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We all know as teachers, we usually need to save every little bit that we can. I have recently gone on a hunt to find the best ways to save a few extra dollars (without clipping coupons! who has time for that!)
Walmart App - The teacher next door actually shared this one with me. Just download the Walmart app and shop like you normally would. Walmart will match any competitor's prices but again who has time to look through all those ads. All you have to do is open up your app and click on the Savings Catcher. It will ask you to scan your receipt. They will compare prices and if there is an item that has been advertised for a lower price, you will get the difference.
Negotiate your TV/Phone Rates - Call your TV and phone company and tell them what a good customer you are. Ask for any specials or discount rates. They will usually have something they can offer you. Be persistent.
Cash back rewards programs - Most all major retailers have rewards programs now. Sign-up! It won't cost you anything and you will eventually get money back! Ibotta is a great app to get. You can use it at soooo many stores. Check it out!
Eat at home - Save money and try to only eat out once or twice a week. Bring your lunch.
Ebates - If you sign up for Ebates you can get cash back on purchases that you would normally make. Stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Kohls, Target, and Amazon are just a few that you will receive cash back for purchases. Ebates is free to sign up!!! You can even use it for cash back at sites like Expedia. I am going to be booking my summer vacation through there so I can get paid to go on vacation!! That is a win win if you ask me!!!!
Save Receipts - If you spend your own money on school supplies, you can receive a tax deduction. The maximum deduction is $250.
Check out grants and donation programs - One of the programs I like is donorschoose.org. It is specifically designed to help teachers get the supplies they need for their classroom. One of the teachers in my building got $300 to buy supplies for her maker's space! It was great!
NEA member discounts - If you are an NEA member, they offer discounts to their members. There are all sorts of discounts to different stores. You can check out the list here.
Amazon Prime - If you are like me, you use Amazon for many different things. If I find something that I like at a store, I will check Amazon to see if I can get the same thing cheaper. Most of the time I can, and if you have Amazon Prime you get free 2-day shipping! Again a win win!!
Just Ask - My last tip is to just ask if there is something you need for your classroom. Sometimes items will just be sitting in a storage room somewhere never getting used. Ask to go look through there. You may find amazing treasures!!! Garage sales are also a great way to get things really cheap. If you tell them you are a teacher and you want the item for your classroom many times they will just give it to you or ask for a small portion of the price.
There you have it!! The top ten ways that teachers can save money. I hope you all have enjoyed my tips. Thanks for reading!
Do you have any great ideas for teachers to save money? Let me know. I would love to hear from you! Oh wait......as a special bonus for all of you that stayed till the very end of this post I am going to give you an exclusive coordinate graphing mystery picture freebie. This freebie is only for you awesome people.
Walmart App - The teacher next door actually shared this one with me. Just download the Walmart app and shop like you normally would. Walmart will match any competitor's prices but again who has time to look through all those ads. All you have to do is open up your app and click on the Savings Catcher. It will ask you to scan your receipt. They will compare prices and if there is an item that has been advertised for a lower price, you will get the difference. 