Reposted To Help Save You Money: As teachers, let’s face it; we aren’t in it for the money. Our love of teaching comes before our paycheck. With that said, there are ways to splurge without breaking the bank. I am, what my friends call, “the deal-finder.” That means, I plan the cheapest vacations, not to just to the local Super 8, but to nice all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico. I get the best deals in retails shops, I save on groceries and I rarely eat or drink somewhere without finding the best deal!
My all time favorite right now is Target shopping. Not only do I have a REDcard (Hello! Save 5% every time I shop…no brainer), but I also use an app called the “cartwheel.” My husband, the non-money saver of the family, was embarrassed the first time I took out my iPhone to scan the items we were putting in our cart, but once we got to the checkout and he saw we saved $22 instantly, even he was impressed.
It couldn’t be an easier. You download the cartwheel app and you can pre-pick items you plan to shop for, but if you are like me and run in only for laundry detergent and a SmartOne, but walk out with 3 pairs of yoga pants, a new pair of boots and those awesome thin sharpies that you use to grade all your papers, you will want to use the scanning option.
No “thinking-ahead” necessary! Once these items are in your cartwheel you show the check out person your phone, they scan it and poof! Instant savings. Wait, it gets better. You pay with your Target REDcard and get another 5% off. Could it get even better? Yes! Sign up for Targets Take Charge of Education Program and they will donate 1% of your purchase to your school of choice. Since 1997, Target has donated $387 million dollars to schools in need. So, next time you head to Target, make sure you are armed with your phone and your REDcard! You (and your wallet) will thank me!
Kristi Reinke, 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher in Minot, North Dakota
Image Credit: Nenov Brothers / Shutterstock.com
Excellent tips! Every cent counts! I too love the thrill of a great deal!!
You like those? Stay tuned….there are a lot more on the way!