Hello, fellow savvy spenders! If you’ve ever wondered if those people who claim to save tons of money online are part of an elaborate scam, well, think again. Today, I’m spilling the beans on how I keep my wallet happy through a combo of apps and sites that turn everyday activities into cash and free travel. And yes, they're all legit. So buckle up, because I’m about to guide you through my top six money-saving sanctuaries!
1. Swagging All the Way with Swagbucks
Let’s kick things off with Swagbucks, where I’m basically getting paid for my procrastination skills. This site offers me the chance to take surveys, complete daily tasks, and rack up what they call "Swagbucks." It’s almost like finding loose change under the couch cushions, but instead, it's online, and there's no dust involved. After accumulating enough Swagbucks, I trade them in for gift cards (hello, Amazon shopping spree!) or cash them out via PayPal. It’s like a game, only you earn real money instead of bragging rights.
2. Rakuten: The Rebate Ritual
Next up is Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, and it’s pretty much a cashback powerhouse. I use it as a shopping portal that rewards me for buying things I was going to purchase anyway. The trick here is to always check Rakuten before buying anything because they offer varying cashback percentages that could seriously amplify your savings. It’s like going fishing in a pond that hands you money instead of fish. Keep this tip in your back pocket: compare Rakuten and Top Cashback before checkout to see who’s more generous that day.
3. Top Cashback: The Underdog That Delivers
Speaking of Top Cashback, this site is like Rakuten’s lesser-known cousin who also happens to be cool once you get to know them. The vibe here is straightforward: shop through their links, and earn a percentage of your spend back as cash. This can range from a humble 1% to a whopping 20+%, depending on their current deals. Top Cashback is one of my all time favorite ways to earn cash back. I've earned 1,000's of dollars back in cash that I've used to help fund my worldly travels (no joke). It’s always a fun surprise to see which site offers more cashback, Top Cashback or Rakuten.
4. Cleaning Up with Poshmark
Moving on to Poshmark, where my closet gets a second life. Every so often, I’ll dig through my wardrobe, pick out items I haven’t worn in ages, and list them for sale. It’s part fashion recycling, part treasure hunt. Poshmark makes it easy to snap a picture, set a price, and ship it off when someone takes the bait. It’s a chic way to declutter and make money, proving that one man’s "last season" is another man’s "latest find." Download the app and sign-up now with my code OLIVE_ME to save $10 on your first order.
5. Mercari: The Marketplace Maverick
Then there’s Mercari, Poshmark’s sibling in the sell-your-stuff scene. Whether it’s old games, books, or that weird lamp I thought I’d like, Mercari is my go-to. Just like with Poshmark, listing items is a breeze, and the thrill of making a sale is pretty addictive. Consider it a garage sale where you don’t actually have to sit in your garage all day. It's easy to buy and sell on Mercari. Get up to $30 when you get started. Use code NGMCZP when you sign up with my link.
6. Ibotta: The Grocery Game-Changer
Finally, there’s Ibotta, which turns grocery shopping into a treasure hunt. Before I hit the store, I check the app for cashback offers on products I was planning to buy anyway. After shopping, I scan my receipts and voila, cash back! It’s like those mail-in rebates, but you don’t have to mail anything, which is a huge plus in my book. Signing up for Ibotta is a no brainer whether you shop in person or online. Sign-up today to get the latest Thanksgiving offers using my link and code: E8RLQ
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, folks! My secret arsenal for making money, saving cash, and even scoring free travel. Whether it’s turning surveys into Starbucks or selling last year’s fads, each of these platforms has a special place in my heart (and in my wallet). Remember, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about making your money work for you. Happy saving!
FOR MORE TIPS AND TOOLS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE: WWW.GR8TRAVELFINANCE.COM
DISCLOSURE: Please note that as an Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from these companies for referring you. I personally use all of the companies listed in this article and recommend them because they've helped me to save thousands of dollars. Thank you for considering using my links to sign-up. ~M.L.