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Top work from home jobs for Moms

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Kick Writers

After I had my daughter I wanted to earn extra money, but I knew I didn’t want to put my daughter in daycare to do it. I started looking for work from home opportunities and — after sifting through the scams and pyramid schemes — I was happy to see just how many great opportunities are out there that offer a flexible schedule and other features that were important to me as a mom. I ended up finding work that let me be the stay-at-home-mom I wanted to be while still bringing some income into the household.

A few of my friends asked if I could help them find something similar — here are a few of the best work from home jobs I found during my search.

Get Paid to Talk on the Phone

No, you won’t be chatting with your friends, but this is work almost anyone can do, and there are plenty of work from home customer service jobs out there. Many of these opportunities don’t even require past experience so as long as you have a little office space, you’re qualified!

Get started at: LiveOps.com, ariseworkfromhome.com, arise.com, windycitycallcenter.com, workingsolutions.com, careers.concentrix.com

Write the Next Great American Novel

Ok, not really. But if you have a knack for writing, graphic design, or some other creative talent, you may be able to find work as a freelancer on sites like Guru and Upwork. I did this, and I was able to earn some money while the kids were watching Frozen again.

Get started at: Upwork.com, Guru.com

Help Companies Market Their Widgets

I had a friend who had worked at an ad agency for years before she left the workforce to raise her kids. She missed the work, so she was pretty thrilled when she learned that there were many stay-at-home opportunities in the marketing field. She was able to find remote work with an agency that offered her the flexible schedule she needed. Plus, she never missed the kids getting off the bus!

Get started at: Guru.com, Upwork.com, Flexjobs.com, Jobspresso.com

Watch TV and Earn Money

Yes, there is more to it than that. You’ll also have to caption the videos that you watch. Some of the video caption companies that offer remote work don’t require any experience, and you set your own schedule. One mom who did this said she loved the fact that she was able to stop and start instead of having to work a set number of hours all at once. That’s something that any mom would appreciate!

Get started at: Rev.com, abercap.com/careers/, captionmax.com

Influence the Next Generation

Several of my friends are teachers who truly loved the work they did. One said she loved challenging the kids to be their best, and that she really missed it when she quit to stay home with her twin boys. When her twins were about a year old, she found a remote teaching job, and she’s been doing it ever since. She only works a few hours a day, but could work more if she wanted. She teaches kids in the U.S. and in other countries and calls her job “the best of both worlds,” because she gets to raise her boys and do the work she loves.

Get started at: t.vipkid.com.cn, apus.jobs, connectionseducation.com, tutor.com

Help Heal the Sick

Of all the remote opportunities I found, I have to say this one surprised me the most. I didn’t think there’d be any work-from-home jobs for my nurse friends, but I was wrong! One friend explained that she really just wanted a way to keep her skills sharp (she’s an RN) while also taking a few years away from her hospital job to spend time with her daughter. She landed a remote nursing job that lets her keep her skills up while still being home for every one of her daughter’s milestones!

Get started sykesassistance.com, piedmontcareers.org, altegrahealth.com/careers, 83bar.com

Have you found a great work from home opportunity? Tell us on twitter @Shopkick

Maximize your back to school savings

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Kick Writers

Back to school shopping lists these days contain a lot more than just boxes of pencils and crayons. There are folders, ear buds, school backpacks and sometimes even laptops that make up the growing list. If you have to shop for more than one child, it can feel like Christmas in August. Back to school shopping is big business and is expected to grow 4% in 2017 compared to 2016 sales. That’s saying a lot because back to school sales set a record last year. Although it is obvious people are spending money, you don’t have to break the bank to get your kids off to school. Knowing some saving tips as well as the best times to buy certain products can make all the difference if you’re hoping to get to the head of the class as a savvy shopper.

Back to School Clothes

Meet my New Bestie, “Clearance”

End of summer sales can be your BFF.

Since many kids go back to school at the end of August when the mercury is still rising, they’re still going to need summer clothes. You can get great deals on clearance racks with end of the season sales. Many of this merchandise starts getting marked down after Fourth of July. This is a great time to stock up for that first month or two of school.

Sales Tax-free Week

Many states have a sales tax-free week during the summer. This is when parents across the country flock to stores to take advantage of buying items like new school shoes, jeans, jackets and any other items. Since each state has different rules, it’s best to check out where your specific state stands so you can get the best deals and stretch your dollar. Many of these tax-free holidays land in late June and August.

Back to School Supplies

Take Stock

These days many teachers will send home a school supplies list the last day of school so students have all summer to get ready.

When you get the list first take stock of what you have at home and what is salvageable from the previous year. You may be surprised to discover how many things you don’t have to buy brand new.

Dollar “Dazed”

Once you know what you do need to buy, take a trip to your favorite dollar store and get dollar dazed by all of the school supplies. You can grab a good sized multi-pack of pencils, pens, erasers, and even crayons for just a buck each. Kids don’t need designer school supplies. As long as they write, get the job done, and don’t cost you a fortune, everyone’s happy. If you still want to hit the big-box stores, experts advise to go in July. There may be deals to be had there because retailers know everyone typically rushes to the store in August and many are not thinking back-to-school shopping while they’re still going to the beach in July.

Backpacks Don’t Need Characters.

Getting a new backpack for the start of the school year is a rite of passage. But, try not to get stuck in the character trap with your kids. According to Money magazine, backpacks, lunch bags and any other school supply with a character’s face are typically 20 to 30 percent more than plain items. If a themed backpack is a must have, experts advise telling your child he or she can decorate the bag with stickers or something else with a character face.

Price-Match

Don’t be embarrassed to price match. There’s nothing shameful about saving money, is there? Quite the contrary; saving money can give you a rush! If a store like Wal-Mart offers a price match policy, take them up on it, even for school supplies.

Timing is Everything

For big ticket items like laptops and notebooks, one of the best times to buy is between the last week of July and the first three weeks of August. Retailers know college-bound students and students even younger will be looking as they do their back to school shopping.

Since back-to-school shopping is often referred to as one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year, set a budget as you would during the holidays. Besides helping you save money, it will also teach your kids the value of a dollar and how to stretch it. Happy shopping and saving! Want to save more while shopping back to school? Download the Shopkick App to earn free gift cards while shopping.

How to get your kids interested in money management

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Kick Writers

For years, I tried to get my children interested in money management and saving their money for things they wanted. Mommy can’t always foot the bill for extravagant desires like those fidget spinners and the entire Major League Soccerball collection. Not too long ago I saw an article on social media about a young man who had invested in his favorite sneaker company with the help of his mother. The experience spurred his interest in further investment and he owned several stocks by the time the article was written.

Leverage what Your Kids are Interested in

That article got my wheels turning. My 15-year-old son loves video games, soccer, and his phone and my 13-year-old daughter loves books, electronics, music, and plays soccer as well. With a small allowance budget for each of them to utilize, I tasked them with researching the cost of shares in companies that relate to their hobbies. My son looked into Sony, T-Mobile, and Apple while my daughter opted for Amazon, Samsung, and Barnes and Noble. Based on their research, they determined how much a share was and how many shares they needed to buy in order to reach their goals. The best part of all of it was that investing in stocks gave them the chance for their money to actually grow — if they could exercise patience and did their research well.

Using Shares to Pay For Their Wish List Items

I was totally shocked with how committed they were to this project — I believe it was the fact that they’d be making money off things they interact with daily. My son loves the fact that he can sell shares at any time if he wants to buy the newest video game or some costly new shoes. He wears a size 12 by the way. Size 12’s are NOT cheap! And on my daughter’s wish list when she’s ready to cash in a few shares? A rabbit and a guitar. What a combination!

Starting Early in Money Management

The sooner you educate your children on the benefits of investing and saving, the better. Start them young and they’ll develop good habits that will shape their spending and saving as adults — I sure wish I had received more education on investing and saving when I was my kids’ age!

How to Set Up a Stock Exchange Account for Your Kids

To get started you should do some more research on investing to determine which account option is right for you and your children. Talk to your bank or a local credit union, investigate online trading websites and stock brokers — some of them may have low fee plans for minors. If you have a 401K or IRA plan, see if they have a way to involve your kids. Find out whether the shares will be in your name (and will need to be transferred when your kids turn 18), and how the fees and taxes will work. With a proper plan and education, your kids will be on their way to buying you your dream car in no time!

10 free summer activities for the kids

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Kick Writers

Ahhh, summer. You’ve been waiting for it to roll around since it ended last year. The sun is shining and everyone seems to be in a better mood — but two dreaded words from your kids can switch that mood faster than you can say summer vacation.

“I’m bored.”

What do you do to battle that summer boredom? Since every day can’t be a trip to the zoo, it’s important to find other summer activities that won’t cost you a penny. Sound good? It’s time to get on board the free summer activity train!

Park it at the Park.

Parks are a great place to spend the day with the kids. From swings to slides to sandboxes, you won’t hear “I’m bored” until you get home!

Pack a lunch and some snacks and make a day of it. Don’t forget the sunscreen! If you frequent the same park often enough chances are you and your kids will also make new friends. It’s a win-win!

Make a Splash.

Splash pads and local beaches are a great way to keep busy for free. You may hit a speed bump when it comes to parking. But, you can usually side-step any parking fees by parking on side streets and walking a bit. Get your exercise and beach time in all at once.

Sea Shell Art.

While you’re at the beach have the kids pick up some sea shells. They’re free!

Bring them home and make pictures by gluing them to cardboard, or decorate old picture frames. This is a boredom buster that can linger throughout the summer.

Take a Hike.

Hikes are a great way to get outdoors and exercise during the summer.

Find a local trail that’s not too difficult for the kids. Bring along plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen and you’re ready to take a hike.

Don’t Pass up Free.

Check your local library for free passes to museums and other attractions. Benefactors sometimes donate free passes that you can borrow throughout the summer. It’s a great way to turn a $100 trip into a free one in just a matter of minutes!

Free Summer Jammin’.

Many local communities hold free concerts throughout the summer.

Do some digging at your local Department of Parks and Recreation to see what’s planned. Pack a picnic and make it a night of family fun for free!

Visit a Farm.

Kids and animals go together like peas and carrots. Check out local farms in your area.

See what animals are around. Many times you’re allowed to bring along food for feeding.

It’s Library Time.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the learning and reading stop.

Check out your local library for books as well as free events. Many libraries host craft events and free movie viewings. Read a book for free and get involved with activities that are available in your area.

Take the Time to Volunteer.

Got some free time on your hands? Want to teach your kids valuable lessons while keeping them busy? Volunteering is a great way to do this. Summer is the perfect time to take part in beach and park clean-up days. Keep your eyes and ears open for events near you.

Free Workshops.

Stores like Lowe’s hold free build and grow workshops on Saturdays. These events teach kids the skills to make so many projects. Hammer out boredom during these workshops! Be sure to sign up in advance. While you’re there, earn your kicks with our Shopkick app!

Who said summer fun had to break the bank? There are plenty of free activities for kids that will leave you wondering what took you so long to find them!