My Rules for Coupon Use

Recently I have begun using coupons in an effort to maximize our grocery dollars. I wanted to make sure, however, that my coupon use reflected a true savings so I implemented these rules for their use:

1. I only use a coupon for something I was going to purchase anyway. I'm willing to change brands if it reflects a better deal but I won't buy something just because I have a coupon and it seems like a good deal.

2. Whenever possible, I combine coupons with sales to maximize my savings. This is how drastically reduced and even free items can be obtained. I also combine manufacturers' coupons with store coupons if that's possible.

3. The price after coupon must be cheaper than the equivalent store brand. Very occasionally I have a product to which I am brand loyal and I'll relax this rule a bit. Usually, however, I am willing to use a store brand/generic and I'll go that route if the price is cheaper.

4. The price after coupon must be cheaper than I can buy the item elsewhere, i.e. a warehouse club. This is where my price book comes in handy. If I'm following #2 above I can usually beat the best price elsewhere, but occassionally not.

5. I watch my quantities. I stock up within reason but there's no point for me to have 3 years' worth of toothpaste sitting on my shelf. If we won't use it in a reasonable amount of time, I resist the urge to buy multiples. I'd rather keep the money in my bank account or send it to pay down debt and wait for another deal to come along at a later date.