$5 BONUS from iPoll!

If you’re looking for a way to get some extra cash, sign up now and get a FREE $5 bonus from iPoll just for signing up!  Earn even more when you complete surveys!  Cash out for Amazon gift cards or Paypal cash!

Click here to check it out and claim your bonus–> iPoll registration

$5 BONUS from iPoll

 

Here are some tips for getting started:

1.  Make sure you verify your e-mail to activate your account.

2.  Make sure you fill out your profile completely to get more survey offers.

3.  When you receive screeners by e-mail, complete them quickly to increase your chances of being included in the survey group.

Looking for other great survey companies?  Here are a few of my favorites:

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information

52 Week Savings Plan!

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For the past five years, our family has managed to have a 100% cash Christmas.  It is SO nice to not have the worry of credit card bills come January.  We have managed to do this by creatively budgeting and saving throughout the year.  Last January, I discovered a 52 Week Savings Plan and used that money to pay for our Christmas.  A similar plan would also be great if you are budgeting for a family vacation or planning for a major purchase!   You could even use this plan to set up an emergency fund.

Here’s a breakdown of how the plan works:  some people choose to start with week 52 so they have less money to put out at Christmas

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Print your own copy here–> Printable 52 week savings plan

SAVINGS IDEAS

Here are a few things that I plan to do this year to add to my savings:

REBATES/CASH BACK:

Ibotta – if you haven’t heard of Ibotta, you get cash back for buying select grocery or personal care items at your favorite grocery or drug stores!  I earned $124 in cash back last year by purchasing products at my local grocery store!  Find out more about Ibotta and register here–> Ibotta Registration

SURVEYS:  these are all reputable survey companies that I have personally used!

This is a quick and easy way to jump start your savings: you’ll get your first 9 weeks knocked out without touching your own money!

Jump start your savings with a $50 bonus when you open an Capital One 360 checking account.  I’ve had mine for several years now!  This is what I use for our Christmas and vacation fund.  This is also where we keep our emergency fund because when we’re ready to use it, it’s easy to access with our check card!  You can even set up automatic deposits to help save money!

Click here for details–> Earn a $50 bonus when you open a Capital One 360 Checking account

FOOD STORAGE

My other goal this year is to re-build our personal food storage.  I found a few different programs that help you to build up your food storage by purchasing items on a weekly basis.  I think that you have to look at what “works” for you and your family when doing this, but this at least gives you some ideas for getting started!

52 WEEK FOOD STORAGE PLAN

FOOD STORAGE LIST FOR A YEAR

This list tells you how to build your food storage on $5-$10 per week–> Building Your Food Storage on $5-10 per week

I’ll be updating you on my savings progress and food storage progress each week!  I can’t wait to hear about your progress, too!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information

Ten Ways to Save Money on Children’s Clothing

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Kids are constantly growing (which means that they are constantly OUTGROWING their clothing).  Having little ones doesn’t mean you have to budget!  Here are 10 ways to save on children’s clothing!

Ways to Save on Retail Clothing

 

Sign up to receive newsletters from your favorite companies – Get a heads up on upcoming sales plus get coupons by e-mail when you sign up to receive newsletters from your favorite companies!  Some stores will even have exclusive shopping hours for their preferred customers and will notify you if you are on their e-mail list!

 

Take advantage of free customer rewards programs – Many companies offer customer rewards programs where you can earn points toward gift certificates!  The best part?  They’re FREE to join!

 

Take advantage of bonus cash offers – Some stores offer bonus cash offers at various times throughout the year.  When you spend a certain amount, you will receive your bonus cash to redeem on future purchases!  The best part?  These bonus cash offers can be combined with everyday rewards offers if the store offers them!  Make sure you read the fine print for redemption dates and restrictions.

  • Gymbucks – During promotional periods, spend $50 at Gymboree, and get a Gymbuck for $25 off your next purchase of $50 or more!  You can only redeem Gymbucks at certain times.  Check with your store for details.
  • Kohl’s Cash – During promotional periods, spend $50 and get $10 in Kohl’s cash!  You can redeem your Kohl’s cash on anything during the redemption periods and it can be redeemed in store or online!
  • Place Cash – During promotional periods, spend $40 at The Children’s Place, and earn Place cash for $20 off a future purchase of $40 or more!
  • SUPER Cash – During promotional periods, spend $20 at Old Navy and earn SUPER Cash for $10 off a future purchase of $20 or more!

Shop End of Season Clearance Sales – Many stores have end of season clearance sales.  Combine these sales with coupons and save even more!  When my kids were younger, I used to shop these sales and buy clothes for them to wear the next year!

Ways to Save on Resale Clothing

 

You hear more and more every day about “going green”  Save money on children’s clothing by taking advantage of resale opportunities!

Check out Children’s Resale Stores – Find out what resale stores there are in your area.  They often have pretty strict standards, so you can usually get great clothing (sometimes even new with tags!) for a fraction of the price.  PLUS, you can bring in your children’s old clothing to get credits to help offset expenses!

Check out garage sales – If you’re willing to spend the time, you can find name brand clothing at a fraction of the cost at garage sales.  Check Facebook for online garage/yard sale groups in your area, too!  This is a great way to get rid of items you don’t need and make some extra cash, but you can also get great deals on things you do need!

Check out Freecycle – Sometimes people don’t want to deal with re-selling their items and so they will just give clothing away for FREE on Freecycle!  Find the Freecycle boards for your area and check it out!

Have a swap party – Have a swap party with friends or family members and swap clothing you no longer need for clothing you DO need!  This helps everyone save money.

Check out Consignment sales – Look for information about consignment sales in your area.  This is another great way to get rid of children’s clothing that no longer fits and to pick up some new things, too!  Consignment sales often have strict quality standards, so it’s a great way to get new or gently used clothing at a fraction of the cost!

Check out Craigslist or Ebay – You can sometimes find great deals on name brand clothing on Craigslist or Ebay.  On Ebay, make sure you check the seller’s feedback rating first and also make sure you look at shipping prices.  With Craigslist, make sure you arrange to meet in a public place and don’t go alone!