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Apps to save money? Yes, please!
I have done a lot of research on this topic over the last few years. Once we found out our firstborn was a boy, I knew I needed to find ways to save at the grocery store. I know, I know… he would not be consuming groceries for a while.
Well, not he is almost three and could snack us out of our house!
Our grocery store runs included snacks, paper goods, toiletries, etc.
I knew I needed to figure out how to save money on literally everything that entered our home!
There are 5 apps that can help you find deals for your everyday needs!
Money-Saving Apps
1) Flipp
Flipp is an app that allows you to flip through weekly ads for almost any store. It will even let you electronically circle items you may need to refer back to when making your list.
This allows you to compare weekly ads from store to store to figure out where your best deals will be.
I am not one to go to five different stores for different items, but that does not mean you cant be!
2) Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that allows you to earn cashback on certain items! Just be sure to check in with the app prior to shopping and save deals. This app will save you money on much more than just groceries! For example, Carter’s just had 12% back and was have 50-80% off clearance! Winner deal!
This app is one I use regularly. It sorts cashback by category making planning easier.
You can also shop both in-store and online and reap the rewards.
Sign up with Ibotta for free here and use my referral code mytsgrm to get started with Ibotta today!
3) Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards allows you to earn points and possibly cash back on either e-receipts or paper receipts. You would then use your points back to “purchase” gift cards.
Sign up with Fetch Rewards for free here and use my referral code 739RYF to start saving today!
4) Coupons
Coupons is exactly as it is called! Allows you to digitally clip coupons to save money on items you routinely buy. I have just started using this app recently, and yes there are coupons that you can clip. So far, I haven’t been able to clip a large number of coupons.
Another issue I do find I have with some of these apps is having coupons available for items that I usually use.
5.) Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is similar to the other coupon apps. It allows you to save money on brands you shop for. You can snap a photo of your receipt and earn some cashback. This app will allow you to scan your receipt and then scan the items you purchased for money back.
Additional Apps to save money on groceries
Depending on where you usually shop, other apps may help you to save money. Usually, these apps correlate with the store you are shopping at.
1.) Target
I highly recommend getting a Target Red Card if you regularly shop at Target (or even if you don’t). You can get a Target Red Card linked to your debit card. Although target does have a credit card, I chose the debit card route to prevent building unnecessary debt.
Each time you use your Red Card you get 5% off.
You can then go to your target app and browse the Target Circle Offers. You hit the + sign and they save electronically in your app. Once you checkout, you either enter your phone number at the register, swipe your Red Card, or scan your barcode in your app.
Target does put out some great deals, especially on baby needs.
Common baby deals are on diapers, formula, and even clothes.
Target is also known to have deals such as spending $100 then you will receive a $15 Target gift card. (This is just an example of a previous deal, not necessarily an active deal at Target).
These types of deals are usually when I stock up on formula, diapers, nursery water, and baby food.
2.) Dollar General
Please do not scroll past this one. When DG first made its presence in my town, I thought very little of it. We have had other “dollar” stores in our area, but nothing that carries regular grocery and toiletry items everyone uses.
DG is great for shelf-stable foods (our has a limited refrigerated section), items such as toothpaste, shaving supplies, hair care, etc. Paper goods, toilet paper, and paper towels. Cleaning supplies including dishwasher detergent and laundry supplies. This is a small portion of what you can find at DG.
I am just getting started trying to figure out how to take on Dollar General. I follow multiple coupon-ers who leave DG with quite the load for very little money. Keep an eye out for my blog posts about how to accomplish these great deals as I learn how to do this better. Also, check with your local store on their coupon policy.
Most recently I spent $25 on $45 worth of items that I use at home. This trip included: All Laundry detergent, 3 tubes of toothpaste, two Febreze sprays (one being free), 3 packages of toilet paper, and a pack of paper towels.
The picture of my trip is below. I know I can get that for less with more work and planning.
3.) CVS
Shopping at CVS with ExtraCare® is how I save money at CVS. You can spend $5 a month with CarePass® if you are an avid CVS shopper. You save 20% off CVS brands, free prescription shipping, etc.
The app allows you to clip coupons prior to entering the store.
An example of a great deal is this:
Colgate MaxClean Foam Toothpaste
Reg $4.19 ON SALE for $3.99
The coupon is SAVE $9.00 on (3) select Colgate toothpaste
Equating to 3 Colgate Optic White Toothpastes for a total $1.97
Deal…
In addition to that order, I added a 500mL Colgate mouthwash
Reg. $5.49 on sale for $4.49 PLUS $1.00 off coupon
Equating to $3.49 for the mouthwash
Another deal…
Lastly, I added a Colgate 360 Advanced manual toothbrush
Reg $6.59 on sale for $4.49 PLUS $1.00 off coupon
Equating $3.49 for the toothbrush
Last deal 🙂
Total for 3 tubes of toothpaste, a mouthwash, and a toothbrush = $8.xx plus tax
4.) Walgreens
Similar to CVS, you can clip coupons and take advantage of the store’s weekly ads to see the deals of the week.
Be sure to scan receipts into your cashback apps for more savings!
Be sure to read the Best Grocery Store Trip Tips to learn more about saving money on shopping trips!