One of the first lessons I had to learn when I started my coupon adventure was the need to stockpile.  I am sure most people are like me when they first begin.  You feel like you need to clip EVERY coupon, you still make your shopping list, and if you have a coupon for what you need you use it, OR you buy something because you have a coupon and it is about to expire.  Well…here’s the bad news.  None of this helps you save dollars when it comes down to the bottom line.

The way to save money is by getting what you use when it is at its rock bottom price, not when you need it and you pay whatever the price is at that time.  Make sense?????

If you find a deal on cereal, you should get enough to last your family 6-8 weeks (until it is on sale again).  I know this may sound ridiculous to some people, but trust me when I say IT WORKS!  Sale cycles run in 6-10 week cycles.   It will take a couple of months, but soon you will learn what the rock bottom prices are for your area.  As you learn, make yourself a list so you know for the next time.

When it comes to personal care items…you should be paying very little for them.  If you will take 30 minutes a week to plan and 30 minutes to shop, you can get what you need from one of the drug stores.  They all have awesome deals each week and should allow you to get what you need a head of time so you will never be paying full price for any of it again.  If you find a deal on your favorite shaving cream, buy a few of them so you don’t have to worry about it for a while, especially if you can get it for Free!

If you happen to find a REALLY sweet deal, always remember that you can donate just about anything to a food bank OR to a local nursing home!!!!

By always buying things when they are at their rock bottom price, you will see a HUGE reduction in your grocery bill.  If you simply start buying things when the store has them on sale, you will save around 50%, BUT if you use coupons on sale items, you can save an additional 20%….This could mean a 70% reduction in your grocery bill!!!!

Happy Stockpiling!! :)