MKTESTMERGE: A Proverbs Wife $$$ Tips & Links

I am super excited to have a guest interview today! Saidah writes at AProverbsWife.com, where she shares her journey in modeling herself after Proverbs 31:10-31. She writes about how scripture molds her into being a better Christian, wife, and mother. You’re sure to be inspired by reading her blog. She also shares some really great coupons and bargains there. You can also find her chatting it up with her readers Facebook and Twitter.

How did you get started clipping coupons and participating in online surveys?

I began using coupons and taking surveys in 2008 as a means to stretch my husband's income. Our budget was extremely tight and I decide to help my husband by being a better steward over our grocery budget. He was totally against me working outside of the home so, instead of trying to make money I decided to start helping us save money. Shortly after learning to use coupons I began investigating ways to make money from home. One of the ways that intrigued me was giving my opinion for compensation. I didn't know if anyone could really make money taking surveys, but once I signed up for my first survey company, I was convinced that it was something I could do. I'd spend a little time each week taking surveys and then cash out at the end of each month.

How much time do you spend per week on the above? If you could put a dollar amount per hour that you spend, what would you estimate earning potential to be?

I don't spend as much time taking surveys anymore because I have other streams of income that require my attention, but when I began I'd spend about 2-3 hours a week taking surveys. In this time I would earn anywhere from $150 - $200 a month. It's not a whole lot, but it allowed me to help put the "budge" back into our budget. Now I make less. In February I made $50 taking surveys.

How do you balance your online activity with your other homemaking responsibilities?

My computer is on a great deal of the day from October - January, simply because there are so many amazing deals and I want my readers to be able to shop for Christmas a frugally as possible. I am a firm believer that with a little bit of planning Christmas gift can be paid for without breaking the budget. I know from experience that it can even be funded for FREE. The remaining months of the year, I pray a lot and talk with my husband about my schedule.

I never feel like I'm balancing well but I do have a schedule. I am a master schedule writer and chief life organizer (in my mind. However, I understand that no amount of scheduling will ever be perfect unless God creates it. This is why I pray regularly for direction and guidance about the way that I use my time, how I interact with my family and about my blog.

How do you find all those amazing deals?

I find many deals right in my inbox. I am partnered with some great affiliate companies and brands who send deals and offers to my inbox daily. I also have amazing blog friends and readers who forward deals to me as well. You'd be surprised to know that I find amazing coupons codes and FREE sample offers in magazines or while watching television. As a blogger who posts deals so often, I don't look at everything the way most people do. I'm always looking for a deal. For instance, while watching a television ad, I heard about a new chicken sandwich variety, but at the end of the commercial I also heard, "Come on in and get a FREE sample". When I find offline deals I usually make a note to confirm them and post the offer on my blog.

What advice would you give to newbies?

To new bloggers I would say make the choice earlier on who you will worship. Blogging can be a popularity contest filled with many "in-crowds". It can also be a field that can put you in a position to be idolized. This being the case, I advise choosing early on to honor God in everything you do. If you decide to monetize your blog never put money before your readers and if you do, be swift to apologize for any lapse in judgment.

What's the most challenging part of your typical week?

The most challenging is balancing it all.

I love time with God.
I love time with my family.
I love homeschooling.
I love blogging.
I love homemaking.

These areas of my life threaten to overtake one another on a daily basis. That's the most challenging part of my week. Keeping everything in it's proper proportion.

What's the most exciting part of your typical week?

It's different every week. One week it could be learning that a company has decided to partner with me on a project. Another week it could be a surprise date night with my husband or a special quiet moment with the Lord. It varies and I'm easily excitable.

What excited me this week was my daughter scoring a 90% on her spelling test for the second straight week. This is huge because she is a delayed reader due to dyslexia. That's what excited me this week.

What role does frugality play in your faith walk?

My family uses every opportunity to save so that we can give more away. We endeavor to be debt FREE because we know that God can't use our finances as long as we are in debt. Our family goal is to live simply and pay off our mortgage so that we can be available for God's use in the international missionary field.

What do you do for "down time" entertainment/ relaxation?

The ultimate downtime is reading the Bible and listening to Christian music. It is the one activity that leaves me rejuvenated and inspired. Other things I enjoy are spending time with my family and gardening. While I'm not that great in the garden, I just like being outdoors close to Gods creation. It humbles me to watch the growth cycle of the earth. Once you've experienced it, it's hard to deny the sovereignty and existence of God.