Saving Money Through Your Employer

For those who work for larger employers that have company intranet sites, spend some time hunting around for the Benefits section.  You might be surprised what employee discounts are available to you. I am not talking about 1/2 off for Gap employees, but discounts for such everyday items as cell phone bills, travel, and health-related services.

Today, I searched my company's Employee Discounts site and was really excited about the options.  For one, car rental and hotel discounts were available any time, even for personal travel.  The company won't cover car insurance for personal travel, but no matter.  Hotel savings were on par for what AAA might offer, about 10-15% off rates, which is great.  I will take any discount, as my friends can attest.  One awesome deal was for 17% off Verizon phone service.  Nice!  Couple that with the discount my wife and I enjoy by pooling "Friends and Family" and that starts to get exciting.  

The shocker of discounts though was for Microsoft.  Through something called the Home Use Program, I was able to get Office 2013 Professional Plus for $9.95!  This is available for both PCs and Macs!  Now, here's where the fun starts.  Go to their page using the above link, enter your e-mail address (if you don't have the promo code) and see if you qualify.  If you do, you will receive an e-mail with further instructions on how to purchase software at a major discount.

Your company may not have a consolidated list of discounts, but ask your Human Resources Manager if they do, or, if they would consider signing up for these programs.  It builds employee morale, saves money, and boosts the economy.