I can't even tell you how excited I am to be doing a guest post here on Lydia's blog. I have been an avid reader of her blog for quite some time now. I totally did a happy dance when she asked me to do this post. OK, fan girl moment over, here's what I am here to talk to you guys about.

How would you like to buy Christmas presents for your family without spending a dime?

Or go out to eat for free? Who wouldn't, right?

My family and I have been on our debt free journey for 2 years now. During this long journey to pay off debt, I have discovered some easy ways to earn gift cards to help us out with holidays, eating out, household necessities and even groceries.

1. Swagbucks

I use Swagbucks everyday. It is very easy to earn points (aka "Swagbucks") using the tools provided by their website.

Once you have earned enough Swagbucks you can redeem them for actual bucks, in the form of gift cards. I usually complete surveys to rack up points quickly. Surveys give you the most points for the least effort. You won't qualify for each one and that's OK, the surveys are always changing and there can be as many as six or more out there each day - just for you. I also use Swagbucks as a search engine. Just for searching the net like I do any other time I can earn points.

When I am online shopping I always check Swagbucks first because you can earn points for buying what you normally would anyway just by clicking through on their shopping page. I have gotten gift cards to Amazon, Subway, Old Navy, Walmart and even Whole Foods.

There are many other ways to earn.

2. Online Surveys

There are a ton of survey companies out there. Each one has a rewards system. When you complete a survey, you earn points towards rewards.

They are usually quick and always easy. Sometimes they will even send you a free product to try out. I have tested everything from shampoo to frozen pizza! My favorite sites are:

3. Health Insurance

A lot of health insurance companies are offering programs to keep you healthy and earn rewards in the processes. With my health insurance I earn points for taking 10,000 steps a day, doing a workout, going to the doctor for a check up and taking a nutrition class online. I can redeem those points for get Amazon or Target gift cards.

Check your provider's website or give them a call to see if they offer a healthy rewards program.

I don't know if every health insurance company offers a program, but here is a list of some of the major companies that do offer one: Humana, Aetna, GEHA, Dean Health Plan, Unity, Cigna and Blue Cross.

4. Screenwise Trends Panel

Screenwise Trends Panel is an app you can install on a smart phone or tablet. They collect some information for google about what apps you have and how you use them. This one might not be for everyone.

We are participating in a study run by the same company and have never, ever had an issue so I feel confident recommending it. You earn money every week you keep the app installed and can turn that money in for gift cards at many different places. One of those places is Starbucks ( mmmmm caffeine).

I really hope this list will help some of you keep a little of that hard earned cash in your pocket.

What about you? Where do you score free gift cards?

Courtny is a wife to one , mother to two and a lover of all things frugal. She is a Youtuber and blogger who is sharing her and her family's journey as they pay off all of their debt and even have some fun on the way.

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