Free money to use is still free money

So tax time is right around the corner and one of the bigger grocery chains has put together a deal that gives you up to 10% more spending power. 

SUPERVALU, whose stores include Acme, Albertsons, bigg’s, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco and Shaw’s/Star Market, is putting a bonus amount on grocery gift card purchases. 

Fine print: By purchasing a grocery gift card during this promotion, you can get up to 10% more money on your card. Customers who purchase grocery gift cards in either $250 or $300 increments will get another $20 or $30 added to the card, respectively. The limit is $1,250 per household. There is no need to bring in a tax form or refund check. Simply visit the service counter to purchase your grocery gift card with bonus.

Bonus amounts cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol, fuel, tobacco, lottery tickets, dairy products, prescription drugs or additional gift cards.

This is a great deal in my opinion. They ran a similar deal when the tax rebate checks were doled out last year. I took advantage of $300 but soon realized that I should have done more. I ran out within three months. Jewel-Osco is my closest and therefore most convenient store. 

I'm not sure I can afford to put up $1250 but I think $600 is doable. That's a $60 bonus to spend at a store I go to anyway. And the money never expires. It's as good as cash with no fees attached to it.

If they want to give me free money to shop in their store, I'll take it. It's more money in my pocket.