Couponiversary!

To mark the one-year anniversary that I began couponing, I decided to make a list of staples that you should never pay full price for. These items frequently go on sale, and there are often coupons floating around that you can use during sales to maximize your savings. I've also incuded the max I am now willing to pay for these items. I tend to stock up when I find the best deal.

FOOD
General Mills or Kellogg's Cereal ($1.50)
Yogurt ($0.35/cup)
Pasta ($0.75)
Pasta Sauce ($1.00)
Microwave Popcorn ($1.00)
Frozen vegetables ($1.00)
Ketchup ($1.00)
Mustard ($0.50; usually free!)
Nature Valley Granola Bars ($1.25)
Betty Crocker & Pillsbury Cake mix ($0.50)
Pillsbury products (1/2 price)
Coke/Diet Coke: ($3.00/12 cans; recently $2 at Shop Rite!)

NON-FOOD
Shampoo ($2.00)
Condioner ($2.00)
Lotion ($2.50)
Toothpaste ($0.60, but usually free!)
Deoderant ($0.99)
Laundry detergent ($2.00)
Dishwasher detergent ($2.99)
Sandwich/Freezer bags ($0.75)
Cleaning Products ($2.00)

The important thing to keep in mind is deciding which brands you absolutely want to stay faithful to, In my case, I will only buy Coke products. I don't care if the store is giving away Pepsi - I won't add it to my stockpile. But I would donate it! :)

Laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste I am much more flexible with. My only requirement is that the detergent be perfume and dye free, and that the shampoo is for my hair type. My kids like all pasta except whole grain, so that makes shopping pretty easy.

Next time I will list my favourite ways to find and organize coupons so you never go to the store without them!