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Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom®

Saving Families Money Since 2007

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Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 24, 2012 comment

Ask the Readers: How do you say no to expensive outings with friends?

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Ask the Readers: How do you say no to expensive outings with friends?

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s question is from Michelle:

We’ve been doing our best to stick to an all-cash budget, and we’re making some real progress.

We have a group of nine couples who get together monthly. We usually “potluck” at one of the houses on a rotating basis. Fun and frugal, it’s one of our favorite outings of the month!

This month, however, an outing was planned that would have cost over $300 for the evening! We simply had to decline as that money was not in our budget. Unfortunately, we were the only couple to decline and I felt terrible.

So I’d like to know: how do you say no to expensive outings in order to stay on budget? -Michelle

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 24, 2012 comment

Just Do It!

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Just Do It!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

{I was so proud of Silas for running his first half-mile race last Saturday after I finished my first 5K race. He was so determined about it and had a blast!}

You know one quick and easy way to kill your success? To convince yourself you can’t do something before you’ve even tried.

For so long, that’s how it was with running for me. I didn’t believe it was possible, so I didn’t even bother to try.

When I finally changed my attitude and stopped saying, “I can’t”, I surprised myself and trained and trained until I could run a 5K.

The training part wasn’t easy. There were (and still are!) days when getting on the treadmill is the last thing I want to do. But I knew that if I’d just lace up my running shoes and start running, I would never regret it. And I never have.

My friend, Ashley, shared this video with me awhile back and I’ve watched it multiple times since then. I encourage you to take two minutes to watch it today.

As long as you sit and make excuses, you’re never going to go anywhere in life. And you’re going to miss out on a whole lot of exhilaration and excitement, too!

So, I challenge you, stop letting fear of failure and negative “I can’t” thought patterns hold you back from success. Just go do it!

Even if you never make it where you hope to end up, I promise you’ll go much farther by getting up and doing it — something, anything — than you ever will by sitting and doing nothing.

Psst! Get Some Step-By-Step Help — And Have a Chance To Win Some Cool Prizes!

Want some motivation to get up and start doing things and living intentionally? You need to get a copy of my new ebook, 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life. In this ebook, I walk you through step-by-step how to overhaul your life from the inside out. I break into down into bite-sized pieces and coach you through a 21-day journey to success!

Best of all, this ebook is only $0.99 through tomorrow (Thursday, October 25, 2012) and I’m giving away a free printable Calendar Set to everyone who purchases.

Plus, did you check out the fantastic giveaway with over 140 prizes — things like coffee, Thirty-One totes, books, DVDs, and much more? You can enter to win up to five times per person per day by purchasing an ebook or posting about the ebook on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and/or your blog.

Stay tuned because I have more fun giveaways — like Amazon and Starbucks gift cards! — coming up later today plus a Pin-A-Thon we’ll be running! In the mean time, don’t wait to jumpstart your success, just do it: go get a copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 24, 2012 comment

Take the 21-Day Self-Discipline Challenge beginning November 1, 2012

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Take the 21-Day Self-Discipline Challenge beginning November 1, 2012

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Did you purchase my ebook, 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life at the specially discounted price of  $0.99 yet? If not, go get your copy while it’s at this price!

And, if you need some additional accountability, Crystal from Serving Joyfully, Laura from Super Sweet Life, and Erin from Home With The Boys are going to be hosting a challenge/accountability group going through the ebook beginning November 1, 2012. Whether you blog or not, if you’d like more discipline in your life, they’d love to have you join them for the challenge!

Read all about the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life Challenge right over here.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 24, 2012 comment

Why You Should Get It Done Early

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Why You Should Get It Done Early

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m over on Life Your Way talking about Why You Should Get It Done Early — a concept that has revolutionized my productivity and helped me to be a lot less stressed about life. Here’s a snippet of the post:

Get it done early. Such a simple concept, but it’s revolutionary if you implement it. I know, because I’ve experienced the fruit in my own life!

You see, for years, I’ve struggled with being on time. I was always waiting until the last minute to do what I needed to do and then I’d breathlessly rush out the door barely making it to my appointment in one piece — and late again, as usual.

It wasn’t just getting places on time that I struggled with. Getting things done on time was also my constant nemesis.

Oh, I always had great intentions. But inevitably, something would come up that seemed to need my attention more. Or I’d get distracted and put things off until the very last minute.

Read the full post.

photo credit

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 24, 2012 comment

Do you have to give your SSN in order to order a Jingit prepaid card?

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Do you have to give your SSN in order to order a Jingit prepaid card?

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A lot of you have been earning a nice little cashflow with Jingit every day. But some of you have been hesitant to sign up with Jingit since your earnings are loaded onto a prepaid card and part of the sign-up process is to give them your Social Security Number.

While Jingit is totally legit, I completely understand your hesitancy to give out your SSN online. However, there’s good news! Freebies 4 Mom discovered that Jingit is okay with you just typing in zeros instead of your actual SSN.

From Jingit’s FAQs:

QUESTION:  Do I have to enter my Social Security Number in order to get the Jingit Debit Card?

ANSWER: No, you should be able to enter all ZERO’s like this:  000-00-0000 and you’ll qualify for a Basic Jingit Account instead of a Jingit Plus Account.

Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom!

(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Click here to sign up!
Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 23, 2012 comment

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Pet-Sitting (Day 20)

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31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Pet-Sitting (Day 20)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas

Welcome to October’s series on 31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas. In this series, I’m highlighting simple and legitimate ways you can earn extra cash in the next two months for those of you who could use a little extra cash to help you pay for Christmas — or just for your living expenses if you’re in a tight spot right now.

If you’ve found a great way to make extra cash before Christmas that doesn’t require an outlay of cash upfront, please email me your tip. I’d love to hear it and possibly share it during this series!

Guest post by Debby from Nutrition Concepts

A while back, I realized that many pet owners wanted at-home care for their pets instead of boarding them when they were on vacation or just gone at work all day long. And since I’m a huge animal lover, I started a pet sitting business in my community about 3 years ago — and it turned into a great way to make extra money!

I’m a dog owner and lover, so I mostly focused on catering to dog owners, but I also have a few cat owners as clients now. I give my clients the option of bringing their pet(s) to me or having me come into their home one to three times per day.

3 Things To Consider Before Setting Up a Pet-Sitting Business

1. Setting Rates

  • In deciding how I would set my rates, I surveyed what local boarding facilities were charging. (I looked at Petsmart, Petshotel, and a few other local kennels/boarding facilities).
  • Based on their rates, I decided on the following: $25 a day for one dog and $35 a day for two dogs (3 visits a day), $10 for a single visit and $15 a day for cats (single visit).

2. Creating Business Materials

  • I made my own Pet Sitting Business Cards using Avery business card stock. It cost me about $10 to buy the business card stock but you could also make up your own using regular 8 ½ x 11″ paper or card stock and cut them up to business card size.
  • I created a Pet Sitting Information Sheet to keep track of all of the information I need while caring for my clients’ pet. This makes it easy to know exactly how the client wants their pet fed, walked, etc.

3. Advertising

  • We have a community/HOA website that I advertised on at first, but all of my clients now come from word-of-mouth referrals.
  • I also keep business cards in my purse or pocket to hand out to people I meet when I’m out and about and also when I’m out walking my dog in the morning and evening.

Prospective Client Playdate

When I have a new/prospective client who wants their dog to stay at my house, I have them come over for a play date and complete the Pet Information Sheet. I’ve learned to ask good questions during the play date visit to find out what the animal’s behaviors and habits are really like. As with all relationships, communication and being clear about expectations will make it a good experience for both parties.

Keys to Success

The key to success in this business (and many other businesses) is great customer service – I regularly stay in contact with my clients to let them know how their pet is doing, and I send notes to new clients to thank them for their business.

Another key is to find clients as close to your home as possible so you don’t have to spend a lot of gas money driving to home visits.

Pet sitting is a great way to make a nice extra income. Plus, if you’re an animal lover, it’s also a lot of fun!

Debby is an ex-corporate executive turned small business owner and nutrition educator who has a passion for life and helping others. She writes about raising healthy children and eating healthfully on a budget at her site, Nutrition Concepts. You can also find her at her Facebook Page, Nutrition Concepts, Inc.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 23, 2012 comment

Doing Something I Never Believed Would Be Possible: My First 5K Race

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Doing Something I Never Believed Would Be Possible: My First 5K Race

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Last Saturday morning, bright and early, I got up and did something I’ve always wished I could do… I ran (and finished!) my first 5K race.

For some of you who run multiple marathons a year, that sounds like a cakewalk, something you’d do as a little warmup. For me, on the other hand, it was monumental.

I’d Convinced Myself I Wasn’t a Runner

You see, up until two years ago, I couldn’t even run a half mile without collapsing and feeling like I was going to hyperventilate. So I’d long ago convinced myself that I’m not a runner. Instead, I’d walk or bike or get on the elliptical.

However, after challenging myself to start and follow through with an entire round (all 90 days!) of P90X awhile back, I decided to just try running a mile to see if I’d really increased my endurance or gotten stronger.

To my utter disbelief, I ran a little more than a mile without stopping!

Inspired by this success, I started running on a regular basis. At first, I could barely pull off more than a mile. But I kept making myself get on the treadmill, even when it was the last thing I wanted to do.

Doing Something I Never Believed Was Possible

I started the Couch to 5K program to help keep me on track and gradually working on improving my endurance and time. Some days, it was grueling and I felt like I was going to keel over and throw up. Some days, I had to stop because I just had nothing left to give.

But I didn’t give up. And one day, after a number of months of consistently running, I got on the treadmill and ran 3.1 miles without stopping.

I’m not an emotional person by nature, but I cried the whole last quarter of a mile.

Why? Because I had done something I never believed to be possible. I had run a 5K. Granted, the 5K was on the treadmill, but it was still 3.1 miles — something I never would have thought weak, non-runner me could pull off.

Facing My Fears Head On

But I was still scared to actually run in a race. To go out there with other people and try to start and finish a 5K seemed daunting. I was afraid of failing, coming in last, or just plain not being able to pull it off under pressure. I know it sounds silly to admit it out loud, but I’m just being gut honest here.

As I’ve been learning recently, though, sometimes the best thing you can do in the face of fear is to just do it. Just step out and face head on whatever scares you most. The more you face your fears, the less daunting they seem to be.

So, I signed up for the race, I put on my running shoes, and I showed up. Still nervous about the whole thing, but determined to not cower away from something I’d set out to do — even if it was hard.

Even If I Didn’t Medal, I Came Home a Winner

It wasn’t the best race ever, and I certainly didn’t come close to having a shot at a medal, but when I ran through that finish line, I felt every bit like I’d won a gold medal. Regardless of my time, regardless of the fact that many people older than me had a much better time, I finished — and that’s what mattered.

Truthfully, once I got over my initial fears and pre-race jitters, I loved the experience. And I’m pretty sure that it will be the first of many races to come… in fact, I’m planning to set a goal to run at least one 10K race in 2013.

It just goes to show, you will never find out how far you can go, unless you just get out there and start trying.

Have you faced some of your fears and stepped out of your comfort zone recently? If so, tell us about it so we can cheer you on!

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 23, 2012 comment

Reader tip: Making Jingit Simple

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Reader tip: Making Jingit Simple

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Here’s a great tip on Jingit from Victoria who blogs at Snail Pace Transformations

I joined Jingit after you featured it in your 31 Days to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas series. At first, I found it difficult to view the videos more than once to maximize my earnings. I would click and past the URL’s to my browser like you suggested and found most would not work.

Then Jingit sent me a “New Earning Opportunities” e-mail, and after I clicked through to earn, I then saved the e-mail and have used it every day since to click through to the videos and earn. No pasting needed.

Now I am LOVING Jingit! -Victoria from Snail Pace Transformations

(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 22, 2012 comment

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Mom’s Mornings Out Services (Day 19)

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31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Mom’s Mornings Out Services (Day 19)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas

Welcome to October’s series on 31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas. In this series, I’m highlighting simple and legitimate ways you can earn extra cash in the next three months for those of you who could use a little extra cash to help you pay for Christmas — or just for your living expenses if you’re in a tight spot right now.

If you’ve found a great way to make extra cash before Christmas that doesn’t require an outlay of cash upfront, please email me your tip. I’d love to hear it and possibly share it during this series!

Guest post from Lindsey of Faithful Homemaking

When I was trying to earn money to buy a DSLR camera, I came up with the idea of hosting a “home preschool” once a week so my friends could get a break from their kids. I feel that most of the moms I know are over-worked and under-paid and could use a morning off!

This option has a dual-purpose of earning some extra cash and blessing your friends at the same time. An added bonus is that you don’t have to leave your kids or your own home to do it!

I chose Friday mornings as the mornings I’d offer Mom’s Morning Out to other moms. This is what worked best for the friends I was marketing my services to. I just committed to do it for four weeks, since I was only aiming to earn enough for a short-term goal of buying a DSLR camera.

Fridays may work for you, or, with the holidays coming, there are other times that would be prime options for a kid’s group. Such as offering to:

  • Watch children on Black Friday so their moms can shop?
  • Watch children the day or two before Thanksgiving Day while many moms are cooking up a storm?
  • Host a Christmas-ornament-making party for kids on a Saturday in December so parents can wrap gifts at home?
  • Offer to care for several kids every other Friday night so all your friends can go out for Date Night with their spouse?

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in trying, here are some things you’ll want to decide upfront:

How many children will you accept?

First, decide how many kids you can handle without going crazy. My limit was 8.

If you want to partner with another mom or two and invite more kids, go for it! I typed up a flier explaining to my friends what I would be doing and said that only the first 8 kids to sign up for each session could come.

Some kids were able to come to all 4 playgroups and some were only able to come to 1 or 2.

How long will each session last?

Decide on a time limit that works for your schedule. I recommend between 2 and 4 hours for a Mom’s Morning Out.

If you are doing a special event, like watching a bunch of kids on Black Friday, it could be an all-day thing; just don’t wear yourself out!

What ages will you accept?

You can choose to offer your services to kids of all ages but it won’t be as successful if you have babies in the mix. If the kids are similar ages it will be easier to get them interested in the games and activities you have planned.

I catered my playgroup sessions towards preschoolers.

What will you do?

I chose four themes, one for each Friday, to make up a month’s worth of Mom’s Mornings Out. Some theme ideas that are always a big hit with the kids are: dinosaurs, baking, race cars, princesses, nature, books/reading, the solar system, cowboys and cowgirls, helping the needy, etc.

If you are doing one in the pre-Christmas season you may want to do a different Christmas craft with the kids each time. During one play session, I had the kids help me package hats and gloves for a shelter and make Christmas cards for the homeless.

Once you have your theme idea, begin to build on it. Choose a healthy and inexpensive snack that fits your theme. Find books at the library on the topic. Find a Bible lesson or character lesson that would go well with your theme. Plan a game or two.

It’s very important to plan ahead so you have lots of fun things to occupy the little ones. In addition, give the kids plenty of free-play time as well where they can play with blocks, legos, dress-ups, dolls, cars and one another.

What will you charge?

First of all, it’s probably best to go with a suggested donation instead of a fee, due to different laws regarding daycare regulations and childcare licensing. Bartering is a great way to go, too!

Do your friends have a skill that you need? Maybe one friend could take your Christmas photos for you, one could cut your hair, one could crochet some hats for you to give as gifts, or one could bake you some holiday goodies which you can share with your neighbors.

If you’d prefer getting money, ask around to see what the local daycares and preschools are charging per child per hour. Adjust your suggested donation for doing playgroups depending on what the parents can afford. Remember to add in the cost of craft supplies and snacks, too.

I did my Mom’s Morning Out playgroup for just one month (four Fridays total) and was able to earn around $150 towards my camera for about 15 hours of work (charging a fairly low rate to bless my friends). My kids and their friends had a lot of fun and my friends got a little time to themselves!

If one of my friends offered this service to me, I would definitely sign up at least one of my children for this!

Lindsey blogs at Faithful Homemaking. She loves planning theme birthday parties for her two girls and two boys that have included: ballerinas, tea parties, teddy bear picnics, cowboys, cowgirls, a wet n’ wild water party, monster trucks, motorcycles, and ponies.

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!
Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 22, 2012 comment

6 goals for this week

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6 goals for this week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m releasing an ebook tomorrow and leaving to speak at Allume with Jesse on Thursday, so I’m keeping my goals simple this week. 🙂

Last week’s goals:

Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals

1. Read 3 chapters of The Stolen Necklace aloud to Kathrynne. Finish Still More Stories From Grandma’s Attic aloud to Kaitlynn. Read 10 picture books to Silas. Read at least 3 chapters of A Way Through the Sea aloud to the kids.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Finish reading Whose Voice the Waters Heard, Desperate, Anything, and Reunion.

4. Start listening to Made to Stick.

5. Do 5 days’ worth of the Couch to 10 K program.

6. Run in a 5K race on Saturday — finally! :)

7. Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night

Homemaking Goals

8. Finish 25 more rows of the scarf I’m working on knitting.

9. Make at least two new recipes.

Business Goals

10. Finish tweaking the workshop & powerpoint for our joint session at Allume next week. {Almost done with this!}

This week’s goals:

Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals

1. Read aloud to the children every day (Monday through Wednesday).

Personal Goals

2. Read Erasing Hell by Francis Chan, The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer, Anything by Jennie Allen, Pinterest Power, The Wings of the Morning, Wrecked by Jeff Goins. {I’m hoping to get through a lot of books this week since I’ll be flying to PA and back!}

3. Listen to one hour of Made to Stick.

4. Do 3 days’ worth of the Couch to 10K program.

Business Goals

5. Finish tweaking the workshop & powerpoint for our joint session at Allume next week.

6. Launch 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life.

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!

You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 22, 2012 comment

Guess what’s coming tomorrow?!?

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Guess what’s coming tomorrow?!?

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So, I’m just a wee bit excited… or maybe even a lot more than a wee bit excited! 🙂

You see, bright and early tomorrow morning (Tuesday, October 23, 2012), I’m launching a brand-new ebook called 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life.

If you’re craving more order, peace, and discipline in your life and you want some step-by-step help and motivation, you’ll definitely want to get a copy of this ebook. Plus, for three days only (Tuesday through Thursday), the ebook will be just $0.99.

But wait, that’s not all!

You know how I like to give stuff away? Well, I’ve lined up a Giveaway Extravaganza like no other to coincide with tomorrow’s launch.

For the next three days, there will be opportunities to earn free gift cards, beauty products, decor items, organizational items, free ebooks, a Kindle Fire, and much more. There will be multiple ways to enter and so many prizes given away that you’ll have a very good chance of winning!

You won’t want to miss our biggest Giveaway Extravaganza event of the year! Come back tomorrow morning for more details — and I hope you win something!

Psst! Are you a blogger? If so, did you sign up for our affiliate program? I’m offering 50% in commissions for all sales made through your referral link!

Shared Oct 22, 2012 comment

Five Mindsets That Are Imperative for Frugal Living

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Five Mindsets That Are Imperative for Frugal Living

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Debra.

Frugality is a lifestyle, right? It sure is. A lifestyle that involves thinking against the flow.

Here are five mindsets that I believe are imperative to living that frugal “against the flow” lifestyle:

1. Simplicity

Simplicity in meals means less exotic ingredients you have to buy. Simplicity in lifestyle means less gadgets you have to buy.

A friend recently told me to enjoy the journey. We were making dinner and I was feeling rushed. “She’s right” I thought… and making dinner became fun.

By embracing simplicity and remembering to enjoy the journey instead of rush through it we can save money on all those gadgets that really do not make our life easier and all the equipment we do not need for a slow and simple life.

2. Patience

It is tempting to go get something the moment I have the money for it, or see the need for it. But, oftentimes, a little patience is rewarded.

It takes time to find a good deal, so sit on it for a while. Often someone is actually giving away the thing that we were needing and praying about, so spending money on it was not even necessary.

3. Contentment

This one is huge! We live in a culture of stuff.

Be willing to be different and choose to be content. Before buying something, train yourself to think, “Do I really need this?”

Contentment saves far more money then being deal savvy. A person can go broke buying good deals. If you’re buying something you don’t need, then you are not saving money no matter how great the deal.

4. Student

Have the attitude of the student and always be willing to learn. Seek counsel from those wiser and more experienced. This one alone would have saved us about $20,000. We’ve learned to never make any big purchase without plentiful prayer and counsel.

5. Making Do

Have a need? Look around your house and see what can meet it. Don’t be afraid of a little elbow grease. In fact, we have purchased very few things all year because of making do and re-purposing.

Embracing these mindsets have saved us an incredible amount of money, and have made working on our debt, surviving grad school, two lay offs, two kids, and five moves in four years a possibility.

What about you? What are some mindsets you find important to the frugal lifestyle?

Debra is first and foremost a daughter of the King of kings. She spends her days being a helpmeet to her wonderful husband, loving on and teaching her children, cooking, keeping home, crafting, and writing.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 20, 2012 comment

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Market Research and Focus Groups (Day 18)

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31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas: Market Research and Focus Groups (Day 18)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas

Welcome to October’s series on 31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas. In this series, I’m highlighting simple and legitimate ways you can earn extra cash in the next two months for those of you who could use a little extra cash to help you pay for Christmas — or just for your living expenses if you’re in a tight spot right now.

If you’ve found a great way to make extra cash before Christmas that doesn’t require an outlay of cash upfront, please email me your tip. I’d love to hear it and possibly share it during this series!

Guest post from Carrie of CarrieWillard.com

For the past five years, I’ve been earning part-time money doing focus groups and testing and giving my opinions on products for market research firms.

These are not the same as doing online surveys. They usually involve traveling to a location in your area to participate. Sometimes, the study takes place over the phone.

Participating in market research is a fun way to earn some extra cash — especially for a stay at home mom, student, or a retired person with a flexible schedule. Other than gas to drive to the research facility, there is no cost to be a respondent.

What Are Market Research and Focus Groups?

When a company wants to change an existing product or launch a new one, they need people to test and try that product to get an idea of how it will perform in the marketplace.

These companies hire market research firms to gather groups of people in various demographics so they can compile this information from their target market.

How Do You Find Legitimate Market Research Companies?

The company I’ve done the most work for is Delve. They have offices in several states.

You can search for other similar companies in your area with a Google search. I found the two companies I work with by searching “market research respondent database”. GreenBook.org has quite a few recommend companies to choose from.

Remember to use good common sense when searching for a research company to work with. The number one rule is: don’t pay any money to join a database. Legitimate Market Research companies will never ask you to pay them any money to join. In addition, don’t give private information such as your social security number out to anyone.

What Is the Process For Getting Jobs With Market Research Companies?

To start working for a market research firm, you’ll first need to fill out an online profile. Then, if you’re accepted, a screener will call you when a study becomes available that fits your demographics. The screener will ask you questions to determine whether you’re a good fit for the project.

Please note: Companies typically don’t want you to do more than one study for the same type of product in a 3-6 month period. Before accepting you for a particular job, a screener will ask you questions that may disqualify you for a particular study.

How Much Can You Earn?

The amount of money you can earn depends on how many companies you sign up with. Compensation is given to you immediately when the study is completed, and it is in the form of a check or a prepaid debit card.

The studies are fun and pay quite well for the time involved. For instance, once I got paid $35 just to taste and give my opinions on a bakery product. It took all of five minutes!

I have listened to music and shared my thoughts on radio stations. I’ve been given free baby diapers and personal care products in addition to compensation for my time.

My sons were even selected to do a study once and each of them earned $150 in about 1 ½ hours! They were thrilled about that, of course. 🙂

In addition to the in-house focus groups that you can do with other people, you will sometimes take home product and try it out over a period of days. A couple of times I’ve earned $100-$150 for a few minutes of paperwork each day. This doesn’t include the value of the product — things like beauty products or baby necessities or food.

Carrie is a writer, wife and homeschooling mom of 7 and lover of good food and great books. Visit her online at CarrieWillard.com.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Oct 20, 2012 comment

So Long Coupons, Hello Price Matching

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So Long Coupons, Hello Price Matching

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Healthy-Food_A

Guest post from Jami of 356 Collide

I was an avid, borderline crazy, couponer… before I gave up coupons.

Well, I gave up most of my coupons! I still use them at times for our family essentials like dairy products and eggs. But for me, couponing became an obsession and a comparison game. I was loosing my sanity and my life was consumed by those tiny pieces of paper. And to top it off, our food choices were rather unhealthy.

I handed over those tiny strips of newspaper and decided to follow a more simple way of living and an easier way of saving money for my family. I decided to turn to price-matching. I read about it here on MoneySavingMom.com and wanted to give it a try.

What I Have Learned About Price-Matching

1. It Saves Time & Energy

I literally spend about 10 minutes circling my local advertisements and writing my grocery list for the week. This is compared to hours on end each day trying to find coupons and matching deals.

Since I price-match, that means I only go to one store a week, compared to the four plus stores I would go to during my couponing spree.

2. It Saves Money

I limit my purchases to whatever I circle with the occasional purchase of other essential products. Doing this helps me be self-controlled and purchase what is on sale. I do occasionally pair price-matching with a few coupons for dairy products which helps save a few dollars, as well.

Overall, our grocery budget has actually been lowered by price-matching since there isn’t any pressure to buy every deal that is out there. Also, since I only go to one store once a week, I save money on gas. And who doesn’t like the sound of that? 🙂

3. Produce is Really Inexpensive

I mean really inexpensive. Most of what I price-match are fruit and veggies.

Almost all of the ads I receive advertise produce for as low as $0.30/lb! Also, instead of paying $1 on a single bell pepper, I usually only pay $0.25 for one. This helps in being able to stock up for the freezer.

4. Our Food Choices are Healthier

Many of the coupons out there are for processed foods. When I price-match, I purchase fresh foods, dairy products, and eggs that are on sale in my local advertisements.

Instead of a cart full of boxed items and processed food, my cart is now full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy-for-you foods.

Have you tried price-matching before?

Jami is a wife and a stay-at-home mom to two girls. She enjoys spending time with her family, encouraging others, cooking, and creating pretty things. You can read more about her and the life that she leads at 356 Collide.