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January 13, 2017

6 Tips for Saving on Filing Your Taxes

It’s that time of year again: tax season! But don’t fret just yet. We at Ebates have compiled some awesome tips to help you both maximize your refund and save a little extra on filing your taxes. Whether you are looking forward to a refund or expecting to send the IRS a check, these tax saving tips will help you get the job done.

1. Take advantage of the simple tax-return freebies. Millions of Americans need to file only a simple tax return (1040EZ or 1040A) but they end up overpaying someone else to do it or fail to take advantage the numerous tax-filing freebies available. Many popular tax-prep companies will offer free use of their services if you are filing only a simple federal or state return, so make sure you check out those options first to save yourself some extra cash!

2. Need to file a complex tax return? Shop around! There are a lot of choices out there for picking tax-preparation services and software, but don’t let the abundance of options make your head spin. Costs can add up quickly if your return is more complicated, so it’s crucial to shop around before making a selection. First, establish what you’re likely to need this tax season by referring to last year’s tax return. Next, start to compare prices across tax-prep providers to score a deal on the software that best suits your tax profile. Make sure the service you choose covers your necessary federal and state filing forms. Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye out for state and federal tax-preparation bundles to maximize your filing-service savings!

3. Deductions, deductions, deductions. Taking proper advantage of deductions can add up to some serious savings. Deductions can lower your total tax bill and could mean bigger, juicier tax refunds in April. If you have a job that requires you to purchase special equipment or apparel out of your own pocket, those professional expenses could be deductible. You can deduct charitable donations, too, including the value of any goods you’ve donated to Goodwill or other charities. No matter which tax-prep software or service you go with, double-check that you benefit from all possible miscellaneous deductions, such as childcare-related expenses and healthcare premiums.

4. Boost your tax refunds with credits. Credits are even better than deductions when it comes to turning your refund into Christmas in April. There are credits available for everything from daycare and college-enrollment expenses for your dependents to home-improvement costs. Become familiar with the credits for which your family qualifies because those credits can add up to an awesome refund year after year.

5. Keep your tax-prep software and guides up to date. It may seem obvious, but keeping your tax-prep materials updated can mean even bigger savings and refunds. Using the latest versions of tax-prep software ensures that you are taking advantage of the current tax law, including all of the latest deductions and credits that may be available to you. Keep an eye out for updates that include new credits or deductions for things such as energy-efficiency improvements to your home or a new hybrid vehicle. Pay attention to changes in credits and deductions, because losing or gaining either one could have a major impact on your family’s budget. Using a tax-preparation program such as TurboTax or TaxAct should automatically apply these updates, but double-check that your software is the 2016 version. Better safe — and maybe a little richer — than sorry!

6. Timing is everything. It’s best to file your taxes early for many money-related reasons. First, filing early usually means you will get your refund earlier. Beat the April filing rush, get your refund processed early and all your friends will wonder when you became such a tax whiz. Second, preparing your taxes early is the best way to avoid a nasty surprise in case you owe the IRS a large chunk of money. Better to discover that bill early rather than the night before taxes are due! Plus, if you figure out how much you owe, you can ask the IRS for an installment payment plan to pay off your bill. Moral of the story? Start early! Once you’ve finished filing, you can go back to binge-watching TV guilt-free because you don’t have to worry about your taxes again until 2018!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 29, 2016

The Best Things to Buy in January

Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over, you may be looking for ways to save more than you would at any other time of the year. Some strategic shopping in January will set you up for serious savings in the long term. For example, while everyone else is paying top dollar on spring clothing, you’ll find amazing prices on winter staples you’ll still need for the cold months ahead. Here’s our complete list of the most affordable things to buy this month, most of which you can find with Cash Back at Ebates.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions

Looking to get ripped and trim for 2017? Retailers know this is prime time for clearing out their stock of fitness equipment, and it’s priced to move. Look for sitewide sales and discounts from sporting goods brands and department stores alike. We’ve also noticed many gyms offer amazing New Year’s discounts on memberships that could keep you motivated to move.

Stores to Watch: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears

Grow Your Winter Wardrobe

As we mentioned, most people are ready to start shopping for spring clothes this time of year simply because they’re starting to appear in favorite stores. Don’t be tempted to purchase your entire warm-weather wardrobe now. Instead, find amazing clearance sales on winter staples. In fact, with warmer-than-normal temperatures this season, many brands are experiencing an overstock on coats and sweaters. This means big savings for you!

Stores to Watch: Nordstrom, Columbia

File For Less

Tax season may be months away, but those W-2s will be in your mailbox in no time, and it’s always a good idea to get a jump start on filing. We’ve seen great deals in past Januaries on income tax software and services, so keep an eye out. Just be sure the deal includes the cost of filing your state taxes as well—that often requires an extra fee. Always read the fine print.

Stores to Watch: TaxACT, FreeTaxUSA

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Update With Fine Furnishings

January is also notorious for bringing major furniture clearance sales. Some sales go from 40- to even 75 percent off regular prices. New year, new living room!

Stores to Watch: Ashley Furniture, Horchow

Deck the Halls Next Year

Obviously, retailers will be almost giving away holiday decor this time of year just to clear it out of stores. Take advantage and get ambitious about next year’s decorating! This is the perfect time to splurge on that 20-foot LED reindeer.

Stores to Watch: Walmart, Kmart.

Take Your TV Watching Up a Notch

4K TV prices are bound to plummet after CES early this month, when new models are slated to be announced. Black Friday was the first time we saw significant savings on 4K TVs as well, which usually means the savings will continue.

Stores to Watch: Best Buy, Sam’s Club

Take a Hike

On January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all national parks will offer admission for precisely zero dollars. This means you can visit popular parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park—which all normally charge fees of around $12 per person. Explore wide open spaces without leaving one in your wallet.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 15, 2016

18 Stores Offering Paid and Free Gift Wrapping

Online shopping makes gift buying all the more easier. But what about when all those packages come to your door? Whether you’re wrapping-challenged or just don’t have the time, it always helps to know which stores offer free gift wrapping or at least will wrap them for a nominal cost. Believe us, you want to take advantage of all the freebies you can get on top of holiday deals to make the most out of your money. Here are 18 top stores you can shop through Ebates that offer free or reasonably-priced gift wrapping.

Paid Gift Wrapping With Online Purchase

Free Gift Box With Online Purchase

Brooks Brothers

See Brooks Brothers coupons
Shop Brooks Brothers with 5% Cash Back>

Jared

They’ll even wrap it for you, too!

See Jared coupons
Shop Jared with 14% Cash Back>

Saks Fifth Avenue

Box comes with ribbon. There is an additional charge for wrapping your gift box.

See Saks Fifth Avenue coupons
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue with 8% Cash Back>

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

October 26, 2016

Tips for Top Deals at Old Navy

Old Navy is known for having stylish and affordable clothes for everyone in your family. You can pick up trendy seasonal items as well as the must-have basics that never go out of style. From cute kids clothes to refined but fun business casual women’s wear, there are many different style possibilities at Old Navy.

You can create your perfect outfit and then accessorize it with a pair of shoes, jewelry, or maybe a fashion scarf. Don’t forget about summer swimsuits and dresses, cute and comfy sleepwear, and all of your winter outerwear, all available in hot styles at cool prices.

While the versatility of Old Navy’s style is part of why it’s so popular, the amazing prices and deals are also a huge reason why people love to shop here.

Wondering how to shop and save more at Old Navy? Here are our top tips for finding deals and saving money while shopping at Old Navy!

1. Save 10% on Your Entire Order with the Old Navy Credit Card

We love store credit cards because they save you so much money when shopping at your favorite stores. They can also help to build your credit. When you first sign up to become an Old Navy credit card holder, you’ll immediately get 10% off your first order with your new card. After that, you’ll get exclusive card member discounts, offers, and early access to sales.

One of our favorite card member sales perks is the Old Navy Stuff and Save sale that gives you a 30% off discount on your entire order, and even on clearance items. What a deal!

Your Old Navy credit card can also be used at other brand-affiliated stores such as Banana Republic and the Gap so you can save across the board at your other favorite stores.

2. Find Old Navy Coupons and Earn Cash Back at Ebates

Next time you stop at OldNavy.com, check out the coupon and promo codes at Ebates first, and get a percentage Cash Back on all qualifying orders. By combining discounts from using your Old Navy credit card with additional Ebates Cash Back, your savings will add up very quickly. Build your new wardrobe without draining your wallet when you shop at OldNavy.com through Ebates.

3. Save with Regular 15-30% off Online Sales

There’s always a deal going on at OldNavy.com. The sale section of the website has regularly rotating sale items priced anywhere between 15% and 30% off of their original prices. Department-specific sales are also common at the Old Navy website. Whether it’s 20% off all denim or $15 off all outerwear, you can always get a steal of a deal with one of the online sales. Just go to their website and see what deal pops up. Don’t forget to check the sales tab!

4. Look For the Huge Sale Section in Stores

The good deals aren’t only found online. Every Old Navy store has a sales section that’s constantly updated with new merchandise as it comes in. This is a great place to find serious discounts on your favorite items of the season before they’re gone for good. Trust us, it’s well worth rooting through the sale racks to find that perfect item at an unbelievable price.

5. Get Free Shipping & Free Returns at OldNavy.com

To get free shipping at OldNavy.com, all you have to do is spend $50 or more. You’ll also always get free returns with every single order. Spending $50 is easy at a store with so many options and items to buy, and free shipping savings really add up over time.

6. Save Your Receipts! Save with Old Navy’s Easy Price Adjustment Policy

Old Navy is always putting things on sale, and that’s part of why we love them, but wouldn’t it be frustrating if you bought some stuff and just a few days later notice that it’s all on sale now?

With the Old Navy Price Adjustment Policy, you can get a refund on the price difference of your items if they go on sale within 14 days of your initial order. This makes it easier to commit to buying that sweater you really love without waiting for it to go on sale and possibly selling out of it in your size or favorite color. Who knows, in two weeks it may be on sale and you can still get that discount!

Related Top Stores

Nordstrom Offers
Target Coupon Codes
Amazon Promo Codes
Best Buy Coupons
Priceline Deals

October 13, 2016

Holiday Travel Tips: How to Find the Cheapest Flights

Holiday travel can put quite a dent in your budget. Even though reuniting with friends and family for this special time is priceless, we at Ebates still want to help you save the most money possible. Here are a few simple tips you should know before booking your flight home for the holidays care of our in-house travel expert, Grant Thomas of Travel With Grant.

When is the best time to buy tickets?

As soon as you know what your travel plans and dates are, start buying tickets. Ask yourself: Would I feel worse buying a ticket now and watching the price go down, or waiting a few days or weeks and watching the price go up?

To find the cheapest flights, you need to be flexible. Look at nearby airports to your departure and arrival city. If you live in the Bay Area, look at flights from SFO, OAK, and SJC. If you’re flying to New York, look at flights to JFK, LGA, and EWR. Most online travel agencies can search flights to and from nearby airports.

Think outside the box. Look at the price of two one-way flights versus a round trip. You can fly one airline to your destination and another airline back home. Being flexible is the best way to find the cheapest flights. If your travel dates are flexible, look at the monthly calendar on Google Flights to see which days of the month have the cheapest flights.

Should I cash in on my frequent flyer miles?

Redeeming miles for peak travel times is going to be a difficult task. You will either find no award space at all or really high redemption requirements for the flights you want. If you want to gamble, you can wait for award flights to possibly open up in the last week before departure. If you do not have airline elite status, you will pay up to $75 in “close in ticketing fees” if you book an award ticket within 21 days of departure on American Airlines and United Airlines. There are no fees for redeeming miles last minute on Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Delta Airlines.

Morning flights or evening flights?

Morning flights tend to have the shortest delays, while evening flights have longer delays. Delays stack up throughout the day, so I prefer morning flights if given the choice.

Checked bags or carry-on?

Carry-on is the preferred way to go. If you are in the first half of the boarding groups, you should have overhead bin space available, assuming you board the flight with your boarding group. If you are in the last half of the boarding groups or tend to board toward the end of the check-in period, be prepared to gate check your bags. Gate checked bags are free and will be sent to your final destination, waiting for you at the baggage claim area. This is a work around for getting free checked bags, assuming your bag fits in an overhead bin. If it won’t fit in an overhead bin, you will need to check your bag at the check-in counter and probably pay a fee.

Should I bring my own entertainment?

Assume your flight will not have WiFi, in-seat power or entertainment screens and hope you are pleasantly surprised. Always bring your own entertainment (book, magazine, iPad, laptop, etc). In-seat power is on a few fights but you should always completely charge your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. before your fight. If you are power-hungry, invest in a portable USB battery pack. Make sure to completely charge the USB battery pack before your flight.

Headphones?

Always bring a good pair of comfortable headphones, noise canceling is preferable. You never know who you will be sitting next to or how loud they will be. Prepare for the worst and hope for the peace and quiet.

Food?

Unless you enjoy purchasing overpriced airplane food, you should bring snacks or food with you on your flight. You will be lucky to get anything more than a bag of peanuts or pretzels and a small drink on most domestic flights.

Ready to start browsing flights? Search for travel deals through Ebates to get Cash Back on flights, hotels, car rentals and more!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 11, 2016

5 Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping at Walmart

With the holidays fast approaching, ‘tis the season to start your holiday toy shopping! Whether you are hunting for the best games, princess gear or light sabers for your little Star Wars fanatic, Walmart is guaranteed to have it all and at fabulously low prices. Here are five easy tips to on how to save on toys at Walmart while racking up Cash Back at Ebates this holiday season.

1. Keep an eye on Walmart’s featured toys.

Before you look anywhere else for the toys everyone is asking for this season, check out Walmart’s Featured Toys to catch awesome prices on the hottest toy trends. Filled with the best toys, games and more, Walmart highlights some of their lowest prices and Rollbacks at the top of their online toys page. Be sure to scroll to the right to make sure you don’t miss out on these amazing deals. Also, be sure to shop Cyber Monday Walmart toys deals to see some of the lowest prices of the season.

2. Pop over to the Walmart Savings Catcher

The days of wasting time on holiday toy price matching are over! Shop for toys with total confidence when you use the nifty Walmart Savings Catcher tool. Just enter your purchase information and Walmart will do the price check for you so you can get the lowest possible prices on the toys you want. If there’s a lower price out there in your area, they’ll pay you the difference! So go ahead, get the gifts you know they’ll love, because there’s no such thing as buyer’s remorse with the Walmart Savings Catcher!

3. Open a Walmart Credit Card

Looking for some extra cash to kick off your holiday toy-shopping season? Open a Walmart credit card and earn $35 back as a statement credit when you spend $75. With hundreds of toys and games available for $35 and under, opening a Walmart credit card can help you spread a little more cheer and make your holiday toy budget go even further.

4. Score super savings online in the Daily Saving Center.

Shop the season’s best online specials at Walmart’s Daily Savings Center. Find coupons, Rollbacks and specials, all in one convenient place online. The best part is that now through the rest of the holiday shopping season, Walmart is offering 10 new daily deals every single day! For everything from this year’s best-selling toys to the old favorites you know and love, don’t miss the deals from Walmart’s Daily Savings Center. Be sure to check back often as these deals are updated daily and are definitely too good to last!

5. Head to the Tips & Ideas section of walmart.com for inspiration.

Need a little help picking out the perfect toys this season? Walmart can help! Check out their Tips & Ideas section to get lots of helpful info on toy trends and top picks guaranteed to dazzle even the pickiest kid. Continue on to the store’s Gifting Headquarters for handy gift guides that will have your friends and family wondering just how you managed to find the toys and games at the top of everyone’s list.

Now that we’ve shared our top five tips and tricks, how do you plan to save big on toys? Don’t forget to always come to Ebates first when shopping for kids gifts this season.

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 22, 2016

9 Ways to Look Your Best for Less at Ulta Beauty

The kids can have their candy stores. Ulta Beauty is where grown-ups find the real treats. Ulta.com offers a proverbial rabbit hole to explore the endless array of goodies to protect, cover and treat yourself from head to toe. From shampoos and oil treatments to nail polishes and callus removers, the minds at Ulta Beauty Supply have thought of it all. While you’re filling your shopping cart and making a wish list of all your wants and needs, be sure to make the most of all of the incredible ways to save at Ulta Beauty.

1. Sign Up for Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty loves to spoil its Ultamate Rewards members, so why not earn rewards on the wonderful Ulta Beauty products you’re already purchasing? A membership grants you access to the best savings, discounts and deals Ulta Beauty has to offer. You’ll get top-secret offers and the best opportunities to save sent directly to your inbox, so you’ll never miss out on a great deal.

As a member, you’ll earn points on every purchase, which you can redeem for anything your heart desires. You’ll have the opportunity to earn up to five times the points on every purchase. Ulta Beauty has you covered for your birthday too. To help you celebrate, Ulta offers a special free gift as well as double points for your entire birth month.

2. Save When You Buy Multiples

Throughout the year, Ulta offers special promotions to give you fantastic savings when you buy multiples of your favorite hair-care, skin-care and beauty goods. There’s no need to choose between two perfect nail colors when you can have them both!

3. Free Gift With Purchase

Bring home a little something extra with the goodies you’re getting. Ulta Beauty offers an ever-changing selection of items with all kinds of freebies as long as supplies last. You can stock up on your favorite shampoo or sign on for a new fragrance, and you may very well find yourself with a special treat.

4. Make the Most of Sales

Ulta Beauty offers its customers incredible savings throughout the year. From heating irons to big-name cosmetics to salon-quality hair care, you’ll find Ulta spoiling its customers with incredible savings. Scroll through Ulta’s ultimate sale section to find the savings that best suit you.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Online Ulta Coupons

Toting around a binder full of printable coupons may not be your thing, but there’s no reason to skip out on savings when there’s so little effort required. You can use Ulta’s coupons online, and maximize your savings with Cash Back at Ebates. These special Ulta coupons may be for specific products, such as lip glosses or lotions, or they may be valid for any single item or applied toward your overall purchase.

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6. Free Shipping Right to Your Doorstep

Bargain-hunting shoppers love a good shipping deal, and you can’t get much better than free. Ulta Beauty often offers free shipping on orders with a minimum purchase. Spend as little as $50 to get free shipping, and you could find your beauty goodies at your doorstep without spending a dime to get them there.

7. Get the Ulta Goods

Ulta Beauty knows about beauty products, which is why it offers its own ULTA Collection. These tried-and-true products offer the high quality you love from your big-name cosmetics without the big-name prices. Best of all, Ulta often offers special savings and deals on these exclusive products that you won’t find anywhere else.

8. Try Out a Free Sample

Ulta Beauty offers free samples with every online order. You’ll be able to try out a wide range of products, and you may just find a new favorite that you can’t live without.

9. Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

If you put off your holiday shopping to the last minute, don’t worry. Ulta Beauty has you covered! From stocking stuffers to the ultimate beauty gifts, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Get your goodies in an easy gift box or hand select the perfect items for everyone on your list. Give them their favorite brands or introduce them to the latest products that are sure to win them over. Not only will you find a great selection of last-minute holiday gifts, but you’ll also find gift cards that’ll get the smile you’re after.

Ulta Beauty is all about offering you the best savings on high-end beauty products so you can walk out the door feeling beautiful. With Ulta coupons, you’re sure to find the best prices on your favorite beauty products. So go ahead and shop Ulta’s amazing assortment of products, spice up your routine with a dash of color and save on the hottest looks that leave you radiant.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

Here’s How to Rock 10 NYFW Trends for Less

New York Fashion Week is almost over and if you’ve been paying attention, you’re probably knee-deep in fall fashion inspiration. But if you’re worried about scoring designer and celebrity looks for less, fret not. We’ve rounded up some NYFW trends you can grab with Cash Back at Ebates for as little at $15! From shoes and accessories to must-have fall dresses, these pieces will easily complete your closet without busting your budget. Look like a star without the Hollywood paycheck with these 10 affordable celebrity style and designer-inspired staples.

The Sheer Paneled Blouse

White Sheer Lace Blouse, $14.90 (Choies)

One of the most-seen New York Fashion Week trends was sheer garments and paneling for a sexy accent.

The Rose Coat

Alice Boutique Silky Duster, $52 (Boohoo.com)

Pink and rose gold are still super hot colors for fall, making this duster your go-to statement piece of outerwear.

The Silver Shift

Eva Metallic Plunge Neck Shift Dress, $18 (Boohoo.com)

The runways saw their fair share of silver dresses in a loose, basic cut for a glam-meets-edgy aesthetic.

The Floral Maxi

Free People Printed Maxi Dress, $109.99 (Macy’s)

A bright, long-sleeve maxi brings a little summer sun into your fall wardrobe with some extra coverage to protect you from the cold.

The Lace Bomber

Nikibiki Floral Lace Bomber Jacket, $42.99 (Overstock.com)

Bomber jackets are very popular but lately they have been given an ultra-femme twist with florals and lace.

The Retro Handbag

Honeycomb Chenille Bag, $70 (Etsy)

With cutesy floral prints and chunky wooden handles, these 60s-inspired bags will add a little flower power to your fall looks.

The Geometric Shades

Le Specs ‘Savanna’ 51mm Sunglasses, $69 (Nordstrom)

Round lenses and square frames make for one head-turning pair of shades for those occasional bright days ahead.

The Belt Bag

Wendy Belt Bag, $58 (Rebecca Minkoff)

Belt bags aren’t going anywhere and are even getting bigger and bolder for a serious throwback to 80s style.

The High Waist Corduroy

Sammie Pant In Corduroy, $89.50 (J.Crew)

Colorful cords with a straight, boyfriend cut and high waist are a 70s-meets-90s trend you definitely want to try out.

The Orange Slingback

NINE WEST Slingback Pumps, $23.70 (Lord and Taylor)

Orange is the new red when it comes to pops of color for fall, making these sleek slingbacks a must-have.

**Prices and Cash Back amounts subject to change

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 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.