Maximizing retail coupons

I really thought I long finished with back-to-school clothes shopping, having stocked up on some post-Memorial Day deals. But with growing kids, well, several of those shorts that I counted to still fit back in early June don't anymore.

Typically I turn to the clearance racks and look for sales. Still did that today. But I must say I'm loving those coupons that some stores, such as JCPenney and Kohl's, put out pretty regularly.

My three tips for using these coupons:

1. Make a spending plan and stick to it. If you only have $50 to spare or only need a specific item, don't go crazy because it's on clearance or you have a coupon. I sometimes have a problem with this, but I'm getting better.

2. Know what's in your closet to make sure you buy stuff that coordinates with the rest of your stuff. You don't want your purchase just hanging in the closet because nothing goes with it, even if you got it for 80 percent off.

3. Keep the coupons handy in your purse or car. If you are on a budget, you aren't likely to waste gas to go back home for the coupons each time you forget.

I had four JCPenney coupons in my purse today. One was for $10 off any $10 purchase, and the three others were for $10 off purchases of $25 or more.

I knew that I needed to get my daughter at least three shorts and two capris to keep her stylish — and me not doing laundry for a week. I didn't want to spend more than $50 on everything. My preference was keeping her total to $35, after coupons. And I pretty much did.

After trying on clothes, I carefully grouped them in the privacy of the fitting room. The first $10 coupon went with the shorts for $10.99. My damage: $1.08 after coupon. All the others were sorted to total just over $25. One was actually short by 2 cents because one of the capris was less than on the tag, but the sales lady let me use the coupon anyway. This typically doesn't happen to me.

In all, she ended up with five shorts, two capris and two tops for about $37. I even got me a cute work blouse, because I will be working again soon, for around $11 (after coupon), for a grand total of $47.73. If I didn't buy the blouse, my total would have been about $40 using three coupons.

I probably should have left the extras — two tops and sporty knit shorts — behind (see tip No. 1). I would have saved $17, the most expensive grouping of the bunch. But I still have a hard time saying no to my daughter.