THE CASHBACK KID

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a free website that gives you cash back when you shop online.That means when you buy something, Rakuten gives you some money back — pretty cool, right?

How Does It Work?

Just 3 easy steps:Go to Rakuten before shopping online.Click on the store you want to shop at (like Argos and Currys).Shop like normal — Rakuten gives you money back after your purchase!💡 Example: If you spend £50 and the store gives 5% cashback, you get £2.50 back!

Why It’s Awesome:

Totally free to useWorks with tons of popular storesKids can remind parents to use it and help save money!

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What is SimplyCook?

SimplyCook is a recipe box service that sends you flavour kits so you can cook tasty meals at home — and they let you try your first box for free!

How Does It Work?

Just 3 easy steps:Pick 4 recipes you want to try on their website.Get your free box in the post with pots of herbs, spices, and sauces.Add fresh ingredients from your fridge and cook a delicious meal!💡 Example: You might get a Thai curry kit — just add chicken, coconut milk, and veggies, then follow the easy recipe card.

Why It’s Awesome:

First box is free (just pay a small postage fee)Super quick and easy recipesA fun way for kids and parents to cook together!

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What is Hello Fresh?

HelloFresh is a popular meal delivery service that sends you ready-to-cook recipe boxes with pre-portioned ingredients and easy step-by-step recipe cards.

How Does It Work?

Just 3 easy steps:Choose your box – pick meals tailored to your family’s tastes (e.g. family-friendly, calorie-smart, veggie).HelloFresh delivers everything you need—fresh ingredients measured for each recipe.Cook together – just follow the card and enjoy a home-cooked meal. You even get a dessert every time, for free!

Why It’s Awesome:

Big savings on your first order.No messing around—all ingredients come pre-measured.Fun for everyone—kids can help cook

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Earning Cashback Online

Cashback is one of the easiest ways to save money on your everyday spending — but if you’ve never used it before, it can feel a bit mysterious. In this beginner’s guide, I’ll explain exactly what cashback is, how it works, and how you can start earning it today.What is Cashback?
Cashback is when you get a percentage of your purchase price returned to you after you shop. Think of it as a small reward for buying something you were going to buy anyway. For example, if you spend £100 at a retailer offering 5% cashback, you’ll receive £5 back.How Does It Work?
Most cashback offers are run through cashback websites like TopCashback, Quidco, or Rakuten. These sites get paid a commission by the retailer when you make a purchase through them. Instead of keeping the commission, they share part of it with you — that’s your cashback.Steps to Start Earning CashbackSign up for a free account on a cashback website.Search for the retailer you want to shop with.Click through to the retailer’s site from the cashback site’s link.Make your purchase as normal.Wait for your cashback to be tracked and paid into your account.Cashback on More Than Just Shopping
You can earn cashback on more than just clothes and electronics. Many sites offer cashback on travel bookings, insurance policies, mobile phone contracts, and even utility bills.Tips for BeginnersAlways click through from the cashback site before making your purchase.Clear your browser cookies to make sure the tracking works.Compare cashback rates across different sites to get the best deal.Cashback isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme — but over a year, those little amounts can add up to a lot.

Earning Cashback Online

With so many cashback websites to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are the top 5 cashback websites in the UK right now, each with their own strengths.1. Rakuten
Known worldwide, Rakuten offers cashback across hundreds of UK and international brands. They often run special promotions like double or triple cashback events, and their site is easy to navigate. You can also earn cashback in other countries if you shop internationally, making it a great choice for global shoppers.2. TopCashback
Often rated highly by users, TopCashback offers competitive cashback rates and covers a huge range of retailers. Membership is free, and they frequently run seasonal promotions.3. Quidco
One of the oldest cashback sites in the UK, Quidco has a loyal user base and good rates. They also offer a Premium option for faster payouts and higher cashback percentages.4. Airtime Rewards
A unique option — Airtime Rewards links to your debit or credit card and gives you cashback directly off your mobile phone bill. It’s a “set it and forget it” way to earn.5. Swagbucks
While Swagbucks is more of a rewards site, it offers cashback on shopping alongside surveys and other ways to earn points, which you can convert into gift cards or PayPal cash.Choosing the Right Site for You
Many savvy shoppers sign up to more than one site and compare cashback rates before every purchase. That way, you always get the best deal.

Maximise Cashback

If you want to take your cashback game to the next level, there are some simple tricks to get more from every pound you spend.1. Stack Offers
Use cashback alongside voucher codes, store discounts, and loyalty points. For example, buy something on sale, use a coupon code, and still earn cashback on top.2. Use the Highest Rate Available
Check multiple cashback sites before buying — rates can vary by more than 5% between platforms.3. Pay With a Cashback Credit Card
If you have a credit card that pays cashback, you can double up: earn cashback from the card and the cashback site.4. Shop During Special Events
Look out for double or triple cashback promotions — especially around Black Friday or seasonal sales.5. Don’t Forget Recurring Bills
Many people forget you can get cashback on insurance renewals, broadband upgrades, and utility switches.Maximising cashback isn’t about spending more — it’s about making the most of the spending you’re already doing.

Cashback vs Discounts

When you’re trying to save money, both cashback and discounts can help — but which one is better? The answer depends on the situation.How Discounts Work
A discount takes money off your purchase right away, either through a sale price or a voucher code. The saving is instant.How Cashback Works
Cashback gives you money back after your purchase, usually paid into your account after a few weeks.Example ComparisonItem price: £100Discount: 10% off means you pay £90 immediately.Cashback: 10% back means you pay £100 now, but get £10 later.Which Is Better?
If you need the saving immediately, a discount is best. If you’re happy to wait, cashback can sometimes work out better — especially if you stack it with discounts.In many cases, the smart move is to use both.

Top Tips

Cashback is simple, but there are a few traps that can stop you from earning the rewards you expect.1. Forgetting to Click Through
If you don’t start your shopping trip from the cashback site, the purchase won’t be tracked.2. Using Unapproved Voucher Codes
Some voucher codes can cancel your cashback. Always check the store’s terms on the cashback site.3. Not Clearing Cookies
Old cookies can cause tracking issues. Clear your cookies before clicking through for big purchases.4. Returning Items
If you return something, the cashback is usually cancelled.5. Ignoring Small Purchases
Even small cashback amounts add up over time — don’t skip them.By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make sure every eligible purchase counts towards your cashback balance.