Easy Money

Effortless Strategies to Save for College Through Shopping #TakeSimpleSteps

Special thanks to Country Financial for sponsoring this discussion. All views expressed are my own.

With the holiday rush behind us, I’ve been shopping online for fitness equipment to support my New Year’s resolutions. It struck me that a significant portion of my shopping takes place on the internet. Why? It simplifies price comparisons, many retailers offered free shipping, and I can shop without leaving home.

How much have you invested in items for YOUR New Year’s resolutions? From fitness gear to membership plans, the list can be extensive!

As I was browsing for online discount codes, it occurred to me that there are numerous opportunities to earn cash back on my purchases. That’s right! I discovered several platforms that provide cash back for something I already do—shopping online. This is an effortless way to set aside funds for college while doing something I enjoy!

Here are a few straightforward methods to earn cash back:

• ebates.com is a website offering cash back on your online transactions. Simply begin your shopping journey on their platform, log into your account, choose the retailer you want, and proceed with your purchase. They also have an “in-store” rebate program featuring several participating retailers. Cash back typically ranges from 3% to 15% and is paid monthly.

• Ibotta.com rewards you for buying specific products. You can earn in three ways: by submitting a photo of your receipt, connecting your loyalty cards, or making purchases directly through their app.

• Swagbucks.com provides a platform to accumulate points redeemable for gift cards. I often use these cards for my habitual purchases, then save the cash I would have spent! You can earn points by shopping online, watching videos, answering surveys, and uncovering deals.

• Dosh.cash is a cash back application that scans for active coupons, promotional codes, and rebates to give you cash back from a variety of restaurants, retail shops, hotels, and more.

• Topcashback.com operates similarly to ebates, functioning as a cash back site for online shopping. They feature thousands of retailers with exclusive cash back deals. Simply click through, shop, and purchase. The retailer pays them a commission, which is then transferred to your account—easy to use from your computer or via their mobile app!

• Shopkick.com is an app that encourages in-store shopping. My kids enjoy scanning items to earn points. You can also browse and shop online through the app. It’s quick and simple! Redeem the points for gift cards at your preferred retailers. Once again, I stash the cash I saved from using those gift cards!

This is just a glimpse of the various ways to save while shopping online, but you get the point. Why not earn cash back on activities you’re already engaging in and gradually boost your student’s college fund?

Funding a college education can be manageable if you begin planning and saving early. With rising tuition costs—considering inflation in the upcoming decade—it’s wise to explore options. For more information on saving strategies for college, check out Country Financial’s educational funding resources.