I wanted to devote the 3rd Monday of the month to a blog about the dirty word, MONEY. It doesn’t have to be a dirty word but did you know that finances are the NUMBER 1 issue that couples report they fight over? I know in our house it’s always been a struggle to make ends meet on a military paycheck and being retired is no different. There are some very easy and helpful things you can do to as my Mama says “make your dollar holler.” I’d like to share some of the ones I use, am trying to use, and absolutely should get off my butt and use.
- MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT! I can’t express this enough. How can you make your money go where you want it to if you have no idea where it’s going to begin with? For our family this was really tracking our spending and seeing exactly what we spent the most on. It was a little shocking at first to see how the tiny things really do add up. Personally, I love Dave Ramsey and the Every Dollar budget tool. (www.daveramsey.com). From their website you can sign up for the Financial Peace University classes. They have ones specifically geared toward Military Families.
- USE A CALENDAR AND PURPOSELY SCHEDULE FAMILY TIME- One of our huge pitfalls in our budget was spending money on the fly for a good time with the family. I highly recommend actually scheduling family time/date night. Now I know there needs to be wiggle room in the budget for some spontaneous moments, but if you plan these nights out you can check out coupons or Groupons. I love Groupons. We’ve had some really awesome discounted date nights thanks to Groupon.
- SHOP THE SALES- There are so many apps out there now to help with finding all the sales! Seriously, download apps from your favorite stores. You can find everything from clothing to grocery stores!
- BUY SOMETHING THAT’S BEEN LOVED- Restored furniture is all the rage right now. If you have time, find a piece of furniture that could be updated and roll up your sleeves! All of my furniture that I’ve refinished has a special place in my heart and if I don’t like it or want to freshen it up I just change it up!
- LOOK FOR MILITARY DISCOUNTS!- You would be surprised at how many places you can receive a discount if you ASK. I’m going to share a few of my favorites below
- 99 Restaurants – 10% discount with Military ID for retired and active veterans.
- A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Abercrombie & Fitch – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
- Aeropostale – 10% off with military ID
- Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada
- Alfred Angelo – 30% discount offer is not combinable with any other offers and excludes the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo bridal collection. You must present active Military ID or a DD214 to be eligible for this offer. Offer valid at any Alfred Angelo Signature Store for bridal gown purchases only.
- American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID
- American Eagle Outfitters – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
- Anheuser– Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Anna’s Linens – 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID. in store only
- Apple Store – The discount varies, you need to sign up here – www.apple.com/r/store/government/
- Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
- Arby’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Auto Zone – Varies Per Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.B
- Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
- Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out http://www.bn.com/militarycity
- Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
-
- Boston Market – 20% with military ID.
- Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders
- Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage. Store, requires military ID to redeem
- Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Build a Sign – Free banner and cards to support the troops
- Busch Gardens – One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2012. Here’s to the Heroes
- Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- CareBooker – Military Families can save $10 off their first booking on CareBooker with the code “FirstBooking10”.
- Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Carnival Cruises – 10% off of cruise, but must be booked over the phone, and not online, as proof must be faxed in
- Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call 1(800) 952-2516
- Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Chevy’s Fresh Mex – 20%, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Choice Hotels – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military ID.
- Christopher & Banks – 10% of with Military ID
- Cinnabon – 15% off at participating locations with a valid military ID
- Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID
- Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid military ID with check-in
- CoinsAndPins.com – 10% military discount on custom made products as long as the custom items are more than 60% military related
- Cold Stone Creamert – Discount varies, must present military ID
- Coleman – 15% off with veterans advantage card
- Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in
- Copeland’s Sports – Discount varies per location
- Countryside Amish Furniture – Countryside Amish Furniture provides a 10% discount for active and retired military.
- Cracker Barrel – 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
- CubeSmart – Additional 20% off with valid Military ID
- D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount
- Dairy Queen – 10% off, location dependent
- David’s Bridal – David’s Bridal is proud to honor our military members by extending an additional 10% discount to members of our armed forces. All service men and women, and their significant others, will receive this discount off of their entire purchase in addition to any other special offers, sales or coupons currently available. David’s Bridal’s Military Discount is valid on in-store purchases at US stores only and is not transferrable to immediate or extended family members or friends. All purchases must be made by a military member, spouse or significant other who is able to present a valid Military ID or DD214 at checkout and may not be designated to a third party. Military Discount will be applied after all other valid discounts, coupons or special offers are applied. Military Discount cannot be used for alteration services, shipping services, or purchases of David’s Bridal gift cards. Military Discount is not valid for online purchases and is subject to change.
- Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in
- Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Del Taco – 50% off at participating locations with valid military ID
- Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Disneyland – Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit
- Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates
- Dress Barn – Discount and participation will vary by location, bring Military ID to ask
- Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops oversees.
- Eastbay – 20% off online and by phone with a Veterans Advantage Card
- Eddie Bauer – 15% off most merchandise (some promotions excluded) with military ID
- El Molino Coffee Shop – Free Shipping, online
- Express Clothing Store – 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID
- Extreme Outfitters – 10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store
- Eyeware – Discount varies, get the discount online at www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies
- Facets Collection – 10% off jewelry and 5% off all engagement rings and loose diamonds
- Fathead – 20% off all Fathead product, everyday, is open to United States active and retired service members, veterans and members of their immediate families
- Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations
- FiRE+iCE Restaurants – Anyone with a Military ID can eat for just $9.99 every Monday Night. (Available in Boston, Providence and Cambridge locations). We also invite any and all military personnel and veterans to join us on Veteran’s Day to eat for FREE at our Boston or Providence locations!
- Fire Department Coffee – A veteran owned company offering 15% discount to veterans on all items in our store.
- Foot Action – 20% off with military ID
- Foot Locker – 20% off with military ID
- Ford – Discount varies, www.encs.com/ford/
- Forever 21 – 10% off
- FrameofChoice.com – 35% military discount to all active, retired and reserved members of the US Military and their immediate family members on USA Made prescription eyewear, sunglasses, sun-clips and other eyewear accessories.
- Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- FromYouFlowers.com – 20% discount when you order by phone at 1-800-838-8853
- Gander Mountain – 5% off
- Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
- Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
- GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp
- GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Great Wolf Lodge – Up to 33% off, discount varies however. Must book room over the phone rather than the internet.
- GuideToMilitaryTravel.com – Another great site for military families to go to when looking for travel discounts.
- Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q
- Hanes Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID
- Hard Rock Cafe – 10% to 15% off. Varies for each location.
- Hardscape Depot – Offers a 10% discount for all Active, Reserve, and Retired US Military. They are an online shop for landscape and hardscape projects located in Englewood, Colorado. They sell landscape and paver lighting, edging, installation tools and accessories.
- Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID
- Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only.
- hi HealthInnovations – Hearing aid discount for veterans- starting at only $649 each
- HickoryFarms.com – 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form
- Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID
- Hooters – 10% off with military ID
- Hot Topic – 10-20% off with military ID
- IAVA – IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is a veterans organization that looks to help take care of the newest generation of American veterans. They also are working with companies, such as JC Penney, to provide up to $200 in vouchers to certain retail stores.
- IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owners discretion
- Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID
- Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20
- istudysmart.com – Free Shipping for Military Families, Online, 9/15 – 10/14
- Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID
- Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID
- Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID
- John Deere – Member-only perks and promotions and exclusive equipment discounts.
- Johnny Rockets – Personnel in uniform will receive a 50% discount
- Jones New York Outlet Store – 10% off with valid Military ID
- JustWalkers.com – free shipping for all active and retired military as well as their dependents.
- KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days
- KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Kid’s Foot Locker – 20% off with Military ID
- Kiss the Cook – Register with your military email address and receive a 10% discount
- Kohl’s – 15% off at participating locations
- Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Lady Foot Locker – 20% off with military ID
- Lamps.com – Military discount of 15%, code: MILITARY15
- Larson Jewelers – Larson Jewelers is the ultimate source for both men’s wedding bands and women’s wedding rings. We are a one stop shop for wedding bands for men and women in all metals and price ranges. We offer a military discount if anyone is interested. In order to get the discount one would need to first email service@larsonjewelers.com with a picture attachment of an ID as proof. Once we have received this we will then email them a coupon code that can be used on any purchase.
- LeafFilter
– 10% Military discount offered. Be sure to request a Pricing Estimate or download the Online Coupon. You can also download Informational Buyer’s Guide for more information.
- Leslie Pool Supplies – 10% off with military ID
- Lerner – 15% off
- LoneStar – 10% off everyday with ID and 20% off on Mondays
- Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount
- Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.
- Macy’s – 10% off on the first Tuesday of every month, 15% with a Macy’s card.
- Maurices – 10% off with valid military I.D.
- Margaritaville – 10% off with valid military ID
- Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
- Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.
- McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Meineke – 10% off parts. In store only. Simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Microsoft – Government employees can get discounts on software through their Home Use Program
- Michaels – 10% off every Wednesday.
- Midas – 10% off
- MilitaryContacts.net – Up to 30% off contact lenses and free shipping on orders over $50
- Military Cruise Deals – double discounts on cruises, www.militarycruisedeals.com
- Military Resort Deals – double discounts on Sandals and Beaches resorts, www.militaryresortdeals.com/
- MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Mrs. Fields Cookies – 10% off with military ID
- Murphy’s Furniture – If you Are Active, Reserve, Retired, or a Disabled Veteran with a valid ID you can get the 10% discount any day of the week.
- My Alarm Center – 2 months of free cellular monitoring for veterans and active military members.
- NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Nautica – 10% off with military ID
- National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers
- National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209
- New York and Company – 15% off military discount
- Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111
- Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military, 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package.
- Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html
- Nuvo – $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462, or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.
- O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at secure.usstandardissue.com/
- Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
- Orvis – 10% discount for Veterans Advantage members
- Overstock – Free Club O membership for Military personnel (5% reward dollars for every purchase, free shipping, and extra reward dollars)
- Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask
- Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Papa Murphey’s – Participating locations will take 50% off one pizza
- Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members
- Payless Shoe Source – 10% off
- Pep Boys – 10% off with valid military ID
- Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Popeyes – 10% off with a valid military ID
- Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Proflowers – Proflowers offers military discounts.
- Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
- Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID
- Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Ralph Lauren Outlet Store – 10% off with Military ID
- Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
- Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID
- Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount
- Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, www.rmtracking.com/
- S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. shop.aafes.com/shop/default.aspx?loc=vendor/exchangeonlineemail.asp~id=53
- Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Sam’s Club – Get a $15 gift card when you become a member
- Samsonite – 15% off with military ID
- Samuel’s Diamonds – 10% off in-store with military ID
- Satellite Internet Pros – $100 instant savings on subscribers who decide to purchase a new HughesNet system, or a $99 savings + free installation on new subscribers who choose to rent the equipment.
- Schlotzky’s Deli – 30% off with military ID
- Sea World – One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
- Sears – Military personnel get 20% off regular priced tools or 5% off sale price tools. Must present valid military ID. Not combinable with other discounts or coupons. Valid in-store only.
- Sesame Park Place – One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
- Shedd Aquarium in Chicago – Free general admission with military ID. On the Shedd Aquarium page that is hyper linked here, scroll down to “Other Discounts” to find out more information.
- Shoney’s – 15% off at participating locations
- Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
- Signs.com – Signs.com offers a military discount of 10%. This applies to active duty members, reserves, veterans and retirees — including spouses and dependent family members — of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. They ask that an APO/FPO address, .mil email address or valid military identification card be used to verify military status for this discount if requested by Signs.com. The military discount may not be combined with any other offer unless expressly written. Please call them at 1.888.222.4929 to have the discount applied to your order.
- Simone Protective Health – 20% off their nutritional hydration drink.
- Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park.
- Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Skyrange Internet – $25 discount on HughesNet satellite internet service to veterans and members of the US military.
- Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Soutwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask.
- Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Sport Chalet – 10% off
- SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online
- Sprint – 10-18% off. Sprint will also put a “hold” on your line when you are deployed, if you provide a copy of your orders, so you still have the same number when you come back and you do not have to pay for the time your gone as well.
- Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727
- Subway – 10% off, if not in a military town
- Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID
- Sweet Tomatoes – 10% off with military ID
- Szul – Free shipping to Military APO/FPO destinations until 12/31/10. bdeal.me/dnZ6Fb
- Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Texas Roadhouse – 30% military discount
- The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID
- Tommy Hilfiger – 10% with valid military ID
- Tommy John – 20% discount. Tommy John’s mission is to provide all-day, no-adjustment-needed comfort to our customers. Our specialized fabrics and unique designs ensure undershirts stay tucked in and underwear doesn’t ride up. We want to thank all military members and first responders for their service. www.tommyjohn.com
- Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID
- Transit Systems – 10% discount for services including freight shipping, furniture shipping, and household moving services.
- Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.D
- TurboTax – Active duty military are eligible to file federal tax returns for free through the Intuit Tax Freedom Project
- Under Armor Outlet Store – 10% off with military ID
- United Artist Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID.
- US Wings – FREE Shipping to all Active duty Servicemen.
- Verizon – 23% discount on monthly bills. Applies only to the military member’s primary line.
- Verizon Wireless – discount on monthly bills. Provide your work email address, your paystub or proof of your veteran status, such as your Veteran’s ID card, Veteran’s Advantage card, DD Form 214 or Military Retiree Account Statement.
- Vets-Cars.com – an auto dealer association that pledges “thanks, respect, low up-front pricing, transparency and a superior showroom experience for U.S. Veterans, Active Duty and family members.”
- Walgreens – 10% with military ID every Tuesday
- Walt Disney World Resort – Walt Disney World Resort offers U.S. military personnel 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for just $138 each and up to 40% off select Disney Resorts Hotels
- Wendy’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
- Wet Seal – 10% off
- Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo – Free admission ticket for active duty or reserve member of the military, also allows 50% discount in admission for up to 3 family members
- Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium – Enrolled military get in for free and 50% off for up to 3 family members www.nyaquarium.com/
- Wilson’s Leather – 10% off in-store with military ID or call 1-866-305-4704
- Wing Zone – 10% military discount in Alabama. Ends 12/31/2015
- World of Coca Cola – $2 off standard admission price for service member with I.D. and up to four guests.
- Wyndham Hotels – Discounts vary by 140 locations. Also depend on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
- WylieWagg.com – 10% discount off an entire purchase for all active and retired US military; all that is required for this is a valid military ID.
- Zaxby’s – 10% off with military ID
So there is the list!
Remember to ask! You never know until you do. Share your ideas and tips for budgeting on a military budget or as we jokingly say “Balling on a budget!” Until next time, MAKE THAT DOLLAR HOLLER!
Veterans Chapel Farm 