I’m often asked how I managed to make extra cash without a strong email list, in the first year of my coaching business, and without clipping paper coupons since 2017. The truth is, I’ve been making money through a few tried-and-true methods. Today, I’m sharing my secret on how I got my son’s Surface Pro for free, and how I coupon without paper using Ibotta. These tips can help you maximize your savings with minimal effort!
- Making Money with Ibotta
- How I got a Surface Pro for Free
- Tips for Maximizing your Credit Card Rewards
Making Money with Ibotta
Ibotta is a game-changer when it comes to saving money and earning cash back. Whether you shop online, in-store, or use the app, Ibotta makes it easy to earn cash back on everyday purchases.
How to Get Started with Ibotta
- Download the App and Create an Account: Ibotta is available for both iOS and Android. Download the app and sign up to start saving.
- Find Your Store: Search for the store you plan to shop at or have already shopped at. You can even check for deals after your shopping trip.
- Locate Items and Check Them Off: Browse the available offers and select the items you plan to purchase.
- Upload Your Receipt: Take a picture of your receipt using your phone’s camera and upload it to the app. Some stores allow you to link your loyalty card for automatic cash back.
- Get Your Cash back: Once your purchases are verified, the cashback is deposited into your Ibotta account. You can withdraw your money once you reach $20 via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
Stacking Coupons with Ibotta
One of the best features of Ibotta is the ability to stack coupons. Here’s a real example:
- Chobani Oat Milk Savings:
- Regular Price: $4.79
- Kroger Sale: $0.30 off
- Kroger Mega Sale: $1 off each
- Ibotta Cash Back: $1.50 off each (up to 5)
By combining these deals, you can get five bottles of Chobani Oat Milk for just $1.99 each instead of $4.79—a 58% savings with minimal effort!
For additional savings tips, I recommend visiting sites like iheartkroger.com to find weekly deals and Ibotta coupons that align with Kroger sales.
How I Got a Surface Pro for Free: American Express Cash Preferred
Another great way to save money is by using credit card rewards. Here’s how I got my son’s Surface Pro for free using the American Express Cash Preferred card.
American Express Cash Preferred Benefits
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually)
- 6% Cash Back on Streaming Services
- 3% Cash Back at Gas Stations and on Transit
- 1% Cash Back on Everything Else
By strategically using this card for our everyday purchases, we accumulated over $900 in reward dollars, which we used to buy a Surface Pro that cost $862. Essentially, we got the Surface Pro for free!
We’ve also used our rewards to replace two Surface Pro pens and partially fund another Surface Pro for our second son. Currently, we have about $300 in reward dollars saved for future family trips.
Tips for Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
- Pay Off Your Balance Monthly: To truly benefit from cashback rewards, avoid carrying a balance and paying interest. We use YNAB to stay organized and ensure we pay off our balance every month. This isn’t always an easy undertaking! If you need help to figure out how to make this happen (yes it is possible, I promise), let’s set up a call!
- Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases: Put your regular expenses, like groceries and gas, on your cashback card to maximize rewards.
- Take Advantage of Special Offers: Look for additional cash back opportunities and promotions offered by your credit card issuer.
Saving money and making extra cash doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By using Ibotta for couponing without paper and leveraging the rewards from credit cards like American Express Cash Preferred card, you can enjoy significant savings with minimal effort.
👉 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.
