Just found this subreddit, wanted to mention a couple things I have found that greatly reduce waste of money-
If you like to eat out, go on an app/email newsletter binge. Some are incredibly easy to redeem and offer great bonuses for signing up. Moe's Southwest Grill for example offers a free nacho meal with a drink. Arby's not long ago was offering free sandwiches with a drink. Google current lists!
2) if you have dollar tree near you, absolutely utilize that. things like pens, hair products, toiletries (besides TP), packs of fun size candy, basically get everything you can get there for a dollar that seems a reasonable quality. Basic stuff like tape you would pay 3-5 dollars for in Walmart even you can get here for 1 dollar.
3) Use groupon for fun things to do. I've saved a wealth of money on groupon.
4) check Amazon. I used to say check eBay. But honestly, its usually cheaper and new on Amazon. Before buying anything like a book, small appliance, cord etc., I always check amazon. It's easy enough to get free shipping (1 month free trials only require separate credit cards and emails apiece). Electronics and/or books usually equals Amazon.
5) use credit cards. I read that, despite what people think, you can have up to seven credit cards before you negatively impact your credit. There are some great signup bonuses out there. In the last 5 years I've probably spent about 10-15 nights in Hiltons, Doubletrees, and even Marriotts COMPLETELY FREE due to these cards absurd sign up bonuses. Not bad places either, NYC, San Francisco, Orlando, Atlanta, Smokey Mountains Doubletree (my favorite by far, those cookies!!!). Spirit Airlines also has a great sign up bonus which I recently signed up for. Apparently its enough to get a few decent flights around America. I wouldn't believe if it the hotel ones hadn't worked so nicely for me.
6) speaking of credit cards. if you need to take a loan, consider a credit card which has 0% interest on purchases for a year or more. if you have good credit, there are plenty of these. Its essentially a free loan, although it can't be used for rent bc most places don't let you use credit card, you can use it for all expenses basically.
^This one I would consider a top-notch life-hack if you can play your cards right. It's a bit tricky, but if you need a loan, its a seriously, seriously free way to get it. You might have to move some funds around, ie pay for expenses with this card and pay for rent what you would normally save or something, but you get the point. I once loaded one with a 5k loan, was a bit stressful, but obviously accumulated no interest and was able to pay off as a result before the card ever ended the no interest promotion period.
IMPORTANT NOTE: of course credit cards do have their risks, that's why they can have such huge value I guess. Basically if you're a mature enough person to pay them off each month at the same time, and only spend what you have, it can give great rewards.
Well I hope those tips are helpful to the people on this Sub! I know I would have a lot less savings if it wasn't for some of these!
EDIT: For Formatting
February 01, 2019 at 07:56PM
