Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, pool parties, beach vacations, and — if we’re being totally honest — overspending. Let’s be real: Extra expenses during the summer are inevitable. You never intentionally blow the budget, but with the kids at home for three long months and a schedule that is somehow just as packed as it is during the school year, every purchase and activity can start to feel really, really expensive.
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to save on steep camp tuition or highly priced food and games at your local state fair. But saving some money on everyday purchases can allow you to set aside more funds totally dedicated to summer family fun. The easiest way to save? Cash back! If you like the sound of just buying the things you need and earning free money in the process, there’s one summer budget hack that you should definitely be aware of: Ibotta.
Ibotta is a shopping platform designed to save you money by putting cash back into your account after you buy from your favorite stores using their app, browser extension, or website. Yes, it’s literally that easy.
How It Works
Starting is simple. Just download the Ibotta app and complete registration. Once you’re in the app, you can easily view all the best offers, make a list, and go shopping (IRL or online) at a supported retailer. Redeem your offers and then sit back and watch some of that hard-earned dough come right back to you and your family. Within the app, you can find deals on essentials like groceries, clothing, and vacation must-haves, all the while making the summer a little easier on your wallet. If you prefer to shop online, download the Ibotta browser extension or shop directly through their website.
What You Can Save On
After several summers of smaller gatherings and social distancing, you’re probably looking forward to hosting a summer bash. With Ibotta, you can get up to $2 back on everything from Malibu Rum to Absolut Vodka. Bam — now you’ve taken care of one favorite summer staple: a fully (and affordably) stocked bar.
And for those long-awaited pool days and beach excursions, Ibotta gets you up to $3 back on Neutrogena skincare and up to $2 back on Coppertone sunscreen. Beyond that, there are offers on summer essentials like snacks for road trips, water-safe toys, and puzzles and games to keep everyone entertained. You can even get up to 1 percent cash back through Ibotta if you book your stay at a Choice Hotel, or save up to $10 on your VRBO rental.
The Bottom Line
In today’s economy, rising prices are making us all cringe at the gas pump and feel the difference at the grocery store checkout. But busy parents shouldn’t have to spend hours stressing and budgeting to save up for summer fun. Ibotta puts money back in your pocket just for shopping for what you already need, so you can focus on what’s important: making this summer one your family will never forget.
All offers were valid as of publish date. Check your app for details, as offers change frequently and may not be available in all areas
