The Thin Wallet

Time Off Work

2012-01-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Authored by Rickey Combs

I almost have the entire week off next week! I can’t wait, I haven’t had a vacation in six months. I really just don’t know what I am going to do with myself. I think that I will spend the first half of the week taking care of things around the house that I have been putting off. We have wanted to re-stain our deck for a long time, especially with the winter approaching fast. I also am going to make sure that we get everything decorated for the fall. I have some great Halloween decorations that need to be put out. I will also make sure that I get a pumpkins for my husband and I to decorate! I got a great idea for a pumpkin on pintrest.com. It is a cream colored painted pumpkin that has a bedazzled spider web. I will only have to go into work for about an hour to call Reliant Texas Electricity Provider and pay our monthly bill. I absolutely love vacation weeks!

Gospel Singing

2011-11-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Guest post by Esteban Vinson

I was watching DirectTV on Sunday and saw something on Sixty Minutes that really sparked my interest. It highlighted a program started by a gospel singer in the Bronx. She recruits children who are interested in gospel music and gives them voice lessons. The teenagers train afterschool and eventually participate and compete in gospel competitions all over the US. They story was actually very inspiring. The program not only gave children more confidence but helped them build bigger, healthy social networks. Many of the children participating were being raised by their grandparents and knew little about their own parents. Some of the children reported having higher grades, higher motivation in school, and goals of furthering their education that they had not had before they started the program. All of the children were talented and just needed someone to foster their abilities. I hold the highest admiration for those who help our children. Sometimes something as small as gaining a little bit of confidence and having good social support can change your whole life for the better.

Seeing Brooke Shields in The Addams Family on Broadway

2011-08-21T10:45:00.000-06:00

Guest post written by Annette Black

When my sister and I decided to take a trip to New York City for her birthday, I decided that we would have to go and see at least two Broadway plays. Besides, that's our favorite thing to do while we're there and right now it's so hot that we could use the air conditioning. But when we decided that we wanted to go to a few plays, we wanted to aim for ones that have famous actors in them, at least that we would recognize.

I went online to look up some info on plays that we should go and see a few weeks before and when I was doing that I ran across the website http://hearingaids.miracle-ear.com/hearing_aid_prices.html. After I looked through it a little bit, I decided to get some hearing aids.
Out of the Broadway shows that we saw, I think that my favorite was the Addams Family play because it had Brooke Shields in it. She did such a great job as Morticia. I didn't realize that she could sing well!

Forex Trading: Direct Dealing versus Brokers

2011-08-17T19:51:00.002-06:00

Guest Posting by Bobby Quill

When it comes to trading in the foreign exchange market, there are two main ways in which dealer institutions can trade with each other: direct dealing and through forex brokers. These two methods are very different from one another.

The main market makers publish a running list of the prices at which they will buy and sell the major currencies. These rates are featured to all market dealers on their computer screens. In addition, the dealer reveals his prices and both dollar rates and cross-rates are shown. While the computers are updated regularly throughout daily FX transactions, the prices are only indicative. Direct dealing is when a trader or customer contacts the bank directly to get a firm price for the currency they wish to buy or sell. Major market makers reveal an updated list of main bids and offer rates which are displayed on computer screen.

On the other hand, dealer institutions can also go through brokers. Brokers provide the best price available among the quotes. Through a broker, a market maker or dealer can make a quote for only one side of the market instead of both sides. Brokers or dealers may also use electronic brokerage systems, such as Finexo forex.

Individual Investing or Forex Robots?

2011-07-19T18:34:00.000-06:00

If you’re involved in forex trading, you will have to decide whether you want to rely on automated systems, such as forex robots, or the traditional method -- by reading forex indicators and making decisions based on your knowledge and instincts.

There are pros and cons to both methods. Forex trading software and robots automate the process and make trades based on set parameters. This is a good option for many new forex traders who want to get involved in the trading world but lack the knowledge to make trades on their own. There are also cons to relying on a robot or automated system. For one, you can lose control of your investment by putting faith into an automated system.

However, the traditional method is for experienced traders. Going the traditional route for 4x trade transactions increases the potential risks but also the possible rewards. While it is not for everyone, it is a strategy that offers the biggest potential gains.

Trading Software for Expert, Active Traders

2011-06-24T15:03:00.000-06:00

Guest Posting by Bobby Quill

Designed to facilitate day trading of stocks and financial instruments, forex trading software is available for both novice and professional traders. The market is flooded with various types of day trading software, including data, charting and trade execution software. If you’re a novice trader without a clue about forex signals and exchange rates, consider signing up for practice software or software designed for beginners. However, if you’re an experienced trader, check out ForexTrader PRO.

Expert traders are not afraid to take risks -- after all, when it comes to forex trading, risk is considered a major part of the equation. The good news is that ForexTrader PRO is engineered for professional traders who understand and practice this aspect of the art.

According to several review sites including Finexo Forex, ForexTrader PRO is a versatile trading platform that allows traders to program settings and controls to accommodate their specific trading needs. It offers professional level charting, helpful trading tools and detailed forex research. When it comes to charting features, this advance software offers multiple chart types and more than 70 technical indicators. With the ForexTrader PRO, experienced traders can easily analyze forex exchange rates and create personalized charts. Other important features of this software include flexible settings, layout creation tools and pre-set layouts. What’s more, analysis and up-to-date information within the software is provided by traders and Dow Jones. This means that the trader is always up to date on important market developments.

Keep Your Economic Indicator Calendar Close By

2011-05-19T15:52:00.000-06:00

Guest Posting by Bobby Quill

The forex, online is where it all takes place because it’s an electronic market. Moreover, knowing the release dates for economic indicators is very important. A desk calendar, as simple as it sounds, can perform wonders. Just make sure to write in the release time too. Everyone invested in the market with self-awareness pays attention to these dates and the financial data they bring.

Such collective and attentive anticipation to forex news means that everyone watching and waiting is also prepared to react at more-or-less the same time. These circumstances also mean that economic indicators have stored within them the potential to create great price movements and volumes.

Economic indicators have both direct and indirect effects on the markets. When it comes to forex trade, remember that not all countries release economic indicators in an equally steady manner. But that doesn’t change the fact that every trade made on the forex is two-sided.

The Breaking Forex Trading News

2011-04-27T17:30:00.001-06:00

Investors have debates of over the reliability of forex news, signals, and trading tips and tricks. There is a lot of information floating around out there on the web, and where the best place is for one to invest their money when it comes to foreign currency trading is anyone’s guess. Trying to follow all of this information is also complicated and time consuming task that could really drive a person insane.

Thankfully, there are companies out that help do the research for you, like forex trading etoro, and can provide you with a news letter that has the most relevant information. If one wishes to do the research on their own then there are also many other websites out there, like Bloomberg.com and MarketWatch.com, that provide forex calendars. These calendars contain a schedule of upcoming news and events that could affect currencies rates in various parts of the country. With this information investors have a better chance of making strong investment predictions as to where to invest their money, and which markets will be the most lucrative at the time. Investors can also keep the follow of information focused on markets they wish to appraise rather than being flooded with information.

Other trading experts make easy forex investment predictions by watching the news on a few key economic reports. For example, if they traded major pairs, which all involve the U.S. dollar, they may also want to keep a sharp eye out for:

Federal Reserve Meetings
The Non-Farm Payrolls Report
G-7 Meetings

Keeping a close eye on these few reports, rather than trying to research all the forex information out there, can have huge pay offs, for all this studying can come in handy if one spots a currency that is headed for long-term appreciation or depreciation. Then, due to the leveraged nature of forex trading, the investor borrowing money from the broker can purchase a larger position, and thus hitch a ride on a currency that is headed one way or another. In this case, unlike in school, doing your homework can earn you more than a good grade; it can earn you cold hard cash.

How to Find a Currency Trading Broker that Won't Break the Bank

2011-03-18T18:57:00.000-06:00

Some forex brokers are all about the big clients. To them, the “little guy” isn’t worth their time and effort – even though most of the people who invest are “little guys”!

But you don’t have to let snooty brokers get you down. In fact, with a little research, you can find a currency trading broker that won’t expect you to invest thousands of dollars every month. If that’s the kind of broker set-up that you have been looking for, look no further than Finexo. For just $25, you can open up an account – and start trading in a few short minutes!

So, what do you get with your account?

You get many of the same bells and whistles that big-time brokers provide. Finexo comes with the convenience of one-click trades in real time, a slew of statistics that can help you make educated decisions, professional analyses, and even a glossary of forex terms.

If you’re brand new to the forex world, you can even set up a practice account – that doesn’t use real money. That way, you can get your feet wet without losing your shirt!
See? You really don’t have to be one of the “big guys” to get special treatment!

Gift Card Exchange

2010-12-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Holiday shopping may be over, but everyone is still looking for a great deal or a way to return those gifts that just didn't make the cut. Cardpool provides a unique opportunity to trade in your unwanted gift cards for cards you would rather have. In as little as 30 seconds you could be making cash from your unwanted gift cards! They are offering up to 92% cash for your gift cards.

If you are shopping for a gift card, why pay full price? Again, Cardpool comes to the rescue with discount gift cards up to 30% off retail prices! There is no better way to stretch your money than to get more for less.

Trade, buy or sell gift cards
Free shipping
100 day return policy

So go looking for all those cards you are not using and exchange them for ones that suit your style. Simply sign up here, enter the card merchant, tell them how much your card is worth and they will give you a quote. If you trade it for Amazon credit, they will offer more than the cash back method and faster too.

Fast Cash for Your Home

2010-09-18T21:01:00.000-06:00

On a lucky day you may find a penny on your way to the mailbox. Other days it may be a bill, but it's not every day that you can make serious cash. With the housing market in a lull and so many on the verge of moving to avoid falling prices, there is a flurry of home owners trying to sell. This means if you are trying to sell your home it is going to be very difficult. Here is your chance if you are trying to get out and move on!

By simply submitting your zip code for analysis, you can take part in this unique opportunity. No matter the condition of your home, its location, or the price range, they want to pay cash for your home. In minutes your home could be taken care of and you could be worrying about more important things. Just by entering your zip code you can see how many other home owners have been helped in your area. Click here for more details.

Short Term Loans

2010-09-09T20:55:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you can get away with free prizes, great discounts, or even extra cash. Occasionally you may have to pay that money back with interest, but if you are in a bind and really need the money now, payday loans may get you the money you need. It is fast and will provide you with the money you need quickly.

A payday loan comes to you as a cash advance for a short period. They commonly come with no credit check so more people are able to access the funds. It is important to know that the binding agreement may have elevated interest rates requiring you to pay more in the long run. Be sure to read the fine print of any agreement before authorizing your approval.

Interest rates aside, there are some instances when the bills can't wait and you simply need fast cash. It is for this reason that these companies are springing up everywhere. The smart spender will have savings for a rainy day, but should you need to use these services, repay your loan as quickly as possible to avoid extra charges. Be wise up front and reap the benefits later.

Save 50-90% Every Day

2010-09-05T18:00:00.002-06:00

If you are not already using Groupon, you should be wondering why not. At least that was the first thought I had when I finally found the time to check it out. I have saved hundreds of dollars in only the first few weeks of use and I intend to continue the savings as more opportunity arises.

Groupon works by offering a significant savings to customers on various local offerings. When a minimum number of sales have been made on that particular item, the coupons become activated. If it doesn't meet the minimum number, you get a refund. With everything from restaurants and activities to retail stores and spas, you are sure to find something that will save 50-90%.

Head on over to Groupon, sign up for FREE and start saving today. These make great gifts and if you plan to travel, be sure to check out the latest deals in your destination city!

Paid Research

2010-08-15T08:00:00.028-06:00

We've all seen the ads for getting paid to do research, but how many of us actually do them? If you are lucky and live in a bigger city, you might have more opportunity than you know. There are various avenues one could take. For example if you are willing to get paid for testing drugs and medical procedures you might check out one of these two sites:

If you have a little extra time on your hands perform a quick search of your surrounding area via Craig's List for "Volunteer" positions. Many times these are paid opportunities that are close to home. Even a simple Google search for "paid research" + your town will bring up local focus groups that are paying for your opinion on products or services.

I was lucky enough to join a group that tests oral hygiene products on a regular basis. When I finish one study, they sign me up for the next and it goes all year until I am done. The best part is that these are products that I would normally use and they are already approved by the FDA. As you can see, with some investigation on your part, you too can make your thin wallet a little thicker.

Mail Decoy

2010-07-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't like to receive a little mail every now and then? Unfortunately, much of the USPS revenue comes from third class or "junk" mail that is delivered every day. If they can get paid to deliver it, why not get paid to receive it?

Mail decoy programs use your current address at home or work to send mail from various sources to ensure that client mail is being delivered without damage and on time. As an agent you will receive pieces of mail, catalogs, magazines or products. Simply log into their online database and answer a few simple questions about the mail and earn a little spending cash. It takes time to build up a steady flow of mail and most pieces only pay $0.25 each, but it's easy money and free magazines.

A couple of the better known and more reputable programs are The Hauser Group and US Monitor. By using the following links, you can apply for positions with each company: The Hauser Group and US Monitor. Commonly, they will only have one position per zip code. Now lets see if my mail has been delivered yet!

Free iPhone Apps

2010-03-21T09:27:00.000-06:00

I am still enjoying the perks that come with a smartphone. If you own one, you know that they can get expensive quickly even if you are not exceeding your calling limits. Purchasing applications, ring tones and accessories adds up quickly, but it doesn't always have to empty your wallet.

Since purchasing my Apple iPhone 3Gs a few months ago, I have not yet paid for a single application. I would estimate my savings in the hundreds of dollars as prices vary depending on the app. Among the 100+ applications, I have various subjects, tools, games, and even doodads that cost me simply the time to download.

Listed from (previously) most expensive to least, Free App Alert notifies you of iPhone applications that cost you nothing! Every day there are 20-60 applications that are new or on sale for FREE with the hopes of getting more acceptance. There is no need to sign up or pay a thing. So if you want free iphone apps, Free App Alert is the place to be.

Free Credit Report

2010-02-21T08:00:00.003-07:00

Keeping track of finances can be difficult and cumbersome at times. When checking for your credit reports it is important to know that you can access these for FREE, despite what other sites may say. Many are actually out to make you think they are free, and then they require signing up for their service, not in this case. Checking your report is a good thing to do regularly to ensure you are not a victim of fraud.

In order to get a reporting of your credit history you have to know a few things in advance. The site posted below will offer three different reports through three different companies. Each is free, BUT you can only use one service in a 12 month period. If you set up a calendar to check your report with one service every 4 months, you will be able to get reports all year round to ensure the safety of your credit. An example of this would be to use Experian in January, Equifax in May, and Transunion in September. Then repeat the cycle each year for regular updates and changes.

Go to Annual Credit Report
Enter your current state in the drop down menu
Click on the "Request Report" button
Fill in the required information - this is used to verify your data for security purposes
They will ask you a series of questions to authenticate your information
Select ONE service to get your current credit report
Either print or save the report for your personal records
Verify the data for accuracy

50% Textbooks

2010-01-31T08:00:00.002-07:00

Getting weighed down by all those textbooks? Is your wallet getting too thin? In an effort to go green and save you money in the long run, CourseSmart has opened its virtual eTextbook store. With over 8,000 titles available and an average savings of $60 per book, you are sure to find that overweight and overpriced textbook more appealing than ever.

Whether you want it on your computer or your phone, your textbooks are available wherever you go. Consider saving a tree, saving your back, and saving some money the next time you need a textbook by checking out the deals they have to offer. Save 50% on your class textbooks at coursesmart.com

Earn $$ Online

2010-01-12T08:00:00.004-07:00

Do you like sharing your thoughts, knowledge, or talents with the online community? Why not make a little money on the side doing something you enjoy? Triond is a web community that pays you for submitting content on their site.

With a few articles, photos, videos or audio files, you are sure to see a little revenue. How easy would it be to take a picture once a week, or write a poem in a few minutes? In due time you will have fans and earn money on the internet.

Join the Triond community here
Create content (text, photo, video, or audio)
Submit your content
Triond will post your content to relevant sites that have viewers
Earn money and avoid a thin wallet

Digital Savings

2009-12-20T08:00:00.002-07:00

Although I have never fully embraced the concept of coupons despite the savings they offer, I came across an intriguing new service that may revolutionize the way we use coupons altogether. The company Digital Development Partners is on the verge of launching a new campaign that will give advertisers and businesses a new edge in the market. Of course it also brings savings to you or else it wouldn't be here.

Now trading under the ticker symbol OTCBB: DGDM it is soon to launch YuDeal.com as its flagship product. This product is intended to incorporate social networking with real time deals from local merchants. If a business wanted to offer a discount for the next couple hours they could use YuDeal to spread the word at a moment's notice. This means more business for them and less expense for you the customer...a win-win situation.

Whether you are looking to invest in an upcoming business opportunity or take advantage of the savings offered at YuDeal, this is a company worth watching.

$25 FREE with AT&T

2009-12-12T17:39:00.005-07:00

Free money is always a pleasant thing. $25 is yours for free if you have recently switched to AT&T (within the last 30 days). Few people take advantage of this money because it takes 5 minutes of work, but when your wallet is thinning, anything helps.

Now that you have this great new phone with all of its wireless capabilities, why not treat yourself to some of the rewards that come with it? New members to AT&T can be rewarded with a $25 card that actually works like a Visa and can be used to pay your phone bill, buy gifts, or to pay for just about anything that money can buy. After registering my new number, it only took a few weeks to get the card by mail and used it to pay my upcoming phone bill.

REMEMBER, this only works if you are NEW to AT&T and have activated your service within the last 30 days. After registering your number, you too are eligible to refer others. Every referral you make earns you another $25 up to $125! Ready to get started? I've tried to simplify the process for you step by step:

Register at AT&T
Click the radio button "My Friend is an AT&T customer and referred me."
Enter the referral code 7024618469 in the space provided
Fill in the required information on the form including your new phone number
Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the page and AT&T will take care of the rest...your card is on its way
When you receive the card be sure to use it like a credit card (not as a gift card)

Enjoy your new phone and your free money!

FREE iPhone & Apple TV

2009-09-27T12:48:00.004-06:00

Once again Mindfield Online is offering rewards for its members both old and new. This time it is in the shape of a FREE iPhone 3G or FREE Apple TV! So get on board while the offer still stands. The deadline is December 10, 2009 so don't wait too long to get your entries in the running.

Just follow these easy steps and you too can have a chance at these great prizes.

Sign up FREE with Mindfield
Once you are a member, go to the "Member Home" tab
Complete the member questionnaires (each one counts as a separate entry - total of 15 possible)

While waiting for the drawing on December 10th, be sure to check your email for money making surveys. Surveys range from $1 to as much as $30. The minimum payout has been lowered to $5 which means you get paid more often and they have recently added payment by PayPal to make things easier.

To date I have received $50; half by check and the other half by PayPal. They will NEVER ask you to pay a cent. With monthly drawings for cash and gifts, money making surveys, and prize drawings, you have nothing to lose. It's so easy I can't believe more people don't know about Mindfield.

Software Budgeting

2009-07-12T09:38:00.005-06:00

Wondering where all that hard earned money is going? Programs such as Quicken are available to help budget and organize your spending and earnings, but it may be rather costly. We like things as close to free here. Wesabe is FREE financial budgeting software, which can use your bank statements to format the data in your profile.

Whether you are using the iPhone app or simply your computer, Wesabe's free personal budgeting software can safely track your expenses and help you set budgets for individual categories. It also a has various communities that strive to help find ways to create better savings, pay off debt, or discuss financial planning.

Daily money management could not be easier to obtain. All services are secured to protect your privacy. With an easy interface, clean graphics, and no cost to you Wesabe is sure to be a great service in keeping your wallet from getting too thin.

Play Online Games for Cash

2009-06-21T18:03:00.007-06:00

Could you use a little moola? I know we all could and here is a rather simple way to earn some for FREE. At Moola you receive your first cent for free and play games against other members. When you win, you double your money. Equally when you lose, half of your moola money goes into their account. The terms are simple and there are a variety of games to play.

Most members play online games for cash, but you can shop online and search the internet for moola too. If you want to move up the ladder faster, you can participate in trial offers for bigger incentives called "boosters." Share the site with your friends and add more moola to your account.

The potential for big earnings is huge! If you win, your moola money is doubled. In 30 steps you could have more than $10 million! Maybe you only want to go half way, which would still be more than $300. Either way, you can play for money and your first cent is FREE. There is no obligation and you play when you have the time. Games are usually no longer than five minutes.

Clinical Trial Volunteer

2009-06-01T19:42:00.005-06:00

If the hunt on Craigslist is not helping you find additive benefits to your income, you may consider other means. While in the clinical trial phase, medical and pharmaceutical companies offer clinical trial services. A couple websites provide search functions that permit easy access to a number of different studies that are being researched in your vicinity.

If you have a disease, dysfunction or simply the desire to test the latest drugs or techniques in medicine you may be interested in these resources. For your time, effort, and willingness to participate in clinical trials, companies are willing to compensate financially with cash. Clinical trial jobs are available to those who are willing.

These offerings are commonly worth hundreds of dollars depending on the length and participation of the study. Many do not post how much they are willing to pay, but if you contact the companies they can provide more information.

Free Pay Every Friday

2009-05-17T08:00:00.003-06:00

Think of this as a way to sell your time to advertisers. At first I didn't believe it either, but 24 hours after joining I was paid directly to my PayPal account and every Friday after that. After providing a little information about yourself, they provide links to various websites. When you view the link you earn AND when you view the site you earn money. This has actually been a very fun way to earn as the links are relevant and personalized. It only takes a few minutes to get started.

Join Here Free
Fill in your MeFile information under "MeFile"
Set up your Ad Player under "Adgets"
Provide your PayPal account in "Housekeeping"

When relevant ads are available, they will show up in your adplayer. Just for viewing the ad you get credited $0.05 and then up to $1 for going to their site. At the end of the week you are paid with no minimum payout.

Currently, they are only providing text ads, but video ads are in the works. When downloading music or videos from iTunes for example, you would be able to "sponsor" the download and watch ads that ultimately pay for your purchase. Get a discount product and a little incentive while you wait...win/win situation!

Their referral system pays up to $1.00 per referral. Be sure to let your friends and family know about YouData so they can get paid too. The more people that know, the more ads that will be played and that means more money for you.

Dining Out

2009-04-26T11:56:00.003-06:00

Looking for a new restaurant or just love getting the best deal for your money? I have been using Restaurant.com to save on some great meals. A while back they were promoting their products for 80% off! For only $18 I was able to obtain more than $200 worth of gift certificates to local restaurants.

Keep an eye out for discounts or search the web for current offers, but this site has some great opportunities to find new places to eat and save a bundle too. There are restaurants I never would have tried if I hadn't found Restaurant.com.

Certificates have values of $10 to $100 and can be purchased for as little as $3. Be sure to read the details so you know what each coupon is offering and how much you have to buy in order to validate the certificate. Bon appetite!

If you are interested in restaurant literature, check out these books.

Free Laptop, iPhone, and Plasma TV ...Oh My

2009-04-13T16:41:00.006-06:00

Check out this site I found called Gift Monkey. They give away FREE high end Laptops, Video Game Consoles, iPods, Plasma TVs, and they even have GPS Navigation Systems. That's just the beginning, you could get FREE cash (sent via PayPal), cellphones (including a free iPhone) and much much more!

This site is different from all of those others. They don't give you a time limit to earn your product, and they DON'T make you sign up for 10 sponsors yourself. All you have to do is try ONE of their sponsored offers like eBay (which doesn't cost anything), refer your friends, and they ship your free gift to your door, which is also free!

Browse Gift Monkey - choose the item you want sent to you
Provide a valid email address and password for your new account
Complete one offer - Some are free and others have a minimal cost, but the best part is you only have to complete one
Refer your friends and family
If you decide you want another prize, no problem, simply change it to the one you want
Once you have all your referrals, they will send the product to you
When you finish the first prize, you are then eligible for another

I signed up and completed the Napster Trial offer which cost me nothing. In addition to being one step closer to my FREE PRIZE, I get 7 days of free Napster music.

UPDATE: (4/11/10) As of yet I have not received anything, let alone a confirmed trial approval. Me thinks this is one for the scammers unfortunately.

Blogsvertise

2009-04-13T14:42:00.002-06:00

If you have a blog and you like making some cash on the side, consider Blogsvertise. It is a simple way to work from home or wherever you blog. There is very little to the process, so I will explain it here.

Submit your blog topic and address. Once your blog is approved, advertisers can request that you write about their product. In a few short paragraphs you share with your readers information concerning the product. The posting is then reviewed for completeness and you are paid. It's really that simple.

I recently submitted an entry and received payment by PayPal a short time later with no hitches. If you refer an advertiser who wants to advertise on your blog, you earn 20% of their advertising fees. For example if they choose to spend $500 you would earn $100. For more information or if you would like to advertise on this blog, check out Blogsvertise.

Hotels for a Dollar

2009-03-01T17:10:00.004-07:00

Travel the world and stay in a hotel for only $1! If that is not an irresistible savings I don't know what is. Seriously, when booking your hotel, if you are logged on during the 15 minute savings window, you can book your next hotel for only $1.

From what I understand, you know where you are going, and if you are on at the right time, you can get an unnamed hotel reservation for $1. They give you clues and will email you if you like to help narrow the window of opportunity, but this is one deal that probably won't last forever.

Just imagine the next time you are traveling overseas, domestically, or even locally you could save a bundle on your hotel. That way you can enjoy the rest of your time worrying about what souvenirs to bring home. Discount hotel reservations are only a click away, come back in and leave a comment to let us know how your trip went. Happy travels!

$1000 Stimulus Giveaway

2009-02-27T17:30:00.006-07:00

Here is a chance to win $1000. Not to shabby if you ask me. Already mentioned was Mindfield Online. All you have to do is follow the link, and join. Once a FREE member, simply fill out the short questionnaires so they know what opportunities to give you.

Each questionnaire gives you another entry into the drawing. That gives you up to 15 entries for $1000! After that, you will get occasional emails with survey offers for various monetary amounts, complete these and earn cash. I recently cashed out my account for $24 just to verify and I received a check by the end of the week. If you don't qualify for a survey, they enter you in the drawing for $500 every month. The best part is that this is all for FREE, just don't wait too long, the $1000 drawing is on June 1st, 2009.

Super Savings

2009-01-11T11:22:00.003-07:00

Who doesn't like a great deal every now and then? Deal Sharks has plenty to offer from a wide range of merchants. Not only is it easy to navigate, but you can select the type of product you are looking for to see the available online coupons.

Deal Sharks makes it easy to find valuable coupons, promotional codes and deals that are sure to save you money. For an added bonus, if you join the SharkClub you can save even more.

Bringing online bargains from around the net, they have an extensive collection from some of the largest and best sellers. To name a few: Best Buy, Adobe, Apple and tons more. Check it out and start saving on your future purchases!

Earn Hundreds of Dollars

2008-12-28T19:45:00.007-07:00

When money is easy to come by, I am sure to take advantage of the situation. Here is an offering I just could not resist. Vindale Research is a gateway to surveys and trial offers that will pay you $5 to $75 per experience. You are free to set your own hours and complete as many or as little as you would like.

In just my first few minutes as a member, I made $2 for simply filling out a profile and another $5 is to be had for my first survey offer. I have seen others who have made hundreds of dollars simply by spreading the word.

Should you decide to participate in trial offers, be sure to keep a record of how long the free trial period is in the event you decide to cancel. Once you are a member you can refer friends and earn $5 for each referral. It may not sound like much, but the cash adds up quick. They pay by check or Paypal once your account has a $50 balance. Follow these directions and you are off to making some serious cash.

Go to Vindale's website
Fill out the information on the first two pages to get started
Create a profile for $2
Complete your first offer for $5
They will keep you updated by email and you are on your way to making some easy cash

UPDATE (2/09): I have completed some of the opportunities available with no verifications made on their part. Try this company if you like, I have heard stories of those who have received money and those who have received nothing.

Paid Surveys

2008-11-30T18:00:00.004-07:00

We all have an opinion, so why not get paid to share it? There are many survey opportunities waiting to offer scams to those who take the bait. It is refreshing to come across one that will actually pay you for your time.

Mindfield Online just happens to be one of those that puts money in your pocket for a few minutes of your time. Once you become a member for FREE, you simply fill out a few questionnaires that give a better picture of who you are. The more you complete, the better the system can help direct appropriate surveys to your inbox for completion.

A few times a week surveys will be sent to your email inbox of choice. The first minute of the survey usually gathers data to determine whether you qualify for that particular survey. Once qualified, simply finish the survey and Mindfield Online tracks your completion. Companies pay various amounts for users to complete surveys, ranging anywhere from $1 to $10.

Obviously, the more surveys you qualify for initially, the more you get paid. Payout starts at a minimum of $10. Some surveys however, have a quota. Once the quota is reached, no more participants will be invited to finish the survey so respond to the emails quickly for better results. Let your voice be heard, and earn a little money in the meantime.

UPDATE (2/09): This is a legitimate opportunity. They actually lowered their payout to $5 recently. I requested payment and three days later it arrived (see image above).
UPDATE (1/11): Again I chose to collect my earnings. Payment arrived in a few days without a problem.

Make Money on Your Website

2008-11-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

With a growing internet, and new web pages made every day, there are few people who don't already own a piece of the internet. If you own a blog, website, online store or anything that has a unique URL, you may like this tip.

Advertisers are willing to buy space on your pages where they can place their ads for your viewers to see. When your guests click the ad, you make money. Over time if you have enough visitors this can be a significant form of income. At first it may not seem very significant, but it can add up quickly.

Featured here is the ad host AdBrite. They have designed a relatively novel form of advertising that allows you to make money very easily. Not only can you choose to show text and visual ads in various sizes, but you can take advantage of inline ads that appear in the content of your site. Their software is designed to show the most relevant advertising to your site via keywords in your text.

Click the AdBrite icon to the right to join for FREE and start receiving the money your site has to offer
Select the "Learn More" button under the heading "Sell Ads"
Click the "Start Now" button
Enter your site information and how you want to be paid

For those wishing to buy ads to be on other people's sites you can click here to start now.

Online Discounts

2008-10-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

If you are reading this, you are definitely going to love this next tip. We all make online purchases at some point and with the holidays coming up, even more so. Why not save a little money in the meantime?

Retail Me Not has a FREE service where users can submit codes for discounts on their online purchases. Although not all codes work and not all sites have codes, it is worth checking out possible deals before clicking the purchase button.

Codes are listed in the order in which they have the most success. When you use a code, be sure to click the working or not working buttons so that other users know which codes are functioning. Some may save you 5% and others up to 50%. I have used it over and over again, saving money with just about every online purchase.

The next time you are about to submit your shopping cart for purchase, find that easy promotional code and save a little money in the process. Take the money you saved and put it into a savings account as a little pat on the back. Well done, you've avoided the thin wallet once again.

Are you Prize Happy?

2008-10-05T05:00:00.002-06:00

How does $1500 in cash sound? Perhaps you are more into itemized prizes. Only steps away, you could win home goods, exercise equipment, or jewelry. It takes next to nothing to cast a vote for the prize you want.

At Prize Happy, you find the prize you like, submit your vote and return the next day to enter again. You are allowed one vote per day, per item, per person. It only takes a minute to submit your vote with no membership or fees. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.

Drawings are held four times a year at the beginning of each quarter. Entries are randomly selected to determine the winner of each prize, each quarter. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win.

UPDATE (2/09): For the better part of a month I registered for the prizes I wanted. I even asked for a notification of the winners. Nothing came and I therefore stopped entering the drawings.

Free Blog Contest

2008-09-21T01:13:00.000-06:00

Not very often does a contest this easy come along. All you have to do is post a comment and you are automatically entered for a $25 drawing. If you win, the money is deposited into your paypal account. It may not be much, but the way I see it, you could take literally one minute and have a chance or not have a chance at all.

The rules are simple. The comment must be legitimate, be of a certain length (really short), be positive and not repeated by another individual. Click here to see the details. Comment on the contest in your personal blog and receive 4 more entries to win. Good luck!

They have some other good offers there too for coupons, contests and prizes.

Earn $300 One Click at a Time

2008-08-01T19:13:00.009-06:00

Perhaps the clouds are not yet pouring down money, but it might as well be that simple. This installment of the Thin Wallet highlights a website that earns anywhere from $5-$30 in a day.

Advertisers have set up pay-to-click (PTC) or pay-per-action websites that pay you to visit ads. There are some that promote sites for a wimpy $0.01 per ad. I have tried them and feel they are simply a waste of time.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN. Once you have registered for FREE with the site, bookmark your new account page.

Visit the site once (or more times) daily and click the paid links to earn $0.50 each. You have to wait 40 seconds to credit the money to your account. That is a quick $5-10 for the day and it takes less than 10 minutes to accomplish.
Add your email to your account and they will send you links to read emails. Each email pays $1.00. Periodically throughout the day they will show up in your inbox and will credit to your account after 100 seconds of viewing (1.5 minutes). Up to 10 emails per day.
Invite friends and others to view your new account page and earn $0.06 with every view.
Earn a percentage of your referral downline earnings!

And there you have it, in 20 minutes a day you can earn $20 or more! All for simply clicking a few links and seeing what others have to offer. Of course there is no obligation and you make money when you want. This is a great way to make a little extra income. Over the course of a month you could 'click' in an extra $300 or more.

UPDATE (2/09): As it turns out, the "money" is really a point system that gives you buying power. It has actually been a really great method of advertising and sharing links if you are in that market.

Win Prizes by Searching the Web

2008-07-10T11:06:00.005-06:00

This is a great way to win prizes for doing the same thing you have been doing all along, search the web. Once your account is created, you simply type in the word or phrase you want to find and a list of results show up.

The twist is that you win points with each search and occasionally a chance to win bigger prizes by spinning a wheel. These include more points to be entered into the monthly drawing for $500, ipods, and Amazon gift certificates. It is a win-win situation! You find the information you want and you win prizes too.

Winzy is free to join. When you have earned points from your searches, you can play various games to increase your earnings and chances of winning. Earn extra points when you share winzy with your friends. So what are you waiting for, come give it a try!

UPDATE (2/09): I have received mostly points and entry into sweepstakes. The best yet was a $10 gift card for Amazon. Easy enough.

Make Money Every Time Your Phone Rings

2008-06-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

This is likely one of the easiest ways I have found to make a little extra money on the side. Imagine the hundreds of phone calls you receive and imagine getting paid for each one. It only takes a few minutes to set up and the best part is that it is FREE.

How it Works
When you sign up, you select a three digit area code of your choice. A list of phone numbers become available. Once chosen, this number becomes your personal number for life, so be sure to choose one you like.

Now that you have a phone number it must be activated by following the steps given on the website. When the phone is activated, you can start making money.

Easy Money
Simply give your new number out to friends, family, coworkers and anyone else. When they call your new number, they hear a ten second advertisement after which they are connected to the phone number that you already own. You can talk as normal and you have already made money.

You have the option of setting up the ads to run every call or fewer. It depends on how often you want people to hear your ads and how much money you want to make. Each call currently earns five cents but the first ten calls earn $1 each. If you profile your friends, make groups, or even share your number you can earn extra cash.

Personalize
You have the option to choose a ringtone from their selection or upload an mp3 of your choice. This will be heard after the ad is played as you are being contacted at your current phone number. The ads that are played can be optimized to better fit the interests of those who call you.

What are you waiting for?! It is FREE to join, easy to start and money in your wallet. Click here to sign up. Free money with every phone call, who could resist. More on this

UPDATE (2/09): I just cashed out for the first time and will be posting proof of payment soon.

Gas Money

2008-06-10T11:54:00.002-06:00

Remember when gas was only a couple dollars? Those days are getting harder and harder to believe they even existed. Saving a few cents is about all you can do. Here are some easy to use tips for saving on that oh so expensive gas.

Tire inflation - Make sure your tires are properly inflated to maximize the efficiency of your vehicle on the road.
Tune up - A well tuned up vehicle will have better moving parts and save on fuel use.
Drive slower - When possible do not exceed 60mph because the drag increases greatly causing more fuel consumption.
Accelerate and brake slowly - Doing either too quickly can cause your car to burn more gas to accommodate your need for speed.
Fill up - Join Sam's club or Costco for membership discounts. Your grocery store may have fuel discounts associated with your purchasing habits too. Search around for low gas prices.
Octane - Buy the lowest octane your auto manual suggests.

The culmination of these tactics will greatly improve your mileage per gallon and save you considerable money in the meantime. Hundreds of dollars a year can remain yours if you follow a few of these basic principles.

Milk Money

2008-05-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

While they say you should not cry over spilt milk, these days you may want to. For some living in New York, milk sells for more than $4 a gallon! If you are eating one bowl of cereal and cooking with one cup of milk every day, it would take almost a week before you are back for more. I can only imagine what happens when the whole family is waking up to a bowl of Lucky Charms.

Perhaps it is time for the suburban family to start raising cows! It would provide a good workout and free milk.

Although I don't have any knowledge about raising cattle for milking, I do love cereal...in large quantities. This tip may seem brash and come as a shock to some, but believe me it works and has saved hundreds of dollars.

The baking aisle of your grocery store will have various sizes of powdered milk. I know what you are thinking, because all my friends have told me, but read on. The largest box I have found is 5lbs at an average price of $12. That would be the equivalent of 3-4 gallons of milk, or one months worth of milk for one person. One box will last for 2-3 months using the scenario above! That is a savings of $20 or more for a total of $120 each year.

Milking the Box
It takes a little experimentation to learn the proper amounts needed for your milk taste buds. I like to use one heaping cup of powder in a 2 quart pitcher. Stir the mix in and cool.

The Benefits
Certainly the cost is a benefit. It has a very long shelf-life and can even double as food storage. Powdered milk, reconstituted is healthier as it is skim milk and tends to have more protein than regular milk due to its concentrated state. Powdered milk can be used in cooking.

Drink Up
There is a catch. Powdered milk must be served cold or else it tastes horrible. It does have an acquired taste as do coffee and tea. But it doesn't take very long especially when it is used on cereal. The cereal will commonly flavor the milk to taste like the milk you know. Enjoy your cereal and your savings!

Savings to Smile About

2008-05-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

Going to the dentist can not only be painful to your mouth, but your wallet too. Many insurance agencies don't include dental benefits leaving you to find your own plan. For college students, uninsured individuals and anyone willing to open wide, this one's for you.

This Bites
Tooth whitening has become a ritual for some and too expensive for others. How about discount dental services? For the basic cleaning you are charged anywhere from $50-$90. Throw in a couple x-rays and you're looking at a bill for almost $150! Do you get your routine check up every 6 months as recommended? Face it, we don't even floss like we are supposed to.

Every dentist and dental hygienist has to learn somehow. That means there is a school where they learn their job responsibilities, right? In fact, these are often 'laboratories' for students to develop skills and learn the trade.

The Discount
Once you find a dental hygiene school, contact them and inquire about their discounted services. The way it works is by appointment usually. Your hygienist cleans your teeth, looks them over before their teacher checks them out. The teacher simply verifies the findings of the student and is a certified hygienist already. The dentist will then come by to perform a quick dental exam. Some schools provide orthodontia work for a minimal fee. Fortunately, I have not needed this later service.

My visits are about three hours, included x-rays, and still had the free samples (floss, toothpaste, brush, and mouthwash). Guess how much they charged me? Nothing! All they asked for was an appointment in 6 months which I gladly accepted and it's kept me smiling since then. In all, my FREE teeth cleaning and x-rays has saved me $300 and I'm due for my next check up in a month.

Get Paid to Write Brief Articles

2008-05-12T10:10:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder if your 'two cents' was worth anything? Here is your chance! HubPages has created a linking system that promotes your thoughts, articles, and opinions all for FREE! Why else would I be writing about it.

How It Works
Click here to set up an account free. You will be taken to Hub central where you can see the latest hubs posted by others, search hubs you may be interested in or even start your own hub sharing whatever you want to write about.

There are detailed tutorials that explain step by step instructions for setting up affiliate accounts with Google Adsense, Amazon, and ebay. When you have selected a topic or respond to a topic, ads from these affiliates are automatically added to your website. As visitors view your information (impressions) or click on affiliate links (pay per click), you make money! It's that simple.

The more detailed, unique and intriguing your article the more people will visit you. When you link to others, you share in their profits too. Include pictures and video in your posts to help attract more people and you will be well on your way to seeing the benefits.

Question and Answer
HubPages has created an easy user interface to provide simple publishing technology. If you have a question you would like answered, simply make a request. If you see a request you would like to answer, go ahead.

The community of Hubbers, as they are called, allows people around the world to search, contribute, and read hub articles. Potentially this means millions of visitors with billions of experiences ready to share their knowledge on any subject.

Get Paid
Although there are other sites available for writing, this is one of the best I have found that pays, is simple, and has good exposure. You don't have to be an expert to succeed, you just have to know what you are talking about and the range of topics is endless.

Easy to follow set-up instructions make your monetization quick and painless. In 30 minutes your account will be active and your hubs can start taking shape. Good bye thinning wallet!

Get Discount Stamps

2008-05-05T12:07:00.005-06:00

As the market becomes better, the cost of living becomes more expensive. Somehow it always seems to affect the cost of a postal stamp too.

I worked for the United States Postal Service for a time as a letter carrier. It was one of the most interesting and rewarding jobs I have held to this point in my life. As a result, I can understand why the USPS would increase the rate of a stamp to be able to pay their employees.

Discounted Stamps
If you have not already heard, on May 12th, 2008, the cost of traditional stamps will increase from 41 cents to 42 cents. This trend is likely to continue as time goes by, costing more and more to send a letter.

Why is this being posted on The Thin Wallet? The USPS will continue to accept their new 'Forever Stamp' for postage...if you have them. If you don't already have these stamps that will ALWAYS send a letter at the same price, now is the time to get them. Even if you go out today and buy your 300 stamps, when the price changes, you will have saved money.

Could you imagine getting a roll of 'Forever Stamps' now and gifting it to a child or grandchild five or ten years from now. Imagine the savings and how smart your recipient will think you are!

Free Movies and Free Products

2008-04-23T13:35:00.005-06:00

Trying to save a little money when it comes to entertainment or merchandise? Perhaps you are a coupon clipper and search for the best deals. Discounts and freebies are not always easy to come by, but they do exist if you look in the right places. For some it may be required to put in a little effort to 'earn' the reward, but it can easily be done with very little effort.

Movie Night

Cinema
I am a very big fan of movies, both in the theater and in the comfort of my own home. Although my movie library is small, I make it a point to see a new movie every week or two. For those of you who love the big screen, it can still be done while saving money. According to NATO, average ticket prices are almost $7 a piece. Luxury theaters may cost up to $20 a person for that special occasion and private seating. It's OK not to see a movie on opening night...really. Wait a few weeks until the same movie is in the discount theater and watch it for a fraction of the price with all the visual and auditory magic the big screen provides. Many of these will have a Monday or Tuesday special for only a dollar per ticket which means more movies for less.

Home
With the advent of the DVD, movie rentals have never been easier. First, there was Netflix and then a few copycat organizations attempted to run them out. They have some great deals for unlimited movies in one month delivered right to your mailbox. Second, and this is my personal favorite as of late, Redbox. If you don't already know about it, you must not have done too much shopping at your local grocery store or McDonald's. With a click, you can have the FREE promotional codes each week. It doesn't get better than that, FREE MOVIES!

New Products

We've all seen them, the ads that promote secret shoppers or prize give-aways. Well, when was the last time that you actually received the product you were hoping to obtain? I am a member of a program that provides actual products to test for FREE. All they ask in return is that you fill out a report sheet every time you share the product or talk about it with others. Believe me, it is easy to do, requires very little time, and costs nothing. There is no referral bonus for me to even share this. The company is called BzzAgent. They use word of mouth marketing to share the latest product which you get to have as part of the campaign. I have been a member for almost two years and initially joined to obtain a Sonicare electric toothbrush. When it happened I was surprised to learn that the brush was valued at $180! New products are promoted regularly, so give it a whirl.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Direct Deposit

2008-04-09T06:00:00.006-06:00

Everything is becoming automated as computers take over the world. Thankfully, the human species is not yet to this point. Although it may not be such a bad thing if it had some financial automation.

Payday comes and we are handed a check. We go to the bank, cash it, maybe put a little away for safe keeping, and find ourselves spending most of the money before the weekend is over. Hence the reason cash is also known as "liquid." We just can't seem to hold on to it very long before it is spent on the latest movie or a new piece of furniture. Even as a child I had a hard time finding my money jar quick enough to drop the coins in before losing them.

Today most companies offer direct deposit paychecks. If you're not already taking advantage of this, you should be! A simple one-time set up puts your paycheck directly into your bank account. Depending on your employer, you may be able to set up a deposit to multiple accounts.

I no longer do the math. I simply modify the percentage I want deposited into my individual accounts and it happens. The most important part is that I don't initially see this money unless I look at my pay-stub, and by then it's usually already deposited.

The key is to take at least 10% of that which you earn and put it in some sort of investment. This could include a mutual fund, 401k plan, or even a savings account. Start by putting 10% away, out of sight, and it will be out of mind. Of course high yield accounts such as mutual funds and 401k plans will produce more money in the long run, but if all you are in the mood for is your low earning savings account, that will make do. At least it will make more interest than money stuffed in a drawer. Later posts are sure to have more on high yield accounts.

Using direct deposit allows you to start a small savings without really thinking too hard about it. Imagine all the money that the government calls tax. It is commonly withdrawn from your account before you even touch it. This translates into less spending because you are receiving less in your paycheck.

Homework for next time:
1. Set up a direct deposit account
2. Directly deposit 10% of your net income before you see it
3. Repeat number 2 every payday

Notice Your Wallet Getting Too Thin?

2008-04-08T17:10:00.002-06:00

So you didn't buy that fancy leather wallet to show off the threads either? Sometimes I find myself wondering how I'm ever going to make it financially. I have days when I feel like a super saver and others when my gut tells me I'm a super spender. The best news is that there is an equilibrium.

This blog is dedicated to providing ideas for investing money, saving that hard earned paycheck and finding discounts that make a difference. They are not always obvious, but when you know where to look it is definitely worth your time.

From a very young age, I started the way most kids do, cutting a slot in a glass jar and adding my precious coins one by one. Over time it became a hobby to see how many I could add in an effort to one day purchase that big item I always wanted. Well, I never decided what that big item was and just kept on saving the coins. When I had enough, I opened a bank account and soon the coins became cash and paychecks.

From my net payments I would make a goal to set aside at least 50% for savings and the other 50% went to expenses. As my responsibilities have changed, so have my percentages. I now invest 10% and save only 30% as I have more bills to pay.

When I recently gained acceptance to medical school, all my financial antennae became extremely sensitive. I will be posting those things that I have found useful, including links to other resources. If you have ideas or comments, please leave them to share and together we can all see our wallets begin to take shape.