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How To Shop On Groupon Like A Pro

Call me a penny pincher.

I love to shop and i do so almost every day – that, however, doesn’t seems synonymous with my attitude towards saving money.

How would a stingy person (if you’d like to call it) like myself still have the tenacity to do shopping everyday? And I don’t mean buying groceries but rather spending on a “want” that is not what you deemed as daily necessities. I do my shopping from the brick and mortar shops to online shopping and i never fail to keep my credit card away for a day.

Here’s the secret: I achieved a sense of satisfaction for being able to spot deals and maximize the utility value of my money. I often make advance purchase, say a voucher on Groupon that would allow me to redeem the offer within a stipulated period.

Being a frequent shopper, i would need to make sure i don’t pay more for what is required right? Every dollar saved is a dollar earned.

How does the idea of saving up to 70% or more on a deal sounds? Too good to be true?

Here’s how:

1. Every month, Groupon will usually (well, at least for the past few months) conduct a 3 hour sale where you can enjoy additional discounts of 10 to 20% if you enter an exclusive promo code.

That’s usually the time i spend a few hours on my computer searching Groupon for items that i need.

Wait. Pause and rewind.

(Skip this if you want to buy the CEO of Groupon a cup of Starbucks’s Caffè Latte)

2. Before you even go directly to the Groupon’s website, first create an account on ShopBack. (a website that provide you with cashbacks) Shopback provides you with cashbacks for over 100 online retailers and for Groupon, you have a neat 4 per cent cashback that you can enjoy. All you need to do is to launch the Groupon’s page from Shopback’s website before doing your shopping.

3. That is not all. You can save even further by using a credit card that provides you with rebates on your purchase. A good one you can consider using is the OCBC Frank Card which allows you to earn a 6 per cent rebate on Groupon. (There is a $60 cap and you need to make a $500 min spend a month)

How much have you saved? Now do your maths.

Using the $49.90 for $100 Cash Voucher for Dim Sum at Wo Peng Cuisine as an example:

To summarise:

Shop during Groupon’s 3 hour sale and get 18% additional discount. ($49.90 * 18% = $9.00 discount)
Use ShopBack to earn cashback of 4%. (4% * ($49.90 * 0.82) = $1.60 cashback)
Use OCBC Frank Card to make payment (6% * ($49.90 * 0.82) = $2.50 cashback)

Instead of paying $100 to dine at Wo Peng Cuisine, i paid only $36.80 after taking into account of the discounts and cashbacks. That is a whopping 73.2% of savings.

I have already accumulated a few hundred dollars in cashbacks without much effort.

For now, sign up for an account on ShopBack and make use of Groupon’s 3 hour sale from 7 – 8 July 2015 and save up to 18% on Dining, Beauty and Leisure Deals with the promo code: “PROMO18“. Arm yourself with a credit card that gives you the best benefits.

(This article is contributed by Jenny, a reader of Money Digest)

Upgrade Your Style By Making Your Low-Priced Clothes Look Voguish

No matter how much fashion and lifestyle magazines clamor over the S$1000 pair of Christian Louboutin heels, the average person cannot afford to have a shoe rack full of it. Fortunately, you can dress up fashionably without having to break the bank! All you have to do is make the low-priced clothing look more expensive. Try these tips:

1. BACK TO BASICS

The old saying is true: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. This is why you must avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact. Remember: the sleeker and simpler – the better.

2. CHOOSE MONOCHROMATIC

Since splashing yourself with every color on the rainbow can look cheap, wear one color or one shade of color from head-to-toe. This creates an illusion of supreme quality. For example, you can wear the different shades of black, from Jet-Licorice, to look slimmer and fashionable. Although, this does not mean that you will avoid experimenting with color all together. You may suit up with bold pastels or deep jewel tones.

3. CHANGE THE BUTTONS

One of the tricks that stylists do is to replace the inexpensive plastic buttons with pearl or metal ones. You can purchase affordable and beautiful vintage, metal, pearl, and crystal buttons for as low as S$6.93 at Etsy.com.

Image Credits: Erich Ferdinand via Flickr with Creative Commons License

4. SELECT THE RIGHT FABRIC

Cheaper fabrics are always obvious especially if there are loose threads hanging on the side. So, prefer pieces that are made with cotton, linen, and tweed. The prices of these materials may be reasonable but they often seem more expensive.

5. TAILOR EVERYTHING

Tailoring your jeans for about S$5-12 is worth every buck as it can transform your S$13 Forever21 jeans into a designer looking one. It goes the same for a tailored blazer or a tailored dress. Aside from having it tailored by a professional, you can save more money by mastering these simple alteration stitches.

Image Credits: Hillary via Flickr with Creative Commons License Attribution-ShareAlike

Do not let the tight clothing budget fool you into thinking you’re not Vogue-worthy! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

Time for online shoppers to get on cashback websites

Joey Lim from coupon-cashback site ShopBack Singapore explains how cashback websites are changing the way South-East Asians shop online. ShopBack is one of the largest coupon-cashback websites in the South-East Asian region.

Online shopping has redefined retail and changed the way people spend their money. With more and more online shoppers cashing in on the cashback trend, shopping habits have evolved further beyond simple price comparison between online shops. Shoppers are now counting on the magic combination of letters and numbers that form coupon codes to help them save money on their online purchases.

While cashback websites are not exactly the latest response to the online shopping boom, they are relatively new in South-East Asia where the number of online shoppers is steadily increasing each day, thanks to rising affluence and access to technology. These cashback websites are simple to understand: they partner with hundreds of merchants and secure a certain percentage of cashback for shoppers who click through them. The only change is the point of access to the desired shop page – after that it’s just the wait to see money flow back into your bank account.

Uncertainty and Unfamiliarity

In a BBC News article “Cashback websites: How do they work?”, Burns addresses the doubts of consumers, many of whom are wary and suspicious of the promises that these cashback websites make. In response to consumer accusations of money delay and obscure placement of information, she cites Quidco’s managing director Andy Oldham, who admits that there is cause to reconsider how important details like cashback percentage and timeline are presented on the website. Quidco is one of the biggest cashback sites in the UK, with 2 million members and counting.

“It all sounds too good to be true” seems to be the common consensus amongst online shoppers. Such hesitation and misunderstanding could potentially hurt profits but cashback websites are already one step ahead of consumers; many are doubling efforts to make their website layout as simple as possible to suggest clarity and transparency. Prominently displayed video tutorials, reviews and visual guides are just some of the several methods employed to assuage consumers’ fears and make online shopping more enjoyable.

That being said, we understand how many online shoppers can get overwhelmed by the multitude of choices that the cyberworld of shopping offers – it’s a game of meticulousness, powered by the desire to get the best deal. Price comparison online can be tedious but add another few cashback websites to study and most are ready to give up. To prevent yourself from burning out before you even begin to cash in, Sarah Pennells from savvywoman has collated some of the main considerations when looking for cashback sites, as condensed here:

Percentage of cashback and merchant variety
Possible membership fees
How quickly you’ll be paid your cashback
How much cashback you have to earn before you’re paid
How you’re paid

Not all cashback sites are created equal so it’s definitely worth your time doing a little research to find out which ones are most suitable for your intended purchase. Some collaborate with the same merchant, but offer different cashback rates, so be sure to hunt down the one that will help you save the most.

Shopping Smart but Safe

When in doubt about a certain cashback website, Williams from US News suggests googling for reviews and complaints. Chances are, other people have already used their services and can give an honest review of the site – whether it’s the real deal or just a potato chip bag half-full of air, promising everything but delivering lesser than expected. Another warning from his article – “If you go to a cash-back site once and make a tiny purchase but never shop there again, you may never see your money”. It’s important to understand the math behind the business. Big purchases like plane tickets are guaranteed to give you a substantial amount of cash back in just one bill while shopping for clothes once may not be enough to reach the minimum cashback threshold.

Keeping all this in mind, cashback sites can really help shoppers accumulate substantial savings in the long run, especially those who shop online often. If the bulk of your buys are made online, consider using a cashback site to help you stretch your dollar – you’ll have less problems sticking to your budget because of all the little savings. Results may not be as fast but slowly and surely your savings from discounts will increase.

Everyone’s Cashing In

The steady rise of cashback websites in South-East Asia marks a concrete change in the expectations of local consumers. Regular sales just aren’t enough anymore – people want bigger discounts, better deals and the best price possible for even small purchases. It’s a competitive market but no doubt a lucrative one, if cashback companies know how to manage consumer demands. It’s all about the extra mile now, with sleek user-friendly web designs and excellent customer service to cater to the growing number of shoppers interested in the concept. The challenge for these businesses is to differentiate themselves from others; to constantly renew and improve to stay ahead of competition and meet consumer needs.

The verdict’s out: Cashback websites are here to stay and both companies and consumers stand to benefit. With some foresight for companies and savvy discernment on the part of consumers, the e-commerce cashback industry looks set to get bigger and produce more impressive results. If you’re curious to find out more about cashback rebates, here’s an introductory video on how ShopBack works:

(This post is brought to you by Shopback Singapore)

Be Healthy And Save More Money With These Awesome Veggies And Fruits Hacks

Aside from growing your greens at the community garden, use these hacks to get more nutrition and more value for your dollar…

1. COOK OR EAT BROCCOLI FIRST

Since broccoli is one of the most perishable veggies, you can save more money by eating it first. In fact, by the time you reach home, it has lost 80% of its nutritional value. This is why you must buy broccoli by heads, keep it in the perforated plastic bag (i.e., available in the grocery), and put it in the refrigerator. You must eat this within two days upon purchase.

2. OPT FOR “BIG” CARROTS

Instead of buying “baby” carrots save more money by cutting your own “big” carrots in small sticks. Also, carrots can be internally hard to break down that is why it is best to cook the carrots to get most of the beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Kona Gallagher via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ShareAlike)

3. OPT FOR SMALLER AND DARKER TOMATOES

Unlike carrots, bigger tomatoes does not it is mean better. Tomatoes on the vine are more expensive too, but they do not give a huge advantage nutritionally. You can get more nutrition and save more money by choosing the smaller and darker (red) tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes minimally is healthier as it changes the Lycopene into a more Bioavailable form.

4. COOK THE KALE

Save money on medical expenses by cooking kale. Raw kale has high oxalic acid levels, which may lead to kidney stones, gout, muscle weakness, and thyroid problems. Steaming kale destroys the oxalic acid. Then, you may happily add it on your salads or smoothies.

5. PROLONG THE AVOCADO’S FRESHNESS

Did you know that avocado contains as much fiber as two bowls of oatmeal? Well, if you are left with half of this fibrous avocado, apply lemon juice or put a slice of raw onion on top to keep it from turning brown. With this hack, you can say farewell to brown and slushy leftover avocados.

Image Credits: threelayercake via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ND)

Sources: 1 & 2

Spend Under S$10 To Bring Back The Sparkle Of Your Jewelry

Letting your treasured necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other heirlooms shine again can cost you about $35-139.90. That is the hefty price you may pay if you want to purchase an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner. So..instead of getting expensive cleaning machines, professional cleaning services, or cleaning solutions, opt for practical Do-It-Yourself ways to clean your favorite bling! Here is how:

1. DIAMOND AND SILVER POTION

This mixture is exclusively for cleaning your precious diamonds and silvers. The ingredients are mostly available in your kitchen thus; you would not have to spend a lot.

Ingredients:

Small bowl

Aluminum foil

Paper towel

Old toothbrush

1-tablespoon salt

1-tablespoon baking soda

1-teaspoon dish detergent

1-cup hot water

Procedure:

Fill the small bowl with a square sheet of aluminum foil then, put the salt, baking soda, and dish detergent. Watch as the liquid buzz while you add the hot water. Afterwards, drop your jewelry there and leave it for 10 minutes. Once the minutes are up, remove the jewelry and use the toothbrush to gently scrub around any prongs, groves, or gemstones. Lastly, rinse and pat dry.

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

*Note: For Pandora’s jewelry, do not use this method as it may be considered too harsh. Instead, check out 3c. below.

2. GOLDEN POTION

One of the biggest reasons why your gold does not shine anymore is because it is filthy! Clean your gold jewelry the right way with this mixture. Much like the diamond and silver potion, ingredients for the gold mixture are available in your home.

Ingredients:

Toothpaste

Old Toothbrush

Soft cloth (dry)

Procedure:

Apply the toothpaste on the toothbrush and scrub the gold jewelry well. If you have a larger piece of gold to shine, repeatedly rinse off the toothbrush and use more toothpaste. Then, rinse it off with water. Lastly, get your soft cloth to dry it. Use circular motions to polish your golden jewelry!

3. OTHERS

a. White Vinegar

If white vinegar had a C.V., its skills would fill 1-2 pages. Yes! That is abundantly skilled this multi-purpose agent is. To clean your bling, mix a cup full of water with a half-cup of white vinegar and stir well. Put your silver pieces onto the mixture and leave it for 2 hours. Once the hours are up, remove the jewelry pieces then, rinse with cold water. Lastly, pat dry with a soft cloth.

Not bad for S$2.60 a pop (i.e., sold at FairPrice)!

b. Beer

A beer that costs you as low as S$3.10-4.50 (i.e., at FairPrice) can not only give you a fun time but also can give you back the shimmer of your jewelry! In a mug of beer, soak your jewelry overnight. On the next day, remove your jewelry and rinse it off in running water. Dry these up and be astonished on how shiny the pieces are!

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

c. Dish Soap

The dish soup sitting on your kitchen sink can also be used to bring back the shine from your jewelry pieces. This is a milder form of cleaning you sterling silver and it works well with your Pandora’s bracelet and charms. Simply add a few drops of the dish soap into a bowl of warm water and let your Pandora sit in it for a few minutes. Clean it with a soft bristle toothbrush if you like and pad them dry individually with a dry cloth. Make sure that if your charms is made of wood, leather or pearl, you should not use this method.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

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