I created this post about Save a Little. Enjoy a Lot as part of a sponsored series with Socialstars and Shell; all opinions are my own. #ShellCrowd
Being an adult is hard work.
Paying bills is not what I dreamed it would be when I was younger (just kidding….I didn’t dream of paying bills at all. I just didn’t realize back then was a pain in the neck they could be).
If there’s anything I’ve learned in the last 20+ years of being a married person with responsibilities, it’s this: it just takes a few simple steps to save money here and there, and those small savings add up to huge benefits. Bills will always be there. Expenses are a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy life to the fullest.
How to save money, a little at a time
Saving money, a little at a time, can be as simple as choosing generic brands over name brand products. You can save a little money each week by ordering water instead of soda (bonus points because it’s healthier, too!). The list goes on and on: use coupons, eat out less often, avoid pre-packaged foods and cook more meals at home. And a current new favorite (I’ve gotten my husband hooked on this, too!) – saving money every time you pump gas when you use Shell’s Fuel Rewards®.
Did you know? When you use the Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program when you fill your tank with gas, you’ll save 3 cents per gallon EVERY time. Also, if you link a Mastercard, VISA, or American Express credit card to your Rewards account, you can EARN 5 cents/gallon or MORE for every $50 you spend (this is not just on money you spend on gas…anything you buy is included!).
You can even COMBINE savings – earn 10 cents/gallon when you use your linked card to dine out, 15 cents/gallon when you shop online at participating retailers, 20 cents/gallon when you book a flight through the Rewards program. You can STACK those savings and pay 45 cents/gallon LESS at the pump (this is just an example).
I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of money on gas because I’m driving kids all over the place before and after school. It adds up.
But so do the savings. And I love it.
What would you do with the money you save?
Here are a couple of things that I would like to do with the money I save:
- Go out to lunch with a friend: I know it’s silly, but eating lunch out is a huge treat for me. I honestly have to hold myself back from heading out to my favorite restaurant in the middle of the day. When I save in other areas, I love being able to splurge a little on lunch out.
- Put a little cash aside each month for vacation: Traveling with a family as big as mine can be pricey, but love being able to travel together. A little bit of money put aside here and there can add up to a few fun excursions on vacation.
- Save for a rainy day: Although “rainy days” are not exactly fun, I love the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we don’t have to worry if something unexpected should come up.
- Spend it on my blog: I’ve been investing money back into my blog this year, and I’m so excited that I CAN! Money put back into the blog makes my life easier and way more enjoyable.
The bottom line is this: when I save money in as many areas where I can, I’m able to lighten the load, provide peace of mind, and free up time and resources for enjoying myself more.
What do YOU like to do when you are able to save money?
Be sure to stop by and check out the Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program. Take advantage of the New Member 25 cents per gallon Sign Up Bonus!
© 2016, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
I never heard of this rewards program–I’ll have to check it out! I’m trying my best to save as much as I can, when I can and have been a bit harsh on my bf whose spending habits leave much to be desired. But agree… those little sacrifices can lead to some pretty awesome rewards in the end!
I’m obsessed with saving this year. I even am trying not to buy any purchases like clothes, shoes, books, presents, etc until I have gift cards for them I’ve either earned online, through apps, or blog giveaways.
I am the queen of frugal. I save money every single way that you can. Card rewards programs are great.
I save money on a regular basis. Have a rainy day account and a GOING TO NEW ZEALAND! account. I splurge when I win something.