AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

I I try to cut down on paper towel use. Cloth reuseable napkins, if use paper napkins, save those that are still mostly clean for wiping up spills etc. I also save the cheap paper napkins that come with most any fast food order or eating out etc. I also only buy the paper towel that lets your tear off a small size, even then I often tear off a smaller piece. It all adds up to saved money and helps to save trees!

I use different apps like the AARP rewards program to help save money and achieve my goals. I also make a point to use any loyalty rewards I acquire from different places to help reduce the overall costs on any purchases for our household. I also comparison shop for items before I decide to purchase. Taking the time to research and sometimes just waiting for the right seasonal sale, helps me to save money on products that we use the most. I find trying to practice small financial goals like that and budget dieting with coupon usage and just saying no to some things helps, greatly.

Use the grocery store app! 

• You can also use the grocery store "app" on your laptop or tablet (not only on your cell phone). 
• You can then print out the shopping list! Most people don't realize you can do that. 😯
• Look for the personalized digital discounts on the app as well as other "deals."
• Use the app in all grocery stores you frequent.
• Your app has a scanner; some stores have "QR" codes next to digital sale items that you can easily scan to quickly "clip" the digital coupon instead of searching in the app for it.
• Ask the front desk to help you set up the app on your phone (then do the same thing on your computer) if you need help. The laptop and cell phone apps will sync together. (NOTE: you need to have a free account with the store before you set up the app.)

I've saved an enormous amount of money by shopping on the app before I go to the grocery store and also in the store. I have spoken to many fellow seniors (usually in the produce section) to show them how much they could save by using the app. Some people resist because it's "scary" technology or they feel it's unfair to have to click digital coupons to get a deal. It is what it is. Why not play the game and save?

I show them some of my savings on my phone (such as the .99-cents cilantro is .59 cents for me right now in one store if I click the digital coupon) so they can see how it works in real time. That's a huge savings just for one little thing! You will walk out of the store feeling like more like this: 😃 instead of like this: ☹️

I think I've made many "converts!" By using the app, sometimes I save not just cents but sometimes DOLLARS on just one item! Play the game and give it a try; it's worth the effort.

I use my phone number on lots of stores apps and save tons of money by buying only those items on the list every week

There are several saving strategies that I use. It helps me funnel extra money into my retirement account.

1.For my weekly food bill , I make sure I go to my stores app. For a lot of their deals, you still need to "clip' a coupon, you just need to do it electronically, otherwise you wont be getting that sale price you're seeing.

2.For personal care, if I'm looking for a new dentist or eye doctor, I will go into the office, show them my insurance card and ask if they can give me prices on basic procedures or  glasses/contacts  and compare the prices. In my experience, the pricing varies a lot.

3.For online shopping, if I find something I want, I will put the items exact name into the search bar to see where I can get it for the lowest price.

4.I use a credit card that pays me back with cash and use it for nearly everything, but pay off my balance every month.

 I save money by using points and coupons from CVS pharmacy to buy makeup items.

I am a new member and have enjoyed reading the entries of others.  My most useful money saving advise is to cook at home at least 5 days a week.  I also use the left-overs to make other meals such as soups or other things.  If they can't be used for the the next meal, then I freeze them for future quick meals.  

I started cutting my husband's hair a few years ago and save around $80/month.  We use AARP feul rewards app for gas. 

So many great ideas; many of which I also utilize. I especially like depositing any change received into a bucket to save as "cruise money." 

To save money, I shop the supermarkets sale flyer. I make meals based on what is on sale. If an item I use regularly is on sale at a really good price,  I will buy extra and stock my pantry or freezer.