I know I have always loved a deal, but saving money quickly became a much bigger priority after being furloughed from my job a few weeks ago. I’m sharing some easy ways to save some cash during this difficult time.
Eat at home.
Now that we’re all spending a lot more time at home, we have more time to spend in the kitchen. It’s crazy when you compare the cost of a meal at a restaurant to the cost of making it at home.
Example – A burger and fries at a restaurant costs about $16 (+ tax and tip). At the grocery store you could buy a package of burgers for $6, buns for $3, fries for $4. You probably already have ketchup, mustard, etc in your fridge. But even if you don’t you’re only using a few pennies worth on your burger. Your at home meal costs less than $5!
Side note – if you are going to get takeout, check for local restaurants running specials or family style deals. A lot of restaurants are offering contactless curbside pickup so you can save even more by picking it up yourself instead of spending on delivery. And support your local small businesses!
Shop your pantry.
Before heading to the grocery store, look at what you already have in your pantry. There’s probably a whole bunch of things you bought because it was on sale or for one recipe and never used them again. We’ve been trying to use up what we already have before buying more. Like one night for dinner we made the rest of the Trader Joe’s falafel mix that I totally forgot I bought.
Meal plan / prep.
Anyone else feel like now that we’re home, you spend all day eating or prepping for or cleaning up from meals? It seriously feels like we’re just eating all day long.
Since you’re not packing a lunch to take to the office, meal prepping can be a lot simpler and easier. At the beginning of the week make a bunch of chicken in the crockpot. And keep it simple – just chicken and a sauce (buffalo, bbq, salsa, etc). And then use it throughout the week with salads or sandwiches or wraps. Or cook larger dinners so you just have to warm up leftovers for lunches.
When you have food atleast semi ready, you’re more likely to eat at home. And you’ll save because you won’t be constantly ordering takeout.
Zoom Happy Hour
I would be perfectly fine with zoom happy hours sticking around even after this is all over. Besides the fact that you are now spending more time with far away friends and you can sit on your couch, you can save SO much money on alcohol. A 6 pack of beer at a grocery store for the same price as 1 beer at a bar. Its a no-brainer for me.
Money Saving Apps
Rakuten
Even though we’re all probably shopping a lot less, if we’re shopping at all, we’re doing it online. Rakuten gives you cash back when you visit their website or app first. Most brands will offer 1-5% back with some even giving 15% back!
Once your cash back balance is over $10, they will mail you a physical check. There is no cost to sign up or get your check! Getting 80 cents back on a small purchase might not seem like much but it definitely adds up.
Get $10 when you sign up with this link and make your first purchase – https://www.rakuten.com/r/MHOCHS11?eeid=44971
Ibotta
Since we’re now eating at home more and grocery shopping more, you should use Ibotta to get cash back on your grocery receipts. In the app you click on the store where you purchased your groceries, find the eligible items that you purchased, scan your receipt and get money back. Most of the items are brand specific so be sure to check the app before purchasing. Something that might be more expensive in the store could come out cheaper with the ibotta deal. They also sometimes have cash back (10 cents – $1) for any brand items or any grocery receipt.
Once you’ve earned atleast $20, you can redeem it through gift cards at your favorite retailers or receive your payment though PayPal. I’ve earned over $170. It takes some time but it adds up and every little bit helps.
Sign up here!
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is similar to ibotta, except you collect points (instead of dollars) for grocery purchases. You then exchange your points for gift cards. You can redeem 5,000 points for a $5 gift card to amazon or your favorite restaurant.
With Fetch, you can scan receipts from grocery stores and restaurants and you can link your amazon account to get points for purchases.
Fetch is a little less time consuming than ibotta because it scans your receipt and finds items eligible for points for you. And you can ‘double dip’ and use both apps to get the most from your purchases.
I’ve only been using this app for a couple weeks and I already have almost 7,000 points.
When you download the app, use code X8T66 to get 2,000 points ($2) after you scan your first receipt.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a great way to save and make money. You can save by shopping second hand. Most thrift stores are closed right now. So if you’re looking to find some second hand bargains, poshmark is the next best thing. It’s also a great place to search for the dress you regret not buying before it sold out last year.
And you can make money by cleaning out your closet and listing items to sell.
I did a little mini purge of my closet the other day. I usually have such a hard time letting things go, but do I really need 3 silky red sleeveless J.Crew tops?
They make it really simple they make it to list and ship your items. You just need to take a few pictures and describe your item to get it sold. (Tip – be descriptive and think of key words someone might search to help them find your item). Once something has sold, they email you a shipping label. Just package it up and drop it in the mailbox or bring it to USPS. Easy peasy.
PS you can shop my Poshmark closet here!
