The Best Websites with Money Saving Tips

Everyone loves money saving tips. In situations where your budget is getting tighter, it may be critical for you to take steps to reduce what you’re spending overall. Even if you monitor your spending and keep track of every purchase, it helps to have a few simple, effective tips to help you save wherever you can.

Top Money Saving Websites

There are some websites that are fantastic at money saving tips and strategies for reducing what you’re spending money on. These often include tips that you haven’t thought of but can implement into your daily life. If you want to get more out of your money, consider making the following websites your go-to locations to read each day.

#1: Rakuten

One of the ways Rakuten helps consumers is by providing discount codes, coupons, and other savings opportunities. If you know you need to make a purchase at a specific retailer, your first step should be to visit the Rakuten website. When you do, you can search for that retailer and find out if there are any discounts or other savings opportunities available. Sometimes, these savings can be as high as 40% off.

You can also use the site when you’re looking for a retailer that has the best price on a product you need. You don’t have to know where you plan to shop. Be sure to sign up for the browser extension, too. That way, any time you visit a website of a retailer with an available discount, the system picks it up for you and alerts you to that opportunity. There’s no cost to any of these services.

#2: Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping is a super easy to use tool. Just download it as a browser extension. When you do, it will provide you with ways to save as you go through your day, moving from one website to the next. You can also use the app when you are shopping at local stores. Pull up the code of a product you are looking for, and it will tell you how to save. It also helps you get loyalty credits and find trending deals.

#3: Ramsey Solutions

Even if you do not follow the Dave Ramsey method of reducing debt, the Ramsey Solutions website offers lots of information and insights into how to save money. There’s no cost to using it, but there are a lot of articles that offer ways to reduce your costs.

One of the key benefits is the list of free tools and resources for you to use. You can find ways to reduce your debt, get investing help, buy a home for less, and more.

#4: America Saves

Another excellent site for advice and guidance is America Saves. The website is designed to help encourage, teach, and manage online savings. With it, you may be able to learn real methods to reduce your debt and save money on everything you do throughout the day. One of the nice features of this website is that it offers a podcast that can provide an easy way for you to get some tips and develop some strategies without having to read a lot of content.

#5: Ibotta

The days of clipping coupons may be in your past (who has time to do that!) Many companies have realized that today’s consumers do not do paper coupons much anymore. Yet, they still want to encourage product purchases with discount offers. That’s where Ibotta comes in.

This website and app allow you to find digital coupons for many items you purchase daily. This is a good route to take if you are looking for ways to save money on things like groceries and clothing purchases. It links to over 300 retailers online and helps you to get cash in hand for the purchases that you make.

#6: AARP

For those who are older, especially those on a fixed budget, it may be critical to find ways to reduce your overall costs and spending. AARP offers a fantastic website to do this. One of the nice benefits of this website is that it also helps consumers to make better decisions about their spending, get advice on how to save, and reduce the risk of scams. They also often post articles on how to save money for a wide range of costs, such as this one. As an all-around informative tool for older Americans, it is an excellent resource for researched, high-quality content.

#7: KidsMealDeals.com

One of the most important ways to reduce costs is to reduce eating out. However, there are some reasons why you may want to enjoy a meal out every now and then. At KidsMealDeals.com, it is possible to learn about the various restaurants that offer free kid’s meals with the purchase of adult meals. You can download a simple-to-use app to help you find restaurants in your area (or use the website itself). It takes minutes, but when the need to enjoy a meal out happens, it’s nice to know which restaurants offer discounts on that day.

#8: Savings.com

For those looking for discounts at home improvement stores, savings on new phones, or even help reduce costs associated with travel, check out Savings.com. This is one of the best websites for money saving tips because it provides up to date information. The discounts and promo codes are all listed right on the site, so you can easily determine what the best offer for you is. For those who do a lot of purchasing, it helps to have a consistent way to monitor what’s available. This is a must-read site just about any time you plan to make a purchase.

#9: The Savvy Couple

What if you want to live a life that is more frugal? You want to find ways to reduce what you use and are spending while also making good decisions about money management. The Savvy Couple is a solid place to start. The website offers a lot of fantastic tips on how to reduce your everyday costs. Another nice feature about this website is that it offers ideas on side hustles and budgeting tools. You can even use their small business tools to help you to save money if you want to build your business. 

#10: The Penny Hoarder

Perhaps one of the biggest resources for articles for money saving tips is The Penny Hoarder. It is a helpful website that offers ways to save money on just about anything. Search for a topic that is important to you. Get ideas on how you can reduce what you are spending on the kids, travel, medical care, and school. You can also find articles to give you ideas on how to make money with a variety of financial incentives and ideas. There is also a lot of insight into saving money on home buying, taxes, bank accounts, and retirement.

Whether you want to save money on a specific purchase or want tips on how to create a budget that you can actually stick to, these websites offer the insight and support you need. Make sure you spend a bit of time reviewing these sites on a consistent basis for reliable help.

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Tips and Tricks on How to Grocery Shop on a Budget

As inflation continues to drive prices up on everyday goods like gas and groceries, more people are feeling its effects on their wallets. The dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. This has led modern consumers to look for ways to save money on all the day-to-day items that they rely on to feed themselves and their families. The good news? Even though your money may not have as much purchasing power as it did in previous years, that doesn’t mean that you can’t save money. One way to save money is learning how to grocery shop on a budget.

How to Grocery Shop on a Budget

If you’ve noticed that money has been tighter when you go to the market, here are a few tips and tricks on how to grocery shop on a budget!

Look for Coupons (Print and Digital)

There are plenty of coupons that you can take advantage of to get better deals on the everyday items you use or the food you eat. Make sure to check your mail for paper ads from the grocery store to see what kind of coupons they’re offering weekly. If you don’t get paper ads or if you can’t always find what you need, many grocery stores will also have their own digital app you can check as well as possible perks like a rewards program or a membership that you can join to save more.

Buy in Bulk When There Are Great Deals on Items You Always Have in Your Home

Now, let’s be clear. Buying in bulk isn’t always the best option. For some, a tight budget might prevent them from splurging on bulk goods. That being said, you might be able to save money by purchasing certain goods in bulk. Let’s imagine that you love eating oatmeal. You might want to look around to see if you can find a large box of oatmeal that will cover you for the month or beyond. Not only might it be cheaper than purchasing several small boxes, but it will last you longer as well.

If you save more by spending more and you have room in your grocery budget, buy in bulk!

Purchase Certain Goods Online Rather Than From Your Local Grocery Store

There are certain items that you’re going to have to go to the grocery store for. For example, local produce is not something that you’re going to be able to purchase online. However, there are plenty of non-perishable items that can easily be purchased online, which might save you money if you manage to snag them when they’re on sale. If you’re looking for general retailers that might have what you’re looking for, you can always start with websites like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. If you’re looking for websites that specifically sell food, you can always try online grocery stores like Thrive Market, which will help you get better deals on some of the organic goods that you normally purchase from local health food stores.

Plan Out Your Meals and Skip the Pre-Prepared Items

There’s an argument to be made for convenience. It’s much easier to pop a meal into the microwave so that you can dedicate more time to whatever you have to take care of in your packed schedule. The problem? Convenience is often costly, and rarely do pre-prepared meals and similar ready-to-eat products provide you with the same quality or portion sizes that cooking your own meals would.

Instead of going to the grocery store and choosing out snacks and meals, create a meal plan prior to the store and stock up on meat, produce, and other ingredients. This way, you can save money by cooking at home rather than relying on more convenient products that cost more and offer you less.

Aim to Create Larger Meals That Offer More Leftovers

When you’re trying to cut down on your food spending, leftovers are a blessing. Granted, finding the right meals to help you make sure that you always have leftovers can be a difficult task. However, there are plenty of ideas out there. Whether you’re someone that loves making casseroles, cooking up sheet pan meals, or even making hearty soups or one-pan meals, you can save more money by stocking up on the right ingredients and creating giant meals that offer you several days’ worth of leftovers you can continue eating. This reduces the number of times you have to swing by the grocery store for more food!

Pay Close Attention to Sizes With Shrinkflation on the Rise

If you’ve been paying attention to certain products you normally buy over the past few months, you may have noticed something called shrinkflation. Some companies are shrinking their products while increasing the prices. You get smaller quantities of the same thing as a result. Not only are you spending more, but you’re getting less. The solution? Check to see if your favorite products are shrinking. If they are, look for alternatives that offer more of what you want at lower prices. The last thing that you want to do when you’re grocery shopping on a budget is continue to pay top dollar for items that no longer offer the same volume of said product as they used to.

Go With the Generic Store Brand When You Can

Brand names are often more popular with consumers, but that doesn’t mean that you have to buy them. In fact, brand-name products might be substantially more expensive without offering substantially better quality than other alternatives in the store. If you’re looking to save money when you’re shopping, you should always go with the generic store brand when you can. This is an easy way to save a few bucks without sacrificing some of the things that you enjoy having most in your home. Whether it’s cereal, ice cream, or even basic self-care products, most stores have a wide range of generic products that you can choose from!

Consider Visiting Multiple Grocery Stores for the Best Deals

The one downside that’s worth mentioning here is that gas is rather expensive now. If you have to travel further to go to multiple stores, this might not be the best recommendation for you. However, if your grocery stores are fairly close, you might want to shop at multiple stores in one day. Why? When you shop at one store, you’re limited to the selection and the prices at that one grocery store. However, when you strategically shop at multiple grocery stores, you can find the best deals for each of the food products you want and save money in the process.

Grocery shopping can be a major strain on those who are truly feeling the pain of inflation. But while it may seem difficult to navigate, there are ways to cut down on how much you’re spending at the grocery store each week. Are you looking to save more so that you have more money to put towards other needs? If so, the list of recommendations above will provide you with some excellent insights into how today’s consumers are saving money when they go on their weekly grocery runs!

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Back to School Shopping on a Budget

Back to school shopping will soon be upon us, and most wallets are weeping. Let’s be honest, sending kids back to school becomes more expensive each year which is why we have compiled the best tips to make school shopping as pain-free for your bank account as possible. From establishing a budget to raiding your home, these are the best tips save money on your school shopping.

1. Inventory What You Need for Back to School Shopping

This is a big one: figure out exactly what your kids need. Most schools will provide you with a back-to-school shopping list so you can figure out exactly what you need for your kids. This is an excellent time to see what each of your kids’ needs for class and if there is anything all of them need (e.g., pencils, binders, notebooks). Total everything to get a rough idea of what everything will cost to send the kids back to school.

2. Create a Budget

We all remember being a kid and wanting the super pack of gel pens or the latest Lisa Frank binder, and your kids likely have some frivolous purchases they want to make for the school year as well. Here’s where creating a budget comes in handy. Total exactly what you need to spend on essentials and look to see if there is any wiggle room for those extra special school supplies your kids “desperately need.” If money is a little tight, tell your kids they can choose one deluxe item and look to see if you can get it on sale. Once you have your budget in mind, stick to it.

3. Look Around The House

As parents, we have a lot of loose crayons, pencils and pens floating around the house. Although there is an emphasis on everything being “new” for the school year, there’s nothing wrong with taking the time to shop in your home to see what can be sent to school. From reusing last year’s backpack and binders to providing some extra writing instruments, there’s nothing wrong with reusing what you already have for this school year.

4. Buy in Bulk

This tip is definitely geared towards people with more than one child, but it also applies to those who may want to go in on school supplies with another parent. Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer great deals for those looking to buy a large number of school supplies, usually costing significantly less than other retail locations. Whether you have multiple children or want to go in on supplies with a couple friends, buying in bulk can save a lot of money.

5. Use Cash-back, Coupons and Rebates

We love a good rebate app and coupon, and back to school season is the perfect time to rip those items out and start saving large amounts of money. Comb your Sunday paper to find coupons on essentials or look to see if apps like Ibotta are offering rebates on your child’s school supplies. You’d be shocked by how many manufacturers are looking to cut prices, especially during the week before school when stores are trying to sell their remaining stock.

6. Compare Prices

It might feel tedious but comparing prices between stores truly can save you hundreds of dollars. Take the time to examine what each store is offering supplies at and make a shopping plan (don’t forget online retailers as well). Oftentimes, school supplies can be had for significantly less through certain retailers. Don’t be afraid to ask a cashier if a store will price match as well. Many will want to have your business and will match their competitor’s price points to give you the best deal.

7. See What You Can Delay

Certain things will need to be purchased before school, but other items can be put off. For example, your child likely doesn’t need their winter coat(s) or boots in the summer months. Stores will also discount their children’s clothing a few weeks after school starts as well. If you can, wait to take advantage of these sales to get the best deals for your kids and put off buying off-season clothing until you’re closer to the months you need them.

8. Look for Exchange Programs

Exchange programs are becoming more and more popular with families across the country. From school uniforms to supplies, many families are looking to donate and swap gently used or unused school supplies and clothing. If you don’t have a swap in your area, you can easily create one with some friends and neighbors to ensure your kids all get the school supplies they need for the new year.

9. Look for Sales

From tax-free days to back to school sales, many places are looking to attract as many customers as possible by hosting sales to attract parents. Take advantage of these days to get the most bang for your buck. You can find steep discounts on many common items as well as luxury or major purchases, like computers.  In the same vein, also look to see if your local retailers are offering specials on store brands. Oftentimes store brands will be part of the same sale as name brands, leading you to save significant amounts of money.

10. Check Out Discounts for Back to School Shopping

More and more businesses are offering discounts for students, especially when it comes to electronics. All you’ll need to do is have your student provide their ID card at checkout. Major brands like Apple, Dell and Hewett Packard offer student discounts as well as major retailers, including Amazon via their Amazon Prime membership for students. If you don’t know if a retailer offers a student discount, just ask! Many electronic retailers have college student discounts or specific days for college students to shop.

11. Pad for Surprises

We wish we could say that you can plan for everything, but the truth of the matter is that surprises do sneak up on us. From impulse purchases to items costing slightly more than we expected, sometimes we exceed our budgets. When looking to create your back to school shopping budget, make sure you leave a little wiggle room for surprises that may pop up.

12. Go to the Dollar Store

We’ve talked about dollar stores before, and back to school shopping is the perfect time to hit up your local Dollar Tree. You can get school staples for $1.00-$1.25 at most locations, with many carrying name brand items that are significantly more at other retailers. Many dollar stores will also offer generic items that work just as well as their counterparts, leading you to save money on a variety of items that would normally cost much more.

Back to school shopping doesn’t need to break the bank. By following the above tips, you can save hundreds of dollars this fall. From looking for sales to carefully planning a budget for what you’ll spend on supplies, taking the time to shop for school supplies while remaining price-conscious can save you both time and money this school season. Most importantly, enjoy spending time with your kids and creating shopping memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

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