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Smart Shopper

If I'm not at the register with coupons or saving apps open, I must be sick or dying.

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Smart Shopper
Taxis Rome

My wallet and closet are both too small for my shopping addict tendencies. As I write this I am waiting for three packages to come in the mail -- of clothes, of course. My addiction also goes beyond buying sorority shirts and cute summer dresses, it also relates to my need for kitchen items or new room decor. My favorite store? Target. Why? Cartwheel App and clearance section. Here are a few things I have learned from my need to "shop till I drop," which occurs every time I back out of my drive way.

1. Apps

Some of the apps I use to save money are Shopkick and Target Cartwheel.

Shopkick was an app I discovered on Instagram one night and I have loved it ever since. The app allows users to simply walk into a store, with having the app open on a smartphone, and the user receives points on the spot. Some of the ways points can be added to a users profile are when they walk into a store, check out special deals on the app, scan items in the store (without purchase), or scanning their receipt after a purchase.

Points are redeemable for rewards, such as gift cards with different monetary values, TVs, and donations to Feeding America (plus a few more!) The gift card choices range from Walmart to American Eagle to Cheesecake Factory and more! I use this app the most when I walk into the mall because the app provides numerous chances to gain points just by walking into the stores I would already! I highly recommend this app!

The Cartwheel app can only be used in Target, but in all honesty that's where I shop the most anyways! I browse the clearance end caps whenever I go! This app provides special deals on so many items throughout the store, including some clearance and sale items! The app gives you a cart (like the one you'd push around in the store), and depending on the number of badges you get (which can be unlocked by using the app more frequently and saving more money on it), you can hold more coupons in your cart.

You can unlock more space in your cart by saving money, redeeming the deals close to when they expire, and adding offered from different saving sections. Those are only a few of the ways you are able to carry more deals in your cart! The cartwheel app is simple to use; you can either scan the item to see if there are any deals for it or you can search by category. I usually do both because you never know when you could miss something by searching all of the categories. (Plus you can get Shopkick points by walking in!)

2. Coupons

I know they are cliche, and I'm not saying you have to be an extreme couponer but using them can help you save some money here and there. Some stores allow customers to double coupons! Also, if you are unsure about trying a new product out, check to see if there is a coupon because if you end up not liking it, well, at least you don't have to complain that you spent full price! Coupons are easily available through the Sunday newspaper or the Internet. I usually pull them up on my phone while standing at the register. Craft stores always have online coupons!

3. Clearance

When walking through a store, this is my first stop. Some stores are consistent with where they place the bulk of their clearance so I've been able to just hop from place to place just looking in those areas! The Walmart where I live keeps the clearance right next to the birthday cards and the Target always places it on the end-caps.

Clearance has provided my with items I never actually needed but were at such a low cost, I couldn't resist! Just the other day I convinced myself I needed a new comforter, it was originally $20, clearance for $14.98, and with my cartwheel app it was 20 percent off! I also bought large eating spoons and salad servers, for the house I don't have, but they were blue and would make a statement for when I do get my own place. For now they will just sit in the closet with the rest of the stuff I never knew I needed (and actually don't need quite yet!).

4. Hand-me-downs

I actually don't mind getting clothes that have already been worn because now I don't have to go through that awkward stage of having it scratch my arms and then I'll know what to wash it with before I end up damaging a whole load of laundry. Plus, people give clothes away for numerous reasons, not just that the clothes went out of style, sometimes it's because they need a different size.

5. Consignment Shops

I know that some consignment shops can be really tricky with what they take, but it's worth a shot bringing in the clothes you don't wear for them to at least look at. I have shamefully walked back out of the store with over half my stuff I brought in, but I made some extra money with what they did take.

6. Poshmark

I had heard of this app numerous times before I decided to make my own account. This app allows the users to sell and buy clothes on line, like hand-me-downs, but from complete strangers! The app has amazing deals and not only can you save money by buying other peoples clothes, you can make it buy selling it online (so all those extra clothes you brought to the consignment store, but they didn't take them, someone online may want them!)

I hope you are ready to score some super awesome deals the next time you shop!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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