48 Hour Sale (Sat. & Sun. only):
85/15 ground beef: $1.99/lb
Wish-Bone Bountiful dressing: $0.99 - $1 (3-15 RP) = FREE
Pork loin rib: $0.99/lb
Strawberries, 2 lb: $1.99
Pork Loin chops: $1.79/lb (cheaper than Kroger)
Dawn dish soap: $1 - $0.50 doubled (P&G coupon booklet) - $0.50 P&G Esaver loadable = $0.50 overage! or $1 - $0.25 tripled (4-5 PG) - $0.50 loadable = $0.25 overage!
Yoplait Go-gurt: $2.50 - $0.35 tripled (4-19 SS) = $1.45 for 8-pack
O Organics Mini Peeled carrots: $1/lb
Zucchini: $1/lb
More items towards the Living Well/Feeling Great promo:
Yoplait yogurt: $0.50 (must buy 10) - $0.40 off 6 doubled = $0.37 each. If you buy 20, then you get a coupon for $2 OYNSO.
Nabisco Wheat Thins Artisan Cheese crackers: $3.49? (I seem to remember seeing these as part of the promo, but you might want to double check me.) - BOGO (3-15 SS) = 2/$3.49
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter: $1.99 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 RP) = $0.99
Free Safeway Refreshe water (24 pack) with purchase of three Special K products: The water will probably ring up as free, so it won't count towards your $30 total, but the Special K products do. 4-5 RP had coupons for Kellogg's cereal ($1 off) and Special K protein products ($0.70 off).
Dial soap: $1 - $0.35 tripled (3-8 SS) = FREE
2 free boxes of Safeway pasta with purchase of 2 Classico sauces at $2 each - $1 off 2 coupon (this was in a Kroger insert that came in the paper. Sorry, I don't remember the date.) = $3 for 2 jars of sauce and 2 boxes of pasta
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Kroger - 4/22 - 4/28
Bananas: 3 lbs for $1
Strawberries, 16 oz or blackberries, 1/2 pint: 2/$3
Zucchini or yellow squash: $0.97/lb
Broccoli crowns: $0.97/lb
Whole Chicken, Thighs, or Drumsticks: $0.69/lb (use $0.75 off Pilgrim's Pride coupon from 1-25 SS to get it even cheaper)
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish: $0.99
Capri-Sun: $1.79 - $1 (4-19 SS) = $0.79
Pork Chops: $1.99/lb
On-Cor entree: $1.99 - $0.30 tripled (1-25 RP or 3-1 RP) = $1.09
Green beans: $0.99/lb
Organic apples: $0.99/lb
Kroger Value russet potatoes, 10 lb bag: $3.77
FREEBIES
Suave deodorant: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Angel Soft toilet paper, 4 rolls: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
Pillsbury Brownie Mix: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Quaker Quakes: $0.99 - $1 (3-29 RP) = FREE
Birds Eye Steamfresh vegetables: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 SS) = FREE
McCormick GrillMates seasoning: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) or $1 (3-15 RP) = FREE
Strawberries, 16 oz or blackberries, 1/2 pint: 2/$3
Zucchini or yellow squash: $0.97/lb
Broccoli crowns: $0.97/lb
Whole Chicken, Thighs, or Drumsticks: $0.69/lb (use $0.75 off Pilgrim's Pride coupon from 1-25 SS to get it even cheaper)
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish: $0.99
Capri-Sun: $1.79 - $1 (4-19 SS) = $0.79
Pork Chops: $1.99/lb
On-Cor entree: $1.99 - $0.30 tripled (1-25 RP or 3-1 RP) = $1.09
Green beans: $0.99/lb
Organic apples: $0.99/lb
Kroger Value russet potatoes, 10 lb bag: $3.77
FREEBIES
Suave deodorant: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Angel Soft toilet paper, 4 rolls: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
Pillsbury Brownie Mix: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Quaker Quakes: $0.99 - $1 (3-29 RP) = FREE
Birds Eye Steamfresh vegetables: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 SS) = FREE
McCormick GrillMates seasoning: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) or $1 (3-15 RP) = FREE
Couponing Basics - Walgreens Register Rewards Program
The Register Rewards program is similar to the ECB program, so instead of going through it all again, I will just go through the differences.
1. There are no overall limits. Whereas at CVS, if the limit is 2, you can buy both in one transaction, or separate transactions, but you can only buy 2. At Walgreens, items that earn RRs have no limit, but you can only buy one per transaction. For instance, this month, Walgreens has had Chapstick free after RRs. If you were to buy two Chapsticks at $2 each, you would only receive $2 in RR. If you buy one Chapstick, you receive $2 in RR, then you can turn around and buy another Chapstick and receive another $2 in RR.
2. You cannot use RRs earned from one promo on the same promo. In the above example, if you used your $2 RR from the first transaction to buy the second Chapstick, then you would not get another $2 in RR. But, if you have $2 in RRs from a different promo, then you can use those.
3. The total number of manufacturer's coupons + RRs cannot exceed the number of items. For instance, if you buy 3 items and have manufacturer coupons for each item, then you will not be able to use your RRs as well. In order to use your RRs to pay, you will need to find a cheap filler item.
4. RRs expire much more quickly than ECBs. I think they typically expire in two weeks, so definitely keep an eye on that, since two weeks always seems to sneak up on me!
1. There are no overall limits. Whereas at CVS, if the limit is 2, you can buy both in one transaction, or separate transactions, but you can only buy 2. At Walgreens, items that earn RRs have no limit, but you can only buy one per transaction. For instance, this month, Walgreens has had Chapstick free after RRs. If you were to buy two Chapsticks at $2 each, you would only receive $2 in RR. If you buy one Chapstick, you receive $2 in RR, then you can turn around and buy another Chapstick and receive another $2 in RR.
2. You cannot use RRs earned from one promo on the same promo. In the above example, if you used your $2 RR from the first transaction to buy the second Chapstick, then you would not get another $2 in RR. But, if you have $2 in RRs from a different promo, then you can use those.
3. The total number of manufacturer's coupons + RRs cannot exceed the number of items. For instance, if you buy 3 items and have manufacturer coupons for each item, then you will not be able to use your RRs as well. In order to use your RRs to pay, you will need to find a cheap filler item.
4. RRs expire much more quickly than ECBs. I think they typically expire in two weeks, so definitely keep an eye on that, since two weeks always seems to sneak up on me!
Couponing Basics - CVS Extra Care Bucks Program
I'm going to explain CVS' ECB program first, since it's a little less complicated than Walgreens'!
In order to take advantage of this program, you need an ExtraCare card, which you can get online or in the store. Each week, CVS will run specials where when you buy a certain item, you will receive a certain amount of ECBs. (CVS will also run a monthly ad, where certain items give ECBs all month.) ECBs are like cash and can be used towards anything on your next purchase (except prescriptions, stamps, dairy, tobacco, and alcohol). Often, the amount of ECBs you receive will equal the price of the item. For example, let's say shaving cream costs $2.99, but is FAECB (free after Extra Care Bucks). You will pay out of pocket $2.99 for the shaving cream. At then end of your receipt, your $2.99 in ECBs will print out. Bring this the next time you come in, and use it towards your next purchase.
Here's the great thing about ECBs, though... if you have a coupon for that shaving cream, say for $1 off, then you will pay $1.99 out of pocket, but still receive $2.99 in ECBs. You have then made $1!
Usually the items that offer ECBs have a limit on them. These limits are posted in the ad (though sometimes, the limit ends up being more). At the end of your receipt (before the ECBs) print, it will say something like this:
This Week's Extra Care Bucks Offers:
Shaving Cream, Buy 1 Get 2.99 EB
* Offer Limit Reached
This is how you know you have reached your limit. If you have not reached your limit, it will look something like this:
This Week's Extra Care Bucks Offers:
Shaving Cream, Buy 1 Get 2.99 EB
Quantity Toward this Reward 1
Quantity Needed to Earn Reward 1
A lot of couponers have more than one CVS card (you can get one for every person in the household), in order to get around these limits. I, personally, like to keep it simple, and more than one card is too much for me to keep up with, but it's definitely something to keep in mind, if you want to get more bargains!
Now that's how you earn the ECBs, so let's talk a little bit about spending them...
There are really only a few things to remember when spending your ECBs.
1. Don't use more than your total. You will not get change back. If your total is $3, and your ECB is worth $3.25, find something worth $0.25 or more (you will hear these items referred to as "fillers"). Gum, candy, anything that you can get for as close to that value as possible.
2. The ECBs are like coupons, in that they decrease the amount of sales tax you pay. So if your total is $9.25, and you pay with three $3 ECBs, then you might end up going negative and needing a filler, because your tax will decrease.
3. There are no limits on how many ECBs you can use, as long as it doesn't go over your total.
4. You can use ECBs earned from one product to purchase the same product (as long as the ECB limit hasn't been reached). For instance, if the ECB limit on the shaving cream is 2, then you can buy the first shaving cream at $2.99, use your $1 coupon, for $1.99 total, and receive your $2.99 in ECBs. On your second transaction, you can buy another shaving cream for $1.99 ($2.99 - $1 coupon), buy something else for at least $1, and then use the $2.99 ECBs from the first transaction to pay for it. You will pay almost nothing out of pocket and still receive another $2.99 in ECBs. This is what is referred to as "rolling" your ECBs. This is a little different from Walgreens, which I will explain in the next post.
5. It really is best to not just blow all your ECBs on random stuff that doesn't generate any more ECBs. It's all about getting the most for your dollar. Look at this example:
Transaction 1:
shaving cream $2.99 - $1 coupon = $1.99
Receive $2.99 ECBs
Transaction 2:
shaving cream $2.99 - $1 coupon = $1.99
Shampoo $4 - $2 coupon = $2 (this promo gives $2 ECBs for each shampoo you buy)
Pay with $2.99 ECBs, for a total out of pocket (oop) of $1. Receive $2.99 in ECBs & $2 ECBs.
For these two transactions, you have spent $2.99 total oop, and you still have $4.99 in ECBs to use on your third transaction. If, on your second transaction, you had instead bought sodas and candy for a total of $2.99 (that doesn't generate any ECBs), and paid with your ECBs from your first transaction, then you would have spent $1.99 oop total, but now do not have any more ECBs to use.
6. ECBs do expire, usually in about a month. Keep an eye on them, and don't let them expire!
So... clear as mud??? Feel free to post any questions you have. I will be more than happy to clarify!
In order to take advantage of this program, you need an ExtraCare card, which you can get online or in the store. Each week, CVS will run specials where when you buy a certain item, you will receive a certain amount of ECBs. (CVS will also run a monthly ad, where certain items give ECBs all month.) ECBs are like cash and can be used towards anything on your next purchase (except prescriptions, stamps, dairy, tobacco, and alcohol). Often, the amount of ECBs you receive will equal the price of the item. For example, let's say shaving cream costs $2.99, but is FAECB (free after Extra Care Bucks). You will pay out of pocket $2.99 for the shaving cream. At then end of your receipt, your $2.99 in ECBs will print out. Bring this the next time you come in, and use it towards your next purchase.
Here's the great thing about ECBs, though... if you have a coupon for that shaving cream, say for $1 off, then you will pay $1.99 out of pocket, but still receive $2.99 in ECBs. You have then made $1!
Usually the items that offer ECBs have a limit on them. These limits are posted in the ad (though sometimes, the limit ends up being more). At the end of your receipt (before the ECBs) print, it will say something like this:
This Week's Extra Care Bucks Offers:
Shaving Cream, Buy 1 Get 2.99 EB
* Offer Limit Reached
This is how you know you have reached your limit. If you have not reached your limit, it will look something like this:
This Week's Extra Care Bucks Offers:
Shaving Cream, Buy 1 Get 2.99 EB
Quantity Toward this Reward 1
Quantity Needed to Earn Reward 1
A lot of couponers have more than one CVS card (you can get one for every person in the household), in order to get around these limits. I, personally, like to keep it simple, and more than one card is too much for me to keep up with, but it's definitely something to keep in mind, if you want to get more bargains!
Now that's how you earn the ECBs, so let's talk a little bit about spending them...
There are really only a few things to remember when spending your ECBs.
1. Don't use more than your total. You will not get change back. If your total is $3, and your ECB is worth $3.25, find something worth $0.25 or more (you will hear these items referred to as "fillers"). Gum, candy, anything that you can get for as close to that value as possible.
2. The ECBs are like coupons, in that they decrease the amount of sales tax you pay. So if your total is $9.25, and you pay with three $3 ECBs, then you might end up going negative and needing a filler, because your tax will decrease.
3. There are no limits on how many ECBs you can use, as long as it doesn't go over your total.
4. You can use ECBs earned from one product to purchase the same product (as long as the ECB limit hasn't been reached). For instance, if the ECB limit on the shaving cream is 2, then you can buy the first shaving cream at $2.99, use your $1 coupon, for $1.99 total, and receive your $2.99 in ECBs. On your second transaction, you can buy another shaving cream for $1.99 ($2.99 - $1 coupon), buy something else for at least $1, and then use the $2.99 ECBs from the first transaction to pay for it. You will pay almost nothing out of pocket and still receive another $2.99 in ECBs. This is what is referred to as "rolling" your ECBs. This is a little different from Walgreens, which I will explain in the next post.
5. It really is best to not just blow all your ECBs on random stuff that doesn't generate any more ECBs. It's all about getting the most for your dollar. Look at this example:
Transaction 1:
shaving cream $2.99 - $1 coupon = $1.99
Receive $2.99 ECBs
Transaction 2:
shaving cream $2.99 - $1 coupon = $1.99
Shampoo $4 - $2 coupon = $2 (this promo gives $2 ECBs for each shampoo you buy)
Pay with $2.99 ECBs, for a total out of pocket (oop) of $1. Receive $2.99 in ECBs & $2 ECBs.
For these two transactions, you have spent $2.99 total oop, and you still have $4.99 in ECBs to use on your third transaction. If, on your second transaction, you had instead bought sodas and candy for a total of $2.99 (that doesn't generate any ECBs), and paid with your ECBs from your first transaction, then you would have spent $1.99 oop total, but now do not have any more ECBs to use.
6. ECBs do expire, usually in about a month. Keep an eye on them, and don't let them expire!
So... clear as mud??? Feel free to post any questions you have. I will be more than happy to clarify!
Earth Day Deals
In honor of Earth Day, there are a few deals to take advantage of:
1. Free Reynolds foil after mail-in rebate. The rebate form is only available for download today (but you do have until May 4 to purchase the foil). Here is the link for the form.
2. HEB is giving away a free reusable shopping bag when you bring in 5 plastic bags (I'm not sure if a purchase is also required or not).
3. 15% off all purchases and a free reusable shopping bag at Walgreens. Print coupon here.
1. Free Reynolds foil after mail-in rebate. The rebate form is only available for download today (but you do have until May 4 to purchase the foil). Here is the link for the form.
2. HEB is giving away a free reusable shopping bag when you bring in 5 plastic bags (I'm not sure if a purchase is also required or not).
3. 15% off all purchases and a free reusable shopping bag at Walgreens. Print coupon here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Couponing Basics - The "rules" of couponing
Ok, maybe not "rules," per se, but many of these things were things I had to unlearn, as far as what I considered to be smart shopping.
1. Stockpile. Grocery stores run on a sales cycle, which means, for instance, one week meat might be on sale, the next week, paper goods, the next week, frozen foods, etc. Grocery stores bank on the fact that most people do their shopping every week/two weeks, so while they might be buying some things at the sale price, the rest they will be paying at full price. The whole "goal" of couponing is to build stockpiles, so that you never have to buy anything when you actually need it. Of course certain things you can't avoid (like produce), but most things you can buy when it's cheap/free/close to free and stockpile until at least the next sale. Pay attention to sales and prices and try to determine if something is low enough that you think it is worth stocking up on. For instance, for awhile I was getting toothpaste any time I could get it for 25/30 cents, then when I got a few tubes, I decided to only buy it when it is free. This is also where it comes in handy to have multiple coupons. It's harder to build a stockpile when you only have one coupon at a time to use.
2. Bigger is not always better. If you don't have coupons, then usually it's a better deal to get the bigger size. But when using coupons, the opposite is usually true. For example, let's say a 4-roll pack of toilet paper is $1.50, but the 8-roll pack is $2.50. With no coupons, then the 8-roll pack is a better deal. BUT, if you have a $0.75 off any 4-roll pack or larger coupon, then the 4-roll pack becomes $0.75, and the 8-roll pack is now $1.75. Not such a good deal. In better cases, a lot of times you can get the smaller sizes for free using coupons. Again, here's another reason to have many coupons.
3. Forget the brand loyalties. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (Iams Healthy Naturals is the only cat food that doesn't result in my cat scratching her ears until they bleed), but for the most part, you only want to go for things that are good deals or free. If your particular brand rarely goes on sale or issues coupons, then you might want to consider switching to one that does. (Of course, you can always try contacting the manufacturer to see if they will send you some coupons!) On a side note, since couponing, I almost never buy generic (unless it's something I need and don't have a coupon for). By combining sales and coupons, I get most items for less than the generic.
4. Know your store's coupon policies. In general, for the Houston area, Kroger triples coupons up to $0.39 and doubles up to $0.50. They will double/triple only 3 like coupons per transaction (for instance, if you walk up with 4 $0.25 off Pillsbury crescent rolls, 3 will triple to $0.75, the 4th will only take off $0.25). Randalls doubles/triples the same amounts, but they will only do 1 like coupon per transaction. Most other stores in the area do not double or triple, but it is always good to check with your local stores to be sure. Call customer service, and they are usually more than happy to tell you their coupon policy. Most stores (drug, grocery, mass retailers) will accept a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon. This should be specified on the coupon. Walgreens has some great deals that involve combining their in-ad (store) coupon with a manufacturer coupon. Target also has some good deals. I haven't heard of any of stores not following this policy, but, again, it's always good to be sure.
Something to keep in mind about coupons in general... Manufacturer coupons are like money. The store gets reimbursed the face value of the coupon plus, usually, 8 cents. This is on the fine print of the coupon. So whenever I get things for free, it's not like the store is losing money; they are getting reimbursed by the manufacturer (of course, whatever extra amount is taken off for doubling/tripling comes out of the store's pocket). Once I started thinking of coupons as cash and not as just a discount, it changed my mindset towards couponing.
1. Stockpile. Grocery stores run on a sales cycle, which means, for instance, one week meat might be on sale, the next week, paper goods, the next week, frozen foods, etc. Grocery stores bank on the fact that most people do their shopping every week/two weeks, so while they might be buying some things at the sale price, the rest they will be paying at full price. The whole "goal" of couponing is to build stockpiles, so that you never have to buy anything when you actually need it. Of course certain things you can't avoid (like produce), but most things you can buy when it's cheap/free/close to free and stockpile until at least the next sale. Pay attention to sales and prices and try to determine if something is low enough that you think it is worth stocking up on. For instance, for awhile I was getting toothpaste any time I could get it for 25/30 cents, then when I got a few tubes, I decided to only buy it when it is free. This is also where it comes in handy to have multiple coupons. It's harder to build a stockpile when you only have one coupon at a time to use.
2. Bigger is not always better. If you don't have coupons, then usually it's a better deal to get the bigger size. But when using coupons, the opposite is usually true. For example, let's say a 4-roll pack of toilet paper is $1.50, but the 8-roll pack is $2.50. With no coupons, then the 8-roll pack is a better deal. BUT, if you have a $0.75 off any 4-roll pack or larger coupon, then the 4-roll pack becomes $0.75, and the 8-roll pack is now $1.75. Not such a good deal. In better cases, a lot of times you can get the smaller sizes for free using coupons. Again, here's another reason to have many coupons.
3. Forget the brand loyalties. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (Iams Healthy Naturals is the only cat food that doesn't result in my cat scratching her ears until they bleed), but for the most part, you only want to go for things that are good deals or free. If your particular brand rarely goes on sale or issues coupons, then you might want to consider switching to one that does. (Of course, you can always try contacting the manufacturer to see if they will send you some coupons!) On a side note, since couponing, I almost never buy generic (unless it's something I need and don't have a coupon for). By combining sales and coupons, I get most items for less than the generic.
4. Know your store's coupon policies. In general, for the Houston area, Kroger triples coupons up to $0.39 and doubles up to $0.50. They will double/triple only 3 like coupons per transaction (for instance, if you walk up with 4 $0.25 off Pillsbury crescent rolls, 3 will triple to $0.75, the 4th will only take off $0.25). Randalls doubles/triples the same amounts, but they will only do 1 like coupon per transaction. Most other stores in the area do not double or triple, but it is always good to check with your local stores to be sure. Call customer service, and they are usually more than happy to tell you their coupon policy. Most stores (drug, grocery, mass retailers) will accept a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon. This should be specified on the coupon. Walgreens has some great deals that involve combining their in-ad (store) coupon with a manufacturer coupon. Target also has some good deals. I haven't heard of any of stores not following this policy, but, again, it's always good to be sure.
Something to keep in mind about coupons in general... Manufacturer coupons are like money. The store gets reimbursed the face value of the coupon plus, usually, 8 cents. This is on the fine print of the coupon. So whenever I get things for free, it's not like the store is losing money; they are getting reimbursed by the manufacturer (of course, whatever extra amount is taken off for doubling/tripling comes out of the store's pocket). Once I started thinking of coupons as cash and not as just a discount, it changed my mindset towards couponing.
Walgreens - 4/19 - 4/25
Reach toothbrush: $0.99 (with in-ad coupon) - $1 (2-8 RP) = FREE
Edge Infused or Energy shave gel, 7 oz or Skintimate shave cream, 6 oz: $2.99. Receive $2.9 in RRs.
Edge Infused or Energy shave gel, 7 oz or Skintimate shave cream, 6 oz: $2.99. Receive $2.9 in RRs.
CVS - 4/19 - 4/25
Bayer aspirin quick release crystals, 4 ct. (limit 1): $2.00 - $1 (3-22 SS) = $1. Receive $2 in ECBs.
Edge Infused Comfort or Hydrate shave gel, 7 oz. (limit 1): $2.89. Receive $2.89 in ECBs.
Edge Infused Comfort or Hydrate shave gel, 7 oz. (limit 1): $2.89. Receive $2.89 in ECBs.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Kroger - 4/15 - 4/21
Chicken breast or breast tenders: BOGO. At $4.99/lb, this works out to be about $2.50/lb.
Angus ground chuck, 80/20: $1.99/lb
Hot House tomatoes: $0.99/lb
Organic mini-peeled carrots, 16 oz: $0.99
Capri-Sun: $1.79 - $1 (4-19 SS) = $0.79
On-Cor entrees: $1.99 - $0.30 tripled (1-25 RP or 3-1 RP) = $1.09. (For cheapo sleazy frozen dinners, these aren't bad.)
Kellogg's Special K cereal: $2.50 - $1 (4-5 RP) = $1.50
Bertolli Skillet Meals & Oven Bake Meals: $4.99 - $2 (sign up at Bertolli.com to receive your coupon) = $2.99
Chicken leg quarters: $0.59/lb
Strawberries, 16 oz: 2/$4
Mangos: 2/$1
FREEBIES:
Angel Soft toilet paper, 4 pack: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
McCormick Grill Mates: $0.99 - $1.00 (3-15 RP) = FREE or $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
Quaker Quakes: $0.99 - $1 (3-29 RP) = FREE
Birds Eye Steamfresh vegetables: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 SS) = FREE
Challenge spreadable butter: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled = FREE. Print coupons here. Remember to hit the back button a few times on your browser to print a second copy.
Huggies wipes, 40 ct: $0.99 - $1 (4-19 SS) = FREE
Pillsbury brownie mix: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Suave deodorant: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Angus ground chuck, 80/20: $1.99/lb
Hot House tomatoes: $0.99/lb
Organic mini-peeled carrots, 16 oz: $0.99
Capri-Sun: $1.79 - $1 (4-19 SS) = $0.79
On-Cor entrees: $1.99 - $0.30 tripled (1-25 RP or 3-1 RP) = $1.09. (For cheapo sleazy frozen dinners, these aren't bad.)
Kellogg's Special K cereal: $2.50 - $1 (4-5 RP) = $1.50
Bertolli Skillet Meals & Oven Bake Meals: $4.99 - $2 (sign up at Bertolli.com to receive your coupon) = $2.99
Chicken leg quarters: $0.59/lb
Strawberries, 16 oz: 2/$4
Mangos: 2/$1
FREEBIES:
Angel Soft toilet paper, 4 pack: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
McCormick Grill Mates: $0.99 - $1.00 (3-15 RP) = FREE or $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (4-19 RP) = FREE
Quaker Quakes: $0.99 - $1 (3-29 RP) = FREE
Birds Eye Steamfresh vegetables: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 SS) = FREE
Challenge spreadable butter: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled = FREE. Print coupons here. Remember to hit the back button a few times on your browser to print a second copy.
Huggies wipes, 40 ct: $0.99 - $1 (4-19 SS) = FREE
Pillsbury brownie mix: $0.99 - $0.35 tripled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Suave deodorant: $0.99 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 RP) = FREE
Couponing Basics - Getting started
It goes without saying that Step 1 in couponing is: GET COUPONS! So, how do you go about getting coupons? Here are some suggestions:
1. Get the Sunday paper. I get a subscription delivered to my house, then I usually pick up 2-4 more copies. Holiday weekends do not have any inserts, so keep that in mind. The other Sundays, though, you will find at least two inserts (Smart Source and Red Plum). About once a month, Proctor & Gamble has an insert; every few months, Smart Source and Red Plum will have two inserts; and, occasionally, other manufacturers will include their own insert (i.e. General Mills, Unilever, etc.).
Here is the reasoning behind multiple papers: if there is a great sale going on for an item you would want to stockpile, then if you only have one coupon for that item, you will only be able to get that one item at a good price (or free!). If you have multiple coupons, then you can get multiple items at that awesome price, which will build your stockpile faster.
2. Friends, family, neighbors. Plenty of people get the Sunday paper and either don't use their coupons or don't use all their coupons. Talk to people you know to find out if they wouldn't mind passing their unused coupons your way.
If you have enough friends and family that are into couponing, then there are a lot of things you can do! For example:
3. "Dumpster Diving." Lots of couponers out there hit their local recycling center to rummage for coupons from the Sunday paper. 95% of the time, I have a baby with me, so this isn't really feasible for me to do, but what I do like to do, is take a walk Monday night/Tuesday morning before the recycling truck comes. I don't really rummage through people's recycling bins, but if I happen to see a Sunday paper on top, then I will grab it.
4. Starbucks/McDonalds/Dennys. Sunday mornings, if you happen to go to a place where people typically hang out and read the paper, then keep an eye out for someone's paper lying around. A lot of times, people just leave their paper when they are done with it.
5. Freecycle/Craigslist. I haven't found many people giving away coupons on Craigslist, but it doesn't hurt to look. Freecycle, on the other hand, is great. I get tons of coupons off there, and I've also met several fellow couponers through doing. Freecycle is basically the online version of the couch on the side of the road with the "free" sign on it. People give away anything they don't want anymore, and all you have to do is pick it up from them. Not only have I gotten coupons, but I've also gotten tons of baby clothes, formula samples & checks, and a few kitchen items. Visit Freecycle.org to sign up to your local group.
6. Coupon clipping services. If there is a great deal coming up, and it's something you really need to stock up on, then consider coupon clipping services. I haven't used one yet and is something I've only recently started looking into. There are a few items that I have to buy regularly, so when a really good sale comes around, I've already used all my coupons and am unable to take advantage of it. My plan is to buy a bunch of these coupons from the service, so that I will have enough to stockpile when I can get it for free or nearly free, but still have enough in case I need to buy some in the meantime. There are two in Texas, Coupons & Things by Dede and Coupon Clipping Crew. I can't vouch for them personally, but I did find them through Hot Coupon World, which leads me to believe that they are legit. Through these services, you can purchase multiple copies of a certain coupon or whole inserts. There is a "handling" fee per coupon, as well as shipping, so something to use only if it's a coupon you desperately need.
7. Ebay. Just like the above, you can purchase coupons through Ebay. Use discretion with this, though, especially if they claim that the coupons are printed off the internet, as these can be forgeries. Just like anything else on Ebay, check out your seller's ratings.
8. Hot Coupon World. There is a TON of information on this site, and, I will admit, have only recently gotten into this site. As a newbie to couponing, I found the site really overwhelming, and a bit of a "mess," to be honest with you. Now that I've spent some time there and kind of figured out this couponing thing on my own, the site makes a lot more sense to me. Anyways, tons of people on there trade coupons and there are also coupon trains that you can join.
9. Manufacturer's websites. Most of the manufacturer's have coupons on their sites, so that is a good place to go, if you are looking for a particular coupon. If they don't have any, send them an email. A lot of times, they will send you some. It's also good to contact a company to praise/criticize their product. I've gotten some great coupons this way. And sign up for manufacturer mailing lists. Make sure you have a separate email account that you don't mind getting a bunch of spam in, and check it every once in awhile, because a lot of times, the emails will include coupons that you can print.
10. More internet printables. There are also some websites with printable coupons. Red Plum and Smart Source both have websites. Coupons.com is another one. Target also has coupons on their website. Their coupons are store coupons which can be used in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon. The Target coupons are also available at Hot Coupon World. The great thing about printing them off Hot Coupon World is that you can print multiple copies on a page. Also Target will take the coupons off their website after a week or two, even though the coupon itself hasn't expired. Hot Coupon World keeps the coupons on their site, until they are expired (and they are approved through Target, so they are legit).
11. Loadables. Cellfire, Shortcuts, and P&G Esaver are the three loadable websites to visit. All three will load to your Kroger card, and P&G Esaver will also load to your Randalls card.
12. Loyalty cards. Speaking of shopper's cards... call the 1-800 number on the back of your Randalls, Kroger, and CVS cards to make sure your info is up to date. I get coupons in the mail all the time from Kroger. While you're at it, call your Petco, Petsmart, and other cards, because I get lots of coupons from them, too. I called the Petsmart number and gave them my updated address, as well as my pet's birthdays. The other day I got a coupon for a free cat treat or toy for my cat's birthday!
13. Blinkies, peelies, wine tags, catalinas, etc. Have you seen those machines in the aisles of the grocery stores that blink and spit a coupon out at you? How many times have you ignored these? Next time, pay attention. If it has a good face value (or one that might double or triple) or is on a product you use a lot, grab one. Actually, grab many. You might not need them right now, but, very possibly, will need them later. Even if you don't need them, it might be one you could trade for something you do need.
Peelies are the same thing, but instead of coming from a machine in the aisle, they are stuck directly to the package. Again, these don't have to be used right away, so grab a few (but, be courteous, and leave some for others).
While you're at the store, cruise the wine and beer section (if you don't already - I know I do!). Look for "winetags." These are coupons that you will find around the necks of wine bottles (they are hard to find in my preferred stores). But, if you find them, a lot of times, they are good coupons for produce or meat (which are items that rarely have coupons). If you read the coupon, it will say "No alcohol purchase necessary." So you do not need to buy the bottle of wine that the coupon is attached to.
Then there are Catalinas. You know those coupons that get handed to you with your receipt? The ones that you probably throw away or get shoved to the bottom of your purse? Save those. They are usually based on things that you purchase, so they are good ones to hang on to. And, depending on the promo, sometimes those coupons are for money off your next shopping order. Treat those like cash (same with your ECB & RR that you receive). Target & CVS also issue coupons at the end of your receipt.
1. Get the Sunday paper. I get a subscription delivered to my house, then I usually pick up 2-4 more copies. Holiday weekends do not have any inserts, so keep that in mind. The other Sundays, though, you will find at least two inserts (Smart Source and Red Plum). About once a month, Proctor & Gamble has an insert; every few months, Smart Source and Red Plum will have two inserts; and, occasionally, other manufacturers will include their own insert (i.e. General Mills, Unilever, etc.).
Here is the reasoning behind multiple papers: if there is a great sale going on for an item you would want to stockpile, then if you only have one coupon for that item, you will only be able to get that one item at a good price (or free!). If you have multiple coupons, then you can get multiple items at that awesome price, which will build your stockpile faster.
2. Friends, family, neighbors. Plenty of people get the Sunday paper and either don't use their coupons or don't use all their coupons. Talk to people you know to find out if they wouldn't mind passing their unused coupons your way.
If you have enough friends and family that are into couponing, then there are a lot of things you can do! For example:
- Have coupon clipping parties, where you all get together to clip coupons and while you are doing that, you can all trade with each other, or just straight up have a trading party.
- Start a coupon train. It's like a chain letter with coupons. One person mails coupons to another. That person takes out what they want and adds in some more and mails it to the next, etc.
- Have poker nights. Instead of money, play with coupons. Use the face value as the amount or maybe make special amounts for free coupons or hot coupons that everyone would like to get their hands on.
3. "Dumpster Diving." Lots of couponers out there hit their local recycling center to rummage for coupons from the Sunday paper. 95% of the time, I have a baby with me, so this isn't really feasible for me to do, but what I do like to do, is take a walk Monday night/Tuesday morning before the recycling truck comes. I don't really rummage through people's recycling bins, but if I happen to see a Sunday paper on top, then I will grab it.
4. Starbucks/McDonalds/Dennys. Sunday mornings, if you happen to go to a place where people typically hang out and read the paper, then keep an eye out for someone's paper lying around. A lot of times, people just leave their paper when they are done with it.
5. Freecycle/Craigslist. I haven't found many people giving away coupons on Craigslist, but it doesn't hurt to look. Freecycle, on the other hand, is great. I get tons of coupons off there, and I've also met several fellow couponers through doing. Freecycle is basically the online version of the couch on the side of the road with the "free" sign on it. People give away anything they don't want anymore, and all you have to do is pick it up from them. Not only have I gotten coupons, but I've also gotten tons of baby clothes, formula samples & checks, and a few kitchen items. Visit Freecycle.org to sign up to your local group.
6. Coupon clipping services. If there is a great deal coming up, and it's something you really need to stock up on, then consider coupon clipping services. I haven't used one yet and is something I've only recently started looking into. There are a few items that I have to buy regularly, so when a really good sale comes around, I've already used all my coupons and am unable to take advantage of it. My plan is to buy a bunch of these coupons from the service, so that I will have enough to stockpile when I can get it for free or nearly free, but still have enough in case I need to buy some in the meantime. There are two in Texas, Coupons & Things by Dede and Coupon Clipping Crew. I can't vouch for them personally, but I did find them through Hot Coupon World, which leads me to believe that they are legit. Through these services, you can purchase multiple copies of a certain coupon or whole inserts. There is a "handling" fee per coupon, as well as shipping, so something to use only if it's a coupon you desperately need.
7. Ebay. Just like the above, you can purchase coupons through Ebay. Use discretion with this, though, especially if they claim that the coupons are printed off the internet, as these can be forgeries. Just like anything else on Ebay, check out your seller's ratings.
8. Hot Coupon World. There is a TON of information on this site, and, I will admit, have only recently gotten into this site. As a newbie to couponing, I found the site really overwhelming, and a bit of a "mess," to be honest with you. Now that I've spent some time there and kind of figured out this couponing thing on my own, the site makes a lot more sense to me. Anyways, tons of people on there trade coupons and there are also coupon trains that you can join.
9. Manufacturer's websites. Most of the manufacturer's have coupons on their sites, so that is a good place to go, if you are looking for a particular coupon. If they don't have any, send them an email. A lot of times, they will send you some. It's also good to contact a company to praise/criticize their product. I've gotten some great coupons this way. And sign up for manufacturer mailing lists. Make sure you have a separate email account that you don't mind getting a bunch of spam in, and check it every once in awhile, because a lot of times, the emails will include coupons that you can print.
10. More internet printables. There are also some websites with printable coupons. Red Plum and Smart Source both have websites. Coupons.com is another one. Target also has coupons on their website. Their coupons are store coupons which can be used in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon. The Target coupons are also available at Hot Coupon World. The great thing about printing them off Hot Coupon World is that you can print multiple copies on a page. Also Target will take the coupons off their website after a week or two, even though the coupon itself hasn't expired. Hot Coupon World keeps the coupons on their site, until they are expired (and they are approved through Target, so they are legit).
11. Loadables. Cellfire, Shortcuts, and P&G Esaver are the three loadable websites to visit. All three will load to your Kroger card, and P&G Esaver will also load to your Randalls card.
12. Loyalty cards. Speaking of shopper's cards... call the 1-800 number on the back of your Randalls, Kroger, and CVS cards to make sure your info is up to date. I get coupons in the mail all the time from Kroger. While you're at it, call your Petco, Petsmart, and other cards, because I get lots of coupons from them, too. I called the Petsmart number and gave them my updated address, as well as my pet's birthdays. The other day I got a coupon for a free cat treat or toy for my cat's birthday!
13. Blinkies, peelies, wine tags, catalinas, etc. Have you seen those machines in the aisles of the grocery stores that blink and spit a coupon out at you? How many times have you ignored these? Next time, pay attention. If it has a good face value (or one that might double or triple) or is on a product you use a lot, grab one. Actually, grab many. You might not need them right now, but, very possibly, will need them later. Even if you don't need them, it might be one you could trade for something you do need.
Peelies are the same thing, but instead of coming from a machine in the aisle, they are stuck directly to the package. Again, these don't have to be used right away, so grab a few (but, be courteous, and leave some for others).
While you're at the store, cruise the wine and beer section (if you don't already - I know I do!). Look for "winetags." These are coupons that you will find around the necks of wine bottles (they are hard to find in my preferred stores). But, if you find them, a lot of times, they are good coupons for produce or meat (which are items that rarely have coupons). If you read the coupon, it will say "No alcohol purchase necessary." So you do not need to buy the bottle of wine that the coupon is attached to.
Then there are Catalinas. You know those coupons that get handed to you with your receipt? The ones that you probably throw away or get shoved to the bottom of your purse? Save those. They are usually based on things that you purchase, so they are good ones to hang on to. And, depending on the promo, sometimes those coupons are for money off your next shopping order. Treat those like cash (same with your ECB & RR that you receive). Target & CVS also issue coupons at the end of your receipt.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Randalls - Living Well, Feeling Great
So Randalls has a great sale going on right now called Living Well, Feeling Great. For every $30 worth of participating products you buy, you get a coupon for $10 off your next order. I went this evening and wrote down some prices of things I knew there were coupons for, but your best bet is to go armed with coupons and look for the best deals you can find on things you normally buy. A list of participating products can be found here. You can also head to Hot Coupon World and visit the Safeway forums for a very detailed list that includes UPCs (no prices, though). Some of your better deals will include:
Bertolli pasta sauce pouches: 2/$2 - $1 off (4-5 UL, or $0.75 off) * 2 = $1 each (and you will earn a $2 OYNSO coupon for each 2 you buy)
Dial hand soap: $1 - $0.35 tripled (3-8 SS) = FREE (remember, Randalls will only double/triple one like coupon at a time)
Crystal Light drink mixes: $3.99 * 3 - $3.99 (B2G1 coupon, 3-29 SS) = $7.98
Maruchan Ramen: $1.25 - $0.35 tripled (3-8 SS) = $0.20
Yoplait Yo-plus: $2.50 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 SS) = $1.50. I think I have some $1.50 off or $1 off coupons that I printed off the internet previously that I will use if not expired. If you have coupons so that you buy 5 4-packs (again, only one coupon will double), then you will get a coupon for $2 OYNSO.
Dreamfields pasta: $2 * 2 - $1 off 2 (1-18 SS) = $3 for 2 pasta
This sale goes on until 5/5, so I'm sure some good coupons that can be used for this sale will come out between now and then. The Bertolli catalina deal goes until either 4/19 or 4/22 (I've heard both), so keep that in mind if you get the sauce pouches.
There is also another deal going on, but it is only until 4/19. Buy 4 Pledge multi-surface cleaners (again, if you can find them) at $3.99. Use $2 off coupons from here and here. (Kroger also issued some awhile back, but I can't remember if it was in the paper or they were mailed. Even though Kroger issued them, they say "manufacturer coupon" and can be used anywhere.) You will pay $1.99 a piece and should get back 4 cats for $1 OYNSO and 1 $5 OYNSO.
Bertolli pasta sauce pouches: 2/$2 - $1 off (4-5 UL, or $0.75 off) * 2 = $1 each (and you will earn a $2 OYNSO coupon for each 2 you buy)
Dial hand soap: $1 - $0.35 tripled (3-8 SS) = FREE (remember, Randalls will only double/triple one like coupon at a time)
Crystal Light drink mixes: $3.99 * 3 - $3.99 (B2G1 coupon, 3-29 SS) = $7.98
Maruchan Ramen: $1.25 - $0.35 tripled (3-8 SS) = $0.20
Yoplait Yo-plus: $2.50 - $0.50 doubled (3-29 SS) = $1.50. I think I have some $1.50 off or $1 off coupons that I printed off the internet previously that I will use if not expired. If you have coupons so that you buy 5 4-packs (again, only one coupon will double), then you will get a coupon for $2 OYNSO.
Dreamfields pasta: $2 * 2 - $1 off 2 (1-18 SS) = $3 for 2 pasta
This sale goes on until 5/5, so I'm sure some good coupons that can be used for this sale will come out between now and then. The Bertolli catalina deal goes until either 4/19 or 4/22 (I've heard both), so keep that in mind if you get the sauce pouches.
There is also another deal going on, but it is only until 4/19. Buy 4 Pledge multi-surface cleaners (again, if you can find them) at $3.99. Use $2 off coupons from here and here. (Kroger also issued some awhile back, but I can't remember if it was in the paper or they were mailed. Even though Kroger issued them, they say "manufacturer coupon" and can be used anywhere.) You will pay $1.99 a piece and should get back 4 cats for $1 OYNSO and 1 $5 OYNSO.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
CVS - 4/12 - 4/18
FREEBIES:
Softsoap scrub body wash, 18 oz: $4.99, receive $4.99 in Extra Care Bucks. Use the $1 off coupon from 3-29 SS to make $1.
Colgate Enamel Protect, sensitive whitening toothpaste 6 oz or 360 sensitive toothbrush: $3.99, receive $3.99 in ECBs. Use the $0.75 off coupons from 3-29 SS to turn it into a money-maker.
Good Deals:
Kellogg's cereal: 2/$4. Use the $1 off coupon from 4-5 RP to get cereal for $1.
Softsoap scrub body wash, 18 oz: $4.99, receive $4.99 in Extra Care Bucks. Use the $1 off coupon from 3-29 SS to make $1.
Colgate Enamel Protect, sensitive whitening toothpaste 6 oz or 360 sensitive toothbrush: $3.99, receive $3.99 in ECBs. Use the $0.75 off coupons from 3-29 SS to turn it into a money-maker.
Good Deals:
Kellogg's cereal: 2/$4. Use the $1 off coupon from 4-5 RP to get cereal for $1.
Walgreens - 4/12 - 4/18
FREEBIES:
Scunci elastics 18 pack: $2, receive $2 in RR = FREE. (There is reported to be some of these on clearance that are still spitting out the $2 RR, so if you find those, they could be a money-maker.)
Fiber Choice, 10 ct tablets: $2.49, receive $2.49 in RR = FREE.
Colgate Max White or Max Fresh toothbrush: $3.29, receive $3.29 in RR = FREE. Use the $0.75 off Colgate toothbrush or toothpaste from 3-29 SS to make $0.75 on the deal.
Good Deals:
Hey Kashi girls! Walgreens has Kashi cereal for 3/$10 and gives you a $3 RR when you buy 3, making the price 3/$7.
St. Ives lotion, 18 oz: Buy 1 at $4.49, get 1 free. If the St. Ives "Elements" are included in this deal, you can use two of the $2 off coupons from 3-8 SS to get two lotions for $0.49.
Scunci elastics 18 pack: $2, receive $2 in RR = FREE. (There is reported to be some of these on clearance that are still spitting out the $2 RR, so if you find those, they could be a money-maker.)
Fiber Choice, 10 ct tablets: $2.49, receive $2.49 in RR = FREE.
Colgate Max White or Max Fresh toothbrush: $3.29, receive $3.29 in RR = FREE. Use the $0.75 off Colgate toothbrush or toothpaste from 3-29 SS to make $0.75 on the deal.
Good Deals:
Hey Kashi girls! Walgreens has Kashi cereal for 3/$10 and gives you a $3 RR when you buy 3, making the price 3/$7.
St. Ives lotion, 18 oz: Buy 1 at $4.49, get 1 free. If the St. Ives "Elements" are included in this deal, you can use two of the $2 off coupons from 3-8 SS to get two lotions for $0.49.
Cooking on a budget - STEAK!
Dinner last night consisted of steaks, green beans, rolls, and cauliflower (the purple stuff). I always check out the discounted produce section at the grocery store. Last night I found this awesome purple head of cauliflower for $1 and thought it would great with our steaks. You can find some good bargains in the reduced produce area, but make sure it's something you are going to eat right away or can freeze. In addition to the cauliflower, I picked up 4 bell peppers for $1 (some of which we had in omelettes this morning, the rest I will cut into strips and freeze) and 6 oranges for $1. I've found with oranges, they rarely "go bad," just seem to lose their flavor and juiciness. These seem alright, and we can easily go through 6 oranges in the next few days. If not, then maybe I'll make marmalade!
The steaks were ones I picked up from Target a few weeks ago. When Target discounts their meat for quick sale, instead of changing the price, they just slap a "peelie" coupon on the package to be used right away. These discounted packages could be combined with a coupon for $2 off Archer Farms steaks that they had issued on their website (not valid anymore, unfortunately). These combos led to some awesome deals on steak. This particular steak was chuck eye steak, which is really supposed to be braised as it's not as tender as say a sirloin or ribeye (though it's just as flavorful!), but we've been doing them on the grill no problem! The weather's been so nice, we've pretty much been doing everything on the grill! The cauliflower I mashed, like mashed potatoes. This particular cauliflower was a little harder to mash, but it still turned out well.
The breakdown (for 2 servings):
steaks: $4.90 - $2.50 reduced for quick sale coupon - $2 Target coupon = $0.40
steak seasoning: free (one of the McCormick Grill Mates I picked up earlier in the day)
cauliflower: $1
green beans, frozen: $1
crescent rolls: free (I put butter and garlic salt on the dough before rolling it up to turn them into garlic bread.)
Total cost for dinner: $2.40!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Today's runs
First, Kroger. This cost me $2.85. I was hoping to find the clearanced Barilla whole wheat rotini pasta that fellow couponers have been finding at Kroger for $1.04. I didn't, but the pasta I got was sale priced $1.39, after coupon, still a good price for pasta! The breakdown:Cake mixes: $1 - $0.35 coupon (3-29 SS) tripled, up to $1 = FREE
Barilla pastas: $1.39 - $0.50 coupon (3-29 SS) doubled = $0.39 each
Stride gum: 3/$2 - $2/3 coupon (3-22 SS) = FREE
Frank's RedHot: $0.99 - $0.35 coupon (3-1 SS) tripled, up to $0.99 = FREE
McCormick Grill Mates: $1 - $1 coupon (3-15 RP) = FREE
French's mustard: $1.25 - $0.50 coupon (3-29 SS) doubled = $0.25 each
I also received my free reusable grocery bag and a $1 off your next transaction coupon for buying the mustard. And...I went back and did my "big" grocery shop and picked up some more free cake mix. Another fellow couponer on Hot Coupon World posted a link to a mail-in rebate for Duncan Hines cake mix, buy 5, get $5. So I just made $5 on cake! Woohoo!
Next, Walgreens:
This was actually a couple of transactions. First transaction:
Glade Lasting Impressions: $5.99 - $4 coupon (3-29 SS) = $1.99 each
Colgate Total: $3.49 - $0.75 coupon (3-29 SS) = $2.74
Bayer Contour monitor: $14.99 - free coupon (up to $30) = FREE
Edge: $0.82 clearance (I was hoping for a RR for it, but I don't think this is the right one.)
Visine AC: $3.99 - $3 coupon (3-15 RP) = $0.99 each
Chapstick: $1.99
Total was $12 even ($0.49 tax). I put $2.33 on a gift card. I will get $4.40 in a rebate for the Glade, and got $3.50, $3, and $2 in RR for the Colgate, Visine, and Chapstick, respectively. I also got a coupon for a free Crest toothpaste for purchasing the monitor.
I could have decreased my out of pocket more if I were better at rolling my RR, but then it just gets a bit convoluted for me! I consider that "advanced" couponing, and I'm just not there yet. Working on it, though. I will explain "rolling" in more detail whenever I get around to my Walgreens Basics post. :)
Second transaction:
Skintimate: $2.99
Chapstick: $1.99
Bayer monitor: $14.99- free coupon = FREE
Colgate: $3.49 - $0.75 coupon = $2.74
Total was $1.72 (I used the two $3 RR that I received for the Visine.)
I also hit Target and got some free VitaminWater, milk for $2.49, eggs for $0.99, and Cheetos for $0.29.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Not bad for a lazy Friday
Today was a pretty good couponing day! First, the hubby and I hit McDonald's for free coffees using the coupons we got in the mail. Then, this evening, we went to TGI Friday's for dinner and used a buy one entree, get the second for $1 coupon. (We still paid quite a bit, because *someone* needed a margarita. And by someone, I mean me.) After that, we hit Katy Mills where I went into New York & Company and used my $15 off coupon that I also received in the mail. I bought a shirt for $2.11! They had been giving away free charm bracelets with a purchase, but they had run out, and I didn't feel like arguing for a rain check. We got home and realized we were out of milk, so off to Target I went...
One a Day Women's Multivitamin drink, 2 ct: $1.49 - $1 off coupon (3-22 SS) = $0.49
Chapstick: $1.99
4 Oust Surface & Air Disinfectant: $2.99 each - $2 off coupons (3-29 SS) = $0.99 each
Colgate Total: $3.49 - $0.75 off coupon (3-29 SS) = $2.74
Johnson's Body Lotion: $0.99 - $1 off coupon adjusted to $0.99 (2-22 RP) = FREE
2 Visine: $3.99 each - $3 off coupon (3-15 RP) = $0.99 each
Physician's Formula eye shadow: $10.99 - $1 off coupon (2-22 SS/3-22 SS) = $9.99
My total was $22.02 (including $0.87 tax), which I paid on a gift card that I received for Feb. rebates. I received $8.50 in Register Rewards: $2 for the Chapstick, $3.50 for the Colgate, and $3 for the Visine. I will also get back $17.04 in rebates: $1.49 for the One a Day, $4 for the Oust ($1 each), $10 for the eye shadow, plus an extra 10% for putting it on a gift card. So, depending on how you look at it, it's like I got paid $3.52 to take all these things!
I bought a gallon of milk, 4 mini loaves of bread, and 1 package of deli meat. Here's the breakdown:
milk: $2.49
mini loaves: free (on sale for $0.84, used $1 off coupons)
deli meat: $3.04 - 0.55 = $2.49
Total: $4.98
I will receive $3.04 back from a mail in rebate for the deli meat, making my total $1.94.
Then, I hit Walgreens (I couldn't resist):
milk: $2.49
mini loaves: free (on sale for $0.84, used $1 off coupons)
deli meat: $3.04 - 0.55 = $2.49
Total: $4.98
I will receive $3.04 back from a mail in rebate for the deli meat, making my total $1.94.
Then, I hit Walgreens (I couldn't resist):
Chapstick: $1.99
4 Oust Surface & Air Disinfectant: $2.99 each - $2 off coupons (3-29 SS) = $0.99 each
Colgate Total: $3.49 - $0.75 off coupon (3-29 SS) = $2.74
Johnson's Body Lotion: $0.99 - $1 off coupon adjusted to $0.99 (2-22 RP) = FREE
2 Visine: $3.99 each - $3 off coupon (3-15 RP) = $0.99 each
Physician's Formula eye shadow: $10.99 - $1 off coupon (2-22 SS/3-22 SS) = $9.99
My total was $22.02 (including $0.87 tax), which I paid on a gift card that I received for Feb. rebates. I received $8.50 in Register Rewards: $2 for the Chapstick, $3.50 for the Colgate, and $3 for the Visine. I will also get back $17.04 in rebates: $1.49 for the One a Day, $4 for the Oust ($1 each), $10 for the eye shadow, plus an extra 10% for putting it on a gift card. So, depending on how you look at it, it's like I got paid $3.52 to take all these things!
Randalls - 4/8 - 4/14
I didn't see enough in the Randalls ad to motivate me to make a trip there this week (except for maybe the lamb), but I'll go ahead a post a few things of note:
beef brisket: $0.99/lb
smoked whole or shank half ham: $0.97/lb
strawberries, 4 lb: $3.99
pork shoulder blade roast: $0.99/lb
semi-boneless leg of lamb; $3.99/lb (I LOVE lamb, but it is so hard to find it for a respectable price.)
yams: $0.79/lb
If you are taking allergy medicine, then fill or transfer your prescription to Randalls pharmacy, and you will receive a coupon for 10% off your grocery bill.
beef brisket: $0.99/lb
smoked whole or shank half ham: $0.97/lb
strawberries, 4 lb: $3.99
pork shoulder blade roast: $0.99/lb
semi-boneless leg of lamb; $3.99/lb (I LOVE lamb, but it is so hard to find it for a respectable price.)
yams: $0.79/lb
If you are taking allergy medicine, then fill or transfer your prescription to Randalls pharmacy, and you will receive a coupon for 10% off your grocery bill.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Kroger - 4/8 - 4/14
FREEBIES
Duncan Hines cake mix: $1, use $0.35 off coupon from 3-29 SS, which will triple, making it FREE
McCormick Grill Mates seasoning: $1, free after $1 off coupon in 3-15 RP
French's mustard, 14 oz: $1.25 - $1 ($0.50 off coupon doubled, from 3-29 SS) = $0.25, but earns a $1 off your next shopping order coupon when you buy 2
Good Deals:
strawberries, 16 oz: $1.47
sweet yams: $0.57/lb (Jack loves sweet potato fries!)
green beans: $0.97/lb
General Mills cereal or granola bars: 3/$8, plus a free gallon of milk when you buy 3. You can use the $0.50 off Fiber Ones bars or $0.50 off Cinnamon Toast Crunch loadable coupons from cellfire, in conjunction with paper coupons ($1 off 3 GM cereals from 3-8 SS & 4-5 SS or $0.50 off Fiber One bars from 3-8 SS) to get a pretty good deal. Probably the best deal would be to purchase three Fiber One bars, use three paper coupons (if you have them), and the loadable coupons. This will knock $3.50 off your price (the $0.50 coupons double), making the total $4.50 for 3 cereals and a gallon of milk.
Jennie-O whole turkey: $0.69/lb
Kroger ground chuck: $1.99/lb
Chicken, whole or thighs: $0.99/lb (and you can use the $0.75 off Pilgrim's Pride coupon found in 1-25 SS)
Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage: 2/$5, plus receive a dozen eggs free when you buy 2 sausage
avocados: 2/$1
Duncan Hines cake mix: $1, use $0.35 off coupon from 3-29 SS, which will triple, making it FREE
McCormick Grill Mates seasoning: $1, free after $1 off coupon in 3-15 RP
French's mustard, 14 oz: $1.25 - $1 ($0.50 off coupon doubled, from 3-29 SS) = $0.25, but earns a $1 off your next shopping order coupon when you buy 2
Good Deals:
strawberries, 16 oz: $1.47
sweet yams: $0.57/lb (Jack loves sweet potato fries!)
green beans: $0.97/lb
General Mills cereal or granola bars: 3/$8, plus a free gallon of milk when you buy 3. You can use the $0.50 off Fiber Ones bars or $0.50 off Cinnamon Toast Crunch loadable coupons from cellfire, in conjunction with paper coupons ($1 off 3 GM cereals from 3-8 SS & 4-5 SS or $0.50 off Fiber One bars from 3-8 SS) to get a pretty good deal. Probably the best deal would be to purchase three Fiber One bars, use three paper coupons (if you have them), and the loadable coupons. This will knock $3.50 off your price (the $0.50 coupons double), making the total $4.50 for 3 cereals and a gallon of milk.
Jennie-O whole turkey: $0.69/lb
Kroger ground chuck: $1.99/lb
Chicken, whole or thighs: $0.99/lb (and you can use the $0.75 off Pilgrim's Pride coupon found in 1-25 SS)
Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage: 2/$5, plus receive a dozen eggs free when you buy 2 sausage
avocados: 2/$1
Improvements are afoot!
Working harder to serve you!
So I've just been trying to get this whole "blogging" thing down. As you may have noticed, I FINALLY figured out how to upload pictures. But I just wanted to let you all know what I have in store for this blog, because I have decided to make it a little more than just informing you of each week's sales. What you can (hopefully) look forward to:
1. More timely posts regarding the sales. I am a natural procrastinator, but I will do my best here, otherwise, what's the point! :)
2. More info on couponing basics. I have only very briefly gone over Walgreen's Register Rewards and CVS's Extra Care Bucks programs, but if you're like me, you are baffled (it took me a little while to figure these out). I would like to explain these a little more thoroughly to you, since, once you get it, you can get some pretty amazing deals. That's one example, but there are other things I'm sure I can teach you more about.
3. More "cooking on a budget" ideas. This is something I am also working on, but I would love to share my recipes with you.
4. General frugal living tips.
This is what I have planned, but please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions!
Thanks for reading so far!
PS- Anyone got any ideas for a catchier title?
CVS - 4/5 - 4/11
Skintimate, 6 oz: $3.49, receive $3.49 in ECB. Looks like Walgreens isn't the only one running this sale this week.
Enfamil 32 oz RTF formula: This is something most of you might not be able to do, but I'm throwing it in here mainly in case you can and also as some inspiration to go out and find those coupons (or, in this case, formula checks).
CVS has this on sale 2/$10, and when you buy $25 worth of various baby products, you get $10 in ECB. I have numerous $3 off Enfamil Next Step formula checks. I'm not sure if Next Step is included in the sale, but if so: 5 cans formula * $5 = $25 - 5 * $3 checks = $10. Receive $10 in ECB, so it's like getting free formula!
Also included in this baby sale are:
CVS diapers & training pants, 34-52 ct: $10
CVS wipes, 72-80 ct: 2/$4
Johnson's baby products: $3 (coupons are found in the 3-8 RP, and I have also gotten many mailed to me through various baby mailing lists)
Huggies diapers, Pull-ups, jumbo pk: $10 (coupons found in 3-1 SS, 1-11 SS, 2-22 SS, 3-22 SS, and home mailers)
Huggies wipes: $5 (coupons found in 1-11 SS, 3-1 SS, and home mailers)
Playtex products: $5
Similac RTF formula, 32 oz
Buy any $25 of these products, and get $10 ECB. Using coupons, you can get pretty good deals on all these things that I know we all need. If any of you want to take advantage of this sale and need help doing the math or working out some scenarios, let me know, and I'll figure it out for you.
Enfamil 32 oz RTF formula: This is something most of you might not be able to do, but I'm throwing it in here mainly in case you can and also as some inspiration to go out and find those coupons (or, in this case, formula checks).
CVS has this on sale 2/$10, and when you buy $25 worth of various baby products, you get $10 in ECB. I have numerous $3 off Enfamil Next Step formula checks. I'm not sure if Next Step is included in the sale, but if so: 5 cans formula * $5 = $25 - 5 * $3 checks = $10. Receive $10 in ECB, so it's like getting free formula!
Also included in this baby sale are:
CVS diapers & training pants, 34-52 ct: $10
CVS wipes, 72-80 ct: 2/$4
Johnson's baby products: $3 (coupons are found in the 3-8 RP, and I have also gotten many mailed to me through various baby mailing lists)
Huggies diapers, Pull-ups, jumbo pk: $10 (coupons found in 3-1 SS, 1-11 SS, 2-22 SS, 3-22 SS, and home mailers)
Huggies wipes: $5 (coupons found in 1-11 SS, 3-1 SS, and home mailers)
Playtex products: $5
Similac RTF formula, 32 oz
Buy any $25 of these products, and get $10 ECB. Using coupons, you can get pretty good deals on all these things that I know we all need. If any of you want to take advantage of this sale and need help doing the math or working out some scenarios, let me know, and I'll figure it out for you.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Cooking on a budget - Chicken Taco "Salad"
This was our dinner this evening. Bear in mind that "portion" and "control" are two words rarely used in the same sentence in our household. I marinated chicken thighs in hot sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, lime juice, and oil, and cooked them on the grill, then served them on lettuce (skin removed), with bell peppers, onions, and grated carrots. Since it started to look too healthy, I added cheese, tortilla chips, and "southwestern ranch" (ranch, salsa, and cumin).
Approximate cost breakdown:
chicken thighs: $2.50 ($0.99/lb, which includes bones)
lettuce, 1 package: $0.75
bell peppers & onions, 1 frozen package: $1 (the consistency of the frozen peppers weren't great, but the flavor was really good. Probably would have been better with fajitas.)
baby carrots: negligible. $1/2 lbs, used 4 carrots.
cheese: $0.75/4 = $0.19 (the package cost $0.75, and I used about 1/4th)
tortilla chips: negligible, only used a few.
ranch, salsa, & hot sauce: all free
spices & oil: we'll say negligible since such a small percentage of the packaging is used.
Total cost for 2 servings (or 4 normal people servings): $5.44
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Walgreens - 4/5 - 4/11
FREEBIES:
Glade Lasting Impressions: $5.99 - $2 mail-in rebate (Walgreens EasySaver Rebate) - $4 coupon (3-29 SS) = $0.01 overage ($0.21 overage, if you opt for the gift card)
Oust Surface & Air Sanitizer: $2.99 - $1 mail-in rebate (Walgreens EasySaver Rebate) - $2 coupon (3-29 SS) = $0.01 overage ($0.11 overage, if you opt for the gift card)
Ensure shakes multipack: $6.99. Print a coupon for $3 off here, then print up a mail-in rebate form here. I recently purchased some shakes at Randalls, so I haven't received my rebate yet, but with most rebates, you receive the full purchase price, making this a $3 money-maker. You can do this anywhere, just seeing them in the sale ad reminded me. (I found this deal through The Frugal House awhile back.)
Visine: $3.99. If you have two of the $3 off Visine A or AC coupons found in 3-15 RP, then buy two. Your total will be $1.98 and you will receive $3 in RR.
Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste: $3.49 and earns $3.49 in RR. Use the $0.75 off coupon from 3-29 SS, to make $0.75 on the deal.
And, according to Katy Couponers, the ChapStick and Skintimate free after RR deals are still going on. She also mentions that if you buy a Bayer Contour monitor, then you get a coupon for a free Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. In the 10-26 RP, 2-1 RP, and 3-22 SS, there was a coupon for up to $30 off one of these monitors. True, I don't need a glucose monitor, but I can give it to some of my diabetic family members or donate it to charity, and I still get free toothpaste out of the deal. And... if you have 4 of the free monitor coupons (I'm sure I do!), you can do this 4 times, get 4 free toothpastes, and submit those to the EasySaver rebate program for a $5 rebate ($5.50 on gift card). This deal goes on through April 25th. (THANKS, ZM!!!)
Also, be sure to grab this week's sale ad (there should be plenty at the front of the store) and visit Walgreen's Take Care Clinic for a free coupon book.
Glade Lasting Impressions: $5.99 - $2 mail-in rebate (Walgreens EasySaver Rebate) - $4 coupon (3-29 SS) = $0.01 overage ($0.21 overage, if you opt for the gift card)
Oust Surface & Air Sanitizer: $2.99 - $1 mail-in rebate (Walgreens EasySaver Rebate) - $2 coupon (3-29 SS) = $0.01 overage ($0.11 overage, if you opt for the gift card)
Ensure shakes multipack: $6.99. Print a coupon for $3 off here, then print up a mail-in rebate form here. I recently purchased some shakes at Randalls, so I haven't received my rebate yet, but with most rebates, you receive the full purchase price, making this a $3 money-maker. You can do this anywhere, just seeing them in the sale ad reminded me. (I found this deal through The Frugal House awhile back.)
Visine: $3.99. If you have two of the $3 off Visine A or AC coupons found in 3-15 RP, then buy two. Your total will be $1.98 and you will receive $3 in RR.
Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste: $3.49 and earns $3.49 in RR. Use the $0.75 off coupon from 3-29 SS, to make $0.75 on the deal.
And, according to Katy Couponers, the ChapStick and Skintimate free after RR deals are still going on. She also mentions that if you buy a Bayer Contour monitor, then you get a coupon for a free Crest Pro-Health toothpaste. In the 10-26 RP, 2-1 RP, and 3-22 SS, there was a coupon for up to $30 off one of these monitors. True, I don't need a glucose monitor, but I can give it to some of my diabetic family members or donate it to charity, and I still get free toothpaste out of the deal. And... if you have 4 of the free monitor coupons (I'm sure I do!), you can do this 4 times, get 4 free toothpastes, and submit those to the EasySaver rebate program for a $5 rebate ($5.50 on gift card). This deal goes on through April 25th. (THANKS, ZM!!!)
Also, be sure to grab this week's sale ad (there should be plenty at the front of the store) and visit Walgreen's Take Care Clinic for a free coupon book.
Target - 4/5 - 4/11
Not much going on at Target this week, the only things I'll be picking up are more mini-loaves, as well as Vitamin Water. Vitamin Water 10 is on sale for $1, and this past Sunday, there were $1 off coupons!
Free reusable grocery bag
Kroger has a promo going on right now... design a shopping bag, and they will load a coupon to your Kroger card good for a free reusable shopping bag. Go to this link to design your bag.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
CVS 2 day sale
I've been slacking a bit this week, and I apologize! As I figure out this whole "blogging" thing, I'll try to be more on the ball for you guys! But I did want to let you all know that CVS is having a 2 day sale (today & tomorrow) for some Easter items. Included in this sale are Easter baskets and Easter grass, both of which are free after Extra Care Bucks. Definitely something to check out while you're making baskets for the kiddos! I'm not sure what the limit is, since I wanted to get this post out there ASAP, but I will update you as soon as I get my sale ad handy (I don't want to get off the couch at the moment...most of you ladies know why!).
Today's Sunday coupons
Sorry, ladies... I really wanted to get this info to you earlier, but I've been without internet access all day! Anyways, in today's Sunday paper, there are FIVE inserts! That's a lot of coupons! So, definitely be sure to get as many copies of today's paper as you can. Since it's late, if you can't get out to get more copies, ask your friends, your neighbors, family members, whoever, to give you their inserts (that's if they don't clip coupons, of course).
Also, be sure to clip the coupon out of the Target ad. It is a coupon for a $10 Target gift card with any new or transferred prescription. These coupons are great. Most of the time they are only for transferred prescriptions (which is great if you have a prescription that you constantly fill). If you have any prescription to fill (i.e. medicine for the kiddos), be sure to bring one of these along with you!
Also, be sure to clip the coupon out of the Target ad. It is a coupon for a $10 Target gift card with any new or transferred prescription. These coupons are great. Most of the time they are only for transferred prescriptions (which is great if you have a prescription that you constantly fill). If you have any prescription to fill (i.e. medicine for the kiddos), be sure to bring one of these along with you!
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