2022- Summer Fun on a Budget

681517ea18b6760354438c6a7f6190f1.jpgIt’s time for kids to finish up school, and be let loose on the world. But, instead of hours of screen time and endless whining, let’s fill the summer with some fun stuff!

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. Only downside- no shade trees.

 

Info on Free Summer lunches is rolling in very slowly. A lot of the sources for information (211 and the USDA) sites have not been updated with summer information. I’ll keep updating this post as new info is available on more sites throughout the county.

Q-Insights Product Placement pays $50

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Q-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 San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!

They are looking for Females to participate in an upcoming In-Home Product Test for Feminine Hygiene Products in July.

Project requirements include using a test product and completing a 15-minute online after-use questionnaire.  Compensation is $50 for completing the questionnaire.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here to see if you qualify.

You will be prompted to provide an ID number. Please enter your 10-digit phone number.

Save Money on Gasoline with BPme!

If you have a BP or AMOCO gas station near you, check out this amazing money saving app!

Because gas never goes on sale, I’m always looking for ways to save money on gas!

Download the BPme app using the promo code OFFER to receive an introductory one-time 50₵/gallon additional discount (via email) on your next fuel up after you complete your first in-app transaction of $10 or more.

When you register for BPme Rewards you will start saving 5 cents on every gallon.

I’ve been using this app for over a year and we’re saving money left and right!

AO Opinions: Upcoming Beverage Project $50-$100

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of beverages.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here. 
  • Compensation: $50-$100 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 18-29 year olds 
  • Tuesday June 21, 2022- various times available.

June 2022: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 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 get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Mac and Cheese by GOODLES
  • Veggie Pasta by Veggiecraft Farms
  • Cocoa & Blonde Truffle Bars by Honey Mama’s
  • Meatless Breakfast Patties by Nature’s Fynd
  • Gluten-Free Mochi Ice Cream by Bubbies
  • Plant-Based Ice Cream by Eclipse Foods
  • Plant-Based Alternatives by Big Mountain Foods
  • Plant-Based Ice Cream by Wildgood
  • Oat Crackers by Bob’s Red Mill USA
  • Various Comvita Health products

 

And More!

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

Secret Shop and have fun with Amusement Advantage!

Y’all know I love to secret shop!

I learned about Amusement Advantage from Brooke and Christine. They have all sorts of fun shops: movie theatres, amusement parks, museums, and more!

From their website: “We only evaluate attractions, amusement locations, and entertainment facilities.  Our shops give you the opportunity to have fun with friendly and family and include reimbursement for you some of your guests expenses and in most cases a little extra cash profit or extra free tickets for your time and efforts.  Click here to see a list of locations we are currently shopping.  Curious what others shoppers say about our company?  Click here to see reviews from other shoppers just like you!”

If you want to Check out Amusement Advantage and see if there are opportunities near you, click here. If you decide to sign up, use my email akeen02037@gmail.com as a referral. We’ll each get a little something extra.

Earn Money this Summer with Surveys!

It’s not all beach trips and hot girl summer here. This mama needs to earn a little cash on the side to afford all the gas to get around! BTW, if you are looking for a way to save on gas, check out this post.

In addition to the resources below, I recommend checking out the posts I write several times a week for various research studies. It’s a good way to earn the most money in the least amount of time. It’s usually $75+ for an hour of time over a Zoom meeting.

I have signed up for all of the survey companies below and have hit the cashout threshold at least once!

With Branded Surveys, it’s simple to earn! Create a profile and begin taking surveys.

They pay you with cash or gift card rewards to complete market research studies.

Refer your friends to maximize your rewards.

 

 

Inbox Dollars- Join for free and get paid to take surveys, shop online, try name brand products, and play games online.

 

 

 

 

LifePoints is one of my favorites. It’s so easy! Join one of the largest influencer communities in the world. We’ve rewarded over $20 million to our members in the last year alone.

Share your opinions on numerous products and popular brands. Complete surveys and get paid for it!

Earn points that can be redeemed for rewards of your choice. Join today and get 10 LifePoints to kick off your earnings!

The Survey Junkie community shares feedback with brands in exchange for rewards such as cash, gift cards, and more.
To participate in Survey Junkie Pulse, you have two options: Install it on your computer or opt in via the Survey Junkie app.

Once you’ve opted in, the Survey Junkie Pulse tech gets to work in the background, automatically tracking digital activities.

If you are looking for some more ways to make some extra money, check out my side hustles post here. And if you want to earn cashback and save money on your shopping, check out my complete list of smartphone apps here.

 

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Chatterbox!

Check out this awesome party opportunity from Chatterbox!

Introducing ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ Toothpaste, now with a new and improved taste and ultra-smooth formula. Don’t brush off this chance to try it for FREE and experience up to 3X more plaque removal than a non-baking soda toothpaste. Now that’s something to smile about!

If you are selected, you will receive:

  • 1 Sample size ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ Toothpaste
  • 1 ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ Toothpaste info postcard

You must apply and complete the required activities by June 28th to be considered.

A San Diego Summer Favorite- Resident Free Days at Balboa Park

One of the best ways to pass a Tuesday afternoon in the summer is to hit up Balboa Park. Each week there are several museums that offer free admission to residents of the City and County of San Diego, and to active military personnel and their dependents. Please be prepared to present a photo ID with your address.

Here is the schedule:

First Tuesday

Second Tuesday

Third Tuesday

Fourth Tuesday

Fifth Tuesdays

  • Regular admission prices are in effect

The Following Tuesdays: July 26th, 23rd, September 27th, October 25th,  November 22nd, and  December 27th:

  • The Comic-Con Museum (Not valid for “Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man – The Exhibition.” This special exhibit is an extra charge)

As a lifelong San Diego County resident, I’d pass on the automotive museum, it’s kinda meh (I’m not a gear head). And unless your kids are super into airplanes or outer space/NASA, I’d skip the Air and Space Museum. We paid full price a few years ago, and the kids hated it (ok, mostly Bitty hated it). The Mingei Museum is full of all kinds of stuff (folk arts, useful goods like pottery, clothing, quilts- it’s not super kid-friendly), but it’s pretty interesting.

Take a picnic, and enjoy eating in any one of the gardens/open spaces.  Another free activity in Balboa Park is the Botanical Garden and Lily Pond. Right next door is the Spanish Art Village, which is fun to explore as well.

Talk Back: What is your favorite part of Balboa Park?