savings

Credit Karma: FREE Credit Score, tools, & tips to help you understand your scores!

Abby H.

If you’ve followed my blog for some time, you know I am a big proponent of keeping an eye on your credit score.

I maintain a high credit score and keep my debt-to-income ratio low by using Credit Karma to monitor my scores with all three major credit bureaus.

I can check to see if there is anything on there that doesn’t belong and clear up any issues as soon as I see them.

It’s never too early  (or late) to start monitoring your credit.

Young adults should take a peek at their credit, and Credit Karma offers tips and tricks to help build their credit.  Good Credit is important- it’s the gatekeeper to so many things in life! Good credit gives you better access to better APRs for credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and lines of credit.

Regardless of your age, Credit Karma is here to help you FOR FREE!

  • Compare personalized offers for credit cards, loans and more without hurting your scores.
  • Get alerted when there’s an important change on your reports.
  • Learn what affects your credit scores and what you can do to improve them.
  • See personalized recommendations for ways to use your credit more wisely

Did you know that the recent FTC study found that over 20% of Americans, or 40 million credit reports, have reporting errors that are costing consumers money in credit card interest rates and loans?

Make sure that your credit report does not contain erroneous information that could be impacting your credit score. Keep tabs on your credit report activities and your score by signing up for free credit monitoring and score services like Credit Karma, so that you can easily protect your financial good standing.

 

 

Stocking up on Beverages for less with Cash Back Apps!

Abby H.
All of these drinks were free after rebates.

Last night I did a little rebate shopping. I went to Target and Sprouts, and it took less than 20 minutes between the two stores.

I’ve a beverage girl. I need at least 2 beverages at all times. One is water, but the second one needs to be functional. So, a protein coffee, a vitamin, or an electrolyte drink.

Recently, my favorite apps,  WeStock,  Social Nature, and Aisle all have had great rebates and deals on beverages and snacks.

The only one of these drinks I’ve had before was the Trip Calming beverage, and it was really good. I’m not a big adaptogen/mushroom person, but it was not at all earthy/mushroomy.

These drinks, the Heywell and Stur, were buy one, get one free. And since I need some back-to-school beverages, I picked them up. The Sturs will go into my lunch box, and the Heywells will get stashed in the fridge at work for mornings when I need a little extra pick-me-up.

If you haven’t checked out WeStock,  Social Nature, and Aisle yet, now is a great time. There are tons of offers available, and reimbursement is super easy and can be done from your phone in a matter of minutes.

These apps allow me to treat myself to something new and fun without breaking the bank. I pay with my Venmo debit card, and all of the apps pay via Venmo, so I’m able to roll my rebate money forward.

Merryfield- The app that rewards you for healthy eating!

Abby H.

Have you heard of Merryfield? It’s a cashback app that partners with healthy food brands (the complete list can be found here) to offer you cashback when you make purchases.

What I like about Merryfield is that it is not store-specific in most cases, but it does have a few store-specific deals.

The app also offers to automatically connect and scan your receipts from retailers, including Amazon, Instacart, Target, Walmart, Sprouts, Kroger, and Albertsons.

You can select specific offers to earn specific point values. See the picture with a few of the deals.

My favorite is that you can select from the list of brands here, make purchases, and receive points or cashback.

Points and cashback can be redeemed in the app for gift cards. Currently, there are 23 gift cards to choose from. Redemptions start at $5 (5000 points).

Here are just a few examples of the brands that Merryfield has partnered with and the value of their redemptions:

  • Alaffia 1 point per $1
  • Alice Mushrooms 5% cash back
  • Allagash 5% cash back
  • Amy’s Kitchen 1 point per $1
  • Applegate 5% cash back
  • Artisan Tropic 5% cash back
  • Athletic Brewing 1 point per $1
  • Barilla 5% cash back
  • Califia Farms 2.5% cash back
  • Canyon Bakehouse 1 point per $1
  • Caulipower 5% cash back
  • Cerebelly 1 point per $1
  • CLEAN Cause 5% cash back
  • Cleveland Kitchen 5% cash back

With over 80 brands partnering with Merryfield, there are sure to be brands that you regularly buy!

And as far as I know, you can combine offers on Merryfield with other apps and cash back rebates (such as  WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle) to maximize your savings.

To get started, search for Merryfield wherever you get apps. There is no referral code needed!

8/15/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s my last weekend before I head back to work, and the smaller kid heads back to school.

This week has been full of adjustments, including getting up at 5:45 each morning to get my big kid ready for high school.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:
FREE Sample of Kombat Klean Laundry Detergent
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Trust
FREE Sample of Zarbee’s Kids Triple Action Hydration Electrolyte Drink
FREE Valspar Paint or Stain Sample at Lowe’s
FREE Gillette Men’s Razor at CVS
FREE Pet Station Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Lancome La vie est belle Vanille Nude Fragrance Sample
FREE 20 oz. Starry or Starry Zero Sugar If It Hits 100°
FREE VCF Sample
FREE 16 oz. Monster Ultra at Pilot Flying J
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE Kerasal Nail and Foot Care Products
FREE Football Tic-Tac-Toe Board Craft Kit at JCPenney
FREE Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
FREE Brita Large Water Pitcher at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Café Tango Frozen Coffee Every Tuesday in August
FREE Jean Paul Gaultier Divine Elixir Fragrance Sample
FREE Gift from Target & ULTA Beauty – Fenty Beauty, Origins, BONDI BOOST or Divi
FREE Food & Beverage Products from the Nestle GoodNes Community
FREE 8-Pack of Post-It Notes at Staples
FREE Kraft Classic Ranch Dressing Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme on August 23rd
FREE Welch’s Juicefuls Fusions ReFUNd with Ripple Street
FREE $25 Purchase at Staples After Cash Back
FREE Movie Ticket to Eden
FREE Pumpkin Spice Latte Pup Cups at Petco on August 26th
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens – Last Day
FREE LYSOL Brand New Day Lavender & Cotton Blossom Disinfecting Wipes ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Chipotle IQ Test – Over $1 Million in FREE Chipotle
10 Ways to Save Big on Pet Food Delivery Services + Get Free Shipping
FREE Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea & Tick Cat Spray
FREE 4-Pack of OLIPOP Pineapple Paradise – 1st 500 at 3pm est Each Day
FREE 4-Pack of ProGo Protein & Energy Bars
FREE Hartz Delectables Kitten Treats
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Headband, Wallet & Finishers Medal

 

Deals:

23 Zara Fragrance Dupes that Smell Just Like Designer Perfumes
Cooks 30-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $50 (Reg $180)
Women’s Tees From $7.99 at Kohl’s
Two Days ONLY: 50% Off Women’s Sweatshirts at Old Navy
Save 20% on Walgreens Senior Day Each Month
Macy’s Jewelry up to 70% Off
JCPenney Scented Jar Candles ONLY $10 (Reg $26)
Step Into and Step Out In These Golden Goose Dupes
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
Papa Murphy’s Pizza Coupons and Promo Codes: 30% Off, $5 Off & More!
Up to 30% Off Select Shoes at Target
How to Save $100s with NEW brandSAVER Coupons Right From Your Phone
The Children’s Place: Up to 50% Off Entire Site + Extra 20% Off w/ Coupon
Kate Spade Madison Phone Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $199)
One Day Sale – Up to 60% Off Sitewide at Macy’s – Prices as Low as $4
Mainstays Albany Lane 6-Piece Outdoor Patio Dining Set ONLY $64 (Reg $109)
Dorm Move-In Essentials: 5 Must-Have Finds at Bed Bath & Beyond

8/1/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

My big kid starts high school on Monday! I’m not sure how I’m old enough for this to be happening.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE Whopper at Burger King with Walmart+
FREE Rubbermaid 40 pc. Food Storage Set at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
FREE JLo Limitless Fragrance Sample
FREE Sample Bag of IAMS Kitten Food
FREE Sample of Organifi Happy Drops Gummies
Free Chick-fil-A: The Chick-fil-A Hacks You Need to Know – Yes, It Includes FREE Chicken!
FREE Sample of CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday in May thru August
FREE $35 Purchase at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Kool-Aid Jammers Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Café Tango Frozen Coffee Every Tuesday in August
FREE Sample Bag of IAMS Puppy Food
FREE Food at SONIC Every Friday Through August 29th
FREE Rascals Diapers or Training Pants
FREE Art of Tea Premium Tea Sampler
Claim Cash in the $6.94 Million Vending Machine Class Action Settlement
FREE Hallmark Card Every Month
FREE Movie Tickets to Americana
FREE Full-Size Twist + Lick Dog Dental Gel
FREE Fries Every Day in August at Arby’s
FREE Wax Service at European Wax Center
FREE Sample of Hiccupops Hiccup-Stopping Lollipops
FREE Summer Wrap Up BOS Party Pack
FREE Pork Big Deal for Teachers at Sonny’s BBQ
FREE 2pk Better Homes & Gardens Glass Tumblers at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE 6-Piece Chicken Nuggets Every Wednesday at Wendy’s
FREE hello Deodorant Chatterbuy Kit

Deals:

The Children’s Place: Graphic Tees ONLY $3.99 (Reg $12)
DICK’S Sporting Goods Coupons & Promo Codes: 75% Off, $60 Off, 50% Off and More
Planet Fitness New Coupons & Promo Codes: Free Membership, $1 Enrollment, $10 Off & More
Ulta Coupon: $3 off $15
Grab These Best Shoe Deals on Sale For Women, Men & Kids, Up to 70% Off
15 Essential Costco Warehouse Savings Tips for Smarter Shopping
$6 Women’s and $4 Girls Leggings at Old Navy
Target 20% Off Coupon for Students & Teachers
Macy’s 10 Days of Glam Sale – 50% Off Top Beauty Deals
AAA Batteries 24-Pack ONLY $6.64 (Reg $16)
CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – 50% Off Prints, 50% Off Gifts & More
Crayola 24-ct Crayons ONLY 50¢ (Reg $1.49) at Target
Tarte Cosmetics Sets on Sale: Prices From $17
Score 3 Subway Footlong Subs for Only $17.99 with Coupon

8/1/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Back-to-School is upon us! We’ve got 2 weeks, but that means 2 weeks of shenanigans between all the school prep.

Here are a few ways that we will be having fun and being frugal:

  • The Summer Library Reading Program post can be found here.
  • Fun Free Summer Activities for Tweens and Teens here.
  • The Summer Movie Deals can be found here.
  • Don’t forget about Cheap Stuff to do with Tweens and Teens here.
  • Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025- More info here.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE $35 Purchase at Nike After Cash Back
FREE Up & Up Writing Item, $5 Off HeyDay or $5 Off Brightroom Storage for Target Circle 360 Members
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday in May thru August
FREE SPAM Norimaki Roll or SPAM Musubi at Kroger
FREE Chocolate Chunk Cookie at Insomnia Cookies
Teachers – Possible FREE Pets in the Classroom Grant
FREE $15 to Spend on Books at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Passport to Italy Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Cheesecake On a Stick at White Castle
FREE Sample of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay 2-in-1 Daily Cleanser
FREE Eau Thermale Jonzac Skincare Sample + FREE Shipping
FREE Café Tango Frozen Coffee Every Tuesday in August
2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at Walgreens (App Only)
FREE Full-Size Wuffes Daily Probiotic for Dogs – $39 Value
FREE BtNPN Deep Relief Patches
FREE Patches, Charms & More at Target on August 2nd & 3rd
FREE Sample of Vetality Brush-Free Daily Dental Chews for Dogs

 

Deals

Target has School Backpacks From $5
5-Piece Character Backpacks ONLY $17.99 at JCPenney
Backpacks From $5 at Walmart
Victoria’s Secret Panties 7 For $35
Yankee Candles Buy 2 Get 2 Free: 3-Wick & Large Candles
Save Big on Your Next Move with USPS Mover Coupons
Great Clips Coupons: Get Your Next Haircut for Less with Great Clips Coupons and Promo Codes
Famous Footwear Promo Codes & Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Shoes From Nike, Crocs and More!

August 2025: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  • Meatless Breakfast Patties by Nature’s Fynd
  • Gluten-Free Pasta by GOODLES
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • PURE Coconut Water by ZICO
  • Deluxe Mac & Cheese by GOODLES
  • Mental Performance Shots by Magic Mind
  • Organic Kombucha by Humm Kombucha
  • Italian Protein Pasta by BRAMI
  • Gluten-Free Cookies by Schär

Score Free Groceries with Rebates!

Abby H.

Rebates have been around forever.

I remember my grandmother doing rebates when I was a kid. However, nowadays, you don’t need to send in a form with proof of purchase/UPC and a receipt; most rebates can be completed online or via text.

Sometimes you get lucky and get 100% back rebates, making your item free. You will find a lot of those with apps and websites like:

Ripple Street has tons of reFUNd programs where you can buy a product and receive the purchase price back. These are only available via their app.

If you consume alcohol, check out BYBE.  It is available in most states. This app has rebates for beer, wine, and liquor.

Here are a few current rebates I found out about this week while starting my Back to school shopping:

July 2025: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  •  Gluten-Free Pasta by GOODLES
  • Organic Kombucha by Humm Kombucha
  • Mental Performance Shots by Magic Mind
  • Gluten-Free Cookies by Schär
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • Crumbled Tajín Feta Cheese by Athenos
  • Electrolyte Refreshers by Leisure Hydration

Free Frazil Fridays in June!

Abby H.

Free Frazil Friday is tomorrow!

Every Friday in June, you can score a free Frazil Slushy drink at a convenience store near you. To find your local participating location, click the link here.

 

There are lots of locations in Southern California- in fact I found two close to Legoland, which is where the kids and I are going tomorrow!