Grocery shopping: my coupon policy

I know there is a big debate about coupons and if they are really worth the time. I shopped at Giant on Sunday and saved $16 using coupons. I would go ahead and say, yes! Right now, that is a full tank of gas in my Honda Civic.

Every Sunday I save the coupons from the newspaper. I keep them filed in a little accordion thing. I only cut out the coupons that I think I will use. I hardly ever cut out the ones that say "save 50 cents when you buy 6" because that's just silly. I also cut the ones I think I might use. I also use the special coupon doublers in the circular. Sign up for the bonus card, they send you extra coupons in the mail, too.

Here is my coupon advice:

• Don't buy it if you won't use it.
  
• Beware, sometimes it's cheaper to buy the store brand without a coupon than the name brand with a coupon.
  
• Watch the fine print, expiration date, etc. If you have a question, ask the service desk.
  
• Use the coupons with the closest expiration date first.
  
• Keep your coupons in your car or with your reusable grocery bags (and I hope you use those) so you don't forget them.
  
• Look in the grocery store circular for sale items. The best time to use a coupon is when the items are on sale. Stock up if you can, when you can.
• Don't cut out ALL the coupons. You'll never use them all. Pick what you use, what you might use or what you would like to try.