Need a financial checkup? Try these 4 tips
(BPT) - Springtime has finally arrived and for many that means engaging in a little spring cleaning. Traditionally, this entails a deep home cleaning — scrubbing the windows, dusting the furniture, steam-cleaning the carpets, storing winter boots and outerwear, sorting and donating unused or old clothes. One area that is often overlooked is our wallet. Cleaning your wallet to identify items you’re overspending on and learning new ways to save will serve you year-round, not just in the spring.
It’s time to examine your receipts and take a fresh look at what you are spending your money on — including your clothing, healthcare-related spending, travel expenses and more. If you are an AARP member, you have access to a wide range of benefits and discounts on products and services you may not even realize — including health and wellness items, home and tech products, travel benefits and personal finance savings.
“Spring is a great time to take a good look at your monthly expenses, reviewing essential spending needs like healthcare and budgeting for the coming months,” said Trae Bodge, lifestyle expert. “Smart shoppers should maximize their spending power and consider how they can take advantage of the best discounts, including AARP member benefits, which offer additional savings and perks on everyday spending as well as less essential expenses like an upcoming trip or a new outfit.”
Take action using the tips below to review and refine your financial health — if you’re an AARP member, you can take advantage of discounts and benefits that can help save money on immediate purchases as well as budgeting for new expenses as you plan the rest of your year.
Review your healthcare-related purchases. While cleaning out the medicine cabinets, check to see if you need to stock up on vitamins or renew a prescription. AARP members have access to many healthcare saving options, including reading glasses and sunglasses. Members and their families can save with AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, including 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on frames and lenses at Glasses.com, and you can save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical and LensCrafters. Another benefit AARP members have access to is a prescription discount card available to everyone, which can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications, with additional member-only benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. Members can also find discounts at Walgreens on their favorite health and wellness, beauty and personal care products when they link their AARP and my Walgreens memberships.
Evaluate your financial services. Are your personal finance options working for your wallet? If you are looking for ways to grow your savings, AARP members can turn to AARP® Digital Banking from Marcus by Goldman Sachs®. Choose from High-Yield Online Savings Accounts that offer AARP members a rate bonus or an exclusive 8-Month No-Penalty CD.
Check out the spring styles. Ready to ditch the winter clothes for warmer weather? Transitioning your wardrobe to spring and summer can be costly, especially if you’re trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Save money while looking stylish by shopping at Tanger Outlets, where members get a free coupon book with up to $1,000 in savings from top name-brand retailers. With locations nationwide, you can build the perfect spring outfit — complete with a jacket, shoes and sunglasses — without breaking the bank. Check out one of the locations in your area to find savings on your new spring look.
Get ready to hit the road. Warmer weather can mean long-awaited trips with your family. Whether it be a short weekend road trip out of town or a long-distance trip across the country, AARP members can find travel discounts and savings to help plan a memorable trip without worrying about breaking the bank. If you are renting a car, review the discounts from Avis and Budget to find the right vehicle that will work for your family’s road trip needs. AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia can also help you find the perfect place to decompress after a long car trip or plane ride.
Optimize the spending power of your wallet this spring by considering the discounts and savings available to AARP members. You can learn more about your saving options by visiting www.aarp.org/save.