Nielsen Homescan Update: NO MORE ZIPCODE TARGETING!

 If you got declined from the Nielsen Homescan Panel in the past - you should DEFINITELY try again.  I just found out that they have STOPPED the "zipcode targeting" that was keeping lots of us out of the program!  Nielsen Homescan is a program where you earn points for scanning your groceries.  The points earn you gift cards & prizes! 

Go HERE to read out Time2Earn Tuesdays post about it from this week.

Time2Earn Tuesday - Neilsen Home Scan

Welcome to Part 3 of our overview of some easy alternatives to earn some extra money (or rewards) for your family from home.  The last two posts have featured survey companies:

Ipsos-I-say and

Toluna

Both of these companies are great sources for opportunities to complete surveys and polls in return for points which you convert into cash or gift cards.

Today, I thought we'd talk about a different type of opportunity to earn rewards for your family.  Almost everyone has heard of the Neilsen Company and their reputation as a trusted leader in marketing research.  From time to time they open up their Neilsen Home Scan Consumer Panel  for additional applicants -- and it is now open. 

If accepted into the program, you will receive a hand held scanner and be asked to scan all the groceries, household items and other purchased goods that you bring into your home.  (I picture this will be great fun for my daughter....she begs to scan groceries at the self check out).  This information is then transmitted to Neilsen, who in turn rewards you with points.

Your Neilsen points are redeemable for brand name merchandise, electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys and gift cards (my personal favorite!)

My friend Celeste is currently doing this for her family, and indicated that the longer you participate in the program, the more points you receive for your weekly data transmissions.    In addition to her weekly data points, she receives "bonus" points on her scanning anniversaries (3 months, 6 months, etc) PLUS super scanner points each month just for having transmitted the data each week.   She also earns points by completing short surveys sent periodically from Neilsen.

Click Here to apply for the program.  Please note that applicants are required to have a "land line" phone in order to be considered, so please include your home phone instead of only a mobile phone. 

Please come back and leave a comment and let us know if you're accepted.

SwagBucks - Summer Swag Promotion = 5 FREE Codes Today

If you have not yet signed up for Swagbucks -- don't miss the opportunity today.  Swagbucks is launching their "Summer Swag" promotion and will be releasing 5 different FREE codes Today.  Yay!!

PLUS -- every 7th winning search will receive 25 Swag Bucks. -- (that sound you hear is me searching like the wind).

If you are new to Swagbucks you will automatically receive 20 points -- just for signing up.  (Just enter code: SUMMEROFSWAG after you sign up).  Then just search as you normally would around the Internet using the  Swagbucks toolbar or website, and you will randomly be awarded "bucks".  These bucks are then converted into gift cards or other rewards.  I'm currently saving my bucks for Amazon gift cards to help with my Christmas shopping.

Sign up here and start building your points!!

Time 2 Earn Tuesday - Toluna Surveys

Welcome to Part 2 of our weekly series on opportunities to earn a little extra money from home.  We are reviewing survey companies and if you missed last week's post, be sure to visit the post here to read about Ipsos-Isay Survey company.

As I mentioned last week, if you are new at signing up for survey opportunities, please take a few minutes to set up a free email account through google, hotmail, yahoo, etc. to use as your contact email address.  This will prevent your regular email from being filled with these survey requests.

Today's featured survey company is Toluna: People, Opinions & Polls.

Toluna is a company that is set up in a very interactive way.  I receive emails several times a week with survey opportunities, but I can also visit the Toluna website at any time and earn extra points by "voting" in random opinion polls or opinion topics.

Toluna points are like virtual currency that can be redeemed for a huge range of gift cards or merchandise rewards.  You receive 500 points when you sign up, and then each time you complete a survey, answer an opinion poll question or just complete your profile, points are added to your account.

I would have to say that Toluna is one of my favorite survey companies because they are just good at making  it fun.  Their website is easy to navigate and it makes you want to visit often to watch your points grow.   They are also at the top of my list because of the wide range of rewards that are available.  From cash to restaurants to movie passes and online retailers.....they seem to have one of the most comprehensive options around.  You can even choose to donate all or a portion of your points in the form of cash to your favorite charity.

Have fun earning points with Toluna, and let us know what you think!!

Time2Earn Tuesday - Ipsos Survey Company

In response to reader requests, we are starting a new weekly series on how to earn a little extra money from home.   Our friend, Robin, over at PinkCouponCafe will be helping us out by giving some reviews of companies she's tried personally!

In a world where there are so many companies trying to entice you to sign up for surveys and other "at home" opportunities only to bombard you with useless marketing information, we thought it would be great to try and wade through some of these offers and recommend the best ones for you to consider.

You are probably not going to get wealthy by completing surveys, but it is so nice to have a little extra income or gift cards to treat your family to a night out at a nice restaurant or even save up for getaway -- all with very little effort.

When you begin down the path of registering with survey companies, we highly recommend that you set up a free email account (through gmail, hotmail, yahoo, etc.) so that your personal inbox does not become overcrowded.

The first survey company we'd like to share with you is IPSOS I-say. 

Just Click the box above to sign up.

With Ipsos-I-say, I usually receive 3-5  survey opportunities per week. At the end of each survey, I am awarded points which can be converted into gift cards, cash or charitable contributions.  The number of points awarded varies depending upon the length of the survey completed.

At the end of each survey (and in addition to the reward points you receive) you have the opportunity to play their fun "poll predictor game".  You are asked a question and your answer is based on how you think the majority of people responded to the same question. The closer you are to the correct answer determines how many chances you receive to be entered to win a weekly drawing -- you even get to choose which prize drawing you prefer to enter.

Also, Ipsos has recently instituted a "loyalty program" that helps you earn points even faster.    You are awarded extra "loyalty points" based on the number of surveys you complete.

So, if you're interested in trying surveys, Ipsos I-say is a great place to start!!

Click the box below to sign up and start earning points.

New Weekly Series - Ways to Earn Extra Money

Have you been wondering how you can earn money at home? Well good news!

We are starting a new Weekly Series called "Time 2 Earn Tuesdays" (a couple days late this week!).  We have had requests from some of our readers asking for information on how to earn money at home.  We will be testing out survey's, sweepstakes, and other money-making opportunities out there before we post and give you our review!  Our first at-home-earner is a quick & easy way to earn cash, and Kasey's mom has done this, so we know it's legit!

Cash Into Gold - Easy and Quick Way to Earn Money

• Step 1: CLICK HERE &  Request Your Gold Kit by filling out the form.

 I received an instant confirmation that my information was received and that the proccessing would begin to send out my "cash kit"

 

• Step #2 - Once you receive the cash kit put all unwanted gold in envelope (cash kit).  Including jewelery, bracelets, or even a gold tooth you don't use anymore :)

• Step #3 - Ship package - I can choose the most convenient shipping method, print the label and THEY pay!!  SEE SCREEN SHOT BELOW.

• Step #4:  The check will be mailed within 24 hours or it will be deposited in my account the day they receive my envelope.

Security Features:  This is really important, they've really taken steps:

1. You'll receive your price up front - it's not hidden like some sites.
2. Once Cash kit is sent, you can check it's progress through website.
3. Once they receive my Cash Kit, a digital image is taken of it as it enters their facility. All transactions are monitored by security personal and high-resolution cameras. This image will be available immediately on the website.
4. Technology. They use the latest online and testing technology to give you the most easiest & most accurate way to complete your transaction.
5. Confidentiality. They do not share your information. 100% Secure & Confidential. 

Click HERE to learn more & get started! 

We'd also like to remind everyone that the Nielsen Panel STILL has some spots available for new applicants to it's HomeScan program!  

This offer never lasts long, so if you are interested in being part of this group, check within your zip code to see if they are still accepting new households. 

Once you join, you will receive a Free hand held scanner to scan all of your purchases.  In return for sending Nielsen your scanner information, you will receive points which you can use on Gift Cards, household items, etc.

CLICK HERE to apply for the Program! 

Here are a few comments from our readers who've been accepted:

• I just got an email last week that I had been selected and I had to answer some questions so they know what type of scanner to send to me. I am excited to have been chosen and hope it's as simple as it sounds :)  

• I just wanted to thank you for letting me know about the Nielsen homescan consumer panel. I registered a month or two ago when you posted that they were accepting new households. I just recieved my scanner and information packet yesterday, and I am so excited to get started. As a parent to three children I purchase a lot of items but I always try to find the best deal possible. I hope my personal shopping will reflect that in this economy families are doing whatever is needed to save money and maybe let companies know that coupons paired with sales really do determine what I buy and when. Of course my husband and oldest son are just excited about the free prizes and sweepstakes! Thanks again for the information.