by 
I have truly found my calling in my online business. I have decided to become a shopping assistant for savvy shoppers and deal hunters. Combining my obsession for helping people , shopping and extending my own budget. Today I will share with you how to save with my favorite cost saving tools for shopping online and buying gas. Rakuten and Get Upside Respectively. Later I will do a deep dive on both of these programs with much more cash back and saving tips to come in the future!
Be sure to sign up for our deals
Shopping doesn’t need to break the bank, even as prices seem to climb week after week. My approach to shopping is about stretching each dollar, using smart tools, and scoring the absolute best deals, but never at the cost of quality. With a growing tribe of savvy shoppers out there, I wanted to pull together an all-in-one guide on using shopping assistants and hacks, perfect for both budget warriors and deal hunters who make finding bargains a true art form.
My first pro tip: These two programs are very easy to use and have high participation at places that I shop at all the time already. So using them to get Cash Back feels great.
Join Rakuten and get $30 Cash back on top of your cash back when you spend $30 or more dollars!!!
Join Get Upside and get cash back at participating gas and restaurant purchases! It really comes in handy and has nice perks
The New Age of Savvy Shopping: Why a Shopping Assistant Matters
Consumer spending in the US economy for the month of June 2025 is down. Coupled with an increase in inflation. This will inevitable and logically mean that more people are looking to save the money that they do spend. Many people however do not know that there are great ways available to them to save or get some of their money back.
Saving money isn’t just about pinching pennies; it’s about knowing where to look, what to use, and how to stack your advantages. Shopping assistants, whether they’re browser extensions, apps, or pro tricks you pick up over time, blend technology and smart strategy for better results. I’ve seen firsthand how using the right tools can score double-digit discounts, unlock exclusive offers, and rack up plenty of cashback just by tweaking your routine a bit.
With online shopping at the forefront, brands and third-party platforms keep putting out features tailored for deal hunters. Think of all the price trackers, coupon plug-ins, and cashback sites out there. Each one gives a real advantage to shoppers willing to spend a few extra minutes tracking down bargains. Building a community around sharing these hacks has been a rewarding ride, especially as more people look to tighten their finances in today’s economy.
Your Toolkit for Shopping on a Budget
Finding the best prices online begins with having your toolkit ready. Here are a few of my must-use apps:
- Honey: This browser extension automatically tests coupon codes at checkout. It comes in handy on big sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- Rakuten: Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten gives you cashback at a vast array of retailers. I always activate it when shopping on a new site, and those savings build up before you know it.
- GetUpside: If you drive, GetUpside is a real money-saver on gas. Just upload your receipt after each fill-up, and get a little extra back every time.
When sticking to a tight budget each month, these helpers make a noticeable impact. Even when you’re just pocketing a few bucks here and there, it adds up to a free coffee or meal before long.
How to Find the Best Deals Online (Without Spending Hours)
The internet is flooded with deals, but not every promo code or flash sale brings real value. Here’s how I sift through the noise to track down true gems:
- Set Up Price Alerts: Sites like CamelCamelCamel track Amazon prices and message you when items drop below your target. I especially use this for tech gadgets or special gifts.
- Check Multiple Retailers: Stores often vary in price for the same item. I use PriceGrabber or Google Shopping for a quick side-by-side look.
- Stack Your Savings: Pair a coupon with cashback via Rakuten and, if possible, a rewards credit card. Occasionally, all these combine so your discount is much bigger than using just one.
- Don’t Skip Cashback Extensions: Even if it’s just a small percent back, activating Rakuten or a similar tool is worth the click.
Little habits like these take very little time, and soon enough, shaving 20% off a purchase becomes your go-to move.
Shopping Amazon Like a Pro: A Practical “How To” Guide
Amazon leads for convenience, but the real deals aren’t always front page. Here’s how I shop smarter:
- Compare Sellers and Listings: Don’t hit “Buy Now” right away. Check “Other Sellers” — often, you’ll spot better prices, especially for open box or warehouse items.
- Look for Amazon Coupons: Digital checkboxes below price tags sometimes give instant discounts. They’re easy to miss, but worth a look.
- Price History Tools: Use CamelCamelCamel to see historic price drops. It helps confirm whether now is the best time to buy.
- Subscribe & Save: Set up regular shipments for household items and snacks. This program often shaves 5-15% off and keeps you stocked up automatically.
Using these tricks means you’re not overpaying on Amazon—and sometimes get hidden offers other shoppers don’t even spot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Rakuten
- Sign Up Free: Use a friend’s referral link for a welcome bonus after your first buy.
- Install the Browser Extension: Rakuten will prompt you to activate cashback as you shop supported stores, making saving easy and automatic.
- Shop as Usual: Add items to your cart, check out, and Rakuten will automatically log the rewards into your account.
- Stack with Coupons: Cashback often combines with coupon codes, so you get double savings.
- Look for Double Cashback Events: During promotional periods, some stores offer higher-than-usual cashback. Try to plan pricier purchases around these.
I’ve received both checks and PayPal payouts from Rakuten—just straight-up savings for what I was going to buy anyway. Check out Rakuten’s site here.
Lesser-Known Shopping Hacks to Try
- Private or Incognito Browsing: Some retailers track site visits and change prices. Using private mode can sometimes reveal a lower price or trigger a popup coupon.
- Newsletter Signups: Joining mailing lists usually earns a one-time discount or exclusive offer. I use a separate email account just for these deals.
- Outlet and Refurbished Sections: Stores like Apple and Nordstrom have certified refurbished or clearance areas. These have full warranties but come at a fraction of the usual cost.
- Digital Coupon Aggregators: Explore platforms like CouponBirds and RetailMeNot for coupons that may not pop up anywhere else.
These sneaky approaches aren’t typically mentioned up front, but they’ve helped me land solid markdowns, especially for electronics and gear.
Spot and Share the Best Online Deals: Blogging and Social Media
If you’re passionate about bargains, sharing your finds changes the game. It turns your hobby into a trusted source for friends and followers, plus it could bring in side income. Here’s how I do it:
- Share timely deals on my blog and use hashtags like #DealAlert and #SavvySaving on Twitter and Instagram to reach more eyes.
- Post short reviews based on actual use. Real opinions help people decide if deals are genuinely worth jumping on.
- Create simple weekly or monthly digest emails so subscribers only see the best deals, not just random sales pitches.
It’s rewarding to get thank-yous for saving someone money—and awesome when readers send me even better finds, creating a loop of shared savings.
My Process for Reviewing Products and Focusing on Customer Satisfaction
When I put products to the test, I consider value, usability, and how well they meet expectations. Actual experience shapes my reviews—with highs and honest feedback about what could be improved. This openness helps others shop with confidence and keeps people coming back for more.
Referral Programs to Monetize Your Content
Referral programs aren’t exclusive to influencers with giant audiences. You can share links for apps like Rakuten, Honey, or GetUpside to collect referral bonuses in the form of cash or credits. I always say when a link is a referral, and most of these programs reward both the sender and the recipient, so it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
More Picks for Saving While Shopping
- GetUpside (for Gas): Totally free, super practical for drivers. New users can download GetUpside here.
- Rakuten (for Online Shopping): Always check before buying anything online for cashback or extra deals.
FAQ for Deal Hunters and Savvy Shoppers
How do I start shopping smarter without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Try adding just one or two new tools—maybe a browser extension or cashback site—to your routine. Once you get comfortable, expand your savings game.
Can I use several cashback programs together?
A: Only one cashback site typically tracks any purchase, but you can pair that with coupons, loyalty cards, or store specials for the best combo.
Are referral and cashback sites safe?
A: Stick to popular brands and check reviews online. Using PayPal or gift cards for payouts adds an extra layer of safety.
Wrapping Up: Get More Out of Every Dollar
No need to chase every single deal or go overboard with coupons. With a mix of shopping assistants, handy extensions, and a few bonus tricks, saving money becomes second nature. Using these tools has helped me stash away thousands over the years—and anyone can do it, whether you’re shopping for groceries, electronics, or just the daily essentials.
For deal hunters, the chase is half the excitement. Sharing what you find helps everyone in your circle save more while they step up their own savings skills too.
Leave a Reply