I'm starting a list and counting backwards to #1 of my Top Ten Tips to Living Frugal. You may have your own to add, and please feel free to leave comments and suggestions. That's one thing I love about the frugal community...we share what we know to help others. So, with that said, here's the first post:
#10 Know the Prices!!
It is imperative that you know what a good price is. Some may think a $1 is a good deal on toothpaste. However, for me, that is WAY too much to spend!! Toothpaste always goes on sale, basically alternating between mostly Crest and Colgate. So when it's on sale, get a coupon on top of the sale price to pay the very least you can.
But, if you don't know prices, you won't know if you should buy or not. For example, again w/ toothpaste, sometimes it appears that a store has it on sale. But, after final calculation, the price even after coupons is still too high. So, don't let the stores dictate to you what's a good deal or not. Do the math, know what coupons you have, and let the bottom line be the determining factor.
Now, how do you keep track of prices? I mean, if it were just on toothpaste, it wouldn't be too hard to remember. But, for us serious couponers, it's hundreds of items were talking about!! Trying to remember all that can be quite frustrating...and exhausting. Well, if it seems too overwhelming, it does not have to be. I recommend using a small notebook (usually on sale for like 3/$1) to record regular prices of the items your family buys. Next to the regular price I would record sale prices as you find them. After doing this for a while, you will get to "know" what's a good price on toothpaste, for example. And, you will also see trends.
Most sales are cyclical. Which means, in simple terms, if it's not on sale now, it will be soon. And, so you wait, hopefully having stocked up enough the last time it was on sale to get you through until it goes back on sale.
A lot of really successful couponing is all in the timing...you have to know when to use your coupons and when to hold on to them for a better deal. So, if you know your prices, and you know a good sales price when you see it, there's no need to hesitate to buy all you can w/the coupons you have. (And if it's a REALLY good deal, you order more coupons!).
I hope this halps some especially those who are new to couponing. Again, please feel free to ask questions or leave your suggestions...they are always welcome!
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