Starbucks has made HUGE changes to its rewards program… starting in April, you will earn rewards on the amount of money you spend at Starbucks.
- Right now: Earn 1 Star per Visit at Starbucks no matter how much money you spend
- In April: Earn 2 stars per dollar spent, with a FREE reward after 125 stars
Before, you could spend $24 (12 visits) & earn a FREE drink; now you will need to spend $62.50 to earn one free drink. The new Rewards Program basically favors those who spend more money on their visit with elaborate drinks or even pastries to pair.
Right now there is no telling if this will affect those who go to Starbucks frequently – but I will offer my best savings advice. Whether or not you agree, the BEST way to save is to simply make your own coffee at home, and avoid falling for tricky rewards programs altogether.
Pocket what you would have spent and re-route to your savings account to save that money in an Emergency Fund – which will help you more than coffee & sugared drinks when you are thinking your long term financial success.