Plus 48 cans of chicken broth, not pictured.Total: $19.32
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
WalMart 12.14.10
This picture does not include refridgerated items (rolls, sausage, veggies, milk), as I had already put them away the night before.
Total: $39.xx
Monday, December 6, 2010
Rite Aid 12.6.2010
So I had shopping burn out since Thanksgiving, but now I am back in the game. Here's what I did this morning:
Transaction #1
6 Gillette Deo @ 3.50 = 21.00 (I had a raincheck from last week)
2 Revlon Nail Polish @ 4.79 = 9.58
2 Revlon Nail Polish @ 2.39 = 4.78 (these are BOGO50%)
=35.36
-5 5/25
-3.50 Gillette B2G1 x 2
-2.00 Gillette x 4
-3.00 Revlon Nail Color x 4
=3.36 OOP
-2 UP Gillette x 3
-4 UP Revlon x 2
=10.64 MM
Transaction #2
6 Jiffy PB @ 2 = 12.00
6 Quake Oats @ 2 = 12.00
Chloraseptic Spray 3.99
=27.99
-5 5/25
-1 Jiffy PB VV x 2
-1 Quaker Q x 6
-1 Chloraseptic Q
=13.99
-3 Jiffy UP
-3 Quaker UP x 3
-1 Chloraseptic UP
-2 Chloraseptic SCR
= 1.01 MM
Total for the day: $11.65 MM
Note: The ad for the quaker says buy $12, get $3 up. However, there is a tag at the store on them that says $2/4 - 3UP = $2/1. So I had one 3UP that printed and I will call RA CS for the other two.
Note: Rachel and I split a lot of what we bought (hence there are only 3 of quaker and jiffy in my pic) and the Olay and Almay eye color are from her transactions.
Transaction #1
6 Gillette Deo @ 3.50 = 21.00 (I had a raincheck from last week)
2 Revlon Nail Polish @ 4.79 = 9.58
2 Revlon Nail Polish @ 2.39 = 4.78 (these are BOGO50%)
=35.36
-5 5/25
-3.50 Gillette B2G1 x 2
-2.00 Gillette x 4
-3.00 Revlon Nail Color x 4
=3.36 OOP
-2 UP Gillette x 3
-4 UP Revlon x 2
=10.64 MM
Transaction #2
6 Jiffy PB @ 2 = 12.00
6 Quake Oats @ 2 = 12.00
Chloraseptic Spray 3.99
=27.99
-5 5/25
-1 Jiffy PB VV x 2
-1 Quaker Q x 6
-1 Chloraseptic Q
=13.99
-3 Jiffy UP
-3 Quaker UP x 3
-1 Chloraseptic UP
-2 Chloraseptic SCR
= 1.01 MM
Total for the day: $11.65 MM
Note: The ad for the quaker says buy $12, get $3 up. However, there is a tag at the store on them that says $2/4 - 3UP = $2/1. So I had one 3UP that printed and I will call RA CS for the other two.
Note: Rachel and I split a lot of what we bought (hence there are only 3 of quaker and jiffy in my pic) and the Olay and Almay eye color are from her transactions.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Rite Aid 11.22.10
Transaction #1Pringles 2.06
Calmoseptine cream 6.55
Dayquil 4.99
Amo Complete 7.99
Huggies Wipes 3.49
Huggies Wipes (BOGO50%) 1.74
=26.82
-5 5/25
-1.5 q Dayquil
-0.50 q Huggies
-0.50 q Huggies
-2.00 Pringles free from mail
=17.32 OOP
-2 UP Dayquil
-7.99 SCR Amo Complete
=7.33 Total
I originally had the free motrin in this transaction instead of the huggies wipes. I grabbed the wrong motrin and the free one was gone. I knew I needed over $4 to get to $25, so I grabbed the wipes. If the motrin had been in the transaction instead of the wipes the total would have been $3.10. Also, I was hoping to do the free Vicks Sinex instead of the Dayquil, but they didn't have any (couldn't even find it on the shelf...).
Transaction #2
One Touch Delica Lancing Device 17.99 (w/ 10% wellness disc)
One Touch Lancets 7.99 (had raincheck for 'buy lancing device, get lancets 50% off')
=25.98
-5 5/25
-17.99 q Lancing Device
-2.99 Lancets VV (adjusted down from $5)
=0 Total
This is where I can tell I'm still a beginner. My total for this transaction came below 0 so the VV Q had do be adjusted down. If I would have know that beforehand, I could have added a filler item for $2.01 and gotten it for free. Rats. I definitely didn't have my spreadsheets ready this morning before I went to RA.
Transaction #3
Planters 5@ 3.99 = 19.95
Wipes 3.49
Wipes (BOGO 50%) 1.74
=25.18
-5 5/25
-1 q planters (kraft website)
-1q planters (kraft website)
-0.50 q flu book planters
-0.50 wipes
-0.50 wipes
=16.68 OOP
-2 UP Planters x 5 = 10
-5 UP Planters mystery
=1.68 Total
Some people are reporting they are able to print off more planters q from the kraft website, but I was only able to do 2.
Transaction #4 & #5
Planters 5 @ 3.99 = 19.95
Wipes 3.49
Wipes 1.74
=25.18
-5 5/25
=20.18 OOP
-2 UP Planters x 5 = 10
-5 UP Planters mystery
=5.18
So I was out of planters q's (and couldn't find my wipes q's) but decided to get more anyway. The nuts came out to $1 each after UPs. I decided to add a filler item to get to $25 so I could use my $5/25 so essentially I was getting the wipes for free. I would have paid $5 for the nuts either way.
Total for the day: 19.37. Plus I will sell 10 of the nuts for $1 ea so my total is down to $9.37. Not bad for what I got.
Think of it this way: Today I needed wipes and calmoseptine cream. If I wasn't a couponer, I would have walked into RA and bought both items. 6.55 for the cream and 3.49 for the wipes. Then I would have noticed that the wipes were BOGO50% so I would have bought another one at 1.74, making my total $11.78. That is $2.41 more than what I actually spent today, and look at how much more I have than just the cream and two things of wipes.
Happy shopping!
My Saturday Deals
Walmart:
4 Gift Packs (Olay) @ 10.00 = 40.00
4 secret deodorant @ 0.97 = 3.88
=43.88
-5 q '5 off olay wyb secret'
-5 q '5 off olay wyb secret'
-5 q '5 off olay wyb secret'
-5 q '5 off olay wyb secret'
=23.88 OOP
- 39.96 MIR (9.99 for each one for allure magazine - limit 1 per household - i will find friends who will let me mail my rebate to their house!)
= 16.08 MM
Rite Aid transaction #1, 2 & 3Huggies 8.99
Herbal Essence 6 @ 2.99 = 17.94
=26.93
-5 5/25
-2 huggies q
-2 clairol family q x 6 = 12
=7.93 oop
-3 up huggies
-12 up he (2 up each)
= 7.07 MM
I did this three times
Rite Aid Transaction #4
Huggies 8.99
Gain 2 @ .89 = 1.78
HE 5 @ 2.99 = 14.95
=25.72
-2 q huggies
-1 q gain
-1 q gain
-2 q clairol x 4 = 8
-0.50 q he
= 8.22 OOP
-3 up huggies
-2 up he x 5 = 10
=4.78 MM
Rite Aid Transaction #5
5 Thermacare @ 4.99 = 24.95
1 Huggies 8.99
=33.94
-5 5/25
-3 q thermacare x 5 = 15
-2 huggies q
=10.94 OOP
-10 up thermacare
-3 up huggies
=2.06 MM
Grand total for the day: $44.13 MM. I love this. ps - would not have been possible w/o marti's extra clairol q's - thanks marti!
Happy shopping!
Friday, November 19, 2010
More Doubler Ideas
Here is someone else's doubler list they posted on a forum:
Here is the best of the best for Albie's with doublers starting 11/21- 11/25:
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa $1.00
-use $1/1 from Safeway Coupon Booklet
= FREE (no doubler needed)!
Kraft brick or shredded cheese – $2 each
If you can find the packaging that says “with a touch of Philadelphia”. . .
Use $1 printable coupon [kraftfoods.com]
Final price = $1
DOUBLED = FREE
Birds Eye steamfresh select veggies – $0.69 cents (great price!)
Use $1/2 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $0.38 cents for two, or $0.19 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Green Giant canned vegetables – $0.47 cents each
Use $1/4 coupon from Safeway Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $0.88 cents for four, or $0.22 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Green Giant frozen boxed veggies – $1 each
Use $1/2 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Or use $0.60/3 printed coupon
Final price = $1 cents for two, or $0.50 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Hefty foam plates or bowls, or Zoo Pal plates – $2
Use $1 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $1
DOUBLED = FREE
Heinz gravy – $1
Use $1/3 printable coupon
Final price = 3 for $2, or $0.66 cents each
DOUBLED = 3 for $1, or $0.33 cents each
Look for select varieties that advertise a $1/2 coupon under label. See photo here.
If you DOUBLED $1/2 label coupon = FREE
Idahoan potatoes pouch – $0.97 cents each
Use $0.40/1 printable coupon
Or use $0.75/3 printable coupon (you’ll need to register) click “print coupon” in top right corner
Final price = $2.16 for three, or $0.72 cents each
DOUBLED = as low as $0.17 cents each
Carnation evaporated milk – $0.97 cents each
Use $0.50/2 or $1/3 Nestle Carnation evaporated milk coupon from 9/26 Smart Source
Or $0.50/2 printable coupon
Final price = as low as $0.63 cents
DOUBLED = $0.91 cents for three, or $0.33 cents each (if you double $1/3 coupon)
Tollhouse refrigerated cookies – $2.49
Use $1/1 printable coupon (reset?)
Look for $1 peelies on the filled cookie variety
Final price = as low as $1.49
DOUBLED = $0.49 cents
Jimmy Dean sausage – $2.50
Use $1/1 printable coupon from Facebook (click on coupon tab)
Or use $1/1 fully cooked coupon from 10/31 Red Plum insert
Final price = $1.50
DOUBLED = $0.50 cents
Colgate toothpaste – $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/14 Smart Source insert
Final price = $1.50
DOUBLED = $0.50 cents
Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits – 3 for $5 or $1.67 each
Buy 6 X $1.67= $10.02
Use 3 of the $1/2 coupons from Safeway Thanksgiving coupon booklet
3 doublers
=$4.02 then receive $3 Catalina
$0.17 per can after Cat!!
Halls Cough Drops on sale $1.19
Buy 13
Use (6) $1/2 coupons from 11/7 SS insert
Use 3 Albertsons doubles (-$3)
Pay $6.47, Get $5 Catalina
$.11 each after coupons, doubles & cat when you buy 13
Ziploc Holiday Containers $2.50 each
buy 3, 2.50 x 3= $7.50
- use 3 $1/1 from Safeway coupon booklet
- use 3 doublers
=$1.50 OOP, receive $2 Catalina WYB 3
= $0.50 moneymaker!!
Ragu Pasta Sauce .99 each
Free Pasta up to $1.25 wyb 2 Ragu Pasta Sauce from 11/14 RP
$1/2 Ragu Pasta Sauces from Safeway Coupon Booklet
= .99 for 2 plus FREE Pasta after both coupons
Hot Deal Scenario:
Buy 6 Ragu Pasta Sauces
Buy 3 Barilla Pasta pkgs
Buy 1 Blue Bonnet Margarine
-use (3) Ragu Coupons from Safeway coupon booklet
+ (3) FREE pasta coupons
+ 3 doublers
= Pay $0.43 for all of it!
Here is the best of the best for Albie's with doublers starting 11/21- 11/25:
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa $1.00
-use $1/1 from Safeway Coupon Booklet
= FREE (no doubler needed)!
Kraft brick or shredded cheese – $2 each
If you can find the packaging that says “with a touch of Philadelphia”. . .
Use $1 printable coupon [kraftfoods.com]
Final price = $1
DOUBLED = FREE
Birds Eye steamfresh select veggies – $0.69 cents (great price!)
Use $1/2 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $0.38 cents for two, or $0.19 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Green Giant canned vegetables – $0.47 cents each
Use $1/4 coupon from Safeway Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $0.88 cents for four, or $0.22 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Green Giant frozen boxed veggies – $1 each
Use $1/2 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Or use $0.60/3 printed coupon
Final price = $1 cents for two, or $0.50 cents each
DOUBLED = FREE
Hefty foam plates or bowls, or Zoo Pal plates – $2
Use $1 coupon from Safeway $60 Thanksgiving coupon booklet
Final price = $1
DOUBLED = FREE
Heinz gravy – $1
Use $1/3 printable coupon
Final price = 3 for $2, or $0.66 cents each
DOUBLED = 3 for $1, or $0.33 cents each
Look for select varieties that advertise a $1/2 coupon under label. See photo here.
If you DOUBLED $1/2 label coupon = FREE
Idahoan potatoes pouch – $0.97 cents each
Use $0.40/1 printable coupon
Or use $0.75/3 printable coupon (you’ll need to register) click “print coupon” in top right corner
Final price = $2.16 for three, or $0.72 cents each
DOUBLED = as low as $0.17 cents each
Carnation evaporated milk – $0.97 cents each
Use $0.50/2 or $1/3 Nestle Carnation evaporated milk coupon from 9/26 Smart Source
Or $0.50/2 printable coupon
Final price = as low as $0.63 cents
DOUBLED = $0.91 cents for three, or $0.33 cents each (if you double $1/3 coupon)
Tollhouse refrigerated cookies – $2.49
Use $1/1 printable coupon (reset?)
Look for $1 peelies on the filled cookie variety
Final price = as low as $1.49
DOUBLED = $0.49 cents
Jimmy Dean sausage – $2.50
Use $1/1 printable coupon from Facebook (click on coupon tab)
Or use $1/1 fully cooked coupon from 10/31 Red Plum insert
Final price = $1.50
DOUBLED = $0.50 cents
Colgate toothpaste – $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from 11/14 Smart Source insert
Final price = $1.50
DOUBLED = $0.50 cents
Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits – 3 for $5 or $1.67 each
Buy 6 X $1.67= $10.02
Use 3 of the $1/2 coupons from Safeway Thanksgiving coupon booklet
3 doublers
=$4.02 then receive $3 Catalina
$0.17 per can after Cat!!
Halls Cough Drops on sale $1.19
Buy 13
Use (6) $1/2 coupons from 11/7 SS insert
Use 3 Albertsons doubles (-$3)
Pay $6.47, Get $5 Catalina
$.11 each after coupons, doubles & cat when you buy 13
Ziploc Holiday Containers $2.50 each
buy 3, 2.50 x 3= $7.50
- use 3 $1/1 from Safeway coupon booklet
- use 3 doublers
=$1.50 OOP, receive $2 Catalina WYB 3
= $0.50 moneymaker!!
Ragu Pasta Sauce .99 each
Free Pasta up to $1.25 wyb 2 Ragu Pasta Sauce from 11/14 RP
$1/2 Ragu Pasta Sauces from Safeway Coupon Booklet
= .99 for 2 plus FREE Pasta after both coupons
Hot Deal Scenario:
Buy 6 Ragu Pasta Sauces
Buy 3 Barilla Pasta pkgs
Buy 1 Blue Bonnet Margarine
-use (3) Ragu Coupons from Safeway coupon booklet
+ (3) FREE pasta coupons
+ 3 doublers
= Pay $0.43 for all of it!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP FINISH QUANTUM
In need of some dishwashing soap? Try this:
Finish Quantum at Albies 4.89 BOGO
-1.00/1 Any Finish Quantum (2 Sundays ago paper)
-1.00/1 Any Finish Quantum (2 Sundays ago paper)
-2.00 Double
=0.89 for two or 0.45 each!!
I think this is a 12 pack (?) so that comes out to 0.04 a load.
We checked with Virginia and she said she has NO problems with us using the coupon and double on the 'free' item on a BOGO sale.
This same deal is good for Rinse Aid and Dishwasher Cleaner. There are 1/1 IP on coupons.com (I think that's where I found them...)
Happy Shopping!
Finish Quantum at Albies 4.89 BOGO
-1.00/1 Any Finish Quantum (2 Sundays ago paper)
-1.00/1 Any Finish Quantum (2 Sundays ago paper)
-2.00 Double
=0.89 for two or 0.45 each!!
I think this is a 12 pack (?) so that comes out to 0.04 a load.
We checked with Virginia and she said she has NO problems with us using the coupon and double on the 'free' item on a BOGO sale.
This same deal is good for Rinse Aid and Dishwasher Cleaner. There are 1/1 IP on coupons.com (I think that's where I found them...)
Happy Shopping!
Post from Marti - Free Treetop Applejuice
For those who don't know about the FREE JUICE BOXES at Albertsons with TVQ's print this link
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=OBBSMV6SQZNR4
not twice but 10 times. You will have 20 packages to equal 60 free treetop apple juice or grape juice. If you are able to print it would be smart to call Albertsons in Ontario and tell them you want to special order. They won't have this many in but can get them for you for sure. We did this two weeks ago and it worked great.
**Note from Kelli: To print it multiple times I could not use my 'back' and 'refresh' buttons. I had to close my browser and re-click the link every time. HTH.
Happy Shopping!
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=OBBSMV6SQZNR4
not twice but 10 times. You will have 20 packages to equal 60 free treetop apple juice or grape juice. If you are able to print it would be smart to call Albertsons in Ontario and tell them you want to special order. They won't have this many in but can get them for you for sure. We did this two weeks ago and it worked great.
**Note from Kelli: To print it multiple times I could not use my 'back' and 'refresh' buttons. I had to close my browser and re-click the link every time. HTH.
Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Rite Aid Flu Coupon Booklet Video Value
Finally! A way to get the Rite Aid flu shot coupon booklet without having to get a flu shot!
There is a new video value for the coupon booklet. Just watch the :30 video and there ya have it. These are super high value coupons and I am excited to put them to use.
Happy shopping!
There is a new video value for the coupon booklet. Just watch the :30 video and there ya have it. These are super high value coupons and I am excited to put them to use.
Happy shopping!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ragu Scenario at Ablies
If you dont' want to try to deal with using coupons and doublers at Walmart to get this absolutely free, you can get it for 0.08 per transaction at Albies like this:
8 Ragu @ 1.49 = 11.92
4 Barilla Pasta @ 1.29 = 5.16
=17.08
-5 instant
-4 ragu q
-1.25 pasta (limit of 1.25 on those q's)
-1.25 pasta
-1.25 pasta
-1.25 pasta
-3 double
= 0.08!!
**If you haven't ordered your q's yet you may want to consider buying one 0.50/1 q for every (3) 1/2 q's you buy. It would be a 0.95 MM if you can buy 7 ragu and 3 pasta in one transaction. You do the math.
Happy Shopping!
8 Ragu @ 1.49 = 11.92
4 Barilla Pasta @ 1.29 = 5.16
=17.08
-5 instant
-4 ragu q
-1.25 pasta (limit of 1.25 on those q's)
-1.25 pasta
-1.25 pasta
-1.25 pasta
-3 double
= 0.08!!
**If you haven't ordered your q's yet you may want to consider buying one 0.50/1 q for every (3) 1/2 q's you buy. It would be a 0.95 MM if you can buy 7 ragu and 3 pasta in one transaction. You do the math.
Happy Shopping!
Albies 11.17 thru 11.25 Highlights
Ragu Pasta Sauce 1.49
0.99 after instant saving wyb 10
1/2 q on ebay
double
=free
Use Free Pasta wyb 2 Ragu Q from 11.14 RP to score both pasta and sauce for free!
Rhodes Traditional Rolls 3.49
2.99 after instant savings wyb 10
1/1 on ebay
double
=.99 for 30 ct rolls
Best Foods Mayo 2.49
1.99 after instant savings wyb 10
.60 q from paper
double
=0.79
Jimmy Dean Sausage 2.50
-1 facebook q
double
=.50
0.99 after instant saving wyb 10
1/2 q on ebay
double
=free
Use Free Pasta wyb 2 Ragu Q from 11.14 RP to score both pasta and sauce for free!
Rhodes Traditional Rolls 3.49
2.99 after instant savings wyb 10
1/1 on ebay
double
=.99 for 30 ct rolls
Best Foods Mayo 2.49
1.99 after instant savings wyb 10
.60 q from paper
double
=0.79
Jimmy Dean Sausage 2.50
-1 facebook q
double
=.50
Monday, November 15, 2010
Free Swanson Chicken Broth at WalMart
Swanson Chicken Broth cans are on rollback for $0.50 right now at WalMart.
You can buy $1/4 Q's on the internet (I think they are from the coveted Safeway Thanksgiving Book).
Scenario:
Buy 4 Swanson Chicken Broth Cans @ 0.50 = 2.00
-1 Q
-1 Double
= Free
Rumor has it we are getting doublers next weekend that will last through Thursday Thanksgiving Day. If you order your Q's now I'm sure they will be here by then.
Happy shopping!
You can buy $1/4 Q's on the internet (I think they are from the coveted Safeway Thanksgiving Book).
Scenario:
Buy 4 Swanson Chicken Broth Cans @ 0.50 = 2.00
-1 Q
-1 Double
= Free
Rumor has it we are getting doublers next weekend that will last through Thursday Thanksgiving Day. If you order your Q's now I'm sure they will be here by then.
Happy shopping!
Blistex at Rite Aid
Hip2Save reported today that the Blistex is printing $1 UP for each one you buy, instead of $1 UP on two. There have been report on SD that some stores are still doing this, however the RA in Ontario is NOT. Today I bought 2 Blistex and got 1-$1 UP.
FYI all the RightGuard/DryIdea Deo is gone. There is still HE. Some diapers let.
FYI all the RightGuard/DryIdea Deo is gone. There is still HE. Some diapers let.
Rite Aid Trip #2 $1.07
(4) Nivea Men's Wash @ 3.99 = 15.96 (I had a rain check for this)
(1) Huggies Diaper @ 8.99
(2) Gain Dish Soap @ .89 = 1.78
=26.73
-5 5/25
-12 Nivea Q
-2 Huggies Q
-2 Gain Q
= 5.73 OOP
-4 UP Nivea
-3 UP Huggies
= 1.27 MM
Transaction #2
(5) Herbal Essense @ 2.99 = 14.95
(1) Huggies Diaper @ 8.99
(2) Blistex @ 1.5 = 3.00
=26.94
-5 5/25
-2.50 Herbal Q
-1.10 Blistex Q
-2 Huggies Q
= 16.34 OOP
-10 UP Herbal Essence
-3 UP Huggies
-1 UP Blistex
= 2.34 Total
My total for this trip was $1.07 for 2 diapers, 4 body wash, 5 shampoo, 2 chapstick, and two dish soap.
Rite Aid Run #1
Transaction #1
(4) gain dish soap @ .89 ea = 3.56
(8) herbal essence/ausie @ 2.99 ea = 23.92
(2) right guard deodorant 4.49 b1g1f = 4.49
(2) right guard deodorant 2.99 b1g1f = 2.99
=34.96
-5 5/25
-4 gain q
-4 herbal essence q
-4.49 right guard b1g1 q
-4.49 right guard b1g1 q
=12.98 oop
-16 UP herbal essence
= 3.02 MM
Transaction #2
(3) Huggies Little Movers @ 8.99 ea = 26.97
-5 5/25
-6 huggies q
=15.97 oop
-9 UP huggies
= 6.97 Total
Total for the day: $3.95 for three packs of diapers, 6 shampoo/cond, 2 hairsprays, 4 deodorants, and 4 dish soaps.
Please note: In the moment I can never pay attention to what my cashier is doing because I am always just trying to keep Kenzie from pulling all the candy bars off the shelf. That being said, I got home and totaled my receipts and realized that my cashier made three mistakes. 1) For my B1G1 deodorant coupons, he gave me 4.49 off of both when one of them should only have been for 2.99. 2) He didn't adjust my $1 gain coupons down to 0.89, the price of the gain. 3) I used my UPS from the first transaction to pay for my second transaction, and one of them didn't scan. So in total, his mess ups cost me $2 but gave me $1.94. I'm going to call it even.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Albies Tearpads
I spied two tearpads when I was in Albies this week:
$1.00 off any produce wyb 2 Quaker Oatmeal Packages (previously mentioned in another post). This is in the ceral aisle by the quaker oatmeal packages.
$1.00 off wyb (1) Jello AND (1) Philedelphia Cream Cheese AND (1) Baker's Chocolate. They are on a display at the back of the special promotions aisle by the eggs.
Not a smashing deal, but not too bad if you like to make oreo truffles. The Philly Cream Cheese is super expensive at Albertsons. I priced them out at WalMart. The Jello is $1.00, the Philly is $1.19 ish, and the Baker Chocolate is in the low $2's. So if you double it you can get all three for about 1.50.
Did you get cheap oreos last week at Albies?
1 package oreos, crushed
add 1 package cream cheese, softened
form into balls, refridgerate for 5 minutes
melt chocolate squares
dip the oreo balls into melted chocolate
refridgerate until consumption (some will never make it to the fridge...!!!)
Happy Shopping!
$1.00 off any produce wyb 2 Quaker Oatmeal Packages (previously mentioned in another post). This is in the ceral aisle by the quaker oatmeal packages.
$1.00 off wyb (1) Jello AND (1) Philedelphia Cream Cheese AND (1) Baker's Chocolate. They are on a display at the back of the special promotions aisle by the eggs.
Not a smashing deal, but not too bad if you like to make oreo truffles. The Philly Cream Cheese is super expensive at Albertsons. I priced them out at WalMart. The Jello is $1.00, the Philly is $1.19 ish, and the Baker Chocolate is in the low $2's. So if you double it you can get all three for about 1.50.
Did you get cheap oreos last week at Albies?
1 package oreos, crushed
add 1 package cream cheese, softened
form into balls, refridgerate for 5 minutes
melt chocolate squares
dip the oreo balls into melted chocolate
refridgerate until consumption (some will never make it to the fridge...!!!)
Happy Shopping!
WalMart Price Checks
I checked some prices of last sunday's coupon items at Walmart on Wednesday night. I am not going to post everything I checked b/c I don't want to type them all up (ps does anyone know how to embed an excel file in a blog post?). These are the highlights:
French's Spicy Brown Mustard - 12 oz - 1.24 - 1q - free after doublers
French's Spicy Brown Mustard - 18 oz - 2.12 - 1q - 0.12 after doublers
**apparently someone else thought this was a good deal last week because as of Wednesday night they were all out of stock!
Reynold's Slow Cooker Liners - 2.16 - 1q - 0.16 after doublers
Swanson Chicken Broth - 0.50/can - 0.50/5 - 0.30 ea wyb 5 after doublers
Fleishmann's Yeast Strips - 1.18 - .40q - 0.38 after doublers
Martha White Muffin Mixes - 0.89 - 1/4 - 0.39 ea wyb 4 after doublers
Mrs. Cubbison's Stuffing or Dressing - 1.92 twin pack - 0.55 - 0.82 after doublers
**This is for a twin pack - twice the oz of a regular stovetop package
Let me know if you want the whole list and I can send you the excel file.
I did not check all the q's from last Sunday's paper, just the one I thought would be cheap or I wanted to buy.
PS - The Wholly Quacamole was 4.58 at WM. I bought one. IT IS SO GOOD! Definitely worth 0.58. Make sure you have sour cream, tortillas, peppers, and onions to make fajitas because it would be really good! Also there was a small coupon booklet attached to the back of the package.
Happy shopping!
French's Spicy Brown Mustard - 12 oz - 1.24 - 1q - free after doublers
French's Spicy Brown Mustard - 18 oz - 2.12 - 1q - 0.12 after doublers
**apparently someone else thought this was a good deal last week because as of Wednesday night they were all out of stock!
Reynold's Slow Cooker Liners - 2.16 - 1q - 0.16 after doublers
Swanson Chicken Broth - 0.50/can - 0.50/5 - 0.30 ea wyb 5 after doublers
Fleishmann's Yeast Strips - 1.18 - .40q - 0.38 after doublers
Martha White Muffin Mixes - 0.89 - 1/4 - 0.39 ea wyb 4 after doublers
Mrs. Cubbison's Stuffing or Dressing - 1.92 twin pack - 0.55 - 0.82 after doublers
**This is for a twin pack - twice the oz of a regular stovetop package
Let me know if you want the whole list and I can send you the excel file.
I did not check all the q's from last Sunday's paper, just the one I thought would be cheap or I wanted to buy.
PS - The Wholly Quacamole was 4.58 at WM. I bought one. IT IS SO GOOD! Definitely worth 0.58. Make sure you have sour cream, tortillas, peppers, and onions to make fajitas because it would be really good! Also there was a small coupon booklet attached to the back of the package.
Happy shopping!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wholly Guacamole IP Q
For those of you who printed off the Wholly Guacamole $4 facebook coupon, albertsons doesn't have any in stock. I spoke to the produce manager today and he said he would order some and get them in on Saturday.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
WalMart Doubler Run
Just got back from WM. Had the SLOWEST cashier ever, but she was nice and didn't make any mistakes.
3 Rhodes Warm N Serve rolls - 1.76 - use $1 off = -.72 (she gave me overage, I wasn't about to argue with her)
1 Rhodes roll 30 ct - 3.84 - use $1 off = 1.84
2 Wilderness Cherry Pie Filling - 2.38 - use .55/2 = 3.64
2 Wilderness Apple Pie Filling - 1.78 - use .55/2 = 2.44
6 Seneca Applesauce (individual 6 pk) - 1.58 - use $1/2 - 3.48
1 Hormel Pepperoni - 2.98 - use .35/1 - 2.28
Total: 12.96
The pepperoni wasn't a great price, but a staple at our house. Wish I had more doublers.
PS - checked a few things while I was there - the cheapest Finish quantam was over $4 - the pringles (except fat free) are all priced at 1.50 (also on sale at Albies for 1.50 this week). Swanson chicken broth (chicken only) is on rollback for .50! Down from 1.18ish. Paired w/ q and doubler = .30 ea!
3 Rhodes Warm N Serve rolls - 1.76 - use $1 off = -.72 (she gave me overage, I wasn't about to argue with her)
1 Rhodes roll 30 ct - 3.84 - use $1 off = 1.84
2 Wilderness Cherry Pie Filling - 2.38 - use .55/2 = 3.64
2 Wilderness Apple Pie Filling - 1.78 - use .55/2 = 2.44
6 Seneca Applesauce (individual 6 pk) - 1.58 - use $1/2 - 3.48
1 Hormel Pepperoni - 2.98 - use .35/1 - 2.28
Total: 12.96
The pepperoni wasn't a great price, but a staple at our house. Wish I had more doublers.
PS - checked a few things while I was there - the cheapest Finish quantam was over $4 - the pringles (except fat free) are all priced at 1.50 (also on sale at Albies for 1.50 this week). Swanson chicken broth (chicken only) is on rollback for .50! Down from 1.18ish. Paired w/ q and doubler = .30 ea!
Albertsons 11.10
I was really hoping there would be some smokin' hot deals this week since we have doublers, but no such luck. Here are the things I am excited about:
There is a save $5 instantly wyb 10 items.
Betty Crocker Cookie pouches 1.49
Buy 10
-5 instant
-.40/1 q x 10
-1.20 doubles
= 4.70 or .47 each
3 Keebler Pie Crusts 1.49 = 4.47
6 Eagle Sweetened Condensed Milk 1.99 = 11.94
1 Betty Crocker Brownie Mix .99 = .99
=17.40
-5 instant
-1 Keebler (printable from site - I'm having a hard time getting it to print)
-3 Eagle
-3 double
=5.40
**There is also a 'save .50 wyb 2 Keebler pie crusts' from last week's paper. It would go well with this scenario.
Other highlights:
Gold Meadow Flour is 1.49 / .99 after instant savings
Diamond Chopped Nuts 2.49 / 1.99 after instant savings - .50/1 q from this week's paper
Quaker Instant Oatmeal 2.49 / 1.99 after instant savings - tear pad at ablies save $1 off produce wyb 2 quaker instant oatmeal - can double that. Free bananas?
Also, this week is their Thanksgiving pie special. Buy 1 Mrs. Smith pie, get a Dreyer's ice cream free.
In-Ad Coupons for Milk 1.89 and Tilamook cheese 4.99 (do you still have your IP for $1/2 lbs cheese - double it for 2.99 block of cheese!)
*************If you want to stock up on swanson's broth, the cans are .79 this week.
Buy 5 = 3.95
-.50 q from paper
-.50 double
=2.95 or .59/ea****************Do not do this! It's on rollback at WM for .50! (Chicken only) See next post.
Wilderness pie filling is 2.49. Double .55/2 from paper = 2.22 ea. It's cheaper at Walmart.
Happy shopping!
There is a save $5 instantly wyb 10 items.
Betty Crocker Cookie pouches 1.49
Buy 10
-5 instant
-.40/1 q x 10
-1.20 doubles
= 4.70 or .47 each
3 Keebler Pie Crusts 1.49 = 4.47
6 Eagle Sweetened Condensed Milk 1.99 = 11.94
1 Betty Crocker Brownie Mix .99 = .99
=17.40
-5 instant
-1 Keebler (printable from site - I'm having a hard time getting it to print)
-3 Eagle
-3 double
=5.40
**There is also a 'save .50 wyb 2 Keebler pie crusts' from last week's paper. It would go well with this scenario.
Other highlights:
Gold Meadow Flour is 1.49 / .99 after instant savings
Diamond Chopped Nuts 2.49 / 1.99 after instant savings - .50/1 q from this week's paper
Quaker Instant Oatmeal 2.49 / 1.99 after instant savings - tear pad at ablies save $1 off produce wyb 2 quaker instant oatmeal - can double that. Free bananas?
Also, this week is their Thanksgiving pie special. Buy 1 Mrs. Smith pie, get a Dreyer's ice cream free.
In-Ad Coupons for Milk 1.89 and Tilamook cheese 4.99 (do you still have your IP for $1/2 lbs cheese - double it for 2.99 block of cheese!)
*************If you want to stock up on swanson's broth, the cans are .79 this week.
Buy 5 = 3.95
-.50 q from paper
-.50 double
=2.95 or .59/ea****************Do not do this! It's on rollback at WM for .50! (Chicken only) See next post.
Wilderness pie filling is 2.49. Double .55/2 from paper = 2.22 ea. It's cheaper at Walmart.
Happy shopping!
Rite Aid Gift of Savings
Every year Rite Aid has a program during the holidays where if you spend so much $$, they will send you a gift card in the mail.
The dates for this year are still undetermined, but rumor has it that it will start sometime the week of Thanksgiving and go through Christmas. The tier is as follows:
Spend 25-50, get 5 back
Spend 51-100, get 10 back
Spend over 100, get 20 back
This is the first year that RA has had UPS, and it's possible that your total spent will not include any amount that you PAY with ups. I will keep you updated when I know more.
So get ready to save your receipt! (And pick up any you find in the parking lot!!)
The dates for this year are still undetermined, but rumor has it that it will start sometime the week of Thanksgiving and go through Christmas. The tier is as follows:
Spend 25-50, get 5 back
Spend 51-100, get 10 back
Spend over 100, get 20 back
This is the first year that RA has had UPS, and it's possible that your total spent will not include any amount that you PAY with ups. I will keep you updated when I know more.
So get ready to save your receipt! (And pick up any you find in the parking lot!!)
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pillsbury Biscuits @ Albies
There is a pillsbury CAT at ablies until 12/26 for biscuits, rolls, cookie dough, etc.
Buy 4, get $1
Buy 5, get $2
Buy 6, get $3
There are .75/3 coupons at ablies by the pillsbury refridgerated stuff. Not sure if there are better ones online - didn't take the time to look.
Scenario:
Buy 6 biscuits on sale until tomorrow for $1.25 = 7.50
-.75 q
-.75 q
-.75 double
-.75 double
=4.50
-3 CAT
=1.50 for all 6
Tip: Check the expiration dates!!! There were some today that expired at early as 11/15.
Not a superb deal, but we really like the biscuits. Google 'bubble pizza' for recipes with the biscuits. They also go good with the Jimmy Dean pre-cooked sausage patties (priced 2.98 @ walmart, double the q from the paper = .98).
Buy 4, get $1
Buy 5, get $2
Buy 6, get $3
There are .75/3 coupons at ablies by the pillsbury refridgerated stuff. Not sure if there are better ones online - didn't take the time to look.
Scenario:
Buy 6 biscuits on sale until tomorrow for $1.25 = 7.50
-.75 q
-.75 q
-.75 double
-.75 double
=4.50
-3 CAT
=1.50 for all 6
Tip: Check the expiration dates!!! There were some today that expired at early as 11/15.
Not a superb deal, but we really like the biscuits. Google 'bubble pizza' for recipes with the biscuits. They also go good with the Jimmy Dean pre-cooked sausage patties (priced 2.98 @ walmart, double the q from the paper = .98).
Doublers
Albies in Ontario did not get doublers. They have none behind the counter. She said Virginia called corporate to see what happened and they said they weren't supposed to be in the Idaho paper.
However, the cs employee confirmed that we are definitely getting them this next weekend.
That's three weeks in a row!
However, the cs employee confirmed that we are definitely getting them this next weekend.
That's three weeks in a row!
Rite Aid 11.8.2010
Transaction #1
Garnier Hair Serum 3.00
Gernier Herbashine color 5.99
Garnier Antidandruff 3.99
Garnier Antidandruff 3.99
Glade Carpet Powder (x6) 9
25.97
-5 5/25
-3 save $3 wyb 3 glade
-3 save $3 wyb 3 glade
-2 garnier hair color vv
-3 garnier hair color printable (rp)
-2 garnier antidandruff shampoo vv
-1 garnier shampoo printable (rp)
-1 garnier shampoo printable (rp)
-1 garnier styler printable (rp)
4.97 oop
-5 garnier up
-3 glade up
3.03 MM
Transaction #2
Frosted Mini Wheats (x2) 4.88 (had rain check)
Axe Shower Gel (x2) 7.98
Advil Tablets 4.04 (after 10% wellness disc - had q for free one I got in the mail)
Maybelline Foundation 5.21 (after 40% in ad disc)
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste (x2) 6.98
Oral B Toothbrush 2.99
Cottonelle wipes 2.96 (after 10% wellness disc)
35.04
-5 5/25
-3.99 Axe b1g1 q
-4.04 free advil q
-2 maybelline vv
-3 maybelline printable (rp)
-1 crest q
-1 crest q
-.75 oral b q
-1 cottonelle wipes vv
-2.96 free cottonelle wipes q
10.30 OOP
-1 axe up
-1 axe up
-2.99 oral b tb up
-2.50 crest up
-2.50 crest up
.31 Total
Daily total: Made 2.72.
A few things to note: My second transaction total before coupons was 35.04. I was trying to get to 25.00 and forgot to add my toothpaste cost in the total. I could have done the transaction without the free advil and cottonelle. Oh well.
Stock: The oral b toothbrushes are gone. I found one that was hung on the wrong thing. The crest rinse is gone. There were two crest pro health toothpaste left and probably a dozen of the crest with scope. The crest with scope is on sale for 2.99 with a 2.99 up but I have been reading that the up reward is limited to one. The ad doesn't have a limit so if you decide to buy more than 1 you could call rite aid customer service and they should send you the additional ups.
There is no men's nivea bw. I got a raincheck for 4. The nice lady assistant manager told me this morning concerning rain checks: They will write you a raincheck for the sale price. If there is an up attached to it, after you purchase the product with the rain check you have to call cs and they will send you the up by snail mail. Sounds ok to me.
There was plenty of everything else.
Happy shopping!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Rite Aid 2010.11.5
Old spice body wash 4.49
Secret Deo - travel size 1.29
Secret Deo - travel size 1.29
KY Kissable Sensations 19.99
Clean & Clear cleanser 5.79
Clean & Clear cleanser 5.79 B1G1 50%
Olay bath bars 3.49
Olay bath bars 3.49 B1G1 50%
45.62 TOTAL
-2.90 B1G1 C&C
-1.75 B1G1 Olay
-2.71 10% wellness discount
-5.00 5/25 Q
-5.00 ky mq
-5.00 ky vv
-1.74 mq buy secret get olay free
-3.49 mq buy secret get olay free
-4.04 mq buy two secret get os body wash free
-2.00 c&c mq
-2.00 c&c mq
9.99 TOTAL OOP
7.00 ky up
2.00 c&c up
.99 TOTAL COST
Secret Deo - travel size 1.29
Secret Deo - travel size 1.29
KY Kissable Sensations 19.99
Clean & Clear cleanser 5.79
Clean & Clear cleanser 5.79 B1G1 50%
Olay bath bars 3.49
Olay bath bars 3.49 B1G1 50%
45.62 TOTAL
-2.90 B1G1 C&C
-1.75 B1G1 Olay
-2.71 10% wellness discount
-5.00 5/25 Q
-5.00 ky mq
-5.00 ky vv
-1.74 mq buy secret get olay free
-3.49 mq buy secret get olay free
-4.04 mq buy two secret get os body wash free
-2.00 c&c mq
-2.00 c&c mq
9.99 TOTAL OOP
7.00 ky up
2.00 c&c up
.99 TOTAL COST
Introduction
When I was younger, I would spend a lot of time with my little brother Jeff. We are only 18 months apart so we were very similar in the things we liked to do and were interested in. I remember one fall evening when were about 12/13/14 years of age, Jeff asked me if I would be the camera person for a documentary he wanted to make called "Jeff's Buck Taping Adventures". How could I say no to such a request? So I grabbed my mom's video camera (the big kind that you have to put up on your shouler) and we jumped on the 4-wheeler. The next few hours consisted of us driving around the foothills on the 4-wheeler looking for bucks. When we spotted some I would press the red 'record' button and get as much footage as I possibly could. Jeff would comment on the size/color/location/position of the buck with as much authority in his voice as any 12/13 year old could. When it got dark we headed back to the house and showed everyone our new tape. We repeated the filming of "Jeff's Buck Taping Adventures" several times over the course of the next few weeks. I secretly think Jeff was hoping we would get a contract with the hunting channel.
Just like Jeff had a passion to share his love of deer with everyone when he was younger, I have recently found a passion that I would like to share as well. Couponing.
Before you stop reading the post convinced that you will never be a couponer, let me tell you something that may surprise you. I HATED GROCERY SHOPPING. For a long time. Bad enough that when my sister Marti and I were roommates in college she went grocery shopping for the both of us and in return I did her laundry for her. I would give up hours of my Saturday morning freedom to sit in the laundry room and wait for the laundry to be done just so I wouldn't have to spend 30 minutes at the grocery store. When I got married I hated grocery shopping even more. Now I didn't only have to purchase the staples that I had learned to live with, but I also had to satisfy someone else's food preferences? Our fridge and cupboards were usually bare because I wouldn't go to the store until I absolutely had to. I think part of this is because I HATE spending a lot of money food and other supplies that we are going to use up quickly.
And now I like couponing? Seriously? It's true. 6 months ago when I heard this word I would just groan. My sister and her mother-in-law had been couponing for over a year and I thought it was exhausting. I had heard them talk about ordering 100 deodorants, 75 boxes of tampons, stockpiling on ketchup, bbq sauce, and salsa. It seemed like a lot of work for a little reward. Then my sister-in-law jumped on board and I realized something - couponing isn't crazy. With my sister I thought that it was just a passion she had and there was no way I would like it because I hate shopping. But when my sister-in-law started couponing, I knew that she didn't like shopping either, but she loved couponing.
Let me tell you why: COUPONING SAVES YOU MONEY.
Here are some of the mythes I had of couponing before I become a couponer:
Myth: Couponing takes too much time.
Fact: Couponing will take as much time as you want it to. If you have zero time in your week to spare, then you should not coupon. If you have 30 minutes in your week to spare, then you have time to coupon. If you want to go hard core and subscribe to 6 Sunday newspapers, then it takes time to clip those coupons. If you don't want to get papers, you can just coupon with internet printables. You can seek our your own deals and scenarios, which will take more time. Or you can just do the ones that you see on the couponing blogs, which are laid out for you and will take less time.
Myth: I will buy stuff I won't use if I coupon.
Fact: There are always deals on stuff that your household doesn't currently use. So you have to ask yourself, will I use this if I get it? If the answer is yes, then buy it. If the answer is no, then don't. I have found that if something is free or really cheap, even if I don't use it then I will start to use it or find someone who can. For example, last week at Rite Aid I bought a diabetic kit that had tons of stuff in it. Final cost: Free. I gave it to my dad who is borderline diabetic and has to check his glucose level daily. This week at Wal-Mart with double coupons I bought two packages of tostadas. I have never bought or made tostadas. I broke them up and we eat them like tortilla chips. There is other free stuff I have gotten that I don't use because I am brand specific (toiletries). I am planning on doing a Christmas box for a neighbor and can load it up with deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
Myth: It's a lot of work for a litte reward.
Fact: Couponing is a lot of work, but just as much work and time as you make it. After two months of couponing I have a years supply of cereal, canned vegetables, canned soup, granola bars, toilet paper, paper towels, and fruit juice. All at ROCK BOTTOM prices. Some of them free. How is that not a great reward?
Myth: I will not save that much if I coupon.
Fact: Some people report saving over 50% of their grocery bill a month. I am yet to see those kind of results because I am still stockpiling. Once I have enough stockpiled I won't have to buy those items again for months unless they are FREE. The key it to match a coupon with a sale (and hopefully other incentives - coupons back or instant savings or twice the value coupons) to get the biggest savings.
You still might be thinking that couponing is not for you. Let's get this straight: COUPONING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. If you feel like you have absolutely no time during the week so commit to this, then couponing is not for you. If I was a working mom that had 5 kids I would not coupon. I would want all my time at home to be at home. If I had a surplus of money left over at the end of the month to put into savings, I would not coupon. If I had to take 4 kids to the grocery store with me every time I couponed, I would not coupon. (That is just me personally - a lot of people do it!)
But in the last two months that I have been couponing I have realized that COUPONING IS FUN! I like it. I love finding good deals and walking out of stores with a cart full of stuff spending less than $20. It is rewarding. Yes it can be stressfull at times - yes checkout sometimes gives me a headache - yes there have been times when I messed up and didn't get a good deal - but I'm learning and saving. That's what's important.
So...do you want to become a couponer?
Just like Jeff had a passion to share his love of deer with everyone when he was younger, I have recently found a passion that I would like to share as well. Couponing.
Before you stop reading the post convinced that you will never be a couponer, let me tell you something that may surprise you. I HATED GROCERY SHOPPING. For a long time. Bad enough that when my sister Marti and I were roommates in college she went grocery shopping for the both of us and in return I did her laundry for her. I would give up hours of my Saturday morning freedom to sit in the laundry room and wait for the laundry to be done just so I wouldn't have to spend 30 minutes at the grocery store. When I got married I hated grocery shopping even more. Now I didn't only have to purchase the staples that I had learned to live with, but I also had to satisfy someone else's food preferences? Our fridge and cupboards were usually bare because I wouldn't go to the store until I absolutely had to. I think part of this is because I HATE spending a lot of money food and other supplies that we are going to use up quickly.
And now I like couponing? Seriously? It's true. 6 months ago when I heard this word I would just groan. My sister and her mother-in-law had been couponing for over a year and I thought it was exhausting. I had heard them talk about ordering 100 deodorants, 75 boxes of tampons, stockpiling on ketchup, bbq sauce, and salsa. It seemed like a lot of work for a little reward. Then my sister-in-law jumped on board and I realized something - couponing isn't crazy. With my sister I thought that it was just a passion she had and there was no way I would like it because I hate shopping. But when my sister-in-law started couponing, I knew that she didn't like shopping either, but she loved couponing.
Let me tell you why: COUPONING SAVES YOU MONEY.
Here are some of the mythes I had of couponing before I become a couponer:
Myth: Couponing takes too much time.
Fact: Couponing will take as much time as you want it to. If you have zero time in your week to spare, then you should not coupon. If you have 30 minutes in your week to spare, then you have time to coupon. If you want to go hard core and subscribe to 6 Sunday newspapers, then it takes time to clip those coupons. If you don't want to get papers, you can just coupon with internet printables. You can seek our your own deals and scenarios, which will take more time. Or you can just do the ones that you see on the couponing blogs, which are laid out for you and will take less time.
Myth: I will buy stuff I won't use if I coupon.
Fact: There are always deals on stuff that your household doesn't currently use. So you have to ask yourself, will I use this if I get it? If the answer is yes, then buy it. If the answer is no, then don't. I have found that if something is free or really cheap, even if I don't use it then I will start to use it or find someone who can. For example, last week at Rite Aid I bought a diabetic kit that had tons of stuff in it. Final cost: Free. I gave it to my dad who is borderline diabetic and has to check his glucose level daily. This week at Wal-Mart with double coupons I bought two packages of tostadas. I have never bought or made tostadas. I broke them up and we eat them like tortilla chips. There is other free stuff I have gotten that I don't use because I am brand specific (toiletries). I am planning on doing a Christmas box for a neighbor and can load it up with deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
Myth: It's a lot of work for a litte reward.
Fact: Couponing is a lot of work, but just as much work and time as you make it. After two months of couponing I have a years supply of cereal, canned vegetables, canned soup, granola bars, toilet paper, paper towels, and fruit juice. All at ROCK BOTTOM prices. Some of them free. How is that not a great reward?
Myth: I will not save that much if I coupon.
Fact: Some people report saving over 50% of their grocery bill a month. I am yet to see those kind of results because I am still stockpiling. Once I have enough stockpiled I won't have to buy those items again for months unless they are FREE. The key it to match a coupon with a sale (and hopefully other incentives - coupons back or instant savings or twice the value coupons) to get the biggest savings.
You still might be thinking that couponing is not for you. Let's get this straight: COUPONING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. If you feel like you have absolutely no time during the week so commit to this, then couponing is not for you. If I was a working mom that had 5 kids I would not coupon. I would want all my time at home to be at home. If I had a surplus of money left over at the end of the month to put into savings, I would not coupon. If I had to take 4 kids to the grocery store with me every time I couponed, I would not coupon. (That is just me personally - a lot of people do it!)
But in the last two months that I have been couponing I have realized that COUPONING IS FUN! I like it. I love finding good deals and walking out of stores with a cart full of stuff spending less than $20. It is rewarding. Yes it can be stressfull at times - yes checkout sometimes gives me a headache - yes there have been times when I messed up and didn't get a good deal - but I'm learning and saving. That's what's important.
So...do you want to become a couponer?
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