Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

Gift Lists

9 Apps that Pay You to Shop

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Nope, it’s not a scam, these nine apps really do pay you to shop! There’s no purchasing items you wouldn’t otherwise buy, either. These apps pay you back for everyday shopping such as groceries, fuel, gifts, and more. If you’re buying it anyway, you might as well be earning cash back, too! I’ve tested out the following apps and earned enough money to pay for gifts, household items, groceries, and more. Check out the apps that pay you to shop below, and start earning today!

My favorite apps that pay you to shop.

Fetch

All you need to do to earn gift cards is scan your receipts, which is all you have to do on the majority of these apps. Sign up w/ code PNAVK & get bonus points!

Points add up quickly with Fetch from everyday shopping.

Upside

Get cash back on gas and restaurant purchases with this easy to use app. There’s no scanning here, just link your account, claim an offer, and earn! Click this link or use promo code TCYNW2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase.

Receipt Hog

Scan receipts, take short surveys, and earn spins at “Hog Slots” for gift cards you can use on anything you need! Points add up fast and you can earn gift cards quickly with this fun and simple app that pays you to shop. Download Receipt Hog and enter code driy1594 to earn a special bonus when you upload your first receipt.

There are great cash back rewards with Receipt Hog.

ReceiptPal

Earning cash back couldn’t be easier than this! Scan receipts to fill up cards, earn points, and redeem them for retail gift cards. It’s that easy!

Rakuten

I’ve been using Rakuten for years now (literally since 2017!), and have earned hundreds of dollars in cash back from rebates. I just ordered Christmas cards and earned 11% back from Minted! They have a huge variety of stores that offer rebates, and Rakuten also lists coupon codes for you to use. Just login to the app, choose the store you’d like to shop at, make your purchase, and get earn money back! Join with this link today to earn $40 back on your first qualifying purchase!

TopCashback

TopCashback is like Rakuten but sometimes has a better rebate or different variety of stores. Rebates take longer to process, but you can get some great deals. Check out TopCashback here, and start earning rebates today.

Honey

I haven’t used this one as much as others, but they have good online coupon finds and do rebates as well. It’s very similar to Rakuten and TopCashback. I check all three for apps before I make a purchase to find the best rebate option and coupons. You can join Honey here!

Ibotta

Ibotta is another receipt scanning app, but you have to select offers before you scan your receipt. All you need to do is select a store, choose the items that match what you’ve purchased, scan your receipt, and earn! I’ve earned almost $50 so far with this app, and you can use this link to earn $10 from your first receipt!

Ibotta rewards are simple to earn and use.

Pogo

I just started with Pogo. You just scan receipts to earn money back, and it’s worthwhile doing if you’re scanning receipts for the other apps as well. It takes some time to build points, but is quick to scan. You can sign up through my link and enter code DEKZ61. You’ll get 250 bonus points after you’ve earned 5,000 points in the app.

Bonus!

Amazon Shopper Panel

Join the waitlist for the money earning app! It’s so easy to scan receipts and take surveys, all Amazon gift card rewards!

11 Arts and Crafts for Small Spaces

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So, you’ve got a big love for arts and crafts but nowhere to do them at? Same here. We have a small home with very little space for me to spread out and do all of the crafting hobbies I enjoy. But don’t fret, this minor inconvenience has helped me to come up with a list of arts and craft ideas for small spaces. Many of these ideas even work with smaller budgets as well, and you can even use all these ideas to create items to sell so you can make money for more crafting supplies or maybe even a place with more crafting space!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Calligraphy

Get artsy with calligraphy! My mom and I had a great time learning faux calligraphy and doodling. It’s so inexpensive; you just need paper, calligraphy pens (this beginner set is great!) or basic makers, and a workbook or free YouTube tutorials. It’s a really relaxing hobby, and so handy for making cards and letter writing.

Card Making

Speaking of letters, why not make some cards? Go “old school” and create some beautiful snail mail. There are endless card creating ideas on Pinterest. You can really dive into it and get stamps, embossing tools, and more, buy card making kits, or just get some scissors, craft paper, and a glue stick and let your imagination take care of the rest! Once you’re finished making some cards check out the Veteran Pen Pal Project and The Angel Card Project on Facebook to find some recipients who would love to get your crafty cards in the mail.

Painting

Although it would be convenient, you don’t need an art studio to enjoy painting. Go online or to a local craft store and grab a canvas, brushes, and a few colors of paint. Head outside for inspiration, or check out Pinterest for ideas. Or, download the Procreate app on your phone or tablet to take your medium of choice with you wherever you go. Procreate is a user friendly, inexpensive app that lets you chose from an endless array of colors, digital brushes, pencils, and more to create a unique piece of artwork without even taking up any additional room in your home!

Macrame

This trend seems to go in and out of style, but after giving it a try I think I’ll always have some macrame cord in my craft kit. You can create some unique, useful, and beautiful items with just cord, beads, and hooks. It’s a budget friendly craft to try, and perfect for making gifts or items to sell such as keychains, plant hangers, bags, and ornaments.

Ornaments

Speaking of macrame ornaments, crafting ornaments of any kind is a fun and inexpensive craft for small spaces. You can do pressed flower clay ornaments, paint wooden ornaments (a great project for kids to do, too!), hand stitch fabric ornaments, and create beautiful embroidered ornaments.

Embroidery

My aunt got me an embroidery starter kit for Christmas last year and it’s such a great craft to do, especially if you need to contain your crafting space to a smaller area like I do. There are so many different things you can embellish and create with embroidery. From ornaments, as listed above, to embellishing jeans, pillows, curtains, blankets, and creating personalized bookmarks, embroidery gives you an endless amount of places to show off your creativity.

Embroidery thread comes in every color you can think of.

Bookmarks

DIY bookmarks: useful for yourself, handy as gifts, and perfect for craft sales! Create an embroidered bookmark like this one, pick and dry some flowers to laminate into a beautiful natural bookmark, or crochet a cute little marker as a quick and fun project.

Crocheting

The real OG of my crafting obsession: crocheting. All you need are some hooks, yarn, and a good tutorial or two to get started. I’d suggest starting with a simple single or double crochet scarf to get the hang of it and figure out basic stitches and patterns. After that, you can try make pot holders, shawls, sweaters, blankets, stuffed animals, and more. It’s a very relaxing hobby, and is an easy craft to do in a small space. Plus, you can make some useful gifts for recipients of all ages with crochet.

Get crafty with yarn. You can make some things with just one skein.

Window Art

This is the perfect combination of art and decorating. I love, love, love decorating for different holidays and seasons, but we don’t have much room to store large decorations. Solution? Decorating our windows with window markers! These window markers come in a variety of colors, are inexpensive, and wash off easily. It’s a simple way to spruce up your home for the holidays and get a little artsy, too. If drawing is not your talent you can still enjoy creating window art. Check out Pinterest for simple doodles and drawings to give you inspiration and go from there!

Wreaths

Speaking of decorating, why not create your own wreath? This is one of the more expensive and bigger crafting projects on the list, but it’s so fun to do. Just grab a wreath form of your liking (I usually use grapevine), some dried or fake florals, ribbon or other adornments, and go to town creating your custom wreath.

Grapevine wreath forms are very durable and budget friendly.

Blankets

There’s no sewing machine or needle and thread required for simple tie blankets. Grab two pieces of fleece of whatever size you choose, some good scissors, and you’re good to go! Check out the instructions for this simple project here.

Simple corner ties keep these cozy blankets together.

I hope this list of arts and crafts for small spaces has give you inspiration to try a new project. It’s getting rather cold and dark here, so I needed a little inspiration myself to start up a new craft and stay busy during these cozy winter days. Happy crafting, friends!

The Best Prime Day Deals

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Prime Day is the best time to snag deals on wish list items, home necessities, and amazing outdoor gear. This two day event includes some fantastic deals on millions of products from Amazon. All you have to do is be an Amazon Prime member (Get a free 30 day trial here!) to score these hot deals! Below are some of my favorite items that we use on our outdoor adventures, at home, and everywhere in between!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Thermacell

Check out sales on a variety of Thermacell products to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

Portable Solar Panel

We have a portable Renogy solar panel for our 5th wheel and it’s so handy. They’re on a super sale today, so now is the time to buy!

Mountain House

Check out sales on Mountain House as well, and add some more variety to your freeze dried meal options.

LifeStraw

Stock up on these to keep in your emergency kit, hiking pack, or to give as useful gifts.



Weights and Fitness Equipment

What do weights and fitness equipment have to with outdoor gear? Everything! Staying fit and healthy helps you enjoy your outdoor adventures longer and more often. Stock up on gear during Prime Days!

Yard Games

Have you tried Kubb? If not, give it a try soon! It’s my favorite outdoor game, and it’s easily portable. Great for camping or a weekend BBQ, Kubb is fun and entertaining for everyone.

Dewalt Lights and Tools

I’ve been told you can never have enough tools. I suppose that’s right since there’s always projects to do, especially in Alaska! Grab all the tools you’ll need here!

Don’t forget, these deals are for a limited time so get them while you can! Happy shopping, friends!

The Best Alaskan Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them

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Are you looking to commemorate your trip to Alaska with one of a kind souvenirs or hoping to grab some unique gifts to bring back for friends and family? This list of Alaskan souvenirs will give you a variety of ideas to choose from to remember your trip to the beautiful 49th State! 

How do I know if something is really made in Alaska?

When you’re looking for Alaskan souvenirs you want something that is authentically Alaskan and made by locals. So, how do you go about finding out if what you’re buying is really made here? It’s pretty easy, just “Buy the Bear”!

What does “Buy the Bear” mean? As the State website explains “When purchasing products in Alaska, look for the mother bear and her cub logo signifying the product was manufactured in Alaska.” This will ensure that you get an Alaska made product. That being said, though, there are Alaska made items that may not have the bear logo. But, to ensure you get a made in Alaska product, it’s best to “Buy the Bear” when possible.

The made in Alaska logo. Buy the bear for authentic Alaskan souvenirs.
This is the logo you’ll find on Alaska made items.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Where can I buy locally made Alaskan souvenirs?

Although sometimes it may take a bit to find what you’re looking for, you can find Alaska made souvenirs all over! More “touristy” type seasonal shops will likely have the same items from place to place, and most of these things are made in China or other places outside of the United States. If you visit local small businesses, fairs, festivals, and markets, though, you’ll find a treasure trove of amazing Alaska made items. To find out what markets, fairs, and more are coming up each month, sign up for my newsletter here.

Another great way to seek out some Alaskan souvenirs is by checking Instagram and Facebook. This is a great way to find artists and businesses local to the area of Alaska that you’ll be visiting. You can check out their products, see how they’re made, and connect with business to find out where they sell their Alaska made items.

What are the best Alaska made souvenirs?

There is such a great variety of Alaska made items that it’s hard to narrow it down, so I’ve just decided to include as many as I can think of! The items listed below are not only great souvenirs and gifts, but they’re also useful, beautiful, and practical items. 

Gold

Bring back a little bit of what so many people ventured “North to Alaska” for! Check out gold in all its forms from raw nuggets to coins, jewelry, and more at the Alaska Mint in Anchorage.

Jade

Did you know that jade is the Alaska state gem? For good reason, too, as its beautiful colors make it a unique display piece, and its hardness makes it sturdy and useful. Visit Kobuk Valley Jade Company in Soldotna to learn more about our state gem and purchase a Made in Alaska piece for yourself.

Get two souvenirs in one with Alaskan jade that is made into an ulu.
A jade ulu at Kobuk Valley Jade Company.

Books

Finding books with Alaskan authors and illustrators is something that is easy to pick up in stores across Alaska. Almost every bookstore you’ll visit here will have an Alaska section. Take home a Alaskan read from a used book store or purchase a newly released novel as a gift. There are so many options to choose from for all ages of readers. Check out our Alaska children’s book list here.

Alaska Native Arts and Crafts

There is such a great variety of Alaska Native art and crafts to purchase. From beadwork, to scrimshawed ivory, masks, and jewelry, there is a plethora of items you can purchase. Great places to find authentic Alaska Native items for sale are the Sealaska Heritage Store in Juneau, the Anchorage Museum Store, and the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market, which occurs during Fur Rondy in March, is also a great place to see Native crafts from all over the state, along with the Craft Shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

An Alaska Native beadwork barrette.
An Alaska Native beadwork barrette.

Birch Bowls

Head to The Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks and purchase a birch bowl. See the process of making these beautiful and useful Alaskan souvenirs, and purchase one for yourself.

Ulu

This cutting tool, which was made and used by Indigenous Alaskans, is a popular Alaskan souvenir. Its unique design and usefulness make it a top pick for many visitors looking for something to bring back home. You can find these in many places such as The Ulu Factory in Downtown Anchorage, and Alaska Native markets and craft fairs. Beware of imposters, though; many seasonal gift shops will have ulus that are not made in Alaska.

Art

You’ll find Alaska made art pieces everywhere along your journey through the 49th State. Paintings, pottery, photographs, and carvings are just some of the many items you can find at local stores and gift shops.

Art by Percy Avugiak at the Fur Rondy Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market in Anchorage.
Art by Percy Avugiak at the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.

Jewelry

You will find jewelry from Alaskan artists in many local gift shops. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more make for easy-to-transport gifts.

Dog Treats

Don’t forget to bring a gift back for your furry family, too! Our pup loves Alaska Wild Treats, which are made of Alaskan salmon. You can find these treats at Three Bears. You can also get Mountain Dog salmon treats, which are available online and at Alaska Mill and Feed and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Dry Bags

Useful for many applications in Alaska and beyond, dry bags are a handy made in Alaska souvenir. Check out Nomar in Homer to see their large selections of these handy bags.

Made in Alaska dry bags at Nomar in Homer, Alaska. A useful Alaskan souvenir.
A variety of dry bags and gear at Nomar in Homer.

Clothes

Check out Alpine Fit and Nomar for Alaskan adventure gear that will last a lifetime. Also, be on the lookout for kuspuks, which are Alaska Native hooded garments with a distinctive front pocket. They often come in a multitude of fabric colors and patterns and are adorned with beautiful trims.

Qiviut

Some other garments you may want to check out are items made of qiviut, which is the underwool of a muskox. Qiviut scarfs, hats, and more can be found at Oomingmak in Anchorage.

Food

Bring a taste of Alaska back home with you with these delicious ideas and tasty treats.

Syrup

Try something unique with birch syrup! Head to Talkeetna for this uniquely Alaskan treat. Taste test syrups, and bring back a bottle for yourself or a friend.

Jams and Jellies

Check out local farmers markets for jams and jellies to bring home with you. You can also visit Alaska Wild Berry Products and try some of their delectable jelly centered chocolates yourself.

Alaska made fireweed jelly.
If you come across fireweed jelly give it a try!

Honey

You can occasionally come across delicious local honey at farmers markets around the state.

Groceries

There are many other Alaska made food items that you can find at local grocery stores, Safeway, and Three Bears. The Alaska Flour Company, locally made seasoning, salsa, pasta, teas and more are some of the items you’ll find. Also, check out veggies with the Alaska Grown logo to snack on while you’re here.

This list of Alaskan souvenirs has a little something for everyone. From the foodie to the art collector, and the fashionista to your furry friends, there’s a little something in Alaska for everyone.

Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

Is the Garmin inReach Really Worth It?

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Is the Garmin inReach really worth it? Considering the price tag, that’s a great question to ask before you purchase one. In this post, I’ll share with you both the perspectives of an inReach user and of the recipient of inReach messages, and let you know the pros and cons of purchasing a Garmin inReach. 

What is the Garmin inReach?

The Garmin inReach is a satellite communication device that allows for two way text communication, route tracking and sharing, and an emergency SOS button, among other things. You can Bluetooth these devices to your phone to easily text people updates, and send links to loved ones so they can track your adventures. There are a few different versions of the inReach, such as the Explorer, Mini, and Messenger. We have the full size Explorer, which I think is a little more user friendly, but the Mini is definitely more compact and lighter weight along with the Messenger, so there are perks to either model.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Who would the Garmin inReach be useful for? 

The inReach is useful for everyone. Whether you are a hunter or a hiker, a biker or a road tripper, living off grid, camping, or just traveling where there is poor cell service, having an inReach as part of your gear is a necessity. Why would I say it’s a necessity? Read ahead to find out.

The inReach is great for roadtrips where you may not have cell service.

Why should I purchase an inReach?

It could save your life. Truly, I’m not exaggerating. Whether you run into a life threatening emergency while out in the woods, or have a medical emergency on a stretch of road with no cell service, the SOS button on your inReach will connect you with the Garmin Response Team who will contact the necessary emergency services, pinpoint your location, and stay in contact with you via two way texting during your emergency until emergency and rescue services arrive.

Not only is having an inReach a safety feature, it also gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. My husband brought our inReach Explorer on a sheep hunt, which ended up lasting seventeen days. It gave me peace of mind getting updates from him, he had peace of mind knowing they could contact someone in an emergency, and they could contact their transport service to arrange for a pick up as well. My parents also have an inReach. When they’re heading out on longer adventures they turn on tracking, and I can receive a tracking link to make sure they’ve made it to their destination, along with receiving text messages from them on via their inReach as well.

Garmin inReach communication.
Tracking and updates from sheep camp.

Where does the inReach work?

As you probably know, there are many parts of Alaska that are quite remote. Considering that’s where we live, it’s a pretty good place to test out a communication device like this. So far, we’ve had great luck with it. It really works everywhere, but some messages may take a little more time to send depending on where you’re at.  

When can I use this device?

Anytime. There are monthly, no contract plans for short term use, and annual service plans as well. 

What are the pros and cons of the Garmin inReach?

Okay, let’s get into it. Clearly, there are pros and cons to anything you’ll purchase. From what you’ve already read, I’m sure you can tell that I do think the Garmin inReach is really worth it, but below I’ll list the positives and negatives of this communication device so you can decide for yourself.

Cons

Cost
None of the inReach devices are cheap, but can you really put a price on safety and peace of mind? The investment you’ll make into an inReach is well worth it. If you want to save a bit of money, you can compare the different versions and see which is best for you, as prices vary depending on which device you choose. Also, there are monthly service plans, and prices vary depending on use, just like cell phone plans. But, you can activate plans for just a month at a time, and pause service when you don’t need it. 

Learning Curve
As with all new gear you’ll be using outdoors, test it at home before you take it out with you. Depending on how tech savvy you are, there may be a bit of a learning curve. Plus, you can get it paired with your phone while you’re home so you’re ready to head out in the field or road trip through with wilderness.

Take it with you anywhere, from walks in the woods with your pup to hiking up mountains.

Pros

Safety and Peace of Mind
As I mentioned above, one of the times we relied most on our inReach was during my husband’s Dall sheep hunt. He had over two weeks of strenuous hunting in the mountains of Alaska. Needless to say, without the inReach I would have been a wreck worrying about him. Thankfully, I was able to get updates from him and his hunting partner via the inReach. I also got to track parts of their trek, and received check in messages as well. “Check-in messages are messages with predefined text and recipients”, as explained by Garmin, and work great to let loved ones know things such as “made it to the campsite”, “heading back down the mountain”, or “flying out tomorrow” easily and quickly. Not only will the inReach give that peace of mind, but, as you read earlier, it can save your life, and/or the lives of those you’re with.

SOS Button
In the event of an extreme emergency, there is an SOS button on the inReach. It’s covered by a cap so you won’t accidentally press it. If there is an instance where you do have to use the SOS, the Garmin Response Team will coordinate with the appropriate agencies to assist in a solution to the emergency, all while keeping in touch with you via your inReach. To get more details on the inReach SOS, check out this article here.

Battery Life
Obviously, battery life will depend on how much you use it, and how you use it. Will you use it for tracking? How many messages will you send? This varies depending on which of the inReach devices you get as well. We have had our inReach for years now, and I really feel like it has great battery life. There are statistics on the Garmin website for usage versus batter life that will give you a good idea of how often you’ll need to charge it.

One thing to note, though, is the battery life of your phone. If you’ll have them paired and will be texting form your phone, it would be best to bring a charging cord and solar charger or small potable charger to keep everything charged up.

Size
The size of your inReach device will depend on which one you get, but they are all convenient and lightweight to carry on any treks.

So, is the Garmin inReach really worth it?

From what you’ve read above, do you think this communication device is worth it? I sure think it is. Any outdoor enthusiast, traveler, or individual living remotely should have an inReach. You really can’t put a price on safety or peace of mind, so check out the inReach here.

The 5 Best Ways to Save Money When Shopping

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With prices of everything on the rise these days, everyone is looking for ways to save money when shopping. Whether grocery shopping, gift shopping, or making larger purchases, all of these ideas will help you save money. Some ideas you may have heard of before, but some you may not have, so keep on reading if you want to keep that cash in your pocket! 

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

What are the best ways to save money when shopping?

Rakuten and TopCashBack

Rakuten and TopCashBack are fantastic money saving apps. Before you shake your head and say you have too many useless apps already, hear me out. I have earned over $200 in cash back from Rakuten. I’ve earned almost $20 from TopCashBack in just one purchase as well. Both of these sites give you cash back on purchases, and also provide you with easy-to-find coupon codes and deals. This way you’re saving money, and also earning money back. I always use them when doing Christmas, birthday, or other gift shopping. You can earn $30 back with a purchase of $30 or more on Rakuten with this link here, and $10 cash back with my TopCashBack referral link.

Earning over $200 with Rakuten has paid for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and more.

Price Matching

It never hurts to ask, especially when it comes to price matching. Many stores that you may not expect will price match competitors prices, or match their online price. The place I primarily do this is Petco. Many times the in-store prices at our local Petco are higher than what they have online, so all I have to do is screenshot the online price, show it to the store associate, and they change it to the lower online price.

It’s best to do your research beforehand to make it easier and more convenient for everyone when it’s time for checkout. Have the lower prices of items saved, and check ahead of time to see if the retailer will price match certain items. It’s a fast and easy way to save money.

Compare Prices Online

One of the money saving tips I’ve been using most lately has been comparing prices online. Ever since grocery pick up became popular, grocery stores have the prices of their items online. This makes saving money on groceries and other items much easier. How? Well, you can easily compare prices between stores without the hassle of driving from store to store! But, beware of price changes, as some stores such as Walgreens have different prices listed online than they have in your local store. If you run into this problem, price matching might not always be available, but there is a way to get around this issue and still reduce your shopping expenses.

The secret to saving money and avoiding the price difference is pick up orders. I place my Walgreens orders online, and then am able to get the lower online price plus use any promo codes they may have. It’s one of my favorite money saving hacks. Plus, at some stores such as Safeway, you may get an additional discount for doing your first pick up order as well.

Apps

Store apps will often times have great coupons that will help you stay within your monthly shopping budget. The ones I use most often are for Safeway and Walgreens. According to Intuit “the average cost of food per month for one person ranges from $150 to $300, depending on age.” This cost is quickly rising, so saving money on groceries and lowering your expenses is essential.

Using apps for certain stores allows you to clip digital coupons that members of their rewards program benefit from. I highly recommend doing this as you can save hundreds of dollars over time, and helps me save money every month. These programs may also allow you to accumulate points, such as gas rewards or cash back. You can check out the amount I’ve saved with Safeway coupons and my fuel rewards progress below.

It’s amazing how much you can save with coupons and checking out sale ads.

Email

Sign up for the emails. You may not want to get bombarded with deals and emails from companies and stores all year long, but the first sign-up email usually includes a discount code, which is well worth it. Plus, if you chose to do so, you can always unsubscribe after you have your code and you’ve made your purchase.

Do you have any bonus tips on how to save money when shopping?

Promotional Codes and Coupons

Well I’m glad you asked, because yes, I do have one more great money saving idea! In fact, I just used this idea last night. My husband was looking to save some money on jeans. The ones he wears are often $70 or more, but they were on sale for about 40% off for Black Friday. What a great deal, right! But, since I love to save, I just had to see if an additional coupon would work before he completed his order. A quick Google search helped me find a 20% off coupon. He added it to the order and saved $16 more!

So, this being said, I’d suggest checking for any coupons or promotional codes before placing orders on anything from jeans to Papa Murphy’s pizza! It’s always worth a look! Plus, promo codes can help you save tons on gifts, and with Christmas fast approaching they can be a huge help. (With people spending over $600+ on Christmas gifts according to Ramsey Solutions, this is a great way to save. Also, don’t forget the reason for the season. Save on shopping and enjoy some favorite Christmas traditions, too.)

I know money is a topic no one wants to chat about, but when it comes to saving money we’re all about it! If you want to save money when shopping, using one or all of these ideas will definitely help you. Happy shopping AND saving, friends!