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I am not sure exactly why I get such a thrill every time I happen upon loose change in the sofa or a wadded up dollar bill in a pair of freshly washed jeans, but I do. Perhaps it stems from primitive hunting and gathering instinct, or maybe my DNA dial is set permanently to "tight wad." No matter the reason, I love finding money I am not looking for. In fact, I enjoy it so much that I recently expanded my hunting grounds to include five new areas.
Cash back rewards programs. If the words, "cash back" are attached to it, chances are, I know all about it. I am a member of several cash back online portals, that pay me five to eight percent cash back on every purchase I make. In addition to that, I pay my monthly bills with a cash back credit card and pay that credit card off each month with a cash back debit card, earning me four more percent.
Annual unexpected windfall: $2,640
In-store rewards programs. Recently, when my older dog required a specific medication, my Pet Perks card (at Pet Smart) saved me $8 a month. When I purchase everyday beauty items at CVS or Drugstore.com, I earn bonus dollars, saving me $15 a month or more. There are others, but those are just two examples of how I use merchant rewards programs to increase my pool of unexpected money.
Annual savings from vendor rewards: < $300
Paid to click programs. You might turn up your nose at any "internet income" opportunity. I know I used to. However, I found a few pay to click sites that actually pay, and that don't require an investment. I put seven of these different websites on my daily task list, and click ads while I am surfing my Facebook feed in the morning. It takes all of about 10 minutes to do, and I earn $5 to $8 a day doing it.
Annual cyber payday: < $2,900
Paid to read email programs. I earn $0.50 a day, or more, simply by clicking on a few email links. It might not sound like much, but it adds up.
Annual email payday: < $150
Affiliate marketing. When I find a website I love or a deal that is unbeatable, I share it. I share the link on Facebook, Twitter and even on my blogs. However, my shares don't always come free. For instance, I earn $5 for each person I refer to one of my rebates portal websites when they signs up for a free account. I also earn bonuses from that website and others. Being paid to share a link online (if you ask me) is not too shabby and it's a great extra source of income.
Annual sharing income: < $4,300
If you have been keeping up, it's clear that my annual "pennies from heaven" ante up to a little over $10,000 year; a lot more than I have found in fresh-from-the-dryer jean pockets in my lifetime.
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