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Pitching a fit, shouting, stomping and causing all types of commotion and you’re usually guaranteed not to get what you were seeking. And if your coupon is accepted you’re likely not going to want to return. I agree it can be frustrating, but getting satisfaction through diplomacy has it’s own rewards.

First, ask calmly to speak to a store manager about the coupon issue, politely ask him or her to please tell you why your coupon cannot be accepted. Then, regardless of the reason, if the coupon is valid, ask them to make an exception. If your a regular shopper at that store you will likely receive a favorable reply, and it never hurts to ask.

If that doesn’t work, write down the name of the manager you dealt with, along with the date and time you spoke and follow up later with written correspondence to the stores upper management or customer service department. Include a photocopy of the coupon for best response.

If the store doesn’t accept coupons printed from home, or so-called Internet coupons, ask that they make an exception since you regularly shop at their stores. Inform them that despite the fact that the coupons were printed from your home printer they are valid coupons offered by the product manufactures through websites like zorkler.com, couponcabin.com and coupons.com.

At minimum if the coupon policy wasn’t clearly posted at the store insist that it is going forward. You shouldn’t have been forced to confront them because of their customer service failures. One reader suggested printing out a copy of the stores coupon policy, most post it on their website. That way, if you encounter a store employee that is uninformed on the stores coupon policy you have your ammo ready and there’s no hard feelings.

You might also check your own state laws about coupons, expiration dates and their acceptance. In my own state, stores are not allowed to double manufacturers coupons except in the case of a new stores grand opening event, which is limited to two weeks.

Lastly, if you’re double dipping (using both a manufacturer and a store coupon in a single transaction) present any manufacturer coupons BEFORE presenting store issued coupons.

Saving money with coupons and rebates is easy, with an organized coupon caddy. Not using coupons is like throwing away money each week.

#1 Get a coupon caddy. This can be as simple as a wallet size accordion file system (available at an office supply company like Office Depot), an old recipe index card box with dividers, or a full blown coupon caddy.

#2 Clip coupons, clip everything except products you are absolutely sure your family won’t use. I suggest you clip everything because you never know when a coupon offer will result in a free item. Even if you can’t use it, you can donate it to a local homeless shelter or charitable organization.

#3 Organize your coupons by product or department, like paper goods, to make sifting through them easier.

#4 Go through your old coupons each week, and destroy any expired offers. Those near expiration should be moved into a special folder. Check this folder each week to see if you can use it up. You can donate expired coupons to a military PX (they are good for an extra 60 days on bases).

#5 Shop the store specials first, every week. If you pick up just a few extra sale items each week your pantry will be stocked, reducing your shopping trips to once every two weeks in no time.

#6 Check per ounce or per pound price to determine a products best value. Many stores note this price in very small print on the shelf price tags. Use your coupons for sizes that give you the best discount. (take a pocket size calculator if needed).

#7 Complete any rebate forms promptly, before you forget. Make sure that you print legibly, or your rebate or refund may be rejected. Be sure to make copies of everything, and note on your calendar the anticipated due date for the refund. When it comes, line it out so you can keep track of the ones you may need to follow up on.

#8 When using coupons you have to be “brand” flexible. However, that doesn’t mean that if you end up not liking the product, you loose out. Take the manufacturer up on their guarantee or offer for satisfaction and drop them a line. (always be nice).

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I often find it amazing that we can get fresh strawberries, a variety of out of season fruits and vegetables like asparagus in the dead of winter.

Transportation and delivery efficiency has increased greatly from just 10-20 years ago. Along with this new efficiency of getting products to market faster comes risk, possible increased exposure to food borne illnesses that can sicken hundreds if not thousands of people at a time.

Buying local, and in season can reduce some of this risk but not remove it entirely. Buying local however opens the possibility of knowing your supplier, or at least from where your food is coming. Often this food is of better quality and, you are supporting your local economy.

As always, proper storage, cleaning and preparation go along way to improving safety and reducing risk. Always wash your fruits and vegetables well before use, washing your hands thoroughly after each new item. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping meats and produce separate.

For more on buying local, type ‘buy local’ and your ‘city name’ into Google.

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