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...

[PegACRIA]

While I enjoy and take advantage of the sweepstakes, gift cards and gift card discounts, it is very helpful to have podcasts, videos, lessons, and articles on budgeting.  One article I found most helpful is 5 Simple Steps to Create a Budget after 50 and stick to it.  This as well as the calculators like the Benefit of Spending Less really help me focus on changes I can make the benefit long term.

[gbq133]

Belong to many survey sites that offer gift cards or paypal cash. Retailer loyalty programs where I can earn and redeem loyalty points. Grocery loyalty cards for coupon and gas savings, use AARP discounts , step app on my phone Fetch rewards to earn point for receipts. Always check retailers weekly ads for coupons and additional savings. Will enter contests , never know. coupon sites to save more on my hard earned dollar

[MichaelT860067]

Trying to earn points to buy Gift Cards to save money!!

[MarianneA931751]

Anything that helps reduce cost is a blessing.

[ReneeC518825]

I like to earn points by watching videos so I can treat myself to dinner and a movie!

[ScottC54707]

I like to earn points by watching and exercising.  I earn points I can use to buy restaurant gift cards to take myself out to dinner once a month!

[NatalieH330048]

The AARP rewards program helps me learn to save money by providing useful information through the videos, quizzes, and newsletters that I receive points from. Learning while earning makes it very easy. Once I have enough points, I am able to redeem for gift cards at the stores I already shop at!

[MaryR859815]

I use the travel discounts for hotel and especially rental car to stretch my travel and get extra rental car perks!

[WorkingWomanFL]

I enter the Instant Win sweepstakes every day, with an occasional win -- still fun to try, though. Recently, I won a Shari's Berries $10 card, which I then paired with a $50 discounted card for the same company and sent a LOVELY fruit arrangement for a friend's birthday. I add all my cards to my Google Wallet so I have them organized and can review which ones I have ready to use for purchases.

[cathy39]

Not only am I learning something by watching the videos and taking the quizzes the bonus is the rewards points.  i am able to redeem for gift cards that help with the cost at stores like CVS, Chipolte, Ulta and my favorite Amazon.   I also try for my favorite daily deals but I have not been successful in purchasing any this year.  

[a170938b]

Kids need books. Favorite entertainers need to make a living. Let me show you how AARP Rewards has helped me preorder my favorite parodist and entertainer Randy Rainbow's new picture book, "Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses". I wanted to buy several copies, for my grandchildren and my young neighbors; a total of 4 copies at $18.99 each, which come to the hefty price of $75.96 (+ taxes). However along the months, I accumulated a few for points only Barnes and Noble gift cards to a grand total of $45. That means a discount of 59% thanks to AARP Rewards.  Magically, my purchase has become much more affordable! I can't wait to distribute those lovely picture books which will bring smiles to happy little faces!

[ELew0011]

I use the Aarp Reward to purchase a $100.00 e-giftcard and I pay only $96.00 for it (which it is a discount of $4.00) and I order my favorite food every Thursday which I call it Fish and Chips Thursday.

[Mydestiny77]

The AARP Rewards Programs helps me save when I have enough points to redeem for gift cards like Petco or Petsmart because I currantly have 10 rescued cats and every little bit helps to feed and take care of them.  I enjoy AARP and how easy it is to rack up points while at the same time, learn something or stay sharp.  The games too, are a fun way of entertainment and I always try to en corporate AARP into my day.    I am on a tight budget and make a list of monthly expenses.  Hopefully, theres a gift card in there that iv gotten from AARP. 

[p6979b]

 I keep my Barclay's AARP Mastercard in my wallet. I make sure all of my prescriptions and Medical Co-pays are put on the card. I pay the bill off every month. The 3% rewards on prescriptions and the 2% reward on medical expenses add up quickly. I then use my rewards to buy gift cards for restaurants. The best meal is a FREE meal ! 🙂 

[ms4263]

when I travel

[sh3510]

We maintain a spreadsheet with diverse categories and an established budget for each category.  Every spend is tracked updating the spreadsheet daily. In addition, we continually look for businesses that offer senior or veteran discounts.  Many don’t publicize the discounts but provide when asked.  We recently combined family cell phone program to get additional savings for everyone? Even reducing our cost. I always negotiate with cable companies, internet, and other purchases.  Frequently obtaining  discounts by talking to managers and supervisora.

[LoriC270594]

I I join rewards programs and watch for deals/coupons. I stock up on supplies when they go on sale.  I walk to pick up my groceries and supplies whenever I can.  I look at all the grocery ads and find the best prices.  I enjoy puzzles and games so I look at the rewards, coupons and shopping as a challenge...which I find interesting and fun.  If you make it fun, it is easier to do!  

[fperkins2000]

i use AARP mainly for fun. Reading articles, playing games and watching videos to earn points then using those points on sweepstakes entries. I have yet to win one. I do use AARP discounts when dining out to save money and during travel. And I got my Medicare Supplemental insurance through AARP, a big savings for me. 

[justread]

  I have been clipping coupons and searching sales ads for over 50 years, and participating in AARP's rewards program has been a passion of mine for many, many years. I check into the AARP site nearly every single day, and watch videos and complete quizzes to earn rewards. I enter the Instant Wins and have received gift cards several times. I use rewards points to enter the Sweepstakes, though I have never been a winner of one of them. I will keep trying! I use rewards points to purchase Gift Cards that are offered monthly. This has allowed us to eat for less at IHOP and Jersey Mike's. We have shopped at Amazon and Target with the purchased gift cards. We regularly eat at Denny's and take advantage of the 15% discount by using the AARP membership card. I have tried to purchase discounted gift cards that are offered as Daily Deals. A few times I've been successful in clicking in on time, and thus have enjoyed the gift card benefits at Macy's, LL Bean, and a few other places. Thank you, AARP, for helping we seniors enjoy life a little more with the rewards and discounts that you provide.

[PatriciaF567056]

 I earn as many points as possible by doing puzzles and walking over 10,000 steps per day.  Last year, I cashed out enough points to obtain a $100 voucher to use at an AARP authorized motel.  My sister and I had a nice little vacation in Nashville IN with this $100 savings!  

[NancyC376482]

After I earn rewards by playing certain rewards games or taking rewards quizzes or watching rewards videos, I use my rewards points to enter the raffle games.

[LisaM694997]

There are so many discounts available to "people over certain ages". Use them! I do and I save so much of my hard earned money.

[slrchild]

I saved by using lots and lots of coupons. I go to the grocery store and I buy whatever is on sale for the week and download the coupons the store app. I also look for good deals at thrift store stores in department stores. I always go to the Clarence section 1st.

[SusanR505010]

I have been an AARP member for many years. I love the rewards. I enjoy earning points through the games and also through the videos. I enter the contests and I even won a gift card once. But mostly I like the discounts I get. I use it for my supplemental health insurance. With that I get a membership at the local YMCA! Which helps me to stay active especially in the winter months. Also I have used the discount at restaurants and hotels. 

[PennyeR126775]

I try to be a frugal shopper—buying things on sale, traveling during off season, and even shopping at thrift stores! Gift card and AARP discounts are a big help in saving money also! I feel like I’m getting a bargain for a small investment.

[dc6825847]

AARP discounts for restaurants, a variety for travel and general services help take the sting out of spendings. The articles on budgeting, helpful videos, quizzes to earn  rewards and multiple gift card categories a plus! 

[RitaR977114]

I I've had to learn how to live on one income since  my husband passed 

 It has been difficult  sometimes.  I save money  by checking out grocery ads and go  where to save. Coupons are like gold to me.

 My mom taught me to always  look ahead at items  that I use frequently and  when on special stock up. That saves money. My mother  had me in the kitchen to help when I was needed. She showed me how to cook homemade. I am grateful for learning to get by. AARP puts out  articles about amazing ways to build a budget and how to stick to it

I always ask if an AARP discount is given there. If so I will likely return. I've been a member with AARP for a long time  and look for the magazine to read it from front  to back. I learn something new every day. I think I have been watching what has happened to our economy and pray that us elderly people will get through  it one way or another. 

[CynthiaM663593]

I enjoy earning points playing the AARP games and surveys. With the points I am able to purchase gift cards which I can use to purchase gifts for my family and friends all year long. I have always tried to shop locally but now with my AARP mobile app it is so much easier finding local businesses.

[AWDC2024]

I buy gift cards for the grocery store and pharmacy at a discount on the AARP site to save on things I need to buy. Combined with digital coupons from the store apps, and I save even more. 

[SandraA770727]

I sign up for all reward program and cash in once I build up my rewards. Digital coupons make it easy to save money also on everyday products.