Budgetting has been a way of life since I can remember. It’s a fact of life I wish didn’t exist, but c’est la vie! I wanted to share some of my money-saving techniques I’ve learned over the years.
1. Couponing: Don’t be embarrassed! Sites like Coupon Network and Save1 will help you cut back and save one the necessities, as well as doing some good. Just beware: just because you have a coupon doesn’t mean you need to use it. Keep a binder of folder, but only use them when you truly need to buy an item. We’re not talking extreme couponing here!
2. Cash back: Most major bank cards and credit cards now have a cash back program. You should take advantage of it! Whether it comes in points, dollars, or rewards, you should always sign up! At this point, I use my rewards credit card every month for my purchases, pay off the balance, and reap the rewards!
3. Shopping Cash back: Ebates is my favorite, but there are plenty of other sites out there. Once you click through their site to your shopping destination, you get a percentage of your purchase sent back to you in cash. After a few months, the savings really add up!
4. Rewards Cards: Sign up wherever you can. Currently I have Starbucks, Panera, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Coldstone Creamery, and Qdoba. You’ll be surprised at the savings you’ll receive. So far I’ve received 3 free pastries at Panera and I maybe go there once a month!
5. Bookmark & Score: This is one of my best-kept secrets. I bookmark items and go back on a monthly basis to check if they’re on sale. Bookmarking helps you remember and keep track, but also makes you analyze your potential purchase in the first place. You’ll be surprised how much your tastes can change in a month.
What are your best secrets for saving money?
