This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Capital One 360 for the #My360Independence campaign.
While it’s always good to stick to a budget when shopping, there are ways you can save even less when shopping for essentials. These five tech savvy tips can help you save money on the items you truly need in order to achieve financial independence whether shopping online or in-store, looking for an item you’ve been coveting, and even saving money when dining out at favorite restaurants.
Use your smartphone as your secret shopping weapon.
With immediate access to discounts from store apps, the ability to conduct in-store price comparison with apps like RedLaser (free for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone), and even pulling up competitor pricing for price matching, your smartphone is a powerful shopping tool that can allow you to save lots of money.
Check websites for purchase discounts and free shipping.
Online shopping isn’t just convenient but can also be a way to save you money especially if you do a quick search for coupon codes before checking out. Sites like PromotionalCodes.com and RetailMeNot often have discount codes for most retailers but if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, Google the name of the retailer followed by “online discount code” or “free shipping.” I can often find discounts ranging from 10% off and up and codes for free shipping that allow me to save money on my purchases.
Know where to go for daily deals.
Daily deal sites are incredibly popular since they offer flash sales on a myriad of items but you have to weigh their benefits versus the time suck they could potentially become if you visit each of your favorites daily. Here are just a few of my favorites:
- Zulily— With brands for the whole family at up to 70% off, Zulily offers something for everyone. Two day deals provide great discounts on brands like Keen, Carter’s, Coach, Michael Kors, Merrill, Betsey Johnson, and more (check out the Brands We Love). Note: Zulily does not offer returns.
- Wayfair— Wayfair Daily Sales provides me with a list of their best deals on products for my home directly to my inbox each day to make shopping for the right thing even easier. I love that I can open the email, scan to see if there are items that I’ve been looking for, and click through to find amazing deals at up to 70% off!
- Living Social, Groupon, and Restaurant.com— Going out to eat can be pricey but keeping an eye on sites like Living Social and Groupon can be a way to dine out for less if you purchase vouchers good at favorite restaurants when they offer a deal. With Restaurant.com, there’s no waiting to see if places you love are offering deals. Simply type in your zip code to find local eateries offering dining certificates at substantial discounts. Note: As you purchase restaurant deals, make a note of when they’re valid and their expiration date so you can be sure to enjoy a night out before losing their value.
- SlickDeals and Woot— SlickDeals rounds up the best deals on the web and puts them in one place while Woot offers a bit of everything. Note: Know your prices and do a quick check online to ensure that these prices are really the best before buying.
Have your eye on a certain product?
Google Alerts
Set up Google Alerts. We recently listed our kids’ Little Tykes Log Cabin on Craigslist and were astonished that the buyer responded within a couple of minutes. His secret? He had set up a Google Alert for a Little Tykes house for sale in his area and when ours popped up, he got a notification, read our listing, and responded immediately. So smart!
Consider buying used.
Not all things are worth buying used but doing so can save you a substantial amount of money. Local CraigsList listings help you find items in your area to help save on shipping and provide you the opportunity to see and try products before purchasing them. Amazon offers a used option that is great for books and DVDs. eBay offers both new and used items but be sure to pay attention to shipping costs as everyone sets their own prices and shipping rates.
While it’s always good to stick to your household budget when shopping, these five tips can help you save money on the items you truly need in order to achieve financial independence. This year Capital One 360 invites all Americans to declare financial independence by entering the #my360independence sweepstakes. From packing a lunch or riding your bike to work, Capital One 360 wants to salute the everyday ways you save.
Share the ways you are charting a path toward financial freedom to be entered to win one of sixty-one $1,776 prizes by visiting http://bank360.com/my360 to submit a photo or post that showcases what you’re doing, or will do, to be more financially independent.
Examples of potential submissions include bringing lunch to work instead of eating take out, riding a bike instead of driving, and growing a vegetable garden. From now until July 14, Capital One 360 will give away one cash prize daily – except for June 30 – July 3, when ten lucky people will win $1,776 per day. Submissions can be text or photo submission via website.
Financial independence means something different to everyone and regardless of what it means to you, Capital One 360 wants to know what you’re doing to get there through the #my360independence sweepstakes. And if you enter, come back to leave a comment below letting me know one way you save! Here’s to financial independence!
This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Capital One 360 for the #My360Independence campaign. Amazon and Zulily affiliate links are included in this post. I am part of the Wayfair Homemakers program and sometimes receive gift cards for my involvement. All opinions are my own and images are courtesy of the aforementioned companies.
