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How to be a Smart Shopper
by Denise Abler - deniseablergifts@yahoo.com

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You can be a Coupon Queen or King by following these simple steps:

Prepare BEFORE You Shop

Start accumulating as many coupons as you can, check magazines and newspapers, even look in back issues. Ask friends and relatives to save coupons for you. Check the coupon exchange at your supermarket or local library. If they don't have one, ask them to start one. Look for coupons on specially marked packages (SMP) in the stores.

Pick the RIGHT Store

Large chain stores are good, especially ones that offer "double coupons." Shop around to determined which store offers the BEST prices. Check the Wednesday or Sunday Food section. Look for additional coupons and/or store sales.

COMPARE Stores

Which store offers the BEST prices this week? You don't have to travel to two or more stores. However, do compare. One store may have better "sale items" on a particular week. If you find a store that "doubles coupons" this may be the right store. Use your own judgement.

Make a LIST

Don't rely on a mental list, or shop when hungry. Look at the store flyers FIRST. If the flyer offers coupons for two weeks, check both weeks. Plan your list and menu on the "sale items" and use your coupons. Watch the second weeks' coupons. You may find something on sale the following week. Can you wait to save?

Don't FORGET Your Coupons

This has probably happened to all of us at one time. Keep your coupons with you at all times or in your car. Remember to join the store's saving program or club. Carry your saving card with you and you can save automatically.

Organize Your Coupons

You may not want to carry all of your coupons with you but, it will help with the "un advertised special." Put the store coupons and the manufacturers coupons in front of your organizer or box. For those just starting out a business envelope works great. Save those junk mail envelopes to use as your grocery list or coupon organizer.

Check in Store Flyers

The flyer may include un advertised specials, refund offers and more. These specials can save you extra money. Also check the coupon exchange or rebate (refund) board for other offers.

Savings Plan

Start a Christmas or saving account with your coupons savings. If you save $10 a week x 52 weeks = $520.00 a year! Add your refund checks into this account. Have a goal for the savings such as, a college fund, a new car or a down payment on a house.

Reprinted with permission.