The biggest challenge lays before me… tackling a weekend in Nashville without spending any money. I did admit that I might need to rely on gift cards a bit, and this is exactly why. I have saved two gift cards- an American Express gift card for $25 (given to me for bag check-in at another event and I carried my bag to save the card) and loads of gift cards for Starbucks given to me over the holidays. I imagine that these are going to get me by, but a lot of factors come into play here. Who will accept the American Express gift card? How much food will be at the Blissdom conference? And the fact, that I have numerous stomach problems that are aggravated by poor diet when traveling, how healthy can I eat with my gift cards?
I scan the paper quickly before I leave. I am horrible about coupons and don’t generally spend a lot of time clipping them, but once in awhile you will find a coupon that makes it all worth it.
This coupon for a McDonald’s free coffee is going in my luggage and I am hoping to redeem it at the airport for my morning cup of coffee. I love a coupon where a purchase is not required.
Fingers crossed that I can make it this weekend without spending a dime!
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15 Responses to “No Spend Challenge Day 6: Embracing the Freebies”
My husband and I occasionally go out for a relaxing breakfast – at Starbucks! We use a gift card (you mention to my family that you love Starbucks and the gc’s come rolling in!) and each get a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. Plus a bagel for our munchkin. =) They have healthy sandwich options that are tasty and filling – for just around $2.
Hope this helps. Enjoy Blissdom! =)
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Good luck!
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Amy, I have full confidence that you can do it! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out.
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I’m so happy that I have found yet another great blog with amazing advice! Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Jules, Texas
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I hope your airport McDonald’s takes your coupon! I’ve love using coupons and have been rejected when at the airport. They always say that they are under different franchise rules or something.
I love following your blog!
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I am fascinated by your month-long no spend challenge. What do you do about unexpected expenses? Notices were sent home this week for soccer and baseball sign-ups. The sign-ups are at the end of the month and if you don’t register by then, your child won’t be able to play in the upcoming seasons. What would you do in this situation? There are also time where small expenses pop-up at school: field trips, book orders, projects (like the science project my son is will work on this weekend and I bought the supplies today), etc.
Good luck this weekend!
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Good luck this weekend with the No Spending, Amy!
If you find a Starbucks and decide to use your gift cards there, know that you can order a “short” sized beverage of anything on the menu there. (They don’t list that 8-oz option on the menu board, but it’s less costly than the other sizes because it’s smaller.) I’m a big fan of ordering a short drip at Starbucks…save the pennies while enjoying a great cup of coffee!
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Too funny that you found the free without purchase at Mickey D’s coupon today. I was just telling my hubby that I started tossing all those fast food place couponlets outs because they never really have free stuff coups anymore. He said you never know and tsk-tsked me! LOL
Well today I checked my mail and found 2 free coupons for Dunkin Donuts. I almost missed out! Now I can get a free coffee and treat hubby to a free Dunkaccino.
Gotta love good coups!
P.S. Have fun at Blissdom. I so wanted to go but it just wasn’t in our budget this time around.
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I hope you can meet the Challenge while in Nashville. I found that same ad in the paper last week and was super-stoked! Have fun!! Wish I was there!
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What?? No coupons for Mcdonald’s vanilla latte? (or whatever you’d said those potent things were called
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You can use the Amex gift card at any place that accepts Amex credit cards. I have used them at the grocery store, drugstores, Target, etc. Good luck with your challenge!
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I know you can do it!
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Good Luck! I am impressed
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I just love freebies. Good luck
Jen K
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I didn’t realize that you went to Blissdom! You have to tell us all about it.
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