You can’t avoid shopping. Whether it’s for groceries or for clothes, shopping is a part of nearly everyone’s life. However, shopping without a plan…BIG mistake. But have no fear! We’re going to talk about some guaranteed ways to save money while shopping.

Web Extensions to Save Money While Shopping Online

Most of these extensions have a cashback or rebate component to them. They usually pay you via Paypal, gift cards, or donation.

Is Rakuten (aka Ebates) legit?

Yes, it is! Rakuten* is a well-known extension that gives you cashback in certain stores for the purchases you make once you activate it. It even has an app you can use on your phone. You can combine this cashback with coupon offers. Sometimes the extension has popular coupons that can be applied during checkout with the click of a button. It’s free to join (click here* to get started) and they payout once every three months FOR SHOPPING you would normally do anyway. It was my introduction to rebate shopping and I am a HUGE fan! You can also now donate your earnings to some of the non-profits they’ve partnered with.

TopCashback

TopCashback*, much like Rakuten*, is a rebate program that gives you cashback in certain stores for the purchases you make once you activate it. Why do I use both? Because not every site you shop on can earn you cashback with Rakuten. So by having both, you’re covering more internet shopping surface area. Also, you can compare cashback offerings in real-time and see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Click here* to get started.

Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping* (previously known as Wikibuy) has also stepped into the game of shopping rebates. I initially signed up with them because they made it easy to compare online prices. For example, if you have this widget activated on Amazon, it tells you if that is the best price available online. If there’s a better deal elsewhere, they’ll point you to it and guide you to how to get that deal. Now, it has the added benefit of cash back at certain stores.

All these widgets can change cashback offers on any given day so it’s great to compare.

Honey

Honey* is another great price comparison tool. Much like Capital One Shopping*, it has morphed into a sort of rebate app. The difference is that you get Honey Gold instead of a cash percentage. 1000 Gold = $10 which you can redeem for Paypal or gift cards. One of the best features of Honey is the price tracking tool. When looking at an Amazon item, you can see what the prices have been for that item in the past. Click here* to check it out.

There are other extensions like PopCart and others that also does price comparisons on Amazon. So play around with the options you have.

Apps that save money when shopping

A lot of the extensions discussed earlier have accompanying apps for the people who shop mainly on their phones.

Krazy Coupon Lady

Krazy Coupon Lady is a great app run by women who scour the internet and local stores for deals. They update their app with deals throughout the day. You can choose what notifications you want to get. Don’t go on a shopping spree just because something’s on sale though. If you don’t have self-control, this isn’t the app for you. I use it to purchase items I would get anyway but at a great deal. For example, I was able to take advantage of a sale on 300 masks for $11.10 + tax.

Coupons

There are digital coupons you can take advantage of either through Coupons.com, Retailmenot, or the app of the store you’re shopping at.

Raise

Raise* is an app where you can buy discounted gift cards at most retailers. Sometimes there are coupon codes that save you EVEN more money. Check them out by clicking here*.

Simpler Ways to Save Money While Shopping

If you’re not into extensions and apps to help you save money, to each his own.

Look out for sales like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday

There’s a whole post dedicated to saving money while shopping on Amazon. Main principles are to add items to your wish list beforehand. When the price drops, your wish list tells you by how much.

Seasonal shopping

While the internet makes it so there’s little difference when shopping throughout the year. However, some line items tend to go on sale after certain holidays or events. You can easily Google which seasons are best for making certain large purchases.

If you plan ahead, you can save tons of money on the things you need or want.

Your turn. What are your favorite ways to save money when shopping? Share in the comments below.