How to save money at 20 popular stores
No matter where you love to shop, it’s easy to see that retailers want you to spend as much money as possible. From the displays of designer goods whispering your name at Macy’s to the pretty products on the end caps at Walmart that seem necessary in the moment, there are plenty of distractions that can keep you from sticking to your budget.
But there’s a smart way to shop, too. Know what you need, plan where to get it, and take advantage of all the coupons, discounts, and offers available to you at that store.
If you’re conscious about saving while shopping online and in-store, you may end up with enough extra cash to treat yourself. Saving can look different depending on where you shop, so check out these tips to help you become a frugal shopper at 20 popular stores.
1. Target
The easiest way to save money on your everyday purchases at Target is to apply for the Target REDcard (available in debit and credit card options), which saves you 5% on every purchase.
The Target app also features Cartwheel offers, which are exclusive in-store savings, along with exclusive coupons for REDcard holders. You can also check the site regularly for online category discounts, such as discounts on clothing, furniture, or toys.
2. Walmart
The Walmart app is an excellent tool for shopping in-store, since it allows you to view your local weekly savings ad and create a shopping list. You can also shop online using the Walmart Savings Center or by selecting rollbacks or clearance items from the filters on the left-hand navigation of any category page. Just be sure to choose store pick-up or spend $35 to meet the free-shipping threshold.
If you’re shopping at Walmart and find a product for a cheaper price at a competitor, keep in mind that Walmart does price match, and you can use the policy to get even deeper discounts.
3. Costco
A basic Costco membership costs $60, but if you splurge for the $120 Gold Star Executive membership, you earn 2% back on eligible Costco purchases. This could be worthwhile if you think you can earn back at least $60 with your regular shopping.
Some of the deals you can find at the wholesale club are unbeatable. You’ll save extra when you buy in bulk, so it’s a great place to buy supplies for a party or event; you’ll find especially good deals on toys, spices, vanilla extract, toilet paper, cooking spray, and cheese. Costco is also famous for having bottom-of-the-barrel prices on organic spinach and pure maple syrup.
But not everything will be cheaper at Costco, so be sure to compare prices and only buy what you need. Cash-back apps like Ibotta can save you even more, and you can earn rewards if you use the right credit cards at the store.
