Reward Programs

Reward programs are all the buzz now days but do they actually benefit you. The answer is yes they do. There are three basic types of Reward programs. The first credit card rewards. This requires you to sign up for the credit card or store card in order to get any rewards. It will however also give you debt and may cost you interest fees as well as card holder fees. I do not recommend this for everyone because of the additional cost.  But if you have a favorite store you frequent and can pay the bill of every month or limit how often you use it they it may be worth having.

The second is the store rewards programs that are free. These are my favorite. For Grocery stores, Dining out or Retail shopping. At Grocery store’s they usually are used to get you the sale price on items and down load online coupons or mail coupons to your home. At some store you will even get a discount of gas in your car. For Dining out they are usually used to get free menu items for frequently visiting their location often or a discount on your dining. At Retail locations they are either discounts on your purchases or free item with a purchase and occasionally totally free.

Designer Items for Less

The best way to get Designer item without paying the Designer price. The first is going to Marshall’s, TJ Maxxs or Home Goods. They carry designer items at deep discounts. I recommend checking their clearance items out first. This will give you more savings on those items. However the selection at  these stores are limited so if you find something you really like at a price you can live with you should get it now. They probably wont have it when you go back as they sell through items quickly.

Show me the savings

As I was doing research online before starting this Blog I noticed one major thing missing. There are plenty of blogs, articles, and advice on saving money. However then don't show you the savings. This is something I think they should do and I am willing to do it. I'm a visual person, you can spent hours learning to save but if you never see the results can you believe them. You can check out my Instragram photos for the proof at savvywaystosave1. I went to Kohl's had two coupons, shopped the Clearance, which was on Sale for an extra 20% off. Yes I got myself a $68 dress for $1.90 plus tax and a $44 sweater for $2.46 plus tax.

1st Blog Staying with a Budget

Here are some tips to stay within your budget when shopping. First decide how much you can spend.Then make a list of the items you need using lined paper. I recommend starting with the most needed or used items .Start listing them in groups of 4 or 5 at a time leaving a empty line then list the next 4 to 5 until complete. Next go online to check for coupons as well as the stores ad's . Several stores have reward cards where you can load coupons for that store or you can print them. Along with your list and coupons take with you a pen or pencil and a calculator, most cell phones have them on it. If shopping with small children I suggest taking a snack and game or toy to keep them busy, budget shopping usually takes a little longer.