Let me start off by saying that I am not by any means an expert on saving money or finances. This blog is not intended to be a super deep, theological composition on finances according to Scripture. I've been blessed, throughout my journey of walking with The Lord, to come across various ways to save money to get the things I need and/or desire. I felt led to share with you all a couple of the apps and websites I use to find good deals. I fully believe that what we are merely stewards, not owners, over what God has allowed us to have.
As Christians, it's important whether we have a lot or little that we are good stewards over our resources. Luke 16:10 tell us that,
"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much..."
And in Matthew 25:21 we have the conclusion of Jesus' parable of the talents,
"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."
Many of us go through seasons in life where there is too much month and just not enough money. Maybe you are in a season of unemployment or you are living as a missionary in another country trusting God for your daily bread. You might even be working full-time, but some unexpected expenses have you scrambling to make ends meet. Or maybe you are reading this and thinking to yourself things are pretty good right now. Well if that is true, it's still a good idea to be wise with your money and learn how to cut costs where you can. Why spend unnecessary money when you don't have to?
Now I will say that using some of these methods does take time and effort, but I have found it to be totally worth it.
Here are 10 different ways that will help you save money
1. Use Groupon (www.groupon.com)
You can either use this website on your desktop or download the app for free on your smartphone.
I personally have gotten my hair done, manicures, pedicures, tickets to events, oil changes, gym memberships, massages, fitness classes, and so much for great prices by using groupon. When you register for the site you will also occasionally receive emails and alerts on your phone that will give you an additional 10-20% off of the groupon price, which will add even more savings to your purchase (Sidenote: If you have gmail you will find them in your promotions section). It varies the days and times the emails are sent out. I was able to get my front and back brakes done on my car for less than $120 last month from an offer I found on groupon. You can find pretty much anything on groupon even vacations. They
*If you are booking appointments for things like massages, car services, hair services, etc., I would suggest using google to check reviews for the company or using a website like Yelp to see what others have said about their company.
2. Join Frequent Flier Miles & Travel Rewards Programs
If you travel via plane, make sure that you register for your preferred airline's rewards program. Typically they will alert you first when they are having sales and some airlines will offer you discount on things like rental cars, if you book through them. Even if you don't fly a lot it's still a good idea because with most airlines the miles never expire. Also Amtrak and Greyhound have rewards programs as well you can join and acquire points. You never know when they will come in handy.
In July I needed to make a trip to Atlanta for a conference and had less than $20 in my account. Thankfully because I'm a part of both Southwest and Delta airlines frequent flier programs I was able to use my miles and points to buy tickets and only paid $11.20 for my roundtrip airfare!
3. Download The GasBuddy App
This app allows for you to see where the most inexpensive gas is in relation to your current location.
There have been many times when I was about to buy gas and found out that a station less than mile away was $0.04-$0.10 cheaper. Over time that definitely adds up.
4. Go Thrifting & Shop Clearance
When I was growing up my mom faithfully had us at the local Salvation Army, GoodWill, or local thrift stores almost every week. I learned real quick that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Thrifting has become more of a trend in recent years. It definitely takes time and patience, but you will find original pieces at a low cost. I have even found brand new items before at my local thrift store. When I lived in Atlanta I would go to thrift stores in an area called Buckhead, which was very affluent, because a lot of times they would give barely worn stuff away and then I would get it for $4-$5 when it was originally $50-$100+. You can either get the items dry cleaned or simply just throw them in the wash and they are good as new.
Also shopping the clearance racks is another way to save money! Yes, it may take you a little longer to find something, but I've gotten Levi jeans for $3 at Kohl's and shoes for less than $10 by looking through the clearance stuff first.
5. Download the Target Cartwheel App & Get a Target REDcard Debit
6. Use Amazon.com
Amazon is another way to save money on the things you need. There are many times when I need a resource and I find it on their website for cheaper. Also typically if you spend over $35 they will give you free shipping. If you are a student consider joining Prime Student (https://www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info) to get your textbooks and other supplies. You will get free 2-day shipping and other perks for signing up and it's completely free for the first 6 months!!! There is also the regular Amazon Prime for us non-students and they offer a free trial for the first 30 days or else it's $99 a month.
7. Visit Your Local Library
You are probably like why does she have the library on here? I am an avid reader and I can't afford to always buy every book that I desire. I learned to check my local library to see if they have the title that I'm looking for. Some libraries even let library patrons request books and they will buy them to add to their library collection. The same applies to cd's, dvd's, etc. There are also many free resources and events available at the library to check out. For you moms out there, many libraries have free story times and activities for your children to participate in too!
8. Couponing
I don't know how many of you have watched the show Extreme Couponing, but every time I see it I'm inspired to search the local ads for coupons. If searching the circular ads isn't your thing there are apps like The Coupons App (http://thecouponsapp.com/) that you can download. Also many grocery stores like Tom Thumb & Kroger have their own apps with daily and weekly deals. I've also heard great things about Ibotta & Grocery Pal, which can also be found on your smartphone's app center.
9. Sign up for Rewards programs
Wherever you tend to shop the most, take time to sign up for their rewards programs. Typically you will receive coupons and other offers that can come in handy. These days a lot more stores have some sort of points program, app, or email list that allows you to save more. I frequent places like Hobby Lobby, Lifeway Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, Barnes & Noble, Mardel, Whole Foods Market, & Sprouts Markets, which all either have rewards program or email lists that notify you of sales on their products. You can save up to 40% on your purchases on some of these places.
There are also times when I had little to no money for food, but because I had signed up for rewards programs with restaurants I was able to eat for free or at a cheaper rate. Some of my favorites are Which Wich, Subway, Smoothie King, Auntie Anne's Pretzel, Freebirds World Burrito, and Mooyah Burger.
10. PRAY
God cares about every little detail of our lives (Psalm 37:23). When you have a need, bring it before Your Heavenly Father and ask Him to show you what to do. If you give Him the option and sit still long enough, He most definitely will direct your path. At the end of the day, God is the best teacher at showing us how to navigate through life. He will definitely show us when we are being wise or unwise with our money. Any income that you receive make sure you are thanking God and seeking His will in how to spend it. He is a provider for His children and will not let the righteous be forsaken (Psalm 37:25). Remember we didn't come in this world with anything and we can't take anything with us when we leave it (1 Timothy 6:7).
This is by no means a complete list and feel free to add any of your finds in the comment box below. I did not get paid to share any of these tips, apps, and websites with you. I just wanted to educate and prayerfully open your eyes to some opportunities to get better deals and use your finances more wisely.
Until next time,
Cierra
xoxoxo
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| I was able to find this dress at a local thrift store for less than $3 |
Instagram & Periscope: @mylifeascierra
Email: cierracotton@gmail.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/cierracotton
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