Finding extra money is a game for me. Over the years, I have found money through rebates, refunds, online sales, and even the ground. Yep, I found a $20 bill while running on the beach!
I have used the extra money to pay off debt, fund family trips, or build up our Christmas savings.
Through April of 2021, I have found over $6500 for the year! Scroll down to the bottom to see the previous months’ totals and links.
My total found money in April: $715.62
Not too shabby, but I need to up my game in May…lol!
Credit Card Cash Back Redemptions in April: $439.62
Years ago during our Debt Freedom Plan, I avoided using credit cards, not because we had credit card debt, but I was trying to limit our overall spending. I allocated cash every month to the non-fixed categories like groceries, restaurants, clothing, and miscellaneous and stuck to the allocation.
However, once we paid off all of that debt, I started playing the credit card game. Instead of using cash, I put everything that I can on a credit card and pay off our balances every month. I only use cards that offer some type of cashback offer.
In April I redeemed $439.62 in credit card points. This wasn’t all accrued in April. I save the points up to redeem a larger amount. They are a nice perk if you are able to pay off your balance every month, otherwise, you’re paying finance charges that most likely exceed the cashback that is earned.
April’s Credit Card Points Redemption Breakdown:
- $264.90 cashback from our travel rewards Visa. I saved these points over many months and applied to a travel-related purchase.
- $127.22 transferred to our girls’ 529 accounts from our Upromise credit card. This money is automatically sent to the 529s once I hit a threshold.
- $47.50 redeemed for a $50 restaurant gift card from our business credit card.
Plasma Donation Earnings: $236
I donated plasma 5 times in April which is short of my goal of 8 times. I usually donate on Friday and Sunday mornings, but I missed a few days due to schedule conflicts. This money is purely from donation earnings and equates to about $31.40 an hour. I calculate the per-hour rate from my plasma donations to make sure it’s a good use of my time. My per hour rate went up in April compared to March, because the center is having a promotion to increase donations.
While I’m donating, I usually listen to podcasts, go through emails, and surf YouTube on Friday mornings, and on Sunday mornings, I try to listen to our church service that is live-streamed.
I earned over $1300 from January through April and havnen”t spend a dime of it. My plan is to use the money for summer trips and activities. I will stick to that plan, but starting in May, I’m also going to use some of the money each month to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure. I’ve had pedicures in the past, but I never dreamed of doing so on a regular basis, and this extra spending money is giving me that wiggle room.
My husband also donates and he’s using his money for family activities as well, as personal spending money.
If you’d like information on donating plasma, read my review of donating plasma HERE.
Aflac Reimbursement: $40
We have an Aflac accident policy that reimburses $40 once a year for preventative appointments.
Where did you find extra money in March? Share your findings in the comments.
