I hear it all of the time. I just don’t have time to clip coupons. I always forget them. It’s not convenient. I don’t remember to get them out of my purse. I’m overwhelmed and just can’t get it all together.
It’s true that paper couponing does take time. But even if you aren’t extreme you can still save away with some simple mobile coupon apps and online programs (even without a smart phone!).
Meijer mPerks: I am a Meijer shopper. If you are a Meijer shopper, you shouldn’t leave home without first checking Meijer’s mPerks site. You register with a mobile phone number (you will occasionally receive a text message from Meijer but it doesn’t happen often) and select a PIN number. Then you can digitally “clip” coupons to your #. When you check out, you simply enter your mobile # and pin on the keypad while the clerk is ringing up your purchase. The coupons come off of your order automatically (you don’t even have to remember that they’re on there). Recently Meijer has also added special “Promotions” where you can gain mPerks coupons based on your purchases too. It’s so easy and takes very little time or effort. There are a wide array of coupons, including items like fresh produce, meats, and even Meijer brand products.
Target Cartwheel {and Mobile Coupons}: Target has recently released an online coupon option called Catwheel. Think of it as a social network of coupons for you and your friends. There are HUNDREDS of coupons available and again many are for fresh produce, meats, and Target’s Market Pantry and Archer Farms brands. The best part about Cartwheel is that you have the option of triple stacking coupons – using a Target Store Coupon, Manufacturers Coupon, and a Cartwheel coupon all three together on one product {when available}. I recently even saw a coupon good for select clearance items roll through Target’s Cartwheel. It’s super user friendly and takes minutes to use. When you’re ready to go, you have the option of printing your Cartwheel offers or simply allowing the cashier to scan your phone. If you have a smart phone, you also want to sign up for Target’s Mobile Coupons. And you also want to be sure to download Shopkicks which allows you to earn “kicks” or rewards points for shopping at Target, scanning items while in the store, and even just walking into the store {and oh yeah it features coupons, too}. And once you gain enough Shopkicks, you can cash them in for Target Gift Cards, too. Savings maximized. I
Kroger Plus Card: Have a Kroger Plus Card? Did you know that you could clip coupons directly to the card through sties like Cellfire, uPromise, Shortcuts, and P&G eSavers. Again, the coupons will come off automatically when you check out without even having to alert the clerk or remember that they are on your account. Be sure you don’t clip too many offers {only snag the ones that you want} because you can “fill” your card up. And if you have a more valuable paper coupon, don’t clip the digital one because it comes off automatically and first and you won’t be able to use both.
ibotta: These apps allow you to get cash back for purchases you’ve already made. They’re fairly simple to use {if you just remember to take advantage of the offers}. You do need a smart phone for these apps, though {or an iPod with app capability}.
Grocery Nation: All confused about how to match coupons to sales at your store? I love the Grocery Nation App available now on Android systems and soon on iPhone.
Be patient with yourself and invest just a small amount of time {I best you’d be a whiz in less time than watching your favorite reality show} in figuring out each of these programs and you can save a bundle on a regular basis! Plus you’ll never have to use a pair of scissors on a coupon again if you don’t want to do so.
[…] Some of my favorite tips & tricks for using digital coupons just like this one can be found in my post: Saving with Digital Coupons. […]