Making the Most of Big Purchases {Rewards, Cash Back & More}

I hate to make big purchases. I can nickel & dime shop all day long, but big purchases are no fun. So when the time comes to make a big purchase, I try to make the most of it and get back as much money as possible. Here’s an example.

I recently bought a computer… an expensive computer. To make the most of that purchase, here’s what I did:

• I went to Kroger and bought multiple Best Buy gift cards. By doing this, I racked up some serious fuel rewards that I later used to save money on gas.
• I used my debit card to pay for the gift cards at Kroger. Our bank has a great points program for debit card use. I was able to rack up some points toward an Amazon gift card with this purchase.
• I signed up for the Best Buy Reward Zone program and earned 1 point per $1 spent. I got a $5 reward certificate for every 250 points earned. Those can add up quickly with a large purchase.
• I also shopped through a cash-back site. If you’re looking for a cash-back site, Ebates has a great promo going on right now. Sign up as a new customer, and you get a $10 gift card (choose from 4) when you make your first $25 purchase. You can choose from Target, Barnes & Noble, The Home Depot, or Magazines.com. Or you can opt for a $5 cash back bonus straight from Ebates.