4th Grade Frenzy: December 2023
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December 26, 2023

Teacher Travel: How I Learned to Fly Free!

Are you a teacher looking to travel while stretching your dollars this summer? It's possible to fly without paying for a single ticket! From points to free companion passes, there are many ways to save money and take advantage of great travel deals.

What I DIDN'T do: 

  • I didn't sign up for a bunch of credit cards I didn't need. 
  • I didn't buy any products or services I wasn't planning to buy.

What I DID:

  • I signed up for Families Fly Free in April 2023 and started learning. My cost was $1,595 at the time.
  • I received my individual travel rewards plan in May 2023.
  • I flew round trip from Phila to Orlando in July 2023 for free. (savings of $400)
  • My daughter and I flew round trip from Phila to Orlando in December 2023 (savings of $800)
  • My daughter and I flew round trip from Phila to Orlando in March 2024 (savings of $800)

Total Savings in 1 year: $2,000

As you can see, the membership pays for itself!

At Families Fly Free, you'll learn different ways to get free flights, travel discounts, and much, much more! Lyn and her team work with you to make your travel dreams come true, and your investment is guaranteed. Make traveling a reality for your family today!

Click For More Information! (This is an affiliate link which means that if you sign up, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you.)

In case you're wondering why the trips to Florida...I have family there! This membership will enable me to visit family AND fly free to other destinations!

December 1, 2023

7 Easy Ways For Teachers To Save Money - Maximize Your Resources

As the cost of living increases, it can be challenging to find ways to save money. You may find a few ideas here you have yet to try!


1. Save on Groceries.

Look in your fridge and cabinets for items before shopping. There's less to buy (and put away!) when you use what you already have.

Make meals that result in leftovers such as spaghetti and meatballs, beef stew, and casseroles.

Buy generic. Nearly everything I buy is generic. That is, except the cereal that tasted like cardboard. 

Take advantage of sales and digital coupons. Check your grocery apps for coupons regularly. 

Order online. My local store provides a free shopping service for orders over $35. I find that I spend less if I order online because I know exactly how much to spend, and I'm less likely to throw a family-size bag of Hershey Kisses in my cart!

Use cash-back apps such as Ibotta. (Referal link which means I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!) I earn about $100 each year from this app without much effort. Right now you can get an extra $5 just for signing up and giving it a try! 

Ibotta Sign Up

2. Play at Home.

Instead of buying tickets to the next event, dust off those toys and games. It's a great way to save on entertainment.

3. Get Cash Back When You Shop.

Buy nothing weeks are great, but eventually you will need to buy something. Use a cash-back app such as Rakuten (formerly Ebates) when you shop. This link is an affiliate link as well. I average about $100 back each year on this site.

Try stacking discounts when you need to shop. For example, if I'm purchasing a gift from Pandora, I will use Rakuten (for cash back), the Southwest shopping portal (for travel points), and a credit card that offers cash back or travel points. My favorite travel points credit card is Chase Saphire Preferred. The points transfer to Southwest and before you know it, you can fly free! Referral links:

Chase Saphire Preferred

Rakuten Sign Up

4. Ask for Discounts.

Ask for Teacher Discounts, AAA Card Members Discounts, Senior Discounts, Military Discounts, or whatever may apply to you discount! Ask even if you don't think a discount is offered. While eating at Planet Hollywood recently, I asked about a AAA discount. Our server asked and said, "We don't offer a AAA discount, but the manager is giving you a 20% discount anyway." It doesn't hurt to ask! Try restaurants, craft stores, clothing stores, entertainment venues, etc. 

Ask for a discount if an item you purchase goes on sale shortly after you purchase it. My daughter bought a jacket on Stitch Fix. It went on sale for 25% off. She sent an email politely asking for a price adjustment, and they gave to her right away.

Speaking of Stich Fix...I've got a referral link for that one too! At this time we will both get a $25 credit if you sign up! Sign Up for Stitch Fix I love Stitch Fix for the convenience of home shopping, quick shipping, easy returns, customer service, and styling! I've opened up my mind to different styles and color combinations. Freestyle is my favorite way to shop, but I've tried a couple of style boxes as well. It's so much fun to see what your stylist picks out for you and returns are a snap. Try Stich Fix

5. Be Strategic with Take-Out. 

Take-out can get expensive, but it sure is a nice treat once in a while! Try taking advantage of special promotions from local restaurants, making your order last for 2 days, and even ordering from the children's menu. 

6. Cut Cable.

Save money by streaming if you aren't already! 

7. Ask for Free Parts.

This is a new discovery for me. We have a leaky faucet and Delta is sending out free replacement parts. Although this repair will require a plumber, we will save money by providing the parts from the company. The faucet is over 10 years old btw! 


These ideas can help you stretch your dollars! Challenge yourself to save money right now!

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With faith and friendship,