A crash course on cutting your spending, with coupons
By Brian Vines
While electricity, rents, and prices at the pump are beyond our control, our weekly spend on groceries and other essentials may not be—especially with the help of an age-old hack: the humble coupon.
A nationally representative Consumer Reports survey found that 36 percent of shoppers use coupons or member discounts frequently. Why not join them and level up your savings?
In this podcast episode, hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines welcome YouTuber Star Smith, the “Deal Diva” behind “Coupon with Star.” She shares tips and techniques for transforming shopping habits so that you never overspend on groceries again.
Star also walks us through an approach for absolute beginners, with guidance on setting a budget, IDing the best stores, and approaching those free-money rebate apps intelligently. Together, we confront hidden risks in certain so-called deals and discuss the shift to digital saving platforms.
In short, this episode takes you from coupon-curious to coupon-savvy, helping you maximize every discount—and put more money back into your own pocket, no matter where you shop.
“Talking Carts” panelists (from left): Brian Vines, Star Smith, and Tanya Christian.
Graphic: Consumer Reports
How to Listen
“Talking Carts With Consumer Reports” episodes are available on CR’s video hub and through Apple Podcasts, Spotify (log-in required), and on video on YouTube.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2026, Consumer Reports, Inc.