Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
We all love the steal. If we find something 50% or better, we probably do a little jig and dance in our mind, get up from our laptop, and grab a celebratory cup of coffee. If I were a betting man, I would wager that our wallets light up a little when we see the digital red “sale” on a shopping website. However, the smart shopper won’t stop there. Many times, there are valid promo codes we can find hidden in the confines of the internet that will add extra percentage off the steal we’re trying to acquire. Here’s what I think we could do to become smarter online sale hunters, and it starts with the “promo code”.
Never Settle for the Obvious
Recently, my wife called me about a “huge” sale Pottery Barn was putting on at its online shop. All we had to do was enter “SPRING” in the promo code box and we’d be good to go to get the office lamp I’ve been seeking for $49 down to $39.20. Settling for the obvious, I’d probably feel like a winner with $9.80 off. But, without settling, I took a few minutes and googled “Pottery Barn Promo Codes” and without much work found that I could get an additional 15% off when I opt in Potterybarn’s promotional emails. Just because I didn’t settle for the obvious code, I was able to get that same lamp for $31.85 instead of $39.20, or the original $49.
The lesson is simple. Take a few minutes and google “your site plus promo code” in a web search next time you need to buy something online. NOTE: Some sites will only let you use one code per transaction, but some will let you enter multiple. Always give everything you find a shot, and never assume the obvious code is the best discount. [ continue reading… ]
Rebate deals are nothing new – I get offers for them in my email every day, and you’ll often find them included with some purchases, especially electronics and appliances. In many cases, these are really great deals worth cashing in on, but sometimes you just don’t have the time to bother with them (especially if they require you to fill out a form and send a copy of your receipt in the mail). Thanks to the explosion in smartphone applications, there are a score of rebate platforms to help us take advantage of these deals by simply doing what we’d do anyway – play with our smartphones and shop for the products we use on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons I recommend the Ibotta application, if you haven’t already tried it.
Tip #1: Read the General Instructions First
Typical of my approach to many new things, I figured I’d learn on the fly. That’s why I really had no idea what I was doing the first time I used it. Don’t get me wrong – the app is extremely easy to use. I just got a little confused about the order of the steps, which vary based on which retailer you choose. In spite of my confusion, I managed to unlock $10.50 of rebates from my initial sign up ($10) and $.50 off one item I’d purchased that day (this would have been more if I’d planned ahead).
After reading the instructions, I realized the steps for each retailer are different. For instance, if there’s a “verify purchase” button next to their rebates, you’ll need to scan the actual items you’ve purchased and take a photo of your receipt (I experienced this with Fred Meyer). Other retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy have QR codes you can scan off the receipt, rather than scanning items. More convenient yet, purchases at Preferred Partners are verified through a linked loyalty card account (just make sure you scan your card at the register), and don’t require the receipt. It all depends on where you shop, and if you want to maximize the convenience of using Ibotta, it may determine where you shop. I imagine the number of preferred partners will steadily grow to include most major retailers with loyalty card programs. [ continue reading… ]
Many of us dream of earning money without having to do a lot of extra work. This is known as passive income, because the money keeps coming in without you doing much for it. You aren’t actively trying to earn it; instead, you set something in motion, and then enjoy the passive income as it rolls in.
One of the ways to create passive income is to build an income portfolio. An income portfolio is an investment portfolio designed specifically to provide you with a regular revenue stream. It’s not meant to give you huge capital gains (although you can experience capital gains). The main purpose is to provide steady income. However, it’s important to note that building an income portfolio isn’t something that happens overnight. You need to plan your income portfolio, and build it over the course of years. [ continue reading… ]
This year, I spoiled myself with the following treats the week of my birthday:
a Starbucks caramel machiatto
a Jamba Juice smoothie
a free entree at a local Italian restaurant
Although I certainly enjoyed the treats, the best part was that they were completely free. I used to avoid signing up for reward or loyalty memberships because I don’t shop enough to ‘earn’ cash back, discounts, or freebies. The difference with birthdays is that you don’t have to earn anything — you just have to be born! After the treats I’ve enjoyed for free the last few years, I’m convinced that free-to-join rewards clubs are completely worth the hassle of scrolling through a few more pieces of junk email. [ continue reading… ]
Getting free stuff from companies is always a huge perk, and I am not talking about a pair of free slippers for signing up with a new bank. I am talking about getting free food products, merchandise, and books from companies in exchange for a shout out or review.
Over the years, I have received over $1,000 in free groceries, books, website subscriptions, merchandise and more. Here are a few of my tips.
1. Be an Active Reviewer
Don’t expect to be asked to review a product if you do not have a healthy list of reviews. I have built up over 100 reviews on Amazon over the past few years. Before that, I worked as a book reviewer for a blog. Take a recent look at your purchases, especially Amazon purchases, and review as many as you can. Once you’ve built a reputation of being a good reviewer, then offers will start coming your way. [ continue reading… ]
For the first time years, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in December 2015. The interest rate hike wasn’t very big, and rates remain near historic lows. However, this move is considered the first interest rate hike in a series of interest rate hikes. While the Fed will likely take a long-term approach and raise rates somewhat gradually, the reality is that we are looking at a situation where higher interest rates will take effect soon.
Are you ready?
Higher Interest Rates = More Expensive Money
I’ve taken advantage of low interest rates in the last few years. I financed my car at 1.9%, and instead of paying it off, I’ve been investing the money I would have used — and seeing better returns. The loan I got to pay for my move last summer was also low-rate.
As interest rates rise, though, loans will become more expensive. Variable rates on credit cards are likely to go up, so try to pay down debt before the rates rise if you’ve been carrying balances.
Some mortgages rates will be higher as well. Car loans, personal loans, and other debt will become more expensive as rates rise. Start looking to refinance your mortgage if you’re hoping to lock in good rates. As rates rise, you won’t find as many good deals for your money. [ continue reading… ]
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