Q: Stores vary in how many coupons they will accept and under what circumstances, so you need to know before you go in and spend a lot of time gathering products. Read the store's website and/or ask the store manager what their policies are regarding coupons.   Many stores will accept up to four identical coupons for a single purchase. For instance, if you have four $1 off Colgate coupons, you can use all four and save $4 on a single tube of toothpaste, which essentially will make the tube free. Still other stores, like Target, will allow one manufacturer coupon and one retailer coupon per item. Other stores, however, will only allow one coupon. These stores are not the best for extreme couponing as you only get a great deal if you have a very high value coupon. The best stores for extreme couponing will accept more than one coupon and will also double the value of coupons. This means if the coupon is for $.25 off, they will value it as $ .50 off. If they do double, make sure to find out if there are any limits on doubling, or if they only double on certain days. Since store policies vary, its important to keep a running list of every store you frequent, along with answers to questions about their specific store policies.  Check to see if the stores offer any kind of discounts for seniors, students, or military. Ask if they will price match competitors' ad prices and accept a coupon for the item on top of that. If a store does "BOGO" or buy-one-get-one free sales, ask if you have to buy two products to get the sale price. For instance, some stores will advertise BOGO shredded cheese, but actually you can choose to just buy one bag and get it at 50% off. Other stores require you to buy both bags of cheese to take advantage of the sale. Either policy is good, but the first policy allows you to take advantage of coupons on top of the sale and enjoy a larger percent savings. In order to maximize your savings, you need to combine sales, promotions, and coupons. For instance, if Target is having a special sale of a particular brand of yogurt for $2 and it is normally $3, you can use your two $1 off coupons and get it for free.  Decide which coupons are worth redeeming. Its not a good deal if you are buying a product you don't need and won't use, unless the item is shelf-stable. Coupons are really only worth redeeming if you would be buying the product regardless, or if the savings will make the product virtually free and you can give it to someone else. Check your weekly circulars for items that are on sale. Match up the coupons that you have with the items that are on sale. If you have multiples of the coupon, get as many of that item as you can, as long as the item is nonperishable. This will allow you to stock up on items so that you will never have to pay full price for something if you run out. Take advantage of matching sales with coupons at stores that allow you to double coupons. Look for "buy-one-get-one" deals and use a coupon on that. Some stores will allow you to use a coupon on the 2nd item that is discounted, so you can get even more savings. Depending on the types of coupons that you have gathered and the promotions at stores, you can take a couple of extreme couponing approaches:  Doubling: Some stores will match the value of a coupon, so that you end up saving double the face value of your coupon. This is an especially good strategy if the coupon value is high and the item itself is on sale. Stacking: Some stores will allow you to use a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon. Store-specific policies: Some stores will allow discounts for students, military, or senior citizens. Some will price-match other stores. Many extreme couponers experience negative or surprised reactions from sales clerks and other customers when they buy many identical items, and sometimes face resistance to complete the sale.  Sometimes cashiers are unaware of their own store's policy and will refuse to do a transaction. If you have read the store's policy, its a good idea to politely ask to speak to the manager. Occasionally, even a manager will refuse to allow a transaction that is within the company's policy. In that case, you don't have much recourse except to try another store. You can mitigate some of these reactions a bit by timing your shopping trip for when the store is very slow (try 8 am on a Tuesday for example), instead of timing it for rush hour or a weekend when your coupon redemption process will hold up the line at check-out.
A: Check your local store policies. Know what to ask. Match up your coupons with store circulars. Make your plan. Expect bizarre reactions.

Q: Everyone's body reacts differently to cancer. Your symptoms will also depend on what type of cancer you have. However, it is likely that you will deal with many physical changes. Finding ways to feel physically better can help you handle your illness.  Your doctor will be one of your greatest resources. After you have processed the initial diagnosis, schedule a follow-up appointment. Prepare a list of questions to ask. Writing them down ahead of time will help you remember key points. You can ask things such as, "How will this affect my energy levels and my appetite?" You could also say, "Are there any physical restrictions I should be aware of?" You may also want to ask about your short-term and long-term prognosis. Ask your doctor to be as honest and specific as possible. After you begin to understand your particular type of cancer, you can begin working to make a treatment plan. Many people feel better when they feel like they have a little bit of control over their medical care. Tell your doctor that you want to be involved in decision making.  Discuss whether you are going to pursue the most aggressive treatment possible. Sometimes surgery is an option but comes with risks. Talk to your doctor about all of your options. Give yourself time to think about each possible course of treatment. Involve your partner or a close family member in your decision-making process. It can be beneficial to have some advice from a person you are close to. Ask your partner to accompany you to your medical appointments. He or she can help you process all of the information you are taking in. Your treatment plan should also include ways to handle the day to day symptoms you will experience. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of your illness and medications. Make a plan to cope with anticipated physical symptoms.  Many cancer patients deal with pain. Talk to your doctor about prescription pain killers and natural remedies. Loss of appetite is another common problem. Keep foods on hand that are easier to digest, such as soup and oatmeal. Chemotherapy drugs can cause fatigue. Allow yourself extra time to rest. You might also feel better if you can do light physical activity, such as taking a short walk. Your sex drive might suffer. Have an honest conversation with your partner about other ways to still have intimacy. Try extra hugging and cuddling. It is important to try to be as healthy as possible when you are dealing with cancer. Your body needs plenty of nutrients to fight your illness. Try to eat a healthy diet.  A balanced diet can help you fight fatigue. Try to eat whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. If you are having trouble keeping foods down, try eating some homemade vegetable soup. You'll get lots of nutrients and hopefully avoid upsetting your stomach. Remember to stay hydrated. Cancer medications can cause dry mouth and cracked skin, so it is important to drink as much water as possible. Get plenty of rest. Allow yourself to take naps as needed and go to bed as early as you like. Average adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. You may need more. Although it is frustrating, you may not be able to complete all of your regular tasks. It's okay to delegate some of your responsibilities. Allow your friends and family to help.  When people offer to help, take them up on it. If your neighbor asks what she can do, it is perfectly fine to say, "It would be so helpful if you could pick up a few things for me the next time you are at the grocery store." Ask your partner to take over some extra responsibilities around the house. Maybe you've traditionally been the cook. It's okay to take some time off from making dinner. Talk to your boss about your situation. Explain that you may need to take a reduced role on some big projects.
A:
Talk to your doctor. Make a treatment plan. Manage your physical symptoms. Adopt healthy habits. Accept help.