More Target Clearance!

We are MOVED!
And we have our Sunday School class to thank for it!! (and our parents)
Our friends really stepped up and helped us out TREMENDOUSLY.
We are so blessed!

Well. After we had unpacked and had dinner Jonathan, mother and I ran to Bed Bath and Beyond and Target to get a few things we needed.

One of the things on our Target list was kitchen towels.
Well kitchen towels have gotten SO thin. How am I supposed to clean with a paper thin kitchen towel?!?
So of course I had to check out the clearance isles!
And of course I found some bath hand towels (that are thick) on clearance so I got them.
To use as kitchen towels.
Don't judge me. ;)

4 Hand Towels. $6
Clearance: $1.80
Total: $7.20

Total worth: $24
Total Spent: $7.20

I Got My Cheap Bayer at Walgreens!

After unpacking boxes today I decided to stop at Walgreens to see if they had the Bayer on sale, and they did!!
I am definitely a Bayer believer! Out of all the pain medicine Bayer works the best for me!
So I grabbed 2!

Bayer Advanced $4.49
Clearance: $2.69
Minus $1/1 MQ
Minus $1/1 Walgreens Q
Total: $0.69 each

I'm definitely going to need these after we finish moving! :)

$.29 Bayer Aspirin at Walgreens!

Hey guys! I feel like I haven't posted in like a bazillion years!
I have been so busy with the move. It's so crazy right now.
But I caught wind of an awesome deal on Bayer Aspirin!

Check out your Walgreens to see if they have Bayer Advanced Aspirin on Clearance.
Some stores have the 24 ct. marked down to $2.29 and 32 ct. marked down to $5.79. There are two great coupons you can stack with these clearance prices to pay as low as $0.29 for a 24 ct. bottle!

Bayer Advanced Aspirin Regular Strength, 24 ct. (Reg. $4.49) $2.29, On Clearance
Minus 1 $1.00/1 Bayer Aspirin Product, 20 ct or larger from SS 01/01 (exp 03/31)
Or
Minus 1 $1.00/1 Bayer Aspirin Product, 20 ct or larger from SS 01/29 (exp 04/30)
AND
Minus $1.00/1 Bayer Aspirin, 20 ct or larger from Walgreens March Savings Book (exp 3/31)
Total: $0.29

Finished Out My Week at CVS!

Although it is only Tuesday I have completed my weeks list at CVS. So unless I catch wind of a super great deal or clearance find I am finished with CVS for the week! But we shall see if I can stay away that long! :)

In my original shopping list I was going to do the Softsoap deal 3/$9 with $3 ECBs back. If you remember, I decided to get the Maybelline Baby Lips instead.
Well...after much thought I decided I could not let such a great deal slip by, but instead of getting softsoap for me, I got Irish Spring for Jonathan and my dad. And since buying the Baby Lips had pushed me past another $50 (scanned) mark in the beauty club I was able to print off $5 ECBs before I left today! :)

Transaction 1:
2 Irish Spring 6 pk Bars $5.29
Sale: $3 each: $6
1 Irish Spring Bodywash: $4.99
Sale: $3
Minus (2) $.50/1 Q (I could only use 2 due to the total cost)
Minus $3 ECB (from Baby Lips)
Minus $5 ECB (Beauty Club)
Total: FREE!!!
Received $3 ECBs

Transaction 2:
2 Halls Cough Drops: $2.49
2 Halls Cough Drops: $1.99
Sale: $1.50 each: $6
Minus (2) $1/2 Q
Minus $3 ECBs from #1
Total: $1
Received: $1 ECB!

Total worth (this trip): $24.53
Total spent (this trip): NOTHING!
And I still have $1 ECB for next week!

Now that my week is done here are the totals:

Total Worth: $50.96
Total Spent: $4.97

Total Haul:
2 Irish Spring Bar 6 pks
1 Irish Spring Bodywash
4 Halls Cough Drops
3 Baby Lips
4 Mars Easter Candy
2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes

I am completely satisfied with what ingot this week and even more satisfied with what I spent (or didn't spend)! :)

What did you get at CVS this week?

Super Cheap Dove Hairspray at Target!

Target has Dove Extra Hold non aerosol hairspray on clearance for $1.72
There is a $1/1 Q from the 3/25 RP.
This makes it only $0.72 for a bottle of hairspray!!

Dove Hairspray $4.00
Sale: $1.72
Minus $1/1 Q
Total: $.72

Target clearance is really one of my favorite things!
It seems like every time I go in there they have new stuff on clearance!

I don't use hair spray but if anyone does and would like me to get some let me know!! :)

FREE Book! "No Longer A Slumdog: Bringing Hope to Children in Crisis"

Go HERE to order your free book!

I just ordered mine!
I personally have not read this book but I'm excited to!
The Forward is by Francis Chan. (love him)

Here is what is said about the book:

"Be among the first to read this gripping narrative that displays the redemptive power of God among the most fragile.
This next great wave of transformation is changing the lives of children, their families and entire communities.
Filled with riveting stories of God's redeeming love
Your heart will rejoice as you share in their triumph. This dynamic book will open your eyes to an amazing move of God."

I Got My Viva Paper Towels.

I stopped in to Walgreens to do the Viva deal but when my receipt printed I noticed the $4 RR that was supposed to print never did.
I asked the cashier and she didn't know any was supposed to print.
So I emailed Walgreens to see what was up.

I'm not too worried about it since my RR usually go to waste if I don't use them immediately but $4 RR would be nice.

Even without getting the $4RR it still came out to $0.70 per roll. Which I am satisfied with.

2 Viva 6 Packs $6.99
Sale $5.99 each: $11.98
Minus: (2) $.60/1 Q
Minus (2) $1/1 Walgreens Q
Total: $8.78

Saved: $5.20

If Walgreens ends up sending me the $4 RR that should have printed I'm going to get 2 tubes of Colgate toothpaste for free. :)

$2 Money Maker NEXT week on Allegra!

It is deals like these that make me regret (a little) that I order my coupons and don't get them until Tuesday-Wednesday. Because this deal is gonna go fast!!

Next Sunday (4/1/12) in the SS there will be a $7/1 Allegra Q (no size restriction)!
KEEP IT!!
Walmart has the 5 count boxes for $5. That's a $2 MM.

Allegra 24 Hour Allergy Relief 5 ct. $5.00
Minus $7/1 Allegra (4/1/12 SS)
$2 MONEY MAKER!

I will definitely be buying a paper next Sunday so I can at least get one of these.
This coupon expires on 4/8 so it will be a very short opportunity to snag some!

Cheap Viva Paper Towels at Walgreens

$4.00 RR printing when you purchase two Viva Paper Towels 6 pack.

Buy (2) Viva Paper Towels $5.99 each
Minus (2) 0.85/1 Viva Paper Towel Big Rolls, exp. 5/6/12 (SS 03/11/12 R)
Minus (2) $1/1 Viva Paper Towels 6 rolls from Walgreens Coupon Book
Pay $8.28
Get $4.00 RR
$4.28 or $2.14 each after coupons and RR

My After Dinner Stop at CVS

After Jonathan and I finished dinner at PF Changs I promised to drive home if I could stop at CVS. (of course Jonathan would have stopped whether I drove or not but I know he hates driving)

I was so excited to find that they had the Maybeline Baby Lips!

3 Baby Lips
$3.99 each: $11.97
Minus (3) $2/1 Q
Minus $2 ECB (from Colgate deal)
Total: $3.97
Received: $3 ECBs

As we were waiting to check out we were looking at the clearance table and Jonathan spotted the Yoshi Blade knife. He has been wanting one but there was NO way we were going to pay $20 for a knife.
So when he saw it for only $5 he jumped on it!
So we got that too. And still saved $15 on it!
Jonathan asked if I was going to use my ECBs that I got from the lip gloss on his knife.
Obviously I said no since it would mess up my cough drop deal when my Qs come in. Haha :)

My Super Small Completely FREE CVS Trip

I needed a break!!! Jonathan and I started packing today and after the bathroom, kitchen, and living room was all packed up I decided I was done for the day.
So I went to CVS!

Let me start by saying that i had planned on getting 3 Maybeline BabyLips gloss instead of the 3 Softsoap body washes I had originally planned on getting.
But...
After packing our bathroom I realized I have enough body wash for now, especially since they seem to ALWAYS be on sale. And lip gloss makes for wonderful gifts for all the little ladies in my life!

That being said, I got to CVS only to be disappointed that someone had already gotten ALL of the Babylips!! (I hate shelf clearers. Today was the FIRST day of the sale and they were all gone)
So I was only able to do the first part of my planned trip. I will check out another CVS tomorrow after I go running and try to get the Babylips. Then once my Qs come in the mail (from this week) I will run and get the cough drops I want to get!
Still making my total weeks out of pocket cost less than $5!

Transaction #1
4 Milky Way bunnies 2/$1
Minus 2 $1/2
Total: FREE
Received: $2 ECBs

Transaction #2
Colgate 360 Toothbrush $5.49
Sale: $2.99
Minus $1 Q
Minus $2 ECBs from #1
Total: FREE
Received: $2 ECBs

Transaction #3
SAME AS ABOVE
Minus $2 ECBs from #2
Total: FREE
Received: $2 ECBs

Worth: $14.46
Paid: NOTHING!!
(tax only, which was around $0.30)

And I have $2 ECBs to keep rolling!
So it's like I was paid $2 for all of this!

When to Stand Your Ground and When to Backdown

As someone who hates conflict I often find myself backing down when it comes to couponing instead of standing my ground.
Like the other day when I went to CVS to do the Olay deal. The manager told me that "one per purchase" meant one per transaction. I know for a fact that she was wrong but I didn't say anything.
Or like when my total is $2.98 and I have a $3 Q. I know which stores are supposed to adjust the value of the Q to make my total free but I ALWAYS get the cashier who doesn't know what they are doing and tell me, "you can't use this".
I always want to speak up and tell them they are supposed to adjust the Q down but never do.
Things like this happen all the time to me when I coupon and I rarely ever speak up. But I am going to start speaking up! If it is something that I truly need, why would I let someone rob me of money that I shouldnt have to spend just because they do not know their own policy. (without being rude, of course)

This is where having a copy of stores coupon policies with you is SO important. If you are able to show them their own rules, they have no reason not to follow them.
I personally keep a copy of the policies on my iPad that I can pull up. And I have done so before, and it works.
Also, if you ever have a bad experience at a store, contact corporate. I have contacted Walmart corporate twice by email due to awful experiences.

Now there are sometimes when I have had such an awful cashier that I decide the hassle is not worth it, that's when I politely say "thanks, but I don't want it anymore" and leave.

My Target & Walmart Trip:

After work today I decided to run to CVS to do the Suave deal and get the free carefree panty liners. Once I got in there I decided that I did not at all need any of the Suave items so I was just going to get the panty liners and leave. The cashier would only let me get one. So I ded, then went to Walmart, since I knew I could make $0.06 for each one I took out of the store.
Since I had some more Clorox 2 Qs printed I went ahead and stopped by Target as well. At Target I found some bath towels on Clearance, as well as some place mats so I picked them up for the new apartment! :)
Here are my transactions.

CVS:
1 Carefree Panty Liner $1.49
Sale: $1
Minus $1/1 Q
Total: FREE
Saved: $1.49

Walmart
5 Carefree Panty Liners
$0.94: $4.70
Minus (5) $1/1 Qs
Total: -$.30
Saved: $5

Target:
3 Clorox 2 Pen: $3.24
Sale: $1.75 each: $5.25
Minus (3) $1/1 Q
1 Clorox 2 Spray: $2.99
Sale: $1.75
Minus $1/1 Q
4 large Bath Towels: $7
Sale: $3.48 each: $13.92
2 Bath Hand Towels: $4
Sale: $2.98 each: $5.96
2 Place Mats: $2.99
Sale: $.88 each: $1.76
Total BEFORE: $54.69
Total AFTER: $20.64
Saved: $34.05

Total Worth: $60.88
Total Spent: $20.34




Side Note: I looked in the baby section and the Pamper wipes I posted about are on sale for $2.37 for a 72 pack. Match that with the printable Q makes them $1.62 each. (I'm not sure if that is a good deal or not, but I figured I'd share what I found)

Victoria's Secret: 2 FREE Secret Reward Cards With Any $10 Online Purchase

Super Exciting for all the Ladies! 

Victoria's Secret has a great Secret Rewards Cards deal going on right now!

Place an online order of any in-stock item totaling $10 or more and use coupon code: SECRET12 to get TWO Secret Rewards cards.

Each Secret Rewards card will be worth at least $10 but could be as much as $50, $100 or even $500! The rewards cards must be used April 1st – 30th in stores, online or by phone.

Check out the Super Soft Slippers on clearance for $4.99! I got some of these!!!!! :)

I just got $47 worth of stuff (on clearance) for only $6 ($12 before my gift card I used)! AND I'm getting 2 rewards cards with each having AT LEAST $10 on them!!! 

That means this is already a $14 MONEY MAKER for me! :)

My CVS Scenarios for 3/25-3/31

I have put together a CVS shopping trip with an OOP cost of around $5.
This is the scenario I plan on doing when I go shopping either Sunday afternoon or Monday. I plan on doing 5 transactions.

Transaction 1
4 Mars Easter Egg singles
2/$1: $2
Minus (2) $1/2 Mars Q
Total: Free
Receive: $2 ECBs ($1 ECB for every 2 candies)

Transaction 2
Colgate 360 toothbrush $2.99
Minus $1/1 Colgate Q (SS 3/11)
Minus $2 ECBs from #1
Total: Free
Receive: $2 ECBs

Transaction 3
SAME AS #2
Minus $2 ECBs from #2
Total: Free
Receive: $2 ECBs

Transaction 4
3 Softsoap Bodywash 3/$9 *counts towards beauty club*
Minus (3) $1/1 Q (SS 3/25)
Minus $2 ECBs from #3
Total: $4
Receive: $3 ECBs (makes them $0.33 each)

Transaction 5
4 Halls Cough Drops
2/$3: $6
Minus (2) $1/2 Q (SS 2/5 or SS 3/25)
Minus $3 ECBs from #4
Total: $1
Receive: $1 ECBs

Total spent: $5
Total Worth (sale prices): $23
And you still have $1 ECB left! :)

And I'll get $5 ECBs for spending $50 on beauty products. (I thought I would get it after I bought the Olay but I was $2 short of the next $50 goal.)
So for me all transactions will be FREE!! :)

What's Good at CVS 3/25-3/31

Even though I haven't finished shopping at CVS for their current sales I decided to go ahead and share some of the great deals they will be having next week that I'm excited about and preparing for.
Remember, these are not all the deals at CVS for this week, just the best/cheapest ones. :)

Mars Easter Egg or Bunny Single 1.1 oz 2/$1 Get $1 ECB wyb (2) Limit 2
$1/2 M&M's Chocolate Candies, M&M's Minis Chocolate Candies, Minis Mix Variety Bag, 3 Musketeers, Twix Minis, Snickers Minis, Milky Way Minis, or Dove Silky Smooth Eggs (RP 03/18/12) *no size restriction*
Free + $1 MM after coupon/ECB (Sun/Mon/Tues ONLY)

Colgate 360 toothbrush 1ct. $2.99 Get $2 ECB Limit 2
$1/1 Colgate 360 Optic White Toothbrush (SS 03/11/12)
Free after coupon/ecb

Halls Cough Drops 2/$3 Get $1 ECB wyb (2) Limit 1
$1/2 Halls Product, (SS 02/05/12 R) (SS 3/25)
$1/2 Halls Product Printable
2/$1 or $0.50 each after coupon/ecb

Colgate Optic White toothpaste 4 oz $3.99 Get $2 ECB Limit 2
$1/1 Colgate Optic White, Total Advanced or Sensitive Pro Relief (SS 3/11)
$0.99 after coupon/ECB

Irish Spring or Softsoap Body wash 15-18 oz. bar soap 4-6 pk. or Softsoap liquid hand soap 8-8.5 oz. 3/$9 Get $3 ECB wyb (3) Limit 1
$1/1 on any Irish Spring Body Wash or Bar Soap,excludes trial size, (RIB magazine Spring)
$1/1 Softsoap body wash 12oz+ (SS 3/25)
$1/1 Softsoap bar soap 2pk+ (SS 3/25)
3/$3 or $1 each after coupons/ecb *counts toward the Beauty Club*

Maybelline Eye or Lip, Spend $10 Get $3 ECB Limit 4
$2/1 Maybelline New York Lip Product (RP 02/05/12)
Scenario:
Buy 3 x Baby Lips $11.67-11.97
Use: 3 x $2 Maybelline Lip ($6)
Pay $5.67-5.97, Get $3 ECB
3/$2.67-2.99 after coupons/ecb *counts toward the Beauty Club*

To All My Mommy Friends, Possible Cheap Pampers Diapers at Target!

There have been reports of Pampers diapers on clearance at Target for $1.90 a pack.
Match that with the $.75 coupon HERE making them only $1.15 each!
I have not been to Target since hearing about this so I don't know if our Targets have them on clearance but if you have a chance, or will be at Target anyway, print off the coupon and check it out! :)

This Week at Winn Dixie!

Go here to check out Addicted to Savings weekly Winn Dixie Coupon matchups! :)

I'm excited about the V8 Fusion on sale, plus fuel perks!
Also gonna stock up on some Crystal Light! :)

What are you going to get at Winn Dixie this week?

$0.70 off Ziplock Coupon!

There is a HOT Ziplock Q out right now!
Go here to print a $0.70 Ziplock Bag Coupon.
The offer is originally for $0.60 off but if you watch the super short Rachel Ray video the value goes up to $0.70!
This makes a box of Sandwich bags at Walmart only $1.27!

My Target and CVS Trip! :)

Since Jonathan and I got home from my parents house earlier than planned I decided to run to CVS and Target while out to get things we needed for dinner.

I was slightly disappointed at CVS when I went to use my $3/2 Q along with my BOGO Free Q. Since it is worded "one per purchase" the manager on duty claimed that meant one per transaction. Since I hate conflict I did not argue and tell her she was in fact wrong, "one per purchase" means one coupon per Item specified. So instead of walking out with 4 free body washes, I only was able to get 2 and keep to the OOP cost I was anticipating.

CVS (the BW and some FC are going to my mom)
Transaction 1:
2 Olay Face Cleaners (originally $6.29)
$3.99 each: $7.98
1 Body Wash $6.99
Total: $14.97
Minus: $3/2 Q
Minus: Free Body Wash wyb Face cleaner
Minus: $5 ECB
Total: -$.02

Transaction 2:
1 Olay Face Cleaner (originally $6.29)
$3.99
1 Olay Face Cleaner: $4.49
1 Body Wash $6.99
Total: $14.97
Minus: $3/2 Q
Minus: Free Body Wash wyb Face cleaner
Total: $5.48

Total CVS before Qs: $37.34
Total CVS after Qs: $5.48
Total CVS Saved: $31.86
And I will get $5 ECBs for spending another $50 on beauty products! :)

Target:
4 Clorox 2 Stain Remover (orinigally $2.99)
$1.75 each: $7
Minus 4 $1 Qs
Minus 1 $.55 Peelie (technically my cashier wasn't supposed to use this along with my $1 Q but she said she could so I didn't protest anymore since it made one bottle only $.20!!)
4 Milk Bone 24oz Dog Treats
$2.54 each: $10.16
2 Milk Bone 5.6oz soft and chewy treats
$3.54 each: $7.08
Minus 2 $1.50/2 Q
Minus 2 Free Soft and Chewy Treats wyb 2 dog treats (took off $7.08)
2 Minute Maid 10 pk Juice Box
$2.69 each: $5.38
Minus 2 $1/1 Q
Also Used: $5 Gift Card from previous purchase

Total Target before Qs: $38.58
Total Target after Qs and GC: :$7.99

Total Worth: $75.92
Total Spent: $13.49

I am so glad I found the Clorox 2 at Target! They still had PLENTY left, as well as the Clorox 2 stain release pen, which I plan on getting some tomorrow. :)
And now my clothes will be clean, and my doggies will be happy! :)

DIY Mocha Mix!

Here is a wonderful DIY Mocha Mix thanks to Thrice the Spice!

Iced Mocha Mix

1/2 cup instant coffee granules (decaf may be used if you prefer)
1 cup sugar
1 cup dry milk powder (nonfat is fine)
1 cup powdered creamer (nonfat or sugar-free is fine if you prefer, as is flavored)
1/2 cup baking cocoa (I use dark chocolate)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container. May be stored for up to a year.

For an iced drink (similiar to a Frappuccino or Mocha Frappe)
In a blender combine 1 1/2 cups ice, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup of dry mocha mix.

For a warm drink, stir 3-5 Tablespoons into a cup of warm water, to taste :)


I am SUPER excited to try this! :)

6 Free Vistaprint Items Until Friday!

Go here to see the 6 personalized items available for FREE until Friday!

I got me a free personalized notebook! All I paid was shipping! ($4)

Clorox 2 Stain Release Spray and Pens $0.75!!

Another GREAT deal at Target with Qs!

Clorox 2 Stain Release Spray and Pens -$1.75 (price cut thru 4/7)
Use $1/1 Clorox 2 Product - www.coupons.com zip 77477
= 75¢ each!

I can't wait to hit up Target! :)

Thanks Mojo Savings!

$0.97 Comet Stainless Steel Cleaner at Target!

Here is a GREAT deal on some stainless steel cleaner at Target! and I hear stainless can be hard to clean! You may want to try it out! :)

Comet Stainless Steel Cleaner Powder, 17 oz (Reg. $1.99) $1.82, Price Cut through 3/24
$0.85/1 – Comet Stainless Steel Cleaner – (couponnetwork.com)
Final Price: $0.97

Thanks, Krazy Coupon Lady!

Minute Maid Juice Box (10 ct) Printable Coupon Makes For cheap juice!

Check out www.coupons.com for a great $1/1 minute maid box drink printable!
With it you can get some juice at a good price! :)

TARGET
Minute Maid Juice Boxes, $2.69
$1/1 Minute Maid juice boxes printable coupon
= $1.69 ea. after coupon!

WALMART
Minute Maid Juice Boxes, $2.98
$1/1 Minute Maid juice boxes printable coupon
= $1.98 ea. after coupon!

I don't have any children, but I LOVE these when I'm a little thirsty but won't drink a whole coke!
I'm definitely gonna get some of these!! :)

Who Says You Can't Coupon In a Small Town?

So while we are at my parents house, I decide to check out their local grocery stores sale ad.
To my surprise, they had some really great sales! But since we have to haul whatever i get back to NOLA and Jonathan and I are about to move, and we don't have much space, I decided to only get what I REALLY wanted.

This week they had the small bottles of Crystal hot sauce (our favorite) on sale for 2/$1. I didn't have any Qs for this but still really good!
They also has Milk-Bone treats on sale 2/$5 and that, I DID have Qs for, they just had a very limited supply.
I had planned on using more Qs than I did to bring my total down but I since they didn't seem to know how coupons worked (surprise, surprise) I only got 2 things of treats.
I had a $1.50/2 Q AND a B2G1 free Q which it is completely legal to use both of those on 3 packages of treats, but I did not feel like dealing with the extremely rude manager so I just took my 2 packages and left. :)

2 Crystal $1
2 Milk Bone treats $5 (normally close to $4 each)
Minus 1.50/2
Total: $4.50

Not the best but still good. :)

Side note:
Walmart has a bag of the milk bone treats regularly for $2.50 (and theynare bogger than the ones i got) so I am going to try to do this deal there when I get home. (probably Wednesday)

The deal will look like this:
2 Milk Bone Snacks $2.50 each $5 total
1 Milk Bone Soft and Chewy Snack $2.98 (online price)
Minus $1.50/2
Minus FREE Soft and Chewy Snack wyb 2 snacks
Total: $3.50

There are also printable Qs for $1/1 Healthy Favorites. If your store carries these you can get them instead and your total will only be $3.

This week at CVS

So there are some pretty great deals at CVS that I'm excited about!
Here are my favorites:

Olay Daily facial cloths 30-33ct. or cleansers 6.78-7 oz $3.99
$3/2 Olay Facial Moisturizers, Facial Cleansers or Facial Hair Removal Product (RP 02/12/12)
FREE Olay Body Wash wyb Facial Cleanser (P&G 03/04/12)
Scenario:
Buy 2 x Olay cleansers and 2 x Body wash
Use: (1) $3/2 Olay cleanser and (2) FREE body wash wyb cleanser coupons
Pay $4.98 after coupons for 2 cleansers and 2 body wash
$1.24 per item *Counts toward CVS Beauty Club* and toward the P&G Rebate (spend $50 get a $15 gift card)

Spend $12 on Suave (excludes clearance) ~ Get $4 ECB (Limit 1)
*All Suave coupons from the 3/18 RP are LIMIT 2 per same shopping trip.
Deal Idea:
Buy (3) Suave Bodywash for $6
Buy (1) Suave Kids for $1.50
Buy (1) Suave Keratin Shampoo for $6
Buy (2) Deodorants for $2
Use B2G1 from 3/18 RP
Use $.50/1 Kids Shampoo PRINT
Use $2/1 Suave Keratin from 3/18 RP
Use (2) $.75/1 Deodorants from 3/18 RP
Pay $6.50 ~ Get $4 ECB
(makes it $.38 ea)

Carefree Trial Size Original or Body shape pantiliners 20-22ct. $1
Use $1/1 from 03/18 SS
Makes it FREE!

Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Deodorant $1.99
Use $1/1 PRINT
(makes it $.99)

Cheap Peanut Butter!

I can't believe I missed this great deal at Winn Dixie earlier this week. But I'm super glad I caught it before the sale ended! peanut butter has gotten so expensive so I definitely jumped on the opportunity to get some for cheap!

4 Planters Creamy Peanut Butter
$3.99 each: $15.96
On sale 2/$5
Minus 4 $1/1 Qs
Total: $6
That's $1.50 per jar!
And I got $.10 off per gallon of gas at Shell! :)

My Day Out Shopping

Total Worth: $96.91

Total Spent:  $35.74

66% total savings!

Since I had nothing else to do today I decided to hit up some stores and score some good deals. I went to Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart.

When I originally went to Right Aid I was looking for the Garnier face cleaning cloths. But after striking out at 3 stores it hit me that I could do the SAME deal with the face wash, so I did.
(I know a lot of people are turned off by couponing because they don't want to drive all around town looking for stuff like I did with Rite Aid, and you don't have too, I just had nothing else to do and decided to hunt the cleaning cloths down.)

Now for my transaction breakdowns!

Rite Aid:

Transaction #1:
3 Garnier Exfoliating Face Wash (on Sale for BOG1 50% off)
$6.29 each: $18.75
Minus 3 $1/1 Q
Minus $3.14 (50% one Face Wash)
Total: $12.72
Received: $10 UP Rewards
(this makes them $.91 each after UPs)

Transaction #2
K Y His & Hers: $20 [we are all adults, don't freak out.] :)
Minus $10 UP Rewards
Minus $5 Q
Total: $5
Received $5 UP Rewards
FREE after UPs!
(I was pretty bummed once I got home and realized that there was a $3/1 STORE Q in the Rite Aid Ad this week which would have brought my OOP down to only $2 making it a $3 Money Maker, but I am still satisfied)

Total Rite Aid Before Qs: $38.75
Total Rite Aid After Qs:    $17.72
Saved: $21.03. 54.3% savings!


Walgreens:

4 Bayer Low Dose 32 Count (on Sale for BOG1 50% off)
$3.14 each: $12.76
Minus 4 $1/1 Q
Minus 2 $2/1 STORE Q
Minus 2 $1.10 (they took the 50% off the second bottle AFTER my Qs)
Total: $2.56
Saved: $10.20. 84.1% Savings!


Walmart

Transaction #1
12 Slow Cooker Liners ( half of these are for my mom)
$1.96 each: $23.52
Minus 12 $1/1 Q
Total: $11.52


Transaction #2
2 Swiffer Duster Starter Kits- $2.47 each: $5.94
2 Swiffer Duster 10 pk Refill- $7.97 each: $15.94
Total BEFORE Qs: $21.88
Minus 2 $1/1 Q
Minus 2 Buy One Starter Kit Get a Refill Free (took off $15.94)
Total: $3.94


Total Walmart Before Qs: $45.40
Total Walmart After Qs:    $15.91
Saved: $29.49. 66% Savings!

My Winn Dixie Trip

I decided to run by the Winn Dixie by Seminary today on my lunch break hoping to score some of the Ken's ranch dressing and some laundry detergent.

I decided that I have enough detergent, so I only got 2 bottles
But I was disappointed to see that they did not have a place on the shelf for the 9 oz bottles of ranch so I got 3 Caesars and 1 vinaigrette.

I stopped at the Winn Dixie in Kenner and was sad to find the same thing.
I know they make a ranch in the 9oz so I grabbed a sales ad and will try to price match at Walmart.
I usually try to avoid price matching because Walmart has become nothing but a headache but I will definitely try to score some of my guys favorite dressing! :)

Another Cheap Find at Winn Dixie! Laundry Detergent!

Sorry to post about another Winn Dixie deal but I just couldn't pass it up! I have several bottles of laundry detergent but I may still pick up 2 bottles!
Anytime I find detergent for under $2 I consider it a good deal! :)

Fab 32 load powder or 50 oz. liquid laundry detergent:
BOG1 FREE (save 4.29 when you use your Winn-Dixie Reward card)

Coupons available:
$2/1 Ajax, Fab, Dynamo, Final Touch or Niagara Product, exp. 5/27/12 (SS 02/26/12)
As low as $.49 for Fab with coupon if you got the high value fab coupons. You'll need 2 coupons to get best price.
$.50/1 Ajax, Fab, Dynamo, Final Touch or Niagara Product, exp. 5/27/12 (SS 02/26/12)

I only got the 50 cents off each not the 2.00 off one...
The breakdown is as follows :
2 at 4.29 = 8.58 : -4.29 for bogo deal: -2 coupons at 50 cents each = 1.00 off :
Total for two 3.29 or 1.65 each

CHEAP Ken's 9 oz Salad Dressing at Winn Dixie This Week!

This week Winn Dixie has Ken's salad dressing 9oz is on sale BOG1 Free
So you will be getting 2 bottles for $2.39.

There was a $1/2 coupon in last weeks paper (3/11)
making them $.70 a bottle! ($1.39 for 2)

I plan on getting 12 bottles total. (my guy treats salad dressing like chocolate syrup on ice cream)
I bought 6 bottles the last time they were on sale and I had a Q and we are almost out again!

I want to add that I plan on getting 12 bottles from MULTIPLE stores so I DO NOT shelf clear. I hate shelf clearers, I think it is rude and unnecessary.
So if anyone tries to get some dressing and they are all gone it wasn't me! :)

Let me know if you get any!

I Got My FREE Right Guard Deodorant at Walgreens!!

Okay...so they weren't really free, I did end up paying about $.13 each. But still, a REALLY good deal!

Before I explain my transactions let me vent a little.
So I printed off a total of 4 $2/2 coupons. 2 from my computer and 2 from Jonathan's computer. Well I stacked all the pieces of paper together to cut out the coupons NOT realizing that I was cutting through the middle of the last 2 coupons (the ones that printed from my computer) so instead of having coupons for 8 deodorants, I only had coupons for 4, but I made it work and was super grateful for what I did have and it all worked out! :)

Here is the 2 Transactions I did.

Transaction #1:
4 Right Guard Total Defence 5:
$4.58 each on clearance for $2.29 AND on sale BOG1 FREE
Making the total due: $4.58
Used: 2- $2/2 coupon
Total OOP- $.58
RECEIVED: $4 RR back!!

Transaction #2:
4 Right Guard Total Defence 5:
$4.58 each on clearance for $2.29 AND on sale BOG1 FREE
Making the total due: $4.58
Used: $4 RR from #1
Total OOP- $.58

Total before coupons/sales: $35.92
Total after: $1.16

Since I usually end up having all my RR expire on me I decided to go ahead and use it and get 4 more deodorants for Jonathan. (it's his favorite) so even though I ruined 2 of my coupons I still did well and got plenty of deodorants! :)

Let me know if you get any!! :)

LAST DAY to Get the Florida's Living Social Deal!

Woohoo! Look what is back! Today’s Florida Living Social deal and Alabama Living Social deal is $12 for one Book of Discounts from Enjoy the City ($25.00 Value). OR – you can purchase three Enjoy the City books for $30.00! OR – you can purchase five Book of Discounts from Enjoy the City ($25.00 Value) for $40.00.

The Enjoy the City booklet has 4 $5 off $30 + Winn Dixie coupons pictured below (LOVE them), The Winn Dixie coupons I have received in the past and the ones pictured on the preview, state “One Coupon Per Purchase” but do not limit the coupons to any specific locations! Coupons for Winn Dixie expire 12/31/2012.

Here are the links:
Mobil, Al:
http://tracking.livingsocial.com/aff_c?offer_id=4&aff_id=5878&url=http%3A//www.livingsocial.com/cities/157-mobile-baldwin-county/deals/291904-one-local-coupon-book

Birmingham, Al
http://tracking.livingsocial.com/aff_c?offer_id=4&aff_id=5878&url=http%3A//www.livingsocial.com/cities/64-birmingham/deals/291886-one-local-coupon-book

Florida
http://tracking.livingsocial.com/aff_c?offer_id=4&aff_id=5878&url=http%3A//www.livingsocial.com/cities/16-jacksonville/deals/291918-one-local-coupon-book


I currently have 2 of these books and think they are GREAT. there are several other coupons that are not location specific but if you shop enough at Winn Dixie like I do, it may be worth it to save some on your grocery bill. (then I have friends in Florida that I mailed the other coupons to)

Free Right Guard Deodorant at Walgreens.

http://www.coupons.com/ currently has a $2/2 coupon for Right Guard deodorant.


Print this out and go to Walgreens! Remember, you can print 2 coupons per computer!
I found mine under the 'personal care' with zip code 34655!
Be on the lookout for Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant that is on sale clearance.

If you find clearance deodorant, follow the scenario below:

$4 RRs wyb 4 Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant, on sale Clearance and B1G1 $2.29 for two
Minus two $2.00/2 Total Defense® 5 Anti-Perspirant, Deodorant OR Body Wash coupon
Total Due: $0.58
Receive $4 RRs, makes them FREE plus $3.42 Moneymaker

If you find regularly priced deodorant, follow the scenario below:

$4 RRs wyb 4 Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant, on sale B1G1 $4.49 for two
Minus two $2.00/2 Total Defense® 5 Anti-Perspirant, Deodorant OR Body Wash coupon
Total Due: $4.98
Receive $4 RRs, makes them $0.24 each

I have passed the $1,000 mark!!

I have been keeping a spreadsheet with my year to date savings using coupons starting January 1, 2012.
I just realized that I have saved $1,325.98 and have only spent $292.23!!!
This includes all trips where I have used any form of coupons, even if I only used one!
Since I have started shopping at Albertsons in have really been able to save more on groceries! And of course I always save at drug stores!

I post this not to brag about how good at couponing I am, but to encourage everyone. If I can do it, so can you!
The important thing to remember is that it really doesn't take much time!
Just a few minutes to look at the coupon matchups before you run to the store. That's it! :)

My CVS Coca Cola trip!

So as I mentioned in my laundry detergent show and tell yesterday I also picked up 5 12 pack of cokes for $15 and received $5 ECBs back.

Well a little birdie told me that even though the ECB deal on the Coke products is advertised as a limit of 1 per household the system was allowing a limit of 2. So of course I had to try it out!
So I stopped by CVS today and got 5 more 12 packs
5/$15 minus $5ECBs
$10 out of pocket
AND I GOT $5 ECBs BACK!!!

So I got a total of 10 12 packs (6 coke zero & 4 Diet Dr Pepper) for $25 with $5 back.
It's like I paid only $2/12 pack! :)

My Quick CVS Trip

After posting about the free cheer laundry detergent I just had to run to the CVS near my aunts house to see if they had any on clearance.
They didn't.
BUT they did have Purex laundry detergent on sale from $6.87 to $2.50.
I just couldn't pass that up especially since I had $7 ECBs that were about to expire!

I ended up paying $.47 total for all 3 bottles! :)

They also have coke products 12 packs 5/$15 with $5 ECBs back.
So I got 2 packs of diet dr pepper and 3 packs of coke zero for $15 and got $5 ECBs back! :)

My Albertsons Trip

I was so excited to see that Albertsons had everything I needed in stock!
I went ahead and took a picture of the stuff at checkout so I could post now instead of late tonight. :)
My trip included:

6 Mt Olive Pickles -$2.69
$.50 each after sale/Q

1 Mt Olive Relish- $2.39
$.50 after Sale/Q

2 Cheez-it's - $3.29
$.99 each after Q

5 Flavorite popcorn- $2
$1 each after Sale

4 totinos pizza rolls- $2.29
$.80 each after sale/Q

1 bread
$1

Total before Qs and sales: $46.11

Total AFTER Qs and sales: $15.17! :)

FREE Cheer laundry detergent at CVS this week! :)

Cheer BrightClean Fresh Scent, 2X, 32 Loads 50 oz $1.99, Clearance Price
Use $2.00/1 Cheer Detergent, excludes trial/travel size limit 4 like coupons in same shopping trip from RP 2/19 (exp 3/31)
FREE after coupon!!!

I'm going to try to get some later! I'll let you know if I succeed! :)

My planned Albertson's trip

While I was in Baton Rouge today I had planned to stop by Albertsons on my way home. One thing led to another and I didn't end up leaving until 8, and decided it was too late to stop since I still had an hour drive home. So I'll go tomorrow after we celebrate my grandmas birthday!
Since I don't know if I'll be able to post my trip tomorrow when I get home I though id list what I plan on buying.

6 jars of Mt Olive pickles.
$1 minus $.50q makes them $.50 each!

2 boxes of cheez-it's.
On sale with in store Q makes them $.99 each

2 loaves of Holsom bread.
On sale for $1 each

4 boxes Totinos pizza rolls.
$1 each minus $.40/2 Q makes them $.80 each.

Hopefully the store isn't sold out of anything on my list. But we shall see.
Depending on what time we get in tomorrow illmtry to post a photo show and tell. :)

All About Menu Planning

A big part of saving money at grocery stores actually has nothing to do with coupons at all!
It has a lot to do with meal planning!
I hear a lot of times, "but I don't need what's on sale this week, so even if I have coupons for it I can't use them and save money like you do" FALSE.
A lot of couponing is about making what's on sale, what you need. This is where meal planning comes in.

Menu planning doesn't have be complicated! Planning meals ahead requires a bit of time to prepare but will end up saving time and money!
A menu plan saves money by reducing trips to the grocery store and cuts out impulse spending. Using leftovers efficiently cuts food waste, while planned buying in bulk makes it easy to stockpile freezer meals at reduced prices.

And its easy to do!
Check the sale ads each week, then plan your meals from what's on sale and what you already have in your pantry! It's really that simple. And with all the recipe websites available you can always find delicious recipes to try if you have never cooked with the ingredients that are on sale before!

Now I know what you are thinking, "but that still doesn't help me COUPON" since the bulk of most meals shouldn't come from processed foods (what the majority of food coupons are for). But if you buy the produce and meat that is on sale, then use the items that are on sale and you have coupons for as meal accents you can still save money!
Example: about a month ago I was able to get Ragu pasta sauce for $.50 each at Albertsons after coupons and sales, so I got 10 of them since they are regularly around $2 each.
Albertsons also had their ground beef on sale for $2/lb and i bought 3lbs.
I then used a pound of beef and a jar of pasta and pasta that I already had for baked ziti then froze the other 2 lbs of meat for other meals.
I was able to take advantage of fresh meat when it was on sale as well as use my Qs on pasta sauce when it was on sale to make a meal.

There are many websites Out there that help with meal planning but I just have a notebook I use to plan my meals.

I really hope this post made sense. If there are any questions please ask! :)

March is Frozen Food Month!

I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that March is Frozen Food Month!
Get excited!
This means that we should all be keeping our eyes open for some AWESOME frozen food deals!
I haven't seen many yet, but I haven't looked since the new sales flyers came out yesterday.

Hopefully I can stock up on some more frozen veggies! I definitely prefer frozen veggies over canned, and they are healthier! :)

My Rookie Mistake (From Last Night)

So after I posted last night about my Rite Aid Olay trip I went on the forum (www.weusecoupons.com) to post my trip and I realized that the $10 UP rewards that I was sad I didn't get last night DOESN'T START until 3/18!!!
I felt like SUCH a goober!
I am still super satisfied with my trip from sat night but I will definitely be going back on the 18th to do it again AND get $10 back this time!

This is definitely one of those times when I am glad I have 10 of each insert! :)

Hopefully this encourages anyone who may have tried couponing and quit because they made a mistake. I definitely still make mistakes.
I learn every time that PLANNING is SO important! Oops on me. :)

My Rite Aid Trip 3/7

My Rite Aid Olay Trip! 3/7

I have just recently began shopping at Rite Aid and I'm so glad I did!
Today I got $60 worth of Olay products for only $.16!!! (plus tax)

Here is the breakdown: (Olay was on sale BOGO 50% off)

1 BW @ $8.99
2 BW @ $7.49
1 BW @ $6.99
2 FW @ $3.99 originally $7.99
2 FW @ $3.14 originally $6.29
2 packs of gum @ $2 (I had to get the gum so I could use all my Qs)

Total: $45.22
before sale prices: $59.52

Qs used:
4 Buy One FC get One BW Free (each Q took off $8.99 even though some only cost me $6-$7 which helped bring my total down)
2 $3/2 Face cleaner
$5 UP rewards from previous purchase

My total after Qs was only $.16 before tax!

AND I can submit my receipts to P&G and get a $15 mail in rebate! Making this a $14.84 money maker! :)

If I had spent (scanned) $5 more dollars I could have received $10 UP rewards but I decided not to sweat it since I only paid $.16 for it all and can submit for the MIR)

If anyone has any questions let me know! :)

Coupon Organization

Okay, my last post I will snag from my beloved www.addictedtosaving.com. I promise!
.

One of the most common question I get asked is how to organize coupons. It seems that this is a question I receive from newbie couponers all the way to experienced couponers. Organization is a tough challenge. Especially when you are receiving new coupons every Sunday, printable coupons, coupons in mailers, etc etc! I’ve used two different organizational methods. I started out with using a coupon binder (see Method 1 below). I now file my inserts by category and date and only cut coupons when needed (see Method 2 below).

I USE METHOD 2! And I keep the box in my car so if I find a good unadvertised sale I can walk to my car, cut out only the Qs I need then go and purchase the items.
And for my planed trips I just sit in my car before I go to the store and cut the ones I need. I realize that will not be the easiest way for everyone, but it works for me. I cannot stress how IMPORTANT it is to find an organization method that works for you, no matter how you end up doing it. When I first tried couponing in 2010 I tried cutting out every Q and it got so overwhelming that I quit. But now that I found a way that works for me, I LOVE couponing. And remember SAVE your inserts until all the Qs are expired! -Lacey

Method 1: Coupon Binder

Step 1) Buy a 3 ring binder. Preferably a binder that has zipper to keep it closed (and to keep loose coupons from escaping!) **UPDATE – An awesome source that sells coupon binders is Coupon Clutch. Go HERE to check out their binders!




Step 2) Buy Baseball Card holder sheets. (There should be 9 holders on one sheet). Use these sheets to put your coupons in. I put coupons facing the front and the back of the sheet. That way, I can hold 18 coupons per sheet.



Step 3: Cut each and every coupon on Sunday and organize your coupon sheets by category. (Put multiple copies of each coupon in just one spot – that way all copies are together) Some people organize the sheets by store aisles to make it easy to find as you are walking through your local stores. I organize my coupons by category (i.e. pasta, side dishes, produce, dairy, protein, pet products, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc etc). That way, if I need cheese, I know to go to my dairy section of my binder and I can see all of the cheese coupons available. You can use whatever categories work best for you. The goal is to make your binder easy to use and more importantly easy to find specific coupons.



Step 4: In the inside front cover of my binder, I include important coupons that I don’t want to forget about (they are high value, maybe expiring soon, freebies, etc etc). I also keep a pair of scissors as well as envelopes for mail in rebates.

PRO’s:

You can easily carry all of your coupons into the grocery store with you.
You won’t miss out on any great deals because you will always have your coupons on hand.
It is easy to find any coupon that you need since they are all categorized in an easy to find manner.


CON’s:

You have to cut each and every coupon from Sunday’s paper which takes a bit of time. (Why do you cut EVERY coupon?? Because you never know when an item will be dirt cheap, FREE or better yet a MONEYMAKER!)

Carrying your binder in grocery stores is a bit bulky.



Method 2: Filing Inserts

Step 1) Find a box or plastic container that is large enough to hold multiple inserts when they are standing upright.

Step 2) Organize your coupon inserts each Sunday. If you buy more than one newspaper, put all SS (Smart Source) coupons together, all RP (Red Plum) coupons together, P&G, etc etc.



Step 3: Combine multiple copies of the coupon sheets within each insert. (See picture below). You are doing this so that when you need a coupon in the 2/21 RP (Red Plum from Feb 21st), you will have each coupon next to each other within 2/21 RP. You will only need to flip through the insert once and all copies will be there making it easy to find and easy to cut (you can cut all copies at once – although be careful that you don’t cut off the expiration date or barcode!)



Step 4) File Your Inserts By Date and Insert Name. On the front cover of each insert, I put a sticky note with the insert date and name. Otherwise, I would have to look at very very small print on the front binder of the front page to see what date the insert was from. I file my inserts in a box with the most recent inserts in the front and oldest inserts are in the back. In the very back I keep my All You Magazines, store flyers, etc.



PRO’s

You only cut coupons when you need them. This eliminates the time spent cutting each and every coupon on Sunday nights.
Your inserts are organized in an easy to find manner and since you have all duplicate insert sheets together, it makes it very simple to cut more than one copy of a coupon.
You will become very organized with your grocery list. I have learned that because I have to cut my coupons before I go to the store, I will stick to my grocery list and will not waiver. Sticking to my grocery list helps my budget because I know exactly what I will spend before I even step foot into the store.


CON’s

Carrying your filed inserts into a store is too bulky, heavy and just plain unrealistic.
You have to be organized. Before going to the grocery store, you have to cut each and every coupon that you need. If you forget to cut a certain coupon, you won’t have it at the store which means you won’t be able to buy the item at a cheap price.

You may miss out on deals. If you see an item is marked down on clearance to $1.00 and you know you have a $1.00 off coupon at home, you may miss out on getting the item free. If I see an item that an amazing deal (with a coupon), I will go home, find the necessary coupons and go back to the store for it. This logic is time consuming, but it forces me to determine if I really NEED the item. And, if my need is great enough, I’ll make an extra trip to get it.

It is difficult to find coupons. If I need parmesan cheese, it is impossible for me to remember what insert had parmesan cheese coupons. Use addictedtosaving coupon database!.

I started out using Method 1 and now I’m loving Method 2. The goal for couponing is to be organized. Organized enough so that when you need to put together your grocery list, you don’t have to search for an hour just to find two coupons. Let me know what you think of my methods and if you have a different method, I would love to hear about it!!

Couponing 101

I snagged this one from www.addictedtosaving as well.

I figured if I was going to give you all this information why rewrite it when Liza had it already written so nicely. :)

This article really helped me out when I first started!

Below are step-by-step instructions for beginning the process of saving. You do not need to accomplish and conquer each step immediately. Start slowly so that you don’t get overwhelmed. The goal with couponing is to have a huge stockpile of coupons to use. That way, each week when your grocery store or drugstore releases their weekly sales, you will have enough of a stash to go through in order to match the sales with coupons. If you are just starting cut coupons now, it will only take a few weeks for your coupon stash to be all encompassing. As always, email me or post any questions you might have.

Step 1: Gather at least 2 newspapers every Sunday. I personally will have at least 2 Sunday papers, but when I feel particularly adventurous, I will get 4 or 6 sets. Always get an even number of papers so you have an even number of duplicate coupons. Also, save all of your coupons since you never know when you can use your coupons with an excellent sale to score dirt-cheap or even free items!

Why do we need an even number of duplicate coupons? When Publix (and most every store) has a B1G1 sale, you can use two manufacturer coupons. For example, if toothpaste is B1G1 and you have two $1.00 off 1 tube coupons for that particular brand, you can use both coupons. You will not only get one tube of toothpaste for free, but you will save an additional $2.00 on the purchase!

Mathematical example:
Colgate Toothpaste is B1G1 (reg price per tube $3.50)
With B1G1 sale, price for 2 tubes is $3.50 (you save $3.50!)
Using two $1.00 off coupons, price for 2 tubes is now $1.50 (you save $5.50!)

Save all of your coupons even if you don’t need them right away. You never know when you will be able to get free stuff using your old coupons! If there is a great sale and you can get free cookies or fabric softener using coupons, you will regret having thrown away the coupons because you thought you won’t need them! So, save them until they expire.

Step 2: Print out coupons online. Most websites allow you to print out two coupons per printer/computer. Simply hit the back button a few times and a new coupon will print out. **Tip – print in black & white so that you don’t use color ink. Only print out the coupons you will use so as to conserve ink & paper. When you first realize the vast amount of online coupons at your fingertips, you may be tempted to print out each and every one. However, you will see that only high value coupons need to be printed out right away (they go fast). There is no need to print out and waste paper and expensive ink on hundreds of coupons that will expire and go to waste. So, print out what you need and the high value coupons.

Some of the many sources for online coupons:

coupons.com(you can also use the toolbar on the top right of this webpage)

redplum.com (you can also use the toolbar on the top right of this webpage)

smartsource.com (you can also use the toolbar on the top right of this webpage)

Target.com

pillsbury.com

bettycrocker.com

Step 3: Gather store magazines. Many stores distribute store magazines which have valuable coupons inside. Many stores have magazines right by the main entrance. The nice thing about these magazines is that often the coupons are store coupons not manufacturer coupons. This means, you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon towards one item! Save these coupons and use when the item is on sale to maximize your savings!

Mathematical Example:

Publix has Colgate B1G1. Regular price is $3.50 per tube.
Price for two tubes of toothpaste w/ sale: $3.50
Publix flyer has a 50 cents off 2 tubes coupon (store coupon)
You clipped two $1.00 of one tube manufacturer coupons.
After using all three coupons, Total price for two tubes: $1.00! (**This makes the tubes 50 cents each!)


Step 4: Buy or trade coupons online. I know this seems counterproductive – Buying coupons to save money. But, when there is a great sale, sometimes buying or trading for additional coupons is extremely beneficial. There are great websites you can go to to either buy or trade coupons. (**Tip: trading coupons is an excellent way to get rid of coupons you don’t use!! Trade them to people who do use them for coupons that you need!)

Addicted to Saving’s Coupon Database (Do you need to buy something and want to find out if there is an online coupon you can print out?)
GREAT TOOL!


Step 5: Gather Blinkies & Tearpads. These are coupons you will see throughout the store. As you walk down aisles, you may see tearpads where you can tear off a coupon or blinkies which are the little canisters that spit out coupons when you pull one. I will always take one or two of these coupons when I see them and will hang on to them until the item(s) go on sale.

**Random side note: You will also see coupons attached to items throughout the store. These coupons are called “Peelies”. There are many aggressive couponers who will peel the coupons off of items and save them until they can use/match them with a good sale. Ethically, you need to decide if this is appropriate. I’ve chosen not to do this.

Step 6: Purchase a subscription to All You Magazine. I pay for very few magazine subscriptions. Runner’s World is one of the few I can’t live without and I will pay top dollar for it. However, All You Magazine is worth the subscription price as it is jam packed with manufacturer coupons. You can also buy this magazine in Walmart.

I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE!!!

Step 7: Check the items you already have in your home! I very often will find a coupon inside of cereal boxes or toothpaste boxes. You just have to look!

Step 8: If you sign up online for a sample of a product, once you receive it in the mail, check for a coupon. Usually companies will send samples with high value coupons.

Step 9: Email your favorite manufacturers and give positive or negative feedback on their products. Very often, you will receive coupons in the mail for free products or high value money off coupons. Be sure to include the UPC # so they know you have actually purchased their product and are not just fishing around for free coupons!

Confusing Coupon Lingo

COUPON LINGO

From www.addictedtosaving.com
Below are the crazy couponing lingo and abbreviations that I use on a daily basis. I know the abbreviations are confusing, but as you become familiar with them, you will recognize the abbreviations and they will become second nature!

B1G1 or BOGO = Buy One, Get One Free

B2G1 = Buy Two, Get One Free

Blinkies = Coupons that are in the coupon dispensers attached to shelves in your store. Dispenser is often red and often blinking.

DND = Do Not Double (this applies to people who shop at stores that double coupons. If you live in FL, most stores in FL do not double coupons)

ECB = Extra Care Bucks (instant rewards that print out when you purchase select sales items at CVS)

Hangtag = Coupons “hanging” around the necks of bottles, jars, etc at your store.

MAN or MFR = Manufacturer Coupon

MIR = Mail in Rebate

MM = Moneymaker

OOP = Out of Pocket

PG = Procter & Gamble Coupon Insert

Peelie = Coupon attached to items at stores that you have to peel off

RP = Red Plum Insert or printable coupons HERE

RR= Register Rewards (instant rewards that print out when you purchase select sales items at Walgreens)

SS = Smart Source Insert or printable coupons HERE

Tearpad = Coupons you have to tear off of pads at your grocery store

WYB = When You Buy

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary (this means that a deal that works for me at my store, may work differently for you at your local store)




One again, these are not my own but Liza from www.addictedtosaving.com originally posted these.

Getting started!

Here is some great steps for beginners that I snagged from one of my personal favorite websites: www.addictedtosaving.com.

1) Set Goals. Are you looking to save money to put money towards bills? Debt? Savings? A vacation? Give yourself a goal – even if it is as small as having more money to cover your electric bill each month. As you save more and more money and you accomplish your set goals, you will feel such a sense of empowerment!

2) Start small. If you want to start saving money on your grocery and drugstore bills, I highly recommend that you pick one store. Learn that store’s policies and get familiar with the couponing process at that store. Once you master that store, add more stores. When I started I tried to take advantage of each and every deal available and when you do that, you will get overwhelmed and you may burn out.

3) Saving money should be a lifestyle. Couponing should not be a short-term fad where you save money for a couple of months and then go back to paying full price. When you make saving money saving money a lifelong process, you will reap the most benefits.

4) Have fun! Get excited when you score a really good deal. There was a deal where I was able to get feta cheese for free. I was already an “experienced” couponer but I can not tell you how happy that deal made me! Enjoy yourself as you learn that you really can get more for each dollar you spend!

5) Try new products. The more “non-negotiables” you have in your life, the more you will spend each week. For me, I’m a Heinz Ketchup girl. I don’t want any other brands of ketchup. So, I risk having to pay close to full price on ketchup if my stockpile runs low. I am pretty flexible on pretty much everything else I consume or use. Be willing to branch out and try new products. You will not only discover new brands and products that you enjoy, but you will be able to save more money as you take advantage of deals.

6) Follow the rules. I have provided you with extensive information on coupon policies and verbiage. Understand couponing ethics and don’t steer from them.

7) Get your family involved. If you shop with small children, make it a game for them to find blinkie coupons. Or give them the task of finding certain items that are on your grocery list. They will feel a sense of purpose and will begin to understand the importance of couponing at a young age!


One again, these are not my own but Liza from www.addictedtosaving.com originally posted these.

Where Do I Get Coupons?

A question I often get is "where do you get your coupons from?"
I am here to answer that question!

Unfortunately 90% of the coupons I use come from the Sunday paper inserts, which as we all know we have to pay for.
There are online printable coupons available, and they come in handy often but just not as often as the Qs that come in the Sunday paper.

When I first started couponing I would buy a Sunday paper (for $2 each!!) and collect the coupon inserts. I was often disappointed because our Sunday papers do not always contain all the inserts available.
So I had to find another way to get the best inserts to maximize my savings.

This became the beginning of the "eBay era". I began bidding on inserts on eBay and I would end up paying around $5 for 5 of one type of insert. After 2 months of this the prices on eBay sky rocketed and once again i needed to find somewhere else to get inserts.

I now have a lady on my coupon forum I order from who lives in Detroit, MI (they always get the good inserts) and the prices are reasonable.
I usually pay anywhere from $8-$12 for 8-15 OF EACH insert. (most of that price is the $5.40 it cost to ship them)
For example this week I paid $12 but I am getting 10 of each inserts and there were 3 different inserts from 3/4 so that's a total of 30 inserts.

I know some of you are still unsure about spending that much just for coupons but if I average it out I will spend about $500 a year in coupons. (which I know, it seems like a lot) but in 2 months I have already saved almost $900 so even with the cost of my Qs for the whole year I have still saved $400 just since January. ($900 2 months savings savings minus $500 for an entire year of coupons)

If you find yourself still not wanting to spend that much for Qs find a coupon buddy and split it! That would cut your cost in half then you only have the amount of Qs you will most likely need. Not very often do I use all the Qs I order but it is the cheapest I have found them.

I would Love to find someone to split the Qs with because as I said I rarely ever use 10 of a certain Q. So if anyone is up for it let me know! :)

remember military families can use expired Qs so send any you have to them!

If anyone is interested in ordering from the lady I use let me know and I will privately give you her info.

Happy savings!
Let me know if you have any questions!

Why I Coupon.

Since I started couponing in October 2011 I have had many people ask me why I do it. (or just JUDGE me for having 8 bottles of body wash or 10 tubes of tooth paste in my closet.)

I really wish I had some fancy answer or a heart felt story about why I coupon.
But I don't.
It's simple. I want to stretch the money God has blessed Jonathan and I with as much as I can and coupons allow me to do that.
And it's fun for me! It is truly exciting to see your $70 grocery bill go down to $15.
I don't spend hours a week doing it.
In reality, I check the websites I use right before I go to the grocery store and grab whatever coupons I will be using.
That's it.
Because of all the wonderful websites couponing really is easy and not at all time consuming.

Since January 1, 2012 I have saved $895.29 and only spent $252.60 using coupons.
Yes, I may have 8 body washes for me and 6 for my husband, 10 tubes of toothpaste, 20 total (mine and his) deodorants, and 11 bottles of shampoo etc... but I paid $.50 or LESS for each item!
I would rather stock up on an item when I can get it super cheap, or FREE when it is on sale now, rather than paying FULL PRICE for it when I need it in 2 months.
And in times of such financial crisis I find it hard to believe that people would judge me for saving money. I truly regret that they decide to pay full price for things that I can get for free or close to free.
Each item I have stockpiled has a shelf life of at least 3 years (1 year for food). This means I will not be wasting any of it. I DO NOT HOARD, I prepare. Prices are just going to keep rising so while I can stock up on cheap items, I will.
hoarding is having crap that you will never use. I ABSOLUTELY plan on using everything I buy.
(sorry, enough with my rant)

Couponing for me has become a hobby, but instead of costing me money, it saves me money! :)

if anyone has any questions just ask!