Coupon Strategy

If your brain doesn't remember product prices (best sale prices, prices at each store, etc) like mine does (I don't know if that's a blessing or a curse,) you may want to keep a small notepad for this purpose.  It will help you make the best buying decisions.  Here's an example:

Rite Aid this week:

Febreze Air Effects $2.49 sale price

Use $1 coupon from 11-1 PG

Submit $1 SCR # 53

Final Price $0.49

Family Fare doubles event:
Febreze Air Effects $3.19 reg. price
Use $1 coupon from 11-1 PG
(Coupon Doubles)
Final Price $1.19

Ok, it's a small example with small savings, but it can make a significant impact on your budget when you're purchasing dozens of items over the course of the year.

This does open a can of worms on coupon strategy.  IF I did not have plans to shop at Rite Aid this week, I would simply purchase the Febreze at Family Fare to save myself time because I'd still get that item at a decent savings.  Don't make yourself crazy running all over town trying to get the best deal.  Do what works best for you.  I know this sounds like common sense, but just wait until the coupon bug bites you! ;-)

Your own time is valuable, but on the same token, your time is an investment when it comes to saving money!  Even after I saved $104 at Family Fare last night, my cashier (a VERY sweet girl) remarked that she is just to busy to clip coupons.  (Those of you that know me personally know I'm just as busy as the rest of you!)  The 30 minutes it took me to get organized to go to Family Fare last night paid me $104 in savings!  In my opinion, that's time well spent.  What is your strategy?