Category Archives: Financial

Saving Basics

Are you looking for ways to save money? Or maybe you want to earn a few extra bucks. There’s lots of ways to do either of these. But, let’s just start with the basics. For example, saving on an order in general. In person versus online.

Before shopping anywhere, look for deals. Also, see if you can purchase a discounted gift card first. Then log into your account or loyalty app to get any deals possible. Click to activate all coupons, and offers in loyalty apps. Watch to make sure that discounts are applied at checkout. Also, always use a payment card that gives you cash back.

If it’s an in person order, be sure to get your receipt so you can submit it to different apps for more money back.

If you are ordering online, check to see if you can get another discount. You may be able to shop through a cash back app or shopping extension. Also look for coupon codes to use at checkout. Make sure your Amazon and email accounts are connected to your receipt scanning apps so you get all of your points.

For more information, see the Money Saving Tips page.


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Get Paid For Receipts Updated

I haven’t talked about it for a while, but yes I’m still obsessed with receipts. For those that are not very familiar with this, you can actually get money back from your receipts. All you have to do is take a picture of them, then submit them on an app. Some apps let you connect your email or Amazon accounts, which will then be scanned for e-receipts. It may not seem like a lot of money at first, but it does add up. Especially when you use multiple apps. I have made about $650 so far by doing this. My family no longer makes fun of me for requesting receipts for everything.

I have updated the Submit Receipts page to include apps that:

  • have been successful
  • I’m currently testing
  • I stopped using and why

If you try out any of the apps, please use my referral links and codes so that we both may receive a bonus.

If there’s any that you use that I haven’t mentioned, please comment below. I love learning about new apps.

Thank you!

Telegram users, please also follow my SSS Telegram channel.


Penny Shopping

Did you know that your Dollar General store might actually have items for only one penny? It’s kind of like a treasure hunt though. It’s not advertised anywhere for the public.

There’s a few rules to this. Number one is that you don’t ever go into the store and ask where the penny items are. It’s an unspoken thing. There’s a few other things to know.

To learn more about this, visit the Dollar General Penny Shopping page.


New Survey Sites Page

I’ve been doing some rearranging, and thought that I would move the survey section to it’s own page.

There are several apps and sites that will pay you to take their surveys. A lot of them are very time consuming, and don’t pay very well. I have done several of them, and gave up quickly. I have a short attention span, get confused easily, and forget. So surveys aren’t the best for me. I have read about lots of people having a ton of success, so please do not let me discourage you. I hope to focus on this a lot more now.

On the new Survey Sites page, you will find the ones that I have been able to manage so far. I’ve made about $500 with them, and I’m currently testing a few others. Try some out with my referral links so that we both may receive an added bonus. Thanks!


Free Crayola Crayons

In celebration of National Crayon Day, Crayola is giving away one million crayons from March 31, 2022 through May 31, 2022. If you are nearby a participating location, you can register with the following link. You can download up to two vouchers for 32 crayons each, which will need to be presented at your scheduled pick up time. For additional information, visit their site.

https://www.crayolaexperience.com/national-crayon-day-giveaway


For more things like this, please see the Smile, Sparkle, Save section.


Rebates Update

I used to write quite a bit about rebates, but I have since removed all pages and posts on the subject. I just need time to clean things up a bit. Some rules have changed in the rebating world. This has caused other things to change as well. Along with this, some companies have shut down or altered their practices. I want to make sure I’m providing correct information to everyone. Thanks for your patience.

In the meantime, please check out some of the other money saving tips.


New Amazon Page

I may be addicted to Amazon. I definitely do a ton of shopping on and I realize that I talk about it often throughout my site. So, I just figured I would make a new page for All Things Amazon. It’s not yet complete. I have a bit more to add yet. Below is just an outline of what I have so far. Check out the new page for more information.

  • Discounts
    • Prime Discount
    • Coupons
    • Discount Codes
  • Cash Back
    • Late Delivery
    • Credit Cards
    • Scan Receipts
  • Gift Cards
    • Reload Promotion
    • Discounted
    • Free Gift Cards
  • Charity
  • Get Paid By Amazon

Go to the All Things Amazon page for more detailed information.


As I stated above, I plan to add some more information. Please check back anytime. Subscribe to get blog updates. Follow on social media for posts and more. I don’t always post the same information across all channels.


Let’s Talk About Receipts

Let me apologize ahead of time for the long post. As boring of a topic it may be for you, it’s actually profitable for me so I wanted to share a few points with you.

Let’s talk about receipts. You know that piece of paper that most of you either don’t take from the cashier or you just toss out right away. Do you know how bad I want to ask for your receipt? Seriously. It’s really awkward, so I don’t, but I’d like to.

If this is you, you’re literally throwing money away. Maybe not a lot, but it adds up. Eventually, it’s enough to pay for something you couldn’t afford before. Or maybe it will just be some extra pocket money. Either way, why not just take that receipt home and make some money off of it? Not to mention, with the cost of things going up these days, this helps to bring it back down. That’s how I think when I use my gas rewards points every month.

Okay, I got you take your receipt home. Now what? It depends on the type of person you are. I constantly change my routine. You can either just scan them right away, or place them somewhere till you have a few. Once you are ready, open the app and start scanning according to the instructions provided. They all seem to be slightly different.

I’ve tried most of them out and have a few favorites. Some of the apps let you link some of your loyalty cards, your email, or your Amazon accounts. I love this feature! Some let you forward receipts. There’s an app that makes you scan every single item purchased, which can be a bit much for me. Everyone is different so you may prefer that more than I do.

Oh, I know, it’s all just a pain in the butt no matter what. Who wants to bother with all that for a few cents? If it helps at all for you to know this, I do the bare minimum. I have all of my accounts linked for automated savings. Otherwise, I miss deadlines, I forget, I get overwhelmed, and so on. I often don’t stick to things for very long. Yet, so far, I’ve made a few hundred dollars back and I still continue to obsess over receipts.

I don’t expect to go through any of what I did when I first started out. I’ve spent so much time and effort trying out apps to get my money back any way I can. Then I share all the information I can with you. Also, I don’t just submit my receipts. I also use cash back credit cards, shop through cash back apps, use promotional codes, and more. Subscribe to follow my adventures of saving money.


Here’s just three of the many apps that I use for my receipts, along with some basic info. The links provided to each site are my affiliate links. In most cases, we both may receive a bonus when you use them to sign up. For more information about these or the other apps that I use, go to the Scan Receipts page.

  • Coupons . com

A lot of people know of the site Coupons.com for printing coupons. Now you can also get cash back from your shopping trips. You would need to add the digital coupons for each store you shop at. If your store loyalty card is linked, you’ll automatically receive a payment via PayPal when you shop. Some stores you will need to submit a picture of your receipt.

  • Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards lets you scan receipts, and also checks your email for digital receipts. This has been great for getting cash back from my Amazon purchases. I just added Giant as well. If you want to try them out, please use my referral link. My code is E4HFT.

  • Pogo

You don’t need to actually scan your receipts with Pogo. You can just link your Amazon, Walmart, PayPal, Walgreens, Target, and others. Every time the app picks up purchases, you’ll get a notification to claim your points. You can also take surveys, get location rewards, and more. Try Pogo with my referral link or use my code 7ZWBV, and connect an account.

To see the rest of the apps that I’m using, visit the Scan Receipts page.


For more financial information, seeSmile, Sparkle, Save!Financial Basics, Money Saving Tips, Scan Receipts, Rebating, Savings Page, Extra Money Tips. Everything else can be found on the Site Map.


Stress Free Ink Refills

I’ve been seeing a lot of posts and comments out there recently about buying printer ink and all the stress that comes with it. Honestly, I didn’t realize that was still a thing. I haven’t dealt with this agony in several years. I never check my levels, I never run out, I never buy cartridges. I don’t do anything really, besides have a subscription. And, since I rarely print anything, it’s been FREE.

I have an HP Envy printer & use the HP Instant Ink subscription plan. They monitor my ink levels & send me new cartridges whenever I run low. They have a few different plans depending on how much you print and it can be changed as needed. I’m currently allowed up to 15 pages a month. If I go over that, I get charged $1 for each additional 10 pages, which is still less than the next price level.

* I haven’t checked their pricing recently, but for me its always been very affordable & helpful.


Rebates Me

Do you use RebatesMe to get cash back when shopping?

I created an account in February and received a $5 bonus. Then, I got a $1 bonus for installing the browser extension. Each time I place one of my Walmart orders, I click on RebatesMe to get 4.2% cash back. So far, I have accumulated $10.44.

Try them out with my referral link and you’ll get $5 too. My referral code is 4FTZTR. Thanks!



The Struggle Is Real

The struggle really is real, and is a major pain in the buttocks. I nearly threw in the towel and accepted defeat, once again. I had all sorts of plans to share a whole lot of information, updates, financial tips, the freebies I receive, and so much more. I really do want to help everyone I can, without pestering them.

Except, I encounter a slew of roadblocks along the way of trying to do this. I admit that a lot of this is in my head, literally. I have OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and on, and on. I’m in a never ending battle with my own self. My mind is constantly going in a ridiculous amount of directions at triple speeds, and I can barely catch up. It’s exhausting, mentally and physically. I also have a ton of stomach issues that are triggered by every little thing. Then add some memory loss, chronic pain, and myalgia to the mix.

Not to mention, of course, being Mom always takes precedence over everything. I have two daughters, our Emotional Support dog, and several fancy rats that keep me on my toes. My youngest daughter has Autism, Tourette’s, DMDD, among other things. I stay in close proximity to her at all times and am always on alert. So it’s sometimes hard to manage other things as well.


I’m not saying any of this as an excuse or for sympathy. A lot of times, in some ways, I actually feel awkward discussing it in general. Yet, I also do want people to know what I experience on a regular basis. I think it helps to know where people are coming from.

A lot of things seem to be a constant struggle for me. It doesn’t matter how tiny or ginormous the issue may be. Nothing really dictates my response to things. For example, a stack of dishes could fall and smash everywhere and I’ll say it’s totally okay, as long as no one was hurt. But God forbid a cup is out of place in the cabinet. I will wreak havoc and lose my mind.


This is just a general recap of most of my sharing experiences…

I find a deal (or even anything in general) that I want to share, and have to decide where to post it. I think how it should be from a central location that can be shared from, but sometimes jump to a different platform. I get hyper focused, putting more thought into it, dissecting it, rewriting again. I want to include as much information as possible, but not be too wordy. I get side tracked a few times, I rethink how to word things, I wonder if anyone will really look at it and if so, what will they think of it, or of even of me. I start to second guess myself, and then my life. I get side tracked again. When I click the app again on my phone, I end up swiping it away. It is either lost forever or saved in my drafts, where I might look at it much later in the future when I’m cleaning things up.

I know, it just sounds like I’m being ridiculous and I should get over it. Believe me, I’ve tried. I push myself all of the time. Sometimes, somehow the more I try, the worse it gets. I can easily become a huge train wreck in no time.


So, in an effort to share deals quickly and easily, without having a mental breakdown or worrying about spamming everyone, I think I may make a Telegram channel. I’m still working out other platforms, so who knows. I also thought about making a blog post for each deal, but I’m pretty sure that my email subscribers would hate me and they will quickly unsubscribe. That would make me extremely sad.

If I decide to use this new channel, my intention is to post often throughout the day. In most cases, that won’t happen. But if it does, it shouldn’t bother anyone too much since they specifically signed up to be inundated with all sorts of savings tips, deals, money makers, rebates, and more.

I suppose I’ll create it and see how I feel about it. Unless of course, no one uses it?


Please don’t let me fall down another rabbit hole…

Does anyone even use Telegram? What is your favorite app to get notifications? Do you have any suggestions for the best ways to share deals quick/often? Comment below with any tips you may have for me.



Mistplay Game Boosts

Mistplay is an app that pays me to play games. I have already made $130 so far. When you use my referral link, I will receive extra points.

At the very least, I try to log into the Mistplay app daily and play for a few minutes. Then I’m able to collect a few streak bonus points (units).

Every so often, a game will be “boosted” for a limited time. This means that units are earned faster with an increased reward speed. I always install these games right away and play them as much as I can until the boost is over.

If you log in now, there are two boosted games. If you haven’t tried the app yet, please use my referral link. More information can be found on the Extra Money page.



Amazon Treasure Truck

Did you know that Amazon has a Treasure Truck?

What is the Treasure Truck?

Honestly, I initially envisioned this as the Amazon version of an ice cream truck driving through daily with all sorts of deals. It’s not quite like that.

This is what I have gathered from their site. Each day they will text you a new item being offered at a discounted rate. You can click the link to see if it’s still available, then order it. It is then shipped according to if you have Prime or not.

I originally heard about it in 2019 and signed up right away, but it wasn’t available yet in my area. I actually forgot about it until last month when I started receiving texts with their offers.

I most likely will not partake in any of the deals myself, but they may be of use to you or someone you know.

Follow Smile, Sparkle, Shine:

Cash App Referral Bonus – EXPIRED


*** THIS OFFER IS EXPIRED ***


Cash App can be used to send and receive money for free. They also let you invest in stocks or Bitcoin with as little as $1. It is geared towards the app, but you can still access some features on the site. A physical “Cash Card” is also available.


I have been using Cash App since 2018. If you haven’t tried it yet and would like to make a few extra bucks*, please see my offer below. It’s been a little while since I last used it, so I had to download it again. When I did, I noticed the referral bonus. If you sign up with my link/code and then send at least $5 to someone, Cash App will pay you a $5 bonus. I will actually receive $15 from them. I’m not sure if it’s a limited time or not, but I was thinking that I would personally offer an additional $5 incentive to anyone that completes the full referral task. I just ask that you please send me a message referencing this offer so that I make sure you are rewarded.

*** THIS OFFER IS EXPIRED ***

Sign up with my referral information using the steps here to qualify.*

  1. Sign up with my Referral Link.
    • If you didn’t use link, enter Referral Code: MWQKVXX
  2. Link your debit card.
  3. Send someone at least $5, within 14 days.
  4. Receive $5 Cash App Bonus. (I’ll get $15)
  5. Send me a message re: Referral Offer.
  6. I’ll personally send you a $5 Thank You gift.*

Sign up must be verified.*

Thank you!

*** THIS OFFER IS EXPIRED ***


For more like this, visit Smile, Sparkle, Save.


A Few Updates

A lot has been going on so I haven’t had a lot of time to even grasp my thoughts long enough to share anything here with anyone. But, I have actually been doing a lot of updates around my site.

I added a new page called Smile Sparkle Save. It’s really just a table of contents type of page for the financial section of my site. I’ve made quite a few updates throughout those pages as well. They include Financial Basics, Extra Money, Savings Tips, Scan Receipts, and Freebies.

I also recently started adding a few picture pages. If anyone isn’t aware, I used to do a lot of photography and promoting of several local bands in my area. That’s how this site even originated. It’s focus has since changed quite a bit. At first, I moved anything LadySkullshine related to a tiny section on the About page. After a little bit of thought though, I decided that I would add a bunch of my old pictures. I have a lot more to add when I have a moment.

Please take a look around and check out the new look so far. Let me know what you think. If you get lost or want to discover more pages, visit the Site Map.

Thank you!
– LadySkullshine

My Favorite Extra Money Apps

I realize there is quite a bit of information on my site that may be overwhelming for some just getting started with these types of things. I thought I would focus on earning gift cards today and also showcase my favorite apps.


An easy fun start would be by playing games. As you play, the app tracks your gaming activity and you accumulate points towards gift cards. My favorite app is Mistplay. So far, I’ve made $120 from it.

Then you have your passive apps, ones that take minimal effort while you are multitasking. They may have other tasks like installing other apps, completing offers, surveys, and so on. My favorites include Giftloop ($40) so far, Lucky Money ($28), and MobileXpression ($75).

Surveys are a bit more involved. You can really make a decent amount of money with these. I have a hard time focusing so I fall short here. My favorites are Crowdtap ($40), and YouGov ($115).


For a lot more information about each of these app, please see the Extra Money page.


YouGov Survey Site

I just redeemed points for another $50 Amazon gift card from YouGov. This has been my third payout over the past year, for a total of $115.

I even missed several surveys, so I would have actually made a bit more than that since they are pretty generous with points

YouGov has been listed on my site for a while now, and I have written about it in the past. I just felt the need to share again, since it’s proving to provide a decent amount of extra money for the time spent on it.

If you are interested in trying out YouGov, please use my referral link. I will receive extra points, which I greatly appreciate.

Just so that you are aware, there are two apps. YouGov is the Panel app for surveys, which can also be done on a computer. YG Pulse is the app that runs in the background of your phone, automatically accumulating points.

Thank you!


I Love These Coupons Emails

I really do love getting these emails from Coupons.com.

This site have always been a great source for printing coupons. Most people don’t know that you can also link loyalty cards to your account. I have my Giant Food connected. You can then add digital coupons to your card through the site or the app. I always add all of them, just in case. Then these random emails pop up in my mailbox, like an added bonus.

Coupons.com is also another one of those sites that I use to scan my receipts. While some stores are linked, others are not. This includes Dollar General, Target, Walmart, and several more. So you’ll have to upload the receipt in this case. You also need to know the coupon that is being redeemed first because you’ll need to scan those items. It’s a little extra work, but you’re getting paid for it.

Why not sign up, if you haven’t already. If you have, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the savings.


For more like this, see the Savings Tips and the Scan Receipts pages.


Receipt Pal Cash Back

I just cashed out another $10 from Receipt Pal. That brings my total to $55 so far. That’s a decent amount just for scanning my receipts.

You can scan most receipts with the Receipt Pal app. They have sweepstakes that you automatically get entered into. You can connect multiple emails to be scanned for digital receipts. I also have my Amazon account connected.

Last I checked, you can get cards for Amazon, Target, Best Buy, iTunes, Lowe’s, Starbucks, VISA, and Walmart.

If you try them out, please use my referral code: PPTWMPZJ. Thank you!


For more apps like this, see the Scan Receipts page.