Online shopping is one of my favorite ways to make my life a little easier. I enjoy shopping for household items, gifts,…and even groceries all online.
Because I do a lot of online shopping, I am always looking for ways to save money while spending. Much of that saving comes in the form of coupon codes and free shipping.
Saving money is great! Making money is even better, and it’s pretty easy thanks to Ebates!! You can shop through the Ebates website to earn cashback on purchases you are already making.
If, for example, you are shopping at Old Navy, you simply go to the Ebates website, search Old Navy, click the Shop Now button & that’s it! You will be transferred to the Old Navy site and earn cash back on any purchases made there.
A few other important pieces of information:
Checks are sent out 4 times a year.
You can install the cash back button on your browser. This way you don’t have to go to Ebates each time you shop. Instead, a little icon will pop up when you are on a site that offers cash back through Ebates. You can simply click the “activate cash back” button.
You can also download the app and shop from there.
The not so busy life is about living with intention, and being wise and careful with our money is another way to live intentionally.
There are plenty of ways to save money, and I have written about this topic occasionally here on the blog. One way I have saved money over the last several years is by taking advantage of credit offers from companies. Make sure you read that prior sentence correctly. I didn’t say credit card offers but credit offers. I’m talking about free money.
Companies will offer a small amount of credit to new customers in order to increase interest. If I hear about or read about a company doing this, I take notice and investigate further.
Over the years I have found a handful of companies (I discovered through first-time credit) that I continue to use and promote.
I am happy to be sharing them with you today (in no particular order):
I talk about thredUP almost every other day (or so it seems) and for good reason. I am a huge fan! ThredUP is an online consignment shop that sells thousands of clothing items in great condition for terrific prices. ThredUP offers $10 credit to first time users. When I first tried them out I found an item for just about $10 and paid only shipping for my first piece. I continue to build credit with this company by selling my own clothes and by sharing my referral link.
My latest purchase from thredUP. ($7.99, excellent condition)
Like thredUP, Schoola is a second-hand, online clothing store. I have purchased numerous times from Schoola. I love shopping for brands I love for great prices. I love buying second-hand and wearing previously loved items. New customers can get $10 credit! Take a look and discover some great finds!
Latest purchase for my son from Schoola. (75 cents, excellent condition)
Ebates is a website that earns you cash back on online purchases you make at thousands of stores. Simply go to the website (or the app) every time you make an online purchase. Ebates will bring you to the site you are looking to purchase from, and that’s it. Rebate checks are sent to you several times a year. I’m waiting on my next check! If you’re online shopping anyway, you might as well shop through Ebates! First time customers can get $10 credit (after spending $25).
I have shared in the past that one of the ways I make my life a little easier is by grocery shopping online. Stop & Shop’s Peapod is the service I use in our area. Having groceries delivered to my door each week is a real time and money saver. I was first drawn to this service when I saw that they offer $20 credit to first time customers. I placed my first order, and the rest is history!
I’m always looking for creative ways to save money, and finding companies that offer credit for first time customers is one of my favorite ways. I usually try to stick to the credit given, try out a new company, and receive an item for little to no money!
What about you? Have you tried any of the companies I mentioned? Share your experiences in the comments below!
(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)
Buying a Mattress
It’s no secret that I am a fan of online shopping. I find it to be a simple way to make my life just a little easier. I do a majority of my grocery shopping online, and I tend to do much of my household product and gift-buying there, as well. I am guessing you probably do a little of the same. But what about shopping for a mattress online? That sort of sounds like a bit of a stretch for some, but for me, it seemed like the right option.
I have actually never tried out a mattress before buying it. My parents chose my mattresses as a child. When I was in college, it was provided for me. Post-college, my roommate purchased a mattress for me. My husband picked out our current mattress.
Perhaps it’s because of my past experiences that I wasn’t scared away by the idea of purchasing a mattress online. All 3 of my kids were in need of a mattress. My youngest was moving out of her toddler bed, my oldest had been sleeping on my old mattress, and my middle child was sleeping on a horribly uncomfortable mattress.
An Inexpensive Option
Replacing 3 mattresses seemed like an overwhelming task because of the money that would be spent to make that happen, but then I started looking online. One of my first options was Amazon.
I really wasn’t looking to spend much money, so I looked for the most inexpensive twin mattress with great reviews. An option from Linenspa popped up, and I loved what I was reading in the reviews. I also really loved the cost at $99.99.
We decided to just purchase one and see what we thought. Here’s what it looked like upon arrival!
Unwrapping and allowing the mattress to breath for a few hours was an exciting event for my children. It really only took a few minutes for the mattress to come to size, but the packaging does say it can take up to a few hours.
We all tested the mattress even before it went on my daughter’s bed, and we were all very impressed with the comfort of this inner spring/memory foam design.
The mattress is still a winner in our books. My husband is quite particular about mattresses, and even he says it’s quite comfortable.
This might be our pick (in a queen size) when it comes time for my husband and I to update our own mattress.
Might be a great choice for your family too
I was so very pleased with our experience buying a mattress (make that 3 mattresses) online. I realize this might not be for everyone, but if you’re inclined to buy items (even big purchases) online, then I would completely recommend this one.
I suppose only time will tell how long this holds up, and if we will continue to love it, but I do know they have a 10 year warranty.
What about you? Would you buy a mattress online? What unexpected item have you successfully purchased online? I would love to hear from you, so drop me a comment below.
If you have followed my blog for even a short amount of time then you are aware that I am a big Dollar Tree fan. The Dollar Tree is definitely my go-to-spot for birthday party supplies. If you are planning any sort of party or event it really is a great money-saving option. With Memorial Day and 4th of July right around the corner, the Dollar Tree’s patriotic party supplies are a great choice for your own red, white and blue celebration!
**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.**
Here are some of the patriotic party supplies you can find at your local Dollar Tree:
Decorations
You can quickly and affordably decorate any space with wall decorations, table centerpieces, banners, balloons, pinwheels, decorative bows, LED lights, and so much more. It only takes a few items at a great price to bring some festive red, white and blue to your party space.
Paper Goods
You can find any and all paper goods needed to serve up tasty treats for your guests. You can mix up the red, white and blue or choose from various patterned prints. At the Dollar Tree you can find: napkins, cups, plates, bowls, silver ware and more. You can’t beat $1 when it comes to getting your red, white and blue party goods.
Accessories
How fun to be able to wear patriotic flip flops as you host your party! You can even pass out a few wearable goodies to your party guests including: sunglasses, bandanas, leis, headbands, hats and more.
If you can’t find what you are looking for in your local store, check online!! You can even choose to have the items shipped free to your store.
Throwing a party or hosting a get-together can be done easily without too much hassle or money. All it takes is a quick trip to the Dollar Tree, and you’ll be on your way to hosting your red, white and blue celebration!
What about you? What party supplies do you like to get from the Dollar Tree? I would love to hear from you, so leave me a comment below.
When was the last time you spent money? Last night? Earlier today? A few minutes ago? Spending is inevitable. Saving while spending is smart.
Today I am sharing a few ways to save while spending.
Make a list of what you want and stick to it.
I actually shared this idea in a prior quick tip post, but it’s worth mentioning again. A list in the grocery store helps you buy the items you need for the week (and not all the other items screaming your name as you walk by). A list for a trip to the mall for summer clothes helps you stick to your needs (not your wants). Lists help you stay focused and budget-conscious.
Choose online shopping.
I am a big fan of online shopping because of the convenience, but it has other benefits as well including helping you to save money. With online shopping you can check out a few sites before settling on a specific price for a certain item. There are even comparison shopping engines that do the work for you so that you can get the best price for the item you desire.
Use coupons and rebates.
Coupons and rebates are a great way to save a little money while you spend. Cutting coupons is always an option, but if you find that task tedious, you can use various coupon apps to meet your needs. Coupons.com is a very popular coupon site, and today I added their new app to my phone!
Along with coupons, you can easily receive “cash back” thanks to the ease of rebate websites and apps. Have you tried Ibotta? You can scan your receipts and receive cash back for certain purchases. If you are interested in Ibotta, you can click my referral link to receive your $10 welcome bonus!! https://ibotta.com/r/dkcywic
Ebates is another easy rebate option you can utilize when making purchases at your favorite retailers. Earn cash back when you shop at any one of the 2,000 retailers listed on their site.
Look for credit for first time customers.
If you have followed my blog for any amount of time you should already know that I am huge fan of thredUP. One of the first reasons I was drawn to this online second-hand clothing store was because first time customers could get a $10 credit towards their first purchase.
Schoola is another online second-hand clothing store that also offers a $10 credit for first time customers. If you have to buy clothing, why not check out an option that provides you with a little credit?! It’s also a great way to try out a new store without throwing away a bunch of money.
I hope the ideas I shared with you today help you to save while spending!
What about you? How do you save? I would love to hear your ideas, so leave me a comment below!
6 years ago my family and I began our financial journey.
6 years ago I read a book that inspired and challenged me. I passed it along to my husband right before he got on a plane, he read it, and returned from his trip inspired and challenged. What was this inspiring and challenging book? The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.
Prior to those 6 years, we were responsible with our money. We were being thoughtful about how we spent and saved, but we didn’t have any solid financial goals. Then something changed and we became focused, unified, and determined…
*I’m excited to be guest posting over at The Budget Girl! You can read the rest of the post there. I hope our story encourages you!
