*This post contains affiliate and referral links.

I admit it…I am a penny pincher. I have known the value of a dollar since I was twelve years old, working at my after-school job in a flower shop. I would strip roses of their thorns, water plants, and make bouquets. It was a lovely job; one that allowed me to go to the movies with friends and buy the latest trend at the mall. I started babysitting at 13, worked at a pizzeria, and entered the wonderful world of retail. I worked part-time as a telemarketer and a dorm “check-in” worker during my undergraduate studies. When I was in graduate school, I was a promotional model for liquor companies and a nanny. Everything I have, I have earned through my hard work and dedication. I have learned how to save money through various methods. This has supplemented my income and allowed me to purchase special items for myself, husband, or animals. Here are some of my favorites:

1Q Application

Time: less than 15 seconds

1Q is an instant mobile marketing application. You fill out a series of questions about yourself and they send you relevant questions. Every question you answer is $0.25 or $0.50 (depending on which option you choose). Money gets deposited right into your PayPal account. Nope, I’m not getting rich off this application but for 15 seconds of my time, this is easy money.

Ibotta

Time: 15-20 minutes

This is another application to download to your mobile device. Before I head to the supermarket (usually ShopRite, Weis, or BJs) or drug/liquor/retail stores, I go through and unlock deals. For instance, ShopRite may have a deal on bananas for $0.25 or $0.75 on a major cereal brand that I will be purchasing. I may have to answer a question or watch a short video to unlock the deal. Purchase the products that you have unlocked from Ibotta’s list of supported stores. Some items, you will need to scan barcodes to verify your purchases. Then, scan you receipt and send directly to Ibotta. Within 24-48 hours, money will be deposited into your Ibotta account. At the time of this post, you need $20 USD to transfer to your PayPal account or to cash out a gift card. I have connected my store loyalty cards to the Ibotta app (some stores have this option, some do not). This takes the scanning step out of the equation; however, you still must unlock the offers. Ibotta also has mobile in-app purchases that will give you cash back. Everyone goes shopping, so why not earn some cash back?

Use my referral code (SFRVCEL) to get a $10 bonus: here

Ebates

Time: however long it takes me to shop online or in-store

My aunt got me HOOKED on Ebates. Earn a percentage back at all participating Ebates stores, both online and in-store. I added the button onto my browser, so whenever there are Ebates deals, it prompts me to activate the reward. You can also link your credit card to your Ebates account. My husband and I shopped for his suits at an Ebates approved store. We received 4% back on our purchase, almost instantly! When I shop online, Ebates will help me keep more money in my pocket. Once you reach $5.01 USD, Ebates will send you a Big Fat Check, transfer your money into PayPal, or send to a family member/organization/charity of your choice. Like Ibotta, you are shopping for items anyway, so keep some cash in your pocket! Ebates also has a referral program, where if you click my referral link, sign up, and make a purchase, I can receive $25 USD. Please use my referral link: here.

Sell your Stuff: Poshmark, LetGo, and Garage Sale Sites

Time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how organized you are

Gather clothes and household goods that you no longer want and get ready to make some money! Grab your cell and take a picture of each item. Upload as follows with a detailed description and price. Watch the savings roll in…

• Poshmark: Enter code BAEGN when you sign up to receive $5 off your first order. Poshmark is the ultimate virtual consignment store. I have both shopped and sold on Poshmark. I have purchased clothing and DVDs and I have sold clothes, shoes, and bridesmaids items. A great way to re-use, recycle and re-purpose!
• Letgo: I have purchased home décor and have sold automotive items on Letgo.
• Garage Sale Sites: I love garage sale sites on Facebook. I have sold so many things including clothing, shoes, accessories, home décor, automotive and pet items…the list goes on.
• My disclaimer: Please be careful meeting people offline to sell/buy items. Many municipalities in NJ have garage sale parking spots in police department lots for safe exchanges of product(s) for money. Don’t be silly – use your best judgment and always tell someone where you are meeting. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

Couponing

Time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how organized you are

I start by doing my digital coupons on the ShopRite application on my phone. Then I head over to Coupons.com were I have hundreds of coupons right at my fingertips. I subscribe to the newspaper Thursdays and Sundays, where I quickly scan the flyers and cut out any coupons. I have my filing system down to a science. I use the Expandable Coupon Organizer. I sort everything by category and date. Before I go to the supermarket, I make a list of everything I need to purchase. Then, I put an asterisk next to the items that have coupons. When I am in the store, when I get an item, I pull the coupon from the compartment and slip it into my pocket. When I use my club savings card, and buy items that are on sale, in conjunction with a coupon, I save the most money.

Final Thoughts

A penny saved is a penny earned.

What do you do to earn and save money? Drop a comment, below.

Namaste.

** The Lili Aromatherapy giveaway is still underway until March 24, 2017. Enter here.