Couponing Law Number 1
If you want to start saving massive amounts of money, you absolutely must start memorizing the prices you pay for items and where you find them at.
It is simply enough to keep a one-page list of the prices with you as you shop.
By doing so, you know that you will never overpay.
For example, I know that the lowest price I can pay for Bounty paper towel (no generics for me, but I'll talk more about that later) is 59¢/roll.
It is at Staples.
So, when I come across a 'SALE' on paper towel and it's some cheap-o version X for 99¢/roll, I know it's not a good deal.
Likewise, if I come across a good deal on Bounty that is 49¢/roll, I'm going to stock up.
Now, if I see it for 39¢/roll, I stock up major.
What I do depends on how much it is.
The way to quickly start memorizing your prices is by writing them down.
In the store.
Yup, I said it.
You don't have to do this on everything you buy, but very much like my Costco post, you won't know your saving money, unless you keep track somehow.
Writing down the staple items you buy routinely is a great place to start.
Then, when you find them at their best deal, you know to stock up.
The general rule of thumb is stock up 3 months supply for all shelf stable items and 1 month (or less, depending on the expiration date) of the other items.
Everything goes on sale at least once every three months, so if your buying 3 months worth of say paper towel, you know you will make it until the next time its on sale without over-spending.
Over-spending = Paying a penny more than an item's lowest price It won't take you long before you start memorizing the prices (and you can leave your list at home if you should so desire) and at what store you get them.
I know if I'm going to Staples, to check paper towels because its the cheapest there.
This way, your still getting fabuLESS prices, but not running all over town trying to get them.
Getting the items when your already there saves time, gas, and brain power.
:) How does this all relate to couponing? Well, if you don't have your BASE foundational prices down, couponing isn't going to do you much good!
It is simply enough to keep a one-page list of the prices with you as you shop.
By doing so, you know that you will never overpay.
For example, I know that the lowest price I can pay for Bounty paper towel (no generics for me, but I'll talk more about that later) is 59¢/roll.
It is at Staples.
So, when I come across a 'SALE' on paper towel and it's some cheap-o version X for 99¢/roll, I know it's not a good deal.
Likewise, if I come across a good deal on Bounty that is 49¢/roll, I'm going to stock up.
Now, if I see it for 39¢/roll, I stock up major.
What I do depends on how much it is.
The way to quickly start memorizing your prices is by writing them down.
In the store.
Yup, I said it.
You don't have to do this on everything you buy, but very much like my Costco post, you won't know your saving money, unless you keep track somehow.
Writing down the staple items you buy routinely is a great place to start.
Then, when you find them at their best deal, you know to stock up.
The general rule of thumb is stock up 3 months supply for all shelf stable items and 1 month (or less, depending on the expiration date) of the other items.
Everything goes on sale at least once every three months, so if your buying 3 months worth of say paper towel, you know you will make it until the next time its on sale without over-spending.
Over-spending = Paying a penny more than an item's lowest price It won't take you long before you start memorizing the prices (and you can leave your list at home if you should so desire) and at what store you get them.
I know if I'm going to Staples, to check paper towels because its the cheapest there.
This way, your still getting fabuLESS prices, but not running all over town trying to get them.
Getting the items when your already there saves time, gas, and brain power.
:) How does this all relate to couponing? Well, if you don't have your BASE foundational prices down, couponing isn't going to do you much good!
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