Do you ever get the feeling you could be saving even more at your favorite store or restaurant? Check out these savings hacks for shopping and become an expert!

Expert Savings Hacks for Shopping

There are tons of ways to save money at your favorite retail and restaurant locations. Sure you can use coupons, apps and loyalty programs.  But sometimes you just need an “expert” or “insider” to fill you in on some of the lesser-known savings hacks.  I’m your gal! So check out these savings tips, that you may or may not know about.

DSW Savings Hacks

DSW is my favorite shoe store and there are tons of great ways to save here for shoe lovers. My most surprising savings hack for DSW is to donate your shoes! Yes, DSW VIP rewards members receive 50 points per week for donating shoes, that’s $2.50 in rewards each time you donate. See more DSW savings tips here.

DOSH App Savings Hack

By now you probably know about my love for apps like Ibotta for saving money.  But I have a new fave. Have you tried the DOSH app? Get cash back at local restaurants and even BP gas! Right now you can get $20 FREE referral cash if you sign up using my link! Worth a try for free $! Please note, with DOSH you do have to link your credit/debit card. I have never had any problems with this. And it makes it super easy to get the cash back- shop participating locations and it automatically credits! See all my fave savings apps here.

Dollar Tree Savings Hack

Everything’s a $1 so isn’t that good enough? How about saving more with coupons.  Yes Dollar Tree accepts coupons from the newspaper! Just be sure that the product type and size (which can be tricky since Dollar Tree sometimes has smaller sizes) matches the coupon fine print and you might score item at the Dollar Tree for $0.50… or even FREE!

Big Lots Savings Hacks

About 4 times a year Big Lots has a Friends and Family event.  This means that Rewards Club members can save 20% Saturday-Sunday and everyone can save 20% on Sunday (with a coupon- but just join Rewards, it’s free!). the great thing is that this 20% off can be used on clearance, furniture and mattresses! Want to learn more tips for saving at Big Lots, see my full post here.

Target Secret Savings Hack

There are tons of ways to save at Target, like “clipping” Cartwheel coupons, using a RedCard for extra 5% off, price matching competitors and even checking in/scanning with Shopkick. But did you know you can price match Target online prices too? AND to make sure you have the lowest price you need this Target hack- turn off your location services. This way Target will not know you are “in the store” and will show you the online prices when looking at the items in the app (or in browser). Often times the online price is lower than the in store and you can then price match the lowest price.

Kohl’s Cash Savings Hacks

Darn, you let that Kohl’s Cash expire, but don’t throw it out just yet (Cam!). Most Kohl’s stores will give you a grace period and accept expired Kohl’s Cash up to 7 days. Be sure to check with the stores around you, not all know that this can be done (and it only works in store).  Also, combine recipts to reach Kohl’s cash.  So, if you bought something for $25 and then 2 days later (in same Kohl’s Cash period) you spend another $25- you can have those two receipts combined to earn the Kohl’s Cash.

Chick-fil-A Savings Hack

How about a savings hack from a restaurant? If you are loyal to the “original chicken sandwhich” then you need to get the CFA One app from Chick-fil-A.  Scan the app every time you make a purchase and it works as a loyalty card to earn you Free Chick-fil-A rewards. Not only can you earn free food from collecting these points, sometimes your local store will send you a “surprise treat” for free food too. YUM! Want to learn more ways to save at Chick-fil-A, check out this post here too!

So did you know about these tips? Have any more to add? Leave a comment below.

I have discussed some of these Savings Hacks as “insider savings tips” on Good Day Columbus (twice!).  The first time was in 2019, you can watch the most recent 2021 segment here.