This is a part of my Ballin' on a Budget series, where I share tips, tricks and best-kept secrets to sticking to a budget while living your best life!
This post is sponsored by Groupon. All opinions are my own.
Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Caro Diaries!
In the past, I've made my fair share of large purchases. Between expensive flights, professional cameras and designer clothing, I've become somewhat of a pro on big clicks and hard hits to my bank account. But does that stop me from making these purchases? Absolutely not... I've just started to shop smarter. So today, I'm sharing five ways I've learned to save money on big purchases!
1) Use PriceBlink to instantly compare prices // Available as a plugin extension for Chrome, Safari and Firefox, this tool is genius! When shopping, it instantly pops up at the top of your screen to show you the lowest price it's available for online and shows you average ratings online so you know you're making a good purchase on the product!
2) Consider an older model // Especially when it comes to technology, there usually aren't massive changes between models. For cameras that release a newer product every single year, the differences usually are a .5" larger screen and one or two megapixels, which, unless you're a professional photographer, doesn't make that big of a difference. Now, I'm not telling you to ditch the iPhone 7 for the original iPhone... but picking up the iPhone 6S at a time when the 7 is hot will save you hundreds of dollars. Dead set on this model? Search online for a used (like new) or refurbished version of the product, it'll save you hundreds and you're likely to be unable to tell the difference.
3) Always check for coupons // Online shopping without utilizing coupons is honestly so dumb, because at any given time, there are at least two coupons that will apply to your order. Whether it's free shipping, 10 percent off or sometimes even more, every little dollar counts when it comes to saving. Plus, saving 10 percent on a purchase of $1000 is $100 back in your pocket...
4) Use a card with rewards // Most banks and credit cards offer some sort of rewards for purchases. When making big purchases, use a credit card with rewards like airline miles, cash back or purchase points that can be redeemed. So while you're not actually saving money on the purchase, you're getting something back and you're getting more bang for your buck.
5) Utilize Groupon // I'm sure you've heard of Groupon already.. haven't we all! It's the go-to site for good deals on travel packages, spa trips and must-do activities for every season. But did you know that Groupon has a section called Groupon Goods that has daily flash sales with products that you actually want! Everything from technology to makeup to clothes and beyond... it's definitely a first stop when shopping, especially because there are new deals every single day!
So, happy online shopping! What's on your list?
What are your favorite ways to save money while shopping? Let me know in the comments below!

These are great tips! I try to use coupon or store cards when I can. I'll have to check out PriceBlink next time I make a big purchase!
ReplyDeleteYES to the older technology. My husband is a techno freak and he always buys the last seasons model. And I love Groupon for goods. I wish it would come with more things around here to DO, but we buy a lot of our stuff from groupon deals :p
ReplyDeleteLove groupon!! I never heard of Priceblink before! I need to get on it!
ReplyDeleteRachel | The Confused Millennial
I believe you can use eBates with Groupon as well - and save even more money.
ReplyDeleteAlso, using last year's model when it comes to tech is a great idea - see the Samsung Note 7.
These are awesome tips and I love to use groupon to get a deal!
ReplyDeleteTotally ALWAYS check for online coupons. That is major. If there is a spot for a coupon on the website, chances are that one (at least) exists. And ebates is another genius route to take!
ReplyDeleteI ALWAYS check for coupons online! I also use the plugin called ShopTagr that tells me when an item I've saved goes on sale!
ReplyDeleteCaitlyn | www.collegewithcaitlyn.com
I use the Shopping tab on Google. It helps me find the best prices on certain items. I also have ebates as a plugin on Chrome and try to do searches on items before just hitting the purchasing button.
ReplyDeleteThese are great ideas! I've never heard of PriceBlink! I will be using that for sure!
ReplyDeleteThe holidays will always bring up big purchases! Great tips that I need to remember for getting the cash out,
ReplyDeleteI used to use Groupon quite a lot, but haven't in a while. Maybe I need to start looking at it again.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips, I always try to go for a little older model too! It pretty much does the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI love Groupon! Especially for trips and they tend to have great deals on restaurant coupons pretty often!
ReplyDeleteOh so useful!! Love Groupon, such great tips! I'll need to look into them again.
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great tips! I am not sure my next big purchase but I will be using your tips for sure!
ReplyDeletexoxo. Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
These are all such great tips! I don't make big purchases that often, but when I do I'm always doing a deep internet search for coupons before making that purchase!
ReplyDeletexo
Sami
www.theclassicbrunette.com
Great list! I'm adding the PriceBlink plugin now. I hadn't heard of it before. I'm also a fan of buying older models - I bought an iPhone 5s when the 6 had just been released. I also use coupons, rewards credit cards, and Groupon :).
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! I need to download PriceBlink and use it!
ReplyDeleteGreta | www.gretahollar.com
I'm not a regular coupon user, but I make sure to check on coupons every time I make a big purchase. These are great tips.
ReplyDeleteI love Groupon! It has saved me a ton of money! I never knew about PriceBlink, but it sounds so amazingly useful.
ReplyDeleteI always like to compare prices on large purchases. I need to start utilizing Groupon more too! I haven't shopped their goods sections.
ReplyDeleteI love my credit card rewards! We have had 3 free flights in the past year, which is great! I should really look at Groupon, I need a facial!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Loving these tips! I always look for options when I'm going to buy something expensive. Different stores, different websites, just to make sure that I get the best deal. I think it's awesome that we have groupon to rely on as well!
ReplyDeleteWhat great tips! Making big purchases can be so overwhelming! This will definitely make it easier!
ReplyDeleteGroupon Goods is a great way to find good savings. I hadn't heard of your new plugin so I will be trying that! I just got a credit card that offers rewards, so that is awesome too!
ReplyDeleteYes to coupons! We bought our washer and dryer and refrigerator on a sale holiday!
ReplyDeleteI do all of the above!! If there is a way to save I will find it! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThese tips are fantastic. Just getting in the habit of price searching and other research to save is very valuable.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips! I've been thinking about getting a new computer so these tips will be helpful!
ReplyDeleteKristin
The Blush Blonde
I need a card with rewards points, especially for flying. I have discovered that that is the way to travel. So, a card with flying miles attached would be great.
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great ideas! I'm currently saving to finish furnishing my apartment, and I will have to keep all of this in mind.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about Groupon, but have never used it! I think I probably should look into it though, it sounds like a great service!
ReplyDeleteI've honestly never heard of price blink will have to check it out! And love using Mey credit card rewards basically free money!
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely a rewards card family! We pay the card off each month and rack up the points :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I always make sure to sign up for a store reward program, they are free which is even better and coupons are the best!!
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome tips! Im definitely going to try that plug-in and I love the tip about going with a slightly older model. Im in the market for a new camera so I may come up with this!
ReplyDeleteOmg what great tips!!! I just love Groupon! I have been obsessed for years. Always finding killer deals
ReplyDeleteAll great tips! I pretty much always buy secondhand now and save a ton!
ReplyDeleteI knew about Groupon but i will have to give PriceBlink a try though I'm hoping we don't have any big purchases anytime soon!
ReplyDeleteAnother great tip is to try out eBates, I use it every time I shop online and have made a lot of cash back already! Groupon is also a great way to save lots of money :)
ReplyDeletexoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Our credit card gives us AWESOME cash back rewards which we put towards holiday spending!! That is such an awesome tip! Saving money is the best.
ReplyDeletePriceBlink sounds EPIC. Downloading it now to my browser...what a handy tool!
ReplyDeleteComing Up Roses
These are all great tips! I had not heard of Price Blink, so I am going to check it out right now!!
ReplyDeleteAs a member of a World Class Club I always check if the purchase I want comes in any of the participating partners and Then I purchase, that means I get to see more of this beautiful planet via the rewards. That's a Major advantage. Awesome share thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteYour second tip reminds me of what I do with textbooks. I always look for an older edition to save some money!
ReplyDeleteKayla | kaylablogs.com
I had never heard of Price Blink but that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think these are great tips! I think it's super great to compare, especially among different stores. I consider coupons a must, and sometimes there is nothing wrong with last year's model. That alone is a great way to save tons of money!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for ways to save money. Groupon is my go-to source when it comes to saving money locally. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch group tips! I need to check out Groupon. I have heard so many people talk about it!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Amy | Pastel N Pink
i need to find out latest coupons for big basket where can i grab it??
ReplyDeleteI love using my debt cars with rewards on them, getting even a small percentage back is always awesome and also using coupons
ReplyDeleteGroupon really comes in handy especially for big purchases because of the discounts you get and money saved.
ReplyDelete