Produce and Stuff

My Shaw's trip today was not my best, but I really needed some fresh produce, so I made the best of it.  Here's what I did:

Transaction 1:

Bananas - $3.14

Tomatoes - $4.46

Potatoes - $2.00

Oranges - $6.00

Grapes - $4.80

2 Salad Mix - $4.00

Feta Cheese - $2.99

Deli American Cheese - $3.63

Humus - $2.50

Deli Turkey - $6.99

2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights Mini - $5.00

5 Frank's Hot Sauce - $3.45

2 Cains Salad Dressing - $2.00

2 Loaves Bread - $2.19

4 Boxes Kellogg's Cereal - $8.00

1 Gallon Milk - $2.59

1 Dozen Eggs - $2.89

-$3.45 MQ (Frank's Hot Sauce)

-$1.00 MQ (Kellogg's)

-$1.00 MQ (Kellogg's)

-$1.00 MQ (Cain's)

-$1.00 MQ (Warm Delights)

-$1.31 Store Q (Potatoes)

-$1.00 MQ (Salad Mix)

-$1.00 MQ (Salad Mix)

-$1.79 Store Q (Eggs)

-$1.00 Peelie (Feta)

-$3.63 (deli cheese)

Total Before Qs:  $66.63

Total After Qs:  $49.45, Earned Free Milk CAT

Transaction 2:

Shaw Milk - $2.59

-$2.59 Free Milk CAT

Total Before Qs:  $2.59

Total After Qs:  $0

There you have it.  TTFN!

I Couldn't Resist

Out of curiosity, I stopped into CVS on my way to Shaw's to see if the quarterly spending rewards were printing yet.  They weren't, but I couldn't resist picking up a few more freebies for the week.  Here's what I did:

Transaction 1:

2 Softsoap - $7.98

1 Benefiber Chewable 30 ct. - $6.99

2 Soy Joy Berry Bars - $2.58

1 St. Ives Body Wash - $3.99

-$4 off $20

-$2.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$2.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$3.00 CRT CVS Q (Benefiber)

-$2.00 MQ (Benefiber)

-$1.29 MQ (Soy Joy)

-$2.00 CRT CVS Q (St. Ives)

-$1.00 MQ (St. Ives)

-$4.00 ECB

Total Before Q:  $21.54

Total After Q:  $.25 OOP, Earn 4 ECB

Considering I didn't even plan to buy anything, I was pretty pleased with this trip.  Be sure to scan your card each and every trip because when you combine those coupons that print out (CRTs) with your MQs you really can get some great deals.  I had some make-up that I was tempted to get that would've been free after MQ and CRT, but I decided to save it until another day.  Who knows when my next $10 off $50 will be.  I may need it then.  Happy Shopping!!!

Some $3.17 CVS Fun

 

Transaction 1:  

3 Pond's Towelette's - $11.97

2 PAAS Dye Kits - $3.98

2 Softsoap Hand Soap - $7.98

Diet Dr. Pepper - $2.04

-$4.50 MQ (Pond's)

-$4.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$1.99 MQ (Dr. Pepper)

-$4 off $20 CVS Q

-$11.48 ECBs

Total Before Qs:  $25.97

Total After Qs:  $0, Earn 5 ECB, 3.98 ECB, 4 ECB

Transaction 2:

Carnation Instant Breakfast (Raincheck) - $4.99

Softsoap Refill - $3.99

Softsoap Pump - $7.99

3 CVS RIB Magazines - $2.97

-$.75 MQ (Carnation)

-$2.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$2.50 MQ (Softsoap)

-$12 ECBs

Total Before Qs:  $19.94

Total After Qs:  $2.69, Earn 4 ECB, 4.99 ECB

Transaction 3:

2 Glade Sense and Spray - $11.98

2 Glade Lasting Impressions - $11.98

-$1 CRT Glade

-$1 CRT Glade Lasting Impression

-$1 CRT Glade Lasting Impression

-$4 MQ (Glade)

-$4 MQ (Glade)

-$4 MQ (Glade)

-$5.99 MQ (Glade)

-$2.97 ECB

Total Before Qs:  $23.96

Total After Qs:  $0

Transaction 4:

2 Sally Hansen Nail Polish - $2.49

2 Softsoap Refill - $7.98

1 CVS AA Batteries - $9.99

-$1.00 MQ (Sally Hansen)

-$2.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$2.00 MQ (Softsoap)

-$4 off $20 CVS Q

-$11.00 ECB

Total Before Q:  $20.46

Subtotal After Q:  $.46

Tax:  $.02

Total OOP:  $.48, Earn 4 ECB

Total Before Q for the Day:  $90.33

Total OOP for the Day:  $3.17

I still have Qs for the Softsoap so I plan on going a few more times this week.  Maybe I will even get lucky and win some $X off $XX CRTs.  Happy Shopping!!!

A Bit Kookie With Tons of Transactions

Okay.  I want to share what I got this week, but I am not going to break it down by transaction.  There were just too  many of them to count.  So here we go:

3 Chapstick Naturals - $5.97

3 Edge Shaving Gel - $7.77

1 Edge Shaving Gel - $2.19

2 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - $1.78

7 Softsoap Body Wash - $27.93

2 15 ct. Hinged Easter Eggs - $1.98

1 Diet Dr. Pepper - $1.54

2 Diet Coke - $3.08

Wal-itin Tabs 30 ct. - $6.99

-$24.94 MQ (Softsoap)

-$1.78 MQ (Reese's)

-$1.49 MQ (Dr. Pepper)

-$15 RR

Total Before Q:  $59.23

Subtotal After Q:  $16.02

Tax:  $.80

Total OOP:  $16.82, I still have a 3 RR, a coupon for another free Softsoap, and I earned a $6.99 rebate.  I paid with my rebate gift card so technically my OOP was a big fat $0!!!  Yay for rolling rebate money!

Oh Where, Oh Where Have My Coupons Gone!?!

This blog post is in response to a question that I get frequently while wandering the aisles of the stores browsing for deals.  People see me and see my binder filled with coupons and exclaim, "Where did you get ALL of those coupons!?!?"  The next two questions that naturally follow are, "How do you organize them all?"  and "How long does it take you?"  The latter questions are for another day and another post.  For today, I am going to tackle the first question. 

There are lots of resources out there to help you acquire coupons for your stash.  Once you start looking for them it seems like you will see them everywhere.  My biggest resource is the Sunday paper.  I only subscribe to the Sunday paper.  It costs me $1.75 a week and it more than pays for itself in savings.  In some cities, the Early Edition Saturday paper may have inserts as well at about half the cost.  It is something worth looking into.  I left a little note for my newspaper delivery man asking him to leave me any extra inserts he may get.  He leaves me 6 extra coupon inserts each week for free.  You might also have some luck talking to a convenience store manager about collecting left over Sunday inserts from unsold papers on Monday mornings.  Stores get reimbursed for unsold papers, but often they only have to turn in the front page.  Again, it is worth asking.  Personally, I am unwilling to dumpster dive at the local Recycling Center, but I know a few ladies that have no problem doing that if it saves them a buck.  Haha.  Get creative and don't be afraid to ask.  In the end, the more coupons that you have the easier it is to stockpile when things are offered at those rock bottom prices.  

There are other ways to get coupon inserts without buying the paper.  There are people out there that sell whole inserts and clipped coupons for a small fee.  It is against the law to sell coupons, so these people sell the time and energy it takes them to collect the inserts and in some cases to clip the coupons on your behalf.  Tricky right?  I like Coupons & Things by Dede.  She seems to do a good job at reasonable prices.  The Coupon Clippers, The Coupon Master and CentsOff.com offer clipping services for small fees.  You can also find clipping services on ebay and through coupon communities like A Full Cup and Hot Coupon World.  Be careful though, because not all of the coupons sold on ebay are legitimate.  

The internet is another resource for collecting coupons.  Coupons.com, SmartSource.com, Redplum, CoolSavings.com all offer legitimate printable coupons.  Stores and manufacturers may also offer printable coupons on their websites.   Target, CVS, and Rite Aid all offer Store Coupons on their website for you to print.  The downside to getting all of your coupons by printing off the internet is that you have to pay for all of that ink and you are limited to printing two copies per computer.  I have 3 computers so I am able to print 6 copies of each coupon, but it does serious damage to my ink cartridges.  When looking at your savings take that expense into account.  Personally, I only print coupons from online if I am definitely going to use them.

Coupons can also be found on packages (peelies), in dispensers at the store (blinkies), and attached to displays within the store (tearpads and in educational pamphlets).  I have two little kids (age 5 and 7) and one of their jobs when we go shopping is to collect coupons where they can find them.  It is like a treasure hunt for them and they get so excited when they find coupons.  It is also helpful for me because it keeps them out of my hair while I am adding numbers in my mind and planning each transaction.  ;)  Collecting these coupons is easy and completely free!  No printing costs, clipping fees, or newspapers to buy.  I never pass up an opportunity for free, so these little gems are my best friends.  

CVS has coupons that print at the end of your receipt in addition to the ECBs.  They also have price scanners in their store where you can scan your Extra Care Card and it prints out extra coupons for you.  Sometimes it even gives you the golden $4 off $20, $5 off $30, and $10 off $50 coupons.  Many grocery stores offer Catalinas that print out of the printer next to the register when checking out.  These help me to save a ton of money.  Walgreens offers Register Rewards and Catalinas as well that are printed when you check out.  

So, look for and acquire as many coupons as you can.  I clip and save coupons even for items that I don't usually buy because often there will be a sale where if I use a coupon I can make a bit of money.  I then use that money on items that I need.  You can always donate items that you won't use to food banks, homeless shelters, or church groups.  In addition, you can trade coupons with people in online coupon communities for coupons that you will use.  I don't have a need for diaper coupons, but there are a lot of people out there that need those, so I can trade for ones that I will use.  

Hope this post helps to answer some of your questions.  If you know of a creative resource for coupons or one that I have simply missed, please comment and share!  Happy Shopping!

They Paid Me $3.08 to Take It All Home

Pretty good day today. There was nothing that I needed to buy. I was just looking to roll some ECBs. Here's what I did:

Transaction 1:
1 Crest Pro Health - $3.49
1 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Foundation - $7.99
7 Johnson Buddies Bars - $1.19 each

-$1.00 MQ Crest
-$1.00 MQ Maybelline
-7 $1.00 MQ Johnson
-$4.00 of $20 CVS Q
-$4.99 ECB

Total OOP: $1.91, Earned $3.00 ECB (Crest) and $5.00 ECB (Maybelline)

I consider ECBs to be cash so on this transaction I made $1.10. The scanner gods loved me today and I also got a $5 off $30 CRT so I had to find things to buy. Here is what I did on my second transaction. 

Transaction 2:
1 Schick Quattro For Women with Trimmer - $8.99
24.7 Facial Scrub - $15.99
24.7 Facial Scrub - $7.99 (B1G1 50% off)

-$1.00 CVS Q from RIB for skin defining purchase (the cashier okayed it!)
-$2.00 CVS Q from RIB for any 24.7 product
-$4.00 MQ (Schick)
-$5 off $30
-$10.00 ECB
-$10.00 ECB

Total OOP: $1.02, Earned $10.00 ECB (24.7), $10.00 ECB (24.7), $3.00 ECB (Schick) 

So on this one I had a profit of $1.98. Again not too shabby. The ECBs didn't print on the 24.7 at first and I worried about the Facial Scrub working at all, but the signs for the B1G1 50% off were there as well as the month long ECB signs. The manager looked at the signs and said it was no problem to print them out for me. I would have been fine either way because if it hadn't worked out I had my eye on some of that Organix Conditioner that is $6.99 right now and has a hangtag for a full $6.99 rebate on it. I figured I could get a bunch of that if need be. Anyway. HTH someone!!  Happy shopping!!!

Little Necessities...Kind Of

Transaction 1:  

6 Orbit Mint Mojito Gum - $1.92

1 Gillette Fusion Gamer - $8.99

-$4.00 MQ (Gillette)

-$1.92 IVC Monthly Flyer(Orbit)

Total Before Qs:  $10.91

Subtotal After Qs:  $4.99

Tax:  $.25

Total:  $5.24, Earned $4.00 RR for Gillette)

Transaction 2:

3 Orbit Melon Mint Gum - $.96

2 Energizer 4 pk. AA Batteries - $11.58

-$5.60 IVC Weekly Flyer (Energizer)

-$.96 IVC Monthly Flyer (Orbit)

-$4.00 RR from transaction 1

Total Before Qs:  $12.54

Subtotal After Qs:  $1.98

Tax: $.10

Total:  $2.08

Total Before Qs for the Day:  $23.45

Total After Qs for the Day:  $7.32

Not my best work, but still okay.  Aaron loves the Gillette Fusion so any time they are cheap I pick them up.  Our wireless keyboard, mouse and controls for the XBox 360 eat batteries like you would not believe, so I needed to get a few of those as well.  I was hoping to do another Glade Sense and Spray deal so that the overage could bring my total down a bit more, but I couldn't find my coupon from the paper and they were all out anyway at the store.  Oh well.  The gum was a sweet find.  Each pack was on sale for .32 and there is an IVC in the March monthly book for .99 off any three packs Orbit so he adjusted the Q down and I got them for free.  Be sure to ALWAYS look for clearance deals.  They can be found either on the endcaps of each aisle or or mixed in with other products with a small sign indicating how much off it is.  Walgreens and CVS will mark things down from between 75% and 90% off so keep an eye out.  TTFN!  Happy Shopping!!!

Gotta Love Those CATs!!!

  

Transaction 1:  

1 Shaw's Giant Bread - $1.00

7 Kellogg's Mini Bites - $14.00

1 Shaw's Plain Bagel - $1.39

2 Tyson Anytizers - $6.98

1 Topps Push Pop - $.65

1 Topps Baby Bottle - $1.19

-7 $1.00 MQ (Kellogg's)

-$.51 Shaw's Giant Bread

-$1.39 Shaw's Bagel (FREE)

-$1.00 MQ Tyson Anytizer

-$1.00 Store Q Tyson Anytizer

-$14.00 CAT

Total Before Qs:  $25.21

Total After Qs:  $.31, Earned 3 Free Gallons of Milk for buying the Kellogg's

Transaction 2:

2 Bird's Eye Meals for Two Shrimp Alfredo - $13.98

2 Bird's Eye Steamfresh Vegetables - $4.78

1 Dozen Eggs - $2.19

3 Gallons Shaw's Skim Milk - $11.07

-$14.07 Store Q (Free Milk Q's from Transaction 1)

-2 $2.00 MQ (Bird's Eye Meals for Two)

-2 $2.99 MQ (Bird's Eye Steamfresh)

-$6.00 CAT

Total Before Qs:  $32.02

Total After Qs:  $1.97

Transaction 3:

2 Tyson Anytizers - $6.98

1 Head of Lettuce - $1.99

Tomatoes - $5.20

2 Lunchables - $2.00

-$1.00 MQ Tyson Anytizer

-$1.00 Store Q Tyson Anytizer

-$14.00 CAT

Total Before Qs:  $16.17

Total After Qs:  $.17

Total Before Qs for the Day:  $73.40

Total After Qs for the Day:  $2.45

Today I got to use up a bunch of CATs I had from previous transactions.  My savings were huge and I am feeling pretty good about the week so far.  As you can see, I was able to get some fresh produce for cheap as well as milk.  Sometimes it is hard to get the healthy foods you prefer your family to eat and still get great deals.  CAT generating deals are a great way to earn money that you can use on the healthier options that are sometimes harder to get cheaply.  Well, that is all for this post.  Happy shopping!  TTFN!!

The New Look of $2.03~Shaw's

Transaction 1:  

1 Pancake/Waffle Syrup - $1.50

6 Rice Krispie Treats - $15.00

2 Frank's Red Hot Sauce - $1.38

6 Strawberry Pop Tarts - $15.00

2 Hood Frozen Yogurt (chocolate and strawberry, of course) - $7.58

2 4ct. Corn on the Cob - $6.18  (I was mischarged.  It should only be $5.38.  I want my $.80!!!  LOL!  Whatever!)

2 Deep Dish Pie Shells (Quiche, here I come!) - $5.38

2 Shaw's Steamy Vegetables - $3.58

2 Shaw's Lemonade - $2.38

1 Shaw's Presliced Bagels - $1.25

1 Cascade Crystal Clean Rinse Agent - $4.49

-2 $1.00 MQ (Kellogg's Rice Krispie)

-2 $.69 MQ (Frank's Hot Sauce) - FREE

-3 $1.00 MQ (Kellogg's Pop Tarts)

-2 $3.79 MQ (Hood's Frozen Yogurt) - FREE

-2 $2.69 Store Q (Corn on the Cob)

-2 $2.69 Store Q (Pie Shell) - Free

-2 $1.79 Store Q (Veggies) - Free

-2 $1.19 Store Q (Lemonade) - Free

-$1.39 Store Q (Bagel) - Free

-$4.49 MQ (Cascade) - Free

-$10 off MQ for purchasing $25 in Kellogg's products

-$10 CAT

-$2 CAT

-$2 CAT

-$2 CAT

Total Before Qs:  $63.72

Total After Qs:  $1.16

Transaction 2: 

1 lb. Carrots - $.50

5 lb. Potatoes - $2.50

3.30 lb. Pot Roast - $9.87

-$3.00 Store Q (Free potatoes and carrots when you purchase a roast.)

-$2 CAT

-$2 CAT

-$2 CAT

-$2 CAT

-$1 CAT (From Stop and Shop, Shaws does accept some other stores coupons)

Total Before Qs:  $12.87

Total After Qs:  $.87

Total Before Qs for the Day: $76.59 

Total After Qs for the Day: $2.03

These transactions worked out so great in part because I was able to use my Catalinas from last trip to bring my subtotals down even further.  Last week, I was also given two pamphlets filled with coupons that gave me many items free after coupon.  So, I only paid 2.65% of the retail price OOP.  Not too shabby, right?  Some of my Catalinas expire tomorrow so, I plan on going again.  The new circulars are out for Shaw's and it looks like starting tomorrow there is a sale on Kellogg's Cereal--buy 3 boxes of Kellogg's Cereal for $6 and get a free gallon of milk.  So, I plan on doing that deal a few times and we will see what else I am able to find.  TTFN!  Happy shopping.  ;)

Squeezing Shopping into my Jammin' Day

  

Transaction 1 (Walgreens):

1 500 ml Listerine - $3.00

1 Reach Ultraclean Toothbrush - $3.00

1 Reach Dental Floss - $3.00

-$5.00 Listerine/Reach MQ (from Sunday's paper)

-$4.00 RR

Total:  $0 OOP,  Earns $6 RR (Yes, folks it's my favorite thing to have a $0 transaction.)

Transaction 2 (Walgreens):

1 500 ml Listerine - $3.00

1 Reach Ultraclean Toothbrush - $3.00

1 Reach Dental Floss - $3.00

-$5.00 Listerine/Reach MQ (from Sunday's paper)

-$2.00 RR

Total:  $2.10, Earns $6 RR

Transaction 3 (Walgreens): 

2 Starburst Jellybeans - $3.00

2 Easter Miniature Candy Bar Mix - $7.00

2 Whopper Eggs - $4.00

2 bags of Easter M&Ms - $5.00

1 Walgreens Headache 20 gelcaps - $2.99

-3 $1.00 MQ (M&M coupon)

-$2.00 IVC (M&M)

-$2.00 IVC (Whopper)

-$6.00 RR

-$6.00 RR

Total:  $3.99 OOP, Earn $2.99 Rebate for Headache Meds

Transaction 4 (CVS):

2 Xtra Laundry Detergent - $3.98

1 Irish Spring Body Wash - $4.99

1 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste - $2.99

2 Revlon Lip Gloss - $7.99 (B1G1)

2 Big Red Gum - $2.38

1 Doublemint Gum - $1.19

2 Winterfresh Gum - $2.38

2 Wrigley's Spearmint Gum - $2.38

1 Suave Kid's Shampoo - $2.69

-$4.00 off purchase of $20 (CVS coupon)

-7 $1.19 MQ (Wrigley's)

-$2.00 Revlon CRT (CVS coupon)

-2 $2.00 MQ (Revlon)

-$3.00 MQ (Suave, free bottle of shampoo)

-$2.99 ECB

-$1.98 ECB

-$4.00 ECB

Subtotal:  $.67

Tax:  $.03

Total:  $.70 OOP, Earned $4.99 ECB (Irish Spring), $2.99 ECB (Colgate)

Total Before Qs:  $78.95

Total OOP:  $6.79

Total Savings for the Day:  $72.16

Not a bad day.  I was running out of time at CVS and failed to realize that I should have split that transaction into two smaller ones.  I had 2 $4 off $20 coupons that could have made those transactions even better.  Had I been able to use them, I could have saved one of my $4.00 ECBs for another day.  Oh well.  It was ECBs anyway not OOP money so I don't feel as bad.  Have fun shopping this week.  As always, if you have any Qs feel free to ask. TTFN!

Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile

I have mentioned this word previously on this blog and if you peruse the coupon world you will see it discussed just about everywhere.  A stockpile is a collection of products that you purchase at rock bottom prices in large quantities.  The idea is that you have enough product in your stockpile for you to be able to avoid paying full price for that product again.  Some couponers seem to have stockpiles that could feed armies for years.  (I kid you not!!!)  For me, this is a bit too much because I have a small family and live in an even smaller apartment!  My goal is for my stockpile to last me until the next big sale.  I've noticed that some products are always on sale or offered for free.  My stockpile for these items is quite small because I know that it will be available again soon enough at a stockpile price.  For other items that rarely go on sale, our stockpile is much larger.  The size of your stockpile will in large part depend upon your couponing goals, the products you wish to stockpile and the ease with which you can replace it.  If you have a goal to stockpile a year's worth of non perishables for your family, then your stockpile will naturally be significantly larger than a stockpile that is intended to last for only a few months.  It will also depend on your family size, their likes and dislikes, and your budget.  I would like to suggest a couple of things as you begin to create your stockpile.

1.  Have a plan.  Don't just buy, buy, buy without regard to your goals and needs.  When I first started, I purchased every tube of toothpaste that was a good deal.  Within 2 months, I had over 30 tubes of toothpaste that I had gotten for free.  WHY!?!?!  My little family could not use that much toothpaste in 3 years!  So, I learned from that, donated them to missionaries and live quite comfortably with my 4 tubes, because I know that toothpaste deals come all the time.  It is an easy item to replace.  The only time I buy toothpaste now, is if it earns me money or if I would like to donate it to someone in need.  Planning will save you money, time, and storage space.

2.  Figure out what products your family uses and how long it takes them to use it.  Write the date on your bottle of laundry detergent.  Figure out how long it takes you to go through that bottle.  If you go through a 30 load bottle per month, then you can figure out how many you need in order to meet your stockpile goal.  Maybe you need 30 tubes of toothpaste each year because you have a 2 year old that likes to wash the sink with Crest.  Who knows?  Pay attention to your household and figure out what you use.  

3.  Know the prices of the products you buy.  How are you to know if you should stockpile if you have no idea what a good price is?  It may help you to start a price book where you track the prices of the products that you regularly buy.  If you choose this route I would suggest tracking 20 products at at time so that you don't get overwhelmed.  Once you are confident that you know a good price when you see it on those 20 products, you can expand that list at that point if you choose.  

4.  Keep an eye on the sales and see how frequently those sales come along.  This will, again, help you know what kind of quantity you should be storing in your stockpile.  

Your stockpile will be the key to your savings.  In the past, when I ran out of a product I would run to the store and purchase it at full price because I had that immediate need.  When you have a stockpile, you only consume products that have been purchased for pennies on the dollar or for free.  Instead of paying $3.99 for that loaf of bread that I was forced to buy at full price because of my need, I pay $.50 for that same loaf of bread and freeze it until I need it.  That is the beauty of the stockpile.

Well, that is all the advice I have on this subject at this point.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.  TTFN!

I {Heart} Shaws!!!

I took advantage of the deal that I mentioned a couple of posts ago. Here were the results of my labors today.

Transaction 1:
6 South Beach Granola Bars - $15.00
1 Jello Chocolate Pudding - $3.00

-6 $1.00 MQ (South Beach)
-$.60 MQ (Jello)

Total: $11.40, Earned $10 CAT

Transaction 2:
6 Oscar Mayer Shaved Turkey Deli Meat - $18

-3 $1.00 MQ (Oscar Mayer)
-$10 CAT

Total: $5.00, Earned $10 CAT

Transaction 3:
7 Nabisco 100 Calorie Snacks - $21.00
1 Jello Chocolate Pudding - $3.00

-$.60 MQ (Jello)
-7 $.75 MQ doubled to $1.50 (Nabisco)
-$10 CAT

Total: $2.90, Earned $10 CAT

Transaction 4:
4 Oscar Mayer - $12
18 Crystal Light To Go - $6.00

-2 $1.00 MQ (Oscar Mayer)
-$10CAT

Total: $6.00, Earned $10 CAT, 6 $2.00 CATs

Transaction 5:
Arnold 100% Whole Wheat Bread - $2.50
8 Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Crackers - $20.00

-4 $1.00 MQ (Kraft)
-$1.00 MQ (Arnold)
-$10 CAT
-$2 CAT
-$2 CAT
-$2 CAT

Total: $1.50, Earned $10.00 CAT

Transaction 6:
75 Crystal Light To Go - $25.00

-$10.00 CAT
-$2.00 CAT
-$2.00 CAT

Total: $11.00, Earned $10.00 CAT, 25 $2.00 CATs

Transaction 7:
Shaws Creamy Peanut Butter - $6.99
2 Dozen Eggs - $2.38
Shaw's Butter - $2.00

-$10 CAT

Total: $1.37

Total Before Qs: $136.87
Total OOP: $39.17, I still have $52.00 in Catalinas to use on my next trip!

I [Heart] Wags

Glory be! This was such a fun shopping trip! Let me hop to it and share, share, share!!!

Transaction 1:
3 Huggies Goodnights - $30.00
2 Glade Linen Lasting Impressions - $15.98
4 Glade Sense and Spray - $31.96
5 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $14.95
5 Garnier Fructis Conditioner - $14.95
2 Garnier Fructis Leave In Conditioner - $5.98
2 Garnier Fructis Shine Gloss Spray - $5.98

-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$4.00 MQ (Glade)
-$4.00 MQ (Glade)
-$4.00 MQ (Glade)
-$1.00 MQ (Goodnights)
-14 $1.00 MQ (Garnier)
-$28.00 Wags IVC (Garnier)
-$8.00 Wags IVC (Glade L/I)
-$16.00 Wags IVC (Glade S/S)
-$3.50 RR
-$3.00 RR

Total Before Q: $119.80
Total After Q: $9.83, Earned $10 RR for Huggies

Transaction #2:
3 Huggies Goodnights - $30.00
2 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $5.98
1 Garnier Fructis Conditioner - $2.99
2 Garnier Fructis Gel - $5.98
2 Garnier Fructis Mousse - $5.98
2 Garnier Fructis Hairspray - $5.98
1 Garnier Fructis Leave in Conditioner - $2.99
6 Colgate Total Advanced Whitening - $20.94
1 Right Guard Xtreme Deoderant - $2.99
1 Gillette Fusion Gamer - $8.99
6 Glade Lasting Impressions - $47.94
6 Glade Sense and Sprays - $47.94

-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$7.99 B1G1 MQ (Glade)
-$1.00 MQ (Right Guard)
-$4.00 MQ (Gillette)
-10 $1.00 MQ (Garnier)
-6 $4.00 MQ (Glade)
-6 $1.00 MQ (Colgate
-$15 WAGs IVC (Colgate)
-$2.00 WAGs Q (Goodnights)
-$20.00 WAGs IVC (Garnier)
-$24.00 WAGs IVC (Glade Lasting Impressions)
-$24.00 WAGs IVC (Glade Sense and Spray)
-$10 RR

Total Before Q: $188.70
Total After Q: $.76 Earned $2 RR (Right Guard), $4 RR (Gillette)


Total OOP for 2 Transactions: $10.59 and I still have $6 RR for my next trip!
Total Savings for the Day: $303.91

Not too shabby right? It is really hard to find good deals on the Goodnights, so the fact that I was able to get all of this stuff for what I normallly spend on one package of Goodnights was amazing to me. You may wonder what a girl is going to do with all of that Glade and why I actually bought that much. I didn't just get it because I got it for free. I actually got it because I made $2 on each Glade item. That $2 was then applied towards my diapers so that I could bring the overall cost of the diapers down. I plan on sharing many of these free items with friends, neighbors, and family. Who knows, maybe the women's shelter will get a nice donation too, then I can add to my savings by getting a tax deduction. There are savings to be found all over the place. TTFN!!!

Walgreens--A True Blue Love/Hate Relationship

I have been dreading this post because Walgreens can be a frustrating system to learn as far as couponing goes.  Sometimes I feel like they try to make it difficult to discourage shoppers from saving money.  Anyway.  Let me try to break this down for you.  As always, if the three of you that read this blog have any questions, feel free to ask.  There are many ways that you can save money at Walgreens:

1.  Rebates - Each month, Walgreens comes out with an Easy Saver Catalog.  You can pick up your catalog in the store near the entrance right by the weekly ads.  In this catalog, there are rebates and Instant Value Coupons (IVC).  The rebates are redeemed similarly to how they are redeemed at Rite Aid by going online and filling out your rebate form digitally.  It is fast, easy and you can choose whether or not to receive your rebate at the end of the month in the form of a check or a gift card.  I would suggest getting the gift card because you can get your rebate money electronically deposited the next time and earn an additional 10% on your rebate generating items.  So, if you earn $20 in rebates on your gift card, you will actually get $22.  You can utilize that money to cover your next month's rebates or the small OOP you may have with each transaction.  Again, you are rolling that initial investment to lower your total costs.  There are usually a handful of rebates that are for the full purchasing price every month.  If you happen to have a coupon for those items, use them!!!  You will still get the full rebate amount even if you spent less on the product because of coupons.  You can make money to go shopping!  Who doesn't love that!?!?!?  There are also a ton of items that offer a partial rebate.  Be sure to keep an eye on these products, because often times these items can be free if you combine them with coupons or if they happen to go on clearance.    

2.  IVC - As previously mentioned the Easy Saver Catalog also has Instant Value Coupons.  These are store coupons that can be used in conjunction with manufacturer coupons to maximize your savings.  They are also found in the weekly ads.  In order to take advantage of these coupons you have to have the cashier scan the barcode on the coupon and the savings will be taken off your register for each qualifying item.  For example, this week at Walgreens Garnier Fructis Hair products are on sale for $2.99.  In the Easy Saver Catalog there is an IVC for $2 off any Garnier Fructis Hair product.  If you have the $1 off coupon that just came out in the newspaper you can get each Garnier product completely free.  Nice right?

3.  Register Rewards - This is Walgreens "ECB program."  (Refer to the CVS post for an explanation of how ECBs work.)  A register reward is printed out of the Catalina machine next to the register at the conclusion of a transaction.  It is triggered when you purchase qualifying products that are listed in the weekly advertisements.  It can be used like money, however it is technically a manufacturer coupon.  For most stores, you can use as many of these as you would like in a transaction, however Walgreens has a policy that you cannot have more manufacturer coupons than items in your transaction.  So, you may have to add a low costing item to the transaction so that you can use your register reward.  Ideally, you want to roll your RR just like you roll your ECBs and other Catalinas.  Walgreens has made this a bit difficult.  Let me explain.  If you want to use your RR on another RR earning product it must be from a different manufacturer otherwise the new RR will not print.  For example if you have a RR from General Mills and want to get more cereal, you would have to use it first on a different RR generating transaction before doing another General Mills deal.  Refer to my latest Walgreens trip for a look at how I "rolled" my RRs.

There are a few tricks of the trade that I would like to share with you.  First, always get all of your manufacturer coupons scanned first before having the cashier scan your IVCs.  This will eliminate a lot of problems that sometimes cause your coupons to be rejected.  Second, use your rebate items as fillers, especially if you are paying with register rewards.  It will minimize your OOP.  Third, be sweet.  As you get adept at coupon shopping you will begin to know more about Walgreens than many of the employees and even managers.  Each store is different and what a manager will allow may vary vastly.  A bit of sweetness can go a long way in terms of your savings.  Fourth,  join A Full Cup and take advantage of the coupon community.  It will save you time and of course money.  

There you have it!  A brief explanation of what Walgreens can do for you. TTFN!!!

Examples of Sales Your Grocery Store May Have For You

For this post, I thought I would give you a glimpse into the kinds of sales you may get at your local grocery store.  I shop at Stop and Shop and Shaws here in MA.  Both have interesting sales this week, but for this post I will share what is specifically going on at Shaws. 

At Shaws this week, they have two Catalina deals going on.  A Catalina is a special coupon that prints out from the little machine next to the cash register.  It is triggered by purchasing a particular combination of products or by reaching a predetermined purchase total from purchasing certain products.  Sometimes it is a coupon for a specific product and sometimes it is worth money off of your next order.  At times, Catalinas are advertised in the weekly ads but not always.  It is for this reason, that I HIGHLY suggest that you join a free coupon community like A Full Cup.  These forums help you to be aware of these deals before they even start so that you can gather coupons and think up scenarios that maximize your savings.  Let me share with you an example of what is happening this week at Shaws.

In this deal, if you buy $25 of Kraft products you earn a $10 Off On Your Next Order Catalina.  The great thing about this deal is that the $25 is based off of the regular prices and most, if not all, are on sale this week.  Again, it is to your advantage to "roll" your Catalinas just like you do at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.  Ideally, you want to keep each transaction right around $25 (pre-sale prices) so that your OOP is as low as you can get it.   Okay.  Now for an example:

Hat Tip:  A Full Cup Shaws Forum

Transaction 1:  

6 boxes South Beach Living Cereal Bars ($3.59 shelf price) - $2.50 each

1 Jello Pudding 6-pack ($3.99 shelf price) - $3.00 each

-6 $2.00 off Manu Q. South Beach

-$.60 off Manu. Q Pudding - doubled to $1.20

Total Before Sale:  $25.53 - It reaches the required $25 for the Catalina

Total With Sale Prices:  $18

Total With Sale Prices After Coupons:  $4.80, Earns $10 off your next order Cat.

Transaction 2:  

2 Kraft Bagelfuls ($2.50 shelf price) - $2.00 each

4 10-pack Capri Suns ($2.99 shelf price) - $2.00 each

4 Nabisco 100 Calorie Snack Packs 6 pk. ($3.19 shelf price) - $2.00

-2 $1.00 off Manu. Q Bagelfuls

-2 $1.00 off 2 Store Q. Capri Sun

-4 $.75 off Manu. Q doubled to - $1.50 off

Total Before Sale:  $29.72 - It reaches the required $25 for the Catalina

Total With Sale Prices:  $20

Total With Sale Prices After Coupons:  $10, Earn $10 off your next order Cat.

Pay with $10 Catalina from Transaction 1 for a $0 OOP on this transaction.

Total OOP for both transactions is:  $4.80

Total Before Sales and Coupons for Both Transactions is:  $55.25

That is over 90% savings.

During the course of one visit, I may do 3 or 4 transactions.  When I have exhausted my coupons (over the course of several visits), I usually spend my final Cat. on fresh produce, milk, eggs etc.  The picture in this post is of a few of my receipts from the last big Cat. sale.  Notice that most of my OOPs are around $2.  It is totally AMAZING right?  Haha.

Hope this gives you some ideas of what to look for.  Feel free to post questions if you have any.  TTFN!

My Tiny Experience with Rite Aid

Okay, so you have seen a bit of the fruits of my labor at Walgreens and CVS. I also shop Rite Aid from time to time depending on the sales. They are a bit farther away from my home, but if there is a good enough sale I put on my ipod and make the trek. Like CVS and Walgreens, Rite Aid also rewards their loyal customers with freebies and rebates each month. Their program is a bit easier to navigate than Walgreens, but not as lucrative (at least for me) as CVS.

Every month Rite Aid has a book filled with rebate offers. These offers can be combined with sales and coupons. They cover a wide variety of products so you are bound to find something that you need that month. Throughout the month, you can enter your rebate items online on the Rite Aid website and request your Single Check Rebate at the conclusion of the month. You then cash that check and use that cash on the next month's rebates. In that way, you are able to "roll" your rebate money from month to month and maximize your savings.

In addition, each week Rite Aid has a weekly advertisement that shares their sale items for the week and their in ad coupons. Generally, they will indicate in the ad if there is a rebate available for a particular item. The work is basically already done for you. Nice right?

So, let me share with you one of the many deals that I have gotten so far at Rite Aid. Here's what I did:

1 Goodnites-$9.99 (reg. 11.99)

1 Veet Bladeless Razor-$3.99 (reg. $8.99)

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo-$2.99 (reg. $4.19)

1 Dove Pillow Energy Face Pads-$2.49 (reg. $4.99)

1 Dove Skin Vitalizer-$5.99 (reg. $11.99)

-$3.50 MQ (Dove)

-$1.00 MQ (Garnier Fructis)

-$2.00 MQ (Goodnites)

-$2.00 MQ (Veet)

-$5 off purchase of $25 Rite Aid Q

Subtotal: $11.95

Tax: $.30

Total: $12.25

Earn $5 SCR Goodnites, $3.00 SCR Veet, $2.99 SCR Garnier Fructis

Total SCR: $10.99

So, in this situation my OOP after SCR is $1.26. Unbelievable! Goodnites rarely have good coupons and to be able to get them for so cheap was an excellent find.

A tip to making this work for you is to stay organized and on top of your receipts. I input mine as soon as possible and try to request my SCR at the first of the month. Remember though, that once you have requested your Single Check Rebate, you cannot enter in any more rebates for that month. Be sure you have finished for the month before making your request. Also, Rite Aid continually has items on clearance (like the Dove products in the above scenario). When coupled with a coupon, these items can often end up free. There are also Rite Aid $5 off $25 coupons out there that can sweeten the deal. Clear as mud? Good. Happy shopping. XOXO!