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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Cord Cutting Could Help You Save Over $10,000 in 10 YearsHow cutting the cord can save you money and how those savings can grow over time.
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The '8-Year Rule of Social Security' — A Retirement RuleThe '8-Year Rule of Social Security' holds that it's best to be like Ike — Eisenhower, that is. The five-star General knew a thing or two about good timing.
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Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
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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.
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Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025Credit Cards If you're searching for a credit card that rewards you for everyday purchases, we've chosen the best.
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How to Spend $1,000: Find Cheap (or Free) Online Courses to Build Career SkillsSmart Buying There's a huge array of skill-building online courses that can level up your career for under $1,000.
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MoviePass is Relaunching. Should You Sign Up?Smart Buying The subscription discount movie card company has a checkered past and an army of disillusioned former cardholders. If you want to try the reboot, you’ll need to hurry.
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HBO Max Is Offering Huge DiscountsSmart Buying Looking for a streaming service deal? Warner Bros. Discovery is cutting the price of HBO Max.
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Are You Streaming Too Much? What the Discovery+/HBO Max Mashup MeansSmart Buying Fewer original scripted series? Maybe. And maybe it’s time to unsubscribe.
