How to Get the Best Out of Target!

Everyone knows about the little savings section on your receipt at almost all stores, but only a handful of us really analyze the amount until we learn to get the most savings every trip! Target is one of the big retailers that have the little savings section on the bottom of the receipt. Although I work at Target (which gets me a 10% Team Member Discount), I'm always looking out for the best deals still, my team discount isn't enough in my opinion. Here's the best strategy that I've found:

1. Check the Ads every Monday! Target ads and sales run from Monday to Sunday, so pay attention to what the new deals are each week.
2. Get the Apps! They have an app called the Cartwheel. It has tons of extra savings like 5% off Pepsi products or 10% off of select DVDs.
3. Join the RedCard Craze! Not everyone wants a RedCard (even though it saves an extra 5% off of everything AND free shipping online) only because of the 22% APR, but there is a way to get the savings without tapping into your credit! There's an option to link your card directly to your bank making the RedCard a debit card, all you need is a blank voided check with your name on it (it can't be one of those temporary checks without your name and account printed on it) and an ID.That simple!
4. Stack Your Coupons! The coupon policy allows you to use ONE manufacturer's coupon and ONE Target coupon. If you use a Target coupon for $1 off Product A and find a manufacturer's coupon for $1 off Product A, you can get it for free if the price is only $2!
5. Check the End Caps for Clearance! All Targets put clearance items on the ends of their aisles in pretty every department. Look for the little red clearance sticker on items and don't forget to check the original price on it! Even though it has a red sticker doesn't always mean it's a fantastic deal. Some items are only marked down 10 cents while others can be marked down 10+ dollars. Just keep a lookout. Clearance can also be found among the regular items in normal items, but this is rare.
6. Insider Aisle Advice! At the front of each aisle (the end closest to the center of the store or the main walkway) there are little tags on the back side of the front end caps. Sometimes these tags are outlined in red. That usually means that the aisle or section of the aisle will be going on sale soon. If you see that tag, you may want to wait a few days before you buy any of those items (unless it's the last of a discontinued item) as they usually get cut 15% first, then 30%, 50%, 70-75%, then 90% (although 90 is usually only on seasonal items only).

As a side note, some Targets are tricky when it comes to coupons. Make sure you know, or have with you, the coupon policy. Also, find a kind looking cashier, they're usually easier to deal with when you have a coupon coupe or a coupon cache (yes the alliteration was intentional haha).

Now you can navigate Target like a pro!