what is it about this place? i remember the first time i walked in. i knew there was something special. i felt peace, solitude, and happiness as i browsed the aisles of what is now, my favorite one stop shop. and honestly, i still feel this way. I know most would agree the feeling is mutual.

no one goes to target because they need something (okay maybe you need like one thing). for most – you go to target, and let target, tell you what you need. that’s just how it goes. i don’t know if i’ve ever left without spending at least $100. maybe you can relate?

it was college when i became obsessed, and initially, it was the clothes. shocker, right?! these roots run deep. lol! but, over the years, and as Target stores evolved into Super Targets it became a place where i could find almost everything i need – from clothes, to bedding, shoes, decor, bathroom stuff, diapers, wipes, food, toys, books, electronics, & so much more.

it was’t long before i became a savvy shopper here. understanding how to maximize my spend and stack coupons. how to read the clearance stickers and learning that each department marks things down on different days. plus all the gems i would find on the end caps.

cartwheel (which is now Target Circle) was a fast follow. such an easy way to save in small ways.

like every other customer, i was introduced to the Targed Redcard at checkout. my initial reaction, to the kind cashier’s offer, was “not interested”. i assumed the only option was credit and at that point in my life, i definitely wasn’t financially responsible enough to have one. so i lived my life on cash only. debit was my BFF.

i respectfully took the pamphlets she handed me and almost instantly noticed one said credit and one said debit. so i asked. and sure enough, she said all i needed was a check to run through their system and my Target Debit card would be officially hooked up to my checking account. that was in 2011 and well, the rest is history.

i save ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS each year shopping with the Target RedCard.

in addition to offering an instant 5% discount at checkout on most, if not all, purchases… here are a few things you need to know about when shopping with the RedCard.

five percent discount on eligible purchases

the RedCard is a store card, which means that it can only be used on purchases at Target and Target.com. you instantly save on your Target runs with your 5% discount. you don’t accrue points like other rewards and cash-back credit cards, but you also don’t have to jump through hoops to redeem them. and the best part, the debit card option. honestly this is THE MOVE.

now there are a handful of things where your 5% discount won’t work, i’ve included those below…

• prescriptions, over-the-counter items located behind the pharmacy counter and clinic services at Target
• Target Optical eye exams (Target Optical products, such as glasses and contact lenses, do receive the 5% discount)
• Target gift cards and prepaid cards, Stockpile, Gift of College and lottery gift cards
• previous purchases
• certain restaurant merchants in Target stores, such as D’Amico & Sons Italian Kitchen and Pret A Manger
• Target credit account payments, Target Debit Card cash back and cash advances on the Target Mastercard
• Shipt membership fees
• alcohol purchases in Indiana
• gift wrap and shipping and handling charges on Target.com purchases
• wireless protection program purchases and deposits required by mobile carrier

FREE two-day shipping on eligible orders

RedCard holders receive FREE two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items from Target.com — without the $35 minimum purchase amount required for non-cardholders. This offer applies on standard shipping to all 50 states, D.C., APO/FPO addresses and Puerto Rico.

if you upgrade your shipping method, shipping fees will apply. some items may require a minimum purchase amount before the order will be shipped. and orders delivered by Shipt may have a delivery fee.

additional thirty days for returns and exchanges

cardholders receive 30 additional days to return purchases beyond the standard 90-day return policy. extended returns do not apply to Target Optical purchases and non-returnable items.

RedCard exclusives

RedCard holders also have the opportunity to benefit from lots of exclusives, such as special items, gifts & offers throughout the year. i get random cash incentives to shop or to place orders within a certain time frame. not every exclusive extra may be available to every cardholder, but when they do come up, they’re good.

cardholders also receive a coupon for 10% off a purchase every account anniversary year, when you’re signed up for Target marketing emails. basically there are loads of opportunities to save outside of just the 5% off you get when you shop.

andddd you guys already know, the best part about my shopping experience, is snagging my starbies before i browse the aisles. i LOVEEEE that most Target’s have Starbucks in store. and YES you can totally use your Target Redcard to save 5% on your coffee as well as get FREE refills while you shop on certain drinks.

so much of my style and favorite finds have come from late night Target runs. the clothes i find are simple, cute, and affordable. plus pretty much all of my kid’s wardrobes are Cat & Jack or Art Class. click HERE to shop some of my favorite looks!