Can you believe we’re only three months (at the time I’m writing this post) away from Christmas!
That only leaves us with two months for shopping!
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My mom and I always go all out and fully embrace the season. We watch at least one Hallmark movie a day (if I’m completely honest it’s two), which drives my husband crazy! We drink hot cocoa and apple cider like it’s water (healthy right?). We make the classic Pillsbury cookies with the trees, reindeer, and Santa on them and we decorate the house together.
Christmastime is just filled with so many memories, including the ones when my brothers and I weren’t sure if we were getting gifts, not because we were on the naughty list, but because we didn’t have much growing up. My mom was a single mother so although Christmas brought excitement and cheer, it also brought the fear of not being able to have presents to open.
While we are aware that Christmas isn’t all about getting gifts, it’s difficult to envision your children being the only ones that don’t have something to open on Christmas morning.
My mom worked really hard to provide for us all year long, but she worked even harder around Christmas. She still managed to keep up with our holiday traditions and find some way to get us presents. One year, she chased down a firetruck that was giving gifts in the community.
I don’t know what your finances look like this year. Perhaps you have next to nothing for gifts this year or maybe you’ve already got a stash ready for Christmas. You might be somewhere in between. Wherever you are, this post is for you because I’m going to share six ways you can earn and save money for Christmas!
- Rakuten/Ebates: Previously known as Ebates, Rakuten is my favorite way to earn cash while shopping online. Earning cash on Rakuten is easy. Simply shop or place an order for pick-up online from the stores Rakuten is partnered with. I shop at Kroger, Sam’s, Target, Amazon, Wal-Mart and so many more using Rakuten. It’s also perfect for making travel reservations with places like Hilton, Expedia, Hertz and more! After you’ve received over $5 in cashback, they’ll send you a check in the mail every three months.
If you shop online often, that can really rack up. If you prefer to still go to the store to physically pick up your items, you can totally do that with most stores. Be sure to read the info about which categories, delivery methods, and stores offer the cashback.
If you ever have a problem or you’re missing cashback, Rakuten has a super responsive customer service system that is always helpful for me. Use your desktop to download the Rakuten Chrome extension to get automatic cashback when you use that browser or download the app!
Sign up with my free link to claim your $10 welcome bonus! Use the link and start shopping via Rakuten! https://go.ebat.es/6Vpqm1GTEZ
- Ibotta: Ibotta (pronounced like I-bought-a) is another cash back app. Add the items you’ve purchased or plan to purchase at any of the stores that Ibotta partners with. You can even link your loyalty cards to get cash when you use your loyalty account with stores like Kroger and Target. Then, scan your receipt to start earning. Use my referral code, roxdppq, and you can start saving real cash. Sign up at https://ibotta.com/r/roxdppq
- Dosh: You guessed it! Dosh is another cashback app. Save your debit or credit card to Dosh and when you use your card to make a purchase at any of Dosh’s featured partners’ locations, you’ll earn cashback. Use my link to sign-up! https://link.dosh.cash/MRSG1
- Fetch Rewards: Scan your receipt to get points when you shop. Unlike Ibotta, you can scan almost any receipt without having to purchase certain items. When you’ve reached a certain amount of points, transfer your points to cash on a gift card. Enter my referral code, PXABC at the sign-up screen and you’ll get 2,000 Fetch Points ($2.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt. Download it here: https://bit.ly/2Ay6caM
- Digit: Need help putting money aside for the holidays or the new year? Digit can help. Digit uses your spending habits to determine how much it can save for you. The app will save money for you in a secured savings account. Talk about easy! If you are a natural spender, Digit will help become a natural saver without you having to think twice! Use my link to sign up today! https://digit.co/r/-12OK-9QfB?wn
- Combine the steps above: Use Ibotta and/or Fetch Rewards to earn a gift card. Then, use Rakuten to spend it and get cash back for free!
- Refer your friends: All of the apps above offer some type of incentive to earn cash or points by referring people. Be a friend and use my links above, then refer your family members and friends so everyone can earn cash between Holiday movie commercial breaks!
- Finfit: Does your job offer FinFit? FinFit is a website that helps employees whose companies are enrolled, budget, apply for loans and save cash with ease. FinFit also offers courses on finances and professional financial advice. The coolest feature FinFit offers are that points equal cash. Earn points by referring co-workers, playing the weekly trivia (which offers up to $500 in cash prizes). 100 points equal a $10 FinFit cash card or Amazon gift card!
- Budget: Yes, budget. Don’t be afraid of budgeting. I promise it’s not as bad as you think. Most people assume that budgeting will mean you have less to work with, but in our experience budgeting gave us more money in our pockets each month! We’re working on a budgeting course for you so stay tuned!
Are you even more excited for Christmas now? Let us know how much cash you end up earning and saving with the tips below. Be a friend and share this post with someone you know!
Lots of love,
Tiffany Gibson
