September 2016 – Page 2

September 12, 2016

Tasty But Affordable School Lunches

The time has come to start planning school lunches again. Whether last year’s ideas have grown boring or you’ve had to downsize your budget, it’s time to look for school lunches that are as cheap as they are tasty and new.

Here are some of the best school-lunch options. Matching them with coupons from Ebates will leave your budget in good hands.

Chicken-and-Cheese Kebabs
The brilliance of kebabs is that they allow you to mix and match different foods, and products bought in bulk can be minimized into great meals. Purchase a block of cheese and dice it into squares, then fry up a chicken breast and chop it into small portions. All you need now is to skewer them on a stick. Both chicken and cheese store well, so you can make several kebabs from a single purchase, making the cost of each individual meal as little as $2.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be boring, and those extra sugary jams your kids like aren’t necessarily healthy. Upgrade your child’s meal to something tastier and healthier without increasing the cost by slathering a tortilla with peanut butter and wrapping it around one half of a sliced banana. The other half can be used in the next lunch. Altogether, you can make each meal for as little as a dollar. Your child will get more protein and potassium, and lunch will be unique.

Soup Thermoses
Campbell’s theme is “possibilities” for a reason. With options including chicken noodle, mushroom and tomato, you can pick the perfect flavor to suit your child’s tastes and eating habits. Put the soup in a thermos, and you have a super easy lunch your child can eat anywhere. Canned soup costs barely more than pennies and can be stored forever, making it a great option for the frugal shopper — especially at stores such as Walmart, which offers Cash Back when you shop through Ebates. Include crackers in your kid’s lunchbox for dipping options, or cheese slices to add some extra taste to the meal.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
They may not sound like much, but cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are simple to make, cost little and taste amazing. All you need to do is slice some cucumbers, add them to your child’s favorite kind of bread and then slather each piece with some flavored cream cheese. If you include a cookie cutter in the lunchbox, your kid can trim away the crust and dip the sandwich in a thermos of soup for an easy and well-balanced lunch.

Egg-and-Sausage Kebabs
What’s wrong with breakfast for lunch? The morning’s breakfast can be lunchtime’s money-saver. Dice up parts of a hearty omelet and slice up some pieces of sausage, and skewer them on a stirring stick with a few chunks of pineapple, fresh strawberries, pieces of banana, olives, or all of the above. Now you have a nutritional meal that is well balanced and extremely cost effective.

Impromptu Mini Pizzas
When you hear pizza, you probably don’t think “frugal.” However, this recipe allows your child to have a tasty slice of Italy, custom made by them and custom made to fit your budget. All you need is some crackers or pita bread, tomato sauce (you can even use ketchup for extra savings), some cheese sticks and a few slices of pepperoni. If your child likes an extra punch to their pizza, olives or pineapple slices are super cheap when bought canned. All in all, these ingredients can stretch over multiple meals while giving your child the freedom (and you the free time) to build their own lunches. When you purchase these supplies in bulk from Sam’s Club with coupons and Cash Back from Ebates, you can save even more.

Pro Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Leftovers!
Frugal and tasty lunches are about being creative, and since you already have the food in the house and the meal was definitely tasty enough to enjoy once, why not enjoy it twice? Recycle leftovers from last night’s dinner to make your child’s school lunch basically for free! Pack up some extra pasta in a Tupperware and pair it with fresh fruit, or chop up some pieces of meat patties with a side of strawberries for a sweet and cheap meal.

September 8, 2016

Planning a Bachelorette Party that Won’t Break the Bank

So you and your girls can’t quite afford a six-person flight to Ibiza, Cancun, or Paris, lounging in the spa of a 5-star hotel by day and sipping $100 bottles of champagne in an upscale VIP lounge by night. So what? You don’t need to be rich or max out your credit cards to throw a killer bachelorette party. All you really need is the company of friends and a little imagination.

Using Ebates makes it even easier, with Cash Back and exclusive promo offers that make snagging sweet deals on party basics a piece of cake. Read on for some awesome and budget-friendly ideas that will help you throw a bachelorette party that’s positively unforgettable.

Road Trip

A stellar getaway could be just down the road. Hop in the car or pool your funds to rent a van if you’ve got a larger group. If you live in a rural area, you may want to head into the city for a night of bar crawling. To save some extra cash, plan ahead and ask to stay with a friend or relative who lives in town, or split the cost and share a budget motel room. You can find some sweet deals at Booking.com. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and opt for somewhere a bit more tranquil, take a trip to the seaside and rent a cabin or head out to the woods, pitch your tents, and roast some s’mores over the campfire.

Opt for Independently Owned Shops

Getting pampered doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Opt for local, independently owned spas, massage parlors, or nail and hair salons. Not only will you walk away feeling revitalized and beautified, you’ll also have peace of mind as these establishments are typically less expensive and often more attentive. You can also find some excellent deals for anything from manicures to facial treatments via Groupon.

Paintball

No two brides are exactly the same. While one may prefer a day filled with mimosas and manicures, another may be keen on something with a bit more action. Paintball is a not only a ton of fun, it’s also a great way to bond. For some extra laughs, take a cue from the “trash the dress” trend and wear old bridesmaid dresses to the range. Celebrate afterward with some victory cocktails.

Sleepover

Remember as a kid when you begged your parents to let you sleep over at a friend’s house? There was nothing more exciting than the prospect of bunking with your best pals, scarfing down all the pizza and ice cream your little heart desired, and staying up late watching movies and swapping stories. Recreate those nights of revelry for an equally thrifty and fun night in. Swap out the cream soda for some more grown-up beverages like cocktails or wine, and break out the facials and hair masks for some late-night DIY beauty treatments. Find awesome deals on polish and other essentials at Sally Beauty Supply.

Game Night

Whether the bride is more into pinball or poker, there’s sure to be a game she and the rest of the bridal party can enjoy. You don’t have to be a high roller to have some high times at the casino or at home. Even if your budget may not be able to bear the weight of the more risky high-stakes games, you can still have plenty of fun on a penny-pincher’s budget. If you’re heading to the casino, check out the penny slots — they’re not just fun for seniors. Or host the party at a bridesmaid’s place and set up a game night with all of your friends’ favorites. Mix in some drinking games for a little extra fun.

Karaoke

Few things are more befitting of a girls’ night out than karaoke. Like wine and chocolate, or the bride and her groom, the two make a perfect pair. Save some cash by getting the bride mildly tipsy with a few pre-game cocktails before heading out to your nearby karaoke bar. If she’s a bit more reserved, try a couple of duets for a warm-up before encouraging the woman of the hour to show off her pipes in a solo performance.

Craft Party

The seemingly endless cache of inspirational craft ideas available on sites like Pinterest is proof you don’t have to be the queen of crochet to enjoy good old-fashioned crafting. Grab some blank scrapbook albums and stickers — you can find these for just a couple of bucks at Michaels. Break out some old photos of the bride and friends throughout the years, and make a sweet collection of memories you’ll all cherish for years to come.

September 8, 2016

5 Tips to Make You the Master of All Tailgates

Can you feel it in the air? School is back in session and your favorite team is back on the field! It’s finally tailgating season! If you, your friends and family all love tailgates, it’s time to take your tailgating setup to the next level. Bring your A game when it comes time to celebrate your team with this quick checklist of tailgating tips and essentials. Pick up all the tailgating gear you need plus get awesome Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the stores listed. Happy tailgating!

1. Set Your Camp up for Success

Setting up your spot camp for a day of tailgating fun can take quite a bit of planning but with the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to a great day. First up, you’ll need to pick up some basics to keep you and your crew comfortable. Get outdoor tailgating supplies like sunshades, coolers and camp chairs online at Cabela’s.

Pro tip: Label your coolers. Separate and label drinks, ice and food so you and your friends can grab what you need, when you need it.

2. Get the Grill That Fits Your Style

Love tailgating food? Perfecting your tailgate cooking station is essential for keeping your crew well fed and happy. You know your cooking style better than anyone else – and how to match the perfect grill to fit it. Check out all the tailgating grills and supplies at Lowe’s to find the right cooking station for your style and the size of your tailgating crew. Be the envy of the tailgate when you pick up grilling and other outdoor essentials at Lowe’s and save with a grilling gear promo code.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick up extra paper towels and make a washing station too so that a little cooking mess doesn’t ruin the day. Use a bungee cord to hand up your paper towels wherever it’s convenient and use an empty detergent container to store water and make hand washing a breeze.

3. Let Your Colors Show

If you’re serious about tailgates, don’t forget to stock up on the gear that will let everyone know which side you’re supporting. Whether it’s jerseys or flags, show your team some love by proudly flying those colors. Head online to SportsFanfare to check out team gear and get a great deal while you’re picking out this year’s banners and shirts. You can even get paper plates, grilling sets, party platters and coasters with your favorite team on them.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack the Fun

Part of the fun of tailgating comes from playing tailgate games! Don’t forget to pack the games that will make your tailgate the talk of the town. From cup games and discs to footballs and washer toss sets, you can to make your tailgate a blast and pick up everything you need at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

5. Make Packing up a Breeze

Make keeping your tailgating site clean a cinch by picking up a dirty dish bin to stash all those grill utensils and dip covered dishes that will need a good scrub at home. Be sure to pack disposable pans and cups if you expect a big crowd. Walmart features a lot of great deals on everything you need to keep your area tidy and easy to pack up at the end of the day. Stock up on sandwich bags for leftover foods and bring wipes for an easy cleanup and a mess-free ride home.

September 7, 2016

7 Essential Money Saving Apps for College Students

Whether you’re a soon-to-be college freshman preparing to leave the nest for the first time or a seasoned grad student gearing up for your final year, it’s likely you’ll be pinching pennies at some point during your academic career, if not all throughout. Personal finance management is an essential skill you may not have picked up during high school, but you don’t need to be a business major or an economics whiz to master it. If you have a smartphone, you’ve got the power. There are hundreds of apps on the market designed to help users save money. Ebates has compiled some of the best, listed below. Use these in conjunction with the Cash Back and deals available through Ebates at hundreds of stores like Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Loot

Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to stash away a few bucks whenever possible for a rainy day fund, or even just an extra latte here and there. Loot is a free app designed specifically for students which helps you to calculate what your disposable income is. Loot is a little different than most other budgeting apps in that it is connected to a prepaid Visa card onto which you load money. This makes it easy to monitor where you spend your cash daily without the need to manually plug in each expense, as you do with many similar programs. By helping you to develop responsible money management habits, the app aims to subsequently help you to budget for disposable income.

2. MySupermarket

The stereotype of a starving college student can sometimes feel all too real. While clipping coupons can work to save you a few bucks, it can also be fairly time-consuming. MySupermarket helps ensure that you always get the best deal on each item on your shopping list. All you have to do is create your shopping list in the app, and it will tell you where you can find each item at the lowest price, or if a particular store is offering a special on the item. You can also use your phone to scan the barcode of an item while at the store, and the app will alert you if you can find it cheaper elsewhere. Don’t have a car and don’t relish the idea of schlepping a half-dozen shopping bags from the store back to the dorm? This app also works for online grocery orders.

3. RetailMeNot

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again. RetailMeNot helps you to get your fix while staying within your budget. The free app gives you access to thousands of different coupons and specials for a variety of stores, including Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. If you come across a coupon you’d like to use but don’t need it right away, the app allows you to save it for later. It also alerts you when these saved coupons are about to expire. If you’re looking for a certain item, though you’re not set on a specific store, the app will also search for deals within your area. To take advantage of the savings, all you have to do is show your phone at checkout, or if you’re shopping online, just input the code.

4. Mint

Similar to Loot, Mint is an easy-to-use, free budgeting program that helps you to set and meet savings goals. You can visit the Mint.com site, or download it as an app on your phone. Although Mint doesn’t use a prepaid Visa, it does allow you to securely link your debit and/or credit cards so you can just as easily keep track of your spending. With both Mint and Loot, this aspect is particularly important as it can help you to easily pinpoint areas you could cut back on in favor of saving for other things. Once you’ve established a budget, Mint will also send you email reminders should you go over the specified amount.

5. Honey

Similar to RetailMeNot, Honey is a valuable savings app that collects thousands of coupons and codes at hundreds of sites to make sure you get the best deal on every order. You can download Honey to your phone or to your computer as an Internet extension. The great thing about Honey is it will automatically search for and try out all of the available codes when you begin the checkout process at an online store, so unlike with RetailMeNot and many other sites, you don’t have to try out each one manually. If there’s one thing college students have less of than money, it’s time, so this aspect of the app is especially nice. Honey also allows you to rack up points to earn cash back, and offers incentives if you persuade your friends to start using Honey as well.

6. Groupon

College is the perfect place to try new things. Groupon affords you the opportunity to try new things off-campus as well as on, without paying the usual cost. This app has been a favorite for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. With this app, you can take advantage of daily deals of 50 to 90 percent off a variety of activities, goods, and services in over 500 cities. Many businesses post deals through Groupon to establish new customers, so it’s a great way to find hidden gems and up-and-coming establishments you may not normally try or be able to afford.

7. ATM Hunter

We’ve all been there. You’re at the bar enjoying some drinks with friends, go to pay the tab with your debit card, and realize they only accept cash or their card machine is down. Finding an ATM in itself can be difficult in certain areas, particularly if it’s late at night. Add to that the $2 to $4 fees many ATMs charge per transaction, and the fact that you stuck to more budget-friendly beers instead of cocktails seems to have been for naught. ATM Hunter is a free app that helps you find free cash machines, so you don’t have to stress if you’re caught in a jam in an unfamiliar area. You can also filter the search so the app will only show you machines from your bank, adding even more convenience.

September 7, 2016

6 Basics Every Fall Wardrobe Can’t Go Without

Fall is upon us and some of us are more prepared than ever to start enjoying all that the season brings. But it’s not all pumpkin flavored everything and bonfires. It’s also time to dress for the season and we have just what you need to get you started. Before you deplete your bank account while updating your closet, head to Ebates to earn Cash Back on these fall wardrobe essentials.

Ripped Jeans

Fall trends are pointing to the ripped jeans style of decades past. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, distressed at the knees jeans. These are ripped in every way imaginable. Sure, you’ll find the standard rips and tears, but you’ll also discover Silver Jeans come in a wonderful variety of washes to add to the distressed appeal. If you thought fringe was just for your dad’s hippie suede jacket, think again, because this tip fall trend is also making its way to your jeans too.

Suit Jackets

The suit jacket is a power symbol and women are embracing it this fall. And no matter the attire at your place of work, the suit jacket is versatile enough to play the part. Dress up jeans or layer with a skirt. Pair with slacks or layer with scarves and chunky statement necklaces. The options are endless. Head to Kohl’s and snag a promo code, then find the one you’ll love to wear to work and pair with other fall pieces.

Floral Maxi Dresses

Parade of Poppies Maxi Dress, $68 (LuLu*s)

Love may be in the air during spring, but fall is the season of romance. Floral prints and flouncy maxi dresses are reigning this season at LuLu*s. Rich, bold jewel tones, lovely reds and of course neutral tones are big as we enter the new season. Don’t be surprised to find long-sleeved dresses with a 70s-era bell sleeve. Find the right dress and you could be wearing a bell-sleeved floral maxi that ticks all of the right boxes.

Bomber Jackets

Shine On You Crazy Bomber, $68 (Nasty Gal)

Once worn by fighter pilots to stay warm, the bomber jacket has come a long way. Now, while you can still find it in thicker varieties and various shades of military tones, you’ll also find a plethora of other options. Head to Nasty Gal for options in satin, floral, appliqued – you name it. Embrace fall trends and go for a statement piece or stick to a neutral tone for fall wardrobe essentials.

Tall Boots

When it comes to fall basics, the tall boot is key in women’s clothing. They keep you cozy and instantly up the style factor for any outfit. It’s really difficult for them to steer your fall wardrobe off course and Macy’s has plenty of options to choose from. It is so easy to want to fill your closet with a pair in every shade. Boots are the perfect quintessential fall fashion accessory.

Blanket Scarves

A hot wardrobe essential you’re sure to get wrapped up in (pardon the pun) is the blanket scarf from Grace and Lace. Sure, that scarf could double as a nice picnic blanket, but right now it is doing the job of keeping you comfy and cozy at work or during an outing. And since the warm colors and plaid styling are on point with classic but trending fall fashion, you’re going to want to grab a few of these. They’re versatile and you can earn Cash Back at Ebates. What more can you ask for?!

September 6, 2016

The Ashley Nell Tipton for JCPenney Fashion Show is Live NOW

When Ashley Nell Tipton won season 14 of Project Runway, it was a landmark moment for plus size fashion. Since then, it’s been a long road from mass exposure to mass production of a collection. But the moment is finally here and you can witness it in living color! Tipton’s collection for JCPenney‘s Boutique+ debuted this morning with an NYC runway show on live stream at JCPenney.com. Catch the video here to see Tipton’s pieces completely styled on gorgeous bodies of different shapes and sizes. After you’ve picked your faves, shop the collection below with Cash Back at Ebates AND a whopping 40% off (for a limited-time only) to get a jump start on your fall wardrobe!

Box Pleat Skirt, $27.99 | Scuba Crop Top, $19.99

Matching sets like these give you more bang for your buck since they can mix and match into your wardrobe easily.

Cropped Long-Sleeve Button Down Shirt, $21.99

Capes are all the rage but cape sleeves are a more everyday approach to this top fall fashion trend.

Quilted Pencil Skirt, $27.99

With zip pockets and quilted detailing, this skirt can easily go from office to outing with the right shoes.

Pleated Faux-Leather Skirt, $35.99

Show your sweet side with this darling baby pink pleated skirt and some T-strap shoes!

Sequin-Sleeve Bomber Jacket, $74.99

Toss a little sparkle into your weekend looks with this sassy bomber jacket, complete with adorable pins!

Short-Sleeve Graphic Boyfriend Tee, $15.99

A simple graphic tee can elevate your look, whether pairing with jeans or a skater skirt.

Pull-On Slashed-Knee Leggings, $27.99

No street style look is complete without distressed denim, making these leggings a fall must-have.

Moto Jacket with Chiffon, $49.99

It’s maybe the most unique jacket you can find for under $50. Combining chiffon and faux leather make for a serious fashion statement.

Sparkle Boyfriend Tee, $19.99

The dazzling tee is the perfect amount of sparkle for day or night.

**Prices and Cash Back amounts are subject to change.

September 6, 2016

Essential Apps for an Affordable Vacation

In the modern age, planning a vacation is simultaneously much more complicated and a lot simpler than before. With countless websites and companies all pulling at the leash to give us the best deals and the best options, it’s easy to get lost in the choices — especially when you’re looking to stay within your budget while still enjoying your getaway. Blank checks aren’t an option for most of us, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on a fantastic vacation — it just means we need a little help.

Here is a list of the most essential apps to have when planning and enjoying your vacation, helping you find the best places, save the most money, avoid getting ripped off, and even ensure that you don’t forget your toothbrush.

To Do

Anyone who’s planned a vacation knows exactly how valuable all those little essentials and nonessentials are to making sure the vacation not only goes off without a hitch, but that no unexpected expenses swing around to surprise you along the way. To-Do is an organizer app that lets you categorize and access your notes easily, so the planning stage is both flexible and effective. The app is available on iTouch and iPhone, and Ebates offers fantastic Cash Back and coupons for the App Store, making it easy for both your app and your vacation to be more affordable.

Flight Tracker

An affordable vacation relies on making the wisest investments, but it also means not losing the investments themselves. Nothing’s worse than showing up all ready to head off on your vacation, just to find out that your flight has been delayed or that it’s been pushed up and you’ve missed it altogether. Flight Tracker is a free app for most devices that lets you check your flight’s status on the go, so you don’t have to worry about booking another plane, having to reschedule your hotel, or losing your car rental. Not to mention all the painkillers you’d have to buy to get through the ordeal.

Yelp

When you think of vacationing, you probably don’t think of an app to recommend businesses to you. But visiting an outstanding vacation destination can be disappointing when the restaurants, local shows, and attractions are outside of your price range. Going to your dream city can be far out of your vacation budget simply because your bank account can’t accommodate all the things you wish to do while you’re there. Yelp makes it possible to pinpoint the best places at the most affordable prices, including the little-known shops that escape the public eye but give you that personal charm without the high price tag.

Travelocity

Everyone says they’re the best gig in town when it comes to offering deals and lower prices on hotels, planes, and cars. Finding a reliable app that works while you’re on the go is even harder, especially when you’re trusting it with banking information or if you’re on a tight schedule. The Travelocity app has a reputation for high-quality functionality and offers comparisons on different flight, hotel, and car rental choices so you can find the most money-saving options. As an added bonus, Travelocity offers users rewards for booking on their app exclusively, so you can save even more money by using your phone and get those last-minute tickets for an even lower price.

TripAdvisor

The infamous “five-star hotel turning into a two-star once you show up” is a risk we all dread taking when planning our vacations. If you want to book an affordable hotel but don’t want cockroaches terrorizing you in the night, then you need a second opinion, and that’s exactly what TripAdvisor offers. With this app in the palm of your hand, you can get real-life opinions on hotel experiences with recommendations for alternatives if you first choice turns out not to be all it was cracked up to be according to the reviews. This allows you to book a high-quality hotel that’s much less expensive simply because it’s not very well known. To make things even more affordable, there are plenty of coupons and deals you can earn, cutting back on those small costs that can add up in the end. As another added benefit, if you’re on vacation and want to see some of the local attractions, the app recommends restaurants, museums, historic sites, and more so you can get the most for less.

September 2, 2016

How to Shop End of Summer Sales Like a Pro

The end of the season is fast approaching. Soon, the weather will change, the foliage will change and of course the fashions will change. For all of you summer lovers out there we have great news that will ease your transition into the cooler months. The end of summer is one of the best times to find great deals on clothes, home wares, seasonal goods and more. An end of summer sale at your favorite store can stock you up for a year or more, if you play your cards right. The key to banking big on end of summer sales is to shop smart. To secure your end of summer savings, make sure to shop with a summer deals promo code from Ebates. When you shop our top stores with these insider tips, you will find the best end of summer shopping and the best savings of the year with Cash Back at Ebates on every purchase.

1. Have a Battle Plan

The end of summer is full of holiday sales, specials on seasonal goods, closeouts and more. Check out the Hot Deals at Ebates to find out which of your favorite retailers are having Labor Day sales. Mark your calendar for when sales begin and end. Combine a promo code within the sale window and you could save even more when you buy. Make the most of a Labor Day sale and you will see that it pays to plan ahead – literally.

2. Shop for Transitional Pieces

Look for layering pieces that can bring you from the heat of the summer into the cool, brisk air of fall. You can always depend on the classic looks from Ralph Lauren and Lacoste to transition your wardrobe seamlessly from late summer to early fall. Pick up a variety of pieces that can easily be layered. Still in love with summer colors? There’s no harm in having a pop of bright summer color highlighting the more neutral tones of your go-to fall wardrobe.

3. Stock up for Next Year

Thinking ahead to next year will help you make the most of your end of summer clothes shopping. Because retailers are turning over their summer inventory to make room for upcoming fall and winter fashions, this is a great time to stock your closet with basics for next year. No matter how styles change in a year, be sure to pick up wardrobe fundamentals like light fabrics, beach basics and accessories from versatile stores like J.Crew and you’ll be fully stocked and ready for next summer.

4. Make the Most of Loyalty Rewards

Just like some credit card companies offer per-purchase reward points or other incentives, many retailers reward their customers with free shipping offers, bonus rewards, store credit and more. So before you hit the big end of summer sales, check out the reward programs offered and make the most of every dollar spent.

5. Invite Your Friends

Every retailer wants to spread the word about their products. The best way to do that is to encourage shoppers to refer their friends and many retails offer rewards for referrals. The other great part about shopping with friends online is that you can comparison shop and see who can get the best deal on a specific item. A little friendly competition has never been so rewarding!

6. Don’t Fear Commitment

The shopping cart is your friend. You can fill your cart with dream goods and amazing bargains at will and then carefully cull it down before you check out. Don’t think of your cart as a place to put your purchases, think of it as a place to put potential purchases. It’s not an impulse buy if you don’t actually buy it! When you review your shopping cart before checking out, you might be surprised by how easy it can be to combine items and deals to get more of what you want for less.

7. Shop Now For the Holidays

There are fewer than 120 shopping days until Christmas. Now is the time to pad out your holiday shopping list with awesome end of summer deals. The end of summer is a great time to shop for summer-weight clothes, linens and towels at huge savings. With the kind of low prices you can find by shopping a summer sale, you’ll save enough to get yourself a little something special too!

8. Shop for the Family

The end of summer means the start of school. This is the time to find all the back-to school goods for your kids while you shop for yourself. Concentrate your shopping at department stores like Walmart and you can find great whole-purchase coupons when you buy everything from socks to snacks.

9. Watch for Price Adjustments

Did you fall in love with an item that just never seems to drop in price, even during the best end of summer sales? If you know you’ll wear it and love it, don’t be afraid to buy the occasional full price item among all your summer deals. Some of our top retailers, like Gap, offer price adjustments so that if an item you purchase goes on sale right after you buy it, you can get that deal after all.

10. Save Everywhere You Go

When it comes to saving money, you can never save too much. If you know how to work it, it is possible to find a coupon for almost every product and service out there. Groupon offers the best daily deals and coupons for your local retailers, restaurants and service providers and can save you up to 70%. Now that’s just good math.

What are your favorite end of summer shopping tips? Tell us in the comments below!

September 1, 2016

Labor Day Sales and Coupons Roundup

Celebrate the last weeks of summer in style while saving a buck or 10 with coupons, promo codes and Double Cash Back at Ebates. Take full advantage of free shipping offers from top stores while you soak up the sun, take a load off and lounge before fall comes knocking on your door. Whether you’re in the market for a new outfit, smartphone, furniture or something fun to do for the weekend, make Ebates your first stop for fantastic Labor Day sales. Check out these can’t-miss sales, grab a promo code or two and stack your savings with Cash Back.

Bloomingdale’s

$25 off $125, $50 off $250, $125 off $500, and more! (9/7-9/18)

Shop deal with 6% Cash Back >

Carter’s

50% off sitewide, use code LABORDAY (9/2-9/5)

Shop deal with 2.5% Cash Back >

EXPRESS

Take an additional 50% off already-reduced clearance (9/4 only)

Shop deal with 5% Cash Back >

Finish Line

End of Season Sale, up to 50% off (9/1-10/1)

Shop deal with 8% Cash Back >

Gilt

Extra 20% off, use code LONGWKND (9/1-9/4)

Shop deal with 4% Cash Back >

Groupon

Markdowns up to 80% off sitewide (9/3-9/5)

Shop deal with 6% Cash Back >

Hotels.com

Up to 40% off + extra 10% off select hotels, use code SAVE10SEP15 (9/5-9/18)

Shop deal with up to 6% Cash Back >

J.Crew

25% off $125 or 30% off $200 and free shipping (9/4-9/5)

Shop deal with 3% Cash Back >

JCPenney

Extra 25% off select items, use code BIGSALE2 (9/4-9/5)
Use your JCPenney credit card and get 20% off orders under $100, 25% off orders over $100, use code 32SAVE (9/7-9/12)

Shop deals with 6% Cash Back >

Kohl’s

$10 off $30 order, use code MONDAYONLY (9/4-9/5)

Shop deal with 6% Cash Back >

LOFT

60% off all sale styles, use code FLASH (9/4-9/5)

Shop deal with 2% Cash Back >

Nordstrom

Up to 40% off clothing, shoes, accessories and home products (9/2-9/11)

Shop deal with 2% Cash Back >

Office Depot and OfficeMax

Save up to 60% (9/4-9/10)

Shop deal with 3% Cash Back >

Old Navy

50% off jeans, tees, and dresses (9/1-9/5)

Shop deal with 2% Cash Back >

Overstock.com

10% off for all customers (9/5-9/10)

Shop deal with 2% Cash Back >

Saks OFF 5th

Extra 20% off select styles, use code DFS20 (9/4-9/5)

Shop deal with 8% Cash Back >

September 1, 2016

9 Ways to Save More at Macy’s

Macy’s is one of America’s most popular original department stores that covers a wide spectrum of prices. For over 150 years, they’ve sold designer clothing, fashion accessories and quality home goods alongside great deals. With almost 800 locations, there is most likely a Macy’s close to you. But what’s even better than shopping in store is shopping online at Macy’s.com with Macy’s coupons, promo codes, free shipping offers and Cash Back at Ebates.

Since it’s a department store, you can find almost everything at Macy’s! From clothes, jewelry and makeup to kitchen appliances, bath towels and dinnerware. Rest assured, there are ways to save at Macy’s regardless of what is on your shopping list. Here are a few tips for how to save even more at Macy’s:

1. Take advantage of Free Shipping at Macy’s.

Shopping online is convenient but the shipping costs can add up. However, it’s easy to get free standard shipping at Macys.com. Just make a purchase of $99 or more! That won’t be too hard with how many departments and products they offer. Shipping options include standard shipping (3 to 6 business days), premium shipping (2 to 3 business days) and express shipping (1 to 2 business days).

2. Shop for the perfect fit or color with easy returns.

Don’t love what you purchased online? If the color is wrong or it just doesn’t fit right, purchases from macys.com can be returned at any time. If you have your receipt or order confirmation email, you can receive a full refund credited in the original payment method. Purchases made online can be returned either in store or by mail. If the item you want to return was a gift, you can receive a full refund in the form of a Macy’s “Happy Returns” gift card if you have the invoice or gift receipt. No invoice or gift receipt? No problem! You can still return purchased items and gifts and you’ll receive a gift card worth the returned item’s lowest selling price within the last 180 days.

3. Get the Macy’s Credit Card for extra discounts and coupons.

Sign up for the Macy’s credit card to get extra discounts and coupons. The more you spend, the better the discounts will be. If you have the Macy’s card or Macy’s American Express, you will qualify for special savings and offers of Macy’s Star Rewards. These rewards include surprise savings at checkout and from three to 12 annual Macy’s Star Pass mailings. Elite and Premier Elite Macy’s Star Rewards customers receive exclusive birthday rewards, 15% off bonus events and more. Your loyalty pays off when you shop with Macy’s using your Macy’s credit card.

4. Look out for monthly “One Day” sales.

Once a month (usually the third weekend of the month), Macy’s will offer a One Day Sale that has the best savings. Each month, the savings will be different so you can be sure to find great savings on your favorite items at one point or another. Clearance items will be marked down further and usually there will be a coupon to stack on top of that. If possible, wait until the One Day Sale each month to get the best savings.

5. Enroll in the “Thanks for Sharing” program for 10% rewards.

Every year from September through December, a one-time $25 enrollment in Macy’s Thanks for Sharing program qualifies Macy’s Star Rewards members for 10% Rewards. Ten dollars of each enrollment fee goes to select charities including Make-A-Wish, The RESPECT! Campaign, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Go Red For Women. So not only will you be paying a nominal fee for exclusive savings, you’ll be purchasing with a purchase knowing your money is going to amazing causes.

6. Save with Macy’s price adjustments.

If you shopping online and find that an item you recently ordered is now on sale, Macy’s will refund you the difference as long as it’s within 14 days of your original purchase. All you have to do is submit the request for a price adjustment online and the savings are yours to keep. Macy’s prides themselves on offering competitive prices. They value your business and will do what it takes to keep you a happy Macy’s shopper.

7. Shop during the Macy’s Friends & Family Sales.

Twice a year, Macy’s lets you take 25% off your purchase at the Friends & Family Sale. One sale takes place in spring, the other at the start of December. If you’re looking to make a big purchase and can afford to wait a little while, that 25% will definitely be worth it.

8. Stay in the loop with Macy’s emails.

Sign up for Macy’s emails to be one of the first to know about Macy’s coupons and deals. Macy’s emails will not only highlight new stock and seasonal trends, but also can’t miss deals you can be sure to stack on top of Cash Back at Ebates! Head over to Ebates.com, sign up for a free account and favorite Macy’s so you’ll get alerts on Cash Back specials.

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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