Celebrate Fall: Shop, Save, and Earn BIG Kicks with Shopkick

Fall has officially arrived, and we are celebrating! This season always brings to mind the of changing leaves, apple harvests, layered outfits, treats mixed with a few tricks, and a general feeling of coziness. With crisper temperatures in the air and a palette switch to moodier hues, we always feel we need to break away from the bold palettes of summer in our fashion and home décor choices in favor of pieces that honor the season. We’ve come to the conclusion we cannot be alone in our feelings of wanting to properly mix things up, so we thought a weekend of BIG KICKS was in order!

What can you expect? We have all of the details for you.

Get big kicks in stores
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Ends 9/22
200 kicks
9/22-9/23
8 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/21-9/23
10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
Linked debit cards must be run as credit in order to receive your kicks.
Get big kicks online
9/21-9/23

25 kicks/$1
was 15 kicks

20 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 7 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

GET BIG KICKS IN STORES:

Even though the internet is always at our fingertips, there’s so much fun to be had when you shop in stores. You can see, touch, and feel products, try all of your finds on in store to find your best fit and avoid a trip for exchanges, and get advice from the pros. Plus, a day (or weekend!) of shopping is the perfect excuse for a girl’s day or night out – stop for lunch, browse through stores in person, and cap your day off with cocktails!

As temperatures start to dip, we like to make sure our selection of basics are at the ready. As much as we enjoy spring and summer’s warm temperatures and lengthy sandal seasons, some of the first pieces we’re most excited to wear again in the fall are jeans, blouses, and boots. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are two of the best stores to shop for all three. We’re always amazed by the bargains we find for pieces from top brands that allow us to keep our budgets in check.

Swapping accessories is another fun perk of fall! Brighton has a complete selection of unique jewelry pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings that are unlike anything we can find anywhere else. Plus, the fall is the perfect time to swap out your purse for a new one in a deeper hue, and a new work tote is definitely in order. Just consider either one part of your back-to-school prep! Don’t forget to take a peek at Brighton’s fantastic selection of boots.

One of the best ways to stay inspired and on track with your fitness goals and routines are to look the part! Stop into Reebok and stock up on new workout gear, like tops, shorts, crops, socks, and sneakers. Their selection is wide, and their gear in on trend and in style for fall runs and classes and any errands you might run post-workout.

And, don’t forget to update your makeup! Even though your products may not have run out, the fall is a great time to toss products you have had for several months in favor of replacements. Talk to the pros at Ulta to make sure you’re using the best products for your skin, complexion, and overall look. They likely have a few suggestions for you that you may not have considered yet! Plus, Ulta also has one of the best selections of fragrance and hair products that sometimes feel hard to find.

GET BIG KICKS ONLINE:

Whether you’re prepping for the game and need a new jersey, shopping for new home gadgets in advance of fall’s biggest holidays, updating your towels or bedroom linens, or shopping for new clothes or shoes, Kohls.com always has some of the best deals! When you shop with Shopkick you will earn kicks, plus Kohls.com is constantly running additional sales. It’s a complete win-win shopping experience!

Whenever we’re looking for on trend pieces, we always visit ASOS.com! The brand’s online retail space is so vast it makes us feel as though we’re browsing in store. It’s a great place to shop to try out new-to-you pieces you’re not quite ready to invest in yet, and ASOS also has a wonderful selection of dresses and more for special events (wedding, formal, and holiday seasons, we’re looking at you!).

Overstock.com has a plethora of products from which to choose, but we’re always drawn to their home décor pieces, including their furniture! Browse their linens and accessories, and then pop over to explore their wide selection of area rugs, furniture, appliances, and more! The fall is one of the best times to revive your home because falling temperatures will have you spending much more time indoors very soon. Create a space you enjoy!

If you’re searching for an online destination that has a little bit of everything on your list, HSN.com is the place to go! The site has a complete selection of tech, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more, as well as a complete selection of home appliances, clothing, beauty, and more. We can never visit their site without leaving with at least one shipment on its way to our doorstep!

When we think of appliances, we immediately think of Sears.com! The online giant has some of the best deals all year long for large and small appliances, including dishwashers, washers and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and even ovens. Now is the best time to make sure the appliances in your home are ready to roll because there are a host of holidays on the horizon! If you’re looking for baby clothes, new outfits for yourself, fitness equipment, or new tools, you will find those and more too!

What’s on your fall shopping list?

If you haven’t downloaded Shopkick yet, make sure to change that ASAP before you set out on your fall shopping journey! Earn kicks in stores and online with all of the retailers we mentioned above as well as many more. Then cash in your kicks for free gift cards! Fall shopping has never felt so budget friendly.

Easy money: 3 ways to earn by watching videos for techies

Like a lot of people my age, I grew up playing video games on Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation. I can remember the days when I used to come home from school, finish my homework, and then plant down and immerse myself in the television. One of the things I liked about video games the most, which I may not have realized at the time, was they pushed me to learn some key lessons.

By playing video games way back when, I learned the value of investing time in things like training and practice in order to beat challenges. I think this has stuck with me throughout most of my life, especially now that I’m an adult (or trying to be, anyway) who has to manage his own budget. I work really hard at my job, but I also have found a couple of ways to earn extra money that reminds me of finding shortcuts and other tricks in video games. More specifically, I’ve figured out how to earn easy money by watching videos via apps.

It really is a great “cheat code” for your budget, and it’s so effective! Today, I want to share three of my favorite apps I use to earn money by watching videos. To be totally honest, these aren’t as fun as playing video games, but with all the savings you’ll start to get through these apps, it’ll be no time at all before you can buy new video games and have fun. There are a lot of apps that let you earn, but I generally like to stick to three. Let’s take a look now!

Earn by Watching Videos With Make Money Earn Free Cash

One of my favorite games growing up was called Street Fighter, and it actually was what it sounds like: fighting in the street. This first app that you can use to earn money by watching videos has very little in common with that video game, save for also having a super telling name. That’s right, it’s called Make Money Earn Free Cash. To put it in the most basic terms, this is a very no-nonsense app that’s also a ton of fun to use, especially if you like learning about other new apps like I do.

ways to earn by watching videosYou don’t have to be a big techie like me to use it. All you really have to do with Make Money Earn Free Cash is download the free app, watch videos, and then complete the offers they give you from sponsors, which usually requires something like signing up for mailing lists or taking surveys. You have to do a bit more than watch videos, and obviously, this isn’t always fun, but sometimes you learn about really cool new apps, and to someone like me, that’s invaluable.

Earn by Watching Videos With App Trailers

The next app on our list is called App Trailers, and it actually has somewhat of a direct connection to video games, albeit a loose one. Like the other apps that let you earn money by watching videos, this one simply gives you videos to watch and rewards you for watching them. The cool thing is App Trailers lets you watch a lot of videos about things like video games.

Since I first started using App Trailers, I’ve watched videos about games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies I like to follow in my free time anyway. The more videos I watch through App Trailers, the more points I’m able to rack up. Eventually, I can trade all of my points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards, kind of like incentive systems in video games!

Earn by Watching Videos With Shopkick

You know how video games often save the biggest and best weapons, levels, and foes for the very end? Well, in that tradition I’ve saved my favorite app you can use to earn by watching videos for last, too. It’s called Shopkick. How it works is you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching videos and also just by going shopping for groceries. Shopkick gives you points for things you do everytime you go shopping, such as walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards. That’s not all, though.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere. These include watching videos and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and, my personal favorite, Best Buy. And, guess what Best Buy sells? That’s right—video games!

I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid plenty of people told me I was wasting my time by playing too many video games. They felt I should be doing stuff like reading and studying instead. To be clear, I love to read, and I did study quite a bit when I was a kid. But, I also think there was a lot of value in playing video games. In fact, I’m not entirely sure I would have so easily figured out how to earn money by watching videos without it.

So, I highly recommend using these apps, especially Shopkick. Not only do I earn by watching videos through Shopkick, but I also get points (and eventually rewards) every time I go out shopping. With Shopkick I actually like going to the store because it makes those trips feel like fun scavenger hunts for points.

Ready to start to earn by watching videos on your phone and other smart devices today? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

Posted in b2c

Need to stretch your budget? Here are 3 apps that pay you to watch ads.

This may be shocking news for those of you who know me, but I recently started practicing yoga. That’s right—me. I know I said I’d never get into it, but I did and I absolutely love it! I go about three times a week, and I find the breathing, soothing music, warm room, and ambiance helps me to not only get a good workout but to also relax. My favorite part about yoga is the stretching.

I was actually explaining to my kids the importance of stretching and how it makes me feel so good. I just so happened to remark to my husband it was nice to be stretching something besides the budget for once. And, yoga aside, that’s actually what I’d really like to talk about today: three apps that pay you to watch ads so that you can stretch your budget, too.

Isn’t that a novel concept? Getting some extra money each month just for watching ads, which let’s face it, if you spend enough time online you end up doing anyway. While I’ve been using yoga to stretch my body and mind, I’ve been using apps that pay me to watch ads to stretch my budget. It’s a great combo, and I’m happy to share it with all of you!

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 1: App Trailers

3 apps that pay you to watch adsOne of the simplest apps that pays you to watch ads is App Trailers. The way this one works is it gives you a chance to watch ads for points you can trade in to receive cash or gift cards. In the time since I started using App Trailers, I’ve watched plenty of ads, some of which are about products for my house and others are about things my boys like, such as games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies. It’s kind of interesting, but the best part is that the more videos I watch, the more points I get! Eventually, I can trade those points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards.

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 2: Make Money, Earn Free Cash

I think one of the reasons I was hesitant to try yoga at first was because I didn’t entirely understand it. Once I tried it though, I was immediately hooked. With this second app on our list, you won’t have a problem understanding it. Make Money, Earn Free Cash is an app with a name that comes right out and tells you what it’s all about. This is a pretty straightforward app, and it’s also one of my favorites of the apps that pay you to watch ads. All you have to do is download the free app, watch the ads on it, and then complete offers from sponsors, which usually involve signing up for mailing lists or sometimes even taking surveys. Obviously, this isn’t always fun, but it does help you stretch your budget!

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 3: Shopkick

My favorite pose in yoga is child’s pose, which we always save for last. In that spirit, today I’ve also saved my favorite of the apps that pay you to watch ads for last. This one is called Shopkick! How it works is you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching ads but also by doing other everyday things, such as going shopping for groceries. Shopkick gives you points for things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for free gift cards to stretch your budget!

There are actually tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching ads and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts within the app—you can even do this before or after yoga class like I do. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. It’s great, and quite honestly, I hardly even remember how I used to manage my budget without all the fantastic rewards from Shopkick.

With these three apps, and especially with Shopkick, you should be all primed and ready to stretch your budget much like I’ve been stretching lately with my newfound love of yoga. The thing about yoga, as you maybe know, is it isn’t cheap. With these apps that pay me to watch ads though, I’ve found I have plenty of extra money to keep practicing my new hobby!

If I had to pick just one of these apps that pay you to watch ads, I’d definitely pick Shopkick. In addition to watching ads, it provides plenty of other great ways to earn points, too. It’s really become a crucial part of my regular shopping routine, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to run a budget these days without it!

Ready to earn money to stretch your budget by getting in on apps that pay you to watch ads? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

3 ways to earn extra cash from home and maximize your shopping potential

When I shop, I spend a lot of time hunting for bargains, and I’m not afraid to admit it. In fact, I believe a good percentage of being a skilled and experienced shopper is all about being able to find the best deals and bargains. After all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with saving money, which feels great and also enables you to squeeze more purchases into your budget. However, hunting for bargains isn’t the only way an experienced shopper can make room in their budget.

Another great way to get this done is by earning some extra cash. Now, I’m not talking about going out and getting another job. What I’m talking about is finding ways to earn extra cash from home to maximize your shopping potential. If you’ve never done this, you might not know where to start. Don’t worry! That’s what we’re going to talk about here today. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you all I can about my three favorite ways to earn extra cash from home.

It’s amazing to not have to leave the comfort of your home and still be able to find great ways to maximize your shopping potential. Frankly, I have been doing it for years!

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 1: Take Surveys

3 ways to earn extra cash from homeOne of the ways to earn extra cash from home is by downloading apps and taking surveys. I think by now practically everyone has at least heard about taking surveys online, and the reason it’s so common is it works. There are several different apps pay you money to take surveys at home on your smartphone. There are tons of different survey apps out there, so you will definitely be able to find one that works for you. All you have to do is download a survey app, enter your demographic information, and then the app begins to send you relevant surveys. The more surveys you take, the more money you can earn through the app—all from the comfort of your home.

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 2: Watching Videos

Another one of the best ways to earn extra cash from home is to download an app that rewards you for surfing the web and watching videos. The one I personally use is called Fronto. It encourages me to do things that I would normally do online anyway, things like reading news articles, finding product deals, and writing product reviews. In exchange for doing those things, Fronto gives me points. The more points I manage to accumulate, the more I can trade them in for PayPal cash, gift cards, or coupons to my favorite stores. While this may not be the most fun way to spend some time, at least you can do it right from home, which—let’s face it—is a major plus for busy people like you and me.

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 3: Shopkick

Out of all these great ways to earn extra cash from home, my all-time favorite is this really cool app called Shopkick. Now, you may have heard of Shopkick, a lot of people have, and sometimes they think they have to physically go to the store to use it. But, how it works is Shopkick gives you points for doing the normal things you do whenever you go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. Then you trade those points in for gift cards to fuel your next shopping spree.

Out of all these great ways to earn extra cash from home, my all-time favorite is this really cool app called Shopkick.

However, that’s not the only way Shopkick works. There are actually tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where they can earn big points and rewards by shopping on their phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

Now you know all of my secret ways to earn extra cash from home, so you can start using them to maximize your own shopping potential. I would start with Shopkick. Once you get used to using an app like Shopkick, it’s only a matter of time before you wonder how you ever managed to do any shopping without it. I personally love Shopkick, and I’m almost certain that you will too. Download it and start earning—either at the store or right from your home. It’s just so nice to have the option!  

Ready to take advantage of these ways to earn extra cash from home and maximize your shopping potential? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

Posted in b2c

Learn how to make money from apps to fuel your techie needs

The thing about working your hardest to stay up on all the latest tech trends is your work is never really done. That’s both the blessing and the curse of being a techie. Almost immediately after you invest in a new device with a new set of functionalities, tech companies are getting ready to turn around and announce the next evolution of what you just bought. It’s kind of exciting when you think about it, but the big problem is after a long enough period of time it can really put a strain on your wallet.

That’s why it’s absolutely vital to learn all you can about how to make money from apps. If you really get into it, I’m here to tell you, you can learn how to make money from apps at such a prodigious clip you can ultimately fuel your tech needs! At least until the next big things comes out. Kidding! Well, at least a little bit. Anyway, the point is that every little bit of money makes a difference when you’re really engaged in following new tech trends. Today, I’m going to share all I’ve learned about how to make money from apps.

We’ll go over the keys to success, the different types of money-making apps you can choose from, and, of course, my all-time favorite. I honestly wish someone would have sat me down and given me these tips sooner, but, hey, there’s no time like the present to start!

How to Make Money From Apps: Keys to Success

how to make money from appsThere are a number of different money-making apps you can use once you learn all there is to know about how to make money from apps. However, the key to success is consistency. And, that’s why I want to start by talking about the most important tips for using apps to make money.

Here are a few qualities I look for when deciding to use apps to make money:

 

  • Easy to use: In my experience, overly convoluted or complex technology is pretty much never a good thing, and this is especially true with apps, which are more or less always intended to help improve or simplify your life. So, with money-making apps, you’re going to want to make sure the one you settle on is simple and easy to use.

 

  • Consistency: To be frank, there are no money-making apps that you can use a couple times a year and expect to earn enough money to make a dent in your tech budget. Every one of these apps requires you to use them consistently. You’ll want to choose an app you won’t mind spending time on.
  • Fun: This sort of ties into the previous point, but you want to make sure the money-making app you go with is one you have fun using. If you’re able to do that, the consistency question basically takes care of itself.

 

 

How to Make Money From Apps: Type of Money-Making Apps to Choose From

Now that you’re an expert on the qualities to look for when choosing an app from which to make money, it’s time to look at your different options in terms of types of apps. App development is one of the broadest disciplines of new technology, with more and more apps coming out every day; money-making apps are no different.

There are three general types of money-making apps I’ve seen. The first is the most common: survey apps, and how it works is super simple. You download the app, put in your demographic info, and get paid to take surveys relevant to your lifestyle. The next type of common money-making app is a coupon app, which a whole like old-school coupon clipping but updated for the modern era. The third type of app is actually my favorite. It’s called a third-party shopping app.

How to Make Money From Apps: The Best App For You is Shopkick

My all-time favorite money-making app is called Shopkick, and it meets all the requirements in our first section: it’s easy to use, it lends itself to consistency, and it’s a whole lot of fun. How it works is pretty simple. With Shopkick, you get points for the things you do whenever you go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade these points in for gift cards to your favorite stores, including places like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.

That’s not even the best part. There are also tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks (points) for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and, again, Best Buy! It’s really cool, and I use it basically any time I shop.

Keeping up with tech can be expensive and nobody knows that as well as tech-savvy folks like you and me. Luckily, you can also use tech to lessen the load your wallet has to bear. That’s why it literally pays to learn how to make money from apps, money that can fuel your techie needs.

That’s why it literally pays to learn how to make money from apps, money that can fuel your techie needs.

Like I said earlier, my all-time favorite money-making app is Shopkick. There’s just so many different ways to use it to earn points that you can trade in for gift cards. In fact, it’s gotten to the point that every trip out to the store feels a little bit like a scavenger hunt for me, and I’m definitely not complaining about upping the fun factor for my regular shopping!

Ready to learn more about how to make money from apps to fuel your techie needs? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Rido

Posted in b2c

7 Things Moms Really Need When The Kids Go Back To School

With summer coming to a close and fall kicking into full swing, it’s finally time for the kids to rush off back to school. On one hand, the daily activities, endless pool days and lack of school structure that filled your summertime schedule left you happy to spend time with your kids, but you also may feel much more exhausted than you expected! That is why this back-to-school season is the perfect time for you to find ways to cultivate a little rest and relaxation at home!

Before the school year gets too hectic, use the first couple weeks of back-to-school as a self-care recharge frenzy! You finally have six hours of uninterrupted time to regroup before diving into the demands of the school year and family life. You are (dare I say?) … free. Check out these ideas for things you can easily do to truly wind down, mama! You won’t regret any of them.

1. Stay-at-Home Spa

Create a mini-spa experience at home. It’s so easy to set up a self-care station with manicure and pedicure essentials, skin care, and face masks. Put on your favorite show and relax while your nails dry! No doing dishes for you.

2. Beauty Bath

Not only are bath bombs the most aesthetically pleasing invention ever, but they also make your skin feel amazing. Set up a warm bath with some of your favorite bath bombs and rose petals, and don’t forget to light at least one incredibly scented candle to really set the mood!

3. Sweat It Out

Between summer camp, sports practices, and pool days, you rarely had time to exercise. Use these few hours to get back into a healthy routine whether that means yoga, the gym, or running around the neighborhood. Don’t forget to wear breathable clothes and stock up on your favorite reusable water bottles.

4. Netflix Binge

One more episode of anything on Nickolodean could make you cry at this point, so why not have a binge on your favorite TV shows and movies during the day? It’s only been, what, a year since you last saw a movie you wanted to see? You deserve it!

5. Read A Book

Some of the best moments in life are the smallest moments. Happiness is usually found in between the pages of a really good book. Find your favorite genre and curl up in bed or outside and enjoy the beauty of turning one page at a time.

6. Solo Pool Day

With just a few weeks of warm weather left, you should be rushing to the pool for the most relaxing day yet! Grab your softest beach towel, most comfortable swimsuit, and get ready to snooze in the sun.

7. Take A Nap

Sleep is so important for your body to feel your best physically and mentally. It aids in focus, wellbeing, and your ability to take care of others. Take a guilt-free nap, and wake up refreshed and ready for the afternoon rush when the kids get home!

Whether you loved the back-to-school season rush or felt stressed by the frenzy of it all, it is important to stop and take a moment for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, exercise in new fitness gear or take a much-needed nap! Do things differently and pamper yourself in the few hours you have free before the after-school rush kicks in. You deserve it.

*To see more products and ideas that can help you relax and unwind, check out the Shopkick App! It allows you to shop for products you need and earn points back, called kicks, to redeem gift cards. Happy Shopkicking!

Get the most out of your budget with these apps that save you money

My oldest son recently wanted to buy a pair of high top sneakers even though he hadn’t yet grown out of his current pair, which basically looked brand new. On one hand, I was really proud of him for taking such great care of the nice shoes my husband and I bought for him. On the other hand, I realized he was long overdue for the speech about getting the most out of your things; and, since I could give him so many examples of how I get the most out of my budget, I was in a great position to give it.

I’ve really become a budget wizard. Yes, I know that’s not exactly the same as taking good care of your shoes so they last, but both jobs take a little bit of hard work, dedication, and a special touch. I actually think these days it might be easier for a mom like me to get more out of a budget than it is for a kid, like my son, to take great care of his shoes. You’re probably wondering why, and the answer is tons of great apps that save you money at our disposal.

That’s also what I want to talk about here today: how to get the most out of your budget with apps that save you money. I’ll start by talking about what these apps are and how they work before giving you a couple examples of the type of app I like the best, as well as some details about my all-time favorite. Just like I was happy to give my son a speech about his cool shoes, I’m happy to tell you about apps that save you money.

Types of Apps That Save You Money

The first thing you need to know when it comes to apps that save you money is there are several different types of apps that save you money. There are so many, in fact, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out where to start. Well, don’t worry because I’m here to help!

get the most out of the apps that save you moneyMy general sense is the most common of the apps that save you money are survey apps, which are exactly what they sound like—apps that pay you to take surveys. Now, I’m not a big fan of these myself, but I might use them from time to time. Another common type is an app that pays you money to do small errands, like taking pictures and straightening displays. These are a little better, but still not my favorite. My favorites are the shopping rewards apps, which I’m going to talk much more about in the next section.  

Shopping Rewards Apps That Save You Money

Shopping rewards apps, for those of you who have never heard of them, are apps that pay you to go shopping. Chances are, you go shopping all the time, both online and in person. Well, how these apps work is pretty simple: they give you rewards for doing certain things or buying certain products while you’re out shopping.

I should also tell you there are essentially two types of shopping rewards apps. One kind works like old-school coupon clipping. In fact, there’s even an app out there that has you use your phone to scan coupons that you can use later at the store. My favorites, however, are the shopping rewards apps that give you points for the things you do while you’re out shopping. Yes, these really exist!

My All-Time Favorite of the Apps that Save You Money

Of all the excellent shopping rewards apps that save you money, my all-time favorite is an app called Shopkick. How it works is a lot like what I described in the section above. Basically, Shopkick gives you points for all the things you do while you’re out shopping already, making it so you can get paid for buying groceries, for example. You can earn points (“kicks”) with Shopkick for things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards to many of your favorite stores.

Physically going out shopping isn’t the only way to get points with Shopkick, though. You can make money right from your phone. There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere.

Now you know my secrets for using apps that save you money. I hope you’re already thinking of ways to put them to use getting the most out of your own budget. It really makes things so much easier on both you and your household—I know it definitely has for me.

I think everyone who goes shopping (and isn’t that all of us?) should be using Shopkick. I mean, it essentially turns each and every trip you make out to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points, points you can trade in later for gift cards to your favorite stores. Trust me, once you start using Shopkick on the regular, you won’t be able to remember how you used to get by without it!

Are you ready to start getting the most out of your own budget with these apps that save you money, too? Well, simply download Shopkick and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with us!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Dean Drobot

Fall is for Football: Let’s get ready to tailgate and cheer!

Every season feels as though it was designed specifically for the sport played throughout, and the fall makes football feel even more poignant. Perhaps this time of year makes you remember all of the Friday nights you spent under the lights in high school. Maybe you remember attending your very first game with family or friends and finding yourself completely amazed as you took in the sights and sounds of the field and players you cheer on in person. Perhaps it’s simply the joy found in cheering on your college, city, or town as they begin a new road toward records broken and games won. Whether it’s nostalgia that draws you to the sport or a complete devotion to where you reside, football allows those of us who are fans to feel a renewed sense of camaraderie. For these reasons, we cheer for Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays when our fall sport of choice kicks off once more.

Because football season is enjoyed best when you’re prepped and ready for all of the tailgates and cheering to come, we thought we would share our go-to products for you to keep on hand from our favorite stores, all while earning kicks for every $1 spent through your Shopkick app. Make sure to take a peek below or open the app now as we get ready for game time right along with you!

Get ready for Game Time

Walmart.com

There is an art to tailgating, and there’s nowhere better to stock up on supplies than Walmart.com! Add a new portable grill to your cart so you can make the best barbeque, and make sure to add all of your go-to barbeque ingredients to your cart too (hamburgers, hotdogs, rolls, and all of the fixings are key!). You can’t attend a tailgate without drinks, and water and soda are great to buy in bulk. A party isn’t a party unless you can enjoy your food and drinks, so don’t forget to purchase plates, napkins, cups, and utensils (not to mention trash bags!). A canopy tent can save the day when you’re enjoying your party in the parking lot of your stadium on a hot or rainy day. Lastly, would it be a tailgate if you didn’t have a football to toss? Of course not! You will want to add one of those too.

Boxed

Boxed is the place to go to buy in bulk! If you’re a seasoned tailgater, you already know all of your group’s favorite snacks to enjoy. So, why not save time and money by purchasing them in bulk in advance? Simply add bags from your order to your tailgate stash, and you will be ready to go well in advance of kickoff!

Kohls.com

If you’re attending a football game, you have to rep your team! Stop by Kohls.com’s NFL section to add long and short sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more to your cart. You can also purchase an official jersey in honor of your favorite player. There are so many options, you will be able to wear something different for each week your team is in the mix to win! P.S: Your kids likely have spirit days at school, and football t-shirts and jerseys are perfect to wear!

SeatGeek

As much as we enjoy watching our favorite teams at home, there is nothing that compares to cheering on our players in person! If you are hoping to attend even just one game this season, we cannot recommend SeatGeek highly enough. Simply type your team’s name into the search bar on the homepage, press enter, and watch as all of your team’s upcoming games fill your screen. Then click on the one you want to attend. There you will find a whole listing of tickets for a complete variety of prices, and you will be greeted by a map of the stadium so you can see exactly where you will be sitting. Once you find tickets that meet your needs, purchase them! Many are e-tickets you will receive right away.

What are your top tips for tailgating? What team do you cheer on? Let us know in the comments!

Posted in b2c

Savor Your First Sip and Save with Starbucks

Whether it’s the feeling that time has paused as you enjoy your morning commute momentarily lost in your current read, the luxury experienced on vacation, or a long summer day filled with the perfect mixture of nostalgia from season’s past and a joy for the present moment, all three share a common theme: leisure. But, the happiness and relaxation found in moments of rest does not need to be limited to specific days. Instead, leisure can be cultivated every morning when you savor your first sip with Starbucks.

For many, including us, going to Starbucks for coffee (or tea!) is not something we do to simply check something off of our morning to-do list. Whether we’re on our way to work, leaving the gym, or running through drive through as we take our kids to school, Starbucks is more than coffee; Starbucks is a ritual. Although we’re all often in a rush to get to our destination, we’ve learned the best way to enjoy Starbucks is actually not on the go. Instead, the best way to enjoy Starbucks is slowly and with leisure.

In order to cultivate a more leisurely Starbucks experience, we have started brewing our coffee at home. That’s one of the not-so-hidden gem facts about Starbucks. The drinks you love to enjoy, whether it’s a French Press, pour over, espresso, or even just a regular cup, can be created on your own without a barista in sight with Starbuck’s brew guide. And, now you can save on select Starbucks products with select retailers in store and online with Shopkick! Simply open the app, scan your Starbucks products, and submit your receipt.

How to earn kicks while saving money

shopkick starbucks

Step 1: Get kicks in stores or online by scanning or purchasing select Starbucks products

 

 

shopkick starbucksStep 2: Choose your favorite brew method

 

 

 

shopkick starbucksStep 3: Enjoy your coffee and savings

 

 

 

With the savings you earn by using Shopkick, you can create even more leisure in your day. Think about purchasing the coffee pot you’ve been eyeing that will make your Starbucks taste even more flavorful, opt to add the book you’ve wanted to read to your cart, or whip together a delicious brunch menu and invite friends over for coffee and conversation. Saving on Starbucks means you can design a better morning during the week or just on the weekend that feels indulgent and fulfilling. There is no better way to enjoy savings than that!

Your first step toward a new leisurely morning routine is as simple as enjoying your first sip of your morning cup with Starbucks at home. Welcome to the Morning Club. We’re so happy you’ve joined us to savor a few slow moments before the rest of the day begins.

Don’t have Shopkick yet?

Download it now to start earning free gift cards the fun and easy way!

Don’t miss out on big Labor Day kicks!

Ready for more kicks? Celebrate Labor Day with great deals and big kicks all weekend long! Earn tons of kicks in stores when you walk in and purchase using your linked card. Plus, earn kicks for every $1 spent online through the Shopkick app.

View the kick plan below or open your app to start earning. Happy shopkicking!

Get big kicks in stores
8/31 – 9/3
4 kicks/$1
was 2 kicks
*using your
Shopkick QR code
8/31 – 9/3
150 kicks
9/1 ONLY
150 kicks
9/1 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/2 – 9/3 ONLY
150 kicks
9/1 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
150 kicks
9/1 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
150 kicks
9/1 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
100 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
200 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
8 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks
8/31 – 9/3
2 kicks/$1
was 1 kick
*also available at
fabletics.com
8/31 – 9/3
Linked debit cards must be run as credit in order to receive your kicks.
Get big kicks online
8/31 – 9/3

25 kicks/$1
was 8 kicks

25 kicks/$1
was 15 kicks

20 kicks/$1
was 9 kicks

20 kicks/$1
was 10 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 7 kicks

10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1
was 7 kicks

6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks

6 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks
Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

 

Still need the app?

Download Shopkick today to start earning your free gift cards?

Get the Best Deals on Amazon With These 8 Techie Hacks

Get the Best Deals on Amazon With These 8 Techie Hacks

Amazon is something I’ve come to rely on in my life pretty heavily, and I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not alone. Scratch that! I know for a fact I’m not alone! Since first coming on the scene about two decades ago, Amazon has steadily gotten bigger and bigger, reshaping the way we shop, budget, and overall live. I know that’s definitely true in my life.

One of Amazon’s biggest success tactics has been a simple one: reeling people in with deals they just can’t refuse. Prices are low on Amazon, often lower than what you might find at the store. One of the things you’ve probably noticed is prices for items on Amazon can sometimes fluctuate, meaning you have to do your due diligence to keep an eye on them. Simply put, finding the best deals on Amazon can be a bit like wandering a maze. Well, with that in mind, what I want to give you today is the map or cheat sheet for finding the best deals on Amazon.

These eight great hacks for techies like me involve finding efficient ways to stay on top of prices or using apps to earn free Amazon gift cards. While a little different, all of these hacks offer a great way to get the most out of your budget and ultimately save yourself money. That’s something I know I’m excited about, and I’m sure you are too. So, without further ado, let’s get into eight techie hacks to get the best deals on Amazon.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 1: Search Online

Okay, so this piece of advice about how to get the best deals on Amazon might sound a bit obvious and not exactly like a techie hack, but the simple truth is it really works. You can often find the best deals on Amazon by using your favorite online search engine and entering “best deals on Amazon.”

The reason why this is so effective is there are plenty of publications out there that regularly round up the best deals on Amazon. Seeing as prices on the website tend to change all the time (sometimes from minute to minute if you click away) this is a really helpful thing to know about. Of course, these roundups won’t always have exactly what you’re looking for, but, who knows, you could end up getting a great price on something you forgot you needed.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 2: Join Amazon Prime

To get the best deals on Amazon, it’s crucial to join Amazon Prime. When users purchase a new Amazon Prime membership (the $119 membership, specifically) through Shopkick, they receive a $20 gift card. For that price, you get unlimited two-day shipping on the millions of items included in Amazon Prime, as well as associated discounts. I mean, I don’t think there’s any question about this one. If you don’t sign up for Amazon Prime, you just won’t be able to get the best deals on Amazon, no matter how many of the other techie hacks on this list you use!

In addition, signing up for Amazon Prime also gets you access to the Prime Video service, which has all kinds of cool movies and TV shows you can watch on your compatible devices. Plus, Prime Music has approximately 2 million songs that you can stream without having to listen to ads. You can pre-order video games through Amazon, often discounted by 20 percent.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 3: Learn to Love the Amazon Best Sellers List

Did you know that Amazon keeps a running list of its best-selling items? Well, if you didn’t, now you do! It’s really helpful when it comes to finding the best deals on Amazon. Why? Because it turns out that the overwhelming and vast majority of people really like to save money, and as a result, items that are marked down and listed at extremely affordable prices.

It’s also super easy to sort through the Amazon Best Sellers list because it breaks it down items into more than 30 different categories. There are also easy-to-read red and green arrows on the list that show you which products happen to be rising or dropping in popularity. That doesn’t necessarily help you find the best deal, but it is a cool little thing to check out. I highly recommend making this list a usual part of your regular Amazon browsing.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 4: Clip Amazon Coupons

Remember when you were a little kid and your mom or dad used to clip actual coupons out of the newspaper or from junk mail? I do. My mom used to keep her coupon clippings in a kitchen drawer. She must have gotten some great deals that way because she did it throughout my entire childhood. Part of getting the best deals on Amazon involves collecting coupons, too.

Thankfully, like everything on Amazon, you do it entirely online. You just head on over to the Amazon Coupons Hub and check out the digital coupons that are featured. When you find one, use the “Clip Coupon” button to save it to your cart. Then, it’s automatically applied to your total at checkout. It’s definitely easier than cutting out paper coupons with scissors and stuffing them into a drawer.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 5: Don’t Sleep on Amazon Warehouse Deals

I can also remember times when my dad used to love going to places like Best Buy and Target to see if there were any open box deals on display. I think usually these were items that someone had bought and returned. Obviously, the stores couldn’t sell them for full price because the boxes had been opened, but they could put them on sale at a discount for guys like my dad. There’s actually a section on Amazon that sort of recreates this experience!

The Amazon Warehouse Deals section is another place on Amazon where you have to be diligent and always check because the page changes a lot—sometimes even from minute to minute. Basically, the Amazon Warehouse Deals section includes products that have been returned, warehouse-damaged, refurbished, or used. It also includes products that are new, technically speaking, but don’t live up to Amazon’s usual quality requirements for various reasons. If any of that worries you, all of the products are tested and given a grade you can see. Sure, you may be taking a risk, but because of the way it’s set up, you won’t be in for a whole lot of surprises, which I find to be pretty awesome.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 6: Subscribe to Household Goods and Snacks

I have a confession to make. When it comes to getting the best deals on Amazon, there was one thing I ignored for way longer than I should have: subscribing to certain products. I’m sure you’ve noticed a lot of things you’re likely to repeatedly buy—things like toilet paper, toothpaste, or granola bars—have an option for you to subscribe at a lower price.

Well, I noticed that for a long time, but it wasn’t until now that I started to actually use the subscription service. I guess I was worried I wouldn’t need the stuff when it shipped or the savings wouldn’t be significant enough. Well, let me tell you, neither of those things are really a problem. You can space out how much you subscribe to purchase, and even if the savings seem minor at first, they really add up. I absolutely recommend subscribing household goods and snacks as a way to get the best deals on Amazon.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 7: Amazon Family

This is maybe the most specialized tip on to get the best deals on Amazon on our entire list because it basically only applies to folks who have a family. If you have kids, it’s a hack that will save you a ton of money. Amazon has a parent-focused page where you can find some really great deals on things like diapers, lotion, and other must-haves for little ones.

The best part, though, is by subscribing to those items—which any parent will tell you is a must given how fast kids go through basically everything—you can get up to a 20 percent discount. Remember earlier when I said subscriptions don’t seem to save you that much in the beginning? Well, this category is a definite exception! This is also where you can set up things like baby registries, which I’m sure all your friends and family will very much appreciate.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 8: Use Shopkick

Out of all the choices on our list, my absolute favorite hack is this shopping rewards app called Shopkick. Unlike the other techie hacks for the best deals on Amazon we’ve been through today, this one is actually a third-party app that gives you rewards for buying groceries and really any other type of shopping that you do. How it works is pretty simple. Shopkick gives you points for things you do when you go out shopping already, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards to your favorite stores, including Best Buy, Starbucks, and, of course, Amazon.

There are also literally tons of ways that Shopkick users can get rewards right from the app without having to physically go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also earn kicks for dollars spent by shopping Amazon Home’s selection through the Shopkick app. This is why I think Shopkick is my favorite out of all the great tips and strategies on our list. There are just so many ways to earn points that can get you free Amazon gift cards.

While you’re shopping on Amazon through Shopkick, users can earn kicks for dollars spent by shopping for Amazon Private Label Fashion brands, such as Lark & Ro, Mae, Ella Moon, and Arabella. These brands are Amazon’s own brands, and they’re great for stocking up on basics as well as more trendy pieces. Further, users can also shop for accessories, luggage, and even shoes while earning points! Users can also earn kicks when they purchase Amazon subscriptions through Shopkick, like Audible, Music Unlimited, and Kindle Unlimited.

These are just some of the tips and techniques that I’ve picked up during my many years of using Amazon. As an early adapter to things like online shopping, I like to think I have a pretty good handle on quickly figuring out how to get the most out of these platforms, and that includes finding the best deals on Amazon. I hope that my advice ends up being just as useful for you as it has been for me!

Like I said, though, my all-time favorite of all of these is Shopkick, which is a great way to save money on your Amazon shopping, as well as many of the other stores that you like to shop at. So, that’s my advice to you: learn the many ins and outs of getting the most out of the Amazon platform. You’ll be amazed at the deals you start to score!

Start using one of these great techie hacks to get the best deals on Amazon. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love catching up with friends, be sure to join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

Posted in b2c

How to make grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family

I know it sounds a little cliche, but there really is nothing like finding an activity that’s fun for the whole family. Making sure that the kids are having fun, of course, is always ideal when you have three boys at home like we do—it keeps them occupied and out of trouble! But, if you can find something that you and your partner also enjoy, well then you’re really on to something. Recently, I found an activity that we can all enjoy together that also helps me save money.

I’ve discovered a way to make grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family. It’s really a miracle! What I found was a shopping rewards app that helped me save money while I was out at the store and also turned the experience into a game. Before I knew it, my husband and I were looking forward to all the money that we would save while our boys were looking forward to the new game-like components. It really was a win-win situation for us.

So, today I’d like to share our secret with all of you. There’s just so much to love about having fun with the kids while shopping and saving money at the same time. I think it would be selfish to keep it to myself!

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Find a Shopping Rewards App

The first step to making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family is getting a shopping rewards app. For those who don’t know, these are apps that you can use to save money at the store. There are a few different types of these apps. One is a couponing app that basically simulates the old-school experience of clipping and using coupons.

The other works differently, giving you points for certain behaviors you do while you’re out shopping (more on exactly what those behaviors are below). To be totally honest, this is certainly the type of rewards app you’re going to want to go with. The reason being is that it’s much more like a game than couponing apps are and finding an app that works like a game is key to your kids having fun.

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Teach the Kids How to Use It

grocery shopping on a budget with the familyThe next step, of course, is making sure that your shopping process is fun for your kids. This is obviously a bit of a challenge. Speaking from my own experience, my boys seem to have an allergic reaction to walking into stores, one that causes them to start running around and wanting to leave immediately. This is where the shopping rewards app comes in.

With the right shopping rewards app, you can turn your trip to the store into a game. Many of these apps reward you points for doing things in the stores and points are something my video game-loving little guys can really engage with. Basically, it takes the daunting task of shopping and turns it into a challenge for them. Now when we go out, we spend the time in the car on the way to the store talking about how much fun it’s going to be earning points in the aisles. It’s almost like they look forward to shopping these days!

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Embrace Shopkick

The last piece of advice for making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family is also the simplest: choose the right shopping rewards app, which—in my opinion—is an app called Shopkick. How it works is that Shopkick gives you points for the things you do while you’re out shopping already, things like walking into stores, going down the aisles browsing products, and, of course, making purchases. You can then trade these points in for gift cards to so many different stores, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Best Buy.

Having all these different ways to get points is what turns it into a game that your kids can enjoy. Here’s a little tip: you can also use Shopkick when you don’t have the energy to go out with the whole family or even just to go out. There are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

Having all these different ways to get points is what turns it into a game that your kids can enjoy.

I hope your family starts to have as much fun using Shopkick as mine does. Going out shopping these days is such a different experience now that my boys are excited to help me earn points. Everybody gets something they want out of it!

Even better, though, is that our newfound love of Shopkick has given us another way to spend time together. I spend a lot of time at the store, but, now with Shopkick, my little guys are excited to come with me! Using Shopkick at the grocery store has turned shopping into a fun scavenger hunt for points.

Ready to start making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration. 

Image courtesy vectorpouch