Are coupons as we know them on their way out? This may well be the case. Rather than clipping coupons from the weekly circular, or even downloading and printing the slips from websites, coupon delivery may go paperless – and for many modern shoppers, this is a dream come true. No more lingering, expired coupons or newspaper subscriptions you don’t want, just more savings at your fingertips. We’ve been awaiting this change since we started using online discount codes.
In preparation for the coming coupon revolution, then, modern shoppers should start adjusting now; if you aren’t already using coupon apps, you’re not saving as much as you could be.
Here are some of the top apps leading the pack when it comes to new ways to save.
Be Loyal, Get Organized
Most of us carry around an array of store loyalty cards on our key rings or jammed into wallets, but isn’t it always the case that when you arrive at the store, you don’t have the very one you need? End this cycle with Card Star, an app designed to organize your loyalty cards. This app is especially timely since many grocery stores now allow you to add digital coupons to your loyalty cards.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Couponing apps will be the most useful to you if you plan ahead to maximize savings. Ideally, you should be combining apps with in-store sales and even couponing blogs that share top offers. Using outside couponing sources in conjunction with an app like Coupon Sherpa, for example, will help you cull offers for local stores and snag the biggest deals. You may even start getting items for free.
The Good and The Obscure
Many popular couponing apps offer substantial savings, but they offer it on obscure items, potentially found only in health food stores and specialty retailers. BerryCart, for example, offers excellent deals, but if you aren’t buying gluten-free veggie burgers and hazelnut milk, you may not know what to do with it.
If you’re determined to make these health-conscious coupon apps work for you, check out their deals and menu plan before you leave the house by looking up recipes online. Maybe you don’t normally keep dates around, but you’ve got a good coupon for them – so, it’s time to experiment with something new!
Combined Capabilities
One of the major challenges of using multiple couponing apps is that it can be hard to keep track of what products you plan to buy. Luckily, that’s where GroceryIQ comes in. With GroceryIQ, you can make your shopping list and simultaneously download or queue appropriate coupons. The app will even add store-specific coupons to your loyalty card. Say goodbye to neglected savings.
This is far from a comprehensive list of couponing apps – you’ll find plenty of other savings opportunities on Ibotta, Checkout 51, and even Hopster – but the nature of couponing today is that you can no longer rely on just one source for maximum savings. The key is to not overwhelm yourself with a library of apps, but to hone your list to a few key programs that work well for your family.
Alternatively, you could become the next star of Extreme Couponing, the digital edition.
