Using Digital Coupons to Stretch Your Shopping Budget

In today’s economic climate, every dollar counts when shopping for groceries and other household items. A coupon ticket, code, or digital offer—can reduce the cost of a purchase by a specific dollar amount or percentage. According to Consumer Reports, roughly one-third of Americans report using coupons frequently.

While coupons used to appear mostly in newspapers and mailings, digital options are now mainstream. Recent polling by Civic Science found that 57 % of U.S. adults use digital coupons at least a few times per year.

How to Make Digital Coupons Work for You

  1. Start with the store’s website or app – Many retailers publish digital-only discounts.
  2. Join loyalty programs or email/text lists – You may need to sign up before you can access the offers. For example, some gas stations offer discounts on food or fuel for loyalty members.
  3. Read the fine print – Always check a coupon’s terms: expiration date, how many times it can be used, whether it can be combined with other offers, etc.
  4. Use independent coupon or rebate apps – These apps may offer “buy one/get one free” deals, cash-back on purchases, or help compare local store prices. Popular apps include Ibotta and Fetch.
  5. Check the app’s trustworthiness – Whenever you download a new app, consider how it uses your personal information, whether there are hidden fees, and whether it’s easy to navigate.

Local Support and Additional Help

Here in Baxter County and the surrounding area, our local Family & Consumer Science (FCS) Agent is available to help you talk through coupon-use and other money-management topics. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or working professional, Ms. Blevins can help you build smart habits around spending, saving, and using digital tools for budgeting.

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be delayed or temporarily disrupted. With that possibility, local foodbanks are standing by to help those facing possible short-term shortages:

  • Food Bank of North Central Arkansas — 1042 Highland Circle, Mountain Home; phone 870-499-7565.
  • Mountain Home Food Basket — 1130 Hwy. 62 SW, Mountain Home; phone 870-425-6902.
  • St. Peter the Fisherman Family Ministry (Food pantry & clothing assistance) — 249 Dyer Street, Mountain Home; phone 870-425-2832.
  • The Salvation Army (Mountain Home) 121 Hwy 201 North, Mountain Home; phone 870-424-5708.

If you or someone you know may be affected by SNAP delays, you are encouraged to contact one of the food-pantries listed above to learn about available programs. Using digital coupons, along with available community support, can make a meaningful difference for your budget and food security.

 

By LeeAnn Blevins
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: LeeAnn Blevins
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
3 East 9th St. Mountain Home AR 72653
(870) 425-2335
lblevins@uada.edu

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.