Do you go through a lot of notebooks? Do you wish you could easily transfer your notes to your computer without having to type them out? I don’t know if I was living under a rock or what but I recently discovered reusable notebooks!

Reusable notebooks that are also digital notebooks so you can send your notes to Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox etc.

Notebooks that can be erased and used over and over again! Notebooks that can be uploaded to your computer easily with just a quick scan. Notetaking has just got a lot more fun.

How did I not know these existed until now? Here is my list of cool reusable, erasable, digital notebooks! The first one is my favorite.

THE BEST DIGITAL REUSABLE NOTEBOOKS

 

Rocketbook Erasable, Reusable Notebook (MY PICK!)

The Everlast Rocketbook Erasable Notebook gives you a classic pen and paper experience that’s built for the digital age.

The Everlast Rocketbook can be used endlessly! When used with any pen, marker or highlighter from the Pilot FriXion line, pages are erasable with just a moistened cloth.

When you first get your notebook you will do a quick configuration of the symbols that appear at the bottom of each page of the notebook.

When you mark a symbol on a notes page and scan your pages using the Rocketbook App your notes will instantly blast to Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, iCloud or email (whichever you setup the symbol to go to). 

How cool is that? Check out this video to see it in action! Or go check it out here.

Save money and time and never buy another notebook! It comes in different colors too, check out The Everlast Rocketbook Erasable Notebook. My pick because it is basically the last notebook you will ever need to buy!

Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook

The Rocketbook Wave is from the same line as the one mentioned above except it works a bit different (because it erases in the microwave) and doesn’t last as long.

The Rocketbook Wave is the world’s first microwave-to-erase smart notebook! It provides the freedom of a traditional pen and paper notebook while making it easy to instantly blast your notes into the cloud using your smartphone.

You can erase it and use it over and over up to 5 times.

How cool is that?

How does the Rocketbook Wave work?

When you first get your notebook you will set it up so that each symbol connects to Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, OneNote, Slack, or iCloud.

You just download the free Rocketbook app to scan your content and send it to where you want. When you mark one of the symbols you set up initially and scan that page, those notes will go automatically to that place.

Then when you are ready to erase your notebook, pop your Rocketbook wave in the microwave to erase and reuse up to 5 times.

The app “sees” your marks and sends your notes to the places they belong online.

In order for this notebook to erase and work properly, you will need to use any pen, marker or highlighter from the Pilot Frixion line (one pen is included with your purchase).

Check out the Rocketbook Wave, it’s a bit cheaper than the Everlast mentioned above but it doesn’t last as long and it needs to be placed in a microwave to erase. But its still pretty cool so worth putting on the list in my opinion.

Elfinbook Smart Notebook 3.0

The Elfinbook Smart Notebook is a damp-cloth-or-heat-to-erase (hair drier would be perfect) reusable notebook that is made out of stones. It is a TREE-FREE notebook with acid-free fine-grained paper. With 55 double-sided sheet- 30 lined and 25 blank pages, each sheet of the ELFINBOOK 3.0 can be reused up to 500 times.

The cover of Elfinbook is made of hard, untearable plastic.

This notebook also uses an app called the Elfinbook APP. Scan with your phone to store anything you write inside in PDF form or sync easily to cloud services – Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, Onedrive, Baidu Netdisk, & more.

VELLEE Smart Erasable Notebook

The VELLEE Reusable Smart Erasable Notebook can be reused 500+ times.

With VELLEE smart notebook and FREE app you can scan, upload, send or retrieve your information anytime and anywhere. Sync your work content easily to cloud services – Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, Onedrive and more.

It only needs a wet cloth or hairdryer to be able to wipe away the writing easily

This notebook features three types of paper: wide rule paper and dot grid paper and blank paper，suitable for people with different preferences.

Check out the VELLEE SMART NOTEBOOK.

Have you tried a digital notebook? What is your favorite erasable notebook? Let me know in the comments below!

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

10 Smart Shopping Tips to Help You Save Money!

 

Are you a smart shopper?

Smart shopping takes a little planning, product knowledge, and some patience but it doesn’t have to be hard. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be better off financially.

You will save tons of money and start to realize all of the things you wasted money on before.

You can find everything you want and need for a good deal if you’re willing to stick to a few smart shopper rules.

SMART SHOPPING TIPS

 

1. Make a List & Stick to it

Let’s start out simple. Make a list!

Keep a running list of the items that you need and want. The list should include things you find you need along the way. If you then see one of the items on sale at a price you’ve determined is good (assuming you’ve saved the cash for it), you can buy it.

When you create your list, that’s it. Don’t buy anything that’s not on your list or that you’re not specifically shopping for. If you’re shopping for a new mattress, don’t buy a new dresser just because it was an extra discount for buying two items.

It might seem like you’re getting a good deal, but impulse buying is almost never a good deal.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

For each item that you plan to purchase, set a budget. Base the budget that you set on what you can afford and how long the item is going to last. If you’ve never set a budget or need help budgeting, check out How to Create an Effective Budget.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be hard or restrictive. It actually allows you to relax because if you know you have $100 in your budget to spend on clothes, for example, then you won’t have to wonder if you can afford that new sweater or dress.

Want some FREE Budget Printables?? Join My Newsletter and get access to the FREEBIE LIBRARY filled with printables and guides. Get access here.

3. Use Cash

Studies show that people spend about 50 percent more when they’re using plastic, whether it’s a credit card or a debit card. That’s because we don’t see that as money even though it is. That’s why Amazon is so successful. They collect your payment information up front, then when people click for their “one-click” purchase it’s like it’s not even money.

Simply put, you’ll spend less when you use cash. Of course, when you shop online you’ll have to use a debit card or credit card but you can pay it off immediately afterward.

If you love the idea of credit card rewards (I love rewards) and often shop online just make sure to pay it off soon after purchasing (same day if possible). If doing that seems like too much work you can always use a service like Debitize which will do it for you.

4. Always Price Compare

When shopping either online or off. Always price compare! You can do a quick comparison with apps like Shop Savvy and the Amazon app. Both have a scanner feature that allows you to scan a barcode while at the store to do a quick price comparison!

5. Do Your Research and Read Reviews

No matter what you want to buy, there are usually always reviews online. If you don’t have a computer, you can go to the library or use your phone.

Just beware of fake reviews and check reviews on other sites rather than just the site you’re buying from. I suggest checking reviews from a few different websites and try and make sure they are “verified purchasers” that are leaving the reviews.

6. Ask for Help

When you’re in the store, ask for help. Some online stores also now have chat features so if you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. That’s what the associates are there for. Customer service is there to help you, whether it’s online or offline.

Often, they know about coupon codes and other information to help you get a deal. Sometimes salespeople who sell on commission can change the price too.

Online chats are great to ask for any coupon codes available. The worse they can say is no.

7. Use Coupons & Promo Codes

By far the easiest way to shop smart and get the best deal possible is to use coupons and rebates! If you’re new to couponing you can grab my free beginners guide to couponing which is located in the FREEBIE LIBRARY.

If you mainly shop online, use a browser extension like the Honey Chrome Extension and Genie. You can also take advantage of cashback sites and coupon apps that give you cash back when shopping through them.

Sign up once for free and save money everytime you shop.

You may also like:

101 Ways to Save Money

How to Save Money on Large Purchases

10 Ways to Save on Designer Brands

8. Shop Alone When Possible

Yes, it’s fun to shop with friends but it can also cause you to spend more. If you want to shop smart, go alone. This way if your friend starts pleasure shopping you won’t be tempted to jump ship and join them. Even if your friend isn’t a pleasure shopper they may be purchasing something and getting a good deal and you may feel like you need to jump on that deal as well.

If you’re lucky enough to have a friend who can stop you from buying things you don’t need then ignore this and bring them.

If you have kids the same can apply but it’s a little more difficult not to shop with them :). So just be cautious and make sure they have a snack and something to keep them occupied in the store.

9. Don’t Shop Hungry

One of the biggest shopping expenses you’ll incur is eating at restaurants and fast food establishments. Instead, eat well at home before you go out to shop so that you’re not stopping to eat in between trips.

You also don’t want to grocery shop hungry! If you do you will end up buying things you don’t need. You may even find yourself snacking and buying a beverage to have while you’re shopping.

Bring snacks and beverages from home especially if you’re taking the kids.

10. Avoid Impulse Buys

No matter what you do, it’s best to avoid impulse buys. If it’s not on your list as an item you need, then don’t buy it. Plain and simple. Don’t go to stores to window shop and avoid shopping malls or going to the store “just for fun”.

If you have a problem with online shopping consider using a money-saving Chrome extension called Icebox.

The Icebox for Chrome extension replaces the buy button on the most popular e-commerce stores, automatically saving you from your weakest moments. So if you feel like you may be doing a lot of impulse buying then you may want to try this extension out! This is a great extension to enable during a no-spend month.

These smart shopping tips will help you make good and smart shopping choices. You’ll spend less money, buy fewer things that you don’t need, and focus on value when you do make a purchase.

Want tons of value for FREE? Signup below to access my FREEBIE Library filled with great resources and printables.

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

This is a guest post from Giving Assistant: GivingAssistant is a cashback website where users have the option to donate their cash back to any of the 1.2 million charitable organizations they have as partners. 

How to Get Paid to Learn New Stuff

 

Not everyone can afford to go to college, and even if you do, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find a good job in your chosen field without hands-on experience. The good news is, you don’t necessarily have to go back to school to learn new skills to advance your career and give you a competitive edge.

With a little creativity and research, you can find a number of ways to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience without spending a lot of money. In fact, you can even make money while you learn.

9 Ways to Get Paid While You Learn

 

1.      Become a Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, you’ll be writing informative, how-to articles on various topics. Most articles will require some research. So, not only will you get to explore your creative side, you are certain to learn something new each time you write an article.

To get started as a freelance writer, you will need to be able to demonstrate your writing and research skills by building a portfolio of your work. The good news is, no college degree is required. There are a number of opportunities to work part-time or full-time as a freelance writer. You could even self-publish your own articles and eBooks.

2.      Learn While You Work in Your Chosen Field

Many fields have entry-level positions that will allow you to learn on the job. You will need to do some research to find an entry-level position that’s related to what you want to learn. When searching job sites, look for phrases like paid internship, on-the-job training, paid training, or earn while you learn. These phrases indicate the company is willing to teach you the skills you need to do the job while you work and make money.

3.      Apply for an Apprenticeship

Much like an internship, an apprenticeship is a great way to get hands-on experience if you want to learn a trade like plumbing, electrical work, welding, or even auto mechanics. You can even find apprenticeships in fields like health care and clean energy.

Although an apprenticeship may take 1-4 years to finish, you’ll be earning a paycheck while you learn, and you’ll come out debt-free. If you went back to college for (possibly another) four years, you would probably come out of it with a pile of debt that could take years, or possibly even the rest of your life to pay off.

It will take a little research and time to find the right apprenticeship for you, but it’s worth it. The apprenticeships section of the U.S. Department of Labor website is a great place to start.

4.      Create an Online Course

Thanks to the Internet and modern technology, there are many ways to create and distribute online courses. Creating a course will require you to do a lot of research, but one of the best ways to learn about a new topic is to teach it to others.

You may not make much money with the first course you put out. It may take time to generate interest in your chosen topic and establish yourself as an authority. However, if you put out good material, you will be able to put out courses that bring in an income over time.

5.      Work in Research and Development

Many larger companies have an entire department devoted to research and development. Working in these departments is a great way to learn new skills in your industry while bringing home a regular paycheck. Even better, if you ever decide to change jobs, you will have numerous new skills to add to your resume.

6.      Get Paid to Learn a Foreign Language

If the idea of getting paid to learn a foreign language while you travel appeals to you, consider working for the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Learning foreign languages will be a huge part of your career, and you will represent the United States at one of the more than 270 consulates and embassies around the world. Senior officers can earn as much as $100,000 a year. To learn more, check out the American Foreign Service Association website.

7.      Start a Blog or YouTube Channel

No matter what new skill you want to learn, chances are good that other people want to learn it, too. Starting a blog or YouTube channel is a great way to share your journey with others as you learn. You can talk about the books, courses, or videos you’re using and make money through affiliate programs. As your blog or channel gains popularity, you will be able to qualify for affiliate programs with higher commissions, sometimes as much as 50%.

8.      Earn Cash Back from Giving Assistant

Giving Assistant is an online shopping rewards platform that allows you to earn cash back from purchases at more than 3,000 online retailers. You can get cash back from things like books and online courses that you purchase to learn your new skill.

For an added bonus, Giving Assistant has all the latest coupon and promo codes to help you save money on your educational purchases, too. Learn more about Giving Assistant here.

9.      Apply for a Fellowship

You don’t have to have a Ph.D. or be a graduate student to be awarded a fellowship. There are a number of merit-based fellowships that offer paid opportunities to learn new skills. Some fellowships last between two to three months long while others require a commitment of two years or more. If you are a student, a fellowship could be a great way to earn money while you learn new skills while school is out over the summer.

To qualify for a fellowship, you will need to apply early (about 6 months before the fellowship starts) and complete a competitive application process. In the case of a paid fellowship, you will receive compensation in the form of a salary or grant. Winning a fellowship will offer an opportunity to learn and network in your chosen field with resources you probably wouldn’t have access to in a typical job.

The Opportunities Are Endless

It may take a little research and creativity to find ways to get paid while you learn new stuff, but it definitely can be done. While not all of these opportunities will provide a full-time income, they will certainly put a little money in your pocket while you learn marketable skills to add to your resume.

Besides, you never know what opportunities could pop up along the way.

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

FREE GIFT CARDS

 

How would free gift cards help you? Wouldn’t it be nice to have gift cards to spend on your groceries and other purchases?

I love getting free gift cards because that’s money I don’t have to spend and it’s easier than you think to get them! It does require a little work but well worth it.

My favorite gift card to get is an Amazon gift card because I have Amazon Prime and order from them pretty much weekly (because I get those free gift cards).

Interested in trying Amazon Prime? Check out my article on Is Amazon Prime Worth it? Or grab a free 30 Day Trial of Prime.

So how do you get free gift cards? I’ve found a number of tried and true ways I will list below. These are in no particular order and I use each and every one of them and have gotten gift cards from them and even PayPal cash in some cases.

Let’s get to the list!

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards program that gives you free gift cards and cash for the everyday things you already do online. You can earn points when you shop at your favorite retailers, watch entertaining videos, search the web, answer surveys and find great deals.

You can redeem points for gift cards to your favorite retailers like Amazon and Walmart or get cash back from Paypal. Swagbucks is very popular among us frugal living and personal finance bloggers and it’s for good reason.

Go ahead and sign up for Swagbucks and start earning gift cards!

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is becoming one of my favorites because its super simple to use (check out my Fetch Rewards Review). All you do is scan your receipt and you can get rewards based on what’s on your receipt plus rewards for every receipt you scan!

Grab money to start by using my Referral Code: BM2BY during signup! You’ll get 1,500 Fetch Points ($1.50 in points) when you complete your first receipt.

Sign up here.

ShopKick

Shopkick is a free app that rewards you with points that you can turn into gift cards simply by walking into stores and more for doing other activities like scanning certain products while you are in the store.

If you have a teenager or find yourself in the mall a lot then you can really rack up the points even if you’re just window shopping.

Check out Shopkick and start earning points everywhere you go. Have

 

Ibotta

Ibotta is by far one of my favorite money saving apps! I’ve already earned over $600 with it so far! Ibotta is a free app that pays you cash for everyday purchases. All you have to do is scan your receipts or shop through them if you are shopping online. 

Ibotta has exclusive digital rebates at your favorite grocery stores, retailers, and online shops.

They also offer bonuses often on top of the rebates! Ibotta is a no-brainer, if you only sign up for one today I would sign up for this one (plus they give you $10 as a welcome bonus)!

Get a $10 Welcome Bonus when you use my referral link here.

You may also like:

101 Ways to Save Money

The Best Money Saving Apps

Top 10 Coupon Apps

MyPoints

MyPoints has been around a long time! I became a member back in 1999!

You can earn points by shopping online, taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails and more. You can then go and redeem your points for gift cards, travel miles or cash via PayPal.

Sign up here.

 

 

Now don’t just read this article and think that’s cool I’ll sign up later, get signed up now and don’t miss out. Pin this for later if you’re running short on time and need to come back later.

The more you can save the more money you can free up for the fun stuff!

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