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Browsing posts in: Spending Money

Pet Spending – Ask for It

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I’m sure this post is going to have readers slapping their foreheads at my decisions and priorities again. So just wanted to start off by saying, I realize that spending money on pets is not everyone’s priorities, and I feel that I have fairly reasonable boundaries on acceptable spending in this category.

I have 5 dogs. Down from 7 earlier this year. Their food costs around $150 per month. And once a year, they all get the required shots which typically runs about $30-50 per dog at the local Tractor Supply.

My Heart Dog

Addie is my heart dog. I got her off Facebook as a puppy for free about 2/1/2 years ago. And fell in love.

I don’t know if the statement about having a favorite child applies to dogs, but she is hands down my favorite. She has travelled with me to Texas twice this year, sleeps with me, sits with me when I’m working, crying, whatever.

A few weeks ago, during one of my “most broke” weeks, I needed to take Addie to the vet. I had held out as long as I could, tried all sorts of over the counter remedies, etc. but it became apparent that nothing was working. I was about a week out from getting another paycheck. And had no money.

I called the vet to make an appointment. After letting them know the symptoms, etc. they asked if I could bring her that day. Of course, I could, I’ve got a lot of time on my hands in the afternoons. But I couldn’t pay them, anything.

I was upfront about the financial situation and asked if I could write a post-dated check. The receptionist said she would have to check and would call me back.

Addie - Hope's Sharpei mix

In the end, they agreed to accept the post-dated check, and Addie was seen that afternoon. She was put on anti-biotics, steroids, and another medication. Two weeks later, she is right as rain. And this dog mama is so relieved.

That post-dated $200 check hurts in a lot of ways financially. But for my mental and emotional health – worth every single penny!

Pet Insurance

When we got Cali, Sophie and Murphy 6 years ago from the Humane Society, they came with 1 year of “pet insurance” or something like that. Murphy was Princess’ dog, a Chihuahua that was OLD when we got him. Within a week, he was having seizures and come to find out also heart issues. That “insurance” covered NOTHING. It was such a waste, so I’m glad it wasn’t an expense.

But since then, I don’t even consider health insurance for pets. Do you?

Chihuahua Murphy

Princess and Murphy when I went to pick him up from her at school to bring him home to say goodbye

I am so blessed to have had very healthy animals. And when the dogs were fosters, all those expenses were covered anyways. We had to let go of Murphy earlier this year. I cannot remember if I wrote about it. He had been living with Princess at school and it was time. I am so grateful for the compassionate and affordable service the Humane Society provided when it was time to say good bye. He is buried in our side yard.

What is your personal experience with pet health insurance? And how do you cap what you spend on your furry family members?

Prolific – Participate in Research Studies

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As you know, I am looking for any and all ways to make money. Prolific research surveys is one of my more recent attempts. Here’s my initial review after one day on the site.

Sign Up

Sign up was super easy. The technology was seamless, easy to do on a phone or a computer, and didn’t take too long. My only caveat is that the first time I attempted to join, they essentially said they weren’t looking for any more participants and put me on a wait list.

Thankfully, I got an email within 24 hours of that initial inquiry that they were open to more participants and I jumped in.

First Day Participation

I spent a good hour on the site my first day. This included time to take some of their “vetting” surveys which you do not get paid for and then about 10 paid research surveys. The technology was SO EASY and clean. I love clean feel of their site.

You pick a survey, agree to the terms, and get started. You do have to make sure you have your prolific id and such as they take anonymity pretty seriously. And make sure you are choosing studies that are accessible on whatever your device is. I tried some on my phone that required desktop and that will disqualify you although for the most part, the tech caught me and pushed back. (It was an honest mistake in this case, but a good test.)

Prolific dashboard

Most of the surveys are mindless. Like you could sit in front of the TV with you computer and just survey away. I had plenty to do.

Later that Day

I jumped back on later on my first day, and there were no surveys available. So I don’t know if I’ve been vetted out of a bunch of them or if it was just late in the day so typical researchers weren’t submitting new ones. This might indicate that later in the day is not a good time to try this one.

Earnings

For my full hour of work, I earned right at $6.50. And that did include some non-paid time for the vetting surveys. A little disappointing. But it was so easy and such a nice tech experience, I will spend some more time here and see if I can up my income.

I haven’t tried cashing out yet. In some cases, you have to wait for your submission to be approved for payment.

Overall Review

I LOVE the experience on this site. It’s clean, easy, and straightforward. And it’s true research which is way more comfortable to me versus playing games to get to certain levels. I am hopeful I can make some decent money for an hour or two of work each day, but it may be limited by being able to work during the day when researchers are active. Only time will tell.

I’ll continue trying it out for the next couple of weeks and report back. If you try it out, let me know your thoughts and any tips or tricks you may have learned.