Purchasing an item at the lowest sale price and buying enough (if you have the storage room) to last you until the next sale cycle (usually 6-8 weeks—depending on the item). You will need several coupons. After you have the coupons, you need to match them to a great sale. When you get home put the newest items in the back and the oldest items in the front. This way you are rotating stock so things get used before they expire.
Stockpiling doesn’t just apply to groceries and household items. You can stockpile clothing and gifts (again as long as you have the storage space) by buying items on clearance in store and online. Buying items for Holidays, Birthdays, and Special Occasions in advance. I shop all year long for deals that can be used for such occasions. This way I’m not paying full price and I can give a lot more for the same amount I planned on spending for that person/event. I stockpile clothes and shoes after the season for the kids by buying the next size up. I know that if they do not end up wearing them I can give them to younger family members/ friends or I donate to charities.
Now you need to be careful because this can get out of hand. Be realistic as to the number of items you buy, when you will use/give them, and where/how you will store them until they are needed.
Stock up on non-perishable items like toiletries (toilet paper) and paper goods (tissues, paper towels, napkins, etc). You can stock up on meats and frozen foods if you have an extra freezer.
If you have the time, go up and down all the aisles in the stores, this way you spot the clearance/discontinued items that are sometimes marked down to 50-75% off regular retails. These deals are not always found just on the ends of the aisles or in one location.
How do you know when to stockpile?
Keep a price book (a small notebook or your phone) to monitor prices. The best items to track are the ones you buy often. Start with a few items and a few stores then as you get comfortable add to your list. List the items separately with the regular price, sale price and lowest price stockpile! Track the same size package weekly. Look for the unit price label tag on the shelf to compare unit pricing if the package size changes. Scan weekly flyers and record prices. You will notice after a month or so a sales pattern for your item. This is the item's sale cycle. By knowing when it is at its lowest you can stock up enough until the next time. Soon you will know the best price for your items and will no longer need to check your notebook or phone.
Warning — When you stockpile, some weeks will cost you more than others. You need to remember that you are saving (you may notice things balance out by the end of the month) it takes time to adjust.
Most people can’t/don’t want to put this kind of effort and/or may not have the storage space. That is okay—you can still save some money by using coupons and buying only the necessities each week. Saving a few dollars every week does add up at the end of the year. Think of coupons as cash. Save what you can.
Always check receipts before leaving the parking lot so errors can be fixed- saving you time and $ later.
Avoid purchasing an item just because you have a coupon- If its FREE or very little cost go for it. Don't use the FREE items? Consider donating them to your local food pantry, shelter, church, or school.
Have coupons you won't use? Consider starting a coupon exchange at your local library or workplace- be sure to get permission first.
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