AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

I use my credit union Bill Pay to pay bills or send monetary gifts/loans to my children/grandchildren. I save lots of money by not paying postage!  My credit union Bill Pay allows me to set up to pay on the schedule I choose and not early withdrawal of funds.  If you have the bank account info for a specific person you can even set the Bill Pay up for electronic transfer (instead of them mailing a check) of funds as fast as an old fashioned wire transfer without the additional cost!  The biggest drawback is a daily limit of $5000.00. 

I check the grocery store ads for BOGO deals and that's what I buy and eat for the week. Bonus: trying foods I wouldn't have if not for the sale.

I do menu planning for the week once our local markets’ Weekly Ads come out. I save money planning meals based on what’s on sale, plus I get menu planning inspiration. Cooking from scratch is a creative outlet for me that saves me money and allows me to eat more healthy foods. 

I join the rewards programs from all the places that I shop at to get the best prices and deals. I also use apps to scan my receipts and get points back to exchange for gift cards. I always look for coupons and or offers before going shopping.

Whenever I am finished paying off a car loan, I continue to save that monthly payment so that I have a good down payment on my next car.  I only touch it if it is a true emergency!

I can save money every time I cut my own yard. The 50 dollars that I don't have to pay the yard man can pay a bill that I have. I have friends that goes out every weekend, but I don't always go paying 20 to 40 dollars every time you go out the door that get to be too expensive. You do have a good time but if you can't pay your bills you have to budget somewhere 

We were told by a butcher to purchase the long, large pork loins, then cut them into boneless pork chops instead of buying them precut. A week ago we got 20 pork chops, 1" thick, for $15.88. It was almost $1/lb cheaper than the precut.

I let my credit card rewards points add up and then use them for a gift card to a place where I can get groceries. Since I pay my cards in full and there are no fees, it is like getting free groceries and household items about once every few months.  I also use those points for purchases online and save that way. It is not a huge amount but it helps!

We bought a small electric milk frother.  Now we can make those lattes at home in minutes.  Save $5+/day and pays for itself in less than 10 lattes 😎

I use the ID.me browser extension and will look to the id.me website first when shopping. Being a Marine Corps veteran has its perks. Saved over $400 on a high-end stove when it was time to remodel.