Whether you shop at bix box stores like Target or you concentrate your patronage to craft stores instead, you probably like to garner discounts to save cash on your purchases. Although not every store has a loyalty program, it can be possible to cobble one together yourself, using apps like CardStar or the latest sensation, Belly. The Belly app allows you to "check in" at your favorite stores and then earn rewards based on your check-ins.
Whether you use these apps or the old-fashioned methods of showing your loyalty, these programs can help you save over the course of time. The best way to maximize these rewards is to combine coupons and discounts for your visits so that the freebie that you later "earn" wasn't too costly to get. For example, at my local frozen yogurt shop, there is a deal offering kids' cones for free on Wednesdays. When we go on a Wednesday, I use a buy-one-get-one free coupon for my two older kids' cones and then my youngest gets his for free. The cashier will punch my loyalty card, and if I do this nine different Wednesdays, I get a free yogurt, even though I got two free every previous week.