Day 36: Getting Your Money Back

What: Getting Your Money Back

Why: Living with less is a process and daily, we are reminded of ways we can live with less. Even in the areas we least think about. Have you ever thought about those special offers that companies have, where you only have to pay just a few bucks for it? Or maybe it’s when you buy a specific item, you get something else free? Free is always good, right? I don’t think it is. Free items can end up cluttering up our houses and lives with things we don’t really need. Why bring another product in your home when you can replace it with money instead?

I am going to go out of order a little bit here…

Confession of the Day: I recently bought a new bedspread set for our spare bedroom. It was from Wal-Mart, from Better Homes and Gardens (who knew they made bedspreads, right?) If you bought the set, you got a free year’s subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine. What a great idea and deal, right? When I got home, I took out the postcard and was going to sign up. That thought stopped me dead in my tracks and made me think about what I was doing. Do I REALLY need another magazine? I had received the BHG magazine before – did I like it enough to get it again? Not really. But it was FREE! Why waste a subscription? As I looked closer at the card, I saw that I could turn it in, to get money back (only $6.00). Was it worth it? You bet it was! By deciding not to subscribe, I am not cluttering up my house with unread magazines, and I gain $6.00 by reading the fine print. Then I wonder, how many other products offer this same thing?

How:
1. Think about the items in your house that you have because of a “free” deal. Was it worth it? Or did you get it just because it was free? Were there ways to get your money back?

2. Magazines are great at this. Sign up for a year’s subscription for just a few dollars with a credit card. Unfortunately, you forget that they automatically sign you up for the next year and you pay way more. Read the fine print!

3. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of those rebates! It may take you a few minutes to fill out the form, but often you can get $5.00 – $10.00 back. Don’t forget to look at the bottom of your receipt!

4. Be thinking about the items you buy (especially bigger items) where a rebate or money back option may be available. Take advantage of them. They are for YOU! Don’t sign up for something just because it is free – see if you can get your money back instead, instead of getting a product.

I almost see rebates as kind of bothersome because I wonder if they didn’t offer them, would they lower their prices? You may be paying more than what you need to be, by not doing rebates. They take a little extra work, but are worth it. Get your money back!