Making Money At Home

Can I make money at home?

This is a question that  I have received quite a few emails about. What are  legitimate ways to make money at home?

I will be honest, there are not many legitimate opportunities that will provide a full time steady income from home. Most of these types of opportunities come from relationships built in your communities and workplace. You will be hard pressed to find them online. However, there are many great ways to make extra spending money from home via the Internet.  This income can range from a few dollars a week to a few hundred per month. Here are several tips to follow when looking for online money making opportunities.

1. Never, ever pay to earn money: I mean NEVER. If someone is asking you to pay them to make money, don’t do it. These “opportunities” usually end up as scams.

2. If it sounds to good to be true, it  is: If you are promised to make a ton of money for reading emails or a brand new plasma tv for opening mail, I promise you it is too good to be true. Research the opportunity before you sign up.  Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any reports.Check other reputable sites to see if the company is recommended.

3. Be realistic with what money you will make: You probably aren’t going to get paid very much for most of the offers that are legitimate.  You have to decide is it worth your time for the compensation that you are going to receive.

4. If you are uncomfortable with the offer, don’t do it: Even if it is from a legitimate company, if you feel uneasy about it, don’t risk it. It is quite simple, sometimes you just have to go with your gut. If you feel uneasy, there may be a reason for it. It isn’t worth it for you to lose sleep over a few dollars.

5. Be careful with your personal information – These companies are required by law to report income over $600.00 a year to the government. Many of the companies will not allow you to earn more than $600.00, so they never request your tax information. However, there are some companies that you can earn well over $600.00 and will ask for your tax information. Apply tips 1-4 when you are asking yourself if you should give your tax id #, otherwise known as your social security number.  I have only given my social security to 2 companies out of the many I participate with.

Here are a few legitimate companies to get you started. I have personally used them all to a varying degree of success. I have rated them based on my experience.

InboxDollars pays members to read emails, take surveys online, play games, and go shopping. New enrollees also receive $5 just for joining.  They pay out when you reach $30.00. This isn’t going to happen overnight but they do have some offers that will allow you to make money faster.  So how can you make real money? You have to sign up for trial offers and remember to cancel them. If you can do this, you can make money. You can sign up HERE and check it out. This option will make you a few dollars per month.   Rating: B

MyPoints: MyPoints doesn’t pay in cash, but it’s name is exactly what it is. You earn points to redeem for gift cards by shopping, surveys and other items. You can think of MyPoints like a Mr. Rebates that you get points instead of cash.  You can also use your points to redeem for coupons. You can get more information and sign up HERE. Rating B

Swagbucks: This has to be the easiest way to earn money – Swagbucks is now offering cash into your paypal account. You simply sign up and begin using the swagbuck website to search the internet. Read this HERE on how to immediately earn 6 Swagbucks + another 28 for free this month! Rating A+

Pinecone Research – I have successfully completed over 30 surveys for them and have always received my check. They pay a flat $3.00 per survey and they usually take under 10 minutes. The checks are mailed after completion. Pinecone is a closed group – it opens up membership several times a year. Rating A

Cashcrate – Crashcrate is a unique site. They have a wide range of ways to make money. You can pick and choose your offers, ranging from $.10 to $10.00 per action. This is another that I suggest you sign up for and see if it fits your criteria. Rating B

YouData - YouData is a very simple concept. You log into your account and view ads. There is no email to read, just look at ads and websites. This is probably the easiest and most consistent. YouData pays you each Friday no matter how little you have earned. The problem with YouData lately is there have been very few ads. The concept gets an A rating, but because of how little money you can earn, Rating B+

There are many more available to you. What are some of your favorite sites to make a few extra dollars each month. Share them with me in the comments and I will write about them!