If youve found your way to The Penny Hoarder, youre probably interested increative ways to make money.
Heres how to decide which rewards programs to join, plus how to maximize your rewards.
Which Rewards Programs Should You Join?
You have to decide which rewards programs are worthwhile and this answer will be different for everyone.
But Idoparticipate in programs for the brands I regularly purchase.
For me, that includesMy Coke Rewards,Kelloggs Family Rewards,Pampers Rewards,Starbucks RewardsandMyCatPerksfrom Purina.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
Do I Purchase These Products Regularly?
To save money, I often buy store brands, generics or whatever is on sale.
Is the Program Convenient?
Some programs want you to write product reviews or clip proofs of purchase and physically mail them in.
With Starbucks Rewards, you get points automatically if you pay with a registered gift card.
Are There Hidden Costs?
Most rewards programs have free sign-ups and many cover the cost of mailing your rewards once youve earned them.
Did you know?
Whats the Payoff?
I make a run at peruse a sampling of the rewards offered by a program before I enroll.
Just purchase as you regularly would and let the points add up slowly.
These are different from the single-use codes youll find on products, because many people can redeem each one.
My Coke points expire when you dont enter a new code for 90 days.
Be familiar with the policies so you dont lose your hard-earned points!
So clearly the coupon is a better deal if you regularly buy Cheez-Its.
Plus youll get the bonus code from that product!
I really enjoy participating in these programs.
I love getting rewards in the mail or having gift cards credited to my account.
It makes me so sad that people throw away reward codes all the time without using them.
Theyre like free money!Dont throw that money in the trash make it work for you!
Your Turn: Do you collect points in rewards programs?
Which programs are your favorites?
Disclosure: We have a serious Taco Bell addiction around here.
The affiliate links in this post help us order off the dollar menu.
Thanks for your support!
Crystal Koenig has learned lots of strategies for saving money while living on a graduate student income.
She has previously blogged at Crystal and Bryan in Singapore.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
