Rewards Cards

        I used to not really be into rewards cards; I hated having to keep them in my wallet and then dig around hunting for them when I needed to use it. However I reformed my ways after I got married determined to save money where I could, especially when it came to things I buy or places I go the most. It really is worth it to hang onto those punch cards or rewards cards at places you frequent. I go to Panera a lot (I think I'm kind of addicted...) and they have swipe cards that can give you rewards, like a free baked good on your birthday. I used to think that's all they were good for, but last week I got a free You-Pick-2 and a free coffee drink. To me that was incredible! A free meal (that usually costs $8-10) and a free coffee drink (usually $4-5)! I was blown away and really happy, so totally worth it to hand over the free plastic card when I hit up Panera. I also have a coffee punch card for the little place in town (3 Sisters), and frequently get a free coffee drink of my choice (usually a non-fat caramel latte). My sister frequently goes to Starbucks and has a gift card there that she registered online and reloads with more money when she needs it. The advantage to this is that when you have a re-loadable, registered gift card you get a free drink on your birthday, and get free flavor shots into drinks. This may not seem like a lot but a flavor shot is 10 cents, and if she gets a drink 4 days a week that is 40 cents saved. Over a year she would save about $20 on something she would normally already buy. My bottom-line, punch cards and free rewards cards are so totally worth it.

xoxo