Attention Inland Empire area Residents! $200 Shopping Study

Focus Group Connections is a research company located in Southern California. They conduct studies and surveys all over the US.

Focus Group Connections is looking for participants in their upcoming IN-PERSON research study focused on shopping, where you can earn a fantastic $200 for just 90 minutes of your time! This is for those in the Inland Empire (Southern CA).

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with fellow participants, share your thoughts, and contribute to valuable insights in a collaborative environment, local to you.

Incentive: $200 for your valuable contributions.

If interested, please fill in the pre-screen survey here.

Please note that not everyone will qualify to participate, and not everyone will receive a callback.

Q-insights Automotive Research Studies Pays $150-$400

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 owners of 2021 and newer vehicles listed below to participate in some upcoming webcam and/or online research studies that are running during the month of November.
Compensation varies from $150-$400 depending on the survey length/commitment and your qualifying vehicle.
There are absolutely no sales involved, and this is strictly for market research purposes to help develop future vehicles.

are looking for US-Residents that are current owners of the following vehicle brands 2021 or newer that were purchased or leased New:
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Cadillac
GMC
Jaguar
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mercedes-Benz
Polestar
Porsche
Range Rover
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Tesla
Volvo

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

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:

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.

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

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.

Q-Insights 10-Week Research Study – Receive up to $675 in compensation

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 adults to participate in a research study about consumer products. This study is expected to last approximately 10 weeks and will involve completing online surveys and evaluating a study product at home. Participants who qualify and enroll may receive study products shipped directly to their residence at no cost. Study details are described in the informed consent form and study materials

Study activities may include:
Completing an online screening questionnaire to determine eligibility
Completing a baseline assessment questionnaire
Completing up to 10 online surveys over approximately 10 weeks

Participants who qualify, enroll, and complete study activities may receive compensation of up to $675, based on completed study tasks. Compensation is not related to product use and is based solely on participation in study activities.
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.

Procter & Gamble: Holiday Savings Rebate!

Have you heard?

Now through November 30, 2026, Procter and Gamble is offering some new rebates! Participating brands include Tide, Downy, Olay, Bounce, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Prilosec, Pepto-Bismol, Always Discreet, ZzzQuil, Herbal Essences, and Gillette. For the full list of brands included, go to the rebate page here.

There are three tiers of rebates:

• Spend $20, get a $5 reward
• Spend $50, get a $15 reward
• Spend $75, get a $25 reward

If this rebate isn’t your cup of tea, but you still want to save money, check out Procter & Gamble’s website here for more savings like:

  • Over $100 in P&G digital coupons you can send straight to your Coupon24 app.
  • Answer quick surveys and scan receipts when you purchase P&G products to earn points you can redeem for digital rewards and more.
  • P&G Good Everyday is your hub for exclusive P&G savings. Unlock exclusive coupons and rewards like entries into monthly sweepstakes.

Upcoming Online Project on Children Health $75.00

Opinions is another Market Research company that emails me about studies and surveys. Right now, they are recruiting for a new study.

Compensation if selected and fully participate $75

Open to Parents with children

• Part 1: Online Survey
• Length: 30–45 minutes
• The board will run November 5th–9th. Please complete the survey as soon as possible during this time frame.
• Complete the entire survey in one sitting. Do not log in and out to finish at a later time.
• You must have high-speed internet and use a desktop or laptop computer. Smartphones and tablets are not permitted.
• Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
• You will receive an email from Sago with login instructions the evening before the project begins.
• Part 1 incentive: $75 for completing the online survey.
• Part 2: Follow-Up Webcam Focus Group
• Some participants will be selected for a follow-up webcam focus group on November 12th or 13th.
• You must have a working webcam to participate.
• Part 2 incentive: An additional $125, if selected and you complete the follow-up group.
• Incentives will be paid through Sago Focus Group Wallet within 2–3 weeks of the project end date.

If selected, you will be required to participate in a the above online interview using a desktop or laptop computer with a working webcam and microphone. You must remain visible on camera and participate from a quiet, private, well-lit indoor room without interruptions for the entire interview. Cell phones and tablets are not permitted. Tech Checks will be required prior to participation.

To be considered, complete the form here. 

10/23/2026 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:

FREE Swag, Treats & More at PetSmart on October 25th
Seeing Clearly Without the Cost: A Guide to Free Contact Lenses
FREE Haircut for Veterans & Active Military at Great Clips
FREE ARM & HAMMER Platinum Cat Litter
FREE TevraPet Cat Flea & Tick Drops
200 FREE Photo Prints + FREE Shipping with Shutterfly
2 FREE Sets of Retro Mini Prints at Walgreens
500 FREE E-Tickets, FREE Candy & More at Chuck E Cheese
FREE Movie Tickets to Christmas at the Kringles
FREE Sample of Aveeno Positively Radiant Vitamin C Serum
FREE Donut at Krispy Kreme Through October 25th
FREE Wasa Crispbread Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Sample of Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
USPS Operation Santa – Possible FREE Gift or Send a Gift to a Child in Need
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE $15 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
FREE Fluval Aquatics Products
FREE Denny’s Triple Play Combo Meal
FREE $15 to Spend at Old Navy
FREE $5 Best Buy Rewards Certificate – 1st 200,000
FREE Roxley Radlands Game Night Party Pack
FREE Tiffwich Ice Cream Sandwich at Tiff’s Treats on October 24 & 25
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
FREE 2027 Hallmark Datebook
FREE LEGO Ghost Street Build Event
5 Legit Ways to Get Free Toys in 2026

Deals:

Home Expressions Bath Towels From $3.49 at JCPenney (Reg $12)
Women Denim Tote Bag Casual Trendy Crossbody ONLY $14.49 (Reg $29)
Disney Dash Stitch Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker ONLY $13.99 (Reg $40)
Halloween Light-Up Sherpa Ghost w/ Pumpkin ONLY $14.99 (Reg $35)
Up to 85% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $2.62
Turandoss Cross Necklace for Women ONLY $4.99 (Reg $10)
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up to 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
MEGA BLOKS Race Car Building Block Toy 26-Pieces ONLY $7.49 After Walmart Cash (Reg $15)
How Much is Amazon Prime for Seniors in 2026?
Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop ONLY $98 (Reg $150)
medicube Exosome Shot Zero Facial Serum ONLY $11.90 (Reg $39)
Save Big on Your Next Move with USPS Mover Coupons
Fall Gel Nail Polish Set ONLY $7 on Amazon (Reg $13)
UGG Women’s Classic Slippers ONLY $99.96 (Reg $130) + FREE Shipping
We Found the Best Air Fryer Deals: Up to 42% Off
Best Halloween Candy Deals Online and Instore: 2026
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Kit ONLY $24.50 (Reg $35)
32-Inch Small Computer Desk ONLY $19.99 on Amazon

These Are The Best 150 Student Discounts: Tech, Clothing, Streaming Services and More!