The picks below are part of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s annual Best List, a roundup of the best values in all the areas we cover – from funds, stocks and ETFs to credit cards and bank accounts to cars, college, kid stuff, phone plans, travel and health. Discover all our Best List picks here.
Website for cash back
Create a free account at eBates.com, then click on any of the site’s more than 2,000 retail partners, recently ranging from Amazon to Zulily. How much you’ll earn back depends on how much you spend and where you shop. For example, eBates recently offered 1% back on Best Buy purchases and up to 10% back at Expedia. You’ll receive a check or PayPal payment every three months as long as you’ve earned more than $5.
Single-store app
Target’s Cartwheel app helps you save on everything from food to clothing to health-and-beauty aids. Download the app to your phone, then scan the bar codes of items at the store as you add them to your cart to find and select app-only savings offers. Display the Cartwheel bar code on your phone at checkout to claim your savings.
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Multi-store app
ShopSavvy helps you quickly spot better prices at other retailers while you’re out shopping. Use your phone to scan the bar codes of items you’re planning to purchase, and the app will show you how much each item costs at local stores and online retailers. You’ll also see reviews from other shoppers.
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Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Taxes on Social Security Benefits?Quiz Social Security benefits often come with confusing IRS tax rules that can trip up financially savvy retirees and near-retirees.
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Are You Ready for 65? The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period QuizQuiz Turning 65 soon? Test your basic knowledge of Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) rules in our quick quiz.
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Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
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Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
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The Sweet 23: States Where Twix and Kit Kat Avoid the ‘Candy Tax’State Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween, and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
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Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025Sales Taxes The new tax-free holiday in Florida brought month-long savings on computers, clothing and other school supplies.
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Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop Amazon's Prime Big Deal DaysSmart Buying Are Amazon Prime Big Deal Days still a good deal? We'll break it down.
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Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
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How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
