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!

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?

Slim Pickins: Deals 1/15-21

I briefly looked over the coupon blogger websites and was not impressed with the deals being offered by Walgreen's, CVS, or Kroger. Then I saw a few freebies at Ingles I can get with a handful of the basics. I'll be playing the "how little can I spend" game and work off my stockpile to feed the family this week.

Ingles has a policy that they double 3 (up to $.50 coupons) for every $10 you spend. Note: That's before coupons. I'll plan to get about $20 goods like bananas, salad, bread, and milk to get the following good deals:

• Fresh Express Garden Salad, 12oz: $.88 (if enrolled in Ingles Advantage promotions)
• Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: $1, use $.50 MC = FREE. I'm aiming to get 5 for free.
• Pillsbury Grands biscuits: $1, use $1/2 MC = $.50 each.
• Sargento shredded cheese, 5-9oz: $1.79, use $1/2 MC = $1.29 each.
• Hershey's 6ct bars: $1, use $1 printable = FREE.
• Kleenex, 100ct: $1, use $.50 MC (if included) = FREE.

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

What are your favorite deals this week?

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!

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!

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?

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?

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)