I went to Bangor with my mom today... We hit up Target and Shaw's... I did pretty well for a trip that almost didn't happen (since yesterday one of the boys was sick)!
At Target I saved $56, and paid $33 for some good stuff!
2 bottles of Kraft BBQ sauce
2 Velveeta Shells and Cheese
3 Pepsi Max 2 liters
3 Pepsi Next 12 oz bottles
2 Axe Shampoo
2 Axe Body Wash
1 Mossimo Cami
1 Bathtub Caddy (yay!!!)
1 Bathroom Soap Dispenser set (came with pump, little bamboo stand w/drawer, and toothbrush cup)
1 pack Take n' Toss Sippy Cups
1 Sobe Lifewater
4 Crystal Light (12 quart mix)
At Shaw's I saved $80.87 and I paid $56.25. I got:
10 single serve Tony's pizzas
4 Dole Fruit Crisp
2 Philadelphia Indulgence
3 Kraft Shredded Cheese (2 cup bags)
4 Kens 9 oz Dressing
6 Hamburger Helper
4 Mio Drink Flavors
2 Aquafina 24 packs
4 All Small and Mighty detergent
10 Arm & Hammer 40 ct Dryer Sheets
So, I got $226.12 worth of stuff today for $89.25, for a total savings of 60.5%!
I also stopped off at The Growing Place, a consignment shop on Hammond Street in Bangor, and picked up two pairs of shorts and a pair of jeans for the boys for $12.58. =)
Showing posts with label couponing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label couponing. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Rite Aid Deals 4/8
This week I was excited to get the Rite Aid flyer in the mail because the copy I found online was grainy and I couldn't really see a whole lot, but I had read that there were some REALLY great deals to be found in it. I'm happy to say it wasn't just a rumor because I found some great deals that are going on my shopping list!
Softsoap & Irish Spring
Buy $20, get $10 +Up (limit 4 +Up offers)
Softsoap Body wash ($5.29)
$1/1 Softsoap body wash 12 oz or larger
Softsoap Hand Soap 8-8.5 oz ($4.29)
$1/2 Softsoap Liquid Hand Soaps 8 oz or larger
Softsoap Bars ($5.29)
$1/1 Softsoap Bar Soap 2 pack or larger
Softsoap Hand Soap 7.5 oz ($3.49)
Irish Spring Body Wash ($5.49)
Always Radiant Infinity Pads/Tampax Radiant
Get $2 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 2 +Up Offers)
Always Radiant Infinity 12-16 ct $3.99
$1/1 Always Infinity or Radiant Infinity (P&G 4/1/12)Tampax Radiant 16 ct $3.99
$1/1 Tampax Radiant (P&G 4/1/12)
$.99 After Coupon and +Up
eos Shave Cream 7 oz., Bic Twin Select Silky Touch Disposable Razor 10 ct
$2.00 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 4 +Up Offers)
Bic Twin Select Razors
$2/1 Bic Disposable Razors (SS 3/18/12)
$.99 for eos Shave Cream
$1.00 MM on Bic Razors (with coupon, after +Up Reward)
Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System $6.99
$3/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System (SS 3/18/12)
$3/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System (All You, March 2012)
$.75/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen Starter Kit (Lysol.com Printable)
$3/1 MAIL IN REBATE (All You, April 2012)
$.99 After Coupon and MIR
Up2U, 5 Gum, Trident, Stride, Tic Tacs, Mentos, Altoids $.99
$1/2 Up2U packs (SS 3/25/12)
$.50/1 5 Gum (Rite Aid Video Values, March)
$1/2 Stride Single Packs (SS 2/12/12)
$.55/1 Mentos Bottles 15 ct.+ (SS 3/25/12)
Carefree, Stayfree, o.b. Tampons 2/$6.00
Carefree Pantiliners 36-60 ct, or Ultra 16 ct
$1/1 Carefree (SS 3/18/12)
$.50/1 Carefree (Coupons.com)
Stayfree Pads 14-24 ct
$2/2 Stayfree Products (SS 3/18/12)
$1/1 Stayfree Product (Coupons.com)
o.b. Tampons 18 ct
$.75/1 o.b. Product (SS 3/18/12)
$.75/1 o.b. Product (Coupons.com)
$.50 each for Carefree/Stayfree
$.75 each for o.b. Tampons
Glad Trash Bags $4.49
Buy $20 Get $5 Giftcard (Single Check Rebate)
$2/2 Glad Kitchen Trash Bags (Coupons.com)
$1/1 Glad 30 Gal Trash Bags (Coupons.com)
Glade Scented Oil Warmer $5/5 (single purchase price $1.29)
$1/1 Glade Plug-Ins Scented Oil Warmer
Duracell Coppertop Batteries $6.99
Get $2.00 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 2 +Up Reward Offers)
Duracell AA, AAA 8 Pack, C or D 4 Pack, or 9 Volt 2 pack
$1/1 Duracell Product (P&G 4/1/12)
Duracell Ultra AA or AAA 6 pack
A couple of other items I'm going for are the Pepsi 12 packs (4/$11 after $2 +Up on 4), and Tostitos/Lays, which are 2/$4 after $2 +Up Reward on 2. I might grab the B1G1Free Finish detergent since there are $.75/1 and $.50/1 coupons on those.
Hopefully this helps you out in planning your trip! This is just a list of the best items I saw. I'm loving the MM on Bic Razors and REALLY cheap Tampons! I am not lacking in pads or liners in my stockpile, but my sole box of Playtex tampons could use some company. I should be bringing home at least 6 more boxes tomorrow! Woot!
Softsoap & Irish Spring
Buy $20, get $10 +Up (limit 4 +Up offers)
Softsoap Body wash ($5.29)
$1/1 Softsoap body wash 12 oz or larger
Softsoap Hand Soap 8-8.5 oz ($4.29)
$1/2 Softsoap Liquid Hand Soaps 8 oz or larger
Softsoap Bars ($5.29)
$1/1 Softsoap Bar Soap 2 pack or larger
Softsoap Hand Soap 7.5 oz ($3.49)
Irish Spring Body Wash ($5.49)
Always Radiant Infinity Pads/Tampax Radiant
Get $2 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 2 +Up Offers)
Always Radiant Infinity 12-16 ct $3.99
$1/1 Always Infinity or Radiant Infinity (P&G 4/1/12)Tampax Radiant 16 ct $3.99
$1/1 Tampax Radiant (P&G 4/1/12)
$.99 After Coupon and +Up
eos Shave Cream 7 oz., Bic Twin Select Silky Touch Disposable Razor 10 ct
$2.00 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 4 +Up Offers)
Bic Twin Select Razors
$2/1 Bic Disposable Razors (SS 3/18/12)
$.99 for eos Shave Cream
$1.00 MM on Bic Razors (with coupon, after +Up Reward)
Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System $6.99
$3/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System (SS 3/18/12)
$3/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System (All You, March 2012)
$.75/1 Lysol No-Touch Kitchen Starter Kit (Lysol.com Printable)
$3/1 MAIL IN REBATE (All You, April 2012)
$.99 After Coupon and MIR
Up2U, 5 Gum, Trident, Stride, Tic Tacs, Mentos, Altoids $.99
$1/2 Up2U packs (SS 3/25/12)
$.50/1 5 Gum (Rite Aid Video Values, March)
$1/2 Stride Single Packs (SS 2/12/12)
$.55/1 Mentos Bottles 15 ct.+ (SS 3/25/12)
Carefree, Stayfree, o.b. Tampons 2/$6.00
Carefree Pantiliners 36-60 ct, or Ultra 16 ct
$1/1 Carefree (SS 3/18/12)
$.50/1 Carefree (Coupons.com)
Stayfree Pads 14-24 ct
$2/2 Stayfree Products (SS 3/18/12)
$1/1 Stayfree Product (Coupons.com)
o.b. Tampons 18 ct
$.75/1 o.b. Product (SS 3/18/12)
$.75/1 o.b. Product (Coupons.com)
$.50 each for Carefree/Stayfree
$.75 each for o.b. Tampons
Glad Trash Bags $4.49
Buy $20 Get $5 Giftcard (Single Check Rebate)
$2/2 Glad Kitchen Trash Bags (Coupons.com)
$1/1 Glad 30 Gal Trash Bags (Coupons.com)
Glade Scented Oil Warmer $5/5 (single purchase price $1.29)
$1/1 Glade Plug-Ins Scented Oil Warmer
Duracell Coppertop Batteries $6.99
Get $2.00 +Up Reward on 1 (Limit 2 +Up Reward Offers)
Duracell AA, AAA 8 Pack, C or D 4 Pack, or 9 Volt 2 pack
$1/1 Duracell Product (P&G 4/1/12)
Duracell Ultra AA or AAA 6 pack
$1/1 Duracell Product (P&G 4/1/12)
$3.99 after coupon and +Up Reward
A couple of other items I'm going for are the Pepsi 12 packs (4/$11 after $2 +Up on 4), and Tostitos/Lays, which are 2/$4 after $2 +Up Reward on 2. I might grab the B1G1Free Finish detergent since there are $.75/1 and $.50/1 coupons on those.
Hopefully this helps you out in planning your trip! This is just a list of the best items I saw. I'm loving the MM on Bic Razors and REALLY cheap Tampons! I am not lacking in pads or liners in my stockpile, but my sole box of Playtex tampons could use some company. I should be bringing home at least 6 more boxes tomorrow! Woot!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Rite Aid Scenario 4/1/12
Here is a list of what I plan to get tomorrow (4/1/12) at Rite Aid!
Transaction #1
Scunci 18 ct Elastics - 1.99
2 Dentyne Ice Bags - 5.98 (2.99 each)
Subtotal 7.97
Use (2) $1.00/1 Dentyne/Trident 80 ct or larger
Use (1) $.50/1 Dentyne Gum Video Values
Total OOP $5.47
Get back $3.99 +Up Rewards ($1.99 from Scunci, (2) $1.00 from Dentyne 80 pack)
Transaction #2
6 Baby Lips by Maybelline (B1G1 50% Off) - $17.07 (they are 3.79 each, and 3 of them will be 1/2 off)
Subtotal $17.07
Use (2) $2/1 Maybelline Lip Product (2/5/12 RP)
Use (4) $1/1 Maybelline NY Product (Tearpad found at Rite Aid)
Use $3.99 +Up Rewards
Total OOP $5.08
Get $5 +Up Reward (Buy $15 Maybelline, get $5 +Up)
Transaction #3 (This one depends on the prices, but according to what I priced the other day, I may be able to do it this way, if not, skip this one and move to #4, since it results in the same +Up Reward and the next transaction will stay the same.)
1 John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item - $10.49
1 John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo or Conditioner - $5.25 (1/2 off, since the sale is B1G1 50% off)
Subtotal - $15.74
Use $5.00 off John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item AND John Frieda Full Repair shampoo or conditioner
Use (2) $2.00/1 Any Full Size John Frieda Item.
Use $5.00 +Up
Total OOP $1.74
Get $5 +Up (Buy $15 John Frieda, get $5 +Up)
Transaction #4
2 Gillette Bodywash $7.98 ($3.99 each)
Subtotal $7.98
Use (2) $1/1 Gillette Bodywash or Deodorant (4/1/12 P&G)
Use $5 +Up Reward
Total OOP: $.98
Get $4.00 +Up (2 $2 +Ups for Gillette/Old Spice Body Wash)
Transaction #5
6 Halls $9.00 (2/$3)
Subtotal $9.00
Use (3) $1/2 Halls (3/25/12 SS)
Use $5 +Up
Total OOP: $2
Get $3.00 +Up (3 $1 +Up on 2 pkgs)
So, these are the things I'm planning for tomorrow's trip, and I know not everyone has these same coupons, but it gives you a chance to see what types of deals you can do. My total OOP will be about $15.27 before tax. (Actually, mine will be $11.27 because I have $4 in +Up Rewards from last week's sale, but I didn't factor those in since not everyone has that amount to start off with). In addition to that, I will leave the store with $3 +Up Rewards. The total regular or advertised price is $68.67, so you can see I will save considerably. My only fear is that I won't be able to find John Frieda items at that price, since most of them run around 7.49, but there are a lot priced higher, at $10.49. If I don't hit $15 on that transaction, I won't get a +Up Reward to roll into the next transaction. So, if I have to skip that one, I will.
Transaction #1
Scunci 18 ct Elastics - 1.99
2 Dentyne Ice Bags - 5.98 (2.99 each)
Subtotal 7.97
Use (2) $1.00/1 Dentyne/Trident 80 ct or larger
Use (1) $.50/1 Dentyne Gum Video Values
Total OOP $5.47
Get back $3.99 +Up Rewards ($1.99 from Scunci, (2) $1.00 from Dentyne 80 pack)
Transaction #2
6 Baby Lips by Maybelline (B1G1 50% Off) - $17.07 (they are 3.79 each, and 3 of them will be 1/2 off)
Subtotal $17.07
Use (2) $2/1 Maybelline Lip Product (2/5/12 RP)
Use (4) $1/1 Maybelline NY Product (Tearpad found at Rite Aid)
Use $3.99 +Up Rewards
Total OOP $5.08
Get $5 +Up Reward (Buy $15 Maybelline, get $5 +Up)
Transaction #3 (This one depends on the prices, but according to what I priced the other day, I may be able to do it this way, if not, skip this one and move to #4, since it results in the same +Up Reward and the next transaction will stay the same.)
1 John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item - $10.49
1 John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo or Conditioner - $5.25 (1/2 off, since the sale is B1G1 50% off)
Subtotal - $15.74
Use $5.00 off John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item AND John Frieda Full Repair shampoo or conditioner
Use (2) $2.00/1 Any Full Size John Frieda Item.
Use $5.00 +Up
Total OOP $1.74
Get $5 +Up (Buy $15 John Frieda, get $5 +Up)
Transaction #4
2 Gillette Bodywash $7.98 ($3.99 each)
Subtotal $7.98
Use (2) $1/1 Gillette Bodywash or Deodorant (4/1/12 P&G)
Use $5 +Up Reward
Total OOP: $.98
Get $4.00 +Up (2 $2 +Ups for Gillette/Old Spice Body Wash)
Transaction #5
6 Halls $9.00 (2/$3)
Subtotal $9.00
Use (3) $1/2 Halls (3/25/12 SS)
Use $5 +Up
Total OOP: $2
Get $3.00 +Up (3 $1 +Up on 2 pkgs)
So, these are the things I'm planning for tomorrow's trip, and I know not everyone has these same coupons, but it gives you a chance to see what types of deals you can do. My total OOP will be about $15.27 before tax. (Actually, mine will be $11.27 because I have $4 in +Up Rewards from last week's sale, but I didn't factor those in since not everyone has that amount to start off with). In addition to that, I will leave the store with $3 +Up Rewards. The total regular or advertised price is $68.67, so you can see I will save considerably. My only fear is that I won't be able to find John Frieda items at that price, since most of them run around 7.49, but there are a lot priced higher, at $10.49. If I don't hit $15 on that transaction, I won't get a +Up Reward to roll into the next transaction. So, if I have to skip that one, I will.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Deals I've found this week
Hey there! I just wanted to post a few quick deals I found in this week's inserts (3/18)
Of course, there is the Stayfree maxi pad deal at Rite Aid. They are 2/$6, there is a $2/2 coupon (SS 3/18) bringing them down to 2/$4, and then there is a $2 +Up Reward on two. So the final price for these is $1 each! There is a limit of 2 +Up Rewards per household, so you can get a total of 4 packages if you have 2 coupons.
Rite Aid also has Carefree panty liners advertised as $1, and there is a $1/1 coupon in the 3/18 SS. This makes them free. However, our Walmart has them regularly priced at .94, so you can make 6 cents per package you buy if they allow you overage. I bought a couple the other day and they didn't mark the coupon down, so I got the overage.
There was a wealth of Suave products coupons in the RP 3/18 Insert this week. I used the Buy 2, Get 1 Free Body wash on the +Up Reward deal at Rite Aid (Buy $10, get $3 +Up Reward back, limit 2). However, I was checking prices of other Suave products at Walmart and found the small deodorants (not trial size, just the 1.4 oz I think) are only .97 and there is a $1/2 coupon. So I paid only .47 for each one I bought. I know this is only about a 50% discount, but I'll take deodorant for less than 50 cents! Especially since this is one of the items that my ever-growing stockpile was lacking... until today!
One other good deal I found was on Bic razors. I price checked them at Rite Aid, since they are Buy One, Get One 50% off, but it honestly was cheaper regular price at Walmart! The Bic Silky Touch 10 pack is only $2.97. They also have the yellow Bic men's razors (single blade, I think) for the same price, and I think it's a 12 pack. Using the $2/1 Bic Razor (trials excluded) coupon from RP 3/18, you can get 10 or 12 razors for under $1. I've stocked up on Schick Hydro and refills for the hubby, but I don't find many girly razors, and now that it's shorts weather (for now), I can't exactly hide hairy sasquatch legs under jeans (like I've ever done that............ well, maybe once or twice). So, I was excited to find this deal. I'm sure another sale will run and I'll be kicking myself for using up all my coupons now, but honestly, I thought it was a good price so I loaded up!
If I find anymore regular price deals, I will be sure to post them, and please feel free to share if you've found any of your own!
Of course, there is the Stayfree maxi pad deal at Rite Aid. They are 2/$6, there is a $2/2 coupon (SS 3/18) bringing them down to 2/$4, and then there is a $2 +Up Reward on two. So the final price for these is $1 each! There is a limit of 2 +Up Rewards per household, so you can get a total of 4 packages if you have 2 coupons.
Rite Aid also has Carefree panty liners advertised as $1, and there is a $1/1 coupon in the 3/18 SS. This makes them free. However, our Walmart has them regularly priced at .94, so you can make 6 cents per package you buy if they allow you overage. I bought a couple the other day and they didn't mark the coupon down, so I got the overage.
There was a wealth of Suave products coupons in the RP 3/18 Insert this week. I used the Buy 2, Get 1 Free Body wash on the +Up Reward deal at Rite Aid (Buy $10, get $3 +Up Reward back, limit 2). However, I was checking prices of other Suave products at Walmart and found the small deodorants (not trial size, just the 1.4 oz I think) are only .97 and there is a $1/2 coupon. So I paid only .47 for each one I bought. I know this is only about a 50% discount, but I'll take deodorant for less than 50 cents! Especially since this is one of the items that my ever-growing stockpile was lacking... until today!
One other good deal I found was on Bic razors. I price checked them at Rite Aid, since they are Buy One, Get One 50% off, but it honestly was cheaper regular price at Walmart! The Bic Silky Touch 10 pack is only $2.97. They also have the yellow Bic men's razors (single blade, I think) for the same price, and I think it's a 12 pack. Using the $2/1 Bic Razor (trials excluded) coupon from RP 3/18, you can get 10 or 12 razors for under $1. I've stocked up on Schick Hydro and refills for the hubby, but I don't find many girly razors, and now that it's shorts weather (for now), I can't exactly hide hairy sasquatch legs under jeans (like I've ever done that............ well, maybe once or twice). So, I was excited to find this deal. I'm sure another sale will run and I'll be kicking myself for using up all my coupons now, but honestly, I thought it was a good price so I loaded up!
If I find anymore regular price deals, I will be sure to post them, and please feel free to share if you've found any of your own!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
My Rite Aid Trip 2/26
Today, I hit up Rite Aid bright and early. I was excited to get some stuff since I already had $16 in +Up Rewards left from last week.
Here is my trip:
Transaction #1
2 Schick Hydro Shave Gel - 2/$4
1 Petites Nail Polish - $.49 (clearanced 75% off)
1 CQ Nail Polish - $.99 (clearanced 75% off)
Subtotal: $5.48
1 Petites Nail Polish - $.49 (clearanced 75% off)
1 CQ Nail Polish - $.99 (clearanced 75% off)
Subtotal: $5.48
Used 2 - $.75/1 Schick Hydro Gel
1 - $1.50/2 Schick/Edge/Skintimate Video Values
1 - $1.50/2 Schick/Edge/Skintimate Video Values
Paid (with tax) $2.76
Got back $2 +Up (Buy 2 CQ, Petites, get $2 +UP)
$20 Winter Rewards +Up (The shave gel put me over my $100 requirement for this reward)
Transaction #2
$20 Winter Rewards +Up (The shave gel put me over my $100 requirement for this reward)
Transaction #2
2 Schick Hydro Power Select Razors - $19.98
2 Schick Hydro 4 ct Refills - $19.98
4 Right Guard Body Wash - $11.96
4 Finesse Styling Products - $12.00
2 Schick Hydro 4 ct Refills - $19.98
4 Right Guard Body Wash - $11.96
4 Finesse Styling Products - $12.00
4 Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner - $14.00
Subtotal: $77.92
Used 2 $4/1 Schick Hydro Power Select
2 $2/1 Schick Hydro Refills
2 $3/2 Pantene
2 $3/2 Right Guard
4 $.75/1 Finesse (peelies found on products in store)
$38 +Up Rewards
Subtotal: $77.92
Used 2 $4/1 Schick Hydro Power Select
2 $2/1 Schick Hydro Refills
2 $3/2 Pantene
2 $3/2 Right Guard
4 $.75/1 Finesse (peelies found on products in store)
$38 +Up Rewards
Paid (with tax): $14.92
Got back $4 +Up Rewards for Right Guard ($1/1)
$4 +UP Rewards for Pantene ($2/2)
$6 +Up Rewards for Finesse ($3/2)
$16 +Up Rewards for Schick Hydro ($4/1)
Got back $4 +Up Rewards for Right Guard ($1/1)
$4 +UP Rewards for Pantene ($2/2)
$6 +Up Rewards for Finesse ($3/2)
$16 +Up Rewards for Schick Hydro ($4/1)
Transaction 3
1 Blink Tears Gel - $7.99
1 Bangor Daily News - $2.00
Subtotal $9.99
Used $1/1 Blink Tears Printable (said redeemable at Walmart but was a manufacturer's coupon)
$8 +Up Rewards
Subtotal $9.99
Used $1/1 Blink Tears Printable (said redeemable at Walmart but was a manufacturer's coupon)
$8 +Up Rewards
Paid (after tax): $1.39
I could have done way better than I did OOP if I had split up my transactions more to roll the +Ups. I've heard from some people that if you don't wait long enough between transactions, the totals might not update fast enough and rolling Ups (like the Buy and Save or the P&G ones they run every now and then) wont' print because the computer hasn't caught up to your total yet. Also, our store didn't have sale flags up yet so I wasn't sure if the products I had were definitely included and I didn't want to worry about Ups not printing and screwing up my next order. I actually paid for the Hydro Gel as soon as I got to the store to see if my $20 Winter Rewards would print then or if I would have to wait for the next transaction.
But, considering I walked into the store with $16 in +Ups, spent $19.07 total, left with $22 in +Ups, and have a $7.99 Single Check Rebate for the Blink Tears coming my way, I did pretty well! It is a GOOD week at Rite Aid!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Rite Aid
Ya, it's been a couple of weeks...
I'm excited again this week for a couple of deals at Rite Aid. I noticed they have Schick Hydro razors and refills for 9.99. There is a 4.00 +Up reward for each one that you buy (up to 4). A couple of weeks ago there was a $2/1 Hydro razor and a $2/1 Hydro refill coupon in the paper. So, it'll be $7.99 each after coupon, with a $4 +Up, so $3.99 each. Since I have a lot of Up Rewards leftover from last week, I'll be using them to get hubby some new razors and refills.
I am planning also to do Right Guard body wash. The body wash and deodorant are on sale for $2.99 with a $1 +Up Reward on each (limit 4). There is a $3/2 Right Guard coupon on coupons.com. I will buy two of them for $5.98, use $3/1 coupon, pay $2.98, and get $2 +Up Rewards back. Total price is $.98/2 before tax.
I noticed on the front page is a deal for Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers. 2/$7 isn't a bad price, and supposedly we will be getting a $3/2 Pantene products coupon. That's 2/$4, and you get back a $2 +Up Reward on 2 (limit 2, so 4 bottles), and you pay $2/2.
One other deal I'm looking at will be my final transaction and I'll probably use all of my extra +Up Rewards to pay for it. (I'm $3 away from my Buy and Save $20 +Up Rewards when you spend $100.) Blink Tears is up for $7.99. There is a $7.99 SCR this week only, so it ends up being free after rebate. Good news is, there is a $1.00/1 printable for Blink Tears, so it's a $1 MM.
There are a few more things going on with +UP Rewards wyb so much of particular products, but this is my list for the week. If I find anymore worth mentioning, I'll update and letcha know!
I'm excited again this week for a couple of deals at Rite Aid. I noticed they have Schick Hydro razors and refills for 9.99. There is a 4.00 +Up reward for each one that you buy (up to 4). A couple of weeks ago there was a $2/1 Hydro razor and a $2/1 Hydro refill coupon in the paper. So, it'll be $7.99 each after coupon, with a $4 +Up, so $3.99 each. Since I have a lot of Up Rewards leftover from last week, I'll be using them to get hubby some new razors and refills.
I am planning also to do Right Guard body wash. The body wash and deodorant are on sale for $2.99 with a $1 +Up Reward on each (limit 4). There is a $3/2 Right Guard coupon on coupons.com. I will buy two of them for $5.98, use $3/1 coupon, pay $2.98, and get $2 +Up Rewards back. Total price is $.98/2 before tax.
I noticed on the front page is a deal for Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers. 2/$7 isn't a bad price, and supposedly we will be getting a $3/2 Pantene products coupon. That's 2/$4, and you get back a $2 +Up Reward on 2 (limit 2, so 4 bottles), and you pay $2/2.
One other deal I'm looking at will be my final transaction and I'll probably use all of my extra +Up Rewards to pay for it. (I'm $3 away from my Buy and Save $20 +Up Rewards when you spend $100.) Blink Tears is up for $7.99. There is a $7.99 SCR this week only, so it ends up being free after rebate. Good news is, there is a $1.00/1 printable for Blink Tears, so it's a $1 MM.
There are a few more things going on with +UP Rewards wyb so much of particular products, but this is my list for the week. If I find anymore worth mentioning, I'll update and letcha know!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Coupon Etiquette!
One of the things I am majorly obsessed with is coupon etiquette. Most people have common sense about such things, but sometimes people don't really think about the other couponers in the area who may have put a LOT of time and effort into their own coupon shopping trip planning, only to find that someone has cleaned off the shelves, or abused the policies at the local stores to the point where they are extremely unfriendly to the honest people who only want to save where they can.
No-No Number 1: Shelf Clearing
I have been "extreme couponing" for almost 4 years. In that time, I've learned that you have to get to the stores as quickly as you can (think Black Friday) if you want to get the deals, or they are sometimes GONE. This can often be attributed to those in the area who don't use basic coupon etiquette. Shelf clearers, as they are called, are people who will wipe a stores ENTIRE STOCK of one item out in a single shopping trip, leaving nothing for other customers or couponers to buy. I've seen this happen with Rite Aid, and I've been shopping with a friend who has done this to me (and other friends too!), knowing that we were shopping together, and had both planned to buy the same items. I even printed coupons on my printer once, and drove the 50 miles to the store we were shopping, and paid for gas! Only to get there and find out that she meant business. And it's not like there was an awkward moment where we realized there was only one item left on the shelf and we had to rock-paper-scissors to find out who got it. It was like, the WHOLE shelf.
When I shop, I stock up. I make a trip to Bangor, which is a 50 mile drive, and I want it to be worth the gas money to drive down. I usually share a vehicle with someone else to cut the cost, but I want to make sure I'm bringing home a haul. However, if I get to the store and the shelf is looking bare, I don't take it all. I know someone else is going to come in and take some. The only time I clear the shelf is if there are only a few items left and I can't help it. I will also clear a shelf if it is the last day a REALLY good coupon is valid and I know that no one else will be in to get that deal before the coupon expires.
I have a stockpile, and many items exceed 20, but I do this by grabbing a few every time I go out. I got 108 free Nabisco Go-Paks in the last few weeks, but I bought them at Shaw's, Hannaford, Target, and two different Wal-Mart stores. The most I bought at once was 48, but that's because they had just restocked, I was approaching the expiration date on the coupon, and there were PLENTY on the shelf for other people.
No-No Number 2: Coupon Fraud
Ya, people do this. ALL the time. And unfortunately, some registers don't pick it up automatically, but even more unfortunately for us honest couponers, cashiers DO. Trying to use a coupon for an item it is not specifically intended is fraud. Read the tiny little words on the bottom of your coupons. It is also a serious criminal offense. You can commit coupon fraud by buying the wrong size, the wrong variety, the wrong quantity, or the wrong product altogether. There are ways to save BIG by using coupons the right way. If you can't do it without scamming, then you shouldn't be couponing at all. Sometimes a coupon is unclear, and it doesn't hurt to try if you honestly think a coupon is intended to be used a certain way. The registers will often beep to let a cashier know that correct item hasn't been purchased, and believe me, this is my LEAST favorite part of checkout. It makes me feel like a criminal, even though I know I haven't done anything wrong. I just know that there are those people out there who try to pull one over, and over, and over, and the cashiers tire of being hauled into the cash office to explain why they took coupons for certain items when that item wasn't even purchased. Believe me, I know... I've been on the other side of the register.
Another way of committing coupon fraud, though probably not something you'd really be prosecuted for, is lying to companies to get free stuff. Most companies will send you free stuff for telling them how great their products are. Telling them you got food poisoning or found poisonous spiders in their product is not the way to get their attention. I have emailed complaints and gotten free products in the past, but I have also sent praises and gotten coupons for free products, or huge discounts on future purchases. If you have a complaint, by all means call or send an email! I do this every other month at least with Glad Forceflex trash bags! They are amazing, until you get a box with defective drawstrings and end up having to tie knots with the actual bag!!! And Glad knows this, and never hesitates to send me my replacement coupon. Sometimes they will even send extras to use on my next purchase to ensure I will continue to use their products (which is kinda why I still do!)
Last but not least...
Know your coupon policies. Each store is different. And this is part of etiquette because I have seen the ugly fights between couponer and store personnel when coupon policies are violated. When people start violating the coupon policy, they crack down. They even change it so it's even harder to get around. This makes it even harder for the people who have already memorized it (and are already afraid of the scary managers) to keep coupon shopping. We will have to learn it all over, and trust me, every time I go through the checkout it feels like final exams... That last test to see if my knowledge of the sales, coupons, matchups, and policies will all pay off. It's even worse when the cashier already got in the ring with a customer over their coupon clashing .
Stores post their policies online at their websites, the customer service desk can usually get you a copy, and most stores have them right at the registers in case of a dispute. Arguing that your coupon is acceptable when they are showing you hard proof that it isn't will get you nowhere but removed from the store (in extreme cases only, of course). If you know how to use them, they can't tell you no. And if they do tell you no, you can point out the policy that says yes. They will gladly continue your checkout and you will win. And save. But most importantly win. The cashier is your friend. They are the ones getting all of your items from one side of the checkout to the other. You can't leave the store without them... Sure, you'd get it all free if you could sneak past unnoticed, but chances are, there won't be room for your stockpile in jail. So be nice to the cashiers. Make their day as easy as you hope they will make yours. Know what you're up against and things will go smoothly... for you, and for the rest of us.
So, couponing 101, lesson 1... be nice with your coupons. It allows the rest of us to continue using ours in peace. No angry cashiers, no accusing stares, no disappointing (and sometimes expensive) trips to the store to find the shelves cleaned out, and most importantly, no modified coupon policies restricting EVERYTHING and preventing us from getting our free on!
No-No Number 1: Shelf Clearing
I have been "extreme couponing" for almost 4 years. In that time, I've learned that you have to get to the stores as quickly as you can (think Black Friday) if you want to get the deals, or they are sometimes GONE. This can often be attributed to those in the area who don't use basic coupon etiquette. Shelf clearers, as they are called, are people who will wipe a stores ENTIRE STOCK of one item out in a single shopping trip, leaving nothing for other customers or couponers to buy. I've seen this happen with Rite Aid, and I've been shopping with a friend who has done this to me (and other friends too!), knowing that we were shopping together, and had both planned to buy the same items. I even printed coupons on my printer once, and drove the 50 miles to the store we were shopping, and paid for gas! Only to get there and find out that she meant business. And it's not like there was an awkward moment where we realized there was only one item left on the shelf and we had to rock-paper-scissors to find out who got it. It was like, the WHOLE shelf.
When I shop, I stock up. I make a trip to Bangor, which is a 50 mile drive, and I want it to be worth the gas money to drive down. I usually share a vehicle with someone else to cut the cost, but I want to make sure I'm bringing home a haul. However, if I get to the store and the shelf is looking bare, I don't take it all. I know someone else is going to come in and take some. The only time I clear the shelf is if there are only a few items left and I can't help it. I will also clear a shelf if it is the last day a REALLY good coupon is valid and I know that no one else will be in to get that deal before the coupon expires.
I have a stockpile, and many items exceed 20, but I do this by grabbing a few every time I go out. I got 108 free Nabisco Go-Paks in the last few weeks, but I bought them at Shaw's, Hannaford, Target, and two different Wal-Mart stores. The most I bought at once was 48, but that's because they had just restocked, I was approaching the expiration date on the coupon, and there were PLENTY on the shelf for other people.
No-No Number 2: Coupon Fraud
Ya, people do this. ALL the time. And unfortunately, some registers don't pick it up automatically, but even more unfortunately for us honest couponers, cashiers DO. Trying to use a coupon for an item it is not specifically intended is fraud. Read the tiny little words on the bottom of your coupons. It is also a serious criminal offense. You can commit coupon fraud by buying the wrong size, the wrong variety, the wrong quantity, or the wrong product altogether. There are ways to save BIG by using coupons the right way. If you can't do it without scamming, then you shouldn't be couponing at all. Sometimes a coupon is unclear, and it doesn't hurt to try if you honestly think a coupon is intended to be used a certain way. The registers will often beep to let a cashier know that correct item hasn't been purchased, and believe me, this is my LEAST favorite part of checkout. It makes me feel like a criminal, even though I know I haven't done anything wrong. I just know that there are those people out there who try to pull one over, and over, and over, and the cashiers tire of being hauled into the cash office to explain why they took coupons for certain items when that item wasn't even purchased. Believe me, I know... I've been on the other side of the register.
Another way of committing coupon fraud, though probably not something you'd really be prosecuted for, is lying to companies to get free stuff. Most companies will send you free stuff for telling them how great their products are. Telling them you got food poisoning or found poisonous spiders in their product is not the way to get their attention. I have emailed complaints and gotten free products in the past, but I have also sent praises and gotten coupons for free products, or huge discounts on future purchases. If you have a complaint, by all means call or send an email! I do this every other month at least with Glad Forceflex trash bags! They are amazing, until you get a box with defective drawstrings and end up having to tie knots with the actual bag!!! And Glad knows this, and never hesitates to send me my replacement coupon. Sometimes they will even send extras to use on my next purchase to ensure I will continue to use their products (which is kinda why I still do!)
Last but not least...
Know your coupon policies. Each store is different. And this is part of etiquette because I have seen the ugly fights between couponer and store personnel when coupon policies are violated. When people start violating the coupon policy, they crack down. They even change it so it's even harder to get around. This makes it even harder for the people who have already memorized it (and are already afraid of the scary managers) to keep coupon shopping. We will have to learn it all over, and trust me, every time I go through the checkout it feels like final exams... That last test to see if my knowledge of the sales, coupons, matchups, and policies will all pay off. It's even worse when the cashier already got in the ring with a customer over their coupon clashing .
Stores post their policies online at their websites, the customer service desk can usually get you a copy, and most stores have them right at the registers in case of a dispute. Arguing that your coupon is acceptable when they are showing you hard proof that it isn't will get you nowhere but removed from the store (in extreme cases only, of course). If you know how to use them, they can't tell you no. And if they do tell you no, you can point out the policy that says yes. They will gladly continue your checkout and you will win. And save. But most importantly win. The cashier is your friend. They are the ones getting all of your items from one side of the checkout to the other. You can't leave the store without them... Sure, you'd get it all free if you could sneak past unnoticed, but chances are, there won't be room for your stockpile in jail. So be nice to the cashiers. Make their day as easy as you hope they will make yours. Know what you're up against and things will go smoothly... for you, and for the rest of us.
So, couponing 101, lesson 1... be nice with your coupons. It allows the rest of us to continue using ours in peace. No angry cashiers, no accusing stares, no disappointing (and sometimes expensive) trips to the store to find the shelves cleaned out, and most importantly, no modified coupon policies restricting EVERYTHING and preventing us from getting our free on!
More Hannaford Coupons: Updated!!!
There are more Hannaford Coupons available to print for the $1 off meat, $2 off deli, and $3/$40 purchase. These coupons expire on 2/11/12 so print as many as you can and use them up before Saturday. I'm doubt they will be reposting these again since they expire the day before the Superbowl and they are part of a Game Time promotion. You can find the coupons here.
I used these coupons to pick up 1/2 lb of deli meats (usually the ones that ran around $4 - $7/lb) and stocked up quite a bit in my freezer. I also used these to buy the deli items like potato salad, sesame chicken, and egg rolls (3 for $.37!). I will definitely be going back this week to use as many of these as I can. Remember though, there are only one allowed per purchase, however they can be combined with manufacturer's or meat markdown coupons!
I used these coupons to pick up 1/2 lb of deli meats (usually the ones that ran around $4 - $7/lb) and stocked up quite a bit in my freezer. I also used these to buy the deli items like potato salad, sesame chicken, and egg rolls (3 for $.37!). I will definitely be going back this week to use as many of these as I can. Remember though, there are only one allowed per purchase, however they can be combined with manufacturer's or meat markdown coupons!
Wellness Card Coupons
Rite Aid has started a new program that allows you to load coupons onto your Wellness card by using their website Load2Card. You just load the coupons you want to use onto your card (they have a select list) and it will take them right off your total at the checkout when they scan your card. I'm not sure if these can be combined with manufacturer's coupons or Rite Aid coupons, because I can't find anything on the card coupon section of their website. I'll try one scenario tomorrow and post an update about how it worked. There is a Chex Mix coupon that can go along with the $1.49 bags that are part of the $15/$5 +Up deal. There's also a Robitussin coupon ($3/2) to pair up with the $25.00/$10 +Up deal (advil, thermacare, robitussin, colgate, dimetapp).
Just thought I'd get this posted for anyone planning a trip to Rite Aid during this week's sale!
Just thought I'd get this posted for anyone planning a trip to Rite Aid during this week's sale!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Rite Aid Matchups 1/29 - 2/4
I was glancing through the Rite Aid flier and noticed a few deals this week... I guess there will be some pretty good coupon matchups in this weekend's paper. However, I don't like to go based on Rite Aid's "manufacturer coupon in sunday's paper" advertisements because they sometimes don't come to our region, or they may be a different amount altogether. But here are some of the quick deals I noticed (remember I don't have the actual coupons amount yet since I won't have a newspaper until tomorrow morning!)
$10 Up Reward when you buy $30 in participating products:
Duracell Coppertop Batteries (AA or AAA 8 pk, C or D 4 pk, 9 Volt 2 pk) - $5.99, Use Duracell Save $.50/1 CopperTop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or Specialty batteries (P&G 1/29/12), $1 +Up Reward (limit 2), Final Price $4.49
Get $5 +Up Reward when you buy $15 in participating products
These are just the ones that stood out and caught my interest. I'm sure there are more that other people may want to take advantage of but this is at least a start! If I'm bored or feel ambitious tomorrow, I might go look at some prices on the BOGO items to get a better idea of what is needed to get the +Up Rewards.
$10 Up Reward when you buy $30 in participating products:
- BOGO 50% Off Covergirl Cosmetics - Covergirl Save $1/1 product, Covergirl Save $2.50/2 product set (P&G 1/29/12)
- BOGO 50% Off Olay Skin and Bath Care - Olay Save $1/1 bar, body wash or in-shower body lotion, Olay Save $5/1 Pro-X facial moisturizer, Olay Buy 1 Professional Pro-X, Regenerist or Total Effects Facial Moisturizer or Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, Get 1 4-bar soap pack (free up to $5.99) (P&G 1/29/12)
- BOGO 50% Off Secret, Satin Care Shave Gel, Venus - Secret Save $1/1 Outlast (P&G 1/29/12)
- 2/$6.00 Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers - Pantene Save $1/2 products (P&G 1/29/12)
- 2/$7.00 Dove Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers - Dove Save $1/1 Hair Care product (RP 1/29/12)
- $1 +Up on 2! Extra savings since you will get the $10 on top of this if you spend $30! (limit 2 +Up rewards)
- $5.99 Dove bath bars 4 pack, or Body wash 24 oz., Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion 24.5 oz. - Dove Save $1/1 Beauty Bar 6 pack+ excludes trial size and Men+Care, Dove Save $1/1 body wash 12oz+ excludes trial size and Men+Care, Vaseline Save $1/1 Total Moisture, Aloe Fresh or Cocoa Radiant 3oz+ (RP 1/29/12)
- $2.99 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion 10 oz., Caress Body Wash 12 oz. - Vaseline Save $1.1 Total Moisture, Aloe Fresh, or Cocoa Radiant 3 oz. +, Caress Save $.75/1 12oz+ body wash or 6 bar pack+ (RP 1/29/12)
- $8.99 Dove or Caress Bath Bars (8 pack) - Dove Save $1/1 Beauty Bar 6 pack+ excludes trial size and Men+Care, Caress Save $.75/1 12oz+ body wash or 6 bar pack+ (RP 1/29/12)
- 2/$5.00 Q-Tips - .30/1 Q-Tips (RP 1/29/12)
- BOGO 50% Off Dove & Degree Invisible Solid Antiperspirant or Deodorant - Dove Save $.75/1 go sleeveless or go fresh anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial size, multi-packs and Men+Care, Dove Save $2/1 Clinical Protection anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial size, multi-packs and Men+Care, Degree Save $1/1 Women Premium anti-perspirant & deodorant or body mist (RP 1/29/12)
- $13.99 Advil - Advil/Thermacare Save $1/1 bottle orpackage of Advil 40ct+, Advil PM 16ct+, Children’s Advil 4oz+ or Thermacare2ct+ (RP 1/29/12)
- $4.99 Children's Advil, Robitussin, or Dimetapp Cold 4 oz or 20 ct, Thermacare 2-3 ct. - Advil/Thermacare Save $1/1 bottle orpackage of Advil 40ct+, Advil PM 16ct+, Children’s Advil 4oz+ or Thermacare2ct+ (RP 1/29/12)
- $3.49 - Colgate Toothpaste (select varieties), Colgate manual toothbrush - Colgate Save $.50/1 toothpaste 4oz+, Colgate Save $.40/1 adult or kids manual toothbrush excluding Plus and Extra Clean
Duracell Coppertop Batteries (AA or AAA 8 pk, C or D 4 pk, 9 Volt 2 pk) - $5.99, Use Duracell Save $.50/1 CopperTop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or Specialty batteries (P&G 1/29/12), $1 +Up Reward (limit 2), Final Price $4.49
Get $5 +Up Reward when you buy $15 in participating products
- $1.49 Pringles, Chex Mix, Trail Mix, Cheez-it, Monster, Amp - .50/1 Pringles or $1/4 Pringles (depending on what we get in our paper) (RP 1/29/12), .60/2 Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, $1/4 Chex Mix, Gardettos, Bugles (RA Video Values January), .50/2 Chex Mix or 100 Calorie Snack (GM 1/8/12), $1/2 Keebler Crackers or Sunshine Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers (RP 1/29/12)
- 3/$9.99 12 Pack Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7-Up
- $2 +Up Reward on 3 (limit 2), Final Price 3/$7.99
- BOGO Free Planters or Lay's Potato Chips
- $1 Lay's Stax, Combox, TGIFriday's Snacks, Pepsi 2 liters, Gatorade 32 oz, Aquafina or Brisk 1 liter, and Hershey's/Reese's/Nestle/Mars King Size candy bars - .50/1 Gatorade product (RA Video Values)
- $3.99 Aquafina Water 24 pk (16.9 oz bottles)
- BOGO Free Edy's Ice Cream 1.5 quart
- 2/$5.00 NY Bagel Crisps, Rice Works, or Nabisco Crackers (5.5 oz - 16 oz), Stacy's Pita Chips (8 oz), Gatorade 4 pack, Lipton Tea Gallons - $1/2 Nabisco Crackers printable, $1/1 Rice Works printable, $1/2 Stacy's Pita Chips (SS 1/1/12)
These are just the ones that stood out and caught my interest. I'm sure there are more that other people may want to take advantage of but this is at least a start! If I'm bored or feel ambitious tomorrow, I might go look at some prices on the BOGO items to get a better idea of what is needed to get the +Up Rewards.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Shaw's Ad Preview is Up!
If I ever have to move to Bangor, I will be the one to scan these and post them, but since it's a long drive to get a copy early in the week, I'll stick to posting the WUC (weusecoupons) link.
Here is the coming sale and match-ups for 1/27 - 2/2. I saw a few things I am sort of excited about, like Asparagus being on sale for 1.99/lb! We love asparagus, and at 3.99 for a small bunch at our local Hannaford, it is hard to put this on the table at our house. Luckily, it's something the kids don't really care for so I make it on weekends when they are with their dad. I would love to get some of this and figure out how to flash freeze it so I have it on hand for a while.
Of course, asparagus is a non-coupon item, so let's get back to the good stuff... There is an "On Your Next Order" deal with Tide, Charmin, and Bounty. They are specific items, but you get $5 back on your next order. They are good prices for a good sized package (other than the Tide, in my opinion), so it may be worth grabbing these if you are in need of them anyway. There were also coupons available in the January P&G so you may be able to grab some even cheaper.
I also saw that Ken's 9 oz dressings are $1 this week. When they had the BOGO deal last week, I picked up some marinades and dressings in the larger size, but these small bottles were not on sale, so I am fortunate to have a BUNCH of coupons for these leftover. The coupons are from 1/8/12 inserts and are $1/2, making them 50 cents per bottle. This is a good stock up price, especially if you use dressings for marinades or cooking like I do. I will definitely be grabbing several of these when I make my trip.
For more information and match-ups, check out the link I posted. There are constantly more people posting their finds, so read the forum to get more info about the sale and what other people have been buying. We Use Coupons is my major info source because so many people post their finds and sale successes so it helps when you're ready to make your trip to Shaw's. They also have other stores listed (like Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, and other national chains) so you don't just have to look at the Shaw's sale once you are there. Browse around and find some deals of your own!
Here is the coming sale and match-ups for 1/27 - 2/2. I saw a few things I am sort of excited about, like Asparagus being on sale for 1.99/lb! We love asparagus, and at 3.99 for a small bunch at our local Hannaford, it is hard to put this on the table at our house. Luckily, it's something the kids don't really care for so I make it on weekends when they are with their dad. I would love to get some of this and figure out how to flash freeze it so I have it on hand for a while.
Of course, asparagus is a non-coupon item, so let's get back to the good stuff... There is an "On Your Next Order" deal with Tide, Charmin, and Bounty. They are specific items, but you get $5 back on your next order. They are good prices for a good sized package (other than the Tide, in my opinion), so it may be worth grabbing these if you are in need of them anyway. There were also coupons available in the January P&G so you may be able to grab some even cheaper.
I also saw that Ken's 9 oz dressings are $1 this week. When they had the BOGO deal last week, I picked up some marinades and dressings in the larger size, but these small bottles were not on sale, so I am fortunate to have a BUNCH of coupons for these leftover. The coupons are from 1/8/12 inserts and are $1/2, making them 50 cents per bottle. This is a good stock up price, especially if you use dressings for marinades or cooking like I do. I will definitely be grabbing several of these when I make my trip.
For more information and match-ups, check out the link I posted. There are constantly more people posting their finds, so read the forum to get more info about the sale and what other people have been buying. We Use Coupons is my major info source because so many people post their finds and sale successes so it helps when you're ready to make your trip to Shaw's. They also have other stores listed (like Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, and other national chains) so you don't just have to look at the Shaw's sale once you are there. Browse around and find some deals of your own!
Friday, January 20, 2012
I'm BAAAAAACK!
Yes, it has been MONTHS, but now that I'm settled in at our new home and the holidays are officially over, I am back and ready to go! I'm so excited at the number of people who are interested in learning the tricks of the trade. I am most definitely going to try infinitely harder to keep this blog going to inform everyone what's out there for deals in our area.
I am excited to get started because today my mom found the new Hannaford.com printable coupons on their website! There are 3 coupons for a total of $6 off. One is for $1 off of any meat department purchase of $1 or more. Another is $2 off of any deli purchase of $2 or more. And finally, a $3 off of a $40 purchase. There are the usual no alcohol, giftcards, etc. restrictions on this one so just pay attention to the fine print and you'll be fine! This is an amazing sheet of coupons to print (and you can print multiples!!!) because you can use the meat coupon in combination with meat markdown coupons, and the deli coupons have no size restriction so if you get 1/2 lb of meat or cheese, it really cuts down the price! It can also be used on the deli foods like pasta and potato salads! They are generally around $4/lb so a half lb would be free! The only thing to remember about using multiples of these coupons is that it is limit one per transaction (and our store doesn't like you to split transactions to get more use of coupons). But if you can make multiple trips in (or do on a regular basis like I do anyway), you can grab a quick pkg of meat or deli item everytime you go in and only pay a little for something that's normally quite expensive!
These coupons expire on 1/28 so grab them while you can, and print away! I used quite a few of these this week, and I have a friend who used them to stock up on sandwich meat (which she put in the freezer so it won't go bad before they can use it). So take advantage of these, and combine them with the sales in this week's flier to get maximum savings!
I am excited to get started because today my mom found the new Hannaford.com printable coupons on their website! There are 3 coupons for a total of $6 off. One is for $1 off of any meat department purchase of $1 or more. Another is $2 off of any deli purchase of $2 or more. And finally, a $3 off of a $40 purchase. There are the usual no alcohol, giftcards, etc. restrictions on this one so just pay attention to the fine print and you'll be fine! This is an amazing sheet of coupons to print (and you can print multiples!!!) because you can use the meat coupon in combination with meat markdown coupons, and the deli coupons have no size restriction so if you get 1/2 lb of meat or cheese, it really cuts down the price! It can also be used on the deli foods like pasta and potato salads! They are generally around $4/lb so a half lb would be free! The only thing to remember about using multiples of these coupons is that it is limit one per transaction (and our store doesn't like you to split transactions to get more use of coupons). But if you can make multiple trips in (or do on a regular basis like I do anyway), you can grab a quick pkg of meat or deli item everytime you go in and only pay a little for something that's normally quite expensive!
These coupons expire on 1/28 so grab them while you can, and print away! I used quite a few of these this week, and I have a friend who used them to stock up on sandwich meat (which she put in the freezer so it won't go bad before they can use it). So take advantage of these, and combine them with the sales in this week's flier to get maximum savings!
Monday, October 24, 2011
It's been a while...
So, I had to take a break for a few days because we had a busy weekend of costumes and the Halloween party we went to. First off, I'm excited that I spent a total of $5.00 on my costume, and by recycling some older items for hubby's, I spent $3.00 on his! By using my own makeup and two tubes of red and brown makeup from Target ($1.80 for both), We came in under $10.00, and we won a prize for scariest costumes! I will post some pictures later on in the week. We have another party this weekend and I want to make sure the costumes stay a surprise until then!
This week, there's not much on sale at Rite Aid. There is a $2 printable coupon here for Zicam cold remedy, which is on sale for $7.99, with a $7.00 +Up Reward. This is a $1 money maker!
There are also some +Up Rewards on certain food items. When you buy $12, you get $3 +Up. Some of these items are priced much higher than Walmart, so you would have to work out a scenario with whatever coupons you have to make this work best for you. I used most of the coupons I had on these items at Shaw's, so I'm not hurrying out to grab much this week. Something might pop out at me later on, but I'm not super excited about this deal.
A few other deals are Arm and Hammer Toothpaste, and Orajel kids' toothpaste. There are printable coupons, along with +Up Rewards, which vary your savings (depending on the coupon value). There is also a Scott toilet paper and paper towels deal. They are $7.99 (12 ct TP, 8 ct towels), with a $3 +Up Reward. There was a $1 coupon for each of these items in the paper this weekend, so they end up being $3.99. I also noticed the pain reliever/vitamins +Up advertised that has a lot of coupon matchups from this weekend's inserts. Aleve, Midol, Alka Seltzer, Bayer, and Centrum, to name a few, and they are Buy One Get One 50% off. You get a $10 +Up Reward when you buy $30. I quickly scanned the shelves and the average price on these was between $5.50 and $8. So depending on what you wanted to stock up on, you might be able to walk away with some REALLY cheap medicines.
My favorite deal this week is the Xtra Laundry Detergent. They are normally $3.79 for 48 loads. I don't usually buy this brand, but since I'm going to start making my own detergent this week anyway, I figured I won't be picky anymore! The Xtra is on sale for 3/$6. When you buy 3, you get $2 +Up Rewards. So they are essentially 3/$4, or about $1.33 each. I have paid $20 for a jug of Tide this year, and it had 96 loads. The same number of loads of Xtra were $2.66. I bought 6 jugs (there is a limit of 2 +Ups on this ). So the bottom shelf of my newly built stockpile shelving is half full of detergent (including some Gain I picked up in last week's sale.)
Hopefully someone finds a better deal than I did this week. I haven't had the energy to really dig deep into the flier to find any hidden gems. If I get around to that tonight, I will try to post any new findings tomorrow!
This week, there's not much on sale at Rite Aid. There is a $2 printable coupon here for Zicam cold remedy, which is on sale for $7.99, with a $7.00 +Up Reward. This is a $1 money maker!
There are also some +Up Rewards on certain food items. When you buy $12, you get $3 +Up. Some of these items are priced much higher than Walmart, so you would have to work out a scenario with whatever coupons you have to make this work best for you. I used most of the coupons I had on these items at Shaw's, so I'm not hurrying out to grab much this week. Something might pop out at me later on, but I'm not super excited about this deal.
A few other deals are Arm and Hammer Toothpaste, and Orajel kids' toothpaste. There are printable coupons, along with +Up Rewards, which vary your savings (depending on the coupon value). There is also a Scott toilet paper and paper towels deal. They are $7.99 (12 ct TP, 8 ct towels), with a $3 +Up Reward. There was a $1 coupon for each of these items in the paper this weekend, so they end up being $3.99. I also noticed the pain reliever/vitamins +Up advertised that has a lot of coupon matchups from this weekend's inserts. Aleve, Midol, Alka Seltzer, Bayer, and Centrum, to name a few, and they are Buy One Get One 50% off. You get a $10 +Up Reward when you buy $30. I quickly scanned the shelves and the average price on these was between $5.50 and $8. So depending on what you wanted to stock up on, you might be able to walk away with some REALLY cheap medicines.
My favorite deal this week is the Xtra Laundry Detergent. They are normally $3.79 for 48 loads. I don't usually buy this brand, but since I'm going to start making my own detergent this week anyway, I figured I won't be picky anymore! The Xtra is on sale for 3/$6. When you buy 3, you get $2 +Up Rewards. So they are essentially 3/$4, or about $1.33 each. I have paid $20 for a jug of Tide this year, and it had 96 loads. The same number of loads of Xtra were $2.66. I bought 6 jugs (there is a limit of 2 +Ups on this ). So the bottom shelf of my newly built stockpile shelving is half full of detergent (including some Gain I picked up in last week's sale.)
Hopefully someone finds a better deal than I did this week. I haven't had the energy to really dig deep into the flier to find any hidden gems. If I get around to that tonight, I will try to post any new findings tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Cutting the Coupon Clutter
So, you've started out on your couponing adventure. You've been working the sales, buying your newspapers, getting all kinds of good deals... now, what do you do with all of those other coupons you haven't used yet? You can't leave them scattered on the kitchen table (I mean, you COULD just eat right on top of them, but who wants to risk a spill and ruin those good coupons? Or.... not.)
There are two main methods for organizing. First, I would like to share with you my personal preference, for the time being.
The Filing System
I spent an hour or so yesterday gathering up all of the coupon insert strays that had been placed on shelves, in my desk, on top of the microwave, on the piano... ya, it's been coupon chaos around here. I needed to feel like I am in control of my house again, and after furiously finding deals for everyone for the last few weeks, my home has been seriously suffering. So, everything got put back where it belongs, but there was no place for the coupons. So, while cleaning out my hall closet to make room for new shelves, I found a small pink crate that I had purchased specifically for my coupon storage a long time ago, and figured I would finally get around to making use of it!
My crate holds hanging files, and I tabbed each file, but didn't write on the actual labels. Instead, I used a dry erase marker to write the flier dates on the outside of the plastic tab. This way, I can erase them and reuse them when all of the coupons in those inserts have expired and I no longer need them. Now, I have a simple organization for all of my coupons, so when I search on the coupon database (here), and it tells me that there is a coupon in a specific insert that came out on a specific date, I can go right to that file, pull it out, and find the flier the coupon is located in. This is going to make my life easier because now, as soon as I get my inserts, they will be sorted into like inserts, then filed into these folders.
This crate was about $5 at Walmart during a back to school sale a couple of years back, and the hanging files I think were about $10, but I bought a large box of them, and they may have smaller boxes at bigger stores with more stock. It's an investment for sure, but will make your life much easier!
The Binder
Another method of organizing, which I have used in the past but have a hard time keeping up on, is a coupon binder. A lot of people like to use this method because it allows you to keep all of your coupons with you when you shop, so you never miss an opportunity to get a great deal. Many stores have clearance sections that you can find amazing things for already cheap prices, and a coupon can often make these items free or pretty close to it.
A binder is a relatively easy concept. Just clip ALL of your coupons (whether you think you would use them or not), and organize them into a simple 3 ring binder. I used baseball card holders, and tucked all of my like coupons into each slot. The clear plastic sheets have about 9 pockets per side (3x3) and allow you to see what coupons are in each slot. If you organize your coupons into categories, you can easily flip to that category to find out if you have a coupon for an item that is on sale or clearance, and could walk out of the store with an unexpected freebie. I found this was slightly high maintenance, but I definitely did find some amazing deals using my binder, and may consider going back to this method again, once I get better at this again.
Another bonus to having a coupon binder is that you can be well prepared for any coupon trip. All coupons are stored right in the same place. Many binders have storage in the front for things like pens and a calculator, which are vital tools when shopping and figuring on the fly. You can also keep a notebook with your shopping lists hooked right into the binder so there are no surprises when you get to the store (I have misplaced my shopping lists many times and it can cause a major meltdown!) You can also keep extra envelopes tucked inside so when you find a good deal, the coupons you will use can be taken out and held in a safe place until you get to the checkout.
Whichever method you choose will definitely make life a lot easier for you. I know that chopped up bits of paper all over your house can be discouraging and lead to frustration. I don't want anyone giving up because they just can't take the clutter! Keep everything organized and it will make it so much easier for you to plan your trips and reap the rewards!
There are two main methods for organizing. First, I would like to share with you my personal preference, for the time being.
The Filing System
I spent an hour or so yesterday gathering up all of the coupon insert strays that had been placed on shelves, in my desk, on top of the microwave, on the piano... ya, it's been coupon chaos around here. I needed to feel like I am in control of my house again, and after furiously finding deals for everyone for the last few weeks, my home has been seriously suffering. So, everything got put back where it belongs, but there was no place for the coupons. So, while cleaning out my hall closet to make room for new shelves, I found a small pink crate that I had purchased specifically for my coupon storage a long time ago, and figured I would finally get around to making use of it!
My crate holds hanging files, and I tabbed each file, but didn't write on the actual labels. Instead, I used a dry erase marker to write the flier dates on the outside of the plastic tab. This way, I can erase them and reuse them when all of the coupons in those inserts have expired and I no longer need them. Now, I have a simple organization for all of my coupons, so when I search on the coupon database (here), and it tells me that there is a coupon in a specific insert that came out on a specific date, I can go right to that file, pull it out, and find the flier the coupon is located in. This is going to make my life easier because now, as soon as I get my inserts, they will be sorted into like inserts, then filed into these folders.
The Binder
Another method of organizing, which I have used in the past but have a hard time keeping up on, is a coupon binder. A lot of people like to use this method because it allows you to keep all of your coupons with you when you shop, so you never miss an opportunity to get a great deal. Many stores have clearance sections that you can find amazing things for already cheap prices, and a coupon can often make these items free or pretty close to it.
A binder is a relatively easy concept. Just clip ALL of your coupons (whether you think you would use them or not), and organize them into a simple 3 ring binder. I used baseball card holders, and tucked all of my like coupons into each slot. The clear plastic sheets have about 9 pockets per side (3x3) and allow you to see what coupons are in each slot. If you organize your coupons into categories, you can easily flip to that category to find out if you have a coupon for an item that is on sale or clearance, and could walk out of the store with an unexpected freebie. I found this was slightly high maintenance, but I definitely did find some amazing deals using my binder, and may consider going back to this method again, once I get better at this again.
Another bonus to having a coupon binder is that you can be well prepared for any coupon trip. All coupons are stored right in the same place. Many binders have storage in the front for things like pens and a calculator, which are vital tools when shopping and figuring on the fly. You can also keep a notebook with your shopping lists hooked right into the binder so there are no surprises when you get to the store (I have misplaced my shopping lists many times and it can cause a major meltdown!) You can also keep extra envelopes tucked inside so when you find a good deal, the coupons you will use can be taken out and held in a safe place until you get to the checkout.
Whichever method you choose will definitely make life a lot easier for you. I know that chopped up bits of paper all over your house can be discouraging and lead to frustration. I don't want anyone giving up because they just can't take the clutter! Keep everything organized and it will make it so much easier for you to plan your trips and reap the rewards!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Shaw's Trip 10/15
so i am disappointed with this trip. i could have done way better but last minute second guessing and having some of the stuff i had coupons for be out of stock i dont know how i could have done much better. i did get a lot for a little so it wasnt a complete loss. so here is a pic of what i got. dont be fooled by the smallness of the pile lol
The list:
16 cans of progresso soup
4 pkgs refrigerated cookie dough
3 pkgs chex mix
10 boxed muffin mixes
4 boxed brownie mix
16 boxed potatoes
24 cans vegetables
16 boxes toaster strudels
12 boxes gogurt
6 boxes fruit snacks
14 totinos pizza rolls
16 boxes fiber one granola bars
2 bounty basic 8 roll packages
and what isnt pictured is a giraffe halloween costume i bought for topher.
I had a lot that didn't have coupons. My Presale/Coupon price was 415.91. I spent 97.83. I saved 76.5%!!!
The list:
16 cans of progresso soup
4 pkgs refrigerated cookie dough
3 pkgs chex mix
10 boxed muffin mixes
4 boxed brownie mix
16 boxed potatoes
24 cans vegetables
16 boxes toaster strudels
12 boxes gogurt
6 boxes fruit snacks
14 totinos pizza rolls
16 boxes fiber one granola bars
2 bounty basic 8 roll packages
and what isnt pictured is a giraffe halloween costume i bought for topher.
I had a lot that didn't have coupons. My Presale/Coupon price was 415.91. I spent 97.83. I saved 76.5%!!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Day one: quick post =)
Hey there. I'm starting this blog to help out some friends and family so they can get started with their couponing efforts. I'm pretty new to couponing myself (having done it in the past, and just jumping back into it in the last couple of weeks). So far I have saved enough to convince me that it is worth the effort I've put in to keep going. I've started a good HBA stockpile, and tomorrow I am heading back to Shaw's for my first big trip in about 2 years to get my grocery stockpile going. I will keep everyone posted with my deal finds, and my trips and totals.
Check back soon for my Shaw's trip, and for some info on the next Rite Aid finds!
-Becca
Check back soon for my Shaw's trip, and for some info on the next Rite Aid finds!
-Becca
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