Things To Keep In Mind

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when couponing.

• Make sure that you READ and UNDERSTAND what your coupon says.




• Check your expiration dates periodically to make sure that you have everything up to date. You don't want to be at the check-out and get a "I'm sorry but this coupon is expired", then end up paying full price for your item(s).




• Is the coupon you're about to use accepted at the store that you're at? Make sure to read the store policy and make sure that you're not using a store A coupon at store B. Example a Target coupon at a Walgreen store. That's a "no no"!




• Did you check to see if your coupon has a quantity limit? Some coupons state 4 at a time.




• Did you double check to see if there is a store coupon that you can use with your manufacturer coupon? This is called "stacking". Most stores allow this, but double check their policy.




• Did you check to see if your coupon states a "size"? Some coupons state that it "excludes travel/trial sizes". Make sure to double check.




• Does the store that you're at accept "printable" coupons? Some stores don't allow this. A couple of them are Don Quijote (DQ) and Tamura's. They only take originals that can be cut out from coupon inserts or from magazines.




• The only store in Hawaii that does "double" coupon days is Kmart. You need to wait and see if they announce it or send it by email. So go and register at http://www.kmart.com/.




• Expect to pay the tax on the items that you purchase. There are only 14 States that tax on food and lucky us Hawaii is one of them! So there is no way that you're going to walk out of the store with a ZERO balance...unless you use your EBT Card (if you have one...lucky you!)




• When watching Extreme Couponing on TLC, keep in mind that their prices are already less than what Hawaii prices are and most do not pay tax on their food.




• Our grocery stores here in Hawaii rarely give things away for free.




• Please do not HOARD or be GREEDY!! Keep in mind that there are other people out there that coupon as well.




• If you think you'll be doing a large haul, call the store to make sure that they have enough in stock. If not, see if you can order it to make sure that they have it when you get there.




• If there is an item(s) that you need and they are out of stock, check with a clerk to see if you can get a raincheck.




• Buys on Medicine - Remember to check the expiration dates. Think if you'll be able to use it before it expires.




• Just because it's on sale, do you really need it?




• KEEP ORGANIZED AT ALL TIMES!!!! It would totally suck when you're checking out at the register and you don't have all your coupons waiting and ready. YOU DO NOT WANT TO DIG THROUGH YOUR FOLDER, ORGANIZER, PURSE, ETC WHEN CHECKING OUT!!




• Most important of all...Don't forget to SMILE and be friendly with the cashier. You want the smoothest transaction ever!!