Over the 37 years that I have been refunding, there have been lots of changes in finding and submitting the offers. The biggest is of course the internet. When I began everything was via mail, no shortcuts.

But times have changed. Probably 1/3 of all rebates are now found on the internet, and about ½ of those can be submitted online directly.

For example at Staples.com I can submit rebates directly online. It takes about 1 minute. The reason it’s so easy is that all my information has been preloaded through my frequent shopper card.

RiteAid.com has a wonderful program too. Throughout each month you enter receipts, and at the end of the month submit the total. You receive one refund for all your purchases. These can sometimes be as much as $500. Best of all unless you don’t have access to a computer everything is done online.

Other refunds are printable off the site. You can then submit them with the correct proofs of purchase. The check, free gift or free product coupon will be mailed directly to you.

This is such a benefit since years ago rebates were distributed through the supermarkets, and once all the forms were gone, you were out of luck. This method gives everyone an opportunity.

www.Refundlebundle.com lists about 400 different refund offers each month. Have a look at the discussion board on our site for almost daily updates of rebates and freebie.

In 1973 when I discovered the world of coupons and refunds, nothing was automated. Coupons were added up by the cashier, and I was handed the cash. I was amazed, when stores could deduct the coupons via the register. What a time saver.

Today, Single Check Rebates have become such time savers. Stores that we are all familiar with: Rite Aid, Walgreen and Eckerds have initiated these programs. For example for the month of May, Rite has $910 in various refunds and rebates. These range from toothpaste, tissues, and cleaning products to small appliances and other assorted merchandise sold in the store.

The concept is simple, sign up online (even I can and have done so), enter all register receipts for the month and at the end of May hit the submit button and believe it or no, your refund check is in the mail. I have gotten upwards of $40 on an occasion. No computer access, no problem, you can submit all your receipts by mail and receive the same benefits.

All the rebates are listed online or in a booklet distributed as you enter the store. Get those cash savings started, and let me know how well you’re doing.