AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

Review statements regularly on all recurring payments (electric, water, insurance, etc.) even if you have automatic payment set-up.  Monthly statements may alert you to a increase in usage (water leak?) or payment/fee increase or contract change (due date, payment address).  I know several people that have paid bills that rarely review the statements and then discovered a water leak in their lawn sprinkler system.  I also note on my electric statement (Budget Billing) when a seasonal change to payment is occurring and can plan for the change in my own budget.

This may sound crazy but carry cash when eating out.  Many small businesses, especially eateries, give a discount for paying cash.  Better for them as they don’t have to pay the credit card company. Usually the bonus is greater than a “cash back” offer from the credit card company (really just sharing their fee to the vendor).  Better for the small business, better for me.  The large businesses that don’t offer that discount, gets a charge on a cashback card every time.  I pay my monthly bill in full every time so I don’t get any interest fees.  But beware of other perks from the cards, like limited warranties, travel insurance and such plus when needed, better protection from fraud. 

I take advantage of new stores especially gas stations that are opening in my area. Sometimes they offer ten or 20 cents off a gallon of gas or  5 free drinks for a month. With the price of gas, instead of running errands on Saturday, I pick one night a week after my work day to get gas, few groceries, go to dollar store etc. I have even gotten my college age daughter interested and using apps for rewards and discounts. 

We always buy larger purchases, i.e. appliances, on credit with 12, 18, 24 months same-as-cash!  I take the total amount & divide it by the # of months credit we have. That is the monthly payment I make. That way, when your promotional period ends, you have paid off your entire purchase, interest-free!!! YAY!!! Do not be fooled by the credit card company who tells you that your minimum payment is $25!! When the balance comes due, if you cannot pay it off, you are charged interest from the inception of the promotion!!

I still use the grocery flier to buy and plan the week. We are a smaller household so buying in a larger quantity is really not always useful, but when meat or vegetables can be frozen it works. My husband likes to garden so we have planted San Marzano tomato plants. And last year we jarred about 25 quarts of sauce. It was amazing... and a big $$ saver as these great tomato sauces are higher priced. Keep you fingers crossed we can do as well this year. 

I use credit cards that offer cash back for purchases. My savings are nearly $2,000 each year just on the cash back & does not include my saving in other ways. Most gas stations have an app that will save you 5-10 cents a gallon & stack that onto a credit card that offers cash back on gas to save even more. I never pay full price for gas. I shop my local grocery store that offers points towards gas too, but I’m a savvy shopper & only buy what’s on sale & what I need. I quit buying new clothes. I’ve found great “like new” clothes at thrift stores saving me hundreds of dollars. With all these savings I’ve been able to live an affordable life style & still tuck my extra money away into a high yield CD each year. 

At the grocery store:

1.I check if there is a percent off discounted gift card at the beginning of the month on the AARP rewards web site.

2. I plan the meals for the week, planning to use what's in my pantry and freezer so that I am only buying what I need.   I plan for some meatless meals.

3.  My menu plans include in-season season fruits and vegetables, which are usually less expensive.  I make a list from the menu plan.

4. I take the paper coupons that my store sends me as part of their loyalty program

5.  I use the grocery store's digital app to clip e-coupons

6.   When I get to the store, if I find marked-down items on the shelves that are on my list, I check their expiration dates to make sure I can use them in time.  

7.  I buy store-brand instead of manufacturer's brand items.

8.   I make sure to use my loyalty card points to buy gas at a discount price

9.   I take a customer satisfaction survey as frequently as possible to earn extra points

10.   I use apps like fetch and Ibotta to earn gift cards

11.  If something in the store is higher-priced than I expected, I substitute another meal or item, in other words, I adapt.

12. I get my prescriptions filled at the pharmacy in the grocery store to eliminate extra trips and opportunities for impulse purchases

13.  I bring my own reusable bags, some stores charge to provide bags

14.  I compare cost per unit, not just the price, to make sure I am buying the most economical size that I can use before it expires

15.   I avoid buying sugar-filled drinks and commercially processed foods, which are empty calories.  

16. I pay with a cash-back credit card

When i grocery shopping i buy the store brand 

To save money, I time my purchases to take advantage of BOGO's; use the flyer to spot sales; use credit cards that offer cash back; shop clearance items.

If you see something that isn’t on the shopping list, continue  shopping first which gives you time to think about if you really need it or if it is really a good deal. Then you can go back to it after finishing your list and or  you may even forget about it! Which helps with impulse buying or buying something you reallly don’t even need!