If you're going to SPEND, you might as well SAVE.

What do Old Navy, Home Depot*, Travelocity and Apple and 1385 other online merchants have in common?

Rebates. Coupons. Savings. Convenience.

When you go through Mr. Rebates, that is.

I hate it when I buy something and then, days later, come across a coupon that would have saved me $$. Or I hear of a rebate that I could have used if only Travelocity could get me a ticket to Last Week.

Think of Mr. Rebates as a clearinghouse for rebates and coupons. The Mr has partnered with more than 1000 merchants (JC Penney, Lenscrafters, Cabela's, etc) to bring savings to you.

You simply sign up (easy and free) and then whenever you buy something online, visit Mr. Rebates first. You can shop by store or by category. Or maybe you just want to see the specials of the week. It's all right there on the opening page.

For each merchant, you are alerted to the coupons and/or rebates available. Coupons offer immediate savings and rebates are collected in your Mr. Rebates account.

Right now, you get $5 in your account just for signing up. Then, as you shop (and as merchants clear your transaction, often 90 days after shipping) rebates are credited to your account. At any point past $10, you can request a check.

For me, that shouldn't take long. I just bought some bedding through Overstock.com (great selection, good price, 4% rebate) and am heading back to another store to shop for some garden items. Like gloves. Must. Have. Gloves.

If you are so inclined, you can also earn 20% of any rebates your friends get (without reducing their rebates) by referring people to Mr. Rebates. The Mr will help you send an email to those in your address book.

So if you've got to spend, make sure you also save. Since we can't decide which is better for the economy, you might as well do both.

* Just for you, Chicklet and Nancy.

***

Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, Amazon security and thumbs up ratings.