Staples deals through 1/21/12: turning rewards into rebates

I finally made it to Staples this morning to cash in on some deals. You have through Saturday to do the same. Pretty happy about my results. Here's what I bought:

• 1 Avery 8160 inkjet mailing labels: $9.99, get $9.99 in easy rebate = FREE. Limit 1.
• 2 HP photo paper 8.5 x 11, 50 count: $9.99, get $8.99 in easy rebate = $1 each. Limit 2. I use these for marketing.
• 2 Staples legal envelopes, 500 pack: $3 each. Limit 2.
• 1 Hammermill copy paper: $6, get $4 in easy rebate = $2.

Because my total was $42 before tax, I used a 15% off coupon they emailed me. That took off $6.30. I had $31.60 in Staples rewards that were expiring in two weeks. So that brought my out of pocket expense down to $4.76 including tax.

I will receive checks in the mail for $9.99, $17.98, and $4, a total of $31.97. Love being able to turn rewards into cash! And I don't need 1000 envelopes, but that was a common request for donations last year. Save green, give green!

Eco-friendly scotch tape: get it FREE!

When I can score a deal that's a green product and I get it for free, I wear a smile all day. Yes, I'm that nerdy. I just stopped by Staples to get all the extreme deals on the front of the flyer for myself and my church. They still had plenty of everything, and the notebooks rang up $.09, not $.19--even better.

My favorite deal was for Scotch magic eco-friendly tape, made from 75% renewable or recycled materials. The dispenser is made from 100% recycled plastic, the back-card is from 100% renewable materials, and the tape is made from over 53% renewable plant-based materials. I'm not sure how they do that, but that's cool. You can also reuse the dispenser and buy refills separately or recycle it through Terracyle. Since our school has just started collecting for Terracycle, I'm jazzed about this idea, which pays the school $.02 for each item. Love it!

So here's the deal: You pay $3.99 and get $3.99 back in Staples rewards to use on a future purchase. Voila: FREE. Limit 1 per customer. Go green, save green, give green!

Decent Staples deals this week

If you happen to be near a Staples this week, there are a few good deals to pick up. You need a rewards card for some of them. I will probably be picking up deals for myself and my church by using both Staples cards and I won't have to pay tax on their purchases. There's a limit per account; not per customer. The deals are either in Staples rewards; pay now, save later through store credit, or Easy Rebates; pay now, they send you a check. Rewards are usually good for 2 months. Here are the deals:

1 Scotch Magic Greener tape: $3.99, get $3.99 in SR=FREE

1 Staples pack of pastel paper 500 sheets: $8.79, get $8.79 in SR=FREE

1 8 pack of Staples writing pads / steno pads: $10.79, get $10.79 in SR=FREE

1 3 pack of Scotch moving & storage tape: $13.99, get $13.99 in SR==FREE

1 5 pack Bic Mark it permanent markers: $3.00, easy rebate: $2.75=$.25

1 4 pack Pentel Wow retractable pens: $2.99, easy rebate: $2.74=$.25

5 2 pocket ply folders: $.25 each

5 Really Useful storage boxes: $.25

2 Staples 70 sheet notebooks: $.19 each

2 Staples memo books: $.50 each

What deals do you think are worth the trip?

Simplified Guide to Beginning Couponing

I recently had someone email me about where to start couponing. Watching a show like TLC's Extreme Couponing can be inspiring, confusing, and frustrating to figure out how they do that. Though I don't consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination, I'm happy to pass along a few tips to get you started.

1. Begin following a couple of coupon bloggers. Knoxville is blessed with a great community of bloggers, each with a slightly different focus. Checking blogs cost $0 and it could save you hundreds. My apologies to anyone I've missed.

• www.bluefrogcreations.blogspot.com (mine of course)
• http://couponkatie.com (check out "the basics")
• www.frugalissafinds.com (check her next workshop or how to book a personal consultation)
• http://couponingincriticaltimes.blogspot.com/
• www.sharingsavingswithyou.com
• www.knoxvilleonadime.com
• http://thriftychristy.com/
• http://knoxmamabelle.blogspot.com/
• http://frugallyfarmingfamily.blogspot.com/
• www.southernsavers.com/ (she's in AL I believe, but she does the complete weekly match-ups for most of the stores)

2. Gather coupons, lots of them. Consider clipping those for products other than those you use in case they might get you free stuff. It's a good way to try new products or donate to local charities, friends, or family. Look in Sunday newspapers, print them online, and contact your favorite store to have any additional coupon booklets sent. Kroger does a great job with this. Ask friends or family for any coupon inserts they'd otherwise throw away.

3. Organize coupons. Don't let the monster binders scare you. You can start with a few envelopes and paper clips. If you get more into it, you'll figure out the method that works best for you.

4. Change your mindset of how you shop. Start by checking out the weekly flyer to see what's on sale. Southern Savers and Coupon Katie do match-ups (pairing the sale price with available coupons to give you the best savings). When you see a good deal for something you buy anyway, stock up. You don't have to clear the shelves or have an excessive stockpile. But it's nice not to HAVE to shop every week and to never pay full price.

5. Don't chase every deal. Start small, use a few coupons, and gain confidence gradually. I try to limit my shopping to one grocery store and one pharmacy a week. I'll go to Target, Earthfare, and Staples each once a month. Make sure you have a rewards card if applicable for every store you frequent.

6. Explore other ways to save in bulk. When strawberries, blueberries, and tomatoes are in season, I pick a LOT and freeze, dehydrate, or make jam or salsa out of them. We also buy a portion of cow and chip away at that over the course of a year. My brother is a hunter; so I have all the duck and venison I want. Three Rivers Market also sells several organic goods by the case.

7. Have a plan and stick to it. Once you know what's on sale, figure out what meals you can make with that. Set a menu for the week and stick to it. Minimize waste by eating left-overs or using extra meat in a different recipe. Reducing your waste is one of the biggest ways to save money. And when you're in the store, resist the temptation to buy anything not on your list. Train your kids to expect that if it's not on sale and you don't have a coupon, you don't buy it.

8. Check out the pharmacy deals. I've learned I can usually save 85-90% on certain items at Walgreen's and CVS. But this can take some time to figure out. Check guidelines for shopping at the local blogger sites. Some stuff you can typically get for free are oral hygiene products, body wash, pain medication, shampoo, feminine needs, and chocolate. I usually do weekly posts called Couponing for Charity to walk you through specific deals.

9. Be realistic. If you're truly buying what you need for your family, you probably won't save 95% in a shopping trip. Be happy if you save 20-40% starting out. You'll figure out where you can save on the deals that are right for you.

Was this helpful? Are you ready to start couponing? Do you still have questions? Ask away.

Couponing for Charity 3/6-12

This always seems to happen: Walgreen's will give us a great week of free stuff where we rack up the register rewards and then follow it with a dull week where there's not much to spend them on. There's always next week.

I will probably wait to shop CVS til Saturday afternoon when I can shop two weeks' sales at once and Walgreen's if it works into my schedule.

CVS:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Since I couldn't find the coupon for the free nail polish, here's my plan:

• 2 Dove Men+Care deodorants (2 for $4, use 2 $2 printables=2 free)
• 1 Reese's cup (free with coupon emailed to me from Facebook; see here for details).

Total due: $0 plus tax

WALGREEN'S:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For pared down lists, go to Coupon Katie or Coupon Mommie.

Here's my plan:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Breathe Right strips (FREE with Walgreen's catalina that printed weeks ago)
• 1 Always dri liners 30-34pk ($2.99, get $2RR, use $.50MC=$.49)
• 2 Pediacare products 4oz ($7 each, use $5 in ad coupon which deducts $10, use $3/2 printable=$.49 each)
• 2 boxes baking soda (2/$1 with in ad coupon)
• Use $2RR from last week

Total due: $.47 plus tax

RRs for next time: $2

Transaction #2

• 1 Always dri liners 30-34pk ($2.99, get $2RR, use $.50MC=$.49)
• 2 Pediacare products 4oz ($7 each, use $5 in ad coupon which deducts $10, use $3/2 printable=$.49 each)
• 2 boxes raisons ($1 each)
• Use $3 RR from last week

Total due: $.47 plus tax

RRs for next time: $2

STAPLES:

Through Wednesday, there are a few freebies after easy rebates to consider, but none are pulling me into the store:

• 1 five pack Pentel pens
• 2 packs of 200 gold paperclips
• 2 boxes envelopes (100 count)
• 2 packs photo paper (50/pack)

KROGER:

I don't see any freebies at Kroger this week, but $.79 for granola bars and $1.08 for Honey Nut Cheerios (stacking e-savers and manufacturer coupons) are good prices. Most charities want granola bars and cereal. Most deals are the same as last week; so if you're looking for ways to donate to Second Harvest, check out this list.

What are your favorite deals this week?

Save big on Marcal at Staples 3/4 only!

I know people can be pretty picky when it comes to toilet paper. Even the most determined environmental couponers draw the line at wanting their favorite plush brands. My husband and I are not that picky about brands and really want to support recycled products in this way.

I've tried the 100% recycled CVS brand and Marcal 2 ply, and I prefer Marcal. Marcal is great about coupns in the paper, where you can save $1 here and there. I just got two boxes of tissues for free with those coupons at Ingles when they were marked down to $1. And you can get 4 small rolls of TP at Earthfare for $.67, but we seem to go through it faster than I can buy it.

So, personally I was jazzed about Staples daily deal today on Marcal TP and paper towels. You can get a case of TP (48 rolls) for $16.99 or 15 rolls of paper towels for $9.99. You can buy multiple cases. Since I have several rewards from buying the products that are FREE after rewards, I decided to buy 2 cases of TP.

My subtotal before coupons was $61.18. The online coupon valid 3/4 only took off $27.20 and I used a $33.20 reward. Since I chose in store pick-up, there's no delivery charge. My tax was $.08 and I paid $.86 for 96 rolls of toilet paper. And I did it from home. Woo hoo!

Anyone else out there by recycled paper products? What do you think about them?

Couponing for Charity 2/20-26

Before I get started, let me remind you about the Knoxville Coupon Fair this Saturday, February 26 from 9am to noon. It's a drop-in, walk-around set-up. So you don't have to be there the whole time. You will have access to some of the savviest coupon bloggers in Knoxville, and they will all be distributing informative hand-outs. I will be sharing tips for the "Art of Free." If you can spare one of the freebies I've helped you get, please bring it to donate. Come armed with your questions, because this is the only day of the year we're all in one room. Best part: IT'S FREE!!!! Still have questions? Gabrielle probably answered them in this post.

Can you believe it's only Sunday and I've already done my shopping for the week?! I shopped at CVS on Saturday to pick up deals from both weeks, stopped by for some essentials at Kroger yesterday, and ran into Walgreen's and Staples today. There are some good deals for sure!

*****UPDATE 2/21: GREAT TARGET DEALS*****

I just saw a series of deals at Target on Coupon Katie's site. Check posts here, here, and here. I'm hoping to get a few of these deals tomorrow:

• Finish Quantum 10ct ($2.50, $1.50 Target coupon, $1 MC=Free)
• Up & Up dental floss-50 yds ($.89, $1 TC=Free) Tip: If it beeps, have the cashier type in $.89.
• Up & Up mouthwash-16.9oz ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Up & Up pantyliners ($.87, $.75 TC=$.12)
• Up & Up ibuprofen-24ct ($.99, $1 TC=Free)
• Up & Up all purpose cleaner with bleach ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Up & Up bleach ($1.47, $1 TC=$.47)
• Up & Up dryer sheets-40ct ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Seventh Generation dish soap ($2.79, $1TC, $1MC =$.79). Using both a Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on the same item is called "stacking."
• Jeans (several on clearance marked $4.98, $5 TC=Free)
• There's also free Wolfgang Puck soup but I'd already printed and used that coupon.

If you have chance to go shopping tomorrow, 2/21, head to Staples for these freebies after easy rebates. It's a "pay now, save later" scenario but it's even better than the rewards deals because they send a check you turn into cash--not store rewards. And the rebates are all done online.

STAPLES:

For a complete list of freebies, go to MoJo Savings. Here's what I bought:

• 2 packs multi-purpose paper ($5.99 each, FREE after rebate)
• 2 packs photo paper ($9.99 each, FREE after rebate)
• 2 Avery address labels (normally $11.99 each, $4.99 for rewards members, should get $9.99 for each, making this a $10MM)
• 1 Pentel pack of pens ($3.79, FREE after rebate)
• 1 Staples mini post-its (normally $5.29, $4.00 for rewards members, FREE after rebate)
• 1 50 pack HP DVDs (normally $28.99, $9.99 for rewards members, $4.99 after rebate)

Total value: $94.01

Total OOP: $65.54 (remember you're still paying tax)

I will receive rebates for $64.73

I'm going to hang onto all this for now; I may donate some at a later time if I see a charity has a specific need.

It's a toss-up for which is the better pharmacy this week. So I'll start with:

CVS:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For pared down lists, go to Coupon Katie or Coupon Mommie.

Since I bought goods for two different weeks, I won't confuse you with my scenario specifics, but here are the best deals this week:

• 2 Colgate Maxfresh or Total Advanced ($2.99, get $2ECB, use $1MC from All You=FREE)
• 1 Gold Emblem jelly beans ($.99, get $.99ECB=FREE)
• 1 Cadbury egg ($.75, get $.75ECB=FREE); valid through 2/22 only
• 4 Mars bars; selected varieties ($.50 each, get $1ECB wyb 4; I used a B1G1 MC which expires today and a CVS B1G1 coupon from the kiosk that took off $.89. So my four were a $.39MM. Even without coupons, they are $.25 each)

WALGREEN'S:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's what I bought:

• 1 RepHresh box of tampons (normally $6.99, on sale for $5.99, get $5, used $1 printable=FREE)
• 1 Dove deodorant ($2.99, $1.99 with ad coupon, used $2 MC=FREE)
• 4 knee highs (normally $.50 each, $.25 each with in ad coupon, total=$1) I bought these as filler items to make the product / coupon ratio.
• Used 2 $2RRs from last week

Total OOP: $2.86

RRs for next time: $5

Total savings: $10

KROGER:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Mommie.

Due to my Eat from the Pantry challenge, I may not make it in this week, but there are a few freebies to grab if you have the coupons: Voskos yogurt, Horizon milk, Colgate toothpaste, Starkist tuna, Mentos gum, and Land of Lakes spread.

The past few weeks have been primarily deals for our family, but here are some items I've added to the stash to donate: 1 pack gum ($1.49, Free after ECB), 4 tubes toothpaste ($15.96, after coupons and ECBs=$2.50MM), 1 feminine hygiene ($6.99, Free after RR and coupon), 4 knee hi's ($2, $1 after coupon), 1 deodorant ($2.99, $.01MM after coupons).

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $29.43

MONEY SPENT: -$1.51 (that's negative $1.51)

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 6 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus, 1 trial size laundry, 6 toothbrushes, 1 baby wipes, 24 post-it's, 2 eye drops, 3 cans soup, 1 body wash, 1 gum, 1 feminine hygiene, 4 knee hi's, 1 deodorant

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $123.07

MONEY SPENT: -$6.05

See you at the Coupon Fair!

Couponing for Charity 1/16-22

Hi, savvy shoppers. Before I post the best freebies of the week, I have to share this short story. I was waiting in line at Walgreen's behind a man who was buying Dawn dish detergent. I noticed he was using the ad coupon; so I offered him a manufacturer coupon for $.25 to use also. You'd think I just handed him twenty bucks. He chuckled, "You aren't one of those couponers who leave the store with them owing you money, are you? Ha Ha!" I looked down at my purchases and said, "Well, yes, I will walk out with more in store credit than what I pay today." His draw dropped again. See how much fun this is?! So let's get to it.

If you want the easiest freebie this week, go to Kroger for free Colgate (normally $2.69, select varieties on sale for $1, use the $.50 coupon; doubled that gives you free toothpaste.) There's no limit to the number of these coupons you can use; so if you have several, stock up. I only had one. For how I saved big on frozen food this week at Kroger, click here.

If you're trying to choose one pharmacy, head to Walgreen's.

For Southern Savers complete match-ups, click here.

For Coupon Katie's picks, click here.

If you have 4 $4 Sinex coupons from last month, here's how to turn them into a money maker. There is a money maker of joint juice drink mix and a free appetite control spray, but I skipped these because they're so specialized. We don't need them, and I try to stick with donations a broader range of people would use. The Listerine deal won't work because the sizes on the sale item don't match the printable coupons. Here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Thermacare heat wrap (normally $2.99, on sale for $2.50, get $2.50RR, use $1 printable=$1MM)
• 2 Breyers ice cream (B1G1 at $6.50)
• Used $5RR and $2RR from last week

Total with tax: $1.72

Total saved: $14.98

RR for next week: $2.50

Transaction #2 & #3:

• 1 Thermacare heat wrap (you must buy them separately to get the register rewards; I'll keep one and donate two. Since this coupon prints multiple times, I could have gotten lots, but 3 transactions were enough for me).

Total with tax: $1.73 each time

Total saved each time: $1.49

RR earned each time: $2.50

So yes, I spent $5.18 and walked out with $7.50 in store credit. :-)

CVS:

For Southern Savers complete match-ups, click here.

For Coupon Katie's picks, click here.

I don't see any freebies to recommend, but I did get 2 Listerine for $.99 each, which I will be keeping.

Staples:

For a list of all the freebies you get with Staples rewards, go to Coupon Katie's post. The list includes pens, post-its, envelopes, writing pads, and address labels. This is a "pay me now, save later" deal. So if you're not likely to keep up with your rewards or you don't want to wait for the reward to arrive in the mail, skip it. However, I find their deals on ink are competitive, and I can usually pair rewards certificates with a deal. If I have time, I'll stop by.

I did get several deals last week, but none were donations. Here are my current totals:

ITEMS I'M DONATING THIS WEEK: 1 toothpaste, 2 heat wraps

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $8.67

MONEY SPENT: -$2

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 2 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $31.11

MONEY SPENT: -$2

Couponing for Charity 9/19-25

Many apologies to those of you looking for last week's Couponing for Charity. I was able to score some great deals, but once again my dog ate some of my deals. Unfortunately, it was chocolate...and then there were incredible messes...which required an extra trip to the pet store for cleaner...After steam cleaning all our carpets, I finally feel like we're back on track. Lesson learned: put your groceries away immediately! Sigh.

This week I'll definitely be heading to CVS, the store I'd pick if you want to try just one. Remember to get these deals, you have to use your CVS loyalty card. You can sign up for one for free in any store. For all the match-ups, see Southern Savers. For Coupon Katie's picks, go here. Personally, I'll be going for the deodorant money maker, the free lipsticks, the free shaving gel, the $.50 oatmeal and maybe Pure Protein bars, tuna, Clorox, and Dove minis. Last week, we got the benefit of an additional $4 savings for spending $20 simply by shopping on specific days. Check local bloggers like Coupon Katie for these types of deals.

Walgreen's has some decent deals and a few freebies. For all the match-ups, see Southern Savers. For Coupon Katie's picks, go here. I'll have to let you know later if I grab any of these deals with an update for both last week and this week.

Finally, Kroger has a decent sale on frozen Green Giant veggies, especially with the new $.50 coupons. Thanks Knoxville on a Dime. Plus the catalina deal gives you $1 back on 4, $2 on 6 and $3 on 8. Make sure you check the e-savers at cellfire.com and shortcuts.com to save even more. Some non-profits do accept frozen foods as donations. And Staples has free post-it notes. Click here for those details.

Printer Ink: How do you save?

A few months ago, when Walgreen's had ink refills for just $1, I decided to give it a try. I've since been very pleased with the refill process (which averages $10 on sale--even for the XL size). I think I've refilled one cartridge 2 or 3 times.

However, yesterday my printer decided this cartridge was "not compatible." Not sure why, but the end result is I can't print.

So I searched online for prices for my cartridge and found Staples, OfficeMax, and Office Depot had the same price. I chose Staples because they have a number of ways to save on ink.

1. I had a 10% coupon mailed to me for being a Staples Rewards member.

2. You earn 10% back in Staples Rewards for any ink purchase.

3. If you spend more than $59 in one visit on ink, you earn $5 in Staples rewards for each cartridge you recycle ($2 if you spend less). I was bummed when I realized I forgot two cartridges to recycle, but they said I could bring them any time.

4. Since I also have a business, they've sent me a coupon that allows me to save $25 on orders of $75 or more. Plus, all orders over $50 are shipped for free. Since one B&W XL and one color XL cartridge for my printer cost $76, I think I'll order ahead.

I'll still try the Walgreen's refills for 1 or 2 times per cartridge, but a couponer needs a reliable printer! How do you save on ink?

Last Call for Back to School / Office Supplies

Though I have no insider information about store sales, I trust the advice of savvy couponers like Southern Savers and Gabrielle at Couponing in Critical Times who say grab the deals of school supplies this week because soon they'll be gone. Southern Savers did an exceptional job of detailing where to get the best deals on every B2S sale. I've hit a few of the sales at various stores since they began running nearly a month ago, and I'm happy to report I've stocked up on school and office supplies for the year. When gathering deals, I encourage you to not only think of your child/ren's lists, but what your household needs, what charities that you support could use, and even what your small business could use. And whenever possible, choose the greener option. Here are some of the deals I snagged today. (Do people still say snagged or am I showing my age?!)

If you're heading to Staples this week, take the 20% off coupon in their weekly flyer. Today at Staples, I got the following deals:

• 2 reams of Hammermill copy paper (will cost $.01 after rebate online--fast and easy); this product is not made from recycled paper, but it is certified with the Sustainable Forestry Initiatve (deal ended today).
• 1 2 pack of Westcott Kleen Earth 8 inch scissors (on sale for $9.99, coupon took another $2 off); the handle is made of 70% recycled plastic; comes with a 10 year warranty--thus better quality.There were cheaper scissors, but I took one for the environmental team.
• 10 black Sharpies for $1.60 total (deal ended today).
• 10 dry erase markers for $1.60 total (deal ended today).
• 6 notebooks for $.01 each (deal ended today).
• 1 Staples calculator for $7.19 after coupon; qualifies as "eco easy" with its solar power.

I'd like to add a comment here about the "high cost of cheap." A few months ago, I was lured into buying a calculator in the clearance bin for just $.50. Who can resist $.50 for a piece of technology?! Within 48 hours, Brooke had slobbered on it and pulled it apart--resulting in now a piece of trash that cost me $.50. I was more upset about the electronic waste that would go into landfill than I was about my two quarters. If you haven't yet seen the Story of Stuff, this is a real eye-opener. Please take a few minutes to watch it.

So after that experience, I decided to spend a little more money for technology that was sustainable and that would endure the rigors of kids. Since my husband is an engineer in the solar field, I feel it's important to support solar any way I can. But I digress.

If you want free pens, head to Target for the Bic 10 pack on sale for $.99. Through a Target $1/2 and a manufacturer's $1/2, you can get two packs for FREE (or print both twice and get four packs for free). There's nothing green about disposable pens, but it's a good item to donate to any charitable organization.

Finally, my frugal shopping the past few weeks has allowed me to be generous with donations that our school is giving to another local school. Note: These are not calculated in my Couponing for Charity. I've gathered 10 folders ($.01 each), 6 notebooks ($.01 each), 2 packs of markers ($.77 each), 2 packs of crayons ($.20 each), and 4 glue sticks ($.10 each) for just $2.50 total. It feels good to give, especially on a budget.

Couponing for Charity 7/18-24 & Update #17

I just posted my deals for charity last week--nearly $36 of goods for one penny (and tax of course)! How great is that?!

This week, I think CVS has the best deals if you want to pick one location. Here are Southern Saver's match-ups. Today I spent $3.15, saved $42.44, and walked out with $11.99 ECB for next time. Half of my savings were from last week's ECBs, here's the break-down:

• 2 M&M pretzyls ($.89 each, on sale for $.50, buy 2, get $1ECB; that makes both FREE; I couldn't find the coupon that made this a MM but oh well; love free chocolate!)
• 2 3 count Expo washable dry erase markers ($4.99, on sale for $1.99 each, used 2 $1/1 printables, making them $.99 each)
• 1 Ivory 3 bar soap ($1.69, on sale for $.99, used $.50 coupon from paper, making it $.49)
• 1 Celsius green tea ($7.99; get $7.99 ECB; used $2 printable here for a $2MM. NOTE: I suspect this coupon could be a fraud because it didn't scan and he had to type it in. I'm very wary of using fraudulent coupons; if I had known, I wouldn't have brought it.)
• 1 Huggies Goodnites ($11.99; on sale for $8.99, used a $2.50/1 printable I printed ages ago. After the $3ECB, these were only $3.49! Limit 1)
• 1 CVS hand sanitizer pen ($1.99; free with coupon they emailed me. Go here to sign up to get your deals.)
• 1 CVS sunscreen ($6.49; used $1/1 coupon that printed from the kiosk. This is my favorite sunscreen and here's why.)
• 1 bag of cheese popcorn ($1.49; ok this was an impulse buy, but I wanted a new snack for the kids this week.)
• I also had a $5 off $30 coupon they emailed as well.

My total before coupons: $32.92

Coupons used today: $14.99

ECBs used from last week: $16.97

Total spent including tax: $3.15

Total saved: $42.44

Total ECBs earned for next week: $11.99

I haven't decided if I'm going to Walgreen's this week. The toothpaste and pen money makers might draw me in, but I'm not sure yet. For Southern Saver's match-ups go here. Staples also has more deals--including $.01 glue--but I may not make it there either.

UPDATE 7/20: I did make it to Kroger today and picked up some good deals for charity. I also picked up some of their mega-deals for us but forgot to mark four of them somewhere between yelling, "Stop hitting your brother" and "Get back here; no running in the store!" Here are the free hygiene items I scored:

4 Crest toothpaste ($2.59, on sale for $1, used 4 $.50 coupons which Kroger doubles=FREE)

2 Oral B toothbrushes ($2.69, on sale for $1, used 1 $2/2 coupon=FREE)

1 Suave deodorant ($2.06, on sale for $1.50, mega sale takes off $.50, used 1 $.50 coupon that doubles=FREE)

If I hadn't been so eager to use my Ivory soap coupon at CVS, I could have made $.50 on 3 bars at Kroger: on sale for $1, the $.50 coupon doubles, and a $.50 esaver from PGesaver.com gives you a profit. Can't win 'em all!

TOTAL PRODUCTS TO DONATE THIS WEEK: 4 toothpastes, 2 toothbrushes, 1 deodorant

TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTS: $17.80

TOTAL SPENT: $0

TOTAL PRODUCTS TO DONATE TO DATE: 10 pens, 2 multi-purpose eye solutions, 1 shampoo, 2 feminine care, 1 pack of napkins, 1 pack of paper, 4 toothpastes, 2 toothbrushes, 1 deodorant

TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTS: $53.72

TOTAL SPENT: $.01

What are your favorite deals this week?

Couponing for Charity Update #16

I'm a little behind in my posts--ok a lot behind, but I'll get there. To keep all the math correct, I decided I should total all my bargains LAST WEEK and then post the good finds I got at CVS today in a separate post. These aren't all the deals I got--just the ones I'm donating. The values represent the non-sale prices.

CVS:

10 pack of Papermate pens ($1.99; free after ECB)

1 Biotrue lens cleaner ($2.99; free after ECB)--There is a $2 printable I saw after my trip, but there were no more products on the shelf today.

1 Complete multi-purpose solution ($10.99; free after ECB; couldn't find the coupon for this.)

1 John Frieda shampoo ($6.99; free after coupons and ECB--I bought 2 and kept 1)

2 CVS pantyliners ($1.98 each; free after ECB)

I kept the free scissors.

WALGREENS:

I got some good deals here too, but I'm keeping them all.

KROGER:

1 500 count Dixie napkins ($3.99, on sale for $1.49 with mega deal, used a B2 plates, G1 napkin free coupon attached to the plates. After coupons, I got all three items for just $.50! I'm keeping the plates and donating the napkins. These aren't a green product, but sometimes the deal wins out.)

STAPLES:

1 500 count multi-purpose paper ($6.99, on sale for $4.99, only $.01 after easy rebate. I bought 2 and kept 1. I wish they were made from recycled paper, but oh well.)

I got the $.01 pencils and the $.01 folders as well as lots of other deals for a buck, but I'm keeping those.

TOTAL PRODUCTS TO DONATE THIS WEEK: 10 pens, 2 multi-purpose eye solutions, 1 shampoo, 2 feminine care, 1 pack of napkins, 1 pack of paper

TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTS: $35.92

TOTAL SPENT: $.01

Since this is the first batch of products for the next charity, we'll keep the totals separate. Maybe towards the end of the year, I'll total all the products, costs and savings. Having fun yet?

Couponing for Charity 7/11-17

Miss me? I'm back! I didn't want to publicize that I was going on vacation, but we just returned from a wonderful trip to the CT shoreline with family. I have lots to share and will get to those in future posts, including Bobby's first fish and his first visit from the Tooth Fairy!

For the bargain shoppers, it's already time to save on back to school products. Remember even if your child may not need some of these supplies, non-profits can always use office supplies. I recommend heading to CVS, Staples, and Walgreen's TOMORROW if you get a chance.

If you only have time for one store, I'd recommend CVS. For all the CVS match-ups, click here. For Coupon Katie's picks, click here. Through 7/13, you can get 10 free pens and a free pair of scissors. Other deals include free multi-purpose solution (I can't find the coupon that makes it a $2MM), two free bottles of John Frieda shampoo (it's worth wading through the steps to get 2 $2.50/1 coupons), and two free packs of CVS pantiliners. And I'll admit I'm going to get the Neutragena wrinkle treatment ($5MM with rebate this week only)--I'm not getting any younger!

Staples has several dollar deals for supplies, but how can you pass up the penny deals good through 7/14? You can get $.01 pocket folders (limit 10), $.01 pack of 8 pencils (limit 2), and 500 sheets of multi-purpose paper for $.01 (after easy rebate; limit 2). There's also a $5 off $30 purchase coupon here.

For all the Walgreen's match-ups, click here. For Coupon Katie's picks, click here. As for Walgreen's, there are no great freebies this week, unless you count the SalonPas hot patch noted by Coupon Katie. I may stop in to get dry erase markers ($2 for 4 or I'll see if the Expo washables are on sale to use the $3/6 pack in the July coupon book), a few mini highlighters for $.09 each, and Penway memo books (5/$1 with the extra coupons you can print at the end of the flyer online).

And while you're grabbing the best deals in town, Kroger is having a decent mega event (save $5 on 10 select items). I'll be stocking up on cheese for sure.

Once I've made my trips and have my totals, I'll publish another update. Happy shopping!