[Point Activity] What are the secrets of "Point Activity" to save money effortlessly, as explained by "Time-saving Saver" Kuu-chan? | Learn from the Master "Money Flow" | Moneyクリ Moneyx Securities investment information and media useful for finances.

Amidst the rising cost of living, many people might be interested in effectively accumulating "points" and utilizing "point activities" to save money. However, it's common to find it difficult to accumulate points or to accidentally let them expire while planning to use them.

So, with the experience of saving 10 million yen in 6 years, we asked Kuu-chan, who is active not only on blogs and social media but also in various media as a "time-saving saver," about ways to effectively utilize "point activities" without overdoing it.

●Kuu-chan Profile●

A spendthrift nurse transformed into a "time-saving and frugal" person upon marriage. By eliminating waste from the household budget, decluttering the home, and studying finances, she achieved savings of 10 million yen over 6 years. She shares her saving tips on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. She lives with her husband and two sons, totaling four family members. She has 143,000 followers on Instagram.

Starting from the idea of "Increasing usable money" through point activities

――What prompted you to start point activities?

While raising children, I started a frugal lifestyle with the thought of "let's save money and accumulate savings." First, I kept a household account book to understand my expenses and reduced them wherever possible. However, I realized that further cutting down on food and living expenses could be detrimental to health, and there are limits to this method. I thought that instead of focusing on saving, I needed to think in the direction of "increasing income" to raise my savings rate, which led me to start activities for earning points alongside studying for qualifications. This was around 2016.

――What kind of style did you adopt for your point activities?

The first thing I mainly utilized was what is called a "point site." By purchasing products online through a point site or by introducing them on social media or blogs, you can earn points. At first, I had a suspicious impression of it (laughs), but after researching, I found out that it is a system where a portion of the advertising costs from companies is returned to us, so I started to use it.

――There are various point sites, aren't there? Which sites do you mainly use?

Famous ones include "Moppy", "Hapitas", and "Point Income", but I personally like the point site "Warau" and mainly use it. The reason is that points can be exchanged immediately and used right away, which makes it very convenient. The points from "Warau" can be exchanged for various points like d points or even cash, but the redemption rate is better when converted to points. Therefore, I basically convert them into points and use them for everyday shopping at drugstores where the points can be used.

――Do you accumulate points when shopping in your daily life?

Of course. Basically, I try to remember "not to forget to show my point card (app)." There's a base point site, and on top of that, I get points from my everyday purchases... that was the image I had. However, now that the law has changed, there are fewer opportunities to earn a lot of points from point sites. Therefore, while utilizing point sites, I am switching to a method of accumulating points in my daily life using credit cards and other means.

Choose the point economy by considering the exit strategy "where to use it".

Managing expenses with a handwritten household account book. Basically, you record the cash you used, so when shopping, you write the amount after the discount if you used points. ――There are various points such as d points, V points, and Rakuten points, right? I think many people struggle with which points to choose and accumulate, but are there any tips for choosing?

"It's about choosing points that can be used at the stores you want to use them at." Points only have value when they are actually used, so no matter how easy it is to accumulate them, if there are no stores nearby where they can be used, it’s meaningless. Additionally, the main use of the points may vary depending on whether they are for daily necessities, convenience store usage, or grocery purchases at supermarkets. First, look for points that can be used at stores you frequently visit or want to use, and once you decide on the main points to accumulate, you can then choose your mobile phone and the credit card you will use.

People who have been doing point activities (poi-katsu) for a long time often think about the points they can earn from their current credit cards and mobile phones, but I recommend a method of "backcasting" from the "exit strategy"... in other words, "where to use them". By considering that, I suggest aligning both your phone and credit cards to create a more cohesive "economic zone".

――From what I've heard, you belong to the "use it right away" group!

"Points only have value when they are used." I understand that saving them can be fun, but there are risks such as the service or account suddenly disappearing or someone hacking into your account. It’s better to use them as soon as you accumulate them, as that way they definitely become your assets.

Also, by using it right away, you can prevent "accidentally letting it expire." In fact, when I first started point activities, I had many frustrating experiences of letting them expire. Even if I tried various points out of curiosity, I ended up being unable to manage them all. Now, I try to limit myself to about two user-friendly points to accumulate.

――Are there any tips for continuing to accumulate points effortlessly?

Depending on the point system, there are various mechanisms such as "X days give X times the points" or "some points are limited to a specific period." However, if it becomes complicated or difficult, people tend not to continue. Therefore, I think the easiest way is to convert the "money used in everyday life," like credit cards, into cards or cashless payments that accumulate points.

If you pay fixed costs such as phone bills and electricity bills with a credit card, points will automatically accumulate every month. First, create such a system, and then just decide on the rule of using this credit card or electronic money when you go to this store. This way, you will accumulate points without having to put in much effort.

Because "points = things that didn't exist," they add "fun" and create a sense of balance in life!

――Are there any precautions to take when continuing to engage in point activities?

It's really fun to see the points accumulate, but the fact that points are piling up means you're spending that much! If your expenses increase, then the whole point-earning activity loses its purpose. When you find yourself thinking "Huh?", it's important to return to the fundamental desire of wanting to save money and reduce spending.

――What advice do you have for 'using' points?

I basically use it for living expenses, and now I'm also using points for investments. I feel like in the past, points had more of a "reward" element to them. When you shopped normally, you would earn points, and it would be like, "Since I have points, maybe I'll buy something I wanted," or "Maybe I'll use them a little." It was originally supposed to be a "fun" thing like that. However, recently, due to rising prices, the focus has shifted more to how to incorporate it into living expenses, and I feel a bit disappointed about that...

If you assume that points will be used for living expenses, it might feel like life becomes constricted. It would be nice if we could use it to set a balance, saying things like, "Since it's points, it's okay to buy convenience store sweets once in a while," or "It's fine to buy something meaningless." I think it's really good to use them for some luxury or to pamper yourself after managing your household budget.

--- The term "investment" using points has also emerged, Kuu-chan's point activity techniques. In the second part, we asked about the investment technique of "making money work" (scheduled for upcoming release).

Interview and text by Yuki Kawaguchi

Planning and Editing / Manekuri Editorial Department (Kyoko Fujimura, Genka Saijo)

Photography / Sakiko Wada

*This interview was conducted on July 3, 2025.

*This content is based on personal experience and does not represent the opinions of our company.

*Please make your final investment decisions based on your own judgment and responsibility.