Good Sam Savers 3/11/12 - 3/17/12 **REVISED

****Update 3/11/12: Having just gone to CVS, I am proof that couponing is full of surprises. Even after years of shopping at pharmacies, I learned something new today: Not all CVS stores carry the same items, even those advertised. I figured if they advertised a product, they all carried it, right? No.

This was the case in Pampers wipes, 60 count. The CVS I usually visit on Middlebrook Pike only sells the large Pampers refills ($8 plus), but the one on Kingston Pike / Cedar Bluff does sell the 60 count box. The significance of this is that not only could I not get the Pampers deal at the first store; they wouldn't give me a raincheck. Bummer. So for the sake of research and getting diapers at a low price for my parishioner, I ventured 10 minutes out of my way. So save yourself some time, and go to the one on Kingston Pike / Cedar Bluff. Even if they're out, they will give you a raincheck.

Also I realized the candy and peanuts deal really wasn't so hot. I'm sure we'll get better deals closer to Easter. So sit tight.

***Original Post: I am blessed to be a member of The Church of the Good Samaritan. It's an Episcopal Church on Cedar Bluff Rd. in Knoxville tucked back in the woods. We have lots of ministries and ways we try to serve others, but we are a relatively small church. To stretch our dollars further, I'm encouraging our parishioners to use coupons paired with sales. To make the process simpler, here's how to get two deals this week at CVS (deals begin Sunday, March 11 and run through Saturday, March 17). You must have a CVS card to get these deals. See me at church if this is confusing.

Diaper Rotation:

• Pampers deal: Spend $30, get $10ECB; limit 1.
• Buy 3 packs of diapers for $9.50 each (the little boy we're supporting is currently in size 5) and 1 box of wipes (60-64 count) for $3. Use 2 $1.50 printables, 1 $2 coupon from home mailer, and 1 $.75 printable on wipes. If you don't have the $2MC, you could buy 1 smaller size and use a different $1.50 printable for Swaddlers or use a $1 coupon from the most recent P&G insert. Diaper Love is always accepting donations.
• Total OOP: $25.75, get back $10ECB, makes all four items $3.94 each.

Easter Egg Hunt:

• Hersheys / Kraft deal: Spend $15, get $5ECB; limit 1.
• Buy 3 packs of Hershey's miniatures at $3 each. Use $2/3MC.
• Buy 2 Planters peanuts 16oz at $3 each. Use $1.50/2MC.
• Makes all 5 items: $1.30 each.
• Use $10ECB from diapers transaction.
• Total OOP: $1.50, get back $5ECB;
• Donate the chocolates and keep the peanuts for snacks.

You can save your $5ECB for another trip or spend it to earn more ECBs on Zyrtec and Pedia Care.

For links to printable coupons and a more thorough list of deals, go to Southern Savers.

Best deals through 3/10/12

I'm happy that it's Tuesday morning and I have all my shopping done for the week. It's not a great week, but I managed to save some $.

KROGER:

I went to Kroger on Sunday: spent $257.30 and saved $120.62 (33%). That was high for me but I skipped shopping last week and I hope to go 10 days before shopping again. And at least I now have over 250 fuel points. See my blog on how I save on gas here. There were no freebies, but I would recommend a few deals:

• 2 Honey Nut Cheerios (17oz): $2.24, used 2 $.50 printables = $1.24 each. Since you can only use two printables per product each day and I had 3 coupons (all expiring that day), I gave one to a man in the cereal aisle. His comment: "Are you some kinda coupon angel?" ;-)
• 6 Chex mix: $1.50 each, get $3 catalina when you buy 5. Used 2 $.50 printables and 2 $.40/2MC. All doubled to give me $3.60 in savings. After catalina, each bag was $.40.
• 6 Fiber One: $2.49 each, get $3 catalina when you buy 5. Used 2 $.40 printables and 2 $.50/2MC. All doubled to give me $3.60 in savings. After catalina, each box was $1.39.
• 2 Larabars: $.99 each. Used B1G1 e-saver from Kroger.com to make them $.50 each.
• 3 Silk almond milk: $2.99, used 2 $.75 printables = $2.24. I had also loaded an e-saver that should have taken $.55 off the third, but it didn't.
• Seapack popcorn shrimp (a treat): $3.99 (half off), used $.75 MC = $3.24.

WALGREEN'S:

Here's what I bought.

Transaction #1:

• 1 Colgate Total 4oz ($3, get $3RR, used $.75MC = $.75MM)

Total paid: $2.53

Total saved: $1.24

RR earned: $3

Transaction #2:

• 1 Walgreen's nasal mist 4.25 oz ($5, get $5RR=FREE)
• Used $3RR from Tr#1

Total paid: $2.46

Total saved: $5.99

RR earned: $5

Transaction #3

• 1 Colgate Total (same as above)
• 2 Lysol tub sprays (2/$5, get $1RR, used 2 $1MC expiring 3/6/12=$1 each)
• filler item from clearance wrack: $.05
• Used $5RR from Tr#2

Total paid: $1.04

Total saved: $15.76

RRs earned: $3, $1

Transaction #4

• 1 Walgreen's nasal spray (same as above)
• 1 lollipop made in the USA (filler, couldn't find any more $.05 deals): $.59
• Used $1, $3RRs from Tr#3

Total paid: $2.11

Total saved: $6.99

RR's earned: $5

Transaction #5

• 2 Star Wars figures (raincheck price: $11.49, B1G1, used B1G1 printable = $.75 each)
• 2 Lysol all purpose cleaners (2/$5, get $1RR, used $1/2 MC = $1.50 each; coupons expire TODAY)
• 1 travel size Gold Bond lotion filler: $.50

Total paid: $2.57

Total saved: $19.46

RRs earned: $1

Though I usually don't want to walk out with a RR, I'm hoping to use it for two more Star Wars figures before my coupon expires on Sunday. Let me know if you see any.

CVS:

It wasn't a big day for CVS, but I did get a raincheck and I had a nice chat with the clerk about how she can save money through coupons too.

• 1 Gold Emblem jelly beans ($.99, get $.99ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 2 Softsoap bar soaps 4pack (2/$7, get $5ECB, use 2 $1.50MC=$1MM); limit 1. The shelves were cleared but I got a raincheck. Hopefully they'll restock before my coupons expire on Sunday.
• Used $1ECB from previous trip (she rang it up as $.99)

Total paid: $.09

Total saved: $1.19

ECBs earned: $1, $.99 (for green tag)

Have you gotten the coupon bug yet?

Good week for Lip Balm

This year I've decided to get more selective of which deals are worth the time and effort. So I'll only be posting about those. This week is a good time to snag (do people still say "snag"?!) lip balm. Here are two deals to consider:

CVS:

Buy 4 Nivea lip balm for $2.50 each. When you spend $10, you get $5 ECB. Use 2 $3/2 coupons from yesterday's paper or 1 $3/2 and 2 $1 printables. That makes all four either free or a $1 MM. Tip: Since this will probably be a popular deal, get a raincheck if they're out. The coupons are good for another two weeks.

Walgreens:

Eos all natural lip balm is $2.99, get $2 RR. That makes them $.99 each. Personally I like these retro-looking round containers but they do take up room in small compacts. I don't see any other great deals at Walgreen's this week. So you might be better off saving your RRs for next week. And remember if you want more than one, you need to buy them in separate transactions, and you can't use one RR to buy another because the rewards won't print.

Happy New Year and Happy Savings!

Kroger's new coupon policy

Once again the couponing community is abuzz about changes to coupon policies. This time it's Kroger in the Cincinnati / Dayton area that has new limitations, but it's likely a policy that will spread to other areas quickly. If you want to feel the steam rising off couponers' computers, check out some of the threads from their Facebook page.

Coupon Katie breaks down the basic changes like this:

• A limit of no more than five paper manufacturer coupons for the same product. This seems to be an effort to keep products on the shelves and prevent “extreme” buys. I think I like this change and some manufacturers (like P&G) are already placing limits on the number of like coupons you can use.

• A limit to two internet coupons per manufacturer per customer per day will be accepted. This is interesting, in our area (Knoxville) it is a limit of two of the same internet printable coupons (which is logical because the print limit is usually 2 per computer) This however is per manufacturer. I am sure this is an effort to stop fraudulent use/copying of IP’s.

The changes obviously come on the heels of TLC's Extreme Couponing where we watch people clear the shelves and get crazy savings like 97%. Of course they don't actually buy real food like bananas, bread, or milk. Last night there was a woman who got 240 tic tacs for free, thus "saving" hundreds of dollars. "We like to put them in our stockings," she said. Great! Then get a few packs and move on. YOU don't need 240 tic tacs; so leave some for others and stop pretending like you're feeding your family with tic tacs!

Since I've seen a sharp increase in cases of empty shelves, I'm all for setting limits. However, this new policy may be a little too tight on the second point. I'm already limited to two internet coupons per product because I only have one computer. However, now I have to make sure I don't have two internet coupons per manufacturer. So I wouldn't be able to use more than two printables for General Mills cereals, even if they were different types of cereal. That doesn't seem fair.

Also, my friend Gabrielle at Couponing in Critical Times buys food for her church's food pantry. She does two transactions: one for herself and one for the church. She can even save some tax for their purchases with their tax ID card. Would she be limited to the deals she can get because she's the same individual? That's not fair either. She should be allowed to shop for both.

Finally, if you ever feel sorry for the stores because of couponers, don't. The store gets their money back from the manufacturers. You save $1 with a coupon, Kroger gets that dollar from whoever decided to print the coupon. They're not losing money. The only case where they might lose money is that they double coupons $.50 or less, a practice I sure hope doesn't change. The way I see it, it's another enticement to have us come to their store instead of a competitor--just like why they put certain items on sale every week. It's business.

What do you think?

Couponing for Charity: where, oh where did you go?

Hi there, faithful followers. For those who have been checking weekly for my Couponing for Charity posts, I apologize if you've been disappointed. I've backed off a bit from couponing lately for a number of reasons.

A. The deals just aren't as plentiful as they were a year or two ago. The stores have realized that a lot more customers are into couponing and have perhaps scaled back on the goodies they offer.

B. The deals are often scooped up by other eager couponers before I typically make my rounds Tuesday morning. There's nothing more frustrating than scanning the blogs, gathering the coupons, trekking to the store and not being able to buy anything. Even if I get a raincheck, the goods are often not restocked before my coupons expire.

C. The demands of my family pull me in other directions. Coupons always take a backseat to my family time.

D. TLC's show Extreme Couponing has given the rest of us a bad name and have made hoarding an acceptable practice. Not ok!

E. When my local Walgreen's was robbed at 2:00pm on a weekday, I started questioning whether getting a good deal was worth a threat to my safety. I hope this was a random incident, but you never know.

So I decided to only post when the compelling deals worked for me personally. Hopefully this will serve as a good test of when couponing might work into your busy schedule as well.

My favorite store for deals is by far CVS.

For all the match-ups for 10/2-8, check out Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, check out Coupon Katie or Real Housewives Clip Coupons.

Make sure you sign up for a free $2ECB by pledging not to be a money trasher. It will be emailed to you. The videos are clever. I liked the mousetrap one best.

And before you begin any trip at CVS, scan your ExtraCare card at the kiosk for extra coupons. Today I received an unexpected $1.50ECB and $.50 off M&Ms I was already planning to buy. Woo hoo!

So here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

5 packages of M&Ms harvest mix (make sure you're getting the right kind; not all M&Ms qualify). Each package was $2.50; spend $12, get $5ECB.

• Used $1/2 MC, $1.50/2 printable, and $.50 CVS coupon noted above. The pretzyl M&Ms do not qualify; so I couldn't use the $1 coupon.
• Also used $1.50 and $2.00ECBS noted above and $4.79 in ECBs from previous trips.

Total spent: $2.04

ECB earned: $5

Total savings: $18.74

Transaction #2

2 Oral-B satin floss ($3 each, earn $2ECB when you buy 2, used 2 $2 MC=both free); limit 2

2 Reach toothbrush two packs ($3.99 each, $4ECB when you buy 2, used 2 $2 printables=4 toothbrushes for free); limit 2

• Also used $5ECB from previous transaction

Total spent: $2.27

ECBs earned: $6

Total savings: $19.58

WALGREEN'S has some deals this week but they continue to frustrate me with not having goods in stock or the register rewards not printing properly. Unless I really need their deals, I pass.

KROGER has good deals on meat this week but not much for the couponer. With one exception:

• Clif and Luna bars are on sale for $1. I have a $.50 coupon for Luna bars and several catalinas for Clif bars, including $1.50/4 and one free bar. I'll be stocking up.

One final note on couponing and helping others. Despite my frustrations, I continue to seek out sales and stock my charity pile whenever I can. There are several members of my church who regularly give me coupons and I'm hoping to have a lot to contribute to our Stuff a Stocking drive near Christmas. Thanks to them, it's a team effort.

Also, I continue to take the coupons I won't use to the Karns Library. I hear that many people look forward to gathering coupons from that and it's a fun way to share the savings. I encourage you to do the same at your library or throughout the stores you frequent. Happy Couponing!

Couponing for Charity 7/10 - 16

Maybe it's just a summer thing, maybe we're in the midst of a slow sales cycle slump, or maybe TLC's Extreme Couponing has changed the couponing scene for everyone. Whatever the cause, I'm lamenting that lately there just aren't as many great deals as I'm used to seeing. Fewer deals for my family and fewer deals for the charities I've been supporting.

However, I have found a few deals I'll try to pick up this week.

CVS:

For all the savings, check out Southern Saver's match-ups.

For a pared down list, check out Coupon Katie.

Here's my plan:

• 1 Complete Multipurpose solution 12 oz ($7.99, get $7.99 ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 1 Balance Bar ($1.69, get $1.69 ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 2 Raison Brans ($2.50 each, $1 ECB wyb 2; use 2 $.70 printables =$1.30 each); limit 1
• 2 Colgate toothpastes 4oz ($1.66 each, use $1.50/2 CVS kiosk coupon and 2 $.75 MC=$.16 each. If I can find the $1 coupons, they're free.)

WALGREENS:

Here are all the Southern Saver match-ups.

Here is a pared down list from Coupon Katie.

I doubt I'll go into Walgreen's this week, but if I did, here's what I'd get:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Hyland's natural teething gel--a great gift for a baby shower ($5, get $5RR, use $1 printable=$1MM)

OOP: $4 + tax

RR earned: $5

Transaction #2:

• 1 W Womens 6 Blade Razor System ($3.99, get $3.99RR=FREE)
• 1 GUM 200 yards floss ($2, get $2RR=FREE)
• Use $5RR from previous transaction

OOP: $.99 + tax

RRs earned: $6

KROGER:

Click here for all the match-ups from Southern Savers.

It's another mega-sale; so lots of deals other than what I've noted here, but these are the freebies I see.

• Colgate ($.99; use $.75 - $1 MC=Free to nearly free). Tip: If you don't want to deal with ECBs and RRs, this is a great way to get free toothpaste.
• Pringles ($.85, use $.50 MC, doubled = FREE)
• Mars & Nestle bars ($.50, use $.50/2 MC or $1.19/2 e-saver=FREE)

What are your favorite deals?

Couponing for Charity 6/26-7/2

As I've mentioned before, I'm going to begin limiting my trips to Walgreen's because I don't feel they have the best deals right now. My CfC posts will reflect the deals I think are best for me, but you should check the match-ups to the other bloggers to see if there are other deals that entice you.

WALREEN'S:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie or Knoxville on a Dime.

I did stop in briefly to use my last RR expiring today for a dollar. I got three poster boards for $.09. Here's an idea if you have the appropriate coupon:

• Transaction #1: Buy 1 Reach floss or toothbrush ($2.99, get $2RR, use $1 MC=FREE)
• Transaction #2: Buy 6 poster boards (normally $.99 each, 3 for $1 with ad coupon). You can use your RR from the first transaction and just pay tax: $.18. Tip: I did not have to use the coupon because they rang up $.33 each, but have it handy just in case.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie or Knoxville on a Dime.

I will be heading to CVS Tuesday - Thursday because I'm expecting an additional 20-25% savings coupon in my email by Tuesday morning. I'm not sure if it's off one item or the total; we'll see. I had signed up for it last week. Tip: I tend to post deals like this on the Knoxmoms Momshare message board for future reference.

I have a number of items with rain checks I hope to get in addition to this week's deals.

• 1 Rephresh tampons-18ct ($6.79, get $6.79ECB, use $1 printable=$1MM). Tip: I've heard tampons are good to keep in first aid kits for things like nosebleeds. Limit 1.
• 2 Huggies Snug & Dry ($9, $4ECB wyb 2, use 2 $2 MC=$5 each). If you buy a small Huggies wipes, you can qualify for $3 with Saving Star. There's also a $.50 wipes coupon. Limit 1.
• 2 Wisk bottles ($7.49, b1G1=$3.75 each, use 2 $2 MC. Bonus: $1 will be credited to my Saving Star account. So each will cost $1.24. If they sell out, make sure o ask for a rain check.
• I have about $10 in ECBs that will minimize my OOP.

There are additional deals on Dove or Degree if you have enough coupons or can get the printables to print. You can also get Mennen Speed Stick for free with a coupon from CVS Reinventing Beauty magazine. Since this costs $1, I haven't invested in it yet. Maybe next month.

KROGER:

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

It's another mega-event, but I didn't see any freebies to note. If there are deals that interest you, I'd shop before the end of the month, as some of those coupons will expire. Ronzoni is $1 again if you haven't already used all your $1 coupons. You could also print $1/2 to get some for $.50.

Not a lot to donate this week, but Couponing for Charity isn't just about freebies for others. It's ways to save for your family so that you can be more generous for others. What deals did I miss?

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 5/8-14

I'm winding up another group of items to donate and this time, they're going to help victims of the tornado. We recently drove through parts of East TN that were severely impacted: roofs off houses, tractor trailers wrapped around each other, trees flattened. It was humbling to see the effects of mother nature. There are several local groups gathering goods for tornado victims; Coupon Katie and Frugalissa Finds list a few. I will be taking mine to Faith United Methodist Church because I know Gabrielle will make sure it gets to the right people!

If you're going to pick one store this week, I'd head to Kroger. Water is in high demand right now and Kroger has two ways to get free to cheap water through the mega sale (prices reflect savings once you buy 10 participating items).

KROGER:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

• Deer Park 3 liter ($.49)
• Propel Fitness Water 24 oz ($.49 each, use $1/2 MC=2 FREE)
• Nivea men's body wash ($2.49, use $3 MC=$.51 MM)
• Reach toothbrush ($.49-$1 depending on your store; use $1/1 or $.50/1 that doubles MC=FREE toothbrushes)
• Carefree pantyliners ($1, use $.50 MC that doubles=FREE)
• Scotch Brite Green sponges ($1.49, use $1/1 printable=$.49)
• Ronzoni pasta, most varieties ($.49, use $1/2 printables=FREE pasta. You can only use 2 like internet coupons per day, per customer. You can use two of each kind since they have different numbers on the validation code. So you can get up to 16 free boxes of pasta a day. They may not need them for the tornado victims, but someone will want them.

WALGREEN'S:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

If you can find the infant care coupon books at Walgreen's, I would definitely recommend getting the Pampers deal to donate to tornado victims. Baby goods are in high demand. I have not been able to find those coupons, but Coupon Katie found them in Fountain City. Check out this good scenario for Pampers wipes and diapers.

The Cottonelle deal is also still going through 5/15. 12 rolls of TP for $2 is a good deal!

You can also get free toothpaste, toothbrushes, and body wash after coupons and RRs.

CVS:

This is a snoozer week at CVS. I say skip it and save your ECBs for future sales.

TARGET:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

You can get free infant toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, and Tums.

Once I do my shopping this week and can go through some receipts, I'll update my totals.

Thank you to all who are following these posts and for donating what you can, when you can.

Couponing for Charity 3/13-19

It's Spring Break in East TN for every school I know. Shopping with kids (especially all three of mine) can be stressful. So do what you can and don't worry about the rest.

CVS:

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

Last night I did my CVS shopping for two weeks in one trip. You can do that each Saturday after about 4pm at non-24 hour CVS stores. I spent $5.01 (mainly tax), saved $55.16 and left with $18 in ECBs! Here's what I bought:

• 2 Dove Men + Care deodorants (last week's deal, $2 each, used 2 $2 MC=both free)
• 1 king size Reese's cups ($1.69, coupon took off $2=$.31MM; coupon expires 3/13)
• 1 Tena ultra thin pads ($9.99, get $9.99, used $2.50 printable=$2.50MM); limit 1
• 2 Crest toothpastes ($3.49, $2.50ECB, used 2 $1 MC=2 FREE); limit 2
• 1 Dial Nutriskin lotion ($4.99, get $3ECB, used $2 MC which expired yesterday; I think there's a $1MC in today's paper=FREE)
• 2 Purex 3-in-1 sheets ($3.99, used 2 $3 MC=$.99 each)
• I also used $15.58 in ECBs from previous trips

Total before coupons: over $42

Total after coupons, before tax: $1.55

Total with tax: $5.01

ECBs for next time: $18

WALGREEN'S

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

I have $13 in RRs expiring in a few days. So I will be buying a few items I might not normally get but are nice to have in the stockpile. The best deals are towards the top:

• 2 Irish Spring deodorants ($3 each, $4RR wyb 2, use 2 $1 printables=2 FREE)
• 2 Right Guard deodorants or body wash (B1G1, use B1G1 MC from 3/13 paper=2 FREE)
• Welch's grape jelly: $1.50
• Pringles ($1.50 with ad coupon, use $1/2 MC=$1 each)
• Band-aids or Red Cross products starting at $2.99; get $3RR wyb $10 of products. There are several coupons that will take off $.50 - $1 each.
• Filler items if needed: Scotch mailers: $.34 each with in ad coupon

KROGER:

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

This is the week to stock up on pasta. With the mega sale (buy 10 qualifying items, save $5), you can get all types of Ronzoni pasta for free. You can use printables (up to 2 per kind) and from the paper. You can also get Annie's organic mac n cheese for $.49 a box--a great price. I'll be stocking up again. You can also get 4 free Pure protein bars with 2 B1G1 printables and 2 $1 printables. All these are excellent to donate.

Second Harvest sometimes accepts pasta, but double check. It's still not clear on their website if they are accepting food donations or where they want them brought. If you know, please leave a comment. Please consider passing along some of your freebies to those in need.

MOST RECENT ADDITIONS TO DONATE: 2 deodorants (normally $4.79 each), 1 Tena pads (normally $12.49), 2 toothpastes (normally $4.79 each).

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $31.65

MONEY SPENT: -$2.50

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 12 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus, 1 trial size laundry, 8 toothbrushes, 1 baby wipes, 24 post-it's, 3 eye drops, 3 cans soup, 2 boxes soup, 1 body wash, 3 gum, 3 feminine hygiene, 1 adult hygiene, 4 knee hi's, 3 deodorant, 2 ibuprofin

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $201.15

MONEY SPENT: -$13.21 (that's negative $13 plus)

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 1/30 - 2/5

Thanks for checking in to see my recommendations for which freebies out there are worth picking up for charity. Some good deals you may keep for yourself, but it's nice to share good coupon karma.

First of all, for some deals, you'll need to shop tomorrow 1/31 because of expiring coupons. However, I think the best deals this week at Walgreen's do not require you run out immediately.

Walgreen's

For the complete match-up list, go to Southern Savers.

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

I won't be getting the Natrol Melatonin because it's a specialized medicine--donations I don't feel comfortable giving. I also don't plan to get the glucose monitor because the rebate probably involves me cutting up the box, thus making donating impossible. And for some reason, I didn't get the SS insert today with the Icy Hot coupon. Ugh! Since I did pick up 2 $2RR's last week, here is the scenario I'm planning:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Arnicare pain relief gel--I may need this after my triathlon training ;-)--($6, get $6RR, $2 printable = $2MM)
• 3 Russell Stover chocolate hearts ($.29 each with ad coupon)--my filler items
• Use 2 $2RR

Total due: $.90 plus tax

RR's earned: $6

Transaction #2:

• 1 Blink eye drops ($8, get $8RR, $1MC=$1MM)
• 4 Butterfinger snackers ($.39 with in ad coupon, 2 $1/2 printables = $.44MM. Make sure you give them the printables first to avoid beeping.)
• 2 Advil ($5 each, buy 2 earn $5RR, $3 Walgreen's catalina from previous trip, $2 off a number of varieties=FREE)
• Use $6RR from Tr.#1

Total due: $5.56 plus tax

RR's earned: $8, $5

Transaction #3:

• 1 Blink eyedrops
• 2 Russell Stover chocolate hearts
• Use $5RR from Tr.#2 (Remember, you can't use the $8RR and generate another one.)

Total due: $2.60 plus tax

RR's earned: $8

If all goes as planned (but does it ever?), I'll spend $9.06 plus tax and have $16 in register rewards to use the next two weeks.

CVS

For the complete match-up list, go to Southern Savers.

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

Since there are no freebies this week, I would typically skip it, but for the first time in a year, I have $12ECBs that will expire before I can roll them into more great freebies. For that reason only, here is my plan:

• 2 Aussie styling products ($6, get $2ECB, B1G1 coupon=$.50 each)
• 3 Special K cereals (3 for $10, get $4ECB, B1G1 printable and $1/2MC=$.56 each)
• 1 Olay body wash ($6, get $2ECB, $2MC=$2)
• 1 Olay moisturizer (B1 body wash, G1 moisturizer=FREE)
• Use $12ECBs

Total Due: $.67 plus tax

ECBs earned: $8

If they're out of some of those items, I'll buy valentines at $2.50 each.

Since I stocked up last week at Kroger's mega sale (where I got 6 free toothbrushes for charity) and there's nothing much new this week, I'm skipping it altogether. But if you haven't gone, there are some good deals.

Kroger:

For the complete match-up list, go to Southern Savers.

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

In addition to 13 different items under a buck, I found two money makers:

• 3 Hunts tomatoes ($.49 after mega sale, $1 e-saver, $1/3 from All You magazine = $.53MM)
• 1 Pampers wipes ($1.49 after mega sale, $1 e-saver, $.50 catalina from a previous trip = $.51MM because Kroger doubles up to $.50)

Here are my updated totals from the past two week's trips. Last week CVS was a bust and I only got pull-ups at Walgreen's.

ITEMS I'M DONATING THE PAST TWO WEEKS: 1 single Tide detergent load from Target ($.97, $1MC=$.03MM), 6 toothbrushes (normally $2.49 each, FREE with coupons and mega sale), 1 Pampers wipes (normally $2.29, $.51MM after coupons and mega sale)

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $18.20

MONEY SPENT: -$.54

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 2 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus, 1 trial size laundry, 6 toothbrushes, 1 baby wipes

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $49.31

MONEY SPENT: -$2.54