Created On:  |Updated: |
There are so many ways to get good deals at Target but these are the best tips for saving money!
I remember as a little girl there was a huge store in our area called Gemco. And then one day it became Target. My mom called it “Tar-get” like with a French accent. I didn’t think much of it then but now I could probably pull a “Where the Heart” is and move into the camping section. I’m pretty sure they know me by name since I’m there at least once a week. And when they added groceries to our Target, that was it. Why go anywhere else? Since I’m there so much (have you noticed on Instagram?), I have learned some simple tips and tricks to get the most for my money and thought I’d share my tips for saving money with you. Anyone else big puffy heart love Target?
How to save money:
GET A RED CARD
This is tied directly to your debit card/checking account. It takes a minute and then you get 5% off every time you use it. You also can get free shipping online and better returns. You get an extra 30 days to get something back for a return.
When I was at Target my check out guy asked me if I had a red card and I said “Oh yes!” and he said “You’d be amazed at how many people are skeptical and just don’t have one.” And I went off about how much I love it. His response was “We just need you standing here to tell everyone about it.” Ha! I can’t tell you how easy this is and how much I love getting a little extra off for no work on end.
Note – there are Target credit cards and Target red cards. I’m referring to the red card/debit card. I don’t have a Target credit card.
MARK DOWN SCHEDULE
Did you know that Target has days that they usually mark things down? While it can vary state to state and Target to Target, these are the guidelines:
Download this printable guideline.
Target usually marks things down every two weeks in increments of 15/30/50/70% off. But for holiday markdowns (more on that below), they speed up this process with just a few days in between markdowns. So if you want to get holiday stuff on clearance, don’t wait!
IT’S ALL IN THE TAG
Check out how to read the price tag. Based on what the number is at the end of the tag, you know if it’s really the lowest deal.
If it ends in a $0.06 or $0.08 it’ll be marked down again. But if it ends in a $0.04 it’s the best you’ll ever get.
PRICE MATCHING
Target will match the price of identical items found within 7 days of purchase. You can bring in a printed ad or show the online competitor’s price. It has to be the exact model number. Online competitors are limited to Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, and BabiesRUs.com.
Read more about price matching guidelines.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MOBILE COUPONS
I used to be into couponing way back in the day before it was reallya thing. Before there were shows about cheapskates and all that. It was insane the amount of things I got for little to nothing with some prep time. I no longer coupon really because I don’t have the time for it. But if I’m at Target and I see a coupon text sign I do it immediately. It takes 3 seconds to text and if I’m getting something anyway, might as well get a little discount on it. You can also sign up for mobile coupons to be sent to you.
Save with Cartwheel
I have dabbled a little with Cartwheel. It’s another one that takes some time to figure out which deals will work for you. Sometimes I sit in my car and look at the deals before I head in. Other times I see signs at the store while I’m there and add things to my cart on Cartwheel. But there are definitely savings to be had. Check out Cartwheeltips from Passion for Savings.
SALE SCHEDULE
In years past, Target has held a secret (but not really a secret anymore) Toy Sale on January 12th and 13th and July 28th and 29th. I have friends who stock up on toys during those sales and keep a “gift closet.” They get as much as they can and then go to the gift closet for birthday parties, holidays, etc. I think that’s a genius idea if you are a planner.
There are also holiday sales/clearance. The day after a holiday (Christmas has some exceptions), all holiday stuff gets marked down. It goes down by 30-50%. A few days later they mark it down to 50-70%. And then it’s eventually marked down to 90%.
DOLLAR SPOT
I picked up up these beauties from our Dollar spot!
Whoever decided to add the Dollar Spot to Target is a genius. I can’t ever just walk by without stopping there because I know I will always find something. And it’s just a dollar, so I have to. They started getting sneaky by adding $3 and $5 items in there too. There are adorable things for holidays, organization, stationary, school supplies and more.
On the barcode of a dollar spot item there is a symbol. For example – black diamond, red dot, blue dot, etc. When things go on clearance from the Dollar Spot there aren’t any stickers, they just use signs to let you know. So it’ll say 50% off all black diamond items. They group things by when they are added to the dollar spot. So all the red dots came in on the same day, all the black diamonds, etc.
BEAUTY AISLE
I’m all about a deal (if this post wasn’t obvious). If I can get the same look with makeup for less money and not have to deal with a makeup counter, even better! Find out all the of details on how to shop the beauty aisles.
And just for fun — this post from Scary Mommy is hilarious! The 7 Stages of Going to Target with Children.
Looking for other budgeting/money saving tips?
- Guide to Excellent Credit
- Ultimate Budget Binder
- Teaching Kids About Money
