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...

[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.

[ShelleyP440413]

We purchase cruise line gift cards at the discounted AARP rate and use them to pay for our cruises!  It has saved us so much money! 

[usagypsy]

I use my AARP rewards for discount coupons. Always check for AARP discounts when traveling. Have save a lot over the years which makes my budget very happy! $$$$  😀  💵 👌 😎 😍 

[RobertK4666]

  Using the rewards program to find local deals helps me save on so much, from dining to car repair.  It is a great resource and I love that the gift cards for points and purchase are so varied in the program.  Any and all savings are appreciated!

[CherylB53]

I stick to my budget by making a shopping list and sticking to it. 

[ctjesterhusky]

I do the same thing but allow for sale items that I find that I need. 

[HelenM536893]

II shop at stores that offer Buy one get one free for groceries and plan my weekly menus around that so it keeps my pantry stocked. I do use digital and paper coupons for additional savings. I keep an eye on the calendar for the things I need for upcoming gifts for weddings, birthdays, holidays, etc. so I can watch for sales to get the best price. I love clearance sections where prices are reduced. I do enjoy eating out occasionally but only when there is coupons or special deals at restaurants. I like to make my money work for me so I can save extra. My grandmother always said to save for rainy days ane a bargain isn't a bargain unless it is something you really need.

[uptondunmore1]

By comparison shopping before I buy. Looking at receipts to make sure I am being charged corectly.

[SharmenR875517]

I use AARP mostly for discounts on travel. Whenever I stay at a hotel I check mt AARP app first!

[2talltodd]

I use the discounts and coupons to stretch my dollars and manage my budget.

[KeithL703525]

I take surveys that pay out in restaurant or gift cards, then use them when I don't want to cook, need a gift or just have an urge to splurge--they take the sting out of retail therapy or last-minute dining dashes!

[SusanS535211]

The discounted gift cards have definitely been a great way to save money. And sometimes the daily gift card specials can be even bigger deals. I wish I had joined sooner.

[AndreaC821076]

I must say AARP has definitely took me for a shock . My initial thought whenever I think of this company, I always compare it to older people. I didn’t realize all the benefits. I mean, it could be the smallest things they can help you when you really need it. I’ve saved more with AARP than any other site and I’ve had my membership, less than a year! They are definitely A company I trust and brag about. Thank you AARP!!

[AdrianL617167]

Since joining AARP Rewards, I’ve been able to make smarter money moves—especially when it comes to everyday spending for my family of seven. I use the points I earn from activities like quizzes and videos to redeem gift cards for places we already shop, like Target, Panera, and even online retailers. It’s a great way to stretch our budget.

I’ve also started checking the AARP Rewards site before making any purchase. The restaurant discounts and travel offers help us plan affordable family outings, and the digital coupons stack up fast. Just last month, we saved on a dinner out and used the leftover grocery savings to put gas in the car—every little bit counts.

This program makes budgeting feel less stressful and more rewarding. I tell my friends: it’s like getting paid for being financially mindful.

[MatthewT874584]

Always look for digital coupons, coupon codes and if a merchant price matches

 Look to combine offers also. 

[patriciamgr]

AARP Rewards add real value to my budgeting process as a senior citizen with the valuable savings I have achieved on everyday essentials such as groceries, drug and hardware store items, clothing--and, of course, local restaurant meals.  For senior citizens on fixed incomes, stretching every dollar matters.  And earning rewards by completing quizzes and watching informative videos allows me to be frugal with my hard-earned money.  The e-gift cards are easy to use; I always try to stack  senior discounts & coupon savings with the AARP Rewards gift cards.   

[SusanL900640]

1. Fiscal conservative is the nice way to describe my personality type. I'm in year 2 of my AARP membership. I joined initially for the driver training  that gave me a discount on my car insurance. An added bonus was AARP rewards which I found to be incredibly fun and informative. I've entered countless contests. Although I haven't won any of them yet, I learned that I could cash in my reward points for gift cards. A major factor in my year 2 renewal was the gift cards that I was able to obtain and utilize at great retail stores and restaurants. My membership has more than paid for itself in both years.

[RitaP496048]

We do digital coupons.  And if I find things on sale I buy them whether I need it or not.

[jh95446369]

I I buy the discounted gift cards to use for things for myself and my household, and also to give as gifts to others.

[lanak117821]

I have been using AARP rewards to buy Albertsons and Michaels gift cards, which make grocery and craft supply items cheaper. I'm can also stick to a budget if I only have a certain dollar amount from the gift card to spend 

[lb60016194]

I use the AARP local discounts for reduced cost on activities I want to do anyway.  Saves me 10-20% vs regular rates.