Talk about a pleasant surprise!
By Yuki
@yukimori (10193)
United States
September 1, 2016 3:19pm CST
The transmission on our washing machine went out about a week and a half ago. I'd resigned myself to probably having to run out to the laundromat a few times in the next couple of weeks because we don't quite have enough in our sinking fund to be able to afford the new washer we've picked out.
Anyway, I happened to go hunting through my email for something this morning and realized that I had a $10 Amazon gift card from a panel I joined a few years ago. It's been a while since I checked any of my panel accounts (you literally set them up and then forget about them, for the most part), so I logged into the Cross Media Panel... and found that my balance was nearly at $120! 
I found another $25 worth of points in my Nielsen rewards account, plus I have more than the $20 minimum to cash out a gift card on Ibotta, too. With the handful of odd jobs I've picked up for today and tomorrow, I think we just might be able to swing the washer purchase this pay period instead of waiting for the next one to roll around. Good thing, too... I hate going to the laundromat! 
I found another $25 worth of points in my Nielsen rewards account, plus I have more than the $20 minimum to cash out a gift card on Ibotta, too. With the handful of odd jobs I've picked up for today and tomorrow, I think we just might be able to swing the washer purchase this pay period instead of waiting for the next one to roll around. Good thing, too... I hate going to the laundromat! 11 people like this
12 responses
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
2 Sep 16
when i was at the supermarket today, i asked them to check my rewards points and i was surprised that i now had more than 200 pesos in it. i also remember that i still have 2 gift certificates worth 100 pesos each, so it's nice to know i have them as backup.
3 people like this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
2 Sep 16
That's great! Our reward program is probably a bit different here... at the store we usually shop at, we earn points each month that can be redeemed at their gas station. They don't carry over from one month to the next, but I had enough points for a $0.30/gallon discount when I filled up the car yesterday. 
2 people like this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
2 Sep 16
@shaggin Kind of. It's a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, and there are also apps available for Android and iOS devices.
The Android app requires a ton of permissions, but I just use it on an old phone I use for my morning alarms so they're not really getting a ton of data from me.
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
1 Sep 16
Wow that is great! I am happy for you that you will be able to get one. We go to the laundromat and I hate it as well.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
5 Sep 16
@yukimori Yes I know VERY well how that goes! Lol. The kids don't like going at all. And it does cost a lot too. Ugh.
2 people like this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
5 Sep 16
I think I'd like it better if it didn't seem to cost us $30 every single time we go in. 
Of course, not having to drag the kids with me when I go helps, too... you probably know how that goes. Laundromats are boring, so they start bouncing off the walls. 
Of course, not having to drag the kids with me when I go helps, too... you probably know how that goes. Laundromats are boring, so they start bouncing off the walls. 2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
1 Sep 16
Wow you have a good few rewards with which to shop with my friend.
Yes use them for your desired machine.
2 people like this
@CinnamonGrl (7086)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
1 Sep 16
That is wonderful! It makes me wonder how many old accounts I have out there that might have something in them. I have started and then abandoned SO much online. But mos tof the survey stuff, I gave up because I could never seem to qualify.
I'm glad you discovered enough funds to get the washer. You're right, the laundromat is not a good option.
1 person likes this
@yukimori (10193)
• United States
5 Sep 16
Those surveys can be such a pain in the neck.
If you can find a banner for Pinecone Research online, sign up for them. They only send their panelists surveys they're prequalified for, so you can complete every single one they send to you. They're one of the best ones I've ever joined. VIP Voice and Harris Poll are pretty good, too.
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
5 Sep 16
Good for you. I hate using the laundromats too, but I had to do that a year or so ago when we had a clog in the drain pipe near the washer. We finally got that fixed and have been able to do the wash here since then.
What type of accounts is that where you set up a panel and don't have to do much with them? I've not heard of that before.
