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August 29, 2016

Fun Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Labor Day is practically made for fun. Landing right at the heels of summer, it’s a chance for one last hurrah before autumn sets in and we begin to bundle up and bunker down for a few months spent evading the chill by binge-watching Netflix and preparing for the less leisurely holidays to come. It’s the perfect respite from back-to-school preparations and the daily 8-5 grind. Here is a list of awesome ways to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.

1. Take a hike.

From amber waves of grain to majestic purple mountains, the U.S. is filled with natural treasures. The three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to venture out and get in tune with your wild side. Pack up your tackle box and head to the lake for some late-season fishing, or take a trip to the seaside to enjoy one last dip in the waves before the weather turns too chilly.

State and national parks are also great places to visit for a day or the weekend. The early September weather is perfect for a long hike, with typically clear skies and moderate temperatures. It’s also ideal for camping. Many parks and lake sites include camping and cabin rentals, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm late-summer night spent roasting s’mores under the stars. Check out Cabela’s and Backcountry.com for awesome deals on everything from fishing rods to knapsacks before you head out.

2. Shop the sales.

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again, and what better time to get some than on one of the biggest sale days of the year? It’s an especially great time to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothes, so if you are a student or parent of a matriculating student, check out stores like Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s for some killer deals on everything from backpacks to blue jeans.

On the other hand, if you’re evading the dreaded “s” word, or aren’t a student or parent of a student, there’s no shortage of awesome deals on a variety of other products as well. Labor Day is also the best time of year to buy summer clothes at deeply discounted prices. To make the most of your purchases, check out the clearance racks at shops that are also offering storewide deals or Cash Back so you can double-dip on some savings. And just because you’re buying a tank top in September doesn’t mean you won’t be able to wear it until June. Consider picking pieces that you can layer underneath cardigans and jackets so you can start enjoying your savvy shopping haul right away, and all year long. Some stores touting killer Labor Day sales include Banana Republic, Macy’s, and Amazon.

3. Host a backyard cookout.

Break out the grill for one last cookout before summer’s end. Barbecues are the perfect weekend get-together, a chance for you and your friends to really kick back, relax, and enjoy some backyard volleyball or badminton. Don’t have a ball or a net? You can grab one from Dick’s Sporting Goods while enjoying 5% Cash Back and some killer discounts through Ebates.

Since nobody wants to work on Labor Day, make things easy on yourself and your wallet by asking your guests to bring a dish to share, potluck style. With everyone pitching in, there’s no need to worry that any one partygoer won’t have something to eat, which is especially helpful if you’ve got friends with dietary restrictions or allergies. You can provide the entrees, which you can get some awesome deals on from Safeway. If you’re providing the alcohol, you can also ask guests to bring a mixer, or if you’re going BYOB, provide a few mixers yourself. If you’re planning far enough in advance, order online at Amazon to save yourself some time.

August 26, 2016

4 Ways to Maximize Your Holiday Travel Budget

The holidays are coming up fast. First there’s wedding season, three-day weekends, then suddenly you’re booking last-minute plane tickets to Thanksgiving dinner and buying gifts for December. Before you know it, your travel budget is stretched to the limit.

But there’s still time to save money on airfare, cars and hotels. Here are some tips to make the most of your holiday travel budget.

1. Consider ridesharing. If you only have to travel from your hotel a couple of times a day, it may not be worth the expense to rent a car. Find out if a ride-booking service like Lyft or Uber is available at your destination and compare costs.

2. Strategize your stay. At fall weddings, you may end up in a block of hotel rooms booked by the newlyweds, which can limit the opportunity to save money, so try looking for ways to cut costs on other trips. If you’re traveling to be with your family for the holidays and need your own space, check out options such as Airbnb and HomeAway.

3. Travel light. Some airline travel cards include a free checked bag. If you must pay by the bag, go with a compact suitcase or backpack. Not only will bringing less save money, you’ll also spend less time at baggage claim.

4. Use travel credit cards strategically. You probably have a travel credit card if you travel frequently. And while it may be tempting to use those points for holiday travel, it may be better to accumulate points instead of spending them. Compare prices for flights at traditional travel sites like Priceline or Orbitz, or try newer options such as Skiplagged and Skyscanner. Check the exchange rate for your points to see if you’re getting the same or better value compared with buying a ticket. Don’t use the points just because you have them. Instead, save points for off-season travel, when points or miles will stretch further. If you belong to an airline’s rewards program, check out The Smart Shopper’s guide to making the most of your airline perks.

August 24, 2016

How to Plan the Best Summer Picnic without Breaking the Bank

When you think of summer, you might think of BBQs in the backyard, swimming in a lake, and most importantly, packing up the family or grabbing your friends to head out for a picnic. Nothing quite beats reclining in the sun or under the shade of an umbrella, eating ice cream, sipping iced tea, and enjoyed a good ol’ fashioned ham sandwich with good conversation.

If your budget is looking a little tight, you can still plan the best summer picnic without having to go overboard. Whether you’re searching for the perfect place to host your summer outing or stocking up on all your summer wear, this guide lists a few ways to create the best picnic on a budget.

1. Reserve a table at a public park.

Living in an urban area can make it difficult to find that perfect picnic location. An open green field or a cozy campsite in the woods can mean long car rides and high gas prices, and though national parks are a perfect retreat, the admission prices aren’t that great for your bank account. But who says you can’t enjoy fresh air and nature closer to home? By popping over to your local public park and reserving yourself a table, you can have that open-air experience without the expenses, and also without those pesky ants. To top it off, a public park means easier access for attendees if you’re holding an event for your company or community, or hosting a family reunion, saving you both time and effort.

2. Have a potluck and share with friends.

Dinner for one isn’t that bad, but when you’re trying to pack all the food for your friends or an event into a series of coolers, and trying to manage the numbers tallying up on your bank statement, suddenly you have a problem. Plus, if you’re not a great cook or don’t have the time to make all the food, then buying all the supplies premade can put a real dent in your budget.

Picnics are a great way to get some sun and hang out with friends, so why not make your social event even more social? Turn your picnic into a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Not only does this cut back on the costs and effort of preparing and carrying the food, but it’s great for sharing recipes and starting up fun conversations about where people learned to make certain dishes.

3. Do some DIY.

We all have a checklist for the perfect picnic. Sandwiches? Check. Umbrella? Check. Cooler? Uh-oh, the last one took a long walk off a short pier, and your budget just isn’t cut out for another. If you’re coordinating a huge event and need major supplies, it’s even more costly to buy not one but five coolers.

It’s time to get creative and use your own hands, leaving your credit card firmly in your wallet. There are plenty of great DIY methods for making all you need for your perfect summer picnic. For example, building your very own cooler is as easy as taking a cardboard box, lining it with a plastic garbage bag, filling it with ice packs, and then piling in your cold food. Don’t have any ice packs? Freeze some plastic water bottles that are only partly full, and enjoy both your own impromptu ice pack and a cold drink on the way back home. It’s easy, effective, and has the potential to be a great conversation starter.

4. Enjoy desserts to keep away the heat.

You’ve planned it all week and finally it’s here – your lovely family picnic out in the sunshine. Yet the weather threw you a curveball by being a lot hotter than you anticipated. Even your sunhat is ready to pack up and go home. There’s no need to rush back to the air conditioning and the boring indoors you’ve been trapped in all year; it’s time to break out the ice cream and bring down the temperature. Run down to your local Walmart and save even more, keeping you cool and your bank account calm.

5. Take advantage of Cash Back.

Helping the budget doesn’t mean turning down your favorite kind of soft drink or cutting your picnic short when your faulty umbrella decides to go haywire. Places like Overstock offer up to double Cash Back on all the supplies you could need so you can be well-equipped while keeping your budget firmly intact.

August 23, 2016

20 Ways to Pamper Your Pooch on National Dog Day

Hot diggety it’s National Dog Day! This Friday, August 26th is a day dedicated to showing appreciation for our favorite four-legged family members. It’s also a great day to save big on special treats for your pet pal with National Dog Day coupons and a promo code from Ebates. Celebrating this holiday can be as easy as giving your dog a scratch behind the ear and maybe an extra good tummy rub. After all, your best friend is pretty easy to please. But if you want to give your buddy the very best, this holiday is your chance to save big on pet supplies, dog treats and dog toys by shopping our top pet care stores while earning Cash Back at Ebates. To get the ball rolling on the celebrations, here are 20 ways to treat your dog to a special day with links to our top dog-friendly stores where you can save while you shop.

Encourage a roll in the mud. Most dogs like to get dirty, it’s just a fact of dogness. You can let your mutt get muddy without stressing about stains if you stock up on safe, natural stain and odor cleaners and dog supplies at Petco. Use a petcare promo code at checkout to save at Petco.com and find great free shipping offers too.
Make a dog-safe cake or cookies. Believe it or not, there are sweet treat recipes out there designed to delight dogs. What better way to say “I love you” than with cake!
Play advanced fetch. Although a dog can play fetch with anything from your car keys to unreasonably big sticks, there are pet toys out there designed to play long-distance fetch. These games help give dogs excellent exercise while getting in some quality pet-owner bonding time.
Open the couch for cuddles. Pet stores don’t have a monopoly on pet accessories for your home. Use a coupon code to get a great price on a easy-wash microfiber couch cover from Walmart and you can snuggle your buddy without worrying about the upholstery.
Give your pooch a paw-dicure. You can take advantage of the fashion world gone wild and give your pet a day at the nail salon with pet-safe nail-polish and other salon-worthy dog accessories.
Bring on the bling. What’s a holiday without a little bit of dressing up? PetSmart has an amazing array of gorgeous and affordable dog collars that will make your furry friend top model ready. Yes, there are ones shaped like bowties.
Make new friends. Dogs are social creatures, even the shy ones. Introduce your dog to new furry faces at the local park, at an outdoor event or just on a walk somewhere new.
Make a portrait of your pooch. The best way to truly capture your pet’s personality is with a portrait – and I don’t mean just a really good vertical photo on your cell phone. There are tons of amazing artists on Etsy that specialize in custom pet portraits.
Follow the leader. Go for a walk with your dog and surrender the navigational decision making to them. Following your dog’s nose may not mean following the roads, but it’s sure to lead to excitement.
Share with others. It has been shown that therapy animals like dogs and cats really can bring significant health benefits to people and lower stress. Keep an eye out for information on therapy dog training both locally and online. Find out more about how your dog can lend a paw to help others and get some extra special love.
Junk food. You don’t have to feed your pets unhealthy treats to indulge them because there are lots of great, healthy options available. For all the best sweet, salty, crunchy, meaty treats your pooch can handle, browse the selection of natural food and treats for dogs at Pet360.
Take a time out. Dogs are basically furry toddlers and for both of them, naptime is key. Dogs need 12-14 hours of sleep a day so why not join them for one or two – it’s the ultimate bonding activity in the dog world.
Karaoke. Seriously. Have you even heard a dog sing? It’s awesome and absolutely worth recording on video.
Play dress up. You dog might not love this one as much as you, but the photos will be worth it. Instagram gold.
Take them for a ride. Roll the windows down and let the sweet breeze flow through your pup’s fur and flap some ears. Guaranteed smiles all around.
Get a checkup. A trip to the doctor sounds like a bummer of a way to celebrate a holiday until you consider how crucial it is for you to have a good idea of your dog’s health at every age. Make sure your furry friend gets to the vet for regular checkups and save on the top-selling pet medications at PetCareRx where you can earn Cash Back at Ebates with every refill. For affordable pet prescription plans, visit Pet Plus which puts the best pet care online right at your fingertips.
Make a sacrifice. Give up an old shoe, a ragged shirt or some other worn-out item that’s usually off-limits to your dog. Let them destroy it. Witness their joy. Think about whether or not that was a bad idea later.
Write a book starring you and your dog having epic adventures. This is easier than it sounds thanks to the abundance of online publishers, like Snapfish, that can arrange, edit, print, bind and ship a photo book about you and Bowser straight to your door.
Offer a refreshment. It’s important for dogs to stay hydrated and when you search online for “flavored water for dogs” you’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have hydrating.
Remember this day. Make a dog print stepping stone, ornament or paint print to create a one-of-a-kind memento that you can keep forever and ever.

August 20, 2016

Lip Glosses Under $25 for All Skin Tones

Just less than a year ago, it was all about the mattes. Bone-dry finishes that would make your lips the boldest part of your MOTD were a total must-have. Now the tide is finally turning to a wet look that is all summer. Thankfully, there is such a huge variety of lip glosses from natural to edgy and everything in between. But before you pick your new favorite lip gloss, let us show you some of our favorite shades for every skin tone. These lip colors are all under $25 and come with Cash Back at Ebates so you can update your face game without breaking the bank.

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Lipgloss in Forbidden, $18 (Sephora) | Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Seedless Watermelon, $1.99 (Walgreens) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Bordeaux, $16 (ULTA Beauty)

Light skin tones look fabulous with a mauvey nude for day, sheer pink for the weekend, and dusty brick red for evening.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Sandstorm, $5.99, (Walgreens) | Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Like A Boss, $22 (Sephora) | NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler, $4.99 (ULTA Beauty)

Don’t shy away from a little sparkle. Olive and warmer tones should give a glittery gold a whirl, go bold with an electric violet or spicy with an orange-toned red.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss in Sunset, $10.49 (Walgreens) | Black Up Lipshine in Champagne, $19 (Sephora) | BAREMINERALS Moxie Buttercream Lip Gloss in Electric Fuchsia, $18 (ULTA Beauty)

These lip glosses for dark skin will take you from the board room to the boardwalk in a snap. Go peachy pink for day, metallic copper for evening and fiery fuchsia for the weekend.

stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon, $22 (Sephora) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Maui, $16 (ULTA Beauty) | L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Rich Red, $5.89 (Walgreens)

Some of the best lip glosses just take your natural lip color up a notch. A sheer pink will make your lips pop ever so gently while a pale coral will look bold yet beautiful against deep-toned skin. Then, go redder than red for a sultry evening look.

Which one of these shades are you dying to try? Let us know with a comment below?

August 19, 2016

6 Easy Ways to Save for a Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a super fun endeavor but also incredibly stressful — especially when it comes to creating and sticking to a budget. But learning how to save for a wedding and figuring out how to cut wedding costs doesn’t have to be so painful.

As long as you start early, a few small, everyday changes can make a huge difference in your savings. Add in some wedding-budget tips and careful planning, and saving for a wedding will be as easy as a piece of multi-tiered cake. Check out these money-saving tips to help maximize your wedding budget without feeling totally bound by your purse strings. As a special bonus, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned!

1. Stop Buying Coffee: Save $100 per Month

This one is a no-brainer. Skip the daily fancy lattes and set aside an extra $2 to $5 per day. Making your own coffee can swiftly add up to an extra $100 or more per month, depending on your coffee-buying habit. That extra money set aside can help you defray wedding costs such as table centerpieces and other small essentials. Treat yourself to a simple coffee machine and supplies online at Mr. Coffee and build savings for your wedding into your daily routine.

2. Pack Your Own Lunch: Save $200 per Month

Bringing your lunch to work can easily save you $5 to $10 per day, which, over a few months, could add up to enough to cover your wedding place cards, save-the-dates or even your invitations. Invest in some nice packable lunch boxes and use a promo code to save at Bed Bath and Beyond to double up on your savings for your wedding.

3. Cut Out the Fancy Dinners: Save $120 per Month

Dining out is fun, but when you’re saving for a wedding it’s an easy expense to cut that can save you some serious money. A meal for two at a restaurant can cost you $30 or more, and dining in could add up to an extra $120 or more per month for your wedding savings account. After a few months, you could easily save enough for a tux or flowers for your wedding day.

Invite your friends and family to help support your arsenal of ways to save by setting up weekend potluck dinners rather than eating out at restaurants. This is also a great opportunity to up your cooking skills if you can invest in a couple new cookbooks. Check out the great collection available online at BooksAMillion and get ready to impress your friends and family with both your cooking and saving skills. They may even thank you for all the money they save too! Other money-saving tips include making your own brunch on the weekends, which can add up to $50 to $100 extra for your wedding savings account each month.

4. Pregame at Home: Save $120 per Month

Whether it’s date night or time for you and your girls to hit the town, get started with drinks at home rather than at a bar or restaurant. Drinks and cocktails out on the town can cost you $5 to $15 each, so skipping even one drink each every weekend could add up to an extra $120 per month. Just think of your new cocktail fund as your wedding-favors budget and get something sweet for all your guests to take home with them. If you’re not ready to give up fun cocktails altogether, pick up a great guide and start mixing them yourself!

5. Don’t Impulse Buy Pricey Wedding Accessories

Just because you found the most adorable wedding-cake topper doesn’t mean you have to buy it right then and there, especially if it comes with a hefty price tag (products labeled “wedding” often come with a markup). With a little DIY creativity, you can create these flourishes yourself and potentially save $100 to $200 to put toward your other wedding expenses. Get a head start on DIY wedding elements when you check out the awesome wedding DIY section at Michaels. Save a bundle when you order the supplies you’ll need for classic wedding items such as cake toppers, table décor and gorgeous favors.

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6. Skip the Travel

Planning your wedding in your local area can help you save on wedding costs before the wedding even starts. Whether you are planning your bachelorette weekend or picking out your wedding venue, keeping things local can help keep hundreds of dollars in your budget to spend on other essentials, such as meals for your guests or that awesome live band you’ve been checking out. You can easily divert the money saved on airfare and hotels to other essentials. Another bonus of a wedding near your home is that it makes getting all the DIY wedding items to your venue even easier when the big day finally arrives.

How to Say Goodbye to Summer With a Glamping Trip

Camping is not for everyone. The bugs. The heat. The agony. But your knack for modern conveniences doesn’t need to deter you from a wondrous weekend in the great outdoors. That’s where glamping comes in.

Glamping, a pithy mashup of glam and camping, is the new way to enjoy Mother Nature without giving up what you love so dearly. And with fantastic glamping gear on the rise, you’re bound to see more of it. You don’t have to hit up the sometimes pricey glamping resorts in order to enjoy the finer style of camping. DIY glamping is a welcomed alternative for frugal-minded readers at Ebates who love to earn Cash Back on every purchase. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds with the comforts you crave. Here’s our list of glamping essentials to get you started off right.

Spacious Living

Who says camping has to be spent inside a sleeping bag in a cramped tent? Let’s face it, a 5-person tent will comfortably hold three at most. But space doesn’t have to be an issue with a multi room tent from Walmart. The larger spaces allow you to fit multiple air mattresses so you’re comfortably off the ground. You can even designate a space for inside eating, assuming you didn’t actually meet the 12-person capacity of some of the bigger tents. Some glamping tents even have vents that conveniently fit a small air-conditioning unit!

Culinary Cuisine

Building a fire is a hassle and a skillset not all possess. A camp stove makes life easier, but one that also charges your phone makes for a happy glamper. Use a promo code and score a sweet camp stove from Newegg that uses renewable energy (versus the cumbersome and costly canisters most camping stoves use) and features a convenient charging port for any USB device.

Clean & Carefree

If you’re not living large in glamping trailers, a nice shower will seem like a luxury. But walk into campsite showers and the thought of cleanliness may seem like a long shot. The folks over at Camping World have plenty of shower systems that even include hot water, so you can take warm water with you anywhere you camp out.

Well Entertained

Even those who enjoy camping will tell you that when the sun sets, the good times kind of come to a stop. But the general lack of lighting can play in your favor if you wanted to set up a late night movie screening. Of course toting along the flat panel might be a bad idea. Instead opt for a great movie screen available at Cabela’s that you can hang from the trees or prop up on legs. Bring your projector and Bluetooth speaker and cast movies on your own private big screen. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Frilly & Fanciful

No glamping trip is complete without a few homey accessories to liven up the spot. Score some outdoor throw pillows at Overstock.com to bring comfort and color to your new home away from home. All of the glamping essentials you need to breathe life into the space are just a click away. Pick up the glamping accessories you need for your next outing and tell us all about your outdoor glamping adventures in the comments below!

August 17, 2016

10 Best Learning Apps for Kids

Everyone’s eyes are glued to a phone or a tablet these days – and for your kid, this can actually be a good thing. By downloading one or all of these top ten educational apps for children, you can make sure your kid is doing more than having fun on their device – they could be learning and advancing their knowledge.

1. Angry Birds

Angry Birds has a reputation for giving adults a distraction from work, but in all actuality, it has something to offer kids of all ages. Whether you have a five-year-old or a teen, getting them to launch these colorful little birds at pigs teaches about physics so effectively it’s hard to believe it’s fun.

2. Elmo Loves 123s

For the little ones, there’s no one better to teach them the essentials than Elmo. This friendly app gives your child all the fun of Sesame Street videos and takes it to a more interactive level with coloring and puzzles. With bright colors teaching your child to recognize and name numbers 1 through 20, it upgrades according to their level to teach them addition and subtraction, rewarding them with prizes.

3. Pixie

Sometimes book reports just aren’t fun. For younger children who find it more difficult to get engaged – or who simply aren’t strong writers – Pixie makes it possible for kids to embrace all of their creativity and strengths. This app (available in the App Store with coupons from Ebates) allows kids to record their voice, add text, and include paintings in their book report, as well as other projects. So if your child is more skilled in colors than they are in words, they can still add their own unique and fun touch to their work.

4. School Zone Time, Money & Fractions On-Track

A next step up on the learning ladder, School Zone Time, Money & Fractions On-Track (available on iTunes with coupons from Ebates) gives your older children more age-appropriate information without skimping on color, activity, sound, or fun. With unique and friendly characters teaching about different coins, math, and how to read a clock, the more your child plays this game, the faster they’ll be able to recount these facts, with upgradable levels to keep them moving forward.

5. Cookie Monster’s Challenge

Every kid needs to know the Cookie Monster, and with this app, he’s here to teach the opposite of what he’s good at – how to stay focused, how to manage your impulses, and how to follow outside instructions. With the ultimate reward of a cookie machine, your child will be encouraged to progress through all the mini games and continue learning.

6. Minecraft for iPhone

While adult YouTube stars made it particularly famous, Minecraft (available on iTunes with coupons from Ebates) teaches children of all ages about architecture, proportions, problem solving, and, at the very core, encourages creativity. Your child will learn creative solutions for the surprises the game throws at them, and will be encouraged to broaden their imagination to make their creations look more interesting and accurate to real life.

7. Habitat the Game

Teaching about animals and the environment, this app allows your child to adopt a friendly polar bear. With fun sounds and bright colors, they’ll learn about responsibility as they care for the creature, as well as about energy and water conservation.

8. Fish School HD

The modern and more educational version of Red Fish, Blue fish, this app helps your child to learn their number and letters, identify and arrange shapes, and sort and remember colors, all while interacting with a cast of bright and friendly underwater creatures.

9. Dexteria Dots 2

Hand-eye coordination and more advanced math is important, and Dexteria Dots 2 serves as the perfect introduction, with vibrant colors and engaging activity on the screen to keep children captivated as they learn. It’s played as your child evaluates the numbers on the screen – represented by the dots – and then adjusts and divides them to solve a problem.

10. Stack the States

Combining the fun of puzzles with an educational map of the United States, your child will learn more about the shape of the country, the capitals, and the location of each state with this colorful app. With each state characterized by a quirky personality, the more accurate matches your child makes as they piece together the map, the faster they’ll progress to newer, more exciting levels with special bonus rounds.

August 16, 2016

How to Save a Fortune on Textbooks

The campus bookstore is a great place to buy certain items, such as a giant foam finger to wave spiritedly at the homecoming game or a sweatshirt emblazoned with your school’s logo. As most seasoned college students know, however, it’s usually just about the last place you want to go to purchase textbooks.

On top of collecting tuition from students, most public and private institutions seek out secondary sources of revenue to help fund operations, maintenance and other costs. College campuses often are designed as mini cities, with food courts, corner shops, hair salons and more, in addition to the primary bookstore. Most of these serve a dual purpose: to provide students with the convenience of on-campus services and to provide supplemental income for the school.

Many students, especially those who live on-site, opt for convenience and spend much of their money on campus at such establishments. Sometimes this is a smart move, like taking advantage of the discount barbershop operated by student stylists or buying in to your school’s meal plan if it is affordable. But if you’re like most college students, you’re likely a bit more concerned with your own financial well-being than that of the school — as you should be.

After tuition and room and board, textbooks are likely the most expensive item on your school shopping list. As books are required by most professors, there’s really no way to avoid buying them. However, there are plenty of ways to save a good chunk of change. Ebates is a portal to an array of awesome offers, such as discounts at and Cash Back from hundreds of retailers, including booksellers like Amazon. Ebates also offers some great deals at certain university bookstores, such as Auburn University and Texas State University, where you might find specialty texts unavailable elsewhere.

Here are a few tips to help you save a fortune on textbooks.

1. Purchase an Older Version

Many professors are quite specific about the text they require for their class, and they will indicate an issue number for those texts that have been revised multiple times. In some cases, this is important; you wouldn’t want future surgeons relying upon medieval medical literature as their primary source of knowledge. Many books, however, contain very little variation between printing editions. Sometimes books are reprinted to fix typos printed in the first issue, or to add a longer preface or addendum.

Professors often ask that each student purchase the same version of the text to ensure everyone is on the same page — literally. But, particularly if your class involves more independent rather than in-class reading, your professor may be willing to let you purchase an older version of the text, assuming there is no major variation between editions. Most professors are quite familiar with these texts — having studied them thoroughly before requiring them of students — so they will be able to advise you whether this will be an issue. Older versions of textbooks are generally quite a bit cheaper, and are also easier to locate in used book stores.

2. Shop Online

Amazon and eBay have become hubs for back-to-school shopping, particularly because of their extensive selections of discounted books. Be sure to look at the multiple buying options each of these sites lists, as other used book stores and independent sellers often list their copies of the book on such websites as well to reach more potential buyers.

Many new and used online book retailers offer back-to-school discounts as well. Some sites like BetterWorldBooks.com even offer the opportunity to do good while scoring a deep discount. This particular retailer uses funds raised to promote world literacy, donating books to children in need. AbeBooks.com is a great source for those hard-to-find, rare texts, as well as many others.

3. Look for Used Books

All of the aforementioned online retailers offer a hearty selection of used books, some of which even come with free shipping. You can also check out your local Craigslist listings for some good deals on used materials. To support local business and get a great deal, check out your local second-hand book store. The other benefit to going this route is you may be able to take in some of your own used books for in-store credit, affording you even more savings.

Many university hallways are lined with boards of student announcements. These aren’t just excellent places to find and sell tutoring services or seek a roommate. They’re also often filled with notes from students looking to sell used books to make a few dollars to put toward the next semester’s texts. You may also be able to find such offerings by searching Facebook for groups associated with your university. “Buy, sell, trade” groups have become quite popular for communities, and are also a good source for college students looking to save.

4. Get an Electronic Version

In the modern era, it seems just about everything has an e-alternative, and books are no exception. Thousands of books are available on Kindle and Nook, as well as many other e-readers. These can easily be downloaded to a smartphone, tablet or laptop, so you can read on the go without the hassle of toting around a bag full of heavy books. The other upside to this option is it can save you a whole lot of cash. Amazon and Barnes & Noble are good places to check for e-books.

August 16, 2016

10 Organization Tips for Teeny Tiny Dorm Rooms

It’s back-to-school season and students everywhere are busy packing and getting ready to move into their new dorm rooms. Everyone knows that while living in the dorms can be a ton of fun, extra space is hard to come by so you’ll need to get creative with both your storage and organization ideas. Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or returning for another year, check out this list of awesome organizational tips and tricks to help you get your room set up in style and comfort in no time. Be sure to activate Cash Back at Ebates for those organizational essentials that you’ll need to pick up to ensure that you’ll still have some pocket money left come moving day!

Tip # 1: Get Your Room Measurements & Dorm Rules Ahead of Time

If you can get the approximate dimensions for your room or visit a sample dorm room on campus before your move-in date, you can start planning out your dorm room early. Even a rough estimate of the space and a list of the rules will let you know how much to pack, whether you’re allowed to bring things like a mini-fridge or a microwave and will help you start brainstorming dorm room ideas and dorm décor.

Tip # 2: Pack Your Items in Organizers

Once you figure out how much space you have to work with in your dorm room, you should organize your stuff into bins as you pack. The dorm will probably provide a dresser and a desk but all your other odds and ends will need a dedicated spot. Prepping your storage ideas ahead of time is also a great way to hit the ground running and get unpacked quickly when you get to campus. Get all the bins and storage solutions you’ll need online at The Container Store and keep an eye out for a storage bin promo code.

Tip # 3: Label Your Boxes

Don’t forget to label your boxes as you pack, especially for the bins that you’ll be using as a part of your ongoing storage system at school. This will help you unpack the essentials first, maintain the organizational system you’ve already set up and quickly get to hanging out with your new friends.

Tip # 4: Vertical Storage is Your Friend

When it comes to keeping your dorm room organized and tidy, don’t forget about going vertical! The ceiling is the limit when it comes to stacking handy storage cubes and other vertical storage options like tall shelves or over-the-door hanging pantry racks. Just make sure your storage cubes and shelves are not at risk for tipping over!

Tip # 5: Optimize Your Closet Space

Get the most out of your dorm room closet space with the help of useful hanging racks and organizers. Whether you add a hanging shoe rack like the one above from Macy’s or some hanging drawers, you won’t regret the extra space it frees up. Pack seasonal stuff in a designated box to pull out when you need it to help keep clutter out of your closet organization system.

Tip # 6: Invest in a Shower Caddy

Keep your bathroom supplies tidy with a water-draining shower caddy that you can easily carry in and out of what will likely be a shared dorm bathroom. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of dorm-ready bathroom caddies online that come without a hefty price tag.

Tip # 7: Prep Your Desk for Success

Gather all the school supplies plus the important organizational tools, trays and accessories you’ll need to make it to the top of your class. Pack these supplies in their own dedicated and labeled box to help you find them easily when you arrive on campus. Start shopping early and keep an eye out for an awesome back to school promo code online at Dollar General to get the most bang for your buck.

Tip # 8: Get a Whiteboard With a Calendar

Help yourself and your roommate stay organized with a white board with a calendar to keep track of your social events, room cleaning to-dos and your shared shopping list. Pick one up at RoomMates Decor, add in a pack of colored dry erase markers and you’re good to go!

Tip # 9: Make Use of Space Under Your Bed

With the limited space available in your dorm room, help keep the floors and surfaces clear by making use of the valuable space under your bed. There’s ample space under your bed to store your extra dorm bedding, seasonal apparel or other things that are most often tucked away. If your beds are bunked, divvy up the space under the beds with your roommate and consider getting some drawer-style under bed organization to help keep your stuff separate and organized.

Tip # 10: Keep Things Tidy With a Housekeeping Caddy

Keep all your housekeeping items in one place so you can freshen up your dorm room in a flash. With a dedicated place for cleaning sprays, you and your roommate can easily spruce up your room for any impromptu social gatherings in your awesome dorm room.

What are your favorite ways to keep your dorm room organized? Share your best tips in the comments below!