military discounts MilitaryShoppers Page 6

SCOUT Military Discounts App Makes Finding Discounts Easy

12/12/2014 By Kimber Green

SCOUT Military Discounts is a fantastic app available for both iOS and Android devices. With more than 125,000 military discounts SCOUT Military Discounts will be your go-to app for all military discounts. Googling military discounts and asking business owners if they offer a military discount will instantly be a thing of the past once you download this app.

The mission of SCOUT is simple: to make every military discount easily accessible to those who deserve it (including your favorite “mom & pop” shops without websites). Our goal is to have this valuable information at the fingertips of the entire military community.

The app is user-friendly, even the least tech savvy user will be able to navigate through it quickly and easily. There is a search feature that lets you find local discounts listed in proximity to your location. You can type in a specific company to see if they offer a discount or browse individual categories. It isn’t limited to retail shops and restaurants; it also includes hotels and travel-related discounts such as rental cars. Auto shops, pet services, photo discounts and more are listed as well.

If you come across a discount, whether online or in-store, you can add the discount to the app. There is a link at the bottom of the home page. Each discount added is verified before being added to the database. This ensures all discounts are properly listed so that they may be utilized fully and accurately. You can also add businesses through SCOUT’s website.

The app has a map view to make finding local discounts easier. Each red flag is a business offering a military discount. Simply tap on the flag to reveal the discount and business information. Tapping once again will take you to a business contact page. From there you can contact the company or get directions to it. This is such a timesaver as it opens in Maps and gives you instant directions.

Another great feature of SCOUT is its USO location finder. Type in a city and it will give you directions to that USO center. There are over 160 locations in 27 states so you are sure to find one near your military instillation. Finding military discounts is fantastic and finding a USO to rest and rejuvenate while getting connected with family is wonderful.

If finding an unbelievable amount of military discounts and USO locations isn’t enough, make sure to keep SCOUT in mind for Veterans Day each year. The app boasts a large list of military freebies offered by businesses that day. This will be great to have at your fingertips, especially since there were hundreds of free meal deals listed last Veterans Day.

With all of these great features, this app is sure to become your go-to app for military discounts, freebies and USO information. When searching for it in the app store type in SCOUT military and it is the first option.

Want to know more about SCOUT Military Discounts? Visit their webpage.

10 Military Discounts for Winter Vacation

10/31/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

Summer isn’t the only time to travel! Lots of families opt to plan their vacations during the winter months to save money. Select destinations and resorts offer off-peak prices that are perfect for any wallet. A winter vacation is also a nice change of pace when the temperature drops.

Military families should consider off-season vacationing too. In addition to possible reduced prices, there are significant discounts out there for families to utilize. Not to mention that the holidays might mean the opportunity for military members to take block leave, so it’s easier for families to vacation. My husband and I are vacationing a week before Christmas during his block leave.

Here is a list of 10 destinations and travel companies that offer discounts for military families.

Cruising the Caribbean

1. Royal Caribbean: My husband and I are using the military rate to cruise with Royal Caribbean for the second time. Cruising is a great way to travel and see multiple locations all at once. There are so many different departure ports that you can either drive or easily fly to one. For example, we’re going to drive from my hometown in Texas to sail out of Galveston. We already intended to fly from our duty station to my hometown, so it’s not too much trouble to travel to a departure port.

2. Carnival: There are other cruise lines that offer a military discount. Carnival also has wonderful deals with similar departure ports for families. Don’t forget your passport for cruising the Caribbean. Get started on the process now, if you are planning a trip to the tropics this holiday season.

Resorts and Destinations

3. LEGOLAND: There is so much more than Legos at LEGOLAND! Military families can play, stay and enjoy more than 50 rides and attractions at both the California and Florida locations.

4. Busch Gardens and Sea World: Sea World Parks and Entertainment has a military discount program called Waves of Honor. All Sea World Parks, including Busch Gardens and Sesame Place, have special veteran and active duty rates.

5. Gaylord Marriott Resorts: Marriott Hotels offer a military rate at all of their locations, but 2 resorts also offer military discounted tickets for Christmas shows. The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is hosting “A Country Christmas” with ICE! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The Gaylord National Resort, a resort in National Harbor, Maryland, has the show “Christmas on the Potomac” with ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman. This show takes families on the journey of the beloved snowy character.

6. Disney: We can’t leave out Disney Resorts! Both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort offer the Armed Forces Salute program that discounts park entry for military members and their families. There are also special rates for select resorts in the Orlando area that you don’t want to miss. No matter how old you are, Disney guarantees a great time.

7. Las Vegas: The City of Lights is filled with resorts that offer military discounts. The Tropicana Hotel has their “Hero Rate” program and mentions other discounts available in the area, including restaurants. Another resort group that advertises a military program is the MGM Grand. If you’re interested in another hotel, see if they have a military rate. Las Vegas is a military friendly city with discounts for several live shows too, just search around.

8. Puerto Rico: No need for a passport to this tropical location. Fort Buchanan, a U.S. Army Garrison, is just 7 miles away from San Juan. Military families can utilize the MWR for local discounts and deals. Major hotel chains are in the area, so check out the Double Tree by Hilton San Juan, San Juan Marriott Resort or Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar.

Interested in staying in a winter wonderland? Try a ski vacation.

9. Winter Park Resorts: West of Denver, Winter Park Resort is a winter getaway that sells military discounts for lift passes and discount lodging. If you’re stationed in the area, there are season passes available too.

10. Snowshoe Mountain: For those that are on the East Coast, Snowshoe Mountain has military packages for discounted lift tickets and lodging this season. Snowshoe is located at the highest point of the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia.

If you don’t see a destination that interests you above, do some research on your area of choice to see if there are any discounts or reduced rates for military. Most likely, you’ll find something that you can use.

What’s your favorite military travel discount to use during the holiday season?

Reduce the Festive Debt: 6 Ways to Not Overspend During the Holidays

10/27/2014 By Julie Provost

The holiday shopping season is here! Whether we like it or not, military families need to start thinking about the holidays. This time of year can be really stressful for people, especially if you are on a tight budget. So what can you do about it?

6 Ways to Avoid Overspending During the Holiday Season

Write out your budget and stick to it. I do this ever year. I write out everything we need to purchase from what we will eat on Christmas Day to the teacher’s gifts. On this list, I write down a spending limit on each gift for everyone. Then, when it is time to go shopping, I know what my budget is. The amount you spend on each member of your family will be different for everyone depending on your income and budget.
Share a meal with friends. When you are a military family it might not be feasible to spend the holidays with extended family. Instead of having a meal for just your family, why not get together with others to make a meal together? You won’t have to buy every single ingredient and you will be able to save a little money that way. It is also nice to spend time with friends if you can’t be with your family during the holidays.
Shop the sales. When it comes to buying presents for my kids I am all about the sales. I start checking them early. I want to be able to find the things I want for a discounted rate. I can save a lot of money this way, it just takes some time to figure out which stores have what toys on sale and when they are offering their discounts. You might also consider layaway. This is when you save an item at the store and pay a little bit on it each time you go in. You can take it home when you have paid for it in full. This might be a much better option than putting something on a credit card and trying to pay it off after Christmas. Check if your favorite stores offer this plan.
Make homemade gifts. You can bake some yummy goodies and give those out at gifts too. It is really cost-effective to do this and can be a lot of fun. Most people really enjoy baked goods around this time of year so you can’t go wrong there. If you don’t like to bake but are crafty, there are a lot of different things you can make as gifts. Take a look at the MilitaryShoppers Pinterest boards for ideas.
Stay home. For the past several years we have not gone anywhere for the holidays. The price of airfare is way too high. It would really blow our budget. We have been able to have a nice family Christmas in our own home and it has been great. Our kids wake up in their own home and we don’t have to go anywhere all day long. This isn’t always an option for everyone but there is something nice about a simple Christmas at home and it will save you a lot of money in travel expenses.
Pick a name. My family is quite small so we don’t do this but I think it would be a good idea for large families. Out of all the adults in the family, you buy a present for 1 person. You get assigned a name and you buy for that 1 person. It can be a fun way of giving for Christmas without having to buy something for every single person in your family.

The holidays can be a stressful time but they don’t have to be. Try some of these tips to keep your budget under control during this time of year. You will be thankful you did when the credit card statements arrive in January.

What are your tips for reducing debt and spending less during the holiday season?

10 Signs You are Frugal to a Fault

07/25/2014 By Kimber Green

Are you guilty of being frugal to a fault?

Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue?

I love saving money. My proudest moment in savvy shopping was when I haggled with a Navy Exchange salesperson to reduce the price of a patio set by 55% and it wasn’t even on sale. However there have been times when I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of being frugal to a fault.

Here are 10 ways you think you’re saving money, but are actually spending more. (Yes I am guilty too.)

Clipping ALL Coupons: We all love coupons, but if you buy something you don’t need just because there’s a coupon, you are wasting money. The flyer when you walk into the commissary is full of coupons but do you really need everything offered or do you just feel the need to buy them because there is a coupon? Don’t buy the bottle of mouthwash just to save 50 cents.
Buying Sale Items: You see that big red sale sign and are drawn to it. Though you know you don’t need it, you no doubt instantly come up with a reason you should buy it. Read sale signs carefully. Target has red clearance signs that make you think you’re getting a great deal, but quite often it’s only a few cents difference. Seriously, numerous times I have almost picked something up only to read the fine print that it’s only 5 cents off the regular price.
Creating Upcycled Crafts: Turning something into a craft project sounds good and fun, but how much money did you just spend buying all the other things you’ll need to turn that toilet paper roll into something?
Redeeming a Store Credit Card Discount: As you check out of most stores these days the clerk will likely ask if you want to save 15% by opening a store account. You might want to open their little pamphlet and check out the details first. The 29% APR is going to change your mind.
Buying in bulk isn’t always the best way to save money.
Purchasing Warranties: As Consumer Reports points out, it isn’t worth the money in most cases. You might be spending more money than your product is worth and many companies will work with you regardless because they want to keep customer service positive.
Buying in Bulk: Do you really need 5 gallons of mayonnaise? Will it go bad before you can use it all? Before you buy something break down the price per ounce to see if it really is cheaper.
Being a Cash Hound: Saving money for a rainy day is great, but keeping large amounts of cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money. You’re missing out on interest you would be earning through a checking account or other financial endeavor.
Buying More for the Free Shipping: I’m guilty of this one. I just can’t stand the idea of paying more for shipping than I did for the product itself. If shipping will cost the same no matter how much I buy then I feel like I should get more for the money. Similarly, if spending $75 qualifies for free shipping but you’re only up to $60, do you buy more to meet that amount?
Making Your Own (fill in the blank): Pinterest has many wonderful ideas. Is it really worth the money to spend the time to make some of these things (ie. beer, laundry detergent, butter)? Many DIY projects require buying supplies that you’ll only use for one project.
Being Cheap. If you are so over the top frugal that you will only buy what’s at the cheapest price possible you might just be missing out. Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue? Did you buy something so poorly made that it breaks and you have to buy another? Did you thaw out a chicken breast and not get around to cooking it until 5 days later and make yourself eat it even if it is bad just because you don’t want to waste the money you spent?
Keeping cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money.

Sometimes being frugal just doesn’t add up.

What have you done to save money that ended up costing you more?

5 Tips to Reduce Relocation Expenses

07/10/2014 By Michelle Volkmann

How do you save money during a PCS? Share your tips in our comments sections.

I always underestimate the cost of a PCS. I tell myself that the Navy moves us so relocating from one military installation to another isn’t expensive. I don’t pay for anything. Right? This is my mental talk 30 days prior to a PCS. Then the whirlwind of the PCS happens and I am reaching for my credit card more than I have in the last 2 years. 60 days later when I am reviewing our credit card bill at our new duty station, I am shocked by the balance. How did we spend ALL this money?

The average service member shells out $1,725 for non-reimbursable moving expenses. That’s nearly $2,000. Let’s say that we move every 2 years during my husband’s 20-year career. That’s a total of $17,250 of MY money to move for the Navy. No thank you.

This year, we will be moving again and I’m committed to reducing our relocation expenses. But how do I cut costs when we are homeless and living out of our car?

Here are 5 tips for reducing relocation expenses when transferring to a new duty station.

Save for a Sensible Spending Plan.
Call it a budget. Call it a spending plan. It doesn’t matter. But make a plan for how much it will cost to set up your new home. Calculate an estimate for security deposits for housing and utilities. Cut back on eating out in the last 3 months of your current duty station and put that money in to a savings account. You’ll need it when you establish your new home. Do not depend on your Dislocation Allowance to cover all of your expenses. It never does.
Negotiate and Ask to Speak with a Manager.
Practice saying this phrase “Is that the best price you can give me?” When you set up your Internet and cable, ask for the “best price.” Let them know that you compared prices between different providers and ask if the company offers a military discount. You will never get a discount if you don’t ask for it. If you have a credit score of higher than 600, ask if your landlord will consider reducing the security deposit. Mention that you’re a classy military person who pays your monthly rent on time every month.
Embrace House Camping.
Hotels are expensive. Even staying at the lodge on base can get expensive after more than 5 days. If you don’t have your household goods, but you have a home, consider house camping. Eat on the floor, sleep on an air mattress, let your kids bounce a ball against the wall and eat food that you prepare out of your microwave. Is it ideal? No. Will it save you money? Absolutely.
Buy Used –Not New– Whenever Possible.
When we moved to Maryland, for the first time we had a yard. This was great news until I realized a yard means grass which means we needed to mow the yard. We didn’t own a lawnmower. Foolishly we bought a brand-new lawnmower. Now we live in California. We don’t need the lawnmower and it sits, collecting dust in our already-stuffed garage. What’s the lesson? Be patient and buy seasonal items used online. I recommend SargesList and those Facebook Yard Sale groups. For every military installation, there is a military spouse monitoring a Facebook group.
Take Another Service Member’s Trash.
Through Facebook you can connect with military spouses at your new duty station. Guess what? If you are moving there, I bet someone else is leaving that duty station. Most likely they have cleaning supplies, spices and random other things that they can’t or don’t want to take with them. Offer to take it. Free stuff doesn’t cost you anything.

Plan ahead to save money during a PCS.

What are your tips for saving money during a PCS?

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready?

05/29/2014 By Amiyrah Martin

The summer road trip is a classic American vacation for many military families. Before hitting the open road, ask yourself: is my car road trip ready? Not sure. Review this checklist to ensure that your summer road trip will be a safe vacation without any side trips to a unfamiliar auto shop.

Schedule an oil change.

Checklist for Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip

Pack a roll of duct tape in your car emergency kit.

This may seem like the simplest way to ensure a safe road trip, but it is key. There are many different issues that can be aggravated if you don’t provide your vehicle with a change of oil. An engine needs proper lubrication to work well, especially in the summer heat. Secondary to the oil change, a tune-up would be great to add to your list, but first and foremost, give your car that new lubrication it needs.

Tip: If you’re planning on hauling extra weight behind you, like a teardrop trailer for camping, ask the mechanic about using a thicker oil. A car pulling more weight may need an oil that won’t thin out as quickly due to the extra work it will be doing during the road trip.

Create a car emergency kit.

In your trunk, place 2 quarts of the oil used in your oil change, coolant, expendable rags (good for wiping off oil or touching hot engines) and a roll of duct tape. Yes, duct tape is key! If there is a burst in a rubber hose or a spot under the hood where you would like a mechanic to check for a potential issue, duct tape can take care of it. Other tools to include would be a small screwdriver and a wrench. Also include a jug of water in your kit, to cool down your car system in a bind. Don’t forget to have flares and small safety cones in a car emergency kit.

Test your car jack. We always wait until the unfortunate time when we need to use the car jack to actually learn how to use it. A week before your trip, try yours out in the parking lot or driveway. Make sure you know how to use it quickly and easily, and that all of the parts are accessible.

Tip: If you’re not sure how to use your particular car jack, search YouTube for a video tutorial.

Get the radiator checked.

This is another add-on to your oil change but may be even more important. The radiator passes coolant through the engine, so on those hot summer road trip days, it’s much needed. Radiators can get clogged over time and since we don’t think about them until spring and summer when we plan summer vacations, they are neglected the rest of the year. Have your mechanic do a flow test on the car to make sure the right amount of fluids are passing through the hoses and tubes.

Don’t forget to ask for a military discount.

Tip: To save money, ask your mechanic to “bundle” your oil change, tune-up and radiator check. See if they offer a military discount on top of the bundle. You could yield some significant savings.

Make a “must-use” mechanics list.

Be proactive and find reputable mechanics within each state that you will be passing through. If you will be staying on or near a main road, like I-95, search for mechanics that are located nearby. If you plan to stick with automotive repair chains, like Pep Boys, map out locations along your road trip journey.

Tip: Look for reviews of mechanics and automotive chains on review sites like Yelp or ask your favorite hometown mechanic for recommendations. You’ll be surprised how many great mechanics they can recommend for each part of your journey.

Take time for car maintenance prior to hitting the open road.

How many miles will you travel this summer?

Military Discounts – Which Ones Are Your Favorites?

03/06/2014 By Amiyrah Martin

When it comes to military life, there are a few perks that make the everyday sacrifices a little more bearable. For our multi-generational military family, it’s always been the discounts. It’s been very helpful to walk into some of our favorite establishments and use a military discount for meals, groceries, home supplies and more. I even remember my Army veteran grandfather expressing how much he enjoyed military discounts. He loved them so much that he offered a discount to active duty and veterans at his auto body shop. As I sat down to outline this article, I made up a small list of our family’s favorite military discounts, from brick and mortar stores and online retailers.

Old Navy
This discount is quite new to us. We’ve shopped for clothing for our whole family at Old Navy for years, but I only just recently found out that they offer a 10% discount every Monday to military members and veterans. After kicking myself for missing out on this deal previously, I realized how awesome this will be when I start shopping for our new baby.

Home Depot
This has always been our immediate and extended family’s favorite discount. My husband and I both come from military families that have owned large homes, so any type of discount on home improvement items are very helpful. My husband periodically needs new tools or special items for his state job, so we use the discount to supply him with what he needs. This is the discount we use most often.

Disney Parks
Most military families are aware of the special offers that Disney Parks has for active military members and veterans. The Armed Forces Salute military discount on theme park tickets and Disney Resort stays are pretty impressive. When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s great to have the option of using this discount on accommodations, as well as possibly staying at the Shades of Green Resort. While we don’t always use this discount (sometimes the regular special offers save more money), we do love that the Walt Disney Corporation gives this option to military families each year.

What are your favorite military discounts to use when shopping?

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