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July 6, 2016

What to Wear to a Formal Fall Wedding on a Shoestring Budget

Fall wedding invites are starting to hit mailboxes and if you’re one of the lucky ones who made the A-list, it’s time to start shopping for fall wedding outfits. However, we’ve noticed that unless otherwise noted, fall wedding guest attire tends to be on the formal side. Since plummeting temps make way for glamorous dress styles, expect a “black tie” notation on those invites. But this doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan just to be a good-looking guest. Here are four easy tips on how to shop for fall wedding attire that will save you big bucks or make the most of a big purchase while stacking up Cash Back at Ebates.

1. Shop Fast Fashion Brands

Some of your go-to brands for everyday looks can really come through with luxe-looking fall cocktail dresses. Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have a fabulous selection of fall evening dresses in both straight and plus sizes. And if you want to take the crash course What To Wear to a Fall Wedding 101, the answer is always a cape dress like this amazing one in cobalt. It’s dramatic without getting too flashy or fussy.

2. Get it Slightly Loved

Remember that it doesn’t have to be brand new in order to be a show-stopper. With Rent The Runway, you can even rock a designer look often for $100 or less. This Badgley Mischka gown in siren red is a perfect example. ThredUp is also a fantastic option for designer lovers with fall evening dresses and more for up to $90 off!

3. Shop Investment Pieces

So you’ve got a taste for high end. Don’t worry. It’s not a crime! Just keep in mind that while you are shopping for a special occasion, it doesn’t have to be the only occasion your purchase will ever see. When shopping from tried-and-true luxury stores like Bloomingdale’s, go for timeless cuts and fabrics. Find something that fits your body like a glove, makes you feel unstoppable and will not fall prey to passing trends. Avoid those prints! Solids can fit more easily into any soirée. This lace dress from Kiyonna is one of our favorite fall evening dresses and will be sure to give you plenty of mileage.

3. Dress Up Your Own Basics

Every woman should own a little black dress. If you already have one, now is the perfect time to break it out and score some stunning statement accessories to make it wedding worthy. A jeweled bib necklace like this masterpiece from BaubleBar is an instant upgrade for any neckline. You can also shop amazing, budget-friendly jewelry pieces at Charming Charlie. Find the perfect pair of shoes and a clutch, then you’re all set to dance the night away knowing everyone thinks you spent a fortune on your look. Secrets are fun, aren’t they?

April 30, 2016

Money-Saving Graduation Party Planning Tips

Graduation is all about celebrating your grad’s accomplishments. All of their late nights and hard work finally paying off so they can go on to get the dream job on this path we call life. It is not, however, about going into debt over napkins, balloons and beverages. Fortunately, Ebates is here to wow you with graduation party ideas that will save you money, time and headaches.

The DIY Approach

No one will ever claim that the DIY angle will save you time or headaches but the personalized touches and beautiful effects are well worth it for a one-of-a-kind graduation party. You could go wild with all of the creative ideas available on Pinterest but it’s best to keep it within your wheelhouse.

Simple projects include tissue paper pompoms and folded fan rosettes that offer a big impact without breaking the bank. Elicit the help of friends and family to decorate in the colors of your grad’s alma mater. Create a flashback that’ll bring tears of joy with printed photos displayed by string and mini binder clips. Of course, if you’re not so handy yourself, Etsy has plenty of DIY artists to lend you a hand so you can get the look without the time commitment.

Digital Maven

We live in the era of technology so there’s no reason you can’t use it to your advantage. Switch that analog photo display to a computer created slideshow. You (or your tech-savvy friend) can create a slideshow to play on digital picture frames or a television. You can even get your graduation announcements and graduation invitations with a digital yet personalized effect through Minted’s beautiful online invitations. Cut the DJ cost and create a custom playlist with all of your favorite songs and blast your creation from a powerful Bluetooth speaker. Encourage your loved ones to use a custom hashtag on Instagram so you can collect all of the images in one convenient spot. You’ll be able to keep the party planning organized and have a digital record of your special celebration for years to come.

2-For-1 Special

If there are multiple grads in the family, why not stack the celebration? If you split costs with other hosts, you can save on everything from the décor to the photo booth supplies at Michaels and enjoy the benefits of a big party without all of the expense, especially when you use a promo code for additional savings. You can even share graduation cakes and top it with a personalized image of the honorees together. Often times, guests are only spending a few hours at an individual’s party before moving on to the next graduate on the list, so the partnership will keep people enjoying your party for longer.

Plan Ahead

You don’t have to wait until the weeks before graduation to start planning. In fact, you can stock up on things months or even years in advance. Purchase party supplies after graduation season and find sales of 50% off to even 90% off in some cases. Even some food items can be purchased and stored in the pantry or freezer for later.

B-Y-O-Whatever

There’s no shame in asking for a little helping hand. Ask everyone to chip in on the festivities by bringing something to the shindig. Borrow their tables and chairs, ask them to bring their own beverages or even make it a potluck occasion.

Keep It Simple

You don’t have to rent a banquet hall and hire entertainment to have a good time. You’ll have a memorable experience with the ones you love wherever you are. Host the soiree at your house and get your family or friends together to create simple decorations. You don’t have to host a four-course meal either. Friends and family will be hopping around and mingling with each other so keep the food to a manageable antipasti that offers a variety of grab-and-go options. The snacks will save your budget and prevent someone from manning the grill the entire time.

Attending a Party?

If you’re attending and not hosting, we still have tips for you. Things Remembered offers a great collection of personalized items perfect for graduation gifts. Personal tokens are a great symbol to celebrate their accomplishments. Or you can keep it practical with gifts for their new home – which is thankfully no longer a dorm room. They’ll need furniture and fixtures to fill their new space. Or, if you want guaranteed success, graduation cards with a financial contribution can be used towards whatever they need.

Graduation season is a time to celebrate so just remember to have fun. Kick off the next step in their life with a degree in their hand and earn Cash Back at Ebates to save you money on all of life’s moments.

March 29, 2016

DIY Bride Guide for a Budget Wedding

Congratulations! Getting married is cause for major celebration! If you’ve already begun planning your big day, or even if you are just helping out, you probably know that wedding planning can be an expensive endeavor. But with these DIY wedding ideas and tips, you’ll be on the path to your happily-ever-after with some awesome savings along the way, thanks in part to Cash Back at Ebates.

Be Your Own Wedding Planner

Hiring a professional wedding planner generally comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. Spend that money elsewhere and rely on your own planning skills to make your budget wedding a reality. With some proper planning, the right online resources and some DIY wedding moxie, you can easily plan the gorgeous wedding of your dreams without compromising your bank account. Have a dedicated notebook, like The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner, or digital document to keep yourself organized. Make a timeline of the tasks that need to get done early, like picking a venue and sending out save-the-dates to your friends and family. Try to tackle your to-do list consistently to keep the ball rolling and to make your wedding planning workload manageable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed and make sure to allow ample time in anticipation of the inevitable challenges and hiccups along the way.

Print Your Own Paper Products

While many folks go straight to a calligrapher or a fancy print shop for their wedding invites and place cards, this is one of the easiest ways to save money with some well-planned DIY. Rather than shelling out an arm and a leg for paper goods subject to the dreaded wedding markup, shop cardstock in pre-cut sizes and print it yourself. If you have any inclination to buy a new printer, this is a great time to do it. You’ll be able to print professional looking invites, place cards, DIY save the date cards and DIY wedding invitations. Plus you’ll have a new printer when it’s all over! Staples has a fantastic selection of high quality printers and wedding paper products that won’t compromise style and will keep your budget wedding on track. Start early and keep an eye out for a printer or wedding invite promo code online at Staples and earn Cash Back from Ebates while you shop!

Save Big With DIY Centerpieces and Wedding Décor

Building your own centerpieces and other wedding decorations may seem like a daunting task but you can do it! How-to blogs on design and Pinterest are going to be your best source of inspiration and information to help you determine what you like and how to make it happen. Considering creating your own flower arrangements? You can save a bundle by shopping for vases or other unique containers at thrift stores. Head online to craft stores like Michaels to check out the selection of wedding decorations and DIY wedding centerpieces, plus get Cash Back from Ebates on your purchase! Michaels is also a great resource to get supplies for a DIY bride hanger and other wedding essentials. Save on your wedding décor by starting to plan it out as early as possible and cashing in on deals like a wedding centerpiece promo code or seasonal sales as they pop up.

Fashion Your Own Wedding Favors

Wedding favors help show your gratitude to each of your wedding guests for being there to help celebrate your special day. DIY wedding favors are an awesome way to say thanks and to help keep your budget wedding on target. Making something special for your guests is a big task so this is a great place to enlist the help of friends, family and the wedding party. Check out go-to DIY wedding favorites like Jo-Ann Fabrics for photo favor supplies and save a bundle with a frames promo code to give each guest a classic keepsake. Whatever wedding favors you pick, be sure to get Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on your DIY wedding. Over the course of the next few months, you and your helpers can easily make all the favors during just a few crafternoons. Enjoy the wedding prep process, it will be over before you know it!

January 8, 2016

How to Save Money in the New Year

A new year is upon us and that means new resolutions! Spending less and saving more is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions around. But keeping your wallet full and learning how to save money without a plan of attack can be a challenge. Check out our favorite tips for saving big this year.

1. Set Goals

Before you kick off your plan on how to save money this year, you’ll need to set some realistic goals. Review your budget to determine where you are and where you want to be by the end of 2016. Give yourself a weekly or monthly figure and set that money aside in a savings account. At the end of the year, you could have a chunk of change that you may have spent without a precise plan! And if you need help, ask a professional. See if you can reduce or cut out your banking and 401(k) fees and learn how to utilize your HSA to the fullest, if you have one. While getting professional help isn’t free, it will certainly pay off in the long run to learn how to save money with your insurance and retirement planning.

2. Get Cookin’

Ditch the drive-thru and kick up your kitchen skills to save some serious dough. Pick up the weekly ads from your favorite local grocery store and scope out the best prices on all your essentials in order to plan affordable meals throughout the week. Portion everything out so you can grab and go in the mornings and skip those tempting lunches out. Keep your fridge stocked with prepped snacks and sides for healthy and affordable food options that beat eating out during the busy week. If you have a large family, opt for bulk grocery stores for the best values. If you’re cooking for a couple or snacking solo, freezing meals can be a great money-saving option, too. Whether you go into full-on chef mode or just cut out a few restaurant trips a week, you’ll get big savings in the end.

3. Go DIY

Conjure your inner crafter and save easy money all year long. Try making heartfelt handmade gifts for occasions throughout the year and skip those pricey presents. Say hello to your handy side and learn how to patch up clothing or fix things around the house rather than automatically replacing them with something shiny and new. You’ll enjoy the creative outlet, feel accomplished and save money all at the same time. Priceless.

4. Ditch Daily Habits

Breaking the bank on your morning brew? Hitting up the vending machine midday? Those costly little habits and treats can add up quickly. If caffeine is your cup of tea, why not invest in a good coffee maker and save money every day? You’ll definitely see the difference in your bank account by breaking these little daily indulgences.

5. Change Things Up

Pennies and dimes and quarters, on my! Coins can seriously weigh down your purse or wallet. Repurpose an old jar and keep it on your counter for an easy way to store all that spare change. It’ll add up faster than you think! Cash it in and use it towards groceries, essential supplies and more. Plus, kids love counting the coins and keeping track – make it a fun family goal!

6. Ridesharing Rules

Easily save money on gas and costly wear and tear on your car by creating a carpooling system. Chat with coworkers who live in your neck of the woods to see if they’d be interested in commuting together. Ridesharing even a couple days a week can add up to quick savings. Determine your gas costs and see if it makes more fiscal sense to take other affordable public transportation options if they’re available to you. Explore your area for simple ways to save easy money with buses, bikes and trains.

7. Recycle & Reuse

Save money and be a pal to our planet by recycling and reusing! Skip those expensive disposable plastic water bottles and opt for something reusable. You’ll save money at the grocery store every week just by making one simple change! Leave those budget-blasting paper plates and plastic utensils behind as well and save money instantly.

8. Vacay on a Budget

Saving money doesn’t mean you have to cut out all the fun! Head out on your family vacation or weekend getaway, but do your research in advance. Scope out sites like Groupon Getaways and LivingSocial for amazing travel deals and save big with Cash Back at Ebates. Comparison shop for discount hotels and get insider tips on the best food and drink deals at your destination. Two words: happy hour.

9. Shop Smart with Cash Back at Ebates

Why spend more if you don’t have to? When you shop through Ebates.com, you’ll earn Cash Back at tons of the most popular online retailers. It’s such as easy way to save big on the items you were going to buy anyway! From food and entertainment to apparel and so much more, get Cash Back at Ebates when you sign up for a free account. You can easily see your Cash Back activity and sign up for emails on all the hottest sales and specials. Now that’s easy money!

Now that you have our top tips on how to save money and get plumper pockets this year, go forth and save big. Wishing you a wonderful 2016!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 9, 2015

How to Plan a Holiday Party

The holidays are a time to celebrate and gather with your favorite people. Great food, lively music and festive decorations are essential ingredients for any holiday party, but it also takes some thoughtful planning to pull off one of the most talked about events of the year. Whether you’re in charge of the Christmas party planning for your company’s celebration or you’re planning a private gathering for your closest family and friends, we have the tips you need to get the festivities going without a hitch.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

A successful party is rarely pulled off at the hands of just one person, so don’t be afraid to solicit the help of those around you. Consider hiring professionals who specialize in their field or simply ask a friend to chip in, because those extra hands will be a major help. There’s no need to take on too much to do by yourself and end up stressed. After all, the holidays are about having fun!

2. Create a holiday party planning checklist.

A lot goes into Christmas party planning so you’ll want to make sure you’ve covered all of your bases. You’re going to be pulled in many directions so you’ll want to create a holiday party planning checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten. You can use traditional pen and paper or make a list on your mobile device, whichever is most convenient for you.

3. Choose an appropriate venue.

Choosing a venue is an important element to any social gathering. Your venue should be determined by the number of attendees (and their guests). Keep it simple by hosting the party at your home or workplace or you can rent a special location for your event. Choose a location that is appropriate for the gathering and be sure to discuss any house rules the venue may have. Some locations may require food or entertainment be provided by their in-house staff so make sure they meet your requirements before you commit to your locale.

4. Send out your invitations.

Once you have the preliminary decisions made, you can send your guests invitations. Vistaprint has a great assortment of invitations with easy design features or you can create an invitation all on your own. To make reservations simpler, offer your guests the option to phone in their confirmation or use an online method like email or an event RSVP service.

5. Set the stage with decorations.

The first thing everyone will notice when they walk into your party space is the decorations. If you have the time to hand-make every item, you can keep your budget low, but it’s important to remember that your time is valuable as well. Birthday in a Box offers a variety of fun and festive decorations that are sure to get people in the mood for your holiday party. Streamers, table scatter, paper lanterns and more in holiday colors and designs will create a fun atmosphere for the get together.

6. Fill their bellies with delicious food.

The food often becomes the focal point of any party so plan accordingly. Some parties will include a dinner while others may focus more on appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Be sure to offer plenty of variety so you can appease even the picky eaters. Festive recipes can be paired with classic favorites. If you’re planning on multiple dishes or just want to simplify the process, a caterer may be best for your event. Your caterer can offer a variety of options and help lighten your load so you can focus your attention on other elements.

7. Keep your guests entertained.

Whether you’re planning a major event or just a small social gathering, you’re going to want to provide entertainment. This can be as simple as Christmas party music playing from a playlist or a hired DJ to keep the party going with tunes for the occasion.

8. Take care of the extras.

When it comes to your Christmas party planning, set yourself up for all the extra little things. Plan a space for all of those winter coats everyone will be wearing. Hire an event photographer to take pictures so your guests can focus on the fun. You can even plan for a taxi in case anyone needs a ride home.

9. Send them off with a gift.

Even great parties must come to an end but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop at the door. Send your guests home with party favor gifts that remind them of the glorious evening they just had. Harry and David has a wide selection of fine gift baskets or you can choose decadent candies from Ghirardelli Chocolate. Your guests will love their holiday party favors long after the event is over.

10. Enjoy your evening.

In all of the hubbub, don’t forget to enjoy the evening yourself! You’ve put a lot of work into making the night go off without a hitch so it’s only right to enjoy it yourself as well. Partake in the food, shimmy on the dance floor and spend some well-earned down time with your fellow party-goers.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 6, 2015

The Best Cyber Monday Shopping Strategies

Cyber Monday is just around the corner! ‘Tis the season for unbeatable sales, the best deals of the year and of course, online shopping in your pajamas. Cyber Monday is a fairly recent construct that originated about 10 years ago after market research determined that the Monday following Thanksgiving was one of the most popular online shopping days of the year. Maneuvering through the incredible array of Cyber Monday sales can be a bit overwhelming without the perfect online shopping plan in place. Never fear! We want to make sure this Cyber Monday is your best yet. So, kick off your holiday shopping season right and check out some of our favorite tips for saving big this Cyber Monday!

1. Have a Game Plan: Before the Cyber Monday deals even start, you need a basic blueprint of who, what and where. Create a comprehensive list of what you want to buy, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or stock up on Christmas gifts for the whole family. Keep track of who you’re shopping for, their top gift ideas and which websites you want to visit. You can use an Excel, type notes in your phone or kick it old school and scribble it down in a notebook. No matter your plan, a clear list will help you stay focused so you don’t get distracted by all the bright and shiny Cyber Monday sales. Side note, don’t limit yourself to just buying holiday gifts. If you see an unbeatable birthday gift for a friend or family member, why not grab it now and save it for later?

2. Know Your Stuff: In order to get the best Cyber Monday deals, you’ll need to do a little research. Do some browsing at your favorite retailers to determine where you’ll find the best online shopping sales on everything from discount electronics to clothes for the whole family. Set yourself apart from amateur online shoppers and be sure to visit Ebates for quick and easy access on Cyber Monday morning. Remember, Cyber Monday is one of the most popular online shopping days of the year, so deals run out fast and furiously. Refer back to your bookmarks throughout the day to stay up to date on the latest and greatest promotions. A little pre-planning is all it takes to take Cyber Monday by storm!

3. Be a Social Butterfly: Scoring the ultimate deal of the day at your favorite retailer means you may need to be in the know regarding their Cyber Monday plans. Start liking your favorite online shopping sites on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get their latest sale announcements and exclusive insider access to any Cyber Monday specials. Be sure to sign up for emails and newsletters for easy access to Cyber Monday news delivered directly to your inbox. Go one step further and create a Cyber Monday folder in your email inbox for super speedy reference if needed.

4. Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe – Comparison Shop ‘Til You Drop: Thankfully, online shopping means you have the freedom to go from here to there in seconds. Keep multiple tabs open in your web browser to quickly compare like items from different retailers to get the best prices. That TV you’ve had your eye on just might be significantly cheaper just a click away, so don’t be afraid to play favorites.

5. Promo Codes Are Your Friend: Take advantage of extra savings thanks to essentials like promo codes, coupon codes and even Cash Back at Ebates. From free shipping offers to an additional percentage off your purchase, retailers may feature more ways to boost Cyber Monday savings so be sure to keep an eye out.

6. Be a Team Player: If you’re online shopping for a number of people, you might consider dividing and conquering your game plan with a trusty family member. Teaming up will help you get the best Cyber Monday deals faster to ensure you don’t miss out. You can divide your list by person or category to knock it out in no time flat.

7. Budget Like Nobody’s Business: We totally get it. All those Cyber Monday deals are super tempting. But, there’s nothing worse than blowing your budget on things you really don’t need. So, keep yourself in check by picking a number and sticking to it. Consider setting aside a little bit of holiday shopping money every month so you’ll have your budget locked when Cyber Monday rolls around. That’ll soften the blow to your overall budget since you already knew it was coming.

8. Chill Out: Just remember that everyone and their dogs are online shopping for the best Cyber Monday sales. Sites could be slower than normal, but stick with it and you’re bound to score some great deals! Be sure to shop from a reliable computer or mobile device that offers a fast and secure Internet connection to limit glitches and save your sanity.

Follow these simple tips to polish your Cyber Monday shopping skills and save like a champ. We’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Cyber Monday online shopping tips? Tell us below.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 16, 2015

13 Tips for Choosing Your Halloween Costumes

When it comes to choosing Halloween costumes, the possibilities are endless. Between browsing your local costume store and spending way too much time on Pinterest collecting DIY ideas, the abundance of choice can seem overwhelming. Let us help you break down the process with these 13 simple steps so you’ll be sure to pick a winner this Halloween.

1. Buy Early – No matter if you are planning to buy a complete costume or components and accessories to make your own, start as soon as you can. You never know when you need time to troubleshoot. The color might be off or the fit may be unflattering. Give yourself as much time as possible to return or exchange items that are vital to your look.

2. Budget – Halloween costume ideas can get lofty—fast! Before you get too ambitious or start drooling over custom-made accessories and expert-quality Halloween makeup, decide on a budget. You can even break it down by how much you want to spend on clothing, wigs, makeup and other accessories. Halloween costume coupons and promo codes will definitely help with keeping your finances on track. And Cash Back at Ebates will put money back into your pocket!

3. Style – Now you can start narrowing down costumes by what style you’re going for. Do you want to have people running for the hills with a scary costume or doubled over laughing with a silly one? Do you want to be recognizable or go for something a little more obscure? Cosplay costumes are a great example of both popular characters and little-known ones. Figure out what kind of statement you want to make and go from there.

4. Weather – Trust us. A costume that bares a little skin will be fun for exactly two minutes if there’s a chill in the air and you plan on Trick or Treating all night. Try to get a handle on the weather forecast for the night and factor in your surroundings for whatever you have planned. If you’re going to be indoors, you may not have to worry about a costume that will keep you bundled up.

5. Group Costume – There are plenty of advantages to going with a group costume with friends or family. One, it’s a bonding experience. Two, your costume-mates act as accessories so you don’t have to worry too much about making your character obvious. Three, if you all go with the same costume, it eliminates a lot of the hard work without compromising the overall statement.

6. Simple Pet and Kids’ Costumes – If you’re shopping for Halloween costumes for kids and pets to top off your group costume, know your sidekick. Keep things simple if your pet or little one is prone to fussing in an all-out get-up. Basic capes are great for dogs while loose costumes sans masks are more manageable for young kids. Keep everyone in your costume crew from getting cranky this Halloween.

7. Avoid Appropriation – Offensive Halloween costumes are seriously uncool. Don’t ruin a fun night by hurting anyone’s feelings. When choosing a costume, remember that depicting cultures and races that are not your own are absolutely off limits. Characters, occupations, historical figures and celebrities are just fine. But always depict these types of people with respect and without changing your physical features, including skin tone. Be kind, be sensitive and be courteous when putting together your Halloween look.

8. The Fine Print – So now you’ve found a great Halloween costume online. Before you click Order Now, make sure to read all the details first. Sometimes costumes are not entirely as pictured. They might not include all of the accessories in the photo, like the wig or jewelry. Reading the fine print will save you the heartache of expecting a complete look delivered to your door only to find a single piece of clothing. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to scramble for additional pieces.

9. Sizing – Use the size chart when selecting a costume online or a pre-packaged costume you are not allowed to try on in-store. Take your exact measurements before shopping to select the perfect fit. This again will save you time and ensure you will not have to return a costume due to poor fit at the last minute.

10. Try it On – Immediately after you receive a mail-order costume, take it out of the package and try it on. Do not assume everything will fit perfectly and wait until Halloween night. Obviously by then it will be too late to return or exchange your costume. You’ll be out of luck and out a few bucks.

11. Versatility – If you’re attending multiple events for Halloween and are thinking of getting more than one costume, consider buying one and changing it up for each outing. Choose a versatile costume that can be easily mixed up with the right makeup and accessories. You can go silly or sweet for family outings and spine-tingling for afterhours parties.

12. Safety First – So now you have the costume. It fits, you love it and you can’t wait until Halloween night to rock it. But safety is also very important. You need to make sure you can move adequately, see and be seen. If the eye holes of your mask are not wide enough, cut some more space for you to see. If your costume is long enough to trip on, hem or trim the bottom. Lastly, focus on visibility. If your costume is dark and you’ll be walking around at night, include a flashlight or glow stick so drivers will be able to spot you crossing the street.

13. Dress Rehearsal – Once you have all of your costume elements together in one place, give your look a test run. Put on the whole shebang—costume, jewelry, wig, makeup, everything. Chances are, practice will make perfect when it comes to nailing your Halloween look.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 5, 2015

8 Can’t-Fail Ways to Save for the Holidays

While it may seem a tad early to start talking about saving for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other special holidays, now is indeed the perfect time. Getting a jump start on planning your budget and even shopping a little early can really save you a lot of money so you don’t have to start the new year under a pile of new debt. We’ve rounded up some of the best, most tried-and-true holiday savings tips to take some of the sting out of your gift giving this year.

1. Plan your holiday budget. Use an online holiday budget planner to get an idea of how much you would like to spend this season. Factor in your income and bills so you can see exactly how much money you need to save for the holidays. From there, you can adjust amounts to your liking and see where you can cut the fat in your everyday spending. Things may get a little tight but having a plan will give you an extra sense of security.

2. Commit to one month of essentials-only spending. 30 days of completely cutting out non-essential spending will give your bank account a dramatic boost. You’d be surprised to see how much you spend on eating out and entertainment in a single month. Hunker down for some cheap at-home fun, pack your lunch and carry your own water bottle. In 30 days, you will be shocked at how much extra cash is left for you to dedicate to your holiday budget.

3. Stalk your favorite stores. Sign up for emails, subscribe to text alerts and follow stores on social media so you never miss out on a last-minute savings and flash sales. Plus, many stores offer discounts on your first order when you sign up for emails so now is a great time to explore new retailers to get in on great savings.

4. Start shopping now. Shopping gradually over a longer period of time will allow you the replenish your bank account faster. Plus, Columbus Day sales and Veterans Day deals can certainly help with cutting price tags on your holiday gifts.

5. Buy big ticket items on Black Friday. If you’ve got a couple show-stoppers planned on your holiday gift list this year, save those for Black Friday and Cyber Monday where you will see the best prices of the year on appliances and electronics. Sometimes waiting totally pays off.

6. Get rewards for recycling. There are many programs out there where you can trade in your electronics and other e-waste materials for cash rebates. Staples has a great recycling program, for example. Recycle Bank is another amazing program that gives you rewards points when you educate yourself about recycling and recycle everyday materials, depending on your location. These points can be turned into local discounts that can help you stay on budget!

7. Cash in those credit card rewards. There is no better time to take advantage of all those points you’ve been racking up, especially if they amount to gift cards. Whether you want to give them as gifts, use them to buy gifts or use them for yourself to save money during the next few months, they are incredibly helpful. Even a bundle of $5 gift cards can really add up when it comes to staying on budget.

8. Postpone the celebration. Who says you have to celebrate the holidays on the actual days? People reschedule their holiday events all the time for various reasons–births, vacation time, you name it. Why not do it in the name of savings? Buying gifts during After Christmas Sales and clearance events will save you a huge chunk of cheddar. Plus, you’ll have a little more time to save up and make this holiday season the best one yet.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 30, 2015

Fall Activities for All That Won’t Break the Bank

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. You get to witness the majesty of nature and how it changes before your eyes as a whole new color palette forms. These changes bring along fun seasonal activities that all ages can enjoy. Gather up your family and friends and check out these fun fall activities that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets.

1. Reach up high to pick some apples. When the next rainy day comes around, you can use your freshly picked apples to make pies, muffins, caramel apples and more.

2. Hit up the local pond with stale bread and feed the ducks. Pack a picnic and a blanket to make the trip even more memorable.

3. Take advantage of the autumn breeze and go fly a kite. For an extra challenge, make your own kite for a family-fun project.

4. Pull on some cozy socks and drink hot apple cider. For extra fun, make your own cider!

5. Find a local hay ride for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, if that hay ride includes a trip through a corn maze, that’s a whole day of family fun on the cheap.

6. Gather the whole family up for a nature hike at a local park. Look and listen for different types of wildlife and keep a list of every one you find.

7. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Get a great big dose of nostalgia. If you have young ones, introduce them to this childhood favorite!

8. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a can. It’s easy enough for toddlers and kids to make. Follow this recipe and roll back and forth before enjoying this tasty treat.

9. Plan a pumpkin patch day. Instead of buying your pumpkin from the local grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch and pick one out for a fun night of jack-o-lantern carving. After carving the pumpkins, gather up the seeds for roasting!

10. Rake up all the leaves into a pile and jump into them. Just make sure to wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dirty!

11. Create an outdoor fall scavenger hunt. Have your little ones look for pumpkins, acorns, scarecrows, fallen leaves and more.

12. Collect leaves and make a leaf rubbing for handmade fall home decor. Enjoy quality time with the family while beautifying your home for very little money.

13. Volunteer to help others. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and see how you can donate your time or host a local food drive in your neighborhood.

14. Warm up during cool evenings with a campfire. Roast hot dogs and veggies and finish off with delicious s’mores. End the night with some spooky “ghost stories” (as long as the little ones don’t get too scared!)

15. Make a bird feeder. Gather up pinecones and create this kid-friendly bird feeder using peanut butter and birdseed.

Whether you do these activities with your friends, significant other or family, enjoy the changing seasons while saving more. Look for more autumn activities at LivingSocial and Groupon and get Cash Back at Ebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

February 26, 2014

Decor on a Budget

Redecorating your place, sprucing up your home, or moving are such expensive endeavors. Giving your place a new look could mean a few new pieces of a complete overhaul. A wardrobe can be updated on a pretty small budget thanks to Cash Back and great sales. Furniture and decor requires a bit more thought and money. After over a year in our apartment it almost seems like we are done filling it with the right furniture, art, and storage. Luckily Ebates has a lot of budget-friendly stores. Great deals+Cash Back has become our home decor mantra. Here are our five favorite store for decor and furniture that won’t break the bank:

Amazon’s MYHABIT

While MYHABIT might be know for discounts on designer clothes and accessories, their Home and Decor section is chock full of great deals. We snagged some very soft sheets. We found 800+ thread count for the price of 300+ thread count sheets. They are a great value and they ship for free! Their linen offerings are excellent, but they also regularly have sales on kitchen tools and accessories, art, lighting, and even furniture. Their selection is constantly changing, so you might have to do a little planning and research to take advantage.

Pier 1

The Pier 1 aesthetic is not for everyone, but they have a huge selection of items that can add a certain flair to your space. They also have really excellent seasonal items at budget-friendly prices. We <3 a great holiday look to our place, but never want to break to bank and our DIY skills aren’t really up to snuff. Pier 1 has added some festive flair to our place on several occasions.

JCPenney

JCPenney was a great surprise for us. While we have always enjoyed their clothing and accessory options, they seem to have really stepped up their home options. They have great collaborators – from Martha Stewart to Jonathan Adler. Their offerings are budget friendly and design conscious. They have sales VERY regularly, which is fantastic. Right now they are offering 20-50% off select items. Don’t forget – you can always have things shipped to the store to save on shipping costs.

CB2

CB2 may cater to a younger crowd, but their modern, sleek pieces can easily compliment most design styles. Sometimes a simple piece is the perfect compliment to a more designed space. We snagged a a couple of chrome side tables for our living room at a great price. Shipping was not free, however, it was very reasonable. We also were able to snag some great items for our (mostly decorative) bar. We snagged some chic flutes for under$2 each. They also have a great selection of unique art and wall decor. Their offerings look like investment pieces but won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Overstock.com

We have blogged about our love of Overstock before, but we can’t resist including them on this list. The deals are INSANE. You can find the same things as Pottery Barn at a fraction of the price. We find ourselves looking at their offerings for fun. They have amazing designer inspired pieces at shocking discounts. Even better, their shipping, even on LARGE items is super reasonable. Maybe $6 or so. Their decor is not quite as interesting as the furniture options, but their electronics (hello, new vacuum) section also has impressive deals. Because the deals are so good we have found that a lot of the items sell out quickly, so don’t be scared to pull the trigger if you see something you love!