In a report published on March 8, 2025, a 40-year-old Lauren Finney Harden from Atlanta has found an innovative way to save on her grocery expenses by utilizing various store discounts and coupon policies during the 2020 pandemic. Through her strategic approach, Lauren has managed to significantly reduce her food costs.
According to Lauren, she has saved $2,322 over the past five years just by using the CVS app, which is only from one store. She mentioned in her article for “Business Insider,” “I’ve hardly spent any money on toothpaste over the years, and have even been able to buy oat milk for less than $1 per gallon for several consecutive years.”
With prices skyrocketing, coupons have become an essential tool in her daily shopping routine for saving money. Lauren explained that she makes use of specialized coupon applications like Fetch, Merryfield, Aisle, and Ibotta, which allow her to scan product barcodes and display available discounts.
“I once got free Wow Bao dumplings on Aisle, which are priced at $8.79 at Kroger,” she said. “I have even used these coupons at Costco and Trader Joe’s.”
Moreover, she recommended searching for discounts directly within supermarket apps such as Kroger, Publix, Target, Dollar General, and Sam’s Club. These chain supermarkets often offer discounts on popular brands like Bounty, Pampers, Arm & Hammer, and Rubbermaid, which are frequently overlooked.
Lauren noted that coupons have not only helped her save money but have also become a social activity. She and her neighbors have formed chat groups to share the latest discounts with each other.
“Our community group discusses the best deals available each week,” she said. “In today’s economic environment, every penny counts, and coupons are a proven way to save.”
“Many people might find this process cumbersome, but for me, the small effort is definitely worth it,” she added.
Lauren is not the first savvy shopper to make the most of coupons. According to a report by WCPO, back in 2008, shopping guru Heather Tenney shared how she saved significantly at grocery stores by using a thick coupon binder and never buying breakfast cereal at full price.
“When you can buy a box of cereal for $1 or even 50 cents, why pay full price?” she stated at the time.
In 2025, shoppers are still looking for ways to save money. Unlike in the past, now it only takes a smartphone to easily use coupons, eliminating the need for bulky coupon organizers or envelopes.
WCPO reported that shopper Steve Nemecek mentioned how coupons allowed him to retire partially early. “I spend more time before shopping than in the store,” he said. “As soon as the weekly ads come out, I start researching.”
Kristin McGrath, a senior editor at “The Krazy Coupon Lady,” pointed out that while paper coupons still exist, digital tools offer more discounts. She suggested utilizing store apps to not only access weekly promotions but also display manufacturer coupons and recommend exclusive discounts based on shopping habits.
Furthermore, consumers can stack coupons by combining manufacturer discounts with store promotions. Cashback apps like Ibotta and Fetch can further increase discount levels. She also recommended following money-saving platforms on social media to acquire coupons, discount codes, and promotional notifications.