Charlotte's the Coupon Clipper in our family. She can spot a deal a mile away and I think there are stores out there that just know she'll beat them at their own game whenever she darkens their door **no offense Banana Republic**, Me? I'll clip 'em if I can save 50-cents on a roll of Duct Tape at Lowe's. Or light bulbs. Especially light bulbs.
I'm sloooowly coming around to this whole coupon savings thing now that it's a lot more digital and a lot less paper. There are some pretty great Apps out there that almost take the pain out of saving a couple of bucks.
Our friends at ShopSmart Magazine put together some of their (and now, OUR) faves. Here are 6 apps that'll make you a shopping Ninja almost as good as Charlotte.
1. ZipList
With ZipList you can create a master checklist for things you buy frequently. It also finds coupons and sorts participating stores by aisle. Devices: Android, Apple.
2. Weekly Ads & Sales
You'll get access to weekly circulars without having to deal with the paper clutter. An added feature is its ability to track sales for the largest grocers (think Kroger and Safeway) plus specialty retailers including Best Buy and Old Navy. Device: Apple.
3. Grocery iQ
It matches items on your grocery list with applicable coupons and works best for people who tend to stick to the same list week after week.
Devices: Android, Apple.
If you're going for your Shopping Ninja black belt, ShopSmart found some standout apps that can help you save BIG:
4. SavingStar
When you register your loyalty cards it lets you browse a list of exclusive offers. The "One or Many" deals feature lets you buy items over multiple trips to hit the required quantities. The deals usually have a big payout, such as $5 off $30 spent on Charmin, Gillette, and Ivory products. Devices: Android, Apple.
5. Cellfire
This app sends coupons directly to your loyalty cards and features an optional store alert, reminding you about coupons when you walk into a store. Devices: Android, Apple, BlackBerry.
6. Ibotta
It looks like a pain - but it's really not. It pays you back, usually 25 to 50 cents, when you take a poll or watch a short video, then buy the item, take a picture of the receipt, scan the bar code and submit it. It might not seem worth the effort at first, but it adds up fast - especially when bonuses start to kick in after frequent use. Devices: Android, Apple.
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Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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