Saving With Coupons - Step 3

Now that you have coupons, you need to know when to use them.  I never use all my coupons.  I usually end up throwing away at least 3/4 of them.  Don't use a coupon just because you have it or because it will expire soon.  Save your coupons and use them when a good sale comes and combine it with the sale to get a great deal.  The price you pay isn't a good deal if you can get the store brand for less.  Things go on sale every 6-12 weeks.  You will notice a trend as you pay attention.  When you fine something on a good sale, get enough to last you until it goes on sale again.  When you use coupons combined with a sale, you want to get things for free or at least 50-60 percent off the normal price.  You need to know if something is a good price.  One way is to make your own price book.  If you are like me and don't want to take the time, there is a price list here from PYP (Pinching Your Pennies) that is pretty complete and lists prices for many common items.  You need to have excel to open the file.  Items are rated with a 3 star, 4 star or 5 star depending on how good the price is.  I downloaded this and refer to it when I am not sure if something is a good price or not.