It's Friday - Dont forget to Search with Swagbucks Today!

Don't forget that today is Mega Swagbucks day, so be sure to do all your searches through Swagbucks.

If you've not yet joined Swagbucks, it is a great way to get rewarded by just using their search engine.  I will usually get rewarded 2-3 times a day with between 10-15 swagbucks each time.  Collect your Swagbucks

and redeem them for gift cards -- Like from Amazon.

Here's a hint for getting more Swagbucks. -- Download the toolbar.

I usually don't like to add toolbars to my computer, but since I've downloaded the Swagbucks tool bar, I've gotten into the habit of doing all my searches through them.  I am amazed at how quickly my Swagbucks total is growing now that I use it all the time.

.I'm saving up for either a Kindle or the wii Balance Board.  What are you saving your Swagbucks for??

Earn From Home - Earn Gift Cards with My Points

Are you ready for our next installment of ways to earn extra money from home?  Today, we wanted to tell you about a website called MyPoints. 

MyPoints is an incredibly easy way to earn free gift cards just by taking a few minutes each day to read emails.  They also offer loads of additional opportunities to earn points by taking surveys, playing online games and more.  The more you choose to participate in MyPoints, the faster you'll earn points which can be redeemed for Gift Cards and other prizes.

Once you sign up and confirm your account, My Points will send you several email offers each day.  Simply open the email and click the link at the bottom to receive your points.  Each email is worth 5 points, with greater points offered if you take advantage of the offer presented.

I am amazed at all the gift card options for redeeming  your points.  There are loads of retailers, restaurants, itunes and much more.  I just noticed that they even offer CVS and Walgreen's Gift Cards -- Just think how much you can save when you use our coupon match up posts and then pay your balance with FREE Gift Cards.

Click the box above to get started with MyPoints.  Once you confirm your account, you'll receive 100 points to get started.    (As we have mentioned with other survey/reward programs, you may want to use an email account dedicated to this purpose, so your regular inbox doesn't become flooded with reward opportunities.

Which gift card will you be saving for?

Earn from Home - ZoomPanel Surveys

It's Wednesday -- that means it's time to tell you about another opportunity to earn a few extra dollars (or other rewards) from the comfort of your own couch.  Last week we talked about Swagbucks, and I hope that everyone is well on their way to earning loads of free gift cards just for searching the internet.

In prior weeks we have highlighted trusted survey companies that offer rewards for completing online surveys -- mostly involving consumer products.  Today, we're going to shift back to the survey discussion and talk about ZoomPanel Surveys .

As a ZoomPanel member, you will earn ZoomPoints for each survey completed.  Your points are redeemable for a big selection of prizes including magazines, DVDs, electronics, jewelry and much more.  They even have the option of donating your points to various charitable organizations.

I typically receive 3-5 survey opportunities per week by email.  The emails tell me up front how many points I will receive for completing the survey and approximately how long it will take.

The ZoomPanel website is easy to navigate, and I can easily track points earned and see reward items grouped by category or those that I'm eligible to receive based on the number of points earned.

As we've mentioned before, please considering setting up a separate email address for your survey company registrations.  This keeps your regular email from becoming flooded with requests.

Check out ZoomPanel Surveys and let us know what you're going to save your points for!

Earn From Home - Swagbucks

If you've been reading the blog for awhile, you've probably heard of Swagbucks.  You may not have fully understood what it's all about or not yet taken a second to sign up, so I wanted to take a minute to tell you about it so you don't miss another day of earning your "Swagbucks".

Swagbucks is an online portal which allows allows you to earn virtual dollars (called "Swagbucks") while searching the internet.  You literally just need to search as you normally would, and you will randomly be awarded Swagbucks in various denominations.

Once you collect a few Swagbucks, they can redeemed for a huge assortment of gifts, gift cards or even Pay Pal cash.  I'm saving my Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards to use for Christmas shopping.    (But I have a friend that just got a new laptop --  just from cashing in her Swagbucks)

CLICK HERE to start earning your Swagbucks.

Here are a few tips that will help you maximize your Swagbucks earnings:

1.  Download the Swagbucks toolbar.  You'll automatically receive a FREE Swagbuck each day just for having it downloaded on your computer.  Once it's there, you can easily use it for your searches.  The more you search, the more chances you'll have to be rewarded with Swagbucks.

2.  Use the Swagbucks search window to navigate around the internet as you normally would.  I have lots of sights "bookmarked", but I've found that when I began accessing them through the Swagbucks search bar, I quickly increased my Swagbucks balance.

3.  Watch for FREE Swag Codes.  Swagbucks often releases codes that can be entered on their website for FREE bucks.  I'll try to post their location when I'm aware of them, but you'll also find them via the message section of the tool bar.

4.  Refer friends.  Swagbucks will reward you for referring others, so sign up and then let your friends know about the program, and you'll earn additional bucks.

5.  This is not scientific (or even confirmed by Swagbucks) but I've found that if I type in a random word each day -- something that I typically wouldn't be searching for -- I'll often get a few bucks.  So type in "lemons" or something odd and see what happens. 

Check out Swagbucks, and let us know what you're saving them for.

Earn from Home - Part 6 - SurveyHead

Welcome to Part 6 of our series on opportunities to earn a little extra money (or rewards) from home.  The past few weeks have been dedicated to reviewing reputable  survey companies that allow you to earn money or rewards by taking surveys online.  For a complete listing of the the previous survey recommendations click here.

Today we will continue looking at survey companies by focusing on SurveyHead.

I have been a member of their panel for several months, and I'm so pleased that they've recently updated the entire look of their website.  It is easier than ever to see what surveys are available, how long each one will take to complete, and the reward amount for each one.

Even their survey opportunity emails have been streamlined to give you a quick overview of the available survey. 

When you register with SurveyHead, you will automatically receive $5 credited to your account.  They keep track of your earnings and you can "cash out" with a minimum of $25 in your account.    Rewards include gift cards from Amazon, iTunes and other retailers OR you can have your earnings sent to your PayPal account.  They also offer the option of donating all or a  portion of your rewards to variety of great charitable organizations.

As always, if you decide to start participating in surveys, take a minute to set up a separate email address for this purpose. 

You can easily register with SurveyHead by clicking here or in the box above.

Earn From Home (Part 5) - Global Test Market

Welcome to Part 5 of our series on opportunities to earn a little extra money in your spare time from home.  We are still focusing on survey companies, and if you are interested in spending a few minutes a day taking online surveys from your computer, you'll want to check out the previous survey companies that we've covered:

Ipsos - Isay

Toluna

Mindfield

Today, I wanted to tell you about Global Test Market.  Much like the other survey companies, they will send survey opportunities directly to your email inbox.  (As always, please consider setting up a separate email address for surveys.  This keeps your day to day email from becoming flooded with survey requests.).

For each survey you complete, you will be rewarded in "market points".  These points are later converted to cash.  Once you reach 1000 market points, you may request a $50 cash pay out.  This is also the minimum threshold with which you can "cash out". 

Please be aware that your Market Points will expire 3 years from the date they are earned, or if there is no activity in your account for 12 months.  So if you start participating in their surveys, be sure to request your redemption check before your points expire.

So if you're interested in lots of survey opportunities, check out Global Test Market by clicking the banner above.

Earn from Home - Part 4 - Mindfield Online Survey Panel

Welcome to Part 4 of our weekly overview of opportunities to earn a little extra money (or rewards) from home.  Last week we covered the Neilsen Homescan Panel here.  I just wanted to mention that if you have applied to be a Neilsen Homescan family in the past and have been declined due to your location - it would be worth a few minutes of your time to apply once again.  I received an email last week indicating that Neilsen has waived the zip code requirements.

Today we're looking at MindField Online Internet Panels.   Similar to the other survey companies we've previously highlighted (Ipsos-Isay and Toluna), Minefield is FREE to join and sends surveys directly to your email inbox several times per week. 

I've only been a member for about 2 weeks, but I've already received 4-5 survey opportunities.  There are two things that I am really impressed with about this company so far:

1.  They reward you with cash paid for surveys completed, and you are able to cash out with a minimum balance of just $5 in your account.  This prevents you from having to wait months to accumulate enough money to receive a tangible benefit.  This also eliminates the need to convert points to rewards.  You are simply paid for what you do.

2.  Each survey email clearly states the approximate length of time it will take you to complete the survey and the amount of money you will receive upon completion.

I'm excited to find Mindfield, and I can't wait to start earning some extra dollars!  So, if you're interested in earning cash for a few minutes of your time, be sure to check out MindField Online.

Mega Swagbucks Day!!!

I am so excited!! I just got awarded 47 SWAGBUCKS!!! Yay..

If you are already a Swagbucks user be sure to do all your searches through Swagbucks -- especially today.  Fridays are "Mega" Swagbucks Days and you are more likely to earn larger denominations of the rewards.

If you have not yet signed up CLICK HERE to do so.  It only takes a second and you can immediately start earning.  I have been using the toolbar to do my searches for about 6 months, and I have already accumulated enough points "swagbucks" to earn over $90 in Amazon gift cards.  This is going to come in so handy when it comes to Christmas Shopping -- And the best part is, all I did was search as I normally do everyday.

Swagbucks has just announced this week, that they will be awarding everyone and extra 50 "bucks" on their birthday.  So be sure to go over to the website, if you haven't already to register you birthday.

Earning Extra Money from Home (Part 3) - Nielsen Home Scan

Welcome to Part 3 of our overview of some easy alternatives to earn some extra money (or rewards) for your family from home.  The last two posts have featured survey companies:

Ipsos-I-say and

Toluna

Both of these companies are great sources for opportunities to complete surveys and polls in return for points which you convert into cash or gift cards.

Today, I thought we'd talk about a different type of opportunity to earn rewards for your family.  Almost everyone has heard of the Neilsen Company and their reputation as a trusted leader in marketing research.  From time to time they open up their Neilsen Home Scan Consumer Panel  for additional applicants -- and it is now open. 

If accepted into the program, you will receive a hand held scanner and be asked to scan all the groceries, household items and other purchased goods that you bring into your home.  (I picture this will be great fun for my daughter....she begs to scan groceries at the self check out).  This information is then transmitted to Neilsen, who in turn rewards you with points.

Your Neilsen points are redeemable for brand name merchandise, electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys and gift cards (my personal favorite!)

My friend Celeste is currently doing this for her family, and indicated that the longer you participate in the program, the more points you receive for your weekly data transmissions.    In addition to her weekly data points, she receives "bonus" points on her scanning anniversaries (3 months, 6 months, etc) PLUS super scanner points each month just for having transmitted the data each week.   She also earns points by completing short surveys sent periodically from Neilsen.

Click Here to apply for the program.  Please note that applicants are required to have a "land line" phone in order to be considered, so please include your home phone instead of only a mobile phone. 

Please come back and leave a comment and let us know if you're accepted.

Swagbucks - Summer Swag Promotion = 5 FREE Codes Today!!

If you have not yet signed up for Swagbucks -- don't miss the opportunity today.  Swagbucks is launching their "Summer Swag" promotion and will be releasing 5 different FREE codes Today.  Yay!!

PLUS -- every 7th winning search will receive 25 Swag Bucks. -- (that sound you hear is me searching like the wind).

If you are new to Swagbucks you will automatically receive 20 points -- just for signing up.  (Just enter code: SUMMEROFSWAG after you sign up).  Then just search as you normally would around the Internet using the  Swagbucks toolbar or website, and you will randomly be awarded "bucks".  These bucks are then converted into gift cards or other rewards.  I'm currently saving my bucks for Amazon gift cards to help with my Christmas shopping.

Sign up here and start building your points!!

Earning Extra Money from Home (Part 2) - Toluna Surveys

Welcome to Part 2 of our weekly series on opportunities to earn a little extra money from home.  We are reviewing survey companies and if you missed last week's post, be sure to visit the post here to read about Ipsos-Isay Survey company.

As I mentioned last week, if you are new at signing up for survey opportunities, please take a few minutes to set up a free email account through google, hotmail, yahoo, etc. to use as your contact email address.  This will prevent your regular email from being filled with these survey requests.

Today's featured survey company is Toluna: People, Opinions & Polls.

Toluna is a company that is set up in a very interactive way.  I receive emails several times a week with survey opportunities, but I can also visit the Toluna website at any time and earn extra points by "voting" in random opinion polls or opinion topics.

Toluna points are like virtual currency that can be redeemed for a huge range of gift cards or merchandise rewards.  You receive 500 points when you sign up, and then each time you complete a survey, answer an opinion poll question or just complete your profile, points are added to your account.

I would have to say that Toluna is one of my favorite survey companies because they are just good at making  it fun.  Their website is easy to navigate and it makes you want to visit often to watch your points grow.   They are also at the top of my list because of the wide range of rewards that are available.  From cash to restaurants to movie passes and online retailers.....they seem to have one of the most comprehensive options around.  You can even choose to donate all or a portion of your points in the form of cash to your favorite charity.

Have fun earning points with Toluna, and let us know what you think!!

Earning Extra Money From Home - Ispos Isay Surveys

In response to reader requests, we are starting a new weekly series on how to earn a little extra money from home.   In a world where there are so many companies trying to entice you to sign up for surveys and other "at home" opportunities only to bombard you with useless marketing information, we thought it would be great to try and wade through some of these offers and recommend the best ones for you to consider.

You are probably not going to get wealthy by completing surveys, but it is so nice to have a little extra income or gift cards to treat your family to a night out at a nice restaurant or save up for a getaway-- all with very little effort.

When you begin down the path of registering with survey companies, we highly recommend that you set up a free email account (through gmail , hotmail, yahoo etc.) so that your personal inbox does not become overcrowded.

The first survey company we'd like to share with you is ISPOS I-say. 

Just Click the box above to sign up.

With Ipsos-I-say, I usually receive 3-5  survey opportunities per week. At the end of each survey, I am awarded points which can be converted into gift cards, cash or charitable contributions.  The number of points awarded varies depending upon the length of the survey completed.

At the end of each survey (and in addition to the reward points you receive) you have the opportunity to play their fun "poll predictor game".  You are asked a question and your answer is based on how you think the majority of people responded to the same question. The closer you are to the correct answer determines how many chances you receive to be entered to win a weekly drawing -- you even get to choose which prize drawing you prefer to enter.

Also, Ispos has recently instituted a "loyalty program" that helps you earn points even faster.    You are awarded extra "loyalty points" based on the number of surveys you complete.

So, if you're interested in trying surveys, Ispos I-say is a great place to start!!

Click the box below to sign up and start earning points.