Getting the Most Out of Rewards Programs

Since the birth of my daughter, I've joined a few online rewards programs.  Prior to her birth, I did belong to the MyCokeRewards program, because I am a "Coke" head.  In 2011 I joined both the Pampers and Huggies rewards programs, and then last year I joined the Kellogg's Family Rewards program.  Most people would probably ask why I spend my time on all of this - truthfully, I need the freebies.  When you work inconsistently, any bit of savings makes a difference.

Last year I gave my mom a Shutterfly calendar that I got, of course, for free.  Shutterfly tends to send out free codes, but a hidden benefit to joining rewards programs is that they will email you free codes as well. For example, I have three different codes right now for free holiday cards - one from the register at Target, one from MyCokeRewards, and one from Huggies.  Last year I was fortunate enough to obtain THREE free calendars!  Right now, though, I only have one code.  So, I went to my trusty reward programs to see about some freebies and I came up with a very interesting fact:  Each program has wildly different redemption amounts for the same item!

Here are the necessary points needed to obtain a 8x11 Shutterfly wall calendar from each of my rewards programs:

286 points - MyCokeRewards
550 points - Huggies
800 points - Pampers
12,900 points - Kellogg's Family Rewards

Do you see a disparity here, because I do!  Even with different average point levels, it would take at least three times longer to accumulate the points needed for the calendar from Kellogg's as it would from Coke!  I actually only have roughly half the points needed to obtain a calendar from Kellogg's.  I suppose this is just an FYI about these programs.  They're all different, and be sure to enter the free codes that pop up online! You'll get further with them than without them!  Also, if friends, family, or co-workers are willing to give codes to you, take them.  These rewards programs are really good ways to earn free gift cards and photo gifts.  I NEVER pay for photo gifts.  There's no reason to.  Put the tiny bit of work in, and you'll get the free stuff.