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... 

[mchmiel]

I learned most of my savings tips from my father.  I brought my lunch to work almost every day - like, 19 out of 20 days.  The other days, it was something simple, like a sandwich, nothing fancy.   I also never buy coffee at Starbucks or other coffee shops; I bring my own.  Both these things helped save me thousands of dollars over the years.

[Ravensfan]

When I order anything online, I always search for coupons or promo codes before checking out.

[beushikubo]

I’ve learned that saving doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s really about being intentional.

What’s helped me most is automating my savings into separate buckets through my online account - it keeps everything organized and takes the pressure off. I also try to stay mindful with daily spending. If it’s not something I truly need, I give it a day or two. Usually, I realize I can skip it.

Because I’ve already set money aside in those buckets, planning for travel or bigger expenses feels a lot more relaxed. I’m not scrambling - I’m just using what I intentionally saved.

I like using the AARP Rewards program as a little extra boost. It’s a simple, fun way to stay engaged and feel like I’m adding to my savings in small ways.

These days, I’m mostly saving for experiences - travel, time with people I care about, and having the flexibility to be there when it matters. That kind of peace of mind is really what saving is all about for me.

[HelenW174526]

My husband and I always promised each other that when we retire, we will be debt free. We wanted to make sure that the house, cars and credit card have a zero balance. In 2017, I retired at 55 years old and my husband was 62 years old. 

My mother taught me to make breakfast for 2 people for under $1.00, lunch for under $3.00 and dinner for under $5.00. I always stock up when the market have sales on non-perishable products that I use. 

[bkcarolina]

Here's some of my ways to save:

Thrifting - Some local ones have great clothes, books, and various items, Our local store uses 100 percent proceeds to support the local Veterans!!

Books - Why buy when you can utilize your local library.  They have free painting and craft classes also.  Our local library is within walking distance so we get our exercise as well.

Online coupons for grocery & drug stores , easy to use, no paper coupons to keep up with, along with loyalty rewards/points.

Ibotta and Receipt Hog apps -  easy to use and fun. Earn enough to get Amazon or other gifts cards.

Getting rid of clutter (i.e. stuff our kids don't want when we pass) by utilizing Facebook marketplace.  No fees like Ebay!

All these little things add up!  Use $ to enjoy nice getaway!

[NorrieDs]

I have the Capital One browser extension installed, when I make a purchase online it gives me some points to be used for Gift Cards. It is not much... $.20, $.05, or $2.00 at a time. it mounts up. I usually get a Lowes or Home Depot gift card. This year it was $160.00. Every little bit helps

[tigers6951]

My best saving tip I used for many years, is when i use any ziploc storage bags, any size, i wash them out n let them dry for another use, I also use clothespins for closing bags of any kind, cheaper then the fancy clips.Also use Paper plates  then reuse the non soiled ones again.raising 5 children, helped me save with this idea!

[MarilynJ831329]

 I learned from growing up with a thrifty mother who grew up during the depression era.  Mom used to wash gently used aluminium foil and hang to dry as well as plastic bags. They were reused over and over until no longer usable. Use a flexible rubber spatula to get all of the ingredients out of a container ( mayonnaise, ketchup, peanut butter, etc). Shop at second hand stores, some items are brand new. When you find a good sale on items you eat or use often, stock up. Use your grocery stores apps. Sometimes they have extra unadvertised items in the apps. Pay with a credit card with reward points and watch the points add up. There is a nationwide group called Buy Nothing. I belong to one on Facebook. Post items you want to get rid of , ask for items that are being “gifted” that you can use, or ask for an item that you need or would like to borrow. Everything is free and you can leave items out for pickup on your porch with the name of the person picking up your “gift”. I always look at the bakery 50% off section. If I don’t need the item right away I freeze it. It you buy rotisserie chickens and can’t eat it all in a few days I freeze portions large enough to make chicken vegetable soup.

[RonaldS863938]

My first and best money saving strategy is to first consider the life cycle cost, not the up front cost, because the operating cost, (maintenance, service, fuel in the case of fuel appliances, repair costs, replacement costs, and so on) always vastly exceed the upfront cost. 

My second money saving strategy is to not spend in the first place.  Don’t be deceived by special offers like a percent off, especially if you’re using a high interest credit card for the purchase that you won’t immediately pay off in full.  and getting “points”, “rewards”, “gift cards”, and such don’t really mean much, as they’re not really saving you anything, if you have to use them to “buy” more stuff from them.

[JoyceR303071]

Download the Flipp App.  

You plug in your zip code and have access to ALL of the sales flyers from ALL stores in your vicinity.

Many other options ... Plug in a item and it searches all options including online stores. 

Many  don't get Sunday papers but this is better... Updated current, coupons, specials and very simple to use!   And it's free! 

[SereneSeagull]

I’ve read a bit about that app, and it has privacy concerns with it, when you do a bit of reading.  Be careful

[JoyceR303071]

Used it for years. But not importing personal info on it. 

[SereneSeagull]

There was some other things I had read.  Glad you’ve been able to find it a safe app.

[NorrieDs]

Money is scarce at Christmas time? I have a 'cash back' from Wells Fargo. Gets 2% back each month (for me it is about $50 a month) Instead of getting the cash in my checking account, I have it deposited in my savings account. At Christmas I have that extra cash.  

[Rtylers1992]

My wife and I have been in the financial planning and control business for 30 plus years and we don’t agree on everything, but making our money stretch and work for us is where we totally agree.  We learned early in our marriage of 34-years to adopt “simplicity” over “complexity” to ensure lasting habits. 

Basically, we breakdown our spending into 3 easy to calculate buckets.

1. (60%) Needs – rent, food, bills
2. (30%) Goals – savings, investing, debt reduction
3. (10%) Fun – just splurge on the “feel-goods”

This simple system works, it’s flexible, and will fit just about any of life’s changes that occur seemingly far too often.

We also “label” potential purchases practically before our emotional “wants” waste our time and money.  We ask: “How many times will we use this?” 

• If a new clothing item costs $90 and you will wear it 30 times before discarding, that’s $90÷30 = $3 per wear. Conversely if the item costs $30 and you will wear it 5 times before discarding, $30÷5 = $6. 
  • The savvy smart shopper will pay more up front and save over time.

                              ENJOY THE MOMENTS, TREASURE EACH DAY!

[richiew]

For large ticket items like home & auto insurance, I always ask to check if there are any discounts available when I get renewal notices.  Sometimes there are things I never thought about (like memberships to AARP, etc.) that might be available, but I never knew until I asked. Also, I've noticed some agents spend more time than others when investigating discounts, so it may be dependent on the agent taking your call. 

[j643476m]

Once I've paid off a car, I keep making the payments, but to myself, and continue to drive the car for many years beyond the loan period. When it's time for a new car, I have enough or nearly enough to pay cash for it. Saves loads! This is how I got out of the car money pit. When I started out in my career, I usually traded in my car which would be enough to pay off the loan on it. That left me where I started, with no down payment at all. I realized I had to keep driving cars long enough to pay them off, plus long enough to save up a down payment.

[xxyyzz]

Sign up for loyalty programs, especially grocery stores and whatever you use frequently, and they will send you coupons. Use coupons as much as possible. And watch for weekly and weekend specials.

[ValerieT283242]

I usually combine trips. I communicate with family to see what is needed at a store. I exercise at t... 

[j643476m]

We rarely use ziplocks. Instead, we put leftovers in glass jars. That way, we're not poisoning ourselves with plastic, plus saving the environment from the pollution generated in the manufacture of plastic bags.

[pm62051868]

AI has revolutionized the landscape to assist in cost savings for any and all expense categories. AI is not the end all, but used appropriately it provides an excellent source of key information. 

Second, always have an accurate up to date home budget for every line item expense. Check daily, compare budget to actual spend and correct spending that is not budgeted, unless it is an essential item. It it is essential, does it repeat, how to modify the budget to show the expense if reoccurring. Measure what you treasure, the bible in retail business budgeting.

Below is an AI detailed action plan to my above statement, after a few follow up questions I posed.

🧩 How This System Works (Operator-Level View)

📊 1.

Dashboard (Command Center)

• Tracks:
• Budget vs Actual
• Variance by category
• Formula-driven:
• Variance = Actual – Budget
• Focus:
• Identify where behavior deviates

👉 This is your weekly review screen

🧾 2.

Transactions (Raw Data Layer)

• Log:
• Date
• Description
• Category
• Amount

💡 Best practice:

• Import or bulk paste from bank weekly (don’t manually enter daily)
• Keep categories consistent → this feeds accuracy upstream

💰 3.

Budget (Control Layer)

• Defines:
• Monthly targets per category
• This is your baseline model, not a guess

👉 Update only when:

• A recurring expense emerges
• A strategic change is made

🔁 Your Repeatable Operating Rhythm

🗓 Weekly (15–20 min)

• Update transactions
• Review Dashboard:
• Any category over budget?
• Any anomalies?
• Adjust next week’s behavior

📅 Monthly (30–45 min)

• Reconcile totals
• Identify:
• New recurring expenses
• Categories consistently over/under
• Adjust budget baseline

📈 Quarterly (60–90 min)

• Optimize high-impact categories:
• Insurance quotes
• Subscriptions audit
• Utilities / service renegotiation

⚙️ What’s Missing (Intentionally)

Right now, this is lean by design. If you want to level it up, I can add:

• Auto-rollup from Transactions → Dashboard (fully dynamic)
• Category dropdowns (data validation)
• Spending trend charts
• AI-assisted categorization logic
• Cash flow forecasting
• Net worth tracking

🧠 Final Note

This system works because it balances:

• Automation (data capture)
• Discipline (weekly review)
• Adaptability (monthly reset)

Not because it tracks everything obsessively.

[lc6953]

I try to combine trips while out driving my car. If I go to to YMCA, I can stop afterwards at Walmart or Costco on the way home. Instead of driving all the way out there to shop. Also check the prices for 2 or 3 grocery stores to see who has the best prices for what I need at the time.

[MaBelleVie]

Great habit! Combining errands and the gym into one 'trip chain' is essentially professional logistics (think FedEx or UPS) at a personal level. If you layer in some gentle hypermiling habits, like coasting to traffic lights, you’ll maximize your fuel economy for the whole day.

[hgroopman]

Supporting a family of 7, I shopped at multiple stores and used mfr coupons to the hilt.  Now I'm on my own and paper cpns are mostly a thing of the past.  I still shop at 2 big supermarkets and use digital cpns and sales to get things super cheap.  And at one other store I shop once a month on senior discount day.  I also use inflation to my advantage, forcing myself to use the stash of goods I have instead of adding new ones, even if they're on sale.  When AARP has $ off e-cards for stores I patronize, I make sure to be among the first to get them before they're gone, using either cash or points to pay.  I accumulate rewards points every evening doing videos and quizzes that help me buy e-cards and enter AARP sweeps.

[StephenH676032]

We always try to buy good quality  cars that are between three and five years old with around 50,000 miles on them.  Saving us on average 40% off the cost of a new car.  We then keep them on average six years. Driving 15,000 miles per year we end up trading them in when they reach 150,000 miles. Most importantly is that we are able to pay cash and not have to finance our cars.

[dt296]

I just moved to St. Augustine from out of state. Instead of paying a moving company to tote all my old stuff 900 miles, I sold most of my belongings and stuffed what was left into a Pod. When we arrived, I used Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops and local estate sales to decorate my new Florida beach pad. The only new furniture I purchased was a sectional sofa and upholstered chair (used upholstered furniture has a bid of an "ick" factor) and one credenza. I outfitted my office for $200, including a desk and executive file cabinet; two beautiful farmhouse-style white bookcases with glass doors for $300, a computer desk for $35, an outdoor table, sofa, and two chairs for $400, and even kitchy flamingo wall art for my new Florida retreat! It was fun, I learned the neighborhoods, and I met some really interesting people. Now I'm selling what I don't need, and I'll use the extra cash to buy some more (lightly used) beachy decorations!

[annrico1]

I If you have a little market in your neighborhood, walk, don't drive to the store. Get your steps in and keeps you from buying too much because you have to carry it home. 

[misskitten]

I keep all of the electronics that I use unplugged if I am not using them. It helps with my power bill.

[chrislin]

I feel I can easily save money by making sure that I don’t leave the house without something in my stomach and water in the car. That way I’m not tempted to stop at a fast food place, a doughnut joint, or whatever else it is to spend money on a meal that I could’ve had at home. I do go out with friends on a regular basis and eat at restaurants. Before I go, i review their menus online and decide ahead of time what I’m going to eat that will fit with my budget and my health plan.

[freveal]

I always check my monthly charges to avoid "monthly fee creep"! I recently changed internet providers and they quoted me a "special offer" of $50/month locked in for 5-years. This was in lieu of there "normal" price of $65/month with no price lock. Well, when I got the first month's bill it was $65 NOT $50! Sooo, I called and spoke to a customer service person who told me that this was a common problem and sometimes it took a couple of months for "the system" to catch up to the new program pricing.

Well, I waited 2 more months and there was no price reduction with a credit for the first 3 months. I called to point out the problem and this time was assured that next months bill would reflect the new program price of $50 AND that I would also receive a credit for the last 3-month's up charges! 
I am happy to report that I just received my bill today and all the prices and credits were correct! 😁 No telling how long this would have gone on if I had not been checking my bill and ca