There’s a first time for everything!
I am very methodical about how I do my app cash outs. I have a cash out schedule based on how long it takes certain apps to deliver rewards. For example, Fetch Rewards does a great job of getting you your reward almost instantly. E-Poll takes 6-8 weeks.
My cash out schedule is based on two things: need and amounts. I don’t like to build up too much in my accounts, in case the app suddenly folds. But I also like them to be in certain increments, so my goal is usually $25 or $50. Apps that I do frequently, like Swagbucks, I cash out more frequently. But my more occasional apps will get cashed out closer to times when I need more money: birthdays, holidays.
When I do that, it’s like I am doubling my money. I cash out from the app and then put the $25 or $50 I was going to use in the Disney Fund. Then I get to buy my stuff and save, too.
All that transferring can get confusing, so I like to keep a ledger by my desk where I keep track of what was cashed out, when it was cashed out, and what transfers from what budget were made. Methodical, remember?
But we’re living in unprecedented times, and even methodical might have to take a backseat.
Here’s what happened. Last week, every store near me was completely out of eggs. You could not beg, borrow, or steal an egg. Then, on Friday, there was chatter that some eggs had been spotted at Target. I washed my hands, grabbed my gloves, and went to go investigate.
There were no eggs at Target. But there were many things that my more local stores were out of: bread, baking soda, crackers, pasta. I decided to grab a few things. And like with all Target runs, what started as a few things turned into two hundred things and my cart was packed. What I imagined was a $10 dollar trip was looking more like $50. It was in that moment, I remembered I had some points waiting for me in Fetch Rewards. I could cash out, use my gift card, and then not have to take $50 from the entertainment budget. Instead of losing money on this unscheduled Target trip, I would be making money on this unscheduled Target trip.
I threw methodical out the window, put a reminder in my phone to transfer the appropriate funds when I got home, and cashed out.
My rewards were waiting two seconds later. And I got some pasta. The best of both worlds.
2021 Family Trip
Goal: $8000
After Last Deposit: $6413.46
Total Deposit: $50, Target Gift Card from Fetch Rewards
Still Need: $6363.46
The world is changing around us every day and I have notoriously not been great at change. Doing something outside my routine is scary, even something small, like cashing out an app. But doing this small thing out of my routine helped me adjust to my ever shifting reality. I hope wherever you are, you’re giving yourself the time and space to do small things to adjust to your new reality.
Have you ever cashed out on the fly? What’s your cash out schedule? What amount do you cash out at? Let me know 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 five 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!