Foursquare is a location-based messaging social media service that has been growing in popularity in the last few years alongside its rival Gowalla and the Facebook check-in. What differentiates Foursquare is the number of discounts and deals you can get from retailers and other merchants simply by checking in. With many moms looking to save money in whatever ways they can, Foursquare offers a way to earn a few extra bucks without donating eggs.

How it works is that you create a simple profile and then when you’re at a store you check in to that location. You earn points from the check in and can earn more points for leaving tips to other consumers. You can also earn badges for various check-in accomplishments which are good for discounts at stores. You get an Explorer badge for checking to 25 different venues; a Superstar badge for checking into 50 different venues; a Local badge for going to the same place 3 times in one week; a School Night badge for checking in past 3AM on a week night; the list goes on and one. There are literally hundreds of badges, some of them downright crazy, such as the “I’m on a boat” badge, the “Don’t Stop Believin” badge, and the “Hair Aware” badge!

If you check in enough to one location, you can also eventually become the Mayor of that particular venue, a status which earns you even better deals. The variety of discounts you can get are pretty varied. I have a friend who does yoga who became Mayor of the studio and got free coconut water every time she came in. Another friend checked in to a pizza place enough to earn a free slice every time he came in.

The good news for moms is that almost every major store, from Ralphs, Vons, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods to Target, Wal-Mart and other franchise retail chains, offers discounts through Foursquare. And it’s extremely easy to use. Unlike other social media apps that can be downright confusing, Foursquare simply requires you to tap a few buttons and you’re checked in. If you’re looking to upgrade your coupon experience, I can’t recommend using Foursquare enough. From diapers to dog food to laundry detergent, you can save money simply by owning a smartphone and knowing how to use it. And who knows, you could even become the Major of Victoria’s Secret!

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