How I Save Money by Refusing to Pay Full Price (and How You Can Too)
Let’s get one thing straight—because I wish someone had told me this loud and clear years ago: Even if you’re “just a stay-at-home mom,” you are helping your family earn money by saving it.
Yes, you heard me. Every time you learn how to stretch a dollar, find a deal, or skip a full-price splurge—you’re contributing to your family’s bottom line. That’s not just budgeting. That’s smart, intentional homemaking.
You can make it part of your homemaking responsibilities to truly learn how to earn money with the money you’re already spending. This is a skill you can grow in—and one I’ve been living out for years.
Frugal Living Is my Wheelhouse
Over 14 years ago, I brought our family of five to Hawaii for just $465 total in airline tickets. We used strategic booking and deal stacking to make it happen. Then I found a penthouse condo for the week—on eBay—for just $800. And yes, it was fabulous.
I’ve always loved the challenge of getting the best deal. Whether it’s planning a dream trip or simply saving on weekly groceries, I get a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I’m stewarding our money well.
That same mindset still guides how I shop today—and now I’m sharing my favorite everyday tips to help you do the same.
I Use Rakuten for Nearly Every Online Purchase
This is hands-down one of my favorite, no-effort ways to save. I’ve been a Rakuten member since 2019 and have earned $2,328.76 in lifetime cash back—just from buying things I was already planning to buy.
Here’s how it works:
- It’s free to join
- You install the browser extension or use the mobile app
- It automatically finds coupon codes and shows you where cash back is available
- You get a quarterly “Big Fat Check” with your savings
Some of my favorite stores where Rakuten works:
- Walmart
- Target
- Lowe’s
- Nike
- Expedia and travel sites
- Even some natural health stores and homeschool sites
Want to try it?
When you sign up using this link, you’ll get $30 to use right away after your first purchase.
I Stack Discounts Whenever Possible
Before I check out online, I pause and ask:
- Is there a coupon code?
- Can I sign up for emails to get 10–20% off?
- Is there a holiday sale coming up?
- Can I combine any discounts with Rakuten cash back?
Sometimes this saves just $5—but sometimes it’s $50. The savings stack up more quickly than you think.
I Shop Off-Season Whenever Possible
Some of the best deals come when no one else is looking. Think:
- Coats in March
- Sandals in September
- Christmas décor in January
- Outdoor furniture in October
I even keep a small gift bin for birthday and holiday items I find throughout the year at a deep discount. But to be honest, you can still shop “in season” because retailers offer so many sales…so do not fret if purchasing in “off-season” doesn’t fit your need.
I Wait Before I Buy
Impulse buying is real, especially when everything’s just a click away. But I’ve trained myself to pause for 48 hours before purchasing most non-essential items. If I still want or need it after two days, I find the best price. More often than not? I forget about it—and save $20, $50, sometimes more.
I Budget for What We Actually Use
Instead of reacting to sales or emotional shopping, I plan ahead:
- Monthly spending plan
- Subscribe and save for things we use regularly use—My subscribe list of items we use on the regular
- Bulk buying from places like Azure Standard or Costco
- A simple list of “needs” and “next time” items to keep me focused right on my phone
Small Habits, Big Impact
You don’t have to be extreme to save money—you just have to be intentional. Try just one small change this week:
- Install the Rakuten app
- Wait 48 hours before clicking “buy”
- Look up a coupon before checkout
- Check the off-season section first
These tiny shifts can turn into real savings that bless your family—and help you feel confident in how you care for your home.
Start Saving With Confidence
You don’t have to do it all to make a difference. Just start with one small shift—whether it’s downloading the Rakuten app, pausing before you buy, or checking for a coupon first. These little choices truly add up.
If this encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who’s also trying to make wise, intentional choices for her home.
You can find my Rakuten referral link right here (you’ll get a $30 bonus when you sign up for free), and if you want more ideas like this, be sure to follow me on Instagram and check out my Money Saving Tips highlight. I’m always sharing what’s working in real time.
Frugal living doesn’t mean going without—it means getting creative, staying wise, and keeping more of what matters most.
