Ebates

If you’re an online shopper, you will need to start using Ebates. You get a small percentage of cash for an online order when go through them. While you may only get a few dollars here or there, it will add up and they send you a check at certain times. However, you must have had made enough purchases to hit a threshold before the check is sent.

Ive got back at least $30-35 back so far from using them. If you were going to make a purchase anyway, why not get back a few bucks each time? It wont save money, but it is cash back!

I apologize for the shorter post. More to come!

Matt

Holiday Season

The holiday season is among us. This only means one thing: shopping. Lots and lots of shopping. But, that doesnt mean it needs to be an expensive time of year. If you’re someone who has multiple to shop for, you may be able to get everyones gifts at only a few places. A few examples would include Yankee Candles buy 2 get 2 and buy 3 get 3 from Bath & Body Works. These are not gender specific as both stores have something for male and females.

But of course, there are plenty of other places to shop for deals. These just being nationwide and very easy to access. Being that it is december, your mailbox may be starting to flood with coupons or ads for many stores in your area.

Depending on the items you want to get whether it’s jewelry, clothing, automotive supplies, tools or any outdoor equipment, with careful searching you may save more now than any other month. Gift sets are HUGE in December as a gift giving option. In pretty much any store you go to, you will see lots of displays with various gift sets. I myself have bought gift sets not for others, but for myself due to the savings. $10 for sets that would retail at $20 or more if bought separately.

Check the big box stores for deals on whatever type of gifts you plan on giving. Or if youve been needing something, but don’t want to pay normal pricing, now is the time. At the entrance of most places, they will have a stack of their weekly ads for you to take (FREE!). So, if you dont get one in the mail, you can grab one while you shop.

Dont forget…keep your receipt!

Happy Holidays, I hope they are a money saver for you!

Cable vs Streaming Services

The price of cable is absolutely overpriced. When you spend half your time watching ads of products you dont want, why continue to pay hundreds of dollars? Not to mention, in my opinion, the quality of shows now are subpar. I loved most 90s shows and now, I like less than 10.

For a mere $10 a month, I watch netflix. It has tv shows, movies and documentaries, everything cable offers. Also, if youre a prime member, you get those same type of services. Ive never used it, but they have a wide variety.

Other options are hulu. Similar to Netflix. Much more affordable than any cable service could provide.

Besides the price, theres one more benefit. You can watch what you want, for however long you want and return later. Way cheaper version of tivo or dvr. And if youve talked to Weird Al, you wont be judged based on your viewing choices.

So, if youre looking for another cost to cut, consider cable. Your shows will eventually get on a streaming service. For example, I like Blue Bloods, the Walking Dead and the Bates Motel. Sure, takes a bit to get uploaded, but no commercials either. So…the choice is yours.

Buying Used

This should be another obvious choice. Whenever you need something for your home or personal use, why not buy used? I recently bought military surplus items for camping. For what I paid, I saved 75% on brand new.

This can be a wide range of things, though. Vehicles are another good example. My very expensive truck only cost me 1/3 of the price when brand new. This is with a trade in and options (F350  lariat crew cab long bed). Between 60-70k brand new 6 years ago, still in immaculate condition and low mileage for year, its hard to beat.

Electronics are also a good way to save from a hefty price tag. With purchasing from a company of refurbished products, itll be a piece of mind. My current laptop, which is finally dying, was a refurbished over 5 years ago. Got it for less than $200 (IBM thinkpad).

This doesnt end here. Outdoor equipent, whether recreational or garden, are a great buy when going used. Small engines are very easy to maintain and cheap to fix.

Of course, there’s plenty of examples, whichever you may need. Always check listings for used items. Never know when youll find something good.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

Gold and Silver

I will start off by saying that I dont collect or invest in it myself. However, that is just me.

Now, if you are looking for something to invest in, this is definitely worth it. Remember the phrase “buy low, sell high”. The gold and silver markets are all over the place, so you will have to follow it closely to maximize profits.

As I stated, not my area of expertise. Just another way to make money with minimal effort.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

 

Amazon Prime

This is mainly for the online shoppers, such as myself. It costs $99 a year, so it is an investment. If you only buy stuff online a few times a year, it may not be worth it. Even though Prime is much more than just free shipping. They offer a similar service as Netflix, with streaming shows and movies. I’ve never used it, so I cannot comment on the quality of service.

One great positive point of Prime is Sunday delivery. I work in a USPS processing plant, but frequently see carriers out on Sunday doing Prime deliveries. I have been on the receiving end of Sunday delivery for a more important package. Convenience is definitely worth it to me.

With Amazon, there are so many items to buy, new or used, that may be prime eligible. Normally, you have to spend $35 before free shipping. With prime, you can do 1 click purchase with free shipping.

While I am a blogger for saving money, this is a way to save money if you’re online shopping. I purchased a 150 quart coleman cooler and got free shipping. That was easily worth $30 $40 to ship alone. This is just one example on how you can capitalize on investments.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

P.S. This was not a paid endorsement by Amazon. I am a long time customer and appreciate their service.

52 Week Money Challenge

This is something I heard about last year, so for 2017 I wanted to do it.

Basically the number week of the year, you put that dollar amount away. 1st week is $1, last week is $52. You’ll end up with $1378 by the end of the year.

If you want a way to save money, try this out. If you need it for an emergency, you’ll still have it in your possession.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

Buying In Bulk

One thing I prefer to do when shopping is buying in bulk. I will give a few examples later on to show the benefits of it. Expect to pay a little more upfront, but pay less in the long run. If you have a spare $50, you can go to a warehouse type stores and get a membership. There it is easy to spend hundreds of dollars without even thinking.

However, most grocery stores will have bulk items in a more reasonable size and priced packages. Not only can buying in bulk save money, it helps reduce amount of times you need to go to the store. Sounds like a win-win, ya?

So, some examples of buying in bulk would include pasta, canned foods, poultry, beef and even eggs. All of which have a decent shelf life if stored properly. One great deal to buy in bulk (actually twin pack) is Jif Peanut Butter. Instead of $6.xx for one 40oz jar, I paid $7.xx for a twin 40oz pack. I didnt need 2 at the time, but since itll last a while, I may want it later on.

Some other examples of buying in bulk are 4 cans of chef boyardee for $3.49 instead of 99 cents. Small savings can and do add up.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

Selling Unused Items

This should be an obvious one. We all buy stuff we use once or twice, then thrown in the closet. This is double times if you have young kids. Selling things on your own has become so simple. With Ebay, Craigslist or even Amazon, you can get rid of your old stuff and get a few bucks in return.

If you wait until Spring or Summer, you can put on a lawn or garage sale. If you don’t have enough to bring in crowds, try getting friends and family to add their stuff they need to unload. It will be a good time with family and you will get extra cash. Dont forget to hang signs and advertise for maximum customers.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt

Making Lists

Don’t you hate going to the store and buying whatever you see? More times than not, you spend way more than you should. I am just as guilty as doing it as the next. But, the 15 minutes preparing a list is worth the money you save.

Always plan ahead for meals, especially during the holidays. Utilize the storage in your fridge/freezer so you make less trips, which can reduce the amount of money you spend. Between coupons and making a list, you can reduce your spending up to 25%.

Remember, when making lists to get things you need. If you have to stretch the few bucks you have, buying ice cream may have to take the back burner. Buying meats, milk or fruits/veggies would be best use of your money. While I have no control over what you buy, it is wise to prioritize when you’re budgeting.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Matt