I had a great time this last weekend with my friend Tracey. Us girls went triple coupon sale shopping at two local grocery stores- how fun! I watched as she eagerly approached the checkout counter with her stack of coupons.... the anticipation of saving all that money.

I realized with my dear friend that there is something that I take for granted in all of my deal shopping- knowing how the store's sales and coupons work. Part of the basic strategy in saving money at the grocery store or anywhere else is knowing how a store's sale works.

I was thinking about these details/ strategies that I don't even think about anymore. In an effort to help you with some coupon basics, I decided to compile a list of stores in my small town with how they accept coupons. I truly do live in a small town so if you want to add a store to this list, feel free to leave a comment & I'll update the main post. I hope this helps you.

Walmart: Manufacturer's coupons- accepts all manufacturer's coupons including internet printables; Store coupons- does not issue any store coupons; Miscellaneous- Walmart price matches all competitors including grocery stores if you bring in a current circular. They do not price match BOGO deals.

Target: Manufacturer's coupons- accepts all manufacturer's coupons including internet printables; Store coupons- Target issues their own store coupons via US Mail and some via their website. On any one item, you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon; Miscellaneous- No price matches done here.

CVS: Manufacturer's coupons- accepts all manufacturer's coupons including internet printables; Store coupons- CVS issues their own store coupons via US Mail, email, in the store, their website, and at the bottom of your receipt. On any one item, you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon; Miscellaneous- Some CVS stores accept competitor's coupons even for perscriptions and others do not.

Walgreens: Manufacturer's coupons- accepts all manufacturer's coupons including internet printables; Store coupons- Walgreens issues their own store coupons in the monthly Easysaver catalog and as in-ad coupons found in the weekly circular. On any one item, you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon; Miscellaneous- Walgreens also has a monthly rebate program. Details of these offers can be found in the monthly Easysaver catalog found near the store entrances.

Rite Aid: Manufacturer's coupons- accepts all manufacturer's coupons but not internet printables; Store coupons- Rite Aid issues their own store coupons in the weekly circular. On any one item, you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon; Miscellaneous- Rite Aid also has a monthly rebate program called the Single Check Rebate. Details of these offers can be found in the catalog found near the store entrances.