B.C. Braces for hikes in food prices....

Yikes!  That was the headline on the front page of yesterday's Province  newspaper. Does that worry you?  It worries me just a little, however it is not as scary as it would have sounded this time last year.  What is the difference?  Coupons baby!  Yes I mean those save .50 off here and .25 off there, or the awesome BOGO (buy one get one) or even better the sought after FPC (free product coupon), that you see in stores, come in the local papers or even in the mail!  Coupons, it's all about the coupons!  These often neglected,  and frequently tossed in the trash little bits of cash in your pocket goodness.  Tossing them in the trash is insanity. Would you toss a quarter in the garbage?  I think not.

So how do you make those .50 & .25 cent savings add up?

It is actually quite simple -  USE them!  You will be surprised at how quickly they can add up. 

Use in combination with products already on sale. 

Stock up when items are on sale - having a stock pile to pull from can save big time. 

Be willing to wait so you can get the best deal.

Always shop with a list, mark items you have coupons for on your list so you do not forget to use them.

Be organized - keep all your coupons in one place, and attach them to your list as you shop.  (a good paper clip will be your best friend)

Keep your eyes opened when shopping, coupons are often available on store shelves. Take them when you see them on the shelves at the store.  You man not need the product now, but sometime before they expire you may, and likely the coupons will be gone next time you are at the store.

Know the coupon policy of the stores you shop at.  They do vary from store to store.
 
A little planning and smart shopping will easily save you that 5 - 7%, in many cases you will save even more.  My personal goal is 30%, coupon & sale savings.  I working towards shaving our grocery bill from 700+ dollars per month to around $500.  It will not happen over night, but it is slowly happening and that is a good thing. 
5 - 7 % increase though not the best thing it simply sounds to me like the perfect time to kick up the coupon use.   Happy savings.

Next up: See how far you can stretch $20.00.