I must admit for many products, it is not the brand name, or the quantity that you buy, but from which store you buy that product, that will make the biggest difference in price.

Costco, and Wal Mart are the two biggest stores that pride themselves on saving you money. But what about in your neighborhood? What about those stores within two, three, or four miles from your home?

I am have gotten hooked on a Starbucks Doubleshot Mocha energy drink. I am not talking about something I have to go to a Starbucks coffee house. It comes in a 15 ounce can. I can buy it at wherever most energy beverages are sold. This is something I treat myself about two to three time per week.

I have found that within a 1.5 miles, of my home, I can find the same product with a 90 cent variation in price. That is right I said 90 cents.

The Jacksons gas/convince store sell the 15 ounce container for $2.49. Walgreen sells the same thing for $2.99. If I am driving by the Winco, which is 1.5 miles for my home. It is there I get the best deal of $2.09 per can. I find this holds true for many product that we use around the house. Then there are times the price changes.

Now, I know it cost me 68 cents per mile to drive my car. If I am going to drive anywhere to save money on any one or group of products, I must factor in the round trip travel to get that savings.

One other thing I must consider. If I am pricing for any item, large or small in price. I must added in my travel cost. Why would I spend $5 in travel to get a $2 saving on a DVD.

My wife and I are looking at getting a new couch. We are stopping by furniture store, looking at what is available, and trying to decide what we want. We expect to spend approximately $15 traveling back and forth from different furniture store before we decide on what we want and buy. I guarantee that we will save more than $30 on that couch when we buy it.

Tags: couch, energy drink, Jacksons, softa, Starbuck's