Contest Winner! Free Samples-Cool Website!

Hi all,
Hopefully all of you were aware of our first Small Changes contest! The deadline was this past Friday, June 25th, and through a random generator, the lucky winner is...Jan Klocko!!! Ding, ding, ding...confetti dropping, etc., etc. Jan has her choice of any one of the following $25 restaurant gift certificates:

• The Row Restaurant at the Riverdale Inn in Riverside. This place is fantastic! And romantic...here's their website: http://www.rowrestaurant.com/
• Vinny's Italian and Pizza on Beach Blvd: http://www.welcometovinnys.com/
• Abe's Pizza on Beach Blvd: no website available.

Jan, just email me at vickisfloyd@hotmail.com and your certificate will be emailed to you.

You, too, can win a fantastic prize in our next giveaway! The deadline for the 'Celebrate America' contest is July 4th, 2010 at midnight. How to enter? You will receive one entry for every blog comment that you post, and one entry for anyone who signs up to be a blog follower from your referral. Winner will be chosen on Monday, July 5th, 2010.

What would this blog be without some sort of freebie or money-saving tip? Boring! So here's what you came for!

I love samples...I use them for trips, or simply to try a new product that I won't buy before trying. Walmart consistently has some great samples. Anyone can request them, but the link is buried on their website...but I have it for you. Simply click on this link and you can currently request samples for Starbucks Via Ready-brew, Purina One, Nivea Body Lotion, Prilosec, Cottonelle and Zantac: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx

The annoying part is filling out your info for each sample...but I have a solution for that! If you will visit the website http://www.roboform.com/download.html, you can download the Roboform program free. (There is a pro version for sale...I just use the free one). On Roboform, you can fill in the information that you are comfortable filling in, and then this can be used as a 'form filler'. You simply enter your password when filling out a form and voila! All of the fields magically fill themselves in. I have had this program downloaded on my computer for a couple of years and I've never had a problem with malware or similar issues. This saves a ton of time!

Some samples are great to put in a nice basket to leave in your guestroom for overnight guests. Additionally, I am trying to set up a purse ministry, and some of the samples would be great for that. A purse ministry: take a gently-used purse, fill it with items, and we will be shipping them to a friend in Bangladesh who will distribute the purses to women in need; many of whom have never even owned a purse. More on that later...

And let's spotlight a business that can help your budget! If you went to Terry Parker with me, you will likely remember Sandra Jones Myers. Sandy recently opened a great consignment shop in San Marco called 'My Best Friend's Closet'. Here's her Facebook page link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jacksonville-FL/My-Best-Friends-Closet/102577539787649?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=25

This consignment boutique is for ladies sizes 14 and above. You can get some great deals on clothing and more in sizes just for you! So not only can you save money on clothes, if you have clothing in these sizes in great condition, put them on consignment and earn some easy money! Good luck, Sandy!

Happy 4th, everyone!

Vicki

Make Some Extra Cash

So...who can't use a little extra cash now and then? There are ways, my friends.

One of the easiest (and usually very interesting!) ways to make extra quick cash is to be part of focus groups in your area. You will be put on a list, and when the company has a focus group that you may qualify for, they'll give you a call and ask you some preliminary survey questions. If you qualify and you can attend, you will simply show up and share your opinions about a product or idea. Sometimes this takes the form of a group forum, and sometimes it's sampling a product and giving your feedback on a private feedback form. Occasionally you will be asked to take a product home, try it for awhile and then go back to give your opinions. I've even been part of a mock jury! I usually get called on every 2 or 3 months and I typically enjoy the process.


Here are some companies in the Jacksonville and surrounding areas that you can contact and ask to be put on their lists:

• Ulrich Research (Orange Park) 904-264-3282
• Concepts in Focus (Orange Park) This is a subsidiary of Ulrich Research. Visit their website at http://www.conceptsinfocus.com/ and click on 'join database'. This will get you into their system.
• Kirk Research (Regency Square Boulevard) Sign up for their database by sending an email to database@kirkresearch.com.

Focus groups usually last about 2 hours...snacks and/or meals are provided if you're there at mealtime, and the pay is anywhere from about $50 and up, cash on the spot!

The next way to earn some extra cash isn't for everybody. Some of you will have no problem with this, some of you will immediately think, "No way!" Consider becoming part of a clinical trial for new therapies and medications. By the time a medication gets to human trials, it's typically very, very safe. Of course there are always risks involved with any medication, whether it's already on the market or not. I am currently involved in my 3rd clinical trial and they are easy and give me some extra cash.

Let me give you an example of my experience with my first clinical trial. I picked up a flyer at my doctor's office for a clinical trial on a new flu shot. I am neurotic when it comes to shots, but the money was very, very good. So I decided to grow up and check it out. I was first asked a series of questions over the phone to pre-qualify. After that, I visited the office where they made sure that I was healthy and finally qualified for the trial. I was good to go. I was told that I would not feel the shot. I thought, "Yeah, right. Do I actually look that stupid?" You can imagine my surprise when the nurse said, "Ok...all done." I did NOT feel it!!! At first, I actually didn't believe they'd even done anything. I was given a digital thermometer and told to take and record my temp for one week, then return to the office. I had absolutely no problems. I went back one final time, 6 months later. Overall, I earned $425 for this little expedition! Let's face it...it was my gift to humanity :)

Taking part in clinical trials does not just earn you some extra money. You receive no-cost physicals, lab work, (I've also had EKGs), pregnancy tests (because you cannot take part in most clinical trials if you're expecting), and free medication for conditions that you need to treat.

Here are two options for ongoing trials in the Jacksonville area:

Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research (near Memorial Hospital) 904-730-0101. They are currently recruiting for a flu study in July. Contact Eva White. They are also doing studies on a birth control patch, menstrual migraines, and several other conditions.

CNS Healthcare (near St. Luke's Hospital) 904-281-5757. They are currently testing different types of medications for depression and conditions associated with depression.

So...whether you'd like to be in a focus group or take part in a clinical trial, they're looking for you!

Do you know of other 'creative' ways to make extra cash? Other research studies or focus group companies? Please share the wealth!

Contest News

Contest!

What’s a good blog without a contest every now and then? So here’s the deal…everyone who becomes a follower of the blog gets an entry into the contest for a great prize to be awarded by a random number generator. Drawing will be this Friday, June 25th. Here’s how to get more entries:

· One additional entry for each comment that you post with a tip or trick on saving money, paying down debt, etc.
· One additional entry for each person you refer to the blog who becomes a follower. When they join, make sure you have them post a comment that you referred them.

And since each blog post needs to have a money-saving tip, here’s one for you:

If you join the website ‘Mypoints’ through an invitation by me, I can show you how to get 250 business cards free!!!

There are 45 designs to choose from, or you can upload your own logo/photo for only $4.99. You do pay a small shipping charge.

Cards are great to have even if you just have your name, address and phone number to give out to friends or when networking.

You’ll also get 300 points in your Mypoints account. I’ve had free cards printed at least five or six times now, and they’re great. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll reprint them for you, even though they’re free.

If you’d like to join Mypoints and get this offer, just shoot me an email so that I can send you a referral invitation. My email address is vickisfloyd@hotmail.com. Please note that this little money-saving tip will show up on another post with some other freebies because it’s such a great tip!

Another Man's Treasure

Well everyone,
We're now up and running with five followers! One of you will win the prize!

Today's tip is a website called http://www.freecycle.org/. I know...I seem to be stuck on websites here, but we'll get to some other things and tips on different posts. Freecycle allows you to sign up (you choose your city) and then post things that you have or things that you want. Everything is completely free and it's basically member-operated. Your only cost is the time you spend going to pick up whatever you find on the site that you may want or need. I saw a couple of TVs (working) up for grabs, some computer equipment, kid's clothes and a lot more. Someone wanted a pack and play, a monitor, etc. In this economy, when we can help each other and recycle at the same time, it's a win-win!!! (Thanks for this tip, Dani!!!)

If you read the first post, you read about restaurant.com. If you didn't, go back and read it! There is a new promo code to get the $25 certificates for $2. Enter the word 'Summer' at check out and then 'apply discount' and your total will magically change to $2 per certificate. This promo is good through Thursday, June 24th at midnight.

Enjoy! I'd love your ideas and tips. What's your top 'small' way of saving money in today's economy???

If It's Free...It's For Me!!!

Today we're talking free...I don't know about you, but I love getting free stuff.

Today's freebie #1 is the book, "Clay in the Potter's Hand". This is the true story of a woman who spent 20 years in Chinese labor prisons because she would not deny Christ. I realize that this isn't for everyone, but I am looking forward to reading it. Click the link below, enter your name and address and your book will be on its way. There's not even a shipping/handling charge!
http://www.salememail.com/SpecialOffers/ChristianAidDorothySun/default.aspxhttp://www.salememail.com/SpecialOffers/ChristianAidDorothySun/default.aspx

Freebie #2 is the book, "Tortured for Christ", the story of a man who spent years in and out of prison due to his faith. With this link, you can request a free copy of the book for yourself and for any friends you would to give one to. Again, there's no shipping or handling on this one, either.
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_persecutioncom-tfc-flash_346.html

Freebie #3 is classical sheet music for piano in simplified versions. Click the link, click the piece you'd like (any or all) and then simply print it...this is far easier than ordering online, paying shipping, or making a trip to the music store.
http://www.easysheetmusic.com/popular_classics.asp

Freebie #4 is a printable version of 'Solfeggio' by C.P.E. Bach (yes...THAT Bach's son). This is not a simplified version, but repeats a lot of the same stuff. This is one of those pieces that sounds a lot harder than it is. Here's the link:
http://www.piano-stieler.de/klaviernoten/Solfeggio.pdf

Freebie #5 - Free praise and worship music...you can listen to it, download it and print chord charts.
http://www.heartstogod.com/music.html

Freebie #6 is a 'sort of' freebie. The website www.swaptree.com/home allows you to swap your books, CDs, DVDs and games for others from all over. You simply list what you have to trade (you'll enter the ISBN number) and you can also create a list of items that you want. The website will automatically pair you with someone who has the item you want, or who wants the item you have. All you pay is shipping and handling to send your item out. There's a feedback system similar to eBay's so you can be assured that you'll get what you've requested. A tip? Send these items via media mail or first class...it's cheap and you can print a the postage/label right from your computer.

And finally, another 'sort of' freebie. Okay, actually this one's not free at all. Not even sort of. But it's a great deal! You simply enter your email address and they will send you one deal each day for the city of your choice. Examples: today's deal is a hotel room at the Days Inn, Neptune Beach for only $40. That's over 50% savings. A few days ago, the deal was $40 worth of food at the wonderful restaurant, Marker 32, for $20. So take advantage of this one! Here's the link:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu4022567

So happy Freebies! I think from now on, I'll try to have a freebie every Friday, and we'll just call it 'Freeday' instead of 'Friday'. Whaddya think???

Using the Web to Save, Save, Save!

Surely you all have some favorite websites that save you some cash! Can you share them with us???
I have a few to share:

www.mypoints.com This website allows you to click through emails that they send (this takes about 2 seconds) and accrue points. You can also do surveys, shop, and other things to get extra points. Points are then exchanged for all types of gift certificates. I have enough points in my account right now to exchange for about $500 in gift certificates to places like Bath and Body, a few of my favorite restaurants, Barnes and Noble, and tons more. I have already received several of the certificates, so I know for certain that this particular site does what it says. I'll be buying a LOT of Christmas gifts this year with help from this website!

www.feedthepig.org This site is basically a nicely-designed site with this blog in mind! It has all kinds of ways to help you save and restructure your budget and finances; helping you in our current economy and helping you to figure out how to pay down that debt!

www.ebay.com Well...of course! Before I buy (almost) anything, I check eBay first. Example: last week I got it into my head that I needed (wanted) an espresso maker. I went straight to eBay, found the one I wanted, brand new. I ultimately talked myself out of it, but this $400 machine went for less than $100! Ladies, I buy ALL of my basic makeup (foundation) on eBay. I know what I need and what shade I need, and I can almost always find it for half of what I pay in Paris. Plus it takes a trip to Paris to get it, so I save a LOT of money :). I also buy all of my perfume on eBay. Sure...I could get it at Dillard's, but I can save 30-40% minimum on eBay.

Do you have a favorite website that helps you save money? Share!!!

Small Changes make Big Change!

Hi Friends...
New blog here. Let's see how long it will keep going. This blog is dedicated to sharing ideas about how making small budget and financial decisions, ways to save money, etc. can effect BIG changes in your overall financial picture. Everyone is encouraged to comment and contribute, and I will try to come up with money saving tips and tricks as much as possible. Here's the first one:
Use the website www.restaurant.com to save on restaurant gift certificates. We use this website a LOT and it's fantastic! Normal price is only $10 for a $25 gift certificate to any restaurant you choose from their website. There is no limit on the number of certificates that you purchase, however, you may only use one per table, per month at each restaurant. They are good for one year. You simply print them from your computer, and if you lose one...just reprint it. They're good until the restaurant 'validates' them upon use, or until they expire.
Often, the website will offer a 'discount'. For instance, right now you can get those same $25 certificates for only $2! Simply enter the word, 'SAVE' at checkout, then hit 'apply' and voila! Your price magically changes from $10 to $2. At this price, they're also great gifts. Just remember...you can't go out with another friend and use two...ONE PER TABLE. This discount expires on Thursday, June 10 at midnight...so get 'em while they're hot! Be careful to read any additional requirements, such as minimum food purchase (this is usually $35, but you'll have that $25 certificate!) or minimum 2 entrees, or good for dinner only, etc.
Happy saving and eating!
Vicki