Once, they would have called you "cheap". Now, it's just plain smart.

Saving money wherever you can has gone from Gran & Gramp's penny pinching casseroles to the modern frugalista. It's gotten so popular, you might soon be invited to a home party seminar. Huh?  Think Tupperware party ... with coupons.

However, there is much more to saving a buck than simply clipping and redeeming. You could save so much money, it feels like stealing! And after the first time you make it out of the store with $75 worth of merchandise that cost a mere $4.06 out of pocket, you'll be hooked.

But first things first:

The Rules

#1 Pair your coupon with a sale
Redeeming coupons on regularly priced items is a waste of your coupon. A sale beats a redemption every time, so unless your coupon is set to expire or you just can't bear to buy generic, save it. You could get the item for free or close to it by waiting a few weeks.

#2 Double dip
A little known fact is that most stores will allow you to pair a manufacturer's coupon with their in-store coupons, commonly found in their sale flyers (don't know the difference? If it says "only valid at FoodMart", it's a store coupon). Go to your usual store's website and print out their coupon policy to prove to stubborn cashiers or managers if they try to tell you otherwise.

#3 Stock up
When you hit a big sale, stock up. Sales are cyclical, so make sure you have enough on hand to last until the next cycle which may be up to 12 weeks away.

#4 Loss Leaders
Most premium grocery and pharmacy chains beat warehouse and discount stores by a country mile with their loss leaders. The items that appear on the top of their flyer are lures to get you into the store to buy more. Disciplined shoppers load up and plan their menus according to the haul. Go ahead: bottom feed.

#5 Brand Loyalty
Give up whatever brand loyalties you have. This is also a great excuse to try new products, and if you save a boatload while you're at it, why that's just win-win. You may also be surprised to realize that a brand name item bought on sale with a coupon is usually cheaper than your store's generic!

#6 Coupon collection
Your local newspaper usually has coupon inserts, but the bigger cities get the best value. Choose your subscription wisely! Search for online coupons, both on dedicated sites and on your favorite brands' websites. Fundraiser coupon books (such as The Entertainment Guide) often have high value coupons - one redemption might pay for the book's purchase.

#7 Menu planning
The best way to save on grocery costs is to sit down and plan a weekly menu. Make a shopping list and buy only those items, then commit to using up your stockpile. One-offs and impulse buys will erase your savings.

#8 Food co-ops
Save on farm fresh fruits, veggies, dairy, meat, and more by joining a food co-op. The best ones buy at farmers markets or from locals directly. A collective can barter for much better prices than the single family, but be prepared to help out with the work involved.

#9 Be organized
A proper system will keep you going. The serious coupon ninjas clip their savings and file them in a binder using trading card sheet protectors.

#10 Pass the envelope
Get a group of like-minded friends together for a coupon swap. Make an evening of it with some locally produced wine and cheese - that you got on sale, of course.

I've chopped my grocery bill in half.  Have you tried extreme couponing? Share your best savings story with us!

by Claire Rahn