ATM Smart Savings Sweepstakes

[AARPLynne]

We know that saving, especially for retirement, isn’t easy! That’s why the editors of AARP The Magazine created a digital magazine all about savings and retirement. AARP The Magazine’s Special Money & Retirement digital issue is here to help you better save for what lies ahead.  Post your favorite savings tip in the discussion below. Just by posting you’ll be entered for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000!

How to download the special Money and Retirement digital issue:

It’s easy to download the digital magazine! Click here  to read the special Money & Retirement digital issue.

Enter the sweepstakes in 2 easy steps:

1. Sign in or register on AARP.org

2. Post to the “AARP Smart Savings Sweepstakes” discussion board.

That’s it. You’ve entered the sweepstakes.

Contest ends October  1, 2016. See Official Rules and Terms of Service. Be sure to tell us what you think about the new digital magazine by completing our short survey here.

[sandynsean]

Start the lesson of saving early in your children's lives.

[DABL]

Save by shopping for items on sale, and use coupons and discounts (remember to ask for AARP discounts!). Think about the items you have and how you can use or repurpose them, or sell if you no longer need them.

[Dengler50]

We save our change and then roll it ourselves when we need to cash it in.

[gofn33]

Pay off your credit card in full every month!

[gofn33]

Join AARP for savings!

[gofn33]

Pay off all credit cards in full to avoid interest charges.

[barjim14]

Pay yourself first! You will never miss the money and it grows fast.

[md49053947]

marry well

[granzowl]

I also advocate signing up for restaurant/fast food loyalty programs and special promotions for the added savings coupons, periodic freebies (such as on specific dates like birthdays and anniversaries), and percentage discount deals valid for certain periods.  Yes, you'll generate more e-mail for your inbox, but you can use a secondary e-mail address for purposes of receiving these promotional offers. If you eat out fairly often, or even just occasionally, you'll save some decent bucks by being a loyalty program member.

[campton]

Pay off debt - you can live on very little if you don't have debt!

[jrs7]

Eat at home instead of restuarants and save money.  Don't eat fastfood and stay healthier, thus saving on medical costs.

[jb543]

Show your AARP member card and receive 10-15% off your entire bill at select restaurants. Use your points to purchase gift cards and use them yourself. Shop and dine on senior discount days. Not a member of Costco or Sam's Club? No worries as anyone can use their pharmacies. $$ to be saved getting your Rx's there.

[zigmont2]

Better yet, don't eat out much.  Pack a lunch for work every day and you will eat cheaper and healthier and have time left on your lunch break for a nice healthy walk!

[dg24405115]

I love to clip coupons, i also belong to several freebie sites and am always on the look out for a bargain-i have saved a tremendous amount of money over the years -getting clothing , furniture, etc at a discounted or sometimes even free price-i also use generic brands and always find a use for left overs.

[Messy55]

That sounds like what I do. I use store coupons and the ones that are free on the coupon websites for groceries. I never pay full price for anything except my hair!

[phazertom]

Coupons are a great savings for us as well. Put the money you save from the coupons and you will be surprised at how quickly it all adds up at years end. Mimier

[RGranzow]

I agree...clipping coupons is a great way to save!  So is joining up to store loyalty/rewards programs--they are free of charge and grant you additional savings on purchases, gas, etc.  Also, if you belong to a warehouse club, upgrade your membership to a level where the "cash-back for purchases" level is as high as possible.  You're going to spend $$ there anyway, right?  You might as well get the proper credit for your loyalty!

[mg21249349]

Walk away from tempting advertisement for products that I really don't need and stick to the essentials while knowing where to shop for the best bargains on the things we really need and use.

[copple5153]

I drive an old car- not real pretty, but it's paid for. Also, auto insurance is less- liability only.

[ashaleighs2]

Great idea if you regularly keep up the maintenance. Poorly running vehicles are a hazard and can be very costly.

[alimec]

We drive a 2002 Saturn that has only 63,900 miles on it. It's been a great car, gets great mileage and was paid off a long time ago. Our insurance costs are minimum. We love it.

[oat556WEN]

I also drive an old automobile- my insurance is much lower with the older automobile. I save all my change daily for 10 months- I then use that money to assist in my purchase of holiday gifts. the amount is usually approx. $200.00 +

[bc3113]

We also drive older vehicles, saving thousands in car payments and insurance.  Make sure you have your insurance premiums reviewed at least every two years.  We did, and saved an additional $1400!

[elizalen]

Cut down on junk food!  You'll save alot more money if you stop buying junk food.  Save the money every month.  I know it's not easy but you can do it!

[cyndigaglia]

I started clipping coupons when I got married many years ago to make ends meet. Over the years, my financial situation has improved, but clipping coupons is still a huge money-saver. Not just cents-off coupons, but online coupons for many stores using Retail-me-not and other websites. Sign up for your favorite restaurant email clubs and get free meals on your birthday and a heads up on special deals. Use your AARP card and save at many retailers and restaurants! Also, entering sweepstakes often yields gift cards and coupons for products I use. There are so many ways to save online now, it's just a waste not to take advantage of the savings available to us today!

[aps1650]

I think you can save more by going to markets with more competitive prices. I don’t believe I can mention names here. It pays to comparison shop. I live in San Francisco but shop outside the city and save 30 percent or more on groceries without cutting a coupon. I’m not against coupons I just think my approach is less work

[dianeehills]

I used to clip every coupon all the time. I realized that I was buying things that I don't normally buy. I now only clip coupons for things that I actually use - what a money saver! 🙂

[purplepassion10748]

It also saves you tons of money by not being a Costco member if you are only a household of 2 or less. I stopped being a member for nearly 10 years since I live by myself and buying bulk items gets expensive and also a waste when produce goes bad. I now save money by shopping the sales and discounts at the supermarkets, etc. 

[ct7208]

Full agree coupons and discounts save you lots of money. Walgreens balance rewards coupled with your AARP card and digital coupons also can earn you quite a discount.

[cw18973608]

I get restaurant coupons, but they're "$5 off of 2 adult meals". I can't use them as there's only 1 of me, and I eat out very seldom.