Booking a flight used to be simple. Travelers had the option of booking a seat in either economy or first class. However, more recently, airlines like American Airlines have focused on “product segmentation” — adding in additional fare classes and cabins in an effort to maximize revenue.
Now, travelers have seemingly endless fare options when trying to book a flight. Should you book basic economy or “Main Cabin” — American Airlines’ new term for a standard economy ticket? And what the heck is Main Plus? Let’s dig into the American Airlines class codes, fare classes and more so you can make sense of it all.
American Airlines booking classes
American Airlines uses the following booking classes for revenue (non-award) fares:
Basic economy: B.
Main Cabin: O, Q, N, S, G, V, M, L, K, H, Y.
Premium economy: P, W.
Business class: I, R, D, C, J.
First class: A, F.
You’ll notice that there aren’t separate booking fare classes for Main Cabin Extra, Main Plus, Main Select or Flagship Business Plus as these are just add-on packages on top of the standard fare in that cabin.
American Airlines fare classes
At current count, American Airlines offers at least 11 different fare classes:
First class (domestic).
Main Select.
Main Plus.
Not every flight is going to have every one of these classes. For example, a domestic U.S. flight will typically offer first class, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seating — with basic economy, Main Plus and maybe even Main Select fares sold on that flight.
Meanwhile, an international flight on American Airlines’ flagship Boeing 777-300ER will offer Flagship first class, Flagship business class, premium economy, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seating — typically with basic economy, Main Plus, and sometimes Main Select fares sold in the Main Cabin and the option to buy Flagship Business Plus in business class.
American Airlines different classes of economy fares
Almost every American Airlines flight offers Main Cabin Extra, Main Cabin and basic economy fares. There are also two fare options — Main Plus and Main Select — that give you access to Main Cabin Extra seats and a few other perks.
So, let’s break down the differences between these American Airlines economy fare classes:
Fare Class
Basic economy
Main Cabin
Main Cabin Extra
Main Select
Changes allowed
Yes, with no fee.
Yes, with no fee.
Yes, with no fee.
Fully refundable.
Seat selection
For a fee.
Free for standard seats.
Complimentary for any extra-legroom seat.
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats.
Complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats.
Carry-on bag
1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
Boarding group (out of 9 groups)
Group 9 (Group 8 on certain international flights).
Group 7 and 8.
Alcoholic drinks
Available for purchase.
Available for purchase.
Complimentary beer, wine and spirits.
Complimentary beer, wine and spirits, when you select a Main Cabin Extra seat.
Complimentary beer, wine and spirits, when you select a Main Cabin Extra seat.
Eligible for upgrades
Base mileage earnings
2 miles per dollar.
5 miles per dollar.
5 miles per dollar.
5 miles per dollar.
5 miles per dollar.
Compared to other airlines — looking at you, United Airlines — American Airlines’ basic economy isn’t as punitive. Basic economy passengers still get a full-size carry-on bag, are able to purchase seats from the time of booking and AAdvantage elites are still eligible for upgrades to first class.
However, American Airlines passengers earn 60% fewer miles when booking a basic economy seat compared to a Main Cabin fare. Plus, you won’t be able to change your booking.
Purchasing a Main Cabin fare gets you a higher mileage earning rate, free changes (though a fare difference may apply), free seat selection and a slightly earlier boarding group. However, your seat and in-flight experience will be the same — unless you purchase a Main Cabin Extra seat.
Main Cabin Extra technically isn’t a different fare class. Instead, you score a couple of extra perks by purchasing a “Main Cabin Extra” extra-legroom seat — or selecting it for free if you have AAdvantage elite status. In addition to extra legroom, perks include an earlier boarding group and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. However, you still generally get the same seat type and service as Main Cabin.
Main Plus is essentially a fare class package that adds a free checked bag and Main Cabin Extra on top of a standard Main Cabin ticket.
Likewise, Main Select is a different type of fare package that makes your fare fully refundable, bumps you up to Group 4 priority boarding and lets you make confirmed flight changes the day of departure. However, you don’t get a free checked bag with this option.
Why do American Airlines class codes matter?
If you’re opting to earn AAdvantage miles on an American Airlines flight, your booking class generally doesn’t matter. If you booked basic economy, you’ll earn a base of 2 miles per eligible dollar spent. Otherwise, you’ll earn a base of 5 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent. And AAdvantage elites earn a bonus on top of those base earning rates.
However, your booking class matters if you booked a special fare (e.g. as part of a package), plan to apply a mileage upgrade or plan to credit your flight to another mileage program. In these cases, your American Airlines class codes will determine how many miles you earn or how much your upgrade will cost.
For instance, let’s take a flight from New York-John F. Kennedy to Los Angeles. Booking a $108 one-way basic economy fare will earn a base AAdvantage member 174 miles (2x the base fare of $87). If you book the flight as part of a package, it may code as a special fare and earn 248 miles (10% of the 2,475-mile distance). Or, you can credit this basic economy flight to British Airways to earn 619 Avios (25% of the 2,475-mile distance).
However, if you select the $153 Main Cabin fare instead, you’ll earn 645 AAdvantage miles (619 if booked as a special fare) or 619 Avios. Plus, you gain the ability to upgrade this fare to business class for 15,000 miles plus $75 — if there’s upgrade availability.
If you book at the last-minute or a flight is almost sold out, you’ll likely book into a higher American Airlines fare class. AAdvantage mileage earnings would still be calculated based on the cost, but you’ll earn additional miles when crediting to another mileage program.
How do I find my fare class on American Airlines?
When you’re shopping for a ticket on American, the fare classes are listed under “Details” under each departure time.
Click the “Details” button and a screen will pop up with class code info, broken out by ticket type.
For example, in the screenshot above, the flight from Chicago to Dallas has the following fare classes: B in basic economy, N in main cabin and I in first class.
American Airlines classes and fares recapped
American Airlines offers a large variety of fare classes and booking codes.
While the alphabet soup of booking fare codes has been a part of airlines for years, new American Airlines fare classes like Main Plus, Main Select and Flagship Business Plus add new complications when travelers are booking a flight.
However, knowing the differences between the fare classes and picking the right one can help you get the features you value most — whether that’s an extra legroom seat or higher mileage earnings.
(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Like some of the brand’s trendy outfits, the Forever 21 Credit Card comes in more than one variety. One version can be used with the retailer only, and the other can be used wherever Visa is accepted. Both versions pack rewards and perks that could enhance your wardrobe, but only if you stay on top of expiration dates.
Neither version beats the flexibility of a general rewards credit card, which won’t limit you to shopping or earning rewards with just one retailer, and will have a longer window to make the most of those rewards. Still, the Forever 21 Credit Card can offer free shipping, plus birthday and anniversary incentives, so weigh the value of these benefits to determine whether it’s a good fit.
Here’s what you need to know about the Forever 21 Credit Card.
1. It features decent introductory offers
Compared with some other store credit cards, the Forever 21 Credit Card has fairly generous offers for new cardholders. You can get 20% off your first purchase when the card is used on the same day you open the account. There’s also an opportunity for 15% off when you receive the Forever 21 Credit Card.
These discounts can add up to significant savings, but depending on the amount spent, you can likely do better. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, for example, can allow more time and flexibility to earn its sign-up offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. While you won’t get the bonus immediately, this card offers more time to budget, and you can earn by paying for everyday expenses. On top of that, you’ll also get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR.
2. But ongoing rewards have a limited shelf life
Rewards vary depending on the version of the card. With either version, you’ll earn 3 points per $1 spent with the retailer in stores or online. The Visa card also earns 2 points per $1 spent on qualifying restaurant purchases and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
For every 300 points earned, you’ll automatically get a $5 rewards certificate to be used at Forever 21. That means points are worth a better-than-average 1.6 cents each. The problem, though, is that you can’t bank rewards, and those certificates expire 60 days from the date issued. (Points expire 24 months after posting.) So you may end up having to use reward certificates regardless of whether you actually need a new outfit or accessories.
The certificate is printed on your monthly statement or sent via email with a barcode, according to Lindsey LeBerth, senior manager of corporate affairs at Bread Financial, the bank that issues the Forever 21 Credit Card. Your Forever 21 account will also grant access to your rewards.
For online shoppers, for instance, the $0-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%, and rewards in everyday categories. And as long as the card is active, your rewards don’t expire. Terms apply; see rates and fees.
🤓Nerdy Tip
In-store shoppers who frequent a Forever 21 located inside a Simon Mall might want to consider the $0-annual-fee Simon credit card, which offers cash back on in-person transactions within Simon’s nearly 200 U.S. properties.
3. You’ll have access to some perks
As a Forever 21 cardholder, you’ll get access to some snazzy ongoing perks. On your card anniversary and the retailer’s birthday in April, you’ll get 21% off. On your own birthday, you get a $10 discount on a purchase of a minimum of $25. Terms apply.
You’ll also get access to free standard shipping, events and exclusive offers. General-purpose rewards credit cards don’t typically provide these kinds of store incentives — although, again, they tend to offer richer and more flexible rewards.
4. The high APR is unfashionable
As of this writing, the Forever 21 Credit Card was charging a sky-high interest rate north of 33%. For comparison, the national average rate on credit cards that assessed interest as of August 2023 was significantly lower at 22.77%, according to Federal Reserve data.
It’s not uncommon for store credit cards to have high interest rates, but just know that if you tend to carry a balance month to month, this card will get expensive quickly.
A credit card at a credit union will save you more money, but it may take some minor effort to join and become a member. The $0-annual-fee PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card, for example, earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and it has a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days after account opening. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. But regardless of what credit card you have, do what you can to pay it off in full each month so you never have to worry about the APR.
5. Promotional offers may occasionally be available
The Forever 21 Credit Card’s terms and conditions state that the issuer occasionally offers special financing terms such as deferred interest, waived interest, a low APR or equal payment options.
It’s important to always read the terms and conditions to understand what’s being offered. For instance, deferred interest promotions are typically advertised as “no interest if paid in full by” a certain amount of time. This means that interest continues to accrue in the background during the promotional window, and if the entire balance isn’t paid by the time the promotion expires, you’re on the hook for interest charges dating back to the original purchase. With this card’s high interest rate, it could derail your budget or lead to debt if you’re not prepared to cover that cost.
For a true 0% introductory promotion — which, when it ends, will charge you interest only on your remaining balance at that time — consider the introductory offers listed above for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Blue Business Cash $100 |Blue Business Plus 15,000 | Business Platinum 15,000 | Business Gold 15,000
American Express is offering Blue Business Plus cardholders 15,000 when they add an employee card and the employee card spends $4,000 within six months.
American Express is offering Business Platinum cardholders 15,000 when they add an employee card and the employee card spends $4,000 within six months.
American Express is offering Business Gold cardholders 15,000 when they add an employee card and the employee card spends $4,000 within six months.
American Express is offering Blue Business Cash cardholders $100 when they add an employee card and the employee card spends $4,000 within six months.
You can get the bonus for up to 5 employee cards – total bonus of 75,000 points/$500.
Our Verdict
This isn’t as good as the targeted 20,000 points offer on other business cards, but still could be a nice offer for someone doing the spend anyway. These links might work for everyone (?). You don’t need to supply a SSN when adding an employee card, but the employee needs to add it within 60 days otherwise the account will be closed. (One comment reports they are now stricter with business cards and require SSN immediately upon receipt. YMMV.)
Inside: Looking for delicious, budget-friendly meals? Look no further! This guide has 100+ delicious and frugal recipes that will help you stick to your food budget.
When it comes to keeping your grocery budget in check, meal planning is a powerful tool. It can simplify your life, save you precious time, and stretch your dollars further.
You don’t always need pricey ingredients to whip up something delicious. Creating frugal meals doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor.
Sometimes, a frugal meal could mean something cheaper but equally, if not more, delicious than takeout! The key to this art is using simple, inexpensive ingredients, being creative in their application, and not shying away from condiments, herbs, and spices that can elevate your dish.
Remember, eating frugally is not just cost-effective but also simple and stress-free, utilizing common kitchen staples, and easy-to-locate items.
Join me on my mission to make frugal meals that are adored by my family and my thrifty self appreciates.
Frugal Breakfast Ideas:
A frugal breakfast should not equate to boring. Here are a few ways to start your day off right without stressing your wallet:
Waffles/Pancakes: These could be made with basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and baking powder. Top with peanut butter or dust of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor!
Eggs: Cooked to your preference, be it fried, boiled, or scrambled, they are not only easy on the pocket but also a rich source of protein.
Oatmeal: Buy oats in bulk and pair them with over-ripe bananas, pumpkin butter, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. It’s a hearty and filling for just about anyone.
Muffins: Basic muffin ingredients include flour, eggs, and baking powder. For an element of surprise, add in nuts, blueberries, or mashed bananas.
French Toast: With eggs, cinnamon, and loaves of French bread, you can whip up a scrumptious breakfast.
Homemade Bread/Toast: If you’re up to the task, making your own bread could be a money-saving option. This is something I do with sourdough bread. Pair the fresh bread with either sweet or savory toppings.
Omelets: Eggs are a cheap source of protein. Whip up an omelet and serve it with your choice of inexpensive veggies.
Homemade Biscuits: Biscuits are a great addition to any frugal breakfast, with just “milk” and flour ingredients. Pair them with a little meat or enjoy them in butter. Just like my great Aunt Marie made at the ranch.
Choose Spice for Breakfast: This recipe for Mexican baked eggs uses budget friendly canned beans and eggs as a protein source. It’s super simple to make in less than 30 minutes, with eggs baked in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce with black beans, poblanos, and corn. Serve with plenty of corn tortillas for a super satisfying meal.
Frugal Lunch Ideas:
Lunch should be something to look forward to, even if you’re on a tight budget. Here are frugal lunch ideas that keep your tummy and your wallet happy.
Salad: A salad is an excellent choice for a frugal lunch, it’s both cost-effective and healthy. Based on what’s available in your fridge, you can combine different vegetables, proteins, and dressings to create a filling and tasty meal every day.
Sandwiches: The humble sandwich can be as frugal or as lavish as you like. Tuna, grilled cheese, peanut butter, and jelly, ham… you name it, sandwiches offer a great variety.
Homemade Soup: Consider creamy potato soup, creamy vegetable soup, or even curried cauliflower soup. They can be light yet fulfilling, and the ingredients are reasonably priced.
Toast Pizza: Save money by using toast as your pizza base, add what you have in the fridge, top it off with cheese, and cook it under the grill or in the oven.
Baked Potatoes: A toasty baked potato with butter is a delightful, inexpensive lunch. Top it up with fillings such as cheese or broccoli.
Remember, lunch doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Use what you have at home for a more sustainable, economical, and satisfying meal.
Frugal Dinner Ideas:
Dinner is the time when families come together, share their day, and unite over food. There’s a common misconception that frugal foods are bland and monotonous. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make dinner delicious and satisfying.
Spaghetti: Who knew that the ultimate comfort food could be so cheap? Combine spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce or cheese, add your favorite seasonings, and voila! You have a delicious meal.
Baked potatoes: Fully customizable and super simple to be a dinner game-changer. Top them with cheese, sour cream, or any other leftovers like chili!
Stir Fry: This is a perfect way to use up any veggies you have. Throw in some meat if you have it, cook with rice and tasty sauce, and your stir fry is ready!
Tacos: Pick up tortillas, get ground beef, or use dried beans, lettuce, and salsa, and there you have your Taco night. You can also swap out the beef for beans, and it’ll still taste delightful.
Breakfast for Dinner: Who said breakfast foods are only for mornings? Whip up scrambled eggs, toast, or pancakes, and enjoy a breakfast-style dinner!
Creating a delicious, nutritious, and frugal dinner can be easier than you might think. It’s all about making the most out of the resources you have, every day.
Recipe Breakdown : Variety Of Frugal Meals
Satisfying Soup & Salad Recipes on a Shoestring
When it comes to frugality, nothing beats the soup and salad combination. These meals are not only hearty and satisfying but also easy on your wallet. With just a few ingredients, these recipes will bring variety and nutrition to your kitchen without putting a strain on your wallet.
Here are a few of our favorite frugal soup and salad recipes:
The Best Chicken Soup Recipe: Simplicity meets flavor without breaking the bank. Utilizing affordable ingredients and leftover chicken, this soup is a testament to how economical choices can still yield rich, comforting results.
Cauliflower and Bacon Soup:
Instant Pot Three Sisters Soup: A blend of corn, beans, and squash.
Root Vegetable Soup: Healthy, comforting, and made with only a few simple and inexpensive ingredients! It’s prepared with veggies like carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, and potatoes simmered in a savory broth.
Healthy Roast Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup: Winter favorite loaded with nutrients.
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Comfort food at its best.
Smoky Black Bean Soup: Protein packed, tasty, and hearty.
Hearty Lentil Soup: Healthy and will keep you warm during the winter! It’s made with only a few ingredients and requires no special equipment. This soup is made with lentils, veggies, and spices simmered in a savory tomato broth.
Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Exotic, aromatic, and down-right delicious.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe: Classic soup, ready in no time.
Vegetable Barley Soup: With protein-rich chickpeas, cabbage, potatoes, and the twist of curry spices, this soup is easy, comforting, and delicious!
The Very Best Ham And Potato Soup With Peas: Savory, delicious and economical.
Cheap and Easy Hamburger Soup: Mouthwatering and super easy to prepare.
Creamy Vegetarian Potato Soup: Originally named 45-Cent Potato Soup because that was how much it cost per serving over a decade ago! The cost has increased a bit but this hearty potato soup is still a keeper. Creamy potato soup with veggies and milk – thick, velvety, and hearty. It’s on constant rotation at our house!
Moreover, when it comes to salads, using seasonal produce, beans, or leftover veggies can be an affordable way to create nutritious meals. Add chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs for protein, or keep it simple with fresh greens and a homemade dressing.
Remember, a frugal lifestyle does not mean you have to compromise on taste or variety. It’s about being creative with what you have!
Cut Costs with these Cheap ‘n Cheerful Chicken Recipes
Dinner necessity is the mother of so many amazing chicken dinners! Plus it is an excellent protein option that can be inexpensive, especially if you seize sales or buy in bulk.
Maple Chicken & Potato Supper: This recipe turns an affordable cut of chicken and two types of potatoes into a family favorite.
One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes: Chicken thighs are cheap, add in potatoes, onions, and carrots for a hearty comfort meal.
Leftover Chicken Curry and Vegetables: Lots of recipes use leftover chicken or turkey. But this “All the Leftovers” Chicken Curry also uses your leftover vegetables. Clean out your refrigerator today!
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: A quick, deliciously rich, and slightly spicy meal made up of chicken, black beans, and stewed tomatoes.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos: With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, this is a lifesaver for busy nights.
Chicken Curry and Quinoa: Simple, tasty, and feels like a treat without the expense.
One Pan Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe with Green Beans and Red Potatoes: This recipe is easy and inexpensive when you grab the chicken thighs on sale! It is easy to prepare, a healthier option and a family favorite!
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas: A perfect, weeknight meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots: A value for money meal with chicken thighs – one of the cheapest chicken cuts.
One-Pan Chicken Legs with Chickpeas and Quinoa: A wholesome, naturally sweet dish with a few spices.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Made with pantry staples, this comforting dinner recipe is frugal and filling. Full of pasta, creamy sauce, and canned chicken, your family will be asking for seconds!
Chicken Fried Rice: Uses leftovers efficiently, add veggies, and you have a meal.
Easy Pizza Chicken Recipe: A low carb and high protein meal, especially when you use ordinary cheddar.
Remember, maximizing flavor in cheap chicken recipes often relies on using good quality, inexpensive ingredients, and cooking techniques like slow cooking or sautéing. Happy cooking!
Beautiful Beef Dishes that Benefit Your Wallet
When trying to maintain a frugal lifestyle, using affordable cuts of beef like ground beef, shin, or skirt steak can yield mouth-watering meals that don’t bust the budget. Here are a few beef recipes that are both economical and satisfying:
Ground Beef Stroganoff: A classic comfort food that is simple, quick, and incredibly hearty.
Poor Man’s Stew: An excellent choice for a filling, cheap, and tasty meal for a whole family.
Simple Hamburger Hotdish: This simple hamburger hotdish (casserole) makes delicious use of affordable and easy-to-find ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce. This is a great meal idea to feed a family.
Beef Skillet Nachos: Layer chips, ground beef, and cheese in a skillet for an easy, cost-effective meal.
Homemade Beef and Noodles: An economical-friendly classic that can serve a good number of people.
Tortellini Bake: This 4 ingredient Tortellini Bake uses common ingredients like ground beef and marinara sauce to make a satisfying and hearty meal for families!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Across the realms of deliciousness and frugality, this casserole rings the bell.
Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup: Combining the wholesome elements of beef, macaroni, and tomatoes provides a satiating meal at an affordable cost.
Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: Brimming with colorful vegetables and protein-rich beef, this dish is a delight to both the stomach and the wallet.
Taco Skillet: It’s the taste of tacos in a convenient and cost-friendly rice skillet.
Classic Stuffed Peppers: Filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and a zesty sauce, it’s a comfort meal that’s easy on the pocket.
Sesame-Ginger Beef: This dinner calls for an inexpensive cut of meat.
By creatively utilizing budget cuts and leftovers, you can create economical, hearty, and tasty beef dishes for yourself and your family, fostering a love for cooking while sticking to a money plan.
Money-saving Meatless Meal Marvels
When it comes to cost-saving, meatless or vegetarian dishes are a winner. Not only are they usually cost-effective, but they’re also often packed with nutrients. Here are meatless recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds, without denting your wallet:
Quinoa Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce: Use cabbage and edamame to make a balanced lunch. The peanut sauce is flavor-packed and uses pantry staples, and the quinoa is easy to swap with rice or pasta.
Vegan Lentil Curry: Packed with nutrition, this dish makes an inexpensive, protein-rich meal.
Jamaican Rice and Peas: Economical rice and beans doesn’t need to be boring. Jamaican rice and peas are easy to make in the slow cooker. This flavorful, easy recipe brings delicious Caribbean flavor to any meal as a side dish or a complete meal on its own.
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: Proof that vegetarian dinners can be delightfully hearty, this twist on classic lasagna is a crowd-pleaser.
Bean, Tomato, and Spinach Stew: A hearty and richly flavored dish that is low cost and satisfying.
Vegan Texas Tamale Pie: Great down-home, budget-friendly meal is perfect to whip up when you need something hearty, healthy, and filling to serve to your hungry family or friends in under an hour. Prepared with basic canned ingredients you might keep in your cupboard, this simple recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes with the groceries you have on hand.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill peppers with a delicious mixture of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Eggplant Parmesan: Classic Italian dish, easy to make, and delicious to eat.
Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans: Feed your family for pennies a bowl with pasta e fagioli. Cucina povera Italian food is the food of peasants, but it is so delicious! Only three inexpensive ingredients are needed to make this quick and easy, nutritious, one pot weeknight meal.
Potato & Zucchini Frittata: Use up your leftover veggies and whip up a quick frittata for dinner.
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese: A classic that’s both inexpensive and palate-pleasing.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry: A colorful medley of veggies stir-fried in a savory sauce served over rice.
Spaghetti aglio e olio: This spaghetti aglio olio (with garlic and olive oil) is probably one of the most popular classic Italian pasta recipes and yet it’s so simple, budget friendly and super easy to make!
Butternut Squash Risotto: This dish, while sounding fancy, is frugal and straightforward to make.
Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese: This is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s lighter on the wallet than traditional bolognese.
Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi: A simple and quick & inexpensive recipe to make in only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.
Implementing meatless meals can significantly cut down on grocery bills, with the added bonus of being healthier and environmentally friendly.
So why not give these recipes a try for your next frugal feast?
Luscious Low-Budget Lunch Ideas
The midday meal can often be overlooked when planning budget-friendly meals. Don’t let lunch blow your allowance! Here are a few low-cost, lip-smacking lunch ideas:
Bean Burritos: Beans and cheese wrapped in a tortilla can be quite satisfying and light on the pocket too.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches: A classic frugal lunch option that’s rich in protein.
Egg Salad Wraps: Egg salad in a wrap is a fulfilling lunch that’s economical.
Homemade Hummus and Veggies: Prepare hummus at home and pair it with fresh veggies for a light and inexpensive lunch.
Mixed Bean Salad: Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition and offer a low-cost lunch option. Mix different beans and dress them up with herbs and spices for a flavorful lunch.
Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes: A cheesy baked potato with veggies is filling and affordable.
PB&J: Peanut butter and jelly never go out of style and are a great low-cost lunch option.
Tuna Tomato Pasta: Tuna tomato pasta is a delicious healthy and easy recipe that only takes 20 minutes to make. With just a few basic ingredients it’s budget friendly too!
Falafel Wraps: Homemade falafel is quite reasonable and can be wrapped up with pita and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.
Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad with veggies is a cheap and filling lunch idea.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Leftover rice, mixed with whatever veggies you have on hand, makes for a delectable and affordable lunch.
When your lunch is as tasty as it is affordable, you’re winning at the game of frugality. Enjoy these luscious lunch ideas without breaking the bank!
Delightful Dinner Recipes That Don’t Dig A Hole In Your Pocket
Dinner is the meal you eagerly look forward to after a long day. Unfortunately, it can also be the priciest meal of the day. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are delightful, cost-effective dinner recipes:
Sloppy Joe Pasta: A homemade mix of pantry staples for a mouth-wateringly filling, budget-friendly twist on the classic Sloppy Joe.
Easy Chilaquiles: Fresh made tortilla chips smothered in homemade salsa, chilaquiles are the best way to make a flavor-packed meal on a budget!
Cottage Pie: Make a delicious cottage pie in the instant pot pressure cooker from scratch. Ideal for using up leftovers and easy to make!
Chicken Pot Pie: Homemade and padded out with cheap, seasonal veggies, it’s a classic favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Mince & Potato Stew: Heartwarming, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and easier on the pocket.
Linguine with Clam Sauce: Using canned or jarred clams, this linguine dish is made from simple pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank. Dive into a dinner of delicious choice for yumminess.
One Pot Sausage, White Beans, and Kale: It combines flavorful sausage, rich canned tomatoes, white beans, fresh kale, and a few herbs and spices – a cupboard-friendly, inexpensive dinner option.
Tacos: They’re versatile, they’re delicious, and most importantly, they’re cheap.
Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes: Canned salmon and potatoes create a delicious, inexpensive dinner the family will love. They are super easy to make and you can freeze them, too. Even those who dislike salmon enjoy these fish cakes!
Asian-Style Chicken Noodles: This recipe uses leftover chicken and packs a lot of flavors without a lot of cost.
Pasta Arrabbiata: This inexpensive pasta dish is full of garlic, tomatoes, and spicy red pepper flakes. Simple, yet incredibly delicious.
Garlicky Spinach and White Bean Pasta: This recipe is packed with flavor thanks to a surprise, budget-friendly ingredient – tinned anchovies! Simply toss cooked pasta with spinach, white beans, and a garlicky anchovy sauce. It’s easy to throw together for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Egg Fried Rice: It’s a quick, healthy meal that anyone can cook.
Leftover Pasta Bake: Don’t waste food! Turn your leftovers into a treat with our leftover pasta bake!
Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles: A quick, healthy dinner full of veggies and flavor.
Low-cost does not mean low taste. These dinner recipes prove just that. So get cooking and start saving!
Put it in Pot and Forget It – Cheap and Easy Crockpot Creations
Using a crockpot or slow cooker can be a real lifesaver for busy individuals or families. Not only does it save time but it’s also a great way to save money by making inexpensive cuts of meat tender and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: Slowly simmered in marinara sauce for a frugal dinner that’s hard to beat! Just serve over pasta or polenta for an easy dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious for lunches.
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: The economical version of your favorite takeout dish.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup: Inexpensive, full of flavor, and so hearty!
Creamy Crockpot Chicken: Warm shredded chicken and gravy in your slow cooker for the win.
Crockpot Baked Beans: Cheaper and healthier than store-bought!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Sweet, tangy, and made with a handful of pantry staples.
Crockpot Lentil Soup: Super hearty, packed with nutrients, and so easy to whip up!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast: The easiest one pot meal and is an instant win for family dinner! Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Easy to prepare for weeknight meals or special occasions alike, this easy pot roast recipe is always a crowd-pleaser!
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken: Just two ingredients are required for this super versatile recipe.
Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup: Healthy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make.
Chicken Paprikas Recipe: Use chicken thighs and cauliflower which make it a super frugal meal. If you prefer you can serve it over rice instead of the cauliflower but even her kids agree that the cauliflower version is delicious.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Yes, even mac and cheese can be done in a crockpot! Even better try this Broccoli Mac Kielbasa Casserole.
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: This recipe uses inexpensive and filling beans and veggies, perfect for when you’ve leftover ham.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili: A vegan twist on this classic comfort food for those chilly days ahead makes for a healthy dinner packed with nutrients brimming with flavor!
Each of these meals will serve you without making a significant dent in your grocery budget. Enjoy the convenience and frugality that slow cooking brings!
Make It Snappy With Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that’s excellent for fast, delicious meals when you’re on a budget.
Instant Pot Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta: This easy dish combines a few affordable ingredients into a hearty meal that your family will love.
BBQ Beans Instant Pot Recipe: A frugal recipe that’s great as a main dish or a filler for burritos.
Easy Pizza Potatoes in the Instant Pot: A simple pairing of pizza flavors and potatoes for a wallet-friendly dish.
Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza: Only 5 minutes and a handful of low-cost ingredients to a delicious DIY pizza.
Sweet Potato, Lentil and Chickpea Curry: This vegan instant pot recipe is full of flavor, super hearty and delicious, and extremely reasonable to make.
Mushroom Masala- Mushroom Curry: An exotic and easy-to-prepare mushroom curry that satisfies without stretching the dollars.
Chicken and Sausage Paella in the Instant Pot: Cut down cost by using sausage and chicken thighs for this easy, savory dish.
Instant Pot Tuna Casserole: Comfort on the cheap, using pantry staples.
Fast and Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Made using basic pantry staples and suitable for both adult and kid taste buds.
These Instant Pot ideas are not only quick and easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. They’re proof that frugal doesn’t mean boring!
Handy Kitchen Tools for Budget-Savvy Cooking
When it comes to frugal cooking, your kitchen gadgets can be your best companions. These tools can save you both time and produce restaurant-quality dishes at home for a fraction of the cost.
Many are the same as frugal home must haves!
Only rely on tools that you use regularly in order to maximize their cost. So, equip your kitchen with these practical, cost-effective tools, and enjoy a more manageable culinary journey.
FAQs: Navigate Your Approach to Cost-Efficient Eats
Eating lunch at work doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune, following these tricks can save you a lot of money:
Meal prep: Plan your meals ahead of time. Invest in a few hours during the weekend or your day off to cook large amounts and portion them out for the week ahead.
Leftovers Are Your Best Friend: Make a bit extra while cooking dinner, and voila, you’ve got lunch for the next day. A yummy, cheap, no-fuss, and no-waste solution!
Pack Your Own Snacks: Trade small shop-bought packs of snacks for a large bag or bulk-buy from a wholesale store. Divide them into small reusable containers for your daily hunger itch.
Invest in a Flask: A good quality thermos flask can keep your homemade soup or stew warm until lunchtime and it’s a lot cheaper than buying soup from a cafe.
Remember, the key is not to take complicated dinners which takes a lot of time. Rather, simple sandwiches, yogurt with fruits, homemade soup even boiled eggs can make great inexpensive lunch options. Planning ahead is key when you’re trying to eat on a budget.
There are several cheap meals you can whip up using budget-friendly ingredients. The absolute cheapest would depend on what you already have on hand in your pantry or the cost of ingredients in your locality.
Rice & Beans: This is a universally cheap and filling meal that can be flavored with some stock, onions, and spices.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce: This is a popular choice when it comes to cheap ideas. All it takes is a rigatoni of your choice, a basic tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Cereal & Milk: A bowl of generic brand cereal and milk is an incredibly cheap meal. It lacks in terms of proteins and fats, but it can be a good quick fix.
Eggs on Toast: Eggs and bread are both cheap elements. Whip up scrambled eggs or make a simple boiled egg sandwich.
Potato Soup: One of the cheapest vegetables around, and they make a filling, simple potato soup.
Homemade Pizza: Using basic homemade dough and simple tomato sauce, you can add anything you have on hand to make a delicious pizza.
Remember, the cheapest dinners typically use basic pantry staples. By having a well-stocked pantry, you’ll be able to whip up a variety of low-cost dinner ideas.
A frugal meal doesn’t equate to scanty or tasteless. Here’s what defines a frugal meal:
Inexpensive Ingredients: Frugal meals predominantly use cheaper ingredients. Find plenty of cheap foods when broke (and you don’t need to be broke).
Fewer Ingredients: Meals with minimal ingredients are typically more economical. They aren’t stuffed with fancy extras, but they make up for it in hearty flavor.
Uses Pantry Staples: Rely on pantry staples like rice, dried pasta, canned goods, and dry baking ingredients.
Repurposes Leftovers: Instead of wasting ingredients incorporate leftovers in innovative ways.
Meal Prep and Batch Cooking: Cooking in bulk and freezing dinners for later can be a massive money saver, reducing waste and reducing the number of ingredients needed overall.
Limited Meat or Vegetarian: As meat is typically one of the more expensive ingredients, frugal cooking is often vegetarian or uses meat sparingly.
While frugal meals won’t always hit all these factors, if they contain a few of these aspects, you can be assured they will provide a cost-effective dining experience. A frugal meal strives to offer nutritional balance, satisfying taste, and minimal impact on your wallet.
Perfecting the Art of Frugal Cooking
Preparing budget-friendly cooking not only saves money but also reduces food waste and can create a warm, comfortable home. This is how to be frugal with food. Here are some expert tips to get you rolling:
Plan Your Meal Calendar: Plan out your menu for the week, keeping in mind what ingredients you already have.
Shop Smart: Shop for groceries with a list in hand so you don’t end up buying unnecessary items. Look out for sales, and discounts, and try to shop in bulk.
Utilize Leftovers: Don’t throw away leftovers. Repurpose them into a new meal or use them as an ingredient in another dish.
Use More Vegetables and Grains: Vegetables and grains are generally cheaper than meat and can be used to bulk out dinners.
Freeze Extras: If you cook in bulk, freeze the extra portions for a later date. This can act as a lifesaver during busy periods.
Use Cheap Cuts of Meat: Cheap cuts, such as chicken thighs, can be just as delicious as expensive ones, especially when slow-cooked.
Cook from Scratch: Convenience foods often cost a lot more than the sum of their parts.
Grow Your Own: If you have a garden, consider growing your own vegetables and herbs.
Reduce Waste: Get creative in the kitchen and use parts of food that you’d otherwise throw away.
Remember, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can prepare delicious, healthful meals without breaking the bank! It’s all about making smart choices.
Which Filling Cheap Meals are You Going to Try?
Embarking on these frugal meals can help stretch the budget while still enjoying a variety of flavorful and satisfying dishes.
Whether you are budgeting on a low income or just want to stretch your dollar further with going teens, we have given you plenty of options to eat well and healthy.
Many on this list are my personal favorites. This is how we stay on our grocery budget.
The biggest step is learning how to meal plan and stick to the menu! Now, off to move frugal living tips to save money!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a travel credit card offering a long list of benefits for travelers. For the card’s $395 annual fee, you get a lot of perks — an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, a 10,000-point anniversary bonus and Priority Pass lounge access, among other travel perks.
The card also offers several travel insurance benefits, which makes it a good choice for booking travel. Even if another card offers you more points, paying for travel with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might make sense if the other card doesn’t have insurance and you want coverage.
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
If you pay with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card you can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per person for any nonrefundable airline, bus, train or ferry tickets if your trip is canceled or cut short for an eligible reason. Only the cardholder, their spouse and any dependent children are covered.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The card’s included trip interruption or cancellation insurance doesn’t provide coverage for prepaid tours or hotel reservations.
The card’s plan only covers trip cancellation or interruption in two specific scenarios:
The death, injury or illness of you or an immediate family member.
Financial insolvency of the common carrier, resulting in default.
If you have to cancel a trip or return home early for any other reason, this policy will not reimburse you the cost of your tickets.
How to submit a trip cancellation or interruption claim
Trip cancellation and interruption protections are managed by an external claims administrator, so you’ll need to work with them to process your request. Claims can be initiated by mail to the following address: CBSI Card Benefit Services; 550 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 309; Harrison, NY 10528.
Once you’ve initiated your claim, you’ll use the portal at www.myclaimsagent.com to upload documents and check the status of your claim. Note that you can’t initiate claims online.
You should submit your claim within 20 days of when the incident that cancels or interrupts your travel occurred. Once you’ve received the required forms from the benefits administrator, you’ll need to sign and return them, along with all necessary documentation, within 15 days.
Here are some of the documents you may be required to submit:
Copies of proof of cancellation from the common carrier, as well as an itinerary with the traveler’s names and ticket cost.
Document showing the common carrier’s cancellation policies.
A copy of your credit card statement, showing that the travel was charged to your card.
Confirmation showing the reason for the trip cancellation or interruption.
Other claim documentation, as requested by the benefit administrator.
Trip delay coverage
When you book your airline or other common carrier tickets with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you also receive trip delay coverage.
If your trip is delayed by more than six hours, or requires an unexpected overnight stay, you’ll receive up to $500 per eligible passenger toward any reasonable incurred expenses. This typically includes purchases like hotel accommodations, food, toiletries and other essentials.
Capital One offers trip delay coverage when you use credit card rewards for your travel or pay for all or part of the fare with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Plus, it covers you, your spouse and any children under 22 years of age.
How to file a trip delay reimbursement claim
Within 30 days of your trip, you’ll need to file a claim with the benefits administrator by filling out a form at www.eclaimsline.com or calling 800-825-4062. Be sure to save your receipts and get a statement from your carrier about the reason for the delay.
Here’s what you’ll be expected to provide with your claim:
A copy of your itinerary and common carrier tickets.
Your monthly billing statement, showing that your travel expenses were charged to your account.
A statement from your common carrier stating the reason for the delay.
Itemized receipts for expenses claimed.
Common carrier travel accident coverage
Even with careful planning, accidents can happen when traveling. If you’re injured (or worse) while traveling on a common carrier, you’re protected by up to $1,000,000 of travel accident insurance — as long as you charge your trip to your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. The coverage protects you against loss of life or specific, significant bodily injuries.
Capital One’s coverage is door-to-door as long as you’ve charged your common carrier fare to your card. This means you’ll be protected from your home all the way to your destination, including any travel by taxi, bus, ferry or other form of public transportation.
How to file a travel accident claim
If you need to file a claim under Capital One’s common carrier travel accident insurance policy, contact Broadspire, the claim administrator for this benefit. Broadspire’s contact information is as follows: Broadspire, a Crawford company; P.O. Box 459084; Sunrise, FL 33345. It can also be reached by phone at 855-307-9248.
During the claims process, you’ll need to fill out a form and provide the requested documentation and proof of loss.
Lost or damaged baggage coverage
When an airline loses or damages your luggage, you may receive some compensation, but it might not cover the total cost of your loss. If you’ve booked your trip with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, its lost luggage coverage can make up the difference. This benefit will pay up to $3,000 per passenger to cover the difference between what the airline pays you and the value of your claim.
The lost luggage policy also covers carry-on baggage, but only in cases where it was damaged or mishandled by the common carrier.
How to file a lost or damaged baggage claim
Your first step when you have a lost or damaged bag is to submit a claim with the common carrier. Once you’ve done this, you should contact the benefits administrator at 800-825-4062 or file online at www.eclaimsline.com. You’ll need to do this within 20 days of the bag being lost or damaged.
You’ll also need to provide documentation, including:
A copy of your billing statement showing payment of the common carrier fare.
A copy of your common carrier ticket.
Evidence of any payment provided by the common carrier as a settlement of your baggage claim.
The declarations page of any other applicable insurance policies, plus copies of any settlements from them.
Rental car collision coverage
Rental car insurance, also known as an auto rental collision damage waiver, protects you against the cost of damage to or theft of a rental car.
As long as you charge the rental to your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver agreement, you’ll receive reimbursement for the cost of theft or damage of the rental car. The coverage is primary and covers the actual cash value of the rental, up to $75,000 when the vehicle is new.
Capital One’s car rental insurance doesn’t cover liability — meaning if you damage property or injure someone with your rental car, they can still pursue a claim against you or your personal automobile insurance. Additionally, the coverage has some exclusions, including rentals in specific countries, antique and luxury cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs) and cargo vans, among others.
The rental period cannot be longer than 15 days within your country of residence or 31 days outside your country of residence.
How to submit a rental car insurance claim
If you need to submit a rental car insurance claim, you’ll want to inform the benefits administrator as soon as possible — but no later than 45 days after the incident occured. As soon as you are aware of damage or theft, you should call the benefit administrator at 800-825-4062. You can also start your claim online at www.eclaimsline.com.
During the claim process, you’ll be required to provide documentation:
A copy of the rental company’s accident report form and the rental car agreement.
A copy of a repair estimate and itemized repair bill.
Photos of the damaged vehicle.
A police report, if available and/or applicable.
A copy of the letter from the rental agency showing what costs you are responsible for and what has already been paid.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card travel insurance recapped
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a suite of travel protection benefits that can protect you when you’re on the road and encounter unexpected circumstances.
Be sure to read your card’s guide to benefits to understand important benefit limitations and exclusions.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
We received a neat tip from usccstrategy which simplifies figuring out which card you used when referring a friend to an Amex card:
Look at your rewards transactions showing the referrer bonus. You’ll see there a string of letters/numbers attached to each referral bonus. Example:
See in the above screenshot one of the referrals is described as “K3QE” and one is described as “K3YC”.
Next, check your referral link. Look at the full expanded version of the link. Near the end of the long link you’ll see the 4-digit code which represents the card for referrals. That code will correspond to the code you see in the login.
For example, one code I checked ends with “92-201279-K50U%3A9997&v=1&xl=cp10gx”. If that card would refer a friend, they would see “K50U” in their rewards login. Cool.
With most things in life, what’s “best” is inherently subjective and depends on each person’s needs and perspective. It’s no different with credit cards. Even a card with tons of great perks won’t be the right fit for everyone.
When we pick the best credit cards each year, sometimes old winners are surpassed by new cards with superior benefits. In other instances, our picks reflect the new priorities of the people most likely to use the cards.
The three new winners in 2024 reflect both types of changes. Here are the cards that won and why they earned our votes this year.
Category: Best balance transfer credit card
Why the Citi Simplicity® Card won: Basic math tells the tale of the Citi Simplicity® Card’s triumph over last year’s winner, BankAmericard® credit card. The Citi Simplicity® Card gives cardholders 21 months without interest on balance transfers compared with 18 billing cycles on the BankAmericard® credit card.
The balance transfer fee on both cards is 3%, the industry standard. Note, however, that the transfer fee on the Citi Simplicity® Card increases to 5% if the balance transfer is made after the first four months of account opening.
As an added bonus, the Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t charge late fees. Other cards, including the BankAmericard® credit card, can charge as much as $40 for a single late payment.
Category: Best airline credit card
Why the United℠ Explorer Card won: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card had a long run as our top pick for airline credit card, and for good reason. Its perk of a free checked bag for you and up to eight (eight!) traveling companions each time you fly Delta is unmatched. Terms apply. But this year we named the United℠ Explorer Card as the 2024 winner by virtue of its credits and lounge access.
The United℠ Explorer Card offers up to a $100 credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, a nice perk that gets you through airport security faster. You can get a $100 statement credit with the Delta Gold, too — but you’ll have to spend a lofty $10,000 to qualify, and it’s only good toward a Delta flight.
United℠ Explorer Card holders also get two lounge passes a year, good for entry into any of the over 45 United Club lounges. For a mid-tier travel card, that’s a really luxurious benefit. By contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card eliminated the ability to access the lounge for a $29 fee (and other Delta cards will restrict lounge access in the future).
Category: Best credit card for college students
Why the Discover it® Student Chrome won: Yes, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a higher rewards rate in some eligible spending categories than the Discover it® Student Chrome. The Discover card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter; 1% thereafter. The Capital One card earns 3% cash back on several popular spending categories, including dining and purchases at grocery stores, but it lacks some key benefits that appeal to many students. The Discover it® Student Chrome offers:
A waiver on the first late payment fee.
A breather on interest for new purchases. The card has the following promotional APR: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.24% Variable APR. A break from interest, even for just a semester, can be a big help in financing major purchases like textbooks.
A potentially big sign-up bonus. The Discover it® Student Chrome has the same welcome offer found in any one of Discover’s nonstudent cards: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. Say you spent $300 a month on your Student Chrome. Assuming a 1% cash back rate, you would come away with $72 by your account anniversary.
Do you ever feel like you’re just living your life between your home and the office? Does it get crowded feeling like home is completely your responsibility, and the office is only for work? If so, you might need to find what is often referred to as a “third place.” A third place is somewhere that allows for freedom of expression and exploration without the constraints of either your home or work environment. In this post, we’re discussing the top 15 ways in which you can discover how to create long-lasting moments in this particular spot.
1. High-School Gym
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user shared, “My high-school gym was like a third place. I originally went there because I had nowhere to go for lunch and a break. Didn’t want to become a target for bullying by looking lonely. Made some friends in the gym and got pretty strong in the process. After school, I joined a gym, which was the opposite experience. There’s no sense of community. Awkwardness and silent judgment fill the air. It’s more like the atmosphere of waiting at a bus stop.”
Another user responded, “I don’t really know if the gym counts as a third place anymore. Everyone’s on their air pods and not wanting to bother others or talk.”
2. City-Organized Adult Sports
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Community sports are a good option, if there’s a thriving community already in place in your area. Sure, it’ll take some work at first. It might take time for your fitness level to reach the average on the sports team or group you join, and it almost always takes a while to really hit it off with new friends. But once you’re invested, the payoff can be really worthwhile. Imagine if you could count on meeting friends at least once a week, maybe more, to have a good workout, good conversation, and maybe even hang out afterwards?
Another user shared, “Depends a bit on the size of town/city you live in. In my city, there’s a group of runners that do like a Saturday morning group/ open to anyone running. Everyone is pretty friendly. Folks gather and chat for 30 minutes before the run.
“We also have adult sports throughout the city, so stuff like softball, soccer, and basketball, where they’ll paste together a team from singles or place you on a team that’s one person short. I also once took a class at REI in bike maintenance and met a couple of nice folks. REI also organizes events that I think probably draw in folks looking for an interaction (day hikes, trail runs, kayak trips).”
3. Library
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Admittedly, libraries are probably not top-of-mind for most of us. But all the same, libraries have a lot more classes than just toddler story time. There’s often classes for things like poetry, story-writing, computer programming, art, and more. And while your skill might eventually outgrow the free library class, you could come away with a new hobby and new friends!
One user shared, “Hit the library friend. There’s all sorts of programming, and it’s free!”
4. Something We Have to Create
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One observation of third places is that sometimes, we just have to create them. But honestly, it could be anywhere. Maybe you like hiking at a local park, or there’s a quiet coffee shop near your home. Maybe you have the space to create a special nook in your home with a bookshelf and twinkle lights, or the ability to build a shed in the backyard you can develop into your own special space. Maybe it’s as simple as sitting in your car for half an hour after you get home and playing some quiet music while you read a book for a few minutes.
“I’m glad finally someone brought it up. It’s something we have to create, and it could be anywhere. I sometimes chill in my car with the radio playing softly. Normally I am alone, but once I had a friend join me, surprisingly they said it was enjoyable,” one commenter chimed in.
5. Bars
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Once upon a time, a local bar or pub made for a great third space. In some places they still do, but you may need to do some hunting. Look for a coffee shop that’s open late and maybe serves wine and bear. Maybe there’s a small diner with options affordable enough that you can become a regular. Whatever it is, a bar, coffee shop or restaurant can make an excellent third space.
One user commented, “That’s what bars used to be for.”
Another Redditor replied, “Too expensive nowadays …”
6. Suburban Strip Malls
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One online Redditor commented, “I’m 24, and I’m in the same boat. I live at home in the suburbs, so I typically go to suburban strip malls or the gym, but I also don’t have much to do otherwise (other than work and occasional chores).”
7. Paddleboard
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Do you have any state parks or trails nearby? Arboretum? Rock climbing gym? What about exploring an apparatus like the Lyra or silks? Jogging outdoors?
“Do you have any lakes nearby? Paddleboarding can be an excellent meditative core workout.”, one user suggested.
8. A Tree Fort
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor posted, “Build a tree fort near your house.”
Honestly, tree houses would probably still appeal to a lot of us. But even if not, why not build one for your kids? They’d probably love it, and you can instill in them the ability to curate their own special area.
9. Meetup Dot Com
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“meetup dot com … Search for your interests. Rock climbing, CrossFit, doggie playdates, adult sports leagues through the park district, fibre arts, ultimate, pottery, etc.,” one user suggested.
The OP replied, “I’ve tried that, but it always seems geared towards an older demographic.”
10. A Local Recreation Center
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
If everyone in gyms is getting to focused on getting through their own workout without talking to anyone, try a community center. They’re usually already full of people who are looking for friendships and teammates!
One Redditor posted, “Try your local recreation center. They have classes, sports event sign-ups, sometimes pools depending on area, other resources and group gatherings.”
11. Athletic Courts
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user said, “If you’re specifically looking for fitness and activity, I would check out nearby athletic courts or social media for exercise groups.”
12. Discord Servers
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“It sounds like what you need to do is meet other people as opposed to finding a new space. Are there any local Discord servers for your area for young adults? I found this very helpful for meeting more people and keeping in touch,” one Redditor stated.
13. A Community Center
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Another commenter asked, “Do you have a community center? Like a YMCA or a community fieldhouse? My local ones usually have adult sports/activities going on, like basketball training, judo, etc. You can also pay to go for the day and just do whatever you want, like at the fieldhouse, people are using the different fields for basketball, soccer, football, baseball, etc.”
14. Disc Golf Place
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor posted, “Disc Golf! Easier than golf, cheaper than golf, more laid back than golf. If you enjoy IPAs, jam band music, weed and dogs, then that’s a bonus.”
Another user added, “Disk golf seems a pretty social outdoor activity. Adult league sports teams. Kickball, softball, things like that. You can get a part-time serving job, decent extra money and servers like to get together after work. Maybe a local game shop has picked up games for D&D or some other tabletop game. There are local meetup apps and groups on social media.”
15. A Dance Studio
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“I take weekly classes at a dance studio with all the same students for a full school year. There’s a large adult dance class offered at this studio. Many other places might not have as many options, but it’s nice to get to know the same people over the course of several months,” commented one user.
Which one have you tried already and want to try next? Share your thoughts with us below!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
Photo Credit: Universal Studios.
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
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We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
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Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
Do you have some big savings goals this year? Or maybe there are a few things you’d like to buy, but need to save up for first. Saving money isn’t impossible—but you do need to be smart.
Wondering how to save for big purchases? Honestly, it depends on a lot. You have your own unique and personal needs, budget, and financial situation. So what works for you might not work for someone else. But, no matter your savings goal, saving money is essentially the same process for everybody. You need to spend less than you bring in.
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How Do You Budget for Big Purchases?
If you’re looking for a place to start, we have a few suggestions that can help. Here are a few things you can do to save up:
Define what the upcoming big purchases are, including amounts.
Save by paying yourself first out of your income.
Set SMART goals you can actually meet.
Use the 50/20/30 rule to incorporate goals into your monthly budget.
Open a high-interest savings account to maximize potential savings.
Use microsavings/investing apps to make additional contributions to savings.
How to Save for Big Purchases in 2024 and Beyond: the Details
Following the list above can help you save money for big purchases this year without giving up your entire lifestyle. But you have to know how to put these tips into practice when saving for a big purchase. Get some more tips and details below.
1. Define Upcoming Big Purchases
Begin by determining what you’re going to save for and knowing that you can’t save for everything. Can you save $10,000 this year to put down on a house? Maybe, but you may not be able to save for the new car and a trip to Disneyland at the same time. How much you can save in a certain period of time depends on your resources and obligations, so this is a step that’s different for everybody.
Once you determine what you’re saving for, make it official. Write your goal on a whiteboard in the home office, put it on a piece of paper on the fridge, and tell a trustworthy friend or family member about it. Writing it down and sharing it actually makes it more likely you’ll work toward the goal. Research shows that writing down and imaging a completed goal makes you 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully reach that goal.
2. Pay Yourself First
Once you start saving, know that you need to put savings first. You definitely shouldn’t save so much out of every paycheck that you can’t cover your bills. But if you decide that your monthly budget allows you to save $150 every two weeks, the first thing you should do when you get paid is move that money into a savings account.
The main reason for doing this is that it makes the money less tempting to spend. If you wait until you’ve done all your spending for the week, you might find that your $150 in savings was eaten up by running to the coffee shop, splurging on a movie, and buying a new shirt you wanted but didn’t necessarily need.
You can help ensure you pay yourself first with a couple of tips:
Break up your direct deposit. If your employer offers direct deposit, you may be able to ask them to deposit a certain portion of each check into a savings account while the rest goes into checking.
Set up automated transfers. You can have a specific amount moved from checking to savings every week by automated bank transfer. That way, you don’t have to remember to take your savings out of the picture on paydays.
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3. Set SMART Goals
SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. This type of goal can be helpful when saving money over time for a large purchase.
Find out exactly how much you need to make the purchase. “Saving enough to buy a car” is a decent goal, but you’re more likely to achieve a more specific goal, such as “saving $20,000 to buy a car.”
When you’re specific, you can break the goal down in measurable bits. In the car example, if you want to buy the car in two years, you know you need to save an average of $834 a month.
You need to be realistic. If you make $4,000 a month and have $3,000 in debt to pay, saving $834 a month is not really attainable. That would leave you with $166 for food and living expenses for the entire month. In that case, you’d need to reduce your goal, reduce your debt, or increase your income.
Make sure your goal is relevant to what you really want and need in the future. Do you really want a new car, or are you saving up for one based on some societal pressure to have one?
Finally, set a deadline for your goal. That lets you break it down into smaller, more easily achievable chunks that lead up to that deadline.
4. Use the 50/20/30 Rule for Budgeting
The 50/20/30 rule of budgeting is a bit more flexible than the traditional line-item budget. In the line-item budget, you set the amount you want to spend on each area of your life, including options such as bills, gas, clothing, entertainment, and savings.
The 50/20/30 rule only breaks your budget into three major categories. Half of your income goes to “needs”, which includes food, rent, health care, and utilities.
Then, 30% of your income goes to wants. That includes options such as entertainment, travel, clothing that isn’t “necessary,” and dining out. The rest of the income—20%—goes toward savings.
So, if you make $4,000 a month, that would leave $800 for savings if you can align all your spending and debt with the numbers above. You might want $400 of that savings for general purposes and retirement. That leaves $400 to go toward your big-purchase goal.
One way to manage your budget is with an app. Find a budget app that works with the budget and savings style you choose.
5. Open a High-Interest Savings Account
Once you start saving, consider maximizing it with a savings account that generates the highest yield. Shop for a high-interest savings account that balances risk and reward in a way that works best for your goals.
6. Use Microsavings and Investing Apps
Another way to implement savings is to use microsavings apps or investment apps such as Acorns. These apps let you make investments with small dollar amounts—investments that might yield more interest than even a high-yield savings account.
Microsavings also makes it easy to save money every day. These apps often let you round up your purchases at registers and have the change transferred to your savings. It’s a few cents a day, but it can add up.
How Can I Save $1,000 Fast?
The steps above work well for saving almost any amount. But if you’re trying to save up $1,000 for a starter emergency fund or other expense quickly, here are a few other tips you might try:
Add a temporary income stream. Can you babysit kids in the neighborhood, mow lawns, make something to sell, or pick up a seasonal part-time job? Having a side gig can help you save money faster.
Dump some of your wants temporarily. You can temporarily move a portion of income from wants to savings by canceling cable for a few months or cutting down on dining out.
Don’t pay extra on debts. Paying off your debts is important and can be a good move if you want to save more money in the long run. But it’s also important to have some emergency savings to keep you from driving up debt any time something unplanned occurs. Reduce extra debt payments to save that money faster.
You Can Save Money—but You Have to Be Smart
There’s no magic answer for how to save for big purchases. It involves setting realistic goals, working to achieve them, and spending less than you bring in. Following the steps above can be a way to get started on that work, but don’t forget to create a safe place where those savings can be stored until you’re ready for the purchase. You can visit Credit.com to learn more ways you can master your finances.
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