Let me start by saying that I am a very thrifty shopper! I am always looking for ways to save when making purchases and enjoy building up savings funds for family vacations. I don’t like to pay retail prices and have found that many times, you don’t have to. I have created this list over time and through experience for ways to be a thrifty shopper. I hope it’s helpful to you!

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Ibotta

This is one of my top 3 FAVORITE apps! It is a cashback app for everyday purchases. I love to use the gift card option when I go to Starbucks, Chipotle, Chili’s, Ulta, King Soopers, and other restaurants and retailers. The cashback percentages change often, so I like to check back at when they are having deals. I circled the retailers that had higher cashback percentages when I shopped at them. DSW happened to have 15% cashback around Mother’s Day when I purchased shoes. For a purchase of $62.98, I received $9.44 cashback. Not bad!

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Target App

If you’re busy like me, you will find the Target app to have both savings and convenience tied together. You can use coupons, earn cashback, AND order for drive-up pickup at Target all in one transaction. My favorite part is their drive-up pickup option. You can order your items through their app, then you drive up and pick up your order once it’s ready. This is very convenient for when I am trying to make a quick errand with two kids in the car.

Sign Up For Rewards Programs

If you are a regular at restaurants or retailers and haven’t signed up for their rewards programs – you are missing out! Those points add up quickly and you will be getting freebies everywhere. Not to mention, your future birthday self will thank you!

Be a Thrifty Shopper Around the Holidays

Some of the best deals are around the holidays. Check the calendar for the next holiday to shop for big purchases. As a kickback to Ibotta above, you’ll also get the most cash back around the holidays. So, if you’re getting 15% off, plus 15% cashback – well, you do the math!

If you’re making a quick trip to retailers (ex. Dick’s Sporting Goods or Hobby Lobby), ask at the register if they have any coupons. More times than not, they have a catalog sitting next to them that they can scan for a discount. I have been doing this for years and it’s such an easy way to be a thrifty shopper. So many people don’t know about this!

Save Up Those Cashback Rewards

I’m sure you can tell by now that I love cashback as a thrifty shopper. I have different “savings buckets” for that cashback. For instance, I save up my Ibotta and credit card rewards for family vacations. My husband, on the other hand, likes to save for home improvement projects. It doesn’t matter what your saved cashback rewards go toward, but have a goal for them.

Have a Cash Stash

My parents taught me this when I was young with mason jars. I had 3 mason jars with different pictures on them: ice cream, toys, and $ (savings). I would drop my allowance money into each one accordingly. My husband and I do this same thing now for vacations, home improvement, and our emergency fund.

Thanks for reading my blog! To learn more money tips, read how to save money for travel activities.