Basic Shopping Srategy

If you are as economically repressed, depressed or otherwise economically disadvantaged, you, like us need to get a survival strategy.
Coupons are used as marketing strategy by big companies to hook us into using their products.
Printing coupons is like printing cash.
Coupon smart people know this and realize this!

1. Combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons for big savings.
2. Sign up for register rewards when available.
3. Use buy one get one coupons or sales - This assures an instant savings of 50% combined with store coupons, manufacturer's coupons and cash register reward can reduce cost at times to $0
4. Research the store coupon policies. (know your adversary) Many cashiers have no earthly clue as to how coupons are used in their stores. (this does not exclude mangers either.) I have a rule in this regard, call it "SWSWSW"  or "Some Will, Some Won't, So what?". There will always be another day don't let their ignorance discourage you.
5. Use cashier profiling. If you get a cashier that knows coupons or is friendly to customers, have the patience to wait in his or her line. Learn to joke with them and get to know them. A good cashier is good as gold.
6. Make a list so you stay on track while shopping and negate impulse buys. Focus on you goals not your  impulses
7. Know what you have in stock, and what you will need in the near future.
8. Plan your shopping spree.A little strategy will save you from buying items that  up in the trash or  regifted for birthdays, Xmas, etc. (You know kinda like fruit cakes.)
9. Don't shop with the "MUNCHIES" warning... Fatal mistake,,, major distraction and waste of time.
10. Coupon smart people know and realize that, brands do not matter much. There is always at least one brand with a coupon for their products.
11. There are un-advertised sales. When you get in the store and are confronted by this be prepared with a well organize coupon book, and don't panic.
12. Have patience there is a learning curve here. It does take time to make this work, however we estimate it save us thousands of dollars a year. It is worth it.

In general, don't try to get every single bargain out there, your will never be able to. You will only drive yourself crazy and miss out on many of them.
Don't worry relax. Coupons and sales will always come back, sooner or later you will get them.