$150 for paid surveys online…  in all of our dreams.

I have been taking paid surveys online for about 2 years. When I first heard about making extra money, I didn’t really believe it — because people said you can make “$150 per hour!”… yeah, right. Well, as it turns out you can, but only about once a year on average.

Those $150 studies – which can actually pay up to $300 or more –  only take a small amount of people in.  Plus, you have to fit their demographic needs to a tee. I have yet to be chosen for a high paying study or focus group. Quite possibly, its because my family is too healthy, I don’t own a cat or live in the right area, or I’m just unlucky. Either way, I am not counting on that kind of payoff anytime soon.

The compensation for paid surveys online rolls in a simple fashion

If you are thinking about taking paid surveys, its best to start out realistic. Think of online survey compensation like a multi-level pyramind. The bulk of the paid surveys will be on the first level and, where there are the most available to take, they will pay the least. Some pay only 50 cents (I dont take those, unless its only 5 minutes) — but the majority of surveys available are $1-2 dollar surveys and take 10-20 minutes.

The compensation pyramid levels just moves up from there, with the higher paying focus groups and studies at the very top point. At that top point, there really aren’t that many people that can be involved. To be fair, I have been paid $20 – $75 for my participation now and then — but the bulk of the surveys are between $1-$8.

Why do I take paid surveys?

Its brainless extra money, that’s why. Every year since I started doing them, I have saved up my money from the paid surveys and cheap paid emails (from places like SendEarnings and Inbox Dollars), and it has provided me over $1200 toward Christmas gifts. For the right person, you can literally make a few extra hundred per month by taking a couple surveys a day.

Even if you averaged taking one low-paying survey a day, that could average $550 by year end — a nice chunk for just doing practically nothing. 

There are several legitimate sites out there that pay consistently and even send you products to test (like shampoo, snacks, etc.).  I enjoy doing the surveys, and when I get bored of it, I just don’t do them for awhile. 

If you want to take some  surveys for money, sweepstakes entries and free stuff — or if you already take surveys and are looking for more survey companies to register with– FreeSurveyCenter.com has a free survey company list.  They also consistently post on their blog paid studies and focus group opportunities (from various research companies) that you might not normally see.

Some survey companies pay with Paypal, online Visa debit cards and Amazon.com credit, so you don’t even have to wait for a check.  If you are a little short on cash, you can still earn some extra money for Christmas! 

NOTE:  Moms with babies and toddlers are of particular interest to survey companies, and you may have more surveys available than others.

For those that pay fast, see the Top 5 “everyday-type” survey companies.  You can find these paid surveys online companies for free at  Free Survey Center.

1. Teens can earn their own money. Teens as young as thirteen (though many require fifteen years of age) can register for survey companies and earn money, points for rewards, or sweepstakes entries. Getting a chance to earn their own money affords them a sense of accomplishment, which gives them a great start toward independence and learning to manage their money.

2. Surveys encourage teens to focus and it fosters responsibility. Survey companies require you slow down and actually focus. You have to give thoughtful and responsible answers, or face getting booted from the survey and relinquish payment. Get booted out of studies too many times for rushing through, and not taking the research seriously, and suddenly you will not be receiving invitations from those panels anymore. Stay honest and responsible, and you increase your ability to earn.

3. Boosts self-confidence. Amongst a sea of disappointments your child will face in the teen years, nothing boosts self-confidence more than knowing that their thoughts and opinions actually mean something. Just hearing it from mom or dad sometimes is not enough. Getting compensated for expressing themselves is a wonderful way to make them feel important.

4. Gives them a taste of marketing and business. Whether consciously or sub-consciously, your teen will get a taste of how marketing and business work in their community, state or country. They will begin to notice different things about different products, and how they affect and relate to the environment around them.

5. Promotes money management and self-discipline. You may wonder how this fits in, but it actually does promote both of these positive qualities. Many research panels issue points for surveys taken. These points are redeemable for cash, prizes or other rewards. When you earn points you must earn to a certain level before redeeming or cashing in. The need to reach a certain level teaches them patience, and encourages them to be self-disciplined enough to continue until they have reached their goal. Money management runs side by side with this, as different rewards are priced according to their worth. Your teen can get a quick fix and get something right away, or learn to save and get something even more valuable.

We all try our best to raise our children to be responsible, self-sufficient and considerate adults. Paid survey panels are a great opportunity for teens to earn and learn. What better way to help them grow into themselves, than by teaching them to earn their own money, be responsible and contribute their opinions in an appropriate manner. Survey panels are a positive way for your teen to spend some of their time.

If you would like to earn some extra cash, or want your teen to, you can get your Free Paid Surveys List and complimentary money-making e-courses, or just check out the survey list for teens by visiting http://www.freesurveycenter.com