It’s National Coupon Month! Four easy ways to save big
Here at ShopAtHome.com, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. September is National Coupon Month (though, savings is something we celebrate year-round).
Go ahead, retire you coupon-clipping scissors and no need to salute the month with a crazy, detailed spreadsheet tracking the best deals (you may have seen this tactic on the TLC reality show Extreme Couponing).
With digital deals, couponing — and other savings tactics — have never been so easy. Here are four spending habits to adopt in honor of National Coupon Month.
Earn Cash Back on coupons
Double your coupon-savings power by earning Cash Back on coupons and deals. An example? You already save big bucks when you buy a Groupon for your fave local Mexican restaurant. But did you know that you can practically turbocharge your savings by earning Cash Back from your Groupon purchases at ShopAtHome.com? Right now, Cash Back offers at Groupon are running 12 percent. Another regular on our Cash Back list? Entertainment Book, which is loaded with coupons to local restaurants, movie theaters, attractions, retailers, services, car rentals and more. You can earn up to 17.5 percent Cash Back on Entertainment Book purchases through ShopAtHome.com.
Sign up for “Rewards”
Think of the stores and restaurants where you are a regular and inquire about their rewards programs. Enrolling in the rewards programs, for example, at beauty depots like Sephora or Ulta will earn you great points and, once you accumulate enough, you’ll be able to cash them in for beauty prizes — we’re talking luxurious moisturizers, travel-size dry shampoos, lipsticks and more. Another bonus? Retailers and restaurants will usually ask for your birthday and you’ll get exclusive discounts or offers once your birthday comes rolling around.
Follow on social media:
Get social with your favorite brands and retailers and follow them along on social media. Also, make sure they have your e-mail address. Many stores, like Old Navy, Banana Republic, Loft and Anthropologie, use Facebook, Twitter or e-mail blasts to announce flash, one-day sales. We’ve seen sales as good as 60 percent off regular priced merchandise. If you use Gmail, your e-mail system will automatically filter retailers into a nifty “promotions” tab for you. Don’t forget to add to your savings by shopping with ShopAtHome.com and earning Cash Back.
Save money with apps:
Want to be assured that you’re getting the best deal? Free apps like Pricegrabber let you compare prices on electronics, cameras, furniture and more. The Smoopa app lets you scan a barcode in-store and compare against online prices. ShopAtHome.com’s app allows you to find nearby deals and provides coupons to present at the register. And, Walmart’s Savings Catcher allows you to enter your receipt number and you’ll automatically be refunded the difference if there’s a lower advertised price on something you’ve already purchased.