save money

Save Time and Money with Instacart and $10 off!

Abby H.

I’m not joking- I’ve been saving time and money like a boss with Instacart.

I’ve been using Instacart for about 6 months. Here is my secret: I shop at stores that feature the label “In-Store Prices”, and I select curbside pickup. For me, that’s usually Aldi, but my example pic is Walmart.

I don’t have Instacart+, just plain ol’ regular Instacart.  It’s free, no monthly fee.

How does Instacart save me money?

  1. I only buy what is on my list. I am not cruising the aisles. Nothing else “falls” into my cart.
  2.  No kids with me means I don’t have to say NO to every want and desire. No deviation from the shopping list, no upset kids.
  3. Time=Money. It saves me at least an hour of shopping, bagging, and loading into my car.

And with orders of $50+ the fee is only $1.99, for orders less than $50, the fee is $3.99. Because I’m cheap, I wait until I need $50+ in groceries to order, which is usually every 7-10 days. Spending $1.99 to save at least $20 by sticking to my list, and saving at minimum an hour is a deal in my mind.

Do you use SNAP/EBT?  If you use EBT SNAP to buy groceries at participating stores on Instacart and skip the delivery or pickup fee. New customers enjoy $0 delivery fee* on their first 3 grocery orders. And exclusive for EBT customers, get 50% off Instacart+ for one year**.

*Service fees apply. **Terms apply. More information and details can be found here.

If you are new to Instacart, I’ve got a deal for you! Get $10 off your first Instacart order! Use my code AHEWES1A5 at checkout!  Terms apply.

Free Mainstays Adjustable Folding Table at Walmart After Cash Back (TopCashback)

Abby H.

This is an amazing deal for those who are new to TopCashback.

Get a FREE Mainstays Adjustable Folding Table with this Top Cashback offer! Sign up and purchase the Mainstays Adjustable Folding Table to get $30.94 of your purchase price back with this cash-back offer – making it free.

If you are not a TopCashback member, you are in luck. TopCashback is a rebate site that I’ve been using for at least 10 years.

When you shop online, search for the retailer, click the link, and shop. You’ll receive cashback on your purchase. Amounts/percentages vary by retailer.   TopCashBack is free to join and can be used with over 4,000 stores!

It’ll take about 15 days or so for your TopCashBack account to be credited. Once your account has been credited, you can cash out your rebate.

I do most of my shopping online through TopCashBack and earn about $200/year. I cash out for PayPal or Target Giftcards.

Time For Glasses? Deals and Glasses Freebies

Abby H.

It’s that time of year. Glasses time for the kids. Kids are rough on everything, including glasses. The big kid usually goes through 1-2 pairs a year, just in day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily I’ve found some ways to save money on glasses and I thought I’d share.

1- Take advantage of existing vision insurance. Look on the back of your kid’s health insurance card to find out which company handles the vision coverage, or give your child’s health insurance carrier a call. My kids receive one eye exam and 1 free pair of glasses per year. I’m not sure if it’s available in all states.

2-If you need help getting glasses or vision exams for your kids, check out Vision to Learn. They operate in 13 states and partner with the Boys and Girls Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids. If you aren’t in a state where they operate, check out InfantSEE.  They offer Kids 6 months-1 year a free eye exam.

3- If you are in San Diego, the Shiley Eye clinic (part of UCSD) has the EyeMobile. They have frequent outreach events to help kids obtain needed eye exams and glasses. Check out their Facebook Page to keep up to date on their upcoming events.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America.

4- Onto the deals. Once you have your prescription in hand, check out online stores like Abbe glasses. They have great deals on frames and lenses. I scored two pairs of glasses for under $50 for the big kid with their BOGO sale. ILoveGlasses also has good deals as well. Both of these companies are great for budget-conscious families. If you are looking for something a little higher-end (or for grown-ups), I also like Warby Parker.

They have a great glasses try-on program, and they also sell Contacts. In fact, they have a free contact offer.

Having used Warby Parker before, their glasses are great, and their service is amazing! We bought glasses online, and later when they needed to be adjusted (helpful tip: Don’t roughhouse with kids when you are wearing glasses), we took them to our local Warby Parker store and they “tuned up” the glasses FOR FREE!

And if you are wondering what to do with all of the old eyeglasses in your house that are no longer your current prescription…. The Lions Club helps recycle eyeglasses and get them into the hands of the needy. You can find out more about how and where to recycle your unwanted eyeglasses here.  I also recommend checking with your local optometrist’s office. They frequently partner with local Lion’s Clubs to collect old glasses. You could help a person in need get the glasses they can’t afford!

What are your tips for saving on glasses and contacts?

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

2024 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $78.22.

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

Need Help with Back to School Supplies?

Abby H.

The Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation is here to help!

For the past eight years, they have been hosting our annual Back-To-School Haircut Drive, where kids aged 18 and under can enjoy:
Free haircuts
Free school supplies
Free food
Tickets to local attractions throughout San Diego County

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 9am – 1pm (Last haircut starts at 12:30pm)
Location: Skyline Church (11330 Campo Rd, La Mesa, CA 91941)

For more information, check out their Facebook Page. 

SMOAC is hosting a FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY on 8/3/2024. More info can be found here.

Free School Supplies is a website with listings by state of charities and non-profits that provide free and low-cost school supplies.

If you are a military family, check out Operation Homefront. They have Back-to-School Brigade events all over the country.

 

2023 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your April California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $60.70.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from the California Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires power plants, fuel providers, and large industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution allowances. The credit is designed to help utility customers during the transition to a low-carbon future.

Given the increase in natural gas prices, the CPUC accelerated the distribution of gas and electric climate credits for 2023 to provide some winter bill relief to customers.

This year, SDG&E® customers received their gas climate credit in February and their electric climate credits in March and October. The credits show up on your utility bill these three months as the “California Climate Credit.”

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

Saving Money on your SDG&E Bill

Abby H.

Recently I posted on Facebook that I relented and turned on the heater. Usually, it’s not cold enough, and we are all big fans of cuddly sweaters and socks, and of course piles of soft blankets. The other night I wandered down the hall and the thermostat said 48 degrees- NOPE. I turned on the heater to 68 degrees.

Someone commented that they wish they could do that. I realize that being able to run the AC or Heater is a privilege that not everyone has. I was in that position a few years ago, and then I looked into some of the programs that SDG&E offers (and I’m sure other utility companies offer as well). These programs are on their site, but you really have to dig to find them.

Here are a few programs that might be helpful:

Medical Baseline Allowance Program:  The Medical Baseline Allowance Program provides an additional amount of gas and electricity at the lowest rates for residential customers.  It is not a discount or a rebate.

Anyone who uses certain medical devices or needs space heating or air conditioning because of a medical condition may qualify. CPAP machines are on the list of qualifying medical equipment, as well as about 20 other medical devices. All the information and application can be found here.

CARE and FERA programs: For families that receive various social services or are lower income, these programs can save you 30% or 18%, respectively. To learn more, and apply, click here. 

Energy Savings Assistance program: This is a great program that I took advantage of many years ago. An SDG&E contractor came out and did some work to make our home more energy efficient. They replaced the weather stripping on our front door, gave us energy-efficient floor lamps, and did a few other things. This program is for families that receive various social services or are lower income.

With natural gas prices rising this winter, if you are eligible for any of these programs, or think you might be, it is definitely worth taking a little time to check out these links.

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 5.02.27 PMAnd another way I try to save money is to use Ohm Connect.  We’ve been using it for a few years, and they text and/or email you when you should conserve more power due to the demand on the power grid. It’s a win-win situation: You save money on your power bill, and you earn points from Ohm Connect that you can cash out for Paypal, Amazon, or Target Gift Cards, OhmConnect store credit (to buy energy efficient thermostats, smart plugs, etc.) You can learn more about OhmConnect here. It’s for Southern CA, New York, or Texas Residents. We save about $200/year on our power bill and earn roughly $150 in rewards. It’s a nice little extra for minimal work.

Venmo Users: Check your Accounts For An Amazon Deal!

Abby H.

Venmo users: Check the email linked to your Venmo account for this sweet deal!

Spend $100 on Amazon orders now through 12/31/22 (Max 200k redemptions available under this offer), and you’ll score $10 back in your Venmo Account.

Pretty sweet, right?

If you hadn’t heard by now Amazon and Venmo are now buddies- You can pay for Amazon purchases with Venmo. Learn more here.

And you haven’t signed up for Venmo yet, check it out here.

MyPoints: Refer Friends and You Both Earn 300 Points!

Abby H.

I’ve been using MyPoints since 2011, and I’ve earned a lot of cashback just by doing my normal online shopping through MyPoints. About $550, to be exact.

Right now they are offering a great deal! When you refer a new user, and they earn 300 points, you both get a 300-point bonus. It’s easy to earn 300 points!

I love using MyPoints. I can earn points shopping online and utilizing in-store pick-up with stores like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and JCPenney.

  • I ordered Christmas Gifts and earned 1200 points.

There are so many point-earning opportunities.

You can double dip on earning points or cash back by using a point earning credit card like American Express or Discover Cards or taking advantage of a points program that rewards you for purchases on their website, like JCP Rewards.

I love that I can earn gift cards which I use to offset the cost of holiday gifts.

Talk Back: What is your favorite Cashback program?

New TopCashback Members Score $15 to Spend at Sephora!

Abby H.

This deal is FIRE.

I saw it last night on TikTok, and after some research, it’s totally legit.

If you are not a TopCashback member, you are in luck. TopCashback is a rebate site that I’ve been using for years.

When you shop online, search for the retailer, click the link, and shop. You’ll receive cashback on your purchase. Amounts/percentages vary by retailer.   TopCashBack is free to join and can be used with over 4,000 stores!

For this $15 offer, follow these steps:

  • Create your NEW account with an email and password; then confirm your email address right away.
  • Click on the “Get Cashback” or “Get Offer Now” button and it’ll take you to Sephora so you can shop for all your favorite items (not valid on gift cards).

To get the most from this deal, I suggest checking out the “Beauty Under $20” and the “Sale & Clearance” sections. There are so many great choices.

It’ll take about 15 days or so for your TopCashBack account to be credited. Once your account has been credited, you can cash out your rebate.

I do most of my shopping online through TopCashBack and earn about $200/year. I cash out for PayPal or Target Giftcards.

To get started, click here.