Impulse or Intention?

[AARPTeri]

Do you plan your redemptions or spend points as you earn them?

[cmulinix]

I always try a few instant rewards daily.  I win every few years.  At the beginning of the month I may make 10 entries into the other sweepstakes.  I've never won any of those.  Mostly I try to use points on getting 3- $5 gift cards.  Usually for pizza places or some other food place.  Often, these are Extra Credit rewards and use a reasonable amount of points.  

[SereneSeagull]

I’ve had a lucky win one time on an instant spin  that was glitching out at the time it happened!  And gave me a win!  Other than that points for gift cards are my go-to. 

[papawofboo]

I don't let mine build up to high. I have quit with the instant win, loss for me. I try my luck at sweepstakes sometimes but that is just a waste. As for the gift cards, I see where a lot of people have trouble with them.

What I have done lately is use points for magazines. At least I can see where my points went.

[SereneSeagull]

You mention the magazines — Do they arrive ok as far as when the subscription starts?  I’m intrigued but wonder if they start ok, or start at all.  Thanks

[AARPTeri]

Using points for magazines is such a great idea — you get something enjoyable and lasting in return. It’s nice that you’ve found a reward option that feels worthwhile and reliable for you. Thanks for sharing your experience — it might inspire others to look at magazines in a new way!

[dd98032427]

I only play a few games, more for fun than for points. And I redeem for instant wins only. I don't see the point of getting a $2 or $5 discount on a gift card that I may not use for weeks or months. I don't want to tie up my money this way. The tiny discount is not worth it. And I only try instant wins for stores in or near my town. Many of your prizes are for stores an hour away. Not worth it. Same for the gift cards, and tiny $2 or $5 discount and the store is an hour away? Not doing it. 

[SereneSeagull]

I get that as well.  The redeem for points only is how I go and the gift cards can be stacked and used together since they are gift cards.  I mainly redeem for restaurants. The purchase using money is not worth it to me as well.  

[BtW751689]

some locations do not allow you to use unlimited.  SouthWest Airlines at least the gift cards you see in the racks at the store, have a dollar limit on how much you can redeem at once.  Harry and David is another.  The only way to use more than ONE per transaction is to call in your order.  And some restaurants like Red Robin you can't redeem more than one at the kiosk on your table.  The staff have to manually enter them.  But being able to have a stack of them for the future can be beneficial especially if you can combine it with percentage off or special sales.

[SereneSeagull]

Interesting that the only way for some places to allow multiple is to “speak” with someone and have it done manually.  I’m all for that anyway!  Don’t like using kiosks but have done it.  Very impersonal with little to no human interactions and saving physical jobs is important to me, so I’ll use a customer service person, wait staff person instead of a kiosk or online anytime with my multiple gift card stack.  

[MariaK113398]

I am more intentional in my redemptions. I try to max out my points every day. I enter sweepstakes every day as well, trying not to use more than 8,000 points a day for sweepstakes. I use the free method of entry for the instant wins to save on points. I mostly redeem points for gift cards that I can use in my everyday life to help with lowering costs at places like Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, CVS, Walmart, etc. I check several times a day to see if any new gift cards for points have been added. Over the last 4 years I have won several sweepstakes for $100  gift cards and also quite a few instant wins. It all helps out. I buy my Hulu gift cards here to keep loading on my account as well. 

[RenateW69623]

Well you have a lot more luck than me.  I have been a member for almost 4 years, enter several sweepstakes every month, but have never won.  I play the Instant Wins every day but only win a few a year. Back when they were only offering a few gift cards a month, I usually was only able to get 1 or 2, since most of the cards would sell out before I could get them. Some people complain about the $5 gift cards, but at least now that they are offering more of them, I can finally use my points to get something every month, even if it is only $15 in gift cards.

[AARPTeri]

You make such a good point — the expanded selection of $5 gift cards really does make it easier to enjoy steady rewards and put those points to good use. We appreciate you being part of the community and sharing how you make the most of the program!

[AARPTeri]

Looks like you got a great system going!  It's super smart to set a daily limit for sweepstakes and use the free entries for instant wins. Redeeming for everyday gift cards like Amazon, CVS, and Walmart is such a practical way to stretch the value. And congrats on those sweepstakes wins over the years—that’s awesome! 

[SereneSeagull]

A bit of both for me... Plan and impulse as the mood strikes me.  I never purchase a gift card for money, and only use points to get them.  Looking for restaurants specifically.  Enjoying all that I’ve gotten.

[AARPTeri]

A little planning and a little spontaneity! 😊 Using points for restaurant gift cards is such a fun way to treat yourself without spending out of pocket. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying what you’ve earned — that’s exactly what the program is all about!

[andrewtoo]

Hi Teri, 

I am very intentional when using points.  If I have time, I max out points each day.  However, it’s never enough points!

I redeem points for sweepstakes every day that I am active.  I can’t earn enough points to max out the sweepstakes entries that I want to enter and have enough points available to use the 3 redemptions for gift cards that I will (likely) want going forward.  In other words, I “bank” points to redeem for gift cards.

Also, I always enter the instant win games for the gift cards that I want for myself or to give away.  Instant wins have provided me with many gift cards over the past couple of years, so has become a more valuable benefit to me in that timeframe.

[AARPTeri]

You’ve really found a great balance between strategy and fun — earning steadily, entering sweepstakes, and saving up for those gift cards you really want. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve made the most of the instant wins too — sounds like your plan is paying off nicely! Thanks for sharing your tips and experience — it’s great motivation for others!

[Winter2025VA]

[10/16/25]

@AARPTeri , I NO longer "count" on being able to "redeem" = lol, less stress when things DO NOT work.

I spend points IF I see an "points only" giftcard I can use.

Depending on my "busy" life - I try to log in each day to see what has been ADDED.

As far as "earning" points, I have changed that & now only do NEW quizzes & videos.

I use to MAX OUT EVERY DAY. Not anymore.

Take care,

Nicole. 💛

[AARPTeri]

That’s such a healthy and relaxed way to enjoy the program — focusing on what works for you and finding joy in the surprises along the way. Logging in daily to check what’s new sounds like a great routine, and it’s awesome that you’ve found a balance between earning and redeeming. Thanks for sharing how you make it work!

[Winter2025VA]

[10/17/25] Thanks @AARPTeri , Nicole 💛

➡️[*** AARP Teri 

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@AARPTeri wrote:

That’s such a healthy and relaxed way to enjoy the program — focusing on what works for you and finding joy in the surprises along the way. Logging in daily to check what’s new sounds like a great routine, and it’s awesome that you’ve found a balance between earning and redeeming. Thanks for sharing how you make it work!

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