Hello, Friend!

You are on my mind. I hope you’re enjoying this first week of summer!

I’m seeing a lot of talk on social media regarding the state of the world and the recession. I realize there is a bit of a debate about whether we’re already in a recession or heading toward one, but either way, we are seeing and hearing that word everywhere. Gas and grocery prices are the highest they’ve been in several years. Supply chain issues are still affecting the grocery shelves (and every other industry).

How are you feeling? Is the stress getting to you? Are you worried about your finances?

Today, I want to remind you to look to our Heavenly Father for hope and encouragement. He is good. Always good. And He is our Source of strength and hope and provision. He says He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He never goes back on His word.

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! Romans 15:13 TPT

I have more to share on the goodness, provision, and abundance of God, but I want to go ahead and get to some practical ideas that I hope will help you today.

Here are some ideas about making your money go a little further right now.

Coupon Apps/Websites

If you’re not using coupon apps, you’re leaving money on the table. I’m listing my top choices below. I have used every one of ‌these websites and/or apps and have cashed in my points for gift cards. Hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards over the years! 

Just keep in mind that they are supposed to be helping you make the most of your money. Your time is precious. Don’t allow them to become a time-suck! 

Fetch Rewards: This is how I turn my receipts into FREE gift cards. Try it and get 2,000 points! All you do is snap a photo of your receipt. And it can be ANY receipt, not just ones from the grocery store. I’ve been using this one for the shortest amount of time, but it is my favorite. It’s the easiest one to use. Never glitches. And they occasionally offer additional perks, such as free magazine subscriptions (i.e. Better Homes & Gardens, Town & Country, Eating Well, Harper’s Bazaar, etc.).

Ibotta: This is another free app that gets you cash back on the stuff you buy every day. Just use my referral code: ktilyma and you’ll get a bonus!

My Points: This site gives you multiple options for earning points, which you can turn into gift cards! You can take surveys, shop, answer poll questions, find coupons, upload receipts, click for points, etc.

Swagbucks: This one is pretty much identical to My Points. Earn points when you shop online! I’ve been a member of this platform the longest and have purchased many birthday and Christmas gifts with the gift cards I earned.

Grocery Savings

Shop at Aldi! I have been shopping at Aldi for 10+ years and am super thankful to my friend, Clarissa, who told me about it back in the day. I had seen a few bloggers mention it but had never been myself, so when we moved back to the States, I found out there were two stores close to me. If you haven’t been to an Aldi yet, find one near you ASAP! I always feel so great about how much I get for my money when I shop there. What a great feeling!

Aldi has a wonderful selection of groceries (including organic items), and don’t miss the fun, middle aisle! You never know what you’ll find. It’s like a treasure hunt.

And if you’re going to Aldi for the very first time, take a quarter for your shopping cart. And take your own bags, unless you want to pay for new ones. 

If you don’t have an Aldi near you, make sure you sign up for your local grocery store rewards card. This can save you hundreds of dollars each year and always gives you the best deals. With my local grocery rewards card, I can use my points for groceries or gas. Today I saved 40 cents per gallon, which felt pretty good!

If you have pets, shop online at Chewy.com! I have been buying our cat and dog food via Chewy for years. They are fast, reliable, and have the best customer service in the world!

A couple of years ago, our cat, Elliot, got sick and passed away suddenly. We had just received our Chewy order with a fresh bag of Elliot’s prescription cat food. I called them to see if I could return the unopened bag. They not only gave me a refund, but they also suggested I donate that bag to my local vet. 

Then I came home from work a day or two later to this…

Chewy sent us flowers from a local florist and included a heartfelt message of sympathy. That’s what I call a five-star experience. During our sadness at losing our sweet pet, Chewy was the epitome of sensitivity and compassion. I’ve been a faithful customer ever since (We have two cats, two dogs-sometimes three when Austin’s dog is here-and a fish.).

Shop on Amazon.com! Are you a Prime member? Get ready because the Prime Day deals are already looking hot! Prime Day is actually two days – July 12 & 13. Mark your calendar! And if you’re not a member, why not?? There are so many benefits. Shopping, obviously, but also shipping/delivery benefits, streaming and digital benefits, reading benefits, and more! 

One of the best ways to get deals on Amazon is to sign up for their Subscribe & Save program. It’s a subscription you set up for items you regularly use. I’ve ordered all kinds of things through Subscribe & Save over the years… from toilet paper to snacks to elderberry syrup and supplements to cleaning supplies. 

Another favorite Amazon feature is their Audible membership! But since this is a post about saving money, go to your local library for your audiobooks. 🙂

What else do you hope to find a way to save money on right now? 

Leave your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be back soon with more ideas.

Love & Blessings!

Scarlett xo

{This post contains my affiliate links, which simply means that when you purchase through my links, I make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!}