She's Thrifty!

Hey Ladies!

Have you noticed I'm all about the link ups lately?! Yep. I know.
The thing is- I like all the linkups I've been doing because I feel like they give me the freedom to still WRITE what I want and share what I want to say- even if there is a link up and a button at the end.
Well, it's another fun, fun linkup today- y'all!
Ms. Ella from Champagne + Cardigans is hosting her VERY FIRST linkup...


Ella is seriously the sweetest! She & I have become great blogging friends- I'm so, so glad to have found her! Check out more about her here! I love her and know you will, too!
So- what is Thrifty Thursday?! Simply stated, it's just place to come and share about your thrifty money saving tips AND check out what others are doing to save money, too!
Who doesn't need to learn some new tips on how to save a few dollars?! I know that I do.
I'll be honest. I'm not the best money manager, but, there are a few tips & tricks that I've picked up along the way.....
*Set a spending limit by setting up a gift card system!There was a period of time where I was stopping at Starbucks every morning. That adds up-and quickly!! What I've been doing is transferring a set amount of money from my bank account to my Starbucks gift card (which is actually an iPhone app!) every month. This way I only spend what I allocate & not more! Plus, Starbucks has a great rewards system & drink purchases add up fast! You could easily apply this to any store/restaurant that YOU frequent!


*Go into the grocery store with a plan, a list AND NOT on an empty stomach! I save on groceries by knowing what is on sale at which store, what I'm planning to eat that week & making a list! I'll usually treat myself to something (Starbucks, magazine, candy to name a few!) if I can stick to my list/budget!


*Buy generic brand products! As far as food, I have some preferences where I like one brand over another-but- I try to buy generics when it comes to paper towels, toilet paper...that kinda stuff! Hey, a dollar here & there adds up throughout a tarjay shopping trip! Even better, sometimes stores that I don't LOVE shopping at (cough cough family dollar & the dollar store...) can get you the basics real cheap!


*Utilize rewards programs! I mentioned Starbucks above BUT I'll weigh my options on where I'm going to buy beauty products (Sephora vs. Ulta) or fill prescriptions (Target vs. CVS) based on the rewards programs they offer. I typically choose Sephora because they have a better rewards program. I love Targets pharmacy because for every 5 prescriptions you fill you get a card that lets you pick a day where you get 5% off all day!

So, those are some of my thrifty tricks! What do YOU do to save money?! Link up with Ella & share!