AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

Hello,

I am loving the opportunity to possibly some day win something from AARP. I pray it is a flight so I can see my daughter. I really appreciate this opportunity. 

Some budget tips I use is basically just don't go wandering in stores and have a good budget in mind and do not deter from it. It can be challenging these days, but it is important to realize that we must be grateful for what we have. 

Happy Easter  ya all.                                                              

Happy Easter one and all. I have always been frugal but still find it difficult to stay within my budget when everything is just so expensive. I'm saving for retirement but doing some travel while I'm still active, so Im using the AARP Travel tips and members benefits when I'm planning trips. 

This summer I'm planning a trip to France, and I have been using the AARP Now app to check on benefits and to learn about travel safety and travel experiences. I try to complete a few of the AARP activities (they are really fun) each week and check in on the AARP Now app each day to build up my rewards points!

Sign up for Microsoft rewards immediately. It is free to do and I suggest you create a new outlook account email tied directly to your Microsoft account (if you don't already have one). Then simply log into Bing daily, download the Microsoft Bing app and Microsoft Edge app on your phone. You can earn hundreds of Microsoft Reward points daily which can be used to purchase awesome gift cards (like $75 gift card on Delta Airlines) or to redeem for Microsoft Sweepstakes. I won a brand new Microsoft Surface Pro 12 by redeeming 200 Microsoft reward points on a sweepstakes. It takes around the same amount of time to max out your daily points on Microsoft rewards as it does for AARP, so if you have the time do both. Good luck and I hope this helps some of my fellow AARP members get additional rewards. 

Take a deep dive into your current credit cards or memberships to see what other benefits are available to you.  For instance, credit cards often include roadside assistance or extends product warranties; Amazon Prime offers one to two free book reads monthly.

Every time I get a $5 bill I put it aside. Once I get $100 I deposit it in a separate savings account.  It's amazing how much it adds up to after a while. The savings are used for a 'fun day out' or a vacation.

BUDGET 

Budgets are scary, but I use an excel worksheet.  I enter income, expenses and savings for 12 months. I have peace of mind knowing I'm not going to overspend, and every bill will be paid with no problem.  If adjustments need to be made, I can see the changes across the entire year.

 SHOPPING:

My shopping routine is to make a shopping list on my phone so that I get exactly what is needed.  Of course, as normal, I sometimes add items not on the list but at least I leave with what is essentially needed.  Having my list allows me to get in and out of the store a whole lot quicker.

Free Museum Visits - Many local libraries offer free or discounted passes. The first weekend of the month you can get into many museums by using your Bank of America ATM card. I recently visited the wonderful Marie Selby Gardens which is considered an outdoor museum.

Limit Paper Towel Use - I cut back on buying paper towels. I use reuseable rags and microfiber cloths to clean which is better for the environment. I grab a few extra paper nakpkins for the car when dining out. 

Cutback on Coffee Shops - I joined the Panera Sip Club. For the price of 1-2 Starbucks I can enjoy coffee all month at Panera or a lemonade, ice tea, etc. Tip: don’t be tempted too often by their food menu as it will gobble up your savings!

Discounted Gift Cards at AARP - I plan ahead and buy 2 Petsmart gift cards to pay for my dog’s grooming. I brush and trim her fur to extend time between visits. When I lived in another state I would buy the grocery gift cards. I knew that I would use them. An easy way to save 4% or more on purchases. 

Refillable coffee K-cups - I use a refillable K-cup container with my favorite ground coffee. Much cheaper than buying K-cups and better for the environment. Tip: Buy disposable paper liners to make it easier to clean the K-cup container. 

Love my local library. So many activities that are FREE!  Regular scheduled classes where materials are provided FREE! Variety of activities and many are at times that are not just in AM or evening hours.

I keep the old fashion spiral notebook for my budget. It's quick to update and I can easily see the history of billings and payments. (Actually purchase spiral notebooks at clearance sales of back-to-school supplies. I use them for many things in different sizes.)

I always list myself FIRST on the list of bills to pay! I have to admit that I'm realistic about the amount but it's a commitment for at least a minimum amount to save monthly.  (I started my first savings account years ago after a divorce with 2 children to support. My commitment then was only $1.00 every 2 weeks. It was a start! Now, it's a continuing habit.)

Do not go out of the house. I noticed that when I stay home I save a lot of money. Plus I had to change how I look at money. I don’t have to always spend money.