11 Secret Tips For Saving at Starbucks

POPSUGAR Smart Living

Don't Tell Anyone: 11 Secret Tips For Saving at Starbucks

Jul 23 2014 - 2:01pm

Don't despair if store-bought coffee is your biggest spending vice. Help is on its way, in the form of these smart saving tips that will work at your local Starbucks. Don't thank us — just drink up!

— Additional reporting by Whitney Bania

Source: Flickr user rekre89 [1]

Get Creative

Don't limit yourself to the standard drinks. There are plenty of options that are well under $4, such as iced coffee. If you think that spending less means boring drinks, think again. Check out some the most creative Starbucks mystery menu [2] concoctions under $3.
And if you must go the latte route, try the caffe misto, which is made of of half coffee and half milk. It is not only cheaper, but also has less calories!

Source: Flickr user StephenCarlile [3]

Refills For 50 Cents

Sometimes one cup just doesn't cut it. Any time throughout the day and on any size, you can refill your cup with brewed coffee for just 50 cents during the same visit. Not a bad price for an extra pick-me-up.

Bring Your Own Cup

You'll save 10 cents on the price of your drink when you bring in your own reusable cup, mug, or travel tumbler.

Source: Etsy User TheMasonBarCompany [4]

The Water Secret

You don't have to reach for bottled water in Starbucks, as the water at Starbucks may even be cleaner. The ice and water used in Starbucks is triple-filtered!

Order in Bulk Via Coffee Press

Another way to save money is to order a coffee press pot of coffee, which serves a few cups of coffee. It will be cheaper than ordering the drinks individually. Share with friends or hoard it if you plan on staying at Starbucks for a while, and enjoy the caffeine buzz.

Ask For "No Water" With Your Tea

According to one barista on Quora [5], "Iced Teas are double-strength in pitcher and watered down for your final recipe."
To get more a bang for a buck, request "no water" with your tea, and it won't be watered down.

Source: Flickr user Justin Capolongo [6]

Take Advantage of the Birthday Treat

If you sign up for the Starbucks reward program [7] (registration is free), you're entitled to a free drink when your birthday comes around. Keep in mind that you'll have to redeem it in the 30 days after your birthday.

Source: Instagram user realgrumpycat [8]

Get a Starbucks Card

If you're a frequent Starbucks customer, there's no reason not to get a Starbucks Card. At no cost to you, a registered card will get you lots of freebies. Here's what you can expect:
Welcome level (which you attain after using your card once)

• Free drink or food on your birthday

Green level (which you attain after using your card five times)

• Free refills in store
• Welcome level rewards
• Specialized email offers

Gold level (which you attain after using your card 30 times in 12 months)

• Free drink or food reward after every 12 purchases
• Welcome and green level rewards
• Personalized offers and coupons
• Personalized gold card

Source: Instagram user starbucks.card_collector [9]

Order a Short

There's an even smaller size than "tall," and it's called "short." It's smaller than a "tall," but it's also less expensive. The "short" cappuccino, will have the same amount of espresso as the as its "tall" version, says Slate [10].

Source: Instagram user olovelychloe [11]

Brew It at Home

Be your own barista at home by buying beans at Starbucks stores — they'll even grind the beans for you. Or, you can pick a bag up at the grocery store.
There are even recipes you find online that show you how to make more of its complicated drinks like this frappuccino recipe [12].

Fido's Freebie

Don't forget, your furry pal gets his own freebie, too. Order a puppy latte or puppycino, and your best friend will get a sample cup full of whipped cream.
Want to save even more at your favorite stores? Here's how to save money in Target [13] and shopping online at Amazon [14].

Source: Instagram user jessmorgan9 [15]

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Source URL
http://www.savvysugar.com/Tips-Saving-Money-Starbucks-3751741

Links:
[1] https://www.flickr.com/photos/missturner/5352136126/in/photolist-99X6B5-2si9V-kHNy9y-4KKjod-bDHnTT-7PDxkN-8NgUYg-49xgrM-dhXNcy-nsfdd4-fhyJnm-jJhV8Q-npQvBe-2tfozY-cuSLdG-dH9VPr-fhjtWi-fhjvBx-8g5acX-4KF4kD-c3i5ny-zwGmL-kUba5H-6tYxQJ-9dKYe5-bYyS5L-fWi7vj-faVvNE-o7oCof-wGfBK-4SP3hH-pju8M-2vECuZ-c3hXkY-nsfc1e-erDyk-MaAHM-4sWK41-fmuH3c-iuB4zB-65iCQv-nk7YsB-nWgVK-9Lc5XD-dNti6N-7UNR8y-eYLPvM-bNr73H-a2D5kg-7qh7wb
[2] http://www.savvysugar.com/Cheap-Starbucks-Drinks-23133466
[3] http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephencarlile/487297942/sizes/z/in/photolist-K4wGE-K4FTa-K6dGr-3bd92j-4m4PLR-4m8Uew-4PXaig-59iTsS-5sAZ5m-5A7sBv-c9J3TA-8fCnsV-foLBeM-9KzqGT-7Fo75q-9fc6W8-bmJK9z-d1mAr1-99ViPn-8rUKaQ-bSs18K/
[4] https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMasonBarCompany?section_id=12009165
[5] http://www.quora.com/Starbucks/What-are-some-favorite-Starbucks-hacks
[6] http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcmedia93/6787291501/in/photostream/
[7] http://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards
[8] http://instagram.com/p/XsJWWXE1CC/
[9] http://instagram.com/p/qzd2RPCwT5/
[10] http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/everyday_economics/2006/01/starbucks_economics.html
[11] http://instagram.com/p/byBg8JondY/
[12] http://www.squawkfox.com/2011/06/16/frappuccino-recipe/
[13] http://www.savvysugar.com/How-Save-Target-24326117
[14] http://www.savvysugar.com/How-Save-Amazon-24910582
[15] http://instagram.com/p/YnmJ8nlI_K/

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Pay less for PCs/Laptops

Technology updates rapidly that there are new PCs and laptops every few months. If you do not want to pay more for your PCs or laptops, do the following to save money on these electronics. You can do the same for your other electronics purchases.

1. Buy when there are big sales (usually near Back to School Sale, Christmas sale, and Black Friday Sale)
•  Reports show that you can save up to 60% on computers during promotional periods
2. Compare prices and models between stores and online merchants
• Even if a single model is sold by different stores at the same MSRP price, you will still realize each merchant has their own promotional strategy such as price match, credits rewards, bundling price, free gift, etc...
3. Consider after sale support
• You may want to consider after purchase support for your computers because it can get pricey if you need to ship it back for repairing if you buy from an online-only store.
4. Pay with your loyalty points or credit card cash rebates
•  It makes sense to pay with your points or cash rebates before it expires
5. Look for store coupons or online shopping coupon codes (you can find coupon codes by typing the merchant name with coupon codes following on Google search or go to site like www.retailmenot.com)
6. Buy refurbished ones
• The refurbished computers/laptops are usually manufacturer checked and certified before they are returning back on shelf. Therefore, they are under manufacturer warranty like the new in box ones. Many purchased these but decided no longer need them and returned to stores. Therefore, quite many refurbished computers may not have been used by someone. Refurbished computers are usually at least 10% off regular price.

Starbucks mug half price

It was $16.95 and now only $8.47

10 tips on Packing your suitcase

10 tips on Packing your suitcase

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-pack-a-suitcase-2014-7

Omaker M1 Ultra Portable Metallic Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker on Sale for $24.99

Two colour to choose from

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Starbucks Giftcard 40% OFF

Get one now to save 40% on Starbucks gift card.

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How to Save on Gas

How to Save Money on Gas

Gas prices keep going up, and the money in our wallet keeps evaporating more quickly. There are many ways you can spend less money on gas and reduce your overall fuel consumption. But, you must think...

wikiHow @wikiHow

How to Save Money on Gas http://t.co/JVZok8ng8M via @wikiHow
— Saving Much (@SavingMuch) July 4, 2014

Hyundai : The Empty Car Convoy

I also want one so I can take a nap whenever I need to.

Coca Cola Retro Fridge on Sale $29.88 (Original $49.98)

Coca Cola Fans. Order yours before it is gone.

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4 Household Items to Clean Your Phone With

http://mashable.com/2014/06/29/household-items-to-clean-phone/#:eyJzIjoiZiIsImkiOiJfMWhnaXc3ZnpnbXBjZzBvaCJ9

Belkin Cycling Gear Sale

Belkin Pro Cycling Sale. Many items are over 50% OFF

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Apple Extra Credit on Mac, iPad or iPhone for University

When you are buying Apple products, don't forget the Educational pricing for University students. Now on top of that, Apple is giving extra credit on Mac, iPad or iPhone.

~Get a $110 Apple Store Gift Card when you buy a Mac for university. Or a $55 gift card when you buy an iPad or iPhone.* You’ll also save on a Mac or iPad with education pricing.

http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/campaigns/back_to_school?afid=p231|camref%3A10l8Z&cid=AOS-CA-AFF-PHG

How Financial Advisors Save For Their Children's Education

Parents do their best to save for their children's college education, but sometimes they aren't aware of all of the options.
U.S. News asked financial advisors what they're doing to save for their children's college expenses.

Invest in a 529 plan.

State-sponsored college savings plans have become popular in the last few years. These savings plans, named after a section of the federal tax code, are exempt from federal taxation and often include state tax deductions. States offer traditional investing options like mutual funds or age-based options that shift their asset allocation as children get closer to college. Lisa Roll, a financial advisor in Warren, New Jersey, uses the age-based track for her children.

Set up a custodial account.

Under the Uniform Gift to Minor Act or Uniform Transfer to Minor Act, parents can set up custodial accounts. Rather than opening a 529 account, Ron Portell, a financial advisor in St. Louis, used this strategy to save untaxed money for his children's education. The act allows a minor with an appointed custodian to own assets that can be used for purposes other than college if necessary.

Use a Upromise credit card.

The Upromise cash-back program is a no-hassle way to save, Roll says. You can apply for the Upromise credit card and receive money back when you dine out, fill up on gas, and more. When you shop online with its retail partners, the program puts 5% of the cost toward your children's education. In many cases, it can directly transfer to your 529 account.

Put unexpected money in savings.

"Apply any bonuses or unexpected money toward college savings," says John Bohnsack, a financial planning associate based in College Station, Texas. One easy way to put money toward your children's college savings is to use your end-of-year bonus, since it does not interfere with your budget.

Split gift money and allowance.

Putting a fraction of your children's gift money and allowance toward college savings can add up. Half of any money Bohnsack's children receive on holidays and birthdays goes toward their college education. Roll takes this approach one step further. She uses an envelope system, letting her children use them to allocate money to four funds: long-term savings, spending, college savings, and charity.

Prepay your mortgage.

"Currently, we are working toward paying off our mortgage by the time my oldest daughter is 16," Bohnsack says. Paying off your mortgage sooner will allow you to invest more heavily in your children's education during the years leading up to their first semester in college.

Sign up for the SAGE Scholars Program.

 SAGE Scholars, a tuition rewards program, is one way Roll supplements her children's college savings. By investing in SAGE Scholars' financial partners, such as the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, you can receive 5% annually in tuition points on your investment. Each tuition point equals one tuition dollar. These points are accepted at more than 300 universities and can be used to pay up to 25% of your children's tuition.

This article originally appeared at U.S. News & World Report. Copyright 2014. Follow U.S. News & World Report on Twitter.

Read more: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/mutual-funds/slideshows/7-ways-financial-advisors-save-for-their-childrens-education#ixzz36KVit700