AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

 I do almost all of my local transportation by bicycle. It saves on gas & is great exercise, I live in the mountains.

I second drying clothes outdoors. I usually don’t even use the dryer. NOTE: Dryers destroy your clothing, so not using one will save money on clothes.

We use rewards credit cards for all purchases.  In months that offer 5% cash back on groceries or gas, my two biggest spending categories, I will purchase gift cards for those retailers I frequent most.  This way I'm reaping the benefit of 5% off for more than just the time of the offer.  For example, I made a purchase at Aldi last week and purchased an additional $300 in gift cards to be spent over the next several months.  I will receive 5% cash back on my credit card that I can cash out for additional gift cards to be used at other retailers we frequent. 

Living in a cold climate, I take advantage of Black Friday sales to buy warm blankets, socks and kids' clothes for the local homeless outreach services and domestic abuse shelter for Christmas and winter months. Am able to maximize how far my dollars go. 

Your local library has so many FREE resources for you to choose from for entertainment, personal and professional development as well as daily programming for everyone. Check out books, dvds, cds, and more or check out their digital collection to download straight to your own smart device. Stop paying for streaming apps and see what your library offers! There is something for everyone.

Check out various apps that let you submit receipts/purchases to possibly earn cash, gift cards, or sweepstakes entries. Some are easier to use than others and may suit one better if that shopper has certain buying habits. Sometimes, more than one program can be used at the same time. Do some online research, or ask friends what they prefer. 

My best money saving tip is actually getting the Fred Meyer credit card! I get fuel points for using the card which adds up to discounts at the gas station. I also get coupons mailed to me based on things I like to buy. I ALSO get points that build up throughout the year that I can eventually cash out as a gift card! So with my current spending habits that equals a $100 gift card per year. The only catch is you have to pay your credit card bill in full each month so you're not paying any interest. So with that said, considering all the discounts and points I get, it's like they're paying me just to use their CC!

Although I live in a retirement community and so, can buy food at lunch, I still make my own soups and other recipes to save money on dinner. Since I often can't eat the whole serving from the kitchen, I put the leftovers in a food container and freeze them until there is enough to add to the soup. This helps when the prepared veggies are too soggy for me to eat in the first place!

How to save.

Grocery store club cards; don't forget to pick your coupons to truly save.

CVS has coupons to pick as well. Also provides rewards that can add up.  Just don't let them expire if you really need buy something.

Shop on sites that provide free shipping.  

Use apps like Upside to save on gas, use apps like Fetch to save for gift cards by using all of your receipts.  Buy bread on sale and freeze it until needed.  Go to the movies when they have deals.  Join clubs at restaurants to save money and receive free birthday gifts.

When I go out restaurants, I eat half of my meal and take the leftovers home for the next day. Also, when possible, I dine during the lunch hour or happy hour specials.