If you are a student, teacher or employee, there are many discounts out there to take advantage of which you may be unaware. It never hurts to be your own advocate and ask or do a little research to receive a few discounts here or there. After doing some research myself and hearing of many discounts through the grapevine, I look to share with you some of the discounts that are definitely worth your while.
Students: You are at a point in your life where its acceptable to be labeled as “poor”, therefore companies make themselves appealing by marketing their deals and discounts with you in mind. The restaurant industry is well known for this. If you are in college, many food joints will reward you with two for one deals or percentage off on your meals. To take full advantage of these deals ask your school to provide a list of establishments that provide discounts. Also, take advantage of any coupons that you find posted throughout your campus. Knowing of your financial situation, many schools will work hard to make you aware of any chance to save an extra dollar here and there.
Apple provides students with a great deal during the back to school shopping months that you may already be aware of. If you are a college student in need of a laptop, Apple will give you not only a discount on your laptop purchase but they will also throw in a free Ipod touch! If you already own an Ipod don’t hesitate to auction it off on Ebay to make some extra money!
I have recently become a member of Edhance.com. To become a member you have to show proof that you are currently a college student. Once you have been approved for membership you enter your credit or debit card information. Every time you use your card at any of the listed establishment you will receive either a percentage savings or cash back on your purchase. Some of their most well known partners are Target, Walmart, Barnes & Nobles, Old Navy. There are also a lot of local businesses that you should check out. At Target you get 5% cash back on all your purchases, which can add up while back to school shopping for your dorm or apartment! (Keep in mind that most of the deals you are able to receive on Edhance.com are only while ordering online.)
In terms of clothing I was pleasantly surprised to learn that JCrew has a 15% off discount for all full priced items! I was only made aware of this discount while making friends with one of the sales associates while back to school shopping. Many stores do not advertise that they offer such discounts so it never hurts to ask when at the register.
If you have saved up some extra cash and are looking to go on spring break or study abroad for a semester look into STA Travel. STA Travel is the world’s largest student travel agency. STA Travel has a great student airfare search engine and the site also provides plenty of student travel tidbits and core information. For students studying abroad STA Travel is not only helpful for discounts but also provides you with information to help you plan trips and hostel locations. Check out their weekly deals.
Teachers: You too can receive some great discounts on books, office/classroom supplies, technology and clothing. To receive teacher discounts you must show that you are indeed a teacher. At some establishments, receiving a teacher discount is as simple as showing a school ID. Others require something more such as verification of employment on school stationery accompanied by a picture ID, or a copy of a pay stub. I believe it is worth signing up for an International Teacher Identity Card.
This card can act as a form of identification and also can provide you with information about teacher discounts available to you.
Some great discounts for you to take advantage of are, Ann Taylor Loft, JCrew, AT&T, Dell, Apple, Kmart, Fedex, Big Lots, The Container Store, Barnes & Nobles and Borders. These discounts do not only benefit your classroom but also can help you and your family save some money. Check out Teacher Discounts for a more extensive list of establishments that are looking to save you an extra buck.
Employees: Talk to your HR Manager and see if your company is signed up for any employee discounts. One discount that many people have access to but don’t take advantage of is a Verizon discount. Go to Verizon and enter your company email to see if you can receive a discount on your cell phone plan. The employee discount through Verizon ranges from 10-20 % off.
Also, it would be beneficial to check out Working Advantage. If your company is not already registered suggest that your HR Manager look into the program. The program is both easy to set up and does not cost anything. The only restriction is that your company must employ at least 35 people. With your company’s membership in the program you can receive discounts on everything ranging from clothes to cell phones, to rental cars, to comedy shows, to tutoring.
So be your own advocate, ask your school, HR manager and always remember to ask at the register. Discounts are out there and are calling your name. If you’re willing to do a little research you’re guaranteed to keep some extra cash in your pockets.
