Spending Money, Saving Money

The point is not to get rich. Nor is to go out to spend tons of money to watch the "savings" add up. The point is to save a little when you are going to be spending money anyway.  Every little bit counts.  And I think I've saved you a little work by finding things that have worked for me.  As all the hip bloggers do, I am disclosing that these are affiliate links.

Ebates:

Click through Ebates before you shop and get money back, in addition to your credit card cash back. Why wouldn't you sign up? The cash back percentage amounts vary among the stores and for some stores over time.  Even if it says Amazon is participating, it's for one small department like Men's Shoes. (But, hey, if you're in the market for men's shoes...)  but I've gotten money back for music, hotels, appliances, magazines, random eBay purchases, and of course, friends signing up.  Still waiting to hear if I've won a trip to Hawaii.

Money saved: $87.46 (6 months maybe?)

Ibotta:
Ibotta is a nifty app that helps you save money on groceries.  There are rebates for specific items like Method hand soap, for example.  But there are also "Any Brand," rebates for any chips or any milk or any sports drink you buy.  Just read the exclusions and unlock the rebate by completing a short task.  If you're not sure if an item qualifies, you can scan the barcode right there in the store to check.  When you get home, you'll be scanning your items and snapping a pic of your receipt to get your cash back.  Some stores (Rite Aid) are automatically linked with their loyalty card, and others (Walmart) all you have to do is scan the QR code on the receipt. Ibotta also offers bonuses related to the holidays and other incentives to encourage more spending.  So just be smart.  Don't spend money just to "save."  The last thing to know about Ibotta is that you are on a team and if we all complete that month's goal, we'll earn a small reward.

Money saved: $112.65 (about a year)

Paribus:  New to the scene, but what a great concept!  Some of my friends and family think that saving money takes a lot of time and effort.  This one does it all for you once you sign up!  It sees any online purchases you've made based on the receipts in your email, and if the price drops within the time a retailer will allow a price match (for example, a week), Paribus submits a claim for you, and gets the difference back for you.  They do take a small commission for their service, which you can lower by inviting people.  Mine is already down to no commission at all.  Some of the participating stores are Amazon, Macy's, NewEgg, Zappos, and BestBuy.

Money saved: $1.52 (one month...I only shop at Amazon)

Next up- Target Red Card, Cartwheel, Walmart Savings Catcher, and Inbox Dollars!