Envelope Stuffing
Envelope Stuffing
Inbox Dollars
Rating: 
Once you’re enrolled in InboxDollars and you’ve adjusted your settings, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money taking surveys and completing other online task.
BONUS
You will immediately get a $5 start up bonus and another few dollars from completing your basic profile.
WAYS TO MAKE MONEY
Once you sign up you can earn by accepting offers, viewing emails, doing surveys, watching videos, shopping, playing games, referrals and searching using their engine and more.
DOWNSIDES
Surveys are long, boring and often you will be disqualified sometimes at 90% completion. This can be frustrating.
Nothing pays well. While it isn’t hard work, you will spend some time to bank some money.
The payout threshold is $30.
Only surveys are available on Apple products, Linux and Windows have it all.
UPSIDES
They pay cash not points. you can request a check or Paypal.
Friendly interface. Website is self explanatory.
HOW MUCH WILL I MAKE?
Realistically, about $10-$30 per month with 15mins – 1 hour a day worth of clicking.
But sky’s the limit if you get into testing apps, trial versions and the like. While free trials are an easy way to rack up some money, if you don’t keep up with them and forget to cancel after the trial is over, in the future get some unexpected bills. Also the apps are free and as long as you play without in-app purchases you will be rewarded… but they are so tempting and will eat the reward you are playing for.
TIPS
If you shoot for $1.00 a day it will keep how much time you spend in InboxDollars’ clutches. Below are some tips that should keep you at 30 mins per day making $1.
Search —Reward: .01 to $100 & Time: <10 Minutes
Search for stuff using their search engine. Gives you scratch off for a chance to earn .01 to $100
Print 25 coupons —Reward: .25 & Time: 1 Minute
Tip: I usually print out the ones I know I won’t need and send it to the print with the settings of “Print 16 pages to one sheet” so I don’t waste paper or ink.
Note: The ones you do print off and used, you will get more money.
Earn & Learn —Reward: .01 to $100 & Time: <5 seconds
Gives you scratch off for a chance to earn .01 to $100. Mostly you when the minimum for the level your on. I have won only $5 on a level 1 scratch off.
Surveys —Reward: .01 to $4.00 & Time: 5mins to 30 mins
Try one survey a day. The one that say “Best Match”, has a precise title or star rating are the one you’d like to try.
NOTE: If you do too many, you might get burned out…stick with one unless you truly have time to kill. I don’t find they are worth my time.
Paid emails —Reward: .02 to .26 & Time: < 2 mins
Paid emails are served to you and you just open them and close them and you are paid .02 per click. One of my favorite ways to make money.
NOTE: People who haven’t made there first cash out will receive .01 for each paid email..After your first cash out you will receive .02.
Winnit Codes —Reward: .01 to $10 & Time: < 1 min*
Winnit codes are a code word of the day, that are found on any one of InboxDollar’s social media sites.
*NOTE: I subscribe to a Facebook group that crowd sources the codes words for me each day so I don’t have to go looking.
MY SNAPSHOT
REVIEW
InboxDollars is not a scam, you will be paid and it can be fun. If you are stressing out how to pay rent then this will not be fun and will become stressful. Think of it as gas money no more no less.
.
Permanent Marker Removal Secrets
For a reseller, there is nothing worse than finding an amazing deal just to notice that the store pricer has marked the item with a permanent marker. Don’t fret. Most items are salvageable. That’s to say, you can remove the marker without causing damage to the item.
Here’s the secret. First you will need three things. A pencil eraser, rubbing alcohol, and a paper towel. Sounds like a Mac Gyver episode, right? It’s not. I can guarantee that Richard Dean Anderson will not show up once you gather these items.
This technique can be used on semi-nonporous to nonporous items, such as stickers over cardboard, most product boards, platic, glass etc.
First dip the eraser in the rubbing alcohol and rub lightly briefly then wipe with paper towel. You may have to repeat this a couple of times as different surfaces hang on to the marker stronger than others. Between sessions notice if the item is colorfast. Most are…but if you see the color being take off, you may want to make short sessions or leave it lightened.
Note: If you are cleaning a product pressboard (cardboard covered with a thin picture cover) make sure that the alcohol does not stay on for a long time…it is forgiving, but if left on long enough it will soak through. Just make it brief sessions and you should be just fine.
You should not attempt this on porous items such as cloth and paper. Bonus tip…if you still want the product and will not be able to remove the permanent marker…grab a color-matching marker and cover it up by making minor details to the price to hide it. Such as a star or checkmark. In you selling description you can say item in like new condition except it has a checkmark on it. This way your buyer does not see what you have paid for it. You would rather have a star on it then have the buyer feel as if he or she didn’t get as good of a deal on it.
Happy new year!
Common Sense, Safety and Craig’s List
First things first, I have to place a big fat disclaimer on this one. Do research and use common sense when using Craig’s List. This is a place where scammers and unscrupulous people have invaded over time. Saying that,… it is what it is. So there are legitimate and fabulous ads and deals in there too. You just have to weed through them.
NEVER,NEVER and NEVER reply, go to or inquire about a “modelling job” or anything that is asking for a “beautiful woman” on Craigs List. Here I say that again, no matter how good it sounds, how legit it sounds…it is not. Save yourself from getting into trouble, apply at reputable modeling agencies. Most are unsavory types looking for something else.
Here are some common sense tips when working with people through Craig’s List.
- Schedule a meeting.
- Make it a public place.
- Bring someone with you.
- Let people know where you are.
Wouldn’t it be a nice idea to have your meeting place in front of the local police office to trade off items?
If they want you to meet at their personal house and reject your suggested meeting places then let the item go for your own safety and well being.
Getting Started on Ebay
So you have set up your ebay and paypal accounts and linked them. You know how to post and add pictures to start listing your goodies. But wait! You are missing something big.
Did you do your research? That’s right, this is the one of the biggest things people overlook.
I ran into a lady who was impressed by the profit margins just for a “easy-pickup-and-grap” at the local thrift shop.
She asked me if I ever failed….the answer was a BIG FAT YES! When I started, I failed all the time. I considered quitting, and saying Ebay wasn’t worth it. I am glad I stuck with it and did some research.
When I first started, I picked up designer name brands that I was familiar with. That bombed completely.
Research is knowing what will sell and what the profit margin will look like. Below are some tips to help you get started in the right direction.
1. Don’t be scared to buy out of your comfort zone. – Most important
Remember you are not buying for you and your likes and taste, but others. I have brought some crazy things to the counter and as I am paying for them the cashier asks quitely, “What are you going to do with that?” I have to giggle and say, “Make $75.00 on Ebay”.
True story: I was at a police auction with over 300 people crammed in one small area with tons of items, and I had my eyes only set for a coffee can of car fobs.
Everyone laughed at me for bidding of the can o’ fobs, which I stole for $10.00. Snickers from all sides ensued. One woman asked really loud….”What are you going to do with those?”
….I whispered in her ear, so that no one else could hear, but her, “Do you see each one of these fobs? Most are high-end car fobs and are worth $10.00-$70.00 a piece on Ebay. Her laughter turned to solemn amazement as she ran her hand through the fobs to estimate the value of the can’s worth…
Everyone else was left to wonder what I had told her…as they saw her immediate reaction. No one was snickering, but asking the lady, “What did she tell you?” …I could see one by one, everyone mockery turn to awe.
Won’t lie it was a great feeling, and I profited hundreds of dollars. Don’t be scared to buy what others might overlook.
2. Is it unusual?
This one ties into #1. The unusual sells. If you have never seen it heard of it. It is time to research it. More than likely it is going for a pretty penny on Ebay for it’s rarity or unusualness.
3. Is it hot?
Do a quick scan of what the snapshot looks like right now. (Not 2 weeks ago – Yes, it can change that fast.) You might think well I made hundreds of dollars on crochet blankets…I am going to do it again this season. Nothing lasts forever! People are fickle and will change on a dime. Always do research on the item you think is a sure thing.
4. Is the market flooded?
Even if it a sure thing, do research to see how many of them are selling currently. If there are too many on the market, that will drive the value way down and is the death of many good flippers. Go to Ebay’s site and in filters click “sold” to see how many are selling and at what price.
There are many other little tips, but I promised myself to keep each post short and simple to read. I will dump a few more are time goes on.
Blogging as a side gig.
Why not? Do you have spare time and would love to share your ideas? Be creative? You can set up a blog site…much like this one and include Ad Sense to make a bit of passive income.
You may also have a sponsor that will want to post there ready made ads on your site. This is where the really money is. While you have to change out the ads according to the time they want it on your site it really is easy money.
Pros: Good money
Cons: You might have to be a sales rep for a while till you build up your client-and-tell.
I will append some more articles on how to set up your blog and give you some good hosters to go with later this week.
Saving Money In The Weirdest Way
We’ve all heard your parents say, “Save 10% of all of your earnings for investment, retirement addition or just for a raining day fund”. How do you do that when you need every penny? Well, playing with your physique on this one. I will share with you my secret to making putting away a little and not be as tempted to dive into it. I do this from time to time and it works fairly well.
1. Grab a Container (So far it sounds easy right?)
2. Go to your local bank and ask for a percentage of you earnings in presidential $1.00 coins.
3. Once you get over the embarrassment of asking for the coins go home and place them in your container.
That’s it! I know what your thinking….that is so lame because it is simple, but humans by nature have a collectors spirit. As you look at the container filling up you become attached to these coins as a collection it is hard to think of parting with them. Don’t ask me why it works …but it is a very good deterrent to spend it automatically.
There is one other reason why it is a bit harder to spend it on a whim…it is because it is a “weird” currency…one that is not used as much, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to haul and pay someone in all presidential coins like some kind of freak. Oh, and did I tell you humans are quite lazy to boot. Who would want to make any extra trip to the bank to exchange them?
For these reasons it makes it harder to spend them.
I would dare you to try it for 3 months…(I bet you end up saving these little coins for a whole year).
See how much you can save just by this one simple trick.
EBAY Motivational Turn-Arounds From July 2017
I always here people ask, “How much can you make?” and the answer is “millions of dollars!” WRONG…and worse yet they have no examples of what profited or tips of what makes the bucks. I don’t Ebay all the time and it is just a side gig for me, but here are some of my better finds for July 2017.
Found these glasses for $6.00 and sold them for $24.50.
Who would have thought cookbooks were in so high of a demand? Well, guess what there are quite a few..I pick this set up for 3.00 per book at Goodwill and sold it for $29.00
Don’t forget about checking the store’s jewelry department! Sterling Silver and Gold are often overlooked. This week I found two charm sterling silver bracelets that were marked as fashion jewelry because they were tarnished or the associate was missed a 925 stamp.
Here are a few I am currently selling:
I picked this up for $3.00
I picked this up for $1.00
World of Reciepts
Honestly, I’ve always hated receipts.
They usually roll around like tumbleweeds in the backseat of my car.
Or, after a night out, my purse is stuffed with ’em.
The worst mess occurs in my inbox after a night of impulse shopping on Zappos.
They’ve always reminded me of money I’ve spent, which I don’t love thinking about. And just when I do need them — for a return or a warranty — they disappear. Just like that.
But recently, I discovered I need to treat receipts with more care. That’s because I could be earning money back with them.
Do I sound crazy? Probably, per usual. But here’s what I’m talking about.
1. Take a Picture of Your Receipt Using Ibotta
Ibotta is an easy-to-use cash-back app that’s partnered with more than 50 retailers, just about anywhere you’d do any kind of shopping.
Before heading out on a grocery run, I find items on my shopping list within the app. Strawberries? Check. An ear of corn? Check. I add each cash-back opportunity to my rebate list within the app.
Then I shop.
When I get home and am unloading my groceries, I take a photo of my receipt then scan the items’ barcodes.
Bam. Cash back.
Some cash-back opportunities I’ve recently taken advantage of include:
25 cents back for any item
25 cents back on strawberries
50 cents back on frozen fruit snacks
$1 back on a box of tea
$5 back on a case of Shiner Bock beer
The app works the same for stores like Walmart and Target, too. Even drugstores like CVS.
The app is free to download. Plus, you’ll get a $10 sign-up bonus after your first rebate.
2. Don’t Delete Your Amazon Receipt
That’s my first inclination.
*Delete.*
I don’t really want evidence of my online shopping binge to linger, but I found a free tool that makes me reconsider. Paribus gets you money back for your online purchases when an item’s price drops.
For example, I buy a pack of cat toys on Amazon. (This, unfortunately, is not abnormal.)
Next week, the price drops $1. Paribus registers that change and contacts Amazon to get me a refund. I’ll get 75% of that difference; Paribus takes a 25% service fee.
Paribus is partnered with more than 25 online retailers, so chances are, you’ll get some money back.
Signing up is free.
Bonus: Read about seven other ways to save money each time you buy something online.
3. Use Your Receipt to Earn Cash After Eating Out
If you’re a fan of eating out, there are a bunch of ways to save money — without even planning your night out ahead of time.
Subtotal is an app that allows you to earn money back — just by looking at your receipt’s subtotal.
When your server brings you the bill, open the app. Find the restaurant you’re dining at, and enter the bill’s total. Subtotal then generates a barcode, which your server will scan to pay — like a gift card.
You can score up to 10% back, which automatically appears in your credit or debit card account within a week.
Some of our favorite restaurants featured on the app include 8.1% cash back at Applebee’s, 5.25% cash back at BJs Restaurants and 7.5% cash back at California Pizza Kitchen.
There’s also 8.1% cash back at Krispy Kreme and 6.75% back at Papa John’s.
Check out the full list of eateries, and download the app for free for Apple devices and Android devices.
4. Take Those Silly Surveys… Seriously
You know that 4-foot long CVS receipt I mentioned?
There’s, of course, a link to a survey at the end of it. Sure, you think you’ll never win anything for telling CVS you had a positive experience and that your cashier was a delight.
But you actually can.
Penny Hoarder Lisa Rowan has won money from CVS because she took the time to hop online.
I have to say, I treasure my Chick-fil-A receipts. More times than not, I have a survey offer. I answer a few quick questions and get a free chicken sandwich.
Yum.
5. Check For Coupons or Specials
I’ve been complaining about that long CVS receipt, but it actually contains some pretty sweet deals, including $5 back on my next purchase.
It’s also tailored to the items I typically purchase, so I often receive coupons for stuff like packs of gum and boxes of razors, which I’m always stocking up on.
Now, my only issue is keeping track of that receipt and remembering it the next time I venture into the store…
6. Don’t Forget Those Tax Deductions
Here’s your taxes 101 refresher: Tax deductions are expenses you can subtract from your taxable income, so they lower your tax bill.
Don’t forget to keep track of tax deductions (yup, keep those receipts) because they’ll add up.
Here are a few examples of deductions:
Charitable contributions (anything you donate to Goodwill!)
Home office equipment
Payments you make to your traditional IRA
Some higher education tuition and fees
Mileage if you use your personal vehicle for work purposes
Relocation expenses (if you moved for a job)
Student loan interest you’ve paid
Want to know more about deductions? Here ya go.
7. Remember: You Might Have a Warranty on That Product
If your favorite pair of socks gets a hole or your backpack’s zipper gets all janky, remember to check into the product’s warranty.
Many companies offer lifetime warranties — including these 43. Oftentimes, you’ll have to hold onto your receipt to nab these perks.
Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’ll never look at receipts the same way again.