FTC Disclaimer: As a Central Arkansas McDonald’s ambassador, posts like this are sponsored. However, opinions are 100% my own.
There are two things I love to do: save money and eat food.
Food is a big part of my life. And not just because it keeps me alive. It is often at the center of family and social gatherings. We eat on playdates and during Mom’s Night Out. We eat at family reunions and on holidays. It’s just one of those things that everyone seems to bond over.
Saving money is important to me because…well, I’m cheap, lol. However, it’s also important because I have some major goals I want to achieve this year:
- I want to move into a new home. We have been living in this one for nearly 6 years (since July of 2011). Although it was a huge blessing for us when I found it, we have long since outgrown it. It is a 2-bedroom, but I use one of the bedrooms as a home office. We really need a 3-bedroom home to be comfortable. Plus, we need a more secure backyard for our puppy, Luna Lovegood. She is easily able to escape the fence. And, now that she is in heat, I worry about other dogs jumping IN. I’m not ready to be a grandma and she is too young to be a mom.
- I want to fund an out-of-state vacation. Sadly, Christian has never left the state of Arkansas. Considering my love of travel, I think that is very sad. I really would love to go somewhere this year. Perhaps a cruise. So, I need the funds for not only the vacation, but to buy passports. Mine expires this year and he doesn’t have one.
- I need a new car. I have a 2001 Chrysler Voyager. I’ve owned it for 8 years. I’ve never been one of those people who felt the need to upgrade my car just because I could. In my mind, if my car still runs without danger of breaking down, there is no need to buy another one. Plus, my car is fully paid off. I’m not eager to have a car payment when I have a car that is functional. However, over the past few years, the car has slowly been deteriorating. Nothing super major, but enough for me to finally accept that I need to make plans to get a new (or new to me) car.
With these goals in mind, I am constantly thinking of ways to save money without sacrificing everything I enjoy. One of the things that Christian and I enjoy doing together is eating at McDonald’s. Although I normally cook at home, McDonald’s is a place we go when I want a break from cooking, when we are hanging out with friends, or when we just need to go somewhere to hang out for a little while. We even go when I need to get some work done.
Fortunately, I haven’t had to sacrifice this little tradition thanks to the many ways that McDonald’s enables us to save money.
Promotions Galore
One thing I love about McDonald’s is that they have so many promotions that they offer, both at the corporate level and at the local level. For example, our local McDonald’s has had promotions such as “Buy One Get One Free” on Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, a free Grand Mac when you order a large fry and drink, and a free Strawberry Pie when you buy a Grand Mac.
Right now, Central Arkansas McDonald’s has a promotion where you can get two of their delicious (and rather healthy) Egg McMuffin sandwiches for just $3. This promotion lasts until May 28th. The Egg McMuffin is part of their All Day Breakfast menu so you can come in any time of day and take advantage of that. My son and I love breakfast for dinner, so I will definitely be getting that special. In fact, I had one this morning. McDonald’s also offers $1 soft drinks, as well as $2 small McCafé drinks (which are so tasty!)
Survey Savings
Another really cool (and easy) way to save money at McDonald’s is to pay attention to your receipt. Your receipt will usually have a section at the top asking you to fill out a really simple survey. You begin the survey by entering the survey code from your receipt. The survey asks a variety of questions about your experience, such as what you ordered, if you were satisfied with it, and if you had any issues during your visit. It only takes about 5 minutes or less to complete.
If you complete the survey within 7 days of your visit, you will receive a special code that enables you to receive a free menu item at your next visit. You For example, during my most recent trip I received a coupon that offered “Buy One Get One Free” on either a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or an Egg McMuffin. Just be aware that the code expires in 30 days.
Coupons in the Mail
If you are a couponer, then you might want to keep an eye out for McDonald’s coupons. The ones we got were usually in a coupon circular that was distributed around our community. We haven’t received any in a while, but when we did, it was awesome. They would send a packet of coupons with great savings. Some were for free menu items, some were BOGO, others were discounted meal packages. They were all highly appreciated by my little family.
Join Their Mailing List
If you go to the McDonald’s website, you can also join their email list to get updates and promotions delivered straight to your inbox.
Download the Mobile App
Of course, I can’t mention saving money at McDonald’s without mentioning the McDonald’s mobile app. You can download it from the app store or Google Play. The app enables you to do things like find nearby restaurants and explore the menu. However, it also send you weekly deals. The coolest part, though, is that when you buy 5 McCafé beverages (which, again, are so good!), you earn a free one on your next visit.
Senior Discount
Last, but not least, some McDonald’s offers people aged 55 and up a discount on their coffee, which is pretty cool. This doesn’t apply tome yet, but you better believe I will appreciate it when the time comes. Coffee is life!
With so many ways to save money at McDonald’s I feel good about keeping it as one of our little family traditions.
What’s your #1 reason for saving money and how do you juggle saving money with doing things you love? Let me know in the comments below!
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