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AARPTeri
AARPTeri
Community Manager
March 19, 2026

AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

  • March 19, 2026
  • 728 replies
  • 96379 views

Share your best savings strategies—and what you’re saving for!

 

Join the AARP Rewards Community Smart Saver Contest here in the AARP Rewards Connect forum and inspire others with your favorite money-smart tips. Whether it’s a clever budgeting trick, a savvy shopping habit, or a small daily habit that adds up over time, we want to hear about it.

 

If you’re using the AARP Rewards program to help you save and achieve your savings goals, please share that in your post too!

 

By sharing your savings strategy in this thread, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of six $100 gift cards.

 

How to Enter

Reply to this post and share one or more of your best money-saving tips, stories, or strategies during the Contest Entry Period of March 23, 2026, through April 19, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET on April 19, 2026. See link to Official Rules below.

 

Let’s help each other save smarter. Post your tip and join the conversation!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Official Rules: https://community.aarp.org/t5/AARP-Rewards-Connect/AARP-Rewards-Online-Community-Smart-Saver-Contest-2026-Official/td-p/2661846 

    728 replies

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    JenniferH724003
    Contributor ⭐
    April 2, 2026

    I utilize my AARP membership to save on fuel and one of the ways is with Pilot Flying J. In AARP Rewards, I earn points learning, watching videos and playing games, then redeem the points when the Pilot Flying J gift card is available. I also purchase discounted Pilot Flying J gift cards in the Rewards center then load them into the Pilot Flying J app for safe keeping (I don't have to worry about my debit/credit card info being swiped at the pump). I'm a member of the Pilot Flying J rewards program (it's free!) and save 10 cents a gallon when fueling up (I just need to remember to activate that offer at the beginning of each month). The savings add up over time. 

      M
      mr50013685
      Contributor ⭐
      April 2, 2026

      I book my travel early so prices don't go up, but I reprice my flights weekly and I am not afraid to rebook to save. 

        D
        DebraB208562
        Contributor ⭐
        April 2, 2026

        I use my rewards points to purchase gift cards for PetSmart for pet food, and gift cards to local restaurants for friends and family for gifts. This saves me a considerable amount of money!

          G
          GraceM702873
          Contributor ⭐
          April 2, 2026

          During the warm months I close my blinds so the sun does not heat up the house so the air has to run all the time. It really helps...keeps it cooler inside 

          I also make my own ice tea saves lot of money on sugar drinks and its all good 

          raise the temp on the air by a notch or so saves you  

          do all the little things to save here and there 

          gtm707@aol.com

            C
            CatherineM62086
            Contributor ⭐
            April 2, 2026

            Join CVS extracare plus. $48 yearly fee. You get $10 month coupon and extra savings on CVS brands.

              M
              MichaelS115484
              Contributor ⭐
              April 2, 2026

              I use a few browser extensions for cash back. I always compare them, and then close the tabs and wait a couple hours or overnight. Often, I’ll get bonus offers from Capital One Dhopping or Retailmenot (sometimes as much as 30% back) just by waiting. 

                C
                CindyS214419
                Contributor ⭐
                April 2, 2026

                Save money  on gas in April with Amazpn on Fridays using Earnify

                CindyS
                A
                an7130
                Contributor ⭐
                April 2, 2026

                I put part of each paycheck in a separate high yield savings account that I don't access for everyday expenses. 

                  L
                  LucyA37156
                  Contributor ⭐
                  April 2, 2026

                  My husband and I limit how often we eat out, and try to buy groceries mostly from the outside aisles (fresh fruit, veggies, dairy, et), and avoid ultra processed foods.  We also limit meat purchases.

                    P
                    PIFA123
                    Contributor ⭐
                    April 2, 2026

                    These are the things I do to save money. I negotiate my direct tv and Cox internet plus land line every year. I call them up and request my loyalty discount. I looked at my cell phone bill a few weeks ago at 50 bucks a month and said hell no. Thanks to AARP I went with consumer cellular for 19 bucks a month instead. My central air conditioner I have a gizmo on there that SCE put on it. When they need the electricity they can turn it off. I get a big summer discount. No I don't bake I just use my many fans. Yes it is hot in CA but if it is too hot I will leave and go to the beach, go window shopping, or to a movie. Like every one else I use coupons for food at the many markets in my city. I compare prices. I transferred money a few months ago from an money market account I paid tax on to my brokerage account and he got me one that I can't be taxed on called PRCXX Hernies and I bought a NUV bond that I pay no fed tax just state tax. I hope this gives you some new ideas. I try to live below my means. I am a widow and age 70.

                      B
                      Boddy53
                      Contributor ⭐⭐
                      April 2, 2026

                      Always staying alert to bargain shopping,comparing prices and avoiding impulse purchases is what has helped over the last 20 years of retirement. AARP suggestions are good also ! 

                      Boddy C
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