Know when to save your coupons  or when to use them. It just occurred to me today that coupons are like poker. Even though it’s tempting to use coupons as soon as they are in your possession, sometimes it’s better to wait. After all, you have until the expiration date to use them.

On the one hand, you can buy something you buy every week and strategically use your coupons when that item IS NOT on sale, so you get it at a cheaper rate. Or, you can wait until they run it on sale, use your coupon and get it even cheaper. For example, a couple of weeks ago I cut out a Claritan-D coupon. ($3 off!) Today, I noticed Publix had their Claritan $4 off, I used my coupon and ended up getting $7 off the allergy medicine!! On the same trip, I had a BOGO Free for Glade Plug ins. Publix already had the Plug-ins BOGO Free. So I got 2 2 packs  (4 refills total) for $2.57. I got One for free and the other half off!!! The pharmacist who checked me out was impressed with the playing of my coupons.

So just keep in mind your strategy as you plan your next grocery trip. Once you use that coupon, you can’t get it back. (unless they run it in the paper again, or your make phone calls to your friends trying to get your hands on another one) Also beware, they expire on you before you know it. It’s a really bad feeling knowing you COULD’VE saved that money that time took away.