We’ve all been there—staring at a mountain of debt, wondering how on earth we’re ever going to dig ourselves out. The bills keep piling up, the interest rates seem to climb higher every day, and the idea of saving money feels like a distant dream. But what if I told you there’s a way to tackle that debt and save money, all while shopping for the things you need? Enter Rakuten.
If you haven’t heard of Rakuten yet, prepare to be amazed. It’s not just another online shopping tool; it’s your new best friend in the fight against debt. Here’s how you can use Rakuten to start paying off debt and build up your savings—no magic wand required.
1. Get Paid to Shop
Let’s start with the basics. Rakuten is a cash-back service that gives you a percentage of your money back on purchases you’re already making. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or even booking travel, Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers to put money back in your pocket. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, click through Rakuten before you shop, and watch the cash-back roll in.
Now, you might be thinking, “How is earning cash back going to help me pay off debt?” Here’s the genius part: every dollar you earn through Rakuten can be used to pay down your debt faster. It’s like getting a bonus for making smart shopping choices!
2. Turn Everyday Spending into Savings
We all have those necessary expenses—groceries, gas, household items. With Rakuten, these everyday purchases become opportunities to save. Let’s say you’re earning 5% cash back on your weekly grocery bill. Over time, that cash adds up, and instead of letting it sit in your account, you can funnel it directly towards your debt.
But the savings don’t stop there. Rakuten also offers special deals, coupons, and promo codes that can reduce the cost of your purchases even further. By stacking these savings with cash-back rewards, you’re maximizing every dollar you spend.
3. Set Goals and Stay Motivated
Paying off debt can be a long and challenging journey, but setting goals can keep you motivated. Create a plan for how much of your Rakuten earnings you’ll use to pay off debt each month. Even if it’s just a small amount, every bit helps.
Imagine this: You earn $50 in cash back one month. Instead of splurging on something new, you decide to put that $50 toward your credit card balance. Over time, those extra payments add up, chipping away at your debt faster than you thought possible.
4. Use Rakuten to Fund Your Savings
While paying off debt should be a priority, building an emergency fund is equally important. Unexpected expenses can derail your debt payoff plan if you’re not prepared. Here’s where Rakuten comes in handy again.
Set up a separate savings account specifically for your Rakuten cash-back earnings. This way, you’re not only paying off debt but also creating a financial cushion for the future. It’s a win-win!
5. Refer Friends and Earn Even More
Rakuten has a fantastic referral program that rewards you for spreading the word. When you refer a friend and they sign up using your link, you both get a bonus—sometimes as much as $30! If you have a few friends or family members who love to shop, this could be a great way to boost your cash-back earnings even more.
Imagine paying off an extra $100 of debt just because you introduced your friends to a service you love. It’s like getting paid to help others save money!
6. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins
One of the best ways to stay on track with paying off debt is to celebrate your progress. Use a visual tracker to see how much debt you’ve paid off with the help of Rakuten. Seeing those numbers go down can be incredibly motivating!
Don’t forget to reward yourself for the milestones you hit. Whether it’s a small treat or a night out (paid for with cash-back earnings, of course!), celebrating your wins will keep you focused on your ultimate goal: financial freedom.
Final Thoughts: A Little Goes a Long Way
Paying off debt and saving money might seem like competing goals, but with Rakuten, you can do both. By making smart shopping choices, earning cash back, and using those earnings wisely, you’ll be well on your way to a debt-free, financially secure future.
So why wait? Start using Rakuten today and take the first step toward a brighter financial future. Your future self will thank you!