Y’all probably think that my constant posts about money and budgeting mean that I’m obsessed with money. I’m not, but I am fairly budget-conscious. This is a not a sponsored post, just me sharing my opinions.
1. Reduce your utilities usage.
When I’m at home during the day, I keep most of the lights off and the blinds open because I prefer natural light. The heat is set at 70 during the winter and the air around 76-78 during the summer. I also track my utilities usage on my provider’s website (they have a handy, real-time graph).
2. Budget date nights or pre-pay for them with gift cards.
Our Sam’s Club has a display of gift card packs that you can buy for less than face value. We bought a four-pack of $25 gift cards to a local restaurant group (Old Chicago, Rock Bottom Brewery) for $80. Most grocery stores offer fuel point incentives on gift cards. Kroger chain stores (including King Soopers here in Colorado) have promotions where you get 4 fuel points for every gift card dollar. If you buy them for restaurants you visit anyways, you can get better savings on gas.
3. Change your grocery habits.
A lot of people I know do two major grocery trips a month to coincide with pay days. I had been doing that, but I realized how wasteful my spending was. Even if I had a list, the urge to grab those impulse buys was really great, and I would also buy produce that inevitably went to waste. Now, I’m shopping once a week to reduce our food and money costs.
4. Try out couponing and cash back websites and apps.
I recently updated my Ibotta app. Ibotta is a cash-back app where you earn rebates from different stores, purchase the products, then verify your purchase by uploading a photo of your receipt. They also have cash-back links for online shopping. Ibotta has a great teamwork option where you and your team (normally Facebook friends who also use the app) can earn bonuses for reaching earning levels. So far, I’ve earned $45 in cash back and $5 in bonuses. I’m cashing these suckers out for Amazon gift cards. If you want to join my Ibotta team, click here.
What are other ways y’all save money?
Grocery shopping once a week has drastically changed how much we spend. It’s great!
I love Ibotta, but I’ve only been making like 25 cents a week lately. I only shop at the commissary, since everywhere else is much cheaper, so they haven’t had a ton of deals for me. I have yet to get a bonus!
Good tips! I use ebates and it really has paid off!
http://www.robincharmagne.com/blog