#7: Loyalty Programs
I used to ignore these because signing up felt like a corporate trap. Then I actually did the math on places I shop regularly. The points add up faster than you'd expect. I've gotten free coffee, discounts on groceries, occasional free merchandise—just from swiping a card or scanning an app I forgot I had. The key is only joining for places you already go. Don't let loyalty programs convince you to shop somewhere new just to earn points. That's how they get you. Use the system, don't let the system use you.
Most programs have apps now so you're not carrying a wallet full of plastic cards. Takes thirty seconds to sign up, costs nothing, and over a year the savings are real. Grocery stores, coffee shops, airlines, pharmacies—whatever. If you're going there anyway, you might as well get something back.
One tip: I have a dedicated email address I use only for loyalty programs. Keeps the promo spam out of my real inbox and makes it easy to find receipts or rewards when I need them.
Just don't fall for the gamification tricks where they nudge you to spend more to hit some arbitrary tier. If you're changing your habits to chase points, you've already lost.
