How to Upgrade Your Closet for Fall on a Budget

The fall season has arrived, and that means it’s time for a closet upgrade! I love stocking up on cozy fall boots, durable jackets, distressed denim, and new accessories. One of my favorite ways to begin my fall-haul is by clearing out my summer clothes and selling them. Then, I can stock up on a mixture of timeless and trendy pieces!

Poshmark – Buy & Sell

Poshmark is an incredible online community and app that allows its users to sell and purchase used and new clothes from other users. They like to call it “shopping from the closets you covet”. One thing I always do when fall rolls around is list all my trendy summer pieces that I am ready to part ways with. I love using the money I earn to purchase designer fall boots or roomy tote bags. You can shop by designers and brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, and more!

Lucky – Iconic & Timeless

After selling my clothes, I start my mission to build my closet’s basic pieces. Lucky has the absolute best timeless denim and jackets that last for years to come – totally worth the price! Lucky also offers bohemian chic jewelry, tops, and belts I can’t help but snag. They are simply the best!

Charlotte Russe – Fun & Trendy

After I stock up on timeless basics, I love to mix in fun and trendy pieces I know will stand out during the season. Charlotte Russe is perfect for finding all things on-the-verge because they update their inventory constantly with new pieces. Whether you’re looking for the perfect newsboy hat, patent belt bag, or lace bodysuit, Charlotte Russe has all of the season’s hottest trends!

One thing that won’t be cold this fall season is my wardrobe! You can be ready for the upcoming fashion season too by parting ways with old clothes, stocking up on classic pieces for your closet’s foundation, and then adding trending and daring items to accessorize. This season, you can shop Poshmark, Lucky Brand, and Charlotte Russe while earning kicks for every dollar you spend. That translates into a gift card which means – you guessed it – more shopping!

Happy Shopkicking!

5 Benefits of Shopping with QVC

I have to be honest, I’m a self-admitted shopaholic. I can’t resist the urge to freshen up my wardrobe, makeup, and home décor every time beautiful autumn rolls around. Maybe it’s because I love the feeling of entering each new year as a better version of myself, and I feel I can put my best foot forward with a transformation in my style. One of my favorite places to shop with Shopkick as I add to my style each year is likely a brand you’ve heard of before: QVC.

QVC does the famous live streaming on TV where you could always find your mother and grandmother shopping using their remote and telephones. But, one thing most people don’t know is they have started to cater to younger generations too, and they are simply AMAZING. I love shopping on QVC, preferably through their online e-commerce website, because they make it incredibly easy to shop and pay. Here are 5 benefits and reasons why I will always shop on QVC:

Live Stream – Product Demos

QVC has a wonderful marketing strategy of providing live streams of all product demos that they continuously update on their website and YouTube. They also show their live streams on television. You can see your products being displayed in real time, like the host twirling in the perfect cashmere sweater or a model getting airbrushed with the right foundation shade. It’s a great way to see the products in action!

Selection

QVC offers all types of products, and they deliver the best selection in all things home, fashion, beauty, tech and more! Inventory is added daily, so you can always find exactly what you are looking for and even some things you didn’t realize you were looking for!

Quality and Top Designer Brands

With brands such as Vince Camuto, Josie Martin, and Dooney & Bourke, it’s no wonder QVC is known for selling quality, designer products. Whether I am shopping for a new purse, shoes, or even a vacuum, I know I’m getting the best quality there is! That’s what they stand for: Quality, Value, Convenience.

Flex Pay

QVC offers an easy-to-pay option that breaks up your payments into smaller but more frequent payments if the original sum is too much for you! Instead of paying around $1,000 for an already great deal on a new Apple MacBook Air, I can space out 6 payments of $168. This takes the stress out of purchasing and allows me to get what I need, when I need it!

Daily Deals

QVC runs promotions for a handful of products every day that they call “Today’s Special Value.” I always check for these special deals because they usually have wonderful products at incredibly affordable prices like insulated totes, new Amazon tablets, and cozy home décor.

Since 1986, QVC has provided the most trusted source of brand name fashion, home, and beauty products to millions of shoppers worldwide. The best part of QVC is their approach to home shopping that offers true-to-word Quality, Value, and Convenience. Whether you are looking for a durable and colorful kitchen pan set, the perfect cashmere cardigan for fall, or a flawless foundation shade, QVC will show you the brand names and products you can trust and will treasure for years to come. Now you can earn kicks for every $1 spent when you purchase through QVC using your Shopkick app.

Happy Shopkicking!

The Ultimate List of Free Apps That Give You Gift Cards

The Ultimate List of Free Apps That Give You Gift Cards

My daughter has been business-minded since birth. The lemonade stand that she set up this summer has recently morphed into an apple cider shack (and I think she’s drawing up plans for a hot cocoa house to launch in December). She’s so committed to her beverage business that we even bought her a smartphone to use for accepting debit card payments via an app. She’s only in the third grade, but this kid has not one, not two, but three piggy banks.

A few weeks ago she was given a class assignment to let her imagination run wild and come up with a new invention that would be helpful for the world at large. It really was no surprise to my husband and I that her “invention” had a focus on earning money. Her idea? How about if that app she uses to collect money for lemonade could help her earn money for lots of other things as well, like washing the dishes and sorting laundry? Our girl certainly is clever. She didn’t manage to talk us into paying her for helping out around the house, but she did get us thinking about whether or not there were apps out there that would pay us for doing little tasks. Believe it or not, there are!

If you haven’t browsed the app store lately, you should! There is a whole list of apps that give you gift cards available these days—and all of my favorite ones are free to download and use. Each one works a little differently, but what they all have in common is that they help users earn gift cards by doing quick and simple activities, like taking surveys, posting photos to social media, or even scanning barcodes at stores (which is like getting paid to grocery shop!).

There are two morals to this story. One: kids these days really are as tech-savvy as they say! Two: chances are you’ll be able to find an enjoyable way to use your smartphone to get free gift cards. And so, without further adieu, here is my ultimate list of free apps that pay out gift cards.

The Ultimate List of Apps that Give You Gift Cards—for FREE


Shopkick turns every trip to the store into a super fun scavenger hunt for points, which the app calls kicks. It’s super easy to use, and the tasks that users have to complete for kicks are ones you do every time you go shopping anyway. At its core, Shopkick is a free app that pays you to shop. For example, if you download the app, then walk into a partner store, you’ll earn kicks. Scan featured item barcodes, get kicks. Buy a featured item, get more kicks! Shop from your sofa using the app, get kicks!  Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can then trade them in for gift cards to a super wide range of stores that you shop at all the time. One of my favorite things about Shopkick is that you really don’t have to go out of your way at all. What’s also cool about Shopkick is that you can combine it with other shopping rewards apps—or any of the other apps listed above that you’re thinking about downloading!

For example, Shopkick works really well with Mobee, one of our featured apps below. Really, you can combine Shopkick with any of the best free smartphone apps that pay you! And, Shopkick is so easy to use and has a great social media community of like-minded users who are always giving out tips about everything from deals on certain products to their tips for maximizing the number of kicks you can earn. It’s a small thing, but it makes a BIG difference.

How the app works:

An incredibly easy-to-use and intuitive app, Shopkick turns regular shopping trips into fun scavenger hunts for points

How much users earn:

Varies by store visit, with little restriction on how many kicks users can accumulate

Gift cards available:

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Sephora, Amazon and many, many more.

Minimum amount to cash out:

$2.00

You know the lock screen on your phone, the one you see every time you hit a button on your device without unlocking it first? That screen can give you free gift cards. Well, with the help of Fronto, that is. All you have to do is be willing to swap out whatever you have there now, whether it’s stock wallpaper, a photo from your vacation, or a cute snapshot of your kids (sorry, kids, but no one will be complaining when the first free gift card is rewarded!). Instead, you’ll receive news and ads selected by Fronto. Every time you view one of these of ads, you’ll earn points. Sometimes the app will ask you an interactive question to help you earn some extra points. Once you have earned at least $10 worth of points, you can exchange them for, that’s right, free gift cards! A word of advice, though, for those of you who are tethered to your phone all day like I am: Fronto can be a bit rough on your data plan and your battery life, so make sure you have available data—and several chargers—before you download it.

How the app works:

Users view ads on their phone’s lock screen for points

How much users earn:

Anywhere between $.01 and $2.00 per interaction

Gift cards available:

Amazon

Minimum amount to cash out:

$10.00

Here’s something my kids have trouble believing… I used to be young, just like them. In fact, when I was fifteen I even had a job bagging groceries at the local supermarket. What I remember most was how the managers were always encouraging us to smile and be polite because the owners of the store liked to bring in mystery shoppers, regular people who shopped at the store and then afterward evaluated how the employees treated them. Mobee turns its users into mystery shoppers, each of them on a mission to visit specific stores and restaurants, eat or shop there, and then answer questions about the experience. Sometimes, users are also asked to take photos. Each of these missions lasts between roughly 10 and 15 minutes and is worth between $1.50 and $12, with the higher rewards missions taking the longest amount of time. I recommend this app if you live in a city as urban areas will offer the most opportunities to complete missions. You can even use Shopkick to have a blast hunting for kicks inside the store, and then afterward you can use Mobee to answer questions about your shopping experience.

How the app works:

Users visit a store or restaurant, then answer questions about their experience.

How much users earn:

Between $1.50 and $12.00 per mission

Gift cards available:

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, and many more.

Minimum amount to cash out:

$5.00

The Ipsos app’s mission is to find out what the public thinks, especially when it comes to topics like advertising, politics, and other sources of debate on the national level. The way Ipsos works is that the average user receives about 8 survey invitations each month, which they can then accept or deny. For completing each survey, users get points that can later be cashed in for prizes, including gift cards to many different places. There are so many different survey apps out there, with more and more new ones seeming to pop up every week, but Ipsos is certainly one of the most popular. If you are looking for a survey app that will give you gift cards, know that you can use Ipsos via a smartphone app, which gives it a leg up over some other survey platforms that require you to use a desktop computer.

How the app works:

Ipsos sends users about survey invitations on a monthly basis can be completed in exchange for points

How much users earn:

Up to 90 points per survey

Gift cards available:

Starbucks, Facebook, Amazon, Target, and many more

Minimum amount to cash out:

500 points, which is equal to $5.00

SavingStar is a digital coupon app that pays users to shop at grocery and drugstores. More than 60,000 stores are part of SavingStar and they represent more than 100 retail chains. It’s generally free to use, but beware. If an account is inactive for 180 straight days, they will charge a fee of $3.99. To take advantage of SavingStar, users either link their existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit receipts after they make purchases. Their savings add up until they can eventually cash out through PayPal, Upromise, or even in the form of Starbucks, iTunes, or AMC Theater gift codes. If you frequently use loyalty rewards cards, this may be a great app for you. If your commitment to them is less than stellar, however, SavingStar may end up costing you money via its service fee.

How the app works:

Users link existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit photos of receipts after making a purchase

How much users earn:

This varies depending on the offer, much like paper coupons

Gift cards available:

Starbucks, iTunes, AMC Theaters, and many more

Minimum amount to cash out:

There is no minimum to cash out

I LOVE all social media platforms, but I think my all time favorite has to be Instagram. I love taking pictures of fun foods, my kids, my vacations, and even interesting cloud formations I see in the sky. And I know I’m not alone. Most—if not all—of my best friends take pictures and upload them to social media every day. CoSign helps users earn gift cards for this habit, turning those photos into rewards. Users just have to tag the images they’re already uploading to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Tumblr and add additional information about the products that are pictured. Did you just buy a brand new scarf? Take a picture of yourself wearing it and then use CoSign to add the brand and price. It’s not just for clothes, though! Users can also tag a wide range of household goods, tech products, books, movies, and even food, among other things. When followers buy items that you’ve posted photos of, you then earn a commission of up to 35 percent, which you can opt to have paid out in cash or gift cards.

How the app works:

Users take photos of a wide range of products, upload to social media platforms, tag them with CoSign, and then add information such as the brand or price; when their followers buy an item, the user earns a commission.

How much user earn:

Up to 35 percent of the item’s sale price.

Gift cards available:

Varies, but cash payouts are also available

Minimum amount to cash out:

$40.00

One of my uncles used to buy my siblings and me scratch-off lottery tickets every year for Christmas. He’d hand them to us and then make the same joke: I got you up to $1 million! None of us ever won the $1 million prize, but we had tons of fun scratching them off and anxiously waiting to see if we had! Lucktastic is an app that lets users play games that are a lot like scratch-off lottery tickets, right down to the random rewards, while they view product ads. Each day, they get a new handful of tickets to scratch, which give you between 5 and 10 points. You then save your points and eventually you can cash them in for cash or gift cards. Also, like the lottery is the fact that there’s always a chance to win a $10,000 jackpot. Earnings, however, are much much much more likely to be on the smaller side. If you decide to download this app, scratching tickets with Lucktastic will only take a minute or two of your valuable time. Unlike the lottery, however, this app is totally free to use.

How the app works:

Users view ads and plays games that are similar to scratch-off lottery tickets

How much users earn:

Between $.0005 and $.01 per scratch-off, with a chance to win a big jackpot instantly

Gift cards available:

Amazon, GameStop, Fandango, and more, as well as cash payouts

Minimum amount to cash out:

$10.00

While my daughter is still the business guru of the house, my husband and I have also gotten into this idea of earning a little side money with the help of our smartphone apps. Since downloading Shopkick, my personal favorite app that pays, I’ve earned quite a few Starbucks gifts cards—and my husband just snagged one for Best Buy! And our little genius who planted the idea to look for these apps in the place? Her birthday is coming up and I think we’ve just earned enough kicks to wrap up a Target gift card for her. It’s her favorite place to shop for aprons, pitchers, and wooden spoons!

App: How the app works: How much users earn: Gift cards available: Minimum amount to cash out:
An incredibly easy-to-use and intuitive app, Shopkick turns regular shopping trips into fun scavenger hunts for points Varies by store visit, with little restriction on how many kicks users can accumulate Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Sephora, Amazon and many, many more. $2.00
Users view ads on their phone’s lock screen for points Anywhere between $.01 and $2.00 per interaction Amazon $10.00
Users visit a store or restaurant, then answer questions about their experience. Between $1.50 and $12.00 per mission Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, and many more. $5.00
Ipsos sends users about survey invitations on a monthly basis can be completed in exchange for points Up to 90 points per survey Starbucks, Facebook, Amazon, Target, and many more 500 points, which is equal to $5.00
Users link existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit photos of receipts after making a purchase This varies depending on the offer, much like paper coupons Starbucks, iTunes, AMC Theaters, and many more There is no minimum to cash out
Users take photos of a wide range of products, upload to social media platforms, tag them with CoSign, and then add information such as the brand or price; when their followers buy an item, the user earns a commission. Up to 35 percent of the item’s sale price. Varies, but cash payouts are also available $40.00
Users view ads and plays games that are similar to scratch-off lottery tickets Between $.0005 and $.01 per scratch-off, with a chance to win a big jackpot instantly Amazon, GameStop, Fandango, and more, as well as cash payouts $10.00

Ready to explore the best free shopping app that helps you earn free gift cards—and have fun doing it? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with us.

And, if you love social media as much as you love stretching your budget, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy william.perugini

How to buy Christmas gifts with no money

The first Christmas after my husband and I got married was tough! We had just finished paying for a wedding and closing on a house, so you can imagine how little money we had to spend on Christmas gifts. We spent Christmas day wrapped in blankets, trying to stay warm, gazing at the saddest Christmas tree ever. Thankfully, we both agreed to not spend money (that we didn’t have) on Christmas gifts. Instead, we decided to save and work on building our finances. Looking back, if that were us now, we’d have a few more resources at our disposal.

In fact, thanks to having gone through that year, I’ve figured out how to buy Christmas gifts with no money, or at least with no extra money outside of my normal budget. I know this sounds crazy, but don’t worry I’m here today to share my tips and tricks on how to buy Christmas gifts with no money with you.

How to Buy Christmas Gifts With No Money with Retail Auditing Apps

learn how to buy Christmas gifts with no moneyThe first method I recommend when it comes to figuring out how to buy Christmas gift with no money is to do a little bit of extra work each time you go out shopping by taking advantage of retail auditing apps. Basically, there are apps that pay you money to do simple tasks like checking to see if a road is closed or going out to snap a quick photo of the front of a cool new restaurant. If you do enough of them, the money really adds up!

The exact details of how each one works are slightly different. For the most part, though, users get paid to go to stores like Target and Walmart to take photos of displays for brands. In exchange, users can make a few quick bucks for each task they complete. Put in enough work, and you’ll be able to get Christmas gifts this year without stepping outside your usual budget!

How to Buy Christmas Gift With No Money with Survey Apps

The next method for how to buy Christmas gifts with no money on our list is probably one you’ve heard of before: survey apps. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways there is to make a little bit of extra money with an app, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Basically, with these you get paid to take surveys.

There are many different kinds of survey apps, but they’re all essentially the same. These apps send you a survey once a week (sometimes more, sometimes less) asking for your opinion on a wide range of questions, anything from where you shop to what you watch on TV or where you like to eat—any information in which marketing companies might be interested. Users get paid usually anywhere from 25 cents to $1.00 per survey. While that may not seem like a lot, those coins add up and soon you’ll be on your way to buying Christmas gifts without stepping outside of your budget!

How to Buy Christmas Gift With No Money with Shopping Rewards Apps

Those other ways are great, but they both involve going out of your way and putting in a lot of time. If you’re searching for the easiest way to buy Christmas gifts with no money, try a shopping rewards app. Take the shopping rewards app, Shopkick, for example. How it works is by incentivizing things you do while you’re shopping already, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. I just love it because let’s face it, no matter how little money you have, you still need to shop for groceries. With Shopkick, you can shop while also earning some extra money.

If you’re searching for the easiest way to buy Christmas gifts with no money, try a shopping rewards app.

Not only that, but there are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more! Earn enough points, and you’ll be able to have yourself a very merry Christmas.

Back in the day, my husband and I didn’t have smartphones. So, of course, we didn’t have apps, but these days we’re able to find all kinds of extra room in our budget by taking advantage of apps like Shopkick. If you’re trying to figure out how to buy Christmas gifts with no money, Shopkick is a great solution.

There’s no shame in needing a little help with your budget, especially around the holidays. With Shopkick, you barely even have to go out of your way to get it. Just do your regular shopping and enjoy your savings!

Don’t let your budget get you down this year—especially not now that you know how to buy Christmas gifts with no money. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love shopping, join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy pogonici

Save money on Christmas gifts with these 3 apps

It seems like everyone I know is either using or talking about apps that help you save money—shopping rewards apps, in particular. I love saving money by reaping rewards for shopping and I’m also guilty of talking about my favorite shopping rewards app. I mean, who wouldn’t love getting cash back and gift cards for the shopping that they do anyway?

Throughout most of the year, rewards from these types of apps add up and definitely make a difference when factored into my budget. However, when it comes to shopping for Christmas, gifts, anything we can do to save money helps. My husband and I do all we can so we can have gifts for our three boys. Like many other families, having tons of gifts under the tree puts us in the Christmas spirit. Thankfully, there are apps out there for us to use to save money on Christmas gifts. And, I’ll spread a little early holiday cheer by sharing these apps with you.

Save Money on Christmas Gifts With Field Agent

Field Agent is a retail auditing app that can be used to save money on Christmas gifts. Users get paid to go to stores, like Target and Walmart, to complete tasks, like taking photos of displays for various products for brands.

I like to use this app year-around. All I have to do is set aside some extra time during my regular trips to Target or Walmart. With three boys at home, I find myself shopping at these stores quite a bit. Although the pay is small, it really adds up. If you save up until the end of the year like I do, you’ll have a nice bit of money that you can use towards Christmas gifts!

Save Money on Christmas Gifts With SavingStar

save money on Christmas gifts with these appsSavingStar is a digital coupon app that pays users to shop at grocery stores and drugstores. One great thing about SavingStar is its versatility. More than 60,000 stores are part of SavingStar; they represent more than 100 retail chains. It’s generally free to use, but beware—if your account is inactive for 180 consecutive days, they will charge a fee of $3.99. If you use it as much as I do, then staying consistent won’t be a problem!

To take advantage of SavingStar, users either link their existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit receipts after they make purchases. Their savings add up until they can eventually cash out through PayPal, Upromise, or in the form of Starbucks, iTunes, or AMC Theater gift cards. This is one of those apps that you can use to literally save money while you’re already out shopping. Imagine being able to give someone a gift card that you practically earned for free!

Save Money on Christmas Gifts With Shopkick

Of all the apps that can be used to save money on Christmas gifts, my absolute favorite is called Shopkick. How it works is super simple, too. Basically, Shopkick gives you points for the things you do when you go out shopping anyway, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then redeem the points you earn for gift cards to many of your favorite stores. Once the gift cards start rolling in, you can use them to save money on Christmas gift purchases or to help your budget recover in other ways. It’s up to you!

That’s not even the best part, though. There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

It sounds a little corny to say, but with these apps, you can easily save enough money to make this Christmas that much merrier.

It sounds a little corny to say, but with these apps, you can easily save enough money to make this Christmas that much merrier. And, why not? Most of these apps work by giving you points and rewards for the shopping and other things you do already.

If you had to pick only one, however, I would definitely pick Shopkick. It’s efficient and fun to use. With Shopkick, you can rack up the savings at home, or you can turn your trips out to the store into a fun little scavenger hunt for points. It’s really up to you! I hope you’ve enjoyed this little gift of savings I’ve given you. Now go forth and reap the benefits!

Start working to save money on Christmas gifts with Shopkick now. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love shopping, join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy successo images

How to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping

As someone whose absolute favorite hobby is shopping, Christmas is a great time of year for me. I love the togetherness and the cheer that holiday shopping brings, but there’s also the sales. Oh, the sales. And, what better reason is there to shop than during the gift-giving season? If you’re a savvy shopper, you can get gifts for the entire family while also scoring all kinds of incredible deals on clothes, appliances, and anything else that interests you. However, making the most of holiday shopping isn’t entirely about sales.

Make no mistake, hunting down the best bargains and sales is a big part of being the best Christmas-time shopper that you can be, but there are also other ways to maximize value during the holidays as well. Over the years, I’ve found a number of great ways to use my regular everyday shopping to help fuel my savings during the holidays. Today, I’ll share with you how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping tips.

With these tips, you’ll learn how to earn money for Christmas gifts without even going out of your way. In fact, the normal things you do when you go out shopping for groceries, shampoo, and clothes, for example, will be all that you need to maximize value, which for me is the surest way to also maximize holiday cheer!

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopper Loyalty Programs

If you’re looking into how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping, one way is to use the incentive programs that many stores offer their loyal shoppers. These stores include WalMart, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, and Starbucks—and the exact details vary depending on the store, especially as it applies to the type of rewards you can earn. But, essentially, they work the same.

These programs give you rewards for shopping at the same store. The more you shop there, the more rewards you can potentially earn. The key is to make sure to get the most out of these types of programs by always remembering to use them when you’re at the store.

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopping Rewards Apps  

how to earn money for christmas gifts before you go shoppingUsing customer loyalty programs that give you rewards for shopping repeatedly at a single store isn’t the only way to earn money for Christmas gifts. In fact, there’s something called a shopping rewards app that you can use to incentivize your everyday shopping at a variety of stores. Depending on what app you choose, you can use these programs to potentially reap rewards for nearly every purchase you make.

How these apps work is pretty simple. Download the app, and then use it when you go shopping. There are a few different ways these apps can work. Some are what I call couponing apps, which work like old-school coupon clipping. Others give you points for the things you already do when you’re out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then redeem those points in the form of cash back rewards and even gift cards, both of which you can use to buy your family and friends Christmas gifts this year!

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopkick

I think the absolute key for how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping is to find the right shopping rewards app, one you’ll actually want to use all the time so you don’t have to worry about being consistent. My personal favorite is this app called Shopkick. You get points for all those everyday shopping activities I described above. Shopkick turns what would otherwise be boring and routine trips to the store into a fun game; kind of like a scavenger hunt for savings and points.

Everyday shopping isn’t the only way that you can use Shopkick to earn points. There are ways to earn money you can use later to buy Christmas gifts without even leaving the house. In fact, there are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere.

Sales are great, and half the fun of the holidays is hunting them down. But, even the best sale means you’ll have to spend some money. Let’s say you find 10 great sales – that’s still 10 purchases you’ll have to make. So, why not find ways to earn money while you’re at it?

Shopkick is my absolute favorite way to save during my everyday shopping throughout the year. I’m also such a dedicated Shopkicker that I’ve earned more than my fair share of rewards through the app and by shopping online as well. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the savings too. I mean, who wouldn’t? The best way to maximize your savings is to use Shopkick throughout the year so that when the holidays roll around, you’ll have tons of extra cash to fuel your purchases.

Ready to learn more about how to earn money for Christmas gifts this holiday season?Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy MinDof

8 Ways to Save Money While Shopping With the Girls

8 Ways to Save Money While Shopping With the Girls

There are two different types of shopping trips in my experience: the type where you’re just out to have fun regardless of how much it costs and the type where you’re out to be efficient and get the best overall value for your money. In my many years of shopping, I can say I’ve done my fair share of both. In recent years, I’ve found new and improved ways to save money while shopping, and even better, I get to do it while I’m out shopping with the girls.

Specifically, I’ve found eight different ways to save money while shopping with the girls. These tips and tricks include everything from being deliberate about pre-shopping trip planning to taking advantage of technology and getting on board with a shopping rewards app.

Today, it’s my pleasure to share these tips and tricks with all of you. I’ve put them together over many years and many shopping trips to the mall, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, you name it! Here’s to hoping they will serve you as well as they continue to serve me!

Save Money While Shopping by Making a List

Before you go out shopping, I think a great way to limit your spending is to make a list and stick to it. That way, you don’t find yourself suddenly throwing all kinds of unnecessary items in your cart. If I’m out with my girls, I make a list of items I need so I don’t end up making a spur-of-the-moment purchase I may regret later. There are even some cool apps out there that have list-making functionalities that can help to keep me on track.

Save Money While Shopping for Groceries

If you’re anything like me, you spend most of your time making utilitarian shopping trips for things like household goods and groceries, and, let’s face it, those are the trips you almost always make alone. As social as I am—and trust me, I’m very social—I’ve just never found a good way to turn shopping for groceries into an activity that I can do with my girls. However, I have found a way to get paid for shopping for groceries, which gives me more of a budget to go shopping for more fun items with my girls. Thanks to shopping rewards apps, I get paid to do the “boring” shopping to have more money to spend during the fun shopping trips.

Save Money While Shopping by Getting Rewards for Coffee

Another change in my life as I’ve gotten just a little bit older is that coffee has become increasingly important. I used to only have it every once in a while, but now I just have so much to do. Sometimes I’ll brew it at home, but I have to admit I’m also a pretty shameless Starbucks coffee addict. With that in mind, a great way I’ve found to save money while shopping with the girls is to also find ways to save on my Starbucks habit.

The reasoning behind this is actually two-fold: saving on Starbucks lets me buy more coffee so I have more energy for shopping and saving, and more of my money is freed up in my budget. A great thing about Starbucks is they give their loyal customers plenty of great ways to earn Starbucks gift cards, ranging from the Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program to the Starbucks Rewards Visa Card and partnerships with third-party shopping apps.

Save Money While Shopping by Knowing Your Limits

This is another tip that might seem a bit obvious, but in my experience it’s also one of those that’s easy to ignore or forget. Give yourself a spending limit before you even leave the house. One of the great joys of going shopping with my girls is being able to spend more time than usual browsing and also being able to give each other advice on what we should or shouldn’t purchase. If we’ve all set limits, we encourage each other to stay within that limit. We’re a crew who likes to leave the store with no regrets.

Save Money While Shopping by Watching Videos Before You Go

With apps that pay you to watch videos, you can use your smartphone to watch videos—most of which are ads—the app chooses for you. In exchange, you’ll be rewarded with a small payment. It might seem like just a little bit of money at first, but, trust me, over time it really starts to add up. The best part is using these apps doesn’t cut into your shopping time. I like to use them when I’m waiting in line, throughout the course of my day, while I’m eating my breakfast, or at night while I’m unwinding. There are tons of apps that pay you to watch videos, so don’t limit yourself to the first one you come across!

Save Money While Shopping by Using Coupon Apps

Do you remember when the best way to save money while you were out shopping was to clip paper coupons and bring them with you in your purse? With new technology, that system still exists, but it’s gotten a significant upgrade. Coupon apps are a great way to recreate the experience of using actual paper coupons. Sometimes this means using the apps to scan paper coupons and sometimes it means selecting from a list of electronic coupons that discount your items in the checkout line.

Save Money While Shopping by Using Loyal Shopper Programs

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to buying certain things—such as groceries, household goods, and coffee—I often find myself frequenting the same stores. The list of stores I’m likely to frequent include Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. You probably find yourself going to one or all of those stores on a regular basis, too.

Well, if that’s the case, did you know you could be getting rewards for being a loyal shopper? That’s right! All of the stores I named have apps and other programs designed to incentivize return visits, whether it’s the Walmart Savings Catcher App or the Starbucks Rewards Loyalty Program. That’s why my strong advice is to make sure you participate in some or all of these programs. They’ve been created to reward loyal shoppers like you!

Save Money While Shopping by Using Shopkick

Out of all the ways to save money while shopping with your girls on our list today, this one just so happens to be my favorite. It’s a shopping app called Shopkick and how it works is Shopkick rewards you with points for behaviors you do every time you go out shopping, whether it’s by yourself or with your girls. Shopkick rewards you for things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases.

And, I love Shopkick even more because it offers me more ways to earn points than by physically going into a store. There are actually tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app; right from the comfort of your own home. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more! It’s a super versatile app, and I absolutely love it.

There you have it, eight great ways to save money while shopping with the girls. As I said above, these are all fantastic techniques to help stretch your budget while getting some shopping done and being social all at the same time. My favorite of the bunch, however, is easily Shopkick.

I just like the versatility of Shopkick, how I can earn points for things I do while I’m already out shopping, how I can also earn points within the app when I’m just relaxing at home, and how I can ultimately trade those points in for gift cards to my favorite stores. In fact, I like Shopkick so much I’ve got basically my entire shopping crew using it! We can all save more money and, ultimately, take more shopping trips together.

Start to take advantage of one of the best ways to save money while shopping with your girls. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love your smartphone, join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

How to earn cash for shopping so you can shop even more

No matter how much shopping I seem to do, I can always think of additional things I’d like to buy, browse, or learn more about. Shopping is definitely a rewarding hobby. I can always count on being able to shop on any given afternoon or early weekend morning when I have nothing else going on.

In fact, if I had unlimited money, I imagine that I’d find myself out shopping all the time. Unfortunately, I do have a limit on how much I can spend. That’s why I’ve found a way to earn cash for shopping. With shopping rewards apps, I can earn cash for shopping so I can do even more shopping. It’s a great way to infuse my budget with extra cash that allows me to do more shopping than ever before.

Today, I want to share everything I know and love about shopping rewards apps. Come along with me as we discuss how to earn cash for shopping! Chances are, you’ll be kicking yourself just a little bit for not knowing about this sooner.

Earn Cash for Shopping with Shopping Rewards Apps

First things first, in order to earn cash for shopping with a shopping rewards app, you really must understand the ins and outs of a shopping rewards app. Simply put, it’s an app that lets you earn discounts and rewards for all kinds of shopping, from shopping for groceries to shopping at the mall for the latest fashion trends.

However, there are many different shopping rewards apps from which to choose, including two types you can use to earn cash for shopping. Let’s take a look at the two types:

  • Coupon Shopping Rewards Apps: The first type of shopping rewards app is what I like to think of as a coupon app. Oftentimes an app like this feels like a throwback to those old-school days of taking a pair of scissors and clipping physical coupons out of the Sunday newspaper. Some of these apps require you to actually scan paper coupons, which you can then store in your phone and use when you’re out like normal. Others let you select from a number of online deals. What’s important is finding one you’ll use regularly in order to maximize your savings and invest back into more shopping!
  • Points-Based Shopping Rewards Apps: Points-based shopping rewards apps are actually my personal favorites, and how they work is that they give you points for things you do when you’re out shopping. The exact nature of these apps vary—and we’ll definitely get into some of my favorites—but the best are the ones that turn your shopping trips into a game so that you’ll want to continue using the app each time you’re out.   

Earn Cash for Shopping with the Best Shopping Rewards Apps

ways to earn cash for shoppingWhile there are many different apps you can use to earn cash for shopping, the exact ways to earn vary with each app. When choosing an app, I look for particular qualities that make using the app worth my time.

Here are some qualities that I look for in all of the best shopping rewards apps:

  • Free of charge: This one is so important. You shouldn’t have to pay money to earn cash for shopping. All of the best shopping rewards apps should be free. 
  • Available for Android or iOS: These days, I think people have a tendency to switch the type of phone they use. I know I do, and I don’t want to have to quit my shopping rewards app because of it. That’s why I highly recommend selecting an app that works with both Android and iOS devices. 
  • The option to shop from home: Online shopping has been a major change in the retail industry. It’s amazing to be able to shop at my favorite stores from the comfort of my home. If you like to shop online, you’ll want a shopping rewards app that rewards you for online shopping too.

Earn Cash for Shopping with Shopkick

While there are many different shopping rewards apps from which to choose, I have narrowed it down to the best app to earn cash for shopping. My personal favorite is Shopkick. With Shopkick, I get points for things I already do whenever I go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. I can then trade those points in for gift cards to my favorite stores, which I can then use to do even more shopping!

With Shopkick, I get points for things I already do whenever I go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases.

Not only that, but with Shopkick, I can also earn points on those rare days when I don’t feel like physically going out shopping. In fact, there are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more.

I think it’s pretty safe to say with Shopkick I’ve taken what was already a healthy shopping hobby and kicked it up a few levels. I can now earn cash for shopping, which I can then turn around and use to do even more shopping. It’s quite a revelation.

I highly recommend that you check out Shopkick. If you’re anything like me, you already enjoy the shopping you do now. But, just imagine what it would be like if you could do even more shopping.

Start using one of the best ways to earn cash for shopping to do even more shopping! Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love your smartphone, join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Dean Drobot

Celebrate Fall: Shop, Save, and Earn BIG Kicks with Shopkick

Fall has officially arrived, and we are celebrating! This season always brings to mind the of changing leaves, apple harvests, layered outfits, treats mixed with a few tricks, and a general feeling of coziness. With crisper temperatures in the air and a palette switch to moodier hues, we always feel we need to break away from the bold palettes of summer in our fashion and home décor choices in favor of pieces that honor the season. We’ve come to the conclusion we cannot be alone in our feelings of wanting to properly mix things up, so we thought a weekend of BIG KICKS was in order!

What can you expect? We have all of the details for you.

Get big kicks in stores
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Ends 9/22
200 kicks
9/22-9/23
8 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/21-9/23
10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
Linked debit cards must be run as credit in order to receive your kicks.
Get big kicks online
9/21-9/23

25 kicks/$1
was 15 kicks

20 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 7 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

GET BIG KICKS IN STORES:

Even though the internet is always at our fingertips, there’s so much fun to be had when you shop in stores. You can see, touch, and feel products, try all of your finds on in store to find your best fit and avoid a trip for exchanges, and get advice from the pros. Plus, a day (or weekend!) of shopping is the perfect excuse for a girl’s day or night out – stop for lunch, browse through stores in person, and cap your day off with cocktails!

As temperatures start to dip, we like to make sure our selection of basics are at the ready. As much as we enjoy spring and summer’s warm temperatures and lengthy sandal seasons, some of the first pieces we’re most excited to wear again in the fall are jeans, blouses, and boots. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are two of the best stores to shop for all three. We’re always amazed by the bargains we find for pieces from top brands that allow us to keep our budgets in check.

Swapping accessories is another fun perk of fall! Brighton has a complete selection of unique jewelry pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings that are unlike anything we can find anywhere else. Plus, the fall is the perfect time to swap out your purse for a new one in a deeper hue, and a new work tote is definitely in order. Just consider either one part of your back-to-school prep! Don’t forget to take a peek at Brighton’s fantastic selection of boots.

One of the best ways to stay inspired and on track with your fitness goals and routines are to look the part! Stop into Reebok and stock up on new workout gear, like tops, shorts, crops, socks, and sneakers. Their selection is wide, and their gear in on trend and in style for fall runs and classes and any errands you might run post-workout.

And, don’t forget to update your makeup! Even though your products may not have run out, the fall is a great time to toss products you have had for several months in favor of replacements. Talk to the pros at Ulta to make sure you’re using the best products for your skin, complexion, and overall look. They likely have a few suggestions for you that you may not have considered yet! Plus, Ulta also has one of the best selections of fragrance and hair products that sometimes feel hard to find.

GET BIG KICKS ONLINE:

Whether you’re prepping for the game and need a new jersey, shopping for new home gadgets in advance of fall’s biggest holidays, updating your towels or bedroom linens, or shopping for new clothes or shoes, Kohls.com always has some of the best deals! When you shop with Shopkick you will earn kicks, plus Kohls.com is constantly running additional sales. It’s a complete win-win shopping experience!

Whenever we’re looking for on trend pieces, we always visit ASOS.com! The brand’s online retail space is so vast it makes us feel as though we’re browsing in store. It’s a great place to shop to try out new-to-you pieces you’re not quite ready to invest in yet, and ASOS also has a wonderful selection of dresses and more for special events (wedding, formal, and holiday seasons, we’re looking at you!).

Overstock.com has a plethora of products from which to choose, but we’re always drawn to their home décor pieces, including their furniture! Browse their linens and accessories, and then pop over to explore their wide selection of area rugs, furniture, appliances, and more! The fall is one of the best times to revive your home because falling temperatures will have you spending much more time indoors very soon. Create a space you enjoy!

If you’re searching for an online destination that has a little bit of everything on your list, HSN.com is the place to go! The site has a complete selection of tech, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more, as well as a complete selection of home appliances, clothing, beauty, and more. We can never visit their site without leaving with at least one shipment on its way to our doorstep!

When we think of appliances, we immediately think of Sears.com! The online giant has some of the best deals all year long for large and small appliances, including dishwashers, washers and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and even ovens. Now is the best time to make sure the appliances in your home are ready to roll because there are a host of holidays on the horizon! If you’re looking for baby clothes, new outfits for yourself, fitness equipment, or new tools, you will find those and more too!

What’s on your fall shopping list?

If you haven’t downloaded Shopkick yet, make sure to change that ASAP before you set out on your fall shopping journey! Earn kicks in stores and online with all of the retailers we mentioned above as well as many more. Then cash in your kicks for free gift cards! Fall shopping has never felt so budget friendly.

Easy money: 3 ways to earn by watching videos for techies

Like a lot of people my age, I grew up playing video games on Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation. I can remember the days when I used to come home from school, finish my homework, and then plant down and immerse myself in the television. One of the things I liked about video games the most, which I may not have realized at the time, was they pushed me to learn some key lessons.

By playing video games way back when, I learned the value of investing time in things like training and practice in order to beat challenges. I think this has stuck with me throughout most of my life, especially now that I’m an adult (or trying to be, anyway) who has to manage his own budget. I work really hard at my job, but I also have found a couple of ways to earn extra money that reminds me of finding shortcuts and other tricks in video games. More specifically, I’ve figured out how to earn easy money by watching videos via apps.

It really is a great “cheat code” for your budget, and it’s so effective! Today, I want to share three of my favorite apps I use to earn money by watching videos. To be totally honest, these aren’t as fun as playing video games, but with all the savings you’ll start to get through these apps, it’ll be no time at all before you can buy new video games and have fun. There are a lot of apps that let you earn, but I generally like to stick to three. Let’s take a look now!

Earn by Watching Videos With Make Money Earn Free Cash

One of my favorite games growing up was called Street Fighter, and it actually was what it sounds like: fighting in the street. This first app that you can use to earn money by watching videos has very little in common with that video game, save for also having a super telling name. That’s right, it’s called Make Money Earn Free Cash. To put it in the most basic terms, this is a very no-nonsense app that’s also a ton of fun to use, especially if you like learning about other new apps like I do.

ways to earn by watching videosYou don’t have to be a big techie like me to use it. All you really have to do with Make Money Earn Free Cash is download the free app, watch videos, and then complete the offers they give you from sponsors, which usually requires something like signing up for mailing lists or taking surveys. You have to do a bit more than watch videos, and obviously, this isn’t always fun, but sometimes you learn about really cool new apps, and to someone like me, that’s invaluable.

Earn by Watching Videos With App Trailers

The next app on our list is called App Trailers, and it actually has somewhat of a direct connection to video games, albeit a loose one. Like the other apps that let you earn money by watching videos, this one simply gives you videos to watch and rewards you for watching them. The cool thing is App Trailers lets you watch a lot of videos about things like video games.

Since I first started using App Trailers, I’ve watched videos about games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies I like to follow in my free time anyway. The more videos I watch through App Trailers, the more points I’m able to rack up. Eventually, I can trade all of my points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards, kind of like incentive systems in video games!

Earn by Watching Videos With Shopkick

You know how video games often save the biggest and best weapons, levels, and foes for the very end? Well, in that tradition I’ve saved my favorite app you can use to earn by watching videos for last, too. It’s called Shopkick. How it works is you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching videos and also just by going shopping for groceries. Shopkick gives you points for things you do everytime you go shopping, such as walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards. That’s not all, though.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere. These include watching videos and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and, my personal favorite, Best Buy. And, guess what Best Buy sells? That’s right—video games!

I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid plenty of people told me I was wasting my time by playing too many video games. They felt I should be doing stuff like reading and studying instead. To be clear, I love to read, and I did study quite a bit when I was a kid. But, I also think there was a lot of value in playing video games. In fact, I’m not entirely sure I would have so easily figured out how to earn money by watching videos without it.

So, I highly recommend using these apps, especially Shopkick. Not only do I earn by watching videos through Shopkick, but I also get points (and eventually rewards) every time I go out shopping. With Shopkick I actually like going to the store because it makes those trips feel like fun scavenger hunts for points.

Ready to start to earn by watching videos on your phone and other smart devices today? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

Need to stretch your budget? Here are 3 apps that pay you to watch ads.

This may be shocking news for those of you who know me, but I recently started practicing yoga. That’s right—me. I know I said I’d never get into it, but I did and I absolutely love it! I go about three times a week, and I find the breathing, soothing music, warm room, and ambiance helps me to not only get a good workout but to also relax. My favorite part about yoga is the stretching.

I was actually explaining to my kids the importance of stretching and how it makes me feel so good. I just so happened to remark to my husband it was nice to be stretching something besides the budget for once. And, yoga aside, that’s actually what I’d really like to talk about today: three apps that pay you to watch ads so that you can stretch your budget, too.

Isn’t that a novel concept? Getting some extra money each month just for watching ads, which let’s face it, if you spend enough time online you end up doing anyway. While I’ve been using yoga to stretch my body and mind, I’ve been using apps that pay me to watch ads to stretch my budget. It’s a great combo, and I’m happy to share it with all of you!

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 1: App Trailers

3 apps that pay you to watch adsOne of the simplest apps that pays you to watch ads is App Trailers. The way this one works is it gives you a chance to watch ads for points you can trade in to receive cash or gift cards. In the time since I started using App Trailers, I’ve watched plenty of ads, some of which are about products for my house and others are about things my boys like, such as games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies. It’s kind of interesting, but the best part is that the more videos I watch, the more points I get! Eventually, I can trade those points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards.

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 2: Make Money, Earn Free Cash

I think one of the reasons I was hesitant to try yoga at first was because I didn’t entirely understand it. Once I tried it though, I was immediately hooked. With this second app on our list, you won’t have a problem understanding it. Make Money, Earn Free Cash is an app with a name that comes right out and tells you what it’s all about. This is a pretty straightforward app, and it’s also one of my favorites of the apps that pay you to watch ads. All you have to do is download the free app, watch the ads on it, and then complete offers from sponsors, which usually involve signing up for mailing lists or sometimes even taking surveys. Obviously, this isn’t always fun, but it does help you stretch your budget!

Apps That Pay You to Watch Ads No. 3: Shopkick

My favorite pose in yoga is child’s pose, which we always save for last. In that spirit, today I’ve also saved my favorite of the apps that pay you to watch ads for last. This one is called Shopkick! How it works is you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching ads but also by doing other everyday things, such as going shopping for groceries. Shopkick gives you points for things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for free gift cards to stretch your budget!

There are actually tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching ads and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts within the app—you can even do this before or after yoga class like I do. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. It’s great, and quite honestly, I hardly even remember how I used to manage my budget without all the fantastic rewards from Shopkick.

With these three apps, and especially with Shopkick, you should be all primed and ready to stretch your budget much like I’ve been stretching lately with my newfound love of yoga. The thing about yoga, as you maybe know, is it isn’t cheap. With these apps that pay me to watch ads though, I’ve found I have plenty of extra money to keep practicing my new hobby!

If I had to pick just one of these apps that pay you to watch ads, I’d definitely pick Shopkick. In addition to watching ads, it provides plenty of other great ways to earn points, too. It’s really become a crucial part of my regular shopping routine, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to run a budget these days without it!

Ready to earn money to stretch your budget by getting in on apps that pay you to watch ads? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock

3 ways to earn extra cash from home and maximize your shopping potential

When I shop, I spend a lot of time hunting for bargains, and I’m not afraid to admit it. In fact, I believe a good percentage of being a skilled and experienced shopper is all about being able to find the best deals and bargains. After all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with saving money, which feels great and also enables you to squeeze more purchases into your budget. However, hunting for bargains isn’t the only way an experienced shopper can make room in their budget.

Another great way to get this done is by earning some extra cash. Now, I’m not talking about going out and getting another job. What I’m talking about is finding ways to earn extra cash from home to maximize your shopping potential. If you’ve never done this, you might not know where to start. Don’t worry! That’s what we’re going to talk about here today. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you all I can about my three favorite ways to earn extra cash from home.

It’s amazing to not have to leave the comfort of your home and still be able to find great ways to maximize your shopping potential. Frankly, I have been doing it for years!

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 1: Take Surveys

3 ways to earn extra cash from homeOne of the ways to earn extra cash from home is by downloading apps and taking surveys. I think by now practically everyone has at least heard about taking surveys online, and the reason it’s so common is it works. There are several different apps pay you money to take surveys at home on your smartphone. There are tons of different survey apps out there, so you will definitely be able to find one that works for you. All you have to do is download a survey app, enter your demographic information, and then the app begins to send you relevant surveys. The more surveys you take, the more money you can earn through the app—all from the comfort of your home.

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 2: Watching Videos

Another one of the best ways to earn extra cash from home is to download an app that rewards you for surfing the web and watching videos. The one I personally use is called Fronto. It encourages me to do things that I would normally do online anyway, things like reading news articles, finding product deals, and writing product reviews. In exchange for doing those things, Fronto gives me points. The more points I manage to accumulate, the more I can trade them in for PayPal cash, gift cards, or coupons to my favorite stores. While this may not be the most fun way to spend some time, at least you can do it right from home, which—let’s face it—is a major plus for busy people like you and me.

Ways to Earn Extra Cash From Home No. 3: Shopkick

Out of all these great ways to earn extra cash from home, my all-time favorite is this really cool app called Shopkick. Now, you may have heard of Shopkick, a lot of people have, and sometimes they think they have to physically go to the store to use it. But, how it works is Shopkick gives you points for doing the normal things you do whenever you go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. Then you trade those points in for gift cards to fuel your next shopping spree.

Out of all these great ways to earn extra cash from home, my all-time favorite is this really cool app called Shopkick.

However, that’s not the only way Shopkick works. There are actually tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where they can earn big points and rewards by shopping on their phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

Now you know all of my secret ways to earn extra cash from home, so you can start using them to maximize your own shopping potential. I would start with Shopkick. Once you get used to using an app like Shopkick, it’s only a matter of time before you wonder how you ever managed to do any shopping without it. I personally love Shopkick, and I’m almost certain that you will too. Download it and start earning—either at the store or right from your home. It’s just so nice to have the option!  

Ready to take advantage of these ways to earn extra cash from home and maximize your shopping potential? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

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