Getting Started

First, don't be overwhelmed by the number and various types of sites!  If you look closer, you'll see that everything is very straightforward and you can opt to follow only one or two of these strategies and still see results.

If you are confused by anything described in the blog, here is a rundown of the majority of the products I'll cover:

**PURCHASES**************

1. Deal Sites:  It's really Black Friday EVERY day.  Regularly updated bargain-blogs that list some of the best sales on the web.  Some of them are genre specific (i.e. electronics) while others cover a range of merchandise and/or services.
   
   
2. Cash Back/Rewards:  Get paid to spend.  When you click on a link to a merchant's website (i.e. Target.com, BestBuy.com) and make a purchase, the host site for that link gets commission on the sale.  Cash Back Sites SHARE some of that commission with you.  All you have to do is 1) Click a Cash Back Site's link to the retailer rather than going directly, then 2) make your purchase!  Your cash back credits automatically.  Individual Cash Back Sites offer different cash back rates for different stores, so sign up at multiple (it's FREE) to make sure you use the one with the highest return for your particular purchase!
   
   
3. Coupons:  Whenever you see that little blank asking for one at online checkout, just assume there's one out there.  Various sites post regularly updated success rates for little-known promotional/coupon codes.  I'll list the best sites for both codes and printable coupons here.
   
   
4. Credit Cards:  Find a card that will give you the most bang for your buck (If you don't carry a balance).  I'll use this heading to highlight the best in credit card cash back and rewards programs.  Also, I'll share some little-known benefits which all major card holders are entitled to. 

**EASY MONEY**************

1. Online Rewards:  Get paid to search, receive emails, you name it.
   
   
2. Focus Groups:  Got 20 minutes? There could be $50 in it for you.  Marketing companies pay good money for just a few minutes of your time and your opinion.  Better yet, they usually pay you immediately.  Many studies can even be done from the comfort of your home.  (I'm going to use the term "focus group" broadly here, so other marketing studies like surveys may fall under this heading as well.)
   
   
3. Freebies:  Who doesn't like free stuff?  I'll try not to post anything trinkety, but if McCormick & Schmick's gives away $25 gift certificates again (Yes, they've really done it at least a few times before), you'll be the first to know =)
   

If you combine these strategies, I promise you'll notice some serious changes in your financial life.  Spend less, afford more.  It's that simple.