Do you use Cash Back Apps? Over the last few months it seems as if they have gained popularity – what started as one multiplied into a half dozen – now it’s almost overwhelming at times because there are SO many.
Not to mention.. offers constantly change fast, some have limits, some apps are valid at specific stores but not others – it’s a love/hate relationship.
As much as I love them personally, there are times I just want to turn them all OFF.
Over the last few weeks we have tales about 15 of the most popular money saving apps ~ and they really can help you save. Deep down, they also make you spend money too.
So how do you know that these money saving apps are REALLY saving you money?
Do you ever feel like you end up spending MORE when you are using these apps?
Just a few weeks ago we shared with you some tips to actually USING the Cash Back apps effectively – since there are so many, we wanted to give our tips for streamlining your day so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
While Ibotta can be a tremendous relief on your budget, it can also push you over the edge too ~ just a few months ago I had several readers message me through the app asking me if I was going to “Make the Teamwork Bonus” for that month.
It was close to the end of the month – and I hadn’t been shopping with any Ibotta offers.
I wanted to say yes because I did not want to disappoint, and it wasn’t that I didn’t want to save……. but I also knew that would make me have to go OUT and shop – which wasn’t in my budget. I tried every possible scenario to determine if it was worth dropping what I was doing to go shop…. but it was not.
But after making my list of items to buy, the out of pocket didn’t justify what I would have earned in return. Not to mention the time, and gas to get there – and the chance that I would probably end up picking up additional items while I was there that would contribute to more of a hit on my budget.
Not to mention .. I just didn’t “NEED” anything – my pantry was perfectly fine, I had what I needed for that week, not to mention I had plenty stockpiled – did I really need to get more things?
AS MUCH as I love to save, for me it has to make SENSE to do so – when I have to spend $30 to get $10 back, that just screams “BUDGET BREAKER” …
If you really want to continue to use your cash back apps, but you want to do it in a way that you can stay IN budget, here are a few tips to help you..
- Use the apps that you feel really set a benefit for you (Whether MobiSave, Ibotta or Checkout51)
- Focus on 1-2 stores to catch those available offers – only visit more if they are in the immediate area. Try to avoid driving to 8 Walmart stores JUST to find that “1” item – you will spend more in time & fuel.
- Set aside a small portion of your grocery budget dedicated to those app items – should you redeem them, try to cash out immediately if you can and replenish your budget (this is why we like MobiSave!)
- ONLY get those items that are FREE or VERY close to FREE – that you would ALREADY be purchasing – was one tip my friend Kristin gave – who blogs at Coupon Kristin.
Determine if the cash back offer is something you really, truly need….. will you use it? Or are you just picking it up because it’s on the app?
Can you get the item cheaper at the $.99 store without having to use coupons?
Are you going to be easily pushed into getting MORE items at the store beyond what you are going there for?
Whatever the reason for using the apps, always remember not to lose sight of what you can AFFORD to get (not what you want, but what your budget can afford you for that week!)
I agree completely! If I use the item regularly and it is a great buy after all savings, I go for it, or if it is something I want to try and is free or a moneymaker, I will do that too. otherwise, I just resist. I’m lucky to have most stores except bashas on my way home from work (multiples of most of them) so gas is not an issue but time is, that is more precious to me than anything.
I tried them for a while. Was AWOL for some time (out of the country with family and busy with other stuff) and when I checked my Ibotta balance, it was $0. I found it stressful and time consuming trying to keep up, so decided to devote my time to saving in other ways. Started a large vegetable garden, which I am nurturing following organic practice. It’s more rewarding, mentally, financially and nutrition-wise, so for me, using the apps to chase down a deal in not worth it. Unlike Susan, I’m out in the boonies. There is a Safeway about five miles away, but shopping Fry’s Basha’s and Albies on a whim doesn’t make sound financial sense.