Couponing 101: In Store & Planning Tips

Before we get started on specific store policies and additional ways to save in your favorite stores I wanted to share a few additional tips to help you save more money with coupons.

Make A List:

Before you go to the store Make A List – and Stick to Your List. The store can be enticing especially when you go in hungry (don’t do that either).. so be sure you have a list and stick to it to save more money each week.

Track Prices:

Make a Price Tracking Sheet (available in Everything buy the Binder) to start tracking prices in your local stores on items that you normally purchase. If you’re just starting track prices in the store you are beginning to coupon in. You will see that prices will drop when items are in season and during the sales cycles which gives you a better idea on – what time to buy!

Meal Planning:

You can easily create a Menu Planning sheet (available in Everything buy the Binder) for the week that shows your breakfast, lunches, dinners and snacks! Then plan the meals for the week based on the sales in the store and the items in your pantry. You can find this weeks sales by checking out out Grocery and Drug Store tab as well as using your local sales flyers.

I use eMeals to do my weekly planning of meals.

Then pick an item like Chicken and use sites like Recipes.com to make dishes out of the sales items or items you have on stock in your very own pantry.

Look Up & Down and On End Caps:

Stores do through research to see how we as consumers shop. One thing that they use to their advantage is our average height and they place the items that “they” want us to purchase at this level. So to be a little smarter keep an eye on the items above and below your eye level and you will find that more than not these items are less expensive then the items you see when you are looking straight ahead.

You will also want to keep an eye on the end caps in the store. This is where you will typically find a ton of clearance deals but keep in mind that it is how stores entice us to go into the aisles. The best way to save is by staying clear of the aisles without products that you need on your list.. Just keep on moving!

Don’t Let The Size Fool You:

Be sure to check out the Units Per Measure on the items in the store because often we will find that the larger item costs us more even though it seems like a better bargain.

Stray from Brand Loyalty:

There are some items I know that I want to purchase because I love them.. but if you can stray from being brand loyal on items like toothpaste, deodorant, shaving gel, laundry detergent, etc.. you can save much more each week especially with coupons.

Pay with Cash:

This will make you think more about your purchases and keep you on your budget. This will also help you start looking for more inexpensive items in the store.

*Start with the amount that you are spending weekly in the store and each week cut that amount by 5%. With the additional use of coupons you will see the amount you’re paying weekly decrease by a large amount.

Do you have any additional tips? If so be sure to share them in the comments: