7 Easy Ways Stay-at-Home Moms Can Save Money While Shopping (Without Giving Up the Things You Love)
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When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I knew we’d be cutting back financially—but I didn’t realize how much of my stress would come from simply buying everyday things. Groceries, diapers, birthday gifts, random Amazon orders—it all added up fast.
I used to feel guilty every time I spent money, even when it was on things we genuinely needed. So I started looking for smart, realistic ways to stretch our budget. I didn’t want to live on rice and beans or cancel every little joy. I just wanted to be more intentional with our spending—and keep a little breathing room in our bank account.
That’s when I discovered a few tools that completely changed how I shop.
Here are 7 websites and apps that help me (and can help you too!) save money on almost everything—without sacrificing the things you love.
1. Ibotta — Cash Back on Groceries and More
If you’re already buying groceries, diapers, or household supplies, Ibotta is a no-brainer. It gives you cash back for uploading receipts or linking store loyalty cards. You can even get money back on online orders through the app.
Why I love it: I use Ibotta every time I shop at Target or Walmart. Just upload your receipt, and money shows up in your account—like magic.
2. Rakuten — Easy Cash Back on Online Shopping
If you’re shopping online (Amazon, Old Navy, Sephora—you name it), Rakuten gives you cash back just for clicking through their site first. No coupons, no receipt scanning. Just click, shop, and save.
Why I love it: It’s passive. I installed the browser extension, and it pops up whenever a site offers cash back.
3. Honey — Finds the Best Coupon Codes Automatically
Honey is a browser extension that applies the best promo codes at checkout. It also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold that you can redeem for gift cards.
Why I love it: I’ve saved money on everything from shoes to birthday decorations—and I didn’t have to Google a single coupon code.
Tip: It works especially well with Amazon—Honey will even tell you if there’s a better price from another seller!
4. TopCashback — Higher Payouts, No Minimums
TopCashback partners with tons of online retailers and often offers higher cash back percentages than Rakuten or others. There’s also no minimum payout—you can cash out whenever.
Why I love it: It’s perfect for those big-ticket baby purchases. I used it for a car seat and got nearly $15 back!
Tip: Always compare rates between this and Rakuten to see who’s offering more before you shop.
5. BeFrugal — Coupons + Cash Back in One
BeFrugal offers both cash back and coupon codes, so it’s like Honey and Rakuten combined. You can withdraw earnings via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards.
Why I love it: The cash back guarantee—if you find a higher rate elsewhere, they’ll match it.
Tip: Add the BeFrugal extension to your browser to make sure you never miss a deal.
6. Swagbucks — Save While You Shop, Search, or Even Watch Videos
Swagbucks gives you points (called SB) for doing small online tasks—shopping, answering surveys, watching videos, even searching the web. You can redeem them for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Why I love it: It feels like free money. I use it for things I’m already doing and cash out every few weeks.
Tip: Combine Swagbucks with other tools like Honey or Rakuten to stack your savings.
7. RebatesMe — Newer, But Rewarding
RebatesMe is similar to Rakuten or TopCashback but sometimes offers better rates or unique store deals. They also have a $10 sign-up bonus when you reach the minimum cash back threshold.
Why I love it: The interface is super simple, and it’s a nice way to double-check if I’m getting the best deal.
Tip: Use it for international or specialty retailers—RebatesMe partners with stores others don’t.
Final Thoughts
Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean you have to settle for financial stress or give up all the little joys that make your day brighter. These websites and apps help me shop smarter—not harder—and that’s made a big difference in how I feel about our money.
Saving even $5 here and there adds up fast. And the best part? I can do it all from my phone, during nap time.
So go ahead—try one or two of these tools, and keep that extra money in your pocket. You’ve earned it.