*I am editing this post to show you that I actually DO make money from the points/rewards programs.*
I don't need to tell you that the military doesn't pay the highest for your spouses chosen profession.
I wanted to feel that I was making some form of financial contribution to our household to supplement the (insert sarcasm) generous income we receive from the Army. Well, more than my retirement income anyway. These are ways to do that regardless of your own circumstances. Disabled, retired, SAHM or working outside the home.
The nice thing with all of these options is if I don't want to bother with them I don't have to. I can work when I want to to kill spare time or not do anything to spend time with my husband when he is home.
I also have plenty of spare time. I thought I would share with you some of the ways that I earn an extra $400-600 a month. It's not all at once, the money comes in sporadically but it always comes in handy. Some of it is in the form of Amazon gift cards. I love that though because I ship so much overseas from Amazon. Once you spend $25 the shipping is free so it saves me a great deal in shipping charges!
One of my favorite ways to 'earn' extra income is to use coupons. I save 50-80% on shopping therefor doubling or more any money spent.
I spend approximately 20 hours a week looking at sales and matching them, clipping coupons and organizing my trips. It is a part time job and if you want to do it you have to be serious. I would be glad to help if I can, but it's too much for this post. If you are interested enough I could do a series on how I do it. But I won't unless there is some interest.
**Regarding internet printed coupons** Use MyPoints, SwagBucks or InboxDollars to print your coupons. You get 10 points from each for every one that you use!** That will really increase earning potential.
The one I have done the longest, long before the Army, is MyPoints. They send you an email, you click the link and get 5 points. You can do that alone or if you are going to buy something online click through their website and really rack up points. I consistently get gift cards for wherever I want from MyPoints and highly recommend it.
Check it out here.
My newest favorite is Swag Bucks. In two months I have earned $45 in Amazon gift cards. The trick to swag bucks is to use their search engine. If you don't it could take forever to get points. Some tips on getting the most from it:
- Log in everyday 1SB
- Daily Poll (in earn tab) 1SB
- Check Trusted Surveys (in earn tab) 1SB
- NOSO (in earn tab) 2SB-you do not need to fill out the offers, just skip the offers to the end
- Fill out your profile (you will find these when you click on trusted surveys under where it says 'welcome back.' They are worth 5SB each.
They have many options on how to cash out your points. I choose Amazon because it seems to be the best value for the points required. Getting cash to Paypal requires more points. For me chances are I'm going to spend on Amazon anyway.
Check it out here.
Crowdtap
This is a new one to me. In one month though I earned enough to cash out and 5% goes to a charity of my choice (Red Cross) and Crowdtap matches my donation. They also have opportunities to get free products from places like Old Navy. You have to fit a specific demographic and I have so far been too old. Go figure. :) You do 'Quick Hits' to level up to get better offers and earn more. Right now they pay in Amazon gift cards but will be adding more options.
Check it out here.
MyView
This is a survey site. You get points for just trying to qualify for a survey which makes it more worth my time. I hate trying to qualify for surveys and get nothing. I just started this one and am half way to cashing out already.
Check it out here.
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| Almost half way there and I don't put much effort into it. |
One I came across today is Superpoints. It is similar to the others. You just click a 'lucky button' and get points. It is by invitation only so you have to click the link to join. Same thing, cash, gift cards, etc. (*Edit* This one is great!!)
Mystery Shopping.
Yes, it IS real. It is also not the easiest job in the world. The 'shop' might not take more than 10 minutes but you will spend 2 hours overall doing paperwork. That includes applying for the job and filing reports. You might also want to consider drive time. I have done all kinds of shops from fast food to retail. If you are interested in learning more about mystery shopping let me know and I will give you more information. There is just too much for information for this little blog. Keep in mind: NEVER PAY TO BE A MYSTERY SHOPPER!! Meaning that if someone says become a mystery shopper for $$ fee stay away. You will however probably have to pay up front for your meal or merchandise which you will reimbursed for. The companies I work for pay fast and usually by Paypal. Some are by check and one is by direct deposit. This is self-employment and you will receive a 1099 at the end of the year that you will pay taxes on. Your expenses are deductible so you need to keep really good records. (Google docs keeps track of everything for me.)
There it is. I don't make a fortune, far from it. But what I make in small amounts usually covers household shopping expenses. I also do not go shopping more than once a week, my goal is only once every two weeks. That is a long day because I visit all the stores in one day. Very tired by the end of it!
As always, if you have any comments or questions let me know. I'll gladly answer them.
Robin
**Obviously this post contains affiliate links, or better stated, referral links.**
WOW!!! You do so much!! This is so informative! Thank you so much! I will be checking it out!
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