How to save money while shopping

Do you like saving money? I’m sure everyone like saving a little money now and then. Some people have the patience to go the extra mile to save while others rather not be so bothered with finding coupons or rewards to save. In this post I’m going to share my shopping strategies on how to save money while shopping. I hope you all are ready let’s get started.

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Reward Programs

Reward programs are a great way to save while shopping. A lot of retailers have these reward programs so when you shop and spend money you can earn double or sometimes triple points/dollars based on your spending habit. Typically once you reach a certain amount of points or dollars spent you earn a reward. The reward can vary from $5-25 again depending on the retailer. For instance with a Bloomingdales credit card if you earn 5K points you are rewarded with a $25 gift card.

You are probably thinking 5K points that’s a lot of points but let me explain how easy it is to obtain. My son wanted a pair of Ugg boots, Bloomingdales had a promotion 5K power points for a shoe purchase. The base points for the purchase was 420 points. The bonus points for the purchase was 5K so we automatically earned a $25 gift card. The cherry on top was I already had a $25 gift card in rewards so I used it towards the purchase. In reality its not hard to earn the points because half the time Bloomingdales are giving away double, triple, and power points which help you earn faster.

Rakuten

Another reward program I love is Rakuten. Rakuten is a website you go to type in the retailer’s name you are interested in and typically it will bring up the most up to date promotions that are being offered. All you have to do is set up an account click on the retailer and start shopping. The great thing about Rakuten is you can earn cash back while you shop. Cash back varies anywhere from 1-90%. As a matter of fact I just earned $11 which was deposited into my account this month. Rakuten typically pay out what you earned quarterly. I actually forgot all about it but I’ll take it. So earn while you shop is a great incentive.

Shopkick

The third reward program I love is Shopkick. Shopkick allows you to earn kick points when you shop using your debit or credit card that’s linked to your account. But in order to earn points in Marshall’s, TJMAXX, Ulta Beauty, Carter’s etc. you must check out using your debit card as a Visa or MasterCard not as a debit transaction. With Shopkick you can also earn points by walking in a store. Shopkick offers 75-150 points at Marshall’s, and Carter’s to name a few. Once you reach 500-1250 points you can earn $2-$5 gift card of your choice. Since I live fairly close to two shopping malls I just drive by the stores who participate in the program turn on my app and collect my points without barely getting out my car.

Restaurant reward programs

I also use reward programs for restaurants such as TGIFriday’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread and most recently Chick-fil-A. I remember discovering I had over 700 points at TGI Friday’s which is equivalent to 7 free entree’s. I immediately started putting my points to use. Because we are a family of four we are able to reach our points little faster but if you eat out weekly you can definitely earn.

I currently have an entree at TGI Friday’s, at least two Chick-Fil-A sandwiches to redeem and 63 points away from a free entree at Chipotle. If you like free food I recommend you download these apps and sign up now.

Let me know below in the comments do you use reward programs when you shop? If so let me know which programs you use (sharing is caring). Until next time I’ll chat with you guys later. Have a safe and happy holiday!

xo,

Alghashiyah

If you would like to read my guide on how I get the things I want discounted click on the hyperlink.