How many of you look through magazines or newspapers to cut out coupons? But really, how many of you actually read a physical newspaper?
I may not have been a physical coupon clipper, but I am definitely a queen of digital couponing. Over the years, budgeting due to my graduate student salary has caused me to try a variety of money saving apps, websites, and rewards programs. I thought I would share my top favorite money saving resources and tips to hopefully save you a few bucks. (You know, the next time you see those must-have shoes.)
1. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is probably the best all-stop-shop. Available as an app or online, RMN is super easy to use and has almost any site imaginable. Just type in any store and RMN will bring up any online or in-store sales and promo codes that are currently available. RMN also shows how many people have used each coupon with success that day to let you know the coupon is actually active.
Recently, RMN now allows you to also earn cash back online at certain sites by simply opening the website through RMN’s site. Once a purchase is made, a certain percent is added to your account – simple as that. Whenever you’re ready to cash out with your cash back, you can link your account to venmo or paypal and RMN will send it to your account.
2. Rakuten/eBates
Similar to RMN, Rakuten (formerly eBates) is more an online resource than in store. When you open Rakuten, you can search a site and see if they are offering cash back. Available online or in an app, just open the site through Rakuten and you will earn the percent amount back after your purchase is verified.
Rakuten sends you what are called, “Big Fat Checks,” with your earnings every quarter. So if you do a lot of online shopping, definitely check this one out.
3. Ibotta
Ibotta used to only be for groceries, but has since expanded to include clothing stores and other miscellaneous stores. It is primarily used as an app where you can scan your receipt and receive cash awards for buying certain items. However, similar to Rakuten and RMN, Ibotta has started offering cash back at certain stores if you link your card and pay in-store using their app. This app does take a little more work, but for signing up you get a $10 bonus and you can cash out once you hit $20!
4. Unidays
If you are a student, and haven’t heard of Unidays, you’re missing out. Unidays is a money saving app/website that gives you student discounts just for verifying your school email. Many of these savings are promo codes that can be used online, although some stores have in-store coupons too!
5. Capital One Shopping
This one is newer to the couponing game but I have found it works super well at finding codes! Capital One Shopping is a site similar to Rakuten where it lists different stores and gives you a percent of your purchase back by shopping through their links. However, what I really love is their chrome extension. Their extension takes all the work out of finding codes and will auto-apply them to your cart when you go to check out. I find that Capital One finds some of the most codes too!
6. Sign up for all the rewards!
Never underestimate rewards programs. While not all rewards programs are created equal, there are some that really are worth it. American Eagle’s AEO Rewards (one of my favorites) earns you points every purchase for money off as well as birthday coupons. Over time, these kind of rewards stack up for places you shop at frequently.
If you’re worried about email spam from signing up, here’s a little hack – Make a folder on your email and when you get the first email from the store, automatically filter it to go to that folder and not your inbox. Then any time you need a coupon, you can search the folder instead of your trash bin!
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