This has to be one of the most frequently asked questions, which is better to buy: The store or the national brand of the product.

If you’re a couponer, that question is as easy as pie to answer. The national brand. Consider this, I regularly save 50% or better on my shopping, that includes non-couponed items too. That means I’m paying ½ for most goods So I put together these examples:

Skippy Peanut Butter was 2/$3 and $2/2 with my coupon or $1 each. The store brand was $2.49. To me this is a no contest decision. Or how about Dole Pineapple on sale for $1/can, the store brand $1.09. With $.50/2 doubled on the Dole, I paid $.50 each. Since I use a lot of both of these products I bought 4 jars of Skippy and 4 cans of Dole Pineapple slices in its own juice.

Bar S Hot Dogs were promoted at $.99 each, a good deal. But add my $1/2 coupon and each package was $.49. The store brand $1.19.

With a little planning you can achieve these bargains over and over again. Pick out a few good sales and try it yourself. I get emails all the time from coupon princes and princesses who accomplish exactly the same feat.

Switching brands depending on store sales and coupon availability is probably the best way to save. For example, this week Puffs tissues are on sale at my local store, and I have coupons that match the sale product providing a double savings. But, I also have coupons for Kleenex and Scott tissues since I feel the quality is about the same. So when those products go on sale I’ll still get a double savings with my accumulated coupons. But what of those products we won’t switch.

Brand Loyalty is certainly possible when couponing or refunding. My family loves Honey Nut Cheerios, and there’s no substitute for them. My strategy: wait for the Honey Nuts to go on sale, save the coupons, and buy the item in quantity. I may have 3 or 4 boxes in my pantry, all gotten at a great deal, and with coupons.

Use your judgment when it comes to shopping, but always make it fun and a challenge. Never let it overwhelm you.