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AARPTeri
Community Manager
March 19, 2026

AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

  • March 19, 2026
  • 728 replies
  • 96606 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

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

Before you purchase something on-line, google Discount Promo code for _____.  Many times you can find a code to use for a discount.

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

Always look at the bottom of all restaurants receipts... A lot of them offer free food just by doing the surveys and the surveys usually only take less than 5 minutes..... The best survey I have found is Zaxby's... You get buy 1 Zaxby's snack pak, get the other one free...Also, join restaurant's rewards programs and earn free food every time you eat there-- I have saved money by doing both!

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

I ask for senior citizen discounts as much as possible.  I also have a high yield interest account for  earning higher  interest than savings account.  

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

Always pick up a copy of the grocery store ad when entering.  There are times when there are multiple ads happening simultaneously (ex Monday only, weekend specials). These extra ads are in addition to the weekly flyer and may have lower prices that what was listed in a weekly flyer.  In addition, the same chain may not always have the same ads.  In my area (KC) the Price Chopper chain is owned by different people.  While all have the same general ad, each owner frequently has promotions only to their stores.  These can be easily missed if not shopping at your local, regular location. 

 

Reading an ad can lead one to make smarter decisions.  Remember--End Caps are not always savings.

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

Every week I checked online for weekly store ad and download coupon when the sales start also I always check AARP rewards for their gift card weekly to save and stretch out my discount 

 

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

Always carry a small amount of cash when traveling as some businesses charge exorbitant fees for paying with a credit card.

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

 I got an IKEA membership.  Dining at the cafeteria is economical compared to local restaurants.  

SereneSeagull
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
April 17, 2026

Yes, they have some very good food there.  

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

All change goes into a jar and when I can some bills too.

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

I use store coupons and buy discounted items whenever possible. I look for clearance racks and items on sale. I also shop around for the best deal before purchasing an item.

Contributor ⭐
April 17, 2026

I make it a point to shop at my local food co-op and head over to their bulk department. I fill my reusable bags with items such as oats, nuts, teas, and herbs. I also buy their fresh veggies that aren't wrapped in plastic. By shopping this way, I'm not only saving money but keeping plastic waste out of the landfills.

SereneSeagull
Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
April 17, 2026

I’m always a little skeptical of bulk food containers.  I’ve seen people, adults and children alike, use their hand to grab and taste something.  Any amount it might save me or the environment is not worth it after seeing that.  But glad you can save and enjoy it!