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.

• I do a lot of price comparisons on things that I want to purchase.
• 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%.  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 you 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 for 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 Google.
• 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, you 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 events and get to taste yummy foods for free.
• Costco will give a price adjustment on purchases 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…