Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel Signups Open

Join Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel, and earn valuable points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toy, gift cards, and more.    I've never participated in this program, but I've definitely heard of others participating.

Pinecone Research Open Sign Ups

Pinecone Research is currently accepting new panelist for the following:

NEW panelists age 65 or older
NEW panelists of Hispanic/Latino Heritage and live in the US

This survey company is highly respected, and they pay $3 for each survey!  If you fall into one of these two categories, I would jump at this opportunity!

Survey Companies, Earn Extra Cash

Consider signing up for the following survey or opinion companies to earn extra cash or be entered into monthly drawings or sweepstakes.  The list is accompanied by information from the company.


Fresh Ideas is an exciting new panel designed to collect your thoughts and feedback regarding food and what you are looking for in the foods you choose for yourself and for others, such as your family and friends. By sharing your opinions you are eligible for monthly giveaways!

Consumer Advisory Group (Females):  Once accepted to the community, you will be able to enter sweepstakes for prizes including $50 Gift Cards for some of the surveys you complete, as well as have opportunities to earn individual gift cards.
Consumer Advisory Group (Males):  Once accepted to the community, you will be able to enter sweepstakes for prizes including $50 Gift Cards for some of the surveys you complete, as well as have opportunities to earn individual gift cards.

Dollar Surveys:  Take free surveys and earn a dollar for each survey you complete!  The easiest way to make a buck, take an online survey.

Global Test Market:  Complete online surveys and earn cash from GlobalTestMarket.

Ispos I-Say Survey:  As part of the Ipsos i-Say Community, you get to see new ideas or test new products and services before anyone else. Earn points for taking surveys and use them towards Cash, Gift Cards or Charities. Plus there's also chances to win prizes!

Ispos I-Say Survey (Young Adult):   As part of the Ipsos i-Say Community, you get to see new ideas or test new products and services before anyone else. Earn points for taking surveys and use them towards Cash, Gift Cards or Charities. Plus there's also chances to win prizes!

Mommy Talk Surveys:  Earn cash rewards for sharing your opinion about baby products and services. They'll even start you off with $5!

My Survey:  Take Surveys, Earn Rewards, It's Easy & Free!

NPD Research Panel:  Join NPD and you can win cash or prizes for giving your opinions.

Reward Port:  Join for Free and earn points which you can trade in for Free Gift cards and more!


Springboard America (Females):  Sign up to give your opinions and get entered to win $1,000.

Springboard America (Males):  Sign up to give your opinions and get entered to win $1,000.

Survey Downline:  Get by with a little help from your friends. Earn Cash taking surveys. 100% free!

Survey Spot:  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.

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

Valued Opinions:  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.

Vinedale Research:  An email submit campaign that targets consumers who are looking to get paid to review products.

Ipsos I-Say Survey Opportunity

Here is an oppotunity to earn some extra cash:

"i-Say is a community of dedicated individuals comprised of hundreds of thousands of people all interested in achieving one goal - sharing their opinions. i-Say panel members take surveys, create polls and help shape the products and services we all use every day.  Earn points for every completed survey.  The more surveys you take, the more points you earn.  Cash in your points for American Express gift cards, Amazon gift codes and more."

Ipsos I-Say Survey - US Young Adults

Ipsos I-Say Survey - US African Americans

Ipsos I-Say Survey - US Hispanics

Opinion Outpost Accepting New Members

Opinion Outpost is again accepting new members!  I've heard good things about this company.  You won't get rich quick, but a few bucks here and there can really help with the cost of the holidays!

Consumer Advisory Panel

Consumer Advisory Group:  Share Product Views and Earn Rewards! Become a member of the Consumer Advisory Group where you can enter sweepstakes for prizes including $50 Gift Cards for completing surveys, as well as opportunities to earn individual gift cards.

Has anyone tried this one out?

Another Survey Opportunity

Here is another survey opportunity to sign up for.  I haven't done this one, but I looked at it an it appears to be similar to the others.  Let us know what you think.

NPD Research Panel

Join NPD and you can win cash or prizes for giving your opinions.  I've never tried this company.  If someone has, please let us know what you think!

Earn Money for Taking Surveys

I know this post title conjures up thoughts of scams and stern Better Business Bureau warnings, but this one is legit.  Sign up to take surveys through Synovate and earn points to redeem for cash.  I actually do these.  You are never going to get rich quick, but I've earned a couple $5 checks.  The surveys just take a few minutes when they show up in your inbox.

Get Paid to Search the Internet: Swagbucks

                           

Would you like to earn prizes or gift cards by searching the Internet just as you normally would?  Swagbucks.com is an Internet rewards site that allows you to earn points by searching, shopping and other activities. 

Skeptical?  I was at first, but it's really easy!  First, sign up for an account here.  Next, start to earn points.  FrugalFortWayne.com will be doing several posts about how to earn more points, but here are a few ways that I earn points on a daily basis. 

• Install the tool bar.  I know people are often leery of doing this, but it was a very simple task and it has not 'junked up' my computer at all.  Just by installing the tool bar, you get a point a day added to your account. 
• Use the tool bar to search for things just as you would use any other search engine.  My husband still likes Google better, but I find that this gets the job done just fine.  You are randomly awarded points after certain searches.  The amounts vary from 5 to 25 points per award. 
• Watch Swagbucks TV, you can pull up the link or install it on your tool bar.  After watching 10 short videos, your account is credited with three points.  There are lots of categories to choose from.  I will usually have them running in the background while I am using the computer. 
• There are other ways to earn, we will detail them soon, but they all can be found on the Swagbucks.com website. 

After you have earned your desired amount of points, the points can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards or games.  The official page of the 'Swag Store' can be seen here.  Just a few of the many retailers include Home Depot, Amazon.com, iTunes, O'Charley's, Starbucks and more.

 I have been saving all of my points to stock up for Christmas.  I have heard of people taking care of their entire Christmas list by using gift cards from the 'Swag Store'.  Every little bit helps, right?  So, sign up today and get earning those points for something that you already are doing! 

IndianaUnclaimed.com

Talk about finding a ten dollar bill in your winter coat pocket when the temperatures first drop in the fall.  IndianaUnclaimed.com is a database maintained by the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.  It is the office's job to return certain financial assets back to their owners.  Search this database to see if you, or someone you love, have any unclaimed money.  It appears to be an easy process to claim your money.  Fill the form out online, print it, mail it and wait 90 days for processing.

High Interest Checking Accounts -- Earning More

High interest checking accounts are a phenomenal way for your money to earn great interest while having immediate access to your money.  My grandfather originally turned us on to this concept and I will admit that I was a skeptic.  I wondered, how they could offer such great rates?  Here are the stipulations of a few of the banks here in town:

Lake City Bank

Rewards

• 3.04% APY paid on the portion of the balance below $50,000
• 0.51% APY paid on the portion of the balance at or above $50,000
• Reimburses up to $25.00 in ATM fees nationwide per month (this is posted at the end of the month, with your interest payment, as long as you have met all of the qualifications)

 Qualifications to Receive Rewards (to be done monthly)

• Minimum of 8 debit card purchases (ATM withdrawals don't count)
• 1 Direct Deposit or automatic debit
• Enroll in eStatements and receive statements electronically

If you don't meet all of the qualifications, it is not a problem.  Your money just receives .01% APY.  You become eligible again the next month.  You do not get your ATM reimbursement, though.


Three Rivers Federal Credit Union

Rewards

• 3.51% APY on balances up to $10,000
• 0.61% APY on balances $10,001 and greater
• Reimburses ATM fees up to $12.00 ($3.00 per transaction)

Qualifications to Receive Rewards (to be done monthly)

• 10 or more debit card purchases
• Receive 3Rivers eStatements
• Have a direct deposit, automatic withdrawal, or online bill pay
• View your account online at least once per month

As with Lake City, if you don't meet the qualifications each month, you earn 0.01% APY and you can start over the next month.  Also, your ATM transaction fees will not be reimbursed. 

Midwest America Federal Credit Union

Rewards

• 2.51% APY on balances up to $15,000
• 0.76% APY on balances $15,001 and greater
• Reimburses ATM fees up to $25.00 per month

Qualifications to Receive Rewards (to be done monthly)

• 10 or more debit card purchases
• Sign up for and receive monthly eStatements
• Have a direct deposit or automatic withdrawal each month

As with the other two establishments, if you don't meet the qualifications each month, you earn 0.11% APY and you can start over the next month.  Also, your ATM transaction fees will not be reimbursed. 

These are the three that I know of in Fort Wayne.  They really are a great way to put your savings to work while having the money readily available.
If any were missed, please leave a comment, thanks!