These are some of the sites I use to get the best deals on everyday necessities as well as little luxuries like massage or the chance to take my great-nephews to a doughnut shop. Note: If you join any of these by clicking on the link, I will receive a finder’s fee or small bonus for referring you. (A solvent blogger is a happy blogger.)
Swagbucks: This site gives you points for doing Internet searches, completing offers, taking surveys, watching short (really short!) videos, playing games and looking for those elusive “swag codes.” I trade them in for Amazon gift cards but there are lots of ways to spend your bucks. Note: Through April 30, click on the “I have a sign-up code” text when registering and use the code THRIVING70 to get 70 Swagbucks in addition to the 30 you get when you’ve completed your profile.
Mr. Rebates: My favorite cash-back shopping site, which pays monthly if you like and lets you request a check as soon as you hit $10 (and they start you off with $5 when you join). Any time you need to buy something, from windshield wipers to baby diapers, from online dating memberships to genealogical research sites, see if Mr. Rebates is offering a rebate.
Extrabux: The top cash-back shopping site, according to CompareRewards.com. (I still like Mr. Rebates a little more, but your mileage may vary.)
FatWallet.com: An interesting hybrid, it has cash-back shopping plus a super-active forum section whose users are rabid deal hounds. They post hot deals with cash-back and/or rebates, and will also offer advice to people who post queries.
ShopAtHome: Another cash-back site, coming in at #2 in the annual comparison study by CompareRewards.com. (It just edged out Mr. Rebates.)
Groupon: Aw, come on — everybody knows what Groupon is.
Eversave: This “deal of the day” site extends some of its deals for the whole week, so you have time to think it over. Really useful for holiday/birthday/just-because gifts.
Bing Rewards: Members get a point for every search at Bing.com. I’m holding out for more Amazon cards, myself.