Working From Home

I’ve met and emailed with so many up and coming bloggers in the past 3 years that we’ve been running The Frugal Find.  One of the main questions we’re asked is how to make this more than a hobby or at the very minimum how can I earn some “shoe or purse money.”  Mr. Frugal wrote a great 4 part series about starting a blog, I’ve included the links below.  I wanted to mention Social Spark again because I just checked in and saw that in the past week since we posted about this, 8 of you have earned up to $250 just for writing articles on your blogs.  Congrats!!

Here are the details again…

Social Spark pairs you with brands that have offers your readers may be interested in, you can decide to take the offer or decline.  I’ve declined quite a few, but I’ve also accepted several as well.  Social Spark has given me the opportunity to work with brands such as Walgreens, Uncrustables, Coca-Cola, LegoLand, Dollar General, and more!  Typically the company has a special running or a new coupon or giveaway that they want help promoting.  That’s where we as bloggers step in to help!  Now the great part is that they work with blogs in a variety of niches, not just frugal blogging.  So don’t let that deter you.

Head on over to here to sign up and get started with Social Spark, they accept blogs of ALL sizes!  They are a very fair company to work with.  You can read more about Social Spark over here.

Starting a blog…

1. Starting A Blog, Part 1: Getting started with a platform, hosting and plugins
2. Starting A Blog, Part 2: Blogging basics and no-nos
3. Starting A Blog, Part 3: How to Make Money Blogging
4. Starting A Blog, Part 4: Optimizing your blog

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Pinecone Research has openings right now – if you’re looking for survey companies you should definitely check them out. Their current payout is $3 per survey. We’ve gotten positive feedback about Pinecone Research in the past:

I have been doing the surveys for about a month now, I think I have done 6 so far. Get the check within a couple of days. Pretty cool! - Nickie

I have been with Pinecone for a couple of years now. It’s a great way to earn extra money. Instead of a check you can have them deposit the money into a paypal account. - Robin

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I know when you’re first starting out as a blogger you can work for hours on end without making a dime, literally.  Blogging is a lot of work and quite frankly the hourly rate isn’t that great but there are a few companies that I highly recommend.  One of the companies I’ve worked with for a couple of years now is Social Spark.  They pair you with brands that have offers your readers may be interested in, you can decide to take the offer or decline.  I’ve declined quite a few, but I’ve also accepted several as well.  Social Spark has given me the opportunity to work with brands such as Walgreens, Uncrustables, Coca-Cola, LegoLand, Dollar General, and more!  Typically the company has a special running or a new coupon or giveaway that they want help promoting.  That’s where we as bloggers step in to help!  Now the great part is that they work with blogs in a variety of niches, not just frugal blogging.  So don’t let that deter you.

Before you accept the offer they outline what is asked of you and what you’ll be paid, you can also negotiate for a higher rate.  In my experience payment can range anywhere from $25 to $200 per post paid via paypal.   In my case working with Social Spark has led to continued relationships with several brands that I likely wouldn’t have originally had contact with.  This means exclusive deals for my readers and advance notice of special sales and offers.  It’s a win-win for all of us!

Head on over to here to sign up and get started with Social Spark, they accept blogs of ALL sizes!  They are a very fair company to work with.  I’m sure you’ve all received the emails from big brands asking you work for peanuts, sadly many bloggers short change themselves. You won’t be asked to compromise with Social Spark.

Signing up for Social Spark:

“In order to be approved to the Marketplace a blog must be at least 90 days old with a minimum of 20 posts written within the 90 days prior to submission with no more than a 30 day gap in writing during that time. It should be comprised primarily of original content and be written in fluent English. We also look for a clean, easy to navigate layout. If a blog does not initially meet these Terms, they can usually be resubmitted once they have.” -Social Spark Team

Not blogging yet, but thinking about starting one? Check out our 4 part series on starting a blog.

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I’ve heard from many readers that My Survey is another great survey company to work with.  They have just opened up for new applicants, head on over to get started!

MySurvey.com is a group of consumers from throughout the United States who influence future products and services by volunteering to participate in consumer research. By sharing your opinions about products and services, you are rewarded with Reward Points to redeem for cash and merchandise.

You earn 15 to 35 points per pre-screening surverys and up to 1,000 points for full surveys.   The exchange rate is 1,000 points = $10 cash.  So with just one survey you can earn $10!  They payout at $10 and checks arrive within 4 weeks of requesting them.

Current TFF Readers/MySurvey Member’s Experience:

I’ve been doing surveys for this company for about 1 1/2 years. It doesn’t pay out an incredible amount, but the surveys generally are no longer than 20 minutes, and even if you screen out you get some credit. This year I’ve made $40–which I’ve gotten in Amazon gift cards. I’ve sampled shampoo, dishwasher soap (a 3-month supply), and mayonnaise. So I think for the effort I’ve put in, it pays reasonably well. I would recommend it. – Mary

I love MySurvey! I’ve been with them since May of this year and have already cashed in enough points for $60! I’m less than 100 points (less than 1 survey usually!) away from another $15! I average about $15 a month through them, and it doesn’t take much more than a couple hours a month to complete the surveys! I think getting the gift cards is probably a better way to spend the points, but I hate getting locked into one store…I prefer the cash! (Between MySurvey and Swagbucks, I’ve cashed in close to $150 since May!) – Hillary

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IdeaShifters Smartphone Panel is looking for smart phone users to give feedback and get rewarded!  They’re accepting everyone at this point, so head on over and get signed up!

Here are the details…

Join a leading edge platform that enables you to share your opinions via any device PC, laptop, tablet (eg iPad) or mobile phone. Topics are wide ranging from the latest gum to the latest phone or iPad. Respond to a survey when it’s convenient for you. We pay you for your time and input for every completed survey.

Rewards: You earn points for every survey you complete and those turn into Gift cards or codes.

Surveys: We do our best to match surveys with your interests.

Always Voluntary: Your participation is completely voluntary and there’s no minimum number of surveys to complete.

Always Private: Your answers and your personal information always remain 100% confidential and for research only. Your opinions help drive product, advertising and marketing decisions for consumer and professional products.

Now remember these are not actual work from home jobs and they will likely never pay the PG&E bill, but many readers have had success earning enough for a coffee here or there!

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Synovate is open again! According to my contact they’re looking for lots of new people – if you’re looking for a good survey company check them out.

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Here’s a new survey opportunity! We’ve all heard of JD Power and Associates, well right now you can sign up for the JD Power Panel and earn points for filling out their surveys.  It takes about 3-4 surveys to earn enough points for a $5 Amazon gift card plus you can take a bunch of short ones at any time to boost your earnings.

Here’s the sweet deal though, if you sign up through this link for a limited time you’ll be able to earn $5 right off the bat!  After signing up you’ll see this offer…

Q 1. Welcome to the JDPower Panel! Here is your first survey opportunity, complete today and earn $5.00! Please remember to answer all of our questions carefully and thoughtfully as your responses will help us to direct you to the most relevant survey opportunities. Your reward will be available upon full completion of the survey.

I just took the survey and it took me exactly 3 minutes and 37 seconds, not bad for $5!  Once your account balance reaches $25 you can cash out.   After you finish the survey you’ll be directed to your account dashboard.  I found MANY more surveys that I can take including one worth $8 and I love that it tells me approximately how long each survey will take and this one would be about $25, not bad!  I think I you’re really going to like this this panel, hurry on over and get signed up!

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Reader Jennifer sent in this email and it got me thinking.  Often times I skip out on parties because quite frankly my budget rarely allows for a $20 kitchen tool, a $100 purse, or candles that I can buy used at a garage sale or thrift store.  I might be a party pooper it seems, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic too, here is Jennifer’s email…

Hey Julia,

I was thinking today about all the things I get invite to (candle parties, pampered chef, etc.) and wondering what your readers would say.  I have so many friends in this line of work and it seems someone is always hosting a “party”.  I have a hard time with these (being a frugal shopper and all).  I actually rarely actually go and there if I do go there is a seldom chance I will even buy something.  However, I always cringe when I have to decline a friends invite but seriously, my pocket book just doesn’t allow me to make these purchases.  I got to wondering, is it ever “wise” (frugally speaking) to buy from these vendors?  Am I ever missing any great deals or can I do better shopping other places with discounts and sites like ShopAtHome?  Just a thought I had today and would love to hear what other’s (you) say.

thanks,
Jennifer

So what do you think?  What have you done in the past?  I know my cupboards are lined full of my favorite pampered chef products, hundreds of dollars worth all for just pennies on the dollar at garage sales.

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Surveys.com has opened up again and is now accepting applications! If you’re interested in making some money taking online surveys, this is a great opportunity – but act fast – they’re only accepting applications for a limited time.  This is one of the more popular survey companies among TFF readers, we often hear great things about how quickly the earnings add up.

Here’s a little bit of information about Surveys.com…

Surveys.com is an Online Research Community operated by GfK. GfK is a top-ten market research company, uniting some of the most renowned US and European research firms into a single global organization.

In addition to cash rewards, most surveys offer rewards that range from 375 to 750 points. You also get 25 points for any survey you don’t qualify for.

The reward points can be exchanged anytime by selecting from a huge variety of prizes. All you need to do is provide a few details about yourself (it takes just a couple minutes) and periodically you’ll be asked to answer a questionnaire that will be sent to your email account. For each questionnaire that you participate in, you will earn points good towards a large selection of rewards. The more surveys you participate in, the more points you’ll earn!

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Many of you enjoy making a little extra money on the side with different survey sites. It looks like they’re trying to recruit lots of people in the new year, so if you were looking for some opportunities, now is the time!

Springboard America (Female sign up link) – Join Springboard America today and make your opinion count! Earn Survey Dollars redeemable for checks or charity. Get entered into their $1000 Sweepstakes for joining.
Springboard America (Male sign up link)

Join Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel. Earn valuable points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toy, gift cards, and more. NO Land Line Required.

Join Valued Opinions and get rewarded for giving your opinions. Plus, you will have a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card just for registering.

Share your opinions and get rewarded. Membership is free and sign-up is easy.

Earn cash rewards for sharing your opinion about baby products and services. They’ll even start you off with $5!

SurveySpot, created by Survey Sampling International, allows members to be a key factor in market research. FREE members are rewarded for participating in interesting research studies for major companies.

Complete online surveys and earn cash from GlobalTestMarket.

Take Surveys, Earn Rewards, It’s Easy & Free! Click here to sign up.

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This offer was available over the weekend but filled up very quickly.  They’ve opened up again today and are accepting a new participants to join the Synovate Panel again.   This will fill up within hours so don’t wait too long if you’re interested in signing up.

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We know you’re savvy and full of unique and creative ways to do, make, eat, and play for less.  Your comments are a never-ending source of encouragement and inspiration!  That’s why we want YOU to share your talents here on The Frugal Find.  We’re looking for readers (and bloggers) to guest post here from time to time.

Do you have a frugal living topic that you’ve just been dying to tell someone about?  We’d love to hear from you!

1. Your article must be original and not previously published elsewhere.
2. Higher consideration will be given for those with high quality photos.
3. Upon submitting your guest post, we will respond ONLY if we are interested in moving forward.
4. Please make sure your article is easy to read with bullet points and short paragraphs when possible.
5. Please use spell check and proofread before submitting your post, if extensive editing is needed it’s likely we’ll move on to the next submission.
6. Write about a topic that you’re passionate about – it truly shows in the content.

There are 2 options the “guest post” or “contributing author”.

Guest Post: You’re likely a blogger trying to grow your blog, at the end of the article you’ll get a thanks and a link back to your blog. Here at The Frugal Find we average anywhere from 600,000 to 1 million pageviews a month which could mean lots of traffic to your blog and possibly new (and let me just add – AMAZING) readers!

Contributing Author:  Our contributing Authors are paid for the content they write.  We offer $5 – $10 per article depending on the topic/content/length of the post.  Note that these are not 500 word posts, we try to be fair and pay an amount consistent with the submission.  You can choose to be paid via Paypal, an Amazon gift card, or a Starbucks gift card.

Submitting Your Article:

Please email your article (typed directly into the email not in a word document) to thefrugalfind@gmail.com with “GUEST POST” and your article topic in the subject line.  Please also include the following…

1. Your Name
2. Your Blog URL (if applicable)
3. Images (if applicable)
4. Short “About Me” Info

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