The only thing I hear on the news, by the water cooler and in line at Starbucks lately are taxes, stimulus plans and layoffs. Gone are the days of idle chit chat about the weather and how your boss wore an ugly tie. Things have taken a serious turn in our powerhouse economy. What are you and I to do, the average citizen of this great nation? Aside from checking Mr. Cheap Stuff for the best freebies and deals of the day you can get your own free stuff and discounts at home with little to no effort.
1. Check your weekly mailers and papers for coupons.
For the past year, they’ve been slipping in buy one get one free coupons or my favorite, just plain ol’ free coupons. My free coupons I’ve partaken on in 2009 alone, free bottles of Vitamin water (via Sunday paper coupon). Free packs of gum, Extra, Trident and Wrigley’s. My free Glade candle (via weekly mailer coupon) I’m burning right now as I write this! There is a pot of gold at the end of the coupon rainbow after all.
2. Online Surveys.
They’re tedious, they’re boring, they’re redundant, they pay off! Sometimes in a big way. Check your register receipt the next time you leave a store. 9 times out of 10 there’s an invitation for an on-line survey. For your time and feedback, they’ll either enter you in a monthly drawing to win a size able gift card or give you a dollar amount or percentage off on your next return purchase. My husband won a $100 Jack In The Box gift card which fed him many a lunch during his hectic electrician work schedule. My favorite discount offers are from Pets Mart and Bath & Body Works.
3. Join the club.
Different restaurants and eateries will give you a free meal or 2 for 1 just for signing up to receive their e-mail promotions. It’s also a great way to stay informed of weekly specials at your favorite places to dine. Anything to help me take the guess work out of what or where I’ll feed my family next is just a click of the mouse away.
4. Join a Marketing Research Company.
This is my absolute favorite and most profitable of all. Last year alone, between my husband and I, we’ve put over $2,500 tax free dollars in our pocket. Marketing research companies reward you generously for giving your opinion on various topics. It can be anywhere from bubble gum, razors, to breakfast food. Last month I sat on a discussion panel regarding family based reality TV shows featured on TLC. For 2 hours of my time, answers to specific questions and opinions I walked out with an envelope with $125 cash! The best way to find them is to Google, marketing research companies in a major metro near you. They want information on not only you and your spouse but also your kids. One of the marketing research companies we belong to offers a referral program to have your friends sign up. Any age, income level, ethnic background, education level, etc. Giving my opinions and getting paid for it…all is right with the world!
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