Getting Started Part II

After you've read a few blogs, you'll find some may be more helpful than others or some update more than others, leaving you with a couple to which you stay pretty loyal.  Most couponing blogs do weekly coupon match ups with store deals, showing you how much you'll pay for sale items while using coupons.  The blogs I find most helpful are the ones that provide the printable lists so that you can click on the items you want to buy and the list prints out not only the item price but also the coupons you'll need to use to get the best price.  I usually paperclip the coupons I'm going to use to the list so that I'm already organized and know what I'm buying when I get to the store.

Since I've already shared where I find my coupons, I'll move on to sharing other little tips that I haven't mentioned:

• Walmart price matches!  I haven't tried this yet, but apparently you don't even have to take the competitor's ad to Walmart with you, they just change the price.  Since I don't like to hold up the line any more than I have to, I probably won't do this unless it's a really great deal.  Here's the policy on price matching: Walmart policy
• Many stores deduct 5 cents off your total if you use recyclable bags!  I know for sure that Target and Farm Fresh do this.  Can anyone tell me what other stores do this?
• When I started couponing, anything cheaper than what I normally paid for an item seemed like a great deal.  Once you get into couponing, you learn that just because toothpaste is .50 doesn't mean that's a great deal (well, it is, but just wait).  I really like My Coupon Teacher's list of goal prices.  She tries not to pay more than what's stated for each item.  This has helped me a lot because now I don't buy toothpaste unless it's free (see what I mean?)!
• You will most likely rarely find coupons for meat, produce, milk, and bread.  It's tough because those are some of the more expensive items I buy.  The helpful thing to remember is that you've saved so much on other grocery items that it's okay to have to pay full price for milk once in a while.  Bread can be purchased at a bread store for a discounted price, produce can be purchased from a farmer's market if you have one (better quality and you're supporting local economy!), and meat could be purchased from a butcher shop if you have one nearby and really want to take that extra step to get more for your money in the meat department.
• Just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it!  Don't spend money on something you don't necessarily need or want just because you don't want to lose a coupon. 
• Most sales circulate every 12 weeks meaning coupons usually do, too.  It also means if you missed a sale on your favorite laundry detergent, it will most likely go on sale again in about three months (I've been noticing that a lot of items go on sale a lot sooner than that!).

Please keep in mind I'm still a newbie so I don't claim to be a pro, nor do I know all there is to know.  Please feel free to share your tips because I'm certain I don't know them all!