Rewards Programs

Have I gone FRUGAL or CHEAP or BOTH?

These days, I have relied to go online to shop and look for the best deal possible. I have found multiple resources to get some bargains. It actually became a treasure hunt now. I found a site that listed a bunch of websites that were offering FREE stuff for your birthday and I have been signing up since this past summer. This week I have seen a trickle of coupons on my inbox.

Here are some tips, so you can reap the rewards throughout the year!

• Provide a separate mailbox when signing up for rewards. They can get overwhelming, so make sure you have a  separate mailbox to access these emails. Some retailers have sent them weekly, monthly or worse every day (which I have not seen or noticed)
• Sign up for retailers that you know you'll be coming back to again and again. I wish chipotle had a rewards program, but make sure you sign up to places you will be purchasing things at least a couple of times to actually benefit from the emails that they constantly send you.
• Be organized - or at least try to be. Just like the first tip... these emails can and might get overwhelming, so just sign up to establishments you know you will visit often.
• Be mindful of the expiration date. You are already getting something for FREE so just be mindful when it expires because they aren't really liable to give it to you even if you throw a fit.
• These rewards programs doesn't stop on your birthday. Sometimes they have deals around the holidays or even random deals throughout the year. 

I'll be reviewing a couple of deals that I got once I use them.





Do you have a favorite rewards program? Anything we all should be aware of? If so, do share with us on the comments below!

Shopping while paying debt

I love bargain hunting. I am so much more delighted getting compliments from my $4 Payless shoes than my Tory Burch flats. I remember finding this lovely dress from a discount store for $25 compared to the $50-70 that Banana Republic goes for (This is with their current 50% off sale). Since, I cant really go out and just shop - I listed here a couple of different ways to shop on a budget.

• Discount Stores/Outlet Stores – I used to work for a discount store. That was probably the start of my obsession for getting bargains on anything. I could not bring myself to buy something in full price when I can get the same item for a much cheaper price. Most of these stores have upped their game by selling a lot more name brands. Also, a lot of higher end retailers also have their version of discount stores like Nordstrom Rack or Last Call by Neiman Marcus.
• Thrift Stores – Once you get an idea of what type of clothing or look you are going for, hunting in a thrift store makes it so much more fun. I have been eyeing a pleated skirt since last year and found it at Buffalo Exchange for under $10 - SCORE!
• Phone Apps – I love these downloadable apps for your phone like Groupon, Retail Me Not, Redbox makes it so much easier to find discounted things on the go and its so much easier and much organized than ME collecting coupons – which I have tried, but end up getting frustrated of all the disorganized pieces of paper that I just end up throwing them away. One day though I will have a $0 purchase on a register… One day!
• Email Lists – I try to keep a separate junk email for stores - I used to sign up for most of them to take advantage of a 10% discount. If you time it correctly and wait until they have a BIG sale, you can totally get the best bargain online. I was able to get this Kate Spade Little Minka Hobo purse for under $150 (retail price is $378.00) from their surprise sale (which I feel like it happens every other month!). Jay gets into these random shopping modes and knows which websites to get the best bargain… I get these random texts like, “What’s your size?” and end up with a really pretty Banana Republic scarf and skirt (Thanks hun!). I think he has better fashion sense than I do – sometimes lol.
• Price Match/Online – This is for the BF… Jay always looks for the best prices for his knick knacks. It varies from his computer parts, Nike shoes, work clothes etc. He was the one who told me about retail stores and price matching. Most electronics store like Best Buy or Frys will price match any items that you can find from competitor stores and for the ladies just an fyi, Nordstrom also does this. 

It’s also good to know what the “price” you are willing to spend on an item. Now that I am on a journey to get my debt paid off – I just closely watch the items that I want and compare prices from different outlet. I am currently on a search for a good/reliable luggage set that I will be using for the trip (my old one is falling apart). I will definitely check out TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls for a base price then maybe check online to see the reviews.

With debt repayment – its good to know and do your research to get the best possible price