10 Genius Ways to Save Money Shopping

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This is a list of the most genius ways to save money retail shopping and stick to your budget.

We all love shopping, but getting more creative about how you spend money will help put more money in the bank so that you can invest that money to put toward your true dreams!

This post is all about genius ways to save money shopping.

1. Get a CashBack App

Okay, I used to be a skeptic myself on the cashback apps, mainly because I like to limit the technology (and apps) in my life (ironic since I work for a Big Tech company and run an online business, right?).

Anyways, cashback apps are the absolute best and have become one of the best ways to save money shopping!

So good, in fact, that now I actually find it irresponsible when people don't use them. It's literally FREE MONEY!!

The one you have to get that (in my opinion) is the most advanced and gives the best cashback is the Rakuten app.

It doesn't cost you a penny and all you have to do is go through the app to make purchases.

Here's how it works:

If I want to buy something at Macy's, I click on my Rakuten app and click on Macy's. The app tells me the percentage of cashback I will receive back and it takes me to the Macy's website. I then just buy whatever I wanted (usually makeup is what's in my cart) and check out on the Macy's website like normal.

Within a few days, I'll receive money back and it will go into my Rakuten account, which will be paid to me via check in the mail. It's amazing and SO, SO EASY!!

The percent that stores offer varies, but my favorites like Ulta, Nordstrom, Macy's, Lowe's, and Sephora offer between 3-12% money back!

This means if I buy a washer/dryer for $2000 from Lowe's, they are (YES) giving me $200 back. It's amazing.

The savings are fabulous, but Rakuten will give you $40 when you sign up and make a qualifying purchase (again with the free money thing).

2. Get a Target Debit Card (Not Credit Card) to Save 5% on Everything

This is one of the best-kept secrets that shouldn't be a secret (and it's my only exception to the credit card rule above). You can actually save 5% on everything for life with a Target Debit Card (Red Card). Just make sure it's the debit card, not the credit card.

With the Target debit card, it's automatically linked to your bank account, but you'll instantly save 5% on every single purchase at checkout.

I've had mine since I was 18 and I can't even imagine how much money I've saved all these years from Target purchases.

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3. Shop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for 20% Off Everything

Bed, Bath and Beyond is the best because you can always get 20% off on items you buy.

Just sign up for the retailer email and you'll be sent a 20% coupon every week! Believe it or not, I actually find things much cheaper here sometimes because of the 20% off!

They even have drug store makeup and lotion here that hardly goes on sale in the big box stores. Therefore, the 20% off makes it so easy and convenient!

4. Get a CVS ExtraCare Card

CVS has a great secret! You can get an ExtraCare card for free and get SO MANY deals every single week.

You can then take it a step further and pay $5 a month for the extra care pass. This pass will give you $10 a month to spend (so you automatically bank $5) and the deals are even better!

On my first purchase, I got $54 worth of items for $5!! They were all items I needed too! (I don't do the couponing thing, but I think it's awesome that people do that!) I only buy the things I need.

5. Unsubscribe from Retailer Emails

Do yourself a favor and just unsubscribe from 3 retailer emails today.

This will save you so much money in the long run as those stores prey on sending you emails that will get you to buy! Honestly, not having retailer emails hasn't hurt me at all.

I don't miss them and when I need something, I wait and look for sales on their websites on my own.

6. Shop at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Ross

These stores are the absolute best for great deals!

They have name brands, last season items, and just all around the best clothing, home decor, and even jewelry! I go to one of these stores at least once a week, whether it be for something around the house or a gift for a friend!

7. Shop at Dollar Tree

I kid you not, the Dollar Tree is a great place to get SOME items (not all, but SOME).

In fact, you can get the exact same products as the big box stores, but for just $1! (Actually, $1.25 now…inflation is real.)

Anyway, it's great when you want to make gift baskets or get party decorations, etc!

In fact, I love the Dollar Tree so much, I created an ultimate guide to everything worth getting at Dollar Tree to save money!

8. Use Amazon Website Savers

Did you know there are MANY ways to save money on Amazon?

Most people had no idea these sites existed!

Therefore, I created a list of the best ways to save money on Amazon!

9. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Did you know you can buy discounted gift cards on eBay?

Yep!

Just go to eBay and find gift cards that you can use. You will get them at a discounted price and then you can use them at your favorite store!

This brings me to my next trick…

10. Buy Coupons on eBay

Yes, that's right.

I will buy coupons on eBay when I know I need to buy something expensive at a particular store.

For example, I buy Lowe's 10% off coupons all the time. When I remodel homes, I buy a coupon for $1 on eBay and when I make purchases of flooring, large appliances, paint, etc, I get 10% off.

It's such a win-win for me and I save a LOT of money doing this!

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