Have you ever been out shopping and saw something on sale and you really didn't know if it was a good price or not? I have and it really frustrates me. Or, have you ever bought something thinking it was a good deal, just to pick up an ad and find out that another store had it cheaper? Just because it's on sale and the store tells you it's a good deal doesn't mean it is. It also doesn't mean you would want to pay that price.
Remember my cases of tomatoes? I shouldn't have taken so long to get over there, so I was very glad to see that they still had plenty left. The regular tomatoes were the same price as the organic Romas. Very rarely do I see tomatoes that reasonably priced. One other thing is to buy in "season". That means to stock up on produce during it's main growing season so you can get the best price. That's where canning, freezing, dehydrating can come in handy.
One thing I try to do is to learn the cost of things that I buy the most. That way if I'm out shopping and see a sale sign I will know if it is a price I would pay. Many people make a price book to help them remember the prices. It's a bit of work at the beginning to get it started and fill it in, but it will be helpful in saving you money. The amount of work involved will be worth the savings. You will also see which stores seem to consistantly have the best overall prices on the items that you like to purchase.
You can usually find information on price books on many of the couponing links. I've put a few links here that not only have information on price books, but an almost overwhelming amount of information on many topics that may be of interest to you.
Check out these sites. I haven't spent a lot of time on the first website. But the Organized Home and the Good Life Gazette are great. They include printables, lists that you can print for free to help keep you organized. Or you can just make your own in a notebook.
Price Book
Organized Home
Good Life Gazette
