Easy Tips to Cut College Costs Through Shopping #NYR #TakeSimpleSteps

Easy Strategies to Save Money for College Through Shopping #TakeSimpleSteps

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

With the holiday season behind us, I’ve found myself shopping for fitness gear to support my New Year’s resolutions. While doing this, I realized that the majority of my shopping is done online. Why? Because it’s convenient for comparison shopping, many retailers are offering free shipping, and I can do it all from the comfort of my home.

Honestly, how much shopping have you done for YOUR New Year’s resolutions? From fitness gear and supplements to memberships and organizational supplies, the list can get pretty extensive!

While I was searching for online coupons, it dawned on me that I could easily earn cash back from my purchases. Yes, that’s right! I discovered several platforms offering cashback for online shopping — a straightforward way to contribute to college savings while doing something I already enjoy!

Here are a few simple ways to earn money back:

• ebates.com: This site provides cash back on online purchases. Start your shopping on their website, log in, find the retailer, and click through to make your purchase. They also have an “in-store” rebate program with participating stores. Cash back typically ranges from 3% to 15% and is issued monthly.

• Ibotta.com: This rebate app rewards you for buying selected items. You can earn cash back by uploading a photo of your receipt, linking your loyalty cards, or making purchases through their mobile app.

• Swagbucks.com: This platform allows you to earn gift cards for purchasing online, watching videos, searching the web, answering surveys, and hunting for great deals. I use the gift cards for items I normally buy and set aside the cash I would have spent!

• Dosh.cash: An app that helps you find and use coupons, promo codes, and rebates, giving you cash back from numerous restaurants, retailers, hotels, and more.

• Topcashback.com: Similar to ebates, this cash back site features thousands of retailers offering exclusive cash back deals. Simply click through, shop, and buy; the retailer pays them a commission, which goes into your account. It’s that simple!

• Shopkick.com: This in-store shopping app helps you earn points while you shop. You can scan items for points, or browse products and make purchases online. Redeem your points for gift cards to your favorite stores, and again, set aside the cash you would have spent.

This is just a glimpse of the numerous ways you can save money while shopping online, but it illustrates the concept. Why not earn money back on something you’re already doing and gradually boost your child’s college fund?

Funding a college education can be manageable when you start saving early. With rising tuition costs and inflation projected over the next decade, consider ways to boost your savings strategy. Explore Country Financial’s educational funding options for more information.