I was astounded recently when my niece Melissa—an 18-year-old accounting student—dropped over at my parents’ house with a laundry basket brimming not with dirty laundry, but with containers of laundry detergent, breakfast cereals, crackers, cleaning products, lotions, and dozens more household staples. It was the product of Melissa’s favorite new pastime—extreme couponing with her smartphone.
Psst! Follow these tips to learn how to grocery shop like a boss.
Total cost of this haul? Well under $10, Melissa said. I’ve always loved saving money at the grocery store, so I couldn’t wait to learn how she was saving so much with mobile coupons. Here are Melissa’s favorite ways to save big with her smartphone (and how you can, do it, too)!
1. Get your favorite store’s app and sign up for text alerts.
Dollar General (DG) is a favorite app in our family. You can browse the sales flyer, clip digital coupons to scan at the register, and get alerts when items go on sale. Not familiar with the brand? Here are more reasons why you should definitely try Dollar General.
Check out these other grocery shopping apps, too.
2. Join other savings-minded folks.
Find couponing groups by store, geographic area or product interest on social media and ask to join. Follow the feeds and discover coupon match-ups and special savings for the week.
3. Embrace the #.
Search terms such as #DollarGeneral, #PennyShopping, and #DGPennyShopping to find everything from blog sites to Pinterest boards and users’ Instagram hauls. In time, you’ll get a feel for the sites that are most helpful for you.
4. Consider buying the Penny Finder app.
This haul means pearly whites for a long, long time—for Melissa and all her friends—for just 16 cents. Penny Finder helps you find items that cost a penny at DG, and even lets you scan the item to ensure it’ll ring up for a penny when you get to the register. The app’s $1.99 price is worthwhile, she said.
5. Do good with your mobile coupons.
Couponing is a lot about the thrill of the hunt, my niece said, but it’s also about being able to do good with what you get. For instance, she and her mom cleaned up on diapers and plan to give them to a friend who’s expecting a baby. (Here’s our expert guide to helping out the new parents in your life.) Other items are destined for shelters and food pantries, which always need household and toiletry staples.
Here are the items food pantries need most—and some you should definitely skip.
6. Play by the rules.
Part of doing good with your wins is ethical couponing, Melissa told me, such as not “glittering.” (It’s a fanciful term for exploiting coupon glitches and is actually a type of fraud.) It also means being courteous to the store personnel, even if the great deal you had planned doesn’t quite work out. Follow the rules and have fun. You can read more about ethical couponing here.
Looking to save? Try these family dinners for under $10
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Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken
The convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Change up the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is good on all of them! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Become a meal planning pro with our guide.
Stovetop Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburgers are delicious in any form, but I'm partial to this creamy pasta dish that seriously tastes just like the real thing. It's weeknight comfort in a bowl. —Tracy Avis, Peterborough, Ontario
Healthier-than-Egg Rolls
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Casablanca Chicken Couscous
To give risotto, that favorite Italian comfort food, an update, I used couscous and lively North African-inspired flavors to deliver all the satisfaction of the creamy classic. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Zucchini Beef Skillet
This is a speedy summer recipe that uses up those abundant garden goodies: Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers. —Becky Calder, Kingston, Missouri
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust
Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Buffalo Chicken Biscuits
These spicy, savory muffins are always a hit at parties. We love them as a simple snack on game day, too. —Jasmin Baron, Livonia, New York
Lemon Pork with Mushrooms
This is my family's favorite healthy dish, but you'd never guess it's good for you. A little squeeze of lemon gives these crispy, seasoned chops a bright boost. —Christine Datian, Las Vegas, Nevada
Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes
I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband, my grandchildren and everyone else love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Quick Sesame Chicken Noodles
I love playing around with different ingredients and spices in my stir-fry recipes. As my children get older, I have more evenings when I need to whip up dinner quickly, and this dish with chicken strips and ramen noodles fits the bill deliciously. —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida
Pressure-Cooker Beef Tips
These beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook them with mushrooms and serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. Here's one of the best Instant Pot recipes for a quick and easy dinner. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Broccoli-Pork Stir-Fry with Noodles
I combined several recipes to come up with this dish that my family loves. It is not only quick and delicious but also healthy. I sometimes substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Fig-Glazed Chicken with White Beans
Sauteed shallots, fig jam, rosemary, lemon and sherry vinegar make a delightful sauce for both the chicken and the beans. My husband couldn’t believe how well the white beans absorbed the flavor, making this a grand slam. Matchstick carrots can be added to the bean mixture for extra color, flavor and crunch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Pressure-Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff
My mother gave me this recipe 40 years ago. It's a wonderfully tasty dish to share around the dinner table. —Sue Mims, Macclenny, Florida
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
I combined chicken and pineapple for a different flavor on our fajitas. It's more on the sweet side but my family loved them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pressure-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the pressure cooker. Go for easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington
Creamy Paprika Pork
When I was little, I would often ask my mom to make "favorite meat." She knew I was requesting this homey pork recipe. It's been in my family for more than 30 years and it's still a favorite! —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos
I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Weeknight Lazy Lasagna
On hectic nights, no one has time to stack several layers of lasagna. My version combines a few steps to cut down on prep, but keeps all the cheesy, saucy, noodle-y goodness that makes lasagna an all-time favorite. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Cabbage Roll Stew
A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute
I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
I found the original recipe on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened up the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Lora's Pressure-Cooker Red Beans & Rice
My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies, it's tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi
Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
Here’s a good and hearty supper. If I have fresh mushrooms on hand, I slice them and toss them in the skillet. You could add cooked veggies like broccoli or cauliflower, too. —Sandy Harz, Spring Lake, Michigan
Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas
I'm now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops
I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti Squash
I've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it's easy to forget it's good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana
Paprika Chicken Stroganoff
Stroganoff is such a comfort food. While traditionally a beef dish, it can easily be adapted for other proteins, and it is just as delicious. With this creamy chicken stroganoff, I get to enjoy all the lovely sauciness with the benefits of the lighter white meat. —Leo Lo, Norfolk, Virginia
Five-Spice Glazed Smoked Chops
I started out fixing another recipe but didn't have all the ingredients, so I came up with this one! The spice gives it a flavorful kick. You can make your own five-spice powder by combining cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. I love that you can make this dish on the stovetop or the grill. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Filipino Chicken Adobo
My mom always makes her saucy Chicken Adobo recipe when I come home to visit. I think it's even better the next day as leftovers —she says it's because of the vinegar. — Michael Moya, Taste of Home Senior Marketing Manager
Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi
My family loves this quick and comforting meal. It has all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a bowl, so it's a whole lot less messier than the real deal. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Chicken Ole Foil Supper
These Mexi-style chicken packets can be assembled ahead and frozen if you like. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. I like to serve them with warm tortillas and fresh fruit on the side. —Mary Peck, Salina, Kansas
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time for busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Pressure-Cooker Apple Balsamic Chicken
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Lots of my recipes start out as fun ways to use leftovers—like this one! My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Root Vegetable Pot Roast
During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We've scarfed it down before and after shopping and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Sicilian Meat Sauce
People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the old generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Vegetarian Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers
This deconstructed stuffed pepper dish packs a wallop of flavor. I truly make it all the time, and I make sure my freezer's stocked with single-serve portions to take to work. —Rebecca Ende, Phoenix, New York
Quickpea Curry
This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Linguine with Fried Eggs and Garlic
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something quick, savory and healthy for your family. Even when the cupboard is bare, there are usually a couple of eggs and some cloves of garlic to work with. —E. Gelesky, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I recreated it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Smoky Spanish Chicken
After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California
Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas
As a busy teacher, I think it's so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I'm not the only one who thinks so: These beefy fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Chili Cottage Pie
This filling cottage pie is super simple and loaded with flavor. The kids love to help layer it up. —Jacob Miller, Ledyard, Connecticut
Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli, all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Curried Chicken Skillet
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Pressure-Cooker Thai Coconut Beef
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Chicken Vegetable Curry
This comfort dish gets fabulous flavor when I add chicken, sweet red peppers, coconut milk and the all-important seasoning, curry powder. —Roxana Lambeth, Moreno Valley, California
Quick Moroccan Shrimp Skillet
When my niece was attending West Point, she was sent to Morocco for five months. I threw her a going-away party with Moroccan decorations, costumes and cuisine, including this saucy shrimp dish. Whenever I make it now, I think of her and I smile. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Pepperoni Pizza Baked Potatoes
These tasty taters were a spur-of-the-moment recipe I created from leftovers! It's a true mash-up meal that combines two dinnertime favorites into one super-fun meal. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Lemony Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
This one-dish meal tastes like it needs hours of hands-on time to put together, but it's just minutes to prep the simple ingredients. The meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. So easy. —Sherri Melotik Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Bean & Bacon Griddle Burritos
These griddle burritos with bacon and veggies make an awesome hand-held meal. I use fresh pico de gallo when I can, but a jar of salsa works if that’s what you’ve got. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Cheesy Black Bean Nachos
We're trying to go meatless once a week, and this dish helps make those meals fun, quick and super delicious. It's a great way to use up beans and canned tomatoes from your pantry. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables
This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Chili Tamale Pie
This is a crowd pleasing potluck dish that's easy to prepare. A little heat, a little sweet, and a big time authentic southwestern flavor. There is no substitute for fresh ground chili. A small food processor on high speed may be used to grind chilies and cumin or use a dedicated coffee grinder for fresh spices (a great $15 investment for fresh spices anytime - your pallet will thank you)!—Ralph Stamm, Dayton, Ohio
Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles
This versatile chicken recipe is very similar to chicken pad Thai but easier to make and tastes just as good. Rice noodles can be swapped with mung bean noodles or any type of egg noodles. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Tomato and Pepper Sirloin Steak
The beefy sauce and zippy peppers in this dish offer an amazing amount of flavor for under 300 calories. —Gayle Tarkowski, Traverse City, Michigan
Herbed Portobello Pasta
Meaty mushrooms make this light pasta taste hearty and filling. It's my fast and fresh go-to weeknight dinner. —Laurie Trombley, Stonyford, California
Weeknight Chicken Chop Suey
If you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noddles. —George Utley, South Hill, Virginia