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Score Sweet Freebies with Your Library Card!

Abby H.Leave a comment
Courtesy of https://arthur.fandom.com/wiki/Library_Card

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! If you don’t have a card, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to open the door to free (and cheap) entertainment.

Not only can you check out books in the library, but you can also gain access to apps like Libby, where you can borrow digital books, audiobooks, and digital magazines.

The following benefits are available from the San Diego County and City of San Diego Library networks. Check with your local library to see what benefits and events they host!

Get out on the Town: Reserve free or low-cost family day passes to local museums and attractions (like the New Children’s Museum, Museum of Us, and San Diego Museum of Art) using your San Diego Public Library or San Diego County Library card.

Get into Nature: CA State Library Parks Pass: Check out a physical vehicle-entry pass for free admission to participating California State Parks for 14 days. 

Digital Research Databases: Use your library card for free access to online subscriptions, language learning software, and digital archives.

Skill-Building & Wellness Classes: Access free instructional classes covering healthy aging, programs for adults with disabilities, and wellness activities like yoga or meditation.

Learning for the whole family: ABC Mouse is available for free with your library card, and it’s a great resource for young kids. There are resources for kids of all ages, including help with homework!

Free Events: Most local library systems host free events. Our local branch hosts activities for kids, families,  teens (laser tag once a month at the library after hours!), and seniors. There are tons of events every month– scroll through and find something that interests you!

 

August 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

Abby H.Leave a comment

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.

For about half of August, I could dedicate a consistent block of time each day to earning extra money. My day job started again, so I probably won’t be able to dedicate as much time each day to my side quests.

  • MyPoints:  $15 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $10.26 Venmo
  • Fetch:  $15 in Barnes and Noble Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $38.94 in Aisle Rebates, $10.97 in WeStock Rebates, and $13.78 Social Nature Rebates
  • BrandClub:  $9.61 Venmo
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. $2.65 (My lowest of the year)
  • Verasight: $10 via Venmo
  • Receipt Hog: $5.00 Venmo
  • Ibotta: $25.00 Paypal
  • Evidation: $10 via Venmo
  • Gist: $20 Amazon Gift Card
  • Online Research Study: $25 Amazon GC
  • The Insiders: $30 Visa Gift Card

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:

Review Programs for Everyday People!

Abby H.1 Comment

Recently, a few friends asked me about companies that offer programs for micro-influencers (usually defined as someone who has 10k or fewer followers) or everyday folks who want to try new products in exchange for their opinions.

I’ve posted about this before, years ago, but programs change and sometimes shut down completely.

If a company or brand offers you a freebie or a rebate to purchase an item on Amazon in exchange for a review- DECLINE THE OFFER. This is a common scam for new sellers on Amazon to receive reviews, which can put your Amazon account in jeopardy. 

Here are the programs that I have used, and a little bit about each one:

Stack Influence: Choose an item, purchase through their link. Once you complete the tasks (usually a social media post), you are refunded via Venmo or PayPal (your choice).

Glimmer Surveys, freebie offers, and community.

Maverly: This company works with a lot of larger brands. They send free products in exchange for social media posts and reviews.

Chimeable: Social Media posts and reviews in exchange for products.

She Speaks: Social Media posts and reviews in exchange for products.

Soapbox Influence: Social media posts and reviews in exchange for products. Sometimes you will be asked to purchase the product, and you will be reimbursed once the campaign has been completed.

The Insiders: One of my favorites. You will be asked to purchase the product, and you will be reimbursed once the campaign has been completed.

Bzzagent: I wrote a review of it here. I’ve been using Bzzagent for over 10 years.

Influenster: To get all of the products and free stuff offered by Influenster, you have to download the app.  When they send an offer for a free product, you have to jump on it right away. Their offers go fast! I’ve gotten clothing, cosmetics, perfume, and household appliances through Influenster.

Kitchen Insiders (Owned by Kelloggs): They send out full-size products in exchange for social media posts and online reviews.

Butterly: They send out full-size products in exchange for social media posts and online reviews.

The Pink Panel/Guys that Groom: Trying out new or existing health/beauty products, complete surveys regarding the products and your experiences with them. You are compensated in either Amazon Gift Cards or Gift Cards to the manufacturer’s website (the compensation is posted in the email you receive). I have done campaigns with them for skin care, SPF, and cosmetics.

Home Tester Club is pretty cool. They are one of my new favorites. You sign up to review items, and they send you something. A lot of the time, they don’t notify you before shipping. You’ll get a package in the mail, and a few days later, you’ll get an email notifying you that you were selected and a link to the survey to complete once you have sampled the product. I’ve received all sorts of great skincare, cosmetics, food, and clothing from Home Tester Club.

Tryazon: The kids and I have been participating in Tryazon events for 8-ish years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, organizational products, and food.

Ripple Street: This company rebranded recently and was previously known as House Party. You can learn about them here. 

Smiley360  is a word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing website. Sign up for campaigns, and you will receive samples to use and coupons to share with friends. Report your sharing and earn points! I’ve received Laundry detergent (full-sized bottles), vitamins, supplements, tampons, and razors in the past.

If you are looking for apps or companies that offer 100% rebates on food, check my post here.

Talk back: What is your favorite website for getting free stuff?

July 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals

Abby H.

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:

Fetch: Score 6,000 points per friend!

Abby H.

It’s back! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points. Earn an extra 6,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch, and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 7/19/2026.

I cash out my Fetch Rewards points for gift cards that help me stretch my budget- grocery stores, Amazon, even Bath and Body Works!  I cashed out about $120 in rewards in 2025. I’ve been doing a lot more shopping at Aldi, so I don’t usually score the extra points for buying name brands, but every little bit helps.

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

 

 

 

June 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals!

Abby H.

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.

June was a busy month for me to work on Side Quests. I sat down and really buckled down, as my regular day job was ending for the next two-ish months, and I wanted to ensure I had the funds for adventures with the kids.

  • MyPoints:  $30 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $34.20 Venmo
  • G2:  $10 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Fetch:  $10 Target Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $23.50 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. $23.70
  • Verasight: $20 via Venmo

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:

Free Slurpee Day is here on 7/11/26!

Abby H.

7-Eleven is celebrating its 99th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the Slurpee by handing out free small Slurpees nationwide on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The giveaway runs from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary.

To find your closest location or for more details, visit their website.

Talk back: What is your favorite Slurpee flavor? I love a frosty Coke Slurpee, but any citrus flavor is a close second.

Fetch Rewards-Bonus Point Offers and More!

Abby H.

Fetch has some amazing bonus point offers.

Check your account to find more. If you aren’t already using Fetch, now is the time!

Until June 30th, you’ll start off with 2000 points after you sign up and scan your first receipt. If you are already a Fetch member, you’ll earn 4000 points when someone uses your referral code!

I cash out my Fetch Rewards points for gift cards that help me stretch my budget- grocery stores, Amazon, even Bath and Body Works!  I cashed out about $120 in rewards in 2025, and so far in 2026, I’ve cashed out about $40. I’ve been doing a lot more shopping at Aldi, so I don’t usually score the extra points for buying name brands, but every little bit helps.

 

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you check out my post here.

Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

Amazon and Little Caesar’s Make Prime Day taste good!

Abby H.

Are you an Amazon Prime Member?  If so, check out this deal!

Score a $5.00 Large Little Caesars Pizza daily with a code here every day through 6/26/2026.

Through 6/26/26 or while supplies last. Limited to Amazon Prime members located in 50 US/DC. Amazon Code required. Enter Code at checkout at a participating Little Caesars® store on an app or online order (excluding third-party sites) to get a Classic Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza for $5.00 (add’l taxes and fees may apply). For complete Terms, go to https://information.littlecaesars.com/en-us/promo-2026-primeday