Do you love to entertain your family and friends at your home, and do you enjoy trying new thinsg?  If you answered yes to both of those questions, you’d be a great House Party host!   House Party works with various companies and manufacturers to advertise products and services by word of mouth, and they do this by sneding out party packages to several specially selected hosts so they can host parties in their homes featuring these products.  Often the packages include free product or coupons for free products so the host only has to supply a few basics.  I’ve been a House Party host many times, and I’ve never been disappointed with a party package.

Many of the House Parties I’ve hosted include Velveeta/Rotel, Hershey’s Bliss chocolate, Alli, and Splenda.  I have never seen a larger box of Splenda products in my life, and that’s an expensive product!  It’s so easy and so much fun to get these parties started.  You can go to the House Party site to sign up and get started.

If you get turned down to host a House Party, don’t get discouraged.  For every 1 I have hosted, I have been turned down for 5. Companies are looking for certain demographics and eventually you will match.  If you aren’t sure you want to hose a particular party, but there are a few you REALLY want, you may be best suited to only apply for the ones you really want.  It’s happened to me before that I ended up getting the one that was just OK, and I wasn’t as thrilled witht he package as I would have been with the others.  Certain parties are just hard to hold, you’ll know those when you see them.

Here’s a few of the available parties going on now:

• Arnold Sandwich Thins
• Ziplock Home Organization
• DiGiorno
• Green Works Kids Gear Swap
• Alexia

There isn’t one particular  set in stone depmgrapjo set of statistics  foro which they are in search so your chances are good at gteting a great party.  Let us know if you get any great parties and feel free to send me an e-vite!

Opinion Outpost is one of the few survey companies with whom I have had a lot of success.  Their surveys are of reasonable length and the compensation is fair if not completely generous!  I’ve been a member for a couple of years although it’s been quite a while since I’ve been motivated enough to do any surveys from anyone.  I’m lazy, right?  This year that’s one of my goals: to generate enough survey income to pay for Christmas gifts.  Notice how I”m giving you all my goals “hidden” in posts so maybe you won’t hold me so accountable…just kidding!  I seriously need a big giant kick in the rear on this one.

Anyway, Opinion Outpost is wanting some guys to join so if your hubby wants to earn a little dough, or your father or whoever, send them on over here to get signed up.  There won’t be any spam involved, but as always I recommend creating an account with a provider such as gmail so you don’t get flooded and lose personal e-mail.  I have a couple of those accounts, since they’re all free, and I don’t have to worry about checking them when I don’t have the time.  Just don’t forget about them for any length of time as I once did.  I logged in and had over 1500!  Not great, right?  Didn’t think so.

So if your guy likes beer and football and pizza, or whatever else, now he can have his say without a girl to interrupt him.  I say that tongue in cheek because my husband says I talk enough for both of us.  I have yet to deny that.

We’ve all taken a survey at one time or another I’m sure, but did you know you can earn money legitimately taking surveys and clicking on e-mail?  You can!  You won’t get rich but I did pay for Christmas gifts and decorations last year using my survey money.  Some people, like me, like to let the money build up to get it in lump sum.  Others get paid each month, even if it’s just a few dollars.

I thought I’d share with you the most legitimate survey companies available.  I have used all of these, or have had them recommended to me, so you can be assured that if you do these you’ll be paid.

Opinion Square is one I almost forgot about!  I haven’t been very consistent with my survey taking during the last year since I began my journey with blogging.

NPD Online Surveys is one of the first survey companies I joined probably 5 years ago when I began to realize I could earn a little (non-taxable!) money from home.  This company rewards you with chances to win money, and normally I wouldn’t recommend something like that.   However, I won $50 through them.  The chances are good because most people won’t do surveys without a monetary or prize reward.  This is one I believe you should sign up with and then just do the surveys when you have extra time.  I think your winning potential for this is high.

Vindale Research-  Vindale Research has a few different surveys now that they didn’t have when I was a member a couple of years ago.  Now, they have product evaluation surveys that sometimes require a debit or credit card (you never have to actually pay for anything, you can cancel at any time to avoid being charged), and they have $1 surveys and $.25 polls.  Your payments can come via Paypal or paper check.  I don’t ever recommend doing any kind of surveys where you are required to provide credit card info, but this is completely voluntary and you can pick what you want to do.  I like Vindale Research.

Ipsos I-Say Panel-  Ipsos I-Say is a great survey company!  There are countless surveys for earning potential.  Your rewards for surveys come in the form of points you can redeem from the tons of prizes in their rewards catalog.  By telling them how often you want to get surveys, the opportunities are endless and you can earn fast.

Nielson Homescan-  Nielson Homescan is fun!  When you sign up, Nielson Homescan sends you a handheld scanner which you will use to scan the items you purchasae each week.  Once a week you send them the information from your scanner using your computer.  Nielson will provide you with all the instructions you need.  Your reward is points you can redeem for some pretty awesome gifts!  I did this last year; I got in over my head with surveys and blogging and the rest of my life so that is why I don’t do this one now.  I’d still do it if I had time!

Panda Research-  Panda Research is quite a bit like Vindale in the fact that you can earn quite a bit of money doing their surveys if you don’t mind using your credit card to do trials of products and services and you can remember to cancel them before you are due.  You get $3 just for doing your member registration!  You’re paid once your account reaches $50 but that isn’t hard to do!

Reward Port is one of my top faves when it comes to online market research and surveys.  Reward Port is one of my favorites because they make it so easy to earn.  First, there’s the paid e-mails.  When you select the option to get paid e-mail all you have to do is open and “read” the contents.  You’re credited a few cents per email.  You can go to the Reward Port home page to do all of their 100% free offers, too, which is what I always do about once a month.  You earn money you can use to “buy” your rewards, and it doesn’t take long or very much effort if you’re consistent with your survey taking to earn great prizes and gift cards!

Send Earnings-  Send Earnings is one of the few survey/GPT sites I utilize now, simply because it’s so simple to make money and I have very little time with all of the other things going on.  Send Earnings does that…sends you e-mails that you click on and earn money!  When you click on the e-mail, you earn a few cents.  Some of the e-mails offer more money if you send for the information they’re advertising or take advantage of the trial offer, and other scenarios.  I never do the ones that cost money, but I do all of the others.  The payout you have to reach for your first payment is $30 so choose your offers wisely and participate often.  You could earn $30 or more in a month, plus they have a referral program as many of these survey companies do!

Survey Head-  Survey Head is relatively new, having started in only 2008;  it’s unique in many ways.  First, you get $5 for signing up.  A ot of companies do this but it’s becoming less common.  You’ll need to start by filling out your complete profile because this will enable them to send you the surveys for which you have the highest possibility of qualification.  When Survey Head sends you surveys, they send them with the percentage of likelihood that you will qualify for the surveys.  I start of course with the surveys they think I’ll qualify most for, then go from there.  Payout differs and you can find your threshold by looking under your account. Survey Head payments are made through PayPal.

Valued Opinions is another one that pays extremely well and promptly, and I still do them today.  Valued Opinions sends you surveys periodically, a few times a week perhaps, and they’re very reasonable in length and I often qualify.  You’ll receive cash as a reward,and once you accrue $20 in your account you can redeem that for a gift card.  Valued Opinions have dozens of retailers to choose from, but you know me I always go with Amazon!

Valued Opinions for Men- Valued Opinions needs guys to take surveys!  If you have a husband, boyfriend, brother or any other guy in your life who’d like to earn some extra cash, tell them to sign up here.  It works the same way as the one I previously mentioned.

Survey Spot is another survey company of whom I’ve been a member for a few years.  People either love or hate Survey Spot, and here’s why:  Not all of their  surveys are paid.   However, you don’t have to take the ones that aren’t paid.  It won’t keep you from getting paid survey offers, and I know that from experience.  However, if you like to do product trials then you’ll want to do some of the unpaid surveys because they often lead to the chance to try and keep different products.  When a survey mentions food or toiletries in the survey invitation, Survey Spot is often gathering info so they’ll know if you’re a good fit to try their product.  I’ve had the opportunity to try frozen foods (quite a few), make up, tanning lotion, sunscreen, dog treats and tons of other things.  I LOVE Survey Spot.

Opinion Outpost is one of the last of the survey sites I signed up for in the beginning.  It’s also one of the survey companies where I’ve made the most money.  Opinion Outpost surveys are quick, I qualify easily, and the compensation for each survey is more than fair.  What’s better is that I’m pretty sure, because I haven’t done a survey in awhile, that you can cash out at just $5!  Of course, I don’t, I like to let them build up but if you want to earn a monthly check even if it’s small then cash out at $5.

Here are a few more one-time surveys you can do to enter some sweeps to win cash.  They are legit, I’ve had friends win the money. However, just choose “no” every chance you get and keep on clicking to make it go faster.

ECN Research=  ECN Research sends you surveys based on your profile.  This particular division deals with shopping, and who better to do these than us, right?

Tomorrow I will be doing a post on doing surveys from home to earn extra cash.  I’ve done them in the past but since we’ve grown I’d like to add and change some things.

I have on my sidebar quite a few surey companies listed.  Feel free to try those before tomorrow!  Tomorrow I am going to provide you with my top 10 for making the most money.  I’m going to go to bed, it’s been a long day but I’ll be at it up and early!

OK, for those of you who are not Vocalpoint members or Facebook members you should be!  These are 2 fabulous ways to score freebies, coupons and extras including info on yet to be released products that YOU could be the 1st to try!  Why aren’t you already signed up?  I gave you the links!  Just kidding! Read the post first.

Vocalpoint members who become fan of Vocalpoint on Facebook can be the 1st to learn about a product called Swash, a product that claims it can take clothes from crammed in a drawer to out the door.    You will be notified of a giveaway that is coming up soon!

I love Vocalpoint because I get to try tons of great products that I’d never otherwise try, because sometimes trying new stuff just isn’t in the budget.  I’m sure many of you know how that goes.   Lately I have gotten tons of coupons for food, toiletries and just tons of great items.  They even sent me some Dole coupons that included a gripper for opening jars.  Vocalpoint sends fun in their packages.  You can spot a Vocalpoint package in your mailbox instantly because you just KNOW you’re going to enjoy opening that box.

Go sign up for Vocal point now…and then open a Facebook account if you don’t already have one.  Facebook can also be a great tool for saving and scoring free stuff.  While you’re there become a fan of Making Cents Out of Life!  Someday soon I’m going to be holding a Facebook giveaway…I’m thinking once we reach 250 fans.  How about spreading the word about Making Cents Out of Life so we can hold that giveaway?  I will make it worth your while!

If you’re a Kraft First Taste member, I’m back again to tell you that you might have 3 offers waiting for you!

I had the following offers just now when I logged into my account:

Save $2 on any one (1) General Foods International package, including NEW foamy lattes. *All coupons are offered while supplies last. Offer expires 1/31/2010.* I’m excited about this one!!

Receive a coupon for one (1) FREE* pack of new MOUSSE TEMPTATIONS by JELL-O. Available in three rich flavors with 60 calories per serving, these delectable treats are made with ingredients such as premium cocoa and cream. *Up to a $3.51 value. All coupons are offered while supplies last. Offer expires 1/31/2010. Yay!!

Receive a coupon for $2.00 OFF* one (1) box of WHEAT THINS. Now there’s even more to love in every crunch, with 11g of whole grain (per 31g serving) and no high fructose corn syrup. Plus they are always toasted, never fried. HAVE AT IT

So if you’re not a Kraft First Taste member, why not??? Go sign up so you can get in on the action. I’m going to be trying 3 foods free or nearly free very soon!

I may be late on this but if you’re a member of Kraft First Taste and you haven’t checked your account in awhile, go ahead because I had a new offer in mine. I had an offer to print a $2 coupon good for the purchase of 1 package of Wheat Thins. The coupon should make them free at Walmart.

For those of you who are unaware, Kraft First Taste allows their members to sample products and enjoy special savings on Kraft products like my $2 off Wheat Thins coupon. Definitely sign up if you aren’t a member because it is a very fun and rewarding program!!

Pinecone is no longer accepting applications, I’m so sorry! I hope some of you got in. Keep a look out for Pinecone banners and grab them when you do because enrollment isn’t often and it closes quickly.

For those of you who haven’t gotten in before, Pinecone Research is once again recruiting! This time they are targeting English-speaking Hispanic Americans, those who live alone and those between the ages of 18 and 24. This is a great research company that pays $3 or more per assignment! This is one of my family’s favorite ways of earning a little extra money. It would be a great thing for guys to sign up for as well. Hurry, they meet their quota quickly when they recruit!

I didn’t want to skip our Tool Box Tuesday post all together, but I did miss it by a couple of days. It’s worth the wait because I’ve been waiting to share something with you for awhile. I have shared with you a couple of different ways I earn money online . There are dozens, if not more, legitimate sites for earning a few dollars or even prizes online but the hard part is picking out the ones that give you the biggest value for your time. The first site I ever started using, probably 6 years ago, was MyPoints.

MyPoints rewards you for doing lots of things: online shopping, printing coupons (yes, it’s true!), playing games, taking surveys, and simply reading e-mails. You’re rewarded in the form of points redeemable for your choice of gift cards to over 100 retailers, both online and brick and mortar. You won’t believe how simple it is, and how little time it takes, to earn enough points for a $10 or $25 gift card.

First, I like MyPoints because you do not have to spend a dime to earn points. I don’t. Once you sign up for MyPoints, you can opt in to receive e-mails from MyPoints which will come 2-3 per day on average. All you have to do is open them, read them, click on the necessary information and you get 5 points each. Occasionally, the e-mail will consist of a survey which will reward you with more points (typically 50 if you qualify and 10 for simply attempting to qualify). There will also be many e-mails which will give you the option to request more information about a topic such as health care. You’ll get more points for requesting that information, as well. Point values differ but it’s a simple way to accrue points.

Another cash-free way of earning with MyPoints is to print your coupons from their site. You earn 10 points for every Coupons.com coupon you print AND redeem. Furthermore, you earn 25 bonus points for every 10 or more Coupons.com or SmartSource.com coupons each month. That alone is a REALLY easy way to get points, and we all print coupons! You’ll notice that while I give you the option of printing your coupons from my side bar (which does support the blog and I appreciate it), I would much rather you benefit yourself by printing them from MyPoints. Printing your coupons from MyPoints gives you almost 200 potential point earning opportunities; why wouldn’t you take them?

Online shopping is another way of earning MyPoints. Each retailer affiliated with MyPoints has a points-per-dollar reward that you will get by shopping with that retailer through MyPoints. For instance, shopping with Old Navy through MyPoints and you’ll get from 2-4 points per dollar. Spend $50, and you’ve earned yourself at least 100 points! Honestly, if you shop online you’ll benefit more by shopping through Ebates or Big Crumbs because you earn cash back on your purchases. However, if you shop with a merchant that isn’t included on a cash-back site, check with MyPoints. That’s just my two cents.

There are also trial offers and services you can obtain and earn MyPoints. For instance, I signed up with Netflix once using MyPoints, and was rewarded with 1,000 points. Be sure to read the fine print of each offer carefully because a lot of them require one month of paid service or some type of purchase to receive your points. Also be sure and write down the information on a calendar so if you choose to you can cancel. I can’t remember to cancel these before I am charged, so I just don’t do them often. After a few times, I’ve learned my lesson!

Let’s talk rewards. You can earn gift cards for almost any retailer imaginable, from Amazon.com to Walmart. The point redemption values are very reasonable. For instance, you can get a $10 Walgreens gift card for only 1,500 points. I was able to cash out before Christmas last year almost $100 in gift cards, and what’s great is that I could choose different stores. I got gift cards to Bath and Body Works, Walmart and Walgreens. One hundred dollars stretches really far in the right hands…mine!

I really do enjoy MyPoints, and it’s my #1 absolute favorite way to earn gift cards online because of it’s simplicity. If you aren’t a member, check it out. I barely cracked the surface of all the point-earning opportunities available with MyPoints, so you should check it out for yourself.

Vocalpoint members sign up to get your free full-sized sample of Secret Clinical Strength deodorant here. I truly adore Vocalpoint, because I get to try all sorts of great products for free, plus usually get great coupons for future purposes. If you aren’t a member, this is one of the best programs for product testing!