Have you ever wondered if it’s truly worth shopping holiday sales, checking for cash back on your credit card at certain stores, or using a site like Rakuten? I’ve been asked this numerous times, and today, I’m sharing one of my most famous deals ever. Although I don’t snag deals like this every day, I consistently find fantastic bargains, especially during the holidays. Here’s how I bought my son’s gaming computer from Dell in November 2021, originally priced at $1,822, for just $975. Let’s dive in!
The Gaming Laptop Deal Breakdown
- Original Price for the Package (computer/service plan/ethernet cables): $1,822
- Dell Savings (on my invoices): $641
- Instant Laptop Savings (listed as “holiday sale”): $369
- 10% Off Coupon (extra “holiday sale of the day”): $157
- 2 Years for the Price of 1 on Service Plan Savings: $82
- Free Shipping (perk not included in original cost): $0
- Dell Credit Earned (covered ethernet cables and shipping): $33
Total Out-of-Pocket Paid to Dell: $1,181
Additional Cash Back: $206
- 11% Cash Back from Rakuten: $142
- 5% Cash Back from Amex on Dell Purchases: $64
Final Out-of-Pocket Cost After Cash Back: $975
How I Scored This Deal
1. Set Clear Goals
First, I made a detailed list of what I wanted from the laptop and warranty, which helped me stay focused during the noisy holiday sales. My goal was to keep the cost under $1,000. I knew from my research that the laptop retailed for about $2,000. If I couldn’t keep it under $1,000, it wasn’t an option. I decided that if I couldn’t find anything close to my goal by mid-December, I’d start compromising on the specs—but not before then.
2. Maximize Credit Card Rewards
When my Amex rewards came out for the month, I added all the ones related to computers. One happened to be 5% cash back from Dell, instead of the typical 1%.
3. Use Rakuten for Extra Savings
I added the Rakuten* extension to my browser to ensure I wouldn’t miss any deals. Rakuten often offers significant cash-back percentages, which can be a game-changer during holiday sales.
4. Daily Deal Check
I checked the sites I knew would likely have the best deals daily. With an organized approach, this only took about five minutes each day.
The Winning Combo
When I found my Dell deal, it was an 11% cash back day on Rakuten, which combined perfectly with my Amex 5% cash back on Dell purchases. This serendipitous combination allowed me to maximize my savings and stay within my budget.
Additional Tips for Scoring Great Deals
- Start Early and Be Prepared
Begin your holiday shopping early to give yourself ample time to find the best deals. Make a list of what you need and set clear goals for your purchases.
- Use Cash Back Sites
Rakuten isn’t the only cash-back site out there, but it’s one of the most popular. Always check if the store you’re shopping at partners with a cash-back site.
- Leverage Credit Card Offers
Check your credit card’s rewards and offers regularly. Many cards offer rotating cash-back categories or special promotions that can significantly boost your savings.
- Stack Coupons and Discounts
Don’t be afraid to stack discounts. Use store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and cash-back offers together to get the best possible deal.
- Stay Organized
Keep track of your deals, coupons, and cash-back offers. Being organized helps you quickly identify the best opportunities and ensures you don’t miss out on any savings.
Conclusion
Scoring big on holiday sales isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. You can achieve significant savings by setting clear goals, maximizing credit card rewards, using cash-back sites like Rakuten, and staying organized. My son’s gaming laptop deal is proof that with a little effort and planning, you can make the most of holiday sales and keep more money in your pocket.
👉 Want more tips for teaching your kids about money? Join my “TIPS & TIDBITS” email group for advice that makes managing money easier for the whole family.
*we will both earn “cash back” if you sign up using the link provided
