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...

[ac1751]

Even though I  never win contests, raffles or lotteries, I'm always a winner with AARP rewards. The videos and quizzes are educational and I even get rewarded for exercise by hooking up my Fitbit. Then the points allow me to cash in on gift cards for things I actually use, like Amazon and Walmart. And finally, I am able to share my good fortune by donating points to the AARP charities listed in the redemption center. Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy community and then a financial boost too.

[susanjski]

@ac1751 Are you actually getting points for steps with your Fitbit? Which model do you have?  

[ac1751]

Susan, I have model G3 MP5 but I don't think it matters. Go to the Now App, AARP rewards,  Earn points and at the top you should see "manage your Fitbit". 

[DesireeP401318]

The AARP rewards have been both a lifeline for when I've needed just a little extra funding (those a mazing $5 or $10 instant win cards) to get those staples that can get me through the end of the month, and AARP rewards have been a spirit booster, knowing that I don't need to topple my oh so tight budget to give myself a little $5 treat (my favorites yarn and coffee.) Knowing I can trade in some points and reward myself with these little splurges is a fun and guilt free luxury.

[dc6825847]

Earning points with quizzes from info articles & videos makes it an interesting experience keeping in the know. Redeeming points has been a plus for restaurant, gift cards and travel related discounts! 

[Lavender1712]

 People wrongly assume that AARP is for people with advanced age.  Whereas, AARP is an app for people to advance their lifestyle at any age. I was fortunate to get savings for Avis car rentals and choice privilege hotels.

 What's more!!!! I receive magazines which   assists me in learning about life experiences and be prepared for the future. Also, those magazines come with some   great deals for make-up products.

 I'm looking forward to my cruise vacation with AARP deals

 Thank you AARP for being the better   budget competitor of AAA.

[IcedCorn]

This is great. I've been an AARP member since before I "aged" into AARP. I enjoy reading AARP articles, taking quizzes and watching videos. The bonus is I get rewards points. I do redeem many points for instant win...haven't won a bunch, but it's ancillary to learning about what's going on in the world. I do appreciate the discounted gift cards!

[StuartS594093]

I buy gift cards for merchants I use at a discount 

[AimeeM297390]

I love your reward discount cards!  Over time they add up to significant savings.   I also love AARP’s videos that teach about budgeting and managing our finances.  Thank you , AARP!

[AngelaW990384]

Love the discounts, enjoy the videos and quizzes on alll topics

[TammyI761247]

 I have used multiple discounted gift cards--$35 for $50 value, $20 for $25 value--in addition to purchasing multiple $5 gift cards (limit 3 for the month).  I also saved $100 on a hotel room with a "gift card" from AARP.  Finally, I received a $5 Amazon gift card when I renewed my AARP membership.

  I have also saved money by taking the fitness classes (videos) instead of going to the gym.

[Mhoodldk]

Saved on multiple hotel bills 

[Sterg27]

Used rewards discount gift cards to reduce the price of groceries and meals. I’ve saved $416 over a couple years. 

[RhondaK703021]

I want nothing more than to be happy and satisfied in life. I'm a newcomer to AARP and I wish the same thing, to be happy and satisfied with the benefits.

[DanielC580395]

Well, I'm just starting out, we'll see how it goes. I'm hoping for the best! Be back later to give a progress report. Wish me luck y'all!

[AnnY297838]

I have been able to save over $200 in magazine subscriptions by using my reward points to get them. I also have saved on Amtrak travel with my discounted gift cards.  I also have amassed savings on my clothing budget using $5.00 and sometimes $10.00 rewards from LL Bean and Land's End.

[beckiej952304]

  I got my credit card bills paid off and I have ALOT more money.  Next project is to get rid of my car debt!  Feels wonderful!!

[VincentM62510]

just using the membership for travel is huge savings. hotels, food, cars its worth using. the money tips on site are great. did not think i would use it if i signed up but its way worth using this site. 

[jebarce]

I learn so much from the videos and quizzes, and I also earn rewards points for doing so!

[YolandaC243325]

I read the informative articles and tips on savings available 

[megaera]

I use the information in quizzes to make informed decisions about products and to save money on them. I also participate in the free online classes like chair yoga, the cooking classes, plus the free movies.  All are free meaning they are saving me money!

[cepage14]

There are Instant Win games where you can win a gift card by only using points. Usually worth about $5 or $10 (sometimes more), those are fun, quick and easy to win and handy to use as it's usually a place where I would go anyway, so free money!  

[mktosue]

 The ultimate way to save on purchases and travel is to ask for and stack discounts.  I always ask for an AARP or senior discount where ever I am spending money. I use my bank credit cards to purchase rewards discount cards on AARP, then use those on businesses that offer a senior discount, or special offers.  AARP Rewards helps me to keep me informed of special deals for seniors.

Your gift cards and credit cards can also be used to help you budget your money too.  One card for gas, one card for eating out, one card for household expenses.  Tracking where your money goes is the first step in effective budgeting.

And while it is not a part of the rewards program, do not forget to take the AAA safe driving course to save on your auto insurance premiums, which will make your trip to the restaurants and businesses more cost efficient.  It all adds up baby!

[YaliH829624]

Love AARP games and watch very useful videos earn the point to buy gift cards. Online gift card like Low’s is my favorite because I will save 5 to 8 % from AARP, and my credit card gives 3% for online purchases, cash rewards of credit card give additional 75%, plus Lowe’s give one percent for all purchases. At end my purchases from Lowe’s would save around 13%. Thanks 

[kprince1]

The most important advice to save with AARP rewards is to have your spouse or significant other participate as well (if applicable). My husband and I have EACH saved north of $1000 since joining about 5 years ago. When we redeem points for gift cards, we get the same kind so we have more to spend at one place. We almost always combine gift cards with some kind of reward offering from the merchant. For example, Chipotle did a free chips and queso for Cinco de Mayo if you bought an entree. Bonus: a burrito bowl easily feeds both of us. Our Jersey Mike does free chip and a drink on Wed with sandwich purchase so we use our gift cards then. Once again: a regular sub easily feeds both of us. We've used AMC gift cards during our birthday months so we can redeem our free Stubs birthday popcorn (with free refill for the next day! Lol). We've used Domino's cards to earn rewards such as free pizza, mac n cheese, and soda. We've also earned discounts and free goodies at Panera. We've used Flying J gas cards to visit family. We enter the instant wins daily. We've each had decent luck. My husband has won 2 sweepstakes thus far. While I have yet to win, hope springs eternal. Our little "hacks" have made life more fun while still being financially mindful.

[KarenC208993]

LOVE this program.   The amount of learning opportunities is amazing.  I daily check in with the crosswords and exercise programs 

Redeeming my points makes me feel like I am having an impact on my budget for the items I was planning already buying.  Lowes, gift cards for my loved ones -and a night out.   
I act like this is my part time job to supplement my income, while having fun!!😀💰

[TylerB127518]

The information learned online is a great resource to develop lasting habits for me. Not only have i found ways to tweak my spending, I also receive wonderful discounts on top of that. Basically double the reward!

[dn923]

I use my AARP rewards benefits to get better discounts on hotels, discounts at restaurants 🙌

[drlot55]

I use the information in quizzes and the points I earn to make informed decisions about products and to save money on them. I like playing instant win and entering sweeps, but also using the cards to defray costs on food, books, and travel! 

[BethK719653]

 I use my card at motels and restaurants for the discounts. I also use my rewards points for discounted gift cards. Each month I also check for updated membership benefits for new deals.