As many of you know, I love coupons! I have been a bargain shopper my whole life and a serious couponer for three years now. Using coupons and knowing what a good price is, easily saves me 50% or more off my grocery bill.
On occasion, I take a couponing break.
GASP!
I know, my heart pounds out of control when I head to the register without coupons! Last week was one of those weeks. Although I didn’t coupon shop, I still saved money on my grocery bill.
The secret is to know your prices. Make a price book for items that you and your family buy on a regular basis. Write down the price you pay and whether you used a coupon or not. If you do this for a period of time you will start to see a cycle. Most items will hit their rock bottom price every 6-12 weeks. Since I have been doing this awhile, my price book for items I buy is in my head! I can tell by looking at the ad what a good price is. For certain things I almost have it down to the week. I know that Harris Teeter will have the brand of dog food we buy at rock bottom price every 6 weeks. This has been consistent for over a year now.
If I need to buy and item that is not at rock bottom price, I compare prices between brands. I am not brand specific on most things which also saves money.
Of course combining coupons with items at rock bottom price is going to net you the best deal. However, if you are too busy to coupon, life gets in the way or there are no coupons for items you are buying- just knowing what a good price is will save you a ton of money.
Do you have a price book? It’s a great time to start keeping track of prices!
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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You can save without coupons! Sometimes a break is good!
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