Couponing

Hi DreamKit members. Today we are going to talk about couponing and how you can save money with coupons. I am going to tell you about some great apps, websites, and tips I use and you can too!

Have you ever heard of couponing? Or do you know someone who coupons but never spoke to that person about it? And now you want to know about couponing? You do not have to be the greatest or smartest couponer; you would just want to be serious about saving money on household essentials and groceries.

First, you will have to download the PayPal app to receive your money. PayPal is an online payments system that supports online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. You could also pay for online items with PayPal.

We all see those coupons that come in the mail or the weekly newspaper. And think it’s part of the junk mail that we get. Some of us just throw it away. However, those coupons could actually help save you some money. Make sure to buy a coupon binder/expanding file to keep your coupons organized.

Before you get started, I would like you to go on each website and get familiar with their Terms of Use before downloading their app.

• Clip coupons from a flyer. Most Connecticut residents receive a free weekly newspaper. You can find your Sunday newspaper at a gas station which has tons of coupons. You can also ask family, friends, or neighbors for coupons that they do not use. You can also go online and print out coupons if you have a printer. I personally do not have a printer so I screenshot the coupon.
• Join a coupon club. Most libraries and housing authorities have these references. You can join coupon groups/clubs on Facebook. One group on Facebook is called Connecticut Couponers.
• Ibotta app. Ibotta is a free app and browser extension that gives you real cash back on every purchase, online, or in-store. You earn cash back or get a gift card every time you shop for essentials. Once you download the app, sign up then sign in. Click on Grocery on the home screen. You can then find your local grocery store. To add offers, click on the blue plus sign. When you have completed your shopping you will then click on Redeem on the home screen. Scan a photo of your receipt. You can also scan the barcodes of the product(s) that you purchased. Your cash back will be credited within 48 hours. For more information go to: blog.ibotta.com.
• TopCashback app. TopCashback is another free app or website that gives you cash back on anything you buy from their retail partners, except for groceries. You can either get actual cash back or pick a gift card instead. TopCashback also gives you promo codes. It offers a certain amount of cash back for each of its partners and will price match if you find higher cash back offers from their competitors, like eBates. Once you download the app, sign up then sign in. Click the retailer you would like to shop at. Then click shopping and earn cash back. You will have to wait for TopCashback to get paid their referral fee from the retailers to get your money. This could take up to one to three months. For more information go to: TopCashback.com.
• Groupon app. Groupon is a free website and app that connects subscribers with local merchants by offering free activities, travel, goods, and services. However, there is a $4.99 fee for subscription membership to get additional discounts. For more information go to: Groupon.com.
• Place a hold on a book. Most libraries have coupon books or they can order these books from another library if they do not have the book you want to read.

When you are shopping at your favorite store, always ask the manager of the store about price matching. Most managers have no problem with price matching. But you will have to show the manager the price of the item on your phone. If the manager okays it, they will then approve it with the clerk who will ring you up. The clerk will then scan the item from your phone or take down the item number of the product.

Thanks for reading about my couponing tips! It is always good to save a little bit of money. I hope you found these apps and websites useful and try them out! Have fun couponing!

Michelle S.

aka DJ Skitlz