Buying your first home can seem impossible, especially for a generation that’s under-employed, underpaid and saddled with debt. I know because I used to think it was unattainable. Until I bought a house. Last month. With my own savings.
I’m not going to lie to you: It required a lot of sacrifice, hard work and flexibility. But I’m here to tell you that homeownership isn’t a pipe dream. It’s a real, achievable goal if you set your mind to it and focus on one word: save. To do that, you’re going to have to get thrifty and creative. Use these tips and tricks to get started on your own path to saving for a house. A few of them will get you Cash Back at Ebates, which will put you even closer to the finish line.
1. Tuck Away That Tax Refund
You may have money to burn, but it should go straight into your savings account. Set up a separate account just for your home fund. One that you can’t easily touch and won’t be tempted to dip into. Before long, you’ll have a sizable chunk of change. Plus, you get up to 7.5 percent cash back on TurboTax products through Ebates, so you’re getting even more back when you file.
2. Clear the Clutter
Start looking around your apartment for things you never use or could live without. You’ll be surprised at just how much extra stuff you have. Start listing it on sites like eBay or see if any friends are interested in your extras. You’ll feel better because your space is decluttered and you’ll have some extra dough to show for it.
3. Redefine Your Essentials
Most forms of entertainment are temporary pleasures, so it’s important to think about what you can and can’t live without. Fear of missing out is a very real thing, but it’s easy to curb if you focus on what’s really important: your future home. You don’t have to live like a complete hermit. Just be mindful of your spending habits and limit nights out. That discounted meal or event from a deals site may seem like a bargain right now, but it all adds up in the end.
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4. Cut the Cord
A really easy way to get ahead is getting rid of cable. You can save hundreds per month by downsizing to a powerful internet connection and streaming everything. Plus, with an HDTV antenna, you’ll probably get 60-plus channels free. Put that cash away like you’re still paying for your full-price cable and internet bundle. I’ve been cable-free for seven years. You won’t even miss it.
5. Build Your Big Fat Check
If you haven’t guessed it by now, the name of the game is save, save and save some more. One of the best ways to do this is using a site like Ebates to help you add anything you can to your bottom line. You’re downsizing and being smart about how you spend your money. Ebates provides an awesome value by helping you earn on the things you already buy from the brands you shop. Any money from your Big Fat Check is money you didn’t have before, and every little bit helps.
These are just a few ways to get started. It’s really just about your frame of mind and finding little ways to boost your savings account. In a few months, you’ll look at your bank statement and appreciate all the little changes you made. And when you put that key in the door and walk in to your new home for the first time, you’ll know that all of it was truly worth it.
Related Links:
Home and Garden Coupons
Home Decor Deals
DIY Home Project Coupons
Promo Codes on Furniture
Lowe’s Coupons
Sears Promo Codes
It’s that time of year again: tax season! But don’t fret just yet. We at 
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!
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 
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!
We’ve officially made it to the middle of winter: less-than-ideal weather, not enough sunlight and a serious case of cabin fever mixed with the mid-winter doldrums. The holidays are a fading memory and spring break dreams are still too far away to get excited about. But don’t despair! Winter is a great time to hunker down, get organized and take advantage of some seriously exciting online shopping opportunities and deals. Check out these three ideas to beat the winter blues with the best things to buy in February so you can take on the rest of the year in style while earning Cash Back at 
Tax Season Deals – Whether you anticipate having to send a fat check to the IRS or you’re expecting a juicy refund in April, February is a great time to get your financial ducks in a row. Keeping your books in order can help you get a better picture of your finances and can even help you start saving for things like that desperately needed getaway. Grab some office supplies, start a new Netflix show and finally start tackling those piles of paperwork and receipts you’ve been ignoring for months. Here’s betting that you can finish the task before you even get to the season finale! Even if you don’t have the ambition to finish your taxes yet, tax software is one of the best things to buy in February because you can get some of the hottest deals of the year. If you see a tax software promo online, grab it ASAP because the closer we get to April, the less likely these sales are to pop up.
Smartphones – Have the February blues left you yearning for some new and shiny tech? A new smartphone will put some pep in your step and help you get organized to take on anything else the year throws your way. Cash in on some of the awesome winter deals available from major carriers and take your February goals mobile with amazing deals on smartphones. If you’ve been itching to switch networks, capitalize on the current carrier trend that will pick up the tab and pay off your old network to make your switch super easy. Even if you weren’t considering a shift, it’s a great time of year for a fresh start with a new phone plan, so shop around to catch the best deal on smartphones and save even more with Cash Back at 
Home Goods – If you are stuck inside thanks to the current snowpocalypse that’s going on outside, you might as we make the most of it and freshen up your living space. It’s the perfect time of year to make some changes and clear out some clutter while you wait for the weather to perk up. Looking for fabulous living room or bedroom ideas? Check out design blogs, Pinterest and online furniture stores for visual inspiration on how to perfect your personal space. Winter is a great time to add fun, bright accessories and accent walls to your home for a wonderful pop of color and some February cheer. Take advantage of winter clearance events on big-ticket items like sofas, bedroom sets and more to give your home a new look at a fabulous price.
Free Burritos! (Cat Not Included) – Chipotle is working hard to earn back the public’s trust after their run-in with norovirus an E.Coli. If you’re ready to accept their “My Bad,” there may be a free burrito in it for you. Managers are now authorized to give away free food to get you back in their good graces and the company is running a promotion where the first 1,500 catering orders of 20 burritos or more placed for Super Bowl Sunday will receive a $50 discount.
Walmart
