Keep Your Cash--Don't Bother with "Premiums"

Our local grocery store is starting their "earn premiums for free groceries" incentive again. I explained why NOT to do this here. They have changed the amounts, but you will still save more money if you do separate transactions and double more coupons rather than save for the gift cards. Let me explain.

This time you will earn a "premium" for every $35 you spend, but you need to save 15 premiums over the next two months to redeem for a $10 gift card. In other words, you need to spend $525 in order to earn a $10 gift card. However, if you instead spend only $25 per transaction, you won't be able to earn premiums, but you will save more money if you shop on double coupon day. Here's the math:

$525 over 15 $35 transactions, double 5 $1 coupons per transaction = $150 savings plus a $10 gift card.
OR
$525 over 21 $25 transactions, double 5 $1 coupons per transaction = $210 savings
You save an extra $50 by doubling more coupons!

If I didn't explain this well, or if you have any questions, let me know. I want to help you keep your cash!