I don’t know about you, but I’m always searching to save and make money from home. It’s vitally important that I maintain some sense of independence even if I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. One of the things the internet has taught me is a broad range of simple ways one can put more money in your pocket. I’ve been talking to my friends lately, and it has shocked me how many of them don’t know these little tips and tricks to make it happen. I decided it was high time to create a roundup of things that I do that have helped me have more money each month to play with or pay off that bill that drives me nuts every time the bill comes in the mail.
Round UP Every Expense
This sounds like common sense, but most people still DON’T put this into practice. I have physical piggy banks that I got from Dollar Tree. Anytime I retrieve physical change, it goes straight to those banks. Not to mention, if I apply using the Rakuten extension I earn cash back too.
Also, many banks offer to do this anytime you use your debit card with them. They will automatically transfer the change to a savings account of your choice with their bank. That is one of the first steps to more money in your pockets.
Average earnings a month: $20-50 a month.
Ibotta
This is one of my favorite apps for earning money back from things I already do. Ibotta is an app that gives you cashback for purchasing many selected items from major retailers. They have now made an update that has increased my earnings. One can get money back from shopping on Amazon, using Uber, Groupon, and many more places online.
Every Thanksgiving, they run a special where you can almost get your entire Thanksgiving meal refunded.
I love that I can cash out via PayPal with only a $20.00 minimum. It does NOT take long to reach that payout level.
Shopkick
ShopKick is another app that makes it remarkably easy to earn rewards. It’s as simple as walking into a store. ShopKick gives you Kicks for walking into major retailers like Walmart, Bi-Lo, CVS, and much more. While there, you can earn even more Kicks just for scanning their requested products. Then, IF you purchase those items listed and scan your receipts, you gain even more Kicks. Use my referral code for extra goodies: KIND019997.
These Kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to Walmart, T.J. Maxx, and Target (YES, I said Target!!). It doesn’t take long for the Kicks to add up, either. I’ve seen some people sign up, and by the end of the day, they can cash out for a gift card.
Rakuten
Rakuten gives me cash back for purchases I make online. If you get the mobile app, you’ll be able to know which stores you can earn money back instantly.
Rakuten refunds your money via PayPal or a check. I haven’t used this program as much as I should have. Please note my balance updates at the top right after each payout. I just had a payout, and I’ve been earning rather quickly since I started using Walmart+.
Swagbucks
I LOVE SWAGBUCKS!
These simple 2-3 minute tasks earn me Swagbucks by doing them daily:
- Answer their poll question/questions.
- Do the daily search.
- Check out the daily deal.
- Keep them as my primary search engine.
I have cashed out many times throughout the year and gained a lot of money. I’ve gotten kids’ birthday gifts with these gift cards that they loved. Since I use the extension, I also gain Swagbucks when they send out a Swagcode.
TopCashback
TopCashback is another site that offers cashback for online purchases. It offers some pretty high percentages for things you plan on buying. TopCashback has some companies that the other sites don’t have.
Groupon
Groupon is a money-saving site in and of itself. You can find deals for MANY things on there. I can remember when I thought it was only for travel deals. They have deals in a wide range of things.
As a homeschooler obtaining homeschool supplies on a budget, I appreciate that Groupon offers discounts on things I need AND want! Their travel deals are pretty awesome, too.
Mr. Rebates
Upside App
The Upside App is by far one of my favorite app because I earn money for things I have to buy! I have to get gas, and this gives me cash back for buying gas. I also get cash back at local restaurants too. You can scan my QR code or you can download the app, and put in my referral code to get a bonus. My code is 69EB6.
Other Ways I’ve Saved Money
One of the biggest ways I’ve learned to manage expenses is by becoming intentional about saving money. I regularly use coupons, participate in rewards programs, take advantage of store apps, and have even supplemented my income through Dollar General penny shopping and reselling items. Before making a purchase, I always check for available discounts, rewards, and special offers. These habits have helped me reduce expenses and make the most of every dollar that comes into our household.
Talk to us in the comments:
What are some of the best ways you’ve found to put more money in your pockets?
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Great tips. I use the Ebates extension on Chrome so I don’t miss any potential cash-back. It alerts me if I am shopping on a site that gives cash back.
I love that feature with Ebates and Swagbucks. I meant to add in Honey extension back on this list too.
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I had no idea some banks will “round up” and put that in savings for you. I haven’t used any of the apps you listed except Groupon, but this is a great post for sharing information like this. Thank you for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #25 linkup!
I hope you take the time to take advantage of these apps. They will gain you extra funds with very little effort.
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I didn’t have a great experience with Swagbucks but would definitely try out the others!
I’m sorry to hear your experience with Swagbucks wasn’t all that great. I have noticed in recent years it’s not as easy to earn Swagbucks with them as it used to be. I used to cash out a lot with them. BUT it could be that Rakuten has been offering me more back so, I’ve been using them more.
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It’s true! All that change adds up. My husband and I have an old wooden bowl we put all the change into. We get a few hundred every year when cashing it in.
That’s a good thing for sure! This is especially true when it comes time to do the Christmas shopping.
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Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Love these. Pinning for later!
these apps are great. the only thing i hate is the cashout is like $15-$20 and not right away
I have to agree that it’s such a bummer. But it does force me to save the money for a rainy day in a way. 😉
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Great tips 🙂
Great ideas for ways to put money IN our pockets.
Thanks bunches for sharing these ideas with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
I hope you take advantage of some of these ideas. In my book every bit adds up!
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I enjoyed this post. Yes, there are some great apps out there. Thank you for sharing your post with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #64.
Thank you for hosting a great linky party. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope you gained some new apps to consider.