Sandwich Generation savings with cashback rewards shopping: Using cashback rewards shopping to save money is a very effective way to stretch a dollar. As a member of the Sandwich Generation, I am always looking for ways to save money. But how does it work, and how can we maximize this strategy to make shopping even more rewarding? This blog will review the secrets of cashback rewards shopping.
What is Cashback Rewards Shopping
Cashback shopping is a reward system that gives you back a portion of the money you spend. It’s an incentive to encourage more shopping by giving back a percentage of your purchases. And the money you earn back can come in various forms, including cash, checks, credit card payment or even gift cards.
The amount earned back is determined by the specific program or retailer you shop with. To get started, you must register with a cashback website, choose your desired store, and shop as you would typically do. After finalizing your purchase, the designated cashback percentage is calculated and added to your account on the cashback site.
How Does It Work
For example, if a cashback site offers a 5% return on purchases from a specific store, and you spend $100, you’ll earn $5 back. Over time, the small percentages add up to substantial savings, especially for frequent shoppers like myself. (smile) I am a member of Rakuten. This site has numerous retailers who you, more than likely, already shop with. As a Rakuten member, you log onto your account, choose the retailer you want to shop with, make your purchase, and cha-ching, cashback rewards will appear in your account. For every purchase you make through Rakuten, more money will be added to your account. You will receive your big fat check at the end of a specific period. Some other cashback platforms are: TopCashBack, Swagbucks and BeFrugal.
Be sure to look at the method of payout options, and the percentage of cashback the retailer offers. You’ll find that some platforms provide a higher percentage of cash back, while others might offer more flexible payout methods.
For example, if you prefer your cash back in the form of a check, choose a platform that offers this payout method. Or, if you tend to make large purchases, a choose a platform that offers a higher cashback percentage.
Maximizing Your Cashback Rewards
To fully utilize cashback shopping, it’s crucial to implement strategies. For example, ‘deal stacking’ can significantly increase your earnings. This method involves using a cash back credit card while also shopping through a cash back site, allowing you to effectively earn twice. Another effective approach is through referral programs offered by most cash back sites. You can earn a bonus every time a friend you referred makes their initial purchase. Take a look at Rakuten, www.rakuten.com/r/info53369.
Moreover, be mindful to look for seasonal promotions or times when the cash back rate is boosted. Holidays or special events often trigger such increased cash back opportunities. By staying informed and taking advantage of these opportunities, you can substantially maximize your cashback rewards. It’s worth noting that it’s not solely about the size of the cash back; the timing and the strategic utilization of these opportunities can greatly enhance your cash back shopping journey.
While cash back and reward shopping can be advantageous, they should not encourage frivolous spending. Always ensure your purchases are necessary and within your budget, and remember, the primary goal is to save money. This past holiday season, I did all of my shopping on Rakuten, using a cash back rewards credit card, which I paid in full prior to the due date. As of this date, I have $107.00 cash on my balance free credit card and I just received a big fat check from Rakuten for $175.00. Since I am following a budget, the savings I received will be extra money I can spend on myself for my birthday in March.
I hope you found these tips beneficial that you can use now to ensure you’re fully optimizing your reward shopping and stretching your dollar further.