It's no secret that teachers are on the low end of the salary ranks. Many teachers have to supplement their income with after school or weekend jobs just to make ends meet or have enough for savings. There are 7 ways you can save/earn a little extra money without changing your lifestyle. These tips will have your bank account growing in no time!
Oh, the classroom treasures I have found at yard sales. Books, craft supplies, furniture - you name it, a yard sale has it (for cheap!). Last summer, a teacher friend and I went yard sale hopping one morning with coffees in hand and helped each other pick out perfect finds for our classrooms. You've hit the jackpot if you've found a retired teacher with an arsenal of children's books!
I am forever grateful to the friend who introduced me to this app! Get cash back on select items you purchase at the grocery store. Select the items, scan the barcodes, and take a picture of your receipt. You can later redeem your cash back for gift cards at popular restaurants and stores! You can even team up with friends to take your rewards further. Want to start with $10 already on your account? Download the app and use the referral code iskjyhx.
Couponing doesn't have to be as extreme as what you've seen on TV! We get the Sunday paper just to take advantage of the coupons. I love this tip because I can save money on items I would have to purchase anyway, such as toiletries, baby essentials, household items, and pantry staples. We also save coupons we get in the mail - many date nights have been possible this way! Some people say it's not worth it because you only save $0.40 here or $0.75 there. But all those coupons add up in a shopping trip and can help you save more than you think in the end! Plus it's FREE MONEY on items you would purchase anyway. Winning!
Do you ever get to the end of the month and wonder where all of your money went? Make a monthly budget to structure your money and keep track of your total expenses. You'll see what extra spending you can cut out and where you tend to do the most splurging. It's going to be tough, but really stick it out for a few months and you'll see results!
If you routinely (or even occasionally) shop at Walmart. You need to download their app and take advantage of the Savings Catcher! Scan your receipt in the app, and Walmart will give you cash back by price matching. If they find a cheaper price somewhere else on an item you purchased, they will give you the difference in cash back that you can use as a gift card later. So easy to use!!
The easiest way to get FREE MONEY! Almost credit card out there offers some form of cash back, along with apps like Ibotta and Walmart (and the next tip, Swagbucks.com). If you have cash back, USE IT! My husband purchased a 60" TV for our home using only cash back! Whether it's used for fun purchases or as an emergency fund, you'll be happy to have it.
This one can take a little longer to see the savings build, but like cash back, you'll be glad to have it! Take online surveys or shop online and earn Swagbucks that can later be redeemed for gift cards. The night before my daughter was born, we used a restaurant gift card that was earned through Swagbucks.com - a great date night! Swagbucks.com also has grocery coupons you can print and use in store - PLUS you get Swagbucks for using the coupon. Double winning! Use this link to get started!
Have questions? What are your go-to ways to save money?
Find me on Instagram @mrs._elementary or email me at mrselementary@gmail.com.
