TARGET SAVINGS SECRETS & Target Circle (formerly Cartwheel)
How often do you shop at Target? It is one of my favorite stores because of the prices and quality. Of course, we all know it is hard shopping at Target because their items are so alluring, many end up spending more money than anticipated.
Yes, you run in for one thing and come out with ten, right? However, it is possible to save money at Target.
In fact, I do most of my grocery shopping at Target. I prefer their store brand products to other stores.
10 Target Savings Secrets
You can’t beat the prices and quality….and with coupon stacking and gift card deals, savings are a cinch!
And let’s not forget about my favorite app, Target Circle.
There are so many ways to save at Target. Yet, the average Target shopper doesn’t pay much attention to these deals. Hence the jokes about Target runs being a HUGE waste of money.
Yet, it is possible to save money shopping at Target with some willpower and coupons!
Target Circle – Formerly Cartwheel
The Target app. includes Target Circle which can save you tons of money! Most Target brands are always included in the app.
So if you check before you shop, you can score awesome deals on Target brands and many other name brands products as well! And by pairing this with manufacturer’s coupons and Target’s coupons, you can score three discounts on one item! Yes, you read that correctly, three discounts!! (Plus four if you use Ibotta – more on that later)
The best news is you can scan your own phone with the Target Circle app at the self-checkout! Just use the hand-held scanner! I love that!!
What is a split meal? Do you often cook dinners on a budget? If so, my split-meat meal idea is perfect for you! Make your spaghetti and tacos this week, using only one package of meat!
Split meat meals are great for families trying to save money on food and stay healthy. You are using half the meat for both meals and filling yourself up with other items such as vegetables or bread.
I started my split meals when my husband was buying our ground turkey from Costco. The packages of meat were bigger, so I would make two meals out of one meat pack! My two go-to meals for splitting are spaghetti and tacos! (Although you could do Chili and add extra veggies)
So my split meal is just that! I split the meat and drum up two meals with one meat package and meal prep.
This works best for a family of four with younger kids. My kids are ages six and four and do not mind if their spaghetti sauce or tacos don’t have as much meat. Plus if you start this when they are young, then they are used to eating their meals with less meat as they grow.
We love deals at iheartfrugal and Black Friday means you can score many, many great deals; however, many people do not realize, most of these deals, with the exception of door busters, can be purchased online.
One of my favorite sites for this is Target.com! Why? Because I have a REDcard and I get 5% off all of my purchases, even sales! I also get free shipping on everything on the site, although, Target has free standard shipping and free returns until December 21st (some exclusions) right now as one of its promotions!
My Black Friday Scores!
I got a Graco booster seat for $29.20 and a nice pair of Boy’s Cat & Jack boots for $18!! I also scored two cute flannel shirts to use for our Christmas cards for $6.99 each! I’m hoping you find many great deals on Black Friday and all weekend long!!
Here are some other great Target Promotions: ( sale running 11/27-12/3)
This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link, I will be compensated; however, I never recommend anything I would not use and love myself. Thanks!!
by Sarah | Comments Off on Why I’m shopping at Target.com this Black Friday!Save Money
This Rakuten review 2021 will help you decide if Rakuten is right for you and if Rakuten is a safe, legit company. To find out more, keep reading.
Back before online shopping, rebates were SO annoying. You had to save your receipt, mail it in to the company and wait for snail mail to mail you a check. It was a long process that deterred many away from even trying for a rebate.
Yet, in today’s “online shopping” world, rebates are just a click away. Yet, it is wise to be on the lookout for scams and do your research before signing up for any company, including Rakuten. This review will help you decide if Rakuten is the right rebate app for you.
What cashback apps are you all using in 2021? I’m using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Ibotta. They are my favorite choices that consistently bring in money each month.
Have you heard of Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates)?
Rakuten is a popular cashback app or website (whatever you prefer) that earns you money back each time you shop online. Rakuten offers cash back at thousands of popular stores and is a great way to save money.
Don’t have time to read the review? Sing up for Rakuten here: –
Saving money isn’t always easy. In fact, many of us have no choice to save money and are living paycheck to paycheck. Nonetheless, there are many easy money tips and tricks to help keep your budget on track.
So learning to save money means keeping more in your pocket. Not to mention, you can build up your savings account with these simple tips. And it doesn’t have to be hard. There are ways to save money on a tight budget.
Unfortunately, over half of Americans do not have enough money saved to cover one month of expenses. According to a recent study by Bankrates.com, 20% of Americans don’t save anything and 47% only save 1-10% of their earnings. Yes, most people are one emergency away from going over the top into debt.
Saving money is important and some of the best ways to get on top of your money problems are as follows:
use a spending journal
create a budget
find ways to save more money
find a side hustle
create sinking funds or separate accounts
plan for retirement
By starting a budget, you will learn how to save money on a daily basis. If you are stuck on starting your budget, get your free budget template here:
No matter what you are saving for, it is best to have a goal in mind. Learning money tips and tricks will help you keep money in your pocket and you will reach your money goals.
The list below features many ways I use to save money. With a family of four, it is easy to go over budget, especially on groceries for kids. However, I have found that if I continue to practice the tips below, I have a few extra bucks in my pocket at the end of the month and I hope you will too.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you, so thank you. This site uses cookies for better user experience. For more information read our disclosure policy here.
Use these tips to save more and build your bank account.
#1 Save Money by Finding Free Activities
There are so many fun activities in cities or local areas that are free. Local parks, libraries, bike rides, and family walks are just a few. Many times libraries offer classes and celebrations that are free, but you must sign up in advance. If you are at a loss for ideas, here is a list of 55 Summer Activities for Kids that are Frugal or Free and 20 Free Family Holiday Activities.
# 2. Couponing
Couponing does require a bit of work but can be fun and an excellent way to save money. One great way to coupon is to use online couponing sites.
Coupons.com and Betty crocker.com are just a few of my favorites. You can also follow blogs that match up coupons to sales at your favorite stores. Krazy Coupon Lady does a great job of matchups.
Not a couponer? That’s okay. There are still amazing ways to save money every day, especially on groceries. You can use rebate apps to earn cashback on items you already buy.
It is hard not to buy something we like, especially when credit cards make it so easy.
However, patience is your friend when it comes to saving money.
The next time you see something you are really eyeing, wait a week and see if you still have the desire for that new purse or pumps. If so, set aside an envelope to save up for your favorites.
Better yet, try the 30-day rule before making a big purchase.
#4. Pay off your credit card monthly
I admit I use credit cards. Yet, I pay my balance off each month. I keep track of how much I am spending and set a spending limit for myself. In this way, I am not overspending and getting a surprise bill later.
Then I pay off the bill each month.
This might be tricky if you already have a lot of credit card debt, but paying the minimum on your credit card will just not cut it. Think of it this way, you are now paying 10-20% more per purchase (depending on your rate) for everything you buy. Would you buy it in the store if it cost that much initially?
Make a plan to pay off debt and pay cash until you can. Here are some money posts to help you on your debt journey:
The main reason I use credit cards is that I get discounts and rewards points, but I make sure to pay it off in full each month and once you are out of credit card debt, you can do the same.
# 5. Shop ahead of time
Have you ever needed a gift for a party and had to run out to the store the day before? Once in this position, we will usually spend more, because we literally have no choice. Yet, if we estimate the number of gifts we will need each year, we can stock up and be ready.
You can also buy things on clearance at the end of the season for next year.
Winter clearance starts after Christmas. I once bought my son a $30.00 winter coat for $8, on clearance at Target. You can also get great deals on summer stuff in July.
I will admit, it takes time to look through clearance. That is why I will often search clearance online. Then I use my favorite online rebate app to save on top of clearance prices.
#6 Pack a lunch or make your own foodto save
Buying lunch at your work cafeteria or going out daily can add up and eat up your budget. If you want to save money, it is time to start “brown bagging” it.
Moreover, my hubby packs his lunch daily, as did I when I was working. This will save you a tremendous amount of money each week.
Going out to eat is such a fun treat and a treat it should be. Set aside money to eat out twice a month. Cook at home the rest of the time. This alone can save you hundreds each month and you can still go out to eat, so you do not feel deprived.
#8 Save Money Daily – use of kids eat free
Many restaurants offer “kids eat free” day/night. Check out your local restaurants and take advantage of this if you are bringing the kids along.
#9 Save Money Daily -Make use of local selling groups
There are many groups out there that allow you to make purchases from local people for a very discounted price. An example of this would be a mom-to-mom Facebook site. You can stock up on needs for your kids at a lower than retail price and sometimes even find items that are brand new. If you want to make some extra cash, consider selling items you no longer need on these sites.
First, I recommend using meal planning. I have saved SO much money by planning out my meals monthly and using a grocery list to make sure I have my ingredients on-hand and I’m not running back to the store daily spending more money. Sticking to your list is key.
It also helps to pay cash when grocery shopping.
Once you make your list, total your list out. This may be an estimate when you start out until you can learn the prices at your favorite stores. Then only bring that much cash with you to the store. You are then forced to stay on budget.
Need some help in this area? Here are a few of my most popular meal planning posts:
Also, I find making a list can help keep me on track, but I allow myself a limit for a small impulse buy. For example, Maybe I’m craving pop chips but wasn’t planning on buying them this week. I could use my impulse $5 to cover this.
I’m hoping my post helps you save money! Consider saving money each month by setting aside money from your monthly salary and start living a frugal life. You will build your savings and have more money in your pocket. You will have less money stress in your life and be better prepared for an emergency.
Check out some other posts listed below on budgeting and making extra money. What tips does your family use to save money? Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you. Until next time!!
Thanks for checking out my first blog post at I Heart Frugal! Look out for many more to come and comment with any questions. Happy Saving!!!
