9 Shopping Hacks That Can Save You Thousands a Year
Apply these nine smart strategies to keep more money in your wallet.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Spending less doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It just means shopping smarter. With the right tricks, you can slash costs instantly. Here are nine powerful hacks that can help you save thousands each year.
1. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
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Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards give you money back on everyday purchases. Whether shopping online or in-store, scanning receipts or clicking through a rewards site can lead to big savings.
2. Abandon Your Online Cart
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Retailers hate losing potential sales, so many will send discount codes if you leave items in your cart for a day or two. Some brands offer 10–20% off just to lure you back.
3. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
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Sites like Raise and CardCash sell gift cards at a discount, allowing you to pay less than face value. Whether at grocery stores, gas stations, or retail stores, using these can instantly shave 5–20% off your total.
4. Time Your Purchases Right
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Certain items have predictable sales cycles—TVs in January, appliances in September, and clothes at the end of each season. Big-ticket purchases like cars and furniture also get marked down at specific times of the year.
5. Stack Coupons for Maximum Discounts
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Many stores let you use manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and digital offers all at once. This “coupon stacking” method can significantly reduce grocery and household bills.
6. Ask for Price Adjustments
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Many stores offer price adjustments if an item goes on sale shortly after you buy it. Policies vary, but major retailers like Target and Best Buy often honor price drops within 7–14 days.
7. Shop Off-Brand or Generic
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Store-brand groceries, medications, and household essentials often cost 20–50% less than name brands with little to no difference in quality. Many generics are even made by the same manufacturers as the expensive versions.
8. Take Advantage of Student, Military, and Senior Discounts
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Many retailers offer hidden discounts for students, military members, and seniors but don’t always advertise them. Stores like Apple, Nike, and movie theaters provide significant savings if you ask.
9. Use “Subscribe and Save” for Essentials
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Retailers like Amazon and Target offer discounts when you set up recurring deliveries on items like toilet paper, vitamins, and pet food. Not only does this lock in lower prices, but it also saves you time and gas.