Shop with SavingStar<\/h2>\n
I\u2019ve become a true enthusiast for this SavingStar\u2019s program: Cash Back Shopping Mall, a mall that actually gives money back.<\/p>\n
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Here, members get money back on purchases at over 800 online stores. How?<\/p>\n
With Double Cash Back Every Day, customers get 100% of the commission back from select stores. Here are some example savings:<\/p>\n
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- 10% cashback on local Groupon deals<\/li>\n
- 6% back from Lands\u2019 End<\/li>\n
- 7% back on Hotels.com (This especially prime for avid travelers.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/p>\nThere are even more possibilities with their credit card, SavingStar American Express card, which you can learn more about at the SavingStar website.<\/p>\n
Use Credit Cards that Cash Back<\/h2>\n
David Bakke, a consumer expert at Money Crashers, gave me top tips from his experience. He suggests using Discover Cards because they come with cashback rewards. Yes, that\u2019s money back for spending.<\/p>\n
You get money back based on a set of rotating categories. Each quarter of the year, Discover selects a different category of business and establishment to receive 5% money back each purchase. Examples of categories you can earn cashback on include:<\/p>\n
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- Dining (restaurants, cafes)<\/li>\n
- Movies<\/li>\n
- Gas<\/li>\n
- Online Shopping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/p>\nThe best way to save the most money and maximize rewards is to match more purchases with the current category receiving rewards.<\/p>\n
During the quarter of the year restaurants receive rewards? Eat out and then grab snacks for a movie at home. During the movies\u2019 quarter? Whip up dinner at home and then spend the evening out at the local cinema.<\/p>\n
Learn more about Discover cards and their cash and benefits from this Money Crasher Discover Card article<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Tracks Credit Card Cash Back Programs<\/h2>\n
Bakke, our Money Crashers expert, understands keeping track of these types of programs and rotating quarters can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n
Well, not with this app. Download Wallaby on your smartphone, and it\u2019ll do all of the work tracking credit cards and rewards for you.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/surveys.gobranded.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Reward-Programs-to-Help-You-Save-Money-3-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nSign up for Staples Rewards<\/h2>\n
If you purchase office supplies regularly, why not save money on them? The office supply and electronics retailer, Staples, offers a valuable Staples rewards program. Here are the perks to look forward to:<\/p>\n
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- Receiving 2% – 5% on all purchases<\/li>\n
- Earning 5% back after spending at least $1,000 in a one year period<\/li>\n
- (My favorite perk:) Rewards members get free shipping on all purchases. Shipping and handling can add up to a fair chunk of change, so this is no small benefit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Check out Kroger Rewards<\/h2>\n
The national chain Kroger offers the Kroger rewards program to save customers gas money. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n
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- Sign up and earn one point for each dollar spent. Two points for dollars spent on gift cards. (Know you\u2019re going to Starbucks anyway? Get a Starbucks gift card and let it get you points<\/a> for gas.)<\/li>\n
- When you\u2019ve accrued 100 points, on up to 35 gallons, you get 10 cents off per gallon (only the Kroger Fuel Center).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At the end of each month following purchases, points DO expire, so here are tips to maximize:<\/p>\n
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- You can only redeem 100 points per transaction.<\/li>\n
- So, if you have 394 points, purchase something for $6 (like a new DVD or 2 tubs of your favorite ice cream!) That way you have a solid 400 and can get 40 cents off per gallon rather than just 30 cents that 394 would\u2019ve gotten.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Don\u2019t Want the Newsletters? Make Up an Alternative Email.<\/h2>\n
The main reason I used to dislike signing up for free rewards programs was the fear of emails. I have a full inbox as it is, but, here\u2019s a simple trick to hack that.<\/p>\n
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- Make up an alternative e-mail address. You can call it yourname.rewardsprograms@you.com or any other name you like.<\/li>\n
- When you next sign up for store rewards, input this email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With this method, you can utilize your card at a national grocery without getting multiple emails a week on the newest deals you may not have time to look at. When you do want to see the deals going on, simply log into that specific email.<\/p>\n
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- When you\u2019ve accrued 100 points, on up to 35 gallons, you get 10 cents off per gallon (only the Kroger Fuel Center).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Sign up and earn one point for each dollar spent. Two points for dollars spent on gift cards. (Know you\u2019re going to Starbucks anyway? Get a Starbucks gift card and let it get you points<\/a> for gas.)<\/li>\n