Obsessed much?

I have an ongoing joke with my sister... it stems from a Friends TV Show Trivia game. I am a Friends whiz, it's hands down my favorite show. I can kick anyone's butt who challenges me- bring it on. However, aside from that I do not have something that I am really good at. Maybe just a few things I do okay with. So, our joke begins where I start off many sentences by saying "I am not good and many things... but....". Not laughing? Well, if you keep up with my blog you will remember that I stink at explaining things. But, trust me, it's funny.

I am not good at many things, but getting a bargain is one of them. I can honestly find any deal, any time, anywhere. I rarely buy anything (groceries aside) that is not on clearance, preferably 75% off with a coupon on top of that.
I have 2 coupon files. One for food/grocery items. One for personal care. Each is organized by type (for instance, snacks, meats, dog items, makeup/face, soap etc.) They are with me at all times! You never know when you might have to stop off at the store.
Target is by far my favorite place to find deals, "end cap cruising" is the only way to do it. Rite Aid is a close second, they have LOTS of 75% off items.
Here is how it's done. Enter Target. Ignore all colorful and inviting bags, purses, and other cute stuff. Focus only on signs that say "clearance". Look for the infamous orange/red sticker. Open coupon book and assess if there is a corresponding coupon for the item. But, adopt the policy that if you don't need it, can't use it, or don't know someone who can, then pass (i.e: Depends Men's Guards). I have also bought excess toothpaste, soap, deodorant and kept some, donated the rest to shelters, soup kitchens, needy families, etc.
And, admittedly, I have bought those items that I couldn't use, and been sorry later.

Need something specific? Here is Target's mark down schedule. (Thank you Jerry Seawood for the insider info!)

Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday - Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items
Thursday - House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

After holiday's:
50% off the day after holiday for three days
75% off the fourth day after holiday for three days
90% off the seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days.

Other places to look:
Rite Aid/Walgreen's/CVS: Scope isles and end-caps for "discontinued", "clearance", and "last chance". This is where I get most of my cosmetics for less and $2 each when they are 75% off plus a dollar off with a coupon. Also, I have paid about .25 cents for toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. Cleaning products, diapers, and other baby products are also something you can find in these stores.
For clothing, I try to wait for the "Friends and Family" coupons. Most stores do them once or twice per year. There are few restrictions on them, so they can be used on top of sale or clearance. The Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor Loft are some of my favorites.
For toys, I do hit the yard sales. But, avoid stuffed animals- they can be nasty. I like to stick to plastic type toys and I have gotten some steals on name brand clothes and shoes. I operate usually with the motto "if I would live there, I will shop there". If I pull up and am not sure, I keep going.
Ok, so after typing this, I realize it may be a little over the top, but oh well! Shopping is something I enjoy. Retail therapy is a real thing for me. To make it possible, I have to find the deals in order to not go broke.
I might add, we use an envelope system for our finances (maybe a post for another day), and this bargaining I like to do is figured into the budget, so The Mister is happy and so am I!!