Each week, I plan on featuring a reader question. I'll try to answer it, and then I'll open it up to readers to answer in the comments.
Amy writes:
I am just starting to jump on the bandwagon of earning money at home. I have signed up for several survey sites and paid email sites, but am still not earning enough to make a difference. Are there any other techniques to earning money at home that you can suggest?
Just for a little background info, I am a stay at home mom to an 18 month old, but I cannot go to work outside the home because my little boy requires speech/physical/occupational therapy 2x a week for hours at a time.
I also feel called to be a stay at home mom, but DH’s salary just isn’t cutting it. We have pared down our budget to the bare minimums, but we have got to find some creative ways to bring in some extra money. Thanks!
First, you can make money working from home, but it's not likely to make you rich. However, if you use a combination of methods, may be fairly successful. You'll have to determine for yourself which methods are worth the time for you. All of the ideas that I list below are FREE to sign up.
Surveys
I have listed my favorite survey sites that I have personally used (I don't have too much time to take surveys these days with the blog). I would sign up for multiple sites (or all of them). Each site will send surveys to you, and some companies send more surveys than others. I don't usually waste my time with surveys that do not pay either money or points towards money. I don't really want to use my time for a "chance" to win a sweepstakes.
I would also fill out all the profile surveys to help the site match you with surveys that you will likely qualify for. Many survey sites send out screeners, which are brief surveys to determine if you qualify for the complete survey. You should get a feel for which sites work for you over time.
Paid E-mails
There are several paid e-mail sites that I use - My Points, Inbox Dollars, and Send Earnings. My favorite of the three is My Points, since they have a lower payout price, so you feel like are rewarded for your time. When gas was really expensive, I've redeemed My Points for gas cards, but I've also redeemed for Panera Bread gift cards for some "fun" money.
Upromise
Upromise is a fairly easy way to earn money for college (or pay back student loans). I have been with the program since soon after it began, and we have earned just over $1,900 towards our sons' college tuition. You just need to link any credit/debit cards you have and/or grocery store loyalty cards so they can keep track of any qualifying spending.
You can redeem Upromise ecoupons, get a percentage back from purchasing certain items at qualifying stores (such as Kroger or CVS), get money back on gas, and even enlist your friends and family members to help you save.
Swagbucks
If you need to search for anything on the web, I use Swagbucks, since I periodically earn Swagbucks, which can be redeemed for gift cards. You can earn extra points by participating in Swag Hunts, searching the web, and referring friends. I usually redeem my Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards to help purchase Christmas presents.
Blogging
It is also possible to earn money from blogging through both advertising and affiliate programs. However, blogging can be hard work, and it can take some time before you see any significant earnings (if ever). I have listed some of my favorite companies that I work with on my blog, if you're interested.
Save Money
Although this is not a method to earn money, the amount of money that you save on living expenses saves you the time and effort of having to earn that money. If you've never checked out my beginner tips on menu planning, stockpiling, couponing, and more you should read some of those posts to help you save on household and grocery expenses.
I hope that helps! If anyone has more to add on the topic, please feel free to leave a comment.
Do you have a question that you'd like to see answered in a future Ask the Reader post? Please contact me!
Shelley
Wow...I'm impressed that you've earned $1900 on Upromise. That's great. I've only managed to save about $125 in almost 3 years. The only other thing I do is surveys but maybe I'll try one of your other suggestions too.
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Thanks Shelley! I've actually been a member of Upromise since 2001, so I've had about 9 years to build up the college savings. Plus, we use our Upromise credit card to earn Upromise money and our parents and in-laws use Upromise and contribute a percentage of their earning to my sons' Upromise account.