Needless to say that in the past ten years, that last one has been hard to attain, so I find myself doing lots of online shopping these days. Yes, I do still feel like I'm missing out on searching for the bargains in the store, but I have come up with a system that allows me to feel like I'm scouring the back aisles right from my own laptop. I'll walk you through it.
Step One: Flipp App
I have this on my phone. It gives me all the local ads and allows me to search for items. I had access to black Friday ads to some stores almost two weeks before black Friday! Then I can type in what I'm looking for in the search bar and it will bring that item up in all the ads. (This is also really nice when Danny wants
Step Two: The Krazy Coupon Lady (or the app)
When I'm doing bunches on online shopping (like for a major holiday) I'll pull up the website and see if there is a store I need to go to. Usually there isn't anything in the store that I can't get online. But, it also tells me where the best deals are on the things I'm looking for and gives me shopping scenarios so that I get those deals. For instance, just knowing about a rebate at Kohl's saved me $72 on some items and got me the best deal (by far) on another high price item. Plus, then I knew about the $15 Kohl's cash for each $50 spent, the 15% off coupon code, and the free shipping over $50. Definitely worth a quick stop by.
Step Three: Rakuten (or the app)
(formerly Ebates)
Once I know where I'm ordering from I head to Rakuten and type in the store name. By going through them I earn a percentage back on my purchase. Sometimes it's not much, but around the holidays they usually have higher percentage rates. For that same Kohl's purchase, I got an extra $10.29 back! And they send me a check! I don't have to request it or anything. It just comes in the mail.
Sign up using this link
and get $40 added to your account when you make a $40 purchase somewhere. Easy!*
Step Four: Load Your Cart
With whatever it is you plan on buying. Go to checkout and enter any coupon codes you found on The Krazy Coupon Lady (or check www.retailmenot.com for some if you don't have any). DO NOT CHECK OUT AT THIS POINT! You just want to see what your total is going to be.
Step Five: Raise.com (or the app)
Open a new tab, go back to Rakuten and go to Raise.com. Search for the store you are shopping at. Most stores have discounted gift cards or vouchers that you can buy online. Get the one closest to your total amount trying not to go over (unless it is a store you shop at often and you know you will use the excess). Buy the gift card. You may save 1% but I've saved up to 6% depending on the store. And because I started at Rakuten, I'm also earning money on the purchase of the gift card. Then when I apply that gift card I will earn the money from the store I am actually shopping at. Double savings! My gift cards have all been emailed vouchers that can be printed or the card number copied and pasted. It says it can take up to 24 hours for a card to come through, but after a purchase I just click on my Raise.com account and it's always been there.
Also, January is a great time to buy gift cards to regular places you shop. Think of all the people who got cards they will never use. Or sell yours! All of them have been verified so there is no risk of getting a dud.
Use this referral link
and get $5 with your first purchase within a month of signing up. Free money!
Step Six: Complete your purchase
Use the gift cards you just bought and know that you just saved money and got the best deal around!
And that's how I do it! I am sorry I can't be more specific about the Kohl's purchase to walk you through it, but it is Christmas after all and there could be gift recipients reading this. I like to think they do anyway! :D
*By following my links I may earn a bonus for your referral, but I'm recommending these sites because they save you money, not because I can earn some.*
Do you have any secrets for saving even more money? Tell me!
And be sure to follow me for more money saving ideas all year.
