We’re all buying more online these days.
Here’s the problem: You’re likely paying more than you need to.
Most of us assume Amazon has the lowest price, but many times there are far better bargains elsewhere. If you’re not hunting them down, you’re probably getting ripped off.
Here’s how to avoid overpaying…
1. Discover If You’re Paying Too Much
Wouldn’t it be great to get a heads-up when you’re shopping at Target and about to spend too much?
That’s exactly what Capital One Shopping provides.
Install the free browser extension and, before you finalize your purchase, it scans other retailers — including Walmart, eBay and more — to see if the item is available for less. You’ll also get coupon codes, price-drop alerts and access to the item’s price history.
Say you’re buying a new TV and think you’ve found the lowest price. The extension will pop up to let you know if that identical TV is cheaper somewhere else. Any applicable coupon codes will be applied automatically to your order.
Over the past year, users have saved about $160 million.
You can get set up in a few clicks to check whether you’re overpaying online.
Capital One Shopping compensates us when you install the extension using the provided links.
2. Use This Tactic to Earn $526 Cash Back
Chances are much of your shopping happens online. Whether it’s pet supplies, paper goods or gifts, you’re likely leaving cash on the table.
A free site and browser add-on called Rakuten partners with nearly every online retailer you visit, including Walmart and Target, so it can give you cashback each time you make a purchase.
For example, since Denver resident Colleen Rice began using Rakuten, she’s received checks totaling $526.44 — just for shopping as usual. Rice says she uses Rakuten for things she already needs to buy, like rental cars and airline tickets.
It takes under a minute to install the free extension, create a Rakuten account and start earning. All you need is an email address, and you can immediately shop your preferred stores through the service.
Plus, if you earn cash back with Rakuten within the first 90 days of signing up, they’ll add an extra $10 to your first payout. Free money, essentially.
3. Get $225 in Amazon Gift Cards Just for Watching Trailers
If someone told you that you could earn money by watching short videos on your computer, you might be skeptical.
It sounds too good to be true, right?
But it’s real. By creating a free InboxDollars account, you could earn up to $225 per month. They’ll send quick surveys daily that you can answer while watching people bake or following the latest celebrity gossip.
No, InboxDollars won’t replace a full-time income, but it’s an easy way to make a little extra cash while you’re already relaxing on the couch or scrolling on your phone.
Unlike many sites, InboxDollars pays in actual cash — not points or gift cards. They’ve already paid users more than $56 million.
4. Grow Your Retirement Savings with Amazon Stock
Saving for retirement is wise. Employer contributions to a 401(k) help, of course. But owning shares in a major company you don’t work for can also give your nest egg a boost — and it’s simpler than you might think thanks to an app called Robinhood.
Robinhood lets you own fractions of famous companies like Amazon, Apple and Google, and you can begin investing with as little as $1.
It’s popular with beginners and seasoned investors alike because it charges no commission fees, enabling free buying and selling of stocks. You can even receive free stock (valued between $5 and $200).
After you download the app and fund your account (a process that takes minutes), Robinhood will deposit a random free share into your account. That share could be worth anywhere from $5 to $200 — a nice little boost to your portfolio.
Signing up takes about a minute, and you’ll get an immediate $5 bonus to help you get started.
5. Shop Amazon’s Outlet Section
Did you know Amazon runs an outlet section? It’s true.
It functions much like a physical outlet store, offering overstocked items at reduced prices.
You can discover everything from pet products and apparel to electronics and pantry staples.
