If you guys are like me, you're always on the hunt for ways to save money on the things you need. I've never been much of a couponer because it seems like such a time commitment and it's hard to find coupons for the things I buy, but I got to try out Target's new Cartwheel app and it was different.
It's like having 700 coupons built-in to your phone, ready to go for in-store shopping.
The app can be used on most mobile devices, or you can use a computer to print out your deals ahead of time (your bar code is always the same though, so as long as you set keep your deals updated in your account you can just print the barcode once and keep it in your purse). You can set up an account using your Target login, or if you use Facebook you can share the deals with friends and see what they are saving on as well.
And I loved that there were so many coupons for Up & Up products (their store label, which is generally cheaper to begin with). The thing I wasn't thrilled about was that you have a limited number of "spots" on your account, which is how many coupons your allowed to "have" at a time. When you set up your account you get 10 spots, which means out of the 700 coupons you can only pick 10 to use at a time. You can change your list at anytime, though, to use different coupons, and the coupons you have can be stacked with any other discounts and coupons in the store and can be used over and over again until it expires (for example I bought frozen corn this week. I could use the Cartwheel coupon on up to four bags at a time, and I could do that up to six times per day). The app is nice because you can update your list while you're shopping. You also earn "badges" while you shop and each badge adds another spot to your list. I actually earned two badges on my first trip (one for making my first purchase and one for saving over $10) so I can now hold 12 coupons on my list.
One of the really cool things about the app is that you can scan any bar code in the store to see if there is a deal on that item. It's great for if you don't have time to browse the coupons ahead of time. You can just scan they things you're planning to buy anyway and see if there is a coupon you can add to your list! You can also search by collections on the app, so if you're planning to buy baby things, for example, you can browse the baby category and see what deals there are.
For my trip I looked through the deals ahead of time to see what I should keep my eyes open for, and found out Giada De Laurentiis cookware was 40% off! Which mean this 10 piece set would have been just around $80!
I didn't need a whole set, but I have been looking for things to replace some of our nonstick pieces (I have a few cast iron & ceramic pans) and have been hunting for a stainless skillet to add to my collection. So this happy little guy made it home with us:
This was my total Cartwheel haul:
- Giada Skillet (40% off)
- garbage bags (10% off)
- aluminum foil (5% off)
- razors (10% off)
- organic frozen corn (5% off)
Moose hat helpers.
And now it's time for you guys to have some fun (and maybe break in your own Cartwheel account!) with a Target shopping spree!!! One lucky person will win a $1,000 Target GiftCard® and all you have to do is leave a comment answering this question (rules below):
What is your favorite tip for saving money on the things you need to buy?
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If I find a really good deal on something we use often, I will buy extra to save for later. My favorite is buying several pounds of ground beef when it's super cheap, cooking it all, and freezing it in individual bags so it's ready to go for a quick (and cheap!) meal later.
ReplyDeleteWhen purchasing items that I need, I save money when I am not tied to a particular brand. There are a few cosmetic items that I buy the same brand every time, however, with items like tooth paste, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, razors, etc., I will buy the brands that are on sale. It's easier to save on necessities when you are not brand driven.
ReplyDeleteI buy it in bulk when it's on sale so that I won't have to pay a higher price at a later time.
ReplyDeleteshop when the things you like are on sales, and cut out all the coupons you can use for the things you like.
ReplyDeletetweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/430403346952749057
ReplyDeleteI try to buy in bulk for our family of 7 and stock up when things are on sale.
ReplyDeleteI am always on the lookout for bargains and cheaper prices so items that we get all the time we look around to find the best price. We also use Sam's Club for things like toilet paper, plastic cups, butter, half-and-half, meats, etc. which are cheaper because they are bought in bulk.
ReplyDeleteI save money on things we need by buying in bulk, stocking up on sales, or making my own versions of things when the ingredients/products are much cheaper individually.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy a stroll through Target. It is a rare treat these days. We go to WalMart every Sunday after church. Groceries and other supplies there are much cheaper than the Oscoda grocery stores and KMart. I do shop at the least expensive of the grocery stores here in town. I have the equivalent of a Kroger plus card through them and can get coupons on my card online. Prices here are higher than in the city, so I have to get what we need when we run out and buy in bulk when it is on sale. So far it has worked well for us.
ReplyDeleteKristen
I buy in bulk and always shop the clearance section first!
ReplyDeleteCheck the clearance racks for some great finds.
ReplyDeletemami2jcn at gmail dot com
The thing that helps me save money the most is 1- checking ads, 2- making a menu, 3-making a list based off the menu (organized by where things are found in the store) and sticking to the list. Impulse buys can be budget breakers. My mantra while shopping goes something like, you aren't saving money if you're buying something you don't need just because it's on sale!
ReplyDeleteUse coupons and shop on sales
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
I already check the printable coupons at target.com - there are usually coupons for what's on my list! Great app!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/channynn/status/430546138605682688
ReplyDeletetweet!
We use coupons and shop during sales.
ReplyDeleteI love shopping at Target. I shop all the clearance "end caps" first and look to pair my finds with a Target coupon and a manufacturers coupon. I also keep on the lookout for their free $5 gift card with the purchase of two or three selected items and pair those purchases with coupons too. :)
ReplyDeleteMy biggest tip is to stock up when things are on sale. When there's a great price on the detergent (fabric softener, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc) that we use, I buy multiples.
ReplyDeleteI try to buy my pantry staples when they are on sale and if there is a really good deal on produce or fruit that I can freeze or have time to can I will pick it up.
ReplyDeletewe shop a store flyer and then look to see a bout coupons in paper and on the internet.
ReplyDeleteKnow when to look at an ad and when not. If I need an item that is sold by a store, check the ad! If not, then trash the ad. It is amazing how many things you "need" suddenly when you look at extra ads. So, do not look !
ReplyDeleteIf I won a $1000 gift card, I’d buy shoes for the whole family. I know it isn’t anything exciting but shoes do cost a lot and with growing boys to clothe, it would help. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI try to buy items on sale and with coupons and sometimes a rebate
ReplyDeleteI buy items on sale and pair it with manufacturer and target coupons as well as cartwheel. I use my redcard to save even more money.
ReplyDeleteI use coupons when I can & stock up when items I use often are on sale.
ReplyDeleteI will stock up on toiletry items when they have a good deal.
ReplyDeleteI always use coupons.
ReplyDeleteaustma7@aol.com
I always buy toiletries, detergent & meat on sale, with coupons and in multiples. If I can't find a coupon for something I need, like moisturizer, I buy store brands.
ReplyDeleteMix of online and newspaper coupons with sales
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to food, I usually like to buy in bulk such as beans, flaxseeds, rice, etc.
ReplyDeleteLesha@tothemotherhood.com
My wife has been really into couponing the last year or so and it has saved us tons at the grocery. I dont think we have paid for toothpaste or deodorant in months!!
ReplyDeletesk7123@gmail.com
We use coupons found online to save
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/ardy22/status/431445365477220352
ReplyDeleteTarget is a great place to shop and to save money
ReplyDeleteComparison shopping is my tip on saving money. olivia41393@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy fave tip is to always use coupons.
ReplyDeleteI use coupons to save money.
ReplyDeletewait for something to go on sale when use coupons or in-store savings options
ReplyDeletestacking is key!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
The best tip I have is try to shop around and comparison shop. If its something I really need, I probably don't do to great of a job of saving money on it! Hopefully Cartwheel can help with that!
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
I do my best to shop around and get coupons to save money on things I need to buy. If I am really lucky I win some of them.
ReplyDeletejunerlisle at gmail dot com
Here is the link to my tweet :) https://twitter.com/Battle_Cry87/status/431877972182577152
ReplyDeletejunerlisle at gmail dot com
A lot of times when I try to use coupons, I end up buying something I don't really all for the sake of getting "good deal." My favorite way to save money is to just buy the off-brand. I also keep my eyes open for random deals that we can't really plan ahead for -- like one time I stumbled across a dress at JCPenney's for just $5!!
ReplyDelete--Stellera
My favorite tip is to be aware of how much things cost when you are shopping for your favorite items and keep in mind the other stores that may offer them for a discount.
ReplyDeleteI save money by adding electronic coupons to my shopper savings cards, checking the store ads before I head out and looking for in store sales while I'm shopping :)
ReplyDeleteTweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/432250455263952897
ReplyDeleteanastasia2013@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE cartwheel. Between that and our redcard we save a decent amount every grocery trip. It adds up into a early afternoon lunch/movie date once a month or so ;)
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth (rubberduckie85{at}gmail.com
Coupons!
ReplyDeleteI like to look for sales and store up.
ReplyDeletetamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
my favorite way to save money is to buy items when they are on sale or clearance
ReplyDeletestigay at comcast.net
I keep folders of coupons in my car for groceries, restaurants, shopping stores and I try to stay away from all except restaurants as we don't need as much stuff as we buy Rosanne rosans4@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteTweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/432572795034148865 Rosanne rosans4@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI keep a coupon binder with me when I shop and watch for deals!
ReplyDeletereklaw422 at Hotmail dot com
My tip is to make lunches the day before so we don't have to buy a lunch at the foodcourt everyday.
ReplyDeletetweeted: https://twitter.com/freefragments/status/432720664760307712
ReplyDeleteI love using coupons paired with store promotions and usually use sites like Hip2Save to compare store prices & sales.
ReplyDeleteI shop sales use my coupons and loyalty cards
ReplyDeletekathypersons@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/433715670073634816
ReplyDeleteI only buy things on sale and use coupons.
ReplyDeletei always use coupons!!!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/435167428327124992
ReplyDeleteOne way that we save money on the things we "need" to buy is evaluating what purpose that item fulfills and trying to come up with a cost-effective solution. For example, when we were first married, I went to the store because we needed to buy cereal, but it was more expensive than I realized. So I took a step back and my thought process went something like: We need cereal because that's what we'll eat for breakfast. So what we really need is something to eat for breakfast that's convenient and healthy. Making granola, english muffin bread, or oatmeal would also be easy and fairly healthy, but much cheaper. So that's normally what we eat now. :)
ReplyDeleteI always use many many coupons when shopping. When shopping online, I always search for a discount and/or free shipping before making a purchase.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/435310033035747328
ReplyDeleteBe willing to try new brands if they're on sale! You may find a new favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteShop store brands and BOGO deals !! :)
ReplyDeleteI stock up on the things I need when they are on sale.
ReplyDeletenuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
Stocking up when there are sales, buying after holidays. Coupons!
ReplyDeletelike the Mossimo Supply Co. Yoga Pants
ReplyDeleteIf I don't need/want something immediately, I usually set up a price watch at camelcamelcamel.com.
ReplyDeleteI like to shop around and keep cheapest prices in mind and when I find the best deal I usually buy more than one and save it for the future. We try to keep buying new to a minimum but when we do we look for coupons or sales and barely ever buy anything for normal price. Oh, also signing up for rewards/birthday/whatever accounts. I know by doing that at World Market I get a free $10 to shop every year for my birthday, no strings attached and typically buy something small for our home or put it toward a larger purchase combined with sales.
ReplyDeletesarbearreeves at gmail.com
Definitely shop around for non-grocery items, but coupon where I can in grocery.
ReplyDeleteI just try to shop the sales and determine whether or not I really need something.
ReplyDeletealeksnearing gmail com
My tip is to check fliers for sales & coupons and meal plan it saves a lot planning meals for the week! angelgenius27(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletetweeted https://twitter.com/angelgenius27/status/437065164727148545 angelgenius27(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCoupons are the best way to save money
ReplyDeletetraymona[at]aol.com
I will look for coupons.
ReplyDeleteStock up on coupons!
ReplyDeleteStock up when things are on sale, don't wait until you need them! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeletealways search the net for coupons/sales before you leave the house - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteThe best money saving tip I have is to comparison shop and combine your coupons with in-store deals.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is that if there is an item you use all the time to buy enough of it when it goes on sale so that it will last you until the next sale. So if you find a great deal its time to stock up. Cartwheel will make that so much easier.
ReplyDeleteShop sales and use coupons when possible. I am also trying hard not to buy more fresh produce and meat than we can eat before it goes bad. sonyadmorris@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLink to tweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/439236241054121984
Thank you! sonyadmorris@gmail.com
I stock up when items are on sale and I have a coupon to use.
ReplyDeletemotioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com
My best tip is to scour the ads for sale items and then use coupons on them for double the savings
ReplyDeleteannabella @ centurytel dot net
Use coupons and Cartwheel App together for even bigger savings.
ReplyDeleteTweeted- https://twitter.com/randycur0962/status/439511681337921536https://twitter.com/randycur0962/status/439511681337921536
ReplyDeleterandycur0962 at yahoo dot com
I buy in bulk and always shop the clearance
ReplyDeleteI watch sales and use coupons.
ReplyDelete