WHERE TO FIND COUPONS & DEALS
Newspaper Inserts:
The first place you probably think of to look for coupons is in the Sunday newspaper. If you have family and/or friends who are willing to send you their weekly inserts, that is even better. You are generally allowed to use one coupon for each item (or combination of items) you buy, so having multiple of the items you use most is beneficial. Make sure to keep an eye on your local store fliers for sale items you can match up with coupons.

Online Coupons:
National brand often make their coupons available via online services, such as Coupons.com. All you need is a printer, and you can print coupons right from your own house for free! Some grocery stores have also started tying in their shoppers cards with these online coupons, so you don't even have to print the coupons to get the savings. Check with your local grocery stores (I know Kroger does this).

Brands:

There are many brands that also offer coupons via their websites. By signing up for their newsletters, you will often be given access to coupons and/or free samples.

If you purchase baby formula, be sure to sign up for the mailing list for the brand you have chosen. Most major brands send out retail ‘checks,’ which can usually be used in conjunction with regular coupons.

Grocery Stores:

Always sign up for store loyalty shopper cards, where available. Some grocery stores prints out additional coupons you receive after making a purchase, which are likely to be related to your purchase patterns.

TIP: I make all my purchases on credit cards that give me some kind of rebate or reward ( I prefer cash back). My favorite card is the American Express Blue Card, followed closely by the Discover Card. If you are a frequent traveler, you may prefer to use a card that gives you points toward airline flights or hotel stays.

Grocery Store Fliers:

Most grocery stores in your area will have fliers in the local newspapers, or at the front of their store. In my area, fliers and coupons are mainly in the Sunday paper, so I only subscribe for weekend delivery. Here is a great resource to check out weekly fliers in your area online: About-Couponing

TIP: Another site that lets you compare prices at retail stores in your area is http://salescircular.com.

Coupon Trading and Services:
If you buy a certain item frequently, you may benefit from trading coupons or buying them via a service (e.g., CouponMaster). You can also buy them via eBay.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST DEAL
Unit Pricing:

To figure out the best deal on any individual product (regardless of size or brand), you will have to look at the price that is charged per unit. If you don’t already have one, invest in a small calculator (Amazon, etc.) to bring with you to the grocery store.

Price Book:

Keep a running list of item costs at the grocery stores you shop most frequently. When you look through the fliers of area store, be sure to note if there is an item on sale that may truly be a good deal (and stockpile, if possible). For more information on how to get started, as well as a free template, visit OrganizedHome.

Buying in Bulk:

There are several chains now where you can buy in bulk as a non-business customer. If you have a large family, you may opt to pay the membership for Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale, or Costco. There are also some stores, such as GFS (Gordon Food Service/GFS Marketplace), where you can buy in bulk without paying a membership fee. When shopping in bulk, it is especially important that you be aware of Unit Pricing, and refer to your established Price Book to be sure you are really getting a deal. Avoid the temptation to ‘try something new’ in a bulk buying situation. Try to stick with buying ‘staple’ products, preferably non-perishables (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels, etc.). If you buy anything in bulk that is perishable, be sure to stick it in the freezer right away. After all, you have not saved anything if you end up throwing out most of what you buy!