Archive for December, 2009

One of the key pillars to paying off debt in Debtbeat fashion is to earn more money which can then be used to pay off debt without having to compromise your current lifestyle. The problem is that this is very tough to do while balancing a full time job and family obligations.

One of the easiest ways that I’ve found to pick up a few extra bucks in just a few quiet minutes at home is by getting paid to take online surveys. We’ve already talked about Surveyhead, which is website that I’ve used and have received several payouts from. The information on the site is clear and they typically are good in crediting me for surveys taken and making payouts.

I recently learned about a new player in this space, BigSpot.com. You may have seen their commercials on TV.

Like Surveyhead, with BigSpot you are asked to provide some basic demographic information about yourself which allows them to match you with market research companies that fit your profile.  However, unlike Surveyhead, after you sign up you’ll be shown links links to companies that are supposed to be rewarding people to take surveys. BigSpot doesn’t actually move you through the survey or enforce payment.

This is of concern to other bloggers who think that BigSpot provides no real value since you’re giving up personal information (e.g. your e-mail address) in return for information that you can get just by using Google to find surveys on the web. Others think it’s an outright scam and you are opening yourself up to spam galore.

I don’t have any personal experience with the site, but I don’t have a great feeling in my gut. Online complaint boards are buzzing with people saying not so nice things about them. As a result, I think I’ll pass.

Do you know anything about this site? Have we gotten the wrong impression? Leave us a comment.

And if you’re looking for ways to make some cheddar on the down low, check out our Earn More section or pick up the book 1001 Ways to Make Money If You Dare.

If you’re like me then you’re probably dealing with the dreaded post-Christmas hangover. Figuratively speaking, if talking about the rush of writing cards, wrapping presents and visiting with family.

(Literally, if you’re talking about copious amounts of mulled wine and eggnog.)

But now’s not the time to sit back and relax. Now is the time to hit the stores.

Beware, you can easily get into trouble if you run out to post Christmas sales just to take advantage of the many markdowns that retailers offer to clear out inventory and maximize their profits for the calendar year. Remember that even if something is 50% off, if you really don’t need it, you’ve paid 100% too much. However, there are a lot of items that are worth braving the malls for, namely all of the things you’ll need for next Christmas.

As you’re putting the holidays away, take inventory of what you’ve got and what you’re missing if you needed to put on Christmas again. Then head out and take advantage of the best prices of the year on the following items:

• Christmas cards
• Wrapping paper
• Artificial trees
• Bulbs, lights and decorations

Other after-Christmas shopping lists include items like winter coats and clothes and perfume, but I don’t see those things are smart buys if you’re trying to start the new year off on a frugal foot. By late December you should already be well equipped with your winter wardrobe, and perfume is always a luxury. And luxuries don’t belong on the shopping list of anyone looking to cut spending and pay off debt.

Even though it may be the last thing that you want to do, now can be a great time to buy more presents. I hadn’t thought of it, but buying gifts now for the various birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions that you have coming up is a great idea. Head out with a list and budget for each item and you can save both money and time by getting presents for friends and family now and stashing them until the proper time. Better yet, you can use all that low cost wrapping paper and bows, too. Just avoid the holiday-themed stuff. Single-color paper is great for any gift.

To get the very best deals, you’ll have to play the waiting game with merchants. You’ll get the best selection today, but markdowns will continually improve until the seasonal displays go away. And don’t forget online stores, they’ll be offering deals as well.

So best of luck in making next Christmas as cheap and painless as possible.

Now that Santa is back at the North Pole and kicking his feet up with a mug of mulled wine or eggnog I’m hoping that he brought you every thing you wished for, like lower interest rates on your credit cards and a higher FICO score for 2010. I have personal assurances that he’s put lumps of coal in the stockings of overpaid bank execs and predatory lenders.

Since this is my first Christmas as the author of Debtbeat I am hoping that he’s left me with higher bandwidth and carpal tunnel ointment under the tree.

Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.