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How to stack Kroger discounts the right way

• Kroger is a digital-first coupon store, so you need to clip deals in the app before checkout or youll miss the savings entirely.

• Build your shopping trip around the weekly ad, and stack sales with coupons and mega deals to cut prices by 2040% per trip.

• Maximize savings by using fuel points, personalized coupons, and smart stacking rules to turn one grocery trip into multiple layers of discounts.

Couponing at Kroger is one of those things that sounds simple on the surface, but if you dont understand how their system actually works, youll walk away paying way more than you should.

Kroger isnt really a clip a coupon, save a dollar kind of store anymore. Its a layered system built around digital coupons, weekly sales, fuel rewards, and mix-and-match promotions.

The good news is once you understand the system, you can easily reduce your grocery bills by 2040% every single trip.

Step 1: Understand that Kroger is a digital-first coupon store now

The biggest shift at Kroger is that couponing has moved almost entirely digital.

Instead of clipping paper coupons, you:

• Create a Kroger Membership account.
• Clip coupons online or in their mobile app.
• Coupons will then automatically apply at checkout when you use your shoppers card or phone number.

This all sounds easy, but heres the catch: if you DONT clip the coupon before you check out, you dont get the deal.

Theres no the sign said $2.99 argument at the register, either. If its a digital coupon and you didnt load it beforehand, youre stuck paying full price.

Pro tip: Before you even leave your house, open the Kroger app and clip every relevant coupon you think you might use. It takes three to fiveminutes and can easily save you $10$30 per trip.

Step 2: Build your entire trip around the weekly ad

This is where a lot of Kroger shoppers mess up. They make their shopping list first, then look for coupons on those items.

Im here to tell yousmart Kroger shoppers do the exact opposite. They start with the weekly ad, identify the best deals, then build their meals around those items.

By identifying whats on sale first, you can then stack digital coupons on top of those sale prices. Thats how smart shoppers turn a $4 item into $2.50, or a $3 item into $1.50.

Pro tip: Try to focus on stocking up, not just saving money. When something hits a rock-bottom price, buy multiples and skip having to buy it at full price later.

Step 3: Master the 'mega sale'(this is where the real savings are)

If theres one Kroger strategy that separates beginners from pros, its this.

Kroger periodically runs what they term Mega Sales or Buy More, Save More events that look like this:

• Buy five, save $1 each.
• Buy 10, save $0.50 each.

And heres the key insight:You dont need to buy fiveof the same item. You can mix and match across eligible products.

So, you can buy cereal, snacks, and frozen food, hit the item threshold, and get a discount on every single item.

Now stack that with coupons and youre suddenly saving 30-50% off the original price.

Pro tip: When you reach your fiveitems, you dont have to buy another fiveto save an additional $5. Any items bought after fivesaves you an additional $1 per item. For example, you could buy sevenitems and save $7, or buy nine and save $9.

Step 4: Understand the coupon stacking rules

Kroger does allow stacking, but not in the way most people think.

Heres how it works specifically:

• You can stack a sale price with a digital coupon.
• You can also stack a sale price with a paper coupon if no digital ones exist.
• You cannot stack a digital coupon with a paper coupon for the same item, since they are both considered manufacturer coupons.

With that said, always use the higher-value coupon and remove the lower one if needed.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of always checking your account before you shop to see if a digital coupon is already clipped. The reason is because Kroger will automatically apply it and block you from using a higher-value paper coupon on that same item. So, if your paper coupon is worth more, remove the digital one ahead of time to avoid leaving money on the table.

Step 5: Use fuel points as a hidden 'second coupon'

The loyalty points system at Kroger is one of the most overlooked savings tools they have.

You earn points this way:

• Onefuel point per $1 spent in-store.
• And they often run Earn 2x4x points on gift cards, digital coupons, or other promotions.

Once earned, you can redeem your loyalty points on the following:

• 100 points = $0.10 off per gallon of gas.
• 100 points = $1 off your next grocery purchase.

If you plan it right, youre essentially turning your Kroger trip into a second round of savings at the pump or on grocery items.

Pro tip: When they run a sale where you can earn4x points when buying gift cards, stock up on the gift cards for places you already shop or dine at. Youll essentially get major gas savings for money you were going to spend anyway.

Step 6: Look for personalized coupons

Kroger quietly loads personalized coupons into your account based on what you regularly buy.

These show up every few weeks and often include extra discounts on items you already purchase or higher-value offers than standard coupons.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of checking your account before every trip. These are some of the easiest savings youll ever get because they match your habits.

Step 7: Avoid the biggest couponing mistakes

Even experienced Kroger shoppers leave money on the table.

Heres what to avoid:

• Forgetting to clip coupons before checkout.
• Buying items just because theyre on sale.
• Ignoring unit pricing.
• Missing mix-and-match thresholds.

Pro tip: If your receipt doesnt show the discount, go straight to customer service. Kroger will often fix pricing issues right on the spot.

Increasing costs are changing how Americans celebrate not whether they celebrate

• Rising chocolate prices are reshaping Easter shopping habits, but most Americans are still celebrating just more strategically.

• Simple savings tactics like stacking discounts, timing purchases, and using leftover gift cards can help cut costs without sacrificing traditions.

• Beyond candy, expenses like clothing, dcor, and hosting extras can quietly drive up your total making them key areas to scale back.

Easter may be a little pricier this year, but for most Americans, its still very much on the calendar.

New data from RetailMeNot shows that while rising chocolate costs are forcing shoppers to rethink how they spend, theyre not giving up the holiday altogether. In fact, more than eight in 10 consumers still plan to celebrate theyre just getting smarter about it.

From hunting for deals to rethinking what goes into baskets, shoppers are finding ways to hold onto traditions without overspending. ConsumerAffairs spoke with RetailMeNots Retail Insights Expert Stephanie Carls, who explained that the focus isnt on cutting Easter out its on making it work within todays tighter budgets.

Easter savings strategies

Like any holiday, theres ways to make the most of your budget even as prices in nearly every category continue to increase.

Carls shared her top three savings strategies consumers can employ as they prepare for Easter weekend:

• Stack savings, but do it in the right order. Start with the sale price, stack a promo code on top, then activate any cash back offers before you check out. Most people stop at the sale price and call it a day. All three stacked together is a different final number.

• Know what youre shopping for before you decide when to shop. If selection matters, shop before the holiday. If price is the priority, the deepest discounts show up after Easter Sunday, not before it. Those are two different strategies and theyre both right, just for different things.

• Use what you already have. Gift cards, reward points, store credit collecting dust in an app since December. Leftover gift cards are still in circulation and ready to stack on top of already-discounted products. Easter is low-stakes enough to actually use them.

The priciest categories this Easter

If youre preparing for Easter, here the top three categories that Carls said are likely to run you a higher bill this year:

• Spring clothes. Outside of chocolate, spring apparel is the category most people arent thinking about but should be. Twenty-one percent of shoppers in our data plan to buy clothing or seasonal apparel for Easter. Pre-Easter is the best window for spring clothing. Department stores are discounting spring dresses, kids Easter outfits, and pastel basics in the weeks leading up to the holiday, and popular sizes move fast. If the outfit is happening either way, buy it now.

• Chocolate specifically deserves its own conversation this year. Our data shows 26% of shoppers plan to spend less on chocolate because of rising prices, and another 37% say theyll look for deals or cash back before buying it. Thats nearly two thirds of shoppers changing their behavior around one category.

• Skip anything marketed as an Easter-themed version of something that exists year-round. The bunny on the packaging is not a selling point. You are paying for the label.

Balancing Easter shopping in your budget

Carls explained that Easter baskets arent the only place where the holiday gets expensive.

RetailMeNot's data shows the average Easter spend this year is $88, and candy and chocolate top the list at 68% of shoppers planning to buy it, she said. Thats not the budget problem.

The creep happens in the categories people dont think about until theyre already in the store. Decorations and hosting supplies, floral arrangements, restaurant brunches. Those add up fast and theyre a lot easier to cut than the chocolate bunny.

Her best advice:

• Keep the traditions that matter to your family.

• Set a per-basket number before you shop, not after.

• Deciding the number upfront means you stop justifying each small purchase on its own and start making real tradeoffs.

The pressure to spend big is mostly manufactured, Carls said. Shoppers have more room here than the seasonal marketing wants them to think. Timing and a short list usually get the job done.

New data reveals how financial pressure and daily stress are shaping habits and what healthier coping can look like

• More than half of Americans say stress and rising costs are so overwhelming, theyve considered leaving the U.S. and many report turning to substances just to get through the day.

• Financial pressure, limited access to affordable care, and nonstop daily stress are driving increased substance use, with some people using before or even during work.

• Experts say small, healthier coping strategies like setting boundaries, finding support, and building daily moments of relief can help break the cycle and improve long-term well-being.

For a growing number of Americans, stress isnt just an occasional bad day its a constant backdrop to everyday life. Rising costs, demanding work schedules, and limited access to affordable health care are leaving many people feeling stretched thin.

New research from Drug Rehab USA underscores just how widespread the strain has become, with more than half of Americans saying they would consider leaving the country due to stress and cost-of-living pressures. Against that backdrop, substance use is on the rise, with many turning to it as a way to cope with mounting pressures.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Andrew McKenna, JD, expert author and editor at Drug Rehab USA, who says the trend reflects a deeper issue: people are searching for relief wherever they can find it. As the data shows, substances are often seen as more accessible than professional care but they can come with long-term consequences. Understanding whats driving this shift and what healthier coping strategies look like is key to helping people regain a sense of control.

The impact of chronic stress

McKenna explained that chronic stress is one of the biggest factors influencing Americans decision to use substances.

The stress is associated with financial and job pressures, as well as a general feeling that life is a lot right now, and its just getting harder to manage, he said.

Our research found that nearly everyone is dealing with some form of daily stress and theyre being priced out by supportive aids like therapy, and it feels so far out of reach that theyre reaching for more instant relief. So it makes sense that were seeing substance use show up earlier in the day and even during work hours, its just becoming a part of how adults function, not just how they relax.

Adopting healthier coping strategies

Over time, using substances to cope with stress can be detrimental in several ways. McKenna explained that long-term, substance use can negatively impact productivity, relationships, and overall public health.

Instead, he advises consumers to look to healthier coping strategies. Adoption can start with moving away from quick fixes and heading toward things that actually reduce stress over time, McKenna said.

While difficult, he recommends trying the following:

• Look at what brings you joy. Allow yourself even a little bit of that on a daily basis.That could be simply going outside, going on a short walk or jog, or getting a nice cup of coffee.

• Get some you time. This is a big thing, and should be something that you enjoy on a regular basis.

• Show up for yourself and set boundaries. It can be really hard for a lot of people to do this, but trust me, its worth it.

• When possible, search out some form of support. Whether its a support group, low-cost counseling, or even structured digital tools, these can really help you build healthier patterns that last long term.

Take small steps

If youre struggling with substance use, McKenna recommends taking small steps, as they will eventually lead to positive change long-term.

One thing thats really interesting we uncovered in our research is that adults arent exactly using substances to feel good, but to just feel okay and functioning, he said. Thats an important distinction to make. When theres so many adults struggling to just get by, it speaks to a larger issue around access to care, financial strain, and their overall well-being.

Another piece of advice: Try talking to someone, even casually.

Thats a big step in the right direction, McKenna said. It can also make you feel less alone and see that your struggles are often similar to others, and your situation isnt an isolated one.

The bargain treasure hunt hiding inside Staples

• Staples Bin Wins is a new rotating bin sale filled with overstock and returns (including many Amazon items), with fresh inventory added every Friday.

• Prices drop daily from about $15 on Friday down to $2 by Thursday, meaning better selection early in the week and cheaper prices later.

• To win, shop early for quality or mid-week for value, scan items on eBay before buying, and remember everything is final sale so choose carefully.

Staples is quietly rolling out something called Bin Wins inside many of their stores, and its basically a rotating clearance event where shoppers dig through bins of heavily discounted items.

Think of the bins as part thrift store and part liquidation sale.

Heres whats actually going on and how you can take advantage of it.

What 'Bin Wins'actually are

• The bins are filled with overstock and returned merchandise (including many Amazon returns).
• Inventory typically includes tech, toys, home goods, clothing, and some random finds.
• New items are restocked every Friday, then picked over all week.

How pricing works (this is the key)

Similar to more traditional bin stores, prices drop every single day on the same items:

• Friday: $15 (best selection, highest price)
• Saturday: $12
• Sunday: $10
• Monday: $8
• Tuesday: $6
• Wednesday: $4
• Thursday: $2 (cheapest, but mostly picked over)

Some locations may follow slightly different pricing tiers, but the pattern stays the same.

If you wait, youll pay less, but there will be fewer good items left.

Are these really Amazon returns?

The short answer is that yes, a lot of them are, but not everything.

Staples accepts Amazon returns in-store, and many of those items end up in the bins.

Youll also find overstock from other retailers, Staples shelf pulls, and many random liquidation items.

Keep in mind that some items are brand new, others are opened, and some may be missing parts or manuals.

How to actually score good deals

1. Go on Friday if you want quality:Thats when bins are freshly stocked. Youll find the best items, but youll pay more.
2. Go mid-week for the sweet spot:Tuesday and Wednesday tend to offer lower prices with still decent selection.
3. Go Thursday if youre hunting for flips:At $2 per item, this is where resellers show up looking for leftover value.

Smart tips for shopping the Bin Wins section

• Everything is final sale. Make sure you test out products the best you can, and youre okay with the price, as you cannot return or exchange anything.
• Bring your phone and scan everything. Look items up on eBay before buying. Some shoppers flip cheap finds for big profits.
• Dont assume it works. Test electronics if possible or stick to sealed items.
• Watch the crowd. Fridays can get competitive with early lines and fast picking.
• Set a strict budget. Cheap clutter is still clutter if you dont need it.

Drivers are finding it less profitable to work when gas costs $4 a gallon

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Gas prices have surged past $4 a gallon in the U.S. following the Iran war, sharply increasing operating costs for rideshare drivers.

• Many drivers report shrinking earnings, longer hours, and selectively accepting rides to stay profitable.

• The combined effect could reduce driver availability in some markets, though demand shifts may partially offset shortages.

While consumers are dealing with rising costs from spiking gas prices, heres another annoyance that might not have been anticipated. It may be harder to hail a ride from Uber and Lyft.

As the average gas price surpassed $4 a gallon, rideshare drivers across the United States are feeling the impact almost immediately, and passengers may soon notice the difference.

Gas prices have climbed above $4 per gallon nationally much higher in some states a roughly 35% increase since the conflict began disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.The spike is largely driven by higher crude oil costs tied to the war, with energy analysts warning that volatility could persist if supply disruptions continue.

Drivers profits squeezed

For rideshare drivers who shoulder fuel costs themselves the price surge is cutting deeply into already thin margins.

In cities like New Orleans and Atlanta, drivers report spending as much as half their earnings on fuel, while gas prices have risen by as much as $1 per gallon in just weeks. Some drivers say they are effectively working at or near a loss after accounting for platform fees and expenses.

A teacher, who works part-time as a Lyft driver, said that because of the surge in gasoline prices, shes not sure her second job is going to last.

Im working now for rideshare, but I dont know what thats going to look like next week. Because if gas is $4 a gallon, Im done, she told CNN.

The pressure is forcing behavioral changes. Drivers are:

• Working longer hours to maintain income.

• Avoiding shorter or less profitable trips.

• Relying more heavily on tips.

• Carefully choosing when and where to drive.

In Florida, some drivers say they are now prioritizing only the most lucrative fares or adjusting routes to conserve fuel.

Will there be fewer rides?

The key question for riders is whether these pressures will translate into fewer available rides.

There are early signs this could happen but the outcome is not straightforward.

Factors pointing to fewer drivers:

• Lower profitability may push some drivers to quit or reduce hours.

• Selective ride acceptance can increase wait times

• Rising costs may deter new drivers from joining.

Some drivers are already declining trips that dont justify fuel costs, a shift that can reduce effective supply even if the number of drivers remains unchanged.

Factors that may offset shortages:

• Higher fares or surge pricing could lure drivers back onto the road.

• Companies like Uber are offering temporary fuel discounts to retain drivers.

• Consumer demand may fall if rides become more expensive, easing pressure on supply.

A fragile balance

For now, the rideshare market appears to be entering a period of instability rather than outright collapse.

If fuel prices continue rising or remain elevated for months industry analysts say a more noticeable contraction in driver availability is likely. That could mean longer wait times, higher fares, and reduced service in less busy areas.

At the same time, the gig economys flexibility may cushion the blow. Drivers can quickly re-enter the market if earnings improve, creating a dynamic equilibrium shaped by gas prices, rider demand, and platform incentives.

What is clear is that the Iran wars ripple effects are reaching far beyond global energy markets, directly into the everyday economics of getting a ride across town.