Get More Value From Your Bank
If you are someone who typically swipes their debit card 10 times a month, move your money to a high-interest checking account that pays 3 to 4 percent interest. You can find one on Checkingfinder.com. These banks are willing to pat rewards because they make money on debit interchange fees. You usually have to do one direct deposit a month, use online billpay and get your statements online. But many people already do those things, so you can earn extra cash simply by choosing the right account.
Look for Innovative Rewards Programs that Add More Value to Your Life
New statistics show that most American's (98%) are looking for more value from the things they buy, which is one of the reasons rewards programs are on the rise, up 19% year-over-year since 2007. But many of them are about getting you to buy more product or come back to the same store. Instead, you should be looking for programs that are offering something more than just product. For example, Tropicana just launched a new program called Juicy Rewards where consumers can get $15 in immediate savings on 20,000 different fun, healthy activities and products - museums, amusement parks, sporting events and gear, and even cooking classes and massage.
Get More Value from Your Online Searches
Research shows that most online purchases start with a search, followed by a second search for a discount or coupon. Now you can combine those into one. The website Billeo.com has a free toolbar called "Offer Assistant." When you search for a product on Google, Yahoo or Bing, an icon appears, telling you whether a deal is available. So you find the product you want at a better value automatically.
Get More Value Out of Your Company Retirement Plan
Company 401(k) plans can range from the good the bad to the ugly - with high administrative fees or poor investment choices. Workers can now do something to boost their plan's value. The website BrightScope.com reviews and rates large company 401(k) plans. If your plan is ranked at the bottom, click "Help improve the plan" to get specific steps to make your firm's plan a better deal for employees.
Get More Value Out of Your Prescription Budget
Only about one-third of prescription drug purchases are mostly or fully covered by insurance and prices can vary by as much as $100 for the same drug. Warehouse clubs and discount stores offer the most popular generic drugs for as little as $4 a month, and you can fill prescriptions at a warehouse club even if you are not a member.
Get More Rewards By Volunteering Together
This an activity that costs nothing but time and is a scientifically proven way to boost family happiness. Research shows many families volunteer together. You can make a difference in your community, strengthen your bonds as a family and make new friends - all of which add value to your life.
If you are someone who typically swipes their debit card 10 times a month, move your money to a high-interest checking account that pays 3 to 4 percent interest. You can find one on Checkingfinder.com. These banks are willing to pat rewards because they make money on debit interchange fees. You usually have to do one direct deposit a month, use online billpay and get your statements online. But many people already do those things, so you can earn extra cash simply by choosing the right account.
Look for Innovative Rewards Programs that Add More Value to Your Life
New statistics show that most American's (98%) are looking for more value from the things they buy, which is one of the reasons rewards programs are on the rise, up 19% year-over-year since 2007. But many of them are about getting you to buy more product or come back to the same store. Instead, you should be looking for programs that are offering something more than just product. For example, Tropicana just launched a new program called Juicy Rewards where consumers can get $15 in immediate savings on 20,000 different fun, healthy activities and products - museums, amusement parks, sporting events and gear, and even cooking classes and massage.
Get More Value from Your Online Searches
Research shows that most online purchases start with a search, followed by a second search for a discount or coupon. Now you can combine those into one. The website Billeo.com has a free toolbar called "Offer Assistant." When you search for a product on Google, Yahoo or Bing, an icon appears, telling you whether a deal is available. So you find the product you want at a better value automatically.
Get More Value Out of Your Company Retirement Plan
Company 401(k) plans can range from the good the bad to the ugly - with high administrative fees or poor investment choices. Workers can now do something to boost their plan's value. The website BrightScope.com reviews and rates large company 401(k) plans. If your plan is ranked at the bottom, click "Help improve the plan" to get specific steps to make your firm's plan a better deal for employees.
Get More Value Out of Your Prescription Budget
Only about one-third of prescription drug purchases are mostly or fully covered by insurance and prices can vary by as much as $100 for the same drug. Warehouse clubs and discount stores offer the most popular generic drugs for as little as $4 a month, and you can fill prescriptions at a warehouse club even if you are not a member.
Get More Rewards By Volunteering Together
This an activity that costs nothing but time and is a scientifically proven way to boost family happiness. Research shows many families volunteer together. You can make a difference in your community, strengthen your bonds as a family and make new friends - all of which add value to your life.
