Living alone can be liberating, but it also means shouldering all the expenses yourself. Whether it’s rent, groceries, or entertainment, every dollar counts. Fortunately, in today’s digital age, there are numerous ways to save money and even earn cash back on your everyday spending. One such avenue is Rakuten. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how Rakuten works and how you can leverage it to cut down on expenses and make your solo living more affordable.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten, often referred to as the “Amazon of Japan,” is a cashback and online shopping platform that allows you to earn cash back on your purchases from a wide range of online retailers. The concept is simple – you shop through Rakuten, and in return, you receive a percentage of your purchase as cash back. This can range from a few cents to a substantial percentage of the purchase price, depending on the retailer and the current promotions.
But, how exactly does Rakuten help you save money when living alone?
How to Sign Up for Rakuten
Before diving into how Rakuten can save you money, let’s start with the basics: signing up for an account. It’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes:
- Visit the Rakuten Website: Go to the official Rakuten website.
- Create an Account: Click on “Join Now” or a similar button. You will be prompted to provide your email, create a password, and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Install the Rakuten Extension (Optional): You can also install the Rakuten browser extension, which notifies you of cashback opportunities while you’re shopping online.
- Start Shopping: Once you’re logged in, you can start shopping through Rakuten. They provide links to a vast number of online retailers, making it easy to find the products you need.
How Rakuten Saves You Money
Now that you have your Rakuten account set up, let’s explore how it can help you save money when living alone.
1. Cash Back on Everyday Purchases
When you shop through Rakuten, you earn cash back on every purchase. This means that for every item you buy online, you’re essentially getting a discount. The cashback percentages vary depending on the store and the product category, but it’s not uncommon to receive 2% to 10% cash back on your purchases.
For instance, if you spend $500 a month on groceries and household essentials, you could potentially earn $50 in cash back annually. It might not sound like a lot, but over time, it adds up, and every dollar counts when you’re living alone.
2. Special Promotions and Discounts
Rakuten regularly features special promotions and discounts from various retailers. This means you can save even more by taking advantage of these limited-time offers. These promotions can include extra cash back, exclusive coupon codes, or free shipping, further stretching your budget.
3. Referral Bonuses
Another way Rakuten can help you save money is through its referral program. When you refer friends and family to Rakuten, you’ll earn a referral bonus once they make a qualified purchase. This is a great way to put extra cash in your pocket while helping your loved ones save as well.
4. Double-Dipping with Credit Card Rewards
If you have a cashback credit card, you can potentially double-dip your rewards. Some credit cards offer cashback rewards on top of what you earn through Rakuten. This means you can earn cash back from both Rakuten and your credit card on the same purchase.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rakuten Savings
To make the most of Rakuten and save even more money while living alone, consider these tips:
1. Plan Your Purchases
Take a few minutes to plan your purchases. If you know you need to buy something, check Rakuten to see if there are any cashback offers or promotions for that particular retailer. Timing your purchases can help you maximize your savings.
2. Install the Browser Extension
The Rakuten browser extension is a handy tool that automatically alerts you when cashback is available on a website you’re visiting. This ensures you never miss an opportunity to save.
3. Compare Cashback Rates
Different retailers offer varying cashback rates, so it’s essential to compare before making a purchase. A little extra effort can result in more substantial savings.
4. Keep an Eye on Special Offers
Rakuten regularly updates its website with special offers and promotions. Make it a habit to check for these deals, especially before making significant purchases.
5. Combine Cashback with Coupons
Sometimes, you can stack your cashback savings with coupon codes for even more discounts. Look for coupon codes and apply them during the checkout process for extra savings.
Conclusion
Living alone comes with unique financial challenges, but platforms like Rakuten can help ease the burden. By earning cash back on your everyday spending, taking advantage of special promotions, and making use of referral bonuses, you can save money and make your solo living more affordable.