Why?

Ok...I hear it a lot..."why coupon?" I also hear "it takes too much time" and "You can't save that much"...well, I'm here to explain why I do it and give a few great examples of how you can save big in the long run!! First lets discuss...Time. Yes, it does take time to research coupons, print, clip, sort etc....BUT it doesn't have to. You can get just a Sunday Paper and use only those coupons. It comes once a week and you can sit on a Sunday morning look at the ads, clip the coupons, match them up...all at once. While drinking coffee or eating breakfast. You will eventually start to remember what coupons you have and be able to match up older coupons with newer deals. Also if you follow a website like KCL you will be able to get tons of helpful info on matching up coupons and what stores are having good sales. Personally, I recommend getting online coupons b/c you have more of a variety. I really takes no longer than checking you email....especially if you are just looking to save a few bucks and not go totally crazy and have a stockpile that overtakes your house. :) Not that there is anything wrong with that! :)

Ok....it surprises me how many people don't think they need/could save money with coupons...let me go over a few examples:

Paper Towels:
Let's say you go through a roll of paper towels every week. = 52 Rolls a year. Bounty Paper towels were on sale today for $12.99 for 12 double rolls (or 16 regular rolls) = $.81 a roll. = $42.22 a year
I bought paper towels the other day at Walgreens. Scott Naturals select a size (and yes I know thats not the same brand...this is just an example) They were on sale a 6 pack for $5 = $.83 a roll. Not much more than Bounty BUT Walgreens had a $1 off store coupon AND you could print a $1.50 coupon from Scotts website. So $5 - $1 - $1.50 = $2.50 or $.41 a roll = $21.66 a year Just by spending 5 minutes printing a few coupons!

Toilet Paper:
Lets say you go through a roll in each bathroom every two weeks and you have two bathrooms in your house. 2 rolls in 2 weeks or 1 roll per week or 52 rolls a year. Charmin is usually on sale somewhere around $8 for 12 double rolls = $.66 a roll or $34.66 a year
Angel Soft was on sale at Dollar General for $5 for 12 double rolls = $.42 a roll....they also had $.50 coupons you could print online AND was having a deal that if you spent $25 you could get $5 off....so I bought 5 packs for $18!! Thats a total of 60 rolls of TP at $.30 a roll....

So in less than FIVE minutes I printed a total of 8-10 coupons....went to TWO stores and got enough paper products for ONE year and saved $37.22....thats dinner out for us!!

Thats just two examples.....of saving some money...there are TONS of ways to save even more!! You would be amazed how often you can get FREE toothpaste, food, candy, makeup, medicines, bath products, baby items, and many, many, many other things....just by clipping some coupons and paying attention to the sales!!

More to come...but a certain little girl who hasn't napped today just fell asleep on my shoulder!! :)

Allergy Relief....for FREE!!

I read on KCL that Target had Zyrtec on sale for $5.25!! My hubby has been suffering Allergies the last few days and thought this was perfect timing!! I literally jumped out of bed, got dressed, and headed out!! The closest Target to me is not my fave...but it was rush hour and did not want to get out in it!! So I chanced it and went to the one closest...not only did they have them BUT they were only $4.76!! Here's my total Trip: 4 Zyrtecs: $4.76ea used 4 $4 off Target coupons and a $6/2 manuf coupon = FREE and $2.96 MONEY MAKER Excedrin: $3.59 used $3 Target coupon and $.75 manuf coupon = FREE and $.16 MONEY MAKER Rimmel Mascara: $2.24 used $1 off coupon = $1.24 Oral B Stages Toothbrush: $2.34 used $.50 off coupon = $1.84 Gummy Bears: $.79 (fillers) Total OOP: $.75....98% Savings

March Savings

This will adjust "some" since I know I will be hitting the stores Wed for a few things we need for dinner this week but overall should be about the same!! I only started keeping track of my receipts this month. I found a great spreadsheet to use here and have been entering all my receipts...here is March breakdown: Before coupons: Weekly Budget: $75 (realistically was prob way more) Monthly Spending: $325.93 After coupons: Weekly Budget: $61.09 (actual since I have been entering receipts) Monthly Spending: $265.49 Monthly savings OFF OF BUDGET of $60.44 or $725 a year...I like!! Actual March: Spent: $235.64 Saved: $495.77 or 68% So basically I bought $730 worth of groceries for $235.64...if I repeated this monthly I will save roughly $6000 in ONE year!! :) I am getting to the point where I am 1) Running out of room...LOL and 2) Really have almost everything stocked up I need (except paper towels)...to last awhile!! :) Not too bad for a beginner...not too bad at all!

61%....not bad at all!!

This weekend I went and hit Albertsons, Tom Thumb, Kroger, Target, and Walmart!! :) Its much easier going shopping without a child, thank goodness the hubby can watch her!! I also found out that Walmart will take competitors Catalina coupons (and possible Walgreens RR, but not sure on this one) AND they allow overage (any extra amount from the coupon over the sales price) so SCORE!! Here's a quick break down:

Albertsons:

20 Suave Deodorants (not shown): $1 ea with $.50 coupons that doubled = FREE!!

4 Planters Trail Mix: On sale for $1.38 ea with $1/2 coupons = $3.52

2 PB Twix and 6 PB Snickers: On sale for B1G1 Free and I had two B2G1 Free at $.99 ea means I paid for 2 and got 6 free =$1.98

Peanut Pan PB: on sale for $.99

2 boxes of Lucky Charms: Part of the buy 4 get $4 off promo making them $1.50 each then used $.55 off coupons = $1.90 total and got a $1.50/3 catalina

2 GoGurts: Part of the buy 4 get $4 off promo making them $1.50 each then used $.75/2 coupon = $2.25 total

Nail clippers and nail files: $1.99 ea used $2 off coupons = FREE AND got another $2 off Revlon tool coupon printed.

Tom Thumb:

Shallots, Garlic, and Cilantro (No coupons)

2 DiGiorna Pizza w wings/cookies: $7.49 and $8.49 with $2 off tear pad in freezer case and $5/$15 Tom Thumb coupon = $11.26 TT Total

Target:

2 Circo Socks: $1 ea with $1 coupons = FREE

Soft Scrub: $2.49 with $1 Target and $1 manuf coupons = $.49

Up Tissues = $1.04

Up Allergy Meds = $1.97 with $1/$3 up purchase

Clipper and Tweezers: $1.59 and $2.34 with $2 off coupons = FREE AND got 2 $5/2 Revlon tools and 2 $2/1 Revlon tools!! :)

Excedrin: $3.59 with $3 Target coupon and $.75 manuf coupon = FREE

Kroger:

Buy 10 get $5 off:

-Chips Ahoy: $2.48

-Danimals: $2.29 with $1 off coupon: $1.29

-Activia yogurt: $1.99 with $1 off coupon: $.99

-4 Capri Suns: $1.90ea

-2 Sunny D: $1.39ea with $.25 coupon tripled: $.64 ($.14 after $.50 savings ....CRAZY)

-Powerade: $1

Take off $5 or $.50 for each item!!

Kelloggs Promo: Buy 4 at $2.69 get 2 FREE gallons of Milk

-Honey Smacks: $2.69

-Raisin Bran: $3.79 (didn't pay attention and grabbed the bigger more expensive box)

- 2 Nutri Grain: $2.69 each used the $.75/2 coupon

-1 Gal of Whole Milk and 1 Gal of 1% Milk= FREE

I also used the $1/2 Kelloggs Cereal coupon

Tortillas: $.89

2 Yakisoba Noodles: $.89 ea used $.50 coupon that doubled = FREE

Walmart:

No Coupons: Bananas, Organic Celery, Carrots, Onions, Avocados, Limes, tomatoes, Green chilles, Mexican Sour Cream, Fajita Seasoning, Tortilla Chips

15 Kool Aid packs: $.16 ea with 2 $.50 off 5 and Buy 10 get 5 Free = $.15 each since the cashier gave me credit for the whole $1.25 allowed max!!

Lunchmeat: $3.98 used the $1 off coupon from the Joy of Football book = $2.98

3 Nail files, 3 Tweezers, and 1 nail clippers: $1.87 for the file and tweezers and $1.96 for the clippers used 2 $5/2 and 3 $2/1 Revlon Tools = FREE with $2.82 overage

Totals:

Albertsons: $19.83 saved $58.02, 75%

Tom Thumb: $11.26 saved $7.16, 39%

Target: $2.17 saved $13.75, 86%

Kroger: 21.04 saved $21.87, 51%

Walmart: $24.02 saved $19.25, 44%

Total: $78.32 saved $120.05, 61%

:)

Completely FREE!!

It's been awhile since I updated anything...really its been slow shopping and slow coupons!! I have also been out of town for the most part of the last two weeks and just haven't had time to do much!!



I did manage to come across some GREAT deals on pasta and a few other things I got rainchecks on!!





Kroger and Tom Thumb:
40 Yakisoba Noodles $1 at TT and $.99 at Kroger w 40 $.50 coupons doubled = FREE lunches for Lee for a long, long, time!! :)


Walgreens:

4 Motrin PM normally $5.29 rainchecked to $3ea w two $6/2 coupons = FREE Motrin
2 Right Guard Deodorants B1G1 Free Walgreens promo w a B1G1 Free coupon = 2 FREE deodorants


Walmart:
10 Ronzini Pasta price matched with Albertsons 2/$1 sale with 5 $1/2 coupon = FREE pasta


Not Pictured:
Albertsons is special ordering me 50 boxes of Pasta for the 2/$1 promo. Normal price is $2.08-$2.80 depending on the type, after my 25 coupons they will all be completely FREE


Walgreens is rainchecking me for 20 Right Guard Deodorants with the B1G1 Free promo and with my 10 coupons will make them completely FREE


CVS 2 Dove Deodorants on sale 2/$4 with two $2 coupons = FREE

Total Savings:
39.60 Yakisoba+10.80 Walmart Ronzini+140 Albertsons Ronzini+109.78 Right Guard+21.16 Motrin+11 Dove= $332.34.....All completely FREE!!

Thank you....

Thank you Krazy Coupon Lady I really would have never even tried to use coupons, had it not been for you!!

:)

Totally Stocked up

I had originally said I wasn't going to "Stock Pile"...well....I've changed my mind!! I still can't see stock piling things like salad dressing, or pasta sauce (we don't eat it anyway) but things I KNOW we will use and won't go bad for a very long time, if ever. I can see getting a bunch when there is a good sale. We are getting new shelves for our closet and garage. I am planning on putting cleaners and personal care stuff in our closet and paper goods, drinks, and anything that wont be affected by the heat in our garage.

So what's in my stockpile?

Here is what I have a year+ supply in:
Toothpaste (all FREE)
Toothbrushes (all FREE)
Floss (all FREE)
Advil (children's and adult)
Maalox (all FREE)
Tums
Dayquil/NyQuil
Mascara (all FREE)
Body Wash
Shampoo
Lotion
Hair Dye
Deodorant
Laundry Detergent (more like a few years)
Dryer Sheets (all FREE)
Household Cleaners (All in ones, toilet, kitchen, wipes)
Bleach (all FREE)
Waters (all FREE)
Hand Soap (more like a few years)
Fruit Chews (most FREE)
Candy (all FREE)
Lightbulbs (all FREE)
Room Sprays

Here is what I have 6mth+ Supply in:
Noodle Lunches for my Hubby (all FREE)
Dishwasher Detergent
Toilet Paper
Dog Food
Apple Juice
Canned Veggies
Shredded Cheese

I also have a good amount of cereal, pasta, tomato sauce, rice sides,

It's kind of nice to ONLY have to buy meats, fresh produce, and things like Milk and Bread every two weeks. It actually throws me off when my bi-weekly trip comes in under $40 instead of $100-$150. :)

What can I say, I'm hooked!!

Just Saved 77%

This was over a few stops (and over a few days)
Walgreens:
1st transaction: 1 Lysol No Touch Soap dispenser and 1 Edge Shaving gel $3 mf for Lysol $12.43 OOP and $8 in RR
2nd transaction: 1 Lysol No Touch Soap dispenser $3 mf coupon $9.73 OOP and $7 in RR
3rd Transaction: 4 Lysol wipes, 4 Lysol Toilet bowl cleaner, 2 Lysol 4in1 sprays, 2 Lysol 4in1 Concentrates, 1 Valentines peppermint patty (filler). $1 off coupons for every 2 lysol cleaners. B1G1 Free on all of them and used $15 in RR $2.28 OOP.
Total Retail Value: $72.60, oop $24.44, Savings of 67%

Kroger:
1st Transaction: Buy 10 get $3 off now and $3 off later promo.
2 Totino's pizzas, Aluminum Foil, 2 Kraft Mac & Cheese 5 box sets, Windex, Dial body wash, and 3 Ravioli's. Used two $1 off Kraft, $.75/2 Totinos, $.75 off aluminum foil, $1 off windex, $.35/3 Ravioli (tripled) and got $3 off. $13 OOP and $3 for later.
2nd Transaction: Colgate Toothpaste, 2 Ziplock food storages, 4 Knorr Rice, 2 Dove Men body wash, 3 Skittles, 3 Starburst, 26 Propel Waters (not shown). Got the skittles, starbust, colgate, and all waters FREE with coupons. Also used $1.50/2 Ziploc, two $1 off Dove, two $.50/2 Knorr (doubled), and the $3 off from previous transaction, $11.69 OOP
Also bought 88 Propels and got them all FREE with the Buy 10 get $5 off promo and $1/2 peelies on all of them.
Total Retail: $171.42, OOP $26.48, Savings of 85%

Albertsons:
2 Clorox Bleach, Smuckers preserves, Jiff PB, Peter Pan PB. Used two $1off Clorox for FREE bleach, Peter pan was $.88 w in store coupon, $.50 off Smuckers and $.50 off Jiff from Monopoly.
Total Retail: $13.14, OOP $5.33, Savings 60%

Target:
6 Finish Gelpacs, 2 Always liners, 6 Reese PB cups, 2 Vaseline lotions with Qtips bonus pack, 2 Aquafresh travel, and J&J No more tangles. Used six $2.25 off finish, 3B1G1 Free Reese, two $1 off Aquafresh making them free, $1 off J&J, and $1 Target and $1 mf coupon off each lotion.
Total Retail Value: $35.79, OOP $13.49 Savings 63%

(not shown)
Walmart:
7 Gain Fabric Sheets, 1 card, Misc Stuff, Bread, bananas, Desitin. Used seven $3 off Gain, $5 off Misc Stuff, $1 off Desitin
Total Retail: $33.62, OOP $6.62, Savings of 81%

Dollar General:
4 Gain Fabric Sheets and 1 Finish detergent. Used four $3 off Gain and $1 off Finish
Total Retail: $13.85, OOP $.92, Savings of 94%

So thats a Total Retail Value of $340.42 with an OOP of $77.28 or a Savings of 77% :)

Bi-Weekly Trip

I go grocery shopping about every two weeks!! I also go randomly when we ran out of something like bread or need something last minute for dinner!! I buy meat in bulk at Sams unless someone has a good sale, which someone usually does weekly, so I buy in bulk and freeze in individual portions!! I am also a brand-name whore on certain things...others, I just dont care!! Basically there is ALOT I buy that I wont have a coupon for, but I try to price shop so I can get it at the best possible price!!

I finally left my house today after being iced/snowed in for four days!! We went to Tom Thumb, Target, Kroger, and Walmart...tomorrow I am going to Walgreens and Albertsons, and maybe back to Kroger to stock up on veggies!! :)

This is todays trip...

Tom Thumb:

(not pictured) 2 12pk 7up and 2 12pk coke 4/$11, on sale for 4/$9 with two $.75 coupons = 2/$7.50

Wholly Queso $4.99 ea, on sale for B1G1 Free with a $.50 coupon doubled = $3.99 for both

Red Seedless Grapes $3.99 lb, on sale for $.99 lb = $1.37

Two Wheat Thins $2, on sale for $.99 with a $1/2 coupon = $.98 for both

Total Retail Value: $44.41 Total OOP: $14.79, Savings of 67%

Target:

Archer Farms Chips $2.49 FREE with coupon

Two Tostitos $2.50, Tostitos Salsa $2.50, Buy 2 chips get salsa free, used Target coupon get $1 off salsa, used $.55 off chips and $.55 off salsa coupons = $2.90

Reynolds Slow Cooker wraps $1.69 with a $1 off coupon = $.69

Total Retail Value: $14.29 Total OOP: $3.59, Savings of 75%

Kroger:

Four Reach Toothbrushes $1.50 ea, used two $2/2 coupons = $2

Four Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.49 each, used two $.50 coupons doubled = $3.96

Two Dial body wash $2.99ea

All detergent $3.49 used a $1 off coupon = $2.49

Kraft Cheese $1.49 used a $1 off coupon = $.49

Nestle Tollhouse Cookies $2.79 used $1 off coupon = $1.79

I can't believe its not butter $1.79 used $.75 off coupon = $1.04

Two Knorr Rice dishes $1 each, used $.50 off coupon doubled = $1 for both

Six Hunts Tomato Sauce $.95 each, used two $.45/3 coupons doubled = $3.96

Buy 1o get $5 off promo x 2

Total Retail Value: $47.33 Total OOP: $12.69, Savings of 73%

Walmart:

No Coupons: Bananas, 2 Gal of Milk, Organic Romaine Hearts, Green Olives, Black Olives, Bread Crumbs, Cornbread Mix, McCormick Seasonings, Butter, and Bread.

Two Brownie Mixes: $2.24 with two $1 off coupons = $1.24ea

Two Pizza's $1.25ea with a $.75 off coupon = $1.75 for both

Jello $.52ea with a $.55/3 coupon = $1.01

Two Vlasic Dill Pickles $2.08ea with $.55 off coupon = $1.53 ea

Eight Pasta $1.08 ea with four $1/2 coupons = $4.64

String Cheese $2.98 with $1 off coupon = $1.98

Worcestershire Sauce $1.26 with a $.75 off coupon = $.51

Two Floss $.97 ea with two $1 off coupons = $.06 money maker

Total Retail Value: $50.64 Total OOP: $38.49, Savings of 24%

Total Retail Value for all Stores: $156.67 Total OOP: $69.56, Total Savings of 56%

I HEART Walgreens

Sunday mornings are becoming my fave...It's lazy and easy....and I get my newspaper!! :) I wake up earlier than everyone else (alot earlier if I have my way) get my paper and go through the coupons/deals of the week. Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) and Target all have Sun-Sat deal weeks. So its the first chance to see what they all have going on!! This week I didn't necessarily NEED anything but went and took advantage of some deals to stock up on things we do eventually NEED!!

Here is my trip this weekend!!

Walgreens has a great deal with RR (Register Rewards) and I like to take advantage of them to buy things that normally are more expensive or I may not have a coupon on!!
1st Transaction:
Dove Body Wash: 4/$15 with $5 in RR
Nyquil: $5 each, get $10 in RR when you spend $20.
I used $1 off Dove body wash and two $1.50 off Dayquil/Nyquil products (I SHOULD have bought another newspaper and used two of the Dove coupons and four of the Day/Nyquil coupons but oh well)
Paid $32.16 and got $15 in RR, save a total of $16.92
2nd Transaction:
Advil: On sale for $4.99, buy two get $5 RR
Icy Hot: On sale for $3.99 with a $3 RR
Used a $1 off Advil PM, $2 off Advil Congestion, and $1 off Icy Hot coupon.
Paid $9.97 and got $8 in RR, saved $8.80
3rd Transaction:
Shampoo: B1G1 1/2 off $5.49
Deodorant: B1G1 1/2 off $2.49
Candy Hearts: 2/$1
Snickers: $.99 each
Used $1 off HeadN Shoulders, used a Walgreens coupon for candy making them $.29 each, and used a B1G1 Free Snickers coupon
Also used $10 RR
Paid $3.11 and saved $18.44

I bought the Pull ups at CVS....normally $18.99 on sale for $13.99. I used a $2 off coupon and $10 in ECB I had from last week and paid a total of $2.11!!

So thats a total retail of $103.39, paid $47.39, saved 55%....AND I still have $13 in RR for my next purchase!!

I HEART Kroger

I'm mad that I can NOT find my receipt everywhere so I am having to remember what the deals/prices were off the top of my head...but here we go!!

Listerine: Normally $3.49 on sale for $3 = $6

Cheese: Normally $2.99 on sale for $1.49 = $4.47

Ketchup: On sale for $1.99 = $3.98

Tomato Sauce: Normally $1.19 on sale for $.99 = $6.93

Rotel: Normally $1.29 on sale for $.92 = $3.68

Veggies: $.76 = $15.20

Total: $40.26

Kroger was having (and still is until tomorrow) buy 10 items get $5 off and every single one of these items fell in to that category. :) So that was an automatic $20 off, then used a $2/2 Reach coupon, three $.75 off Kraft coupons, two $1 off Listerine coupons, and a $1 off Rotel coupon bringing my new total to...

Total: $40.26

- $20 from promotion

- $7.25 from coupons

Total: $13.01 or 68% Savings

Cheese I got for $.24 each, Listerine for $1.50 each, toothbrushes were free, two of the Rotels were free, and the veggies were $.26 each!! Not to bad!! :)

I also went back and bought another 10 veggies and All Laundry detergent. It was part of the Buy 10 promo (as was Kraft mac n cheese). All detergent was on sale for $2.99 after the promo and I had/have 20 $1 off coupons. I bought 6 Alls and 4 boxes of Mac N Cheese and spent a total of $13.90. The All retails at $5.99 normally!! Not too bad at all!!

Super Quick....

Ok lots of crazy sales right now...
But you MUST check out Kroger (in the DFW area)...
Buy 10 get $5 off...
Delmonte Canned Veggies only $.26 each
Hunt's Tomatoes only $.46 each
Heinz 40oz Kethcup only $1.49 each
Reach toothbrushes $1 each or FREE if you have the coupons for $1 off
Kraft 2% Singles $.99 each or $.24 with the $.75 off coupon from the paper OR FREE with this coupon
I will post my shopping trip later...need to go to work!! :)

OH and get a $1 off Angel Soft coupon here. Use Zip 20202.

Want to MAKE money buying Mascara??

That's right...you can actually MAKE money buying Mascara at Target!! Here's how...

First, go here and "Like" Rimmel on FB then you will be able to print two $2 off Rimmel products. Then go here and find the Target Rimmel product $2 off coupon and print this two times. You can only print one of each, each time, but should be able to print two per computer total. So let's review, that a total of $4 off each Mascara or other makeup product.


Now, go to Target. Rimmel Mascara is priced at $2.24 (at my Target) and with $4 off coupons you are making $1.76 per mascara. Target will not give you money back and may not even let you use the second coupon if you don't have "fillers" so buy something else to use up that $1.76.

Here's my Target shopping trip (with a Walmart run last night)

Walmart: Glade Automatic Spray kits normally $11.98 on sale for $4.88. $4 off Glade Automatic Spray coupons from http://www.rightathome.com/ = $.88 ea so I paid $3.52.

Target: Garnier Skincare wipes, retail $4.49 with a $2 off Target coupon and a $1 off manuf coupon = $1.49

Lightbulbs, retail normally for $2.44 on sale for $2. $1 off manuf coupon with $1 off Target coupon = FREE (or there is a $1.50 off coupon on Targets site....meaning they would be $.50 wo the manuf coupon or $.50 money maker with it!!)

Lysol Neutra Air Sprays, retail for $3.34 ea with $1 off Target coupon and a $1 off manuf coupon = $1.34 ea

Rimmel Mascara, retail $2.24 ea with a total of four $2 off Target coupons and $2 off FB coupons = $1.76 money maker EACH or $6.96 total....really I just MADE a free $7 buying make-up!! :)

Socks (fillers) $4.99

So, $1.49+$1.34+$1.34+$4.99-$6.96= $2.20 :) I basically paid for the socks and got everything else in this picture completely FREE!!

A More Realistic Approach

Ok, so I know most people aren't going to buy 20 things of toothpaste or even buy 20 of any one thing EVER. So here is an example of a more realistic approach for everyday shopping.


Tom Thumb: Cereal $2 on sale with in-store coupon for $1.49 ea plus a $1 off when you get 3 coupon = $3.47
OJ $2.99 ea with a B1G1 Free coupon = $2.99 for the two.
Yogurt on sale for 10/$5. Blistex normally $1.39 on sale for $1 with a $.35 off coupon tripled means I got them for FREE.
Halls normally $1.39 on sale for $1 with a $1 off coupon = FREE
Powerades normally $.89 on sale for $.60 w in-store coupon = $3

Total Retail Value: (after card savings) $20.43 paid $10.06, a 50% Savings!!


Tom Thumb: Noodles normally $1.19 on sale for $1. Twenty $.50 off coupons doubled means I got them all for FREE!
Toothpaste normally $2.99 on sale for $.99 with three $.50 off coupons doubled means they were also free.
Blueberry Muffin Mix normally $2.99 on sale for $2.50 with two $1 off coupons = $1.50 ea.
All detergent normally $5.99 on sale for $3.99 with two $1 off coupons = $5.98 for both!
Total Retail Value: $52.84...I paid $8.40 and saved 85%.

And the best "Deal" this week....

Target: (Except for the paper towels, those were at Walgreens)

Paper Towels: $6.76 on sale, used $7 RR from Walgreens and paid NOTHING

Lightbulbs: $2.44 ea. I had a total of $7 in manuf and Target coupons (three $1 off manuf, two $1.50 off Target, and one $1 off Target) means I paid a TOTAL of $.32 for all three boxes.

Maalox: $4.49 with a $5 off coupon = OVERAGE of $.51. :)

First Aid kits: $.97 ea with a $1.50 off two means I paid $.44 for the two.

Scrubbing Bubbles: On clearance for $5.94 ea with three $5 off coupons and two $.50 off target coupons, I paid a total of $1.82 for ALL three!!

So thats a Total Retail Value of $38.11 with an out of pocket cost of only $1.61, a savings of 96%

Not bad at all!! :)

Just a quick tip...

If you are in the Dallas Area (or atleast Rowlett) here are a few deals for the next week.

Albertsons and Tom Thumb: Campbells Soup 2/$1...with a $.40 off coupon that will double means you can get them for $.10 each.

Tom Thumb and Kroger: Colgate toothpaste on sale of $.99 or $1...with a $.50 off coupon that will double you can get them FREE!!

More to come!!

How I used Coupons today...

Well maybe not today but still....here are some recent deals I have found.

Ok here's how I got ALL of this for $.77 at Target. First the Hershey Bars retail value $.99 B1G1 Free coupon means I paid $.99 for two. Reach floss retail value $.97, three $1 off coupons gave me an overage of $.09. The Maalox tabs, retail value of $4.54 each or $13.62, with 3 $5 off coupons gave me an overage of $1.38. The Finish tabs, retail value $3.50 (or atleast thats what sale Target had) with a $2.25 coupon means I paid $1.25.

So let's review...$.99+$1.25-$.09-$1.38=$.77 :)

Bandaids: Walgreens $2.99...$1.50 Walgreens coupon and a $.50 Band Aid Manuf coupon = $.99

Uncle Bens Rice: Target $1.99 with a $1 off coupon = $.99

Campbells Soup: $.80 each with a buy 3 get $1 off coupon = $.47 each or $1.40

Glade Spray: Target $.98 with a $.50 off coupon = $.49

Cake Mix and Frosting: $1.09 and $1.52 with a $1 off when you buy both = $1.61 or $.80 each

Total Retail Value $10.97 Paid $5.48 thats 50% off....now just imagine that one a scale of $50 off $100 worth of groceries!

And the last one for today...Tom Thumb. Tom Thumb has been having the same sale of fruit snacks for two weeks. If you buy 4 or more they become $.99 each. With various combo or $.50 off two and $1 off three coupons these become VERY cheap! But lets start with the toothpaste.

Tom Thumb: $2.49 on sale for $.99. With a $.50 off coupon that doubles means every single one of those were completely free!!

For all 16 toothpastes 10 boxes of fruit chews and 3 Hallmark cards I paid a total of $11.96 and received $8 good towards my next purchase which means I paid $3.96 or $.31 each for the fruit chews and cards or $.14 for each item if you include the toothpastes. :)

Basically I bought ONE Hallmark card and got everything else completely FREE!! :)

Crazy, Right?

Some of my "Freebies"

I found $.50 off coupons here along with MANY other sites. Albertson's had them on sale for B1G1 at $.99....Double $.50 to $1 and they were FREE!!





Target had these priced at $1.19. They will price match (although its a royal pain in the butt) and Walgreens had them at $1. Two $1/2 coupon from the Sunday paper and four $.50 off Target coupons means I paid nothing.








Tom Thumb had these priced at $1.19 on sale for $1. I had Six $.50 off coupons from Sunday papers that they would double so I got these for free too...



BIC has coupons available online and in this Sundays paper. Walgreen's has them on sale for $1.99. Free Pens anyone?? I picked up four so far and have two more coupons to use later this week!! :)



Technically I paid for these but got ALL my money back in RR (Register Rewards). They were $5 each and I got $5 ea in RR back....so basically they were free!! :)

Wait till you see my newest "Freebie"... :)

FREE Reach Floss (and maybe toothbrushes??)

Want FREE Reach Floss?? Walmart had the floss priced $.97 and with a Reach Floss coupon printed here and/or here for $1 off means they are FREE!!

Also there is a $2 off for Reach toothbrushes here and here. I haven't found any single Reach toothbrushes ANYWHERE let alone under $1 BUT Walgreen's has a coupon for $2 off reach toothbrushes...stacked on these coupons they could be free to very cheap!! I'm going in the morning to check it out and see what I can find!! :) I'll keep you posted!!

FREE BIC Pens at Walgreens

Who wants FREE Pens??? Go print TWO of the $2 off BIC Triumph pen coupons here. Walgreen's has them on sale for $1.99. ALSO, I had problems with them trying to do the coupons since the value of the coupon is higher than the sale amount. They are SUPPOSED to override the coupon price to match the sale price...but I was forced to buy a $.33 candy because the "manager" just didn't want to do her job! So print and bring the coupon policy with you. You can get it here.

Apparently they aren't very prepared for their own sales since I went to two today and wiped them out getting only 3 sets. You can get rain checks though....so however many coupons you have get that many rain checks.

YEAH FREE PENS!!

Price List 01/02/2010

*** REALLY irritated...I just spent the last HOUR spacing everything out nice and pretty just to have it smoosh all together...GRRRR If you want it in excel just email me!! ****


Here is my price list as of 01/02/2010:

Apple Juice
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons 64Oz $2.39 $0.04
Tom Thumb Tom Thumb 64Oz $2.29 $0.04
Sams Motts 172Oz $4.38 $0.03
Target Target 128Oz $3.74 $0.03
Walmart Walmart 128Oz $2.28 $0.02

Apples
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Honey Crisp 2.99 lb
Target Honey Crisp 2.69 lb

Bananans
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Dole $0.45
Tom Thumb Dole $0.44
Walmart Chaquita $0.39

Body Wash- Dial of Men
Date Store Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 13.5Oz $6.99 $0.52
Tom Thumb 13.5Oz $5.59 $0.41
Sams 49.5Oz $9.48 $0.19
Target 13.5Oz $6.39 $0.47
Walmart

Body Wash- Suave
Date Store Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $5.99
Tom Thumb $4.99
Target $4.99
Walmart

Bread
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Mrs Bairds Whole $2.89
Tom Thumb Grain White $2.89
Walmart $2.79
Target $2.79

Butter
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $2.99
Tom Thumb $2.99
Walmart $2.48
Target $2.79

Buttermilk
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Carrots
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Cereal Bars
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons NutriGrain 8 $3.99 $0.50
Tom Thumb NutriGrain 8 $3.59 $0.45
Tom Thumb Eating Right 8 $2.29 $0.29
Sams NutriGrain 48 $11.13 $0.23
Target NutriGrain 8 $2.79 $0.35
Target Target 8 $2.54 $0.32
Walmart NutriGrain 8 $2.50 $0.31
Walmart Walmart 8 $2.00 $0.25

Cereal- Cheerios
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons HoneyNut 12.5 $3.29 $0.26
Albertsons Regular 14 $3.49 $0.25
Tom Thumb HoneyNut 12.5 $2.99 $0.24
Tom Thumb Regular 14 $3.49 $0.25
Walmart HoneyNut 12.5 $2.98 $0.24
Target HoneyNut 12.5 $2.94 $0.24

Cereal-
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Raisin Bran 20 $3.79 $0.19
Albertsons Raisin Bran 25.5 $3.99 $0.16
Tom Thumb Raisin Bran 25.5 $3.99 $0.16
Walmart Raisin Bran 20 $3.49 $0.17
Walmart Raisin Bran 25.5 $2.98 $0.12
Target Raisin Bran 25.5 $3.49 $0.14

Cheese
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Cheese Sticks
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons 12 $4.49
Tom Thumb Lucerine 12 $3.99
Walmart Bordens 12 $2.64
Target Market Pantry 12 $3.19
Cheese Whiz
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $4.49
Walmart $3.28

Chicken Breast
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons 16Oz $2.49 $0.16
Sams Sams 16Oz $1.77 $0.11
Tom Thumb Eat Right 16Oz $2.99 $0.19
Tom Thumb Sanderson Farms 16Oz $3.99 $0.25
Walmart Walmart 16Oz $1.78 $0.11
Target Market Pantry 38Oz $8.99 $0.24

Chicken Nuggets
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Tyson 29 $7.99 $0.28
Tom Thumb Banquet 26.5 $4.99 $0.19
Walmart Banquet 26.5 $3.98 $0.15
Target Banquet 26.5 $3.99 $0.15
Cokes
Date Store Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 12 $4.59 $0.38
Albertsons 20 $5.99 $0.30
Tom Thumb 12 $5.99 $0.50
Sams 32 $7.98 $0.25
Target 12 $4.59 $0.38
Walmart 24 $6.98 $0.29
Corn
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Sams Del Monte 122 $5.58 $0.05
Walmart 15.2 $0.92 $0.06
Walmart 29 $1.46 $0.05
Cottage Cheese
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Dishwasher Detergent
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Palmolive Eco 75 $4.89 $0.07
Walmart 120 $4.84 $0.04
Target 75 $2.74 $0.04
Target 120 $4.84 $0.04

Dog Food
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Kibble N Bits 17.6 $14.99 $0.85
Tom Thumb 17.6 $12.99 $0.74
Walmart 40 $21.76 $0.54
Target 17.6 $11.59 $0.66
Eggs
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 12 $1.69 $0.14
Albertsons 6 $0.95 $0.16
Tom Thumb 12 $1.79 $0.15
Tom Thumb 6 $0.99 $0.17
Target 12 $1.99 $0.17
Target 6 $0.90 $0.15
Walmart 12 $1.54 $0.13

Facewash
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Olay $7.99
Tom Thumb $4.49
Walmart $6.47
Target $7.79

Frozen Vegg- Brocolli
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons 16 $1.99 $0.12
Tom Thumb Tom Thumb 16 $1.19 $0.07
Walmart Walmart 14 $1.28 $0.09
Target Target 16 $0.99 $0.06

Frozen Vegg- Cauliflower
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 16 $1.99 $0.12
Tom Thumb 20 $2.19 $0.11
Walmart 16 $1.77 $0.11
Target 16 $0.99 $0.06

Fruit Chews
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons 10 $2.99 $0.30
Tom Thumb Tom Thumb 10 $2.69 $0.27
Walmart Walmart 24 $3.28 $0.14
Target Target 24 $3.89 $0.16
Target Target 50 $6.19 $0.12

Graham Crackers
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 28.8 $5.99
Albertsons 14.4 $3.99
Tom Thumb 14.4 $4.19
Tom Thumb 28.8 $5.99
Sams 57.6 $7.48
Walmart 14.4 $2.98
Walmart 28.8 $4.98

Green Beans
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Del Monte 28Oz $1.69 $0.06
Albertsons 14.5 $1.29 $0.09
Tom Thumb 14.5 $1.19 $0.08
Sams 174 $7.98 $0.05
Walmart 28 $1.46 $0.05
Walmart 14.5 $0.92 $0.06
Target 28 $1.44 $0.05
Target 14.5 $0.97 $0.07

Ground Beef
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 93/7 $3.99
Tom Thumb $4.19
Walmart $3.41
Target $4.14

Ground Beef- Chuck Roast
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $4.99
Tom Thumb $4.19
Sams $2.98

Ground Turkey
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Ice Cream
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Blue Bell $6.99
Tom Thumb $6.79
Walmart $5.98
Target $4.99

Laundry
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Target All 100 $8.99
Target All 150 $10.99


Macaroni & Cheese
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Kraft 1 $0.89 $0.89
Albertsons 5 $3.99 $0.80
Tom Thumb 1 $1.19 $1.19
Tom Thumb 5 $5.19 $1.04
Walmart 1 $0.78 $0.78
Walmart 5 $3.28 $0.66
Target 1 $1.87 $1.87

Mayo
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Blue Plate $2.99
Albertsons Miracle Whip $4.39
Tom Thumb Miracle Whip $4.29
Walmart Blue Plate $2.38
Walmart Miracle Whip $3.48
Target Miracle Whip $3.19

Milk
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Walmart $0.99
Albertsons $2.99
Tom Thumb $2.39
Target $1.49

Mouthwash
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Listerine 1 $6.79 $6.79
Tom Thumb 1 $7.79 $7.79
Sams 2 $9.77 $4.89
Walmart 1 $6.27 $6.27

Onions
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Pancakes
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Eggo 40 $3.19
Tom Thumb Eat Right 40 $2.79
Walmart Eggo 40 $2.38
Target Eggo or Market Pantry 40 $2.39
Target Pillsbury 40 $1.94

Paper Towels
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Sams Bounty 12 $24.88 $2.07
Walmart Walmart 2 $2.97 $1.49
Walmart Walmart Select Size 12 $13.97 $1.16
Walmart Walmart 8 $6.84 $0.86
Target Bounty 12 $11.69 $0.97
Target Bounty 8 $10.29 $1.29

Pasta- Rottini
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Tom Thumb Eat Right 13.3 $1.39
Walmart Walmart $1.00
Target Market Pantry $1.09

Pasta- Spaghetti
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Tom Thumb Eat Right 13.3 $1.39
Walmart Walmart $1.00
Target Market Pantry $1.09

Peanut Butter
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Jiff 40 $5.89 $0.15
Albertsons Jiff 28 $3.99 $0.14
Albertsons Jiff 18 $13.80 $0.77
Tom Thumb Jiff 28 $3.79 $0.14
Tom Thumb Jiff 18 $2.69 $0.15
Tom Thumb Jiff 80 $10.49 $0.13
Walmart Jiff 40 $4.54 $0.11
Walmart Jiff 28 $2.98 $0.11
Walmart Jiff 18 $2.22 $0.12

Pizza
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons DiGornio 1 $6.59 $6.59
Tom Thumb 1 $5.99 $5.99
Sams 3 $11.88 $3.96
Target 1 $5.79 $5.79
Walmart 1 $3.98 $3.98

Pizza Sandwiches
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $3.49
Walmart $2.50
Walmart $2.89

Pork Chops
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Pork Loin Chops 16 $4.99 $0.31
Tom Thumb 16 $4.99 $0.31
Sams 16 $2.88 $0.18
Walmart 16 $3.78 $0.24
Target Hormel 35 $9.99 $0.29

Pot Au Gratin
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Albertsons $1.79
Albertsons Betty Crocker $1.99
Tom Thumb Tom Thumb $1.49
Tom Thumb Betty Crocker $1.99
Walmart Walmart $1.00
Walmart Betty Crocker $1.66
Target Betty Crocker $1.67
Target target $1.27

Ramon Noodles
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Rice Sides
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Knorr $1.50
Tom Thumb $1.25
Walmart $1.00
Target $1.17

Salmon
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price


Sandwich Meat
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Oscar Meyer 9 $4.49 $0.50
Albertsons 16 $6.99 $0.44
Tom Thumb 9 $4.39 $0.49
Tom Thumb 16 $6.99 $0.44
Target 9 $3.24 $0.36
Target 16 $4.99 $0.31
Walmart 9 $3.00 $0.33
Walmart 16 $4.98 $0.31

Shallots
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price



Shampoo- Head & Shoulders
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 23.7 $7.79 $0.33
Albertsons 14.2 $4.38 $0.31
Tom Thumb 23.7 $7.39 $0.31
Sams 40 $9.88 $0.25
Target 33.9 $9.24 $0.27
Walmart 33.9 $9.24 $0.27

Shampoo- Pantene
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons 25.4 $7.99 $0.31
Tom Thumb 25.4 $6.99 $0.28
Sams 40 $7.88 $0.20
Walmart 25.4 $5.47 $0.22
Target 25.4 $5.89 $0.23

Spaghetti Seasoning
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons McCormick $1.49
Walmart $0.98

Strawberry Preserves
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Smuckers $3.19
Tom Thumb $3.19
Walmart $2.46

Taco Seasoning
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons McCormick $0.99
Tom Thumb $0.89
Walmart $0.50

Toilet Paper
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Sams Charmin 36 $21.76


Tomatoe Sauce
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Hunts 15 $1.15 $0.08
Albertsons 29 $1.99 $0.07
Tom Thumb 15 $1.29 $0.09
Tom Thumb 29 $1.99 $0.07
Sams 180 $6.98 $0.04
Walmart 29 $1.38 $0.05
Target 15 $0.77 $0.05
Target 29 $1.44 $0.05

Toothpaste
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Crest Pro White 7.8 $5.29 $0.68
Tom Thumb 6 $3.79 $0.63
Walmart 7.8 $4.25 $0.54
Target 6 $2.99 $0.50

V8 Fusion
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons $4.19
Tom Thumb $3.99
Walmart $2.99
Target $3.44

Waffles
Date Store Brand Size Price Unit Price
Albertsons Eggo $3.59
Tom Thumb $2.69
Walmart $2.68
Target $2.69

Coupon 101

Let's start with the basics.


First, I am lucky enough to have two grocery stores and one drugstore within a "mile" of my house. Two super centers and three more drugstores within "5 miles" and another three grocery stores within "10 miles". Basically it is REALLY easy for me to shop around or even hit three of the same store to stock up on good deals. If this isn't the case for you then I suggest you price shop first. I did this with Alberstons, Tom Thumb, Walmart, SAMS, and Target. I will eventually add Kroger into the mix but for now thats what I have. I made a list of all the things that we buy the most. I *regular priced them at all the stores and have them on an excel sheet! Look for it on the side of this page. That way I know who has what and for what price. When the weekly sale ads come out I can compare who has them cheaper and if I have coupons who will give me the better deal.


For example: I have a $.50 off coupon for Cheerios. If Albertsons has them for $3 and will double my coupon that will make them $2. BUT if Walmart has them for $2.29 but WON'T double the coupon it would still be cheaper at $1.79.


You should also know who will price match. Walmart is the best at this....so if Walgreen's has something advertised at $1...Walmart will price match it and you can use any coupon you have too!


Also knowing what stores will double/triple coupons helps too! In my area, Albertsons, Tom Thumb, Brookshires, and Kroger ALL Double up to $.50 and Triple up to $.39. Do the math! The coupon you have may only be $.35 off but take it to Tom Thumb and it becomes $1.05. Wait till that item goes on sale for $1.50 and you are only paying $.45. That adds up!!


For me, it makes more sense to use coupons OVER $.50 at Walmart (they are usually cheaper and will price match if they aren't) and use my lower value coupon at somewhere that D/T (Double/Triples). But again, check prices!!


Buying a Sunday paper is a great way to get additional coupons but getting them online is just as easy. Do a search for the products you use the most. Most companies will offer coupons on their website to get you to use their product.


I have a binder to keep track of all the coupons I have...it really is the easiest way. Organize it whatever way you think will work the best for you. Mine is by categories.

I will post pics and details on how and where I find good deals. I promise to keep this somewhat updated...so keep checking back!

:)

The Beginner

Ok, ladies and gentlemen...here we go! This blog is a dedication to my friends and those interested in this little "Coupon Experiment" I've been doing. I will try to address many of the questions and help with any tips I pick up or see. I will be adding my "two cents" from time to time and will post links and pics to help anyone along the way.

Feel free to ask any questions along the way....I may not know the answer...but I am sure I can find out somewhere!!

So here is to the Beginner...I am a Beginner...I don't plan on turning this into a "lifestyle" or becoming as extreme and as good as The Krazy Coupon Lady but I do what I can. I will give my tips, advice, "rules", and anything else that I feel could or should be added in!! :)

Let's start couponing!!