If you normally go to the store and purchase needed items regardless of the price, you may be wondering if coupons could reduce your register total. You must first realize that your goal should be to save money. Sometimes a coupon will achieve this, other times you can save more even without a coupon. For a coupon to really save you money, you will have to combine it with the best price, a sale price and/or a rebate. How do you know if a coupon offers the best savings? Keep reading!
FIRST: Know Your PricesCreate a Price Book to track prices for items you use regularly. Start by tracking 10 items you buy every week. (Focus on high dollar items, like boneless/skinless chicken breasts...then add additional items to your book as you become comfortable with the initial ten.)
Sample Page
Skippy 16.9 oz jar
Food Lion $2.19
Kroger $2.39
Martin's $2.39
Target $2.08
Wal-mart $2.08
Knowing prices can save you more money than using coupons, so don’t skip this step! With your little notebook, you will be able to:
Save on all products, including items that you will rarely see coupons for (i.e. produce, milk, etc)
Have a good idea about whether to buy one, a few or a dozen.
Look For Great Deals!
SECOND: Compare sale prices to those in your Price Book.Sale prices can be found:
On store shelves
In store ads (view online, as needed)
In clearance sections (ask store personnel for location)
NEXT: Use Coupons!When you are buying at the lowest price AND using a coupon, you are getting the lowest price possible, so STOCK UP!
