Grocery shopping is a necessity, but it doesn't have to drain your wallet. With the rise of couponing and cashback apps, it's easier than ever to save big on your grocery bills without sacrificing quality. In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to use these tools effectively to make your grocery shopping more affordable.
1. Understand the Basics of Couponing and Cashback Apps
Before diving in, it's important to understand the two main strategies: couponing and cashback. Couponing involves using physical or digital coupons to get discounts on your purchases, while cashback apps give you money back on certain products once you've made a purchase. Both can be combined to maximize savings.
- Couponing : Look for paper coupons in newspapers, store flyers, or digital coupons in apps or on websites. Many grocery stores also offer loyalty cards with digital coupons that you can easily apply during checkout.
- Cashback Apps : These apps, like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Checkout 51, give you cashback after you've purchased eligible items and uploaded a receipt. Some apps even offer in-store or online shopping options with bonus deals.
2. Download the Right Apps
There are several couponing and cashback apps to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Ibotta : Ibotta is a well-known cashback app that offers rebates on groceries, household items, and even alcohol. It allows you to redeem cashback offers at major stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains. You can earn cashback by scanning your receipt or linking your store loyalty card.
- Rakuten : Known for its cashback options on online purchases, Rakuten also offers rebates for grocery shopping at participating stores.
- Checkout 51 : This app is another solid choice for getting cashback on groceries. Offers change weekly, and you can cash out once you've earned a minimum amount.
- Coupons.com : Coupons.com offers printable and digital coupons for use at major grocery stores. It's one of the simplest ways to save when you're shopping in-store.
Make sure to download a variety of apps to access the best deals for your grocery needs.
3. Create a Grocery List with Coupons and Cashback Offers in Mind
To get the most out of couponing and cashback apps, plan your grocery shopping around the deals available. Start by browsing your apps for any coupons or cashback offers on the items you regularly purchase. This will give you an idea of what you can buy at a discount.
- Plan Around Offers : If you see a great cashback offer on a product you use often, try to base your grocery list on that product and similar offers.
- Stack Savings : When possible, stack coupons with cashback offers. For example, you could use a paper coupon for a specific product and then get cashback through the app on that same product.
By carefully planning, you can align your shopping list with available discounts, making sure you don't buy items you don't need just because they're on sale.
4. Use Loyalty Programs and Digital Coupons
Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer additional discounts to members. Combine these programs with digital coupons to increase your savings.
- Store Loyalty Cards : Make sure you sign up for store loyalty programs like Kroger's, Safeway, or Target's RedCard. These cards often give you access to exclusive discounts and digital coupons that can be used on top of your regular savings.
- Digital Coupons : Apps like Target's Cartwheel and Kroger's digital coupon system allow you to load coupons directly to your loyalty card. Simply scan the card at checkout, and the discounts will be applied automatically.
By using these digital tools, you eliminate the hassle of clipping paper coupons and still save big.
5. Check for Price Matching Policies
Some grocery stores offer price matching, which means they will match the price of a competitor's product if it's cheaper. Before shopping, check if your local stores offer price matching, and combine it with the coupons and cashback offers you have.
- Research Prices : Check other stores for the price of the same item and bring proof (like an ad or a website listing) to get a better deal.
- Match and Save : If a store is offering a lower price than your usual grocery store, ask about their price matching policy. You might be able to combine it with your coupon or cashback offer to save even more.
6. Use Store-Specific Cashback Offers
Many cashback apps partner with specific grocery stores to offer store-specific deals. For example, Ibotta frequently runs promotions that give you higher cashback percentages at certain chains, while Rakuten often has additional cashback rates for online grocery stores.
- Look for Store-Specific Deals : Pay attention to the offers available for your preferred grocery store. Often, stores will have seasonal or exclusive promotions that can significantly boost your savings.
- Check for Expiry Dates : Be aware of the expiration dates on both coupons and cashback offers to ensure you don't miss out on potential savings.
7. Stack Cashbacks with Other Discounts
Some stores offer additional discounts for bulk purchases, seasonal sales, or clearance items. These can be stacked with coupons and cashback offers for even bigger savings.
- Bulk Buying : If you find a cashback offer on an item you use regularly, consider buying it in bulk. This helps you take advantage of both the discount and the app's cashback offer, plus you won't have to purchase it again for a while.
- Seasonal Sales : Look out for major sale events like Black Friday or back-to-school sales and see if your cashback apps offer additional rebates during these periods.
8. Track Your Savings and Cash Out
Finally, keep track of your savings and make sure to cash out your earnings as soon as possible. Cashback apps typically offer several payout methods, such as PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers.
- Cash Out Regularly : Try to cash out your cashback earnings once you reach the minimum threshold. This allows you to use the money saved for future grocery bills or other purchases.
- Monitor Your Spending : While saving is important, don't get carried away and purchase items you don't need just for the sake of saving money. Always stick to your grocery list and your budget.
Conclusion
Couponing and cashback apps are powerful tools that can drastically reduce your grocery bills when used correctly. By planning your shopping list, combining offers, and using loyalty programs, you can save significant amounts of money. Whether you're shopping for essentials or special treats, these smart strategies will help you make the most of every dollar spent. With a little time and effort, you'll be able to cut your grocery costs and keep your budget in check.