Congratulations, you’ve landed on a real  Rocket Money review from a real user. 

Not one of the regurgitated reviews you see from the big brands who claim to — but clearly never have — used the actual product.

Let me start by affirming a few things: 

• I’m a paying Premium Member who actually uses the service.
• We receive a small commission if you try Rocket Money using one of our links.
• Rocket Money has no input as to what is written in this review: good, bad, or ugly.

Now that that is out of the way, let’s begin.

At $4 to $12 per month for Premium Features, not everyone will benefit from paying for more than the Free version of Rocket Money. But reality suggests that nearly all of us have hundreds of dollars in cumulative spending each year that could be cleaned up if we actually knew about it.

Here are the important things you’ll want to know about Rocket Money so you can determine whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

What Is Rocket Money?

Most simply, Rocket Money is a personal finance app that provides tools for budgeting, subscription management, bill negotiation, and automatic savings.

Originally launched as Truebill, the app was acquired by Rocket Companies, known for its flagship business Quicken Loans, in 2021, and rebranded to Rocket Money the following year. The app has over 5 million members for whom Rocket Money has collectively saved over $1 billion._[1] 

What We Like About Rocket Money

In a unique twist of fate, I stumbled upon a Zig Ziglar quote that I felt summarized Rocket Money’s approach to selling their service. (Unique because they have a different Ziglar quote embedded directly on their user dashboard). 

This approach is reflected in the first pro of Rocket Money that I believe provides a valuable user experience:

What We Dislike About Rocket Money

Like any financial app, Rocket Money isn’t perfect. Here are the cons and things that otherwise bothered us about that platform.

Main Features

For a closer look at these features and to hear about my experience with each, toggle through the tabs below. 

Pricing Structure

Rocket Money offers flexible, affordable pricing plans in an effort to meet consumers at a price point they feel comfortable with. The platform provides both free trials and premium options, allowing users to choose the level of service that best fits their financial goals.

At sign-up, users must select a payment method that unlocks all the Rocket Money premium features, ensuring they get a true feel for the platform.

All new users receive a free 7-day trial Premium Membership, after which billing begins (unless the user cancels). 

1. Annual Plans: Users can choose to pay $4 or $5 per month, billed upfront annually. These plans offer a cost-effective solution for long-term users who are committed to using Rocket Money for at least one year.
2. Monthly Plans: For more flexibility, Rocket Money offers monthly subscription options ranging from $6 to $12 per month. These plans are billed monthly and provide users with the convenience of not having to commit to a full year upfront.

If a user cancels their Premium membership during the trial period, they’ll still be able to enjoy Premium features for the remaining balance of the 7 days, after which their account will revert to Free-only features. 

What Users Say

To provide a balanced perspective, we’ve gathered both positive and negative experiences from other Rocket Money users.

Expand the images below to see verified product reviews from aggregated from the major app stores. 

Positive Sentiment 

Negative Sentiment 

Alternatives to Rocket Money

If you’re hesitant about using Rocket Money and want to explore other options, here are four other popular money-saving apps, each offering unique features and pricing plans to help you achieve your financial goals.

YNAB

YNAB (You Need A Budget) focuses on proactive budgeting and gives users a clear view of their finances by encouraging them to plan every dollar. The software is designed to help users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and save more money.

Key features include real-time syncing, goal tracking, and detailed financial reporting; pricing starts at $14.99 per month or $98.99 per year with a 34-day free trial.

Empower

Empower (formerly Personal Capital) combines budgeting tools with robust investment tracking features. It’s geared towards users who want to manage both their day-to-day finances and long-term investments in one place.

Key features include budgeting and expense tracking, retirement and investment planning, net worth tracking, and access to financial advisors for personalized advice; pricing is free for basic tools, with advisory services commanding AUM-based fees. 

Oportun

Oportun (formerly Digit) is designed to help users save money effortlessly by analyzing their spending habits and automatically setting aside small amounts of money for savings. It’s ideal for users who want to save without having to think about it constantly.

Key features include automated savings, personalized savings goals, overdraft prevention, and financial insights; pricing is $5 per month after a 30-day free trial.

EveryDollar

EveryDollar is a budgeting app based on the zero-based budgeting method popularized by financial expert Dave Ramsey. It helps users allocate every dollar to a specific category, ensuring they stay on top of their finances.

Key features include a user-friendly interface, goal tracking, customizable budget categories, and bank account syncing for real-time updates; pricing is free for the basic version, with EveryDollar Premium at $79.99 per year.

The Bottom Line

Rocket Money’s full suite of features, combined with its affordable pricing, makes it a valuable tool for the average person to monitor their finances and potentially save money.

The app’s bill negotiation and subscription monitoring features offer practical ways to reduce expenses, but even if these services don’t result in direct savings, Rocket Money still provides an effective platform for gaining a better understanding of income and expenses.

Personally, I’ve found Rocket Money to be quite useful in uncovering forgotten subscriptions and negotiating lower bills, which has saved me hundreds of dollars. This enhanced financial awareness has helped me stay on top of my budget and make smarter financial decisions, making Rocket Money a worthwhile investment at the lowest price point for anyone looking to improve their financial health.

Related: Rocket Money vs. Trim: Which App Will Save You the Most?

FAQ

Methodology

To evaluate a fintech app like Rocket Money, we used a comprehensive methodology focusing on several key categories critical to the user experience and financial management capabilities.

The post Rocket Money Review 2024: Here’s What $4/Month Gets You appeared first on DollarSprout.

Except perhaps when that tax refund deposit hits. Suddenly, all that number crunching and receipt gathering feels worth it.

This year, Americans are seeing an average federal tax refund of $3,028._[1] Now the real fun begins: deciding what to do with this unexpected windfall.

Before you sprint to the nearest Target or book that impulse spa weekend, let’s pause and think strategically. Your tax refund isn’t just a rebate—it’s an opportunity. With a little planning, this lump sum can boost your financial health, propel personal projects, or even multiply in value over time.

Let’s explore some clever and calculated ways to put your tax refund to work.

Invest in Your Business — or Start One

Who says tax refunds can’t be your business’s mini-stimulus package? Pouring that extra cash back into your own venture could be the smartest move you make this year. Think upgrading technology, enhancing services, or maybe something a bit more…green?

Take a leaf out of Ray Pierce’s book—literally. As the CEO of Zippy Cash for Cars, Ray used his tax refund to add an eco-friendly twist to his fleet of tow trucks.

“I’m allocating a portion of my tax refund to enhance our fleet of tow trucks with eco-friendly upgrades. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also sets an example for environmental responsibility in the industry,” says Ray.

This green investment not only boosts his business’s efficiency but also polishes its reputation, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Investing in your business with your tax refund is about thinking big and acting boldly—whether that means going green like Ray or simply sharpening the tools you already have.

Related: 48 Small Scale Business Ideas for Beginner Entrepreneurs

Invest in Yourself

Personal development and career advancement are excellent channels for using that extra cash, whether it’s for acquiring new skills, gaining certifications, or even transitioning to a new career path.

Consider the proactive approach of Lacey Muinos, a freelance writer who decided to boost her credentials. “I’m obtaining my certifications in personal training and nutrition to boost my credibility and authority as a health writer. And to do so, I had to shell out some cash.”

Her investment in education not only enhances her expertise but also opens new doors for her career, allowing her to stand out in a competitive field.

“Getting a tax refund this year was an unexpected surprise, and since I’d been putting this off for a couple of years, the timing seemed perfect,” Lacey added. 

Continuous learning is not just a boon for those in creative fields. Sherman Standberry, a CPA at My CPA Coach who plans to take an online course, emphasizes the importance of staying updated in the finance industry. “As a CPA, I know the value of continuous learning and staying updated in my field. Since the finance industry is constantly evolving, I need to make sure that I am equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to succeed in my career.

My clients trust me to handle their finances and I want to make sure that I am providing them with the best service possible,” explains Sherman.

Make Strategic Financial Moves

David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com, is a prime example of using a tax refund strategically. He and his wife are preparing for the day when they decide to refinance their mortgage and ditch the high interest rate environment that they bought their home in.

“We’re setting it aside for when it’s time to refinance our mortgage. Rates are significantly higher than they were a few years ago, and many homeowners like us face nearly double interest rates. We’re stashing away our tax refund toward a lump sum payment at renewal time to keep our monthly payments low and minimize the interest we have to pay,” David explains.

Using your tax refund to pay down mortgage principal, or save for future home-related expenses, can be a smart decision. It reduces future interest costs and can potentially shorten the life of your loan, leading to substantial long-term savings. 

While strategic investments in your mortgage are wise, don’t overlook the basics. An emergency fund is your financial safety net, ready to catch you in times of unexpected expenses or economic downturns.

If your safety net has been looking a bit threadbare, consider bolstering it with your tax refund. Financial experts often recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses tucked away, but any amount you can add will help with the inevitable bumps in your financial journey.

On the flip side, if you’re carrying a balance on your credit cards, your tax refund offers a prime opportunity to pay down high-interest debt. It’s not the most glamorous use of your refund, but the satisfaction of seeing those balances drop can be a major stress reliever.

Paying off credit card debt not only improves your credit score but also frees up more of your monthly budget for other priorities.

Become a Real Estate Investor

Keith Sant, Founder & CEO of Sell My Mobile Home Park, explains the strategic value of using a tax refund for real estate investment.

“Using a tax refund to invest in real estate can be a smart move, as it allows individuals to put money towards a tangible asset that can appreciate over time. It also provides an opportunity for diversification in one’s investment portfolio,” Keith notes.

This approach not only capitalizes on the potential for property appreciation but also can generate passive income through rental earnings.

Investing in real estate with your tax refund might involve making a down payment on a rental property, buying into a real estate investment trust (REIT) through a platform like Fundrise, or even funding renovations that increase property value.

Each option offers different levels of risk and return, so it’s crucial to do your homework and possibly consult with a financial advisor to align these decisions with your overall financial goals.

Related: How to Start Real Estate Investing (Beginner’s Guide)

Give Back to Your Community

Your tax refund can do more than just boost your savings—it can amplify the potential of your entire community. When you redirect that financial windfall into local initiatives or educational programs, you’re not just spending money, you’re investing in futures.

Nischay Rawal, an accountant at NR Tax and Consulting decided to do just that. He used part of his refund to nurture the next generation of number crunchers.

“Part of my refund was allocated towards starting a small scholarship fund for aspiring accountants in our community. This initiative not only invests in the future of the profession but also reinforces our commitment to giving back to the community that supports us,” Nischay explains. 

Samantha Lee, a small business owner, also plans to chip in to the common good with her refund. “With this year’s tax refund, I decided to sponsor a youth soccer league in our neighborhood. It’s a fantastic way for kids to stay active and learn teamwork, and it helps ease the financial burden on their families.”

How Will You Use Your Refund?

Whether you’re paying down debt, saving for future expenses, investing in real estate, or something else entirely, each decision should align with your personal and financial goals.

Remember, the best use of your tax refund is one that brings you closer to financial freedom and stability. So think creatively, plan strategically, and let your tax refund work for you. What will your smart move be this year?

The post 6 Experts Share Advice for Putting Your Tax Refund to Good Use appeared first on DollarSprout.

In the ever-evolving world of cash back apps, Ibotta stands out as a popular choice for savvy shoppers looking to earn money back on their everyday purchases. With its user-friendly interface and a vast network of retail partners, Ibotta promises an enticing way to save on groceries, dining out, and more.

As readers frequently inquire about the most effective ways to maximize their savings, DollarSprout is diving deep with a first-hand review of Ibotta.

Today, we explore everything from the sign-up process and available cash back offers to expected earning potential and how it stacks up against competitors. Then, ultimately, determine whether it’s a cash back app that can truly benefit your shopping habits.

What Is Ibotta?

Ibotta is a cash back app designed to reward users for making everyday purchases from a variety of retailers and online stores.

By linking offers to their accounts before shopping, users can earn back a portion of their spending on items ranging from groceries to electronics.

Beyond straightforward cash back, Ibotta also features bonuses and referral rewards, enhancing the potential for earnings.

This app aims to incentivize smarter shopping habits and integrate seamlessly into a user’s lifestyle, offering a practical approach to saving money without significant changes to their buying behavior. In essence, Ibotta stands as a bridge between consumers and brands, rewarding the former for their loyalty and purchases.

Try Ibotta

Free Price

$5 Sign Up Bonus

DollarSprout Rating

Earn cash back when you shop at Target, Amazon, Kroger, and more. Visit stores or shop online, scan your receipt or link a loyalty card, and Ibotta will credit your account within 24 hours.

How to Get Started with Ibotta

Getting started with Ibotta is a straightforward process. It takes just 30 seconds from start to finish.

First, download the Ibotta app from your device’s app store.

Then, create an account using your email address, Facebook, or Google account for seamless access.

That’s it. You’re ready to start adding offers to your list.

How Ibotta Works

Ibotta offers four ways to earn cash back: in-store shopping, online shopping, referrals, and bonuses.

1. In-store shopping

Ibotta makes in-store savings easy by allowing you the option to link your store loyalty account for automatic purchase detection, or, scan receipts after you shop. You can also turn on notifications for Nearby Offer Alerts to stay in the loop about offers in your area.

Link your store loyalty account

This is the most convenient way to use Ibotta. From within your Ibotta account, all you have to do is find a store that offers account linking, click “Confirm & link account,” add offers you want from that store; then, shop as usual.

Once you check out, Ibotta will automatically scan through your purchases, match them with offers in your Ibotta account, and add the cash back to your total earnings.

If you have the Ibotta browser extension installed, you’ll also receive a pop-up notification whenever you visit a site that allows account linking. You can add your information straight from there and link your account with the click of a button.

Scan your receipts

The process is similar to linking your loyalty account: find the store you want to shop at in the Ibotta app, add the offers you want, and shop in store. The only difference is that you’ll need to take a picture of your receipt to receive your cash back.

2. Online shopping

If you’re more of an online shopper, or want to hunt for deals in stores that aren’t in your area, Ibotta offers two options: shopping online with their browser extension or directly through the Ibotta app.

Shop online with the Ibotta browser extension

The Ibotta extension is available for Firefox and Chrome and works similarly to other cash back browser extensions. When you’re shopping on a site where they offer cash back, you’ll get a popup notification. Click the “Activate” button to claim the deal and continue shopping as normal.

In about a week, you’ll see your cash back added your Ibotta account.

Related: 7 Frugality Experts Share Their Best Hacks for Saving Money

Shop directly through the Ibotta app

If your laptop isn’t handy, you can shop online with Ibotta directly from the app.

Unlike the browser extension that pops up when you’ve landed on a site with a deal, you have to be more intentional when shopping through the Ibotta app. That is, you have to know where you want to shop or browse through the available stores until you find a place you like.

When you choose the store you want, the website will open in Ibotta’s app, where you can shop like normal.

3. Refer friends and family

Like many apps of its kind, you can earn for referring new users to Ibotta with your unique referral code. You can share your code via text, email, or social media straight from the app.

When your new recruits sign up with your code and submit their first receipt, you’ll both earn a $5 referral bonus.

4. Bonuses

Ibotta offers two types of bonuses: specific and non-specific. Specific bonuses are usually related to a single brand. For example, “Earn $0.50 when you redeem three offers from Chameleon Organic Coffee.” Non-specific bonuses are typically time-bound, like “Redeem 15 offers of any kind this weekend and earn $1.”

You can see both types on the “Bonus” tab on the bottom menu of the app.

Other Notable Features

Part of what makes Ibotta so user-friendly is that there aren’t many features to be aware of. Outside of earning cash back through everyday shopping, the most relevant thing to know about the app is that you can earn 1% to 10% cash back on gift card purchases.

Cash back on gift card purchases

Ibotta’s gift card feature is pretty simple. From inside the app, you can purchase what amounts to discounted gift cards to over 175 retailers, including Starbucks, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe’s, Walmart, Uber, and more.

To purchase a gift card on Ibotta, you can either add a personal debit card or use your Ibotta earnings. Either way, you’ll get cash back.

If you’re buying the gift card for someone else, you can toggle the “This is a gift” option. On the next screen, you’ll choose how you want to send the gift card off. Whoever you send it to doesn’t need an Ibotta account to use the card.

Getting Paid

Ibotta offers flexibility in how you receive your cash. Users seem to most often choose to transfer earnings to their bank or PayPal account, which is a convenient option for users who prefer cash.

Alternatively, one can opt to exchange earned cash back for free gift cards to popular retailers.

Once you’ve selected your preferred payment method and have at least $20 in your account, navigate to the “Withdraw Cash” or “Gift Cards” section of the app. Follow the prompts to initiate the withdrawal process. For PayPal or bank transfers, you’ll need to link your account the first time you cash out.

After you initiate the withdrawal, your funds should be transferred within 1 to 3 business for PayPal and bank transfers. Digital gift cards hit your account email address within 24 hours.

Earning Potential

Your earning potential with Ibotta varies widely depending on several factors, including the frequency of your shopping trips, the types of products you buy, and how diligently you use the app to find and redeem offers.

• For casual users who only occasionally remember to check for deals or who shop infrequently, earnings might range from $2 to $20 per month. These users typically take advantage of the more straightforward offers without much planning ahead.
• More active users, those who plan their shopping around Ibotta’s offers, use the app for both in-store and online purchases, and participate in bonus offers and challenges, can see significantly higher returns. This group might earn between $20 to $100 or more per month.

The key to maximizing earnings is to consistently check the app for new offers, refer friends to increase bonus earnings, and combine Ibotta rebates with other coupons and sales for maximum savings.

How to Maximize Your Earnings with Ibotta

Maximizing your earnings on Ibotta involves a blend of strategic shopping, utilizing the app’s features to their fullest, and a bit of creativity. Here are some insightful hacks and tips gathered from our personal experience and real users that can help you get the most out of your Ibotta experience:

1. Buy Smaller Quantities: This may seem counterintuitive, but when rebates are offered per item regardless of size, purchasing smaller quantities maximizes your percentage of savings​​._[3]
2. Claim Old Purchases: Ibotta allows you to claim rebates for purchases made up to a week ago. This is especially handy if you forgot to check the app before shopping​​.
3. Stack Rebates with Sales and Coupons: Combining Ibotta’s cash back offers with in-store sales and manufacturer coupons can amplify your savings significantly. Look for items that are both on sale and have Ibotta rebates, and use coupons for an extra discount​​._[4]
4. Shop for Bonus Rebates: Ibotta often offers bonus rebates during holidays or for purchasing specific brands. These bonuses can stack with existing rebates, increasing your cash back on a single purchase​​.
5. Ditch Brand Loyalty: This is by far the easiest of ways in which Ibotta users can save money. If you’re not married to a specific brand of detergent, shampoo, or bread, you’ll find opportunities to save abound.
6. Utilize Hidden Offers and Promo Codes: Keep an eye out for hidden offers within the app, your email inbox, or Ibotta social channels.
7. Link Loyalty Cards: For in-store purchases, linking your store loyalty cards to Ibotta can simplify the process of claiming rebates (and it’s more accurate than snapping a photo of your receipt)._[5]
8. Check Ibotta Before Shopping: Always check Ibotta for offers before you go shopping to plan your purchases around available rebates and bonuses. This proactive approach can significantly increase your earnings​​.

User Reviews

While Ibotta boasts strong app store ratings, it’s become common knowledge that companies — while generally stopping short of incentivizing 5-star ratings — commonly invite users to review the app at times when they’re most likely to leave a positive review (like when they redeem cash back).
While we at DollarSprout have found the app to be a legitimate and straightforward way to earn meaningful cash back, especially in the grocery niche, it helps to understand what other real Ibotta user reviews are saying. Here’s what we commonly see:

Positive Experiences

I’ve earned more than $1500 from Ibotta so far. I get paid to buy things that my family actually needs like toilet paper, deodorant, food, etc. I love Ibotta.

Missy Crystal, Quora

[Ibotta] is definitely worth it if you take advantage of all the bonuses and frequently cook at home. We are a family of four and have been averaging $30 to $40 in cash back each month, not including referrals. The trick is to combine your cash back offers with the bonuses they offer from time to time.

Nermeen Ghneim, Quora

Negative Experiences

After slowly building a balance on Ibotta and getting close to the $20 amount required to redeem your earnings, I became ill. No grocery shopping, didn’t bother with emails, etc., for 6 months — that sick. When I finally got online and checked my Ibotta account there was nothing in it! They drained it with $3.99 monthly service charges until it was empty…all that work for nothing.

Linda D., Sitejabber

I’ve been using Ibotta for years now. It’s always been so easy. The last two big purchases I made built around Ibotta offers didn’t even show up in my account. It’s way too much effort to have to manually email all of the offers to them each time to try to get the money now. I believe I’m done with them.

jingleheimerstick, Reddit

Ibotta Alternatives

When exploring popular alternatives to Ibotta for cash back and savings, several apps stand out for their unique features and benefits:

1. Fetch Rewards simplifies the process by allowing you to scan receipts from any purchase to earn reward points, which can then be exchanged for gift cards at major retailers like CVS, Target, and Amazon. Its straightforward approach makes it a strong contender for those looking to earn on all their shopping without restrictions​​.
2. Dosh focuses on passive earning by linking directly to your credit or debit cards. When you shop at partner merchants, cash back is automatically credited to your account without the need to scan receipts or activate offers beforehand. This makes Dosh an appealing option for those who prefer a hands-off approach to earning cash back on their purchases​​​​.
3. Rakuten integrates directly with your web browsing experience, unlike apps that require receipt scanning or specific in-store action. Their browser extension or mobile app alert you to cash back opportunities at over 2,500 stores. The combination of ease of use, a broad(er) network of retail partners, and industry-leading cash back rates makes Rakuten a compelling alternative or complement to apps like Ibotta for maximizing online savings​.

Final Thoughts: Is Ibotta Worth It?

Every app has its issues, but I think with Ibotta, the pros outweigh the cons. It’s a good way to earn cash back for shopping that you’re probably already doing and especially shines with grocery and department stores.

Your favorite brands and items may not always have a deal, so the more willing you are to try new brands, the more money you’ll save. With well over 200 online shopping deals and 2,000+ total retailers, odds are you’ll find a few offers meaningful to you.

It’s a little cumbersome having to find and add offers to your account before you shop. My hope is that in the future Ibotta finds a way to automate the process so you can link all your loyalty accounts, shop as normal (without telling them what deals you want beforehand), and they can match deals with your receipts.

Related:

• This Frugal Mom Earned $830 Using Cash Back Apps. Here’s How
• 17 Best Passive Income Apps to Earn Extra Money
• 19 Flexible Stay-At-Home Jobs for Moms

FAQs

Methodology

The rating of 4.0 out of 5 for Ibotta was synthesized based on a comprehensive analysis of various sources including but not limited to our first-person experience, third-party user reviews, expert opinions, and competitor app comparison. The methodology involved aggregating insights from these diverse resources to present an unbiased assessment of the app’s performance, user satisfaction, and overall value proposition. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria used and explanations for each:

The post Ibotta Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Tips to Boost Earnings appeared first on DollarSprout.

Americans report gearing up to spend $923 on Christmas gifts this holiday season — just $19 below the all-time high of $942 reported in pre-pandemic 2019 — despite the fact that their spending power has been reduced considerably in the face of persistent inflation._[1]

Eye-watering figures when one considers that 49% of Americans have no or less savings than they did a year ago._[2]

Holiday debt is the gift that keeps on giving, but you don’t have to be the intended recipient.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank, here are several cheery ways to celebrate Christmas on a budget. From making your own decorations to finding creative gift ideas, these tips will help you make the most of your holiday season without spending too much money.

1. Start by Listing Anticipated Expenses 

Having a topline figure in mind helps prevent spending creep, and serves as a psychological accountability partner. To get started, simply jot down a Christmas budget list of the common holiday expenses you may encounter. 

Possible Holiday Season Expenses:

Next, set reasonable boundaries for whom you may choose to buy gifts. Setting boundaries can help ensure that everyone involved in the gift–giving process is comfortable and that expectations are managed. Boundaries can also help to keep the focus on the spirit of giving, rather than on material possessions.

Possible Gift Recipients:

• Spouse
• Children
• Extended family members
• In-laws
• Nieces, nephews, goddaughters, and godsons
• Teachers
• Neighbors
• Bosses, coworkers, secretaries, etc.

When you’re budgeting for Christmas, the costs can add up quickly. Not all of these expenses will apply to you, but it gives a few examples of costs you might not have remembered. 

And while the average American household considers a Christmas budget per child of around $200 to be the norm, experts suggest far less. At just $75 per child, their suggestion is to invest in year-round core memory events as opposed to a once-yearly toy dump._[3]

As you consider the expenses you’re responsible for this Christmas, take a look at the next step.

Related: 5 Financial Mistakes to Avoid This Holiday Season

2. Create a Frugal Christmas Budget

The key to enjoying Christmas on a budget comes as a surprise to exactly no one — merely having a budget in place. Your completed Christmas budget will show you an overall picture of your projected costs and help you save money in the long run. In this step, you’ll assign a dollar figure to each anticipated expense to give you a clearer picture of how much you’ll be spending.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by DollarSprout (@dollarsprout)

Keep in mind that it might take a little bit of time to complete this step. For example, you might look up the cost of a professional photographer, but then realize you have the perfect selfie to put on your Christmas card instead.

Or, you might think you want to buy new Christmas decorations for your front lawn, but change your mind once you see the cost.

Spend some time doing a little research about the items on your list and try to come up with a total projected expense for the season. If you’re not comfortable with this total number, move on to the next step.

3. Find Ways to Lower Costs

You might be looking at your Christmas budget with fresh eyes and seeing a number you simply can’t afford.

Christmas might seem expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Furthermore, you don’t have to go into credit card debt to make it a memorable and fun holiday season.

Here are some ideas to help you have an enjoyable Christmas on a budget: 

• Play a gift game. Many families now play games like a white elephant gift exchange or hot gift potato, which means they only have to buy one gift for the adults in their family. Suggesting this can save hundreds of dollars every Christmas. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend time as a family.

• Stick to the four-gift rule for your kids. Kids have so many toys these days. They can easily become overwhelmed, especially when the time comes to clean the playroom to make room for new toys. The four-gift rule says that you can buy your kids something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. These four presents should be more than enough for them to enjoy their holiday season.

• Consider thoughtful Christmas gifts on a budget. Budget Christmas gifts are great for teachers, co-workers, and neighbors. If you’re a crafty person, take a shot at some homemade gifts. A nice letter and a $5 Starbucks gift card can also go a long way. Teachers love gifts that are from the heart – a thank you note from your child would go much further than another coffee mug or candle.

• Have a potluck. Even if you love hosting Christmas dinner, you don’t have to pay for the entire meal. Ask your guests to bring a dish.

• Use coupons and shop at discount stores. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are ideal stores for you to shop for gifts. They have amazing name brands at affordable prices. You can also use coupons when shopping online. DollarSprout Rewards allows you to save on gifts in a multitude of ways. You’ll earn up to 10% cash back (or more) at 10,000+ popular online merchants. Walmart, eBay, Kohl’s, Macy’s, you name it. Wherever you do your Christmas shopping you’ll be sure to earn cash back on your purchases.

Related: 75 Creative Ways to Save Money Around the House

4. Look for Ways to Make Extra Money

Of course, you can only cut your budget so much. If you’ve done everything you can to lower the cost of your Christmas expenses but you’re still coming up short, it’s time to hustle. Here are a few ways to earn more money for Christmas spending. 

• Deliver food. Get paid to make deliveries on your own schedule. People don’t like going shopping when it’s cold and snowy outside, so now is a great time to start this side job.
• Complete microtasks. Not everyone has a ton of extra time to commit to a second job or even a fully involved side hustle. Micro job sites allow users to find and complete simple tasks for cash. From spotting errors on websites and data entry to product reviews and feedback, most tasks can be completed in 1 hour or less.
• Sell last year’s gently used gifts. Getting rid of some of your old gifts can help pay for this year’s presents. If you have an old cell phone lying around, try selling it on Decluttr. Once your tech is evaluated, you’ll get same-day payment via PayPal or with a check sent by mail.
• Shovel snow. If you live in a cold climate, there are lots of people who will pay you to shovel their driveway when it snows. Start with your neighbors and friends first.
• Work retail. Many stores hire extra employees during the holiday season. It’s a short period of time, but you can earn extra money and score discounts at your favorite stores.

Related: 15 Festive Ways to Make Extra Money for Christmas 

5. Take advantage of seasonal offers

Stores are clamoring over customers during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. In doing so, they’ll offer generous rewards, cash, or steep discounts just to get you in the door. Along with earning more money, you can also find ways to earn gift cards for free. Use the gift cards to buy your Christmas presents or give them away as gifts. 

Some easy ways to snag free gift cards include: 

1. Collect Swagbucks. New members get a $10 sign-up bonus. When you build up your supply of Swagbucks by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and more, you can redeem them for gift cards to your favorite retailers.
2. Take online surveys with Survey Junkie. When you cash out the money you’ve earned from completing surveys, you can get paid in a variety of gift cards.
3. Sign up for InboxDollars. Earn a $5 bonus for signing up, which you can get in the form of a gift card to one of dozens of major retailers. Every time you shop online, take a look at current deals and earn cash back for purchasing items on your list.

Remember, Fun is Free

Even though Christmas can get expensive and you might feel pressure to buy many people gifts, remember that fun is free.

You don’t have to spend money that you don’t have this holiday season. Christmas is about spending time with family and friends. There are so many frugal and free activities you can do that will bring you closer together.

You can volunteer at a soup kitchen and help the needy. Spend an afternoon baking bread and cookies with your children. Take a drive and look at Christmas lights. Surprise your grandmother and her friends at the nursing home. Create a silly Christmas dance choreography and teach it to your nieces and nephews.

Related: 10 Christmas Gifts You Should Never Buy for Someone

The post 5 Cheery Ways to Enjoy Christmas on a Budget appeared first on DollarSprout.

These apps – all of which are free to use – can save you money on groceries, travel, clothes, and so much more.

I’ve endlessly experimented with cash-back apps since 2015, back when DollarSprout was first launched. I don’t even know how many apps I’ve tried, but there are definitely a small handful that stand above the rest. These are the apps that I continue to use to this day.

In fact, we’ve done so much research on these neat little tools that, earlier this year, we decided to build our own cash back browser extension. We took everything that we liked about what the competition was doing, threw out everything we didn’t care for, and came up with DollarSprout Rewards.

So, as you read through this roundup, yes, you’re going to see our own app at the top of the list. We are proud of what we have built. But the rest of the apps mentioned are also top quality – you can’t go wrong with using any of them. In some way or another, they have all inspired our own app.

Best-In-Class Cash Back Apps 

• DollarSprout Rewards: Best overall cash back app
• Capital One Rewards: Best cash back app for online shopping
• Rakuten: Best cash back app user experience
• Ibotta: Best cash back app for grocery shopping
• Upside: Best cash back app for gas discounts
• Fetch: Best cash back app for scanning receipts
• Honey: Best cash back app for Amazon

1. DollarSprout Rewards

Learn More

Free Price

$0 Sign-Up Bonus

DollarSprout Rating 4.5/5 Stars

Best for: Best overall cash back app
Learn more: DollarSprout Rewards FAQs

Show Hide more

Pros

• Free, fully automatic cashback.
• Low payout threshold.
• Payouts are in cash.
• Large network of merchants (15,000+).
• International users welcome.
• Shareable referral links to increase earnings.

Cons

• No mobile application.
• No price drop notifications.
• Referral program is not yet live.

DollarSprout Rewards is a desktop-only cash back browser extension that is available on Chrome and Safari.

After installing the extension, you’ll notice a small alert appears in the upper right hand side of your browser whenever you visit an eligible merchant’s website:

Simply click the “Activate” button, and continue shopping as you normally would. Accrued earnings will post to your Earnings Dashboard shortly after purchase.

What I like about it:

• I personally do most of my shopping on my computer (not my phone), so a rewards app that works on my laptop makes it much more likely I’ll use it.
• Rewards accrue as cash, not points, making it much easier to track earnings.
• Payouts are direct cash to PayPal once monthly ($5 minimum).
• I like the subtleness of the savings alerts, especially in Google search results. It doesn’t feel obtrusive but still lets me know when a deal is available.
• Large network of retailers (over 15,000 and counting).
• Infrequent marketing emails and no intrusive notifications. User experience and utility come first.
• Automatically searches the web for working digital coupon codes and applies them at checkout.
• Shareable links that allow you to earn rewards with friends and family.
  • Example: You recommend a food processor to a friend using the link to the product listing that the DollarSprout Rewards extension provides. If they purchase using your link, you will earn additional cash back.

What I would improve:

• No cash back at Amazon. That said, I have yet to come across any app that offers cash back at Amazon. Amazon knows they have a strong grip on their customers, so there’s no need to incentivize or discount sales. 
• No price-tracking features. I don’t personally use this feature much with other apps, but I know some people do like that option.
• No referral program. 
• No mobile app, yet (coming soon).

2. Capital One Shopping

Learn More

Free Price

$0 Sign-Up Bonus

DollarSprout Rating 4.5/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app for online shopping
Learn more: Capital One Shopping Review 2024

Show Hide more

Pros

• Ease of use.
• Low payout threshold.
• Industry-leading cash back rates.
• Price drop features.

Cons

• Payouts are to gift cards only.
• No international users (US only).
• Heavily dependent on user tracking (not as privacy-focused).

Capital One Shopping is a coupon app and browser extension. The company was founded in 2014 as Wikibuy and was renamed after being acquired by Capital One in 2018.

When you install the browser extension and shop online, Capital One Shopping will alert you if there are any available coupons, or if it finds a better price somewhere else. You just have to click the button on the Capital One Shopping pop-up to claim the deal.

What I like about it:

• Easy to install and use.
• Sometimes the cash back deals are so good that I am fairly certain Capital One is taking a loss on them. My impression is that this is a way for the credit card arm of the company to build brand recognition via their shopping extension. They know they will likely recoup the losses on the credit card side of their business.
• Watchlist feature alerts you of price drops.
• Low payout threshold ($5 for most gift cards).

What I would improve:

• Not as many gift card options as some other sites.
• It tracks your online shopping history, which doesn’t bother me that much but I know some people are put off by that.
• Payouts are only done via gift cards.
• Only available to users in the United States.

3. Rakuten

Learn More

Free Price

$30 Sign-Up Bonus Spend $30, Get $30

DollarSprout Rating 4.5/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app user experience
Learn more: Rakuten Review 2024

Show Hide more

Pros

• Simple, easy-to-use interface.
• Access to large merchants that other apps don’t offer.
• Robust welcome bonus.
• Frequently boosted cash back rates at popular merchants.

Cons

• Payouts are only received quarterly.
• Frequent marketing-related contact can be tiresome.

Rakuten — formerly known as Ebates – gives rebates and cash back on purchases made in store or online. It is available as a mobile app or browser extension, and they offer an online shopping portal to see all deals in one place.

In general, the app works the same way as the preceding tools on this list. Consumers can additionally use the website or app to search for deals or see featured merchants. Rakuten’s browser extension automatically searches for and applies promo codes and cash-back offers when you shop online.

What I like about it:

• There are a few merchants that I can only seem to (consistently) find on Rakuten, like Nike and Target.
• The website is clean and easy to navigate. I can see a large selection of deals in one place.
• Rakuten will regularly run deals where they offer up to 10% cash back from select merchants, instead of their normal 1-2%.
• You earn a $30 welcome bonus if you spend $30 within 90 days. It’s basically free money if you were going to make a purchase anyways.

What I would improve:

• Out of all the apps and extensions I have signed up for, Rakuten seems to send the most marketing emails. You can unsubscribe from the emails and still keep your account active, though.
• Cash back is only paid out quarterly, which can be quite a long wait. For most people this won’t be an issue since it takes some time to accumulate the $5 minimum balance required.

4. Ibotta

Learn More

Free Price

$10 Sign-Up Bonus Spend $30, Get $10

DollarSprout Rating 4.5/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app for grocery shopping
Learn more: Ibotta Review 2024

Show Hide more

Pros

• Strong grocery focus.
• Rewards are displayed by cash value, not % cash back (easy to understand).
• Diverse incentive program with cash bonuses and free items.

Cons

• Less participating merchants than other apps.
• Redeeming offers requires considerable manual input.
• Scanning through irrelevant offers is time-consuming.

Originally marketed as the best cash back app for groceries and helping users save money on food, Ibotta has expanded its cash back offerings to several large retail chains including Lowe’s, Petco, Walmart, Target and more.

The app now offers a card-linked option, that detects purchases at participating merchants and then credits your account with earned rewards. They too offer a browser-based cash back extension that helps users earn rewards across thousands of additional participating retailers. If a shopper chooses to pay in cash, all hope is not lost – Ibotta allows users to manually upload their receipts after a store visit so long as they selected advertised offers prior to visiting the merchant.

What I like about it:

• Advertised rewards are displayed in cash values instead of percentage cash back. This helps me easily understand how much I can expect to save.
• Still maintains a strong grocery focus (many cash back apps are weak in this area).
• Popular retailers receive premium visibility within the app making it easier to find the stores I most frequently shop at.
• Payouts are via free gift cards or to cash.
• Ibotta offers frequent incentive-based bonuses in the form of free cash and/or free items at popular retailers. For example, they currently have an offer where a user can earn a free Butterball Turkey (~$20 value) by loading and completing 16 offers.
• Ibotta offers a $10 welcome bonus if a user spends $30 and they also have a referral bonus incentive where you’ll earn $10 for each friend or family member that you refer.*

*Referred friend or family member must make an eligible purchase and upload their receipt.

What I would improve:

• The knock against Ibotta has always been that their offers need to be manually loaded. This makes the entire process labor intensive and is a huge turn off for me personally. (Users have to search a merchant, select offers for particular products, if they exist, and then proceed to shop).
• Only 300 or so merchants offer card-linked offers, the rest require manual loading of offers, and manual scanning of receipts.
• Users face psychological biases that push them to buy additional products they may otherwise not need because they see savings offers that are only semi-relevant to them, if at all (not great for those that think they’re predisposed to shopping addiction).
• Cash back is only offered for specific products, not as a savings percentage across your entire order. If there are no cash back deals for items you need, you won’t save any money.

Related: 12 Apps Like Ibotta to Earn Cash Back at Grocery Stores

5. Upside

Learn More

Free Price

25¢/gal Sign-Up Bonus Promo code AFF25

DollarSprout Rating 4.0/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app for gas
Learn more: Upside FAQs

Show Hide more

Pros

• Interactive map makes it easy to find participating gas stations.
• Up to 50¢/gal cash back on gas!
• No minimum payout threshold.
• Permanent passive income by referring friends.

Cons

• App lacks automation (less user-friendly).
• Must link card, activate an offer, and then fill at participating stations.
• Cash back offer doesn’t always mean the lowest overall price.

Upside is a cash back app for gas that offers discounts on more than just fuel. It has three main categories for cash back: gas, groceries, and restaurants. The app functions similar to other cash back apps and offers rates of up to 25 cents off per gallon at participating stations.

What I like about it:

• I can see a map of nearby gas stations to see which ones are offering the best cash back deals.
• Cash back is paid out via PayPal or check and requires no minimum balance.
• Generous referral program that’s composed of one-time bonuses and recurring fill-up bonuses. You can earn a passive 1(¢)/gallon discount on your future fill-ups each time a referred friend fills up their tank.

What I would improve:

• The cash back is not automatic; you must “Check in” or add a photo of your receipt to the app. It’s not a big hassle, though.
• Keep in mind that the highest cash back offers might not actually be the best deals. For instance, if Gas Station A offers $3.50/gal with 25 cents cash back, but Gas Station B is $3.20/gal with no cash back, Gas Station B is still the best deal.

Related: 5 Legit Ways to Get Free Gas Cards

6. Fetch Rewards

Learn More

Free Price

DollarSprout Rating 4.0/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app for scanning receipts
Learn more: Fetch Rewards Review 2024

Show Hide more

Pros

• Earn rewards at ALL stores (minimum 25 points).
• Submit physical or digital receipts.
• No manual loading of offers.

Cons

• eReceipt scanner may miss digital receipts.
• Users earn redeemable points instead of cash rewards.
• Rewards are brand vs. store specific (won’t earn rewards across an entire purchase).

Fetch Rewards, also known as Fetch, is a cash back receipt app that allows you to earn points when you purchase from thousands of products at over 300 brand partner stores. To redeem points, simply scan your receipt through the app or connect your email address to scan eReceipts.

Brands partner with Fetch because, in addition to incentivizing consumers to purchase their products, Fetch provides brands with analytics to help them better understand consumer shopping habits.

What I like about it:

• Fetch awards points for receipts from any store or restaurant, even if it’s not from one of their partner brands.
• Works with both physical receipts and email receipts.
• Earn a modest number of points for receipt upload, even if no eligible offers were redeemed.
• You don’t need to pick your offers in advance in order to earn points.

What I would improve:

• The offers are usually tied to specific brands as opposed to a store-wide offer.
• The eReceipts feature doesn’t always work perfectly.
• I personally prefer to earn pure cash back rather than points. It’s easier for me to track my progress that way.

Related: 17 Passive Income Apps for Easy Extra Money 

7. Honey

Learn More

Free Price

$0 Sign-Up Bonus

DollarSprout Rating 4.0/5 Stars

Best for: Best cash back app for Amazon
Learn more: Honey Review 2024

Show Hide more

Pros

• Price comparison tools help you find the lowest price on Amazon.
• Droplist is convenient for non-time-sensitive purchases.
• Automatic coupon application at checkout helps find good deals.

Cons

• Frequently no working codes are available.
• Users commonly cite customer service concerns.
• Can’t use with common adblockers.
• Low, but growing number of actual cash back offers.

Honey is a free browser extension that automatically finds online discount codes. After installing the extension, Honey will provide you with discount codes every time you shop online. You don’t have to search manually.

Before checking out, the Honey browser extension will alert you if there are any deals available. If there are, they’ll be applied to your purchase. There’s also a feature called Droplist that allows you to track prices on certain items and receive an alert when the price drops.

What I like about it:

• Price comparison features allow you to find the cheapest price for an item on Amazon across different sellers.
• Price drop alert notifications allow me to save on purchases that I’m in no hurry to make.
• Price history tools allows me to see if there is seasonality for certain products (some items are cheaper in the Summer vs. Winter, etc.).
• The tool is owned by PayPal, so there’s notch protection against scams and frequent product updates.

What I would improve:

• Extension seems to frequently come up empty when searching for working coupon codes (user reviews across the web cite this as a common problem).
• Ad blockers seem to cause performance and tracking issues (I have to disable Adblock Plus in Chrome to use the extension).
• More cash back offers would be a huge plus. They’ve recently added PayPal Rewards into the mix, which offers actual cash back rewards in addition to the coupon-finding portion of the application.

Related: 20 Money-Making Apps for Earning on the Go

Honorable Mentions

Here are some names that you will be seen mentioned a lot in various “Best of” lists across the web. While they weren’t quite strong enough to make the top of our list, these are still apps worth considering.

8. Shopkick

Shopkick is among the best rewards apps because it lets you earn money by performing tasks, rather than just spending money. Many of these tasks are easy to do. You earn points or “kicks” with easy tasks like walking into stores, scanning barcodes for specific products, shopping with a linked card, and shopping online. Once you’ve earned enough points, you can cash out for gift cards.

Download: Android, iOS

9. Dosh

Dosh gives you up to 10% cash back when you shop at their participating merchants using a linked debit or credit card. Most other cash back apps require you to scan a receipt and choose a deal, but with Dosh, all you need to do is sign up and shop. Only available in the United States and a $25 minimum balance is needed to cash out.

Download: Android, iOS
Learn More: Dosh Review 2024

10. Drop

Drop is a free app that rewards you for your everyday spending. After linking a credit or debit card to the app, you’ll earn points whenever you shop with one of Drop’s partner brands. You can earn more rewards for referring friends, integrating other apps, completing Linked or Mobile offers, and more.

Download: Android, iOS
Learn More: Drop Review 2024

11. RebatesMe

The newer-to-the-scene app is undercutting many of its peers by offering robust daily cash-back offers along with select “double cash-back” offers on many of its 4,000 popular retailer partners. Their Cash Back Protection Program is a neat feature, where, if you make a purchase through RebatesMe and don’t get credited (an industry-wide issue because of the complexity of tracking), they’ll credit you for purchases up to $1,000.

Download: Chrome (desktop)

12. TopCashBack

TopCashBack operates on a somewhat unique business model compared to other apps on our list. According to their website, they pass on 100% of their commissions to users, which means very competitive cash back rates. Instead of keeping a cut of those commissions for themselves, TopCashBack charges retailers for advertising space on their website. Payouts are made via ACH, PayPal, or gift cards.

Download: Android, iOS

14. Receipt Hog

Similar to the other receipt-scanning cash back apps on this list, Receipt Hog offers points for scanning pictures of your receipts and uploading them within two weeks of purchase. You can also earn points by taking surveys or playing mini-games. Recent reviews on TrustPilot have been less than ideal, but overall the company has a long history of favorable ratings.

Download: Android, iOS

15. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is a free rebate app that lets you earn money back on your grocery shopping by scanning your receipts. Unlike similar apps, you don’t have to claim offers at a specific store; you can shop wherever you want and still be rewarded for it. The offers are updated every week. Be sure to upload your receipts quickly (before the offer expires); if you forget, you could lose out on rebates.

Download: Android, iOS

Top Rewards Apps Compared

	DollarSprout Rewards	Capital One Shopping	Rakuten	Ibotta	Upside	Fetch Rewards	Honey
Best for	Best overall	Price comparison	Online shopping portal	Groceries	Gas purchases	Receipt scanning	Price tracking
Type	Browser extension	Browser extension + mobile app	Browser extension + mobile app	Browser extension + mobile app	Mobile app	Mobile app	Browser extension + mobile app
Rewards	Cash	Gift card	Cash	Cash or gift card	Cash or gift card	Gift card	Cash or gift card
Merchants	15,000+	30,000+	3,500+	300+	50,000+	500+	30,000+
Countries	Worldwide	US	US, CA, and some international	US	US	US	US, CA, AU, UK + more
Min. Payout	$5	$5	$5.01	$20	None	$3	$10
	Sign up	Sign up	Sign up	Sign up	Sign up	Sign up	Sign up

How Cash Back Apps Work

You might be wondering, how does the cash back business model work? It’s pretty simple (and brilliant, when you think about it):

If someone knows they are getting a deal, they are more likely to complete a purchase. In fact, a recent study by RetailMeNot showed that two-thirds of consumers have “made a purchase they weren’t originally planning to make solely based on finding a coupon or discount.”

Cash back apps and extensions are what we call “affiliate marketers”, which is just a fancy way of saying that they earn a commission for every sale they generate for a retailer. For example, New Balance might pay a 5% commission on any sales that come from an affiliate (like a cash back app). So how can an app incentivize you to make a purchase? They can offer you 2.5% cash back.

(5% total commission paid by retailer) – (2.5% paid to customer) = 2.5% profit for the app.

With cash back apps, everyone wins. The retailer gets a sale that they may not have otherwise got, the customer gets cash back, and the app gets a cut for facilitating the deal between buyer and seller.

Types of Cash Back Apps

The phrase “cash back apps” is often used as a catch-all to describe several different types of cash back apps and rewards platforms. As such, it may be confusing for some when an internet search for “cash back apps” doesn’t always return strictly mobile and/or smartphone applications.

Here’s a summary of the different types of cash back apps we frequently see on the market:

• Mobile Cash Back Apps: This category is home to many popular Android and iOS-based mobile cash back applications. They are most often direct cash or points-based programs where users pre-load offers and/or make a purchase directly from a merchant through the app itself.
  Mobile conversion tracking is notoriously difficult for advertisers, so these apps tend to involve more manual user input.
• Card-Linked Cash Back Apps: These are a subset of mobile cash back apps that require users to add a debit or credit card in order to validate purchases made through the app. They boost the accuracy with which mobile cash back apps correctly record and credit users with purchases made but require that a merchant participates in the program. (Most card-linked apps only have a few dozen to a few hundred participating retailers because of the barrier to entry).
• Receipt Scanning Apps: As the name implies, these apps require users to snap a picture of their receipt and upload it after their shopping trip. These apps also tend to require significant manual input because they often compel users to pre-select offers before shopping, which the app then validates against the manually-uploaded receipt. They are semi-prone to misreporting, and there is often a small delay associated with reward validation.
• Cash Back Browser Extensions: These are the most automated form of cash back available. Like rewards credit cards, cash back is typically spread across an entire order at a participating merchant, and not just on single products. They require minimal setup and generally run unnoticed on your desktop browser, most frequently available for Chrome.

Some cash back companies will offer several or all of the types of cash back apps listed above, with fully integrated user accounts across multiple devices. This allows users to download a mobile application for use on their phone, but also use a desktop browser extension, all under the blanket of a single user account.

Features of the Best Cash Back Apps

When it all comes down to it, the best cash back apps are generally the ones that put the most money back in your pocket – but that’s not the only factor at play.

Here are the features we feel the best cash back apps readily offer:

• Robust cash back rates. There’s a significant difference between 1 and 3% cash back. A lot of platforms offer cash back, but the devil is in the details.
• Great merchant diversity. A cash back app isn’t of much utility if it only has a few participating merchants you’ve never heard of. It’s similarly unimpressive if a cash back app boasts 300,000 retailers but none of them are the ten or so places you regularly visit.
• Low payout thresholds. Some cash back platforms have rather high payout thresholds that de facto force users to spend hundreds of dollars just to meet the $25 or $30 payout threshold needed to unlock reasonable earnings. Dormant or inactive accounts that are slow to reach and/or never meet the threshold may have earnings invalidated.
• Good privacy protection. Not all platforms are created equally, and some may sell your lead information to sister or third-party networks, leading to unwelcome contact overwhelm.

Typical Cash Back App Fees

All of the most popular cash back platforms offer their app or service free of charge.

There are no hidden fees or paid subscriptions necessary, and any accrued earnings are yours to keep, so long as you meet the minimum specified payout threshold.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

Here are a few tips to get the most out of these cash-back apps:

• Use multiple apps. Since each app provides different offers, using a combination of them will ensure that you’re getting back the most money possible. Here’s an example of a good “stack” to use without getting overwhelmed:

1. 1. 1. Browser extension for online shopping: DollarSprout Rewards
      2. Grocery store cash back: Ibotta
      3. Gas cash back: Upside

• Take advantage of referral programs and bonuses. Whenever you can, encourage your friends and family to join some of these rebate programs. They’ll save money, and you’ll get extra points or cash added to your account.

• Combine rebates with coupons. If you’re a savvy shopper, you’re probably already using coupons. Combining those discounts with app rebates puts even more money back in your wallet. Frequently, users will employ double-dipping “hacks” by linking rewards and cash back credit cards to their cash back app profiles.

• Shop using the apps’ portals. When you make purchases through the portal links, you’ll get access to bigger discounts and rebates. Just make sure you’re only buying items you truly need.

Pay attention to the rules. Most apps and offers have limits, deadlines, and other program rules. Follow them so you can claim every offer possible. You don’t want to miss out on cash back because you forgot to scan a receipt in a timely fashion.

FAQs

Methodology

DollarSprout’s editorial team has annually reviewed the leading cash back platforms on the open market since 2015. Our analysis includes observing and monitoring popular and emerging platforms’ ease of use, cash back rates, redemption processes, security, and more. Additionally, we take into consideration [international] availability, breadth of merchant offerings, user reviews, app store ratings, customer service concerns, and company history. Products awarded best-in-class designations consistently provide safe and secure user environments with legitimate cash back offerings, at no cost to the user.

Related: 50+ Legit Ways to Make Money Online

The post 15 Best Cash Back Apps to Earn Rewards in 2024 appeared first on DollarSprout.

With countless rewards apps promising to save money on everyday purchases, finding one that’s truly worth your time can be tough. That’s where Fetch Rewards may come into play.

In this review, we’ll provide an objective evaluation based on our thorough testing of the app. You’ll learn how the Fetch app works, its benefits, and its drawbacks, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your shopping habits.

Whether you’re a loyal brand shopper or just looking to stretch your budget further, our detailed Fetch review will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Is Fetch Rewards?

Fetch Rewards, also referred to as just Fetch, is a cash-back app that allows you to earn points when you purchase from thousands of products at over 600 brand partner stores.

To redeem points, you simply scan your receipt through the app or connect your email address to scan eReceipts. Brands partner with Fetch because, in addition to incentivizing consumers to purchase their products, Fetch provides brands with analytics to help them better understand consumer shopping habits.

Fetch Rewards has received positive reviews across major app stores, with over 5 million reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store, and a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 1 million reviews on the Google Play Store.

How Fetch Rewards Works

To make the most out of Fetch Rewards, it’s essential to understand how the app operates. Follow these simple steps to start earning points and maximize your rewards.

1. Sign Up for a Free Account

First, download the Fetch Rewards app from either the App Store or Google Play.

Once installed, open the app and create a free account using your email address or Facebook account.

During the sign-up process, you’ll have the option to enter a referral code. If you enter code CBH7XJ, you’ll receive 1,000 bonus points (a free $1) after you snap your first receipt.

2. Shop as Usual

Fetch Rewards partners with over 600 brands, allowing you to earn points on a wide variety of products. You don’t need to change your shopping habits or make any special trips.

Simply purchase the items you need from your favorite stores, and Fetch will reward you for it. Whether you’re buying groceries, household items, or personal care products, you can shop as usual and still rack up points.

There’s no need to pre-select offers or clip coupons, as is the case with other cash back apps like Ibotta; just buy what you normally would and let Fetch do the rest.

3. Scan Your Receipts

After shopping, open the Fetch Rewards app and tap the camera icon to scan your receipt. Make sure the receipt is clear and that the store name, items purchased, total amount, and date are all visible.

If you prefer online shopping, you can also link your email account to automatically scan eReceipts.

Once your receipt is processed, Fetch will add points to your account based on the items you purchased, with a minimum of five points per receipt.

If you didn’t receive the proper points for a purchase after scanning your receipt, follow the directions found in their help video.

4. Earn Points

Once your receipt is processed, you’ll earn points. Every receipt earns a minimum of 25 points, but you can earn significantly more if you’ve purchased products from Fetch’s partner brands.

Special offers and promotions within the app can provide bonus points for certain products or brands, boosting your rewards even further. Sometimes, you might even get surprise bonus points for items you didn’t realize were part of a promotion.

5. Redeem Points

Once you’ve gathered enough points, you can redeem them for a variety of rewards. The app offers a low redemption threshold, allowing you to start cashing out once you reach 3,000 points, equivalent to $3.

You can choose from a wide selection of free gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and more. Additionally, you can use your points for charitable donations or enter sweepstakes. If you’re aiming for a MasterCard or Visa gift card, you’ll need more points, but the flexibility of redemption options ensures there’s something for everyone.

6. Invite Friends or Play Games to Earn Extra Points

Fetch Rewards offers a few other ways to boost your points beyond just scanning receipts. One effective method is by inviting friends to join the app. Share your unique referral code, and when your friends sign up and scan their first receipt, both you and your friend will receive bonus points.

Referral bonuses can range from as few as 100 to as many as 4,000 points, depending on current promotions, making it a quick and easy way to increase your points balance.

Additionally, Fetch Rewards occasionally features in-app games and activities that allow you to earn even more points. I have not earned any points playing games, as many of the games aren’t things I’m interested in, require an in-app purchase, and look kind of spammy at times.

If you see something applicable to you, go for it, otherwise consider that you may actually end up spending more than you’d save.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards

Making the most out of Fetch Rewards involves a few strategic moves that can significantly boost your points. Here are some of my top tips, based on personal experience.

1. When Reasonable, Shop at Partner Brands. Fetch partners with over hundreds brands, offering bonus points for purchasing their products. For example, I frequently buy Huggies diapers and have earned up to 12,000 points ($12) on a single purchase.
2. Take Advantage of Special Offers. Special Offers are like automatic coupons. You don’t need to clip or activate them. Just purchase the items and scan your receipt to earn bonus points. I’ve seen offers that reward you 5,000 to 20,000 points, sometimes even 100% of your spend back in points.
3. Scan Every Receipt. Don’t limit yourself to grocery receipts. Fetch now accepts receipts from almost any type of store, including supermarkets, restaurants, hardware stores, pet stores, gas stations, and more. Uploading receipts from all these places can quickly add up​.
4. Link Your Email for eReceipts. Connect your email account to Fetch to automatically scan eReceipts from online purchases. This saves you the hassle of manual entry and ensures you never miss out on points from digital shopping. Make sure your email receipts are directed to your inbox, not your spam folder.
5. Refer Friends. Fetch’s referral program is a fantastic way to earn extra points. Share your unique code with friends and family. When they sign up and scan their first receipt, you both receive bonus points. Referral bonuses can vary, sometimes offering up to 4,000 points per referral during special promotions.
6. Join Clubs and Use GoodRx. Joining clubs like PepsiCo Tasty Rewards and Huggies Rewards+ can offer exclusive Special Offers and extra points. Additionally, using GoodRx for prescription refills can earn you significant points—up to 10,000 points for your first prescription and 1,500 points for subsequent refills.
7. Scan Receipts Promptly. Receipts must be scanned within 14 days of purchase. To ensure you don’t miss out, get into the habit of scanning your receipts as soon as you receive them. I’ve found that scanning them right after checkout or as soon as I get home works best.
8. Redeem Points Frequently. It might be tempting to save up for a large gift card, but it’s often better to cash out as soon as you meet the minimum threshold. This way, you avoid the risk of account issues or changes in the points system affecting your balance.

Apps Like Fetch

While Fetch Rewards offers numerous benefits, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re looking for different features or prefer cash over gift cards, you might want to consider these Fetch alternatives.

Ibotta

Dosh

Rakuten

How They Compare

Verdict

Fetch Rewards is a good choice for frequent shoppers and those who enjoy earning rewards by simply scanning receipts. Its user-friendly interface, low cash-out threshold, and wide range of redeemable gift cards make it a standout among a multitude of money-making apps.

However, if you prefer earning actual cash over gift cards, Ibotta might be a better fit, as it offers cashback directly to your PayPal account.

Lastly, for a more passive income-generating app, Dosh is ideal since it automatically applies cashback for linked credit or debit card purchases without the need for scanning receipts.

Each app ultimately has unique strengths, so consider your shopping habits and reward preferences to choose the best fit for you.

Try Fetch 

Related: 14 Smart Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Review Methodology

Sources:

[1] Fetch Rewards. “Live Rewarded.” Fetch Business. https://business.fetch.com/. Accessed 25 June 2024.

[2] “Fetch to Eclipse $152 Billion in Annual Gross Merchandise Value in 2023, Equivalent to Nation’s Third Largest Retailer.” PR Newswire, 22 Mar. 2023, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fetch-to-eclipse-152-billion-in-annual-gross-merchandise-value-in-2023-equivalent-to-nations-third-largest-retailer-301796091.html. Accessed 25 June 2024.

The post Fetch Rewards Review 2024: Pros, Cons & How It Works appeared first on DollarSprout.

According to a Bankrate survey, nearly two-thirds of smartphone users have at least one financial app on their phone.[1] But because everyone has a different savings style, ranging from hands-on to set-it-and-forget-it, you’ll need to find a tool that’s the right fit for you.

There are three main types of money-saving apps: those that help you save money toward a goal, apps that help you save while shopping, and apps that help you cut back expenses. Depending on your goals and preferences, you might need some, one, or all.

To help you make the best decision, let’s discuss the best money-savings apps in each category.

Best Automatic Saving Apps

We all know saving money is important, but finding the motivation or even remembering to tuck your money away can be the hard part. We found several apps that help you save money the way that works for you. Apps that round up change, for instance, move your spare change into a savings account.

For most of these, you’ll need to download the app, set up a profile, and link your checking account or credit card.

1. Acorns: Best for new investors

Acorns is an investing app that rounds up your purchases on linked credit and debit cards and moves that spare change into an investment portfolio. Once you get into the habit of investing small change, you can boost those round-ups by 2x, 5x, or even 10x. You can also set daily, weekly, or monthly recurring deposits.

To get you into the right investment portfolio, Acorns will ask you about your financial situation, income, goals, and risk tolerance. It will then recommend one of its five ETF-based investment portfolios, but you can override their selections.

There’s even a rewards feature: When you spend with Acorns’ partners including Airbnb and Nike, you get cash back.

It’s a good app for beginners, but you might consider upgrading to another service for larger investments down the road.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: $1–$5/month

Learn More: Acorns Review 2024

2. Qapital: Best for goal setting

Sometimes you need a little fun to make a chore feel worthwhile. With Qapital, you can set up multiple rules that trigger savings, like saving a preset amount every time you post on Instagram or as a reward when you spend less than expected. Or you can choose a more straightforward approach, such as saving a percentage of each paycheck.

You also choose whether the money goes into an interest-bearing FDIC-insured account or an investment portfolio. With so many ways to save and track progress, it’s a solid app for setting goals. According to the company, the average user saves $5,000 a year.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: 30-day free trial, then $3–$12/month

3. Simple: Best banking alternative

Simple is an all-in-one savings app that offers a free checking account, debit card, and budgeting tools. To help you avoid overspending, the app scans your available funds and shows you how much you can safely spend each week. It can also automate your savings by rounding up every debit transaction to the nearest dollar and automatically moving the money to an FDIC-insured savings account.

Simple banking accounts are mobile-first, so it’s a good tool for those who prefer banking on a smartphone. But because it doesn’t have brick-and-mortar branches, you might look elsewhere if you think you’ll need in-person help.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free

4. Digit: Best for simplicity

Digit is a savings app that calculates what you can save based on your checking account balance, spending patterns, and the goals you’ve set up with the app. It then automatically moves money into an FDIC-insured savings account and distributes the money among your goals. You also get a 0.5% savings bonus every three months based on your average daily Digit balance. So if your average daily balance is $1,000, then you would earn $5.

The nice thing about Digit is that it simplifies a lot of the legwork. Your income, expenses, and spending might change from week to week, so Digit’s number-crunching can go a long way in saving you money and time.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: 30-day free trial, then $5/month

Learn More: DollarSprout’s Digit Review

5. SmartyPig: Best free money savings

SmartyPig allows you to create multiple money market accounts that act as virtual “piggy banks.” You attach goals with deadlines to each, such as “Europe trip 2021, $3,000″ and can either automate your savings from a linked checking account or manually move money into the FDIC-insured accounts. SmartyPig also tracks your progress on each goal, which you can adjust anytime.

It’s a money-saving app that’s easy to use, and because it takes a few days for any withdrawn funds to hit your checking account, the buffer can help if you’re tempted to drain your savings. But its best feature is that it’s free.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free

6. Chime: Best for spotty banking history

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.

Chime is another free money-saving app that includes other banking services, including checking and savings accounts. Through the app or a browser, you can automatically save a percentage of every paycheck or ask Chime to round up your purchases and tuck away the rest into savings.

Chime is a helpful option for people with a spotty banking or credit history because the bank doesn’t run a credit check or look at your ChexSystems report before you can open an account. That’s part of the bank’s “second chance banking” program, which also includes zero overdraft and monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free

Best Money-Saving Apps for Shopping Savings

No one wants to pay more for something than they have to. But the old-school method of clipping coupons (and remembering to bring them with you) can be pretty inconvenient. Enter cash-back apps, which can help you save money on just about any purchase using your smartphone or browser extension.

7. Capital One Shopping: Best for finding deals

Capital One Shopping is a free tool that helps you save money effortlessly while shopping online. Once you install the browser extension, it automatically applies available coupon codes and notifies you of better prices for the items you’re browsing. It also tracks price drops on items you’ve viewed, ensuring you never miss a deal. With Capital One Shopping, you can save both time and money without any extra effort.

• Available on: Chrome, Firefox, Edge (Desktop)
• Price: Free

8. Swagbucks: Best for earning rewards

Swagbucks is a website where you can earn rewards for taking online surveys, playing games, shopping, and watching videos. Once you sign up for an account and fill out a profile survey, the site looks for points-earning matches for your demographics.

You earn points, known as SBs, for completing these tasks and can redeem them for gift cards. There are even more chances to earn SBs when you shop at Swagbucks partners, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free

Learn More: DollarSprout’s Swagbucks Review

9. Fetch Rewards: Best for simplicity

Fetch Rewards is a free mobile app that lets you earn rewards by taking pictures of your receipts. If the receipt contains participating brands, you’ll earn points based on the cost of the product. You can redeem points for gift cards, donate them to charity, or use them to enter monthly sweepstakes.

It’s a good tool if you don’t want a browser tracking your searches and purchases, you don’t have the time to earn rewards by completing tasks, or you don’t want to fuss with coupons (even digital ones).

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free

Learn More: DollarSprout’s Fetch Rewards Review

Best Apps for Budget Tracking

According to another Bankrate survey, 21% of consumers aren’t saving any money at all, typically because everyday expenses use up most of their hard-earned dollars._[2] But the best budgeting apps can help you make way for savings.

10. Trim: Best browser service for hands-on savings

Trim is a service that helps you negotiate your bills and cut out unused subscriptions like those pesky trials you forgot to cancel. There’s no app, so you’ll sign up online and connect your bank accounts.

Then, Trim analyzes your transactions to find recurring expenses and sends you alerts. If you’re not interested in keeping recurring services, Trim cancels them for you or offers to negotiate your bills on your behalf. If you end up saving money, Trim takes 33% of the amount you save in your first year.

• Available on: Your smartphone’s web browser
• Price: Free to set up; if you use bill negotiation, Trim takes 33% of your savings

11. Rocket Money: Best app for hands-on savings

Rocket Money is an app that connects to your financial accounts and monitors your spending and expenses, then negotiates your bills for free. It’s a lot like Trim, with a few key differences. If you wind up saving money, both services take a percentage of your savings. Rocket Money takes 40% (versus Trim’s 33%) and has fuller budgeting capabilities, including a monthly spending report.

One of the main differences between Rocket Money and Trim is the logistics of using them: Trim doesn’t offer an app, while Rocket Money does.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free to set up and use; optional Premium service is $3–$12/month.

Learn More: DollarSprout’s Rocket Money Review

12. Empower: Best all-in-one app

Empower is an app that combines some of the best features of other money-saving services, including Cash Advance of up to $250*, Automatic Savings, budget tracking, customized recommendations, and Interest-bearing Checking. Once you link the app to your checking account, it analyzes your balance every day and transfers money to your AutoSave Account when you can afford to do so. If you don’t have enough funds in your checking account one week, Empower will try again the following week.

Empower also analyzes your spending patterns, income, and expenses to offer personalized money-saving recommendations. You’ll also receive alerts for things like bank fees, bill increases, and missed payments.

Users can’t set up multiple savings goals, but the other features of this app more than make up for this shortcoming.

• Available on: iOS and Android
• Price: Free for 14 days, then $8/month

*Eligibility requirements apply. Free instant delivery is available for eligible Empower Checking Account customers with an activated debit card. Banking services provided by nbkc bank, Member FDIC.

13. Tiller: Best for spreadsheet budgeting

Tiller is a customizable budgeting add-on that works with Google Sheets and Excel. Once you connect your bank, credit card, and other financial accounts, Tiller pulls that information into your spreadsheets and continually syncs the accounts.

With the standard Foundation Template, you can check your net worth, divide your transactions into more than 200 categories, share your spreadsheets with other people, and more. While this tool doesn’t automatically trim your expenses, you get an in-depth look at all of your accounts in one place.

The Monthly Budget tab shows you how much of your budget is allocated for each category and what percentage of your budget is left compared to how many days are left in the month. By checking this tab, you can either adjust your spending accordingly or change how much of your budget to allocate to a certain category.

• Available on: No app available; uses Google Sheets or Excel
• Price: Free for 30 days, then $79/year

14. Undebt.it: Best for debt payoff

Undebt.it is a tool that helps you set up a customized debt-payoff plan. Once you set up an account, you enter your debts along with how much you owe, the interest rate, minimum payment, and due date. Undebt.it lists the information on your easy-to-read dashboard and uses the information to calculate your debt-repayment plan.

There are many debt-payoff strategies, and it might be hard to figure out which one is best for your situation. Undebt.it compares several debt-payoff methods (including the “debt snowball” and “debt avalanche”) to help you figure out which is best for you, but it also lets you customize the plan according to your own goals.

Undebt.it says users are paying off $9 billion in debt using the service.

• Available on: Web browsers
• Price: Free; $12/year for the premium version

Is It Worth Paying for an App That Helps You Save Money?

Paying for a money-saving app sounds like contradictory advice, but the top money-saving apps are worthwhile if they help.

First, figure out which app works with your saving and spending style. If you need help understanding how much you’re spending, finding ways to cut back your expenses, and saving money automatically, then choose an automatic savings app that offers guidance. But if you like being in control, then a hands-on app is best for you.

Then, estimate how much you could save with the app and compare that amount to the price. If you’re on a tight budget, consider starting with a free service and then moving to a paid subscription once you have some money tucked away. Or, you could start with a savings or budgeting app, then only sign up for a shopping app if you have the time and money for it.

Generally, good money-saving apps support you where you need help so you can hit your financial goals faster.

Related: How to Get Out of Debt: A Step-by-Step Guide

The post 14 Best Money-Saving Apps for 2024 appeared first on DollarSprout.

I’d research all the stores online and visit the ones that I could in person, looking for flash sales and clearance deals. I’d meticulously read reviews and ratings and look at pictures to see if those reviews were authentic.

Then, when I was sure I found the best deal, I’d try to top those savings off with a coupon. If I was in a store, you could find me off to the side of the checkout line searching for in-store coupons. Sometimes I’d even spend ten minutes searching for coupon codes before hitting the final payment button.

But after a while, the chase started to feel more like a slow hunt. All the deals looked the same and there were so many expired coupon codes with so little savings that I gave up. I resigned myself to paying the same amount as people who couldn’t care less about saving money.

Heartbreaking.

Until I discovered coupon code browser extensions. These extensions search the internet to find deals and sales on your behalf, saving you the time of looking for and manually inputting them.

While there are several browser extensions you can choose from, the biggest ones are Capital One Shopping and Honey. But of those two, how do you know which one is better?

In this review, we’ll compare Capital One Shopping vs. Honey so you can determine which one is right for you.

Capital One Shopping Overview

Learn More

Free Price No hidden fees

DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Capital One Shopping offers multiple easy ways to save money, including automatic coupons, reward credits that can be exchanged for free gift cards, a price comparison tool, and price drop tracking. When you add the browser extension, you'll get automatic notifications for deals on sites you visit.

Show Hide more

Pros

• Completely free.
• Easy to add (and remove).
• Convenient way to save money with minimal effort.
• Safe and secure.
• Desktop and mobile versions.

Cons

• Gift card options are limited.
• Tracks your online activity and transaction history.
• “Best price” feature isn’t always accurate.

Capital One Shopping searches offers from other sellers while you browse Amazon products or when you search on Capital One Shopping directly and tells you if you can get a better deal elsewhere. It’ll also alert you to coupon codes available when you shop online at their partner retailers, including Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Target, Overstock, and hundreds more. The extension is owned by Capital One and only works with U.S. stores.

For a full description of how it works, you can read our Capital One Shopping review.

Honey Overview

Try Honey for Free

Free Price Free browser extension. No app.

DollarSprout Rating No app. Coupons sometimes expired or unavailable.

Honey pays cash back for your online shopping. It's free to use, and the browser extension alerts you when they have a deal or coupon available for a site you're on. The Droplist feature also allows you to track prices on items you're interested in. You'll receive an alert from Honey with the price drops.

Show Hide more

Pros

• Shop as you usually would at your favorite online retailer
• Searches the web for legitimate coupon codes so you don’t have to
• Automatically applies the coupon code with the biggest discount, saving you the most amount of money possible
• Easy to use – just click the Honey icon when you’re ready to check out
• Offers a rewards program in addition to finding discounts

Cons

• Must install the extension on your browser
• Button appears on all shopping pages, which could negatively affect your internet shopping experience
• Honey won’t always find a discount code

Honey is owned by PayPal. It was originally a coupon testing tool, and while Honey still gives you automatic coupon codes to its partner retailers, it’s expanded to include several features to help you save money specifically on Amazon. It currently supports shopping sites in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and more.

You can get a full breakdown of Honey in our review.

Capital One Shopping vs. Honey Feature Comparison

To break their Amazon features down into a one-sentence comparison, Honey helps shoppers compare prices on Amazon across different Amazon sellers and Capital One Shopping helps shoppers compare Amazon prices to those at different stores.

But that’s an oversimplification; each tool does so much more to help you save.

Capital One Shopping and Honey both have a full suite of features that make them great assets for any deal seeker. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. You can easily add and use both browser extensions, but you may find yourself using one more than other, depending on what you’re looking for.

Let’s take a closer look at five key features of each: cash back, number and types of deals, coupons, price watch features, and mobile app experience.

Cash back

Capital One Shopping and Honey are some of the best cash-back apps out there. But the way they structure their cash-back offers differs. In order to get the most out of each, it’s important to understand those differences.

Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping refers to its rewards as Capital One Shopping Credits. Capital One Shopping Credits show up as cash value but aren’t available to receive in the form of cash — they can only be redeemed as gift cards. The amount of credits you need to redeem a gift card depend on which gift card you choose. Walmart’s cash-out option starts at just $0.01, while Lowe’s requires at least $5 in credits to cash out for a gift card.

There are two ways to earn Capital One Shopping Credits.

The first is by shopping with partnered stores online. A store is eligible if, when you’re shopping on the site, the Capital One Shopping extension pops up a button that says “Activate” in the top right of your window. Once you activate, any purchase made on that shopping trip will earn you Capital One Shopping Credits.

Unfortunately, Amazon is not a partnered store, but stores like Walmart, Kohl’s, and Groupon are.

You can also earn Credits through local purchases made on a linked card. Simply link your card to Capital One Shopping, then browse the local deals section on the website or mobile app. When you find one you want to use, click the “Get X% Back” button, and use your linked card when shopping at the retailer to earn credits.

New users can earn an additional $10 in Capital One Shopping Credits when they complete a purchase of $25 or more at a partnered merchant within 30 days of joining Capital One Shopping.

Honey

Honey refers to its cashback as Honey Gold. You can redeem Gold for gift cards at the rate of 1,000 Gold for $10.

You earn Honey Gold in the same way you earn Capital One Shopping Credits. They have the same conversion rate, but with Honey Gold, they show up as “points.” Even though they operate the same way, Honey is sometimes frustrating because it gives a range for its cash back, so you can’t know for sure how much you’re going to get. For instance, if I find a deal for a pair of shoes, Honey will tell me I can get between 5% to 8% cashback.

Capital One Shopping, on the other hand, gives one number, so you know exactly what you’re getting. And it’s often a higher percentage than what Honey is offering. Using the shoe example, Capital One Shopping tells me I’ll get 9% cash back on this deal.

Winner: Tie

While Capital One Shopping offers more opportunities and higher returns for earning Credits, Honey has more gift card options for redeeming rewards, including Target and Amazon.

Deals

Many Capital One Shopping vs. Honey reviews praise Capital One Shopping for offering their deal comparison feature on sites other than Amazon while Honey is only on Amazon. And while it is more well-rounded, Amazon Prime users and other avid Amazon shoppers may be fine just using Honey for price comparison.

Capital One Shopping

You can skip Amazon and visit Capital OneShopping.com to see all the available deals. Browse the trending deals or search for products to see all the offers and prices after any Capital One Shopping credits. It’s an extremely useful tool that shows you every price in one place, saving you from searching multiple stores and sites.

One thing that I don’t like about Capital One Shopping is that it sometimes shows incorrect deals.

When searching for a car seat, Honey showed the best deal, but Capital One Shopping said I could save $1.99 if I purchased the item from a different seller. However, that seller would’ve charged me $14 for shipping and tax, whereas shipping would be free on Amazon.

After clicking through to see who the retailer was, I saw that it was Walmart, where taxes and shipping were also free for the car seat. Although Capital One Shopping offered a better deal for ($1.99 in rewards), based on the way the information was presented, I wouldn’t have normally clicked it because it looked more expensive.

I saw the same tax and shipping calculation when comparing all offers on the product at Capital OneShopping.com.

Honey

Honey looks at its price history data to show its top 40 daily deals from various stores. When looking for deals at a particular store, Honey and Capital One Shopping had similar deals, but most of Honey’s “deals” were just links to the site’s sale pages. You can easily find these on your own.

But to be fair, when I clicked on Capital One Shopping’s deals, many of the URLs didn’t work.

When you’re looking at a product on Amazon, Honey will only compare prices on Amazon. However, if you search for the product at JoinHoney.com, you can see deals from other retailers. Unfortunately, Honey didn’t have an organized way to compare those deals, making it less user-friendly than Capital One Shopping.

Winner: Capital One Shopping

Because it makes finding deals more convenient, Capital One Shopping is the clear winner here. But given the issues with miscalculating shipping and tax, use it with caution and double check for yourself if the deals truly are the best.

Coupons

The best coupon sites are the ones that don’t waste your time making you sift through dozens of coupons to find one that works. Both Honey and Capital One Shopping do just that, using coupon codes gathered by other users and trying each working one on your cart. Out of all the codes that work, they’ll apply the one that saves you the most at checkout.

Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping’s coupon codes tester works at hundreds of online stores. When you have the Capital One Shopping extension installed, a pop up will appear in the upper right-hand corner of your browser when you get to a checkout page that it has working codes for.

Simply click “Try Codes” and it’ll search through available codes to look for a better deal.

Honey

Honey’s Savings Finder can apply coupon codes much the same way as Capital One Shopping’s, but it’s available on over 40,000 online stores. It’s also been around longer and has more users.

And because coupon codes for both tools are sourced from user data, I’ve found Honey often has more codes to try.

Winner: Honey

Savings Finder has far more codes than Capital One Shopping, works at significantly more retailers, and you can easily see how recently each code has worked.

Price watch

Price watch is an underrated feature of both extensions. It’s easy to miss deals if you’re not constantly looking for them, but both Honey and Capital One Shopping solve that problem by tracking price changes and notifying you instantly.

Capital One Shopping

The Capital One Shopping Watchlist allows you to track the price of an item. You can add an item from Amazon or Capital OneShopping.com, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to add an item from any other website to your Watchlist.

For example, if you want to track the price of a stroller on BuyBuyBaby, you won’t be able to do that with the Capital One Shopping Watchlist, but you can track the price of that item on Amazon.

Honey

Honey’s Price History shows how much an item’s price has gone up and down up to six months in the past, helping you choose whether to buy now or wait. If you choose to wait, you can add items to your Droplist and Honey will notify you when there’s a price drop.

Honey also has a Smart Droplist setting that, when turned on, can automatically add your Amazon “Saved for Later” items to your Droplist as well as detect and add items you view often.

Winner: Honey

The ability to see the price history of an item is invaluable in determining the time to buy. And the Smart Droplist is super helpful.

Mobile app

Both Capital One Shopping and Honey have apps you can use to shop, and those apps offer the same features as the browser extension.

Capital One Shopping

The best feature of the Capital One Shopping mobile app is the ability to scan a barcode and see potentially better prices for that item online. You can also easily find and activate local deals while you’re out and about, helping you save money on your in-person purchases as well.

Honey

Honey’s Smart Shopping Assistant app is pretty standard with no features that you can’t get on your browser. But if all you want to do is shop, find deals, and check out, you can do it all within the app.

Winner: Capital One Shopping

Even if you’re not sold on the Capital One Shopping browser extension, the ability to scan a barcode and compare prices on that product is a great time-saving tool.

Capital One Shopping vs. Honey: Which One Should You Use?

In the Capital One Shopping vs. Honey debate, you’ll save the most money using both extensions. Capital One Shopping can show you deals across several retailers in an easy-to-read chart while Honey can try dozens of coupons and show you up to six months of price history on Amazon. Capital One Shopping also has a mobile app that’s useful even if you’re not using the browser extension.

If you’re looking to save money and time, these extensions are definitely two to keep pinned on your browser.

The post Capital One Shopping vs. Honey: Which Extension is Better? appeared first on DollarSprout.

Even if you’re not frugal by nature, you can still learn a thing or two about saving by studying how the pros do it. To make that easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best money-saving advice from top frugal experts.

1. Double-dip on cash back to save on groceries.

Both cash-back credit cards and cash back shopping apps can put money back into your pocket. Pairing them together is a no-brainer way to boost your savings, says Nadia Malik, finance expert and founder of Speaking of Cents.

Malik uses the Discover It cash-back credit card. It pays 5% back on bonus categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases. One of her favorite ways to reap double cash-back rewards is by using her card along with the Ibotta app.

“Between the cash back from my card and the money saved via Ibotta, I save 20-25% on monthly grocery bills,” she said.

Malik also puts the usual grocery savings tips to work, including:

• Swapping out name brands for store brands
• Cutting out processed foods
• Buying in bulk and skipping pre-portioned foods

Altogether, she estimates that these money-saving hacks have helped her family trim their food costs down by 40 to 50%.

2. Stack your savings when shopping online.

Shopping online can save time, and you can earn some of what you spend back in cash when you use the best money-saving apps. Miguel A. Suro, an attorney and founder of The Rich Miser, saves 2 to 5% or more shopping online thanks to skillful stacking.

Like Malik, his strategy involves using a rewards credit card, the Citi Double Cash card, to earn a percentage of purchases back. But he increases his rewards earnings by:

• Signing up for store loyalty programs to earn rewards
• Using rewards apps to shop
• Downloading coupon and cash back browser extensions

Suro’s preferred apps include Rakuten, Bumped, and Swagbucks.

He also uses the Capital One Shopping browser extension and Cashbackaholic, which compares offers from different reward apps to help find deals on everyday purchases.

Once you get your savings tools in place, the next part is simple: stack all of the above.

“For example, when I shop online at Sam’s Club I’ll get 2% back from my credit card, plus 1% back from Bumped,” Suro said. “I also get 2% back from Sam’s Club Plus premium membership and 2% or more from Swagbucks.”

That’s an easy 7% you could earn back from shopping like you normally would.

3. Hack your credit card for travel savings.

Using a travel rewards card could lead to major savings. Tawnya Redding, frugal expert at Money Saved Is Money Earned, saves thousands on travel by charging all of her purchases to credit cards to earn points.

She uses a multi-card strategy to maximize her points when charging travel, gas, groceries, and other purchases. Redding then parlays those points into free flights and hotels.

“I haven’t paid full price for a flight ever and typically only need to pay the fuel surcharge,” she said.

For some trips, she’s even been able to pay for a companion’s ticket or hotel room.

“I earn points for money I’d be spending anyway, so it’s almost like getting free travel for paying my bills,” Redding said.

Remember, if you’re planning to try this frugal hack, plan to pay your card balance in full each month. Otherwise, interest charges could slash the value of any points you’re earning.

4. Make money to save money.

Starting a side hustle is an easy way to make more money so you can grow your savings. But if you don’t have a lot of time, there’s a simple frugal solution: try mystery shopping.

That, along with using cash back apps, is how registered dietitian and founder of Frugal Minimalist Kitchen Bri Bell keeps her grocery budget in check. “I literally get paid to take a few photos and answer a short survey about something in the store, then I do my regular shopping,” she said.

Bell finds mystery shopping gigs through Field Agent and Mobee, checking apps daily to see what’s available.

“If I see a shop at one of my regular stores, I might decide to shop a few days early and combine my efforts,” she said. Otherwise, she’ll plan shopping trips as usual and will take advantage of any paid mystery shopping jobs available for that day.

Bell uses Ibotta and Checkout 51 to increase savings on grocery trips, along with the extra money she gets from mystery shopping.

Altogether she estimates that she saves $1,500 a year using these tactics.

If you’re looking for other side hustle options to make extra cash to save, here are a few to consider:

• Become an Instacart shopper
• Try online tutoring
• Get paid with a delivery side hustle
• Start a blog
• Become a freelance writer

If you’re considering a side hustle to save money remember to factor in any costs you might have to pay. Becoming an Instacart driver, for example, could help bring in extra cash, but you’ll have to pay for wear and tear to your vehicle.

Related: 11 Apps Like Ibotta to Earn Rebates and Get Cash Back

5. Let other people find money-saving deals for you.

Searching for promo codes, sales and other deals can be time-consuming. A simple work-around is to let someone else do the heavy lifting.

One way to do that is by following frugal experts on social media and joining deal groups on Facebook, said Melissa Garcia, founder of money-saving blog Consumer Queen.

A simple search for ‘deal groups’ on Facebook returns numerous listings for groups you can join.

“This saves me time and money because they spend their time scouring the best deals online and offline, and I get to reap the benefits,” Garcia said.

Garcia, who runs her own deal group on Facebook, says this strategy can lead to multiple opportunities to save. For example, these groups can be a gold mine for finding:

• Product giveaways
• Free samples
• Restaurant coupons
• Coupon codes for top retailers
• Access to exclusive sales

As a bonus, Garcia says some groups also include money-saving and frugal hacks, like how to make your own cleaning products at home.

A simple search can help you find bargain and deal groups on Facebook. You can vet them for quality by checking the number of members and how often new deals are posted.

Related: How to Start Couponing (a Beginner’s Guide)

6. Leverage cash-back apps for more than just shopping.

Rakuten can be a great tool for saving money, but it’s not just for buying clothes or baby gear.

Elizabeth Humberstone, frugal mom blogger at Shoestring Baby, also uses Rakuten to save hundreds on travel.

She stacks savings by going to Rakuten to choose a hotel booking company, always picking the one with the best cash-back deal. Then she signs into her account with the booking company and charges the purchase to her rewards card.

Effectively, she triple dips by earning rewards through Rakuten, the hotel booking site, and her credit card. This strategy has allowed her to earn $200 in rewards plus free award nights.

If you’re planning to book through a third-party company, keep in mind that you may not be able to pick up rewards for that same booking through a hotel loyalty rewards program.

Look at the rewards you could earn from the booking company against those offered by the loyalty program to decide which one offers more money-saving value. Specifically, compare the amount of rewards and what that could translate to in terms of free hotel stays.

7. Don’t overlook savings at home.

So far, these money-saving hacks have been focused on shopping or travel, but there are plenty of ways to save without leaving home.

Freya Kuka, personal finance blogger, and founder of Collecting Cents, uses several frugal hacks to save money on utility bills.

Some methods she uses to save money include:

• Installing a programmable thermostat
• Reducing the temperature on your hot water heater by a few degrees
• Using a low-flow showerhead
• Keeping your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter
• Servicing your HVAC regularly and replacing air filters
• Using cold water to do laundry
• Running the dishwasher with full loads only

These money-saving measures can be more impactful over the long run, Kuka said.

“Instead of just getting discounted purchases from time to time, you’re saving money on a regular basis.”

While you’re looking for ways to save around the house, consider how you can negotiate or cut out certain bills. If you need a little help finding savings, consider using a service like Rocket Money, Billshark, or Trim to help reduce expenses.

Related: Trim vs. Rocket Money: Which App Can Save You the Most Money?

Saving Money Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If you have some savings goals you’re working toward, these frugal hacks can get you on the right path. The tried-and-true methods included here show that it’s possible to save money on just about anything if you’ve got the right tools — and mindset — to commit to saving.

The post 7 Finance Experts Share Their Best Hacks for Saving Money appeared first on DollarSprout.

In DollarSprout’s recent Side Hustle Survey, 1 in 5 respondents said that they received an unexpected tax bill because of their side hustle or gig income. Discovering you’ll owe money to the government rather than receive a refund is a gut punch, and can often lead to extra side hustling just to pay your tax bill.

Those with a traditional 9-to-5 job have it a little easier; when they get paid, taxes are already taken out. There’s rarely a need to calculate how much they owe quarterly.

But if you have a side hustle or work in the gig economy, it’s not that simple.

Thankfully, side hustle taxes don’t have to be a mystery. Here are six simple tips to help you prepare for your taxes in advance, and avoid an unexpected bill come filing time.

1. Set aside a percentage of your earnings.

As a freelancer, it’s your responsibility to report your earnings and pay the taxes you owe, and you need to pay those taxes based on the gross income you receive.

Make sure you set aside 20% – 35% of your side hustle income to cover your tax obligations to the federal government, your state, and even your local government. These percentages are determined by several factors such as your level of income, marital status, and place of residence.

The money you pay in taxes covers a number of different things. For instance, your federal taxes, collected by the IRS, include your federal income tax as well as your self-employment tax that goes towards Social Security and Medicare. Your state and local government taxes may include an income tax or a business license fee tied to your income, so be sure to double-check with your local and state officials to determine the proper amount you need to set aside.

Start putting a portion of your income aside in a separate bank account from the first day you start freelancing. This will help you avoid playing catch up or digging into your savings every time taxes are due.

Related: 190 Best Side Hustles to Make Extra Money

2. Track your revenue and expenses.

You can also minimize an unexpected tax bill by keeping good records of your expenses that were incurred related to your self-employed income.

For instance, if you drive for Lyft, keep records of the number of miles you drive and how much you spend on gas, maintenance, and car payments. If you dogsit with Rover, keep track of expenses for toys you purchase, miles driven to the dog park and clients’ houses, and pet food or snacks. And if you moonlight as a graphic designer, track all the software subscriptions, training you attend, or any hardware you purchased to get the job done.

Whatever side hustle you do, find a tracking system that works for you and keep it up to date. You don’t have to pay for fancy bookkeeping software, but there are affordable, full-service products like Intuit or KPMG Spark designed to help you manage the books so tax time isn’t as stressful.

And most importantly, open separate bank accounts to keep your personal finances from co-mingling with the business.

3. Make quarterly estimated tax payments.

If you’re new to self-employment, it’s possible that you’ve never had to submit your own taxes. When you receive your monthly or bi-weekly paycheck from an employer, they’ve already taken the taxes out on your behalf. As a freelancer, that doesn’t happen. You are responsible for your paying your own taxes, and to avoid a large bill at tax time, it’s recommended that you pay quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year.

Failing to pay enough taxes throughout the year can result in underpayment penalties in addition to the taxes you already owe. Estimated taxes help keep you on top of your annual liability and the government’s cash flow funded.

To estimate how much you owe, look at your most recent quarter of income (ex., January – March) and apply the expected tax percentages according to your federal and state tax brackets.

Make sure you’re noting the due dates for paying your estimated taxes. Due dates for federal estimated taxes are typically January 15th, April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, unless the date falls on a weekend or holiday (in which case payment is due the following business day). City and local taxes are usually paid on an annual basis but check with your local regulations for the exact dates.

Keep records of these payments. They are an important part of your annual tax filing paperwork to determine eligible refunds or additional required payments.

Related: 25 Gig Economy Jobs to Supplement Your 9-to-5

4. Look at your previous year’s tax returns as a guide.

If this isn’t the first year with a side hustle, take a look at the forms you submitted last year as a reference for what to expect again. Did you deduct mileage from the business use of your car? Did you take the home office deduction for using a portion of your home specifically for business?

Make note of all the items you deducted and determine if you can deduct them again. And if you were surprised by a large tax bill last year, look at the amount of income you earned compared to your tax rate. This should help you plan ahead for what you’ve already brought home this year.

5. Report all of your income, even if you don’t get a 1099.

The IRS requires you to report all of your income, even if you don’t receive a 1099 form from your clients. This is another important reason to keep track of your bookkeeping with invoices and records of payments received.

Software such as KPMG Spark can help you create and track invoices, record payments and deposits from your customers, and quarterly tax estimates paid.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help.

There’s a reason you see a ton of tax preparation advertisements every spring – taxes can get incredibly complicated.

While you may feel confident plugging in the numbers from your W2 into online tax software, adding more and more layers of income and expenses can leave you frustrated and feeling lost. It can also lead to potential mistakes or problems.

Find a credentialed tax professional who can help you navigate your self-employment taxes. Ask them to explain the work they’ve done and if they have any advice to make it simpler or easier for the next year.

There are plenty of affordable, qualified professionals to help you. Try to avoid anyone or anything that feels sketchy, like guaranteed refunds, or someone who tells you to trust them without giving you a reason to.

Save Now to Avoid a Big Tax Bill Later

To make sure you’re paying your taxes appropriately and on time, set up a system. You can use a simple spreadsheet or accounting software to track your finances. It might also help to keep a separate bank account and set reminders on your phone to keep track of the important dates and payments.

Take a look at your current federal and state tax bracket, check with your local officials, and set a portion of your income aside as soon as you get it. This will ensure you have enough to pay your taxes, and you won’t have to work extra to find the money.

The post 6 Tips to Avoid an Unexpected Tax Bill from Your Side Hustle appeared first on DollarSprout.