PlanningPlanning can be quite easy. If you take most of your time clipping and getting organized then planning should be a breeze because you are basically checking ads, pulling coupons, and making lists. One thing about planning that I think is important is on what day you pick to go shopping. Currently I'm experimenting with going on the last day of the sale. Lots of couponers would cringed at this because if you don't go early then you run the risk of the store being out of the product. Thankfully my stores do offer rainchecks so I can always go the next week and get them for the sale price. If your store doesn't offer rainchecks then I wouldn't advise it. The reason I do this is because during the week of the sales, new coupons come out on the internet that make items free or at stockpile prices and I have the urge to immediately print and run to the store! I have a truck that uses a good bit of gas so I try not to unleash it on the environment unless I have too. I will print the limited 2 coupons per pc and then add it to my list of items. Even if you go early and see that the store has run out, ask when they get a new shipment and also ask for the raincheck, but make sure your coupons don't expire before then! If you see this might be a problem then talk with the manager about your options. So Basically: CHECK THE ADS - PAPER & INTERNET PULL COUPONS MAKE YOUR LISTS GO TO THE STORE Another thing about planning is getting your stockpile started. Right now with money being tight I am stockpiling a little at a time. Once I get enough stockpiled I'll be able to eliminate these from my list for a while so that way I can spend money on other stockpile areas. I love that The Krazy Coupon Lady compiled a Sale Cycles list that lets you know what items will be most likely on sale and so therefore you know when to buy for your stockpile. I will be over joyed when I can finally get to the point to where I can buy enough stockpile for the whole year so I don't to worry about crazy prices! Ok, so now you know what the basics are. Being a Novice involves taking the basics and adjusting it to your situation. What is the best store in town for you to shop at? Start out with one while getting to the Novice level and then you can add a store. I'm still in that beginner section so I only shop at one grocery store. I do have 2 drug stores but thankfully they have the same policies and so I basically go right now for items that I know I can get for free or extremely cheap. I expect my personal expert level to be when I can shop at any store and come out with extreme savings of 75% or better. Looking at all the different blogs has shown me that most couponers aim for a 75% or higher discount when shopping. |
Sites Used in the South For Planning: |
