Save Money : There is an expensive learning experience for that in Q&A

 You are trying to write letters for $5 a letter. Maybe you promote the game Zen Word or Royal Match for $10 but after three months of promoting something for some money. You figure out you spent $300 dollars of your time for $4 return. That is not very good way to make money. 

So now you try to save money. From Acorns to Upside you have to just go about your shopping day and you will be saving up to 6% or get $10 back or will you? Remember you have to spend some money or buy the product you don't know if you need. Example, Those 12pk of solo cups but you get 2% back. 

OOPS ! you just spent $2.89 to get .06 back again you are losing money. So, instead you try to spend money to save with upsaving. 

Remember that $2.89 12 pack of solo cups one saving app will ROUND UP the .11 cents so now you spent $3 for the 12 pack of solo cups. As the interest rate of 4% right now you will earn 1 penny every month on that 11 cents. 

That's good right? Maybe. Go through your receipts if the total was say $4.85 becomes $7 total ..wait what  well that 12 pack of solo cups is just one item in a receipt that had several items. 

$2.89 becomes $3

$1.45 becomes $2

$.59 becomes $1

now tax added you spent $7 but the value of what you bought is only $4.85 sure you put $1.15 in savings and at 4% that compounded amount of money will still earn you .03. 

Question: So, what am I suppose to do? stuff money in my mattress? 

Answer : Yes, sorta. First, put money in your savings, pay your bills and use cash. Yes, use cash its a physical reminder of how much you can spend. 

Question : What about that coupon app? That store app? Rakuten works right? 

Answer : Yes and No. 

Remember to make the money you have to spend the money and here is the problem, your data is being used and in some cases abused. You are the user number, you are the bad account (or good) number. You're value is being estimated as you can. 

Question : What about those deals in my card ? I get cash back again a burger at Five Guys is $12 you are getting back $.92 sometimes 90 days later without interest. 

Answer : But if I eat at Five Guys everyday for five days you spend $60 you would get back $5.12 total that is a good deal. At the cost of you health because you should not eat cheeseburgers every day there was a movie about that...

Question: What about Rakuten! I save so much money and I got a check. 

Answer: Take any amount just an amount not a product or item and do the math. 

But I am going to buy a Harry and David gift basket anyway ! Um, oh darn the item on sale doesn't qualify for the Rakuten deal so, now you have spent money and are not getting any money back. Also, shipping is NOT included in the money saving deal. 

Question Yet, if I pay cash that means I have to ship it. 

Answer : Most items can fit in the premade USPS boxes that are at a flat fee and you will spend exactly 10 minutes to print out the label on you can print out and affix to the box. 

Question: So wait, to save money is a lot like trying to lose weight? 

Answer : Yup. You don't overeat, you exercise and drink water you will lose weight. You don't spend money, you will save money. 

Question: Is getting rich or saving money a big pyramid scheme? 

Answer: Nah, but I do have a nice bridge in Brooklyn you can buy