This post is sponsored by RetailMeNot.
Now that Dash is in kindergarten, one of the first things we celebrated was not having to write a check every month for preschool. I, of course, immediately transferred savings and had us remodeling our bathroom in no time, but here’s the thing about kids: they get more expensive as they grow. And a little money leftover in one area tends to send a secret message to a need somewhere else that suddenly reveals itself. End of diapers savings passed the torch to the beginning of preschool monthly payments, and now preschool savings will pass the torch to orthodontic needs and extracurricular activities that might as well just be advertised with “Give Me Your Wallet” signs.
(loving lacrosse, but gear isn’t cheap!)
That said, we know the drill (hang on a little longer, bathroom dreams!) and foresee certain times of the year as more expensive, and back-to-school is definitely one of them. Not only do our kids need school supplies, but we tend to update their wardrobes a little this time of year, buying the next size up (we are finally out of 5T in this house!) as well as paying sign-up fees for activities and purchasing necessary equipment.
The good thing about all this is that I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I’ve learned many tools and tricks that help us save money. I’m good at finding deals, “free shipping” is my love language, and I get a rush of adrenaline handing my phone to a cashier and watching them scan a discount code that knocks $7 off my bill. We’ve used RetailMeNot (I have the app on my phone) many times to hunt for deals, coupons and promo codes we may have missed, but this year they’ve upped their savings game by doing even more deal hunting work so you don’t have to. As usual, you can save up to 70% off clothing, electronics, school supplies (lots of Staples deals!) and more at your favorite shops; but now RetailMeNot offers Genie, a new browser extension you can install (quick and easy, you can add it here) so that the promotions and coupon codes are automatically found, combined and applied at checkout. This is great for easily distracted people who get all excited about a great promo code but then finish checking out only to realize they forgot the very promo code that sealed the deal. I mean, not that that’s ever happened to me, but…you know, a friend.
So, this is what it looks like–you’re shopping on the site of a favorite store, and a little Genie message pops up to let you know RetailMeNot found savings they can apply at checkout. You click “apply,” and boom–nothing more to do at checkout to earn your savings.
We used RetailMeNot to find Dick’s Sporting Goods deals for Lainey’s lacrosse (oh my gosh, the uniform, the mask, the stick, the mouth guard, the practice ball, the little drawstring sports bag she wanted to carry everything–so many things!) and saved $20 plus free shipping.
We’ve also found great deals on Best Buy, Macy’s and more through RetailMeNot.
Over time, these savings add up. They help us pay dentist bills and transfer to swim lessons, vacation funds and impromptu ice cream dates on Saturday afternoons.
If you want to try the new RetailMeNot Genie extension, RetailMeNot is offering a $500 Visa Gift Card to one lucky winner. To enter for the chance to win, visit RetailMeNot.com/Genie and install the free browser extension. Then visit your favorite online store and comment on this post with the discount you’re most excited to use.
I’m so excited for many of the stores! Although target and Amazon will be used the most!
I’m excited about the target discounts!
Carter’s for my grandson. I’m also expecting a granddaughter in January, so I’m already buying all the dresses, bloomers and hairbows. ????
Boys lacrosse is crazy expensive…the helmet alone is over $200!
I have a friend up north who said she just paid over $2000 to sign her daughter up for lacrosse! Middle school! I was like WHAT?!?!?
Amazon!!!!
I have a list of things I have been needing to order from Amazon so the $10 off a $50 purchase sounds great.
Oh, Target! All things dance 15% off and the way the middle child goes through leotards and tights mama needs this!
Target and amazon!!!
Target! So many good things at such good style!
HAHAHAHAHA try equine sports and then talk to me about expensive.
Not that I need another reason to shop at Target but… ????????
Target will be my favorite discount to use!
I, too, have a little one who is moving out of 5T. I’ll use RetailMeNot for clothing purchases, such as Old Navy.
Definately Carters and Amazon!
All the Target things!
Old Navy! From my hubby to my grand babies and everyone in between RetailMeNot always saves me money!!
Amazon to send things for Timmy daughter in private college
We listen to a lot of audiobooks around here – good for road trips and background for less intensive homework sessions – so am excited to get a discount on audible.com!
Could of used this when I was online shopping yesterday! I’ve always checked retailmenot before checking out anywhere.. but the genie part.. whoa! How awesome! Thank you!
Savings is needed with 4 kids in the swim team, 3 softball players, a volleyball player, 2 gymnasts.. and all those other activities that start in the spring!
Thanks for this! It’s so convenient to shop online instead of lugging two children to the store. I’m excited for the Amazon discounts!
*sigh!* Wish RetailMeNot was available in Canada!
bed bath and beyone 20 percent of of one item i love this genie saves me so much money
Kohl’s! I rarely shop there, but I happen to have some Kohl’s cash that I need to use soon, and my son needs a new winter coat!
Madewell! Great discounts at so many of the other sites I frequent too.