My favorite Target trick (and it’s blissfully low effort)

Hey there,

Ever have one of those stretches where time just... disappears?

That’s been me lately. Between helping my daughter with her school project (why do 5th-grade volcanoes still erupt?), checking in on my neighbor’s cat while she was away, and trying to finally organize the avalanche that is my email inbox, I blinked, and ten days passed.

I wasn’t planning to pause, but life has a funny way of tossing little moments at you, one after another. And while I wouldn’t trade those moments, I did miss sitting down to share a few of my favorite tricks with you.

So today, I’ve got a good one: How I saved 40% on a Target trip without touching a coupon. Not even one of those peel-off shelf stickers. Let’s get into it.

“Just a Few Things…”

It started like most of my Target trips—innocent intentions, reusable bag in hand, a short list in my phone. I was running in for laundry detergent and toothpaste.

But a few aisles later, I had a cart with dish towels (cute ones I definitely didn’t need), snacks for the kids, a new water bottle (again), and a throw pillow that whispered, “Take me home.”

At checkout, I did what I always hope I remember to do: I opened the Target app. I noticed a $10 off $50 Circle offer, plus 15% off on household essentials, and I was paying with my RedCard, which gives an extra 5% off.

No clipping, no searching—just a little scroll, a few taps, and $23 off my total.

Not bad for someone who forgot to even check the list she came in with.

Here’s How the Stacking Works

This isn’t a fluke. Target’s system actually rewards this kind of casual savvy. Here’s how I do it:

1. Target Circle Offers – These are in the app and rotate weekly. I scroll through before I shop (or even while I’m in line). Tap “Save” and they apply automatically at checkout.

2. Dollar-Off Deals – Spend $50, save $10. Spend $25, save $5. These often show up under “My Offers” and can be used with product-specific Circle deals.

3. RedCard Perks – This gives 5% off everything, and yes, it stacks with the above two. Even clearance items.

4. Occasional Manufacturer Coupons – These pop up in the app too, and can layer on top of Circle offers.

No spreadsheets. No highlighters. Just a phone, two minutes, and a little intention.

I know we all have different spending habits and budgets, but I think we all want the same thing: to feel like we’re getting something extra—without having to hustle for it.

That’s what this trick gives me. A little high-five at the end of my Target run. And a little more in my wallet for the next one.

👉 Click your favorite! I’ll share the top pick in an upcoming issue—plus a few reader stories!

What’s Next?

Next time, I’ll share how I earn Target gift cards just for buying stuff I already need. Like toilet paper, shampoo, and snacks my family pretends they’re “saving for later” (but never do).

Talk soon,
Rachel Carnelle

P.S. Here’s the volcano we made 🌋👩‍🔬—what do you think? Be honest… it’s got that real 5th grade energy, right? 😄 Drop your thoughts in the comments below.