Here is the only tip you need to know…brew your own coffee at home, for pennies on the dollar, and stay out of Starbucks. Thanks for coming everyone, drive home safely. No, but seriously, no matter how hard we try, a quick drive-thru at your local Starbucks is gonna happen. Either as a little reward for yourself or when you need a caffeine pick-me-up. But believe it or not, there are a some easy ways to save at Starbucks. Here are eight of my favorite ways to save money at Starbucks…

1. Order a Trenta Iced Coffee with NO Ice

By ordering a Trenta iced coffee WITH NO ICE you’ll get a 30 ounce cup filled to the rim with cool coffee for only $3.75.

Then you can just add it to ice at home, or in the office, and you essentially get 2.5 Talls for only $1.20 more than a single Tall order.

It’s the absolute best way to save at Starbucks as you can easily save the extra coffee in your refrigerator and drink it the following day.

2. Not Gonna Split It? Avoid the Venti

Many casual Starbucks customers aren’t aware that Venti and Grande espresso drinks have the exact same amount of espresso, 2 shots.

When ordering a Venti the extra volume is typically just milk, syrup, and ice (if you ordered it cold).

So if you’re ONLY looking for a caffeine hit, avoid the extra cost and stick with a Grande.

See Also: Starbucks Dress Code: What’s the Deal With Yoga Pants, Tattoos and Piercings?

CONSIDER 2 REWARDS ACCOUNTS

Starbucks sends out better deals to those who DON’T use their Starbucks Rewards account often. So create an account with 2 separate email addresses. Make one account to collect stars and make it your “go to” account and use the other to collect the BOGO deals and other cool offers they send out.

3. The SINGLE Best Value for Under $5

So I want to give full credit to my daughter for finding this amazing iced Starbucks drink idea on TikTok and sending it to me.

I tried it myself recently and I gotta admit, IT’S AMAZING! Great smooth coffee flavor, a hint of sweetness, and incredibly refreshing.

It comes from Megan Evans and bless her for sharing this “secret menu” item with her followers and here’s how you order it.

• 3 shots of Ristretto espresso
• Over Ice in a Venti Cup
• Add Whole Milk
• Topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

In case you’re wondering, “Ristretto” is made with regular Starbucks espresso beans but less hot water is pushed through the grounds, giving it a sweeter and richer flavor.

The drink ended up costing me a little bit under $5, but it was big enough that I could easily split it with someone or save half of it for later.

I dare you to try and find a better (or more delicious) value at Starbucks.

4. Easy on the Frozen Water

I love this tip and it’s a play off the first hack I mentioned in this article.

The next time you are ordering an iced coffee, tea, or specialty drink, order it with only half or very little ice.

You’ll essentially end up getting the next sized drink for the price of a smaller size. Winning.

See Also: 10 Starbucks Prices That Actually Make Their Coffee Affordable

5. Order a “Short” for a Cheap Caffeine Boost

Were you aware that there is a size smaller than the Starbucks 12oz “Tall”? I wasn’t.

But according to Slate.com, you can order an 8oz “Short” and in many cases get the same amount of caffeine, with more flavor, at a reduced cost.

For example, a “short” latte has the same amount of espresso (and caffeine) as the tall size but costs less.

Not a bad way to save some money and get your caffeine fix.

6. Get Creative at Home

Do you find yourself visiting Starbucks more than you should because you can’t replicated their drinks at home?

If so, those days are over as I found an amazing resource at a website called Yummly.com which lists a bunch of amazing (and detailed) Starbucks recipes that you can easily make at home.

Popular recipes include the Starbucks Mocha, Frappuccino, Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, and Caramel Macchiato.

7. Always use a Starbucks Reward Card

If you buy coffee from Starbucks at least three time a year, you should definitely download their mobile app. and join their rewards program for free.

By doing so you’ll earn cool rewards like free drinks, free flavor shots, free refills, and free tasty treats.

Totally worth the effort. Also, you’ll always get a free drink on your birthday.

See Also: 9 Brilliant Ways to Hack the Starbucks Rewards Program

8. Happy Hours on Thursday

Most Starbucks locations offer pretty much ALL beverages for Buy 1, get 1 Free from 2-7 pm on Thursdays.

Be sure to download the Starbucks app so you don’t miss a Happy Hour coupon ever again.

I took advantage of this just the other day when driving home from San Francisco, I got a Venti Coffee Frappuccino for a cool $2.

Bonus Tip: Buy Discounted Gift Cards

This tip was too good not to include.

From reader Mel: “I buy discounted Starbucks gift cards on Raise.com – usually the $100 card for like $71 – 73 dollars (wait for the extra 5% off weekends). Then I link the Starbucks gift card to my rewards account. It’s like getting 6 free coffees between the initial savings and the free coffee rewards and it lasts me 3-6 months.”

Love it, thanks Mel for the great tip.

Ask the Reader: What tips or advice do you have on how to save money at Starbucks? Or are you stronger willed than I and just stay out altogether and brew at home?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Piutus.

A couple weeks ago my wife was checking out at our local Michaels store and noticed a lady in front of her whip out a JoAnn coupon from her purse and hand it to the cashier. She was like, “Wow, that’s cool! I didn’t know you could do that.” She came home and told me about her findings, and suggested I write a blog post about what other stores accept coupons from their competition. So…being the amazing (and smart) husband that I am, I did exactly what she told me to do. I spent some time, both online and on the phone, figuring out what other retailers will accept coupons from the competition. Here’s what I discovered…

Dick’s Sporting Goods

So I couldn’t find much online about the Dick’s Sporting Goods competitor coupon policy so I decided to give my local store a buzz.

I told the guy that I had a 20% off Sports Authority coupon (which I actually do) and asked if they’d accept it.

He said, “We’ll price match them anyways, but if the item you’re looking to buy is the same price or higher in our store then we’ll accept the 20% off coupon.”

Golf Galaxy

Golf Galaxy joins the ranks of top retailers now accepting coupons from competitors.

As part of their best price guarantee they will gladly accept coupons in-store from the following stores:

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Edwin Watts, Golf Galaxy, Golf Mart, Golfers Warehouse, PGA Tour Superstore, Roger Dunn, TGW and Van’s.

Home Depot

Home Depot does have a competitor coupon policy in place, but certain locations are more lenient than others.

I actually read on this forum that some Home Depot locations will accept a 20% off any 1 item coupon from Harbor Freight, even though the 2 retailers do not carry any of the same brands.

It is always worth a shot, but often the coupon will have to be from a local store that carries the same exact item you are trying to purchase.

Your best bet is to be extremely friendly and polite and speak with someone in a management position when trying to use a Harbor Freight coupon at Home Depot.

JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts

JoAnn’s will take coupons from Michaels, Hancock Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby.

They also let you use more than coupon per purchase.

So if you have a 40% off any 1 regular-priced item coupon from Michaels, Hancock, and Hobby Lobby, you can use all 3 if you are buying at least 3 items.

The one major exclusion is that JoAnn will NOT accept a competitor’s coupon good for an item they don’t carry.

For example, you can’t use a Michaels coupon when buying fabric at JoAnn’s since Michaels doesn’t sell fabric.

Lowe’s

If you find that a local competitor has a sales flyer or coupon which would beat the Lowe’s price, just bring in evidence and not only will they match the price, they’ll beat it by 10%.

The one major caveat is that the competitor’s price cannot be a clearance or sale price, it must be their “every day” regular price.

Menards

The Menards coupon policy is definitely one worth knowing if you shop there regularly. They’ll happily accept coupons from local competitors.

It is up to individual stores to determine what qualifies as a “local store” but it should definitely include Home Depot, Menards, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware.

The one caveat is that competitor’s coupons will not be accepted on sale or clearance items and the most savings they’ll allow is 10% which is kinda weak.

Michaels

Michaels will happily accept competitor coupons from the following retailers: AC Moore, JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, Ben Franklin, and Hobby Lobby.

The cool thing about Michaels is they’ll let you use more than one coupon per transaction.

So for example, if you have a Joann coupon good for 40% off any 1 item, you can use it with a Michaels printable coupon good for 25% off your entire purchase.

Keep in mind that the item you got for 40% off will be not be eligible for the 25% discount as well.

It is also worth noting that Michaels will not accept competitor coupons good for a flat percentage off your entire order.

They won’t take a 25% off your entire order coupon from Ben Franklin but they’ll happily accept a 50% off any 1 item coupon.

Office Depot

Office Depot will honor competitor’s coupons at the local store level according to the their Price Match Policy.

In other words, they want to make it really confusing.

Although I waded through the boiler plate and discovered they will accept local competitor coupons for exact match products that are not on sale at the competing store.

Major retailers whose coupons they will accept include Office Max, Staples, Costco, Best Buy, Kmart, Sears, Target, and Sam’s Club.

PetSmart

From reader Jason, “PetSmart will honor competitor coupons (competitor is defined as a local retailer with a physical location).

They also price match any local retailer for the same identical item (even Walmart).

Additionally, they will also price match their own website, which often has lower prices than those in the store.”

Walmart

The big ol’ Walmart will take your competitor coupon if, and only if, it falls into the following categories.

From the Walmart website: Must be a specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99. Can be a buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupon for items with a specified price.

Must have a valid expiration date and are acceptable in black and white.

The big no-no’s are as follows: Dollars/cents off coupons at a specific retailer. Percentage off competitor coupons. Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified price and double- or triple-value coupons.

Ask the Reader: Did I miss any stores? Drop me the 411 in the comments section below, thanks peeps.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Nicholas Eckhart.

I was totally blown away with the number of senior discounts I found when researching this article. Many of these discounts only require a valid ID showing your age. Some do require you to show your AARP membership card. Here is a list of over 70 well deserved senior discounts. Almost all of these are going to require you to ask for the discount. Never count on an employee offering it to you, ALWAYS be proactive and ask. I will keep adding new discounts as I find them.

Restaurant Discounts for Seniors

Applebee’s: Many locations will offer those 55+ anything from 5% to 15% off your bill total. Just ask about it when dining.

Ben & Jerry’s: If you can show proof of being over 60 they will give you 10% off your order.

Boston Market: You have to be a little older at Boston Market to get a deal. 65 is the magic age to get 10% off your meal. 

Bubba Gump’s: Score a 10% discount on chow and drinks when you flash your AARP card.

Burger King: Most BK locations have a senior discount. They range from a discounted drink to 10% off your meal. Ask about it.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Show proof of a valid AARP membership and get a cool 20% taken off your check.

Chick-fil-A: If you are 55 or older you can usually get 10% off your meal if you ask.

Chili’s: I love me some Chili’s! I wish I was older than 55 because older diners can score a 10% discount.

Dairy Queen: Get a frozen treat for 10% off if you’re older than 60.

Denny’s: Show your server your AARP card and get 15% reduced from your total bill at Denny’s. But it should be noted that there is NO discount if you order from the Senior Menu. Thanks Linda for the tip.

See Also: All 13 Grocery Stores That Offer Free Curbside Pickup

Dunkin’ Donuts: Show them your AARP card and get a free doughnut with your cup of freshly brewed coffee. They have REALLY good coffee by the way. Can’t beat that!

Golden Corral: If you are 55+ most locations will give you a 10% discount on your dinner bill.

Jack in the Box: According to a thread at Snopes.com you can get a senior discount up to 20% off just by asking. Must be 55 or older.

Kentucky Fried Chicken: Get a free icy beverage with your meal purchase if you’re 55 or older.

Krispy Kreme: The age is low at KK, only 50. Score 10% off if you’re at least a half-century old.

Long John Silver: Discount varies by location if you’re 55+, make sure to ASK!

McDonald’s: Get discounted coffee everyday of the week. Must be 55+

Outback Steakhouse: Monday through Thursday you can show your server your AARP card and get 15% off your check, minus alcohol. This will also work on weekend lunch service hours.

Papa John’s Pizza: Just visit PapaJohns.com and enter coupon code “AARP25” and get a cool 25% off all regular priced menu items.

Sonic Drive-In: 10% discount or a free drink if you can prove to be at least 60 years of age.

Subway: This one was a pleasant surprise, 10% off your meal when 60 or older.

Sweet Tomatoes: I have never heard of them but of you’re 62+ you can get 10% off your bill total. 62, really?

Taco Bell: If you’re 65 or older, you can get a 5% discount, or you can opt for a free drink.

TCBY: I love this place and if you’re 55+ you can get your next treat for 10% off.

Waffle House: Every Monday you can get your meal for 10% off, must be 60 or older.

Wendy’s: If you are 55+ you can get a burger for 10% off. Actually works on everything, not just burgers.

White Castle: If you’re 62+ you can go get some tiny burgers for 10% less than the general population.

See Also: Score a “Day of the Week” Senior Discount at These Places

“Go Have Fun” Discounts for Seniors

AMC Theaters: Save up to 30% off tickets for seniors aged 55 or older.

Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL) : 50+ get a $3 discount on a 1-day pass.

Cinemark Theaters: Save up to 35% off. Varies by theater.

Regal Cinemas: 30% off tickets if you are 55 or older.

Seaworld Orlando: 50+ get a $3 discount on a 1-day pass.

United States National Parks: Seniors aged 62+ get a lifetime pass for only $80.

Retail Discounts for Seniors

Banana Republic: You only have to be over the age of 50 to get a senior discount at Banana Republic.

Bealls: For those aged 55+ shop on the first Tuesday of each month and save 20% off.

CJ Banks: Save 10% off every Wednesday. Must be 60 or older.

Dress Barn: For ladies aged 55 or older shop and save 10% off your entire purchase.

Goodwill: One day per week, seniors can save 10% off. Day depends on location.

Hancock Fabrics: On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month seniors aged 55 or older can get a flat 15% off their entire purchase in-store.

Joann Fabrics: Usually on a Wednesday every 3 months they have a “Senior Day” which gives those 60+ 20% off their entire purchase. They advertise it in their emails as well as on their website.

Lens Crafters: According to their website AARP members can get 30% off prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses.

Kohl’s: Seniors can shop every Wednesday and save 15% off. Be prepared to show your ID proving your 60 or older.

Michaels: I read differing opinions about Michaels so I decided to call them and get the scoop. They do indeed offer a senior discount for those 55 or older and it’s a flat discount of 10% off all regular and sale merchandise. Details Here

Modell’s Sporting Goods: I heard rumors of Modell’s offering a senior discount so I called to verify and sure enough they offer a senior discount. It is 10% off when you show ID that you’re 65+. In-store only. We typically also have a Modell’s coupon or two to help you save as well.

Rite Aid: I called my local Rite Aid and was told to come in and sign up for their Wellness65+ program which entitles seniors aged 65 or older a 20% discount on the 1st Wednesday of every month.

Ross: I also called Ross and they told me that every Tuesday, if you’re 55 or older, you can save an extra 10%.

Walgreens: Take advantage of Seniors Savings Days and get a 20% discount. Must be 55+ and an AARP member.

Travel Discounts for Seniors

Alaska Airlines: Get 10% off airline tickets for travelers 65 or older.

Alamo Rent a Car: AARP members can save up to 25% off their next rental car.

American Airlines: Assorted deals for seniors aged 65+. Ask about them when making your reservations at 800-433-7300.

Amtrak: Hit the rails and save 15% off all travel. Must be 62 or older.

Avis: The same as Alamo, AARP members can save up to 25% off their next rental car.

Best Western: Save 10% off your next room if you’re 55 or older.

Budget Rent a Car: 10% off or save 20% off if you are a AARP member.

Clarion Motels: Save up to 30% off your next room if you are 60+.

Comfort Inn: Save up 20-30% off your next room if you are aged 60+.

Econo Lodge: Save up 20-30% off your next room if you are aged 60+.

Enterpricse Rent-A-Car: 5% off for those who hold a AARP membership.

Greyhound Bus: Hit the road with Greyhound and save 5% on your ticket if you are 62 or older.

Hampton Inn: Get 10% off your booking when booked at least 72 hours in advance of your arrival.

Hertz: AARP members can save up to 25% off their next car.

Holiday Inn: Those aged 62+ can save up to 20% off your next hotel room.

Hyatt Hotels: Ask when booking as you can save up to 50% off when 62+.

Marriott Hotels: 15% off if you’re 62 or older.

Motel 6: 10% off your next room when 60 or older.

Quality Inn: Save 20-30% off your next room if you are aged 60+.

Rodeway Inn: Save 20-30% off your next room if you are aged 60+.

Southwest Airlines: Check the SWA website for details on getting senior airfare rates.

United Airlines: According to the United website, seniors aged 65+ can save on airfare. Ask when booking your travel.

Ask the Reader: Where else can a senior score a well deserved discount? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to get it added to this resource. Thanks!

By Kyle James