Ways to Save

Hello friends!

I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly trying to find a way to cut down on various spending categories so I have more cash to burn on fun things like vacation. =)

I also know that eating healthy and purchasing meat-free and dairy-free alternatives isn’t always the cheapest, but it’s also not as expensive as most people think (or at least it doesn’t have to be!)

Here are my favorite easy ways to save! Enjoy!

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1. Coupons – Not all coupon websites are created equal. Find the ones that work for you and forget the rest! 

• Coupons.com
  • This is the mecca of coupon websites. There are lots and lots of coupons stocked daily. Note, you can only print two of each coupon per computer.
• GrocerySmarts
  • Have you been wishing for a coupon search engine? You’re in luck – Grocery Smarts has a simple search bar where you can locate specific savings.
• Redplum.com
  • Includes less coupons than coupons.com, but it often includes some that you won’t find anywhere else.
• The Coupon Lady
  • I subscribe to this weekly e-mail digest. There are plenty of ‘coupon’ ladies out there, but I like this one the best. She tends to send store specific lists, once a week she features deals at Whole Foods, and I generally look forward to these emails (and it takes a lot for me not to hit unsubscribe.)

2. (free) Phone Apps – At first I was skeptical, but these apps are legitimate!

• Ibotta
  • This was my first and favorite rebate app. You simply review the current deals available at various stores and select those you wish to use. The app will have you watch a quick video or ask a simple question to ‘unlock’ your rebate. Then you go shopping. Once you return home, you take a picture of the product barcode and receipt. Once you earn $5 you can request a transfer via Paypal.
    • One of the neatest things about Ibotta – and that sets it apart from competitors – is that you can earn more cash by building your team. If you and your teammates complete monthly goals, you get cash bonuses! Join my team!

• BerryCart
  • Very similar to Ibotta with a few exceptions. This app is not tied to any retailers, and it only includes healthy, mostly non-GMO, organic product rebates. Some favorites have been Beyond Meat and Califia Almond Milk.

• CheckOut 51
  • This is another good app which isn’t tied to any specific retailers. However, there is a $20 threshold before you can cash out, and Checkout 51 will actually mail you a check.

• CoinOut
  • This one is simple. Just snap your receipt and get a random amount of pennies. Then cash out to you bank, Amazon, or PayPal.

• Dosh –
  • Save on hotels, restaurants, online and in person retailers, and more!
  • Use my code JOCELYR68 for a referral bonus.

• Drop –
  • I LOVE DROP. Let me say it again. I LOVE DROP. You simply link your credit cards and pick five places where you frequently shop and earn points that build up to gift cards. My stores are Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Target, Whole Foods, and Sephora.
  • Get a $5 welcome bonus when you use my referral code – g0wex

• Fetch Rewards –
  • This app is very simple so I love it! All you do is snap a picture of your receipt and earn points towards gift cards!
    • There are two primary ways to earn points: (1) normal receipt scans at a variety of retailers and (2) bonus points for certain brand purchases.
  • *Join me and earn 1,500 points when you use my referral code (BU7GX). That’s $1.50 in free points! Download the app at http://www.fetchrewards.com

• ReceiptPal –
  • Simply snap your paper receipts, or connect your email or Amazon account, and you’ll earn points for every receipt. You can redeem your points for gift cards from retailers like Amazon.com and more.
• SavingStar
  • This app works by having the user select all grocery stores she frequents, as well as, add loyalty card information. The app then allows you to ‘double up’ on savings. Any e-coupon or rebate that is redeemed at the store will actually end up on your SavingStar account (e.g. the amount does not come off of your grocery total).
  • You can cash out once you reach $5, and the app allows you to use Paypal, claim an Amazon gift card, or select to donate your rebates to a variety of charities.

• Shopkick
  • This is a bit unique. This app allows you to earn rewards points called “kicks” a few ways:
    • (1) just by walking into certain stores;
    • (2) in-store by scanning the barcodes various products; or
    • (3) by purchasing certain items.
  • Kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to a variety of stores, and the Kicks can add up quickly. In fact, 500 kicks will net you a $2 Target gift card. If you’re already out shopping, why not give this a shot?

• MobiSave
  • This app offers savings in a variety of categories including food, health, baby, beauty, household, and pet care. While it doesn’t specialize in vegan or organic fare, occasionally it does include some good offers.
  • The good news is that this app isn’t tied to certain stores. You can shop anywhere.
  • Additionally, there is no minimum amount before payout. Simply link your Paypal account and get paid within 24 hours.

3. (free) Product Review Programs – This will take some time, but the pay off is worth it.

• Influenster
  • This is a product review program that I’ve been a part of for the past two years. The premise of the platform is to enable people to discover products, share reviews and honest opinions, and occasionally test products based on your own social media influence, too.
  • Each month, Influenster ships out  “VoxBoxes” which include a handful of free products. I’ve been lucky enough to receive ~5-6 boxes since I joined the program.  (That’s $300+ worth of free products for sharing reviews and participating in the program).
    • See my complete blog post on Influenster.

4. Web browser plug ins.

• Ebates
  • Ebates is a program that rewards you for shopping online. In return, they get to collect consumer information such as where you’re shopping.
  • The program allows members to earn up to 25% cash back on various purchases, but typically, you’ll save around 5%. There are over 1,200 participating stores, and there are no gimmicks, no fees, and no mail in forms.
    • Join with my link and get $10.00 automatically!

• Swagbucks
  • This online savings platform allows you to earn points called SB. These points can be redeemed for merchandise or gift cards. (Tip: Each month you can cash in 2,200 points for a $25.00 Amazon gift card; additional $25 Amazon gift cards will cost 2,500). For a limited time, you can earn 2,500 points if you sign up for Hulu ($7.99/mo).
    • If you join using my referral you can earn up to $5.00 just for signing up!

I hope this helps you pocket a little extra cash this year so you can spend money on more things you enjoy!

Cheers!