Tracking my money has opened my eyes. So far the bulk of my income goes towards clothes and food. Now that I know I can make changes accordingly.

I got my check from my research study, $205.30 into my extra income earned for the month! Yay, that will help with the areas I went over. I'm going to deposit it into my bank account today.

I also completed one more research study yesterday and I will be getting $50.00 in the mail. I looked up a few more last night, I'll send out emails today and see if they're still recruiting. Hopefully I can make some extra income for next month.

I also found $1 in the parking lot this morning!

I work in a major city near many hospitals, so I am exposed to numerous research studies. I've signed up for quite a few and they have always been a steady source of extra income. I not only like the idea of making some extra funds, I love knowing I have a small part in finding a cure or treatment for some disease.

Before I talk about where you can find research studies, I want everyone to be aware of what they entail (based on my experiences).

Sleep studies pay the most, but they are also the most demanding. Some are 1 week long others are 30 days long. You can get paid from $200 to $6000. You spend the entire time in the sleep facilities of the hospital and there are usually no windows, no cell phones, and no watches. You are not allowed to know the time. Some studies require you to be awake for 72 hours (at different times) while you lay in bed. There will be someone to entertain you so that you can stay awake during this time. You are allowed to read, play board games and maybe watch DVDs (no TV) in between testing. I've done a few and they are stressful.

Nutrition studies are fun because they provide you with meals. They usually require that you keep a food diary. They do not pay as much as the sleep studies but they are not as stressful.

There are sensory studies, they stimulate a sense (visual or auditory) and gauge your response. This might entail getting and MRI, while they play a certain type of music or after you watch a particular DVD. You may also do computer task to test your memory. These studies usually collect info that may help stroke victims who lose some sensory abilities.

All human studies (Clinical Trials) are approved by a certified board (IRB). You get a copy of the study protocol and numbers that you can call to verify that they are approved. This board makes sure that although some subjects may feel discomfort, no harm will come to the subjects because of this study.

If anything were to happen, the hospital will absorb all the health costs. If you have health insurance, they may work with them to cover the remaining costs. I have never had any issues where I needed further medical attention due to participating in a study. This is caution is geared toward people who have a preexisting condition and need more attention after the study.

These are just a few of many different types of studies that are out there. Here are a few more things you should know:

1. REIMBURSEMENT:
Many studies offer parking reimbursement if you drive in.
If you purchase any items because of the study, save your receipt, you will be reimbursed (You should ask the study coordinator at the screening visit about their reimbursement policy). For example: you are on a low carbohydrate diet study and buy Crystal Lite to drink with the prepackaged lunch your study provided.

2. THERE WILL BE BLOOD:
If you are afraid of blood draws or IV's then most (NOT ALL) research studies are not for you. They usually require blood and urine samples. The blood they take is less than what you would donate.

3. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO:
The study coordinator should go over the entire study (the risks and benefits) before you sign or commit to the study. They should also know your medical history and they do this by asking you a series of questions.
Before any blood draw the nurses/research coordinator should take your blood pressure and temperature.

4. SCREENING PROCESS:
You must qualify for the study and they determine your qualification via a telephone interview or a screening visit (sometimes you are paid for the visit).

5. KIDS CAN PARTICIPATE:
Parents can sign their kids up for studies. These are less invasive studies and require the parent be present for all study visits.

6. YOU CAN FIND A STUDY:
Some studies are very particular; they only want men, or only postmenopausal women, or premenopausal women, or women who are not on birth control etc. Just read the eligibility requirements before you call or email the recruiter.
If you are not healthy and have a preexisting condition, you can find a research study.

7. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF:
You should participate in a study that suits you. If you have a hard time staying on a diet, do not sign up for a calorie restricting nutrition study.

8. NO ONE CAN MAKE YOU DO IT:
Most importantly, you are a VOLUNTEER! Even if you are getting paid, you can withdraw at any time. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, do not hesitate to withdraw. If you do not like the nurse, request another or withdraw if the entire study team makes you uncomfortable.

Here are a few resources to find research studies in you area:

Craigslist: They are usually listed under et cetra jobs, volunteer section, or healthcare section. You can go to GOOGLE type: your city craigslist research.
Example: Boston craigslist research study

Clinicaltrials.gov: You can type in your city AND healthy.
Example: Boston AND Healthy


Browse your closest hospital's website. They most likely have a research study.

Universities, Medical, Psychological, Dental schools in you area are also conducting research studies. Go to their websites or type in the name of the school and "research studies."

Good luck if you look into studies and let me know if you have any questions. I'll try my best to answer them.