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Pinching Pennies: How We Paid for Our Wedding Rings with Cashback

  • Amy Eley
  • Jan 8
  • 4 min read

In my last post, we "heisted" the meal kit brands to get healthy dinners for as little as £1.47. Today, we’re taking it to the next level. I’m going to show you how to get actual cash back into your bank account for the shopping you’re already doing.


Why am I talking about cashback in a health series? Because being healthy often requires an investment. I use my accumulated cashback to buy the things that last—like stainless steel pans and wooden chopping boards—and to offset the cost of the fresh, high-quality ingredients we use in our recipes. It’s about making your money work harder so you can live better.


Now, this may not be entirely new to you. Cashback has been around for a long time, so you might already have accounts with some of these sites or apps. But the question is: Are you actually using them? Most people think cashback is just for a few pennies here and there. But if you are consistent, it is a massive financial tool. By stacking these methods over the years, my husband and I actually saved enough to buy my wedding and engagement rings. We didn't just save on groceries; we used it for "big ticket" items like car insurance, holidays, and white goods.


How does it work? (The Best Part)


The best thing about cashback is that it costs you absolutely nothing. You aren't paying a fee, and you aren't paying more for your products.


It works because shops pay these apps a "finder's fee" (commission) for sending you to them. Instead of the app keeping all that money, they share it with you! It takes about 30 seconds extra to click a link or scan a receipt, and in return, you get a slice of the shop's profit.


The Secret of the "Triple-Dip"

The real magic happens when you stack your wins. You can actually save three times on a single purchase:


  1. The Discount: Use a referral code or find a "Yellow Sticker" sale price.

  2. The Cashback Site: Click through a site like TopCashback before you buy online.

  3. The Payment Method: Pay with a cashback credit card (like Amex or Lloyds) or use a rewards-based gift card. If you don't have them yet, here are my referral codes:

    Amex: https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/platinum-cashback-everyday?ref=jAMESE0pe5&XL=MNANS

    Lloyds: https://apply.lloydsbank.co.uk/sales-content/cwa/l/onboardpca/index-app.html?from=ob&webDirect=true&redesign=true&token=kOlQOrkYJQfMvJ2/CGHrjHH0GUFceMS4AM3IHllUFRM=&redesign=true#/refer-friend


1. The Heavyweights: TopCashback & Quidco

These sites have been staples for years, so it's worth checking if you already have an old login with money sitting in it!


  • How it works: Before you buy anything online, search for the brand on their site first and click through.

  • Referral Bonus: If you are new, use my link below. You’ll usually get a £10 welcome bonus once you’ve earned your first bit of cashback (and I get some too)! https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/eley31


2. The Supermarket "Receipt" Apps


This is how you get free food. Apps like Shopmium, GreenJinn, and CheckoutSmart pay you to try products—sometimes giving you 100% of the money back. I personally don't use these yet, but they are definitely something I'm interested in! Let me know if you have referral codes!


3. Hidden Rewards: Vodafone VeryMe & Bank Offers

This is the one people miss! If you are a Vodafone customer, you have a "hidden" rewards section in your My Vodafone app called VeryMe.


  • Vodafone VeryMe: They give away completely free treats every week. I’ve seen (and regularly used) everything from free coffees and snacks to £10 off a grocery shop or discounted cinema tickets. If you’re already paying for your phone plan, check this app every Friday—it’s literally free money (just make sure you only use your freebie so you're not being tricked into spending!)

  • Bank Offers: Open your banking app (like Lloyds "Everyday Offers"). They often have "5% back at Morrisons" or "10% back at Sainsbury's." You must click 'Activate' in your app before you shop to get the money. (We will give you another post just on this soon!)


4. Instant Cashback: JamDoughnut

Here's another way to get even more cashback! Use JamDoughnut to buy a digital gift card for your supermarket just before you pay at the till. You get instant points that turn into cash. It's the perfect final "dip" to add to your savings.


Your Action Plan for Today:

  1. Dig out your old logins: Check TopCashback or Quidco—see if you have a balance waiting for you! If you don't, open up a free account with my referral code for a win-win discount for us both) https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/eley31

  2. Activate your Bank Offers: Open your banking app right now and click 'Activate' on every offer you see that applies to your usual spending.

  3. Check Vodafone VeryMe: If you’re with Vodafone, open the app and see what freebie is waiting for you today.

  4. Sign up to JamDoughnut: Purchase a gift card before you buy from one of their brands for even more cashback!


Whilst I know it all sounds like a lot of effort, the more you do it, the more it'll feel like second nature and your pocket will thank you for it!

I want to know: What are your best cashback hacks? Are there any more I need to try? Share the love: All Referral Codes in One Place (We both get a cheeky freebie)

 
 
 

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