Money: September 2007 Archives

Working Moms I talk to are always trying to squeeze in more time at home, while the stay at homers are always looking for new ways to make a little cash. One nice way to do that if you have the time is by participating in focus groups.

Here's an example from Jen Levinson's list today: Harriet at Trotta and Associates is looking for a few moms with kids between 2-4 to participate in a study on beverages (if you purchase juice boxes, this is perfect for you).

The groups usually take less than an afternoon, and typically pay $100-$200. Easy money, and it's a real activity for the kiddies (multitasking in action!).

Anyone can go to these marketing groups' Web sites, fill out a profile, and then get on their list of go-to Moms. And as any marketer will tell you, Moms are responsible for making the bulk of spending decisions in most households. Advertisers have finally discovered this, so as a Mom, you are highly sought after for your opinions about what you buy.

Here are a few more resources for those interested in focus groups:
Craigslist lists tons of focus groups (under event gigs)
Paid Surveys

What's in your wallet?
A whopping 47 percent of U.S. parents can't afford to put their kids through college, according to results of a poll released today by consumer finance site Bankrate. Of the more than 1,000 parents surveyed, eighty six percent of parents expect their children to go to college, and about 40 percent said they'd get a second job to help make it happen.

I must admit, we have blown off college savings for the moment because we're too busy scrambling to pay rent in 2007 Los Angeles (need I say more). I guess that can't be an excuse forever, but I suspect a lot of parents in this area are struggling enough with retirement savings, let alone squirreling money away for higher education.

Bankrate's advice? Work the scholarship system and try to get a free ride.