Best Deals of 4/22-28

In preparation for my couponing chat tomorrow night at the Volunteer Ministry Center, I compiled this list of what I think are the best deals this week. I don't normally tout Ingles as a great place to save but this week their deals beat out Kroger hands down. Here are my favorites. For all the match-ups and links to printables, go to Southern Savers or Coupon Katie.

Ingles: (It’s a great B1G1 sale but you do NOT have to buy 2 to get the listed ind. price).

• Jennie O turkey franks 12oz: $.84
• Del Monte canned vegetables 14.5 – 15.25oz: $.67
• Honey Maid graham crackers: $2.15. Use $1/2 printable = $1.65
• Sarah Lee honey wheat bread 20oz: $1.48. Use $.55 from 4/14SS = $.93.
• Laura Lynn old fashioned oats (great for homemade granola or granola bars) 18oz: $.88
• Nissin Big Cup Noodles: 2.82oz: $.29. Use $1/3 from 3/18SS=FREE
• Annie’s organic mac n cheese: $.99. Buy 2 and submit for free year’s prescription to Organic Gardening magazine. See Coupon Katie for details.
• McCormick seasonings: $.44. Use $1/2 or $.75 = FREE. They may have to type in $.44 if coupon beeps.
• Weber marinades: $.56. Use $1/2 = $.06.
• Ragu sauce: $1. Use $.50 = FREE. Ingles doubles 3 under $.50 coupons for every $10 you spend.
• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes: $2.09. Use $.50 printable = $1.09.

Kroger:

• Dawn 9oz (smallest size): $1. Buy the hand renewal variety, use $.50 coupon from 4/1PG = FREE.
• Free Kroger reusable bag: Go to Kroger.com and login. Enter the “Design a Reusable Bag” contest and create your own. You can then load a free grocery bag to your Kroger card (may take 24 hours) and pick it up on your next shopping trip.

CVS:

• Buy 3 Hallmark Cards (excludes boxed cards and clearance items), get $3ECB. Buy 3 cards priced at $1.49 each and use $3/3 CVS printable = $1.53MM. Limit 1.
• Blink Tears (.5oz) or Gel Tears (.34oz): $8.99, Get $8.99ECB, Use $1 printable = $1MM. Limit 1.
• Dream Water Snoozeberry Dietary Supplement (2pk): $5.79, get 5.79ECB = FREE. Limit 1.

Walgreen’s:

· I-Cool + D Menopause Relief tablets (45ct): $10, get $10RR. Use $2 coupon from 2/19RP = $2MM.

· U by Kotex sleek tampons (18pk): $3.99, get $3RR. Use $1 coupon from 3/25SS or printable = FREE.

· Psoriasin Psoriasis Relief (.75oz): $5, get $5RR = FREE.

Target:

• Ortega seasoning mixes single packs: $.65. Use $1/2 printable = $.15 each
• Ortega taco shells (10-12ct): $1.35. Use $1/2 printable = $.85 each.
• OxiClean laundry stain remover trigger spray: $2.79. Use $1.50 Target printable coupon AND $.50 coupon from 4/22SS = $.29! or buy the gel stick for $2.99, use both coupons and pay just $.49.
• Market Pantry pasta and sauce: $1 each. Use $1/2 pasta and sauce Target printable = $.50 each.
• Mossimo scoop neck or V-neck pocket tee: $6. Use $3 Mossimo Target printable = $3.
• Starbucks coffee (11oz): $7.99. Use $2 Target coupon and $1.50 manufacturer’s printable = $4.49 each.

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?

Best deals through 2/11/12

It's not a great week for deals IMO but I still managed a few deals. Here are my favorites.

CVS:

• 1 Zarbees childrens cough syrup (I even like this stuff): $6, get $6ECB=FREE; limit 1.
• 1 M&Ms medium size: $2.50, used $1MC from All You = $1.50.
• 2 Hershey's bliss 9.6oz: $6, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You and $1 CVS coupon printed at kiosk = $1 each. We're planning to put these on valentines.
• Used $6ECB from previous week

Total OOP: $6.84

Total saved: $18.26

ECBs for next time: $6, $2, $1 (green tag)

Walgreen's:

• 3 kids aquafresh: $.99 each with ad coupon; limit 3. (It pains me to buy toothpaste, but this is the kids' favorite and they're running low.)
• Star Wars action figures: Of course they were out of this deal, but I got a rain check. Surely they will restock within the next month. I plan to buy 4 and put them in easter baskets. Deal: B1G1 at $11.49 each. Use 2 B1G1 printables (max value of $9.99 each). Get 4 action figures for just $2.98!

Total OOP: $3.24

Total saved: $4.50

Kroger:

I wasn't that impressed with the quarter back promotion, but I did get these deals. You have to buy at least 4 participating items and you save $.25 on each item in the form of a catalina off your next purchase.

• 3 Zatarains rice mixes: $1 each, used $.50/3 printable that doubled. Got $.75 catalina = $.41 each.
• 4 Knorr rice sides: $1 each, used 2 $.50/2 MC that doubled. Got $1 catalina = $.25 each.
• 1 Duncan hines cake mix: $1.25, used $.35 MC that doubled = $.55.

The bulk of my shopping were items I needed that weren't necessarily great deals. Real couponers will own up to the fact that it's not realistic to save 90% off your shopping trip to feed your family well. But I did save a total of $61.13 (24%).

What are your favorite deals this week?

Good pharmacy deals through 2/4/12

After two snoozer weeks of pharmacy deals, I was finally excited to get back to Walgreen's and CVS this week. Most of these deals are good through 2/4, but some coupons expire 1/31--TODAY. For those who find the process confusing, I'll lay out what I bought. Note: I let several customers go before me between these transactions. Always be courteous when doing multiple transactions.

Walgreen's:

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

Transaction #1:

• 1 Blink eye drops: $8, get $8RR, used $1.50 printable = $1.50 MM

OOP w/ tax: $7.24

Total saved: $5.49

RR earned: $8

Transaction #2:

• 4 Pringles: 4 for $6, get $2RR, used $1/4 MC expiring 1/31 = $.75 each.
• 2 Breyers: B1G1 at $6.49 = $3.25 each
• Used $8RR from Tr. #1

OOP: $4.46

Total saved: $17.49

RR earned: $2

Transaction #3:

• 1 Blink eye drops: $8, get $8RR, used $1.50 printable = $1.50 MM
• 3 Campbells soups: $.79 with ad coupon; limit 3, used $.40/3 MC = $.66 each.
• Used $2RR from Tr. #2.

OOP: $7.39

Total saved: $8.29

RR earned: $8

Transaction #4:

• 2 Breyers: B1G1 at $6.49 = $3.25 each
• 3 Old El Paso taco shells: $.99 each--no coupon required, used $.60/3 printable = $.79 each.
• Used $8RR from Tr. #3.

OOP: $1.59

Total saved: $18.09

No RRs to keep up with.

Total spent: $20.68

Total saved: $49.36

I love that I was able to use a money maker to pay for staples I got cheaper than at grocery stores. It IS possible! You might also consider the deals on Dove and M&Ms. I'm hoping there will be even bigger savings closer to Valentines Day.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's an example that nothing goes completely as planned, but sometimes the honest consumer wins out.

Transaction #1:

• 2 Speed Stick deodorants: $1.99 each, used B1G1 coupon in 1/29 paper. Note: The coupon rang up for a savings of $3.98. I brought this error to their attention (should have been $1.99) but she said that's how the computer scanned it and there's nothing she could do.
• 2 Colgate Total toothpaste: $2.74 each, used $1 and $.50 MC and 2 $1 CVS coupons found in the Reinventing Beauty magazine. Tip: They did not have any magazines left, but they did have a stack of coupons from them on the front counter. I asked if I could have two and they said fine.
• 1 Irish Spring body wash: $3, used $1 MC from 1/29 paper. Because these five participating products were more than $12 before coupons, I qualified for $6ECB, making all five products FREE after coupons.
• 1 Hershey's Reese's egg: $.87, get $.87. This ECB did not print. So she had to manually print one for $1. This deal may be good only through today.
• 3 American Greeting card: $.99 each, buy 3, get $3ECB=FREE.
• Used $5.75 in ECBs from previous trips.

Total OOP w/ tax: $3.12

Total saved: $22.44

ECBs earned: $6, $1, $3 = $10

Transaction #2:

• 6 Puffs Plus with lotion 68ct: $88. each, used 2 $.25/3 MC; one expired 1/31; one expired 2/28 = $.80 each
• Used $4 ECB from Transaction #1.

Total OOP: $1.18

Total saved: $8.76

ECBs remaining: $6

This is week two of the Kroger mega event. I found some good deals but no real freebies on things I regularly buy: almond milk, no nitrate hotdogs, orange juice, Moms Best cereal, pizza, and canned tomatoes. I spent my budget for two weeks at once and then chose not to shop this week, but I saved $168.52 (41%).

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Was this post overwhelming? Helpful? Did it make you want to coupon or ditch the idea completely?

Great deal on Blue Diamond almond milk

After learning my oldest was allergic to cows milk and after seeing the health benefits to my youngest with limiting her dairy all together, we've become a family devoted to almond milk. We like the generic brands as well as Blue Diamond or Silk, but when you can get the others cheaper, we go for it.

Here's a way you can really save on Blue Diamond milk this week at Kroger.

• Buy 4 Blue Diamond half gallon milks. Make sure you have 6 other mega deals (I recommend Annie's mac n cheese for only $.69 or Campbells cream of mushroom soup for $.49 each).
• The mega deal price will be $2.49 each.
• If you have the $.55 or $1/2 coupons, use those.
• At check-out, you'll receive a catalina for $4 off your next shopping trip (valid for two weeks only).
• That makes them $.94 - $1.49 each, a great deal for sure.

Catalina ends 11/6. If you buy 2, you get $.75; buy 3 you get $1.50 off your next order. It's definitely worth buying 4.

Kroger's new coupon policy is now active in Knoxville

I just returned from Kroger (saving 46% woo hoo) and learned the new Kroger policy that had been put in place in other markets three weeks ago is now in effect in Knoxville. The key differences are:

1. They will now only take two internet printable coupons per manufacturer per customer per day. It had been per product; now it's by manufacturer.
2. You can use no more than 5 like paper coupons. This should help with shelf clearing.

My cashier today said they were only taking two internet printable coupons period, and when I said, "Oh, no, no, no" she confirmed with a manager I was right. So if you can find the policy to print out, do so and put it in your binder.

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 7/3-9

This post will be short because there aren't many freebies this week that I've found. Normally I would have skipped this week, but my son had an allergic reaction to something and I was out of kids benadryl. What a score that it was on sale too and with my ECBs from previous trips, I only paid tax. Here's what I bought:

• 2 CVS Kids Benadryl generic (B1G1 50% off: $4.69 and $2.34--cheaper than the Walgreen's version even not on sale)
• 2 Oral B Cross-Action toothbrushes ($3, get $1ECB for each, Use B1G1 MC and $2 MC=$1MM. Tip: Give them the $2 coupon and then the B1G1 to avoid beeping.) Limit 2
• Oral B Pulsar toothbrushes are free too but they were out; I got a raincheck for 2. There were still plenty of the manual toothbrushes.
• 1 Hershey bar (free with a coupon printing at the kiosk; love it!)
• Used $8 ECB from last week.

Subtotal: $.03

With tax: $.98

ECBs for next time: $2

Walgreen's has a deal on the Oral B toothbrushes too, but the CVS deal is better. Nothing else was enticing enough for a trip. I didn't see any freebies at Kroger or Target either.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!

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?

Couponing for Charity 6/19-25

As I mentioned in my last post, I will be making some changes to Couponing for Charity. So here are the deals I see worth mentioning this week. I already shopped CVS last night to take advantage of two weeks of deals in one trip (and to get my raincheck for the Zyrtek money maker), but I'll only mention the deals you can currently get.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

The deals I got:

• 1 Bliss chocolates ($5.99, get $5.99 ECB, used $1 MC=$1MM; limit 1)
• 1 Power Bar Energy Bites 2.6-3oz ($2.49, get $2.49 ECB, used $1 MC from free sample=$1MM; limit 1)
• 2 Colgate toothpastes ($2.79, get $2 ECB, used 2 $1 MC=$.42 MM; limit 2)
• 1 Irish Spring deodorant ($2.99, get $2 ECB, used $1 MC=FREE; limit 1)
• 1 Pull-ups ($8.99, get $1 ECB, used $3 printable=$4.99; limit 1)

KROGER

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

It's the second week of a rather unimpressive sale. There are two freebies I hope to pick up though:

• Pure Protein Bar ($.99, use 1 $1 printable and 1 B1G1 MC=2 FREE)
• Speed Stick men's deodorant ($.99, use 2 $.50 printables that will double=2 FREE)

I'm skipping Walgreen's this week. How about you? Which deals did I miss?

Couponing for Charity 6/5-6/11

Yes, it's Wednesday and I'm just getting around to posting about this week's best deals. So is life caring for three kids full-time and no school! I think there's just one place to head this week for deals: CVS. Kroger's sale is the same as last week (still free pasta) and the few deals I wanted at Walgreen's (Starbucks ice cream and Sobe life water) weren't there when I popped in today. It's not worth my time trying multiple stores.

CVS:

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

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

Since the shelves were already clear of some of the deals, I asked for a raincheck. Most of my coupons are good through the end of the month. So I have time to get more deals on future trips. Here's what I did get at CVS:

• 1 Oral B Pulsar toothbrush (normally $6.49, on sale for $6, get $3ECB, use $3 MC from 6/5's P&G insert=FREE; limit 2)
• 1 Crest Pro Health 1 liter mouthwash (normally $5.89, on sale for $4.50, get $2.50ECB, used $2 MC from 6/5's P&G insert=FREE; limit 2)
• 1 Colgate Maxfresh toothpaste (normally $3.29, on sale for $2.79, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You magazine = $.21 MM; limit 2)
• 1 Goodnites (normally $11.49, on sale for $8.99, get $2ECB, used $3 manufacturer's printable on any Huggies diapers and $3 CVS savings that printed at the kiosk=$1!!!!!; limit 1)
• I also used $8.99 in ECBs from previous trips.

Total OOP: $3.35

Total Saved: $25.87

ECBs for next time: $9.50

Other good deals they were out of:

• Excedrin Extra Strength 8ct ($.99, get $.99, use $2 CVS printing at kiosk=$2MM; limit 2)
• Ivory 3 bar pack ($.99, use $1 MC=FREE)
• Colgate 360 toothbrush (same deal as above; normally $3.29, on sale for $2.79, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You magazine = $.21 MM; limit 2)

What I'll be donating: 1 toothpaste, 1 power toothbrush

Value of items: $9.78

Total spent: -$.21

If you've made it to the bottom of this post, I have a question for you: Are these posts helpful? Do you find all the deals on your own anyway? Do you find value in my continuing them or would you rather I post about other things? Just wondering.

Couponing for Charity 5/29-6/4

Yesterday I ran out to Walgreen's and CVS because I had RRs and ECBs expiring this week. Though it's not a GREAT week, there were deals that were worth my while. Walgreen's is probably the better store if you have to pick one. For the best deals shop Monday or Tuesday.

WALGREEN'S:

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

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

Here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

• 3 Kids Aquafresh ($.99 with flyer coupon, used 3 $1/1 MC--exp. 5/31=3 FREE)
• 1 Icy Hot all natural cream ($.99, get $.99RR, used $1/1 MC=$1 MM)
• 1 Nabisco triscuits ($2, get $2RR Sunday and Monday only=FREE. Note: The shelves were bare of Crackerfuls but they allowed this to be part of the deal.)
• 1 Goody's powder ($1.50, get $1.50RR=FREE)
• Used $3RR from previous trip

OOP: $1.14

Total Savings: $14.17

RRs earned: $.99, $2, $1.50

Transaction #2:

• 1 Ritz crackers (same deal as above=FREE)
• 1 IcyHot cream (same deal as above=$1MM)
• 1 Ecotrin 45 ct ($.99 with flyer coupon, used $1.50MC=$.51MM)
• 4 Reynolds Wrap foil 70ft ($1.99, used $1MC=$.99. Offer good Sunday and Monday only)
• Used $1.50RR from above.

OOP: $5.03

Total Savings: $20.68

RRs earned: $2, $.99

Transaction #3:

• 1 IcyHot cream (same as above)

OOP: $.09

Total Savings: $1.99

RR earned: $.99

CVS:

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

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

Here's what I bought:

• 2 Snickers bars ($.50 each, buy 2, get $1ECB=2FREE; limit one; any Mars chocolates)
• 2 Pantene conditioners ($3.49 each, buy 2, get $2ECB, used $3/2 MC exp. 5/31=$.99 each; limit 1)
• 1 Preparation H wipes ($3.99, get $3.99ECB, used $2/1 printable=$2MM; limit 1)
• 1 Pampers EZ-ups ($8.99, get $2ECB, used $1.50MC-exp. 5/31=$5.50; limit 1)
• Used ECBs from previous trips: $10.54

OOP: $5.85

Total Saved: $25.13

ECBs Earned: $8.99 ($1, $2, $3.99, $2); I could have split the transactions to reduce my OOP this trip even more, but I know I'll spend these ECBs within the next month.

KROGER:

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

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

I won't make it to Kroger for a few more days, but I will aim to get the following:

• Ronzoni Garden Delight pasta ($1, use $1/1 MC and printables=FREE)
• Pepperidge Farm cookies ($1.99, use $1 MC=$.99 each)
• Band Aids 20ct ($1.90, use $.50MC=$.90)
• Santa Cruz organic lemonade ($1.25, use $.75 printable = $.50)

Items I'll be donating this week:

• 2 IcyHot naturals (normally $1.99, $1MM)
• 1 Goody's powder (normally $1.99 I think, $1.50, FREE)
• 1 Ecotrin (normally $3.49, $.51MM)
• 1 Preparation H wipes (normally $4.69, $2MM)

Value of goods: $14.15

What I paid: -$4.51 (that's negative $4.51)

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.