Shame on me for not posting in a while due to lack of time but these FREE savings programs deserve attention.  I just received my first check from Ebates and thought it was time to share the cash back savings with friends.

The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping and even CNN have discussed these savings programs so I thought it was time to give it a try.

I have known about programs like Ebates and Big Crumbs for a while and resisted — thinking it would be a hassle but that is just not so. It only takes 15 seconds to sign up for the FREE programs such as these and seconds to search for a retailer.  The good thing is they don’t want or need your personal information. This is not a gimmick, there are no points to redeem or rebate forms to fill out.  Just provide them with your email address as well as your mailing address in order for them to mail your check.

I got excited when I received my first check two days ago for $19.07. Not only did I save money with the cash back, I was also able to use coupons that I searched for on line at Retailmenot and also did a search for free shipping codes. I used a 20% off code on L.L. Bean and saved $35, got free shipping and earned $3.58 cash back into my Ebates account.

If you order items on-line or even airline tickets and are interested in keeping money in your pocket, then you really will be excited to use these programs.  I have mainly used Ebates and when Ebates does not represent my retailer of choice I go over to Big Crumbs.

How does a program like this work…

Sites such as Ebates and Big Crumbs provides its members with access to shopping at its featured retailers’ websites via links to the retailer.  When the retail link is clicked, you are transferred to the chosen retail website.  The retailers, then pay a referral commission to either Big Crumbs or Ebates and they in turn pay members. Give it a try before your next on-line purchase…

• Go to Ebates and sign up
• Search your preferred retailer
• Click on the link and you are taken to retail site of choice
• Place your order and your account will be credited on Ebates

Get your family involved – I have also shared my password with my daughter and husband so that they can run their purchases through my account. I order a good bit from Ebay and if you do, make sure that you go through Ebates to make your bid offer and later back to Ebates for your final payment if you win the bid. It may sound time consuming but it really is just a matter of clicking on a link to get to your desired site. You will be surprised at how easy it works.

For extra earnings, check out the cash back referral program on each site and share with your friends via email,  facebook and twitter.  If you use one of my links here for Ebates you get a $5 sign up bonus and I will also get a $5 referral from Ebates. Big Crumbs offers a commission every time a referral makes a purchase.

Note:  You can shop at over 1000 stores including eBay, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Overstock.com, Walmart, Kohl’s and Home Depot. Plus you get additional savings with exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales!  There are some really exciting deals going on between now and the end of the year.

I hope you give these programs a try.  Once you make your first order and start seeing your cash back add up, you will be forever hooked. It is time for all of us to become “smart shoppers.”  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.