Clip, Clip! Saving for a Disney Trip!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Last August, we ventured down to Florida with our two little guys in tow on a family vacation. Our adventures brought us to the gates of Walt Disney World for one day. After experiencing one of the most magical days EVER, we knew two things to be true: 1. We would DEFINITELY be visiting again VERY soon and for a longer span of time AND 2. We would need quite a bit more money to get us there the next go around. Knowing that 2014 would be busy for us, we set our eyes on the spring of 2015 and have begun to save money here and there for our big return trip. One of the easiest ways I have found to save is by learning how to use coupons and especially taking advantage of paperless coupons through the Walgreens Mobile app. #WalgreensPaperless #CollectiveBias

Learning to save money everywhere you can is essential, especially when you are planning a bigger family trip away. Every penny counts! I downloaded the Walgreens Mobile app this summer and started matching the app coupons with in-store sales to save as much as I possibly could. The amount I save usually gets put aside for our Disney trip and over time definitely adds up (think extra Character Breakfast, special trading pin or postcards to send to friends!)

Once you create a Balance Rewards account and download the App, let the savings begin! The eCoupons can be clipped to your own Balance Rewards account and redeemed in-store. Scan your card either by showing the App on your phone, your card or by inputting your phone number. Once the card shows upon the register, the savings is automatically applied!

On a recent visit, I purchased two Head and Shoulders Shampoo priced at 2/$10. I had an eCoupon I “clipped” for $5 off two bottles, making each bottle just $2.50. I also purchased two bottles of Herbal Essence hair products (2/$8.00) and had a eCoupon for $3.00 off two products making each one just $2.50. I also received additional savings on deodorant, dish soap, paper towels, toilet paper and skin care products all by doing a quick clipping in the App.  Once I brought everything up to the register, I also found out that I had accumulated 3,000 points in Balance Rewards so I was able to apply a $3.00 credit to my overall total bringing my savings even higher. Every bit of those savings can then be applied to our future trip.

Here are some great ways I’ve learned to maximize your savings when using the Walgreens Mobile App and Balance Rewards:

1. Be Brave.

Come armed with everything you need to save big – even bring a calculator if that helps you remember your total savings amount. Use your eCoupons, Balance Rewards points and additional savings you have in outside coupons. Don’t be afraid to make sure that the savings ring up properly on your receipt.

2. Make sure the shoe fits (or in this case, the product).

Many times when it comes to savings, we see a deal on canned meats for being almost free and decide WE MUST HAVE ALL THE THINGS. However, instead of spending money (even a small amount) on products you do not need, find the products that suit your family’s needs, find savings for those items and buy when on sale and you have a coupon. You’ll end up saving money in the long run and also won’t have to find storage for the products you don’t actually use.

3. Go to Infinity and Beyond!

Found what you need and clipped your eCoupons, but your local Walgreens doesn’t seem to have the item in stock? Map out other Walgreens locations in your area. When you run errands or drop the kids off at playdates or activities, hop into one of those to purchase what you need. The Walgreens Mobile App makes these in and out trips a breeze since you don’t need to keep a coupon binder handy, just bring in your phone and scan!

4. Reach for the stars (and skies and clouds!)

Dream big dreams! Imagine all the places you could visit or the upgrades you could make to your home or the ways you could give back if you started saving even a little bit each month or each time you bought things you already need for your home or family.

We still have time before our big trip and I can’t wait to see our savings along the way! In what ways can saving money make your life a little more magical?