Just letting everyone know...
There are two coupon inserts planned for this week: one Red Plum and one Smart Source. Typically, Red Plum coupons expire quickly (just a bit of trivia--watch your expiration dates!). Something else of interest: high value diaper coupons for Huggies will be in this week's Sunday paper.
Get excited about:
$2 off Huggies Little Snugglers or Movers diapers
$3 off Huggies Pure & Natural (WOW, this will make for cheap/free diapers @ Rite Aid!!)
$2 off Huggies Little Sugglers or Little Movers
$1 off Huggies wipes , 180 ct +
Wa-hoo!!! And, for all you folks who a) have animal children, b) have grown children that are (mostly) potty trained, or c) don't want kids (diapers? yuck!), be sweet and give your diaper coupons to a new mommy. How awesome would that be, to save her $8.00?
Happy couponing! And don't forget to buy your paper! There *might* be another General Mills insert (read: cheap crescent rolls and biscuits for the holidays!).
You, too, can save money! (clipart from MS Office, 2010)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
FREE Gillette Razor at Rite Aid!
But....the catch is, you MUST buy a Sunday newspaper this week, folks!!!
Come on....for us small-town folks, the local newspaper from the newsstand is, what, $1.50? It's well worth it! (And, for big-city folks lucky enough to get the AJC, you will get cool coupons that we won't. Boo hoo.)
In the Procter & Gamble insert, clip your $4 off Gillette Fusion ProGlide manual or power razor coupon from the Sunday, November 28th paper. Then, high-tail it on over to Rite Aid, where a razor is selling for $9.00.
Buy: Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor @ $9.00
Use: 1 - $4 off manufacturer coupon
Pay: $5 plus tax
Get Back: $5 +UP Reward (prints on the end of your receipt)!!!!
This makes it free!
A word to newbies: The Rite Aid system resembles the CVS Extra Care Bucks system, in that you pay money for items (hopefully while using coupons). Then, after checkout, your receipt will show a "+UP Reward" for a promised amount (could be a buck, a few dollars, etc.). This is basically a coupon off your next purchase. (In this case, you receive $5 off your next purchase.) However, these "coupons" on your receipt usually expire in about two weeks or so. So.....if you live near a Rite Aid and frequent the store, no worries! Just use the coupon on your next shopping trip. If you don't go to Rite Aid that often, then.....do yourself a favor and buy something else immediately. Preferably, purchase something that you need and also have a coupon for.
For instance, I will probably do a small scenario like this:
Transaction #1--Buy ProGlide Razor as indicated above
Get Back: $5 +UP Rewards
Transaction #2--Buy 4 jumbo packs Pampers Diapers @ $8.50 apiece
Use: 4 - $1 off Pampers jumbo pack diapers or training pants, November 28 newspaper
$5 +UP Rewards
(Also, if the December Video Values are up, I may try to shoot for a $4 off $20 purchase coupon....)
Get Back: $2 +UP Rewards, $2 + UP Rewards (one $2 +UP for every 2 packs I bought).
This could potentially make each pack of diapers cost $5.25 apiece (before tax). And, that ain't bad, folks! If diapers are regularly $12.00 (which they are, for a jumbo pack), then I just saved $6.75 per pack. Do that a few times a month and see how your budget goes further!
(And, on another note, I am looking forward to entering all the Gifts to Grow codes out of the Pampers packs.....with my Rewards Points, I am working toward some more free birthday invitations for next year!)
Come on....for us small-town folks, the local newspaper from the newsstand is, what, $1.50? It's well worth it! (And, for big-city folks lucky enough to get the AJC, you will get cool coupons that we won't. Boo hoo.)
In the Procter & Gamble insert, clip your $4 off Gillette Fusion ProGlide manual or power razor coupon from the Sunday, November 28th paper. Then, high-tail it on over to Rite Aid, where a razor is selling for $9.00.
Buy: Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor @ $9.00
Use: 1 - $4 off manufacturer coupon
Pay: $5 plus tax
Get Back: $5 +UP Reward (prints on the end of your receipt)!!!!
This makes it free!
A word to newbies: The Rite Aid system resembles the CVS Extra Care Bucks system, in that you pay money for items (hopefully while using coupons). Then, after checkout, your receipt will show a "+UP Reward" for a promised amount (could be a buck, a few dollars, etc.). This is basically a coupon off your next purchase. (In this case, you receive $5 off your next purchase.) However, these "coupons" on your receipt usually expire in about two weeks or so. So.....if you live near a Rite Aid and frequent the store, no worries! Just use the coupon on your next shopping trip. If you don't go to Rite Aid that often, then.....do yourself a favor and buy something else immediately. Preferably, purchase something that you need and also have a coupon for.
For instance, I will probably do a small scenario like this:
Transaction #1--Buy ProGlide Razor as indicated above
Get Back: $5 +UP Rewards
Transaction #2--Buy 4 jumbo packs Pampers Diapers @ $8.50 apiece
Use: 4 - $1 off Pampers jumbo pack diapers or training pants, November 28 newspaper
$5 +UP Rewards
(Also, if the December Video Values are up, I may try to shoot for a $4 off $20 purchase coupon....)
Get Back: $2 +UP Rewards, $2 + UP Rewards (one $2 +UP for every 2 packs I bought).
This could potentially make each pack of diapers cost $5.25 apiece (before tax). And, that ain't bad, folks! If diapers are regularly $12.00 (which they are, for a jumbo pack), then I just saved $6.75 per pack. Do that a few times a month and see how your budget goes further!
(And, on another note, I am looking forward to entering all the Gifts to Grow codes out of the Pampers packs.....with my Rewards Points, I am working toward some more free birthday invitations for next year!)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thanks Be To God! Rite Aid: Spent $1.68 Saved $58.00!
There is nothing else to say but, "Thank God!"
I was able to get five packs of diapers, one tub of wipes, four boxes of instant potatoes, one bottle of Vicks Nyquil, two bottles of Gain dish soap, two 4-packs of Cottonelle toilet tissue, one 12-pack of Charmin toilet tissue, and four bottles of Aussie shampoo for under $2.00. This is something I have never done before, and allow me to explain....
I recently received a Single Check Rebate for $28.00 (from August) that I did not use. In addition, I just got my second Single Check Rebate (for Sept.) in the mail for $8.00. It happens--so I grabbed the checks, which you can use like cash at Rite Aid. There were some kickin' sales on diapers (which we were OUT of) and toilet paper (which we were ALSO OUT OF). So, I went. I knew we didn't have much money in our account...hey, it's nearing the end of the month! I'm no fool.
And I started to get my coupons together. No, they were not organized. If they had been, all this would have taken about 30 minutes less! And, yes, I missed out on some deals--like the Colgate deal that would have made for free toothbrushes and toothpaste. But, I have been getting my newspapers faithfully (or getting them from faithful friends), and I made the effort.
I knew I couldn't spend much money of our own, so I put back some boxes of instant potatoes, which I had planned to donate. At the register, I ended up HAVING to get some more of them, because the transaction would not complete until I bought something else! (And so God allows me to give as freely as He wanted! Amazing!!!)
My point--make an effort. Please. Just try!
Yes, I used coupons on every thing in the cart. Yes, I had some Rite Aid coupons (go watch some videos on their website to earn a SUPER Q for $4 off a $20 purchase). And, yes, I did my purchase in two different transactions so I could use the +UP reward coupons on the second transaction. But you can do it.
You can do this. Start small. Be friendly with the cashiers. And pray that God will allow you to use the coupons to take care of your family and others. He will bless your efforts, because God loves you and your family...."For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord: Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Happy couponing....and enjoy being a blessing to others!
I was able to get five packs of diapers, one tub of wipes, four boxes of instant potatoes, one bottle of Vicks Nyquil, two bottles of Gain dish soap, two 4-packs of Cottonelle toilet tissue, one 12-pack of Charmin toilet tissue, and four bottles of Aussie shampoo for under $2.00. This is something I have never done before, and allow me to explain....
I recently received a Single Check Rebate for $28.00 (from August) that I did not use. In addition, I just got my second Single Check Rebate (for Sept.) in the mail for $8.00. It happens--so I grabbed the checks, which you can use like cash at Rite Aid. There were some kickin' sales on diapers (which we were OUT of) and toilet paper (which we were ALSO OUT OF). So, I went. I knew we didn't have much money in our account...hey, it's nearing the end of the month! I'm no fool.
And I started to get my coupons together. No, they were not organized. If they had been, all this would have taken about 30 minutes less! And, yes, I missed out on some deals--like the Colgate deal that would have made for free toothbrushes and toothpaste. But, I have been getting my newspapers faithfully (or getting them from faithful friends), and I made the effort.
I knew I couldn't spend much money of our own, so I put back some boxes of instant potatoes, which I had planned to donate. At the register, I ended up HAVING to get some more of them, because the transaction would not complete until I bought something else! (And so God allows me to give as freely as He wanted! Amazing!!!)
My point--make an effort. Please. Just try!
Yes, I used coupons on every thing in the cart. Yes, I had some Rite Aid coupons (go watch some videos on their website to earn a SUPER Q for $4 off a $20 purchase). And, yes, I did my purchase in two different transactions so I could use the +UP reward coupons on the second transaction. But you can do it.
You can do this. Start small. Be friendly with the cashiers. And pray that God will allow you to use the coupons to take care of your family and others. He will bless your efforts, because God loves you and your family...."For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord: Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Happy couponing....and enjoy being a blessing to others!
High-Value Coupon for Hamburger Helper
Many of my friends complain that coupons are often for things that they might not use or don't buy for their family due to health concerns. However, if you are able to get such an item for low- or no cost, these types of things can make great donation items--PLUS, Hamburger Helper (Chicken Helper and Tuna Helper are included here) is creating "Whole Grain" versions now. So, if you use chicken breast and get the whole grain version, it can be a skillet meal ready in minutes that busy moms can agree with!
Go here to get an exclusive coupon for Hamburger, Tuna, or Chicken Helper. It is a special coupon that you have access to since you read my blog! So, thank you for reading!
It is a 35 cent off ONE BOX (which is amazing, since it doubles to 70 cents off--if HH is on sale for 99 cents, this can possibly cost less than 30 cents). Make sure to press the "BACK" button in your browser to make two prints.
Happy Couponing!
Go here to get an exclusive coupon for Hamburger, Tuna, or Chicken Helper. It is a special coupon that you have access to since you read my blog! So, thank you for reading!
It is a 35 cent off ONE BOX (which is amazing, since it doubles to 70 cents off--if HH is on sale for 99 cents, this can possibly cost less than 30 cents). Make sure to press the "BACK" button in your browser to make two prints.
Happy Couponing!
Monday, November 1, 2010
New Month, More Cookies!
Don't forget to stop by Nabisco's Facebook page to print your coupon for $1.00 off a pack of Nabisco Cookies and a gallon of milk. This is a different coupon than they have been giving out, but it is actually a better one, if you ask me.
May I also point out for the cheapest among us.....if you happen to hit a grocery store on a day when they have marked down some gallons of milk, you could potentially get a very good deal on cookies and milk. The cashier will just have to get permission from the store manager to do this, since the milk will have to be keyed in as a sale.....I'm thinking Ingles, of course, since Piggly Wiggly no longer accepts printable coupons (not even cents-off ones).
The coupon is also good until mid-December, which is awesome.
May I also point out for the cheapest among us.....if you happen to hit a grocery store on a day when they have marked down some gallons of milk, you could potentially get a very good deal on cookies and milk. The cashier will just have to get permission from the store manager to do this, since the milk will have to be keyed in as a sale.....I'm thinking Ingles, of course, since Piggly Wiggly no longer accepts printable coupons (not even cents-off ones).
The coupon is also good until mid-December, which is awesome.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tired, but wanted to tell you....
I had a great "Get-Together" sponsored by General Mills and Yoplait the other day! I signed up under the group "Pssst..." from General Mills, and from time to time they invite me to apply for parties through their company. I got to throw a party at my elementary school, on their dime (and just a few of mine), for 15 lovely ladies (and some of their children!), and we shared recipes, snacks, and information about breast cancer awareness. I also got to read a very interesting book that was written by Susan G. Komen's sister.
All these opinions are my own. I was excited to get the party pack in the mail. They sent me 15 coupons for Yoplait (and boy, were they good ones.... 50 cents off 4 yogurts!!), 15 copies of breast cancer information, a shower hanger to remind myself to check my breasts monthly, a lovely pink leather bookmark for a door prize, and the hardback copy of the book by Susan G. Komen's sister to read aloud during the party. I think everyone enjoyed the party--it is nice to be able to do something for and with my fellow teachers that doesn't cost them anything. Everyone was very appreciative to the companies for their generosity and interest in women's health.
If you are not already a member of the Pssst! team, let me encourage you to do so. It allows you to gain access to exclusive online printable coupons, information about the brands you love, and maybe even have the chance to host a party like I did.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Extra Money for Christmas? Yes, Please!
I apologize for the length between posts. Things get busy in a hurry these days!
As a part of my master plan to get a better hold on my finances, doing more with what I have, and taking advantage of little extras, I have become a part of several survey groups. These opinions are my own.
First, I belong to a survey group called Synovate. This is perhaps my favorite group, because it has garnered me the greatest return on my time. When you join and complete some initial information, they send several surveys to your email inbox per week. The way that you answer some of them may result in your being sent a product to test. So far, Synovate has allowed me to test two different Lean Cuisine branded frozen meals (delivered to my door, frozen)--and guess what? They were delicious!!! The best part about this company, however, is that you earn points for each survey that you complete (or even attempt--sometimes they might not need you to take that particular survey, based on your demographic), and 5000 points translate into a $5.00 check!!! I don't know if it seems like a lot to you, but figure in the 2 frozen dinners @ $3.50 apiece, and I have received compensation for my time along the lines of $26 since March. I call the little $5 checks my "yard sale money"!
The next group that I belong to is called Ipsos i-Say. This group allows you to cash in points from taking surveys for gift cards (American Express, Amazon, Target, etc.). The cash-in point is a little higher, but I could have already received a $5 check--I am simply saving up for a higher-value gift card for Christmas. Another fun thing about this group is: after each survey, you get the chance to enter contests for items like iPads, $500 grocery gift cards, Spa Weekends, and the like. (Update: no dice on the iPad, yet. lol) I have been pleased with this company so far, but it will be that much sweeter when I earn my gift cards for Christmas shopping!
My final group that
I belong to--and, by the way, I personally feel is reputable--is Mindfield. This company is a little trickier to navigate than the others, and rewards are harder to come by, as the surveys are extremely picky. More often than not, the surveys tell me that "Unfortunately, you do not qualify for this survey." But when they do....each survey earns you $1. At a minimum of $5 earned, you can cash out in the form of a check. I have only cashed out once, and my check arrived last week. But, here's the deal: through this company, I have received products to test and send my responses back via email. So far, I have received a bottle of Johnson & Johnson's new Natural Body Wash, two boxes of Wheat Thins, and a pack of three Playtex nursers with four nipples. While the reality is that I may not qualify for each and every survey, and thereby might not get every product test, I will get ones that are targeted to my place in life (married w/kids), and many of them will be awesome!
Lots of info here, but perhaps some of it might encourage you to branch out a bit and investigate the possibility of putting away a few extra bucks (or gift cards, or free iPads, haha) toward Christmas.... Leave a comment and let me know what you will be saving toward!
As a part of my master plan to get a better hold on my finances, doing more with what I have, and taking advantage of little extras, I have become a part of several survey groups. These opinions are my own.
First, I belong to a survey group called Synovate. This is perhaps my favorite group, because it has garnered me the greatest return on my time. When you join and complete some initial information, they send several surveys to your email inbox per week. The way that you answer some of them may result in your being sent a product to test. So far, Synovate has allowed me to test two different Lean Cuisine branded frozen meals (delivered to my door, frozen)--and guess what? They were delicious!!! The best part about this company, however, is that you earn points for each survey that you complete (or even attempt--sometimes they might not need you to take that particular survey, based on your demographic), and 5000 points translate into a $5.00 check!!! I don't know if it seems like a lot to you, but figure in the 2 frozen dinners @ $3.50 apiece, and I have received compensation for my time along the lines of $26 since March. I call the little $5 checks my "yard sale money"!
The next group that I belong to is called Ipsos i-Say. This group allows you to cash in points from taking surveys for gift cards (American Express, Amazon, Target, etc.). The cash-in point is a little higher, but I could have already received a $5 check--I am simply saving up for a higher-value gift card for Christmas. Another fun thing about this group is: after each survey, you get the chance to enter contests for items like iPads, $500 grocery gift cards, Spa Weekends, and the like. (Update: no dice on the iPad, yet. lol) I have been pleased with this company so far, but it will be that much sweeter when I earn my gift cards for Christmas shopping!
My final group that
I belong to--and, by the way, I personally feel is reputable--is Mindfield. This company is a little trickier to navigate than the others, and rewards are harder to come by, as the surveys are extremely picky. More often than not, the surveys tell me that "Unfortunately, you do not qualify for this survey." But when they do....each survey earns you $1. At a minimum of $5 earned, you can cash out in the form of a check. I have only cashed out once, and my check arrived last week. But, here's the deal: through this company, I have received products to test and send my responses back via email. So far, I have received a bottle of Johnson & Johnson's new Natural Body Wash, two boxes of Wheat Thins, and a pack of three Playtex nursers with four nipples. While the reality is that I may not qualify for each and every survey, and thereby might not get every product test, I will get ones that are targeted to my place in life (married w/kids), and many of them will be awesome!Lots of info here, but perhaps some of it might encourage you to branch out a bit and investigate the possibility of putting away a few extra bucks (or gift cards, or free iPads, haha) toward Christmas.... Leave a comment and let me know what you will be saving toward!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Halloween Costume = FREE Shutterfly Photo Book!
For those of you out there who are not going to hit up your favorite consignment shop, best friend with bigger children, or something else equally cheap (me? All of the above, folks!) for a costume, here is an idea:
Purchase a Halloween costume (or other things including a Halloween costume) and have a receipt totaling $35.00 or more from Party City from now till October 31. If you do this online, the website states that a Shutterfly photo book will "automatically" show up in your cart (which means you will receive an email shortly thereafter with info on how to redeem your free offer). If you choose to purchase in-store (which is smart, considering all the cool things I have found in the clearance section), simply save your receipt and go to http://partycity.com/shutterfly to request your Free Photo Book. The process might take a little longer, but it will be worth it.
Enterprising young types such as yourself might foresee a photo book as being a nice Christmas present for a faraway relative (or an in-town grandmother), a neat way to chronicle family recipes (just use the text feature and use appropriately-sized font) along with cherished family photographs, a brag book for a dad on the move, or a fun record of someone's first pumpkin-picking expedition. Leave a post and let us know how you might use yours.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Free Sample of Crest Toothpaste
Wal-Mart is offering a free sample of Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Paste (whew!) to people who fit a certain profile. If you have difficulties with bleeding gums, be sure to check it out...in a few weeks, we can do our "happy dance" out by the mailbox together!
Ingles This Week....Triple Coupons!
(To the tune of "Charge!")
....free, free, free, free, free-free......FREEEEEE!!!!!
Triple coupons at Ingles (up to 50 cents--making it up to $1.50 off) this week means two things. First, you have to remember that, unless you really need the item, most things with coupon matchups are not on sale. Therefore, using the coupon will not result in such awesome sales as might come up next week, or the week after....
Secondly, it does mean that if you want to replenish just a few things in your pantry for CHEAP, just load up your coupons and go (preferably without children....why do I keep doing this to myself?). You won't be sorry!
Great deals that I found in Woodbury, Georgia (which are replicated in most of the Ingles service area--print any coupons TWICE, if possible):
Tetley teabags @ $1.98 B1G1 (0.99)--use a coupon from Coupons.com (50 cents off--makes it FREE)
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and Biscuits $1 each -- use 50 cents off 2 Crescent rolls from coupons.com (makes them 25 cents apiece)
Dannon single serve yogurt 6 oz @ 50 cents apiece-- use 50 cents off 1 Dannon Light n' Fit (makes them 25 cents apiece)
Del Monte vegetables, assorted 13.5 - 15.25 oz @ 66 cents each -- use $1/5 Del Monte canned vegetables from 9/19 Red Plum insert (makes them 46 cents apiece, which is totally stock pile time!!!)
I also got a rain check for some cheap Totino's pizza rolls, but if I don't make it back and find more this week, the triple coupons will be over. Darn it.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, family packs of ground chuck, and a nice chuck roast were pretty darn cheap, too. My total for my bill, which of course included random things that my husband was in dire need of (which NEVER, EVER have coupons), as well as staples like milk and bread, was 81.42 for $138.43 worth of groceries (coupon savings of $23.63....not bad for maybe 15 minutes of prep work).
I feel really good about that....basically, I could pay myself $94.52 an hour to do that. Now, do you see why even a little bit of couponing can be effective?
Thanks to my FAVORITE blog of all time, Southern Savers, which allowed me to get ready so quickly. They have an awesome shopping list creator that includes coupon matchups.
....free, free, free, free, free-free......FREEEEEE!!!!!
Triple coupons at Ingles (up to 50 cents--making it up to $1.50 off) this week means two things. First, you have to remember that, unless you really need the item, most things with coupon matchups are not on sale. Therefore, using the coupon will not result in such awesome sales as might come up next week, or the week after....
Secondly, it does mean that if you want to replenish just a few things in your pantry for CHEAP, just load up your coupons and go (preferably without children....why do I keep doing this to myself?). You won't be sorry!
Great deals that I found in Woodbury, Georgia (which are replicated in most of the Ingles service area--print any coupons TWICE, if possible):
Tetley teabags @ $1.98 B1G1 (0.99)--use a coupon from Coupons.com (50 cents off--makes it FREE)
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and Biscuits $1 each -- use 50 cents off 2 Crescent rolls from coupons.com (makes them 25 cents apiece)
Dannon single serve yogurt 6 oz @ 50 cents apiece-- use 50 cents off 1 Dannon Light n' Fit (makes them 25 cents apiece)
Del Monte vegetables, assorted 13.5 - 15.25 oz @ 66 cents each -- use $1/5 Del Monte canned vegetables from 9/19 Red Plum insert (makes them 46 cents apiece, which is totally stock pile time!!!)
I also got a rain check for some cheap Totino's pizza rolls, but if I don't make it back and find more this week, the triple coupons will be over. Darn it.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, family packs of ground chuck, and a nice chuck roast were pretty darn cheap, too. My total for my bill, which of course included random things that my husband was in dire need of (which NEVER, EVER have coupons), as well as staples like milk and bread, was 81.42 for $138.43 worth of groceries (coupon savings of $23.63....not bad for maybe 15 minutes of prep work).
I feel really good about that....basically, I could pay myself $94.52 an hour to do that. Now, do you see why even a little bit of couponing can be effective?
Thanks to my FAVORITE blog of all time, Southern Savers, which allowed me to get ready so quickly. They have an awesome shopping list creator that includes coupon matchups.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ebates....Online Savings 101
One of my husband's favorite things to do is to shop online. It is very easy for him, and he can do it anytime. I love shopping online, too. Now, there is something that can make it even more profitable for you...
Ebates.com is a shopping referral site which connects consumers with popular companies, offering discounts and coupon codes in addition to the opportunity to earn rebates based on your purchase amount. For instance, if you shop with Shutterfly after going "through" Ebates (so they can track your purchase as having come from their site--don't forget to sign in first), you can oftentimes earn 10% or more in cash back.
The catch--the cash is given in a rebate check format every quarter, which means that you only receive a check every 3 months. The good part? When you sign up as a new member, you automatically earn an extra $5 when you make your first qualifying purchase. Make sure to refer new family and friends to this service, too, and you may get some extra perks.
Not every store in creation is on Ebates....but a great many of them are. I even checked out the categories of stores to see what childrens' stores they had to offer, as I needed to get a baby gift. And, I could easily see which store would earn me the best rebate.
I have gotten two rebate checks so far. I am pleased!
Ebates.com is a shopping referral site which connects consumers with popular companies, offering discounts and coupon codes in addition to the opportunity to earn rebates based on your purchase amount. For instance, if you shop with Shutterfly after going "through" Ebates (so they can track your purchase as having come from their site--don't forget to sign in first), you can oftentimes earn 10% or more in cash back.
The catch--the cash is given in a rebate check format every quarter, which means that you only receive a check every 3 months. The good part? When you sign up as a new member, you automatically earn an extra $5 when you make your first qualifying purchase. Make sure to refer new family and friends to this service, too, and you may get some extra perks.
Not every store in creation is on Ebates....but a great many of them are. I even checked out the categories of stores to see what childrens' stores they had to offer, as I needed to get a baby gift. And, I could easily see which store would earn me the best rebate.
I have gotten two rebate checks so far. I am pleased!
Happy Dance at the Mailbox!
I do not get paid to endorse any particular products. Items and companies mentioned here are simply a side effect of talking about deals that I have seen and/or am personally interested in. However, I must say that Procter & Gamble makes me soooo happy....
They have printable coupons. They have e-coupons that attach to your Kroger card to save you extra (although I have had reports that Kroger has discontinued e-coupons stacked over paper manufacturer Q's....another post, another time). And, they have awesome rebates, like the Olay one that I barely got postmarked for today's date....
And, I come home to find a home mailer that includes $23 worth of coupons! Thanks, Hayley, for the heads up...and, yes, it does include a form to fill out to apply for your coupon booklet from P&G when you spend $50 or more on P&G products between now and Dec. 31st. Save some printer ink....that's what I always say!!!
Sorry I have been off the grid this week...school and work is tough to juggle sometimes. Thanks to great friends who showed up for a fun coupon klatch!
They have printable coupons. They have e-coupons that attach to your Kroger card to save you extra (although I have had reports that Kroger has discontinued e-coupons stacked over paper manufacturer Q's....another post, another time). And, they have awesome rebates, like the Olay one that I barely got postmarked for today's date....
And, I come home to find a home mailer that includes $23 worth of coupons! Thanks, Hayley, for the heads up...and, yes, it does include a form to fill out to apply for your coupon booklet from P&G when you spend $50 or more on P&G products between now and Dec. 31st. Save some printer ink....that's what I always say!!!
Sorry I have been off the grid this week...school and work is tough to juggle sometimes. Thanks to great friends who showed up for a fun coupon klatch!
Monday, September 13, 2010
FREE Tub of Wipes for You and a Friend!
Sweet deal! (Er, at least fresh....) Cottonelle is offering a free tub of wipes (via a coupon, snail-mail style) for you and a friend when you give your friend's email address to share the promotion. My guess is that this won't last long, so be sure to do this.
Not that you EVER have to save a free coupon for a rainy day, but....wouldn't it be cool if these wipes went Buy One Get One Free (BOGO Free) at a local drugstore? If they were, we would get TWO tubs of wipes for free, since a "free" coupon is essentially a cents-off coupon.
The way it would work is this:
*Buy 2 tubs Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes (which would ideally be on sale BOGO free)
*Use one "Free" coupon, sent in mail (which all stores should accept, since it is not a printed coupon)....
= tax only on two items, or two free tubs!!!
I can dream, can't I? :-)
Thanks, Jenny from Southern Savers!
Not that you EVER have to save a free coupon for a rainy day, but....wouldn't it be cool if these wipes went Buy One Get One Free (BOGO Free) at a local drugstore? If they were, we would get TWO tubs of wipes for free, since a "free" coupon is essentially a cents-off coupon.
The way it would work is this:
*Buy 2 tubs Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes (which would ideally be on sale BOGO free)
*Use one "Free" coupon, sent in mail (which all stores should accept, since it is not a printed coupon)....
= tax only on two items, or two free tubs!!!
I can dream, can't I? :-)
Thanks, Jenny from Southern Savers!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
HOT Coupon Booklet from Procter & Gamble
There were some grrrrreat P & G coupons in the 8/29 newspaper! So exciting!
To further celebrate (?), Procter & Gamble has come out with a new coupon booklet to reward us for buying $50 worth of products that we really already buy anyway. The key here is that EVERYTHING that P & G makes is included, and also, you have until 12/31/10 to make the purchases.
I know, I know, something extra that takes a little bit of effort. However, let me say that I got the $100 P & G coupon booklet from this spring, and there were high value coupons ($5 off Olay) that got me some excellent facial care products for cheap. Also, I got three coupons on items like Bounty paper towels and Charmin toilet paper that were for $1.00 off one package, which is unheard-of.
My suggestion? Put aside a section of your coupon file/binder for rebates, and file your receipts that include P & G products regularly. Especially if you purchase diapers, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, etc., you will find that it will be easier than you think to get the $50 worth of purchases.
Happy couponing!
To further celebrate (?), Procter & Gamble has come out with a new coupon booklet to reward us for buying $50 worth of products that we really already buy anyway. The key here is that EVERYTHING that P & G makes is included, and also, you have until 12/31/10 to make the purchases.
I know, I know, something extra that takes a little bit of effort. However, let me say that I got the $100 P & G coupon booklet from this spring, and there were high value coupons ($5 off Olay) that got me some excellent facial care products for cheap. Also, I got three coupons on items like Bounty paper towels and Charmin toilet paper that were for $1.00 off one package, which is unheard-of.
My suggestion? Put aside a section of your coupon file/binder for rebates, and file your receipts that include P & G products regularly. Especially if you purchase diapers, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, etc., you will find that it will be easier than you think to get the $50 worth of purchases.
Happy couponing!
NO COUPONS......this Sunday stinks.
For those of you who didn't know it...this Sunday's newspaper has no coupons. None. Zip. Nada.
Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, the last time that the paper was not scheduled to have any coupons, it had a small four-page insert from General Mills foods. However, they were coupons that were already available through earlier newspapers and could be printed from the internet. And, I am not entirely sure that the Parade newspaper insert might not have some....
So, long story short, I will be asking my wonderful MIL if I can look at her Parade insert, and I will be taking it easy and not hunting newspapers today. That works out well, since my son is getting over a cold and my daughter just caught it and is feverish. Say a prayer for us....we hate missing church, and it is so important to stay healthy so that we can enjoy our time together between my job and their bedtimes.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers!
Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, the last time that the paper was not scheduled to have any coupons, it had a small four-page insert from General Mills foods. However, they were coupons that were already available through earlier newspapers and could be printed from the internet. And, I am not entirely sure that the Parade newspaper insert might not have some....
So, long story short, I will be asking my wonderful MIL if I can look at her Parade insert, and I will be taking it easy and not hunting newspapers today. That works out well, since my son is getting over a cold and my daughter just caught it and is feverish. Say a prayer for us....we hate missing church, and it is so important to stay healthy so that we can enjoy our time together between my job and their bedtimes.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
CHEAP Candy at the Pig!
Get thee to Piggly Wiggly in Manchester, Georgia and stock up for Halloween, parties, rewards, whatever!
In a special display at the front of the store, there are bags of Fun-Size Peanut M & Ms on sale for 2/$2.99 (or about $1.50 apiece). On the front of most of the bags, there is a peelie coupon for 50 cents off one bag. When it doubles to $1.00 off (as it does for each coupon 50 cents and less), each bag is 50 cents.You might remember a coupon in the newspaper about three weeks ago that had a Buy 2 Get 1 Bag Free coupon.....well, I have used it with mixed results. My suggestion is to try to give them that coupon FIRST, then give them the peelies, like so:
Buy-3 bags of Fun Size Peanut M & Ms (because you don't want to peel the coupon off one to use on another bag...not ethical)
Use- B2G1 Coupon first
50 cents off one bag
50 cents off one bag
(The first coupon is for a "free" bag, the other two coupons apply to the ones that you paid for. This is a good idea in theory, but each store has their own coupon policies...you may just want to use the 50 cents off coupons and call it good.)
I am buying my candy for the Fall Festival at our church (they always ask for bagged candy), prizes at school, and potty candy for R!!
Leave a comment and let me know what deals you got and what you will use your candy for.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
FREE Post-It Note Sample...till 9/15, Gifts to Grow code
Make sure to snag this cool freebie for your home office. Go here to the Post-It website and receive a free sample of Post-It Durable Tabs and Label Pads.
I was working at school last week and pulled out a free sample that I received a year or so ago. It sure is nice to be able to try before you invest the money and buy....and I definitely like these products.
Also, if you are signed up with the Pampers Gifts to Grow program, here is a new code for 10 points: GTGCOUPONPOINTS
Leave a comment with any freebies you have seen lately!
I was working at school last week and pulled out a free sample that I received a year or so ago. It sure is nice to be able to try before you invest the money and buy....and I definitely like these products.
Also, if you are signed up with the Pampers Gifts to Grow program, here is a new code for 10 points: GTGCOUPONPOINTS
Leave a comment with any freebies you have seen lately!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Swagbucks 101
This is the first in a series of three posts I will be doing that explain very specific parts of my online quest for shopping excellence. :-)
Swagbucks is basically a site that rewards you for doing things that many of us do daily. Do you conduct internet searches? make online purchases? play online games? take surveys? Through the Swagbucks website, you can do all these things and be rewarded with Swagbucks, which the site compares to frequent flyer miles. When you have amassed a certain number of Swagbucks, you can trade them in for free stuff, like Amazon gift cards. OK, so did you catch that? You can earn FREE Amazon giftcards for searching the web. Are you thinking, Christmas presents? Because the other possible giftcards to earn are from Macy's, Target, and Bass Pro Shop, to name a few.
Yes, this is a very quick overview of a website that has much more to offer. This is yet another one of those very complicated and involved things that can be as intricate as you want it to be.....or it can be extremely easy. I only use Swagbucks in one way--to search the internet. I downloaded the toolbar onto my computer and use it instead of any other search engine (Bing, Altavista, or Google). And, very rarely do I ever need to search for anything out of the ordinary....I searched "Blogger" to get here. I search "facebook", "gmail", and the other coupon blogs that I subscribe to, as well as my college online learning website. So far, I have earned one $5 Amazon giftcard and am saving up for a larger giftcard for Christmas (maybe a $50 one).
Today is "Mega Swagbucks Day"--every Friday is. So, searching can earn you many more points than on other days. Last week, I got 50 Swagbucks for searching for my own blog!!!
Happy searching!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
3 Free Cards from Shutterfly
Oh, there is nothing like finding a deal! It works on me like a medicine!
Log on to Shutterfly today to get three cards (5x7 folded or invitation-size) for free plus shipping. Each card is about 36 cents after postage. I just made the cutest card with pics from our beach vacation, and I will use them as stationery to send a letter to my grandmother in Kentucky and some other relatives.
The coupon code is SUMMERCARDS. Enter it at checkout, and the discount will come off immediately.
If you are new to the site, you will get 50 free digital 4x6 prints.
Please sign up through one of the cash-back sites before completing your purchase (just got my "Big Fat Check" from Ebates yesterday and did a huge deal on ShopAtHome last night and this morning, so that check should be rolling in shortly). I promise you, you won't be sorry. Come on! I clip coupons that are worth 25 cents. You better believe that I will get cash back anywhere I can.
I will post more information on these websites later in the week. Until then, just try it if you are interested. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!
Log on to Shutterfly today to get three cards (5x7 folded or invitation-size) for free plus shipping. Each card is about 36 cents after postage. I just made the cutest card with pics from our beach vacation, and I will use them as stationery to send a letter to my grandmother in Kentucky and some other relatives.
The coupon code is SUMMERCARDS. Enter it at checkout, and the discount will come off immediately.
If you are new to the site, you will get 50 free digital 4x6 prints.
Please sign up through one of the cash-back sites before completing your purchase (just got my "Big Fat Check" from Ebates yesterday and did a huge deal on ShopAtHome last night and this morning, so that check should be rolling in shortly). I promise you, you won't be sorry. Come on! I clip coupons that are worth 25 cents. You better believe that I will get cash back anywhere I can.
I will post more information on these websites later in the week. Until then, just try it if you are interested. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
HURRY....Snapfish photo deal ends 8/17
Don't complain about having all these great photos and doing nothing with them....(Erin)....
You can upload them and get free shipping on any photo gifts, plus a free 8x10 collage print, from Snapfish with the coupon code GRANDSHIP. You must put the 8x10 collage print in your cart for the free shipping to be triggered, by the way.
There are some really nice gifts, such as mugs, posters, and calendars, if you are thinking ahead for Christmas gifts. The site does specify that other offers cannot be used in conjunction with this special deal. If I am reading this correctly, you could probably cheap out on it and order a few digital prints for 9 cents apiece, then do your collage print and get it all shipped for free.
Hmm, that sounds like a plan right there, pardners....and perhaps even a gift for someone special. The time taken to create something like that (8x10 collage) shows you care, and nobody has to know the final price tag. (I would actually applaud the savvy shopper, but you know that not everybody else is as painfully frugal as I am.)
Let me know what you chose to order!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Rewards Programs for Diapers...Scam or Deal?
It all started three and a half years ago, when I was beginning to show during my first pregnancy. I was making a diaper cake for one of my friends at work when I noticed a sticker-thing stuck to the inside of the pack of Pampers. I looked, and it was a sticker with a numerical/alphabetical code, a website, an expiration (which, it turns out, is fake), and the promise of free stuff.
For those of you who know me, that's all it took.
I began keeping and entering codes for Gifts to Grow, which is the Pampers diapers, wipes, and training pants rewards program. Basically, you keep up with the stickers, found inside the packages of diapers and training pants, or the code etched into the top of tubs of wipes/printed on the side of wipes refills, and enter them at the Pampers website. Thereafter, you can use the points earned from the codes to "buy" rewards.
So far, and I have been doing this program for 3.5 years.....I have earned a Melissa and Doug flower pot toy, a Sesame Street book (both with free shipping), 12 free birthday invitations from Shutterfly (only had to pay shipping)....and I now have 970 points, which means that I am ready to order my baby girl's birthday invites for this fall! It doesn't sound like much, but there are many opportunities to order other things that are as cheap as 400 points. At 150 points, you can earn a $3 credit to Diapers.com....which is a great site that many of my friends have used with success (don't forget...you can mail in coupons to your diapers.com account for use on your next order!). I just happened to want to save my points toward things that are a little pricier (and many times I would forget to keep codes/save tubs, which would have meant more points). Interested? Sign up here.
What I have been less successful with is the Huggies rewards program, which they began a few years back as their answer to Pampers' program. It is called Enjoy the Ride Rewards, and it seems to be pretty cool. They have many things, such as entries into raffles, that you can buy with your points for cheap, but I'm not the lottery type. So I have faithfully socked away my Huggies points, also stickers found inside the packs of diapers, swim pants, and training pants, as well as refill packs of wipes, and have....172 points total. I am very (VERY) patiently working toward coupons for a free tub and free refill of wipes. Grrrr.... Again, this would probably not be the case if I had rescued every sticker from the garbage after DH threw the empty bag away, or if Huggies had not been trying to offload every old pack of diapers at the start of this summer (lots of deals on packs that had no stickers). Unlike Pampers, however, you can earn points by completing polls, reading things from their websites, and so forth. Long story short, you can go for it here, but maybe it would be more fun to spend points on the instant win giveaways than just wait, like me.
Some free rewards codes (which are completely legit, as they are not the actual codes from within the packs; it is unethical and impossible to share those, as they are unique) for Pampers include:
WELCOME2PAMPERS (50 pts)
FACEBOOKJUL10
ENJOYYOURSUMMER (10 pts)
15GTGSUMMERFUN (15 pts)
25GTGSUMMER2010 (25 pts)
GTGSPRINGFREE10 (10 pts)
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG (10 pts)
WELCOME2VILLAGE10 (10 pts)
JOINTHEFUNGTG09 (10 pts)
WELCOME2GTG2010 (10 pts)
GROWWITHVILLAGE (10 pts)
GTGLEARNMORE089 (10 pts)
GETSTARTEDNOW10 (10 pts)
That oughta get you on your way!
The only one I can share for Huggies is BDTXQ-TXPHP-GXPGB (5 pts).
Ever gotten a reward from one of these programs? Share with the group! (Or let me know if one code has expired....since I've already used them, I don't really know.)
For those of you who know me, that's all it took.
I began keeping and entering codes for Gifts to Grow, which is the Pampers diapers, wipes, and training pants rewards program. Basically, you keep up with the stickers, found inside the packages of diapers and training pants, or the code etched into the top of tubs of wipes/printed on the side of wipes refills, and enter them at the Pampers website. Thereafter, you can use the points earned from the codes to "buy" rewards.
So far, and I have been doing this program for 3.5 years.....I have earned a Melissa and Doug flower pot toy, a Sesame Street book (both with free shipping), 12 free birthday invitations from Shutterfly (only had to pay shipping)....and I now have 970 points, which means that I am ready to order my baby girl's birthday invites for this fall! It doesn't sound like much, but there are many opportunities to order other things that are as cheap as 400 points. At 150 points, you can earn a $3 credit to Diapers.com....which is a great site that many of my friends have used with success (don't forget...you can mail in coupons to your diapers.com account for use on your next order!). I just happened to want to save my points toward things that are a little pricier (and many times I would forget to keep codes/save tubs, which would have meant more points). Interested? Sign up here.
What I have been less successful with is the Huggies rewards program, which they began a few years back as their answer to Pampers' program. It is called Enjoy the Ride Rewards, and it seems to be pretty cool. They have many things, such as entries into raffles, that you can buy with your points for cheap, but I'm not the lottery type. So I have faithfully socked away my Huggies points, also stickers found inside the packs of diapers, swim pants, and training pants, as well as refill packs of wipes, and have....172 points total. I am very (VERY) patiently working toward coupons for a free tub and free refill of wipes. Grrrr.... Again, this would probably not be the case if I had rescued every sticker from the garbage after DH threw the empty bag away, or if Huggies had not been trying to offload every old pack of diapers at the start of this summer (lots of deals on packs that had no stickers). Unlike Pampers, however, you can earn points by completing polls, reading things from their websites, and so forth. Long story short, you can go for it here, but maybe it would be more fun to spend points on the instant win giveaways than just wait, like me.
Some free rewards codes (which are completely legit, as they are not the actual codes from within the packs; it is unethical and impossible to share those, as they are unique) for Pampers include:
WELCOME2PAMPERS (50 pts)
FACEBOOKJUL10
ENJOYYOURSUMMER (10 pts)
15GTGSUMMERFUN (15 pts)
25GTGSUMMER2010 (25 pts)
GTGSPRINGFREE10 (10 pts)
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG (10 pts)
WELCOME2VILLAGE10 (10 pts)
JOINTHEFUNGTG09 (10 pts)
WELCOME2GTG2010 (10 pts)
GROWWITHVILLAGE (10 pts)
GTGLEARNMORE089 (10 pts)
GETSTARTEDNOW10 (10 pts)
That oughta get you on your way!
Ever gotten a reward from one of these programs? Share with the group! (Or let me know if one code has expired....since I've already used them, I don't really know.)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Deals Found at the Piggly Wiggly in Manchester, Georgia
There is a tearpad of coupons on a display of Kool-Aid Sugar-Free Drink Mix Canisters; the coupon is $1 off one can, which, when they are 2 for $4, makes it $1 apiece. Remember, it is only good etiquette to take two coupons per store visit so that other consumers have a chance.
Also, Double Luck Cut Green Beans are $0.50 a can, which is pretty much the lowest price without coupons that one can get.
ConAgra foods, such as Hunt's Ketchup (10 for $10, but you DO NOT have to buy all 10 to get sale price), Chef Boyardee canned pastas ($1 apiece, several varieties), Hunt's tomato sauce ($1/2 cans) and Hunt's Snack Packs ($1 apiece) have been on sale for awhile. However, here is a deal idea for beginners:
Buy: 10 total items from ConAgra (Hunt's Ketchup, Snack Packs, Chef Boyardee, Hunt's Pasta Sauce, etc.)
2 boxes fruit snacks (up to $2.00 in value)
Use: 2 - Coupons from In-Store Circular "Buy 5 ConAgra items get 1 Fruit Snacks Free" (since you may ethically use two such coupons if you retrieve them on this trip; found next to shopping baskets in front of store)
- several Qs from 8/1/10 newspaper for Snack Packs ($0.30/2, which will double to $0.60 per two Snack Pack purchases, making them $0.70 apiece)
(It would actually be cheapest to purchase 10 cans of tomato sauce @ 50 cents apiece, but you may not need/want to have that many cans of tomato sauce.)
Get: staple items that you need for cheap (I'm thinking lunchboxes). If you combine this deal with a few other things here and there, you will be spending more than $25, which means that you will also receive a *FREE* item at Piggly Wiggly. On Tuesday, 8/10/10, this was a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese, although they have also given a loaf of bread, a 2-liter Coke, and a dozen eggs.
Some of you may be rolling your eyes and saying, "Fruit snacks? Macaroni? What am I, five years old?" As always, you may not eat it, but perhaps the food pantry would gladly accept your donation....maybe your local church's Children's Ministry (ahem) would accept fruit snacks....maybe the church's youth group could use some nonperishable items for their next trip. All of the above items are at low prices, and a little coupon-clipping that results in nothing more than kindness or compassion toward a fellow human being is worth it, in my book.
Also, save your receipts. ConAgra did a cool coupon book when you buy $10 in their products twice this spring. I have the feeling they may come out with another offer like that fairly soon.
Also, Double Luck Cut Green Beans are $0.50 a can, which is pretty much the lowest price without coupons that one can get.
ConAgra foods, such as Hunt's Ketchup (10 for $10, but you DO NOT have to buy all 10 to get sale price), Chef Boyardee canned pastas ($1 apiece, several varieties), Hunt's tomato sauce ($1/2 cans) and Hunt's Snack Packs ($1 apiece) have been on sale for awhile. However, here is a deal idea for beginners:
Buy: 10 total items from ConAgra (Hunt's Ketchup, Snack Packs, Chef Boyardee, Hunt's Pasta Sauce, etc.)
2 boxes fruit snacks (up to $2.00 in value)
Use: 2 - Coupons from In-Store Circular "Buy 5 ConAgra items get 1 Fruit Snacks Free" (since you may ethically use two such coupons if you retrieve them on this trip; found next to shopping baskets in front of store)
- several Qs from 8/1/10 newspaper for Snack Packs ($0.30/2, which will double to $0.60 per two Snack Pack purchases, making them $0.70 apiece)
(It would actually be cheapest to purchase 10 cans of tomato sauce @ 50 cents apiece, but you may not need/want to have that many cans of tomato sauce.)
Get: staple items that you need for cheap (I'm thinking lunchboxes). If you combine this deal with a few other things here and there, you will be spending more than $25, which means that you will also receive a *FREE* item at Piggly Wiggly. On Tuesday, 8/10/10, this was a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese, although they have also given a loaf of bread, a 2-liter Coke, and a dozen eggs.
Some of you may be rolling your eyes and saying, "Fruit snacks? Macaroni? What am I, five years old?" As always, you may not eat it, but perhaps the food pantry would gladly accept your donation....maybe your local church's Children's Ministry (ahem) would accept fruit snacks....maybe the church's youth group could use some nonperishable items for their next trip. All of the above items are at low prices, and a little coupon-clipping that results in nothing more than kindness or compassion toward a fellow human being is worth it, in my book.
Also, save your receipts. ConAgra did a cool coupon book when you buy $10 in their products twice this spring. I have the feeling they may come out with another offer like that fairly soon.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Finding Diapers For Less
I have two small children, and so for the past three years or so, my budget (and life) has all but been consumed by the need for diapers, wipes, and other baby necessities. I used to wait and go to Wal-Mart, buying those huge boxes of all different brands, depending on what was on sale. I even saved diaper coupons, but never did such a hot job of actually using them when I had them. I felt like we were always out of something, and it placed an inordinate amount of stress on me.
Now, I can't WAIT to go and hit a diaper sale at a drugstore or Kroger....and that says a lot. Right now, I usually don't purchase diapers (name brand jumbo packs, mind you) for more than $5 a pack (many are cheaper).....and I am getting many, many more diapers for my money than I used to.
Here are my top three ways to get cheap diapers:
1. Clip coupons and check blogs (of some sort). Diaper/wipes coupons are regularly found in at least one coupon insert per month; they are usually always in the Procter & Gamble insert, when one is present. Baby product (i.e., Johnson's & Johnson's products) Qs require more patience when only purchasing a Sunday paper. However, there are constantly new coupons being put on one of the big 3 printable coupon sites. Also, the blog thing--many blogs will have coupon matchups with deals that can be done in a specific order to save money. Although you can certainly DIY, unless you know all the ins and outs of the drugstores, it is very helpful to see how someone else is going to get that pack of diapers and other assorted goodies in the transaction.
2. Pay attention to sales and loyalty programs. If you don't go get every pack of diapers that cost $1.94 from CVS because the nearest store is 45 minutes away, that's okay! Simply buying a pack of diapers on sale for $8.99 from a store in your town and using a few coupons to sweeten the deal can be helpful. Although it is certainly one way to do things, NOT EVERYBODY wants to stockpile (which is what many of the blogs set up their coupon matchups to do). Simply paying attention to when prices are at a good level when you might be running low can prevent you buying the same pack of diapers from a gas station at 11 p.m. for $11.99. (Been there.) It also helps to sign up for things like Single Check Rebates from Rite Aid, which often allow you to get $1 or $2 back in rebate form at the end of a month for buying a pack of diapers. You kiddin' me? I already do that, and to get an extra buck or two just for typing in my receipt number is totally worth it. When those checks roll in, I think....yard sale money! :-)
3. Try new things. There is a company called Arquest that works with manufacturers and consumers to conduct diaper studies several times during the year. It varies as to what sizes and genders they are testing at any given time. I just finished a study this week on training pants. They sent me three packs of training pants and three paper surveys; I also had two scheduled phone interviews to relay my information to the surveyor. In all, the phone interviews took about 12 minutes, and the paper surveys took about 15 minutes. I will receive a check for $10 in the mail as a "thank you gift" for my completing all three of the surveys within the time window (for basically 30 minutes of my time)....but three packs of undergarments for free is a huge help, anyway. I have tried this survey option with both my boy and girl; however, I would encourage some caution, as some children are sensitive to ingredients in diapers, and you don't always know "whose" diapers they are...some friends have kids who can only wear one brand or another, or who have to stay away from Pampers Cruisers, etc. However, my kids have rear ends like armadillos, so that wasn't a concern for me (although I would have discontinued at first sign of rash). Here are the numbers to contact the company; simply leave a message detailing what size diapers your child wears, along with the regular stuff.
GIRLS: 1-888-342-7372 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-342-7372 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 646 (The woman you speak to is named Georgia)
BOYS: 1-888-342-7372 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-342-7372 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 634 (The woman you speak to is named “Cheyla”, but it sounds like Sheila)
Hope this wasn't too wordy, and I hope it gives you a place to start with baby items. Have any great tips for saving money? Leave a post for the good of the group.
Now, I can't WAIT to go and hit a diaper sale at a drugstore or Kroger....and that says a lot. Right now, I usually don't purchase diapers (name brand jumbo packs, mind you) for more than $5 a pack (many are cheaper).....and I am getting many, many more diapers for my money than I used to.
Here are my top three ways to get cheap diapers:
1. Clip coupons and check blogs (of some sort). Diaper/wipes coupons are regularly found in at least one coupon insert per month; they are usually always in the Procter & Gamble insert, when one is present. Baby product (i.e., Johnson's & Johnson's products) Qs require more patience when only purchasing a Sunday paper. However, there are constantly new coupons being put on one of the big 3 printable coupon sites. Also, the blog thing--many blogs will have coupon matchups with deals that can be done in a specific order to save money. Although you can certainly DIY, unless you know all the ins and outs of the drugstores, it is very helpful to see how someone else is going to get that pack of diapers and other assorted goodies in the transaction.
2. Pay attention to sales and loyalty programs. If you don't go get every pack of diapers that cost $1.94 from CVS because the nearest store is 45 minutes away, that's okay! Simply buying a pack of diapers on sale for $8.99 from a store in your town and using a few coupons to sweeten the deal can be helpful. Although it is certainly one way to do things, NOT EVERYBODY wants to stockpile (which is what many of the blogs set up their coupon matchups to do). Simply paying attention to when prices are at a good level when you might be running low can prevent you buying the same pack of diapers from a gas station at 11 p.m. for $11.99. (Been there.) It also helps to sign up for things like Single Check Rebates from Rite Aid, which often allow you to get $1 or $2 back in rebate form at the end of a month for buying a pack of diapers. You kiddin' me? I already do that, and to get an extra buck or two just for typing in my receipt number is totally worth it. When those checks roll in, I think....yard sale money! :-)
3. Try new things. There is a company called Arquest that works with manufacturers and consumers to conduct diaper studies several times during the year. It varies as to what sizes and genders they are testing at any given time. I just finished a study this week on training pants. They sent me three packs of training pants and three paper surveys; I also had two scheduled phone interviews to relay my information to the surveyor. In all, the phone interviews took about 12 minutes, and the paper surveys took about 15 minutes. I will receive a check for $10 in the mail as a "thank you gift" for my completing all three of the surveys within the time window (for basically 30 minutes of my time)....but three packs of undergarments for free is a huge help, anyway. I have tried this survey option with both my boy and girl; however, I would encourage some caution, as some children are sensitive to ingredients in diapers, and you don't always know "whose" diapers they are...some friends have kids who can only wear one brand or another, or who have to stay away from Pampers Cruisers, etc. However, my kids have rear ends like armadillos, so that wasn't a concern for me (although I would have discontinued at first sign of rash). Here are the numbers to contact the company; simply leave a message detailing what size diapers your child wears, along with the regular stuff.
GIRLS: 1-888-342-7372 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-342-7372 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 646 (The woman you speak to is named Georgia)
BOYS: 1-888-342-7372 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-342-7372 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 634 (The woman you speak to is named “Cheyla”, but it sounds like Sheila)
Hope this wasn't too wordy, and I hope it gives you a place to start with baby items. Have any great tips for saving money? Leave a post for the good of the group.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Finding Coupons, Part Two
When I re-read my posting on places to find coupons the other day, I rolled my eyes. There are TONS of places to find coupons, and I covered only a few of them. So, without exhausting you (or belaboring the point), here are some more ideas for coupon-hunters:
1. Be a concerned consumer. By emailing, snail mailing, or calling the toll-free number of a company, they are very likely to respond to you in a positive manner, whether or not you have anything positive to say. To give you a couple of examples, I have bragged on Calmoseptine ointment (for diaper rash), Breyers yogurt, and Land O'Lakes butter and found INCREDIBLE samples and coupons in my mailbox not long after.....but Kraft did right by me when I complained about the recent re-formulation of some of their salad dressings and sent me high-value coupons. Simply find a place on the website that says, "Contact Us", and do so.If t he task seems daunting, pick one or two companies whose products you are faithful to and email them; it will take five minutes .You might be pleasantly surprised about who will offer you something in return.
2. Surf. As stated in the previous post, most printable coupons can be found on one of three major sites, but there are many companies who provide one or a few coupons to be printed from their own website. For instance (don't judge me!), Little Debbie's website provided one or two coupons for chocolate cupcakes and the like on their web page.
3. Keep your eyes peeled. Other than blinkies, peelies, hangtags, and tearpads, also discussed in the previous post, one of my favorite Rite Aid stores in Bowdon, Georgia has displays set up with small manufacturer booklets that explain more about the product with coupons as well. They were on a lower shelf with only one specific product in the display; in the past, I have also seen some awesome allergy coupons in this format as well. Some small informational booklets are just that, but it always pays to check.
4. With free samples. Not that getting a little tiny sample in your mailbox (score!) is not enough, but....many times, there may be a coupon included with the sample. I have gotten Nivea, Pampers, All-Bran, and Garnier coupons this way.
5. In or on boxes. This is a tricky one, but again, it pays to pay attention. There may be a small graphic on the item to indicate that there are coupons inside the item, which is of course enticing you to purchase it--but if the item is on sale, who cares? Printed on the actual item boxes....Cheerios, Pampers, Betty Crocker Warm Delights, and Banquet Family Meals. Found inside the item (in a booklet, etc.).....Biore, Schick, and many, many packages of Pampers, where I have found coupons for Cheerios, Kandoo products, and Easy Ups.
6. Magazines. Hopefully, "all you" guys know about the All You magazine, which can be found in Wal-Mart only (or through a home subscription). This magazine is your average folksy women's rag with fashion, home, and beauty stories, but includes coupons that range from a total of $55 to $85 in savings!! But, there are many others in magazines for the taking. I have found them in Redbook, Glamour, Parents, Family Fun, Ladies' Home Journal, to name a few.
**Related savings news...Thanks to a great friend, Knowly, who pointed out that the photo websites, particularly Shutterfly and Walgreens, have super-duper deals on a regular basis! Walgreens even has a feature where you can ship photo items to ANY Walgreens....which means you can send new pics to your great-aunt and -uncle who don't get on "the email" (thanks, Haley!).
Also, one more observation.....I noticed that in this week's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, a newspaper that I buy religiously every week, there was a line at the top proclaiming "Over $150 in savings". Pretty impressive, unless you also got the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which stated that it contained wayyyyyy more than that (perhaps twice or three times)....... Just goes to show you--if you can, be sure to purchase Sunday papers from the largest possible newspaper.
1. Be a concerned consumer. By emailing, snail mailing, or calling the toll-free number of a company, they are very likely to respond to you in a positive manner, whether or not you have anything positive to say. To give you a couple of examples, I have bragged on Calmoseptine ointment (for diaper rash), Breyers yogurt, and Land O'Lakes butter and found INCREDIBLE samples and coupons in my mailbox not long after.....but Kraft did right by me when I complained about the recent re-formulation of some of their salad dressings and sent me high-value coupons. Simply find a place on the website that says, "Contact Us", and do so.If t he task seems daunting, pick one or two companies whose products you are faithful to and email them; it will take five minutes .You might be pleasantly surprised about who will offer you something in return.
2. Surf. As stated in the previous post, most printable coupons can be found on one of three major sites, but there are many companies who provide one or a few coupons to be printed from their own website. For instance (don't judge me!), Little Debbie's website provided one or two coupons for chocolate cupcakes and the like on their web page.
3. Keep your eyes peeled. Other than blinkies, peelies, hangtags, and tearpads, also discussed in the previous post, one of my favorite Rite Aid stores in Bowdon, Georgia has displays set up with small manufacturer booklets that explain more about the product with coupons as well. They were on a lower shelf with only one specific product in the display; in the past, I have also seen some awesome allergy coupons in this format as well. Some small informational booklets are just that, but it always pays to check.
4. With free samples. Not that getting a little tiny sample in your mailbox (score!) is not enough, but....many times, there may be a coupon included with the sample. I have gotten Nivea, Pampers, All-Bran, and Garnier coupons this way.
5. In or on boxes. This is a tricky one, but again, it pays to pay attention. There may be a small graphic on the item to indicate that there are coupons inside the item, which is of course enticing you to purchase it--but if the item is on sale, who cares? Printed on the actual item boxes....Cheerios, Pampers, Betty Crocker Warm Delights, and Banquet Family Meals. Found inside the item (in a booklet, etc.).....Biore, Schick, and many, many packages of Pampers, where I have found coupons for Cheerios, Kandoo products, and Easy Ups.
6. Magazines. Hopefully, "all you" guys know about the All You magazine, which can be found in Wal-Mart only (or through a home subscription). This magazine is your average folksy women's rag with fashion, home, and beauty stories, but includes coupons that range from a total of $55 to $85 in savings!! But, there are many others in magazines for the taking. I have found them in Redbook, Glamour, Parents, Family Fun, Ladies' Home Journal, to name a few.
**Related savings news...Thanks to a great friend, Knowly, who pointed out that the photo websites, particularly Shutterfly and Walgreens, have super-duper deals on a regular basis! Walgreens even has a feature where you can ship photo items to ANY Walgreens....which means you can send new pics to your great-aunt and -uncle who don't get on "the email" (thanks, Haley!).
Also, one more observation.....I noticed that in this week's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, a newspaper that I buy religiously every week, there was a line at the top proclaiming "Over $150 in savings". Pretty impressive, unless you also got the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which stated that it contained wayyyyyy more than that (perhaps twice or three times)....... Just goes to show you--if you can, be sure to purchase Sunday papers from the largest possible newspaper.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
55-cents off 2 Yoplait Whips: High Value Coupon
For all you Yoplait fans out there....
I am a member of a panel of consumers for General Mills, and these opinions are my own.
They recently sent me an email extolling the virtues of Yoplait Whips. They suggest that you put a container of this whipped yogurt in the freezer overnight and enjoy a low-calorie, low-fat frozen treat the next day....
They also provided me with this link for family and friends who might want to print a high-value yogurt coupon. Most yogurt coupons (printable or otherwise) are for purchases of 6-8 yogurts; this coupon is for two yogurts, which means if you find a sale, you are getting a great deal! Also, for you Bi-Lo shoppers out there (wherever you are....are there Bi-Lo Supermarkets in GA?), this coupon will double, since Bi-Lo doubles coupons up to 55 cents. In short, this is a must-print coupon.
What is your favorite flavor? I can remember first tasting this yogurt at my brother's wedding brunch....strawberry and oh so delicious. My son, who was the only lil' peach at the time, loved it also. Leave a comment telling your favorite flavor, and be sure to print the coupon. (It only uses a quarter of a page, for you paper-saving folks out there....be sure to use your "back" button.)
I am a member of a panel of consumers for General Mills, and these opinions are my own.
They recently sent me an email extolling the virtues of Yoplait Whips. They suggest that you put a container of this whipped yogurt in the freezer overnight and enjoy a low-calorie, low-fat frozen treat the next day....
They also provided me with this link for family and friends who might want to print a high-value yogurt coupon. Most yogurt coupons (printable or otherwise) are for purchases of 6-8 yogurts; this coupon is for two yogurts, which means if you find a sale, you are getting a great deal! Also, for you Bi-Lo shoppers out there (wherever you are....are there Bi-Lo Supermarkets in GA?), this coupon will double, since Bi-Lo doubles coupons up to 55 cents. In short, this is a must-print coupon.
What is your favorite flavor? I can remember first tasting this yogurt at my brother's wedding brunch....strawberry and oh so delicious. My son, who was the only lil' peach at the time, loved it also. Leave a comment telling your favorite flavor, and be sure to print the coupon. (It only uses a quarter of a page, for you paper-saving folks out there....be sure to use your "back" button.)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Where Can I Find Coupons?
One of the biggest perceived pitfalls of couponing comes when people say, "Well, I am not going to buy all of those newspapers. What a waste of money!" (I actually disagree here, citing this past week's insane P&G coupon insert, but....)
The truth is, you can find coupons in lots of places besides your lone subscription to a large city's newspaper (read: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer or AJC, and I'll give you three guesses on which paper is better for coupons....ahem, wish I lived in Hotlanta). I will list only a few here, and if you have any ideas, please feel free to share below! I am still learning, too!
1. Obviously, you can ask friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc. if you can have their unused inserts/coupons from the newspaper. This is especially juicy if you are in different places in life... if you need diaper coupons and they need coupons for cat food and Boost drinks, you can trade up and feel great about it!
2. Grocery store flyers and booklets (found in the store itself). Here is a link to my post on the coupon flyer in Piggly Wiggly, Manchester, Georgia; however, many booklets and flyers are entirely store specific. For instance, Publix booklets can be found at the ends of aisles or near special displays in the store....and store-specific grocery coupons can be used WITH manufacturer coupons (this is called "stacking", when you use two coupons on one item....it is permissible) in places like Publix. Walgreens also has coupon booklets on a monthly basis.
3. Blinkies (found in grocery/drug stores near the items). A "blinky" is a small machine that dispenses coupons one at a time. When you take one coupon, it dispenses another one quickly. However, after you take the second coupon, the machine hesitates. The reason here is that it is good coupon etiquette to take only TWO of any free coupon. Blinkies are telling you, "Walk away!" So, be an ethical couponer and thank the Lord that you found an awesome coupon (without taking every last coupon)! I frequently see these in major grocery stores in the cereal aisle and near the dairy section (whether for cheese, yogurt, or something else). However, be warned...some are creatively placed. I found an awesome blinky for Kraft cheese in the freezer section. Hmm....
4. Tearpads (found in grocery/drug stores near the items). A tearpad is what it sounds like...a pad of coupons that is placed near the item in question. These are great because they draw your attention to that bag of Tostitos and encourage you to make a snap purchase. However, let me encourage you to demurely rip off your limit of two and walk away (unless there is a kickin' sale), retaining your coupons for another trip. Just using a coupon because you have it is sort of playing to the manufacturer. Using a coupon when you can get money off your next purchase, work toward a rebate, or buy things for less than $1 is going to help your family out instead. (Do make sure to check the expiration date before you get all excited....says the girl who thought she was going to make a purchase of Benefiber a huge moneymaker. Ha, ha! It was only free, oh well. :-)
5. Peelies (found on the item itself in sticker form) or hangtags (usually hanging from the neck of a bottle). These are great coupons. Really, they are! But, it is unethical to remove one from a product that you do not intend to purchase. The reason the manufacturer puts them on there is to entice you to purchase it; okay, I get that. But it is not okay for me to just pull the peelies/hangtags off and stuff them into my pocketbook when the next shopper could really need that item and the corresponding coupon. Not cool, folks. These are coupons that you also need to check the expiration date on. I have purchased several things in the past which said, "Try Me Free!" Well, I could have tried them for free....in 2009. So, buyer beware, and take a gentle look at expiration dates, if possible.
6. Home mailings. Publix comes to mind when I think AWESOME connections with the consumer. They have many different kinds of booklets to register online for; if you have babies, their Baby Club is wonderful and comes with all sorts of freebies. There is also a toddler club (called Preschool Pals), GreenWise Magazine, FamilyStyle magazine, and a magazine about wine. The link here will take you to the general page where you can sign up to receive these home mailings. It is enough to make you want to start shopping at Publix if you have never darkened their doors! The magazines come with a mix of articles, recipes, and coupons--both store and manufacturer. (So, this means that, even though Publix sent you the mailing, you may use the manufacturer coupons elsewhere.)
7. The internet (for printable coupons). This is the easiest way to do coupons, for some people. You simply go to one of the three major sites and start printing off coupons. SmartSource, Red Plum, and Coupons.com are the Big 3. These sites have two basic principles: 1) you may generally print TWO of each coupon, either by pressing your back button once (if a message pops up that says your computer will have to resend the information, say OK) or by looking for the coupon again, and 2) at the end of each month, the coupons reset. So, if you find a high-value coupon for Huggies (there is one this month, btw), you can print two of those coupons immediately. Then, you may print two more, if they are still available, next month (the coupons have even been known to reset the print limits within the same month; check your favorite blog). May I suggest something, though? Unless you KNOW you will get the product, wait until you plan your shopping trip. Otherwise, you will end up with lots of expired printable coupons and less printer ink to boot. Sorry to be a killjoy.
8. The internet (for electronic coupons). This is weird, but I know that with Kroger (don't know where else), you can register your Kroger Plus card number with three services that will allow you to upload a one-time coupon onto your card. The amount of the coupon will deduct itself automatically, with no fuss, and will show on your receipt. It will only do this one time. However, it can make for some really great savings. Say you buy a box of granola bars. Use a manufacturer coupon on them for 50 cents (it will double to 1.00 at most grocery stores); if you are at Kroger, you can usually upload a coupon for the granola bars onto your Kroger Plus card. So, you can save upwards of $1.50 on a single box! Try Cellfire, Shortcuts, and Procter and Gamble's electronic coupons (P & G makes for some great deals this week @ Kroger, btw!).
Okay, the husband is calling for me to hit the sack, so I better go. Hope these ideas help you out...I know I probably forgot something, so post it for the good of the group, folks! Happy couponing!
The truth is, you can find coupons in lots of places besides your lone subscription to a large city's newspaper (read: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer or AJC, and I'll give you three guesses on which paper is better for coupons....ahem, wish I lived in Hotlanta). I will list only a few here, and if you have any ideas, please feel free to share below! I am still learning, too!
1. Obviously, you can ask friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc. if you can have their unused inserts/coupons from the newspaper. This is especially juicy if you are in different places in life... if you need diaper coupons and they need coupons for cat food and Boost drinks, you can trade up and feel great about it!
2. Grocery store flyers and booklets (found in the store itself). Here is a link to my post on the coupon flyer in Piggly Wiggly, Manchester, Georgia; however, many booklets and flyers are entirely store specific. For instance, Publix booklets can be found at the ends of aisles or near special displays in the store....and store-specific grocery coupons can be used WITH manufacturer coupons (this is called "stacking", when you use two coupons on one item....it is permissible) in places like Publix. Walgreens also has coupon booklets on a monthly basis.
3. Blinkies (found in grocery/drug stores near the items). A "blinky" is a small machine that dispenses coupons one at a time. When you take one coupon, it dispenses another one quickly. However, after you take the second coupon, the machine hesitates. The reason here is that it is good coupon etiquette to take only TWO of any free coupon. Blinkies are telling you, "Walk away!" So, be an ethical couponer and thank the Lord that you found an awesome coupon (without taking every last coupon)! I frequently see these in major grocery stores in the cereal aisle and near the dairy section (whether for cheese, yogurt, or something else). However, be warned...some are creatively placed. I found an awesome blinky for Kraft cheese in the freezer section. Hmm....
4. Tearpads (found in grocery/drug stores near the items). A tearpad is what it sounds like...a pad of coupons that is placed near the item in question. These are great because they draw your attention to that bag of Tostitos and encourage you to make a snap purchase. However, let me encourage you to demurely rip off your limit of two and walk away (unless there is a kickin' sale), retaining your coupons for another trip. Just using a coupon because you have it is sort of playing to the manufacturer. Using a coupon when you can get money off your next purchase, work toward a rebate, or buy things for less than $1 is going to help your family out instead. (Do make sure to check the expiration date before you get all excited....says the girl who thought she was going to make a purchase of Benefiber a huge moneymaker. Ha, ha! It was only free, oh well. :-)
5. Peelies (found on the item itself in sticker form) or hangtags (usually hanging from the neck of a bottle). These are great coupons. Really, they are! But, it is unethical to remove one from a product that you do not intend to purchase. The reason the manufacturer puts them on there is to entice you to purchase it; okay, I get that. But it is not okay for me to just pull the peelies/hangtags off and stuff them into my pocketbook when the next shopper could really need that item and the corresponding coupon. Not cool, folks. These are coupons that you also need to check the expiration date on. I have purchased several things in the past which said, "Try Me Free!" Well, I could have tried them for free....in 2009. So, buyer beware, and take a gentle look at expiration dates, if possible.
6. Home mailings. Publix comes to mind when I think AWESOME connections with the consumer. They have many different kinds of booklets to register online for; if you have babies, their Baby Club is wonderful and comes with all sorts of freebies. There is also a toddler club (called Preschool Pals), GreenWise Magazine, FamilyStyle magazine, and a magazine about wine. The link here will take you to the general page where you can sign up to receive these home mailings. It is enough to make you want to start shopping at Publix if you have never darkened their doors! The magazines come with a mix of articles, recipes, and coupons--both store and manufacturer. (So, this means that, even though Publix sent you the mailing, you may use the manufacturer coupons elsewhere.)
7. The internet (for printable coupons). This is the easiest way to do coupons, for some people. You simply go to one of the three major sites and start printing off coupons. SmartSource, Red Plum, and Coupons.com are the Big 3. These sites have two basic principles: 1) you may generally print TWO of each coupon, either by pressing your back button once (if a message pops up that says your computer will have to resend the information, say OK) or by looking for the coupon again, and 2) at the end of each month, the coupons reset. So, if you find a high-value coupon for Huggies (there is one this month, btw), you can print two of those coupons immediately. Then, you may print two more, if they are still available, next month (the coupons have even been known to reset the print limits within the same month; check your favorite blog). May I suggest something, though? Unless you KNOW you will get the product, wait until you plan your shopping trip. Otherwise, you will end up with lots of expired printable coupons and less printer ink to boot. Sorry to be a killjoy.
8. The internet (for electronic coupons). This is weird, but I know that with Kroger (don't know where else), you can register your Kroger Plus card number with three services that will allow you to upload a one-time coupon onto your card. The amount of the coupon will deduct itself automatically, with no fuss, and will show on your receipt. It will only do this one time. However, it can make for some really great savings. Say you buy a box of granola bars. Use a manufacturer coupon on them for 50 cents (it will double to 1.00 at most grocery stores); if you are at Kroger, you can usually upload a coupon for the granola bars onto your Kroger Plus card. So, you can save upwards of $1.50 on a single box! Try Cellfire, Shortcuts, and Procter and Gamble's electronic coupons (P & G makes for some great deals this week @ Kroger, btw!).
Okay, the husband is calling for me to hit the sack, so I better go. Hope these ideas help you out...I know I probably forgot something, so post it for the good of the group, folks! Happy couponing!
Comments Welcome!
At least, they are now. I changed the permissions so that you can actually post comments and ideas for deals, like I have asked for.... Thank you for being patient as I learn more about this craft!
I will post again later with some ideas for how to find coupons, for those of you who are just going to start building up your coupon stash. I went to Piggly Wiggly today and scored two coupon fliers (see July posting) as well as a coupon for $2.00 off milk wyb (when you buy) 5 Kellogg's cereals. Now, why didn't I find that silly coupon before I went to Rite Aid the other day? Ah, regret..... :-)
Anyway, thanks for following me, and we'll talk again soon.
I will post again later with some ideas for how to find coupons, for those of you who are just going to start building up your coupon stash. I went to Piggly Wiggly today and scored two coupon fliers (see July posting) as well as a coupon for $2.00 off milk wyb (when you buy) 5 Kellogg's cereals. Now, why didn't I find that silly coupon before I went to Rite Aid the other day? Ah, regret..... :-)
Anyway, thanks for following me, and we'll talk again soon.
Monday, August 2, 2010
An Ode to Rite Aid
Oh, Rite Aid, how do I love thee?
Thou art more organized than I could ever be....
(although Nivea Lip Care was hard to find that one week)
Your cashiers are endlessly polite,
About coupons you never fight.
Okay, so my poetry needs a bit of work, daahlings, but here is the point:
I have seen bloggers post pictures of their "steals and deals" from stores, and sometimes, it irritates me. What, are they just trying to brag? Make me feel like less of a woman 'cause I paid full price for four rolls of toilet paper the other day?
I think I have the answer. Yes, they are bragging, a little. But the primary reason why I am going to post a picture of my deal is that I want people to understand that you, too, can do this. I am not a smart person, by any account, but I skim my favorite blogs using Google Reader, buy the newspaper, and print off coupons as needed. And, that is what I did for the following deal:
6 boxes Kellogg's Cereal @ 2 for $4
4 boxes Kellogg's Pop-Tarts @ 2 for $4
4 tubs Pampers wipes @ 2.49 (I used a raincheck for these babies)
Then, I used:
2 - $1 off Apple Jacks or Froot Loops (found on back of mini boxes of cereal @ bread store)
2 - $1 off wyb 2 Kellogg's Cereals (printed)
2 - $1 off wyb 2 Kellogg's Pop Tarts (one printed, one from newspaper)
4 - $2 off Pampers wipes (from newspaper, but I bought some from Ebay)
1 - $5 off Rite Aid purchase over $25 (printed from Rite Aid "Video Rewards" online)
1 - $2 +UP Reward (was going to expire...prints on end of receipts at Rite Aid)
My total was $10.91. However, each Kellogg's item caused $1 in "+UP Rewards" (aka Rite Aid money that works like CVS ExtraCare Bucks, if you know that system) to print: $5 worth. Then, I will get back a $5 rebate from Rite Aid for purchasing at least $15 in Kellogg's items.
Final cost: $0.91 for 14 items, or about 7 cents an item!!
Let me repeat: I am not a genius. I also do not run from store to store, scooping up every cheap or free deal possible. If I did that, I would be broke and with a house full of junk I don't need. But, the few things I do happen to work for me.
Let me encourage you to buy a newspaper, or to ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers if they have coupon inserts that they don't use. You can do it!
Friday, July 30, 2010
FREE sample of Eucerin Daily Skin Balance
Hop on over to Facebook (not like you needed any prompting) and grab a free sample of Eucerin Daily Skin Balance after you "like" their page and fill out a quick pledge to care for your skin. Better hurry, these samples tend to go quickly.
Thanks, The Prudent Patron!
Thanks, The Prudent Patron!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
FREE Nabisco Cookies!
Here is our monthly chance to get FREE Nabisco cookies when you buy (wyb) one gallon of milk and one package of Nabisco cookies (read: buy 2 packages of cookies and one gallon of milk; they will take the cost of one package of cookies off).
You must visit Nabisco's Facebook page here on Monday, August 2, to print the coupon, which is found under the "Cookies and Milk" tab. It is good for a few weeks, but watch the expiration....no sense in printing off coupons that you will never use (says the sad voice of experience).
For those of us hometown shoppers, the Piggly Wiggly in Manchester, Georgia is NO LONGER accepting internet-printable coupons, such as this, for anything (coupons from newspapers, magazines, and the like are still OK). So, no "free" item coupons AND no "cents off" coupons, either. :-( I contacted Corporate the other day to see what the deal was, and they very kindly told me that it is at the discretion of each store manager to refuse coupons for any reason. I'll still shop there, of course, but it puts a slight kink in things.
But, I know that Dollar General just began accepting internet-printable coupons (yippee!!)....leave a comment if you find a great deal on milk and cookies!
You must visit Nabisco's Facebook page here on Monday, August 2, to print the coupon, which is found under the "Cookies and Milk" tab. It is good for a few weeks, but watch the expiration....no sense in printing off coupons that you will never use (says the sad voice of experience).
For those of us hometown shoppers, the Piggly Wiggly in Manchester, Georgia is NO LONGER accepting internet-printable coupons, such as this, for anything (coupons from newspapers, magazines, and the like are still OK). So, no "free" item coupons AND no "cents off" coupons, either. :-( I contacted Corporate the other day to see what the deal was, and they very kindly told me that it is at the discretion of each store manager to refuse coupons for any reason. I'll still shop there, of course, but it puts a slight kink in things.
But, I know that Dollar General just began accepting internet-printable coupons (yippee!!)....leave a comment if you find a great deal on milk and cookies!
Free Zaxby's Food!
Dining-out-a-phobia: (n.) 1. The fear of paying full price for a meal. See also: cheapskate.
Shoulda, coulda, woulda...My dear family and I went out to eat @ Zaxby's today, and, come to find out, I could have been planning for this lunch out with some bang-up coupons!
You can join the Zax Mail Club (e-mail newsletter club) by clicking here. (You may use your mouse pointer to right-click the link, then choose, "Open Link in New Window".) The website states that you will receive a FREE Meal Deal coupon (one per household) in your mailbox within 6 weeks; however, other offers and deals will be sent monthly to your e-mail box.
Also, there is a Zax Kidz Club, which mails a FREE cookie card to your child just for joining, as well as a FREE Kidz Meal Card mailed on his or her birthday (you must mail or fax the entry form to the address provided). I have a little darling daughter who is entering toddlerhood soon....better get on this one!
Eating out when on a budget is difficult for everybody, but freebies like this ease the pain (or phobia?) of paying full price--and treating kids to an often-pricey meal when they might end up eating half a piece of Texas Toast and bathing in your ketchup at best.
Just enter the name of your favorite restaurant in a search engine (many of you have toolbars at the top of this window for that very purpose) and visit the website, which may give you details on receiving free appetizers, drinks, or $$$-off meals just for joining their fan club. Off the top of my head, I know that I have signed up with Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, O'Charley's, Longhorn, Applebee's, and Chili's restaurants, and I have never been disappointed with their offers!
Happy eating!
Shoulda, coulda, woulda...My dear family and I went out to eat @ Zaxby's today, and, come to find out, I could have been planning for this lunch out with some bang-up coupons!
You can join the Zax Mail Club (e-mail newsletter club) by clicking here. (You may use your mouse pointer to right-click the link, then choose, "Open Link in New Window".) The website states that you will receive a FREE Meal Deal coupon (one per household) in your mailbox within 6 weeks; however, other offers and deals will be sent monthly to your e-mail box.
Also, there is a Zax Kidz Club, which mails a FREE cookie card to your child just for joining, as well as a FREE Kidz Meal Card mailed on his or her birthday (you must mail or fax the entry form to the address provided). I have a little darling daughter who is entering toddlerhood soon....better get on this one!
Eating out when on a budget is difficult for everybody, but freebies like this ease the pain (or phobia?) of paying full price--and treating kids to an often-pricey meal when they might end up eating half a piece of Texas Toast and bathing in your ketchup at best.
Just enter the name of your favorite restaurant in a search engine (many of you have toolbars at the top of this window for that very purpose) and visit the website, which may give you details on receiving free appetizers, drinks, or $$$-off meals just for joining their fan club. Off the top of my head, I know that I have signed up with Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, O'Charley's, Longhorn, Applebee's, and Chili's restaurants, and I have never been disappointed with their offers!
Happy eating!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Olay Skin Care Rebate!
I know that we will be able to find some great deals with this rebate, which Olay does fairly often....
This information is quoted from a Club Olay email, which I received on 7/26/10; however, the information was also advertised in this week's newspaper insert.
"Get a $20 rebate when you purchased $50.00 worth of facial moisturizers, facial cleansers, and facial treatments. All purchases must be made by September 3, 2010. Rebate submissions must be postmarked by September 17, 2010."
Get the rebate form here and fill it out, making sure to send in your original receipts and write down the UPC codes from the applicable products (in other words, don't throw the box out!). Happy deal hunting! I will post any ideas I have on working the rebate as soon as I get them.
Also, have you signed up to be a member of Club Olay yet? It's worth it, but only if you like receiving coupons, samples, and other information before everyone else. :-)
This information is quoted from a Club Olay email, which I received on 7/26/10; however, the information was also advertised in this week's newspaper insert.
"Get a $20 rebate when you purchased $50.00 worth of facial moisturizers, facial cleansers, and facial treatments. All purchases must be made by September 3, 2010. Rebate submissions must be postmarked by September 17, 2010."
Get the rebate form here and fill it out, making sure to send in your original receipts and write down the UPC codes from the applicable products (in other words, don't throw the box out!). Happy deal hunting! I will post any ideas I have on working the rebate as soon as I get them.
Also, have you signed up to be a member of Club Olay yet? It's worth it, but only if you like receiving coupons, samples, and other information before everyone else. :-)
New Coupons Found at Piggly Wiggly!
Since Piggly Wiggly grocery stores are independently owned and operated, the coupon flier found here may not be found in your store. This was found in the Manchester, Georgia Piggly Wiggly, next to the shopping baskets on the right side of the store (beside the doors). Please call your store to see if they have it. (Also, please note the varying expiration dates before you plan your shopping--they are all over the place!)
"Back to School" Coupon Flier--"Over $25 in Coupon Savings"
(It states that the offer is good at this location only, but the coupons printed are all manufacturer coupons. The only coupons that are only usable at Piggly Wiggly stores are the ones which refer to their store-branded items, called Best Choice.)
$1 off when you buy (wyb) any 2 Vlasic items (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off any package Carl Buddig Deli Cuts (good from 8/1/10-10/31/10)
$1 off any Axe Deodorant or Bodyspray product (exp 9/13/10; these go on sale at Rite Aid and Kroger fairly often)
$1 off any Blue Bunny Novelty Carton (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Breyers Ice Cream products (exp 9/13/10)
$0.55 off wyb any 2 Campbells' Spaghetti-O's canned pasta (exp 8/31/10)
$0.55 off wyb any 2 V8 Splash Beverages (exp 8/31/10)
FREE Clorox Regular Bleach (96 oz) wyb any two participating products (exp 9/13/10):
Includes Clorox Regular Bleach, Clorox Clean-Up Cleanser with Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Pine-Sol Brand Cleaner 48 oz, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 35 ct, Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, Glad Trash Bags.
(*Rite Aid has a sale on Glad Trash Bags week of 7/24; Piggly Wiggly has the Disinfecting Wipes for 2/$4--just in time for school! Clorox Bleach is on sale at Piggly Wiggly for 2/$3, so you could get 3-96 oz. jugs of bleach for $3.00, if you needed it.)
FREE Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (35 ct.) wyb any two participating products:
See above.
FREE GreenWorks Naturally Derived Cleaning Product wyb any GreenWords Naturally Derived Laundry Detergent (45 oz or larger, exp 9/13/10)
FREE Glad Food Bags wyb any 2 Glad Food Storage or GladWare products (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Shedd's Spread Country Crock Spread Products (45 oz indicated; exp 9/13/10)
$1 off any 2 All Natural Dole Salad Kits (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Dove Body Wash or Beauty Bar products (exp 9/13/10)
FREE Best Choice pudding cups wyb any 2 Hormel Compleats microwave meals (exp 9/14/10; there are coupons out there for the Hormel meals, and it is perfectly appropriate to use them, since the free coupon is attached to the free item, the pudding cups)
FREE Country Crock side dish wyb any 1 Hormel Refrigerated Entree (exp 9/14/10)
$0.75 off wyb any 3 Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, or Chicken Helper boxed Skillet Meals (exp 9/30/10; there are constantly deals running in various stores to put these items at $1.00 apiece, so this coupon would make 3 boxes of Hamburger Helper cost $0.75 a box)
FREE bagged salad (up to $2.50) wyb any 1 Hormel Cure 81 boneless quarter ham AND any Country Crock Side Dish (exp 9/14/10)
$2 off Milk wyb any 5 Kellogg's cereals, 12 oz or larger, any flavor, mix or match (exp 9/15/10)
$1 off any 2 Velveeta Shells and Cheese Dinners (exp 9/13/10; Piggly Wiggly has these on sale now, so it would make for a cheap side dish or donation to your local food pantry)
$0.75 off any 2 Luzianne Tea Products (exp 9/13/10; there are two kinds of Luzianne tea pictured, but remember: when it says any, it means any)
$1 off wyb any 2 Planters Cocktail or Dry Roasted Peanuts (exp 9/13/10)
$0.75 off any 1 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations Sandwiches (exp 9/13/10; goes on sale at Kroger, Ingles, etc. fairly often, and can also be found on markdown, which makes for a cheap or nearly free lunch)
$1 off wyb any two 64 oz bottles of Ocean Spray CranEnergy, Blueberry, or Fruit and Veggie Juices and Juice Drinks (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 3 Skippy Peanut Butter products (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner products (exp 9/13/10)
FREE fruit snacks (up to $2.00) wyb any 5 participating ConAgra Foods products (exp 13/10):
Includes Manwich 15.5 oz, Snack Pack pudding 4 pack, Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta 15 oz and Microwaveable Cups 7.5 oz, Hunt's Pasta Sauce 26-26.5 oz, RoTel Diced Tomatoes 10 oz, Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn 3-pack, Peter Pan peanut butter 13-18oz and Kid Cuisine. (Snack Packs are constantly on sale for $1 a pack, and if your kids like them for school lunches, it is not a bad deal.)
Remember that the key to great couponing is to save coupons for when the store has a sale and/or they are also providing rebates (as with Rite Aid) for a certain amount of purchasing. Happy shopping!
"Back to School" Coupon Flier--"Over $25 in Coupon Savings"
(It states that the offer is good at this location only, but the coupons printed are all manufacturer coupons. The only coupons that are only usable at Piggly Wiggly stores are the ones which refer to their store-branded items, called Best Choice.)
$1 off when you buy (wyb) any 2 Vlasic items (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off any package Carl Buddig Deli Cuts (good from 8/1/10-10/31/10)
$1 off any Axe Deodorant or Bodyspray product (exp 9/13/10; these go on sale at Rite Aid and Kroger fairly often)
$1 off any Blue Bunny Novelty Carton (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Breyers Ice Cream products (exp 9/13/10)
$0.55 off wyb any 2 Campbells' Spaghetti-O's canned pasta (exp 8/31/10)
$0.55 off wyb any 2 V8 Splash Beverages (exp 8/31/10)
FREE Clorox Regular Bleach (96 oz) wyb any two participating products (exp 9/13/10):
Includes Clorox Regular Bleach, Clorox Clean-Up Cleanser with Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Pine-Sol Brand Cleaner 48 oz, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 35 ct, Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, Glad Trash Bags.
(*Rite Aid has a sale on Glad Trash Bags week of 7/24; Piggly Wiggly has the Disinfecting Wipes for 2/$4--just in time for school! Clorox Bleach is on sale at Piggly Wiggly for 2/$3, so you could get 3-96 oz. jugs of bleach for $3.00, if you needed it.)
FREE Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (35 ct.) wyb any two participating products:
See above.
FREE GreenWorks Naturally Derived Cleaning Product wyb any GreenWords Naturally Derived Laundry Detergent (45 oz or larger, exp 9/13/10)
FREE Glad Food Bags wyb any 2 Glad Food Storage or GladWare products (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Shedd's Spread Country Crock Spread Products (45 oz indicated; exp 9/13/10)
$1 off any 2 All Natural Dole Salad Kits (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Dove Body Wash or Beauty Bar products (exp 9/13/10)
FREE Best Choice pudding cups wyb any 2 Hormel Compleats microwave meals (exp 9/14/10; there are coupons out there for the Hormel meals, and it is perfectly appropriate to use them, since the free coupon is attached to the free item, the pudding cups)
FREE Country Crock side dish wyb any 1 Hormel Refrigerated Entree (exp 9/14/10)
$0.75 off wyb any 3 Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, or Chicken Helper boxed Skillet Meals (exp 9/30/10; there are constantly deals running in various stores to put these items at $1.00 apiece, so this coupon would make 3 boxes of Hamburger Helper cost $0.75 a box)
FREE bagged salad (up to $2.50) wyb any 1 Hormel Cure 81 boneless quarter ham AND any Country Crock Side Dish (exp 9/14/10)
$2 off Milk wyb any 5 Kellogg's cereals, 12 oz or larger, any flavor, mix or match (exp 9/15/10)
$1 off any 2 Velveeta Shells and Cheese Dinners (exp 9/13/10; Piggly Wiggly has these on sale now, so it would make for a cheap side dish or donation to your local food pantry)
$0.75 off any 2 Luzianne Tea Products (exp 9/13/10; there are two kinds of Luzianne tea pictured, but remember: when it says any, it means any)
$1 off wyb any 2 Planters Cocktail or Dry Roasted Peanuts (exp 9/13/10)
$0.75 off any 1 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations Sandwiches (exp 9/13/10; goes on sale at Kroger, Ingles, etc. fairly often, and can also be found on markdown, which makes for a cheap or nearly free lunch)
$1 off wyb any two 64 oz bottles of Ocean Spray CranEnergy, Blueberry, or Fruit and Veggie Juices and Juice Drinks (exp 9/30/10)
$1 off wyb any 3 Skippy Peanut Butter products (exp 9/13/10)
$1 off wyb any 2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner products (exp 9/13/10)
FREE fruit snacks (up to $2.00) wyb any 5 participating ConAgra Foods products (exp 13/10):
Includes Manwich 15.5 oz, Snack Pack pudding 4 pack, Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta 15 oz and Microwaveable Cups 7.5 oz, Hunt's Pasta Sauce 26-26.5 oz, RoTel Diced Tomatoes 10 oz, Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn 3-pack, Peter Pan peanut butter 13-18oz and Kid Cuisine. (Snack Packs are constantly on sale for $1 a pack, and if your kids like them for school lunches, it is not a bad deal.)
Remember that the key to great couponing is to save coupons for when the store has a sale and/or they are also providing rebates (as with Rite Aid) for a certain amount of purchasing. Happy shopping!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
My First Cheapskate Post!
Since my husband has had it with all my talk of great deals and "working the drugstores" and coupons fluttering out of every folded piece of paper he takes off the counter....I thought I would help him out by posting my ideas and finds online. (Doesn't help file my coupons, though...:-)
On my first post, I wanted to talk about a great website that I got hooked up with....House Party. House Party is a company that matches curious consumers with willing companies who want to get the word out on their new, improved, or just plain awesome products. In the past, I have seen where there have been parties for Oscar Mayer hot dogs, Bullseye Barbeque Sauce, Splenda Sugar Substitute, and even specialty wines! Basically, there are parties and products that appeal to a broad base of individuals so that you can find something that really floats your boat!
By filling out applications that take less than 10 minutes, you can apply for parties that earn you complimentary product samples, coupons, and/or other assorted goodies that vary from party to party. You must, however, agree to host a party on a selected date, invite people via email/printed invitation with an invite code, upload party pictures afterward, and be a great host to the people you have over. It is a wonderful way to sample new products AND get together with friends, which some of us (crazy cheapskates always hunting deals) rarely make time for.
At our House Party, we tried out some excellent Kleenex Hand Towels as we engaged in lots of messy activities! I didn't know whether or not it would seem completely strange to be doing product placement at a get-together, but honestly, the hand towels just sort of sold themselves. We used them in the restroom, at the kitchen sink, for cleanup at the bubble station, and to mop up soupy ice cream and greasy pizza messes. (And it reminded me that, during cold and flu season, when I grab the nearest paper towel to blow my nose, I won't be wincing. These are actually quite soft and strong!)
So, take a gander at my House Party and leave a comment! Let me know what you think!
Erin
On my first post, I wanted to talk about a great website that I got hooked up with....House Party. House Party is a company that matches curious consumers with willing companies who want to get the word out on their new, improved, or just plain awesome products. In the past, I have seen where there have been parties for Oscar Mayer hot dogs, Bullseye Barbeque Sauce, Splenda Sugar Substitute, and even specialty wines! Basically, there are parties and products that appeal to a broad base of individuals so that you can find something that really floats your boat!
By filling out applications that take less than 10 minutes, you can apply for parties that earn you complimentary product samples, coupons, and/or other assorted goodies that vary from party to party. You must, however, agree to host a party on a selected date, invite people via email/printed invitation with an invite code, upload party pictures afterward, and be a great host to the people you have over. It is a wonderful way to sample new products AND get together with friends, which some of us (crazy cheapskates always hunting deals) rarely make time for.
At our House Party, we tried out some excellent Kleenex Hand Towels as we engaged in lots of messy activities! I didn't know whether or not it would seem completely strange to be doing product placement at a get-together, but honestly, the hand towels just sort of sold themselves. We used them in the restroom, at the kitchen sink, for cleanup at the bubble station, and to mop up soupy ice cream and greasy pizza messes. (And it reminded me that, during cold and flu season, when I grab the nearest paper towel to blow my nose, I won't be wincing. These are actually quite soft and strong!)
So, take a gander at my House Party and leave a comment! Let me know what you think!
Erin
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