Know you're store's Coupon Policy.  Not all stores follow the corporate rules.  Print it out and take it with you.  The last thing you need at the daunting check-out line is an argument about procedure.  Know the double policy.  Some stores even have a policy on internet coupons.

This is the #1 way to save you the most money.  Keep an eye out at your favorite stores, most stores operate on sale cycles that occur every 6-10 weeks.  So, no need to freak out if you miss the deal on free toothpaste...it WILL come back around.  Knowing sale cycles can also help you gauge the number of items that you will need to stock up on.  If you know that $1.00 for a box of your favorite cereal is a great deal you might need to get (6) coupons to get you through until the next sale.  This "Strategy" is also going to start to put the biggest dent in you budget...you will be able to take cereal off of your grocery list for a while AND it was purchased at a rock bottom price.   Finding sites and blogs that help you "match-up" coupons and sales is a great way to be in the know.

Buying the smaller item with a coupon in some cases can save you money. Try and look for the smallest size on the item and compare it to the Value/Family sized item.  

Begin to keep a list of you lowest purchase price on the items that you regularly buy.  If you know that the $1.00 box of cereal is the lowest you have paid for it, then when a sale starts and cereal is $1.50 a box you know that you can wait.  Unit pricing to compare items is a great way.  

Below is unit pricing for many of the items at Costco (this may help you compare to the smaller grocery chains that don't offer "bulk" items).  

                                                         

                                                 Costco versus Coupons

FYI~

So I ran out to return/rent a Redbox movie tonight, and stopped by my local Target to price check a few items, but I also purchased a few items for the sake of the blog...lol :)

1. Wheat Thins/Triscuits: I used a $1off of two Nabisco Crackers TARGET online coupon that I stacked with (2) 1$/1 off Manufacturer coupons from the Sunday inserts. Making the Wheat Thins and Triscuits $1.00 each.
2. Huggies Wipes: I used a online coupon for $.75/1.  This coupon did not state that it could be used on a "travel sized" item, so this is my example of getting a great deal on a smaller quantity item (I love these for my purse or the car!)  This item UNIT PRICED at less than$0.04  cents a wipe, which if you took a look at the Unit Pricing sheet is a great value.  Total Price: $.52 cents.
3. Scrubbing Bubbles: I used (2) $2/1 online coupon that I found the other day (these high value coupons reached their "print limit" quickly, but I got 2), and Stacked them with (2) $.50 cent TARGET online coupons...making these items FREE.
4. Vaseline: I used a $1/1 manufacturer coupon from the Sunday inserts...again, this item did not state that it could not be used on a travel size.  Total Price $.29 cents.
5. Wooden Bowl: Clearanced Priced to $3.54 in the Home goods section...keep your eye out at Target there were tons of Clearance finds down the aisles. (I honestly was in need of a new "fruit bowl." :)