Coupons 101

To get the most value from shopping with coupons, it pays to know a few things in advance about store policies and also how coupons work. This information has been very helpful to me and so I am passing it along for you to benefit from as well.

To maximize your saving potential:

1. Don't Be Brand-Loyal
This is SOOO hard for me. For whatever reason I get stuck on one brand of toothpaste or toilet paper and it's hard for me to deviate. If you can get past this and learn to buy what you have coupons for ONLY, you will save a lot more dough than waiting around for the coupons for the brands you like.

2. Combine Sales with Coupons
Duh! If you find an item that is on sale and you also have a coupon for it, the coupon amount is going to come off the already low sale price, so you'll get the rock-bottom lowest price for that item.

3. When There is a Sale, Stock up!
If you know you're going to use an item again and again in cooking, cleaning, or snacking, buy a lot of it when it's at the lowest price. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you'll have a well stocked pantry too, meaning less trips to the grocery store.

4. Shop at More Than One Grocery Store
This can be difficult, especially if you have kids in tow. But if you get a rare opportunity to grocery shop alone, try to get the best deals from each food store near you to stock your pantry for the lowest prices.