DO NOT DO's

Here are some DO NOT DO's, simple guidelines for you to keep in mind while to are trying to make some extra money.

 

Free:

Contrary to what some sites tell you, don't pay to sign up for a survey site, to participate in secret shopping, etc.  There is no reason why you should be paying them money!

 

Personal info:

This one is a bit tricky as there are expectations to this rule, but use your gut, if you don't feel comfortable with something move on or look up the site to see what other people say about it.  Social Security numbers are pretty much only needed if the income/winning exceed a couple hundred dollars - I think it is actually $400, but don't quote of my on that.  Even with my best survey sites I don't make that in a year - so if a survey site is asking for it during sign up something is wrong with that site.  Now if you win something you may have to disclose that info.  I have heard tales of even small wins (think around $50) that required and SS#.  Didn't enter a contest for a soda company and they are asking for your SS? Something is wrong there.  Only getting the notice through email?  Please investigate it further.  It only takes a few minutes to double check something, while once certain info it out there it can do a lifetime of harm.

 

Most surveys will ask the following questions: age, gender, location, and yearly income.  Questions about your household members, type of profession and shopping habits are extremely common.  If you are not okay with sharing this frequently, surveys are not for you.  Some surveys will be of a personal nature, about health issues etc, but just because you qualify for a survey doesn't mean you have to take it.

 

Email:

You will get lots of email.  It is a fact.  Some will be exciting, some will be good news, and some will be junk.  If this bothers you on your primary friends/family/work email then open up a new free email account with a company like Gmail.

 

Junk mail/email:

Take the time to look through your junk mail - physical and online.  I have gotten survey offers, coupons, and other goodies that I had to look at twice before I knew what they were.  Those few extra moments have made and saved me quite a bit of money.

 

I'm sure I will be adding to this list, but these are a good jumping point for you to get on your way to making a some extra cash online.