5 Ways To Stretch Your Social Security Check at Target
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Social Security benefits may provide a guaranteed income, but that income is often not high enough to make spending a leisurely activity. The current average Social Security payment is around $1,976 a month, a fact many recipients notice painfully when it’s time to go shopping.
However, Target is known for deals and store-brand low prices that can help retirees stretch their Social Security checks.
Use the Target Circle App
Target Circle’s free rewards program offers weekly deals, birthday discounts and personalized coupons geared toward the items you buy most frequently.
“Previously you had to clip and add individual Target Circle coupon offers to your account, whereas now Target Circle offers are auto-applied at checkout,” said Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert for MySavings.com. “You still need to monitor your Target account for any good bonus offers like free gift cards for spending a certain amount or bonus discounts on food.”
In some cases, you can also stack Circle offers with manufacturer coupons for double savings. Always scan items in the app, since some discounts only appear digitally.
Take Advantage of Senior-Friendly Pharmacy Perks
Target pharmacies that partner with CVS typically accept CVS ExtraCare rewards, which can give retirees discounts on prescriptions and additional coupons for health items. Some Medicare Part D plans also include CVS/Target networks, potentially lowering copays.
Buy Target-Owned Brands
Cid suggested that “the biggest bang for your buck” at Target is shopping store brands like Good & Gather, Market Pantry and Dealworthy, then combining those everyday low prices with Target Circle offers. Better yet, most of these products are returnable if you’re not satisfied.
Stack the 5% RedCard Savings on Top
If you pay with a Target Circle credit card, Mastercard or debit card, you get an extra 5% off your entire order, Cid noted. This works on top of sales and Circle discounts, which is especially helpful for people on limited or fixed incomes.
Shop Clearance Endcaps and Sales
On a tight budget? Don’t forget to check clearance endcaps, where products can be marked down 30% to 70%, according to the Krazy Coupon Lady. Target often marks down seasonal items at the end of a shopping season, and it frequently discounts products online as well.
Target also has “amazing deals in almost every department” during Black Friday and at the beginning and end of each season, Cid said. Using your Target debit or credit card adds another 5% off, which “can really add up when you are buying bigger ticket items like TVs, small kitchen appliances and holiday gifts.”
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