Happy Monday! I thought we'd kick off this week with another money post. I know I'm not the only one out there who loves to shop but also loves to save + have more money. "You know you're an adult when..." Lol 😜 Over the years I've found some easy, small ways to save when I'm spending that can add up big over time. The key for me is easy + hassle-free. I like saving money where I can but I also think it's important to remember you can be a penny wise and a pound foolish. Time is money so just keep it movin'. Also if you happen to be new-- this isn't sponsored or endorsed by anyone except me, hehe. I know money/finance topics can come across as gimmicky but these are tips + tricks that I actually use + have worked for me. Let's get into it!
You can find me on IG @TheKristenDiary
HOW I SAVE MONEY SHOPPING
EARNING CASH BACK- One of the biggest ways I save + have saved lots of money shopping over the years is by earning cash back. There are several ways you can do this, however I like to use cash back websites + apps. Essentially these are third-party sites that work with different retailers and stores to offer you (the customer) a % of cash back off of your purchase. You can shop at almost anywhere online (and some places in-store) and automatically earn money back on every purchase. The way it works is you log onto the site, select the store you're planning to shop at + then you shop and checkout directly on the store's website. The purchase is tracked by the cash back site + then added to your account.
There are several sites out there (Rakuten, TopCashback, Mr. Rebates, etc.). I've used a few over the years, however I only really use Rakuten. It's easy, they have tons of stores to choose from + they offer double cash back days/events where you can earn more. Getting paid is super easy too-- they can either send you either a check in the mail or deposit the money directly to a PayPal account. My most recent payment was $75! *PS-- if you look closely at the photo, you can see my lifetime earnings is close to $750! Told you it can add up over time!*
I've been a user for years + signed up all on my own but I do have a referral link if you're interested (not sponsored). If you use my code, you can get $20 back after spending your first $20 anywhere + I'll also get $20! Once you sign-up you also get a referral link so you could invite your friends + family. If you want to use my link, click here. If not, you can google or go to Rakuten.com to sign up :)
I also like using the Ibotta app to earn cash back for food + groceries. They offer cash back on tons of different grocery items + sometimes do freebies, etc. I also have a referral which I'll link here if you're interested.
TARGET REDCARD- If you love Target as much as I do, you need a Target RedCard! Once again, totally not sponsored. I've personally had one for over five years and absolutely love it. The benefit of signing up is that you get 5% off of every single Target purchase you make in-store or online. I shop at Target weekly + purchase most of my necessity items there so the savings add up fast. The 5% discount is automatically applied at checkout before you pay which also makes things super simple + easy. There are a few other perks that are nice too-- free 2-day shipping on most orders, special birthday/anniversary coupons, etc. I also like that you can sign up for either a Debit Card or a Credit Card. As far as I know, the benefits for either are the same. I personally have the Debit Card which just links to your bank checking account.
PRICE MATCHING- If I'm shopping at a big box store (usually Target) and another retailer has the same item for cheaper, I'll ask for a price match. A lot of the times online prices are less than in-store so it pays to check + hit up the customer service desk. I know personally that Target will also price match online orders via their chat system which is great. You also still get the extra 5% off if you have the RedCard so it's a win win.
Also be sure to keep an eye on what you've already bought. If the price goes down or on sale within a few weeks after buying, you usually can get a price adjustment.
BUY MORE, SAVE MORE- Okay I am not someone who buys in "bulk," however I do like a buy more, save more opp when it makes sense. I do this for things that I'm always using-- vitamins, tooth paste, deodorant, etc. A lot of the times Target (they really are the MVP) will do a buy 3, get one free deal or a buy X and get a $5 gift card on certain items. Since I know I'm going to use up 3-4 tubes of tooth paste within the next 8-12 months, I try to take advantage of these deals when they come up. It's also really nice having backups + not having to constantly buy every month or two!
Sam's Club + Costco also have some great deals + larger quantity packs that can help you save. I always buy my deodorant there in a 3-pack! Be strategic with this one because sometimes it's easy to get sucked into buying more of something that's a great deal when you don't really need or want it.
Those are just a few easy ways I like to save that have added up over the years! I hope you enjoyed this post-- let me know if I should keep doing more money + finance related content? Have a great week!
xx,
Kristen
Also read: MONEY MOVES I'M MAKING IN 2021
