Stores like to gain your loyalty by offering all sorts of promotions and to encourage multiple purchases. Some good, some not. The discriminating shopper can tell the difference.

One of my favorites requires spending anywhere from $15 to $30 in a single shopping trip and earning $5 to $10 back in rewards. Is this a worthwhile deal? Yes and no. First, you have to know the best prices of the items. Next you have to determine the quantity required and the type of item, perishable or not. And last, do you have corresponding coupon.

Here’s an example. Procter & Gamble offered $10 back on a $30 purchase of their products. Puffs were 3/$5, Charmin double rolls 6 pack for $6.99, Bounty 8 pack $5.99, Cascade $3.99 and Bounce $3.99. Some of the prices were higher than the best sales, but I did have coupons on all the items and then of course was the $10 for my next shopping trip.

So in this case I made the purchase, but savvy shopping is important. Keep in mind the following:
• Know the best price of the product
• Decide if the quantity is right for you
• Use coupons to maximize your savings