This is the first post in my “Happily Budgeting Series”. There was such a great response to my Disney College Program Series: How to Save Money on the DCP post that I thought I would create a whole series about saving money. I’m calling it “Happily Budgeting” because I think it is absolutely possible to be happy while staying on a budget. So often that word BUDGET gets a bad wrap. It makes you think you have to do without anything fun or enjoyable or positive in any way.
But I submit, and will hopefully prove in every edition of this series, that you can be happy, have fun AND budget! Today, we’re going to talk about Shopping Apps that Save You Money!
#1- Ibotta app
If you haven’t tried this app, you need to! You’re already going to be buying groceries, so why not make a little extra? You get “cash back” for certain purchases (verified with a receipt you scan into the app) as well as for completing certain challenges within the app. Then you can redeem your cash back via Venmo (this is my new favorite method because it’s actually cash right into my bank account) or various gift cards. You can also get bonus cash back by inviting your friends to join in the savings fun. I’ve earned almost $300 by using this app!
You can use Ibotta to earn cash back not only in stores, but also while shopping online at Amazon, Apple, Hotels.com and MANY others!
***Join by following this link https://ibotta.com/r/hskqwnc or download the app and put in my referral code hskqwnc. The app is available for android and iOS users. By following my referral link or using my code, you’ll get a $10 bonus when you redeem your first offer!***
#2- Shopkick app
I don’t find this one to be as lucrative as Ibotta, but it’s good for an extra $25-50. And that could cover a meal or souvenir at Disney! Shopkick is still evolving and you can use it similarly to Ibotta or you can use your phone and scan items in the store to earn “kicks”. The nice thing about Shopkick is that you can redeem your kicks for a Disney Gift Card! You’ll get an email with a digital code that you can use to pay for your trip or to pay for things on your vacation. Invite Friends and you each earn 250 kicks!
Today I went to Target to grocery shop and I earned 340 Kicks just from scanning items on the list! I earned an extra 175 when I bought Rice Krispies. And just like Ibotta, you can earn by shopping in stores or online! Be sure and take a look at all of the ways you can earn your way to gift cards!
***Try Shopkick and we’ll both get points toward a free gift card! 😀 Use code GIFT503676 or download http://getsk.co/gift503676
#3- Cartwheel by Target
This is part of the Target app. You can look at the App, but you can also search through specific products you can save on. Just add the products to your Cartwheel and then make sure to scan your Cartwheel barcode at checkout! Over the course of a few years, I’ve saved quite a bit just by checking to see if any items I need are on the cartwheel app.
#4- Specific Store Apps
Many stores have their own apps, like Target, that help you save money. Publix, Smiths, Kroger, Michaels, JoAnns…the list goes on. They all offer special coupons and sometimes freebies through their app! Find the ones you visit most!
I love to see my savings growing every time I use the apps! These apps really do make budgeting fun for me. On my single trip to Target today, I saved/earned over $10. In less than an hour. And I still got everything that I needed, I just paid a little bit less. And every little bit adds up!
Does anyone else have a money saving app that they love? I’m always looking for new ones to try! Leave a Comment!
