How Can You Maximize Your Savings At The Grocery Store

We’ve covered the “basics” of being an extreme couponer, now it’s time to talk about how you can maximize your savings during your shopping trip.

If you watch the show “Extreme Couponing” you will see the featured people doing a number of different things…but there are a few keys to their success:

1. Research the current sales at your store(s) of choice. This is simple enough to do by taking the time to go through the store flier. Knowing exactly what is on sale is a major part of the battle…plus you can find the “bonus” deals (something for free with purchase, money off with certain purchases, etc)

2. Match coupons with the sales flier. Why use your coupons on full price items when you can let the store help you have even more money. Double coupon days are even better for this, but as I have mentioned before make sure you check into your store’s coupon policy (I ran into two women at the store on Wednesday that were floored by the store’s policy).

3. Have a detailed list of what you are getting…AND STICK TO IT! This was one of the biggest adjustments I had to make. I would have the basic milk, eggs, bread list that I would take with me, then I would just start grabbing other items that looked good. Not Smart. Have a plan and stick to it…impulse buys will kill a grocery budget.

4. Have your coupons organized (with your list) when you venture out. Nothing worse that going to the store and spending half the time digging through a box or envelope searching for a coupon you thought you had for an item. Time spent at home organizing your list and coupons maximizes your time and savings at the store.

5. Be on the lookout for additional coupons. This is a game for me and my children. Watch carefully for the little automatic coupon dispensers near items, packages that have coupons attached…or coupons left behind by other shoppers. It’s gold Jerry…gold! One of my favorite stores for coupon “scavenging” is Woodman’s…where they actually put coupons out for the shoppers!! Even if you don’t purchase the items there…take the coupon and take the savings elsewhere :-)

The key to all of this is being organized. Whether you use a box with alphabetic dividers or the super coupon binder, beings an organized shopper is the best way to make the most of your savings at a store. That with a little bit of research is guaranteed to save you at least 50% if not much more at the grocery store.

Do you have suggestions that I have not mentioned? Please comment on this post and share with everyone. Share them with me on Twitter and Facebook as well.

I am also looking for suggestions on other topics you would like me to discuss.

Thanks and happy shopping!