We all, as humans, have different skill sets and talents. We spend a lot of time in our formative years figuring out what those talents are, learning and growing those skill sets. As we become adults, we make choices in our life that take into account said skills and talents. Usually our jobs fall in that realm of our particular skill set. We have learned, by adulthood, that what is good for one is not always good for all.
So why do we sometimes treat savings that way?
I have heard over and over from people who are just getting into the savings game: “I tried to do it just like my best friend Barb, but it’s not working for me.” Well, friend, let’s look at the facts. Barb is an organizational whiz. Her binders have binders. Barb is great at hunting for things; she has infinite patience and a good eye for detail. *You* are not great with organizing, but you have an amazing memory. You know which store has which sale and can rattle them off with ease. *You* do not like to hunt for things, but you have an good sense the value of things and don’t need a store or website to tell you when something is deal . *You* will not earn money the same way as Barb, because you and Barb have differing skill sets.
Not every app is for every SavEar. The key is to play to your strengths. Assess what you are good at and find the earnings apps or savings strategies that compliment those strengths. Take a look at some of the skills sets below and their corresponding earning actions.
PATIENCE: This is a key quality needed for most savings. The Saving to Disney life is a marathon, not a sprint. But that patience will especially come into play for sites where you are taking surveys, or other detailed oriented tasks.
Recommended: Swagbucks, Global Test Market, Harris Poll, My Survey, i-Poll, Tellwut
COMMUNICATION: Similar to patience, this is a great quality for survey takers. You have opinions? Great. Companies want to hear them. If you are an able communicator who can express themselves well, you are the ideal candidate for many of the long term studies on some survey sites.
Recommended: Pinecone Research, Toluna, Nielson Home Scan Panel, Inbox Dollars
ENDURANCE: If you have a high threshold and can do the distance, you might consider task oriented earnings. Many apps will reward you for accomplishing simple tasks like driving, scanning items at stores, or even just walking into stores.
ORGANIZATION: There are apps where you aren’t required to do any tasks. Or buy anything. Or submit anything. Sounds great, right? The catch is, you need to keep on top of these apps. Some you can only earn rewards by collecting codes to be redeemed for points. Some you need to watch videos. This group is a little bit of a grab bag. Perfect for the person who excels at keeping track of things.
Recommended: Perk, MyPoints, DealSpotr, Zoombucks
GIFT GIVING: If you are always looking for opportunity to give gifts, then you are always shopping. And if you are always shopping, you can always be earning cash back. Look into sites and apps that give you money just for spending the money you would have spent anyway.
Recommended: Rakuten, Shop at Home, Top Cash Back, Shop Your Way Rewards, RewardShopping
PROVISION: Are you the main shopper in the household? The one responsible for the odds, ends, and in-betweens? Earnings apps that give cash back or rewards for the purchases you are making on a regular basis, like grocery or household items, would be great for you.
Recommended: Ibotta, SavingStar, Coupons.com, Checkout51
Remember, every cent you earn through app earnings and savings is a cent you didn’t have before, which makes it a win. To get more wins, save smarter not harder. Playing to your strengths is a tactic that guarantees success in the long run.
Any of these look like you? Any skills you’re thinking you want to work on building? How is your fund coming? Tell me about it in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!
Another site I often use is CashBackHolic. This site compares rebate percentages between Ebates, ShopAtHome, etc. so you get the best deal.
Hey Diane! Thanks for sharing that awesome savings tip!