If you are a member of the Upromise and have their credit card like I do, be on the look out for mailing coming with your special registration code for an extra 2% back on Hardware, Interior Furnishing, and Garden stores. Normally you get 1% back on those type of stores, so this brings you up to 3%. Nice, considering this is the time of year many of us will be shopping at these type of stores. Mine arrived in my mailbox today. It took me a moment to sign in and register for the additional cash back.
Remember, when you grocery shop and buy Upromise items, you get 10% back on those items. This was the main reason I signed up for this particular credit card. Each week I use it to buy select grocery items and earn money.
Remember, credit cards are a great way to make extra money on your purchases. The key? You need to pay them off each month in full to get charged no interest.
Afraid you will spend more with a credit card vs. cash? The same principles apply as with the cash system. Keep track and set a budget.
If you only want to spend $75 on groceries for the week, keep a check register with you and track your purchases as soon as you make them and know you can't go over. Or, make certain sheets for each category ( instead of an envelope for each category ).
With a little dedication, you can earn money back on your credit cards plus keep your cash in the bank longer earning interest ( click here for recommended banks ).
On average by strategically using our credit cards, my family usually earns an extra $800 to $1,000 a year. We pay our bills ( if no fee ) and all necessity items with credit cards where ever possible. Garbage bills, phone bill, groceries, etc and those needed expenses add up. This year alone we are at almost $200 back in our pockets.
Would you like to get a Upromise Credit Card, too, and begin earning? Click here to join Upromise for free and then sign up for their credit card.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Bonus 3% Back w Upromise - Hardware, Garden and Furniture Stores
Monday, September 14, 2009
Up to $7 Free from Discover Card
I haven't touched on credit cards for awhile, mainly because there haven't been any available that are just outstanding offers.
I have come to accept the fact that ever since the current economic issues surfaced, the credit card industry is just not offering the amazing credit card offers anymore. But, don't fret, there are still good offers and you will still make money using your credit cards if done wisely!
Why did I decide to write this post today? Well, if you missed it in Sunday's paper yesterday, go cut it out! There is a coupon for $2 off ANYTHING when you pay with your Discover credit card. Wonderful!
In addition, I also got an email from Discover this past week stating I will receive a $5 credit on my Discover Bill if I spend $5 or more at select locations in my area. They then provided me a list of the stores I could go shop at and get something for $5 for free. Check your email accounts, if you are a member of Discover right now. My email was titled: Get $5 Cashback Bonus for using your Discover Card
Not a current member of Discover yet? Right now, if you get their More Card, you get a $50 sign on bonus and THEN begin receiving 5% back on your purchase categories, depending on the month. For example, in September you will get 5% back on gas, but next month you get 5% back on groceries.
Since these are items you purchase for your family anyway, you can now begin making money for your family off of your cards.
Want to get your $50 bonus and access to Discover? Click here.
Here are some tips, though:
- Always pay your balance in full and receive no finance charges
- Set your credit card to pay automatically from your checking each month ( so you don't miss a payment and incur late charges )
- Just as if you were writing a check or paying with cash, take a bank register and mark down the price of each purchase so you can balance your check book.
- Consider the money spent on your credit card as cash ALREADY gone from your checking. This will keep you from overspending ( since you must have enough in your checking account ) and also prevent you from an overdraft on your checking account. This is why logging it as spent helps.
- Put stickers on the front of your cards showing which categories you need to use them on each month to earn the most.
- Begin MAKING money via your cashback rewards.
My advice, research the cards you want before applying. When you apply for a credit card, it does reflect on your credit score. This is not necessarily bad, if you are opening only one, but if you begin opening a whole bunch of credit cards in a relatively short time, this can have a negative effect on your score.
For Online Offers, I like to recommend either a Discover card or a Citi Card.
Why?
Both cards offer what is called a virtual credit card #. This means, when you are getting ready to make an online purchase ( all those offers on Online Offers ), your credit card will give you a one time use or one merchant use card number that LINKS to your actual credit card.
This means, if the credit card # gets into the wrong hands and tries to use that card #, they won't be able to and the order will not be processed for the person who stole your card! It is an extra safety measure online and keeps you just a bit safer! :)
In addition, with any credit card, if a charge goes through that is not authorized, you can file a dispute and not pay the charge while they get it worked out with the merchant. In addition, if the merchant gets too many "dings" against them from consumers for unauthorized sales, this can damage their ability to be able to do business with the credit card companies. They do not want this to happen and will often work with you on erroneous charges.
As I find other deals for credit cards, I will try to bring them to you.
Hope you got the coupon out of the paper and the $5 email offer, too! I always like free money! :)
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Upromise - $25 Bonus for new Credit Card, New eCoupons and More!
One of my favorite programs has a wonderful $25 Bonus right now for the credit card they are offering. But, before I get into all the details, don't forget you need to upload your monthly eCoupons! What do they have this month? Various coupons from these manufacturers.
- Beech Nut - $1.00
- Snyder's Padrinos - $0.50
- Diamond Crystal - $0.35
- Diamond Crystal - $0.30
- Diamond Crystal - $0.30
- Diamond Crystal - $0.50
- Gold Bond - $1.00
- Gold Bond - $1.00
- Gold Bond - $1.00
- Gold Bond - $1.00
- Gold Bond - $2.00
- Gold Bond Ultimate - $1.00
- Gold Bond - $2.00
- Gold Bond Ultimate - $1.00
- Gold Bond Ultimate - $2.00
- Gold Bond Ultimate - $2.00
- Elmer's - $1.00
- Johnsonville - $1.00
- Huggies - $1.50
- Lucky Leaf - $1.50
- Little Debbie - $0.45
- Little Debbie - $0.55
- Little Debbie - $0.75
- Sister Schubert - $0.75
- Nestlé Toll Hse - $1.00
- Nestlé Choc. - $0.75
- Nestlé Wonka - $0.75
- Nestlé Toll Hse - $1.00
- Post Foods - $1.00
- Post Foods - $1.00
- Charmin Plus - $1.00
- Charmin Fresh Mates - $1.00
- Glass Plus - $0.50
- Spray'n Wash - $0.50
- Similac - $6.00
- Fisher Snack - $0.55
- Fisher Chefs Natural - $0.55
- Snyder's Tortilla - $0.50
- Snyder's Grande - $0.50
- BIC Comfort 3 - $1.00
On top of this, if you are new to Upromise, don't forget, you can get $5 free if you get a quick Insurance quote online from Liberty Mutual and another $2 bonus if you get a quote from Insurance.com. Just go to the Auto link under Earn Rewards once logged in. It is the easiest $7 ever! I plan to do them again once it has been 6 months since my last quote.
What is Upromise? If you are new and never heard me talk about it before, it is a wonderful program that helps you earn free money for college. You can start an account now, and it can be used now for college costs, in the future for your kids or kids-to-be, or you can share them with anyone you want....nieces, nephews, grandkids, cousins, friends, etc, etc.
First, you will want to register here and immediately enter your shopping cards ( grocery store, CVS, etc ), your credit cards ( you get money back on Exxon/Mobil stations, etc ) and participating restaurants. In addition, if you buy products in the Upromise program while at the grocery, you earn a bit back each time. Finally, you can add the eCoupons I mentioned above for even more savings.
And, now......they have a great new credit card. And, if you remember one of my favorite money earners for our home is credit cards. Click here to read more on this topic.
- 10% back on Participating Grocery and Drugstore items
- 2% back at Exxon/Mobil Stations
- 1% back everywhere else
or
Dining and Grocery Credit Card
- 10% back on Participating Grocery and Drugstore items
- 10% back on Participating Dining establishment
- 1% back on everything else
The 10% is what has me interested. Here is a list of the products you will get 10% back on at the grocery.
So, my ever saving, money scheming brain is wondering how hard it will be for me to pull out my Upromise items at the grocery store and ring them up separate with this credit card, so I can get 10% back. Wow!
For the $25 bonus, I am going to give it a try! Considering most items have the Upromise logo on them if they are part of the program, it shouldn't be too hard to spot them when unloading my cart. And, if it is too much work..I still got $25 free! I haven't open a new card in quite awhile, so my credit score should be fine with opening one, so I am game.
I do want to thank Cher for sending me this great deal!
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Last Chance for Free Entertainment Book and Another Credit Card Deal!
When Karen from Cashbaq wrote me about the WT Direct deal, she also wanted me to let everyone know that at 11:59 PST tonight, the $10 Entertainment Book bonus will be gone. It will be dropping to only $6!!!
This is a GREAT buy! I got my Entertainment Book for free thanks to Cashbaq, plus Entertainment Book is offering 50% off their books right now. For example, my Cincinnati Book is regularly $25. At half off, it is $12.50. I would get $10 back from Cashbaq and if new, a $5 sign on bonus.
That is a free book PLUS a profit of $2.50 for Cincy area readers.
Click here to check it out and get your book.
Also, if you got your book and are still trying to decide on the perfect credit card for your family...there is a wonderful Entertainment Visa offered to members.
Here are the details:
- 4% Back on Gas up to $250 per month
- 3% Back on Cinema and Movie Rentals up to $150 per month
- 2% Back on Groceries, Restaurants and Fast Food up to $750 per month
- up to 1% on everything else
This is another great card to consider for earning extra money on everyday purchases if you are still trying to decide which card is for you. Available thru the Entertainment Book.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Credit Cards - Make Money in Rewards!
I never did finish my Methods Marathon, and Credit Cards was one of the topics I had wanted to touch on and update everyone with what is available right now out there. And, I get emails quite often asking what cards I use.
First, I would like to start by making sure everyone knows the rules of making money with credit cards. And, I will also be recapping my original credit cards post from last year for all my new readers.
1. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS pay your balance off in full!!!!
I cannot stress this enough. If you are not going to do this, then skip this method now. I don't want you even reading my advice. You will not make money, but simply lose far more than anticipated. The interest rates on credit cards are too high for you skip even one full payment. Don't do it! Always pay it off!
2. Reevaluate your credit cards each year and their benefits. Many times, the original offer you go for with free incentives and money back is only good for 6 months to a year. Once these incentives run out, it is time to move on.
3. Pay everything you can with your cards! $1.50 charge for candy at Walgreens? Yes, absolutely. $40 fill up at the gas station? You had better have charged that! EVERYTHING! It all adds up.
4. Do not overbuy because you have a credit card. So, many places I have read or seen on the news that families spend more when they have a credit card vs. cash in their pocket. I do believe this is probably true, if you are not frugal minded. But, if you are someone who has been reading my blog long enough, working a budget and know how much you can spend for each part of your budget, it is much easier to not overspend. If it helps, do the envelope system ( if you have ever used the cash envelope method ) and put your budget on the outside. Everytime you buy something, stick the recipe in that envelope and mark it off your total...so you know how much left you have to spend. It is a nice workaround, but you can earn money now!
4. Do NOT apply or own a credit card that charges a fee every year. Unless the value of the rewards are so "worth" this annual fee, there should be no reason to pay a fee. Most reward cards do not have them.
To start, why do I love credit cards so much? Well, they give you cash back or other incentives. And, as we can all tell from this website, I like to save and earn money for my family. So, I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, that is for sure. But, beyond getting money back, I also like the safety of using a credit card.
With a credit card, if someone steals my card or my number or any charge appears that is not valid, I don't have to pay it. Yes, that is right. I call my credit card company and they work it out with the provider or the issue if it is stolen. Money will NEVER immediately be taken from my checking account. What a great safety net!! Of course, if it is found out that the charge was valid, you will be required to pay it later. :-)
With debit cards, even if the bank will eventually refund your money if someone steals your card or number, you are still out the money until they do work it out. What if you don't have alot extra for bills, etc? Now, checks can be bouncing, etc. And, believe me, this has happened to someone close to me, so I know.
Finally, if you use a credit card, you are paying your bills a month in arrears. This means, your money sits in your checking account a month longer earning interest ( you do have a High Interest Checking account, right? ). This adds up to even more money in your pocket.
Now, how do you keep your credit cards straight with the rewards? For example, I have many. Some pay higher on gas, some on groceries, etc. The ones in my wallet ( and my husbands ) might get confusing. So, I bought small labels, and printed on them what they were for and then, I stuck it to the face of the card. So, now when my husband is at the gas station, he looks at his credit cards and pulls out the one that says, " gas". It doesn't get much easier than that.
You may be concerned about having a lot of credit cards and that it will play havoc on your credit score. But, you should be fine, if you understand the basics. First, having credit cards is actually good for your credit score, IF you aren't overspending to your limit, are paying regularly( which you better be ) and you show that you have good purchasing control. This means, simply put, that if you have a limit of $10,000 between 2 credit cards, and you are only spending $1,500, it shows you have self control. If you have $10,000 available and you are spending $9,500, it could raise a flag that you are in trouble. If interested in how credit scores are calculated, click here for a great article. But, you do want to watch and decide up front which cards you want. Everytime you do a hard inquiry ( meaning you apply for credit ), it stays on your credit report for a year to two years! So, don't apply for more cards then you need. Figure out upfront which cards are the best match for you!
SOOOO...what cards do I have right now? Well, with this crazy economy and market, the credit card offers don't seem to be as great as they were a year ago. :-( But, I do still have a few I like.
It is a wonderful credit card because they pay 5% back on Gas!!
But, please read the terms/conditions. How it works is that you get up to 5% of a $100 back a month. After you have bought $100 of gas in a month, you then only get 1% back. So, in total, you can get 5% on $1,200 a year.
What is a possible work around? Open an account for yourself and have your spouse also open one. Now, you both have up to 5% of $2,400.
Why else do I like Discover? They allow you to cash out and relatively low balances. In the past, I was always able to cash out at $20. I would have it applied directly to my statement and short pay my next payment that amount. And, you will still get paid at 1% on other purchases.
Click here to get your card.
Other Cards?
Well, I know a lot of you email me about the Utilities card I had last year...paying me 6%! Loved that one! But, it is gone...sorry.
I do still like a card that pays me 5 points in Thank You points at the gas/grocery/drugstore. These 5 points can then be redeemed for gift cards at approx. a 5% return to you.
You will get 1 on other purchases. Want this card? Click here
Why do I still have the Discover if this card will pay me with 5 points? Because I would rather get a cash refund if possible, then a gift card, which I can with Discover.
And, stay tuned, I will be adding a Credit Cards button and webpage soon. As new and wonderful credit cards become available, I will definitely let everyone know.
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