[KT!]

One of the easiest ways to save money is by checking your cash register receipt before leaving the store - especially grocery stores.

I got into the habit of doing that after I got home once and discovered I had been overcharged $2. The next day I returned to the store, which happened to be nearby, went to the service desk, and was refunded my money. While in the store, I purchased a few addition items, checked out, but decided to check the register receipt before going home this time. Glad I did, because once again I was overcharged $2!

Now you might think that was unique to that store, but I found that is not the case. I have been overcharged at other stores as well. Besides the couple of dollars here and there, on two separate occasions I have been refunded $8! The highest amount ever refunded was $12!!!!!!

You can be a savvy coupon user thinking you're saving a lot of money, but it all goes down the drain if this happens to you. I do use coupons consistently. But I have gotten into the habit of reviewing my receipt before leaving the store. Takes all of approximately 20 seconds. Don't even attempt to watch while your items are being rung up - too many distractions. Besides, even if it is rung up properly, which it usually is because of scanning, the computer for the registers may not have been programmed to deduct that loaf of bread that was "Buy 1/get 1 free" at the end of the transaction.

With the holidays coming up and a lot of shopping ahead of us, watch your receipts and save money!