Josh Elledge - CEO, UpMyInfluence
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Refresh Your Savings in the New Year
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There are so many ways to save right from your phone or by using the right cards, it’s almost impossible not to save money. Set up the digital ways to have them right in the palm of your hand, no need to clip or even plan ahead much. It’s time to refresh your savings in the new year!
Text messages. Text offers aren’t new but more businesses are using this marketing technique every year. Typically, deals texted to you are limited-time offers, sometimes valid that day only or for about a week. Despite the tight time frame, the best part is that businesses send deals often. Sign up with places you frequent and keep the text messages handy while they’re valid to regularly score savings.
Mobile apps. Grocery stores, retailers and even gas stations have really embraced having dedicated apps. This spells multiple ways for consumers to save. Most offer: 1. The ability to instantly clip coupons to a loyalty card or digital id (like your mobile number). 2. The ability to view sales ads to check for savings. 3. Additional special offers, including “app only” deals and freebies. Open the app before you pay to make sure all the savings you can get are ready to go and that you’ve not missed any freebies or rewards.
Loyalty cards. Like apps, “old reliable” loyalty cards have been kicked up a notch by businesses and technology. Along with being able to clip coupons to your card, businesses regularly offer special deals, discounts and even free items to loyalty card holders. Some even offer give instant gasoline savings at associated gas stations or you can earn rewards towards gasoline discounts.
Branded credit cards. It seems like almost every retailer has their own branded credit card these days. Most aren’t worth the small savings they offer at only one specific store, for example, a shoe store. But some are worth having because they offer instant savings or rewards accumulation with multiple partner businesses. If used with care – meaning you don’t spend more than you can pay off in one month – they can yield significant savings or accumulate worthwhile reward. And because it’s a pay method, you can still use other savings opportunities when you pay with it.
Cash back. The increasing popularity of cash back offers cannot be denied. Consumers love them and the variety of businesses participating in cash back these days is impressive. That’s why you should never shop anywhere or plan any activities without checking for an offer you can activate. We recommend Swagbucks.com because they’re easy to use and you can earn cash back while still taking advantage of promo codes at numerous retailers.
Discount gift cards. We mention these often because they are one of the most overlooked ways to save on a regular basis. People tend to think of them only when they’re planning to give gift cards or planning to spend a large amount at a retailer. But you should be buying them and using them in everyday life. Because gift cards work just like cash, you can save on the amount you pay to get them and then also take advantage of additional offers and coupon codes. This combination increases your savings significantly. Plus, because you can often find e-gift (or virtual) gift cards, you can buy and use them right away, even from your mobile.
Email lists. One of the oldest ways to score coupons has gotten an update that’s increasing in popularity: You don’t need to print them out anymore. It used to be that you needed the paper copy to redeem an offer. That is almost entirely a thing of the past. Nearly all businesses will accept the coupon right off your phone screen by scanning or typing it in. Plus, some businesses only give out their best coupons this way, so it pays to be on the list.
Price matching. Despite popular belief, price matching hasn’t quite disappeared yet. Once famous for it, Walmart now will only price match to their own website. But don’t count that out. We’ve found that items listed on Walmart.com are often lower than the in-store price. As much as 50% on some items. So check Walmart.com before you check out and be prepared to show proof on your phone of any lower prices. Similarly, Best Buy price matches and you can show your phone at the register or they will even look up prices online for you. Just ask.
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