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 of 4/15-21

Next week I will be giving a couponing workshop to some fabulous ladies--some participants in the Volunteer Ministry Center program and some mentors from the Church of the Good Samaritan where I attend. I hope to not only "give them fish" (some of my good deals acquired through couponing) but "teach them to fish" (give them the knowledge to do this themselves.) To me, the concept of couponing doesn't get more rewarding than this. Some of this post will be directed to them (hoping they will score a few deals as well), but I hope all will glean something of value. Here are my favorite deals this week: April 15 - 21.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

• 1 NatuRelief chewable natural pain medicine, 30 count: $8.49, get $8.49 ECB, use $1 MC = $1MM; limit 1.
• 2 Colgate Total: $2.99, get $2ECB, use 2 $1 printables = 2 FREE; limit 2.
• 1 Depend Silhouette 3 count: $3.99, $2ECB, $2 printable and $2 CVS printable = $2 MM; limit 1. Tip: If you've already used some of these coupons, the kiosk will probably kick out a $1.50 savings as well.
• 2 Act total care sensitive mouthwash 18 oz: $3.99 each, get $1ECB, use $2 MC from today's paper = $.99 each; limit 2.
• You can also get 25 free photo prints; details here.

WALGREEN'S:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's how I got lots of freebies and used the rewards to pay for an ink refill for my printer. Gotta print more coupons!

Transaction #1:

• 1 Similasan nasal allergy spray (all natural): $6, get $6RR, used $1.50 MC = $1.50MM.
• 2 Nivea face wash for men: $7 total, get $2RR wyb 2, used 2 $2 MC from Sunday's paper = $.50 each.
• 3 Aquafresh for kids (my boys' favorite): $2 each, used 3 $1MC from Sunday's paper and $1 from April Walgreen's coupon book (automatically took off $3) = 3 for FREE. Tip: To do this, I needed only one extra filler item.
• 1 hand sanitizer: $.14 found in clearance bin
• 1 Charlie Brown eraser found in clearance bin: $.10
• Used $1.50 RR from last week

Total Spent: $8.02

Total Saved: $25.33

RRs Earned: $6, $2

Transaction #2:

• 1 Similasan nasal allergy spray (all natural): $6, get $6RR, used $1.50 MC = $1.50MM.
• 2 Purex 18 count ultra packs: B1G1 at $5.99, used 2 $1MC = $1.99 each. Tip: This form of detergent might be more convenient for those at the VMC.
• 1 Charlie Brown filler: $.10
• Used $2RR from Tr.#1

Total Spent: $7.71

Total Saved: $15.37

RRs Earned: $6

Transaction #3:

• 1 HP ink refill: $12.99 Tip: I always buy the XL cartridge because the cost of the refill is the same and you get three times the ink. You can refill them multiple times.
• 1 Charlie Brown filler item: $.10
• Used 2 $6 RRs from previous transactions.

Total Spent: $2.30

Total Saved: $13.89

So for a little more than I would have paid for the ink refill (what I really needed), I got 2 allergy sprays, 2 face washes, 3 tubes of toothpaste, 1 hand sanitizer, and detergent for 36 loads. Not bad!

TARGET:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

I'm hoping to pick up deals on tank tops, coffee, shampoo, and tweezers (should be free!).

KROGER:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

It's a leaner week for deals; I'll just be picking up the essentials for my family.

I hope you are able to find deals for yourself and for others. If you have questions, leave a comment or email me. Spread the good coupon karma!

Walgreen's deals 1/8-1/14

Yes, I'm late to posting this week, but hopefully this will help some of those procrastinating couponers. Usually if the good deals are still there by Tuesday (when I went), you're in luck through Saturday. For my needs, I found Walgreen's has the best deals this week. I got more than $80 of goods for $34 and used all my register rewards in one trip. I do my best NOT to hang onto RRs, since you never know if good deals are on the horizon.

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie. By the way, keep Katie in your prayers and meditations today. She's having baby #4!

Here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Tylenol Precise heat patches (3 ct): $5.99, get $3RR, used $3 printable = FREE.
• 1 Reach floss: $2.99, get $2RR, used $1 printable=FREE. Tip: Make sure you print two of these coupons for free floss at some point. Kroger, Target, and Walmart will probably have the standard floss on sale for $1, but the Walgreen's sale is for the Total Care plus Whitening kind--love that.
• 2 Colgate Total 4oz: $3 each, get $4RR, used 1 $1 MC and 1 $.75 MC = $.25 for both.
• 50 photographs when they had the 25 free prints promotion (1 set for me, 1 for my church): $0

Total Spent with tax: $10.62

Total Saved: $19.23

RRs Earned: $3, 2, 4

Transaction #2:

• 3 Delsym: Spend $20, get $6RR. $8.99 each. Used 1 $1 MC and 2 $1 printables = $5.99 each. Tip: These are usually $10 at Kroger and they seem to work the best for our family's coughs.
• 3 Essential kneehis: $.29 each with ad coupon. This was my filler item to use RRs from previous transaction. Plus, they make good donations.
• Used $3, 2, and 4 RRs from Tr.#1.

Total Spent w/ tax: $18.42

Total Saved: $20.57

RRs Earned: $6

Transaction #3:

• 1 Tylenol heat patch (see above)
• 1 Reach floss (see above)
• 1 protein bar: $1.89, get $2RR = $.11 MM
• Used $6RR from Tr. #2.

Total Spent: $1.85

Total Saved: $13.00

RRs earned: $3, 2, 2

Transaction #4:

• 4 Purell 8oz, bonus 2oz travel size attached (woo hoo!): $3.99, B1G1 Free, Used 2 $1 MC and 2 $1 printables = $.99 each. Hand sanitizer is a frequent request by teachers and those seeking donations. Even the generic brand is rarely less than $1.99; so this is a great deal.
• 2 Dove minis, 10.5 oz bags: $3 each, used $1/2 from Walgreen's January coupon book and $1/2 MC = $2 each. This will be fun to tape onto valentines.
• 3 Essentials knee-his (as above for filler).
• Used RRs from Tr.#3: $3, 2, 2

Total Spent w/ tax: $3.22

Total Saved: $26.03

No RRs to keep up with.

If you found this post helpful or have questions, please leave a comment. Happy Shopping!

Couponing for Charity: 12/4-10

I recently gave coupon classes to my son's school and our church. So to guide those getting started, I thought I'd return to my Couponing for Charity posts for awhile. There are other deals to consider, but these are the best I see for charitable giving or the ones that work best for my family.

WALGREENS:

For all the match-ups, check Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, see Coupon Katie.

Since I try to minimize my OOP (out of pocket expense) and use all my RRs before I leave Walgreen's, here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Revlon nail polish ($3.99, use $1 WC from "Make this Season Stunning" booklet at the cosmetic counter, get $3RR=FREE) I tried to use the $1 MC from the Walmart insert a few weeks ago, but the clerk said it was for a specific Revlon line.
• 1 Schick Titanium Quatro refills--not free but it's what the hubby uses ($8.99, use $2 WC from the same booklet, use $2 MC, get $3RR=$1.99)
• 3 gift bags for filler ($.13 with in ad coupon); I only needed two but I had thought my extra Revlon coupon would work.

Total w/ tax: $9.60

Total Saved: $10.49

RRs earned: $6

Transaction #2:

• 2 Delsym ($10 each for 3oz, get $5RR when you spend $20, used 2 $2 MC I picked up from my pediatrician's office--great place for high value coupons=$5.50 each)
• 3 gift bags ($.13 each with ad coupon)
• Used 2 $3 RRs from transaction #1.

Total w/ tax: $12.27

Total Savings: $13.47

RR earned: $5

Transaction #3

• 1 Revlon nail polish
• 1 Schick refill
• 3 gift bags
• Used $5RR from transaction #2.

Total w/ tax: $4.45

Total Savings: $15.33

RRs earned: $6

Transaction #4

• 4 Breyers ice cream (B1G1 at $6.49, used 2 $1.50/2 printables = $2.49 each)
• 3 gift bags
• Used 2 $3RR from transaction #3.

Total w/ tax: $5.41

Total Savings: $22.47

RRs earned: $0

In total I spent $31.73 and saved $61.76. It's not the best savings percentage but I got some high dollar items my family needs for a lot less than the grocery store.

CVS:

For all the match-ups, check Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, see Coupon Katie.

I didn't get as many staples here, but as the clerk said, "We paid you to shop today." They were out of Schick disposable razors. So I got a raincheck for this great money maker deal:

• Spend $20, get $10ECB on Schick products. I'm going to buy 2 10ct disposable razors for $8.39 each and 1 Hydro shave gel for $3.69. I'll use 1 B1G1 coupon, 1 $2 MC, and 1 $1 MC--the last two from today's paper. Total OOP: $9.08, will get $10ECB.

What I did buy:

• 1 box of small candy canes ($1.27, get $1.27 but since the ECBs weren't printing, she had to round up and gave me a $2ECB = $.73 MM). Limit 1.
• 3 99 cent American Greetings cards (Buy 3, get $3ECB. Used $1/3 MC printable, $2 CVS printable, AND $1/2 CVS coupon printed from the kiosk. All told, this was a $4 MM and I got 3 cards to send. Dad, your birthday card will soon be in the mail. ;-)

Total Spent: $.35

Total Saved: $4

ECBs earned: $5

Thank you, CVS!

As for the grocery stores, I'm not seeing any great freebies this week, but I'll probably take advantage of Kroger's fuel points gift card promotion. You earn 4x the value of select gift cards in fuel points. I tend to buy ones for Target or Home Depot because I know we'll use them in the year to come. This is not valid on Kroger gift cards.

So what deals excited you this week? Are you new to couponing? Is it overwhelming or fun yet?

Thankful to be Giving

'Tis the season to be giving. On one level, I find the whole gift decision making and buying process very stressful. Despite my love for couponing, I really don't like to shop. But thanks to couponing, I have been able to give generously to several organizations this year--without the stress and expense.

I haven't been posting regularly about the best Couponing for Charity deals, but like Southern Saver's mascot, I've been a squirrel gathering nuts for months. Three tubes of toothpaste here, one cent crayons there and before I knew it, I had a nice stockpile from which to shop.

Through the Church of the Good Samaritan or MOMS Club, lists of needs were posted and then I pulled what I had on hand. I post these pictures not as a way to say, "Look what I gave" but as an inspiration for what you can give too in the future. It's when we all give a little that we can make a tremendous impact on our community. All of these goods cost me $.25 or less plus the cost of tax and will go to some great organizations.

The pictures at the top are from the church's annual Stuff a Stocking campaign for senior citizens. The whole family got involved in stuffing stockings from the many generous donations from parishioners. We were able to give 48 razors plus several other goodies like tea and hot cocoa.

Another collection through our church was the Shoebox Ministry for the Volunteer Ministry Center. Imagine not having a home and having to keep all of your and your kids' toys or necessities in a shoebox. For them, we had crayons, deodorant, pens, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

The Hope Buckets were collected to give to patients battling HIV/Aids. Some clients of Hope Center face the additional challenge of being rejected by friends and family and often have no one to care for them physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially. From soap to tissues, toothpaste to lipbalm, I was able to meet their specific requests easily.

Finally Operation Christmas Child was the service project adopted by our MOMS Club. These boxes will be given to children in need all over the world. Each member of our play group came up with creative additions to the box for a girl 2-4 years old. I was able to give pens, crayons, markers, and notebooks I'd gotten for pennies back in August.

And the list doesn't end there. From diapers I'm giving to support a young mom in our church to baked goods I've donated for mission trips, couponing has allowed me to buy what I need for much less. Suddenly all the requests to give are not overwhelming and I am thankful that I'm able to spread "good coupon karma." Happy Holidays!

I'd love to hear what you've been able to give with the help of coupons. Please leave a comment.

Black Friday Pharmacy Deals: Money Maker Heaven!

I don't tend to be a Black Friday shopper, but the pharmacy deals are beckoning me. It's the SUPER BOWL of freebie couponing, and I don't want to miss out. Looking at all the deals, it can be enticing and overwhelming. If you're new to couponing at pharmacies, you may want to pick just 2 or 3 items. If you can't get enough of couponing, here's what I see as the best deals and my plan for getting them. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned because some items will be gone when I get there, but you have to start somewhere. MM stands for "money maker" and there are plenty of them:

WALGREEN'S:

For a few more deals and all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

• $4RR wyb 2 Bic Flex 4 disposable razors at $3 each. Use 2 $2 printables = $2MM.
• $2RR wyb Gum Deep Clean toothbrushes 2pk at $2 each. Use $.55 MC (not sure which magazine this came from) = $.55MM.
• $3RR wyb Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 4oz at $3. Use $1 MC from SS 11/13 = $1MM.
• $2.50RR wyb Crest 3D White Vivid toothpaste 3oz at $2.50. Use $1 MC from P&G home mailers. All other coupons are for 4oz or more and can not be used. = $1MM.
• $2.75RR wyb Preparation H Totables hemorrhoid wipes 10pk at $2.75. Use $2 printable = $2MM.
• $2RR wyb DenTek Floss Picks 75 or 90 pk at $2 each. Use $.75 MC = $.75MM.
• $5.50RR wyb 2 Secret 3 oz body splash or spray at $3.75 each. Use 2 $1 MC = FREE.
• $4RR wyb Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick at $5.99. Use $1 off Revlon Color cosmetic from Walmart insert AND $1 Walgreens coupon=FREE. You’ll need an extra filler for this deal.
• $1.50RR wyb Oral-B indicator toothbrush at $1.50 = FREE. Don’t bother using $.75/2 coupons with this because then they wouldn’t be free.
• $3RR wyb 2 Scunci hair elastics 18pk at $1.50 each = FREE.
• $.99RR wyb Advil PM pain relief 4ct at $.99 = FREE.
• $2.49RR wyb ThermaCare heat wrap neck, wrist, and shoulder or menstrual at $2.49. If this is a 2ct product, you can use $1 or maybe even $3 printables (not sure how they’ll handle that at the register).

My plan, Amounts are OOP= Out of Pocket after coupons noted above:

Transaction #1:

2 Bic razors: $2

1 Thermacare: $1.49 (if it’s not 2ct, move this to transaction #2)

1 Colgate: $2

1 Crest: $1.50

1 Preparation H: $.75

1 DenTek floss: $1.25

1 Gum toothbrush: $1.45

Total OOP: $10.44, get back $18.75 in RR.

Transaction #2:

1 Oral B toothbrush: $1.50

2 Scunci: $3.00

1 Advil: $.99

2 Secret body splash: $5.50

1 Revlon lipstick: $3.99

3 filler items ($.30 or less each)

Use these RRs from Tr. #1: $2.50, $3, $2.50, $2.75, $2, $2

Total OOP: $.23 plus tax and cost of filler items

Transaction #3:

1 Thermacare: $1.49

1 Colgate: $2

1 Crest: $1.50

1 Preparation H: $.75

1 DenTek floss: $1.25

2 fillers

Use $4 and $3 RRs from Tr. #2.

Total OOP: cost of fillers plus tax

Transaction #4:

1 Oral B toothbrush: $1.50

2 Scunci: $3.00

1 Advil: $.99

1 Revlon lipstick: $3.99

1 DenTek floss: $1.25

1 filler

Use $2.49, $3, $2.50, and $2.75 RRs from Tr. #3.

Total OOP: cost of filler plus tax

I still leave with these RRs: $4, $1.50, $.99, $5.50, $2, $3, $2, $4, $1.50, and $.99 = $25.48 and I should spend less that $15. Of course it never works totally as planned, but we’ll see.

CVS (numbers of products are by limit of deals)

For all the match-ups and a few extra deals, go to Southern Savers.

• 1 Breathe Rite Strips Bonus Size 10 + 2ct: $5.99, get $5.99. Use $1.50 CVS coupon and $1.50 MC = $3MM. Can’t find MC.
• 1 Benefiber sticks 3 ct: $1.49, get $1.49ECB, Use $3 printable = $3MM.
• 1 Finish Quantum 10ct dishwashing detergent: $2.99, get $2.99ECB. Use $1MC = $1MM.
• 1 L.A. Looks styling gel 20oz: $2.49, get $2.49ECB. Use $1MC = $1MM.
• 2 Colgate Total Advanced toothpastes, various varieties: $2.87, get $2.87. Use $1MC = $1MM. I'll probably use my coupons here instead of Walgreen's.
• 1 Theraflu caplets 8ct: $1.87, get $1.87. Use $2 printable = $2MM.
• 1 Theraflu daytime or multi-symptom travel size: $.99, get $.99ECB. Use $3/2MC = $2MM.
• 2 Listerine pocketpacks: $2.99 each, get $2.99ECB each. Use 2 $.50 MC = $1MM.
• 1 Fiber One brownies: $3.99, get $3.99ECB. Use $.40 MC = $.40MM.
• 1 Carmex lip balm: $1, get $1ECB. Use $.30 printable = $.30MM.
• 2 GUM Super or Micro-tip toothbrushes: $2.99 each, get $2.99ECB each. Use $.55MC from unknown magazine=$.55MM.
• 1 Cepacol lozenges 16ct: $4.99, get $4.99ECB. Use $1 printable = $1MM.
• 1 Balance Bar: $1.69, get $1.69ECB = FREE.
• 1 Starbucks double shot, 6.5 oz: $1.69, get $1.69ECB = FREE.
• 2 Hershey’s king size bar: $.99 each, get $.99ECB each = FREE.
• 4 Mars chocolate singles candy 1.08 – 2.15oz: $.75 each, get $.75ECB each = FREE.
• 1 Advil Pm 4ct: $.99, get $.99ECB = FREE.
• 1 Advil 10ct: $2.99, get $2.99ECB = FREE.
• 1 Be Kool from Fever Discomfort gel sheets: $4.49, get $4.49ECB = FREE.
• 1 CVS dental flossers 90 ct: $1.99, get $1.99ECB = FREE.
• 1 Pepto Bismol 4oz: $2.99, get $2.99ECB = FREE.
• 1 CVS alkaline batteries 4 ct AA or AAA: $3.99, get $3.99ECB = FREE.
• 6 Revlon nail polish: $4.99, get $4RR. Use $1MC= FREE. I'll probably use my 2 Revlon coupons here instead of Walgreen's.
• 1 Softlips single pack: $2, get $2ECB = FREE.
• 1 Kleenex cool touch tissues, 50ct: $1.50, get $1.50ECB = FREE.

I'm starting with $4ECB and will pick the biggest money makers first. I'll keep rolling ECBs into future deals with as few transactions as possible. I don't mind walking out with lots of ECBs because I'm confident I'll use them within four weeks.

So are you ready or is this as clear as Greek? What questions do you have about shopping pharmacies?

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 Latest Contribution

It's been a long time since I posted about my charitable donations; so here goes. First of all, I will be changing things up a bit. I'm going to stop the tally of value of goods and money spent because it's so time consuming. You can rest assured that most things on my list are free or money makers. I also may not post every week. I'll post when I think the deals are worth getting.

I'm also changing how I will be giving out donations. I had been working with a few other friends and adding our haul for a different charity every three months. The interest has dwindled to primarily my stock pile. So I've decided to just get what deals work for me, add them to my stockpile (see pictured), and distribute the products to the organizations that mean the most to me throughout the year. Since deals are often seasonal, that allows me to better match a group's needs with deals I've gotten over a longer period of time and to give each charity a wider variety of freebies.

For instance, our church, the Church of the Good Samaritan, supports the Volunteer Ministry Center in downtown Knoxville through a mentor program and serving meals. This group works very hard to help transition people away from homelessness. A couple just achieved that and I wanted to help celebrate that accomplishment with a "stock your pantry" gift bag.

In a reusable shopping bag they can use to shop future deals I added:

• 2 bottles water
• 2 boxes pasta
• 5 soups / soup mixes
• 1 body wash / shampoo
• 1 hand soap
• 2 deodorants
• 1 pack of feminine needs
• 1 gum
• 2 packs of post-its
• 2 pens
• 4 toothpaste
• 2 toothbrushes
• 1 floss
• 1 razor
• 1 ibuprofin

Everything pictured was free or less than $.50 and the value is probably $50. I would love to inspire them to learn the couponing skills to do this themselves to help stretch their budget. At least they have a few items to get them started.

So in the future, I may not be chasing as many deals. Walgreen's will have to work harder to pull me into their store, and I'll probably be going to CVS just twice a month. A little here, a little there can go a long way. And when a group or individual needs something, I'll be ready!

Do you coupon for charity? Do you find my posts helpful?