a rewards program where you earn points for reading emails, respond to offers, take surveys, etc…  I rarely do anything except click that I read their emails and each year I earn at least a $50 gift card! When I get enough points I trade them in for CVS or Walgreens gift cards –that way I never have to use MY money!

InboxDollars  is another super easy rewards program.  Like MyPoints you earn by answering suveys, reading emails, playing games, etc… With Inbox Dollars they send you money!  You cannot request a payment until you reach $30.  I typically only click that I have read the email–it takes less than a second and each click gets me closer to FREE money!

Pinecone Research –This program pays you $3 per survey that you complete and often send products for you to try out.  They pay out very quickly–I would estimate that I make $50 per year.  The money is deposited directly in your paypal account which is what I call my “monopoly money.”  I use my monopoly money to cover the cost of coupons or other purchases that I want–without touching my personal bank account!!  You cannot sign up for Pinecone–they will open to new member randomly throughout the year.  I try to post whenever I notice they are accepting new sign ups!

If you have a credit or debit card you may want to see if they offer a rewards program. My debit card when used as a credit cards will earn points.  I can then take those points and trade them for Visa Debit cards.  I wait until the holidays to request my gift cards and use them to pay for Christmas presents!

Barter–everyone has a skill or specialty!  Use yours to help you get what you need without the need to pull out your check book!  I have been able to work out some fantastic deals with people without paying a single penny!  Did  you know that Kerry designed my logos and I paid her in coupons–the start of a fabulous friendship (Kerry you are the best!)

Mystery Shopping- I do mystery shopping for several companies.  Hello–I am always shopping–I might as well get paid to do it right!?!  I am going to send you over to Nicole’s Nickels HERE. She has an extensive list of legitimate companies that will pay you to shop! Be aware that often you will have to spend your own money during your shops and will be reimbursed + earn a shop fee.  This may not be for everyone!  

Expo TV  is another fabulous program where you earn points for giving your opinion of products and  get to sample full size products via Tryology!  I am doing a video review of one of our LG Flatscreens.  So taking a few minutes to do a video reviw will almost get me a $100 gift card! Yes…more FREE Christmas money!  Go HERE to sign up. Make sure to complete your profile and check for invites–it is super easy and I think it is FUN!!

BzzAgent–This is a cool program where you get to try out products (and keep them)  if you agree to spread the word about those products. They typically send you the product and some awesome coupons to share with your friends.  Right now I amd doing the Glade Sense & Spray campaign.  I have had some awesome products in the past…a $300 digital remote (My hubbie liked this one!), Teddy Grahams, Palmolive Pure & Clear, Pork, Pledge Multi-Purpose and lots of others!  I love freebies!!

SheSpeaks is another great word of mouth program.  They send you products and you give your opinion ( I am always willing to tell people what I think 😉 )  Today I got an invite to participate in the Oral-B ProfessionalCare 1000 Program.  I am getting a $70+ toothbrush delivered to my door and all I have to do is use it and give my opinion.  The best part is I NEEDED a new toothbrush–so in I my opinion I just made money as now I don’t have to invest MY money in a toothbrush–I am getting one for FREE (with free brush heads and coupons to pass on!) 

Ebates is a great program for those of you who shop online.  They pay you back a percentage of your online spending at various online stores–more FREE money!

 Upromise You earn money for college just by shopping for everyday items.  You can earn online and through participating stores. What is best is that you can get your friends and family to save for you as well.  While it will not cover the full expense to put my 2 boys through college…any little bit will help!

Blastoff is a brand new program that is not even fully up and running but I have high hopes that it will be great down the road! Blastoff actually give you a commission when people you refer buy stuff.  It is currently in Beta testing but I decided to jump in early in hopes that this puppy takes off!  Hey it is FREE so why not! I definitely recommend checking it HERE. 

Here are some fun program that may not earn me money but offer other great perks:

 Pssst is a program that will occasionally send you out coupons and or products to sample

Vocalpoint– This is one of the BEST programs. They send out GREAT coupons and have a super site.  Definitely check this one out!

House Party is a fun site as well.  A House Party™ is thousands of parties across the country, hosted by people like you. Each event is sponsored by a leading brand and focuses on something cool that the sponsor wants its best fans to experience firsthand and share with their friends.  They send you a party package filled with lots of goodies (often including coupons) that you share with your friends!  I have been lucky to have been selected for quite a few house parties!!

Kraft First Taste is another program that sends out coupons and samples.  You also get to send your friends coupons as well!

All of these things take little to no time from my day to day activities.  Some may take a few seconds each day and other just a few minutes every few weeks.  For me it is totally worth the little effort.  I have earned some great perks often while still in my pajamas!  That is my kind of “job”!

 

 There are tons of other great programs out there–what do you guys do to earn money or perks?