The article describing (possibly questionable ways of) getting frequent flyer points here reminded me about one of the better money saving tips I have that anyone can do without feeling they are doing anything underhanded. Although it can save money, the key is concentrating on making your money work as hard as possible for you. For example when I go to Coles I of course check out what bargains there might be out there.... I buy things in bulk where that can save money, and am also careful as sometimes the smaller items are discounted and are cheaper than the bulk items! I also check the products on the lower and higher shelves, as they can be discounted compared to ones in the 'prime positions'.
Anyhow, using the Coles example, other than making sure I get the best price for what I buy I also:
- Pay using my Amex card, getting double points through that *or* pay using discounted gift cards (can usually get them at a 5% discount through club memberships etc)
- Use my flybuys card, to get points with that
- I have also linked my Medibank Private account with my Flybuys card, and get bonus points with fruit/vegetable purchases
- Each month I complete the "tellcoles" survey, and get extra points or $5 off next shop
- Use the fuel voucher to get at least 4 cents, but usually 8 or even more
So without really trying that hard, the $100 shop will effectively have only cost around $85 ie:
- Less $5 from using the discounted gift cards
- Less $5 from the survey
- Less $1 (roughly 200 flybuy points through normal purchases & bonuses)
- Less $4 (assuming $0.08 discount with 50 litre fuel fill up)
I would also note that if I am collecting frequent flyer points, I never redeem them for anything other than flights - you definitely get the best value from flight redemption rather than gear.
And speaking of double (or more) dipping, you can of course buy the gift cards using your credit card, and get extra points on top of that as well - just need to be careful as sometimes you may have to pay a surcharge if using some credit cards.
Anyone else have suggestions on maximising the value from the money you spend?