October 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

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.

October was busy! I spent a lot of time doing stuff around the house- purging closets, cleaning the garage, and helping my youngest with their Halloween Costume.

  • MyPoints:  $10 Amazon Gift Card
  • PaidViewPoint:  $13.88 Venmo
  • Fetch:  $10 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $38.94 in Aisle Rebates, $10.97 in WeStock Rebates, and $2.79  in Social Nature Rebates
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. $16.00
  • Verasight: $20 via Venmo
  • Ibotta: $24.30 Paypal
  • Online Research Study: $15.00
  • Class action lawsuits (I use SettleMate to help me find ones that I might qualify for): $4.30
  • ShopHerMedia (The affiliate company I work with occasionally- this amount is 11 months’ worth of commission): $50.86

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:

November 2026 Clothing Swaps

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 with clothes in all 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.

November 6, 2026 2-3pm
Let’s Go Girls Monthly Clothing Swap
Golden Hills Park (Near the restrooms)

November 7, 2026 1pm-4pm
Baddie Clothes Swap
Mujeres Brew House 1983 Julian Avenue San Diego, CA 92113

November 8, 2026 10am – 1pm
City of La Mesa Clothing and Toy Swap
La Mesa Library 8074 Allison Ave La Mesa, CA 91942
November 12, 2026 6pm – 7:30pm
Conscious Closets: Clothing Swap & Sewing Workshop
Magdalena Ecke YMCA 200 Saxony Rd Encinitas, CA 92024

November 12, 2026 3pm–5pm
Clothing Swap
Potrero County Library 24883 Potrero Valley Road Potrero, CA 91963

November 28, 2026 10am-2pm
Water and Kindness Clothing Swap and Community Fair
Pop Up Winona 4951 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

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.

 

Celebrate National Espresso Month with Coffee at Home!

Coffee at home doesn’t have to be boring. With coffee shop prices rising (and let’s be fair, McDonald’s coffees are over $5.50 each these days), making fun, festive coffees at home matters more than ever.

We shouldn’t have to sacrifice a fun coffee or a little treat because of the economy. With a little creativity, you’ll be making yummy drinks at home in no time at all.

I’ve got an Amazon list here of my favorite Coffee bar items. 

The Top Three:

  1. A good Instant Espresso. I like Café Bustelo or Nescafé.
  2. A milk frother– not just for milk; it’s great for mixing espresso and hot water together.
  3. A variety of syrups. I buy small multi-packs like these to test new flavors. Whatever flavors I don’t like, I take to work and add to the coffee bar there.

Before you go out and buy anything, check for these supplies you probably have on hand: Coffee/k-Cups, Coffee maker (or French press or Keurig), creamer, milk, cream, sweetener, flavored syrups, chocolate syrup (if you like a mocha), double-walled tumblers with lids and straws for cold drinks, and insulated hot beverage cups with lids for hot drinks.

If you are looking for a few good recipes for coffee (not espresso) based drinks, check out my post here about my favorite French Press.  It’s got a recipe for a Café Misto and a Quick and Easy Café Mocha.

I mix three shots of espresso into my Premier Protein Shake each morning along with a lot of ice.

 

 

Q-insights: Prescription eyeglasses Study $300

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.

They are currently seeking respondents between the ages of 18 and 54 for a nationwide online study about Prescription eyeglasses.

The study will be a virtual online focus group with other participants like yourself. It will be 90 minutes long, and you will receive $300. The study will be held the week of November 9th.

Participation is voluntary. Completing the screening questionnaire does not guarantee qualification or enrollment in the study. If selected, a recruiter may contact you to confirm eligibility and provide additional information.

If you are interested in learning more about the study and determining whether you may be eligible, please complete the screening questionnaire.

Free and Low Cost Dental Resources in San Diego!

Today is National Brush Your Teeth Day, and I thought I’d share some free and low-cost dental care resources in San Diego for those who may not have dental insurance or access to a dentist.

The UCSD School of Medicine has an extensive list of dental and other health care clinics in Southern California on their website, along with costs associated with care.

The UCSD School of Medicine also has a free dental clinic.

San Diego Mesa College has a dental school, and they offer free and low-cost services as part of their students’ training.

Children’s Dental Health Center has many programs and initiatives that help kids who may not have access to a dentist. They work closely with school nurses and staff to help identify kids in need of dental care.

OPSAM Health has low cost/sliding scale dental care at two locations in San Diego County.

If you have Medi-Cal, you automatically have Medi-Cal Dental benefits and access to dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, tooth removal, dentures, and emergency services

Visit smilecalifornia.org or call (800) 322-6384 to learn about Medi-Cal Dental benefits and to locate a dental provider.

And if you are looking for some recommendations for oral care products, my Amazon Storefront has a selection of my favorites (and these all got the OK from my dentist) here.

How to Plan for Thanksgiving on a Budget

Thanksgiving in the US is in four weeks, and it can be a very expensive endeavor. Here are some ways you can still throw a tasty feast for family and friends without going into the red.

The free Thanksgiving dinner items from Ibotta start 11/3/26, with a new item dropping weekly.

In the past, these free items have included: stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy mix, pie, instant mashed potatoes, and cornbread mix.

Many other cashback apps will partner with companies to offer cashback and discounts on traditional holiday meal ingredients as well. I recommend you check out my app page here to download a few of my favorites.

Aldi is doing their Thanksgiving meal deal again this year! This contains all of the ingredients for a dinner for 10 people for $39.00! It’s a really great way to save money and have a traditional feast menu.

Start by making your menu. Not all dinners are the same. Some Thanksgiving meals include foods from a family’s cultural background, while others stick to the traditional Thanksgiving foods. After your menu is made, shop your kitchen before you head to the store. You may already have some ingredients on hand. Instead of buying everything all at once, buy a few items on your weekly trip to the store. This spreads out the expense of the meal over several weeks.

Consider a potluck meal. Ask friends and family members to bring a side or dessert. Friends who are not culinarily inclined can be asked to bring drinks.

Forgo expensive dishes or dishes that are not very popular (looking at you, green bean casserole. I’m not a fan).

If you are having a small dinner or don’t want leftovers, consider a roasted chicken instead of a whole turkey, or a turkey breast. Both are smaller and more cost-effective.

 

Talk Back- How do you save money on traditional holiday dinners?

 

10/30/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

October is officially the longest month of the year. At least, it feels that way. I’m tired. And I’m glad it’s Friday!

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

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

Freebies:

Spooktacular Halloween Food Deals & Food Freebies You Can’t Miss in 2026: Pizza, Fast Food, and More
Free 2026 National Parks Entrance Days
FREE Sample of Edna Day Moisture Cream & Overnight Cream
FREE PhotoJoy Photo Postcard
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE $15 to Spend at CVS
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE 2027 Wall Calendars
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
FREE Holiday Engine Kit Workshop Event at Lowe’s
FREE 8×10 Zombie Print at CVS
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Santal Couture Fragrance
FREE Sample of Earth’s Care Eczema Lotion
FREE Playing Cards from Black & Mild
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Rare Beauty Hydrating Eye Patches at Ulta
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
FREE Actispot II Cat Flea Treatment
FREE Pokemon Trick or Trade BOOster Pack at GameStop on 10/31
FREE Lysol Sample Pouch at Target
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Nov. 2 – 8
FREE Sample of Soluvia Shield Dissolvable Mouth Comfort Patch
FREE $15 to Spend at Walmart
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Beech-Nut Product
Get 5,000 FREE American Airlines Miles – First 65,000 People
FREE Injinji Socks
FREE $30 Purchase at UGG
FREE 2027 Unity Calendar
FREE Bag of Happy Candy at Target
FREE Cuddle Clones Custom Pet Pajamas
FREE Big Buford Burger at Checkers & Rally’s
FREE Box of Keebler Cookies at 12pm EST – Daily Through Oct. 31st

 

Deals:

CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron ONLY $38.49 (Reg $100)
Old Navy 50% Off Giftober Deals + Extra 10% Off
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2026
SKIMS Dupes That Will Flatter You, But Not Flatten Your Wallet
Sling TV Deals: Save Money With Affordable Live TV Packages
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change
Snag Your Krispy Kreme Deals Here + Ways to Save & Get Free Krispy Kreme Donuts
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Tide Detergent, Vicks VapoRub, Bounty & More
The Best Walmart Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2026 – Dates Released
Step2 My First Christmas Tree 12-Piece $44.99 Shipped (Reg $60)
Digital Calendar 10.1 Inch ONLY $59.99 (Reg $100)
How to Use Kohl’s Cash: Everything You Need to Know earn, use, and maximize
Coach Outlet Wristlet as low as $35 (Reg $88)
Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum ONLY $60 at Ulta (Reg $120) + FREE Beauty Break 6 Piece Gift Set
Regency Heights Queen Size Comforter Set 9-Piece ONLY $42.84 (Reg $130)
50 Dog Toys UNDER $5 on Amazon – Prices Start at Only $2.89 Shipped

2026 Halloween Candy Buy Back!

Now that you’ve started all of the Halloween 2026 fun with carnivals, trunk-or-treats, and community events, do you have a pile of unwanted candy?

The best part of trick-or-treating is candy.

The worst part can be candy that your kids (and you) don’t like, goes against your family’s dietary restrictions, or that you’re allergic to.

If you are looking for something to do with unwanted candy, here are a few ways your kids can turn Tootsie Rolls into something your kids will like (cash).

Candy Buybacks are a way businesses, usually dentist offices, can get unwanted candy out of families’ hands. Businesses usually donate the candy to the USO or nonprofits like Soldiers’ Angels, which collect candy and ship it overseas.

Here are a few located in San Diego County for Halloween 2026:

 

PRC Global Market Research High School Juniors & Seniors pays $150

PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most can be completed from the comfort of your home using your computer or laptop.

 

Currently, they are looking for high school students, Juniors and Seniors, to participate in an upcoming study regarding Prospective Students.

This survey must be completed by the High School Student.

Topic: High School Juniors & Seniors
Who: High School Juniors & Seniors
When: November 10, 2026
Where: Online Virtual Group
Length: 90-minute Zoom
Incentive: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Their surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.

Oatmeal Recipe Round Up- National Oatmeal Day

Today is National Oatmeal Day, and oatmeal can be a forgotten ingredient in the kitchen.

In addition to a nutritious breakfast, it can also stand in place of breadcrumbs in Meatloaf and meatballs, or be ground in a food processor to be used in place of AP flour in baking recipes.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes using oatmeal:

Recipe: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe: Oatmeal Mix

Tasty Chewy Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies!

Recipe: Oat Flour Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Stockpile Cooking: Yummy Strudel Pumpkin Muffins

Oat Flour Banana Bread Recipe

Family Recipe: Apple Crisp