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!