How to Shop Online and Get Money Back

If you're not using rebate sites when you shop online, you're paying too much! In case you're not familiar with these sites, they're basically shopping portals--when you shop through them (by clicking on a link to OldNavy.com through their site, for instance, rather than going directly to OldNavy.com), you get cash back. (What's in it for the rebate sites: They get a commission when you shop through them, too.) Some of our favorite rebate sites: Ebates.com, the best-known site, offers cash back from over 1200 stores, and has coupon codes and printable coupons as well. Your cash back is sent to you as a check or via Paypal four times a year. FatWallet works much the same way, but they have 800 merchant partners and process rebates weekly, using a check or Paypal (once you've earned at least $10 back). Mr. Rebates works with over 2000 stores and you cash out at $10. At MyPoints, earn points from shopping (and by doing other online activities like taking surveys) that you can redeem for gift cards.

Other rebate sites allow you to donate cash back to a good cause...

Upromise helps save for college. The money you earn builds up in your Upromise account until you're ready to invest it (in a 529 plan or in some other way; you can also request a check or use the money to pay down student loans). Invite family and friends to help and the money they earn goes to your account too. The Greater Good network includes the stores of many charity sites you may already be familiar with (like The Animal Rescue Site and The Hunger Site). At iGive, select your cause (or add a new one) and a portion of each purchase you make through a retailer in the iGive Mall (there are over 700 stores, including the biggies like Amazon and Best Buy) will be donated to it.