^[1]
I recently had the pleasure of speaking to a local MOPS group on the subject of shopping strategies. With under an hour to cover this extensive topic (and believe me, I could talk all day), I decided to narrow down the strategies into 10 Basic Rules that I try to stick by.

1. Do not shop while hungry. This is good common sense.
2. Shop with a list prepared at home (not in the car on the back of an old receipt) and stick to it!
3. Know your target price points. This will vary by region and season. For example, the price to beat on a gallon of milk in my area is currently $2.00, same for a loaf of bread.
4. Use Coupons: combine a coupon with a sale to save the most.
5. Beware of product placement strategies on shelves and endcaps. The best deals are usually high or low on shelves, and not on the endcaps.
6. Eliminate brand loyalty. Be willing to try a variety of brands depending on what is the best value.
7. Find a great deal? Stock up! Since sales only come around every 8-12 weeks, buy enough to last you through the next sale.
8. Get in, get out. Studies have shown the more time you spend inside a store, the more money you will spend. Don’t dilly dally!
9. Avoid impulse buys (see number 2). Especially at the checkout stand, where prices are inflated.
10. If possible, leave the kids at home. Enough said.

I had a lot more to say on this subject, but even just applying a few of these strategies to your shopping trips will ultimately save you money.

What would you add to the list?