If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for some extra money. You’re willing to work but you want to be compensated for your time. You also want flexibility in your schedule. If this sounds like you, then paid surveys can be the answer.

Paid surveys are perfect for stay at home mothers. Obviously the extra money will help with the bills. They can also be quite fun. Of course, since surveys can be done online, the schedule is up to you. You can take surveys when the baby is sleeping, when the kids are out, or while watching TV with the family. It is really up to you. You’re in control.

To figure out if paid surveys are for you, it is important to ask the right questions. Below are the 5 questions moms should ask.

1. Is it really possible to get paid for taking surveys online? Explain this!

Surveys are legitimate. They are real. As a mom, you can make money from your home taking surveys online. According to the research, there are at least 6-7 million companies that survey consumers. They pay you for your opinions. Ultimately, they do this to figure out how to sell their products and services. You are helping them do research and they are paying you for it.

2. How much money can I earn? How many surveys can I take?

This is actually pretty simple. The amount of money you make is directly proportional to the effort you put in. In plain terms, the more surveys you take, the more you earn. Your monthly income will depend on what you do and how much time you spend. Some people are on top of the latest promotions and are in tune with the needs of marketing companies. They react quickly to survey requests. Based on the circumstances, it is possible to make $75 per hour or more for every hour, although this will vary. The key to maximizing you opportunities will be subscribing to a paid survey database.

3. How do I know this is legitimate and that I’ll get paid? Are there any guarantees?

Most paid survey and marketing research companies are legitimate. However, there are some scams. To find the best opportunities and to avoid scams, find survey databases that have good reviews. Some will require you to pay a small fee to join a paid survey database. They often offer many perks too, such as free ebooks on maximizing revenue and also form filling automation tools. Keep in mind that fraudulent companies will be quickly removed from the paid survey databases. Of course, you can look online for surveys, which will take time and in the long run could cost you more time and money than is worth.

4. How often will I be paid? How often will I be paid? Exactly how am I paid?

The companies administering the survey will usually pay you directly. Check the terms to see if you will get paid by check, paypal or direct deposit. I generally do not like to give my banking info so I opt to be paid by Paypal but on occasion, checks are the most logical option. It depends on the terms and limits. Some sites won’t pay by check unless you reach a payment threshold – the same with Paypal. Review the payment terms and see what will work for you. If the threshold to get paid is too high, you may opt to forgo that site for the time being. Find sites that pay promptly and the thresholds are low. That way you can test to see how often you get paid and how much. .

5. Why do paid survey databases charge a fee?

The simple answer is quality, safety and reputation. A small fee for subscription to a paid survey database will pay for itself in just a few days for active moms. The small fees also encourage serious applicants only. Consider it a screening process. This increases the quality of the database and increases the likelihood that companies will seek out the paid survey databases. It works better for everyone and actually drives up your chances for getting in on a good (high paying) survey. Some companies only work with a few paid survey databases, so again, your small subscription fee will give you better opportunities.

They are many opportunities out there for moms. With a little time and energy, and perhaps a small upfront investment for access to a paid survey database, you could be pulling down smart money every day.

There are also survey sites that give you “points” for participating.  See how you can exchange those points for products and if the products make sense to you and are things you need, you can test the waters with those sites. They generally do not charge a fee to participate. One site is IntellusPanel and you earn points for every survey you take. You can redeem those points for gift cards you can use to buy things.  It does take a while for the points to add up so again, review the terms and payment options.