I wrote about this topic 4 years ago, and my… how the savings game has changed. In addition to sharing how I save and earn money each month, I’ve included some other tips at the bottom of the post.
1st and 15th: Mail out SBKC junk mail envelopes. I process our mail when it all comes in and I put the junk mail in the envelopes as it comes in.
Daily: I spend a little time each day (usually while I drink my coffee in the morning working my points programs. This includes Mypoints (I save all of my Mypoints emails and do them all at once, one time a day). I also check my Field Agent App to see if there are any quick tasks I can do to earn some extra money that day.
As I am notified via email: Paid View Point (some of the surveys are time sensitive- those usually pay extra!), PineCone Research (surveys must be completed 3-6 days upon receiving the email).
Last day of the month: Clean out coupon wallet and removed expiring/expired coupons.
As needed/codes become available: I use the Swagbucks tool bar to do most of my internet searches, so I earn Swagbucks points intermittently with that too. I also order free samples when I see them available online. I’ll be posting about what I do with all the samples coming up.
I try to do as much shopping online with discounts as I can. That means I check with Mypoints and Topcashback to see who is giving the better points/cash back, and I shop online a lot (especially in the summer when I’ve got both kids at home- it’s easier on the budget).
Sephora Insiders- Check your email for this sweet offer, a free sample sized Too Faced Lip Injection lip plumper. Offers of freebie change frequently, so keep your eyes peeled for different deals!
Most Sephora inside JC Penney locations have special events with free sample offers, or if you can’t make one of the events, stop by any time for a free 5-minute or 15-minute minis where you can learn new beauty tips and application tricks!
5-minute minis include:
15-minute minis include:
Another thing I love about Sephora in JCP is select locations offer Color iQ– You can get your skin scanned to reveal the most scientifically precise foundations, concealer, and lip matches FOR FREE!
If you are looking strictly for skincare, take advantage of the free Moisture Meter! This tool gives a free, instant hydration reading- plus skincare picks just for you!
Fine Print: †Receive a trial size, free with any merchandise purchase of $25 or more at Sephora inside JCPenney stores only. Must be a registered Beauty Insider to redeem.
I love checking out Sephora inside JCP. It’s a great way to stay on trend with cosmetics and skincare and check out colors in person. It’s how I learned all about my favorite Primer- Tatcha The Silk Canvas (perfect for us with dry skin).
I look forward to this day every year like a sugar-obsessed child. July 11th, one week from yesterday is Free Slurpee Day.
Whether you choose Cherry, Coke, Blue Raspberry, Banana (Eeeewww), or one of the other less popular flavors, you can score a free small sized Slurpee from 11am-7pm and your local participating 7-11 location on July 11th.
The kids and I will be at our local 7-11 location at 11am on the dot, ready to get our slurp on!
It’s a pretty light freebie week, but it’s a holiday weekend, and it’s the middle of summer, so get out and enjoy the fresh air! If you are looking for ideas, check out my article here.
Ya’ll know my love of your local Y. This Thursday, July 4th, you can check out any San Diego County YMCA for FREE! Thursday, July 4 YMCA locations are open 7:00am-2:00pm (Holiday Hours). Childwatch times vary by location, so call ahead or check the branch locations before heading out.
The kids and I will be hitting up the Y to get our wiggles out before heading out to party with family Thursday afternoon!
And if you are looking for a job, many YMCA locations are hiring! Year-round and seasonal positions currently available. Learn more at www.ymca.org/careers
This list is only central, south bay, and east county locations. North County locations can be found on the Neighborhood Distribution Program website.
It’s a pretty common complaint that kids eat A LOT during the summer. There are lots of causes: Increased activity, change in schedules, and let’s face it- kids just eat a lot. This can increase a families grocery budget at a time when they are already spending extra money on activities for their kiddos.
I have a possible solution! Check out the San Diego and North County Food Bank Neighborhood Distribution Program! From their website, “The Neighborhood Distribution Program distributes food to thousands of individuals and families once a month at more than 20 different sites throughout San Diego County.
Distributions take place in our nonprofit partners’ parking lots. The majority of the food distributed consists of fresh fruits and vegetables which is part of the Food Bank’s Nutrition Initiative to provide healthy, nutrient-rich food to our clients.
Neighborhood Distribution Program sites welcome anyone in need of food assistance. I.D. and documentation ARE NOT required, and there are no income or asset restrictions for this program.”
You may be wondering, “But what do you get?” Well, one of the distribution points, Faith Chapel in Spring Valley posts photos on their Meet the Need Ministry Instagram page!
White onions, red potatoes, watermelons, honeydew melons, oranges and Washington apples were available today. And it’s not just a few of each. Each person who came through got a bag of white onion, a bag of red potatoes, 1 large watermelon, as many honeydew melons as they wanted, a bag of oranges, and a dozen apples.
This produce is often “ugly” or considered an “allowable second” (a production term used in several industries for an item that is functional but may not be perfect looking), but it’s always tasty and nutritious.
If you’ve got hungry faces that need food this summer, I recommend stopping by your local distribution at least once this summer. If you aren’t in the San Diego County area, check with your local food bank for Neighborhood Distribution Program.
Don’t forget that there are tons of free summer lunch locations all over the state of CA (for more info on San Diego locations, check out this post). Text FOOD (Or COMIDA for a list in Spanish) to 877-877, or call 211 and you can find a list of free summer lunch locations near you.
And if you need further help, here is a post with food resources in San Diego County. If you are outside San Diego County, Feeding America has a really great Food Bank Locator.
Talk Back: What is your kids favorite summer snack?
We have a Sam’s club close by, so I just signed up for this deal!
Join Sam’s Club for $45 and get $50 in savings. GET A $20 GIFT CARD AND $30 IN INSTANT SAVINGS*
Member’s Mark all beef franks 3 lb. 12 ct. Discount $7.00 off
Member’s Mark 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef Discount $10.00 off
Member’s Mark Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns 24 ct. Discount $3.00 off
Member’s Mark Loaded Potato Salad 48 oz. Discount $4.00 off
Member’s Mark Purified Bottled Water 45 or 80 pk. Discount $3.00 off
Member’s Mark Cookies – 18ct. various in Deli ($5.98 retail value) Discount FREE
There are tons of awesome things about Sam’s Club, including free samples from Freeosk, in-store offers, and Field Agent frequently has audits at Sam’s Club Locations!
Talk Back: What’s your favorite thing from Sam’s Club?
I wrote about this topic 
I look forward to this day every year like a sugar-obsessed child. July 11th, one week from yesterday is Free Slurpee Day.
Hewes Family Fun 