Unlocking Savings: Expert Tips and Tricks for Mastering Digital Coupons

PHOENIX — As shopping continues to shift towards online platforms, the use of digital coupons is becoming increasingly prevalent. This trend marks a significant departure from traditional coupon clipping, reflecting changing consumer behaviors.

According to Statista’s 2024 coupon trends, 40% of grocery shoppers have recently employed online promo codes via mobile applications when shopping in-store. This statistic underscores a growing preference for convenient ways to save money while shopping.

Nicole Rogers, a Production Supervisor at 12News, is an avid user of these savings tools. “I love finding a deal… saving money,” she stated. “It makes it so that I can afford a nice vacation.” Rogers has discovered various websites where she finds substantial discounts, including Wild for Wags and Dans Deals, which cater to specific retailers.

Rogers particularly appreciates CVS’s extra bucks program, which rewards customers with credits for future purchases. “You can use that to purchase something that you really needed,” she explained. Each of these savings strategies collectively enhances her shopping experience.

Shopping apps also play a crucial role in Rogers’ strategy. Some of these apps offer rewards in exchange for engaging with ads or playing games. “I try not to have it take up too much time. I’ll just do it when I’m watching TV,” she added, showcasing her efficient approach to savings.

Another layer to her shopping strategy involves purchasing pet food with gift cards from a grocery store that offers double points on these purchases. This method allows her to maximize the savings further by combining it with cash-back opportunities through platforms like Top Cash Back or Rakuten.

Meanwhile, Alicia Markham, who operates Alicia’s Deals in AZ, emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology for cost-effective shopping. Having cultivated a following of 13,000 users on DealsinAZ.com for over 14 years, she advocates for the use of grocery store apps to uncover hundreds of coupons and discounts, stating, “Why pay more than you have to?”

Markham notes that with some technical know-how, shoppers can save a significant portion of their grocery bills. “You can save 20% off your groceries,” she claims, urging shoppers to utilize resources like the Ibotta app, which offers cash back for online and in-store purchases of specific items.

Advice from Markham includes weekly ad reviews, shopping seasonally, and maintaining an awareness of sales to enhance savings. “It will ensure your produce isn’t just cheaper, but it will taste better too,” she concluded.

This evolving landscape of coupon usage signifies a shift in how consumers approach savings in their daily lives. Embracing digital tools can lead to substantial financial benefits, transforming even the simplest shopping trips into opportunities for saving.

If you have suggestions for Money Saving Monday tips or topics you’d like us to explore, please reach out to us at money@12news.com.