Learn To Coupon

Okay so you want to learn how to coupon. The first thing you need to understand is that if you pay full price for an item, you are throwing money away. In many areas, almost all products go on sale about every 6 weeks to what we consider its "rock bottom price." The idea is that you buy enough of that item when it's at its rock bottom price to last you about 6 weeks, when it will most likely be at its rock bottom price again. That way, you will not need to run out and pay full price in between sales. I find great satisfaction when I run out of an item and I can just grab another from the pantry to replace it. I know that I saved the most possible amount on that product, and I saved myself from going out and paying full price.

How To Use Coupons:
Now that you understand how the sale cycle works, you need to understand how to use coupons. If you buy an item when it's at its lowest price AND use coupons, you save the most money! Every store has a different coupon policy, and it is important to know the policy at the store you're shopping at. A certain store in one town may have a different policy than the same store in another town. There is a corporate policy in place, and the manager of each store has the ability and the right to change the policy as they see fit. I cannot stress enough how important it is to know each stores policy. This is important in the shopping trip planning process as well as if you run into a problem during checkout, you are knowledgeable on your right to use the coupons. Many people carry that stores coupon policy with them while they shop just in case.

Stacking Coupons:
Most stores allow you to stack coupons. Stacking coupons is when you use both a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon on one product. This creates the maximum amount of savings.

Competitor Coupons:
Some grocery stores accept competitor coupons. My closest Publix considers Target a competitor, so they will accept a Target coupon in place of a store coupon on a product. This means that you can use a manufacturer coupon AND a competitor coupon on that product.

Buy One Get One Sales:
When a store has a BOGO sale, you are allowed to use coupons on both items. (Some stores only allow you to use coupons on one item, so again, check your stores policy.) This means that on EACH item you may use a manufacturer coupon AND a store/competitor coupon. Most grocery stores BOGO sale items ring up as half price, while most drugstores BOGO sale items ring up as one full price and one free item. This means that with a grocery store sale, you do not have to buy two items to get the sale price. While at a drugstore, you must buy both items.

Doubling Coupons:
Many grocery stores allow the doubling of coupons. My favorite grocery stores will double coupons with a value of $0.50 or less.

Putting It All Together:
The best way to shop is to wait an buy an item at its rock bottom price, stack coupons with it, and buy enough to last about 6 weeks. It is also important to plan your weekly meals based on what is on sale that week. Not only would this save money, but it would put variety in your weekly meals. One thing my family also does, is to buy our favorite meats and vegetables at their rock bottom prices, and freeze it in smaller portions. This way we always have fresh meats and vegetables on hand!

I hope all of this makes sense to you. Please ask any questions you may have!