Jan

6

To a Happy, Healthy and Frugalicious 2010!

Filed Under Building Wealth | Comments Off

While we’re sort of closed for renovation, I wanted to repost last year’s New Year message, and let you know we’re working hard to make YOUR 2010 the most bargain-filled ever.  Be back soon!

best year everHappy New Year, dear readers, and I hope you like the new word I am using. Frugalicious is the term for living the lifestyle of the rich and famous on an ordinary person’s budget, and we’re going for it big time in 2009. But first, a confession: I am so embarrassed — in the frenzy of the holidays I went to the supermarket and paid full price for everything! I felt like I was cheating you guys by not living the lifestyle I am teaching you, but I guess the lesson there is that sometimes, time and sanity win out over bargains and thriftiness. (Not always, not often, but sometimes!) Anyway, sorry for being off track, and watch in the next few days for my special report on starting the new year with some great new money-saving habits. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous 2009. See you soon.

Oct

19

In These (fill in the blank) Economic Times

Filed Under Making Extra Money, Mystery Shopping, Side Businesses | 4 Comments

Economic Stress

Economic Stress

If I hear the words “in this difficult economic environment” as an excuse for not having money, one more time, I’m going to scream.

Blaming the economy is a lame excuse for not doing whatever it takes to bring in some money.  So, the job market is tight?  So what?

Smart people, employed and not, have learned that there are many, many ways to make money without a job.  Some of them are full-time activities that can make you enough money to live well.  Some are side jobs that can bring in extra cash when you need it.  As we approach the holiday season yet again, we will discuss some of the ways to make your ends meet, or even tie in a pretty holiday bow.  Here are three for right now.

Right now, temporary seasonal jobs are starting to open up.  Just start applying;  they’re usually both part and full time, and some even pay commission.  Just be sure, if you’re collecting unemployment insurance,  to check with your state regarding rules on working during your claim.

Some of our readers may know that I’ve been doing Mystery Shopping for a while.  I find it a good source of extra income, fun and stuff.  Also great to get me (and you) out of the house, talking to people and sharpening business skills.  Here are a few companies that I have worked with that are reputable and have given me some good jobs:

Beyond Hello

Bare Associates/BAI

KSS/Kern Scheduling

Start with a few easy ones and read the instructions so you can get the hang of what you need to do.

For more about mystery shopping, click here.

Mystery shopping is fun and easy, but now I’ve found something even more fun, and easier — market research panels.

In New York, I was occasionally asked to be part of these, where you go to an office, sometimes even get fed, talk about a topic, and get paid in cash. Only recently have I learned that there are people who do this almost full time!

I can’t tell much, due to a confidentiality agreement, but last week I made $500 cash, plus breakfast and lunch daily, for three days of being a mock juror on a mock trial.  The week before, I spent about 30 minutes filling out a questionnaire for $75 cash.  This is all legal, legitimate and fun.  You just need to get invited!

A few places to start getting yourself invited to panels are:

www.focusgroupnetwork.webs.com/

www.greenbook.org/

and www.Craigslist.org

where you look under “gigs” — and while you’re there, you’ll be amazed at what people need help with, and are willing to pay for. (Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway, be careful!!!)  AND NEVER PAY FOR THE RIGHT TO BECOME A MYSTERY SHOPPER OR MARKET RESEARCH PANEL PARTICIPANT.  No legitimate company will require it, except to purchase an item or meal for which you will be reimbursed.

That said, however, there are some people who have put together all the info in a website and ebook that might be worth the small investment.  I have checked out these three, you may want to purchase one and save yourself a lot of time and energy to get started.

ShoppingJobs.net

PaidShoppingProviders.com

ShopTillYouDrop.net

Hi to all the people I met last week in “court” — hope to run into you again. Meanwhile, for other ideas on making money, click here.

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