Okay, we all know there's no such thing as free money. However, there ARE ways to retrieve promotions and get rebates with little effort and time. I've been researching for the past few years and I have a list of websites I frequent that alerts the public to these kinds of opportunities. Here are two of the many websites that have useful information:
Hustler Money Blog (Not to be confused with just Hustler websites;) http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/
and
Doctor of Credit
http://www.doctorofcredit.com/
Last year, 2016, I tracked over $800 of what I refer to as "free money" and this year my goal is to acquire between $1,300 and $1,500. On most banking promotion there tends to be a direct deposit requirement, but I tend to go after the ones that do not have the direct deposits as a stipulation because those are more of a hassle for me.
Below is my projected list for 2017: (x marks those promotions already achieved.)
$350 (X) HSBC Bank Promotion- I had to deposit and keep $1,500 in the account and make two online bill pays for consecutive three months. I have to keep this account for 120-180 days. This promotion is now expired. I found this relatively easy and I saved stamps on bills I normally paid via snail mail.
$200 Huntington 5 Checking Promotion- I began the process today. I previously had an account with Huntington, but its been longer than 6 months ago so I'm good for this promotion. To qualify, I have to have $1,000 of new money to the bank. However, I want to be exempt from the $5 monthly maintenance fee so I will need to keep $5,000 in the account for the next 6 months.
$50 (X) Northpointe Bank in Grand Rapids Michigan-
http://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/northpointe-bank-ultimateaccount/
There are some additional hoops to jump through if you want a higher interest rate, but the basic level was good for me. I had to fund this with $100 and I received a $50 promotion. This account must remain open for 120 days.
$100 (X) United Health Care EPC Insurance Wellness Gift Card- This is set up through my school's insurance. Members have to take a medical survey and either track their exercise for a four weeks or take online workshops that are supposed to educate for better health.
$50 (X) Speedway Bonus Points- By swinging by Speedway Gas Stations and scanning my Speedway card before I pump my gasoline I can usually acquire enough points to redeem a $50 Speedway Card each year.
$100 Kroger Fuel Points- Watching advertisements and digital coupon offerings when gift cards are 4 x fuel points along with weekly shopping I can save $100 on other gasoline purchases not made at Speedway during the calendar year.
$200 Discover Card Rewards- I realize credit cards can be dangerous if you do not pay off the balance every month. Many experts will preach against using them because its so easy to buy on credit and only pay the monthly minimum. However, I have found this to be a useful tool to acquire "free money". I make sure I pay off my balance EVERY month and look to redeem my cashback near the end of each year.
$150 Scottrade Account- I have a small Scottrade Account that I buy and sell stocks. While I haven't been able to quit my day job by trading stocks the last 5 years, it has helped me understand the markets and its been a hobby that has brought me nearly $150 in dividends since the inception of the account, along with a few nice gains when I sold profitable company stocks. However, stocks are not for the faint of heart and becoming too obsessed with the gains and losses can drive me nuts. But I've learned to only put money in the stocks that I KNOW and UNDERSTAND.
$100 Test Drive Promotions- I was able to do a test drive for a GMC Terrain in 2016 and received a $20 gift card. And while researching these opportunities I have found that car manufacturers rotate specific types and amounts of gift cards. Some of these are targeted opportunities, meaning they send out mailers to consumers that are more likely to purchase a new car. However, with a quick search of google or other search engines, one may find promotions from various car manufacturers ranging from $20- $50 depending on the time of year and make and model of vehicle.
If I'm able to accomplish the above list I will be $1,300 in the green. Right now I have a solid $550 of the $1,300. I'll come back and update this blog or write a recap blog towards the end of the year to see if I'm able to achieve this endeavor. Soft credit pulls are used for most of the bank promotions. Read up on soft credit pulls to decide if this is a good method to use for your own personal finance. Money is out there, its not quite free, but still some of it might be in your grasp if you're willing to jump through hoops and wait a handful of months. A few more dollars in your bank account can always help. Let's face it we all could use extra dollars:) May your pockets always be full and may you have loved ones to share it!
~Cindy
