Sometimes we get so caught up in coupon savings, that we forget to think of other avenues to save money. One of my favorite ways to save money always amazes my friends, and really it is very simple. I buy gift cards, at a discount, to use at my favorite restaurants and stores. That’s right, I use discount gift cards to save money on everything.
If you are new to this concept, you think this is craziness. Why would someone sell a gift card at a discount. The reasons are many — a gift for a place they never shop, in need of cash, it has just been sitting in a drawer collecting dust… Whatever the reason, there are tons of people unloading gift cards at a discount everyday, and you can cash in on the savings.
Before I go one step further – don’t go crazy and buy tons of gift cards you will never use. Otherwise, you will find yourself on the selling end later down the road. (I promise.) This gig only works as a savings tool if you buy gift cards as you need them for things you would ordinarily buy.
Perfect example – my family loves to eat at Boston Market (at least 2-3 xs a month). So we buy $20-$25 gift cards at a savings of 10%. Nope, not going to get rich this way. But add that 10% savings to the coupons and over time… it adds up.
Or you could treat Dad to a fancy dinner at his favorite restaurant, secretly saving money on the gift card you purchased especially for Father’s Day.
Another example – we picked out my daughter’s new bedroom furniture from Pottery Barn Kids. Once I knew the total, I shopped for gift cards first. I saved 10-15% on each gift card I purchased. Then I stacked the gift cards, shopped online through Upromise and saved a whopper!
You can buy gift cards to anywhere, although the more popular the store the smaller the savings margin (think 3% for Target vs 16% for A.C. Moore). And the big boys (like Target) usually get snapped up quickly.
So where can you get these magical savings. You can snag discount gift cards online through Plastic Jungle.
If you are new to purchasing to this concept, challenge yourself to buying gifts for dad with discount gift cards this year. Here are some ideas for you:
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