If one can of beans costs $1.09 and another costs 99 cents, you’d only save a dime by choosing the 99-cent can. But smart shoppers know that saving a little money when you shop for things you use on a regular basis can add up.

Find out what else smart shoppers know and you’ll be able to help your parents find the best deals when you’re shopping together:

Advertised sale items are not always the best deal. Look for unadvertised specials, too. An empty shelf may mean smart shoppers have already loaded up on a good deal. Ask for a rain check.

Stock up when prices are low. Buy got-to-have items like
toilet paper, cereal and soap that are on sale, whether you
need them or not. Then you won’t need to make an emergency
trip to the store when they are full price.

Shop around. No one store is the low-price leader on all
items. Use a notebook to keep track of prices in different
stores. After a few weeks, see which store usually has the
lowest prices on the things you buy most often.

Check your receipt. Make sure scanned prices match
shelf prices. Some stores pay you the difference if their
scanners scan the wrong price.