AARP Rewards Online Community Budget Contest 2025

[AARPTeri]

Share how you use AARP Rewards as a smart way to stick to your budget and save money for a chance to win! 

Simply reply to this post telling us about how you have been able to reduce the cost of everyday expenses like travel, gifts, fast-casual meals (ex: Chipotle, Dominos, Panera), and/or online purchases and how the AARP Rewards programs have become an easy, low-effort way to stretch your budget further and stay financially mindful.

The contest will run beginning on Monday, May 5th – Friday, May 30, 2025.  Official Rules - https://community.aarp.org/t5/AARP-Rewards-Connect/AARP-Rewards-Online-Community-Budget-Contest-2025...

[DNGodBlessAmerica]

AARP rewards have taught me how to save money for restaurants, travel and everyday living through quizzes and videos. You are never to old to learn how to save money. I love the AARP rewards program. AARP also helps my mind stay sharp.

[JohnK849563]

  I use AARP Rewards to watch videos and take quizzes to earn points that I can redeem for discount savings at many places. I also enter sweepstakes with AARP points and occasionally win an additional savings. Each month AARP provides extra bonus discounts for completing about three specific sections of videos and quiz challenges. I have learned savings, scam, cooking and healthy lifestyle tips as well for additional "invisible" savings. I enjoy using AARP Rewards almost every day.

[susanjski]

I purchase a lot of Home Depot gift cards. The discount really helps me fund all my gardening needs. 

[CarrieP705532]

   I will try to buy gift cards at a discount rate plus I will use my rewards to discounts off cards. When we go out to eat we have our dinner menu at lunch because lunch is cheaper than dinner. We also look for restaurant coupons and use store coupons all the time.

[MichaelA248808]

It has been said that there are four necessary life expenses: housing, utilities, food, and transportation. Housing is naturally a big line-item in anyone's budget, however, my cost is half that of my neighbor. Just by having a roommate, I save hundreds every month. The same logic applies to utilities. This frees up spending for other things, such as gift cards purchased at a discount through AARP. I save at least $25 a month by purchasing five $25 gift cards for a discount price of $20 a card. Not only do I buy gift cards to restaurants, but I buy grocery store gift cards. By using discount gift cards at the grocery store, I am able to purchase more goods for the same amount. I even have begun to purchase private-label products to save even more. My favorite money-saving tip is to buy frozen produce, since it does not spoil as quickly as fresh produce. If you ever find yourself throwing away spoiled food, give frozen produce a try. Finally, for transportation I have downloaded the mobile apps for my most frequented gas stations. I save at least a dime a gallon compared to the old way. It may not seem like a lot, however it does not take a lot of effort. Saving money is seldomly regrettable!

[petunia25]

I I use rewards points to save on every day expenses and also to treat myself every now and then to a restaurant.  I also enter sweepstakes and instant wins in the hopes of winning a bigger prize!

[DeborahN139706]

AARP rewards sweepstakes and instant wins are a great chance to not only offset costs for a large variety of stores but expose me to opportunities to explore venues that may be budget friendly but I've never tried or even considered. 

The current climate of costs, anxiety and uncertainty can be paralyzing to a lot of people  especially to AARP aged members like me. (Others may disagree and that's absoultely okay--please understand nothing controversial or argumentive was meant by what was just stated.) Just personally feel that the rewards program provides pearls of wisdom that I appreciate and enjoy using to stay active, engaged and still be able socialize with friends, neighbors and family. Time is such a precious commodity --AARP rewards give me the ability to have enjoyable dining,entertainment and travel options without creating options additional financial worries. Getting older, having unforseen medical issues and feeling a little lost with retirement are hard enough.

[MR348816]

 I reduce the cost of everyday expenses by making things simple. The AARP rewards have help me save cost on travel allowing me to maximize my allocated budget for travel. I also use the different resources to learn how to save more and tips to assist with my current strategy. The entertainment that they provide free helps to allow me to save on that portion in the budget.

[ks72184067]

 I add all of my gift cards right away to my google wallet, make sure to include the pin# and you always have it with you at you fingertips without looking through emails.

[ks72184067]

 I Love AARP Rewards!! I buy the daily deals gift cards which helps save money on the purchased item and keeps me on budget so I don't overspend. I really enjoy entering the sweepstakes because there are always so many gift cards to try and win. I enjoy purchasing the $5 gift cards with points ( I wish we could get more than a limit of 3 each month), it like using a $5 coupon towards my purchase. The instant wins are fun as well.

[AdrianneB576186]

I use the Walmart cards to treat myself (something I rarely do). Gift cards help me to feel less guilty about doing something nice for myself.

[mg78377172]

I’ve redeemed AARP Rewards for Valentine’s Day and birthday e-greeting cards that my relatives love. You get to write your own message and schedule the date the card will arrive. It’s fun, eco-friendly, and saves time and money.

[KellyE721161]

Switched Cell Phone Service to Consumers Cellular using AARP deal $55 2 lines unlimited talk and text and 50GB of data.  

[lalenn]

 I like getting gift cards from AARP for places like Walgreens, Home Depot, or restaurants so I can treat myself to something I want without feeling guilty.

[GordonL152944]

  I enjoy going out to eat more when I can pay with an AARP gift card that I won or for which I redeemed points.

[YvetteR940350]

I watch videos, take quizzes, and do the challenges almost everyday, so I learn many ways to save. I even checked out the local places to save, and found out I can buy one get one free at the alligator farm! 

[Kateaz]

I like to earn points each day and then redeem them for sweepstakes and instant wins.  I've won several $10 gift cards and even a few $100 gift cards from the sweepstakes.  These definitely help out in my attempt to save money where ever I can.  I like to variety of options for gift cards - it's not the same every month and there are a lot of stores at which I regularly shop.

[pr9779]

AARP Rewards gift cards to restaurants have helped increase our ability to go out for meals. I have also purchased gift cards at a discount to restaurants, grocery stores (Kroger and Walmart), home improvement stores (Lowes and Home Depot) and other stores. I even won $100 gift card for Walmart and have won a number of instant wins.

[cleda]

I I use gift cards to help with purchases. Many times trying new companies that I might not usually try. I also combine gift cards to make the price go down even further. Every little bit helps. 

[AngelaR955767]

Originally became an AARP member for savings alone, however, when I logged in and discovered all of the incredible articles, videos, training and volunteer opportunities, my perception completely changed. If any question comes up regarding Social Security, Taxes, Resumes and much more, the first place I look is AARP.com. The magazine has so many wealth, travel and celebrity articles that I enjoy on the commuter train. Earning of reward points that I use every morning to sign up for sweepstakes is so fun! The amount of discount cards available is immense, Christmas and gifting has never been so easy, allowing me to purchase throughout the year so December is not such a burden. I have even paid for an entire Princess Cruise with AARP gift cards. "Do you discount AARP members?" is my new favorite phrase wherever I go to shop, travel, eat and be entertained. Actually today I used the AARP benefit site to order FTD flowers with my AARP discount. The AARP card is in my phone wallet and ready to whip out at a moments notice. Discounts have become a great conversation starter, allowing more to come into the AARP community. From the moment I wake up to morning exercise videos to playing AARP games as I settle in for the night, AARP has become a major part of my life and wellness. Thank you for all the effort AARP teams put in, to their reputation and credibility, allowing us to enjoy life on a budget!

[EiM243648]

Using the AARP gift cards I’ve purchased or won through instant wins helps me stretch my budget, making everyday essentials more affordable. I often enter sweepstakes, even if I don’t personally need the prize — I know I can always gift it to a friend or family member, adding joy to someone else’s life.

For me, these gift cards offer more than convenience—-they provide peace of mind and the confidence to enjoy life’s experiences without worrying as much about the cost.

[jz5892]

I booked thru the AARP/ Expedia site and saved on my hotels.

[jz5892]

I booked through Expedia and AARP and saved loads!

[Robbiem68]

Saving money these days is almost mandatory due to inflation. AARP helps with points and the ability to trade in or use toward gifts/ prizes. Watching my spending overall and being aware of needs vs wants is important. Today it is difficult to save but AARP is definitely helping and we really appreciate this!

[mikecat1]

I have been able to reduce my cost of everyday expenses by using my points to get gift cards for stores I spend cash at. The great variety of different gift cards allows me to pick from and use them at stores I already would be spending my money at. I’m always excited to see a new company in the gift card selection. When I use the gift card it’s like saving $5 off my purchase, but the best part is since it’s a gift card I can still use coupons along with it to save even more money.

[KevinP525586]

Enrolled in a free community college class.

Benefits, learning, meeting new people, free bus pass, access to food pantry, student discount at stores 

[WebWiseWoman]

Hi, Kevin!

Great to read this. Would you mind sharing the state you are in, as we in Nevada don't have this available.

I know my Mom in Missouri achieved her Associates Degree at no cost as a retiree, but I'm not keen on relocating to "tornado alley" having spent the first 25 years of my life there...

Thanks in advance!

[like92115]

Great idea.

I do a lot of volunteer work at a local food bank including making boxes for seniors (CSFP - a federal supplemental food program sponsored by the USDA). I will let seniors know of this option. The food bank also helps stock school pantries. 🙂

Thanks again.

[tricia12]

   I enjoy the games and puzzles to help keep my mind sharp.  I earn points for gift cards that help with my budget.  I can keep my mind and tummy happy at the same time, thanks.

[samiam999]

AARp Rewards is awesome in helping save money. Purchasing discounted gift cards is great for needed purchases as well as discounts at restaurants and travel. I use AARP rewards almost daily.