Digital Deals: The 4 Best Coupon & Comparison Shopping Apps

Everyone loves a good deal, from a sale at the grocery store to a clearance event at a favorite clothing store. That's because people who are savvy shoppers know that saving a few dollars here and there can really add up. But people who are also savvy with their finances know how much those savings can do for their future when harnessed as part of a strategic financial plan. More on that later.

But first, here are four of the best coupon and comparison shopping apps to save you time and money that could better be spent elsewhere.

1. Rakuten (formerly eBates)

Rakuten has continued to lead the space regarding digital money-saving hacks. This app is so easy to use because it saves you money on things you're already buying. The app is full of coupons, but best of all, you earn cash back on all your purchases by depositing money into your PayPal account or receiving a check in the mail. Some of their top retailers include Target, Walmart, Sephora, and Macy's, and they offer discounts from many smaller retailers as well. Also, they often run promo events where you can earn up to 10% cash back on select purchases. You can use Rakuten on your mobile device or browser with its Google Chrome extension.

2. Honey

Gone are the days of visiting multiple coupon code websites only to discover that none of them are valid anymore. Honey does the legwork for you by automatically checking different promo codes when you're about to check out. The app pulls its codes from all over the internet and will automatically apply the ones that work. Honey is best used when shopping online through its browser extension.

3. Drop

Drop is a super handy phone app that will earn you cash back on items you're already buying. All you have to do is link your credit or debit card, and Drop gives you reward points by shopping at top retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Lyft, Uber, and Trader Joe's. Once you have a certain number of points, you can redeem them for gift cards at places like Amazon, Starbucks, and Walmart, which are as good as cash. If you don't want to link your payment card, you can also shop within the app and earn points.

Another Drop benefit is that it can work simultaneously with other coupon apps like Rakuten or Honey and works with your existing credit card rewards. So, realistically, you could save on the item's price in the first place (win), then you could earn points on Drop to accumulate in your account (win), and then you could receive 5% cash back through your credit card (win). It's a win–win–win!

4. SnipSnap

If you're a lifetime couponer, you know how rewarding it is to save money by presenting a stack of coupons at checkout. Luckily, SnipSnap makes it easy to bring that couponing experience to the digital age. Using the phone app, you can scan a product while in the store, and SnipSnap will pull up all available coupons and even tell you if it's better to buy the product online or in the store. SnipSnap will also let you scan in any physical coupons you have lying around and keep them organized in the app for you. SnipSnap is perfect for people who do more shopping in person and want to present their coupons at checkout.

Here's Where the Real Magic Happens

Couponing and finding the best deals doesn't have to feel like a full-time job with all the technology at your fingertips. Keep these apps in mind the next time you shop. But think beyond that, too. Let's say you save just $20 per week through thrifty shopping. If you invest that $20 as part of a long-term financial strategy, you'll have accumulated more than $18,600 after 10 years (according to the S&P 500® average annual compounded rate of return from January 1, 1970 to December 31st 2021 of approximately 11.3%). 

This is just one example of why strategic financial planning is so important. Just like planning a bit ahead for a purchase can help you buy what you want for less, planning ahead over the long haul can help you be more successful in achieving the truly important big-picture goals you have for you and your family.

Ready to create your strategic financial plan? Get in touch with us at Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors, and we'll show you how our Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well™ strategic process can work for you.

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