There is a learning curve when it comes to using coupons. One things that many people struggle with is knowing what a good price is. Sometimes sales being advertised are not really sales at all. Just because an item is listed in an ad circular, does not mean it is on sale. Knowing the rock bottom prices of items you buy the most, is the key to reducing your grocery store budget. Even if you do not use coupons on food items, knowing your prices will save you money.
Tracking prices takes a bit of effort, but it will be worth it! Sales run in 6-12 week cycles. That means that sometime in that time frame, items will be at their lowest price. The goal is to stockpile enough products at their rock bottom price to last you until the cycle starts over. In order to do this, you will need to start writing prices down and track them for awhile.
To track your prices you can make a notebook or use a spreadsheet. A notebook is easy to take to the store but a spreadsheet is easy to tally items. It is really a personal preference on what works best for you. Make note of the date, the store, the product size and the price you paid. The price you write down should be after discounts and coupons. You may want to start with just a few items at first. After a few weeks, you will notice a trend.
Remember that your target prices may not be mine and visa versa. Most likely, each of us will have different prices listed in our price book based on our needs and the region we live in.
It really helps to know what a good price is! You don’t want to waste your precious coupons on items that are not at a good price point.
Renae @How to Have it All
Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking, working in her vegetable garden, canning and chasing after her boys.
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