It seems like every time you turn around, some store or online merchant wants you to sign up for its club or loyalty program. I now belong to so many, I have to use apps on my smartphone just to keep track of them all. Most of the programs are more trouble than they’re worth, and won’t get you anything but an inbox filled with junk mail. There are a few programs, though, which can save you money or earn you free stuff. Here are a few loyalty and incentive programs that moms should check out.
COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS
I mentioned this one in my article, Financial Assistance Programs for Single Moms. This isn’t technically a membership or loyalty program, but I am so impressed with this program, I felt it deserved an encore. If you live within a Comcast service area and your child is eligible for free or reduced school lunches, you may be eligible for their $9.95 per month service called Internet Essentials. You’ll get basic high-speed Internet service, all the necessary equipment, and a waiver of the activation fee. Upon approval, you’ll receive a self-install kit with all the equipment and instructions. In order to qualify, you must live within a Comcast service area, have a child in the National School Lunch Program, have not subscribed to their Internet services within the past 90 days, nor have an overdue Comcast bill or any unreturned equipment. To apply, call 1-855-846-8376.
UPROMISE
This is a simple way to earn a little more money toward college expenses for your children. Each time you shop at a participating grocery, drug store, or restaurant, you’ll earn money for college. Just register your loyalty program and credit cards at the Upromise website and everything is tracked for you. Your friends and extended family can pitch in by registering their own cards, and directing the earnings toward your account.
Read Related: Save $200 a Month on Fun Family Entertainment
SUPERMARKETS
In an effort to attract as many consumers as possible, grocery stores are introducing programs aimed specifically at those who spend the most on food: families with children. For example, all three of the major grocery chains in my neighborhood participate in the Upromise college savings program, and two of them, Winn-Dixie and Publix, have their own savings and incentive programs for families with kids. Ask your grocer if they have one in which you can participate.
AMAZON MOM
This is a free membership program that offers savings and incentives for anyone who takes care of small children. While most of the benefits are targeted at families with younger children, anyone can join. Initially, you’ll receive a 3 month membership in Amazon Prime, their free 2-day shipping program. In addition, if you sign up for their auto-delivery program, you’ll receive 20% off diapers and wipes.
PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
If you have children and you are paying for medication, take 10 minutes and check out this program. This organization helps families without prescription drug insurance by matching them up with the assistance programs for which they may be eligible. As a test, I searched for assistance programs for Concerta, a medication commonly prescribed for children with ADHD. Not only did it match me up to the drugs own manufacturer’s assistance program, it even provided me with the appropriate application.
BABY PRODUCTS
Pampers, Huggies, Enfamil, Gerber, Similac… Just about every manufacturer of baby products has some sort of incentive or rewards programs. Just peruse their websites and you’re sure to find one.
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
So this isn’t exactly a savings program or reward program, but it’s close…and everyone loves a circus. Or was that a parade? Anyway, if you have a child 12 months old or younger, sign up here to get a voucher for a free ticket to the circus. The voucher never expires and can be used for any of their shows, anytime, in any city in which they perform. If your child is older than 12 months, you can get a Ringling Bros. commemorative certificate, but no free ticket.
