My syndicated Super-Couponing Tips column for the week is entitled “Utilizing gift card deals for everything from transport to entertainment.“
Here’s an excerpt:
“I read your column on how to buy gift cards below face value (legitimately), but I do not understand how this is saving money in the long run. I feel like I am still spending the same amount of money and don’t understand what you mean by spending less. If I see a $25 gift card for a popular clothing store, and the store I buy it at gives me $5 in store credit for a future trip, it is still costing me $25 out of pocket. Please help.”
Read this entire column at the Napa Valley Register.
My Super-Couponing Tips column appears in newspapers around the country to a weekly readership of over 20 million people! Learn more about my column’s syndication at this link.
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J.R. says
My favorite source for discounts on gift cards is Discover rebates. They offer many cards at $5-10 less than face value. It’s like getting an extra 10-20% off at that restaurant or store.
IIRC years ago you shared a deal on Shell cards where $20 got you $40 of gas. I haven’t seen that repeated, but it was a fantastic deal.
wolverine70 says
Some other potential sources for gift card deals are Dollar General, where they often offer straight percentages off the face value. That’s a straight up discount. Many warehouse clubs do this as well. The truly key thing is only to buy gift cards for money you’ll spend anyway. If it’s doubtful you’ll be spending the money, then don’t obligate money now for a gift card. As Jill pointed out, it’s essential to keep track of these and use them in the way intended.