This Budget Hack Took Me 5 Minutes—Now We Save $500 a Month
Dont give up your favorite coffee runs, Target hauls, or weekend takeout. Most budgeting tips tell you to stop spending. This one tells you to spend—on what you already buy.
When we started using this stacking method, we didn’t have to give anything up. In fact, we’re still spending—but now we’re spending smarter. And it’s helped us save over $500 a month on everyday purchases we were already making.
Here’s exactly how it works—and how you can start stacking your savings in the next five minutes.
What is “Stack the Stack”?
“Stack the Stack” is our go-to smart spending method—a layered savings strategy that combines cashback, coupons, reward points, and promo offers every time we shop.
Think of it like a money-saving sandwich:
- A cashback portal on the outside
- A coupon code layered in
- A rewards credit card at checkout
- Bonus cashback or receipts apps for dessert
Individually, these tools save a little. But stacked together, they can help you save 10–40% or more on things you were going to buy anyway.
Exactly How We Stack It (Tools + Steps)
Here’s the 5-minute version of our method:
1. Start with a Cashback Portal (Rakuten, TopCashback)
Before you shop online, go through a cashback portal like Rakuten or TopCashback.
- Bonus Tip: Rakuten often offers $30+ signup bonuses for new users.
- Example: 10% back at Old Navy, 5% at Walmart, even up to 20% on hotels.
2. Layer in Coupon Extensions (Honey, Capital One Shopping)
Install a browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes automatically at checkout.
- Honey is our go-to.
- Capital One Shopping also finds lower prices on the web.
3. Pay With a Cashback or Points Card
Use a rewards credit card that gives 1–5% back on purchases.
- Example: Chase Freedom Flex gives rotating 5% categories
- Prefer debit? Try Cred.ai or your bank’s cash rewards debit cards.
4. Upload Receipts to Cashback Apps (Ibotta, Fetch)
Don’t toss your receipt! Scan it to:
- Ibotta: In-store & online grocery and household savings
- Fetch Rewards: Snap any receipt = points = gift cards
5. Stack Your Gas + Groceries with Upside
Use the Upside app to get cashback at the pump or grocery stores.
- Combine it with grocery cashback offers and gift card rewards.
Real Life Example: Here’s a glimpse what we saved in a couple days
| Item | Normal Price | Stacked Savings | Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Haul (clothes, diapers, snacks) | $180 | 10% Rakuten + 5% card + $5 coupon = $33 | $147 |
| Back-to-School Supplies | $60 | 10% Rakuten + coupon + $10 Ibotta + 3% card = $22 | $38 |
| Amazon Essentials | $120 | $15 Honey coupon + 5% credit card = $21 | $99 |
| Gas for the Month | $200 | $35 cashback with Upside = $35 | $165 |
| Grocery Runs (x4) | $600 | $25 Ibotta + $15 Fetch gift cards = $40 | $560 |
✅ Total Saved: $151, with minimal effort
Multiply that across other purchases (gifts, holidays, travel), and we’ve crossed $500+ in monthly savings just by stacking smarter.
⏱️ How to Set This Up in Under 5 Minutes
Here’s your quick-start guide to begin stacking:
- Download Rakuten + create your free account here
- Install Honey browser extension
- Download Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Upside to your phone
- Link your preferred rewards card or debit card
- Save this page or checklist so you remember to stack each time
You only need to set these up once. After that, they work passively every time you shop.
Why This Works (And Why It’s Better Than Cutting Back)
Most budgeting tips tell you to stop spending. This one tells you to spend smarter—on what you already buy.
“Stack the Stack” doesn’t feel like budgeting—it feels like beating the system. You’re still enjoying life, just with money flowing back to you instead of out.
This method has helped us:
- Save $500+/month without cutting essentials
- Build an emergency fund faster
- Pay off debt faster
- Make every dollar stretch further
Want to Go Even Bigger?
Here are ways to supercharge your stack:
- 🧾 Refer friends for extra Rakuten/Ibotta bonuses
- 🛍️ Buy discounted gift cards (Raise.com) before shopping
- ✈️ Stack airline or hotel loyalty rewards if traveling
- 💳 Rotate credit cards to maximize bonus categories
More Budgeting Tools We Love
- YNAB: Our favorite zero-based budget tool
- Rocket Money: Finds and cancels hidden subscriptions
- Canva Pro: For making your own budget dashboards and trackers
- Fiverr: Find affordable help for financial templates or printable planners
Final Thoughts: Budgeting That Doesn’t Feel Like Budgeting
Saving money doesn’t always mean sacrificing—it just means getting smarter with your spending. “Stack the Stack” takes less than 5 minutes to set up and works behind the scenes to stretch your money further.
Have you tried any of these stacking tricks? Drop your favorite combo in the comments—I’d love to see what’s working for your family too!
Recommended Reads:
Smart Money, Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruze
The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
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