AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

Whenever I have the need for broth and won't use the whole carton, I pour the remainder in ice cube trays and then pop them out and label in a freezer baggie. This has also worked well for big jars of pesto, herbs, and other items that would not be used in time. I feed 15 rescue cats and 3 rescue dogs, along with other outdoor cats and creatures, so saving where I can helps.

When shopping for groceries I always get rain checks for sale items that are out of stock. On other items if you see price cheaper after purchase check to see if store will offer a price adjustment. Usually it would have to happen within 2 weeks. Never hurts to ask.

my trusty sparklets bottle gets fed nightly a variation of my spare change and occasional unused bill. I also snap pics of my/friends' receipts by Christmas every year I have usually accumulated 200$ for gift cards for grandkids presents great idea for those of us on fixed incomes

We have a local coffee shop that offers members rewards that I take advantage of frequently. First, during special holidays, they offer to buy 3 gift cards and get one free. So if I buy $100 gift card its $75. They don’t charge any extra fees for putting it on your credit card, so I get 1.5% back on my card. Second, every time you make a purchase using your phone number for rewards you get one point per dollar spent. At 50 points, you get $5.00 off your next purchase. Also, they give you a coupon with every purchase to “Buy One Get One Free” on a Tuesday. Basically, when you add it all up, as a loyal customer I receive my coffee’s for almost half off. It is also a great meeting place for myself and my friends. Also, I created a seperate email address for loyalty rewards programs so that my regular email account for business and personal is not inundated with offers. It also makes that separate email account easy to see my rewards without it beinging intertwined with my important accounts. I also use Roku TV with a large outdoor atenna saving on cable's outrageous pricing and love my local dollar store for wrapping paper and birthday cards! It takes a little effort, but worth so much!

R. LeBlanc

I buy my appliances and electronics with my major credit card because the credit card offers warranties extended beyond the manufacturers 👏🏾

Being mindful and enjoying the simple things in life has made it easy for me to keep my spending down. There's no reason to "keep up with the Joneses" or waste money on superficial things. I focus on comfort and functionality, place value on what is important to me, not others. Most of my clothes come from thrift stores, I don't need colored hair or painted nails so no money goes to salons or expensive cosmetics. And yes, I still look great!

Coffee shops and sit-down restaurants should be an occasional indulgence, not a regular thing--even with the best deals, a chunk of cash goes to tax and tip--so if we do eat out, we usually have a lunch special. I found plenty of quick and easy meals to make at home, largely including fully-cooked frozen foods from Costco, and often plan dinners based on what I find on sale at the grocery store. A trip down the meat section often results in finding 30-50% discounts because the items are nearing their "best by" date.

Money-saving has become a fun game where loyalty memberships, coupon clipping, discount/outlet/dollar stores, senior days, clearance items are all part of the hunt to keep $ in my pocket. Secret tip: I check the AARP website at midnight on the last day of the month to get first dibs on discounted gift cards with the extra credit rewards and I check regularly to get the best free $5 gift cards with my reward points. Also, I have won several $10 gift card prizes from playing the instant win games every day. I've been an AARP member for less than two years and have saved $768 solely from their rewards program! 

Not only do I enjoy the challenge of getting the most out of my hard-earned money, but I love the fact that having extra cash allows me to foster kittens and help out the local cat rescue programs. Saving the lives of fur babies? Priceless!!!

My best savings strategy is: Spend only on the things that truly matter and let the rest go.  Evaluate what is truly important for your life, what really brings you joy.  For example, dining in restaurants isn't important to me so I don't do it.  But I do pay an annual membership fee that allows me to go on six guided hikes throughout the year, from May to October.  Having new clothing is not important to me, but having my dog and keeping her healthy and happy matters a lot to me.  So, I don't buy new clothing but I spend on good food and Veterinary care for my dog.  I am currently saving for a couple of minor home upgrade projects that I want to do.  I also have a fund where I put money for property taxes and car & house insurance.  Is it difficult to save on a low income?  It absolutely is difficult - but it is possible. 

Smart Saver contest suggestion:

Minimize waste - don't buy what you don't need or won't use, don't let groceries go to waste or spoil in your refrigerator, eat leftovers or freeze extra servings. Over time, if you save 15-20% at the grocery store, it's the same as EARNING 15-20% on your savings account. Waste throws away both your hard earned income plus the potential interest on what you save.

Thank you All for suggestions! 

When I need household supplies I go to Target and usually get gift cards for spending on items I already need. Next time my order is paid for with those gift cards. I freeze anything that's on sale in a deep freeze. Bread, butter, banas, meat, cheese, you name it. Grow your own herbs year round indoors. Always collect metal for scraping once it's enough. Take back cat n jack clothes to target even if they are ruined or grown out of for gift cards or new items. I'm saving to keep my house as I face foreclose because of getting behind a couple months. One day I'd like to have money to just relax and enjoy the moments too.

I encourage people that if you live close to one of the Wholesale Club such as BJ's, Sam's Club Costco get a membership  you do save money on gas and groceries. I shop at  Aldi and Walmart to save money. On cell service switch to Mint or Tello. For entertainment get a library card to get access to Hoopla and Libby.