Did you know that some banks offer points or rewards for using your debit card? Some offer reward points if you swipe your debit card as a credit card (my former bank did). This is a very easy way to earn rewards that can be cashed in for gift cards, credit or cash for your fund!
You can usually find out if the bank offers rewards right on their website. My bank gives me cash back at select merchants when I use my debit card as a MasterCard. It shows up underneath the charge on my online banking statement and I have to manually select that I want cash back. It also offers me additional discounts at some merchants.
Also, be sure to check your credit cards and make sure you are redeeming the rewards you earned by using them. A lot of these rewards will expire without people knowing. Some places offer Disney gift cards as one of the rewards. Be sure to check to see if yours does!
When I was helping my friend with her budget, she learned that not only did her bank offer rewards, but she had racked up enough to get a $100 gift card to Lowe’s! What a great way for her to start her fund.
If you discover that your debit card or credit card are offering rewards or incentives you weren’t aware of, leave a comment and let me know! I love hearing that I helped someone find money they didn’t know they had.