I realize this is not ground breaking info or newsworthy techniques, but they are effective and not nearly as utilized as they should be. I am spilling the tea on my money saving secrets how I not only save money on almost every purchase but how I actually MAKE money on purchases. That one gotchu eh? Glad I have your attention.

Loyalty Programs

If you are not signed up for a loyalty program for EVERY VENDOR you spend money with, why though? Loyalty accounts are set up mostly so the vendor can track your shopping habits (data = $$$ to them) but they typically reward you for letting them spy on your spending. Some of the rewards are worthy of a whole entire post of their own but I will save that for another time. Here are some notable mentions:

• Ulta/Sephora– coupons, free items, AND FREE $$$! They reward you by giving you a point for every dollar and points = $ off your purchases.
• Target – Not only does target give you exclusive % off offers that you can redeem online or in store, but they also store manufacture coupons (target offer + manufacture coupon = 2x the savings). AND, they give you 1% back to spend at target.
• Walgreens/CVS – Similar to target, this reward system lets you store manufacture coupons on your account and they also have a $$ off point system. Some purchases come with bonus points and so do prescriptions.
• Clothing Retailers – far too numerous to list but many of them have a similar points per purchase, points = $ system. Nordstrom, Express, Dicks Sporting Goods are a few of my frequently used ones.
• Grocery Stores – A staple, I am sure most people have this one already. But did you know that you can log onto the app/website and download exclusive store and manufacture coupons?? Now you do.

Coupons

You heard me mention coupons quite a bit, and yes; I am that crazy coupon lady! It’s basically free money if you use them right. I never NEVER use a coupon just to use it for something that I will never use. But more times than not, you will find a coupon for something you planned to buy anyways. Here are my favorite hacks with coupons:

• Stack ‘Em – many times a brand will have a coupon for “$1.00 off 1 item” and then another that says “$2.00 off 2 items”. You can use both coupons! So if you buy 2 items you actually can get $3 off , rather than just $2.
• Singles Only – Bed, Bath & Beyond. IYKYK. These coupons find their way into just about every mailbox in the US, so don’t trash them when you get one!
  • They don’t expire despite what the coupon says,
  • b.) you can use one per ITEM. So if you are buying 6 new bath towels, you can use 6 20% one item coupons!! I literally have a zip lock bag full of them.
• Double Up – There are times when the manufacture coupon is already loaded to my loyalty card, but I also happen to have a printed version. In these cases, you miss every shot you don’t take so you might as well try to use the printed coupon too! Believe it or not, sometimes the cashier will do it, and if not just play the blonde card ;).

Rebate Apps

I will be the first to admit that I did not think these apps were legit, I was a skeptic. That is, until I finally tried it and I am thankful for it. Hundreds of dollars that have actually been deposited into my account in the last year. I will be sure to leave referral links that get you $ on your first purchase.

• Ibotta – This one is slightly different in that you find offers for what you bought then upload your receipt and they credit your account for the amount of the offer. Once you get $20 you can cash out via PayPal. Again data = $$ to brands so they use your receipt to track spending behaviors. Referral Link: https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/1005cd3f?friend_code=ttbvvob
• Fetch: Again, this one is an app where you upload photos of your receipts (literally just about any retailer) and you get points for each purchase and maybe even bonus points. 5,000 points = $5 gift card. The rewards are not as quick but its still free money for snapping a pic of your receipt. Referral Link: https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referraltext?code=P57EY

Putting It All Together

If you’ve made it this far you are a real frugal Fran and a true friend of mine. Here’s an example of how using all of these money saving secrets together can really add up. Imagine if you will, you are in need of some Crest 3D Whitening. What do you do?

1. Hop onto your target app, hey look at that! 20% off Crest 3D Whitening. Add offer.
2. Open up your Sunday paper, and there you have it $1.00 off Crest 3D Whitening coupon.
3. Check Ibotta – what do you know? $3 rebate, yes please! Add offer.

You make your purchase, you use the coupon and now you have some toothpaste, SCORE! So lets see how it all worked out:

What we paid:

• Toothpaste: $3.99 – $1.00 manufacture coupon = $2.99
• $2.99 – 20% off cartwheel offer = $2.39
• $2.39 paid for toothpaste.

What we made:

• $3.00 rebate on Ibotta
• $.02 in cartwheel money back
• $.025 towards a gift card in Fetch

When you do the math you spent $2.39, but you made $3.04, so you end up with a free toothpaste and PROFITING $.65! WHAT??? I know its not a lot for this one item, but when you can apply this method to other items it really starts to add up. Not to mention the reward points on a credit card, but again that is for another post.

I grew up with not a lot of money so I will always work to find ways to save money where I can. These tips allow me to spend money on the things I want (like Sweaters and Sangrias), not the things I need. I hope these money saving secrets have helped you on your penny pinching journey. Let me know what you think!

-Lauren