Stores

These are some of my favorite stores for shopping. This includes both in person and online.

Whenever possible I’ve included shopping codes to help you save.

Amazon

First of all, you know that Amazon.com is a site where you can buy anything and everything. But you may not realize how much you can save with the Amazon Prime program.

Since signing up for Prime Student, both of my daughters have save thousands–literally, thousands–on college textbooks each year. You can try Amazon Prime for a 30-Day Free Trial. Or you can give the gift of Amazon Prime to someone you know and love.

Amazon has also started an Amazon Wedding Registry and an Amazon Baby Registry. I know that from time to time, when you start a registry, you get a free gift from Amazon.

NEW: Check out my personal shopping recommendations page on Amazon.

Costco

It took me a few years to discover the benefits of Costco membership. Now I’m hooked.

Also, because I pay for an Executive Membership, I get extra cash back from the shopping I do at Costco.

Costco Membership Deal

Join Costco today and enroll in auto renewal to get a Costco Shop Card!

Enter SUMMER23 at checkout.*

Terms and Conditions

  • Valid for NEW MEMBERS ONLY or for members whose memberships have been expired for more than 18 months.
  • *To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto-renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa® card at the time of sign-up.
  • If you elect not to provide a valid email address and sign up for auto-renewal, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed.
  • Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for renewal or upgrade of an existing membership.
  • To qualify as a new member, a Costco membership must be expired at least 18 months or more.
  • Limit one promotion/incentive per household.
  • Promotion is non-transferable and may not be combined with any other promotion.
  • Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law.
  • New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up.
  • Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up.
  • Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes or Food Court Kiosk.
  • Use the provided single-use Promo Code when entering your payment information.
  • A Costco membership is $60 a year.
  • An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year.
  • Each membership includes one free Household Card.
  • May be subject to sales tax.
  • Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards.
  • Departments and product selection may vary.

Nordstrom

As someone with extra wide feet, I’ve found that Nordstrom is one of the best places to buy shoes for wide feet.

Over the years Nordstrom has become one of my favorite stores. It has made a name for itself by offering outstanding customer service.

Its staff is well trained, professional and polite. I’ve never had a negative experience shopping at a Nordstrom department store.

Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price division of Nordstrom. It offers clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores as well as items purchased specially for Nordstrom Rack.

The store offers significant savings on great brands with most at 30-70% off.”

Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) should really hire me as a spokesperson. I’ve been shouting its benefits from the rooftops for years now.

It really truly is one of my favorite products, because it is the place that I start all of my online shopping. Why? Because when you shop through Rakuten, an online mall of sorts, you get cash back on your purchases.

Since starting to use this service in 2010, I’ve made more than $1,700 $1,900 cash back on things I was going to buy anyway, like holiday presents or client gifts.

Furthermore, when you sign up, you get a free $10 gift card to a retailer of your choice. So if you haven’t yet signed up to shop online through Rakuten, what’s holding you back? Remember: I’ve earned nearly $2,000 in free money on things

Sephora

One of the reasons I love Sephora is the birthday freebie you can get each year. Also, Sephora is generous with free samples.

Finally, Sephora has great free makeup services for getting your face on. Of course, you should be planning to buy makeup, too. Don’t take advantage of Sephora that way.

Target

When shopping at big box stores, my go to is Target. We love Target Drive Up for convenience, for sure.

target employee at drive up location.

Also, Target is the best place to shop for dorm must haves. And I’ve done well shopping for plus-size bathing suit separates at Target, too.

Ulta

Another favorite place to buy hair products and makeup is Ulta. Some Ulta stores have hair services and eyebrow counters.

Ulta has a generous rewards program, too.

Finally, now there are Ulta stores inside Target–so convenient!

ulta inside target