Current Money-Saving Strategies | brokeGIRLrich
Life in the UK as an American student has been a bit unconventional over the past few years. For today’s post, I’d like to share some of the methods I use to save money—not enormous amounts, but they certainly help.
Cashback Rewards
If you’re not using browser extensions for cashback and coupons, you’re missing out on some savings. While the savings might not be monumental, these tools can effortlessly search for deals online. I still find all three of these extensions effective, although Rakuten occasionally has issues asking for my location.
Honey – This browser extension automatically detects and applies coupon codes at checkout and tracks price history, while also offering “Honey Gold” rewards at certain retailers.
Rakuten – A cashback platform that gives you a percentage back on purchases made through their links at partner stores. You can receive payouts via check or PayPal.
CapitalOne Shopping – A tool that compares prices across retailers, finds coupon codes, and highlights better deals. It also provides reward credits for gift cards, and you don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it.
Rewards Credit Cards
I wouldn’t recommend these unless you’re able to pay off your balance monthly due to their high-interest rates. I utilize some rewards card strategies and always use one specific card for most of my purchases, which accumulates points over time.
Right now, I’m working towards maximizing my eligibility for new cards to use travel miles for a future trip to Japan. During my first year of PhD studies, I managed to cover my tuition and living expenses by using rewards cards, allowing for additional travel experiences.
As long as you pay off your balance each month, using rewards cards can be beneficial. I ensure to choose cards without foreign transaction fees whenever possible.
Loyalty Cards
I’ve signed up for loyalty cards at all the places I frequently shop—from Lidl and Starbucks to local coffee shops near my campus. It’s key to actually use them, so I keep them organized, with most of them being digital. For those cafes, I keep their cards in my backpack since I often study away from home.
Too Good To Go
This app is fantastic if you’re open to trying different foods. Too Good To Go is an app that connects users with restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets selling surplus food at significantly discounted prices—typically one-third of the original cost.
Interestingly, even local nurseries offer plants through this app, though they’re too far for me to walk to! I especially love how food vendors at train stations in London reduce prices on breakfast items between 10 AM and 1 PM, providing a great option for lunch.
