Esavingsblog

Saving Money, Budgeting and Frugal Living

This page holds all of my articles on saving money. If you want to learn all you can on how to save money then you will want to stick around and read as much as you can.

Free Streaming Services: How to Stream Movies & TV For Free!

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FREE STREAMING SERVICES

FREE STREAMING SERVICES

Looking for a free way to stream movies and tv shows? There are a bunch of free movie streaming services but how do you know which ones are legit?

Check out this list of the best free movie and tv show streaming services out there.

I have broken them down into sections so you can find one that best suits your needs.

Whether you need a free streaming service to watch movies or tv shows on your tv, computer, or phone I got you covered.

Most of the streaming services are available on your Smart TV but if you don’t have a smart TV you can easily turn your TV into a smart TV using one of the following devices:

FREE STREAMING SERVICES FOR MOST STREAMING DEVICES

Most of these free streaming services are available on your smart TV or streaming device. If you don’t see them as an option just go into the App section of your Smart TV or device and search for the ones you want and download them for free.

Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a free movie and tv streaming service where you can watch movies and TV shows for free.

No subscription fees, and no credit cards. Just thousands of hours of streaming video content from studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM and more.

Tubi is available for free on Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xfinity X1, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs, PlayStation and the web.

Pluto.TV

Source: Play.google.com

Pluto TV is a streaming TV and movie service available on most of your favorite devices including Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Playstation, Chromecast and more.

You can watch 100+ live TV channels and 1000’s of movies and TV shows on-demand, all streaming free.

Pluto TV is 100% free and legal: no credit cards, contracts, or bills.

Check out Pluto TV here.

VUDU

Vudu allows you to watch thousands of full-length movies and TV shows for free with limited ads. No subscriptions. Nothing to pay.

There is a FREE section of Vudu you can check out here.

They also have a paid option so just go to the free section or use the direct link above.

Vudu is available on many of the most popular streaming devices including your smart tv.

IMDb TV

Streaming Movies on a Smart TV

IMDb TV is a free, ad-supported streaming video channel available in the United States on the IMDb app, the IMDb website via laptop or personal computer, the Amazon Prime Video app and Amazon Fire TV devices.

IMDb TV enables customers to watch hit TV shows, top Hollywood hits, and more without purchasing a subscription.

You can check it out here.

Amazon Prime Video (for Prime Members)

This one is only free if you’re an Amazon Prime member but I wanted to mention it in case you have Prime but didn’t realize you had Prime Video for free as well.

Amazon Prime Video is my favorite streaming service along with Hulu (not free but inexpensive).

If you want to give Amazon Prime a try you can grab a 30-Day free trial here.

Or if you’re a student you can get six months free here!

Related: Is Amazon Prime Worth It?

Sony Crackle

Sony Crackle is a free to use video entertainment network featuring full-length movies, TV shows, and original programming.

Sony Crackle is available on a wide variety of platforms including connected TVs, mobile devices, video game consoles and online at SonyCrackle.com.

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is available even without a Roku device and doesn’t require a subscription (the subscription gives you other options with the Roku device but The Roku Channel is an app allowing you to watch movies and shows free even without a Roku device).

Find out more about the Roku Channel here or download the Roku App on your TV or streaming device and browse.

XUMO

Xumo TV Free Streaming Service

XUMO is free LIVE and on-demand streaming entertainment. It has over 160 different channels including newly launched music channels, breaking news, epic fails, stand up comedy, sports, news coverage, and more.

You can watch XUMO on your Hisense, Sharp, Magnavox, Panasonic, Philips, Sanyo, or VIZIO smart TV, your Channel Plus enabled LG smart TV, your iPhone or iPad, your Android device, or on your Roku. You can also cast XUMO from your mobile devices to your TVs via AirPlay (AppleTV), Chromecast, Miracast or Screencast.

Check out XUMO here.

Facebook Watch

Facebook Watch is a new place to connect & watch videos. A new video experience of original shows & exclusive content.

One show I am loving is Sorry For Your Loss it’s on its second season so definitely check that one out.

Popcornflix

Popcornflix has full-length movies, documentaries, foreign films, unique original web series, and many more.

I haven’t used Popcornflix but it appears to have older movies so take a look around and play a few options as no subscription or sign up is required which is great.

FREE STREAMING SERVICES WITH A LIBRARY CARD

Just as your library buys books to add to their collection for you to borrow, your library offers a variety of digital resources too.

These resources do not charge you because the public library or university covers all associated costs, allowing you to watch for free.

Related: Get Free Audio and eBooks with Your Library Card

Hoopla

Hoopla is a digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone and even your TV.

TV and movies can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline viewing later.

Hoopla has hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily.

Check with your local library to see if they offer this service. Usually, your library will offer Hoopla or the next option Kanopy (see next).

Check out Hoopla here.

Kanopy

Kanopy
Source: Kanopy.com

Kanopy is a streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain.

Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to bring you an ad-free experience that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablets and online.

Check out Kanopy here and be sure to ask your local libraries if they offer this service for free.

FREE STREAMING WITH YOUR SMART TV

Vizio WatchFree

WatchFree offers Free & Unlimited TV for Vizio Smart TV owners. Over 150 free channels including TV shows, movies, news, sports, lifestyle, trending digital series and even exclusive channels.

Available on all VIZIO Smart TVs and no fees, logins or subscriptions required.

Vizio WatchFeee
Source: Vizio.com

LG Channel Plus

If you own an LG Smart TV you can stream over 175 channels including movies & TV, news, sports, and more right on your tv.

LG Channels is available on 2012-2018 LG Smart TV models and also 2019 LG TVs running webOS 4.5.

Check out their website here for instructions on how to activate it on your TV and to see what channels are available.

Samsung TV Plus

Get free TV with Samsung TV Plus and watch your favorite shows, news, sports, movies, and more. No sign-up or extra equipment required.

Just turn on your Samsung TV and instantly start watching over 50 channels all for 100% free.

You can read more about how to set it up and what’s included here.

FREE STREAMING THROUGH YOUR PHONE PLAN

A few cell phone providers offer FREE Streaming Services for customers. Let’s go over a few options below.

Hulu for Sprint Unlimited Customers

You can get the basic Hulu Plan for FREE if you’re on a Sprint Unlimited Plan.

Find out more about this offer here.

Netflix Through TMobile & Verizon

TMobile offers Free Netflix to customers with certain plans.

Customers who have Magenta, Magenta Military, Magenta Plus, Magenta Plus Military, and Magenta Plus Unlimited 55 accounts are eligible for their Netflix on Us benefit. Netflix subscription type depends on your particular plan.

You can find out more about how it works and if you’re eligible here.

Verizon also announced earlier this year that new customers who purchase Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection Internet or Fios Gigabit Connection Triple Play with a 2-year agreement will receive twelve months free of Netflix premium.

Existing customers are also eligible if they renew their term agreement. You can find out more here.

Related: How to Get Rid of Cable and Still Watch What You Want!

I hope this article has helped you find the best streaming service for you! If so please use the share buttons to share this with your friends.

*Although I try my best to keep my articles updated some of the terms of these services are subject to change. If you find anything outdated feel free to let me know in the comments so that I can update it!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here

Rakuten Review: Legit or Scam?

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Rakuten Review: Is Rakuten legit or a scam?

RAKUTEN CASHBACK WEBSITE REVIEW

My honest Rakuten Review! Rakuten although a new name has actually been around for a while. You may remember them as Ebates or even seen the commercials on TV.

But you may be wondering whether Rakuten is legit or if it’s a scam? I mean why would a site give you money back for shopping where you normally shop anyway? What’s the catch?

How Does Rakuten Work?

First, let me explain how Rakuten cashback works because I think once you understand that you will understand how they make money and how they’re able to give you money as well.

It’s actually pretty simple! The way most cashback websites work including Rakuten is that they earn a commission for sending customers to stores and in turn, they share their commission with you.

Cool right? It’s a win-win!

So simply by becoming a member of a cashback website like Rakuten, you will earn cash back on the purchases you make at some of your favorite stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot and many many more!

You will simply take an extra few seconds to go to the Rakuten website before you shop, click through to your favorite store and earn cashback when you make a purchase! The amount of cashback will be listed before you shop and varies store to store and sometimes day by day.

To make it easier so you won’t forget to start at Rakuten, you can install their browser extension on your computer or use the Rakuten app on your phone.

Want to get cashback on your in-store purchases?

Rakuten is one of the few cashback sites that now offer in-store cashback! They are adding more stores often. To get your cashback you simply need to link a credit or debit card to your account, activate an offer before you shop and use that card to make your purchase at the store.

Oh, and did I mention Rakuten is completely free and if you sign up using my link you will get a $10 bonus to start!

Check them out and sign up free here to get your bonus or keep reading if you’re still on the fence about joining.

How Much Can You Earn With Rakuten?

I’ve been a member of Rakuten (aka Ebates) since 1999 and I’ve earned over $750 so far and counting.

Keep in mind that I am a frugal shopper and use a few different cashback websites (check out all my favorite cashback sites) so if you exclusively use Rakuten and shop a lot you can earn a whole lot more than I have in a shorter period of time.

Rakuten Cashback Review

I’ve never had an issue getting paid either! Payments go out via PayPal or check every three months once you earn at least $5 in cashback.

How to Save the Most with Rakuten

Utilize Coupon Codes

Don’t worry you won’t have to search far because Rakuten lists all valid coupon codes right on their site right before you click over to your favorite store!

Rakuten Coupon Codes

Simply click on them and the coupon code will appear or automatically apply to your shopping cart.

Shop on Double Cashback Days!

Rakuten Cashback

Every day there are a number of stores (including my favorite Amazon) that are featured as double cashback days!

If you’re planning a purchase you can keep an eye out for your store in the double cashback section.

Refer Your Friends

Rakuten has a generous referral program and often has specials where you can get up to $25 for each friend you refer who joins using your referral link and then goes on to make a purchase.

Plus when they join they get a $10 bonus as well so its a win-win for both of you!

Once you sign up as a Rakuten member you will get a referral link that you can share with your friends so go ahead and share away on your social media!

My Rakuten Review

I recommend Rakuten! Why not? There really is nothing to lose. It’s free, you get $10 for joining and you get money back on your purchases!

This blog article is NOT sponsored by Rakuten it’s just my honest opinion and review of Rakuten (Ebates). Like I said I use other cashback websites as well and I recommend joining a couple. Check out my Top 5 Cashback Websites for why!

But if you do want to sign up for Rakuten, I would love for you to use my referral link here. You get $10 and I get a little too :).Go on over and sign up for Rakuten and start earning cashback on things you were buying anyway!

Do you already use Rakuten or have another favorite? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here

College Dorm Room Essentials on a Budget

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College Dorm Room Essentials List

DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS

So you’re going off to college! What do you need for your dorm room? Here is a list of college dorm room essentials that you can get on a budget!

Your dorm will be your new home away from home and you want to make it as comfortable as you can but you also don’t want to go into debt doing it.

College is expensive enough right?

That’s why I created this list of affordable dorm room essentials.

When doing my research, I found that Amazon has some really great prices on dorm essentials.

And guess what?

Students get 6 FREE MONTHS of Amazon Prime! So you can get FREE 2 Day Shipping along with all of the other Amazon Prime Benefits Like cheap textbooks, student deals and more!

So don’t forget to take advantage of the 6 Free Months of Amazon Prime here! Even if you never buy anything you can still take advantage of free books, magazines, music and more as a Prime member.

Now let’s get right to the list!

LIST OF DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS

Dorm Room Bedding Essentials

Bedding can be the most important essential because you want to be comfortable in your new home right?

NOTE: The first thing you want to do is to check to see what size beds are in your dorm (ex. twin or twin XL).

Ideally, you should get two sheet sets and a comforter and pillows. Amazon has some really cute 5 Piece Bed Sets for under $40! You can check them out here.

 

You may want to splurge on a mattress pad if you can fit it in the budget.  I found some for around $20 here.

I also found some affordable pillows too but Walmart and Kohl’s can get you the best deals on pillows so be on the lookout wherever you shop.

You can also just take your old pillow with you for now, whatever works for you!

Hangers

There is limited space in the dorm so I recommend getting thin velvet hangers. My favorite ones are the velvet lined ones because you can fit so much more in the closet. Plus your clothes will not fall to the floor and get lost.

You can find some affordably priced here. I found a 30 pack for around $13!

Velvet Hangers

Laundry Basket or Bag for the Dorm Room

For the dorm room, I love fabric and rope laundry baskets as well as easy to carry bags like the one below. Amazon has some really cute affordable laundry bags.

You can check them out here.

Bathroom Bin or Tote

A bathroom bin or tote is needed to carry all your essential bath items with you easily to the shower.

You can get one pretty much anywhere even Dollar Tree but if you’re shopping on Amazon anyway (remember students get 6 months of Amazon Prime free!) then you can grab one for under $10 easily.

Check some out here. The one below can go right into the shower with you and dries quickly!

Shower Shoes or Flip Flops

You will most likely be sharing your shower with a bunch of other students so you will want to protect your feet. I got lucky in college as I only shared my bathroom with three other girls, two of which were never home so my roommate and I pretty much had a bathroom right across the hall all to ourselves.

I know it’s not that easy for others, some have to travel down hallways to get to the shower and then have to share it with many other students so you will want to have some shower shoes and/or flip-flops.

You can get them pretty much anywhere you shop.

You may also like:

How to Save Money in College

How to Get College Scholarships

How to Get Free Books

Storage

Dorm rooms are small and you will definitely need storage! Under the bed storage is the best to keep items out of the way and allow for more space in the room.

Think about how the dorm room is set up and seek storage that fits your needs. You can check out some options here.

NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE? Attend this totally free webinar on how to get scholarships for college! Sign up here.

ALARM CLOCK

College Dorm Alarm Clock

Most people use their phones these days but its always good to have a real backup in case the phone dies etc you never know right? If you can fit it in the budget I would grab an affordable alarm clock.

Bedside Lamp/ Desk Lamp

You will want to have some lighting so that you can study in your dorm when not in the library. A bedside or desk lamp is good because if your roommate wants to sleep you won’t be disturbing them with light.

You can grab a lamp that clips to anything like the one below so you can clip it wherever convenient. The one below was under $10 when I wrote this post. You can check it out here. 

Clip Light for dorm

Compact Refrigerator

If you know your dormmate you may be able to split the cost of a small refrigerator. While it may be a big expense at first, it will save you money in the long run. Being able to stock water and other beverages will save you from having to buy them out of a vending machine before or after class.

You can also store food and leftovers. I found the one below for around $100. You can check it out here.

Small Appliances

Depending on the way you eat you may also opt to bring a microwave, blender or even a slow cooker. I love the 6 in 1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, and Warmer. It’s a great all in one cooker that can keep food warm all day.

Other Dorm Room Essentials You May Need/Want

A Single Cup Coffee Maker

Bed Risers (allows for more under bed storage)

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bedside Caddy (Great Space Saver)

When making your dorm list buy what you absolutely need and want to make you comfortable and what will save you money over time (like the refrigerator and slow cooker).

You may find you want to add a few more items after you have lived in your dorm for a couple months. Also be sure to take advantage of the 6 Month Free of Amazon Prime for students!

If Free isn’t a good enough reason to sign up then you can check out my article: Is Amazon Prime Worth it?

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here

The Best Cashback Sites

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Do you shop online? Do you want to save money shopping online? How about getting cash back when you shop online?

If you’re a loyal reader of Esavingsblog, you know I love cashback sites, and I use them to save whenever I can. It’s a great way to stack savings and it’s a no-brainer if you’re going to shop online (and even offline now).

I recommend signing up for at least a few cashback websites and check each one before you shop to see which one is giving the most back on that day. Some sites will offer double cash back days and bonus cash back, so it is always best to check each one.

My Top 5 Cashback Sites

How does a cashback site work? 

Cashback sites receive a referral commission for driving traffic and sales to a store’s website. They then give a portion or the entire commission back to its members as a cashback rebate.

Why use a cashback site?

Why not? You are going to shop anyway so why not get cash back for doing so.  Besides getting cash back, most of these sites also list coupon codes you can use as well to save even more money on your purchases.

Plus, they’re FREE, and some of them will give you a signup bonus just for signing up. Do you need another reason?

Below is the list of my Top 5 Cashback Websites

1. Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is one of my favorite and probably the most popular cashback websites out there. I have been a member of Ebates since 1999, and I have earned over $496 so far. Rakuten (Ebates) offers a free gift card for new members and has one of the best referral programs as well. Plus they now offer cash back for offline purchases! Below is a screenshot from my account.

Ebates cashback

2. TopCashback

TopCashback Account

TopCashback is another one of my favorites because it gives its members 100% of the commission they earn on your purchase. This means you can earn a lot of cashback through them. So far I have earned over $120 shopping through them. Below is a screenshot from my cashback account.                                                                                                                

3. ShopAtHome

ShopAtHome is a great site that was founded way back in 1986! I have been a member of ShopAtHome since 2010 and I have earned over $321 with them so far.

Shop at Home Cashback

4. BeFrugal

I have been a member of BeFrugal for a few years, and I have earned over $50 with them so far. You can cash out at just $25. Get $10 to start by using my referral link here.

5. Giving Assistant

I am fairly new to Giving Assistant, I had a chance to review them recently, and I loved how fast and easy it was to shop through them, so that is why I added them to this list. My very first purchase saved me almost $16! You can check out my full review here. If you sign up using my referral link, you will get a $5 Bonus in your account. You can signup for free here for that $5 bonus.

Giving Assistant Account

Do you have a favorite cashback site you use? Share it in the comments below this post. Like this post? Share it using the sharing buttons, Sharing is Caring :-).

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here

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Disclosure:

Many of my posts contain affiliate links.  If you click on an affiliate link and buy something, I may receive a very small commission. I am also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon .com. 

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