Want to save some money? Want to get something for free -- or close to it? Here's Money magazine's list of the best store givebacks:
1. Walgreen's -- Gault can't get enough of the drugstore's rebate program. She said each month the company issues a list of things on rebate. You check the list to see if anything you bought is on it and, if so, mail in the receipts. The company then sends you a rebate check.
2) Staples -- Gault, who uses a ton of office supplies running her Web site, uses the company's rewards card to get $15 off every $200 she spends in a given quarter.
3) Best Buy -- She said the electronics retailer charges $9.99 a year for a card that gives you $5 back on every $100 you spend, making it a good deal if you're in the market for expensive stuff.
4) Gap -- With the clothing retailer's free card you get you get $10 back for every $250 you spend.
5) Linens 'n Things -- Same deal as the Gap. Spend $250, get $10 back.
6) Grocery stores -- They vary by region, but Gault said the big three -- Albertson's, Safeway and Kroger -- as well as many smaller chains have cards that give you a discount at the register.
My thoughts:
1. Albertson's, Safeway, and Kroger are favorites of mine as they all make Moose Tracks ice cream. ;-)
2. You have to be willing to put up with the hassle of carrying and using all these cards, but for some people, it's worth it.
3. Personally, we use the Walgreen's program and it is nice. (BTW, Walgreen's has Moose Tracks too) Our big grocery store is Meijer -- they give back a percentage of your purchases to a favorite charity. It's not cash, but it's still a decent offer.
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