Essential Money-Saving Tips for Living in the USA

We’ve been living in the USA for two years now, based in Irvine, and as a couple who both quit our jobs to move here, we faced the challenge of living without an income at first. That made us particularly mindful of our expenses, so we’re excited to share some practical money-saving tips that we’ve learned along the way! 🤑

1. Grocery Shopping Made Easy

• Costco for Bulk Purchases: Shopping at Costco is ideal for families, allowing you to buy in bulk at wholesale prices.
• Trader Joe’s for Singles: If you’re a student or cooking for one, Trader Joe’s offers a wide variety of affordable options.
• Discounts with Student ID: At 99 Ranch Market, you can receive a 10% discount with your student ID!
• Walmart’s Weekly Ads: Check your local Walmart for weekly ads that feature discounted fruits and meats. Utilizing TopCashback for an extra 8% back on purchases is a smart move too!

2. Affordable Clothing Options

• Outlets Galore: Clothing in the USA can be quite affordable, especially when shopping at outlet stores. For us, it’s about an hour to the local outlets or two hours to Desert Hills Premium Outlets.
• Cashback on Brands: If you’re buying brands like Adidas or Nike, make sure to use TopCashback to earn up to 11% or 10% back!

3. Fuel Savings

Gas prices in California can be steep. Using your Costco membership card can save some money on fuel, but prices vary by location. We often fill up in Tustin, and checking GasBuddy is a great way to compare prices at different gas stations. ⛽

4. Online Shopping Deals

• Amazon Prime: Most products on Amazon ship free and quickly, with an annual fee of $139. However, students can enjoy a 6-month free trial using their .edu email addresses!
• Credit Card Cash Back: With Bank of America, spending $1,000 in the first three months can earn you a $200 cash back bonus.

5. Fun for Kids Without Breaking the Bank

• Groupon Adventures: Check out Groupon for discounted activities! We scored a season pass to a water park for just $111 (regular price $198) and went whale watching for only $10 per person, with an additional 4% cashback through TopCashback.
• Booking Hotels: Use Expedia or Trip for hotel bookings and get 8% cashback through TopCashback.
• Rides with Uber: If you need a ride, using TopCashback with Uber can earn you an additional 5% back!

Important Reminders

• Sign Up for TopCashback: Use referral code 🐎【cno2】 to double your rewards!
• Search and Earn: After registering, simply search for your desired service on the site to make the most of your cashback.
• Payment Timeline: Expect cashback to arrive in your TopCashback account about three days after your normal orders, available for withdrawal after the return period.
• Simplify Your Process: Consider installing the Google Chrome extension to streamline your cashback process (just don’t register again).

Final Thoughts

Living in the USA can be expensive, but with these tips in hand, you can certainly manage your budget more effectively. Share your own money-saving strategies or experiences in the comments below! Let’s make the most of our American adventure together! 🌎 #LosAngelesLife #LivingInAmerica #MoneySavingTips #IrvineLife #AmericanGroceryShopping #AmericanTravel