Christmas for Free The Apps & Savings Programs
This post includes affiliate links and referral codes (A lot of them)
You can read the original post for this experiment HERE to find out why I’m trying this.
Below is a list of the apps and points programs that I will be using and how they work. The links to the programs are affiliate or referral links that I’ve listed what I get and what you get for signing up (non-of them will cost you extra) so if you want to join me in this experiment and try to save a little on Christmas that would be so awesome! I love having friends with me to do anything.
I know there are other apps out there, but these are the apps I’ve been using and I don’t want the experiment to get out of hand. This is what I find manageable. For others this might seem like too many. We all have to know our own tolerances. Please feel free to find your sweet spot. Maybe it’s 4, maybe 6, maybe 1 or some of you might be looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, that’s okay. I’m still gonna try.
[su_heading size=”15″]My Apps & Programs[/su_heading]
Checkout 51 –I get nothing if you sign up but it’s great program so it’s here – How it works: Pays out: cash Time for Payout: 5-15 days. Need to cash out by 10/15 to start shopping by 11/1
Ebates – What I get for referring $25 what you get for using my referral $10 Why I like them: I shop online a lot. They have Barnes and Noble, Shutterfly, VistaPrint, Target, Groupon, Itunes, and other online retailers I frequent. Pays out: Cash by “Big Fat Check” Drawback: The check is sent on Ebates schedule and not mine. I will have to set this money aside to add the Christmas funds.
Ibotta – What I get from you clicking the link $5 what you get for clicking this link $10 – If you haven’t tried Ibotta I am encouraging you right now to click the link. You won’t be disappointed. Why I like them : Teammate bonuses (you get more money because your friends shop with the app too), product bonuses (If you love certain brands this can be a big win), wine/beer (don’t look at me like it’s just me), any item payments (this is for things like bread, milk, or just any receipt), and the variety of stores. Pays out: Cash (via PayPal) or Gift Card Payout Time: Minimal since it’s by PayPal I can hold until 10/31 to start shopping by 11/1
Shopkicks – Referal Code: SAVE725778 what we get both of us get 250 points for the referral – Why I like them: It’s like Pokemon for adults. You don’t need to make a purchase with Shopkicks to be awarded points. You get points for simply walking in to some stores like Walmart and Target, and you get points for scanning certain items (ie – magazines, pasta sauces, nailpolish). This gives me something to do while I’m waiting for a prescription to fill or I arrived somewhere too early somewhere (which I tend to do because I have a pathological fear of being late for things). I can walk into Target or Walgreens (my two favorite Shopkick locations) and scan a few items, kill some time without spending any money, and they give me gift cards to Target.
Fetch Rewards – Referal Code GB0QJ We both get 1500 points for the referral – This is another scan a receipt deal. They give 25 points per receipt and bonus points if you buy certain brands. I never watch the brands because they will look at my receipt for the brands they represent. It’s a nice surprise for me when a receipt nets me extra points. Some of their brands are Kraft, Jello, Lay’s, Magnum, Lipton, Mountain Dew, Oscar Meyers, – The list goes on and on so you can see you chance of bonus points are pretty high. Pays Out: Gift cards they have target so I’m in! They also have Amazon, Sears and a bunch of other retailers if you prefer to shop elsewhere.
SavingsStar – what we get for referral nothing but I like them so they are here –How it works: Scan your receipt for items listed that hve been activated. Pays Out: Cash or gift card (gifts are limited not Target or Amazon so going with cash here) – PayPal payout 2-3 day processing (mine has been more like a day) – Can cash out at $5 – boost your progress bonuses toward high value savings by watching a video or sharing your email – Drawback: some offers require multiple purchases like spend $12 to get $3 back.
Receipt Hog – There’s no referral program and they have a note about reaching maximum capacity so I don’t know if anyone else can sign up. This is another scan your receipt and earn points toward PayPal or Amazon. They have bonuses for certain receipts in the form of a pull on their Hog Slots slot machine. I’ve been using it so I’ll keep using it.
Coupons.com App – I get nothing from this referral no bump to you either – Why I like it: They pay cash now delay by PayPal – Drawback: Limited number of stores . . . VERY limited in my area, but Target is included so I’m keeping it on the list.
MobiSave –Referral Code: KXKHCFXF I get $1 but I don’t think you get anything. If you choose to enter the code Thank you! That is exceptionally generous of you. Pays CASH IMMEADIATELY – Drawback – must select savings before you buy – enter your unique code offers I’ve never seen one EVER. I expect to see very little activity on this one and I’m wondering if the app is floundering. UPDATE I won’t be using them anymore.
Other Programs:
KellogsFamilyRewards – What I get when you click the link Nothing but it’s still awesome – Pays in Gift Cards and rewards – Why I like them, I’ve been using this for years to get Shutterfly photo books for free for Christmas gifts and Christmas cards. They also have Target and Amazon Gift cards. My family mows through cereal like it’s air. I’m not kidding. I bought a box and the next day it was gone. It’s breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks around here so Kellogs Rewards is a slam dunk.
Walgreens Balance Rewards Points – Money off future Walgreen Purchase – Payout: redeem at register when ready to use – I use these for stocking stuffers and advent calendar fillers. You get bonus points through out the year especially after a RX refill. Strategy pick up prescription wait for the bonus points to print out then check out other non-RX items to get maximum points Why I love them: Every prescriptions gets 100 points and I can earn points without spending money! I get 20 points for every mile I walk and other healthy behavior (like sleeping!). You have to remember to log the activity (they connect to a lot of different fitness devices), but money off with no money out is the way to go!
Shutterfly The App – What we get for the referral we both receive an 8×8 photo book free! – App freebie throughout the year for items like photobooks, calendars, playing cards, puzzles, and mugs, which will be saved and used as photo gifts. The app kicks out a freebie or a discount every weekend. Make sure you download the app and enable notifications. As a bonus the app gives you free prints. No lie all the time. Just pay shipping.
