July 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

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Quests require compasses and treasure chests, right?Why am I referring to them as “quests” and not “hustle“?

Hustling indicates moving quickly to earn money. This year, I’m doing a little bit every day, approximately 20 minutes on small surveys and small tasks. I may earn less daily, but overall, I can use small tasks to earn more through compounding.

July was so busy overall, but I made time for my side quests. I think it might have been my best month to date!

  • MyPoints:  $30 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $26.75 Venmo
  • G2:  $20 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Fetch:  $30 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $30.50 in Aisle Rebates
  • BrandClub:  $10.50 Venmo
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. I spent a lot of time over the summer making/uploading educational materials to my TPT account. $18.25
  • Verasight: $10 via Venmo
  • Receipt Hog: $10.00 Paypal
  • Class action lawsuits (I use SettleMate to help me find ones that I might qualify for): $22.26
  • Evidation: $10 via Venmo
  • Gist: $20 Amazon Gift Card
  • In-Person Research Study: $200
  • Recycling Bottles and Cans: $30

I spend about 20-30 minutes a day completing surveys, scanning receipts, and other tasks. It doesn’t take long, and it helps take a small load off our summer budget.

As always, the links above may be affiliate links, and I might earn money or points if you join any of the above apps or activities. This helps support my blog and family.

If you are interested in my full list of money-saving/money earning activites, I encourage you to check out:

Fall 2026 Clothing Swaps!

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I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap that will have clothes in all of our sizes.

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

Here are the Fall 2026  Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

August 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

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 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, PayPal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

This month, there aren’t a ton of free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.

  •  Seasonal Valencia Oranges by Sunkist
  • Zero Sugar Collagen Tea by Pretty Tasty
  • Non-GMO Macadamia Nuts by Mauna Loa
  • Avo Oil Tortilla Chips by Xochitl
  • Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
  • Solely Organic Fruit Jerky by Solely

There are a lot more offers for BOGO or a percentage off, including brands like Daiyo, Ripple, Calafia Farms, SunButter, Back to Nature, and Javvy Coffee, to name a few.

If you are looking for other rebate sites, similar to Social Nature, check out Aisle,  WeStock, or Peekage.

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for August and September!

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I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) activities for kids. JCPenney has two events coming up that fit the bill! Check out these fun, free crafts from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on August 8, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create an axolotl pouch. The Craft includes a pencil pouch, markers, and a small notebook. Great for back to school!

If you are busy that day, there is an event in September!

On September 12, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a cabin picture frame.  This craft includes wood sticks, foam pieces, glue dots, a marker, and a magnet.

7/31/26 Friday Freebies and Deals!

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In our continuing frugal escapades this summer, today The smaller kid and their friend and I are headed off to SeaWorld. I scored a free educator pass, and Groupon had discount tickets.

I used my MyPoints points from surveys to get a Groupon Gift Card to lower my out-of-pocket.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Backpacks and School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Ade Electrolyte Drink Mix Sample Pack
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
FREE LEGO Pokemon Event at Target
Get Free Catalogs by Mail: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Mini Cooler Cup at Lowe’s on August 22nd
FREE GREENIES Original Dog Dental Treats
Starbucks – Free Drink or Food Item During Your Birthday
FREE Corona Sunbrew Juicy Twist Reality TV Watch Party Kit
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE Destination Dessert Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE IAMS Proactive Health Core Pouch after Walmart Cash
FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Narcisse Fragrance
FREE $25 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Samples from The Apothecary Tea
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Cooling Towel, Stickers & More
We Rounded Up The Best Free Samples for Men: Check Them Out
FREE Toy Story Woody Action Figure at Walmart
FREE Tillamook Melty Hour Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Sample of YISE Beauty Xtreme Glow Peptide Serum
FREE Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
FREE Mtn Dew Baja Blast Every Time an MLB Player Hits a 420+ ft Home Run

Deals:

Bikes for the Whole Family From $48 at Walmart
Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men ONLY $3.43 (Reg $8)
The Children’s Place Graphic Tees ONLY $5 (Reg $13) + FREE Shipping!
Purina Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Pet Food from Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies and More
Top 10 Grocery Store Coupons This Week
Back to School Jeans Sale at Carter’s: Buy One Get two Free
Skip Name Brand Products and Save Big with Off-Brand Foods Instead
Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit ONLY $16.94 (Reg $30)
Pioneer 40-In LED Full HD (1080p) Smart RoKu TV ONLY $99.99 (Reg $170)
Cooks 6-Qt Stainless Steel Slow Cooker ONLY $26.99 (Reg $60)
Boho Fringe Thatched Tiki Patio Umbrella ONLY $79.99 (Reg $200)
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Get Senior Discounts at These 13 Grocery Stores in 2026
Carote 5-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cooking Pot Set ONLY $21.99 (Reg $80)
LOCO 2-Burner Classic Flat Top Grill/Griddle ONLY $99 Shipped (Reg $298)

Upcoming Online Project for Teen Girls 14-17 (Pays Upwards of $175)

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AO Opinions is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys. Right now they are recruiting for a new study for Teen Girls ages 14-17 and their parent.

To be considered for this study, view the list and complete the pre-screener here.

Open to Parents and their Teen 14-17 years of age (If Teen is selected, phone interview Date/Time on 7/29/7/31/26)

This online project is for both the Teen & Parent

If selected and fully participate – Part 1 – Teen – 20-minute pre-call with Teen ONLY within the next two weeks ($75 for the pre-call with Teen only) 

  • if selected and fully participate – Part 2 – Some will be chosen for virtual IDIs the week of 8/10 ($175 for teen, $100 for parent)
  • if selected and fully participate – Part 3 – Some 30-minute post-task for the teens ($40)

2026 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your August Utility Bill!

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It’s that time again! On your August California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $49.36. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit is directly related to the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires polluters to pay for their climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for over seven years, saving thousands of dollars on our power bill and earning thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal.

Q-insights Travel Research Ages 55-80 Pays $150

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QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County and less often in San Diego County. Currently, they are conducting an online study on the topic of travel.

This study is a little different- it’s for adults ages 55-80!

  • Who: People ages 55-80.
  • Topic: Travel experience.
  • Date: The Interviews will take place on July 28-31st
  • Time: 1.5 hours (90 Mins) Online Webcam Interviews.
  • Incentive: It will pay $150 for your time.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here. A recruiter will contact you if you pre-qualify and ask additional screening questions.

French Onion Beans- Easy High Fiber Meal!

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I’ve seen this recipe all over social media. I watched a few videos and rummaged through my pantry. Here is my version. It’s simple and so tasty!

French onion beans

Ingredients

  • Two onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder or 2 tablespoons garlic from a jar
  • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2  teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 15-ounce cans, cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Italian cheese blend

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, add butter and oil.
  2. Once the butter and oil are melted and combined, add onions and sauté on low for about 10 minutes until onions become translucent.
  3. Add garlic/garlic powder, tomatoes, paprika, thyme, and stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally for 25 to 35 minutes. Onions will become thick and jammy, and will continue to become translucent and lightly brown around the edges.
  5. Over medium heat, add beans, half-and-half, and cheese.
  6. Uncover and allow to cook for 5 to 10 minutes until it is melting and bubbly.
  7. Serve with crusty Italian bread, sourdough, or crackers of your choice.

These beans stay good in the fridge 3-4 days, however, they will not last that long. They are soo rich and smooth. And very filling,

You can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free butter substitute, coconut milk, and dairy-free cheese.

Free Backpacks & School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

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It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!