Here are some companies that choose to thank our educators with discounts.

Ann Taylor Loft understands you need style as well as substance with a 15% discount for teachers every time you shop. In the past J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Aerosoles Shoes have offered a 15% teacher discount at in store checkout.

Borders rewards teachers with a new Classroom Discount Card saves you 25% off classroom purchases every day, plus you can now use your Borders Rewards card with all your purchases and earn Borders Bucks!

Barnes and Noble wants to be a resource for teachers and sets you up with both in store and online classroom purchases.

JourneyEd.com has all the best software and fantastic prices for educators as well as students.

You do get summers off so make the most of it with STA Travel discounts.  The Educators Bed and Breakfast site offers unique experiences at $40 per night for two with continental breakfast.  Live like a local and enjoy meeting fellow educators while you travel.  And for those working for public schools check and see if you qualify for the outstanding government discount offered at hotels.

If I left anything out no doubt the Gift Card Granny caught it.

Use them or lose money, there is no way around the loyalty program concept.   What really matters is maximizing the benefits. Two ways to enhance your savings – when ever possible stick with one program for every category type i.e. food, office supplies, hotels, air travel and give them your email address (set up a seperate account for deals if necessary) so you receive up to the minute offers. 

Here are the no fee programs the Frugal Diva likes best and why.

Staples – They give you $2 for every used printer cartridges and a percentage of purchases in a rebate check.  Watch for emails with weekly savings and coupons. Back to school is an excellent time to stock on supplies for the office.

Ralphs – Their points system allows you to get back a small rebate every three months along with coupons for products. They will email you items that garner bonus points and just by clicking you can make your way to savings. The coupons are loaded into your loyalty card and automatically deducted at checkout. No cutting and no forgetting.

Borders - You get emailed discount coupons ranging from 25% to 40% off, special bonus savings, and a rebate with purchases.

AMC Moviewatcher Club – Two points for every movie ticket purchased whether it’s a discount matinee or full fare in the evening. They add up quickly to get free drinks, popcorn, and tickets.

Chicos – After an initial purchase amount, members receive an automatic 5% off and a coupon every month plus a birthday bonus, invitations to private sales, and special discounts.

Let me know what you think are great programs and I will add them to the post.

The Frugal Diva loves to buy online – better prices, no parking problems, product reviews- however there are ways to cut the price even further.  Here is a list of sites that give coupons, money back, or shipping reductions.

Fat Wallet gives you coupons and cash back.  Click through from their site and start seeing dividends for your shopping forays.

Coupon Cabin is a reliable site for both online and printable coupons. The $5 off at Target is for $50 which is usually the amount needed to get free shipping resulting in a double savings. 

Borders (with free membership) give you discounts with their partners.

Amazon has daily deals that might be just the ticket coupled with free shipping on some items.  

And always check with The Frugal Diva for the latest in deals.