# 1.    Cut time clipping coupons by stacking like inserts together and cutting

         them all at once.

#2.     There are usually no coupon inserts in the news paper on holiday weekend  or on the 5th weekend of the month 

#3.     Retailers sales cycle is 6-8 weeks long. This means products will hit a low

          price ONE TIME every 6-8 weeks. So take advantage when it goes low &

          use those coupons!

#4.     Remember to make your list before you leave home to cut down on time

         and on spontaneous buying.

#5.    Buy at least 2 Sunday paper  to help you  stock up on bargains. (Be sure and buy the largest paper for your area for the best assortment of coupons!)

#6.    Rain Checks - don't forget them.

When the store runs out of a product this is an opportunity even if you did not plan to purchase that product that day. By getting the rain check you can now buy this product any time you want at the lowest price possible . That means you can budget it in on the weeks you have the extra money. Remember to keep up on the expiration date on the rain checks if it applies.

# 7.     Read Target coupons CLOSELY.

             Some are now actually Manufacturer Coupons meaning you can't stack                them with a manufacturer coupon.

# 8.     Ecoupons should not be stacked with a  paper manufacturer coupon, since both are manufacturer's. Only 1 per item. :( Sorry! 

#9       Most CVS stores have the Sunday Tennessean for $1 Sunday mornings.  

            Be sure to get there early before they are all gone.

#10      If you have a coupon that is expiring for an item the store is out of, ask

           the manager if he will honor it when they restock. Publix has been very

           gracious about this for me.  MY TIP--YOU HAVE NOT BECAUSE YOU

           ASK NOT!

#11     When you need a drugstore item, ex. Zyrtec, DON'T just buy the Zyrtec, take advantage of the RR, ECB's or +UP rewards on products giving you the purchase price back. Add a coupon and use the rewards back to pay for the Zyrtec. RESULT: You get the freebie products and the Zyrtec for what you would have paid for the Zyrtec alone.

#12 Watch out for generic "stealers". Some generic items might "shelf price" be cheaper, however, stores will sneak in a few that are actually higher priced. They know the consumer has a tendency to think generic = cheap and this is not always the case.

#13 Always scan CVS coupons prior to manufacturer coupons for greater savings

#14 Be a powerful couponer through questioning. If you don't ask, you won't know. Don't be afraid to get the facts from store managers. They would much rather you ask than assume.

#15 Freezing Meat---buy your meat as a "Manager's Special" (many meats are marked down first thing in the morning that didn't sell the night before) Most of the time it is highly discounted and you will score BIG to buy these. Take them home divide them in family size portions, put in freezer bags & freeze.

#16 Freezing Ground Beef--- cook up all meat, drain, divide in 1 pound portions, & freeze. Fast easy meals, pull out of the freezer dump in the spaghetti sauce, no waiting for meat to cook. HEAT & EAT! This save a working mom  a lot of time.

#17 Freezing Casseroles--- Use that cooked ground beef to mix in with your favorite casserole dish (you can even top with the cheese). Place in aluminum disposable casserole size pans (not metal--it leaves a taste) Cover with foil, mark with a sharpie date & description. Can go from freezer to oven with no thawing and cooks in about 1 hour. So get the kids bathed, do the nightly chores and let dinner cook itself! GREAT MEAL WITH LITTLE EFFORT when it's needed most.