Couponing 101: Stock Up Prices

I’ve been asked a lot lately what I think are good “stock” up prices. While there is no “price” rule I do have some guidelines for myself that I use to know a good “stock up” price!  Plus remember it doesn't necessarily mean that this is your out of pocket expense....may be your final prices after you add in a RR, ECB or Gift Card deal.

Here are some examples:

-Toothbrush: Free
-Floss: Free
-Mouthwash: $0.50
-Deodorant: Free
-Body Wash: $0.50
-Soap: $0.25
-Lotion: $0.50
-Shampoo/Conditioner: $0.50
-Feminine Hygiene Products: Free – $50 tops + there are a ton… of samples for these
-Shaving Cream: $0.50
-Disposable Razors: Free
-Razors, (ex. Gillette Fusion or Venus): $1
-Detergent: $1.50
-Dish Washer Tabs or Liquid: $0.50
-Toilet Paper: $0.25 per roll
-Cleaning Supplies: $0.50 or less
-Baby Wipes: $1.00 or less per box
-Diapers: $0.14 or less per diaper
-Candles: $1.00 or less (high quality)
-Aluminum Foil: $0.50
-Fruit: $1.00/lb
-Meat: $2/lb, $4/lb Steaks (high quality)
-Potatoes: $3/10 lb bag
-Soda: $2.50/12 pk
-Cereal: $0.50 per box
-Canned veggies: $0.35
-Frozen veggies: Free
-Pasta: $0.25
-Pasta Sauce: $.50

My rule of thumb is if I am saving 90% or more off of the retail price I have most likely found a rock bottom priced deal and it’s time to stock up.

So what are your stock up prices?

Example *this week through January 18th at Target:

Buy 3 General Mills Fiber One Protein Cereal $2.99 each
Use 5% Off General Mills Cereal Cartwheel Savings Offer (will deduct $0.45)
Plus, three $0.75/1 Fiber One Protein Maple Brown Sugar or Cranberry Almond Cereal coupons (zip code 77477) *will need 2 computers
Final Price: $1.27 total, $0.42 each after $5 gift card

Buy 2 Chocolate Toast Crunch $3 each
Buy 1 Cheerios Dark Chocolate Crunch $3
Total = $9
Use 5% Off General Mills Cereal Cartwheel Savings Offer (will deduct $0.45)
Plus, two $0.75/1 Chocolate Toast Crunch coupon (zip code 77477)
And, $0.75/1 Multi-Grain Cheerios coupon (zip code 77477)
Final Price: $1.30 total, $0.43 per box after $5 gift card

Buy 3 Quaker Real Medley’s Cold Cereal $3.49 each
Use three $1/1 Quaker Real Medley’s Bars or Cold Cereal coupons 12/8 RP
Final Price: $2.47 total, $0.82 each after $5 gift card

Buy 3 Kellogg’s Krave Cereals $3 each
Use three $0.50/1 Kellogg’s Krave Cereal coupon (zip code 77477) *will need 2 computers
Final Price: $2.50 total, $0.83 each after $5 gift card