So it’s no secret I love to shop! But since I don’t have a bottomless bank account from which to finance my favorite past time I rely on a little of what I call “girl math.” It’s a system that includes several steps but I have found they make such a difference. To me there’s just nothing better than scoring an item for a fraction of the cost – I very rarely pay full price and if I do I usually get money back. Yes, you read that right, I get money back. Read on to find out how!
The first step is to join every rewards or loyalty program offered by retailers you frequent. So many offer perks like free shipping, special discounts during your birthday month, and even reward certificates for every dollar you spend. Taking a few minutes to sign up for rewards is time well spent!
The second step may seem a little more controversial and definitely requires some discipline. Here goes…get the retailer’s credit card. Yup, I said it, get the card. Why? Because I said so. No, really, there are extra benefits to having the retailer’s card. Oftentimes it’s how you accrue rewards or points to use towards future purchases. Retailers like Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic offer extra discounts to cardholders. Nordstrom offers their cardholders early access to sales. But this step also requires discipline. I pay off my credit cards every month so I have absolutely no debt from shopping. If having a credit card is difficult for you to manage, try withdrawing the funds from your bank account when you shop and apply the payment immediately. Treat your credit card like a debit card. Of course this is my suggestion and only you can decide what is right for you, act responsibly, managing money is no joke!
The first two steps work well in any shopping situation. This third step is for use when shopping online. I have found myself shopping online more and more. Probably because I can’t stand the traffic! But also because it saves me time and I avoid impulse buys. It’s so easy to grab something because it’s on sale when I’m in the store but when I shop online I usually get what I was looking for and that’s it! I have found that using Ebates has become invaluable. This is how I get paid to shop!
Setting up an account at Ebates.com is super easy. Once your account is set up all you do is log into Ebates, find your retailer, click on it and it takes you to the retailer’s website. Complete your purchase and shortly thereafter you’ll get an email from Ebates with a cash back update. Every three months you’ll get a check from Ebates! There’s no trickery here – I’ve been using Ebates for years and I absolutely enjoy getting that check every three months!
Those are my 3 easy steps to saving more while you shop. I thought you might like to see my girl math in action so here ya go!
I have been looking to add a cuff bracelet to my accessories arsenal and I found one I loved at White House Black Market. Here’s how I scored this $50.00 Shell Accent Open Cuff Bracelet for a fraction of it’s original price:
https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=513129059&pid=uid4809-33837947-81
Merchandise Total $ 50.00 on sale for $39.99
used a discount code to save 40% – $16.oo
Birthday Rewards – $10.00
WHBM rewards – 5% -$0.70
Shipping & Handling – Free because I am a Rewards Member!
Tax $0.87
Order total : $14.16
Ebates Cash back : $0.33
So I scored this bracelet for $13.83
So there you have it, my formula for shopping and saving! So what are you waiting for, sign up for an Ebates account now! Clink the link below to get started:
hhttp://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=2n5Lul6fphkfwuYWv3Q8aA%3D%3D&eeid=28187
Today Target has 30% off sandals and flip flops with code SUMMER. You can get 2% cash back when you use Ebates at Target, an additional 5% off using your Target card and score free shipping! That’s what’s in This Blonde’s Shopping Bag today!
Fashionably yours,
Kellyann
