Coupon 2.0

Couponing 2.0

I remember clipping coupons from the Sunday paper. I would watch coupon shows to learn how to get the best deal. I don’t miss those days at all!!! I love how we have advanced and now can use our apps to help give us the best deals. Some companies still straggling behind, they’re still sending out emails for the deals, but most have adapted to the new way of COUPONING.

So there are many ways we can get deals:

• Do your research

• Earn points

• Get coupon codes

• Use store coupon on the company’s app

• Automatic discounts

• Loyalty Reward - getting items free or at a discount rate

• Give deals so you would buy from them again/or keep you from canceling

Let's explore each one one by one. I will give you some examples of apps I use that have this technique and that have benefited me.

Do your Research

What I mean is go online and google the best place to find _____. First, look at all prices. Second, check if you have a coupon for that item at that store.

Example Scenario

Walmart Target Kohls

$100 $100 $130

5% discount 20% discount

Target card Kohl's card

$20 Kohl's cash

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$100 $95 $104 + $20 off next purchase

So who has the better deal? Well, that depends on how you want to spend your money. I would do KohlsThen go back the following week for something I needed, like new towels. I only spend Kohls cash, so I don’t spend money I don’t have to spend.

Another great tip: Put the item you want in your cart. Then wait a couple of days. The company will remind you that it is in your cart and they might even give you a coupon for the item.

Earn Points

Credit cards are the most common one that uses this method. They want to give the incentive to use their card. Sounds good, right? Well, that depends on you. If you pay the balance off each month, this is a great reward. But if you do not, you are the one paying them. Sure, you got a penny for every dollar you spent, but they get on average 25% of your total balance not paid. Be careful and never spend more than what you have to pay back.

Coupon codes

A lot of companies use this to encourage you to buy from them. I would get the codes from their app or emails. I have never been successful online with “Retail Me Not.”

Pizza places, Academy sports, Kohls, Bath and Body, Bed, Bath and Beyond

Coupons on App

Some grocery store offer coupons on the products they sell. This is through either the manufacturer or the store. One feature I really like is they will delete the expired coupons automatically.

Those in the clipping era understand and remember checking each coupon to see if it expired before using it.

If you use a grocery store with an app, see if they offer coupons.

Automatic Earnings

This is usually through gas station apps, either through their loyalty card or maybe your cell phone number.

I use both 7-11 and GasBuddy loyalty cards - They are linked to my bank

• 7-11 will take $.05-$.11 off per gallon using their card

• Gas Buddy offers discounts to almost every gas station and you can earn from $.05-$.25 off. You have to activate the card by selecting the place on the app.

Loyalty Rewards

When you buy from a particular store, they want to reward their customers with free things or free shipping.

Most places, restaurants, stores, gas stations even online services love to say thank you to their customers. It lets us know as customers, they appreciate our business and when we are happy, the company will get repeat business from us.

Credit card companies work with large business chains to give their customers discounts. For example, if you had a Capital One card, they might offer 5% off Lowes if you use their credit card at Lowes.

Cancellation Deals

Before you cancel, some companies like; your car insurance, cable, or a service you have a subscription to, will try to sweeten the pot to keep you. They might lower the cost or give you free items. I know I have to play the game with cable. It’s way too high and I hardly use it.

Remember, it’s your call.

I hope these tips were helpful. If you have a tip, please share it in the comment section.

Next week I want to give you ideas on Meal Planning.