hustler and flow

LINK: hustler and flow

Currently listening to: Money – LISA

Check, check, check, check that money making bank account number (yikes)
That’s that shit that’s never getting bounced on ya
Bitch, I do the money dance, I just made a hundred bands
When the store says, “Sign for it, ” I’ma leave my autograph

There are a lot of ways that I save money.  It may seem that I don’t but I’m actually very conscientious about my funds. Inflation has made things more challenging which means I either spend less or work more.

Addendum: 2025

• Amazon launched Amazon Haul, where things are steeply discounted. People call it the Temu of Amazon. They’ve been increasing the number of products on the site on the regular.
• AMEX gives me 4% when I dine out, even if it’s fast food. I also get paid back from Resy when I make rezzies.
• I use LED bulbs, which has saved a tiny bit on my electric bill.
• A few years ago, I refinanced, which made a huge difference.
• I use coupons when getting my car maintenance, in fact, I got an e-mail from Toyota about their Black Friday deals on their service.
• I negotiated with my insurances for a better rate. It wasn’t much but it was still better than nothing.
• I avoid lifestyle creep. If I get a raise (which I haven’t in years), I still spend the same amount. Anything extra goes into a high yield savings account where it can accrue more money.
• I buy groceries in bulk: eggs, snacks, rice, frozen veggies and berries, beans, lentils, coffee, pasta sauce, and cheese.
• I download apps like Chevron for gas. It can help me save 5-20 cents per gallon. They also give me freebies on drinks or snacks at the gas station.
• I’m on the wait list for Bilt’s credit card in 2026, which will let me pay my mortgage with this card and receive reward points (which have actual cash value) for hotel, airline, Lyft, or gift cards.

2024

• I do a lot of price comparisons on things that I want to purchase. I could spend minutes to hours doing this.
• Staying organized helps.  I create a monthly budget and account for every dollar that is spent.  I track my purchases and follow up if needed.  I watch my accounts like a hawk.
• Wealthfront has an APY of 4.25 3.50%.  The local banks APY % ranges from 0.01 – 0.04%. That’s utter garbage.
• I always check with my credit card or debit cards to see what kind of deals they have.
• I also use Rakuten frequently.  They have instances when I can get up to 20%+ back on your purchases simply by going on their website first.
• One of my AMEX gives 6% cash back on supermarket purchases.  Other purchases give a 1% cash back. Hence, I buy all my gift cards at the grocery store.
• I use my other AMEX to purchase flights and hotels on their website that is worth 5x the points. If I have enough points, then it will pay for my trip.  This card also pays for my monthly Walmart+ fees.
• Sometimes, I will check the price difference between flight prices by using a VPN when I’m fixin’ to go on a vacation. Doing a quick search on Google Flights with no destination or date/time will show you the the flights at rock bottom prices.
• Next year, I’m going back to school (I’m lucky that work is footing the bill) and will be eligible for a student discount on streaming services ($1.99 per month for Hulu addon for Disney+ 12 months for the price of 10, 25% off Paramount+, ) or Amazon Prime (free six month trial and then Prime at half the price).
• Scan receipts to get rewarded with money through PayPal or gift cards from Receipt Hog and Fetch.
• Buying items during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day(s).  My coworker told me that Walmart is having a good deal on Sony televisions right now.  I just bought a year’s worth of underwear and bras from Victoria’s Secret because they had good deals right now.  I think the last time I bought undergarments was three years ago.  Even WordPress has coupons and Black Friday sales.  If all else fails, do a search for promo or coupon codes on Reddit.
• Outlets are my friend.  I don’t need the latest season.  Everything eventually gets old so does it even matter?  I’m patient.  I can wait.  This is also why I’m not good with Keeping Up With The Kim’s.
• I also like going to garage/estate sales and thrift shops.  Sometimes, I can get amazing vintage items there.
• Grocery stores often have digital coupons that I use and they have items located near the back for a steep discount.
• Target and Walmart have clearance items at the aisle end caps.
• The app, Too Good To Go, carries many restaurants and small shops who have leftover food that they’re selling at a bargain.  A local donut shop was selling a box of baked goods for $8.99, which was regularly $27, or an Italian restaurant selling a tray of pasta and a side item for $13, which was regularly $39.
• I meal prep most of my meals for the week.  It makes it convenient and I’m less likely to go out and buy food with coworkers.
• When dining out, it’s either coffee/espresso or water.  No soda or alcoholic beverages (unless it’s a special occasion).  Lots of restaurants have lunch specials for a great deal.  I usually will order from that side of the menu.  I’ll eat about a quarter to a half of the meal and take the rest home to bring to work the next day.
• I attend special Yelp events and get to taste yummy foods for free.
• Costco will give a price adjustment on purchases made within 30 days.
• Max out my FSA (flexible spending account) since this is pre-taxed.
• I drive a Prius so my gas prices are lower than the average non electric car.  I also use public transit whenever I can.
• I borrow books from the library.  I don’t always need a brand spanking new book from Barnes & Nobles.
• Contribute as much as I can to my 401(k) without going over the IRS limits.
• Vanguard had webinars and limited sessions with a financial advisor for free.  So you bet I took advantage of that.
• I donate frequently.  I get a tax break and get rid of the clutter.  It’s a win-win situation if you ask me.
• I am also an independent contractor for one of my jobs.  I have three jobs (not including Feet Finder) that I play Tetris with to fit my lifestyle.  I use the deductions to get business related items.
• I am able to stack a few of these together to get the most bang for my buck (getting a gift card from the supermarket 6% and points/cash back, then using Rakuten 3% or more, then checking if they have sales or other promos, and then scan the receipt to get points for cash or gift cards).
• I have a lot of generous friends.  I don’t deserve them…