Using coupons and grocery apps can help you save a significant amount of money on your grocery bill. With just a little bit of planning and effort, you can take advantage of discounts, cashback offers, and other deals.
If you aren't sure where to start, I'll share some practical tips and examples to help you get started with using coupons and apps effectively.
Have a question about this article? Ask AI!
Jump to:
Collect and Organize Coupons
Coupons are a really easy way to get started on saving extra money on groceries. I collect coupons from newspapers, magazines, and online sources like Coupons.com. I generally try to stick to items that I already buy on a regular basis, to avoid spending money on products that I don't actually need. The idea is to save extra money on things I would buy anyway.
I keep the coupons in a small binder organized by category (like dairy, snacks, cleaning supplies) so I can quickly find what I need when making my shopping list.
Use Store Loyalty Programs
Sign up for store loyalty programs to access exclusive discounts and digital coupons. The digital coupons in particular are great, as they are practically effortless!
I joined my local grocery store's loyalty program, which offers digital coupons, personalized deals, and rewards points for every purchase. These points can be redeemed for future discounts, making it a great way to save even more.
Try Cashback Apps
Cashback apps provide rebates on purchases, adding another layer of savings. They do require a little bit of effort on your part, but they can really help with stretching your budget farther.
You can check out apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards, which offer cashback on various grocery items. After shopping, you simply scan the receipts, and the app will credits your account with cashback. Over time, these small amounts add up to significant savings.
Organize your coupons by category for quick access and to help you maximize your savings during your shopping trips. And bring all your coupons with you, just in case you get surprised by a sale on an item for which you have a coupon - that's such a great way to snag items for the least amount of money possible!
Combine Coupons with Sales
If you are ready to level up, you can really maximize your savings by using coupons during sales and promotions. This requires a little bit of coordination and strategic thinking, but it can be a super-effective way to save money.
For example, if I have a coupon for $1 off a box of cereal and the store is running a sale on that cereal, I use the coupon during the sale to get an even better deal. There have been times where I have gotten an item almost for free! This strategy can lead to substantial savings on regularly purchased items.
To really stretch your savings even further, get familiar with grocery store sales cycles so you can more easily time your coupon use for maximum impact.
Download Grocery Store Apps
Many grocery stores have their own apps that offer digital coupons, weekly ads, and special promotions. I love this method for saving money, as it is another one that is practically effortless.
I downloaded the app for my favorite grocery store, which provides digital coupons, a weekly ad, and notifications about upcoming sales. This makes it easy to plan my shopping trips and take advantage of the best deals.
Here are a few easy and budget-friendly recipes:
Stack Coupons and Rebates
Some stores allow you to stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons and rebates for maximum savings. This strategy also requires some tracking and forward thinking, but when it works, it's so satisfying!
For example, if you have a use a manufacturer coupon for a particular item, and there is also a store coupon, you can purchase that item and then also take advantage of a cashback offer from an app like FetchRewards. This triple-stack strategy can significantly reduce the cost of the item, again sometimes even making it free.
Plan Shopping Trips Around Deals
Plan your shopping trips around the best deals and coupons available each week. Reserve a timeslot each week to sit down and see what strategies will be available to you that particular week to save you money.
For example, I like to shop on Thursday evenings, so on Thursday afternoons, I check the weekly ad, digital coupons, and cashback offers. Then I plan my meals and shopping list based on the best deals I find, ensuring I get the most value for my money.
Yes this requires an investment of time and effort, and I will confess that there are some weeks where this step just doesn't happen. But, when you do have the opportunity, the time spent can really pay off!
Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates
Make sure to use your coupons and app offers before they expire.
One way to keep track of the expiration dates on coupons and app offers is to setting reminders on your phone. This will helps you make sure to use them before they expire, so you don't miss out on any savings.
Using coupons and grocery apps can significantly cut your grocery bill and help you save money. By collecting and organizing coupons, joining store loyalty programs, and taking advantage of cashback apps, you can maximize your savings.
Combine these strategies with smart shopping habits like planning trips around deals and stacking coupons, and you'll avoid avoid common grocery shopping mistakes and start to see the savings add up!
More Ways To Save...
Here are more great tips and ideas to help you keep your grocery budget under control!
Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.
And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!
Happy saving!
Comments
No Comments