NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Paper coupons are still around, but in many stores, the best discounts have gone digital!
Coupons have been part of grocery shopping for generations. But today, the savings are often digital – loaded in the store’s app, which you can sometimes combine with other deals.
“If you are willing to take just a few minutes and peruse those circular, or clip digital or paper coupons those offers can shave hundreds of dollars off your grocery bill over time,” said Brian Vines' Consumer Reports.
To see how much those savings can add up, Consumer Reports’ Brian Vines put coupons to the test.
While at the grocery store, he noticed Breyers 48-ounce containers of ice cream priced at $5.99 each. Because he was a member of the store’s rewards program, the ice cream was on sale for two for eight dollars.
“I got further savings because I downloaded that store's digital app, which gave me a dollar off that same ice cream deal,” said Vines.
To unlock those digital deals, most stores require you to create an account and join a loyalty program.
In exchange, retailers may be able to collect data about your shopping habits. That information can be used to target ads and potentially to charge different prices to different shoppers, a practice known as surveillance pricing.
If you prefer not to rely on apps, some stores offer in-store kiosks where you can scan your physical rewards card or enter your phone number to load digital discounts.
Other stores may apply discounts at checkout if you ask.
Another way to stay on top of what’s on sale is to watch super-couponers, like Star Smith, who breaks down weekly deals on her YouTube channel.
“We spend all of our time doing the work and finding the deals and doing the match ups, so if you can watch a two minute video, you can get plugged into those savings and just duplicate what they're doing,” said Smith.
Consumer Reports says you can access additional deals by signing up for email lists from your favorite brands or reaching out to them directly.
Many will send high-value coupons, and sometimes even free product offers.
Savings that can mean more money in your pocket.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at jennifer.kraus@newschannel5.com.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
