High Value Huggies Coupons...

Visit www.coupons.com to print $3 & $5 Huggies coupons!

Make sure to go back through and re click your coupons to print a second set.

Just sharing the love...

Another Success Story!!!

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I spent $10.90 (from this months pop bottle returns).....$6.90 of that was on bread and saved $104.70 overall!! Walgreen's had a coupon for computer ink refill... my ink failed their print test, so they gave it to me free. (the ink works in my printer) thank you, thank you!!

Me: Woo stinkin' Hoo!

Paying full price is not only dumb... but a waste of hard earned money! Keep up the awesome work!!! I am so proud of you!

(And thanks for including your picture... I LOVE IT!!!)

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I have a couple quick questions.

Today I went to Walgreen's. I was going to buy the Gillette Gamer razor for $8.99 (and get $6.00 back in the Walgreen's register rewards). I had a $4.00 off manufactures coupon. The cashier said the $6.00 register rewards would not print if I used the $4.00 off coupon? I didn’t buy it, but I wondered if you knew if this was true.

Me: Liar!!! That is a very uneducated cashier! (OK, maybe liar is a bit strong... but non-truth telling is pretty accurate!) Whether or not RR's (Register Rewards or Walgreen's money) print has NOTHING to do with using a coupon or not using a coupon. RR's print because specific items, like the Gamer Razor, are purchased. ***I personally always try to work the deal to get the RR's, and if it doesn't work the way that I had planned- I return the product before even leaving the store!

Coupon Clipper: Also, Walgreen's had Hershey’s BOGO (buy one get one free) free. I had a manufacturer’s coupon for BOGO free too. I figured that both candy bars would be free, right?

The cashier (same as above) said no. And said that ½ of the candy bar price was .45 and wrote .45 on my coupon! I said that the candy bars were not on sale for .45; it was buy one for .89 and get one free.

If they were on sale for .45 then I should be able to get one for .45 and not have to buy 2. She got very rude!

What do you think? Should I have just cancelled my purchase and gone to a different Walgreen’s?

Me: Wow! You were correct in how you planned on using your coupons- she was wrong again.

When I think that a cashier either isn't educated in coupon usage or if the cashier is becoming upset, I immediately start asking for advice from the manager. I don't make the cashier feel stupid, I simply say that sometimes the company doesn't offer the best training and that it isn't their fault.

Secondly, I always try to stick to (or stay away from ;) ) the same cashiers... the ones that I know are skilled in coupon usgae and their cash register.

If all else fails, it may be best to just pass by that location and make another store your home turf.

Coupon Clipper: You have no idea how much your wisdom has really helped my family. My husband’s hours have been cut at work and with the new baby, money has been pretty tight. I haven’t paid a cent for diapers/wipes since your class, and I’m getting other stuff free too! Thanks again!

Me: I LOVE to hear about how finances are being stretched during the tough economy that we are having. I'm proud of you for shopping smart and taking even better care of your family than you had imagined that you could!!!

Top Twelve Blogs...

My Top Twelve

(in no particular order...)

1/ www.commonsensewithmoney.com

2/ www.free2befrugal.blogspot.com

3/ www.stretchingabuckblog.com

4/ www.babycheapskate.blogspot.com

5/ www.cheapsk8mom.blogspot.com

6/ www.hip2save.blogspot.com

7/ www.nickels-n-dimes.blogspot.com

8/ www.iheartcvs.com

9/ www.fromwagstoriches.entempore.com

10/www.mommysnacks.blogspot.com

11/ www.jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com

12/ www.attentiontargetshoppers.blogspot.com

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: It really just depends on the store and sometimes even the cashier or manager whether they will adjust prices/coupons for you or make you buy something additional!

Example: I did the Colgate deal at my local Walgreen's and they did adjust a price for me so I could use the coupon and get the item for free. But yesterday at the same Walgreen's-
Excedrin was on sale for $1.99/box and you got back a $1RR.

I had a 2.00 coupon so I would have made a $1 RR. The cashier said she couldn't take the coupon because it was for more than the cost and I would have to buy something else. I asked her to just adjust the cost on the product or the coupon and she said she couldn't so I asked her to ask her manager.

When the manager came over he proceeded to tell me that he could not do it and I would have to purchase something else. He told me that it would be fraud. I didn't argue and picked up and .89 candy bar and paid $1 OOP (out of pocket) and got the $1 RR so in effect it was free.

I don't get it, isn't it less fraudulent to charge me $2 for the Excedrin and take the coupon, then charge me 1.99 and then they get $2 back from the mfg for mailing in the coupon. OH well, guess that is on them. I still got it for free :)

Me: You win some and you lose some- but I'm surprised that both of those experiences happened at the same store.

The manager actually did have a partially valid point about adjusting a coupon to make it fraudulent. It is illegal for a store to charge a customer MORE for an item than its marked price. And it is also illegal for a store to accept less then the coupon price from a customer- and still charge the manufacturer the full face value of the coupon.

For example: Say you had a bar of Olay soap on sale for $.99, and you have a coupon for $1.

If you wanted to use your coupon to get the Olay soap for FREE you could ask the cashier/manager to adjust down the coupon to $.99 AND THEN $.99 would need to be written on the face of the coupon. The writing the actual coupon value on the face of the coupon makes the use of the adjusted coupon FRAUD FREE!

I'm surprised that your store manager wasn't aware of this policy. Maybe you should inform him/her... I would!

Coupon Lady Snippet:
It is a bummer when you need to spend the last penny of a coupons worth just because the coupon value is one cent higher than the product price. I try to have ideas of 'filler items' that I can quickly find in each store that I shop in. A Filler Item is anything that you can purchase very inexpensively to boost your purchase price up to cover the slight overage created by using your coupons. Filler Items may include a pack of gum, individual pencils, clearance items...

Another Money Saving Strategy

I know that it sounds simple- but buy only what you need.

A few nights ago, while staying with family, we decided to have Crescent rolls as part of our dinner. We were feeding 4 adults and one super cute baby.

I had more than enough coupons to cover the number of packages that we would need.

I though about buying 2 packages of the regular size packages,

giving me 16 rolls for $4.18 - $1.40 (2 $.35 coupons doubled) =$2.78 or $.17/roll.

But instead I chose to purchase 3 smaller packages of Crescent rolls,

giving us 12 roll for our dinner.

3 packages cost $4.35 - $2.10 (3 $.35 coupons doubled) = $2.25 or $.19/roll.

I did pay slightly higher per roll for the smaller packages, but Crescent rolls that aren't eaten at dinner are rarely ever eaten, so I'd rather not just waste them.

Newspapers...

This weekend I bought 4 Atlanta newspapers... the sell for a whopping $2 each. Actually I somehow received a discount- I 'only' paid $1.87- but look at those sweet (huge) blue rubber bands that they threw in for FREE!!!

I know that I am spoiled to be able to purchase Detroit newspapers for $1 each, and that many of my local coupon babes have to spend $1.75 per paper... yup, I feel your pain! It stinks!

Fast Fifty

Sometimes it pays to be sick...

For the record, I'd rather be healthy and down $50, but if I am sick I'd at least like to be paid!

I needed to go to the Doctor because I knew that I was getting sick. I have a sinus infection and Bronchitis- requiring me to fill two prescriptions. CVS is my pharmacy of choice so I took my prescriptions there to be filled.

When it was time to pick them up I brought (2) $25 gift card for transferred prescriptions coupons with me. I knew (as well as the pharmacist) that my prescriptions were new, but I asked if I could use the coupons anyway. My kind cashier agreed- but needed me to ring up each prescription separately... no problem!

So I received $50 for being smart enough to clip, bring and ask to use my coupons. Woo Hoo!

Coupon Lady Snippet: Always clip the prescription transfer coupons from your weekly flyers. These coupons are found nearly every week in the Rite Aid flyer, and from time to time in the Walgreen's, Meijer and Target flyers. CVS's transfer coupons are scarce- but sometimes they print out at the bottom of your receipt.

CVS will allow you to use any stores prescription transfer coupon, as will Rite Aid. Walgreen's will only accept a Walgreen's coupon. And keep in mind that Meijer and Target only offer $10 vs. the $25 from the drug stores.

*I personally always clip these coupons and I keep a few in my wallet- ready for when I may need them!

Q & A

From an email....

Coupon Clipper (well, maybe!!!):

Dear Coupon Lady
In your expert opinion, why are there no coupons for beer?
Is this a simple oversight or a clear injustice?
Based on your experience, what can be done to remedy this situation?
The Redneck Couponer of Shiawassee County

Me:

Dear Redneck,
You are not the first, and probably not the last, to hustle me for coupons of the liquid wheat variety. I sincerely apologize that I am unable to procure such coupons myself but I am able to possibly offer a slight consolation.

Do keep your eyes peeled when you visit your favorite beer buying venues, as sometimes you may find coupons on the packaging... These coupons are most often found during the 'grilling months' and around holidays. While the coupons are not exactly for savings on the beer itself, they are for savings on items that beer drinkers stereotypically enjoy... meat to grill.

An example of one such coupon may read: purchase this case of beer and save $5 on $5 or more on fresh beef. So the $5 savings really is there, it just isn't on the beer- but hey, who wants beer on an empty stomach anyway?

The 'grilling months' are also a beer drinkers rebate dream. Many beer companies offer a mail in rebate for purchasing certain amounts of their product.

As a last resort you may want to contact your favorite beer company and 1. let them know how much you enjoy their beverage and 2. ask for coupons to be mailed to you. It never hurts to ask!

Thanks for putting a BIG fat smirk on my face!

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: Quick question for ya...I noticed that Colgate is on sale for .88 cents at CVS this week.

Is there any fabulous way we can use our $1.50 off coupons and get some major coupon overage to work out some good deals this week or is that not allowed?

Me: Sure thing, use the $1.50 Colgate coupon to score some for FREE!

CVS probably won't give you the overage... their system is very smart. In my experience, CVS will allow you to use manufacturer's coupon money up to the amount that your items cost.

For example, a few weeks ago CVS has Colgate on sale for $.99 a tube, with a limit of six tubes. I was able to use (3) $1.50 coupons and I had the 4th coupon adjusted down to $1.44. All six tubes of toothpaste were FREE, but I only used 4 coupons.

So if you are willing to do a little bit of math you can figure out your deals before you even enter the store.

I heart math - so here ya go:
2 tubes
option 1: use (1) $1.50 coupon and pay $.13 per tube.
option 2: use (2) $1.50 coupons and ask for the second coupon to be 'adjusted down*' to $.26.

Coupon Lady Snippet: Adjusting down a coupon means that the cashier will manually need to enter the price of the coupon for less than the face value of the coupon. This is a common occurance at the registers for CVS because CVS does not allow coupon overage. (Coupon overage is coupon value more than the value of the item being purchased. For example, the $1.50 Colgate coupon has $.62 in coupon overage because a tube of Colgate is being sold for $.88) I have never had a problem having a cashier adjust down a coupon for me.

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I have a quick question.

I just recently signed up for a Kroger.com account and was given the opportunity to load coupons directly onto my Kroger card from P&Gesaver and shortcuts.com. I just wanted to be sure that these are considered manufacturers coupons and not store coupons.

Also, do you find these to be a good value or not worth the effort?

Me: I have had an interesting time loading e-coupons on to my Kroger card. I am a bit less than technologically savvy (OK, a LOT less).

The first time that I loaded my card up with coupons is worked- and I was able to use 2 e-coupons on my purchase. The second time that I tried using my e-coupons nothing happened. I decided that e-coupons were not worth my time.

But here are a few "rules" of e-coupons in case you are interested in using them:

1. E-coupons do not double, not ever- even if they are $.50 or less.

2. It is illegal to stack an e-manufacturer's coupon with a printed/clipped manufacturer's coupon- but I read many blog posts encouraging coupon users to stack in this way.

3. The e-coupons are a 'only once' coupon... not once per transaction all month long.

Even though it may seem to be an easy money saving/ time saving (no actual clipping) concept, it (personally speaking) is not worth my time. Like I have said here before, I am a coupon in hand kind of girl. I like to have my game plan set before me and I like to leave very little room to chance. I know each stores coupon policy, I try to stick to checking out with the same cashiers and I like to have my coupons in hand and ready for spending. One more item to keep track of at the check out might just send me over the edge, but that is just me personally.

If e-coupons seem more your tech-savvy style- then by all means- at least give it a try! The money that you save purchasing the items that your family needs is the end goal... the way you personally get to that goal is your choice.

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: Have you ever bought coupons on Ebay?

I won my first set. It was .95 and has a lot of baby coupons in it. I have bid on two other mixed lots.

What are your thoughts on buying coupons?

Me: I have just begun looking into purchasing coupons... well, the clipping service- as buying coupons is illegal!

I have peeked into http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ but I have yet to need or want specific coupons. The coupon clipping service (wink) is inexpensive per coupon and the shipping is quite reasonable- but I'd love if you'd share the follow up of your Ebay purchase... I am very intrigued.

My thoughts as far as 'purchasing' coupons: hey- do whatever it takes to build the stockpile that your family needs. Regular retail prices are crazy high... but with coupon savvy shopping and spending skills the more time you invest behind the scenes the less money you will spend out of pocket for the items that your family needs.

Why not spend a little money up front to save much much more in the long run... isn't that what we all do when we 'buy' our coupons on Sundays?

Have fun watching your mailbox!!!

Coupon Clipper: Thanks. I was wondering why all of the posts were for the time spend clipping the coupons and not the coupons themselves. That makes sense for the sale of a coupon to be illegal.

I searched for Kroger coupons knowing that I could use them along with the manufactures coupon because I knew that they mail out coupons too. I didn't realize how cheap it was. They even had entire circulars with the coupons not even cut out from previous weeks. I just looked for what I needed but there are a lot of mixed lots out there.

I am starting to get a good stockpile so I think I am going to look for particular coupons for items that we are brand loyal to (my husband will only use Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste . . .).

I love reading all of your posts, I know a few of my friends are following your blog now too after reading my posts. It has completely changed the way we spend our money. We are getting so much more, and spending way less. It frees up money for other things we need that we can't save money on. Thanks for being such an inspiration.

Me: My pleasure! Since overhauling the way that I shop- and experiencing the 'buy more/spend less' impact on my own personal finances- I cannot help but share my skills and enthusiasm! Thanks for the feedback!!!

Q & A

From and email...

Coupon Clipper: I am having a blast with coupons!!

Instead of spending our Friday night pizza money on pizza, I went shopping. I got $90 worth of stuff for $7!! (Including a bunch of pizza rolls-win/win).

I am up to 57% savings for the month, just since taking your class on 1/31!!

I have a question though... I "shopped" at cvs and was asked to update my email addy, the cashier told me I would get $4 ecb at a later date for doing it. My question is, when do I get that $4? and how?

Me: Girl you ROCK!!!

You are one sweet shopper for a "girl who HATES to shop!" I think you just hated to spend your hard earned money!!! (Way to spend the Manufacturer's money!!!)

CVS asking you to update you email is an easy and painless way for you to score some 'above and beyond' FREE stuff.

I'm pretty sure that the cashier misspoke when offering you $4 in ECB's. In my experience (and in eavesdropping in on other customers conversations with cashiers) that you actually update your email address to receive a coupon (via your email address) for $4 off of a $20 online printable coupon.

*I think that you can print and use your coupon as many times as you'd like before it expires.

I personally like the $4/$20 coupons- they are very easy to spend some coupons and some ECB's and to get EVERYTHING for FREE!

Keep in mind that the cashiers only ask you to update your email address periodically. You can always visit www.CVS.com and create a profile for yourself (it is super easy) and you can update your email address there as well to receive the $4/$20.

Another Success Story!!!

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: On my maiden voyage to Super Kroger, I scored!!!

It took me 2 hours, but…I spent $31 and saved $133. I even bought diapers! I feel like a coupon ninja. ( Me: I LOVE that feeling!!!)

I did forget they only take 3 identical coupons, just a little oopsie there but I straightened it out. I have to examine my receipt a little closer but I believe they gave me overage too…they didn’t adjust any coupon amounts so they must have. I guess it’s worth the extra 5 mins to go to Super Kroger sometimes.

Also, it seems there they do the “Manager Special” markings in the morning. I got there around 9:30 and they were just finishing them up. I bought a bunch of Manager Special bread! Yeah!

The only thing missing was…a coupon partner to share my coupons with!

Me: SWEET! Just call me! I'm always game!!!

Sweet shopping! Way to go!!!

I Heart Followers

On the right sidebar here on sharpenyourscissors is an option to follow this blog. I LOVE getting a glimpse of who is gleaning the information that I am sharing! If you would be so kind... I'd love see your cute little face when I send my next blog message!

Love, Laura

Clipping Multiple Coupons

I usually buy multiple Sunday papers to maximize the number of coupons that I have to stockpile with. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE COUPONS?

I prefer to clip the coupons that I think that I will use- and I toss the rest of the insert. I streamline my clipping time by clipping all of my coupons at once. I set out all of the identical coupon insert booklets (Red Plum, Smart Source...) in front of me.

Then I pull the top page of coupons - matching up all of my identical coupons.

I like to paperclip each coupon set that I intend to keep. The paperclips serve several purposes:

1. The clips hold my pages together so that I can accurately clip without botching any of my expiration dates or important data.

2. The clips keep all of my like coupons together so that when I am flipping through my coupon box to fish out all of a particular coupon to match to a sale flyer- I easily have all of the coupons that I may need.

3. The clips keep my multiple pages from squirming around as I clip.

4. The clips are great indicators to show me when I have clipped all of the coupons that I want from a particular page. It is easy to accidentally miss the coupons on the back page if you aren't paying attention.

5. It is much easier to file coupons that are grouped together.

Viola!

From My Readers...

From an email...

Learning Process
Coupon Clipper: I went into Meijer yesterday to do my weekly shopping I had coupons for many of the $1 items on sale this week and did really well - but could have done a little bit better with some forethought.

I got 4 boxes of Green Giant veggies for free (after 50cent coupons), I got 2 boxes of pizza rolls free (after $1.00 on 2 coupon) and I got lots of fresh veggies for $1 each and 2 free items after buying 20 items.

I only spent $27 on actual groceries and I saved $35!

I also had bought a couple of non-grocery things that we needed and I thought I had enough spent to use the $8 register reward on a $100 purchase, but my total came to $97.

The cashier said I couldn't use the coupon. So I just put in back in my coupon box.

On the way out of the store it hit me that I should have just grabbed $3 worth of items from near the register and added them to my purchase and I could have still saved $5 extra dollars over all (getting 3 candy bars or whatever for free). Oops!

Oh well, Live and learn I guess! I won't let that happen again :)
Thanks for all you do and all your help

Me: It pretty much just takes one thought like the one you had- to cause you to rethink another aspect of your shopping!

I used to think that the gum and candy selection at the register was my enemy. But I too have changed my thinking. This is especially true for me with my CVS shopping! When I have just a bit of overage as the total for my bill (ex: -$.56) then I just grab a pack of gum and pay just a few cents for my entire purchase (ex: $.08) and that's just great with me!!!

I actually have a "gum drawer" near our front door and I offer friends and family FREE gum when they come to visit... they LOVE it!

Or sometimes I opt to 'buy' candy and I bring it to the Technical Arts guys on Sunday morning at church (www.242community.com) and they especially LOVE me on those mornings!!!

You are right, Live and Learn!

And just for the record... I LOVE when Meijer does the 10 for $10 sale with the 11th item FREE!
I am currently in the Land of Piggly Wiggly, Bi-Lo and Publix- and I am sad to miss such a super sale!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing Head Lettuce

We are planning a taco dinner and prefer head lettuce to use as a topping for our tacos. I get frustrated when my head of lettuce is mostly white lettuce leaves. I have found a few tricks to ensuring that my lettuce is the pick of the patch...

1. I look for a head of lettuce that has dark green leaves on the outside.

2. I skip over any heads of lettuce that look wilty on the outside.

3. I weigh the heads of lettuce in my hands- looking for the lightest head of lettuce. Dark green leaves weigh a lot less than the water filled white leaves.

***Also, when getting ready to slice into your lettuce- if you pound the stem into the counter first all of the leaves will detach from the inner stem and you can easily get to all of the best parts of the lettuce.

From My Readers...

From Facebook...

"Hey Laura, thanks to you CVS paid me $1.00 a tube to buy Colgate Total! :)"

Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!

Buyer Beware

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I don't know if you want to post this on your blog, but I did not find some of the deals at Walmart that were on the Mommysnacks site (affiliate site, I clicked on it from her site).

Here is what I did NOT find:
Cascadian Farms Purely Steamed Veg: Fowlerville one must not carry?
Muir Glen canned tomatoes: Fowlerville one must not carry?
Ludens: Not on sale Rolaids: Not on sale, but still Free with coupon if you get smaller size
Gillette Shampoo for men: Sale is $3.50 NOT $2.50
Schick Disp.razors: not on sale Sanihands for kids: couldn't find

Me: Bummer! I hate when that happens.

I personally am not a fan of Walmart... I have heard negative info on how they treat their employee's since the death of Sam Walton (founder of WM), so I rarely shop there. I do, however, understand that Walmart is a one stop shopping type of store with some of the best local pricing- and so many people still like to shop there.

I prefer to shop at stores that double coupons, as I am much more likely to get FREE items every week!

Also, Walmart does not send out a weekly flyer advertising their prices for grocery/ household items to my home, like Meijer and Kroger do. When I have a flyer in hand I am guaranteed the flyer's price once I am in the store.

Sales for chain stores are sometimes regional- meaning if a blogger states on his/her site that Crest toothpaste is selling for $1.99 - that may be the sale price in Kentucky... or California... wherever he/she may be blogging from, but here, in Michigan the same chain store may not be running the same sale- so the Crest will still be $2.49 or the regular pricing.

All of this to say- the main reason that I shop in the stores that I do is because I have proof in my hand of the 'for sure' sales to plan my shopping around.

I'm sorry that you experienced being misled. That stinks! You can call Walmart Customer Service and ask them how they set their sales for different regions.

Coupon Clipper: I hope my e-mail didn't come across like I was complaining or anything, I just wanted to save someone else time by not going after the same deals - I feel bad if it came across that way at all. (Me: Nope! Not at all! And I can handle complaints- I probably have the same ones!!!!)

However, despite some Walmart confusion, I still walked out of there with 5 free items and I am up to $100 of savings this week!

Again - thanks for the tips! I haven't had this much fun shopping in a long time.

I love helping the family financially even though I don't bring in income - it is a great feeling

Me: To be honest, feeling like a 'financial team player' is one of the BIGGEST reasons that I began using coupons again. I also am an at home Mom without an income- but the way that I shop, rebate and donate more than makes up for the lack of income!

...And- about Walmart- I didn't think that you were a stinker... I would have felt the same way- I HATE hearing about all of the awesome deals and loot that other people are scoring and having it NOT be( fair) the same in my store!

Way to go on saving $100 - this is just the beginning!!!

Another Success Story!!!

From an email...

Hello
I am not even really sure how I ended up on your site one day...but I am sooo glad that I did!! I have been reading your posts and became motivated to see what kinds of deals I could score.

While I am nowhere near what you can do...I do want to share what I saved today while shopping at Walgreen's and Target. Sorry if this gets a little long but I want to show you exactly what I got because I don't think anyone else would really appreciate this that I know except you...and I don't even know you!!! :)

This is what I got at Walgreen's
Dryel Kit $9.99
Dryel refill $9.99
Lysol wipes 3.99 (bogo)
lysol wipes 3.99
glade air freshener (sorry dont have products in front of me) 8.99
Tide 12.99
Lysol bathroom cleaner 3.99
Lysol bathroom cleaner 3.99 (bogo)
Lysol cleaner 2.79
Lysol cleaner 2.79 (bogo)
Lysol cleaner 3.99
Lysol cleaner 3.99 (bogo)
Fantastik spray 3.79
Shout laundry 3.99
Revlon cream lip gloss 9.99
Revlon cream lip gloss 9.99 (bogo)
Revlon foundation 9.99
Loreal nail polish 4.99
Loreal nail polish 4.99
Glade air freshener 8.99
Airwick air freshener 8.99
Glade air freshener 8.99
Glade air freshener 8.99
Pledge wipes 3.99
Pert Plus 3.99
Garnier Fructise mousse 3.99
I saved $42.36 from Wags by shopping the sales items
All of this added up is $170.13 after Wags savings then...
With my manufactures coupons I saved $48.98
So total was $121 26 But then I am going to be getting $49.50 in Wags rebates!!

So that brings my total to $71.76!!
Now I know that is still a lot of money but I really feel good about it...I stocked up on a lot of things that I would normally buy anyway.

Now Target I feel like I did pretty good for my first time too!!
I got two jumbo packages of diapers Huggies and Pampers doubled up manufacturers coupon with Target coup
320 size Huggies wipes
Lysol spray starter kit (normally 11.99)
Scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner
Mr clean
Dawn foam
Cascade dishwasher gel packs
Snuggle fabric softener
2 Cheerios snack mix
Kashi bars
Chex bars
2 smart ones
Reynolds wrap
2 Ziploc vacuum bag refills

This all added up to $79.11 and with my coupons and using them on top of sales
I saved $32.45 so I spent $49.99!!!

So all in all if I add up what I saved with coupons and shopping the sales I saved $173.29Yay!!!

By the way I live in Iowa!!
Abby

Hooray Abby! Keep up the awesome shopping out there in Iowa!
I'm very proud of you!

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I just had a question about your blog on the rice.

It looked like your coupon said that you saved a $1.00 when you buy three boxes of rice. But from your blog it sounded like you just bought one box per coupon. That leads me to my question on multiple purchases.

It doesn't seem like a good deal to only save $1.00 when you have to buy three (or more) of something. For example, I have a coupon for Cheerios where it says save $1.00 when you buy any three General Mills cereals.

Cheerios was on sale this week at Meijer at 3 for $8. That would mean that by using that coupon I would only save $1 and still end up paying $7 for three boxes of cereal. I know that I can get the store brand for cheaper than $2.33 (Kroger brand is usually $1.89).

So I guess my question is are the multiple coupons worth it?? Buy "X" number - save a $1.00... How do you seem to get things a lot cheaper?? :) Thanks for your help on all this!

Me: First of all, I had coupons for three different rice brands. I priced out which rice company, including the store brand, to find the least expensive box to purchase... to me, rice is rice- so I am not brand loyal in the least.

The Success Rice coupons that I spent (these may be old coups...I don't remember) were actually to save $1 on each box. Each box was selling for $1.29- so I purchased each box for $.29 - or all six boxes for $1.74.
I hope this clarifies the confusion of the coupons that I used.

As for the 'buy three items and save $1'- personally I almost NEVER even clip these coupons,- unless I am planning on making a specific purchase of that item (like a once in a lifetime purchase... maybe for a vacation or something) and I'm pretty sure that there are no other coupons for that item. I feel like that type of savings is a waste of a coupon and a waste of money.

We are in the Cheerios stage of life in our house as well. I am sometimes able to print- or find $.50 off per box coupons in the paper. So when Cheerios are on sale like they were at Kroger a few weeks ago for $1.67 a box (3 for $5) I snagged several boxes... one box per coupon that I had. This is where it pays off to purchase several Sunday newspapers.

I really do prefer to purchase the national brands- but only if they are the better deal. When a person, such as yourself, is new to using coupons it takes time to build a stockpile (multiples of each item used most frequently in your household) and sales for specific items preferred by your family may not hit every single week.

The good news is that sales are cyclical, meaning that they are most likely to reappear in 4, 6, 8 or 12 weeks. Yay! One of my basic rules of thumb is that if you frequently use a product- stock up for 3 months worth of that product when it is on sale- especially if you are able to use coupons (or doubled coupons) in addition to the sale price. Then, by the time the sale reappears you will not be out of the product- but you will be ready to replenish your supply.

So if I use my rice example, say that we make a rice dish twice a month- then I just purchased 3 months worth of rice. I am confident that by the time my supply is running low that another sale on rice will come my way. Maybe when I have just two boxes left I will begin keeping an eye out for my next sale.

Keep slowly adding to your stockpile and do not get discouraged. Every stockpile starts somewhere. Three months from now, once your stockpile is up and running- you will have very few items that you are at the store's mercy for purchase pricing. (Meaning you would need to pay full price because you are out of the item.)

In the short run- before you are able to get a stockpile of an item, do purchase the store brand of an item if that is the least expensive brand. In the long run you will begin to have mostly national brands, using sales and coupons, for less that the store brand prices!

Keep hunting for the best deals- you ask awesome questions!!!

Super Doubles at KMart

Word in the blogosphere is that K Mart is having their Super Doubles sale again... this means doubled coupons up to $2! A $2 coupon actually has a $4 value next week at these Michigan locations: (2/22-2/28)
ALPENA
CHEBOYGAN
ESCANABA
GAYLORD
GRAYLING
HOUGHTON LAKE
IRONWOOD
JACKSON
ST JOHNS
LANSING
MANISTEE
MIDLAND
CHARLEVOIX
PETOSKEY
SAULT SAINTE MARIE

If you would like to find out if your local KMart is doubling you can call them on their customer service line 1-866-KMART-4U .

*I personally am not feeling the K-Love as most of these stores are Up North. I have, however, heard of people asking if their store would honor the doubling because other stores are doubling... it is worth a shot! Also- keep in mind that KMart does not offer coupon overage (giving you more coupon money than the value of the item).

I am out of town- not near a Kmart... but let me know if you are able to score some sweet deals!!!

I Heart Publix

Oops! I forgot to take post shopping pictures- but I spent $24 and saved $29!

We need Publix in Michigan!

1. I had two people offer to take my groceries to my car for me... I smiled and graciously declined... twice. I only had three bags and it weirded me out. In Michigan its every woman for herself. But... I do love me some chivalry!

2. All the store employees were kind and seemed happy- especially the cashiers... hmm, we need some of that in Michigan too!

3. Publix has loads of coupons in the entrance of the store... I heart coupons too! (Pic below).

4. Publix has awesome recyclable bags... I bought one as a memento!

Register Rewards Well Spent

A few weeks ago I had $10 in RR (Register Rewards - Walgreen's money) about to expire.

There were no options to roll my RR's into another item that offers RR's.

There was nothing in the store that I needed or wanted.
(this happens when you shop a lot!)

I had no rain checks that I wanted to redeem.

So I decided to use my $10 in RR's to purchase two items that I would receive rebates for at the end of the month.

The Revlon lipstick sold for $10 with a $10 rebate, and the Garnier hairspray sold for $4 with a $4 rebate. I used a $2 coupon for the lipstick and a $1 coupon for the Garnier + my $10 RR.

Revlon lipstick: $10 - $2 coupon = $8
Garnier hairspray: $4 - $1 coupon = $3

Total = $11.

Pay $10 RR + $1 cash

I will receive $14 cash via a rebate check at the end of the month.

Absolutely a GREAT use of my RR's. I prefer cash to store credit!

Disposable Diapers...

The 'average' size package of Huggies diapers (size 3) has 40 diapers and sell for $9.99 a package- or $.25/diaper. If you used a $1.50 coupon on this package the PPU (price per unit) is brought down to $.21/diaper.

The 'jumbo' size package of Huggies diapers (size 3) has 60 diapers and sell for 15.49 a package- or $.26/diaper. If you used a $1.50 coupon on this package the PPU (price per unit) is brought down to $.23/diaper.

Doing the math... the jumbo package is NEVER the better deal... interesting!

FYI: Huggies wipes are $.03 each.

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: Question on the BOGO items - If a store is running the BOGO special, can you use a manufacturer coupon on each item. Say Pantene is BOGO at CVS and I have two $ .50 cent manufacturer coupons - can I use them both, one on each item?

Me: Yes, I will always use two coupons... some CVS cashiers will not allow this practice... but I ALWAYS give it a shot! Happy shopping!

Grocery Shopping at Publix

We are out of town visiting family- and I was thrilled to go grocery shopping for some items needed for dinner. I have never shopped at a Publix before- but I was game! I checked out the sales ad online before we left- and just had coupons for one item- one is better than none!


We needed rice for our dinner- and so I pulled all three rice coupons out of my box and brought them with me to the store. Since Uncle Ben's rice was advertised as being on sale- I made sure to bring those coupons- but since I was unfamiliar with what the usual store prices were on the other rice products- I brought the other coupons just in case.

The Success rice was our best purchase price- normally $1.29 per box and I had (6) $1 coupons. Even Uncle Ben's with coupons couldn't touch that price! We bought 6 boxes (because of our 6 coupons). We only needed ONE box, but we bought all SIX boxes for $.45 more than the price of ONE box!

FYI: Publix has super cute store packaging!

Total items: $22.94

Spent: $15.74 & Saved: $7.20
6 coupons used.

Coupon Lady Snippet:

Building a stockpile one item at a time! Because I was able to buy 6 boxes of rice for less the the price of 1.5 boxes- I bought all that I had coupons for. I checked the expiration dates on the boxes to make sure that there was a reasonable time frame to be able to realistically eat all of the rice.

Decisions, Decisions...

Sometimes it is hard to know, just at a glance, to know what it the BEST purchase price.


I knew that we would be travelling with my 14 month old son, and that I would need to pack some healthy snacks for the trip. I LOVE individually packages snacks- but they are often NOT the best buy. These individual boxes, while convenient and adorable- are $2 for 14 ounces or $.14/oz.

The big canister of Sun-Maid raisins are $3.49 for 24 ounces or $.14/oz.

I could have bought the 15 ounce box (does not include self resealable lid) at $2.49 for 15 ounces or $.16/oz.

Dole, the runner up competitor had an 18 ounce canister for $3.29 or $.18/oz.

Or I could choose the store brand- 24 ounces for $2.99 or $.12/oz.

Since I was willing to pack a little plastic container to keep our raisins fresh in my purse, I opted for the Meijer brand raisins for the best price- and they were yummy too.

Coupon Lady Snippet:

Checking the PPU (price per unit) may seem tedious- but really you only need to do it once per product. Usually it is easily recognizable- but with the raisins- it was a pretty close call. While I was only saving $.02 - $.06 per oz, I was still saving money. If I am a PPU conscience shopper, my grocery bills overall will be lower each week and I learn which products are the best value for my family.

From My Readers...

From Facebook...

"I just got groceries for the whole family for the week for 50 bucks. I love you, Laura!"

I also received a sweet text letting me know that a student was thrilled at how much she saved while leaving the grocery store!

Woo Hoo! I am thrilled to have helped these families turn their spending around! I heart saving!!!

Real Live Questions

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I have a question regarding one of the current CVS deals: get $10 ECBs when you buy $20 of Coke, Tylenol or St. Joseph's.

Now, it says that the Tylenol (40-50 count) is on sale for $6 and the Coke (12 pack) is 4/$14. So, If I get 4 12 packs of Coke and 1 Tylenol it will amount to $20 and I will get the $10 ECBs at check out. However, I have a coupon for Tylenol, which will bring the total below the $20 mark.

Does this mean I won't get the $10 ECBs? Or, is the deal "pre coupons"?

Me: You are exactly correct, the $20 worth of product is BEFORE coupons. And no matter the amount of cash that you actually spend- you will still receive all $10 in ECB's.

FYI: Tylenol is pretty good about having online printable coupons... you could try Googling Tylenol printable coupons and you may find some more!

Have fun shopping!

Target's Coupon Policy:

TARGET POLICY

Dear Target Guest,
Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping at Target, and we make it easy to use them at our stores. But because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target:

Target accepts two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer coupons.

Target accepts one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it

Target can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in that case, we'll adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.

Target can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.

All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of the sale.

Have questions or want more information about using coupons at Target? Check with a Guest Services Team Leader at your store. You can also give Target a call at (800) 440-0680, or visit Target.com.

From My Readers...

From an email...

My husband doesn't get paid until the 15th of the month... He took a bunch of the toothpaste coupons (and change from the bucket) to "buy" t-paste so he would get the Walgeen's store rewards (RR's) so he could buy lunch from their grocery section. A very wise man!

The assistant and finally the general store manager told him he could only purchase 2 tubes, because they had to keep enough stock for all their customers. ?? (Sometimes they are stinkers... it depends on the cashier!!)

This was the Walgreen's on Plymouth and Merriman to the East. He drove two miles to the one on Plymouth West of Merriman and made his purchase AND lunch.

Then, my wonderful husband went to Meijer to pick up an item for me. Since it was only one thing he used the u-scan.

In the trash he found $27 worth of cash off coupons, AND another $16.50 in product coupons!!!

Also, it looks like Walgreen's is having a sale on Lysol products starting tomorrow (2/15). There are a ton of coupons on http://www.lysol.com/. I plan to "clean up" LOL

This Coupon Clipper's husband needs to spend more time with my Dave... I'm jealous!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

NO COUPON INSERTS THIS WEEKEND!!!

In case you missed my memo- there will be no coupon inserts this weekend due to the holiday..Holiday? Yep, the coupon insert companies (Red Plum, Smart Source...) observe Valentine's Day as a national holiday... Hmmm, in our house we view Valentine's Day as a 'Hallmark Holiday.' I wish we had coupons.... but don't waste your money on buying any papers!!!

High Value Printable Coupons

I printed some coupons at www.coupon.com while my coupons were printing, a page came up with coupons from "their partners".... these were high dollar coupons and a lot of BOGO. Remember to hit your "back" button to print 2 coupons per item.....

Thanks Amy!!!

New Clothes?

Rick at www.LivingstonParentJournal.com shared this steal of a deal...

Elder-Beerman Coupon Book Sales

The Howell (Michigan) Senior Center is selling $5 coupon books for Elder-Beerman. Included is a coupon for $10 off any $10 purchase. All proceeds benefit the Howell Senior Center.

Come in and purchase yours today! Call 517/540-0219 for more information.

***PS: My adorable son is on the cover of The Livingston Parent Journal this month... make sure to pick of your copy of this FANTASTIC magazine!!!

Another Success Story!!!

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I had 4 $4 off coupons for dog food. Instead of buying a 20 pound bag with the coupon for $18, I bought 4 5 pound bags (that were on sale for $4.12), so I got 20 pounds of dog food for 60cents.

It's amazing what you can save if you change your thinking!!!

We also "bought" 20 tubes of toothpaste (should last us a year) paid 90 cents, and got $10 back in store coupons. I bought a years worth of toothpaste and a month's worth of dog food with change out of our "change bucket". I LOVE it.!!!

Me: NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!

*I make a hobby of picking up loose change (or dollar bills for that matter) off of the ground. I have actually paid for items at CVS with the change that I picked up in the parking lot on my way into the store... I'll have to post a picture of my "Pennies from Heaven Jar!"

Grocery Shopping at Meijer

Grocery Total: $76.89

Spent: $31.86 & Saved: $45.03

48 Coupons used

4 FREE items

Cottonelle

More FREE Cottonelle...

Go here (http://www.cottonelle.com/review_pledge.aspx?id=53503) and create a pledge and you'll be able to print a coupon for $1 off any 4-pack of Cottonelle toilet paper. You know the drill: use this coupon on the 4-packs at Kroger which are priced at $0.99 and that makes for free toilet paper!

I worte something stupid about the best tp on the market!! Took 2 min.YEAH free toilet paper... thanks Jess!!!

I wrote a pledge that I would teach my son how to wipe gently... so be as funny as you'd like!!!

CVS Information:

Did you know?

You always get 2% back in Extra Bucks every time you shop. Now you can earn Triple Extra Bucks Rewards on nonprescription purchases through February 27 when you shop online at CVS.com. Plus get FREE Shipping!*

Thanks Shannon!

From My Readers...

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: The kids and I headed out with 2 carts so I could split my order and maximize my coupons at Meijer. It was so tempting, seeing all those yellow tags of sale items, to whip out a coupon. (I had already determined the best deals against the money I could spend).

There was one deal I couldn't pass up though...on Maxwell house coffee there was a sign that if you bought a can (any size on the display) you'd get $8 coup. at check out. SO, I grabbed the smallest can at $3.49 and got the coup off my next order of $105. Fortunately, I do LOVE Maxwell House. And prior to your class, I would have bought the big can for $7 something--cuz that's what I "always" buy.

The cashier I had was awesome! She asked for my coupons up front and looked over the items on the belt. She looked over my second order's coupons. Then she tossed my produce around and spread it between the orders. And put my coffee on the first order. (I had spent hours trying to figure out EXACTLY what should be on each order to MAXIMIZE my coupons.)

Perplexed I just looked at her (almost in tears). She explained that she thought I would hit $105 on my 2nd order and if she rang up the coffee on my first order, then I could use the 8$ coup on my 2nd order. Then she explained that I would get $1 coup back on each of my produce, and I would get more coups if I split them into separate orders. Sure enough, I wound up saving MORE than I expected.

The collard greens I bought for the iguana "paid for" the greens I got for the tortoises. and that "paid" for the lettuce for the family. Really cool!!. And the lettuce for the family will 'pay for' next weeks collard greens for the iguana. Also, since tonight is mostly homeschooling moms... I wanted to share what I've been doing with Kalynn. She is having an awful time with multiplication and fractions. So I have been having her bake a lot, doubling recipes etc. (she can do that no problem). Now I've been having her help with coupons. She is calculating ppu to help me find the 'best' deals. So practical, yet still math...I'm so sneaky.

Also, Kalynn and I were talking about what we were going to do with all the coupons that are about to expire that we won't use...(I've been drilling the kids that coups are like "free money") I told her how you share yours at the store with those purchasing the product. She really liked that idea... Then while we were at Walgreen's yesterday we noticed that someone taped coupons to the products that we were buying. (I picked the items behind, because I already had coupons)... SO Kalynn wants to take our almost expired coups and leave them at the products on the store shelves. She's chosen that as a 'community service' project.

As a homeschooling mom/teacher I require my children to "serve" in some aspect. I am so pleased that my 10yo has the heart to share our coupons. (on top of her weekly service in Weetopia, and her monthly commitment the the 2/42 bake team)!

Me: I think that it is so cool that you are teaching your kids the value of money alongside the math involved in shopping! Every kid needs to learn that!

How did you get such a spectacular cashier at a grocery store? I'm jealous! And by the way- you were brilliant in using two carts... I just try to remember to split my orders when I am at the checkout- or if I am shopping alone, I use the basket seat for my smaller purchase!

There is a name for the person doing Kalynn's kind of 'Service Project"... she is a coupon fairy! I LOVE coupon Fairies!!!

Keep clipping your coupons!!!

FREE TP Alert!!!

More FREE Cottonelle toilet paper!!

Visit www.moneysavingmom.com today's posting 2/11/09 for the link to print your coupons online. Remember to click and print twice. (You need to go back to the beginning and re click the boxes to print for the second time... this will make sense when you are on the website!!!)

8 more FREE rolls!!! Woo Hoo!

FREE Meal

T.G.I. Friday’s is offering buy one entrée and get the second one at no charge. Here’s the link for the coupon http://www.tgifrida ys.com/promos/ bogo_coupon. aspx?fromMyP which can be used multiple times until March 1, 2009. (They do restrict this offer on Valentine’s day but all other days it’s a great deal.)

Thank you Carissa and Amy!!!

Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I cannot thank you enough for showing me and everyone else how to use coupons. I have saved so much already. I am just amazed at the results.

On Saturday, I was able to buy the Palmolive and Campbell's soup. Everything went really smoothly. Yesterday, I was able to get the free Colgate Walgreen's toothpaste -2 tubes and the free cottenelle toilet paper 36 rolls with the use of six coupons.

So between these two days, I have already recouped my expenses on your class and this week's papers.

The deal I am most proud of happened today. Jacob, my son, is sick and we were given a list of prescriptions and over-the-counter stuff I needed. Prior to your class, I would have went to CVS and paid $26.00 for the needed items. However, I thought how can I make this any cheaper with coupons? I had three coupons that were generated from my previous purchases at CVS. I had a "new/transferred prescription get a $25 gift card", "$4 off a $20 purchase", and "$1 eb"

So I bought my Rx's for $10 total and used the gift card coupon. Then I asked for a second transaction and purchased a nasal spray, children's Zyrtec and my hubbie's favorite face soap as a bonus just to bring my bill up to $20. So after the use of my $4 off coupon, $1 eb and the use of the gift card. I paid $10 out of pocket and walked away with $7.33 for future CVS purchases. In other words all this stuff cost me only $2.67!!!! ($30 in savings)

What a blessing to learn this method and to start thinking differently about how I spend money on these items. I just had to tell you. I walked out of CVS today with tears in my eyes at how the Lord really provides :)

I do have one question. Today, after I went to CVS, I walked into Walgreens to buy two more tubes of toothpaste. The deal did not work the way I thought it would. So I was wondering if you could tell me what I did wrong?

I bought the 2 tubes of Colgate for 2/$3.00. This time I had $1.00 coupon, $0.75 off coupon and $1.00 in RR (earned from my previous Colgate Toothpaste deal) . I handed all three to the cashier and I think he rang up the RR first then the $1.00 off coupon. When he came to the $0.75 off coupon, it would not take it. So my total was $1.18 vs. $0.43. I also did not get my $1 RR. (Maybe the cashier forgot to give it to me in the confusion or it did not generate.) I tried to explain what I was trying to do, and the cashier tried to enter it manually but it was no good. I just paid the $1.18, since it was still a good deal.

So I am wondering if I messed up the order of how the coupons should be rung up? Or when I looked at my receipt I noticed that the RR and 1.00 coupon both were listed at manu coupons, could that be the problem? (The cashier did say that I had reached my maximum of coupons prior to the $0.75 coupon) Or could it be that since my RR was earned on the same deal a day earlier, you cannot use that RR on the same deal a day later- you need to use it on something else in the store? Any of your thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks for everything!

Me: Yay! You are doing great!!!

Walgreen's will accept 1 coupon per item purchased- and the RR's scan like a coupon (because they are manufacturer rewards). You essentially were trying to use 3 coupons. Walgreen's also will NOT allow looping. Looping is taking the RR from one deal and 'looping' it into the next- for an identical deal.

For example, you received $1 RR for your first two tubes of Colgate toothpaste. If you choose to use your RR on your next purchase of two tubes of Colgate- your RR's will be voided in the computer system. This is a protection by the manufacturer so that you won't 'clean out' the inventory of an item.

*I have also found that if I use a RR from Wyeth (makers of Robitussin) to pay for another Wyeth product... my RR's will not print. So it is best to know what companies make the products that you are planning on purchasing.

If I were you, I'd return your 2nd batch of toothpastes and rebuy them (especially with the coupon's found on the link in my post about Colgate... both tubes will be FREE!

Happy Shopping! (you will only get better and better at spending your money!!!

Merely A Month Ago

Merely a month ago this coupon clipper took my class...

now she is saving TONS of money for her family!

Woo Hoo! I'm so proud of you!

"There are some sweet deals at Meijer right now. So I stocked up on some things. My total bill was $195.77 but after coupons and sales it was $101.87. I saved $93.90 ($43 of that in coupons alone)! I am hooked. There are some sweet deals at Meijer right now. So I stocked up on some things. My total bill was $195.77 but after coupons and sales it was $101.87. I saved $93.90 ($43 of that in coupons alone)! I am hooked. "

Walgreen's Loot

This morning Bo and I went to Walgreen's to score some FREE stuff.

I was super excited to get some more FREE toothpaste to donate.

With the coupon link found on www.cheapsk8mom.blogspot.com from 2/7/09

The coupon, which you may print as many as you'd like, is for $1.50 off of any tube of Colgate 4oz or larger, expiring 12/31/2010!!!

This week, 2.8-2.14, Walgreen's is offering $1 Register Reward for each set of 2 toothpaste's purchased.

***IMPORTANT INFO: When I went to purchase my tubes of toothpaste, I 'bought' them two at a time. If I had bought all 12 of them in the same transaction the I would have only received $1 in RR's. But because I purchased them in 6 transactions I received $6 in RR's.

***Also, my tubes of toothpaste were ringing up at $1.49, but the sale prices was $3 for 2 tubes... or $1.50 each. Believe it or not, that $.01 makes a BIG difference.

I would have only been able to use one coupon because my order would have come to $2.98, not $3. (Walgreen's is not big on changing the value on the coupons). So I requested that my purchase price be modified in the computer to $1.50- since that was what was advertised.

THEN I was able to spend (2) $1.50 coupons to score both tubes of toothpaste for FREE (less the $.18 Michigan sales tax) AND then I earned a $1 RR. Yay!


Here is one of my (6) Register Rewards (Aka: RR or Walgreen's money).


Coupon Lady Snippet: If a coupon is in PDF form, meaning you download the coupon, it is wisest to save it in your personal files on your computer. Sometimes the PDF coupon will vanish- even before the coupon expires.

Stealing?

First of all, who needs to steal when they are coupon spenders?

Yesterday I headed to CVS (my favorite CVS) to purchase all of the papers needed for my classes this week.

I didn't want to wrestle with 4,000 plastic baggies post check out, so I brought a few of my cloth bags with me. (I'm really trying to be more "green'.) As soon as I entered the store, I grabbed a cart and began filling my bags with newspapers. When I had all of the papers that I needed I hopped into line and waited my turn.

It was kind of busy and so two lines were processing orders, the main line and the photo line.

When it was my turn to pay the cashier who was not checking me out scowled at me and said "don't forget about her bags."

I thought that she meant that I was going to get a $.05 bag credit for bringing my own bags... like at the grocery store. I said "thank you."

She replied more firmly "you need to pay for those!"

I said "Um, they are mine."

She said (very accusingly) "I saw you pick those up when you walked in- you have to pay for them!"

I was shocked! Was she really accusing me of stealing? Seriously? Or pre- stealing at least?

As pleasantly as possible I replied "Actually, my bags say Rite Aid on the side... because they really are MY bags... I apologize for bringing a competitors bag into your store, but they truly are mine!!!"

She quieted right down and began minding her own business once again. I still was frustrated that my being "green" caused me to be called a thief and a liar in a crowd of shoppers...

Do any of you use recycled bags? How do you handle shopping with them- especially at the store where you bought them?

Thank goodness they were Rite Aid bags right?

Jealous?

Yesterday I bought 45 Sunday papers for my two classes that I have this week! (Thanks for hosting Amy and Shannon!)

I laughed when other people created a Coupon Frenzy while I was piling up my stack. I'm pretty sure that they thought that I knew something about the newspaper that they didn't... of course, I do!!!

***Weeding four coupon inserts (multiplied by 45) from the rest of the paper... now that is fun!!! (Just kidding!!!)

AMAZING Sale at CVS

... Save $990 per case of Miller Genuine Draft! Woo! Hoo!

(I'm so sorry, I couldn't resist!!!)

Store Brand VS. National Brand

This was an excellent question brought up in my class this afternoon... worthy of a

Coupon Lady Snippet:
Which is the better buy... Store brand or a National brand?

My answer was clear as mud... it depends!

1. Often the store and national brands (for example Jif brand peanut butter is a national brand) taste or perform exactly the same... so you may just be paying more for the flashy national brand's packaging.

2. Compare apples to apples when you look at the size and packaging. If the store brand box of granola bars has 6 bars inside and the national brand only has 5 bars inside it is not an equal comparison. You will need to calculate the Price Per Unit ( FYI: often the PPU is located on the shelf tag) The store brand without the use of a coupon may be a better price than the national brand with the double coupon. Spend your family's money wisely... if they taste nearly the same... opt for the store brand.

3. Don't just spend a coupon because you have the coupon. This is really tempting for a lot of coupon users... if it isn't a great deal- or your family really doesn't use the product- then you are better off tossing the coupon (or leaving it on the shelf with the item-for someone else to use). Don't just buy stuff to buy stuff!!! My ONLY exception to this rule is buying things that will make you money (via store reward programs or rebates) or that you will score for FREE to donate!

Coupons are a lot of fun to spend... just be careful not to get too carried away!

Silent Auction Items

My sister is a social worker for Youth Assistance, she works in the Huron Valley schools system. Last week, in order to raise some much needed funding, her branch of Youth Assistance hosted 'Taste of the Valley' at Baker's of Milford.


Many of the local restaurants get involved in the community outreach by offering samples of their restaurant's famous foods- hence... a Taste of the Valley. A $20 entrance donation allowed me to sample extremely yummy food from almost 20 restaurants, I could purchase raffle tickets to win prizes and gift certificates or I could place bids on silent auction items.


I attended last year, and having been able to see what many of the auction items looked like, I was pretty sure that I could handle creating one or two myself for this year's event.


I put together two packages from some of my freebies!


A Jello fun package (including a silicone baking tray) worth $60.

And a Glade fragrance package worth $100.

I was super excited to learn that each of my auction items raised $60 (=$120)! Yay!

It is funny, I only 'bought' these items because they were FREE (actually I made more than $20 by purchasing these items) but they were able to be used to raise money for a wonderful cause!

Youth Assistance's Mission Statement:

To strengthen youth and families and to reduce the incidence of delinquency, abuse and neglect through community involvement.

... it definitely takes a village to raise a child!

Interesting Information...

Information from the Coupon Council:

Coupon Facts

89% of the United States population uses coupons.
Shoppers saved approximately $2.6 billion last year by using coupons.
The typical coupon was worth $1.25 savings in 2007
Coupon users report an average of 7% savings on their grocery bill with coupons.
The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60 per week using coupons.
Manufacturers offered more than approximately $350 billion in coupon savings in 2007.

All Age Groups use Coupons!
Age/% using coupons
18-24/86%
25-34/91%
35-44/86%
45-54/86%
55-64/91%
65+/93%


Coupon users broken out by income:
Income/% using coupons
under $25,000/89%
$25-50,000/94%
$50-$75,000/88%
$75-$100,000/87%
$100,000+/84%

Source: Consumer Internet Survey Panel of 1,000 people

History of Coupons

1894
Coupons are born! Asa Candler, the druggist who bought the formula for Coca-Cola for $2,300, gives out handwritten tickets for a free glass of his new fountain drink.

1895
Next stop, the local grocer! C.W. Post distributes the first grocery coupon worth one cent towards his new health cereal, Grape Nuts.

1930's
Coupons are a staple in American households because of the Depression. Everyone needs to save money wherever possible, and clipping coupons clips weekly grocery bills.

1940's
Supermarkets sprout across the country and continue the coupon tradition that had begun in neighborhood groceries.

1957
The Nielsen Coupon Clearing House becomes the first clearing house devoted to coupon redemption. Coupons have created a new industry.

1965
One-half of Americans are now coupon users.

1975
Coupon popularity continues to grow. Over 35 billion coupons are distributed and 65% of American households clip!

1998
America celebrates the first National Coupon Month. Children create art designs of their favorite coupons in the 1st Annual Coupon Month.

2000
Parents learn how to involve children in saving with coupons for National Coupon Month 2000.

2008
89% of consumers use coupons while shopping at supermarkets as a way to economize during a period of rising prices.


Where To Find Coupons
*In your local Sunday Newspaper. Inside you’ll find inserts loaded with coupons — nearly 90% of all manufacturer's coupons issued in the United States are delivered in your Sunday paper.

*Look in the store. You’ll find coupons in the retailer’s advertising flyer, on the shelf, at kiosks, and even at the check-out. Turn your register receipt over – sometimes there will be coupons there too!

*Try samples offered in the store and you’ll often be offered a coupon to take home a package of the newest and greatest products.

*Check the product package. Your favorite brands want you to keep buying their product, so you’ll find coupons on the package, or inside, for the next purchase.

*Look on the internet. There are coupon sites where you can print coupons and find providers who will email you coupons. A product manufacturer’s Web site may offer coupons for brands you love. Don’t forget to check your favorite store’s Web site too for coupons! Be cautious online, however, of someone offering to sell you manufacturer coupons ... there’s no need to buy them when there are so many available free!

*Open your mail box – you’ll find coupons sent right to your door step. Put your name and address on coupons you redeem to get more coupons sent to you in the future.

*Magazines are another great source for coupons. You’ll find them right on the advertising page, or sometimes inserted between the magazine pages.

*Buy a local coupon book – many are sold by schools and community groups to raise funds for good causes.

*Smart coupon shoppers keep their eyes peeled for coupons – you’ll find them just about everywhere!