#1 tip for saving money?

[Prairiemesa]

My biggest tip is shop sales, use store app coupons.  Don’t grocery shop when your hungry.

[Rickibotta]

Understand that overall, ibotta earns you cash back.   It doesn't make you money unless it is a true moneymaker.

It is like impulse buys at the store.   If you redeem a 25¢ ibotta rebate for a 20 oz drink priced at $1.99, you are paying $1.74 for that drink..  I get 2-litres for 90¢ to $1.  Some look at this as making money, especially if they willingly pay $1.99 on a regular basis for 20-oz drinks..   Others look at it as overspending if they are disciplined enough to only drink 2-litres.  How you see it depends on your own shopping habits

Also if you are buying things you will never use just to redeem an offer or get a bonus.

Or if you pay more than you typically would just to redeem an offer or get a bonus.  Some compute a per-item bonus because they always complete the bonus.  ($10 bonus - 20 offers  = 50¢ earned per offer)  You should strive to redeem things that make sense including the 50¢ bonus.  If the price you pay less the 50¢ bonus is not at your typical restock price, or at least what you consider a fair price to pay for the item, then you should skip that offer unless you have to have it to meet the bonus.

If you always buy Country crock, and they have a 50¢ rebate, then that is saving you money for sure if the rebate is at or below your restock price..

Just make sure you are not justifying more purchases than you intend to.  Many people enjoy trying new things and there is a price for that as well.   So it is very much a personal matter based on your own goals.

[Rickibotta]

@mickootay 

Question about your rainy day fund.    Are you talking about GCs purchased with ibotta or before then?

I am just curious why you would not have just swept the coupon-equivalent amount directly to your envelope.     You said you would ulimately put the cash value aside in the envelope.  You had access to cash, so I just don't understand the middle GC step, unless you were getting a discount on the GCs you bought.

Sorry, but I am just trying to sort it all out in my head......lol

[FelskyNY]

@LizH4011  I am 100% with you on that one.  I actually prefer my coffee over most take-out.  My son is my coffee partner in crime and my niece bought him a coffee subscription as a gift and he (we) are loving it.  It's not something I would do for my self, but I may in the future.  I stock up when the prices are low and the coffee is good.  I actually buy bowl and basket (SR brand) when it's on sale - and it's really good.  I paid .99 a bag a few weeks ago.  

[cjwoody]

@Kalanadam  Agreed, lists are key.  I keep two unique lists using the Notes app on my phone.  The first is a "deal" list where I compile freebies and moneymakers by store.  The second is my actual grocery list for needs that couldn't be captured through the first list - these needs are primarily purchased from Aldi, which I find to be the least expensive while still offering quality.

There are so many tips and tricks, and it's hard to choose just one... but if I had to choose, it would be to learn the concept of stacking.

[lindammar]

That is so true! I pass by many drive thrus that snake around buildings in some cases blocking traffic. I just don't get it. My coffee comes from home! Money is best spent on other things, and if you can find a way to spend the same dollar more than once, that is even better.

[She]

Make a LIST

[mickootay]

@Rickibotta I used to buy GCs at my local Fry's (KA) when I lived in AZ because of the discounts on gas. Plus I barely ever used cash, just my debit card, so it was easier to just buy a GC. I didn't use ibotta at the time, we had great deals in AZ with stores offering all coupons rounded up to 1.00.

I'm not sure my system would work for others, it worked for me, as in I got to put my money aside instead of rolling my savings into additional grocery purchases. 

[BBFaye85]

YES, u are absolutely right!! I have a walmart + account and shop with walmart they Ibotta religiously. When I shop in store i scan everything first, and probably 7 out of 10 items is way cheaper online and I have them adjust it at check out. Before Christmas I bought alot if kenetic sand toys. Originally it should have cost me around $80-$90 for everything but after the cashier fixed the prices I only paid less $40 for it all. Then after Christmas they had 2 pack joggers marked $11 instore on sale when online they were $4 and 2 in a pack. Also hoodies for $12-$15 were $7 and under. Definitely start checking online priceses. I never buy anything from walmart anymore without scanning it on my phone first. 

[BBFaye85]

YES, u are absolutely right!! I have a walmart + account and shop with walmart thru Ibotta religiously. When I shop in store i scan everything first, and probably 7 out of 10 items is way cheaper online and I have them adjust it at check out. Before Christmas I bought alot if kenetic sand toys. Originally it should have cost me around $80-$90 for everything but after the cashier fixed the prices I only paid less $40 for it all. Then after Christmas they had 2 pack joggers marked $11 instore on sale when online they were $4 and 2 in a pack. Also hoodies for $12-$15 were $7 and under. Definitely start checking online priceses. I never buy anything from walmart anymore without scanning it on my phone first.