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free shopping resource & $250 RetailMeNot giveaway

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RetailMeNot.  All opinions and experiences shared are, as always, honest and my own.

It’s that time of year.  Along with the decorating and baking and parties, there is shopping.  (And wouldn’t it be nice to win an extra $250 VISA gift card to spend on some of those expenses?  Scroll down to enter the giveaway.)

And not just present shopping, but the-boys-have-a-Christmas-concert-and-need-black-pants-and-a-white-dress-shirt shopping and Calvin-needs-a-new-pair-of-of-winter-gloves shopping and the-heel-on-my-favorite-pair-of-boots-is-flapping-so-it’s-time-to-look-for-a-new-pair shopping.  (I am planning on getting them repaired as well, but they have worked hard for many years and they are looking tired.)

Believe it or not, I don’t particularly enjoy months with lots of shopping.  Drop me in the middle of an antique market and shopping is my favorite, but drop me in the middle of a busy mall during the holidays and it’s definitely not.  I also get a little stressed trying to fit it all into our budget.

I shared a few years ago that we worked through Dave Ramsey’s baby steps and paid off ALL of our non-mortgage debt (including cars and student loans) and now we live by a set, cash-only budget, so we can continue to work towards our financial goals and not wonder where our money went all the time.

A part of sticking to that budget, is stretching our dollars by shopping smart.  For me, that means buying most of my furniture second-hand, buying things with potential that others might overlook, shopping sales, and using coupon codes.

A site I’ve been using for quite a while as a coupon code/sale resource is RetailMeNot. (And before we get too far into this and you feel like I’m trying to sell you something, let me just get this out of the way – this is a FREE site to use.  So, this is just about saving money.  Read on…)

As I shared at the beginning, one of our expenses this month was Christmas concert clothes for the boys.  That means white button-down shirts, black pants, and black shoes.  So, I hopped over to RetailMeNot to see what kind of sales and coupon codes were available.  I zeroed in on GAP pretty quickly, since they make the uniform pants and shirts the boys wear to school and there was an active Old Navy/GAP coupon code for 20% off sitewide (including sales).

I popped over to GAP, picked out the clothes they needed, along with some new uniform clothes, and comfy sweatpants for Marshall (his were looking like capri pants).  I ended up saving $31.93 with the coupon code.

As I’ve been exploring RetailMeNot more for this post, I learned about the “Genie“.  It’s an extension you can add to your internet browser and when you check out online, click it, and it will automatically find the best coupon code for you and even stack ones that can be used together.  You can even earn cash back on those purchases.  And it’s not pennies on the dollar, but more like dimes on the dollar AND they are actual dollars that get deposited in your PayPal account.  I earned $20 cash back for a purchase at Macy’s that was under $200.

Here’s what the Genie looks like in action.  I put the items in my cart (a new pair of boots and some cosmetics), clicked the Genie button, and saved $73.65 off my purchase, plus earned $20 cash back.

 

And here is how the total was broken down…

I picked these Rockport Boots from Macy’s

And, if you’re one of those people who love milling around in a mall, there is a RetailMeNot App that will alert you to deals and coupons that can be scanned at checkout.

Now, for the giveaway…

RetailMeNot is offering a $250 VISA gift card to one lucky winner.  To enter the giveaway, click HERE to sign up for RetailMeNot (again, it’s completely free), browse their website for today’s deals, and comment back on this post with the deal you’re excited to use for holiday shopping this year!  (I spotted 20% off at World Market and 20% off one item at Best Buy!)  

The giveaway will end Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at midnight PST, and a winner will be chosen and announced by Thursday, December 21.

Good luck and happy bargain shopping!

 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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289 Responses

  1. Best Buy!

    Btw I’ve used this site before, but had never heard of the genie. I look forward to putting it to use. Thanks

    1. Yeah, I had never heard of that, either! It doesn’t work with every site, but for the sites it is compatible with, it’s awesome! I also hadn’t heard of the cash back and how that works, so I was pretty excited about that, too.

  2. I’m excited for the Canadian Retailmenot site! Now I can help my Mom in Canada save $ too.

  3. $10 Cash Back when you spend $50 at Macy’s. A pair of new boots would be awesome! I also love the Genie tip. I’ll check that out as well. Thanks, Merry Christmas!!

  4. I want to get my husband a new Blu-ray player, and the coupon for Best Buy is perfect!

    AND, I would love to see the outside of your house, but understand the need for your privacy. I wish you would do a painting of that!

  5. Definitely the $25 cash back at LL Bean, because their stuff never goes on sale and I need a few cozy flannel shirts for the winter months ahead!

    1. must say that LLB has sales very frequently – I always get their emails – and cash coupons when you use their charge card

  6. I adore Miss Mustard Seed ideas and RetailMeNot deals! Would love me some barstools from World Market! Thanks 🙂

  7. Macy’s $10 cash back or 40% off Chico’s – need something to wear to 2 weddings in the next few weeks! Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    1. They are Rockport. I just got them and they are very comfortable! I haven’t worn them out all day, but I am very pleased with them out of the box. I think there is a link to them, in the post. If not, they are called the Rockport Women’s Christy tall boots.

  8. You cant go wrong with cash back from Amazon, but I also live pj’s from Old Navy for my littles.

  9. Saw this on buzz feed but I didnt take time to read it Thank you much as Lancome and American Eagle offers caught my eye and yes some stylish boots as well 250.00 is very generous

  10. Oh how I wish I had known about this earlier! I shop at Amazon all the time, and have two teen grands that had American Eagle on their wish list for Christmas. I would definitely use those offers! Amazon is having a 12 Day of Deals….nice! I signed up for both RetailMeNot and Genie.

    1. Yeah, I didn’t know about the Amazon deals, either. I didn’t buy anything, but it’s a nice place to check for bargains.

  11. The deal I am excited to use for holiday shopping is Express 40% Off Everything Online & In Store. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

  12. I would love to use a Macy’s discount because the Macy’s in Hagerstown closed down last year. Also, I’ve never heard of the genie either. Thanks!

  13. Would love to have % off at Amazon Kitchen, need so many things I do not have, for good nutrition cooking! I signed up for RetailMeNot, looking forward to it! Merry Christmas, MMS Marian, thanks for this great opportunity.

  14. Gosh, thank you. I am going to use that. I don’t know what I would buy. It’s been so long since I bought anything but supplies for my shows, I would have great fun.

  15. Rack Room Shoes! I’m a slave to consistency and I buy new work shoes at the first of every year. Rack Room Shoes always has my go-to brand/style.

  16. The Cuisinart cookware deal on Amazon caught my eye. I had not heard of the Genie feature, either.

  17. WOW, I wish I had known about RetailMeNot and the Genie before I started Christmas shopping. However, I did see several things on Amazon that I can order to finish my Christmas list. Thank you for the info.

  18. I plan to run this through all my purchases from now on. I Love to save money! Especially Macy’s and World Market.

  19. I’m always using coupons so this site seems to offer a lot that I would use. I will certainly check out the Genie, too. Thanks for posting.

  20. I am looking forward to using the $10 off $50 at Christmas Tree Hill. I can always find things there!!

  21. $25 off $150 at IKEA? That never happens. Good deals on Guft Cards for last minute Christmas presents.

  22. not expecting to be doing shopping this holiday season; our baby will be arriving any day, so we’re having a very chill Christmas season this year. i’m delighted to learn about retailmenot’s genie though to use in the future!

  23. i am most excited out the express 40% off everything in store and online! wow. what a great deal. never would have known that was happening without retailmenot!

  24. WOW! I had NO clue about this site. I just signed up and made a purchase for a gift. :O Awesome.
    I am really excited that the gift cards have a percentage off when you buy them. I always give some as gifts so I am going to save some money now.
    Thanks.
    Happy Holidays!
    Email–> amyjaneheffernan(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  25. Love your blog! You are consistently amazing!
    I spotted some great deals on Amazon for Garden of Life spray vitamins and a 2 for 1 deal for my Asutra Magnesium Oil Spray! ( both products are A+ in all ways and truly work!)

    Have a blessed Christmas!

    graciously,
    Cathy B

  26. I’ll admit I’m not very technology literate, but this sounds awesome…and easy. Thanks for the information!

  27. I got lost! So much to choose! Love the 30% from kohls, but I found Hobby Lobby!!! This could turn into a very bad thing! 😉

  28. 10$ cashback LuLulemon plus. A 7% off gift card which I was planning to get my sons girlfriend! I had never heard of the site and look forward to sharing with friends, thank you Marian!

  29. Signed up! I have never heard of that site and I’ll use it for sure. I do all my shopping online. I love the boots you got from Macy. I would use so many of them but I saw one for Macy’s for 25% off I would use.

  30. Oh my goodness, too many deals to choose only one! Thanks for turning us onto this site.

  31. Ok, well I must be technically challenged but I wold like to try Amazon. Trying to do the Genie thing!!! Would love to win!

  32. Oh how I wish I knew about this a few weeks ago! Even Amazon is on there. I did almost all my shopping on line this year and it sure would have helped! Thanks for the post. I’ll be sure to go there first from now on!

  33. I can see using this deal at shoes.com or Macy’s to purchase new boots for my husband and myself!

  34. How wonderful to have more ways to save and share with others, I hadn’t heard of this before, thank you for sharing.
    I’m having a bit of trouble signing up tonight, but when I get home tomorrow I’m going for it! Love all the places to shop that offer this, now can’t wait to use it and share with my friends!!!

  35. 25% off laptops from Lenovo. I bought a laptop for my son for college, and he loves it. I’ve ben wanting to find a tablet for myself so this might be a good chance.

  36. The Amazon deal is amazing! Every year my boss gives me a really nice Amazon gift certificate and it just about holds me over for the entire year for all sorts of necessity items. It’s run out early this year, so I’d like to get some of my necessity items using the Amazon deal (shampoo/conditioner, some skin care stuff, supplements for me and my kitty!). I did not know about the Genie app, that is wonderful and I’ll be downloading that once I get to my home computer! Thanks Marian!

  37. Amazon has quickly become very convenient for me…also someone who does NOT like shopping malls and large crowds. World Market is also a favorite.

  38. I was introduced to Retailmenot about six months ago by a sales associate at Bath and Body Work. Last night I introduced it to my husband when I saved 20% at Old Navy as we were Christmas shopping!

  39. Amazon is such a great help to me with shopping all year long! I love World Market, too. Merry Christmas!

  40. I’d use the 20% off at Barnes & Noble. Thanks for the info on RetailMeNot and Genie. I will definitely use it!

  41. Wow, I just signed up and added the app to my phone – i cant decide between the Old Navy, Micheal’s or Amazon deals. We’re Dave Ramsey people too, so extra cash and savings is always welcome!

  42. Etsy– 90% discount at one shop on certain items! I’ll be using that and browsing around. Thanks!

  43. What a wonderful time of the year…I love Macy’s for a great buy on luggage. And Kate Spade for the cutest handbags ever!!! Thanks for the chance to add to the holidays….MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

  44. I LOVE to save money, so I will for sure be using the Kohl’s and Macys. Thanks for the tip!!!

  45. JoS A Banks suit sale. My son in law has accepted a call at a church and I’m on the look out for some suits for him!

  46. Like you, this Christmas is not just about buying gifts. Hoping to help my daughter outfit her new apartment with some good “scores”. Amazon, World Market, Target…. the list goes on! I would also like to buy a few items for a local toy drive in my town. That would really put a smile on my face– providing for those that cannot provide for themselves.

  47. I have been a fan of retail me not for a few years! Going to look in to the Lands End deal & Kohls as well. Love those boots!!! Thank you!

  48. So many deals! Love the Forever 21 deal for my teen and 30% of Legos at Toys R Us for my little guy.

  49. I love all the extra savings with Retail Me Not! I was in the Gap Outlet on Black Friday and they had great deals plus a Retail Me Not coupon!!! I bought 1 pair of jeans, 3 long sleeve shirts, a sweater, a puffy vest, and 3 pair of fingerless gloves for $62.00! Not kidding. I let everyone know in line to pull up the app and grab the extra discount. Some people knew about it and others didn’t!

  50. Thanks for sharing this site, Marion. I have never used it before! I’m having a grand baby in a few months, so shopping at Babies R Us will be great!! I also use Amazon a lot!

  51. Thank you for this giveaway. Since most of my shopping is done on Amazon, this was an easy choice for me!

  52. I love RetailMeNot.com! I have used it for years. I never finish an online purchase without checking their site for discount or free shipping codes. I had no idea about the Genie. I am intrigued by your boots, so that’s one vote for Macy’s. And I have a phone to buy at best buy or Amazon, so I’m interested in those too. Thanks for the chance.
    The Other Marian

  53. Hi Marian, Merry Christmas, thanks for this post. I like the cash back deal for Amazon.com, up to $10 if you spend $80. I signed up with them too.

  54. Wow, never heard of this site, thank you for the wonderful tip! I spotted deals for Hobby Lobby that I am anxious to check out!

  55. Signed up and Love the 30% off at Toys R Us on LEGO construction toys. Will definitely be using that.

  56. Amazon and Macy’s! My birthday is next month and I have my eye on a coat at Macy’s and a couple of books on Amazon. Such a great site, love Retail me Not!

  57. My hisband & I are doing Dave Ramsey’s financial peace univercity right now and living it! We already see an improvement in our finances by doing the cash envelope system. I would shop at Amazon or Kohls.

  58. I don’t know what I want yet, lol. I’m still looking at all the deals and still trying to find out what to give for gifts for husband and daughter.
    Love your house and all your Christmas decor!!

  59. Amazon, hands down! We buy everything at Amazon and the prices are great but I am thrilled to find a source for coupons and cash back! I seriously didn’t think shopping Amazon could get better but you did it!

  60. After all the holiday shopping I would treat myself to some new grey boots… mine have a flat tire as well 😉

  61. Hello. Check out Ebates.com. I use it for all my online shopping, and now they have it so you can use a code for in store shopping as well. I’ve made $200.00+ just for shopping, and you still get any store coupons or sales such as the Macy’s example you showed. Usually it is 3%-12% cash back and you can get the $ in a check or other way if prefferred. Just a tip!
    Your house looks beautiful by the way! Hope you and your family have a joyous Christmas and a Happy, healthy New Year!

  62. This is AWESOME! Love all of the deals and codes, perfect for shopping for the holidays or any time of the year. I signed up and LOVE the $25 off of a purchase of $75 at Bath and Body Works!

  63. What a great way to save money! I love your boots and I really need some new clothes. I would choose the coupons from Belk, Kohl’s, or Macy’s. Thanks!

  64. My microwave needs to be replaced so I am interested in Best Buy and that will be my Christmas present. Thank you for such a great giveaway.

  65. I love retailmenot.Com! I found a great coupon that sanded me a lot of money on a pr of new glasses but I also have some Amazon shipping to do so….

  66. Papa johns at 50% off? Hello…my favorite food then of course Hobby Lobby. Love you can save the standard 40% BUT also earn cash back!

  67. I’m addicted to shopping at old navy so the $15 off $50 is an awesome deal! Live their clothes and I can always find a bargain!

  68. I noticed that sporting goods store… that makes me blush every time I have to say the name. Lol I’m sure I could outfit these twin 6 year old boys out with their winter gear for the cold Colorado snow days AND make the whole thing of “twins are double the fun” …. aka… double the expense….I strive to make that money stretch as much as possible!

  69. Target, Old Navy, Amazon! I see a long day of couch shopping in my near future! Thanks for the chance to win!

  70. Most of my online shopping is at Amazon so I’m excited to see coupons for their site. Love World Market so will have to check that out, too.

  71. Just signed up and already used the Bath and Body Works coupon! My mom loves their soaps and lotions, so I just got her Christmas gift taken care of!

  72. Macy’s and Carter’s coupon codes are super exciting for this Christmas season! Thanks for flying me into the Retailmenot website, this is a neat tool.

  73. I’m excited about $10 off $20 at Bath & Body Works. That’s always a place I like to shop at Christmas and stock up for the year. Thanks for the chance to win!

  74. Love Retailmenot and have used it for coupon codes for a long time! Never knew about the Genie. I’ve been using Ebates.com for cash back which sounds very similar. I just love a good deal 🙂

  75. I would like the $15 off $50 at Old navy. I use Retail me not when I go shopping. Excited about the cash back. I did not know

  76. I’ve never shopped at world market before so I’m excited to try and hopefully not spend too much!

  77. I’ll be using the Barnes and Nobles 25% off to buy a toy for my son! So glad I stumbled across your post today! God bless and Merry Christmas!

  78. Amazon, Target, and Macy’s would be high on my list, especially with coupons!! Thanks for a great tutorial on using RetailMeNot.

  79. The 20% off my purchase at ducks sporting goods is a code I’ll use for a birthday I have coming up right after Christmas… great deal!

  80. I’ve saved money using retailmenot already on TinyPrints and Shutterfly this year! I’d use it to save more there for additional phot oops. Of course Amazon, BBY and LLBean are favorites too. I’ve signed up now and with your post, I’ll check out that Genie plugin!

  81. I’d probably use the 50% off Papa John’s more than anything. Not a lot of time for cooking as it gets busier each day.

  82. Thanks for this informative post Marian…wish I had read it before I made purchases at Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, but maybe I just need to shop a little be more :). Looking forward to using the Genie App. Many Christmas blessings to you and your sweet family from Texas!! B

  83. Thank you for sharing. I have always been wary of that site, but just signed up and it looks good! I do 95% of my shopping online, so I will try this out. The discount that caught my eye today was 10% off at Expedia-that could really save some money for a family vacation.

  84. I am a grandfather and couldn’t afford a Christmas present for my wife of 25 years this year. I would LOVE to give her this prize to use on the 70% off at Amazon.

  85. I’d use the 50% off and an extra 20% off code for Gap! I’m already a retailmenot subscriber too but didn’t know about the Genie. Thanks for the great chance!

  86. What an awesome offer! I would use Amazon cash back since I do most of my online shopping there.

  87. $10 off $30 at bath and body works bc i cannot get enough peppermint candles!

    i have loved retailmenot for years but i had never heard of the genie. so awesome!

    love your boots.

  88. We need another cozy throw for our living room on these chilly northern Michigan evenings – we keep the house pretty cool! And Pier 1 has a yummy one that we could afford with the coupon! I signed up on RetailMeNot!

  89. Wow – love a deal! I signed up and already shopped at charlotterusse.com. I used a coupon code and will get cash back too. Thanks

  90. I like that Macy’s coupon for the dishes, serveware, and ornaments. They have lots of red and white dishes that can be used any time and who doesn’t always end up buying more ornaments???

  91. I love Retailmenot! That 20% off coupon code for Barnes and Noble is perfect to buy my Dad some new books just in time for Christmas!

  92. Oh, my goodness….to many to choose from! Gap, Old Navy or Amazon…cannot make up my mind…Christmas budget is pretty low this year, so bargains are really needed! Still need to do shopping! Thanks for sharing this offer…and have a wonderful Christmas!!!

  93. We also worked through Dave Ramsey’s baby steps and paid off all of our non mortgage debt as well. It has been life changing! Since Christmas shopping can be a budget breaker, a few years back I set-up a “Christmas” club savings account wherein a specific amount is deposited each month throughout the year. It matures at the beginning of December just in time for Christmas shopping! Happy New Year Marian!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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