Rebate and Coupon sites are a great way to save money on those things you buy every day so you can stash it away for a rainy day. The beginning of a new year is a great time to reevaluate your spending habits and incorporate some money-saving tips.
Reasons to use coupon websites
Even if you just start using coupons for everyday expenses like groceries, you can save cash for those little extras and things that bring you joy.
Finding coupons for the products you use is easier than ever, no more picking up the Sunday paper, although I always did enjoy that ritual. With the online coupon sites you can clip, print, and use free printable coupons at the grocery store or shop online at your favorite stores all while getting cashback.
Another great way to use coupons is to purchase and donate needed items for a fraction of the cost.
Different types of coupons
First, we need to clarify a few different types of coupons available on coupon sites.
Manufacturer’s coupons
Manufacturer’s coupons are issued by the product’s company. These coupons can normally be used at any store that accepts coupons and sells the product.
Print on-demand manufacturer’s coupons
Printable manufacturer’s coupons are simply manufacturer’s coupons that must be printed from a website.
These coupons usually have a limit on the number printed and have a unique code so you can duplicate them.
Store coupons
Store coupons are issued by particular retailers. You can only use the coupon at the issuing store. Some stores will let you use both a store and a manufacture coupon together, this is called stacking coupons.
Rebates
Rebate and cashback sites work with retailers and then get paid to refer customers to them. The sites then share a part of the referral revenue they receive with their members.
My favorite online shopping rebate and coupon sites
There are tons of coupon sites but I’ve researched many of them and here are my favorite sites that will save you money without wasting your time!
Couponing can sometimes be overwhelming for the beginner so keep it simple and you don't get discouraged by all the options.
Be Frugal
Be Frugal is another coupon and cashback site that has a browser extension to make saving money effortless. You can receive your cashback via PayPal, check, direct deposit, or gift cards.
Be Frugal partners with over 5000 stores.
Get a $10 Sign up bonus for Be Frugal here.
Rakuten
If you only sign up for one site this is the one to use. The signup and service is free and you can earn cashback on hundreds of stores. This is the one I use most.
You can install a nifty browser extension that will let you know if the site you are shopping has any cashback offers. Discounts most range anywhere from 1% to 12% cashback, and sometimes more during special sales.
You choose how to receive your money either via PayPal or a check.
Sign up for Rakuten today here.
Groupon
I love Groupon for local discounts and their deals. It's an oldie and a goodie. Sometimes you can buy discounted Groupon gift cards to get even bigger discounts. Groupon is great for finding local deals to keep your car in shape with discounted oil changes or pamper yourself with Frugal Beauty treatments.
Register for a free Groupon account here.
A few other coupon sites include:
- RetailMeNot - I don't use this much anymore as too many times I've tried to use their coupon codes and found them invalid.
- TopCashBack - Haven't used this site yet, found their site was not secure which may have been just a temporary issue.
- Honey - similar to other cashback and rebate sites.
Best Grocery Discounts
Coupons.com
Coupons.com is one of the first sites to to offer free printable grocery coupons.
To use you just select the coupons you want by using the "Clip" option at the bottom. After you have selected the coupons of choice you can print them out. You will need to install the free Adobe Reader to be able to print the coupons.
Coupons.com also has a free app.
Check out the direct manufacturer and grocery sites for printable coupons. Also, your favorite market probably has an app that allows you to directly download digital coupons.
The bottom line on coupons
Coupons can be a great way to get the best price on what you really want. If you don’t take advantage of coupons, you are leaving money on the table.
I go way back with grocery coupons and have saved tons of money. And, I haven't paid full price for an oil change or facial in years!
Remember that sometimes even with a coupon the name brand may still be more expensive than buying generic.
Do you have a favorite coupon site or tip to share?