[lalamba]

I am new to the coupon game. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out were and how I should begin. I have to go grocery shopping this weekend. Is it better to go to wal-mart and use my coupons or is it better to go to a smaller grocer like Homeland or Valu foods? I know that homeland will double coupons (whatever that means). I guess what Im asking for is any suggestions/tips for coupon strategy?

[Clipping Along]

where should you start? I'd look at their ads before going shopping to see which store might have the items on sale. So in addition to the sales price, you will also benefit by using a coupon. You might also ask in advance which of your stores double their coupons. That also might make a difference as to where you should be shopping. I'm new at this too!

[kmeiding]

Double coupons is where the value of the coupon is doubled, so a .50 coupon would take $1 off an item if it is doubled. You should find out the maximum value that Homeland doubles. Definitely take a look at the store ads and see if you have any coupons to match with those items. I shop at HyVee and Walmart a lot. I find that HyVee's regular prices are a little more, but their weekly deals are better. Their meat and produce is also better. This might be the case with your stores as well. Your best deal might be going to 2 stores this weekend depending on the sales.

Have you checked out the Homeland section here at AFC? Looks like there's a shopping list with this week's ad matched to coupons so you don't have to do as much work yourself. Plus, it's linked to IPs that are in the database so you can print coupons that match this week's ad as well.

[Kayline]

Candidly, I would not send a seasoned coupon veteran into Wal-Mart. They tend to make up their own rules, especially with the "one per purchase" wording on coupons. Many times they want to limit you to using only one of the same type of coupon, no matter how many you are purchasing because of this wording. I know their prices are usually lower than most other places, but it's just not worth the hassle, IMO.