Hi everyone -- I've been reading this site for about a year now, and I've posted some replies to some of your blog entries -- thought I'd take a shot at it.
As you see under author info, I live in LA, which has a pretty expensive cost of living, so even though we have a decent household income, getting rid of debt is slow going, though I keep at it!
I currently use NO credit cards at all - instead, I have a debit card, and I track each and every cent I spend.
I have about $9500 on two credit cards that I am trying to kill off, along with about $7500 on a personal line of credit. Then I have the ridiculous home equity line of credit (ouch) and a silly interest-only adjustable rate mortgage (the rate doesn't adjust upward for 2 more years, so I have time to re-fi). I discovered Dave Ramsey by accident about a year and a half ago, and he's changed my life...
Question for all of you: I have a pretty busy full-time job, so I can't really take another job. My SO is building a business right now, so there's not income from there yet (but there will be in the future)
Here's the question: Can any of you recommend some of those survey companies that pay you to take surveys? Seems like an easy way that I could pick up some extra cash....but I do NOT want to be scammed. I've heard a lot of these things are scammed. Who's had good experiences with particular survey programs?
thanks - I love reading all your blogs, so I appreciate your help!
Getting started - and a question ....
May 28th, 2007 at 01:17 am
May 28th, 2007 at 01:25 am 1180315521
May 28th, 2007 at 01:40 am 1180316427
May 28th, 2007 at 04:10 am 1180325409
None of them are scams, there is no money up front, actually no cost at all to me, other than the meals which I'm reimbursed for.
Checks come in the mail, or an email re; a deposit to my Paypal account.....
All fun ways to increase the dollars coming in.
May 28th, 2007 at 04:47 am 1180327651
I also do Harris Poll, which is extremely reputable. (I'm sure you've heard them quoted in news stories and newspaper articles.) You can sign up anytime on-line at www.harrispollonline.com. Unfortunately, they don't pay cash. They give you points which you can exchange for things. I exchange mine for Target gift cards which I then use to get household staples (cleaning supplies and groceries).
May 28th, 2007 at 06:19 am 1180333169
May 28th, 2007 at 12:39 pm 1180355962
May 28th, 2007 at 03:01 pm 1180364491
I actually poked around some of the survey sites last night, and one thing REALLY turned me off: A lot of them don't require a fee upfront, but "promise" you points or cash, then lo and behold, after I'd taken the survey, they wanted me to enter my debit card number and sign up for some "trial service" of something -- Blockbuster was among them. No way!!!! That's a total trap, because I'd forget to cancel the "free trial" in time...
But enough ranting -- I'll check out your recommendations!
Funny -- somebody mentioned Harris poll -- I actually worked there in college! It was a great, easy job being a phone surveyor at night. I'd forgotten about them -- I'll check it out!
Happy Memorial Day -- thinking of everyone who serves our country....
May 28th, 2007 at 04:09 pm 1180368554
May 28th, 2007 at 08:38 pm 1180384703
Dave Ramsey has changed my life too - I started in July 2006. We have sold the house, moved to rental and pushing to be debt free.
I also liquidated my business last year and started full-time employment in Jan 07.
Hope you have as much fun as we all do with our journals/blogs.
Goodluck
PS Try tracking your debt using the Control Panel so you can see your progress.
May 29th, 2007 at 01:12 am 1180401153
May 29th, 2007 at 04:26 am 1180412778
have you considered selling any of your old unwanted things on ebay or amazon? it might not make you a lot of money but atleast you won't be throwing out things that could be worth a few bucks.
May 29th, 2007 at 12:42 pm 1180442551