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Bluebird from American Express, A Great Budgeting Tool

Bluebird from American Express, A Great Budgeting Tool

Last week I introduced you to Bluebird from American Express.  I will be using my Bluebird account over the next few weeks and documenting my experience using it here on the blog. I know not everyone has credit cards, which this is not, and something like Bluebird could be a great tool in budgeting by controlling your spending.

You can sign up online, which is FREE and super quick and easy, or purchase a ‘kit’ from Walmart for a $5 fee.   There is no approval process because it’s not a credit card so you don’t need to worry about your credit.  It’s basically a pre-paid card and you can only spend what you put on there.

I find this very helpful for those on a budget or for those trying to put themselves on a budget.  Here are some ideas I have for using it to control your budget:

Bluebird is GREAT for keeping you on a budget when Grocery Shopping!

If you are on a strict grocery budget each week or each month, Bluebird can help you stay accountable for your budget.  Because you have to load funds onto the card to use it, you can add your grocery budget to it and only take that with you to the store!    It’s very easy to transfer money from your checking account, once you link your accounts.

Bluebird can be used to purchase your Gas!

You can use your bluebird account and pay right at the pump for gas!  This is convenient in so many ways.   For one I won’t leave my kids in the car and go inside to pay for gas.  So I need to get them both out (at least they can unbuckle and buckle themselves now!), take them both in the store to pay for gas, then get them back in the car and pump my gas.  If I can pay at the pump I can avoid that and same some time.  You can also monitor your gas spending.  Since you can only use what’s on the card, you will know exactly how much more money you have to spend on gas that month or week.    I know I tend to waste gas with endless driving around just to get out of the house.   But if my budget doesn’t allow, then I can’t do it!

Bluebird can help budget your FUN Money!

I love when I have some FUN money that I can spend any way I want.  It doesn’t happen to often but when we have a little extra money, we like to have fun.  You could use Bluebird for your FUN money so you know exactly how much you have to spend.   Then when you drive by Starbucks and think about getting a coffee, you can as long as you have some money in your Bluebird account!

You can use your Bluebird account at Walmart and where ever they accept American Express.

I am working with American Express on a sponsored Bluebird campaign.  My opinions are my own.