As I have done more and more couponing, I have created a mental list of what are acceptable prices to pay for certain items. This list is continually expanding and changing, but I thought it would help provide some valuable insight to someone who is thinking, "Is this a good deal? Should I use my coupon now or save it for later?" Keep in mind, this is just my personal opinion, but I can usually find these prices often enough that I wait for them, and I find them across all brand names of a specific product. I will keep adding more to the list as I think of them.
Toothpaste $0.50, often $0.25-free
Deodorant $1-free
Shampoo and Conditioner $1, often $0.50
Body Wash $1-free
Laundry Soap, small bottles liquid, $2.99, often $1.99
Grapes, red or green seedless less than $1 a pound
Apples less than $1 a pound
Chicken - boneless skinless less than $2 a pound ($1.80)
Beef - ground $2.50 a pound
Beef- New York Strip steak $5.99 or less a pound
Produce $10 Fill it Fresh bag
Crackers $1.50 a box or less (often closer to $1)
Potato Chips $2 a bag or less (often $1.50 for Cheetos or Fritos)
Cereal $1.50-$1 a box (smaller boxes)
Hamburger Helper under $1 a box, often less than $0.75
Suddenly Salad under $1 a box, often less than $0.75
Pasta Sauce under $1 but usually more than $0.50 a can/jar
Pasta $0.50-free
Capri Sun $1.50-$1 a box
Coke 6 pk 1/2 liter bottles $2
Apple Juice 64 oz $1 (harder to find, but still possible)
Powerade, Gatorade 32 oz $0.50
Ice Cream 48 oz $2
What are some of your rules of thumb on stock-up prices? I'd love to know.
