Technology has changed how we use coupons

Years ago, you could spot serious couponers throughout the store. Deal hunters had bulging binders, stacks of Sunday inserts, and color-coded shopping lists. Saving money used to mean hours at the kitchen table clipping paper coupons, matching them to store sales, and hauling them to the checkout line in carefully organized envelopes. While you can still score amazing deals, the world of couponing has been transformed by technology, changing store procedures, and the rise of online communities. Here are some ways the world of couponing has changed in the past fifteen years.The rise of digital coupons Gone are the days when the only way to save was with paper slips in your hand. Today, most stores and manufacturers offer digital coupons that you can load to your store loyalty account or mobile wallet. These offers are redeemed automatically at checkout when you clip them before checking out. No fumbling with paper stacks required. I love that digital coupons often refresh more frequently than paper ones, giving shoppers multiple opportunities to grab the same deal throughout a month. I recently used a coupon on a box of cereal, and it popped back into my account a few days later, so I did the deal again.Store apps are the new coupon binder I used to have a large coupon binder that traveled everywhere with me, but I've now transitioned to a virtual version. Major retailers now have their own apps where you can load store and manufacturer coupons, track your rewards balance, and view your purchase history. Some apps even feature personalized offers based on your buying habits. App-exclusive coupons and flash sales reward shoppers who keep their phones handy, meaning the most significant savings often go to the most connected customers.Social media savings influencers You no longer have to figure out every deal yourself. There is a bevy of content creators on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook who share detailed breakdowns of weekly sales, coupon matchups, and even "how to" videos for beginners. Some specialize in a single store, while others cover nationwide deals. They'll often post time-sensitive opportunities, like stacking multiple promotions, that could easily be missed. When I first started, I followed many online blogs, but with the rise of face-to-face creators, coupon savings videos have exploded, making them easier to follow. These creators share in-store videos, real product photos, and step-by-step directions right from the aisles.Fewer high-value paper coupons In 2010, a $1-off coupon for a $2 product was pretty standard. Today, those high-value paper coupons are harder to find, and manufacturers are changing their promotions to digital platforms or loyalty programs. This can push shoppers toward specific retailers or online redemption methods, often limiting the ability to combine multiple savings offers the way you once could.Deal alerts in real time You used to have to wait until Sunday morning to see what was on sale. Now, deal hunters get instant alerts via social media groups, store app notifications, and deal-finding websites. These alerts are especially valuable for "flash" opportunities, like clearance markdowns and overage deals, which can disappear within hours. It's created a more fast-paced, almost competitive couponing culture. Couponing has changed over the years. While I still use paper coupons regularly, this new digital way to save is faster-paced and tech-driven. For those willing to tap, scroll, and follow along online, the savings are still out there, just in a very different form. This week's dealHere are some deals to grab this week at Walgreens.Buy 2 Garnier Fructis or Whole Blends Hair Care - as low as $3.99 eachTotal = $7.98Use the $3 off 2 Fructis coupon or Whole Blends coupon*Pay $4.98Get back $3 Cash Rewards= $1.98 total – just 99¢ each* Coupons found on the Walgreens app or website. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.