AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

My best saving tip I used for many years, is when i use any ziploc storage bags, any size, i wash them out n let them dry for another use, I also use clothespins for closing bags of any kind, cheaper then the fancy clips.Also use Paper plates  then reuse the non soiled ones again.raising 5 children, helped me save with this idea!

I have the Capital One browser extension installed, when I make a purchase online it gives me some points to be used for Gift Cards. It is not much... $.20, $.05, or $2.00 at a time. it mounts up. I usually get a Lowes or Home Depot gift card. This year it was $160.00. Every little bit helps

Here's some of my ways to save:

Thrifting - Some local ones have great clothes, books, and various items, Our local store uses 100 percent proceeds to support the local Veterans!!

Books - Why buy when you can utilize your local library.  They have free painting and craft classes also.  Our local library is within walking distance so we get our exercise as well.

Online coupons for grocery & drug stores , easy to use, no paper coupons to keep up with, along with loyalty rewards/points.

Ibotta and Receipt Hog apps -  easy to use and fun. Earn enough to get Amazon or other gifts cards.

Getting rid of clutter (i.e. stuff our kids don't want when we pass) by utilizing Facebook marketplace.  No fees like Ebay!

All these little things add up!  Use $ to enjoy nice getaway!

My husband and I always promised each other that when we retire, we will be debt free. We wanted to make sure that the house, cars and credit card have a zero balance. In 2017, I retired at 55 years old and my husband was 62 years old. 

My mother taught me to make breakfast for 2 people for under $1.00, lunch for under $3.00 and dinner for under $5.00. I always stock up when the market have sales on non-perishable products that I use. 

I’ve learned that saving doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s really about being intentional.

What’s helped me most is automating my savings into separate buckets through my online account - it keeps everything organized and takes the pressure off. I also try to stay mindful with daily spending. If it’s not something I truly need, I give it a day or two. Usually, I realize I can skip it.

Because I’ve already set money aside in those buckets, planning for travel or bigger expenses feels a lot more relaxed. I’m not scrambling - I’m just using what I intentionally saved.

I like using the AARP Rewards program as a little extra boost. It’s a simple, fun way to stay engaged and feel like I’m adding to my savings in small ways.

These days, I’m mostly saving for experiences - travel, time with people I care about, and having the flexibility to be there when it matters. That kind of peace of mind is really what saving is all about for me.

When I order anything online, I always search for coupons or promo codes before checking out.

I learned most of my savings tips from my father.  I brought my lunch to work almost every day - like, 19 out of 20 days.  The other days, it was something simple, like a sandwich, nothing fancy.   I also never buy coffee at Starbucks or other coffee shops; I bring my own.  Both these things helped save me thousands of dollars over the years.

I shop the weekly sales, compare prices between stores, and use coupons/discounts whenever available.

I stock up on items when they are on sale.  When it’s meat, I use my food vacuum sealer to keep fresh longer. I always make the bags extra long so that I can wash and use again and again. I also buy lots of “Crazy Deals” at Ocean State Job Lot. I get the items I want/need for free since they give me a gift card for the amount I paid (sometimes a little less). If you don’t have one near you, maybe another store does something similar. We got free flooring and lots of other stuff , plus for some reason we d not have to pay sales tax on these items. I also try not to buy new clothing instead going to thrift store$. That way I save money and help the environment.  We only travel occasionally, but when we do I get the airline/ hotel credit card when they offer lots of benefits.  I got free bags, lounge passes, and reimbursement for TSA Precheck. I just have to remember to cancel before they charge a yearly fee(that was waived for the first year.)

 Time for new phones so called my Verizon agent. Got 2 new 5G Pixel Pro 10's for same old monthly rate. Plus, subscribed to their Internet service with higher bandwidth for $25.00 per month locked in for the next 3 years. Cancelled my Cable company WiFi. Net savings = $75+ per month, even higher bandwidth and no buffering. Check it out, T-Mobile and AT&T have similar deals.