4 Easy Ways to Save Money Every Time (And Anywhere!) You Shop
Online or in-store, you can save big on everything from groceries to gifts.
Whether you prefer to make purchases online or are happy to head out to the store, these smart strategies will ensure you score the lowest prices everywhere!
Nab deals by shopping near discount stores.
Shopping in-person at supermarkets and retailers means you can use paper manufacturer and store coupons to trim your bill. And to save even more, simply shop at businesses that are within five miles of a competing discount store, such as Aldi, Lidl and Walmart. Research shows that to keep up with their rivals’ low prices, nearby stores reduce their own price tags by as much as 15 percent!
Slash fees on same-day and next-day delivery.
Delivery services like Instacart and Shipt make it convenient to have fresh groceries delivered to your home within two to 48 hours, yet fees like membership, delivery and service — on top of the surcharges they tack on to many products — can swell your bill by up to $40. The good news? Businesses like Kroger and Giant Eagle offer a flat $9.95-per-delivery fee with no added charges or inflated product costs, and Walmart.com offers free next-day delivery when you spend at least $35. Plus, many areas around the country now have Amazon Fresh — a grocery delivery service that offers free 2-hour delivery included with your Amazon Prime membership!
Save 10 percent with in-store pickup.
Some retailers offer bonus savings when you order online, then head inside to pick up your order. For example, Petco deducts 10 percent from the price of thousands of qualifying items when you choose the “I’ll Pick It Up” option at checkout. And Walgreens recently offered three packs of Oral-B floss for free when using in-store pickup. One reason for these bargains: Stores hope that once you’re inside, you’ll see other products you’ll want to buy.
Get these discounts with curbside pickup.
More and more, stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, JCPenney, Giant Eagle and Walmart are offering curbside pickup. One downside? Paper coupons aren’t usually accepted. Fortunately, many stores offer e-coupons on their websites or apps that you can apply to your online order. Another option? Join a store’s loyalty program or apply for their credit card, and you could get discounts with curbside pickups. For instance, Target RED Card holders get five percent off every pickup order, and Target Circle loyalty card holders get one percent off. To find out about your favorite stores’ curbside pickup savings, check their website or call the store.
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
