You may have noticed that many of my post include a reference to earning cash back when you shop online through a few different websites. Some of you have asked what this is all about.

Basically, it is an awesome way to "earn" money while shopping online. Cash back is different than coupon codes. Coupon codes save you a percentage off of your purchase. Cash back is a % of your purchase or a rebate that you get later, after your purchase. However, many of these websites also list coupon codes that you can use in addition to earning cash back. So, How does it work?

1. Sign up / register at each cash back website.

2. Visit a cash back website before you order something online. (I suggest visiting them all to find out which one is offering the highest cash back that day)

3. Search for the store you plan on shopping at from within the cash back site.

4. Check for any coupon codes you may be able to use to save money on your purchase at the store you plan on shopping at.

4. Link to the website you plan on shopping at by clicking on the link provided on the cash back site.

5. A percentage (it varies between store and cash back site, but will be clearly listed) of your purchase will be credited to your cash back account. (Occasionally a set dollar amount is credited instead of a percentage, but this will also be clearly listed)

6. Once you reach a certain dollar amount of cash back, you will be sent a check (or on some sites you can opt to have it credited to your paypal account).

While you shouldn't buy things just so you can earn cash back, if you plan on buying something online anyway, this can be a great way to put a little extra cash in your pocket. My husband and I put the cash back we earn from these sites as well as our credit card into our "date night" fund, allowing us to enjoy some great nights out for free!

The following three sites are the ones I am most familiar with / personally use regularly. If you sign up through the following links, you will get a $5 credit in your cash back account when you make your first purchase:

Shopathome

Cashbaq

Ebates

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