Albertson's coupon policy is the most generous one I have found in the area.  While double coupons are a thing of the past around here, Albertsons honors competitor grocery store coupons -- Safeway, Fred Meyer, Top Foods, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, etc. but not department store coupons such as from Target.  These competitor coupons usually say "This product for this price."  Then, if you have a matching manufacturer's coupon (or 2!) you can further expand your savings!  And to top that off, Albertsons will redeem those "$5 off $50" store coupons found in the Entertainment book and occasionally in other direct mail advertising.  Albertsons will redeem 7-10 competitor's coupons per transaction (depending on the mood of the cashier.)  So let's try to keep those cashiers happy!  Albertsons Rain Checks are good 30 days, so I am always asking for them when they are out of something.  I keep my Rain Checks in a envelope attached to the clipboard I use to hold the Guide while at Albertsons.

Over the past couple of years, I have come to appreciate Fred Meyer's Everyday Value section.  The list of staples that you can find at a decent price everyday continues to grow.  Iceberg Lettuce for $.78/head -- everyday.  Bananas for $.59/# etc, etc.  While Fred Meyer doesn't total up the overall savings on the receipt quite like Albertsons does, you will know that you are getting a great deal when you are shopping off the Guide.  My favorite deal at Fred Meyer are the about twice a year Colgate Rebate deals.  Fred Meyer Rain Checks are good for 60 days.

Between their store coupons and their "One Check Rebate" program, there are some great deals to be had at Rite Aid!  There is seldom a week that goes by that there isn't something that is free (plus tax) after rebate and sometimes better than free if there is a manufacturer's coupon to boot!  The place to be careful with Rite Aid is when they advertise "2 for $5," they mean, "the first item costs $4.25 and the second item costs $.75."  So you must buy the total number of items advertised in the deal to get the best price per item.  Also, sometimes a cashier will say that you cannot redeem two coupons on one item.  What they mean is you cannot redeem two manufacturer coupons on one item.  Just gently point out that the Rite Aid coupon code starts with the letters "RA" and is therefore a store coupon.  And yes, you can redeem one store coupon and one manufacturer's coupon on one item.