Best deals of the year at Kohl’s if you have a Kohl’s credit card and know these hacks to doing it right! It’s ONLY GOOD TONIGHT, November 10, 2017!

• $10 off a $25 order
• PLUS 30% off
• PLUS Free Shipping

1) Make sure you’re signed up for ebates. Use this link to get an extra $10! Then sign in to ebates, search for Kohl’s and click “Shop now” next to the 3.0% cash back.
https://www.ebates.com/r/CUSTOM731

2) Use the window that ebates opened, then Log in to your Kohl’s account and save everything you want to possibly buy to your WISH LIST! Remember, some brands like UA, Nike, adidas and Columbia are excluded from coupons (it will tell you in gray text if an item is excluded).

Wish List Tip: If you saved things last night, go to “My Lists” in the footer and you may need to sign-in again on the List window to get to your list.
3) Start adding things to your cart from your Wish List in groups of at least $25, but as close to $25 as possible.

4) Apply the following coupons:
VETSDAY to get $10 off a $25 order
SPLURGE30 to get 30% off
SHIP4FREE to get free shipping
Pay with your Kohl’s Charge Card

5) Once you place an order, go back to your wish list and add another group of at least $25. Repeat until done! Things do not disappear off your list once purchased, so keep track of what you already ordered.

I did at least a dozen orders after midnight last night and paid less than $12 including tax for each order of approx $25-$26 worth of merchandise. It ends at Midnight tonight!

We all know Kohl’s has 30% codes every so often and Free Shipping fairly frequently, but the $10 off $25 only comes around on Veteran’s Day, so don’t miss this deal!

I shared this on my facebook page, so go to the post and TAG your friends who love a good deal!
SHARE this deal with anyone you know who has things to buy at Kohl’s.
COMMENT with some of the deals you’re finding. 

I’ve been a budget-junky ever since my parents made me divide my coins into 3 cups (Give, Save, Spend) when I was a toddler… through my elementary years of writing checks and recording them in a paper ledger (I got a checking account in third grade)… into working years of using Microsoft Money and now YNAB to manage my personal budget.

So, it’s probably no surprise that when I decided to jump into starting my own direct-sales business through Rodan + Fields that I would be sure to be on the budget wagon from Day 1.

I had already been using YNAB for my personal budget for a year and found the principles applied well to my new small business. Here is how I used the 4 Rules to make sure I’m seeing financial success in my Rodan + Fields business (besides all the personal satisfaction that comes from helping people discover great skincare that works for them.)

Rule One: Give Every Dollar a Job

When you get that first paycheck, it’s tempting to spend it all on something fun since it’s “extra” income, but you really need to have a plan of where those dollars should be spent. Here’s my breakdown with the example of a $200 check (your approximate check if you reach 600 PSQV through PC sales and reach Executive Consultant level)

Paycheck*: $200

• Giving 10%: $20
• Taxes 20%: $40
• Fixed expenses (Pulse subscription) = $25
• Variable Business Expenses 10%: $20
• Personal Product: $95
• Profit Income: $0

Let’s try it with a higher income check (usually attained through both personal sales and commission from your down line)

Paycheck*: $1000

• Giving 10%: $100
• Taxes 20%: $200
• Fixed Expenses: $25
• Variable Business Expenses 10%: $100
• Personal Product: $150
• Profit Income: $425

Here’s a little more explanation about each category in case you’re new or just curious:

• Giving: Obviously a personal choice, but I choose to tithe 10% of my income. I encourage you to find a percentage you’re comfortable with and give it somewhere that is meaningful to you, whether it be to your church, to sponsor a child, to your local food pantry, the R+F Prescription for Change foundation, or even let your customers decide what charities they want their sponsor to support.
• Taxes: When you get a paycheck from a regular employer, taxes have already been set aside and paid to the government for you, based on your W2 withholding.  This is NOT the same for the commission check you receive from RF Pay Day.  It’s up to YOU to save money to pay your taxes at the end of the year. Keeping track of business expenses can significantly reduce how much you owe, but my best advice is to discuss with your tax adviser and make a plan. I’m being conservative and setting it aside as I go, hoping to not owe near this much in April and give it back to MYSELF to spend at the end of the year.
• Fixed Expenses: The optional, but encouraged Pulse website costs $24.95/month and you want to be a month ahead–set aside $25 of this month’s income to pay for next month’s expense. If you’re choosing to pay for your cell phone or internet out of your business income, this is a good place for that too.
• Variable Expenses: Think about all the costs that pop up each month to help grow your sales: samples, postage, packaging materials, invitations/food/rental for a business launch or consultant event, rebates or sales for your customers, etc. It might take some money to start making money, but you don’t want to overspend on sales and samples, leaving you with no money at the end of the month.
• Personal Product: To reach 100 SV each month and qualify for commissions, you’ll get 20 QV from Pulse and will need to achieve 80 QV in product. This can generally cost over $100 when you add tax and shipping. If you find yourself short in this budget or not in need of personal product, consider doing a bulk sales or ordering for family off your CRP.  For instance, sell 2 eye creams or 3 mineral peptides + brush, or 4 Essentials and a lip balm. Try to keep it as close to 80 QV as possible but you need at least 80 QV to reach your “100 bucket”.
• Profit Income: This is what I personally would feel comfortable “spending” on things outside my R+F business. Use THIS to meet your personal financial goals such as paying down debt, saving for college or retirement, or funding a family vacation.

Budgeting is not about limiting your spending, it’s about getting your money to do what you want it to do.

Rule 2: Embrace Your True Expenses

This is mostly covered in Step 1 since your monthly expenses are part of your budget, but consider this if you want to buy more personal product than what your budget allows (such as a regimen bundle which saves you $ in the long run, but costs much more than $80). You may need to save up for 2 months to pay for that and find other ways to fill your 100 QV, such as retail sales or selling  bulk-order products.

I also make myself think about each individual order needing to be a money-maker. You may decide it’s worth it for long-term gain but if you’re just starting out, don’t get caught giving away too much.  So, don’t offer a $50 product free on ANY PC order because if someone only spends $80, you’ll be losing money.  Don’t offer to reimburse a Preferred Customer’s $19.95 enrollment fee if they buy one time and return it. Don’t offer $100 back on a $695 kit that you only make $90 commission on.

Another tip is if you are offering a big incentive, limit it to what you can afford. Don’t offer to give out 5 Eye Creams if you don’t have the cash this month to buy them–you don’t want to get in the habit of borrowing from next month’s potential check. Use only the money you’ve already earned.

Math is hard, but being broke is harder. Do the math.

Rule 3: Roll with the Punches

This is meant to encourage you to adjust your budget throughout the month if needed. This could happen if you make a retail sale and decide to adjust your personal product sales since you now don’t need as much to reach 100 QV.  Or you might decide that a $20 entry fee into a flash sale is a good investment (it was for me) or you want to take some personal profit to buy more samples or pay for postage. Just don’t let your accounts go negative–the borrowed money has to come from somewhere and if it’s not in your R+F budget, it will have to come from your family budget. Under no circumstances do I encourage buying on credit card if you don’t have the funds to pay for it today.

Don’t Borrow from your future, make the sacrifice today.

Rule 4: Age your Money (previously known as Live on Last Month’s income)

Don’t spend money that you THINK you’ll earn this month/receive on PayDay next month. Only spend money you have already earned. For me, this applies to kits too. I used personal savings to pay for my kit (I didn’t float it on a credit card thinking I’d make it back the next month). I did sell several regimens out of my kit right away just to get some cash flow going and invested into next month’s expenses. But if I were trying to pay back a credit card for my kit expenses, I wouldn’t have had much to invest in my business in the beginning.

This rule applies to regular paydays too. If I had a great May, I get that paycheck on June 12 and use it to pay for JULY expenses. It obviously takes a little bit to get in this cycle, but at the very least, try to have your June 12 paycheck pay for expenses that occur after June 12 (move your CRP, don’t offer rebates or buy samples until you get paid).

Only spend money you’ve already earned and received.

Those are YNAB’s 4 Rules that apply to not only personal budgets, but your Rodan + Fields business as well. It works for many other direct sales or small businesses too. Some direct sales companies require you to buy inventory before selling it so your budget will look a little different but the same principles apply. I personally love not having to front money for inventory so I can truly apply last month’s commission to next month’s expenses instead of having to pay off last month’s wholesale purchases.

Interested in learning more about You Need a Budget? They have awesome video training, offer a free 34-day trial AND if you sign up using my link, you’ll get one month FREE when you subscribe.

(An annual subscription after the free trial is $84/year but it will push your renewal date out one month. Full disclosure: I also get 1 month free if you use my link, but it’s the only way YOU get 1 month free, so win-win)

Interested in learning more about starting our own Rodan + Fields business?

• My website to explore the business: courtneyboone.myrandf.biz
• My website to shop for products:  courtneyboone.myrandf.com
  • (But message me on facebook for ways to get 10% off and free shipping)
• Join my Rodan + Fields Courtney Boone facebook group.

*The Rodan + Fields Income used in my illustration was just an example and does not indicate or guarantee your income as an Independent Consultant. Read the full Rodan + Fields Income Disclosure Statement for more details.

Please ask questions in the comments or message me through my facebook group! Part of the reason I joined Rodan + Fields was to help others achieve financial independence and financial literacy is one of my passions. I’d love to help you out or hook you up with other budgeting resources!

 

You shop online anyway, so why not get paid for it!

Learn my pro tips for which sites to use and how to maximize your cash back!

I feel like I save a lot of money by shopping online because I don’t add (as many) impulse items to my cart like I do in store (Target = a 2 hour budget-buster, am I right?)

But, DON’T leave free money on the table by not shopping SMART online. #moneyhacks

Here are my top 3 ways to get money back for shopping you were going to do anyway.

1. Ebates 

Why I Love It: When you install the ebates button, it’s easy to remember and simple to earn cash.
Stores: Hundreds of retailers. My favorites are: Kohl’s, Target, Nike, Amazon, Walmart, Old Navy, Groupon, JC Penney, Snapfish, Hotels.com

How-To: Before going to a retailer website, go to ebates.com, search for the store, then click on the link to earn CASH BACK on your purchases. You MUST use the window that pops up with the store’s site in it to get credit!  The % cash back varies by store and by time. There are also usually some stores on Double Cash Back and they have great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

Pro Tip: Add the ebates button to your Chrome browser and it will remind you anytime you’re on a site that has cash back to activate Ebates! It will also show up in your search results.

What you earn: Straight % rebate based on what the listed rebate was at the time of purchase. So, if you click the link to get 6% back at Kohl’s and spend $100, you’ll get $6. 

Payment: Big Fat Check* (that’s what they call it) sent by mail every quarter, no minimum for payout.

Sign-up Bonus: Use my link to get $10 free if you’re a new member!

Referral Program: Changes every quarter and there is usually bonus for your friend, bonus for you! Click on “Refer + Earn” for details.

2. TopCashBack

Why I Love It: It sometimes has higher rebates than ebates and I can earn even more when I cash out for Amazon.com gift cards.

Stores: Over 3500 online retailers. My favorites are Snapfish, Old Navy, Target, Kohl’s Walmart, Under Armour, Nike, Macy’s, Cabela’s, The Children’s Place, Lindt

How-To: Before going to a retailer website, go to topcashback.com, search for the store, then click on the link to earn CASH BACK on your purchases. You MUST use the window that pops up with the store’s site in it to get credit!  The % cash back varies by store and changes often. You can only go “through” ONE site to get to the retailer site, so you can never stack ebates AND topcashback.

Pro Tip: Before shopping check both ebates and topcashback and then go to the store site through the one with the higher rebate % listed.

What you earn: Straight % rebate based on what the listed rebate was at the time of purchase. So, if you click the link to get 10% back at Under Armour and spend $100, you’ll get $10. 

Payment: ACH to your bank account, PayPal or get a bonus when cashing out for an American Express Rewards card, or Amazon.com gift card. Cash out* anytime with no minimum.

Referral program: Refer your friends to get $10. Click on “Tell-a-Friend” and then share your link.

3. Trunited

Why I love it: You can earn money back for buying gift cards (ebates and topcashback exclude gift card purchases) plus you can grow your earnings by a referral network.

Stores: Many online retailers to shop through in the same fashion as ebates and topcashback. Some of my favorites are Walmart, Sam’s Club, Priceline.com, Best Buy, PetSmart, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Lowes, Home Depot

Gift Cards: Get rewarded for buying gift cards for Target, Walmart, Shell gas and many restaurants like Starbucks, Panera, Chipotle, Chik-fil-a, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds

How-To:  Sign up for a free account at Trunited using this link. Click on “National Brands” to do online shopping through stores (similar to ebates or topcashback) or go to “Gift Card Shop” to buy gift cards. Each will tell you the % of Profit Points you’ll earn for the purchase.  You can also put items or gift cards in your “TruBox” for auto-shipment every month with free shipping on $100+ and get 10% more profit points.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the points earned at different price points. You may earn more points buying 4 gift cards at $25 than one at $100. Just know how many gift cards you can use on a single transaction at that store (you can use 4 at target.com!)

What you earn: A % of your purchase is earned as “profit points”. At the end of the month, the profits of all sales are distributed back to all members. Profits are the sales minus the cost of goods/gift cards (the site negotiates for a discounted rate). Your cut is determined by the number of profit points you earned that month. The more sales overall, the bigger the pool. The more profit points you have,  the bigger your cut. 

Payment: Once per month, you are paid into your truWallet which you can then use to buy goods or gift cards next month, or you can cash out*.

Referral program: Earn more points by referring friends and reaching milestone levels such as “PaceSetter” which is inviting 3 friends who invite 2 who invite 1 and all make a purchase that month. You will earn on purchases of friends-of-friends instead of just the people you directly refer. Click My Account, then My truDashboard, then Refer Friends and customize and share your link.  Disclaimer: There may be a fee to participate in the affiliate part of this program (earning on friends of friends) but you can join free as a member and earn from the profit pool based on just your purchases. The affiliate portion is subject to change, but you do not need to pay a fee until you know what payment you would be eligible for as an affiliate.

*You should consult with your tax adviser on how to report income earned in the form of gift cards or cash back.

***

Those are my TOP 3 ways to earn money while shopping online. There are many other ways to find COUPONS (Retailmenot.com is my favorite) but all of those coupon codes can be STACKED with any of these sites. You can even buy a gift card off Trunited, then go through ebates OR topcashback, then use a coupon code (and a Target Redcard discount…) and double-, triple-, even quadruple-dip!

But for now, let’s keep it simple. Remember to:

1. Sign up for Trunited and buy digital gift cards online.

2. Shop through Trunited, ebates or topcashback to get to a retailer site. Pay with your digital gift card.

3. EARN MONEY for shopping online!

I was recently asked by an old friend for advice on budgeting. She had seen my post on another friend’s page suggesting the budgeting tools I liked and asked what advice I would give for someone who wanted to start spending their money more intentionally. So, I’d like you to look at this as me answering that question, as if we were sitting down together over coffee. I’ll give some un-expert, but tried and true advice, and even sprinkle in some of our story.

Goals and Dreams

What is your end-goal? It’s important to personalize this because it’s going to affect the choices you make and how you prioritize different than someone else. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• I want to stop living pay-check to pay-check or juggling bills to stay ahead.
• I want to feel secure that I can retire at age [pick a number–maybe it’s early, maybe it’s traditional]
• I want to stop fighting with my spouse about money.
• I want my kids to go to college and not have as much debt as I did.
• I want the choice to [travel more, give more away, work at a job I love for less pay, become a SAH parent.]

Get a real picture of your debt.

Write down EVERYTHING you owe with total balances, monthly minimums, due dates, and interest rates.  This includes mortgage, student loans, vehicle loans, toy loans, credit cards, personal loans, family loans…you get the picture. Log into all those loan sites (and save the passwords somewhere). You will never be able to decide where your money gets to go until  you know where it HAS to go.  If you want to use paper, that’s fine. If you like technology, I’ve heard good things about undebt.it or readyforzero.com.

OUR STORY: When we first took Financial Peace University, I thought we were in GREAT financial shape. We budgeted, saved for retirement, paid our credit card off every month, and were saving for grad school. It was a reality check to write down that we still had a 30-year mortgage, a vehicle loan and various student loans several years after graduation.

Next, commit to no new debt and getting out of debt.

No car loan. No second mortgage for a remodel. No student loans. No more credit cards if you have any with balances. It’s important to write this down and commit to it as a couple so that the “I NEED a new [car/whatever it is]–we can always finance it.” discussion is off the table.

OUR STORY: We decided there was no reason we should be paying interest on a vehicle loan when we had enough in savings to pay off the truck. We also committed to driving our current vehicles until we could save up cash for the next (used) purchase. We committed to doing everything we could to pay off our student loans within 2 years and that we would have grad school paid off by the time my husband completed his Master’s degree in the next 2 years.

Figure out your income.

Seems easy for people like us who get paid once or twice/month, but really look at every source of income: salaries, bonuses, overtime, side jobs, interest earned, etc. If you have variable pay, write down your income for the past year to get a good idea of where your peaks and valleys are.

OUR STORY: We had steady salaried jobs but wanted to make sure any extra income or bonuses wasn’t frittered away. We pre-committed any extra money to be used for whatever goal/baby step we were on at the time. Made bonuses a lot less exciting, but made our goals possible.

Figure out your expenses.

List your yearly bills (monthly x 12 plus any annual payments like car/life insurance, subscriptions, etc.) and expenses. If you don’t know where to get started, your checking account register online is a good start. It’s recommended to comb through 3-6 months of expenses and start categorizing them. You’ll need a good picture of where you money is actually going before you can make a realistic budget.

Get an emergency fund or buffer.

Dave Ramsey suggests a $1000 emergency fund, YNAB suggests “buffering” one month of expenses (use September’s paycheck to pay October’s bills). The idea is that you don’t want to create new debt/an emergency if an unexpected expense shows up. So, set aside some money from the beginning that is only for emergencies. You might already have that in savings, you might need to pick up extra hours or a side job or sell some things. But you want to do it fast, even if it’s not fun in the short run.

Make a plan: Get that first Budget done.

This is the part where people get scared and think that a budget will be so restricting and they’ll never get to do anything fun. I like the description that “a budget is just a plan”. It’s like a To-Do list for your money. Everything needs to get done, so write it all down, starting with your “needs” and then filling in wants. Be realistic about your expenses at first, based on your past 6 months of spending.  Later, if you get to the end of your list and have run out of income to fund each expense category, go back and evaluate what is necessary, what aligns with your goals, and what your current and future priorities are. You might [you will] have to cut something out or down. Here are a few resources to help:

• https://www.youneedabudget.com/learn/guide/prioritize
• http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-budgeting?snid=start.truth
• http://www.moms-living-debt-free.com/budget-percentages.html

OUR STORY: After YEARS of budgeting, here is a list of my categories. You have to merge/separate what makes sense for you, but sometimes it helps to see someone else’s list to help trigger ideas of things you may forget about.

• Giving
  • Tithe (local church)
  • Other Giving (mission trips, local fundraisers, other charities/families in need, Compassion Sponsorship)
• Savings
  • Retirement Savings
  • Kids College Funds
  • Vehicle Replacement (you should be paying yourself for your next vehicle, not paying someone else for your current vehicle_
  • Emergency Fund (if you’re still building it up)
• Monthly Bills (I included here if it’s a recurring bill even if the amount varies slightly)
  • Debt Payments, if you have them (Student loans, vehicle, credit card, medical, etc.)
  • Mortgage, Insurance, Property Taxes
  • Utilities (gas, electric, water, garbage)
  • Cable/Internet/Phone
  • Cell Phone (includes monthly bill + saving for phones every 2 years)
  • School Lunch
  • Daycare (we have a FLEX account, but this is the extra needed beyond)
  • Term Life Insurance (save every month so it’s fully funded when your premium is due)
  • Auto Insurance (save some every month so you can pay 6 or 12 months at a time if there is a discount available)
  • Yearly Subscriptions (Amazon Prime, YNAB, Zander ID Theft, McAfee). You may have more like NetFlix, Hulu,
• Variable Spending (I tend to take yearly spending/12, but you may want to flex these up and down by month as needed, especially if you’re working on short-term important goals like getting out of debt)
  • Groceries/Household supplies
  • Clothing/Cosmetics/Hair care
  • Home Maintenance (light bulbs, repairs, lawn care, etc.)
  • Home Improvement (furniture, decor, photos, appliance replacement)
  • Transportation (fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration, tolls/parking)
  • Pet (food, vet, boarding for vacations)
  • Teaching Expenses (classroom supplies, continuing ed, professional dues)
  • Entertainment (dining out, coffee, movies, day trips, tickets)
  • Vacation (we include kids rec activities and pool pass, remember to include for things like hotels for weddings and holidays)
  • Gifts Given (calculate how much you plan/can spend for birthdays (including party supplies), Christmas (including cards/stamps), Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, weddings, showers, funerals, etc.)
• Others you may need:
  • Medical (our premiums and HSA contributions come out pre-tax, but yours may not)
  • HOA fees or cleaning/lawn service
  • ??? Look at your bank account transactions to see what else you are spending money on so you can PLAN realistically

Your plan needs to include getting rid of that debt ASAP

Whether you use a debt snowball, a debt avalanche, fancy software or just a pen-and-marker thermometer, you need to make a plan on how/when you are going to get all of your debt (except your house) paid off. Quickly. Like 24 months or less. What can you cut out of your budget? Where can you make or commit and extra income? What can you “pause” until it’s paid off (retirement, college savings, new vehicle saving, down payment). Getting out of debt is one of the first keys to freedom.

 

Well, I think that’s plenty long for a “getting started” post…I told you brevity was not my strong suit. I may elaborate more on the budgeting and debt repayment sections in the future, but there are so many routes you can take and I truly believe you have to do what motivates YOU most, not exactly what I did.

If you have any comments or questions, I’d love to follow up with you!

 

 

 

I plan to do some posts about money/saving hacks as this is the topic I’m most asked about IRL and want a simple list of links and references. This is a complete work in progress and serves as a list of posts I’d like to do in the future…but no promises.

1. Budgets are my Hobby
   1. Getting Started (NEW POST)
   2. Dave Ramsey
      1. Read Total Money Makeover  (or borrow from friend/library)
      2. The 7 Baby Steps
      3. Financial Peace University
   3. You Need a Budget
      1. YNAB software (free 34-day trial, then $50/year)
      2. YNAB fans facebook group
   4. Mint.com
   5. Tithing and Mission Trips
   6. College Savings
   7. Retirement
2. Saving Money Shopping Online
   1. ebates (rebates)
   2. topcashback (rebates)
   3. RetailMeNot (coupon codes, also get the app and use in-store)
   4. Upromise
   5. Sinclair DinoRewards (print 1 coupon/day for $0.26. Do not do anything else on this site or you will hate me)
   6. Kohls Cash and 30% codes
   7. [Children’s] Place Cash and Flash Sales
3. #SavingsHacks on Groceries
   1. Meal Planning and food management
   2. Freezer Cooking
   3. Rock-Bottom Shopping (never buy butter over $3 or why I buy bags of frozen vegetables by the dozens)
   4. Dining Out: Free Kid’s meals, coupons, and why you should just go home and eat leftovers instead
   5. Apps
      1. Ibotta: Use referral code h3pffw to get $10 free
      2. Checkout 51:
      3. Mobisave
      4. Savings Catcher (Walmart)
      5. Cartwheel (Target)
      6. Invisipon (Fareway)
4. #SavingsHacks on Clothes
   1. Schoola (Use this link to get $10 credit. Sign up for emails to get a % off 1st order.)
   2. Swapping with friends
   3. Consignment Store Tips
   4. Garage sale/Facebook Swap Tips
   5. Buying new is not bad: clearance, end-of-season, brands that last
5. #SavingsHacks on Books/Magazines/Movies
   1. Library (this doesn’t need a post. Go there. It’s free.)
   2. Scholastic Book Orders (use the code from your child’s school)
   3. Magazines (good deals on Amazon, especially around Black Friday)
6. #SavingsHacks on Diapers/Personal Care items
   1. Target Gift Card deals
   2. Ibotta: Use referral code h3pffw to get $10 free
   3. Checkout 51
   4. Coupons.com
   5. Dollar General app

Earning Extra Money

1. Increase your Income
   1. Make your Bonus boring: make a plan for unexpected income
   2. Public School Teachers: Steps, Lanes and break-even points
2. Side Hustles
   1. Everything we’ve done: coaching, reffing, supervising, camps, choreography, speaking gigs, sports app
   2. Other things you could do: gigs, tutoring, work-at-home
3. Credit Card Hacks
   1. Chase Freedom
      • no fee, 5% rotating categories, $150 sign-up bonus when you spend $500 in first 3 months. Let me know your email address and I’ll send you a link for this deal.
   2. Sign-up bonuses I’ve completed: Disney Rewards, Disney Premier, Chase Freedom, Chase Unlimited, Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture
   3. Sinclair $0.10/gallon discount (check your local gas station)
   4. Best Sign-Up Bonuses (check nerdwallet.com)
   5. Best Cash-Back (check nerdwallet.com)
4. Referral programs
   1. Ibotta ($5 for you, $10 for friend)
   2. ebates  (perks for you and them changes quarterly)
   3. Topcashback ($10 for you)
   4. Schoola ($10 for you, $10 for friend)
   5. Amazon (if you have a blog/social platform)
   6. Upromise ($20 for you–have to send invite by email)
5. Receipt Apps:
   1. Yaarlo (referrral code COURTNEY578)
   2. Receipt Hog
   3. Kellogg’s Family Rewards
   4. Punchcard
6. Reward/Loyalty Programs:
   1. Microsoft Rewards (formerly Bing Rewards)- Points for searching, cash out for Amazon or Starbucks. Earn about $0.30/day but super-easy. Will write tips.
   2. Restaurants: sign up, get birthday rewards, read emails
   3. Retailers: Kohls, Children’s Place
7. Other Apps: Field Agent, EasyShift, Mobee, Swagbucks, Perk
8. Direct Sales: BeachBody, Roden+Fields, Lularoe, Entegro, Plexus (ask any of your friends who are posting on facebook)

Other Financial Blogs

1. Mr. Money Moustache
2. J.Money‘s blogs: Budgets Are Sexy
3. Gen Y Finance Guy
4. Millennial Money Man

I’m pretty much the perfect example of Luv’s new campaign

“The Official Diaper of Experienced Moms”

They work the best for my daughter because they’re not as stiff under tight leggings as Target brand and I can usually find great deals. Here’s the latest deal that works best at Dollar General this Saturday, but you can use the portions that apply to you:

$2.00 off printable Luvs coupon (good on any size except travel/trial)

$3.00 rebate from ibotta app (Any box 54 ct or larger). Plus $10 for new users.

• Download the app. Use my referral code, h3pffw, and you can earn an extra $10. Sign up at https://ibotta.com/r/h3pffw
• Find your store and unlock the offer BEFORE you checkout. Depending on the store, you may need to scan the barcode and take a picture of the receipt afterwards (like Dollar General), take a picture of the QR code (Walmart) or give your phone number during checkout (Fareway).
• Cash out for gift cards or PayPal when you reach $20. If you’re a new user, you’ll be at $13 after running this deal.

$2.00 cashback from Checkout 51 app. (Any size, any variety)

• Download the app and make sure you select the offer. After purchase, you upload your receipt and the select the offer again to verify. You can request a check when your account reaches $20.

$5 off a $25 purchase at Dollar General this Saturday (and most Saturdays). Only do this IF you actually need enough other items to justify the extra $10-$11.

• Go to the Dollar General website for a printable $5 off $25 coupon.
• OR download the Dollar General app and use the digital coupon

Total Savings:  $12.00 off a box of diapers priced at $16.00

• Size 3 is usually $16.00 for 92. After this deal, total cost is $0.043 per diaper
• Size 4 is usually $16 for 76. After this deal, total cost is $0.053 per diaper

If you are a new ibotta user, you’ll actually MAKE $ on this deal!

You can still get a great deal by just stacking the $2.00 off coupon and $2.00 Checkout 51 cash back on a smaller size at a different store, but this is my “maximize savings” plan for this week. Hope it helps someone else save too!