Warning! This is one of those cringe-inducing type posts that I really debated on writing. So, let me say that I’m not looking for validation of the fact that I’m a “good Samaritan” or anything of the sort. I’m a writer and tend to process my thoughts on the blog. Some are mundane, some are quirky, few tend to tug at readers’ heartstrings.
But let me back up. Guys, if you are not taking advantage of SYWR shopping portal, you are missing out. Seriously, just sign up already! Through 5/7/17 you’ll get $10 back in points for every $25 qualifying purchase. Direct link to offer (Hat tip DoC)
I make exactly zero to refer you, so no conflict of interest. I’ve gotten a ton of free stuff by simply buying discounted gift cards on Raise (see my post for more on this topic) Check out my latest prize:
Several packages of “Fruit of the loom” underwear for my husband, $16 for five pairs. He says they are extremely comfortable, so there. And I got them for free. Free! No, seriously, I bought discounted gift cards on Raise for things I needed anyway, and boom, accumulated enough SYWR points to get these babies, with free shipping to boot.
I realize it’s not exactly miles and points related, but every cent you save can in turn be used on travel. And everyone needs underwear, right? Get in on this deal before it dies (which it will). And make sure to use up your rewards fairly quickly because they do expire. This deal does have some hoops to jump through, for sure, but you can do everything from the comfort of your own home (in your underwear!), which is a big plus.
The word is getting out though, because I’ve noticed that Raise has hardly any deals anymore. Still, it could even make sense to purchase gift cards at face value in order to get 5% back in points from Raise, plus 10,000 points from the promo. Which brings me to the topic of my post.
I actually went ahead and bought Walmart gift card from Raise via SYWR portal at face value. I couldn’t find any deals on restaurant gift cards, and the idea was to simply take advantage of the promo. I shop at Walmart regularly, so their gift cards are almost as good as cash. Almost.
Raise didn’t have a Walmart gift card at precisely $25 level, so I bought one for $42. I just checked my SYWR profile and 10,000 points (worth $10) are already deposited. Anyway, today after dropping off my kids at school I decided to get few groceries. My original plan was to stop by Winn-Dixie because it’s closer to my house. But I had this $42 Walmart gift card, so I decided it made sense to use it up rather than spend cash.
While standing at the checkout line I saw a gal who went to the same high school as me, back when I was an exchange student in US. She has always been extremely kind to me, just a nice person to be around. We’ve ran into each other over the years at the playground (she has three boys), but haven’t really kept in touch.
So, I asked her how she was doing, you know, the usual small talk. Her response: “We are doing OK aside from the fact that we are about to lose our house…” Gulp! Awkward silence followed because I truly didn’t know what to say. I finally mumbled “I’m very sorry to hear it” and asked her how the kids were doing. Facepalm.
Then I realized I just couldn’t walk away and do nothing. I had that stupid gift card from Raise, so I decided to hand it to her. She tried to refuse and I told her how I got it via this amazing promotion (totally true), so reluctantly, she accepted. Nope, I didn’t tell her about my underwear windfall.
She then burst into tears, so I gave her a big hug. I honestly think she appreciated the hug more than the gift card itself. I told her I’ll be thinking of her and that I hope things will turn around soon. And then we parted ways, two semi-strangers who may not see each other for years.
But I thought to myself how little things we do in life can sometimes make a real impact. If I didn’t come across this SYWR promo, I wouldn’t have bought the Walmart gift card. In turn, I would end up going to Winn-Dixie as originally planned. And I would never have a chance to help out someone in need.
Obviously, $42 Walmart gift card isn’t going to stop a foreclosure on their house, but I could tell, it brightened this person’s day. She knew that someone cared enough to stop and listen to her problems.
We live in an angry/selfish world where tearing people down is the norm. To some extent, it spills over to miles and points hobby. At times I feel like many view me merely as a content-generating machine rather than an actual human being. And of course, there are all those who simply want the blog to go away, as soon as possible. It’s very easy to become jaded, but I’m determined not to succumb to negativity.
I feel blessed that collecting points and doing all these crazy promos has allowed me to lend a hand at times. It was never a grandiose type gesture, just small things.
But small things matter because they show people you care.
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Good for you! Also, I notice Raise is down to 5% back.:)
@Audrey Thanks. But I really didn’t do that much, goodness!
I honestly think Raise will leave SYWR portal eventually. I think even 5% back in points is pretty good, especially when stacked with 10,000 points bonus.
Yep. Not sure how they can keep these promos up, portal and fount as well. Fount is usually slightly better even.
@Audrey If I’m not mistaken, SYWR is run by Sears, which is close to going bankrupt. I think they are just throwing points at people in order to raise cash. Yet another reason not to hold onto points for too long. But buying gift cards I need anyway is a no-brainer. Even if the portal folds, I haven’t lost anything. It’s a win-win at this point, so why not?
It doesn’t surprise me at all that you did this!
@Nancy You are too kind! You would have done the same thing and you know it. Ahh, I didn’t want the post to turn into “praise Leana” fest. 🙂 This is why I felt weird sharing this whole thing.
It is so nice to read a positive story! That you for posting it. I hope it inspires others to do positive things as well!
@Carl Thank you for stopping by! There is so much negativity in the world, I really don’t want to add to it with my blog. This wasn’t an extraordinary thing by any means. But it’s nice to brighten someone’s day in a small way.
Loved hearing how you were able to help someone out — it’s the little unselfish things that people do for each other that really matter and put a smile on my face.
I grew up poor, but it’s hard to teach my children (who have plenty) how to help others who are in need. I think one of my kids has actually been listening: My son had a field trip a few weeks ago, and I gave him $20 for lunch. One of his classmates went on the trip with no money or no lunch so my son bought his lunch as well. I thanked my son for being so kind and generous and I was proud of him for helping another child out.
Keep up the good work!
@Stephanie Thanks, but I promise, I wasn’t looking for praise! I hope that’s not how the post came across. I just got a kick out of how a silly promo set things in motion which caused it to happen.
I agree with you on importance of teaching your kids to help out those who are less fortunate. It is so crucial because they are bombarded by “me first, at all costs” messages on TV, online etc. I tell kids that they can never go wrong by doing something nice for others. My goal is to raise caring individuals who want to make a positive difference in the world.
To be sure, I’m not always the best example in this regard, but we are all imperfect.
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason! I had an opportunity to help someone today also and it feels good. Glad that you paid it forward too…..
@Michelle It’s definitely a privilege to be able to help someone in need. Sounds corny, I know! But I feel like my family is blessed in so many ways. Our house is paid off, and we have enough money for food and occasional trips. Many are not so lucky. We are no rich and never will be, but if opportunity presents itself, I feel compelled to do something. I’m sure it’s not enough, though.
I love the post, and I think it further illustrates how we, the points and deals junkies can have our hobby allow/inspire us to be more generous than we normally would be. Any addiction that pushes one to do more good cannot be all bad right?
Uri, I totally agree! The world in its present state can surely use more good. I’ve said before that a lot of what we do in this hobby can be damaging to the soul unless we find a way to counterbalance it by giving back.
I think the idea is to take and take, sometimes for the sake of taking. It’s very unhealthy and cultivates greed. I admit, I’m not very good at balancing things, but I keep working on it.