Here’s How To Save Big By Stacking Coupons, Rebates And Rewards

By: Carol Pyles - CC BY 2.0

In the spirit of saving money this season, it’s time we all brush up on coupons, rebates and rewards.

First up is coupon stacking. In this instance, the verb “stack” is literally meant to indicate that you can use coupons on top of other coupons to deliver you the most savings potential possible.

And since you’re going to be buying gifts and tons of cooking supplies for holiday parties, you need to know the best ways to save money. A classic coupon-stacking combination includes using both a manufacturer’s coupon (from a brand like Huggies, for example) and a retailer’s coupon (from Target, for example) for optimum savings. Sign up for coupon sites and apps, check out your local newspaper, and be sure to read retailer emails and mailers to stay on top the latest coupons available to you.

One pro tip for using coupons in-store is that many friendly associates will have insider knowledge about current promotions, coupons and rebates happening in their store, so if you aren’t already armed with every possible coupon available, it’s worth the ask. We’ve had helpful employees in stores like Kohl’s, Whole Foods and Michael’s clue us in to coupons and other savings that we otherwise wouldn’t have known were available to us.

But the savings don’t stop there! Given all the retailer rewards programs out there, shopping smart means making the most of those rewards. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS give reward points as do retailers ranging from Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s to DSW. If you’re out shopping at a national chain, it’s worth asking if there are any reward options you may not already know about.

Finally, make sure you are using technology to amplify your savings. There are a number of rebate apps out there that will send you manufacturer rebates for items purchased when you upload an image of your receipt. Savings expert, The Krazy Coupon Lady, says her favorite rebate app is Ibotta, which gives cash back for a wide range of food and beverage purchases.

One of our favorites is Ebates, which gives you cash back for purchases made online—all you need to do is sign up for an account (it’s FREE), and then click through to the retailer from Ebates before you make a purchase and voila! Money in your pocket. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a retailer that doesn’t work with Ebates, and an Ebates account also offers special savings and discounts for members.

 

 

About the Author

Augusta Statz

Augusta Statz holds a B.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She's an avid writer with a genuine sense of curiosity. She feels the best way to absorb the world around you is through fashion, art and food, so that’s what she spends most of her time writing about. More.

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