How to Earn Spending Money for Your Next Vacation (or Staycation)

Even though we are just doing Staycations, I still want to have spending money! The problem is, part of the reason we are doing Staycations is because the budget is already tight.  So how do I earn extra spending money? Here are my top 5 ways (doesn't include gift card sites):

(The following includes affiliate or referral links, however, I use them all myself and have for a while so you know they are good!)

1. Ibotta- I LOVE Ibotta!  It gives you money back on groceries, movie tickets, home improvement supplies, and more! Simply check out the app before going shopping and see if you are going to buy any of the items.  Complete the activities that you want associated with each product to qualify for money back.  After you buy it, take a picture of your receipt and scan the product.  In about 6 months I made about $168.  Since its stuff I would have bought already, that's all extra spending money! LOVE it!  You can cash out any time you want as long as you have at least $5.  They now have gift card options too.  (Free Andriod or iPhone app)


2. Checkout 51- Similar to Ibotta but more simple.  Its just groceries and no activities to complete- just scan your receipt.  They are great at fixing any problems and its easy to earn money.  I don't earn as much as Ibotta but that's because there aren't as many offers.  (Free Android or iPhone app)

3. Jingit- I've been enjoying Jingit a lot more lately as they have more offers now.  One thing I like about Jingit is the different ways you can earn money.  For instance I can earn money for each of the following activities:  I can watch a quick commercial for a product (on my computer or my phone), scan the product at the store, buy the product, then take a survey after scanning the receipt.  They do some awesome bonus blitzes where you really make some extra money.  You have to order a Visa card to cash out, however, I've really enjoyed have the Visa.  I check my Jingit balance before I go out with my kids, add the money straight to my card and know I'm good to go!  Instantly.  Love it. (Free Android or iPhone app and also some activities on the computer)

4. Saving Star- Load money back coupons to your shoppers card.  That means it only works at King Soopers here but I love loading all the coupons to my card and that's all I have to do.  It takes a little while for the money to register but that's all I have I to do.  There have also started to do Friday Freebies (100% back on a certain item) as well as weekly % back on produce.  You can also earn money back while shopping online.  Other great cash back sites for online shopping are Ebates and ShopatHome (I always just both before shopping to see which offers better cash back rates as well as check out the coupons).   (Computer and Free Android or iPhone app) 

5. Ipoll- There is an online survey site then there is the mobile app.  I LOVE the mobile app.  The surveys are ones that you need to do in store but they pay you well.  I earned $50 my first month.  The down side is they hold the money for a while to verify that your survey answers are real.  After that though you can just order a Visa Card or other cash out option (other gift cards available too).  I check the app before I go grocery shopping and hit two birds with one stone. (Free Android or iPhone app- also on computer) 

Bonus Suggestion: Receipt Hog- How cool is it that you can make money off of your receipts too? Simply take a picture of your receipt and earn points that can be cashed in.  The more points you earn the more "discounted" the cash out option.  You don't earn a ton a month but earning extra money off the receipt is pretty awesome.  (Free Android and iPhone app)

Since these are all things that I am going to buy anyway like food and school uniforms, I love earning money back on them.  And yes, I still use coupons too.  I save all the money back for having fun with my kids on all our Staycations.  Normally I say no to the gumball machine or the cool toy but when we are on a designated Staycation, I get to say YES!  Its so nice and my kids are so surprised by the response that its something they remember, treasure more, and definitely express gratitude over.  I easily have earned well over $300 in just a few months with all these programs.  It does take a little bit of extra time but in return I get to give my family new experiences and souvenirs to remember them by.  

Do you have any favorite ways to earn spending money for your vacations?  

My husband is great at doing surveys online during commercial breaks and earns more that way.  If you are interested in doing surveys, Ipsos is reliable company.