Jen's Money Saving Blog

Drug Store Deals

2010-12-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, I know. And while I've continually saved tons of money, I haven't been as dedicated when it comes to sharing my finds with the cyber universe. No promises to be better, but here's one for now.

CVS yesterday: got 4 boxes of Kelloggs Rice Krispies and 3 boxes of Kleenex. Spent $0.39 oop, saved $25.52!

Walgreens yesterday: got 16oz bottle Listerine whitening mouthwash, 1 package Goody barrettes, 2 Toblorone chocolate bars, 2 Milky Way bars, and 2 packages of Skittles candy. Spent $1.79 oop, saved $16.74.

Happy Saving!

Money Making Kraft Dressing at Food Lion

2010-05-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Kraft dressings are on sale at Food Lion right now 3/$5. There is a $5 off when you purchase 5 Kraft products that rings up at the register. Use 5 $0.55/1 coupons from SS 5/2 and spend $0.55 for 5 bottles of dressing. To make this deal even sweeter, there is a catalina that prints for $3 off your next order, thus making you $2.45!

Happy Saving!

More Money Makers

2010-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

I snagged two money makers at Walgreens today. First, Nature's Bounty vitamin D (which I take daily anyway) was on sale for $5 with $5 Register Rewards. I used a $2/1 coupon I printed from the Nature's Bounty site, thus earning myself $2. I also picked up a box of new U by Kotex tampons for $3.49 with $2.50 Register Rewards. I used a $1/1 coupon I printed from the Kotex site, thus earning myself $0.01. Not a bad day!

Earth Day Deals

2010-04-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are more out there, but here are a few Earth Day deals I've run across:

Target is giving away a free reusable bag with any purchase while supplies last.

Walgreens is selling reusable bags 3/$1

CVS is selling reusable bags for $0.99 each, use your Extra Care card and get $0.99 ECBs, limit 1

Online Surveys

2010-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

I just received a check in the mail for $20 for answering online surveys. Can't beat that! The company is Ipsos Isay. Check it out here.

My favorite deals: the money makers!

2010-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Although this deal is over, I had to share because the money makers make me so happy! Last week, Lowes Foods had Betty Crocker cake and icing on sale for $0.99 each. They also had a Lowes Foods Rewards deal where if you purchased any 4 cakes and/or icings you'd get $2 reward dollars back. In addition, there was a manufacturer's coupon for $0.75 when you buy both 1 cake and 1 icing. So, using 2 coupons, I got 2 cakes and 2 icings for $0.96 total and then got $2 reward dollars back, thus the store paid me $1.04 to take 2 cakes and 2 icings out of the store! YIPPEE!

Celebrate your birthday with freebies!

2010-03-07T15:53:00.001-08:00

Check out this article for places that give you (or your kids) birthday freebies: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108990/the-best-birthday-freebies

Best Time to Buy

2010-03-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this article for the best time to buy different items: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/348/mark-your-calendars-whats-on-sale-when/

Supermarkets vs. Warehouse Clubs

2010-03-04T05:04:00.001-08:00

I read this article this morning about how supermarkets are suffering in the recession but warehouse clubs are doing better (to read the article, click here). It makes me sad because if people knew how much they could be saving by simply using coupons and stockpiling, they would shop at the supermarkets. Don't get me wrong, warehouse clubs have their place. I buy diapers and wipes for my kids there, as well as bread and milk (which rarely have coupons), and gas for my car and my grill. But, I have found that for pretty much everything else, I can get it really cheap or even free if I combine my coupons with the weekly sales ad at my local grocery store. SAVE MORE! That's my motto. I'm happy to share how I do it one-on-one, so contact me if you need some tips.

Re-discovered Kroger

2010-01-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't been to Kroger in a very long time because there isn't one very close to me, but someone gave me a gift card so I thought I'd check it out.

First of all, I'd like to report that Kroger has the best organic produce section of any regular grocery store in my area. The prices were great as was the quality and the selection.

Secondly, this week Oikos Organic Greek yogurt is on sale 10/$10 (but you don't have to buy 10, it rings up at $1 each). There is a coupon for $1/1 in 1/10 SS, which makes the yogurt free. But, even better, is when you buy one a catalina prints for $1/1! So, my first time through I didn't know this and got 4 with my coupons. The catalina printed so I ran back over to the natural foods section and grabbed another one. The total was $0.02 (for tax) and it printed another catalina! So, I got another one, $0.02 total, and it printed another one! Thankfully it was about 8:30am and the store wasn't busy at all. The cashier told me it was probably going to just keep printing them. So, I stopped after getting 6 and decided to leave some for the rest of you all! I came home with another catalina, but it doesn't expire till March 17, so I'll go back another time to use it.

Also, I have one of these catalinas for the same product from Harris Teeter (but didn't have it with me) and the cashier told me I can use that one at Kroger, too!

What a wonderful shopping trip! I will definitely be watching the Kroger ads more closely from now on.

Happy Saving!

Harris Teeter Super Doubles

2010-01-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Went back to Harris Teeter again today and got $50 worth of groceries for $5! I just love saving money!

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Jan 6-12

2010-01-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Great deals at Harris Teeter this week cause they are doubling manufacturer's coupons up to $1.98 face value. That means your $1 off coupons are now worth $2 off and your $1.50's are $3!

On my first trip (I'm going back tomorrow) I paid $23 for $90 worth of groceries! The best deal is on Special K. I got cereal, but the promotion is for any Special K product. The cereal is $2/5 and there is a coupon for $1/2 in the January 3 issue of Red Plum, which makes the cereal $1.5o per box. There is a promotion right now where you get $5 off your order wheny ou purchase 4 Special K items in the same transacation. If you have two coupons you can get 4 boxes of cereail for $1.00 plus tax (for me the total was $1.16), making it a whopping $0.29 per box!

Check out the posts on hot coupon world here for a list of all the great deals and coupon matchups.

Happy Saving!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

My first year of tracking my grocery savings has come to an end. My goal for 2009 was a bit ambitious at $3650 ($10 a day), especially since it was my first year being intentional about saving with coupons and sales, but I ended the year with savings of $3073, which works out to $8.42 a day!

Today I am resetting my ticker to $0 to start tracking my savings for 2010. This year I have the same goal of $3650, and I think now that I'm getting better at saving I'll be able to make it!

So, Happy New Year to all of my readers, and as always, Happy Saving!

Free Nursing Cover!

2009-12-31T16:26:00.001-08:00

Check out www.uddercovers.com. They sell gorgeous nursing covers for $32, but right now use coupon code COUSIN2 and you get $32 off your order, so all you pay is $8.95 shipping!

Restaurant.com 80% off sale

2009-12-31T04:54:00.001-08:00

Restaurant.com is having an 80% off sale right now, but you must hurry. Once a restaurant is sold out, you won't be able to get this price for awhile. At full price, you purchase a $25 off gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice for $10, but right now the price is $2 plus with every purchase you get a $10 Restaurant.com gift certificate toward purchasing more $25 restaurant gift certificates. There is usually a minimum purchase at the restaurant of between $35-50, but it's still a great deal to get $25 off for only $2! A great way to try out new places, or places that are more expensive that you wouldn't usually go to. Anyway, enter promotion code CHEER at the check out to get this great deal!

9 cent photos at Walgreens

2009-12-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

Use coupon code 9CENTS to get 50 or more 4x6 or 4x5.3 photo prints for 9 cents each at Walgreens. Must check out by Saturday, January 2.

Loving Lowes Fresh Rewards

2009-12-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

I am loving Lowes Foods new rewards program, Fresh Rewards. Today I got 2 loaves of Nature's Own bread, 4 cans of Lowes Foods cream of mushroom soup, 1 gallon of Lowes Foods milk, and a box of Little Debbie cake snacks. My total out of pocket was a whopping 6 cents! I had a coupon to get the Little Debbie's free, as well as $10 in Lowes Fresh Rewards which, when combined with sales dropped my total from over $17 to $0.06!

Harris Teeter Triples November 4-10

2009-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter will be tripling manufacturers coupons up to $0.99 face value November 4-10. Hope you get some good deals!

Almost free dinner

2009-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I just had to share because I am so excited. Tonight I made dinner for my family for almost nothing. I used a box of spaghetti noodles that I got free with coupons and a package of frozen peas that were also free with coupons. I cooked the noodles and peas and then tossed them together with some olive oil and minced garlic. Volia! Dinner for the cost of 2 cloves of garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add water to drink and you have satisfied bellies and a really happy cook!

PS - I know there was no protein in this meal, but we had crockpot pulled pork for lunch today so I wasn't concerned. However, had I wanted to I could have added a can of tuna to the meal that I also got free with coupons.

PPS - The pulled pork we had for lunch was another great deal. I put a pork butt that I got for $0.99/lb in the crockpot with a bottle of barbecue sauce that was free with coupons and a little water. When it was ready we ate it on onion rolls that were a great deal early in the summer and I had frozen. Now I have left over pulled pork to freeze for a future meal!

Win a 6 month supply of Kroger ice cream

2009-09-23T07:53:00.001-07:00

Check out the contest here

Free sample of Bear Naked Granola

2009-09-23T07:38:00.001-07:00

Get your free sample of Bear Naked Granola here

Old Navy coupons

2009-09-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Check out this website: www.oldnavyweekly.com. Each Thursday they update the site with new hidden coupons. You have to hunt to find them and there are only a certain number, but it's lots of fun! Coupons this week were $75 off $100 purchase, 15% off entire purchase, $10 off $50 purchase, and more! I like that they make a game out of finding the coupons instead of just letting people print them till they run out. So check it out and happy hunting!

Harris Teeter Triple Coupons Sept. 16-22

2009-09-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter is tripling coupons up to $0.99 face value again.

Mine was out of a lot of stuff, but here are the deals I was able to snatch up:

3 bottles of Tabasco Sauce $1.69 each with coupon = FREE
3 boxes of Uncle Ben's wild rice $1.99 each with coupon = FREE
3 packages of Menot's Gum $1.49 each with coupon = FREE
1 box Barilla whole grain spaghetti $1.49 with coupon = FREE
1 single serve Shamrock Chocolate milk $1.25 with coupon = FREE
1 package Wholly Guacamole $1.99 with coupon = $0.50
1 2-pack Crayola kids toothbrushes $2.99 with coupon = $0.74
1 bag Grande Tortilla chips on sale for $2.50 (regularly $3.49)

Viva single roll paper towels would have been free too, but they were sold out. However, a friend from my mommies group is a cashier there and said they would be stocking tonight and she'd get them for me, so hopefully she can get me three free rolls of paper towels :-)

Total OOP: $4.17
Total Savings: $23.99
Percent saved: 85%

20 free digital prints at Walgreens

2009-08-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Use coupon code 20FREE4ME at Walgreens online to get 20 4x6 digital prints for free. Enter the coupon code at check out and select the "pick up in store" option to get your prints totally free. If you choose to have them shipped to you, they'll be $0.12 each. I don't know when this coupon expires, so use it quickly! Happy savings :-)

Greenpoints

2009-08-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

I just found out that you can redeem those greenpoints that you accumulate when you shop at Lowes Foods for gift cards and merchandise! I always knew you could redeem points for discounts on grocery products (I often use mine on bananas!) but now you can get gift cards to stores and restaurants, and even prizes like camera and microwaves! Check it out at www.greenpoints.com This works for all S&H greenpoints cards.

Freepeats News Story

2009-08-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by ABC 11 News about a website called freepeats where everything is free. Check out the news clip here and then join freepeats!

Don't waste your money!

2009-07-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Check out this article 20 Ways to Waste Your Money I know I'm guilty of a couple of these!

Retail Me Not!

2009-07-30T06:34:00.001-07:00

Buying something online? WAIT! Check out www.retailmenot.com first to see if there's a coupon! The site is searchable by retailer, item or location. And pulls up multiple coupons with percentage ratings on how well the coupon worked for site users. Don't forget to return to the site after you use a coupon to let them know if it worked!

Barter4Kids

2009-07-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has started a new concept to the traditional consignment sale. It's a barter sale. Instead of "selling" and "buying" used children's clothing, you take clothes to trade. You receive a credit for the amount of clothes you bring that you can spend shopping for new (to you) clothes. It's a great idea! Click here to check it out.

Harris Teeter SUPER DOUBLES June 24-30

2009-06-19T09:27:00.001-07:00

As you know Harris Teeter always doubles coupons up to $0.99 face value. Well, June 24-30 they are doing SUPER DOUBLES where they'll double coupons up to $1.98 face value. So those $1 coupons will finally double! Yippee!

Here's a link to the good deals people are posting on Hot Coupon World: http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/harris-teeter/251428-ht-super-doubles-june-24-30-confirmed-master-list.html

Happy Savings!

Harris Teeter triples savings

2009-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

They're doing it again...triple coupons! Today is the first day and it goes till Tuesday at midnight. I plan on making a couple of trips because of the 20 coupon limit. Here are the results of my first trip:

2 bottles Lawry's marinades ($1.64 - $0.50 coupon = $0.14 each)
3 rolls Viva papertowel ($1.94 - $0.40 coupon = $0.74 each)
3 boxes Lipton tea bags ($1.35 - $0.50 coupon = FREE)
2 bottles French's mustard ($1.50 - $0.50 coupon = FREE)
4 6-packs White House all natural apple sauce ($1.77 - $0.60/2 coupon = $0.87 each)
1 small bottle McCormick's pure vanilla (NOT the imitation kind) ($3.39 - $0.75 coupon = $1.14)
3 bottles Mitchum deodorant ($1.98 - $0.75 coupon = FREE)
3 bricks Heluva Good cheese ($2.50 - $0.50 coupon = $1.00 each)
1 Oscar Meyer deli creation sandwich ($2.99 - $0.75 coupn and $1 HT tear off = FREE)

Total before coupons: $56.27
Total OOP: $10.55
Percent Saved: 81%

Osh Kosh Memorial Weekend Sale

2009-05-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the Osh Kosh Memorial Weekend sale and I got a lot of great items! I got a coupon in my e-mail for 25% off $40 or more.

Here's what I got:
3 pairs of socks for $5.26, MSRP $14
1 pair twill cargo pants for $3, MSRP $30
1 pair twill cargo shorts for $4.05, MSRP $18
1 pair sweatpants for $1.49, MSRP $16
1 pair sweatpants for $1.49, MSRP $20
1 pair windpants for $1.49, MSRP $22
1 turtleneck onesie for $1.49, MSRP $14
1 jersey crew neck shirt for $1.49, MSRP $20
1 pair patchwork chino pants for $3.74, MSRP $26
1 pair plaid cargo shorts for 6.75, MSRP $18
1 polo shirt for $6, MSRP $16

I also got a 2-piece set of PJ's that were 50% off so would have cost $10, but when looking over my receipt I found that they didn't charge me for them. I'll have to give the store a call. This tends to happen to me a lot at this particular outlet. Guess they need more attentive employees!

Total OOP: $38.70
Total savings: $195.30
Percent saved: 83.5%

Kraft salad dressing @ Lowes Foods

2009-05-20T16:45:00.001-07:00

16oz bottles of Kraft salad dressing are on sale this week at Lowes Foods 3/$4.98. At Lowes, you don't have to buy all 3, instead they ring up at $1.66 each. There was a coupon for $1.50 off Kraft salad dressing in one of the coupon inserts during the month of May (sorry, I don't remember which one or which week). So, if you combine the sale with the coupon, you get your salad dressing for $0.16 - a penny an ounce!

Happy saving!

"You owe me a nickle."

2009-05-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

"You owe me a nickle." Believe it or not, that's what the cashier at the grocery store said to me last night. A nickle! That was the total sum of my bill. Amazing! Before I got into couponing I never thought I would be able to NOT spend so much money! I was making a quick stop to pick up some Kraft BBQ sauce. It was on sale for $1.29 and I had 3 coupons for $0.75 off one each. At my grocery store, coupons double up to $0.99 face value, so the BBQ sauce was basically free...I just had to pay $0.05 in tax. Yep, that's right $0.05 for 3 18oz bottles of brand name barbecue sauce. Just in time for summer cook outs :-)

Happy saving!

My HT triples deal

2009-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

I just got home from shopping triples at Harris Teeter. I had more than 20 coupons so I had to do two transactions. Here's what I got:

First Transaction
1 package nestle morsels
4 jars ortega salsa
2 packages knorr pasta sides
2 boxes planters big nut bars
1 box muellers multigrain pasta
1 jar mccormick chili powder
1 jar mccormick garlic salt
1 box barilla mini pasta
3 boxes eggo frozen waffles
1 marie calendar's frozen entree

Price Before Coupons & VIC savings: $41.31
Out Of Pocket: $1.70
Savings: 96%

Second Transaction
4 jars ortega salsa
4 packages knorr pasta sides
2 bottles frenchs mustard (the 20oz ones...see next post)
2 boxes planters big nut bars
1 jar mccormick cinnamon
1 jar mccormick paprika
2 bags snyder tortilla chips
3 bags snyder multigrain chips
1 keebler ready-made pie crust
1 package 93% lean ground beef (1.03lbs)
1 box eggo frozen waffles
2 tubs breyers ice cream

Price Before Coupons & VIC savings: $69.06
Out Of Pocket: $14.87
Savings: 79%

Combined Totals
Price Before Coupons & VIC savings: $110.37
Out Of Pocket: $16.57
Savings: 85%

Be sure it's a good deal

2009-05-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

I learned a lesson today. Just because an item is the least amount out of pocket, doesn't mean it's the best deal. I was shopping at Harris Teeter triple coupons event. I had a coupon for $0.30 off of French's mustard (any size), which tripled making it $0.90 off.

Now, they had the 8oz bottles 2/$3 and the 20oz bottles 2/$4. I reached for the 8oz bottle because after the coupon it was going to be $0.60, which was the least amount out of pocket since the 20oz would have been $1.10. But my husband stopped me and said, the 20oz is a better deal per ounce. Yes, it was more out of pocket by $0.50, but it cost me only 5.5 cents per ounce where as the 8oz bottle would have been 13.3 cents per ounce. What a difference!

8oz 20oz
Sale Price $1.50 $2.00
Coupon -$0.90 -$0.90
OOP $0.60 $1.10
Price/ounce $0.133 $0.055

The moral of the story: take your calculator and be SURE it's not only a good deal, but that it's also the BEST deal.

Happy shopping!

The Emotional Benefits to Becoming Debt-Free

2009-04-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

I know things have been hard on a lot of us financially lately. I just came across this article entitled "The Emotional Benefits of Becoming Debt-Free" and reading it helped renew my desire to eliminate debt from my life. Here's the site: http://simplemom.net/the-emotional-benefits-to-becoming-debt-free/

My husband and I took Dave Ramseys "Financial Peace University" course in the Fall of 2007. Since that time we committed to becoming debt free as well as not incurring any new debt. It hasn't been easy and we still have a long way to go, but we are making progress. It's been 1 1/2 years and we've managed to pay off the hospital bills for our first child's birth, pay up front the doctor and hospital bills for our second child's birth, buy a new (to us) car, and take our first vacation in 4 years without using credit cards or accumulating new debt, as well as pay cash for any other necessities during that time. Since our course began in September 2007, we have paid off almost $30,000 worth of debt. And all this on only one fast-food restaurant manager salary. We still have a long way to go, but I am very proud of us and just wanted to encourage others (and myself) that financial freedom is attainable.

I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's class to everyone, regardless of age or financial situation. If you are already debt-free, the class can help you learn how to make your money work for you, and if you are still in debt, he teaches you how to get out and stay out. Here's the site: www.daveramsey.com

Alright, I've renewed my own dedication to financial freedom through this post. I hope that my experience can help others. FREEDOM!

Harris Teeter Triple Coupons April 29-May 5

2009-04-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons again for a whole week: April 29-May 2. Check out this link for a list of great deals

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/harris-teeter/235311-master-triples-list-april-29-may-5-first-post-updated-4-27-a.html

80% off at Restaurant.com

2009-04-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Check out Restaurant.com. You purchase a gift card to a local restaurant for less than the value of the card. Cards usually run $10 for a $25 card, but if you use the coupon code LUCKY by April 30, 2009, you can get a $25 gift card for only $2!

The catch, there is usually a minimum purchase required by the restaurant. I just got two $25 cards and at one place the minimum purchase was $45 and the other was $50. Still, that means I'm paying $22 and $27 for $45 and $50 respectively worth of food. The other fine print: alcohol not include, 18% gratuity added to the bill.

$0.10 digital prints at Walgreens

2009-04-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

50 digital prints for $5 at Walgreens. Enter code FIFTYPIC at checkout. Valid thru Saturday, May 2.

Loving the Grocery Game

2009-04-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am on week 3 of my 4 week trial of The Grocery Game (www.thegrocerygame.com) and I have to say, I'm impressed. I figured since I'm a stay at home mom that I'd pretty much be able to do this all myself for free so why should I bother paying for Teri's List. BUT, I have saved so much more using the list than I would have thought possible. In fact, my first week using Teri's List I saved enough money on my grocery bill to cover the fee for almost 2 years (20 months to be exact)!!! I was floored!

Interested in trying it out? A 4 week trial is just $1...so worth it! Let me know if you're going to sign up so I can send you my e-mail address to put as the referral. Yep, they have a great referral program where you can earn free weeks when your friends join!

Happy Saving :-)

Free Reusable Tote from Rachael Ray

2009-04-20T07:13:00.001-07:00

Check it out: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/marketing/offers/kraft/index.html

Earn money by viewing ads

2009-03-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

I just joined a new advertising group called You Data. It's so easy to set up and it's totally free. Basically, you log on to the You Data website and view ads they have taylored specifically to the personal info you put in your file. For example, since I have small children, I often view ads for things that they need. You don't have to purchase anything and they pay you to view the ads. I've been a member for just a couple of weeks and have already received two paypal deposits for view ads. About $5 just for a few mouse clicks. It hardly takes any time at all. Just log on, click a few ads and you're done.

They also have a great referral program, so if you're interested, please use this link so I can get credit for the referral. http://www.youdata.com/join/greekgeek777

Harris Teeter triples savings

2009-03-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons again. If you haven't made it yet, the sale continues through Tuesday. I made two trips this time. Here's how I did:

First Trip:
2 jars Motts all natural apple sauce
2 boxes Fiber One bars
4 packages Mahatma flavored rice
20 jars Earth's Best organic baby food (not a triples deal, but it was on sale and I had 2 coupons that did not triple)
3 boxes Jolly Time microwave popcorn
1 package Quaker rice cakes
2 boxes Lipton tea bags
1 bottle Wishbone salad dressing
1 package French's fried onions
1 box Planters big nut bars
3 jars Skippy peanut butter
2 bags No Yolks egg noodles
1 bottle Seventh Generation shower cleaner (not a triples deal, but had a coupon and needed it)
2 packages Always panty liners
1 package Halls cough drops

Total before coupons and VIC savings: $76.79
Total OOP: $25.98
Savings: 66%

Second Trip:
3 packages Stride gum
1 package Wrigley's gum
1 bag Mahatma white long grain rice
1 bag Rold Gold pretzles
1 box Quaker granola bars
3 boxes Lipton tea bags
1 jar Skippy peanut butter
4 bottles McCormick grinders (sea salt)
1 pacakage Always panty liners
3 packages approximately 2lbs each, Perdue boneless skinless chicken breasts
2.5lbs bananas
1 large avacado
1 box HT brand frozen waffles
1 bag HT brand frozen french fries
1 4pack Breakstone cottage cheese
1 tub Breakstone sour cream

Total before coupons and VIC savings: $81.78
Total OOP: $26.32
Savings: 68%

Consignment Victory!

2009-03-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the half price day at a local consignment sale and scored BIG! Here's what I got:

19 articles of clothing for my boys including brand names such as Ralph Lauren, Baby Gap, Carters, and Jumping Beans

4 wooden puzzles with all the pieces

1 toddler sized canvas backpack

6 books including 1 children's book in excellent condition published by Usborne Books and 5 parenting books

Take a guess at how much I paid...

$32!!! You just can't beat that!

Now, this sale is already done, but there are many more coming up in the Triangle this year. Just Google "kids consignment sales, raleigh nc 2009" and you'll get a bunch! Don't live in the Triangle? Change it to your city and see what you find!

Happy saving!

HT triples for a whole week!

2009-03-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons up to $0.99 face value for the week of Wednesday, March 25 - Tuesday, March 31. Remember there is a 20 coupon per day limit, but sometimes if you go to a different store in the same day you can get away with it.

There are lists on savvydollar.org and http://www.afullcup.com/forums/harris-teeter/184549-gda-list-ht-triples-march-25-31-confirmed.html with items that are FREE or very cheap.

Happy saving!

Article about my couponing

2009-03-13T10:08:00.001-07:00

Here's the next part of the article they're writing about me. There will be one finaly part next Friday.

http://blog.geezeo.com/2009/03/be-set-up-for-success-part-2/

Some good deals at Lowes Foods

2009-03-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a trip to Lowes and there were a couple of good deals I wanted to mention.

Knorr pasta or rice sides are on sale for 5/$5. With a $0.75/2 Q it makes them $0.25 each. Although, if Harris Teeter or Lowes ever do triple coupons, these are free so you might want to save your Qs.

Quaker mini rice cakes are on sale for 4/$5. With a $1/1 Q it makes them $0.25 each. Since it's a $1 Q, it won't double or triple, so this is a pretty great deal considering the regular price is $2.35 each!

There's also a $0.50/1 instasave coupon on their website for their new line of organic jarred baby food (sniff, sniff, they don't sell earth's best anymore) which is on sale for $0.79 each making 1 jar $0.29.

Happy shopping!

Even the experts agree

2009-03-09T04:37:00.001-07:00

Check out this article: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106677/When-It-Pays-to-Pay

There are somethings you should cut back on right now, but some things you could find room in your budget for. #6 spouts the benefits of comparison shopping and couponing. Get snipping!

$0.10 digital prints at Walgreens

2009-03-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Enter coupon code MARCH at Walgreens check out through March 14 and get 50 digital prints for $5. Additional prints are still just $0.10 each!

Another Geezeo Article

2009-03-06T10:13:00.001-08:00

Here's the next Geezeo article about my couponing. It describes in detail my process from newspaper to grocery store. Check it out: http://blog.geezeo.com/2009/03/be-set-up-for-success-part-1/

Free Del Monte tomatoes at Lowes

2009-03-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

Lowes Foods has Del Monte no salt added diced tomatoes on sale this week for 4/$3 making them $0.75 each. There was a coupon in the paper recently (don't know which week) for $0.40 off one, which doubles making the tomatoes free!

Great deal on ice cream

2009-03-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

I just got a great deal on Edy's ice cream at Food Lion. I was just running in to get some ice cream for dessert and they had a hand written sign on the icre cream freezer that said:

Edy's Ice Cream
Buy 1-2 = $4.99 each
Buy 3 = $3.99 each
Buy 4 = $2.99 each
Buy 5 = $1.99 each
Buy 6 = $4.99 each

So, of course, I bought 5 and paid the same amout I would have for buying 2. Buy 2 get 3 free is a pretty great deal!

For 5 gallons of ice cream and a small container of Reddi Whip whipped cream I spend $12.18 and saved $15!!! That's a 55% savings without even having any coupons!!!

Geezeo article

2009-02-27T06:10:00.001-08:00

Check out this Geezeo article about me and my couponing obsession. http://blog.geezeo.com/2009/02/confessions-of-a-shop-a-holic-part-1/

While you're there, sign up and enter to win $6000 for groceries, to pay down debt, or whatever! See the info at the bottom of the article.

Great diapers, great price

2009-02-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you parents of little ones out there, have I got a find for you! BJ's brand diapers. I know, I know. Store brand diapers are terrible compared to the name brands and the price isn't worth the leaks, but if you haven't tried BJ's, you should! In a moment of desperation I bought a box because they were just so much cheaper than my regular Pampers and there was an additional coupon for $3 off. Just too good to pass up. And boy, was I impressed!

Here's the scoop on BJ's brand diapers. I have an infant and a toddler both in diapers right now. After using 2 whole cases (one in size 1-2 and one in size 3) I can attest that they are just as good as the brands that cost TWICE AS MUCH per diaper! In fact, I only had one leak the whole time and it was because I accidentally put a size 1-2 on my toddler overnight. And he's a heavy wetter! Even with a too small diaper it only leaked a little on his PJ's and his sheets were still fine in the morning.

The diapers are basic, just some butterflies to decorate them, and the tabs are not very stretchy. They feel a little stiffer than other brands, too. But, they're just as soft on the inside where they touch your little one's skin, and they don't have the added scent that other brands use that I absolutely HATE cause it makes my whole house smell like diapers.

A case costs $24.99 for 208 diapers (size 1-2) or 174 diapers (size 3). That works out to $0.12-0.14 per diaper depending on the size, and that's without the occasional $3 off coupons they mail out. Compare this to the $0.25-0.30 you'll pay for Pampers and that a savings of about 50%!

All in all, they are definitely a good bargain diaper because they are just as effective as the name brands but cost much less.

BJ's also sells hypoallergenic scented or unscented wipes. Next time I need wipes I'm going to pick up a package and I'll let you know what I think.

Kmart Asst Mgr refuses coupons

2009-02-26T06:18:00.000-08:00

As if in response to my previous post, I just found this article where an assistant manager at the Cary store refused to complete a transaction with coupons because it was all free. Check it out: http://consumerist.com/5159424/kmart-assistant-manager-hates-your-coupons-will-not-process-your-transaction

K-mart doubles again

2009-02-26T04:47:00.000-08:00

If you're brave enough to darken the door, K-mart is doubling coupons up to $2 face value this week (until Saturday). I'm not going because it's too far a drive for me to deal with the crappy customer service and cashiers who ALWAYS make mistakes with my Q's. Last time I went to doubles, the baby was crying so I was distracted at the check out and the cashier didn't scan one of my coupons. So not only did it not double, I didn't even get the face value and she stuffed it in her little zipper bag never to be seen or heard from again. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this had happened until I got home and was going over my reciept. Grrrrr. I think it's time to make a K-mart boycott vow. "I, Jennifer, do solemly swear never to enter a K-mart again for any reason, even if lured by double coupons and sales."

Pretty successful trip

2009-02-24T07:38:00.001-08:00

I had to run into Lowes Foods today to get produce for the family, but ending up finding some pretty good deals. Considering I didn't have a list or my coupons prepared before I went like I usually do, I think I did pretty well. The bread we like was on sale this week and ending today, so I had to get in before that sale ended!

Here's what I got:
* 6 loaves Nature's Own Honey Wheat bread @ $1.50 each (regularly $2.40 each)
* 4 large jars White House All Natural Applesauce @ $2.00 each (regularly $2.79 each)
* 6 cans Hunts Diced Tomatoes @ $1.00 each with 3 $0.40/2 coupons that doubled making them $0.60 each (regularly $1.34 each)
* 3.53lbs bananas @ $0.69/lb
* 3lbs onions @ $1.99 with greenpoints discount making them $0.48 total
* bag of garlic @ $2.99
* 1.39lbs Braeburn apples @ $1.99/lb
* 1lb bag of whole carrots FREE
* jug of orange juice @ $2.50 (regularly $2.99)

Total spent: $32.67
Total saved: $19.00
Percentage saved: 63%

Walgreens Photo Coupon

2009-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Walgreens is offering 25 free 4x6 prints when you buy 25 4x6 prints now until February 14. Enter code TWICE at check out. If you get exactly 50 prints, it's $4.75 before tax. That works out to less than a dime a picture.

HT Triples Savings

2009-02-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

Here's what I got:
2 boxes honey nut cheerios
2 BC warm delights
2 del monte 50% less salt canned corn
2 mueller pasta
2 4 pack cottonelle toilet paper
2 cans ortega refried beans
2 bottles wishbone salad dressing
2 bottles french's mustard
2 bottles powerade (yup, got my free powerade! thanks for the q's ladies!!!)
1 box celestial seasonings tea
1 tupe colgate toothpaste
1 package smithfield bacon

Total before Q's and HT savings - $61.41
Total OOP - $9.89
That's an 84% savings!!!

Get CVS ECB's for answering surveys

2009-02-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I just found out that CVS has an advisory panel where they will send you surveys occasionally throughout the year and "pay" you for answering them with Extra Care Bucks! You can sign up here: https://www.cvsadvisor.com/ The requirements are that you are 18 or older and you have a valid Extra Care Card. If you don't have an Extra Care Card, you can get one in store for free.

10 Things You Should Never Pay Full Price For

2009-01-27T11:49:00.001-08:00

Check out this article: http://www.eversave.com/mc/3/articles/1080/10-things-never--pay-full-price-for?ref=275901158&zip=27527&sourceid=44355

Milk at BJ's

2009-01-25T05:57:00.001-08:00

After I posted the $2.99/gallon price for milk at Walgreens I was at BJ's (where milk has been $3.09/gallon for skim for as long as I can remember) and it was $2.35/gallon! I couldn't believe it! I bought two so I could stick one in my freezer. Yup, that's right. You can freeze milk. Just empty about 1 cup out first so it has room to expand without bursting the container. Then, when you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge and it's good for about 1 week. Mmmooo!

GDA Walgreens

2009-01-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Walgreens is selling Pepsi 12 packs for 5/$15 this week with a $5 register reward coupon that prints when you make your purchase.

Walgreens has Pet milk on sale for $2.99/gallon, which is the best price I've seen for milk in a long time. Plus, there was a coupon for $1 off 2 gallons Pet milk in the paper either last Sunday or the week before.

When you go to the register, ask to do two transactions. Buy the Pepsi first, get the $5 RR, then buy the milk using your $5 RR and your $1 off coupon and volia! The milk's free!

PS - in case you aren't going to drink 2 gallons of milk before the expiration date, if you take a little milk out of the jug (to allow room for expansion) you can put it in your freezer for up to 6 months (fridge style freezer) or a year (deep freezer). When you thaw it, it's good for about a week.

Happy saving!

It's 2pm, do you know where your money is?

2009-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a new website that is AMAZING! It's called mint.com and it tracks your spending for you. Best of all, it's totally secure and totally free! You add your accounts (checking, savings, investments, loans, everything) and they track your spending, send e-mail and SMS alerts when you go over your budget, and offer suggestions of where you can cut back. I'm having a lot of fun with this website. Can't wait to see where I can save more!

Double Q's at K 1/11-1/17

2009-01-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

K-mart is doubling coupons up to and including $2 face value right now. Got some good deals, but the store was very well picked over. All in all it was worth the trip, though. Saved about 40% off my total bill.

Harris Teeter triple coupons

2009-01-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

Shopped at Harris Teeter today during their triple coupon weekend. Here's what I got:
1 box success rice
1 box quaker instant oatmeal
1 box mueller multigrain pasta
1 bottle powerade zero
1 container argo corn starch
2 tubes colgate total toothpaste
2 tubes crest plus scope toothpaste
1 gum toothbrush
1 oral-b toothbrush
3 braeburn apples
1 organic bos pear
4 boxes eggo waffles
1 box uncrustables
1 box gortons salmon
2 boxes green giant vegetables
1 large tub HT yogurt
1 single serving container shamrock chocolate milk
1 container hillshire farms deli meat

Total before coupons and vic savings: $78.59
Total out of pocket: $19.28
Total saved: $59.31
Percent saved: 75.46%

I LOVE TRIPLE COUPON WEEKENDS!!!!!

Children's Clothing Savings

2008-12-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

I went shopping this morning at an outlet mall in my area that has several children's clothing stores. I shopped at Osh Kosh B'gosh, Carters and Gymboree, all of which were having post-Christmas sales. Because of the sales and the coupons I printed online before I went, I saved approximately 75% off everything I purchased.

Outlet malls usually have VIP clubs you can join, free of charge, that give you access to printable coupons, as well as e-mail coupons and notifications of sales. So, if you live near an outlet mall, or travel near one frequently, check out the mall's website to see if you can get extra coupons. Saving just takes a little bit of planning and every little bit helps!

$0.10 digital prints at CVS

2008-12-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

CVS is offering $0.10 4x6 digital prints (no minimum purchase!) now through January 1, 2009. Go print all those holiday photos with this great offer!

$0.10 digital prints at Walgreens

2008-12-24T04:07:00.001-08:00

Walgreens is offering a special price of $0.10 a piece for digital prints when you buy 50+ by 12/24/08. If ordering online, use coupon code REASON.

Child after my own heart

2008-12-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

My almost 2-year old is quickly learning about couponing to save money. The other day, he found a business card on the ground. He picked it up, handed it to me and said, "Mommy, coupon!" It was just precious!

Double Q's at K

2008-12-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Super K-mart was doubling coupons up to $2 this week! (I'm sorry I didn't post this earlier...today was the last day of it.)

Here's what I got:
1 loofa sponge
1 colgate toothpaste
1 crest toothpaste
1 pkg of 8 Thermacare heat patches
1 pkg of 10 Bic Comfort Twin razors
1 pkg of 20 Tampax tampons
2 pkgs Peanut Butter M&M's
1 pkg M&M Premium (which, by the way, are really good, but taste NOTHING like M&M's)
2 pkgs Chex cereal
3 pkgs Nestle chocolate chips
1 pkg Special K cereal
2 boxes Campbells V-8 soups

Total before coupons: $59.76
Total after coupons: $36.29
Savings: $23.47 or 40%

I love CVS Extra Bucks!

2008-12-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

I cannot say enough good things about CVS Extra Bucks. The Extra Care card is free, like most grocery store cards, and with it you get rewards called Extra Bucks in addition to sale priced merchandise. On Black Friday, they had quite a few things that if you bought them you received Extra Bucks in the amount total to what you paid. For example, a Hershey's chocolate bar was $1 and you received 1 Extra Buck on your receipt.

So, today, I went and got:
1 bottle of vitamins - $10.49
1 Mitchum deodorant - $3.99
5 travel sized shampoos (to donate to my church for a mission trip) - $0.99 each
50 photo prints (that I uploaded and went to the store to pick up) - $0.19 each

Using my Extra Care Card, I got:
$3 off coupon for the vitamins
$1 Extra Care Buck back after purchasing the deodorant
50 free photo prints

I also had a 30% off entire order coupon a friend gave me (her husband works at CVS), and a manufacturer's coupon for $0.75 off the deodorant.

So, after all that my total was around $11, but I had all these Extra Bucks from the Black Friday sale, so after using some (not all) of those, my total out of pocket expense was a whopping $0.67!!!!!

I LOVE Extra Bucks! Each week in their ad, they have items you get Extra Bucks back for purchasing, and sometimes the item is even free after Extra Bucks! In fact, the only thing I don't like, is the Extra Bucks print on your receipt, so you have to keep track of the receipt coupons and turn them in to use them. I'd like it better if it all stayed on the card, but I guess then they wouldn't make any money off those poor souls who lose their receipt coupons.

So, go get an Extra Care Card and start keeping those Bucks!

Black Friday Victories

2008-11-28T12:54:00.001-08:00

Glenn and I went Black Friday shopping for the first time this year. Grandpa stayed with the boys and we were out the door at 3:15am to hit the door busters at Kohls Department Store, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Lowes Hardware. We got home at 6:30am and Glenn rested a bit while I saw Dad off and then got the boys up, dressed, and fed. Then we left again at 9:30am to hit the Outlets. We got home about 1:30pm. That's a lot of shopping, but every gift is purchased and we are DONE! And I mean EVERY gift from family and friends down to the minuscule white elephant exchange gifts. I can't list specifically what we got cause some of you reading this will discover your gift, so all you get is the totals!

This is it...all our Christmas shopping reduced to the grand totals.

Total Spent: $336.96
Total Retail: $704.65
Total Savings: $367.69
A savings of over 52%!

Our best deal percentage wise was, surprisingly, found at the grocery store. I was picking up the final items for Thanksgiving dinner and at the back of the store there was a bin of bargain books. I got a hard cover book for over 80% off retail!

Plus, we came in under budget by $160!!! What will we do with the extra budgeted amount??? Why, after Christmas clearance, of course!

Disclaimer: Some of the gifts were purchased prior to Black Friday.

Geoffrey Beene Going Out Of Business Sale

2008-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Geoffrey Beene is going out of business and everything is at least 70% off! They're last day is December 24, so it's a great place to pick up some Christmas gifts!

Here's what I got (pictured below):
1 pair men's corduory slacks, khaki
1 pair men's corduory slacks, black
1 men's v-neck sweater, blue
1 pair women's stretch slacks, grey
1 pair women's twill slacks, olive
1 pair women's shorts, green
1 women's V-neck, sleeveless blouse, pink print
1 women's hairband, ecru
Total retail price: $323.37
Total spent: $61.73 -- This is 19% of retail, meaning the total was 81% off retail!
Total saved: $261.64

Great grocery shopping trip

2008-11-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

Just returned from Lowe's Foods and got the following items:

2 boxes Progresso Beef Broth
2 boxes Betty Crocker Mashed Potatoes
2 cans Carnation Evaporated Milk
1 bag Pillsbury frozen biscuits
1 box Swiss Miss hot cocoa
1 French's worchestershire sauce
2 boxes Green Giant frozen vegetables
2.93lbs bananas
1 jumbo yellow onion
3 jumbo sweet potatoes
1 bunch asparagus

Total before coupons and rewards: $35.79
Total savings: $21.82 ($6.55 regular coupons, $1.90 double coupons, $13.37 rewards)
Total out of pocket: $13.97

Save money by saving the earth

2008-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Reusable grocery bags are all the rage these days. Almost everywhere you go, stores are selling these bags with their logo. Using just one reusable bag can save up to 6 plastic bags a week....or 24 bags a month....or 288 bags a year....or 22,176 bags in a lifetime!

So, what's so bad about plastic bags? First, there just so many of them. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year. Second is what happens to this litter. Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food. Plus, plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade, which means they break down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest.

There are financial benefits, too! Some grocery stores offer credits for shoppers who use reusable bags. Ever wonder who pays for all those "free" plastic bags? YOU DO! Grocery stores increase the price of groceries to cover the cost of all those bags. Whole Foods will credit your total $0.05-0.10 per reusable bag and Lowes Foods offers 50 greenpoints per reusable bag. Check your local stores to see if they offer any credits.

Want to make the switch? Right now Target is running a promotion to get a free reusable bag (retail price $5.99). You mail back 5 Target plastic bags and they'll send you a coupon for a free reusable bag. Hurry, your bags must be postmarked by November 30. Here'sthe link: http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=retote_offer

Or, if you're crafty, you can make your own reusable bags. Check out this site for 35 different tutorials and patterns: http://tipnut.com/35-reusable-grocery-bags-totes-free-patterns/

So, go save some green, in more ways than one!

Surviving Black Friday

2008-11-24T04:34:00.001-08:00

While I'm not one to get up early and stand in line waiting for stores to open, I know many of you are, so I thought I'd share some Black Friday tips I've read and heard elsewhere.

1) Check out http://bfads.net/ or http://www.theblackfriday.com/ to plan your shopping trip ahead of time. Check store hours so you know what's open when and what time you need to be there to get the doorbuster deals. Then, plan which store you'll hit first, second, etc.

2) Team up with a friend or relative. If there is a good deal you want and two stores, have someone else go to one while you go to the other. You get what you both want from the store you're at and your partner does the same. Then meet later to divy up the goods and reimburse each other.

3) Throughout the year, make a list of items you would like to buy IF they are deeply discounted on Black Friday. Then, check the ads and make decisions on your purchases.

4) Make a list of gifts and pre-shop the day before so you know the layout of each store and exactly where each item is located. Then start with either the most expensive gift, or the one that is most important to purchase.

5) Make sure what you are buying is actually a good deal! Check online stores like amazon.com to compare prices.

6) Hit smaller, less trafficked stores like Ace Hardware and CVS. Less busy, and still great deals.

7) If you miss the deal, check online retailers in the coming days and weeks. You might be able to find the item at the same or just a little higher price.

8) Make a list and don't deviate from it! Get in, get what you need, and get out.

9) Don't stand in line for hours unless you are trying to get electronics.

10) If the store is sold out, always ask for a raincheck. They might give you one and you'll get the item the next week at the BF price.

11) Take your coupons and use them! Make a great price even better.

Seems like the best advices is to plan, plan, plan, and then stick to your plan!

Happy shopping to all and to all a good night :-)

All tips were gleaned from thrifty posters on http://www.savvydollar.org/

Best priced turkey

2008-11-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

Harris Teeter is selling turkeys for $0.29/lb this week, but there is a $25 minimum grocery purchase.

Kroger has turkeys for $0.39/lb with no minimum purchase, but limited to 1 per Kroger card.

Check out smartsource.com for a $1 off coupon for Honeysuckle frozen turkey (on sale at Kroger) or Shady Brook Farms frozen turkey.

If you use the $1 coupon at Kroger, a 10lb turkey would be $0.29/lb same as at Harris Teeter without the required minimum purchase.

So, go gobble up that turkey, but don't let high prices gobble up your money!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Glade scented candles deal at Target

2008-11-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

I got a great deal at Target on Glade Scented Candles (I know what you're thinking, but they're not for me, they're for Christmas presents).

Anyway, here's the scoop: Buy 4 Glade scented candles refills in Christmas scents (apple cinnamon, gingerbread or snow something or other) at $2.50 each ($10 total) and get a $5 Target gift card (the gift card deal is good till mid-December, but the coupons expire at the beginning of December).

To make it better, go to coupons.com and print a $1.50 off 2 coupon (I printed it twice for a total of $3 off). Then from last Sunday's paper (not sure which insert) use the buy 2 get one free coupon (I had two cause I got two papers) to get 2 more refills free!

So, I got 6 refills (3 candles in each refill) for $7 with a $5 card back.

Then, on coupons.com I also found a BOGO coupon for the scented candle holder, which comes with 2 candles, which were on sale this week for $5.59.

So for about $13 I got two candle holders, 6 refills and a $5 gift card...that's a lot of Christmas presents!

Another good deal - in the travel section there are single packs of Mr. Clean Erasers for $0.99 and back in September there was a $0.50 off one any size coupon, so I got 1 eraser for $0.49.

And if anyone is thinking of getting Halloween costumes for next year, they're 75% off right now. The Target in Knightdale has a lot in size 4 through 8 and also 0-9 months. There were several 2T and 3T, but not tons. I got costumes for both kids and spent less than $11.73 (this year I got their costumes used at consignment and spent $13...I thought it was a good deal at the time!!!)

Happy Saving!