So, I'm not good about clipping coupons, I don't buy everything cheap. I like quality. I also like saving money if I can.
I was at Target with a friend not too long ago. She was scanning everything in her basket. I thought it was weird for sure. I found out she was using the Target app to see if there were any Cartwheel offers on her items.
What is Cartwheel? It's a target only thing that gives you deals that may not be advertised when you are shopping. That's why you have to use the app and scan your products. You show the cashier your app scan bar when you are checking out, they scan it and the savings are applied. Easy peasy!
Then there's Target's Red Card. It is a card that links directly to your checking account. (You can get a cerdit card Target Red Card...it's probably not the best idea if you're trying to save $$ since there are interest rates associated with the credit card version.) It's only valid for Target stores and online Target purchases. There are no fees. Every time you use that card you get 5% off your purchase along with any Cartwheel deals that you scanned into the app. I'm behind the game, I just found this out. 🙃 Target has deals like this one; I buy Toms of Maine toothpaste. I found it on sale for 20% off plus if you buy 4 they give you a $5.00 Target gift card. Totally worth it for me. I will use the toothpaste and save the gift card for grocery shopping.
I have been comparing Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Target to get the best price on EVERY THING! Amazon has some very good deals on some subscription items. For example I feed my dogs Rachel Ray dog food. Amazon and Wal-Mart sell it for the exact same price....UNLESS....you subscribe for monthly deliveries on Amazon. I was paying $22.00 for a 11.5lb bag 2 or 3 times per month. Amazon offered a 23lb bag on a monthly subscription for $39.88 there was an Amazon coupon for $2.00 off plus, my first month 20% off plus, an additional 5% off for subscribing to more than one monthly item. My first 23lb bag cost me $28.00 and has free shipping. (That means I save on gas money too!) A 23lb bag at Wal-Mart is $42.00. That's a $14.00 savings! I'll subscribe, thank you Amazon! My dog will always need food so this subscription works for me. I also signed up for Amazon's pet profile to receive additional coupons and discounts. Amazon pantry is also a super cool way to save without a monthly subscription on some items!
Now, I have another good example. I was buying Sara Lee brand Artisano bread. Wal-Mart and Target sell it for $2.50/loaf. That's expensive! So I've been buying frozen dough that is ready to rise and baking it at home. Totally my moms idea, she was doing it first! Thanks, Mom!! Wal-Mart sells a bag with 5 frozen dough loafs for $5.00. Not bad, $1.00/loaf, that's already a huge savings. I was shopping at Target yesterday and found the bags of frozen loafs on sale 2 bags for $7.00! That's $0.70/loaf! Plus I have a red card so I will get an additional 5% off! Score! So I got 10 loafs of bread for $0.67 each. I do have to bake them but who cares? They taste so much better than any store bought loaf so the effort at home is absolutely worth it!
I have also signed up for a Gas Buddy card through the Gas Buddy app. It's exactly like the Target Red Card. It links to your checking account. No fees. It gives you $0.05 off per gallon at ALL gas stations. If you have reward cards like a Shell card you get that discount plus the Gas Buddy discount. If you report gas prices at stations you visit you can earn points everyday and enter for a chance to win a $100.00 gas card. Super good idea. Cool app.
I just thought these were some neat ways to save some money. It does take a little time to make sure you get the best deal, but in my experience so far...it's totally worth it!
Happy shopping! Spread some sunshine!
