5 Easy Ways To Save Money At Target

I should probably start this off by saying this post is not sponsored by Target. Target has absolutely no idea who I am, but boy do I love me some Target! Target is just happiness, and I could easily spend 2 hours walking up and down the aisles. I love the dollar section, I love the clothes, and I think I own half of their Fall shoe line. 

If you know me, you also know I love to save money. I like to find the most cost-effective ways to do things and love to feel like I'm getting a deal. Since I am an avid Target shopper, I have figured out a few cost-cutting tricks to help me enjoy my favorite store without the guilt. Here are my 5 favorite ways to save money at this magical place called Target, aka God's gift to women:

1. The Cartwheel App

Please tell me you have heard of the Cartwheel App. You probably have, but it bears mentioning anyway. It's a free app on your smartphone with offers on items you were already going to buy anyway. Items rotate out, but I have gotten 50% off of clothes and shoes, and so many cosmetics, housewares, decorative items, and food are 5-20% off each week. You select the product you are buying in the app, and the app generates a barcode. Have the cashier scan this barcode at the register, and the difference instantly comes off your bill. Download it, yall. 

2. The Target REDcard

Now before you write this one off because you don't want a credit card, listen to this: you can get the REDcard as either a credit or a debit card. With the REDcard, you get 5% off every single purchase plus free shipping at Target.com. Seriously yall... 5% off each trip. It's free money! You also get 90 days to return anything bought with your REDcard, and you don't need a receipt. I don't ever get store credit cards, but I love the Target REDcard debit option. It comes straight out of my account just like a regular debit card would, and there are no annual fees or anything like that. Again, it's free money. 

3. The Ibotta App

This smartphone app is not specific to Target, but it can be used at Target. It actually applies to nearly all grocery, convenience, pharmacy, etc. stores. You earn cash back on items you were going to buy anyway and can get a gift card or paypal credit once you hit $20. This is another one that's just free money. One of the ways to cash in your earnings is a Target gift card... yes please. 

4. Know the Target Markdown Schedule

If an item is on clearance, there is a chance it will be even further marked down. If the clearance price ends in an 8, it will be marked down again. If the price ends in a 4, that's the lowest it will go. This can always vary, but as a general rule of thumb, here is the markdown schedule:

Monday: electronics, kids' clothing, accessories, stationary, books, and baby

Tuesday: women's clothing, pets, and food

Wednesday: men's clothing, health & beauty, garden, and toys

Thursday: housewares, shoes, toys, lingerie, sporting goods, decor, and luggage

Friday: cosmetics, auto, hardware, and jewelry

5. Shop The Holiday Clearance Section

Target has the cutest holiday stuff. I gush and gush over their Christmas section each year! One of the best times to buy holiday items is the week after the holiday because it's all so marked down. It may not be as fun to buy Christmas decor the last week of December, but your wallet will thank you and it'll be waiting for you next year!

1 Day After The Holiday: 50% off goods, 30% off candy and food

3-4 Days After The Holiday: 75% off goods, 50% off candy and food

1 Week After The Holiday: 90% off goods, 50% off candy and food

Are you as obsessed with Target as I am? Please tell me you have seen how cute their Halloween-themed dollar section is right now!