Tips for saving and couponing

Another Woman's Day article from the Nov. 2009 issue. Again, I can't locate it online so I'm typing up the cliff notes version ;)

"A small amount of preparation goes a long way towards ka-ching!"
1. clip those coupons-- single best way to save at the grocery store.

Diversify and simplify where you get them. Sunday paper, printable online coupons (find a few favorite sites) Also check your supermarket circular for special store cpns.

2. do an inventory-- start with the fridge, kitchen cabinets and pantry. Then check laundry room, linen closet (if you keep stock there) and the bathroom.

itemize what you need in categories, order the way the store does it (baking, beverages, dairy, fresh produce, health and so on)

make sure you have the store flier handy when you write out our list to make note of the best deals. Jot down the size and price to avoid picking up the wrong variation.

3. Know the lingo-- You usually don't have to buy as much as your think to get the deal. Say your flier advertises 10 Breyers yogurts for $4.00. That's .40cents each. As long as it doesn't say MUST BUY 10 you can buy any amount and still get the savings.

The same holds true with coupons. If you have a coupon offer for a multiple purchase of items don't assume you have to pick up an extra or two from the shelf. Look for bundled products. Most of the time the coupon will cover the 2-in-1 packs,and generally speaking the bundle pack it typically the better savings.

4. Ask the manager about the store's policy on doubling and tripling coupon values. IF they allow stacking (store cpn w/ mfr cpn) and how much their loyalty card deducts (% wise) from your bill.

5. Don't get caught in the maze--- Don't shop aisles. Take your list and stay to the perimeters avoiding unnecessary aisles.

6. Train your eyes -- look for specially marked packages. Deals offered on the box, clearanced stickers, more product size for the same price, sample size attached to the reg. size, peel off cpns and blinking coupon displays attached to the shelf.

7. Examine Endcaps-- often special deals and discount and refund offers are displayed at the ends of aisles. But be warned ***Know your bargins. Sometimes the items are slow movers or items that expire quickly.

8. Do the math-- feel foolish bringing along a calculator. DON'T! Comparing prices is a surefire way to pare down your bill. Calculate how much your spending on a singe unit of an item and figure out which will give you the best bang for your buck.