Swagbucks

New to FrugalNYC? Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.



I joined Swagbucks a few weeks ago, thanks to James from Twitter. This program basically replaces your Current Search engine in several ways. The search results are from Google, but it does contain several more ads in the beginning of your search results.  If you don't mind this, you could earn some extra rewards for doing your daily searches.

Earning Points


I have been doing searches using swagbucks web portal since I signed up, though I didn't install the browser bar - I don't like additional bars.  If swagbucks does not return the results I'm looking for I use a regular Google search afterwards. You earn points at random times, perhaps someone else can fill us in on how this is determined. Depending on your search query, and if your searches are genuine, you'll earn a few points each day you are active. If you sit there in front of the pc and just search away all day, you'll probably be wasting your time. You can also earn points from Swagcodes, I've only seen one or two that I've claimed so far. It is another way of promoting their product.  Your referrer earns a point every time you do, James, the guy who referred the program to me, has earned every point that I have earned.  Another incentive to get your friends to join.

There are many other such programs on the web, but I do find this program a bit entertaining and the social / MLM aspects are helpful towards earning points as well. If you are not already a Swagbucks member, why not sign up today (this is my referal link). All you have to do is search!

Prizes

The points you earn can go toward prizes from their site, ranging from promotional posters, comic books, t-shirts, iPods, cash and many other goodies. One of the great things about this program is, if someone signs up using your referral - you also earn points every time they earn points. So if you sign up today using the links here or the banner above, I'll be earning a swagbuck every time you do!

Thanks to the anonymous comment asking me to write about Swagbucks.

Are you a swagbucks user? What prizes have you earned? What do you like best about it? What other programs do you use?

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Simple Single Purpose Online Services

“Keep things as simple as possible, but no simpler.” -Albert Einstein

There is a movement to simple and single purpose tools. Tools that do one thing and does it very well. I've come upon some of these useful single purpose website / services in the last several months. I think they are a very interesting concept and they put simplicity to practical use. This post will contain all such useful single purpose services I find. Check back often for additional interesting sites I come across or that you recommend!

NowDoThis - A very simple to do list, you can save a copy on your own computer!
UmbrellaToday - If you want to know whether you need an umbrella today. You enter your zip code and it tells you in HUGE LETTERS a YES or NO.
Goingtorain - This is even simpler than Umbrellatoday, it detects what city you are in based on your computer IP address (I assume), and gives you a YES or NO to the question - Is it going to rain?
Is Alternate Side Parking In Effect - This is for NYC only, it tells you if Alternate side parking is in effect today, so you can move your car and save yourself a parking ticket!
Twecipe - Tweet your ingredients and get a Great recipe. Very simple and single purpose minded site!

Of course there's the almighty Google, who pretty much started the simple web service concept. I'm sure there are many other services out there that are not listed here. If you know of any, please let us know so I can add to this list!

For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way (guest posts, articles, ideas, interesting links, advice, financial assistance, or anything else), feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.

Photo by SATOBOY - VERSUS2009