My husband thinks I have a major problem: I'm addicted to Target.  I have been for years now...I even worked there in high school.  I feel you are either a Target or Walmart person.  Just like a Coke or Pepsi fan.  I can spot a Target red clearance sticker from a mile away!

In my area, we don't have many options for grocery shopping.  Not even Trader Joe's (tear!) ...just Meijer and Family Fare.  While I can find some deals at those stores, I still find myself spending more than I would like.  A few months ago, once I started using Target Cartwheel, I realized how much cheaper it is to stock up my pantry at Target.  I'm totally kicking myself for not figuring this out sooner!

Here's why!  They have great sale prices, sometimes even lower normal prices to begin with, plus you can triple up coupons.  By using printable Target coupons, the Cartwheel and manufacturer coupons, you're saving TONS of money!

Some tips:

• Read Totally Target before you head out.  This blog is a GREAT tool for finding out what's on sale, what deals are to be found and what coupons you should print.
• Shop Target before the grocery store.  We try to do large monthly grocery trips, supplementing weekly for produce and milk.  On our big trip days, we have a routine: Aldi first, Target and Meijer last.  It's an order of cheapest to most expensive, so by the time we make it to Meijer we just have a few things left on our list.  Costco is also thrown in if it's a month that we need items from there.  Since I try to set a price point for items, I know if it's a good deal at Target or if I should wait for another store.  
• Focus on pantry and dairy. Meat deals can be hit or miss, but pantry items are quite often great prices.  I tend to buy fruit snacks, crackers, canned tomatoes and condiments.  Another deal: dairy.  Yogurt, cheese and almond milk have great prices!  When in the meat section, look for markdown beef or chicken and sales on items like lunchmeat.
• Get your coupons ready ahead of time! As much as I love Cartwheel, it can be time consuming while shopping.  If you have the rest of your coupons organized ahead of time, you'll make your trip much faster.  Don't forget to check your Target mobile coupons too!  I really would love to have Target combine mobile coupons and Cartwheel somehow. 

Do you grocery shop at Target?  Any tips?

App Alert: Target Cartwheel

We are pretty new to smartphones.  I have been checking out most of the money saving apps, yet very few actually save money.  (Anyone that can help me out with this, give me some tips!).

My two favorites so far are Cartwheel and mPerks.  Another great app to use is AfullCup to check out the weekly grocery deals.

I actually have been getting a fair amount of pantry goods at Target because they are so much cheaper than Meijer.  Items like granola bars, crackers, cereal and even almond milk are great deals there.

I just noticed Cartwheel about a month ago and it is a great way to save extra money at Target.  You can combine the Cartwheel savings with their mobile coupons, Target store coupons AND manufacturer coupons.

You sign in with your Facebook page through their app.  Next you add a designated amount of deals to your cart.  There are various ways to get more "spots" in your cart. I have noticed when friends join, I get more spots.  Also, if you look at a friend's cart, you can add a spot.  The more money you save using the app will add more "perks" too.


The Cartwheel deals are always a percentage off a certain item or brand, ranging from 5%-20% .  I tend to leave my cart blank and add deals by searching while shopping.  Or while waiting to check out, I make sure do a quick once over.

Downside?  Checking out is a hassle!  Scanning my coupons, mobile coupons (which you can sign up for here) AND my Cartwheel is a bit much.

I've found a slight solution!

You can print the barcode for your Cartwheel shopping cart!  Yes, it's still something to scan, but you don't have to fumble with your phone as much.  As far as I've noticed, your barcode is always the same, so just save the slip of paper with the rest of your coupons.

This barcode also works if you don't have a smartphone.  You can add deals from your computer at home and print it off to use in the store.

While you can't really save a ton using it on grocery shopping, buying clothes and beauty/health items can add up quickly!  Make sure you always check on the restrictions!

Every little bit of savings helps and can add up quickly!

Don't forget: signing up for the Target debit card (or credit card) has many great advantages.  You can bring in a blank check and sign up for the debit card, which takes the money out of your debit card, just like if you were using your bank's card.

Using the debit card, both online and in store, gets you a 5% discount.  Plus, you get free shipping on all purchases on their website.  Great for upcoming holiday shopping!

Have you checked Cartwheel yet?  Do you have any shopping apps you love?