AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

[AARPTeri]

Share your best savings strategies—and what you’re saving for!

Join the AARP Rewards Community Smart Saver Contest here in the AARP Rewards Connect forum and inspire others with your favorite money-smart tips. Whether it’s a clever budgeting trick, a savvy shopping habit, or a small daily habit that adds up over time, we want to hear about it.

If you’re using the AARP Rewards program to help you save and achieve your savings goals, please share that in your post too!

By sharing your savings strategy in this thread, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of six $100 gift cards.

How to Enter

Reply to this post and share one or more of your best money-saving tips, stories, or strategies during the Contest Entry Period of March 23, 2026, through April 19, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET on April 19, 2026. See link to Official Rules below.

Let’s help each other save smarter. Post your tip and join the conversation!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Official Rules: https://community.aarp.org/t5/AARP-Rewards-Connect/AARP-Rewards-Online-Community-Smart-Saver-Contest... 

[EricJ529844]

Honestly the best way to save that I have figured out is to set up with Acorns. It rounds off purchases and puts the change into an index fund. I don't even think about it until I look to see what's in there. It;s always way more than I would imagine.

[ej6327]

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@AARPTeri wrote:

Share your best savings strategies—and what you’re saving for!

Join the AARP Rewards Community Smart Saver Contest here in the AARP Rewards Connect forum and inspire others with your favorite money-smart tips. Whether it’s a clever budgeting trick, a savvy shopping habit, or a small daily habit that adds up over time, we want to hear about it.

If you’re using the AARP Rewards program to help you save and achieve your savings goals, please share that in your post too!

By sharing your savings strategy in this thread, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of six $100 gift cards.

How to Enter

Reply to this post and share one or more of your best money-saving tips, stories, or strategies during the Contest Entry Period of March 23, 2026, through April 19, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET on April 19, 2026. See link to Official Rules below.

Let’s help each other save smarter. Post your tip and join the conversation!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Official Rules: https://community.aarp.org/t5/AARP-Rewards-Connect/AARP-Rewards-Online-Community-Smart-Saver-Contest... 

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[SherrieC302790]

I put all my change into a jar after cash purchases. Once the jar is filled (or not to heavy to pack) it goes into our savings account. Another savings is our bank offers round up on debit card purchases. The change automatically goes into our savings account. We use the savings for emergencies that come up unexpectedly.

[ej6327]

First I clip coupons from everywhere and organize them which makes it easier when shopping. I go to websites of local supermarkets and download digital coupons at stores that give gas credit rewards. I also buy gift cards there as some give you 4X the gas credit ie, a $25 gift card gives you 100 gas credits which saves money at gas pump.  I put all purse change in a big covered jar. I check coins for imperfections which makes them worth alot more. I wrap the ones I check which makes it easier to count when I want to deposit in savings account to get interest. I also put 10% of monthly income . Whenever I can I put more money on credit cards to lower debt ratio. And I have in the past used the AARP Rewards program to get coupons at restaurants etc, ty

[SereneSeagull]

Hi @ej6327   Have you sold any of the coins with imperfections, and if so any cool valuable ones that got you anything?  Many of the banks now will not take coins, wrapped or loose, or charge to use the coin machine.  That’s great you can take them to your bank.

[WendyB325874]

 Look into your local senior center for low cost day trips, social gatherings and group classes.  Our center has a wonderful fitness room, so no gym membership is needed!

[cheesemaker]

I download coupons before going to the grocery store and then use that list to make my purchases. I save hundreds of dollars annually!  And with gas points and 5 gallon containers, save $35 everytime I get gas. ($1 x 35 gallons of gas)

[minethatbird50]

Our local senior citizen activity center is a wonderful often overlooked resource. To save on grocery costs I order a free lunch. I can even select some preferences. It is healthy and colorful.

They even have a small workout room to help with body movement. It s a gem

[the1alphaman]

Good Afternoon Teri!  One thing I have learned about saving is it requires some effort as well as conviction!  I am speaking of conserving energy and saving hard-earned money. My research has advised me that unplugging anything (electrical/appliances, etc...) that is not essential or being utilized routinely may be better served (financially) if disconnected when not in use.  The savings are minute but are evident overtime.  Thank You for your time and consideration.

[JohnS848182]

We use one regional, automobile tire & maintenance service provider.  We buy the life-time alignment service and are members of their loyalty program.  The loyalty program gives us deals/coupons on oil change and free full-vehicle inspections every time we change the oil and get the alignment done.  They also do "price match" on new tire purchases so we know we are getting a good deal.    

[cm85364992]

Every year we all have those big bills that show up once or twice a year.

As one becomes due I divide that number by 12 and put that money in my savings account. When that bill becomes due I transfer that money set aside for that bill back into checking. If it is more or  less I adjust the amount I put in savings for next year.

I call it my freedom account and list each one by month and amount so I know when they become due again. It is not necessary to make your list all at once. Just as one of those big bills becomes due add that to your list and begin saving. I don't have to worry when property taxes or auto insurance comes due as 90%. of the money is already put aside.

[SereneSeagull]

Nicely done!

[LaneyH137326]

One of the best ways I found to save for retirement has been to put the raise percentage into my 401K or retirement account every time. If I received a 2% raise, 2% more went from my paycheck into the 401K and I would still get a little more each paycheck. It has really increased the money in my retirement account and has made me feel more secure in my retirement planning.

[LacyS158031]

Hello, we save money by having some of each paycheck automatically deposited into our savings account. We also try to maximize our grocery savings by checking online coupons and buying mostly store brand items. We shop at Smith's (Kroger) and they have a great app with digital coupons that links to your Smith's shoppers' card, which also adds points to help you save on gas there as well. 🙂

[LacyS158031]

I also use AARP rewards and discounts as well as Rakuten. The points really add up. I also do online surveys in my spare time while waiting in line or watching TV and I can earn and extra $10 to $20 per week. We also have accounts with all of our favorite restaurants, and you can save LOTS of money by ordering through their apps and earning discounts and rewards.

[Antoniette]

 I have a money saving strategy that I use every year, where I put a dollar in a jar every day, so when I go to The NC Seafood Festival, I have the money I need to eat and for other things. I also save every $5 bill that I receive through the year so that I have $50 for my money envelopes for my family. Note: This will teach you discipline and help you save, so don't make a mistake and spend one of your $5 bills.

[SereneSeagull]

That sounds fun!  I have a jar of change I use to throw all of my change into.  I don’t think I’d have your discipline with $5’s but that’s fantastic that you do that.  Makes that seafood festival a good inspiration to do it too!  🦐🍤

[MarciaJ659782]

Hello, my husband and I want to give Jesus Christ all the honor and glory first and foremost for everything He gives us. Our saving tips are all from Him! We get clothes from our local God's closets at several churches where everything is free, plus it opens doors for places to give back to God and help others and we make several lasting g friendships and get to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ! We also save leftovers and turn them into a different dish every time, which really inspires cooking. We try and grow every seed we come across because planting a seed is believing in tomorrow and that is Spiritually and physically! We also save our egg shells and coffee grounds for gardening which is a natural fertilizer and helps against certain types of bugs and we don't have to buy any store bought fertilizer etc. I wash my hair with the leftover coffee too and we use rice water and bandanna water for our hair and plants too. Another great tip is save old clothes that can't be donated and make cleaning rags and even really soft baby wash rags. We just made our first grandson who will be here in September,  some home made wash rags from soft t shirt material. When we go to Walmart etc, we look and ask Jesus to show us how we can make that item with what we already have and it is really fun! We also listen to the lessons on AARP which really help too and plus we get the points to use!  A really good idea like on baby shower decorations,  which is what we are in the process of doing, is we went to dollar general and bought these cheap wooden signs and re paint and put our grandsons name on for the nursery. It is cheaper than having to buy online.   We want to also tell others that you can call Folgers Coffee and ask for monthly coupons, plus they give coupons for other items as well. You have to call in every month, plus they are very nice and understanding.  Also call Purina, because they give monthly coupons to help with dog food and cat food. One other thing that really helps as for as gift giving and DIY projects is save your glass jars and re purpose them as canisters or baby jars for baby showers etc and also you can paint the lids, and put pictures of family in them and make magnets out of them for your ice box or a family member.  One thing we just made amd is a cute idea was taking left over OUI yogurt glass containers and putting that peal and stick stickers from dollar tree that say things about MOM and place on the front and put little pieces of paper inside that describe about your mom on them. Place a lid of some kind on top and when your mom needs to be reminded that she is still needed and loved, she can reach in and take a note out of the jar. Just a little special gift for Mothers Day! We pray that all these ideas do help and may Jesus Christ bless each and everyone of you! Also one other thing , I stead of expensive lotion, use left over coffee grounds because it helps take off the dead skin and makes your skin very smooth. No money wasted, but money saved!  Also if you like Pineapple, don't throw the tops away, just twist off the top and pull off the leaves on there layers and put in a jar of water, and it will grow more roots and place in a pot and you will see a new pineapple start growing. Ours is in our window seal in our kitchen as we speak and the roots are growing . It's exciting how Jesus helps us to save! 

[ek83525495]

            Make your own food rather than eating out as often.

[DENISV759652]

I encourage people that if you live close to one of the Wholesale Club such as BJ's, Sam's Club Costco get a membership  you do save money on gas and groceries. I shop at  Aldi and Walmart to save money. On cell service switch to Mint or Tello. For entertainment get a library card to get access to Hoopla and Libby.

[SereneSeagull]

Love Aldi’s!  We have several Walmarts nearby.  Wouldn’t it be great if AARP did Aldi gift cards?  

[KearaW744932]

When I need household supplies I go to Target and usually get gift cards for spending on items I already need. Next time my order is paid for with those gift cards. I freeze anything that's on sale in a deep freeze. Bread, butter, banas, meat, cheese, you name it. Grow your own herbs year round indoors. Always collect metal for scraping once it's enough. Take back cat n jack clothes to target even if they are ruined or grown out of for gift cards or new items. I'm saving to keep my house as I face foreclose because of getting behind a couple months. One day I'd like to have money to just relax and enjoy the moments too.

[SereneSeagull]

Wait, @KearaW744932 , you take used and soiled clothes back to Target for a refund of gift cards?   Nah, I didn’t just read that correctly, did I?   I’m sorry, that’s just not right.  There are charities you can donate used clothes to that really need them.  That’s not right. .  I’m Sorry you may be facing foreclosure but there are organizations, churches, civic organizations that can help you.  

[KearaW744932]

It's a program Target offers for children's brands to replace them for the life of the item. It's a special program offered by Target and their children's clothes brand and it helps millions of low income parents every year. So yes, I encourage other struggling parents to do it. I work in social services and have for decades. Resources like these are a beautiful thing in this economy. 

[SereneSeagull]

Apologies @KearaW744932 , I did not know.  Thank you for that explanation.  Wonderful that they do that.  I guess it’s not advertised.  Thank you for enlightening me.  Appreciate that.

[JeanB251016]

Smart Saver contest suggestion:

Minimize waste - don't buy what you don't need or won't use, don't let groceries go to waste or spoil in your refrigerator, eat leftovers or freeze extra servings. Over time, if you save 15-20% at the grocery store, it's the same as EARNING 15-20% on your savings account. Waste throws away both your hard earned income plus the potential interest on what you save.

Thank you All for suggestions! 

[ownedbypedro]

My best savings strategy is: Spend only on the things that truly matter and let the rest go.  Evaluate what is truly important for your life, what really brings you joy.  For example, dining in restaurants isn't important to me so I don't do it.  But I do pay an annual membership fee that allows me to go on six guided hikes throughout the year, from May to October.  Having new clothing is not important to me, but having my dog and keeping her healthy and happy matters a lot to me.  So, I don't buy new clothing but I spend on good food and Veterinary care for my dog.  I am currently saving for a couple of minor home upgrade projects that I want to do.  I also have a fund where I put money for property taxes and car & house insurance.  Is it difficult to save on a low income?  It absolutely is difficult - but it is possible. 

[MarciaJ659782]

Amen. Jesus helps us so much and He gives everything we need. We don't buy new other unless it is desperately needed. We go to local God's closets at churches where everything is free and you get a certain amount. Most of the clothes are very nice. Also we try and can extra vegetables etc. It really does help alot. Helps to be able to stay out of grocery stores and be able to grow more at home. 

[KatK199549]

Being mindful and enjoying the simple things in life has made it easy for me to keep my spending down. There's no reason to "keep up with the Joneses" or waste money on superficial things. I focus on comfort and functionality, place value on what is important to me, not others. Most of my clothes come from thrift stores, I don't need colored hair or painted nails so no money goes to salons or expensive cosmetics. And yes, I still look great!

Coffee shops and sit-down restaurants should be an occasional indulgence, not a regular thing--even with the best deals, a chunk of cash goes to tax and tip--so if we do eat out, we usually have a lunch special. I found plenty of quick and easy meals to make at home, largely including fully-cooked frozen foods from Costco, and often plan dinners based on what I find on sale at the grocery store. A trip down the meat section often results in finding 30-50% discounts because the items are nearing their "best by" date.

Money-saving has become a fun game where loyalty memberships, coupon clipping, discount/outlet/dollar stores, senior days, clearance items are all part of the hunt to keep $ in my pocket. Secret tip: I check the AARP website at midnight on the last day of the month to get first dibs on discounted gift cards with the extra credit rewards and I check regularly to get the best free $5 gift cards with my reward points. Also, I have won several $10 gift card prizes from playing the instant win games every day. I've been an AARP member for less than two years and have saved $768 solely from their rewards program! 

Not only do I enjoy the challenge of getting the most out of my hard-earned money, but I love the fact that having extra cash allows me to foster kittens and help out the local cat rescue programs. Saving the lives of fur babies? Priceless!!!

[EboniB740987]

I buy my appliances and electronics with my major credit card because the credit card offers warranties extended beyond the manufacturers 👏🏾