How to Save Money at Target

Money is tight, very tight. With all the snow days and two vacation weeks so close together, it is hard to make ends meet. I am always shopping for deals. I will go weeks without finding anything worth pursuing, but every once in a while I hit it big! Today was one of those days. I thought I would share this example of how to get the most for your money. I don't run a couponing blog, nor do I want to, but I would like to share some simple tips and a real life example on how to save a decent amount.

Target is a great place to start saving big! Make sure that you have signed up for text coupons and downloaded the Target Cartwheel App for iPhone or Android. Also go online to http://coupons.target.com and print any relevant coupons for your needs. The text message coupons, or printed Target coupons can all be used as well as manufacturer coupons you either clip or print. The Cartwheel discount is applied last after all other discounts, but can be used with both Target store and manufacturer coupons. The Target RedCard automatically saves you 5% on everything. I personally love the debit card version as it doesn't add to my debt, but they do have a store credit card and a Visa credit card.

I scored big at Target today. My trick was to do two transactions to maximize my savings. Target is known for doing Buy X Number of products and get a Gift Card. I always do those together in a transaction first. Today, they had a deal on AirWick Air Fresheners. While the actual item wasn't on sale, it was part of a Buy 3 Get a $5 Gift Card promotion. To maximize my savings, I bought 3 items and used a $1.50 off coupon. I still get the $5 gift card but I also save that bit extra out of pocket. I also picked up a few other items while I was there and had coupons and Cartwheel savings.

Another thing to remember at Target is to scour the aisles for clearance deals. Most likely they are on the back side of the aisles, hidden from the main path of travel. I was able to find an awesome deal on my deodorant; normally priced at $3.99, it was on clearance for $2.78 and I had a $1 off 1 coupon, so it only cost me $1.78 for brand name deodorant with a travel size one attached! The feminine products were a great deal as I had 2 coupons, one for $1.50 off 2 and a manufacturer coupon for $1.00 off 2. I was able use Cartwheel off of the M&Ms as well as a manufacturer coupon.

I know that particular transaction doesn't look all that impressive, however I did save a total of $12.46. These were all products I planned to buy this week anyways, so any savings is beneficial.

My next transaction is where it's at, whatever it is. As you know I own two cats. Two cats who generate a lot of waste. Target had an awesome text-in coupon for $10 off a $40 pet purchase. A perfect chance to stock up on cat litter as my Black Friday supply was running low. I used a combination of manufacturer coupons and store coupons, plus the $5 Gift Card I scored on my previous transaction so I only paid $18.41 for nearly $50 worth of cat litter! Of course, in all the excitement at the register, I completely spaced using Cartwheel. I am kicking myself for that as I had an extra 10% off the Purpose litter and the Lightweight Litter. I know I can go to Customer Service and get the difference, but I'm already home now. Darn. However, I did save a total of $31.45 including the $5 Gift Card.

When all is said and done, I saved $43.91 in both transactions, all off things that I was purchasing anyways. I can't complain about that.



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