Getting the most out of ibotta

When I started reading other people's blogs about money saving tips, the ibotta app was forever being mentioned. It felt like people were raising it up like Rafiki raised up Simba at the beginning of the Lion King. I expected angelic lights and choruses when I signed up (which didn't happen, by the way).

For those not familiar, ibotta is a rebate app that let's you submit receipts in exchange for product rebates—usually in the range of 25¢ to 75¢. In reading about it, it sounded easy enough, and low, what's this? I could get a $10 bonus just for signing up? Free money? Heck Yeah! sign me up! (I know, not nearly as cool as the Lion King or a chorus of angels).

Budget Experiment #3: Energy Audit

In looking over my utility bills this month, I noticed that my gas bill, which is usually fairly low, was almost twice as much as usual. After calling to make sure there wasn't an issue with my meter, I began to take a look at our usage.

My Current Favorite Sandwich Bread Recipe

I've been experimenting with different recipes for sandwich bread. I'd been using an "Amish Sandwich Loaf" recipe, but it called for 3/4 cup sugar (for two loaves). It was good, but a little on the sweet side. I tried reducing the sugar and while the bread was less sweet, it was also more dense (because the yeast didn't have the sugar to react with & create those lovely CO2 bubbles).

So I started my search for better sandwich bread recipes.

7. Consider Ditching the Paper Products

It's an easy and fairly painless leap from paper to cloth napkins. A switch that could save you a few bucks a year, but what about the "other" paper products in your life? You know, the one's you're not so keen to give up?

I'm not talking toilet paper here (although you can certainly go that route), but what about paper towels, diapers (for you parents out there), and even pads (for you menstruating women out there)? These may not be the easiest things to give up, but there are other, more cost-effective options, if you're interested.

6. Saving Money with Ebates

Every week I get emails from Ebates letting me know how much money I can get back just by shopping through their site. The deals are good. The problem is, I don't usually shop online. Actually, the problem is, I just don't shop (period).

If I did... I could save a nice little chunk of change just by accessing online stores (over 800 of them) through their website.