Easy Tips to Cut College Costs Through Shopping #NYR #TakeSimpleSteps

Easy Ways to Save Money for College While You Shop #TakeSimpleSteps

Special thanks to Country Financial for sponsoring this discussion. All views are my own.

With the holiday season behind us, I find myself browsing for fitness equipment to support my New Year’s resolutions. During this process, I noticed that most of my shopping has transitioned online. Why? It simplifies comparison shopping, many retailers offer free shipping, and I can shop from the comfort of home.

How much have you spent improving YOUR New Year’s resolutions? Fitness equipment, vitamins, gym memberships, organizing tools… it all adds up!

While I was looking for online coupons, I realized there are many ways to earn cash back on my purchases. That’s right! I discovered several platforms that provide cash back for shopping online—what an effortless approach to save for college while doing something I already enjoy!

Here are some simple ways to earn money back:

• ebates.com offers cash back rewards for online shopping. Simply start from their site, log in, find the store you want to shop at, and click through. Some stores even participate in their “in-store” rebate program. Cashback amounts are usually between 3% – 15% and are paid monthly.

• Ibotta.com rewards you for buying specific items. You can earn by submitting a photo of your receipt, linking your loyalty cards, or making purchases through their mobile app.

• Swagbucks.com helps you accumulate points that can be redeemed for gift cards. I typically use these gift cards for my regular purchases and save the cash I would have spent! You can earn points by shopping online, watching fun videos, searching the internet, answering surveys, and finding good deals.

• Dosh.cash is a cashback app that pools together available coupons, promo codes, and rebates, giving you cash back from thousands of retail locations, restaurants, and hotels.

• Topcashback.com is similar to ebates and offers cashback for online shopping as well. They provide exclusive cash back offers from thousands of retailers. Just click, shop, and buy; the retailer pays them a commission, which they share with you. You can shop via computer or their mobile app; it’s that simple!

• Shopkick.com is a fun app that my kids enjoy using for in-store shopping. As you shop, it will guide you to scan items for points. You can also browse online stores and buy products. It’s straightforward! Redeem those points for gift cards to your favorite retailers. Again, I save the amount I would have spent there.

This is simply the beginning of saving money while shopping online, but you get the concept. Why not earn money back for what you’re already doing and gradually contribute to your college savings!

Paying for college can become manageable if you start saving and planning early. With tuition prices rising, especially considering inflation in 10+ years, it’s essential to start early! For more information about saving for college, check out Country Financial’s educational funding options.