Archive for February 1st, 2011
Why I <3 CouponCactus.com
Posted on: February 1, 2011
- In: Frugality | Lifestyle | Shopping
- 3 Comments
I get totally giddy over this site. There is just something fabulous about needing an item, finding it cheaper than amazon, having a coupon for 10%-30% off, free shipping and getting cash back for whatever I purchase. I introduce you to: CouponCactus.
Couponcactus is a free service that works in two ways: It provides awesome coupons for discounts, cashback and free gifts with purchase for hundreds of stores. Also, it provides varied rates of cashback for your purchases through those merchants- and again, it is absolutely FREE. Cashback is generated in your account to be dispersed through paypal or check automatically every few months. It could be likened to a rewards credit card, except there are no fees or strings attached- it’s really that simple.
Last week I needed a pair of yoga gloves to help me retain my grip during downward dog. (I can’t make this crap up). I looked on amazon- the pair I wanted was going to cost me $14 with shipping. I went to CouponCactus and found the gloves on Gaiam.com for $8, with 10% off, free shipping and 7% cash back.
What’s also great is that you can refer friends and get credit for it. On February 15th I have $24.57 that will be deposited into my PayPal account from cashback and referrals and I didn’t have to do anything for it!
I love CouponCactus because it’s stupidly simple- just log in to their site and choose your merchant to see what offers/cashback are available. After your purchase (as long as you have logged in and clicked the merchant through CouponCactus) your cashback will be automatically generated. All coupons open up in a window to be copied or directly applied to your order.
The site is great because they don’t hassle you through email or annoying pop-ups. They sustain themselves by generating traffic for merchants by advertising great sales and providing you with discounts, so there are no hidden fees or hoops to jump through.
That’s why I totally ❤ Couponcactus.com- it’s simple to sign up. Simple to save money. Simple to generate cash back through my spending and referrals, and simple to find my favorite sites- ThinkGeek.com, Express, American Eagle, Eharmony, ProFlowers (hint hint people).
Oh yes, and you can *totally* sign up with my referral number! 124740
Something To Consider:
Posted on: February 1, 2011
You need to be doing one of two things: Either paying off your debt or saving for your future. RIGHT NOW.
If you have income, you need to either get out of debt or put a little money away for saving (or spending!)
I can not entice you with promises of how great it will be when your wrinkly-ass wants to be at the vacation home for your retirement years in Florida with the grandkids- but I hope I can help you realize that in 6 months, that microwave/wedding/vacation/new Coach Purse isn’t going to pay for itself and it sure as hell is not going on a high-interest credit card!
You will hear over and over again that you need to save for the “unforeseen problems” that are bound to happen as you age. Well, screw that. I’m here to tell you that you need to be saving for the problems you TOTALLY SEE coming in the next 6-12 months and will save you from the agony of paying 12-18% (plus late fees) on it.
In my previous finance article, I asked you to be aware of your present spending habits. Now I’m asking to couple this awareness with thought about the not-so-far-off future, with purchases that are tangible. Sure, you could get more excited about a new pair of Jimmy Choos, but I think you’ll get just as excited about replacing a crappy coffee maker if you know it’s paid for in cash and you don’t have to go on living without it.
You know you have purchases coming up, or perhaps you’re already sweating about what you already bought. Stop fretting (or avoiding) retirement planning, and get your youth out of the sinkhole!
Resources on the Interwebs:
Mint.com– Set goals and set budgets in a simple fashion that you can follow online or on your phone.
SuzeOrman.com– Her website is great, but check out the free podcast of her show or her fabulous gender and genre specific finance books.
Up next? This may sound counterintuitive, but I will soon be posting my FAVORITE links to finding designer duds for stupid-cheap.
Frugal Beautiful 