Couponing
I've done the coupon thing. I had a binder full of coupons. I would take the time each week to print, cut out, sort, and put them into it. Then I would look through the sales, comparing them to the coupons I had to see if I had any matches. I would also look at the e-coupons for the stores doing the same thing. It took me all day (if not longer) to get it all done, then I would still have to do the shopping before the sales ended or on special days when you could get bonus points or hit up the weekend specials. And I would hit up the clearance sections, looking through my coupons to see if I had anything that could save me money there too. While I could save money, it ended up feeling like a full time job on top of everything else. I ended up stopping because it wasn't fun anymore and it was harder and harder to find great deals that impressed me.
Still Saving
I've tried a few times to get back into it over the years, but in the end I just cannot get back into it. I start dreading it within a few weeks and have to stop. That is, until recently. Now I am focusing on using just my phone to save money. I still use e-coupons (stores have made it easier by linking the coupons to their online ads), but I've also incorporated other apps into my routine. Here is a list of the apps I use, a little bit about each one.
Ibotta
To me, Ibotta is an app that is quick and easy to use. You can use it for certain stores online or in the store. To get your cash back from online shopping, just click the store in the app and use the page they give you to do your shopping.
To save in store, browse the offers for the store(s) you plan on going to, or search the products (by name or scan a UPC for the item) that you plan on buying. Add the offers that you want, then go shopping. (You can also do this in the store, just in case you find something while you are there or realize you forgot to add an offer you want to use).
Once you are done checking out, you submit your receipt one of 3 ways. Usually after 2-3 days, you get your cash back. Cash out or redeem for gift cards once you have enough saved up in your account.
To save in store, browse the offers for the store(s) you plan on going to, or search the products (by name or scan a UPC for the item) that you plan on buying. Add the offers that you want, then go shopping. (You can also do this in the store, just in case you find something while you are there or realize you forgot to add an offer you want to use).
Once you are done checking out, you submit your receipt one of 3 ways. Usually after 2-3 days, you get your cash back. Cash out or redeem for gift cards once you have enough saved up in your account.
Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is very similar to Ibotta. Most of the time it has offers for different products than Ibotta does, and you can only submit your receipts by taking pictures of them. I like using it because of the different products and sometimes there are the same products which gives you more cash back on what you are buying.
SavingStar
SavingStar is another app similar to Ibotta and Checkout 51, but it doesn't cover quite as many items. It is another simple pick the offers, then take pictures of the receipt and scan the UPCs after you checkout.
Coupons.com
Exactly like SavingStar, but again, usually with different offers.
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a point earning app that lets you earn points for the groceries you buy, then you redeem them for gift cards. A lot of products on here are not on Ibotta nor Checkout 51. Each receipt you submit gets you points, and they can add up quickly.Shopkick
Shopkick is another earn points and redeem for gift cards app. This app is unique because you don't have to necessarily purchase the items to get points. If you have time while you are at the store (I know, it's hard to find time now days), scan the UPC of the different items in the app to get points. There are times where I have walked in, scanned enough items to get a gift card, and redeemed it for what I was purchasing in the same trip. It is that easy.Saving Can be Easy
Once you get use to using these apps, saving on products you already buy (and adding some new products to the mix) can be easy. Sometimes you can even get products for free after cash back, giving you the opportunity to try something new. I like using them the most because I can put the cash back into an account I am using to save up for various trips and special goodies I or the family wants.
Ibotta: Referral Code: m2krxa Join: https://ibotta.com/r/m2krxa
Checkout51: checkout51.app.link/76cCGPSBVX
Checkout51: checkout51.app.link/76cCGPSBVX
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