I go to my local Target multiple times a week. I prefer going to SuperTarget because they have a big grocery selection, and because, it's just more fun. Going up and down the aisles for hours on end, scanning everything you consider buying to see if there's a Cartwheel deal, shopping at Target is truly more than just your average trip to the grocery store. Today, I'm going to be sharing my wisdom of being both a broke college student and a fiercely loyal Target shopper.

1. Get the Target app, and utilize it.

The Target app is free to download and they just finished overhauling it to include Cartwheel in the main Target app. Cartwheel is how you save the most money. It's basically Target's main coupon app, it sorts all the deals into different categories, eventually making one called "For You" where it will give you exclusive deals on items it knows you buy regularly.

Just some of my exclusive deals include Cottonelle Bath Tissue, Market Pantry Salad Dressing, and Market Pantry Juice. It's kinda creepy that it knows what I buy, but it's totally worth it. If you aren't sure if an item is on sale, you can scan the barcode in the app, and it will either automatically add the deal for you or say "No Cartwheel deal available". There are also manufacture coupons loaded into the app, all you have to do is go to your Wallet and they will pop up.

2. Bring your own bags.

Target gives you 5 cents off for every bag you bring in to use instead of their plastic bags. They do sell some really cute canvas bags in the dollar spot and I have collected so many over the years that I saved almost a dollar one time just from bringing in bags. Now, at self-checkout, it will only let you say you have 4 of your own bags, so if you are doing a huge shopping trip, go through an actual line.

3. Get a REDCard, debit or credit.

Now, I know it can get annoying when you go to check out and the cashier asks you every time if you want to sign up for a REDCard, but honestly, it's so worth it. I have the debit version and all it does is pull out of your checking account, minus the 5% off you get. Yup. You get 5% off your entire purchase automatically with a REDCard. You also get free shipping on Target.com, and you can use it in the Target Cafe and the Target Starbucks. Those all will accept your discount.

I believe the only exclusion is Target Optical and CVS prescriptions, which is understandable. The credit option is pretty great as well, but if you don't want to go that route, it takes almost no time to sign up for the debit card online. It's free, it won't impact your credit score, and you'll save money no matter what you buy. You can also add your REDCard to your Wallet in the Target app. You'll get another barcode, where you can pay and save in one scan.

4. Stick to Market Pantry / Up&Up items unless there's a better Cartwheel deal.

The Target generic brand is wonderful. There are usually 5% off coupons for Target-branded items in Cartwheel, and they are always cheaper than the name brand items. Some things I don't ever buy generic on (toilet paper and feminine products being the main ones) but everything else is strictly MP.

5. Look out for the gift card deals.

Often, Target has deals where you get a free $5 gift card if you buy a certain number of a certain brand's products. For instance, I just took advantage of one where you got a free gift card if I bought 3 of the Air Wick air freshener products. But, you can't use the gift card in the same transaction where you qualify for it. So, when I go, I usually ring up all the items that qualify for gift cards first, complete that transaction, and then use the gift cards I just earned on the next transaction with all of the rest of my stuff. Obviously, I wouldn't want you to buy things you don't need just because there's a gift card deal on them, but it's honestly very helpful when it's the right products on sale.