10 secrets to stop overspending at Target.
Is there really a secret to spending less at Target??? The clothes are darling; the jewelry is affordable; the home decor is always on point. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the dollar section! No matter how hard I try to avoid that dollar section, there’s no going to Target without a stop at the dollar section (amiright?!?). There is only one downside to Target……I always spend more than I had planned to spend. If anyone can relate, this article is for you! Today, I am sharing a few secrets I have learned about how to save money at Target.
This article contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation for purchases made through links in this post.
Secret #1: Stay Out of Target
I know, (believe me I know), staying out of Target is a little easier said than done, but obviously is the most effective! If Target tempts you to impulse shop and over spend on your budget….stop going to Target.
A few years ago I decided to stop going to Target for at least one year. I lasted 18 months…and guess what! I survived! I bought what I needed at other stores, and my bank account grew because of it!
Habits are hard to break, and if Target is one of yours, know that you are not alone.
One way to make this easier is to give yourself mini rewards for staying away from Target. If you don’t go for an entire month, buy yourself a treat. And then change the reward for two months. The temptation to shop at Target will decrease as your habit is broken. I’m living proof!
Secret #2: Get a Target Red Card
Honestly, a Target Red Card is the equivalent of free money. I know many people tend to be scared away from the Red Card, it sounds to much like a credit card, and a credit card is not for everyone.
Fortunately, the Target Red Card is not a credit card (yaaay!)! It is a debit card. Instead of purchasing the items on credit, the money is being taken directly out of your checking account. This gives you peace of mind that you are not racking up debt.
But, the very best thing about the Target Red Card is the 5% discount you receive on ALL purchases. Let me say that again, 5% off on everything you buy when you pay for it using your red card!
- Wait, but does this include clearance items? Yep!
- Can you combine this discount with other coupons and cash back apps? You betchya!
The Target Red Card also gives you FREE shipping on all online purchases! I love this because online shopping is just SO convenient (the closest Target is 20 minutes away from my house) but I absolutely hate paying for shipping.
So, if I just need to buy my daughter a $5 shirt, I can do that and get it shipped to my house for free. Oh, and the 5% discount applies to all online purchases too. (oh how I love discounts!)
Secret #3: Skip the Cart and Use a Basket
Another way to save money at Target is to ditch the shopping cart and grab a basket instead. This keeps you from over spending, because you can only fit a few items in a basket!
Another thing I love about shopping with a basket is that it gets heavy. After adding a few items to my basket, my arms are begging me to quit shopping.
Secret #4: Use a List
A good rule of thumb is to always write out a shopping list before going to any store. And no, this isn’t only for grocery shopping. Lists are essential to saving money on all shopping.
If you only have one item to buy at Target, write it down.
Once it is written down you are much more likely to stay committed to what you need and to not give into any spending temptations that might come (and let’s be honest…at Target they always come!).
Secret #5: Follow the 48 Hour Rule
The 48 hour rule is simple, yet effective. When you come across something you really, really want to buy, but it’s not on your list…WAIT. Wait at least 48 hours before making the purchase.
This gives you time to come home, do a little research to see if you can find the item cheaper somewhere else, and time to decide if it’s really worth the price.
Most of the time this rule helps me realize I actually didn’t want it in the first place. Other times, I wait the 48 hours and then go back and buy the item. Either way, the 48 hours is essential in making the decision and always helps me to spend less.
At Target where the temptations are big (everything is just so pretty!) the 48 Hour Rule will save you from impulse shopping time and time again.
Secret #6: Use Target Circle
Target RedCard not for you??? That’s fine! You can still save money with Target Circle. This is Targets loyalty program and rewards all of us Target addicts (oh….is that just me…..???) with cash to spend at Target!
With Target Circle you can earn 1% reward on all purchases. These loyalty dollars can be redeemed at Target during your next transaction!
In addition to the 1% earnings, you will also be given access to coupons and other discounts. This even includes a 5% discount to use on your birthday each year!!!
Unfortunately, you can not use the Target RedCard and Target Circle together. It’s a one or the other deal. Which, is actually great, because it gives us the option to choose what is best for each of us personally.
To learn more about Target Circle, and sign up for the great benefits just click here.
Secret #7: Never Pay Full Price
Target has great discounts throughout the week, and my rule of thumb is to never buy anything unless it’s on sale!
Always check the clearance sections which can be found on clothing racks and at the end of aisles.
It helps to know the days each department is marked down. Below is the regular mark down schedule. If there is something you are shopping for, go on the day when it will be first marked down for the best selection and deal.
I like to make a note of these in my phone so that I always have it nearby!
- Monday: Electronics and Kids’ Clothing
- Tuesday: Women’s Clothing and Pets
- Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, and Lawn and Garden items
- Thursday: Home goods, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, and Books
- Friday: Cosmetics, and Jewelry
Secret #8: Price Match
Have you ever priced match at Target??? In my experience, Target is always willing to price match!
If you show the cashier at checkout that you found an item cheaper somewhere else on a competitors ad (or check on your Amazon app!) Target will price match that item for you and honor the lower price. A good rule to follow is, “It never hurts to ask.”
Secret #9: Take Advantage of Cash Back
Always, and I mean always take advantage of cash back rebates after shopping. It’s so simple.
Shop at Target by following the Secrets listed in this article. And then scan your receipt into the user friendly cash back apps. For a list of all of my favorite apps, click on this article.
Secret #10: Shop With Cash Envelope In Hand
Most people spend at least 10% less when they shop using cash envelopes, as opposed to a card. Cards are so easy to swipe that it can be hard to realize just how much money you are spending in the moment.
Ditch the cards and use cash envelopes instead! Cash envelopes are the secret sauce to keeping yourself accountable on your spending!
For example: if you only have $20 cash in your envelope to spend at Target, but you found a really cute sweater that you just have to have and it costs $35, you literally can not buy it….you do not have enough cash to pay for it. So, you will put it back on the shelf and walk away knowing you stuck to your budget!
In Conclusion
If you love shopping at Target as much as I do, try following a few of these saving tricks to help keep your budget and bank account happy! Forming new habits are not always easy, but I promise they are worth it!
Related Articles:
How to Save Money When Eating Out
How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping
10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries
7 Apps That Will Help You Save Money
Pin This Article To Help You Remember How To Save Money at Target
Leave a Reply