This is a guest post from Money Saving Methods. It originally appeared on Coupon Cravings.

My name is Carrie and I am the author of Money Saving Methods. And, if you couldn’t tell from the title of my blog, I write about different methods I use to save and earn money from home. I am a stay-at-home (blogging) mom raising 3 kids (4, if you count my husband!).

Although saving is an essential part of financial well-being for your family (I love coupon shopping, sale shopping, etc.), so is earning extra money from home. If you track both together, you can make a substantial impact on your family finances, and every little bit helps.

So, I would like to share a few of my favorite money-makers.

1) Surveys. These can be money-makers that you do at your own convenience. Not only do you get to give your opinion, but you get paid. At times, you will get items to test at home or be invited to participate in focus groups. Some of the companies even give you a bit of money when you complete your pre-screening questions for each survey.

The key with Surveys is to NOT pay for any of these companies online that promise you will make a living doing this. I am here to tell you that it won’t happen. You will make money, but a realistic amount. Many people save up their earnings and cash out during the holidays to help pay for holiday shopping.

2) Mystery Shopping. Do you like to shop? What about going out to eat at restaurants with your family? If you do, Mystery Shopping is a wonderful way to make some extra money or get free dinners out, etc.

If you apply with legit (never pay) companies, you will begin to receive shop requests daily that you can apply for and, if accepted, complete. One of my readers recently got a $450 Gym membership for free just for filling out a report each month. How fun is that?

My favorite shops are always dinner shops, as I can bring my whole family…kids included. Other times, my husband and I have gone to very nice and expensive restaurants we would not have frequented otherwise. And, my kids favorites? The pizza shops!

3) Bank Offers. Do you see all those advertisements for $100 free to open a new checking account or $50 free to set up a savings account? Most of these have very easy stipulations to meet and before you know it, you have free money in your account. And, as many people don’t realize, they usually do soft pulls on your credit, so they do NOT affect your credit score. Yay!

The other benefit, you will find many banks have wonderful programs that might actually interest you and be beneficial financially. It is worth trying these institutions out and getting a bonus.

4) Online Offers. My all time favorite. I have been doing these for 3 years and have made a very nice income off of them…approx. $20,000. Next time you see a pop-up advertisement online for a free Plasma TV, don’t automatically assume it is a scam. Of course, research to make sure it is a legit company, or check my site, but consider how much extra money you could make for your family with these.

I just received a $500 VISA Gift Card in the mail a few weeks ago. And, to top it off, my readers’ accumulated earnings for March were over $11,000 in free money, 2 Wii’s and 2 Wii Fits. It is the most exciting earning opportunity from home! I can’t speak highly enough about these companies.

These are just a few of the money makers I enjoy and utilize for my own family each year. Don’t forget, there are ways to make money each and every day. Do you have a checking account? Is it a High Interest account? If not, you are losing out on money for something you use every day.

Do you grocery shop? Fill your car up with gas? If so, are you utilizing a credit card that pays maximum out on these services? We have a card that pays 5% and 3% back on these. Of course, we pay them off in full each month!

And, remember, as I said earlier, every little bit helps! When you combine earnings and savings together, the impact to your own family can be amazing!