Shop Rite...Can Can...

WOW, WOW, WOW....That's all I have to say about Shop Rite's sale this week.  Ajax laundry detergent only .99 with an addition $10 purchase.  Ronzoni Pasta .59 a box, Shop Rite Corn or Green Beans .33 a can to name a few things that jumped out at me.

If that's not enough of a wow for you, the January Can-Can sale starts January third.

The one thing to be careful about this ad is some prices are only good until Wednesday while others start January 3rd.  If that wasn't confusing enough there are week long savings as well.  Look at this ad carefully.

I plan on going for the Ajax tomorrow before the price goes up on Wednesday.

What are you going to Shop Rite for this week?

House M.D. Sale

While looking at the sales ads for this week I noticed that Best Buy has the television show House M.D. Season 8 on sale for $15.99.  I knew right away that it was a good deal.  Since this was the final season of House I knew that the regular price was somewhere between 39.99 and 49.99.  I was within the correct range.  It is 45.99 not on sale.  I already own seasons 1-7 so I headed to Best Buy today to pick up season 8.

Before I headed there I checked the Best Buy Rewards website to see if I had earned any Rewards Certificates.  With all the shopping we did there for Christmas I figured I had...Yup I was right I had a $15 certificate waiting for me to print.  

For me it was a really sweet deal...On Sale for $15.99 - my $15 Certificate= $1.05 out of pocket!!! 

If you don't have any rewards certificates $15.99 for the final season is still a good deal.

My Goals for 2013

As 2012 is rapidly coming to a close I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2013.  For now let's just focus on my couponing or blog goals.

1. Keep with the couponing.  
2. Even if I am behind on cutting the coupons and filing them take my binder with me.
3. Continue to save
4. Give to others

Here's the big goal for me:

        5. Teach/farther educate at least one person how to save with coupons and sales.  The person could already have some knowledge, but help them be able to save 40% or more in a shopping trip.

Walgreen's Balance Rewards

When the Walgreen's Balance Rewards program started I signed up online.  About two weeks ago I inquired about how to get a keytag associated with my Balance Rewards number.  However I think this is the most confusing rewards program.  They scan your card.  If the item is on sale you get the sale price.  From my understanding if you don't have the card you are not getting the sale prices.  You earn points for select purchases.  When you get to a certain point level you can turn those points into savings.
I know from that it sounds like I know what I am talking about, but I haven't been shopping at Walgreen's as much.  I don't have the points to bring a good deal to an even better deal.  I pass up on the deals that refer to Balance Rewards Points.  I am probably passing up on some good sales, but I just don't get it.

Anyone have an understanding of the Balance Rewards Program?

Extreme Cheapskates

I was flipping through the channels yesterday and noticed a show on TLC titled "Extreme Cheapskates."  I had never watched it before, but vaguely remember hearing about it.  I decided to stop and watch it.  I caught a few episodes and throughout it I was thinking, "I love to save, but I would NEVER go to that extreme to save a penny."
They did have some good ideas like unplugging things that are not in use.  I notice on some tvs when they are not on they have colorful lights or a red light on until you turn the TV back on.  You are using electricity to keep that red light on, but how much does it save you in a month to unplug unused electronics?
Another thing that I found interesting was people in the episodes had outdated appliances and cars.  Things were not made as energy efficient back in the day.  I would think that it takes less energy to run things now then before.
I will say they were resourceful.  They used banana peels to shine there shoes and coffee grounds as a window cleaner.  I won't be trying either, but thought it was interesting how they really put everything to good use.
What tips do you have to save money besides using coupons?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!  May your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter and love.  Enjoy the day with your loved ones!!

Clearance Already

When I was shopping in Target last week I noticed that they already started to clearance down toys.  I normally see this after Christmas.  Time it just right and you can get some good deals on toys.  Also clearanced was select holiday things.
Yesterday I was in Walgreen's and was surprised to see their holiday decor already marked down.
Unfortunately I didn't see much candy marked down yet.  I know once Christmas comes and goes that candy will be marked down and flying off the shelves.  However I did get elf decor for the car for only $4.99 originally $9.99.
What deals have you seen out there?  Share them so others can benefit from the savings.

Don't Have Much Time....

Do you find yourself not having much time in your day for extra things?  However, want to get samples, find out about free deals, etc. A friend of mine sent me a link a few weeks ago to a website I have been checking out.  It only takes a minute to browse the new free things for that day.  Check out Shop4freebies  I have not requested anything for free yet, but do enjoy taking the minute to see their updated list each day.
Are there any other sites that you all use?  Please share them with me.  I love checking out new ways to save.

Enjoy Savings and Sharing...

Not only do I enjoy getting savings, but I enjoy sharing my savings with others.  Whether that is physically handing people items or sharing my knowledge with them to help them save.  I know some of you have inquired about how you can do what I do.  For whatever reason it hasn't worked out to show some of you, but please contact me and I will be more than happy to teach you some tips.
The first step I would suggest is browsing coupons on coupons.com, maybe even printing them, and/or purchasing a Sunday newspaper.  Before you buy that paper flip through the inserts and make sure there are coupon inserts in there.

Be Able to Adjust

I made my list for Shop Rite and clipped my coupons before I left the house.  Two things on my list were toothpaste that was on sale for .88 and single toothbrushes also on sale for .88.  I picked up a few boxes of the Colgate on sale, but when I went down the toothpaste aisle and noticed that a bigger tube of toothpaste was on sale for .99.  To me it doesn't matter the brand of toothpaste so I put back the smaller tubes of Colgate and picked up some Pepsodent and Aim.  

Another item I had set out for was the single pack of toothbrushes which was on sale for .88.  An end cap caught my eye, they had a five pack of toothbrushes on sale for .99.  Hmm...that seemed like a no brainer to me, put back the Gum toothbrushes and pick up the five pack.  

With a coupon for Idahoan Instant Potatoes I got a pouch of potatoes for free.  Did I have coupons for everything I bought?  No.  Was everything I bought on sale?  Everything, but one item.  This shopping trip I saved 40%  Breaking the receipt down, seeing I got 2 item for free, other items for a dollar or less, just about everything on sale I'm very happy with this shopping trip.

Lack of Posting

The past two weeks I really haven't posted anything.  My couponing and shopping got thrown off by someone in the house being under the weather.   I found myself home more taking care of them, keeping an eye on them, and only going to the store when we actually needed something.  However, now I found that I have a stack of coupons waiting to be sorted, cut and filed.  When looking at the ad today and making my list if I didn't have the coupon in my binder, I had to flip through the inserts to see what I had.  It won't take me long to get all caught up.
I won't let being a little behind stop me after I realized that it has been almost a year since I started using my coupon binder.  In this year I am amazed at how much I have saved and how much I have learned.

Rite Aid Lotion Deal

I did a lot of my shopping online.  I got just about everything I wanted without having to set foot in a store.  However, I did have to go to a physical store for a few things.  One deal I missed out on because I waited to long to go.  Rite Aid has a deal I took full advantage of.  At Rite Aid they have the Nivea Blue Tin Lotion which normally retails at .99 per tin on sale 3 for .99.  I didn't run into any limits on it, but it could be up to each store as to how many of an item they allow you to buy.  Since both my son and myself use it, I should him the amount I bought and asked him if he thought it would be enough.  I have my doubts so I might head back to Rite Aid tomorrow and get some more.  This is a deal too good to pass up.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving.

As the food is digesting and you are deciding if you are going to head to the stores, take a minute to check online.  I did some shopping online today for items that I would have gone out tomorrow for.  I didn't have to stand in lines and I was able to get the merchandise I wanted.  An added bonus for my shopping was I went through ebates.com to get cashback on my purchases.  If the items you are heading out to purchase are not available online, check other stores.  I have been comparison shopping a lot today online.  One item I was thinking of heading to Target tonight for, I found on a different website for the same price.
Now all I have to do is wait for the packages to be delivered.  Try and find a hiding spot for my son's things that he does not know about and I'm all good.

Happy Shopping everyone.  Stay safe out there!!!

Wowed a Cashier today

I knew there was a few more things on my CVS list that I wanted to get this week before the great extra buck sale ends.  I got out my list, crossed off what I already purchased, found the coupons for Carmex and Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Warmer was going to decide if I was going to use them when I got to the store.  Almost left the house without my Extra Bucks that would have been a big no no.  

Before I left the house I also printed a coupon for Staples that was ending today.  With the coupon I was able to receive a free bag and 15% off the items I put in the bag.  There were probably some exclusions, but I wasn't planning on purchasing anything so I didn't pay much attention to it.  All I wanted was the free bag.  

I picked up the items I set out for at CVS and picked up some "filler" items.  I really didn't stop to do the math with the "filler" items, but thought knew there was nothing else I wanted.  The cashier rang up my items, I handed her my coupons,  then the extra bucks.  The $1.00 and one .99 extra buck went in no problem.  The last .99 beeped telling the cashier that the amount of the extra bucks was more than my total.  The remaining total was only .96 cents.  I had a decision to make, hand the cashier a dollar or tell her it was okay for her to bring the extra bucks down to .96 cents.  After some thinking I told her to bring the extra bucks down to the .96.  I kept my dollar in my wallet.  Seeing the zero total the cashier said wow.  Then she realized I was getting extra bucks back on at least one of the items.  I told her that I was getting extra bucks back on everything, but the candy.  When the extra bucks were done printing the cashier was impressed.  I wish I could recall exactly what she said, but you knew she liked seeing savings and deals like the one I just did.  

So exactly how much in extra bucks did I get back today, $3.24 ($1.25 + $1.00 + .99).  I saved $7.53 on my shopping trip today.  The best part besides  spending none of my own money, coming out with more extra bucks than I went in with today.

Here's what I got today:  

A Glimpse at Our Storage Closet

I chose to not go to any stores today, but instead I took some time to organize our storage closet.   For the most part it was already organized, but it didn't flow.  Now the flow is good and everything has a place.  It looks great!  I can tell what we are running low on and what we have enough of.  

I couldn't figure out how to whole room shot, so I had to take the pictures in sections.

Take a look.....

                                              

CVS and Shop Rite Shopping trips

I went to CVS and Shoprite today.  At CVS I did three transactions and only spent $3.23 which includes tax.

CVS transaction #1 
Advil 10 CT $2.99

Out of Pocket with tax I spent 2.99
Received $2.99 back in Extra Bucks

CVS Transaction #2
Coca-Cola 1.25 Liter $.99
Hot Wheels car $1.00
Play Dough $1.00

Out of Pocket .05(Bottle Deposit)
Used my $2.99 Extra Bucks and received $2.99 back in Extra Bucks

CVS Transaction #3
Kraft Mac and Cheese $.99
Kleenex 3 Pack Slim Wallet Tissues $1.00

Out of Pocket $0
Paid with Extra Bucks from Tranaction 2 and received $1.99 Extra Bucks

Total Out of Pocket $3.23 
Total Savings $7.91

Extra Bucks Still have to spend $2.98


Shop Rite has Jell-O 2 pack Snack Packs on sale for $1.49 this week.  I had a $1.00 off coupon expiring today.  I headed there and got the snack pack for $.49.


Not bad for a day of Shopping and Saving

This may not look like a lot to you, but raking in the savings brought a huge smile to my face.

CVS this Week

If you haven't checked out the CVS ad for this week, do so.  They have pages of items on sale that will in a sense be free after the extra care bucks.  Plan your shopping so you only pay for the first item and have your extra bucks pay for your next items.  If you need to split your shopping trips into multiple transactions.
 I am still trying to figure out what is going to be my first transaction to make it more profitable for me.  I am planning on doing two transactions when I go, then split the remaining up during this week.  Keep an eye on the end date for this flyer it appears that the sales might end on Wednesday.  However, in the past I know that they continue some of the sales until Saturday.

Some highlights from the ad:

Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks on sale for $2 get $2 extra bucks back
Kraft Mac and Cheese .99 get .99 extra bucks back
Play-Doh Soft Pack $1 get $1 extra bucks back
Hot Wheels $1 get $1 exra bucks back
Carmex $1 get $1 exta bucks back
Air Wick Scented Oil Warmer .99 get .99 extra bucks back
Starbucks Refreshers $1.50 get $1.50 extra bucks back

That is only some of the many good deals at CVS this week.  Check out the ad for the rest.   The one drawback is that you are only allowed to get one reward per item.  Say you want to purchase three play-doh's you pay the $3, you will only get $1 back in the extra bucks.

With all that said I am off to figure out my first transaction then to make it happen!!!

Good FREE Apps

Have you ever noticed that there are no coupons for Apps?  Many of us download apps daily, weekly, monthly.  Do we have to pay to get a good app?  In my opinion you don't.  If you ask my son, he might tell you yes.  Actually I did ask him for help with this blog post...So far he hasn't given me any of his top picks for free apps, but I hope by the end of this post I will have wrangled three free apps from him.

My son and I both have an Ipod touch and a Kindle Fire, some apps I have found on both.  Where others are exclusive to that device.  One app that I have on both devices is Words with Friends.  I prefer playing that on my kindle, but probably play it more on my ipod.

One app that my son uses everyday for his Ipod is AppsGoneFree.  I have to thank a good friend of mine for telling us about that one.  Each day the app updates with various apps free for hours, a day, etc.  Not only do they have apps for the ipod/iphone on there, but also for the ipad.  I really wished they had an app like this for Kindle Fire.  Instead the Kindle does offer free Apps of the day.  You can view the free app on both Amazon and your Kindle Fire all you have to do is head to the appstore.

I personally don't need the full version of games so it's great that games like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Minecraft offer Lite versions.

Our Top Free Apps for ipod/iphone(in no specific order)

• Angry Birds (any) 
• Fruit Ninja
• Cut the Rope
• Jetpack Joyride
• Mega Jump
• Pac-Man
• Temple Run
• Skylanders Cloud Patrol
• Lost Winds

Our Top Free Apps for Kindle

• Angry Birds
• Free Flow
• Vacation Quest The Hawaiian Island (Loved the trial version so much bought the whole adventure)
• Tetris
• Dragon Story
• Eye Illusions
• Empress of the Deep The Darkest Secret

Some of our top paid apps

• Angry Birds (for those of us who like the full version)
• Kingdom Rush
• Infinity Blade
• Minecraft
• BattleHeart
• Plants Vs. Zombies

Additional apps Words with Friends, Netflix, Optimum, IHeartRadio, the various stores, CardStar....

There are so many apps out there, what are some of your favorites?

Which Ads are Available

My last post was sort of a tease, but I didn't tell you which ads were available to view now.  Here are the ads that I have viewed

Best Buy
Target
Walmart

Are there any other stores that have released their ads early?

Black Friday Ads

Most of this week I have been thinking I should sit down and type out a quick blog post.  I haven't gotten or seen any really noteworthy deals, but I have seen a lot of Black Friday Ads being released.  Some of the major stores have released their ads early.  I was scanning the ads for one select deal, a Wii U, however so far that is one item I have not seen pictured in any ads.  One store I saw some DVD's for $1.  Lounge pants for $5, $10. TV's.... 

It amazes me that when walking in Target you can already pick out the lounge pants that will be a door buster or at least part of their black friday deals.  It seems like this year stores started much earlier putting out the Christmas things.  Can't we enjoy one holiday before we start thinking about another.  

Rain check for Batteries saved me how much....

The Hurricane seemed to help deplete our stock of AAA batteries.  With the portable radio going most if not all day during the storm and a snow storm in the forecast I did not want to be left in the dark without a lifeline.  I knew we had a rain check for AA and AAA batteries from Shop Rite.  I stopped back home and grabbed the rain check before I made my way to Milford on Tuesday.
The rain check was for a 20 pack of AA or AAA batteries originally priced at 3.99.  I got them for $1.49 a package.  The great part of this was that I was able to get 4 packs of AA and 4 of AAA if I so choose.  Since AA is a battery we do use a lot I got the limit of 4 of those.  At first I was only going to get 2 AAA packs of 20.  40 batteries should be more than enough.  However, at the last minute I changed my mind to get 4 packs of AAA as well.
I was hoping not to need to use them during the Nor'Eastern, but in fact our power did go out and we turned on the portable radio.  Thankfully the power was only out for an hour and we did not have to dip into our battery stash.
If something is on sale and they are out of stock and offering rain checks get one.  Know how long the rain check is good for, and maybe some coupons will come out to use along with the rain check.
Here's to getting great prices....

Loving These Deals

My son and I headed to what he thought was only going to be a stop at Toys R Us.  However, what he didn't know was that his dear sweet mom had a list of places to go.
First stop the library.  I am reading a good Iris Johansen series and noticed on my authors spreadsheet that I do not own books 3 and 4 of the series.  Check my local library and sure enough they had them available for me to check out.
Next stop Toys R Us.  My son found what he was looking for, I browsed at the board games.  I almost picked up a Monopoly Championship  game on sale for $5.00 regularly $14.99.  However, I know how many different Monopoly games we already have and I decide to pass on it.  It's still a great deal for those who love Monopoly or board games. Behind the Monopoly display was an empty display for Toy Story 3 Memory Game.  Although my son is too old for this game, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try and track down one in the store.  My searching paid off.  I found one stuck in the memory game section of games.  This game regularly goes for 9.99.  However, this week it is on sale for only a $1.  Now I just have to keep my ears out for someone who has a child that is the perfect age for this game and loves Toy Story 3.
Next stop was Barnes and Noble.  Since Nintendo Power will be ending it's publication after the December issue we want to make sure we don't miss it.  They don't have that issue on the newsstands yet, but it was worth the stop. We did browse around a little.  I picked up a book from one of the bargain shelves and was pleasantly surprised that my educator card worked on this particular book.  Hey it saved me $4, so I'll take it.   
Quick pit stop to Rite Aid.  I wanted to see if a deal I read about really worked.  If you buy any fragrance you get a $5 up reward(There are some exclusions).  Well the 2.5 oz of Love's Baby Soft or Love's Rain Forest Body Spray are regularly priced at $5.50.  I thought I would  pick up one box of each.  The cashier rings them up and the Love's Baby Soft rang up at 11.99. Turns out it was the 1.5 oz of the Love's Baby Soft I picked up.  I did not get that one.  Wow though what a difference.  A bigger bottle in this case is cheaper than the smaller.  Anyways, I paid $5.85 and received a $5 up reward that I can use towards a future purchase.  The Up Rewards do have expiration dates so be mindful of this when you figure out what deals are the right ones for you.
My last stop before home was to BJ's.  Although I did not use any coupons, I found it interesting that the same book I purchased at Barnes and Noble was also there.  They both had the same starting price of 19.99 too.  However for me, using my Educator card at Barnes and Noble saved me extra so in the end I am happy with my decision.  It is a good fact to keep somewhere tucked away that some bargain books at Barnes and Noble might be also found at BJ's.  Who would have thought?
Stay tuned tomorrow to find out how a Rain Check from Shop Rite saved me on batteries.

Hurricane Sandy and Getting Back to Normal

I did not do much shopping last week and what I did do was in preparation for the Hurricane that came this way.  We were without power for some days, which is why I posted nothing last week.  Sorry to all you faithful readers.  

Now that power has been restored to a lot of places I am starting to look at this weeks sales.  I found myself in need of two storage bins, checked Target's sales ad and noticed they have them on sale this week.  I ran there yesterday checked out the ones they had on sale and also noticed they had select colors on clearance.  I went with two that they had on clearance that was cheaper than the ones on sale and just a little bit bigger as well.  

Today, I put to use the Christmas Tree Shop coupon I received in my e-mail and saved 20% off my entire order.  I have to say that this was the cheapest trip there in a while.  If I recall after savings I spent somewhere around $25.  Not bad.  

As I am looking at my e-mail from Krazy Coupon Lady today I noticed that they highlight dental floss only .40 cents after coupon and Glade Plug-Ins Scented Warmer Free after coupon, both items are at Target.  I think I have enough dental floss, and what good is the warmer without the insert to go with it.  Is it worth it to get the warmer for free if you still have to pay for the fragrance for it?  Should you still stock up on dental floss even though you have some in reserve?  

I know the answer to these questions for myself, but you need to come to an answer that works for you.  Unless I hear of someone needing Dental Floss, I don't think I am going to pick up any for myself this week.  The Glade it will all depend on how much the plug-in refills are.  Does anyone have the refills and are looking for some warmers?  

Before buying an over abundance of something, set limits for yourself.  Know what realistically your family can use.  If you still find yourself getting it, know who you're going to give it to or what organizations will take donations of items. 

Remember enjoy what you are doing.  When it starts feeling like a job or something you HAVE to do, maybe it's times to take a week or two off.  

Free Haircuts at JC Penney

Over the Summer JC Penney offered free haircuts to children going into K-6th grade.  It seems like this was a popular event because they are bringing it back for November.  Every Sunday in November they will be cutting kids hair for free.  The e-mail I read said they again are doing it for children in grades K-6th grade.  Call a JC Penney Salon nearest you for an appointment.  I have a feeling these appointments are going to fill up fast.

Toilet Paper, Super Coupons, $25

Yesterday I had a few errands I needed to run.  They were not mapping out smoothly for me.  At first I had to go to the bank, Rite Aid, BJ's, Price Rite and Shop Rite.  I didn't head out until 4:30 and although I don't mind the errands, I didn't feel like heading to all those places.  I took a look at the list and seen what was most important.  I wanted to get my deposit into the bank yesterday, so that stayed.  I needed Zyrtec-D, but I realized I could just go to Walgreens by me.  Our orange juice was down to one gallon, okay so maybe Price-Rite could wait until tomorrow.  Nah, I'll go today we only needed two or three things it would be quick.
Now BJ's for milk and bread.   Hmmm....Wait I remember seeing a super coupon on Shop-Rites front cover for $1.99 for milk if I spend $25.  Wow, two other good super coupons that also require me to spend $25 are Ice Cream for .99 and a Pumpkin Pie for $1.99.  I'm heading there anyways to get the Scott 20 rolls of toilet paper for $10.88.  I only need to spend $15 more in order to use the super coupons.  Hmm...steaks are on sale for $5.99 a pound, I'll have to take a look at that.  Oh and certain Kellogg's cereal's are on sale for $1.99.  We also need rice or french fries to go with our dinner.  I think I can do this.  By getting it all at Shop-Rite I could eliminate BJ's.  I think I can, I think I can, yeah I can.
I really thought I was going to have an issue spending the $15, but soon it became apparent I was going to be A-ok.  I managed to spend $43.08, save $33.10 and found two really good tasting steaks and a delicious pie that I managed to get a piece of before my son finishes it.  Not to mention that we will be set for toilet paper for a while.
Looking at the ads as you are preparing your shopping list could save you a lot of time.

Love Old Navy Sales

Old Navy kicked off their Stuff and Save sale yesterday (10/17), if you used your Old Navy Card you received 40% off your purchase. The 40% off was a one day only thing, starting today until the 24th you could receive 30% if you use your Old Navy Card.  Here is a link for more info and a coupon you could print http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=62414&mlink=5151,5626794,HLM_Promo_Coupon_CTA&clink=5626794

I spent the most time at the Fairfield Old Navy.  There I mostly shopped the clearance racks and found some really great markdowns.  I picked up some shirts clearanced down to $1.97, $2.49, $2.97, $3.97 and so on.  Not everything I purchased was on clearance.  I  at first held three shirts until the end of my transaction to see what my total was before the shirts.  I think the shirts at $10.50 a piece was my most expensive item.  Seeing that I was getting all these great bargains I was having a problem paying the $10.50 a shirt.  In the end I gave in and got the three shirts.

Since the Old Navy card is a card I use often I racked up $30 in reward certificates.  I checked to make sure I could use them in conjunction with the sale and sure enough I could.  If a cashier says you can't read the fine print on the Stuff and Save it, it states there you could.  

After all sales, Stuff and Save 40% and my rewards certificates were all taken off I spent $21.43.  Drum roll please......I saved $87.14.  

Oh did I forget to mention that while supplies last if you use your Old Navy Card you get a purple tote.  It will sure come in handy.  

Here is what $21.43 got me(Okay so maybe taking a picture of 11 items at once doesn't give you the full effect):

Here are 11 of the items

The Free Purple Tote

3 More items and another free tote, one item is missing from this picture

 

Take a Break Every Once in a While

Over the past few weeks my posting had fizzled out and so had my shopping.  I just needed a break from the savings, the making lists of what to buy, the coupons, the stores.  I love when I save, but life was getting busy and something needed to give.

Last week bringing my coupon binder and some inserts that still needed to be cut shopping at Shop Rite helped to spark that desire back in me.  I picked the right inserts to bring since a lot of the coupons I used was within those inserts.  This weeks Shop Rite ad has me more focused and ready to rake in the savings.  If you haven't checked it out yet take a look at the ad.  Even without coupons some of the sales are great.

Sometimes we just need to take a break from what we are doing.  Too much of something may not always be good.  You need to recharge, refocus, rethink to be ready to take be ready to accomplish the next thing.  

End Caps

I was shopping with my family on Saturday at Shop Rite.  We were getting the things on our list and some things that might not have been.  I noticed that they had Progresso Soup and Knorr Pasta Sides as end displays.  We picked up four cans of the Progresso Soup since we needed it for something we were planning on making the next day, but my son decided to wait on the Pasta Sides.  I taught him well!  He said it is probably going on sale tomorrow so if he wanted it he will get it next week.  He was right it did go on sale for .88 a package.  Those Progresso Soups we bought also went on sale.  I will be heading back for more of those since a lot of our recipes calls for some form of soup and I have a coupon for a dollar off 4 cans.
What was the lesson to be learned from this though?  Is there one?  Yes, if you are shopping the day a sale ends and there are displays at the ends of isles of items that are not in this weeks papers.  Or are in this weeks papers, but might also be in next weeks.  There is a chance that if you wait a day that item will be cheaper than if you purchased it today.  Shop Rite normally has next weeks paper already printed and available to customers on Saturday.  If in doubt if something is going on sale or not head to the customer service desk, get next weeks ad and check for yourself.  Sometimes it pays off to wait.

Museum Membership I didn't buy and why

Last week I was checking my e-mail and came across a livingsocial.com one that offered a year membership to the Bruce Museum at a discounted price.  I was seriously considering this purchase.  I even checked out the benefits a membership would give me.  If I bought anything at the museum store it would save me 10%.  There were some other museums it would get me into for free.  Maybe one or two on the list I might check out.  Next I checked out the spot on the Bruce Museum's website that lists the admission prices.  I'm seeing that it is pretty reasonably priced, but then the decision maker jumps out at me and almost screams my name.  The museum is free to individuals on Tuesdays.  Hello...I don't need all the benefits the membership would give me.  I am more than likely only going to head to the museum once.  Or at least my son will only probably want to go once.  Why would I buy the membership then?  I wouldn't.  When I do plan on going I will go on the FREE day.  This got me thinking, what other museums offer free days?  If you know of any please let me know.

Unexpected Surprise

Yesterday I was out running some errands and picking up some things I knew we needed.  One of the purchases at Stop and Shop was a spur of the moment one.  I haven't seen my father eat his cookies in a few days so I knew that meant he must have been out of them.  I was surprised he didn't pick them up for himself when he was at the store the night before.  While in Stop and Shop I headed to the health food section.  Located the Kashi products and was happy to see they had the cookies he liked.  I was only planning on getting him a box or two, but saw that they were on sale for 2.99 normally priced at 3.99 and that if you bought five of certain Kashi products you get a $5 instant savings these cookies were included.  It would be foolish not to get the five since I know how fast he eats them.  With five boxes in hand I head to the check out.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that my total for all five boxes was only $9.95.  Looking closer at the receipt I saw that if I had purchased these same five boxes not on sale it would have cost me $19.95.  By purchasing them on sale and also getting the $5.00 instant savings for buying five I saved $10.00.  Sweet...Before the sale ends on Thursday I plan on picking up another five boxes.  Since there are only eight cookies in a box these will not last long at all.

I Find Ways to Save Even at a Bookstore

With the purchase of my Kindle I hardly head out to purchase any books nowadays.  However last week I was browsing a bookstore at the Visitor's Center at Colonial Williamsburg after going to a museum in the area.  One particular art book caught my eye.  It was about pottery of North Carolina.  I flipped through it and a lot of the pottery jumped out at me.  Art books are normally ridiculously high priced. This was not an exception.  It started out at $42.95, but was marked down to $15.98.  Sold.  This was the second time I had been in the store, but the first time I really looked at what they had.  A few other books almost came home with me, but based on the prices or lack of being able to look at the context I decided on just the book about pottery.  I may not know a lot about art, but I know what I like.

Binder's Pretty Empty

This week I have been cleaning out my binder from all the expired coupons before I start to cut the inserts I have waiting for me.  It's scary in there.  In some sections there are more empty spots then there are filled.  Ahhh...I gotta step up my game and start cutting and filing so I can continue to save.

Walgreen's Act II Popcorn Deal

I have not checked out couponmom.com yet to see what this weeks deals are.  Lately, I scaled down my shopping.  However, this week I am planning on trying this Walgreen's deal that I read aboug in my Hip2Save e-mail.  I appears that in this weeks ad they have a coupon for Act II Popcorn 4/$1.  In some states there seems to be an unadvertised Buy 1 Get One Free sale going on.  Match this up with the 4/$1 coupon in the ad and you should have one awesome deal for popcorn.  I plan on trying this deal out, but before I head to the check out I plan on using the price checker to see if the walgreen's I head to is offering the buy 1 get 1 free deal.  Here's it spelled out by hip2save


Act II Popcorn 2.75 oz 4/$1 with in ad coupon
Buy a total of 8 Popcorn packages
Use the in ad coupon which will make each pack $0.25
Minus the unadvertised buy 1 get 1 FREE sale
Final cost only $1 for all 8 packs – just $0.13 each!

Let me know if you take advantage of this deal and if it worked for you. 

Avengers DVD Deal

If you follow the release of movies you know that Marvel's Avengers was released on DVD and Blu-Ray Tuesday.  Looking at the sales ads just about everyone had it on sale and trying to get you to buy it from them.  I was setting out to purchase two this week.  One for a gift and one for us.  The options before me were to purchase a straight DVD for 15.99 at BJ's, DVD and Blu-Ray combo for 19.99 at Target or Best Buy, or a 4 disc combo advertised at Best Buy for $29.99.  I was leaning towards the 4 disc combo for my house since it included a bonus music.  I thought the $10 extra for the music wasn't that bad.  However, I couldn't remember the music and wanted to make sure it was really something I would listen to.

Where do I go to check out music, Amazon or itunes.  I headed to amazon, never found the music, but got stopped in my tracks that the  DVD I was all set to get for my house was only $19.99 there.  How was I going to tell my son that we were going to the store to purchase a DVD for his friend, but ours was going to be delivered to our house?  I start reading the comments and see that Target dropped their price in store.  Oh great it's already Wednesday and I am just finding out that Target's in store price is now $19.99 for the 4 Disc pack.  AWESOME!  We don't have a blu-ray player that plays 3-D movies so that disc might go to waste, but the free music, the digital copy, the blu-ray and DVD will all get used.

I thought that Target had a DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital copy also on sale for 19.99, but that was a misprint in their ad.  It is just the DVD and Blu-Ray combo for $19.99.  Okay so for the exact same price you can get  more for your money....It's not rocket science...I picked up two of the 4 Disc sets.  Even if the person who the gift is for doesn't use it all, it was still a great deal for the money.  

Wait did I mention that the 4 Disc DVD's normally cost $39.99 not on sale.  By purchasing the two on sale for $19.99 each I saved $32.00.  Not bad...Research pays off.

Back in Business

It paid off to wait.  I headed to Target Sunday to pick up some jeans for my son, while there I couldn't resist looking at the binders.  A day makes a difference since it would appear that binders went on sale.  At first I picked up a 2" ring binder that didn't zip at first.  I was content with this one, but really wanted one that zipped.  I did drop my past binder twice and had to scrabble to pick up all the sheets.  I figured a zippered one would cut down on the spillage.  At first glance though the prices were still on the high side.  I really wanted to get something deeply marked down.  Okay, so if I wanted a binder on Sunday the deeply marked down wasn't going to happen.
However, I did find a binder that screamed me.  Well okay so the colors were not screaming my name, but the durability of the binding and rings.  The built in filing section, but what was the price for this thing of beauty.  $10.00...hmmm was it really worth it to me.  No at first it wasn't.  Well okay it was, but my son did not want to be been with me in stores with this purple and green binder.  Since he is with me on a lot of my shopping trips I tried to make us both happy.  I picked back up the non-zip binder.  Left the aisle and started to walk towards the checkout.
The one thing I did not check and compare at this point was the binding and rings.  Were they cheap feeling?  Would the binder last me a while?  Well you do get what you pay for sometimes.  The regular non-zip binder felt cheap on the inside.  I do open and close the rings a lot to insert more sheets or take sheets out.  I didn't think that one would last that long.  Honestly, I didn't want to have to go down the binder shopping road again any time soon.
I decided to go with the purple and green zip binder.  I haven't had a lot of time to dedicate to couponing this week, but I do look forward to spending more time with my binder in the future.
You can't just settle.  You have to be happy and confident with your choice!

Here's mine:

Boo No More Coupon Binder

Boo Hoo I went to clean out all of the expired coupons from my coupon binder today.  At first everything looked normal, but I flip a few pages and see that the top ring on my binder is bent.  I try to fix it, but am unsuccessful.  I considered for a minute just trying and doing "surgery" to the binder to keep it closed until I could get a new one, but thought better of the idea.  I cleaned out my binder, and sadly threw out my first coupon binder.
I went to Target to try and buy it's replacement and went into sticker shock.  The cheapest one I scanned was $3.00 for just a regular plain 2" ring binder.  Oh no I was not ready to pay those prices.  The most expensive was $16.  Absolutely not.  Just for a binder that zips.  You have to be crazy.
I felt like I was just going to settle for something because I needed it, so I did the wise thing and put everything back.  I didn't want to just settle.  I didn't want to buy on impulse so instead I said I was ok for now.  I would figure something out until I find just the right binder at a price I want to pay.
Don't just settle for something because you need it!

Just One of Those Weeks

This weeks seems like just one of those weeks that I got a lot done, but I haven't even set foot in a store with my list and my coupons.  Actually I never made a list for this week.  I don't even know what good sales there are out there.
I think part of the reason for this is I was forced to stay home some this week due to my road getting torn up and then repaved.  This though helped me to do some things I might have been putting off or just not had time for.  I still managed to accomplish a lot.  Sometimes it's just best to take it slow, let some things go for a day or two, and really consider what is most important for you that week.
It's okay to miss a weeks worth of sales.  You don't need to go to the store every week to use your prized coupons.  If you are constantly on the go, trying to save and catch the best deals are you really ever enjoying the fruits of your labor?

Fall Weather and Clothes Shopping

As this is the last day of Summer, it will soon be time pull out the fall clothes.  Sometimes the change of weather has us scrambling to find clothes that fit whether we gained weight, lost weight, or the kids grew since last year you could be seeing the dollars signs.  How do you cut costs?
One way to cut cost is to shop the clearance racks at stores.  Stores currently have racks and racks of marked down merchandise.  Not all the merchandise is summer items, there are jeans, light jackets, long sleeve shirts, shoes, etc that can be found at the various stores.
Shop at places like Goodwill and Savers.  Yes the clothes are not brand new, but they might be broken in just right that you find your next favorite pair of jeans there.
Check out stores like Conway's, which I have heard has brand new clothing for discounted prices.
Ask around and see if anyone knows places to get things on the cheaper side, but the merchandise is still of good quality.
Really strapped for cash and you don't want your children to be wearing a size to small clothes, get in a loop with people who swap clothes with each other that their children have outgrown.  It might even work that the parents benefit when others clean out their closets and find clothes they no longer wear or fit.
You don't have to pay top dollar for your clothes!

Busy Week Last Week and Clearance Finds

Last week I found myself trying to plan the best way to use my Allegra coupons.  I don't know if I will ever buy 10 newspapers again. I knew I had to use the coupons in a weeks time, since the expiration was 9/16.  I also knew that stores had Allegra on sale last week so even though I had until Sunday for the coupon I didn't want to chance paying more after coupons for boxes not on sale.  With help I was successful at getting all ten boxes.  Some days I went and did the shopping and others I sent the coupons with my mom.
Overall I have to say I was very successful.  I got many things on sale, on clearance or even free.
So what did I get, 13 bottles of nail polish all for free, a few blankets on clearance, some shirts on clearance.  What do I need with 13 bottles of nail polish, I hardly wear it.  Hey it was free and I will probably make some people really happy when I give them the nail polish.
Speaking of clearance merchandise if you are at Target check out their clothes racks.  Might even be worth it to scan the item to see if the price is as marked or even lower.  I picked up some shirts and was surprised to see that one that was marked $4.00 actually range up at $2.80.  I wasn't expecting that one, but was happy when I saw it on my receipt.  Prices do vary by store and could depend on the amount of items in stock.  I also purchased a full/queen size blanket on clearance for 8.08.
I was at the Target in Milford and saw a gentleman with a carriage full of notebooks.  Seeing how many he was purchasing I got out of line to check out the prices of them myself.  They scanned at .15 each.  I was tempted to get 10 of them, but then realized that during the back to school sales you could get the notebooks cheaper than that.  I really didn't need the notebooks so I put them back.  Since school has already started .15 could be a good price, but I have a feeling that as the stock just sits there the prices will fall even farther.
Toys R Us is another store that if you can time it just right the clearance savings could be awesome!  I managed to pick up a puzzle and Rubik's cube 360 both on clearance.
Look around in the stores you frequent, the items might not be in one select section set aside just for clearance, but instead might be mixed in with regular priced merchandise, at the end of an isle, etc.  The savings you can rake in are worth those few extra minutes of looking.

More Walgreen's Shopping

I headed out to a different Walgreen's today.  I had set out to get two boxes of Allegra and a few bottles of Wet and Wild Nail Polish.  They only had one box of the Allegra, but many bottles of nail polish to choose from.  I'm glad that I didn't need both transactions to make my deals.  Quick regrouping I figure I will pay for the Allegra and Nail Polish all in the same transaction.  This worked out good because the nail polish should produce .04 overage that will then lower the Allegra final price.  I made sure to read the coupon for the nail polish before I left home.  There is no limit as to how many coupons you can use per transaction, now each stores limit may vary.  I placed my coupons and items on the counter, the cashier was really friendly and worked with me.  There was an issue with the nail polish coupons.  The price of the nail polish was .99 however the coupon was for $1.00 off 1.  Since there was an overage of a penny it would only allow three coupons to be used.  However, after some checking on both my end and the cashiers we discovered that if I only bought one it was not taking the dollar off.  Since I know that Walgreen's coupon policy is to bring down the price of the coupon to the price of the item, I asked the cashier if she could override the coupon price to .99 for each instead of the dollar.  She decided to put three of the coupons through as the dollar off and just override the fourth coupon to the .99, the actual cost of the item.  By her doing the override I was able to use all four coupons and get the four nail polish completely free.  Knowing their policy paid off.  You can find most if not all coupon policies on the individual stores websites.  It is a good idea to print out a copy and keep it in your binder just in case you run into issues.

Total out of pocket at Walgreen's 11.66, just the cost of the Allegra and tax

Total saved 14.99 for a total savings of 58%  

Putting the Allegra Coupon to the Test

After buying 10 newspapers yesterday that had the Allegra coupon in it, I decided to go and buy two boxes today.  Just about everywhere has it on sale.  I opted to go to Walgreen's today and get 2 boxes of the 30 count.  They are on sale there for 17.99, normally these go for 21.99 not on sale.  I made sure I clipped two coupons before I left the house.  Divided my order into two and saved $11 per  order.  With tax I only paid $11.69 per box.
Looking towards the future a little.  Once all ten coupons are used I will have saved a total of $110 and my mother will not have to buy her Allegra for a year.

Allegra $7 off Coupon

I'm proud of myself.  I checked my e-mails yesterday and saw that there should be an Allegra $7.00 off coupon in today's inserts.  Since it's a product that my mom uses to control her allergies I made a mental note of this.  As soon as I came downstairs today I went outside to get our newspaper, checked the inserts and found that we did not get that coupon in our paper.  I headed out to Stop and Shop checked both New York papers and found it in The New York Post Metro Edition.  The paper itself only cost 1.75 and just with the Allegra coupon I will be saving $7.00.  So far I purchased three papers.  If you buy multiple or even one paper check the coupon inserts to make sure whatever you want is really in there.  One of the New York Post's I picked up, but didn't buy had two of a different insert in it, but not the one I was looking for.  Never assume it's in there because it's suppose to be.
Let's do some savings math

Allegra Coupon           $7.00
Newspaper Cost -       $1.75
Total Savings               $5. 25

Before any sales or use of other coupons in the same newspaper by going out and purchasing the New York Post I am already saving $5.25.  Pretty good savings to start out with :-)

Are You In Need of Bread?

Did you just use your last slice of bread for your morning toast?   Are you dreading going to the store and paying those prices just for a loaf of bread.  How does 2 loaves for a dollar sound?  No I'm not making these prices up.  Stop and Shop has their 16 oz Round Top White Bread on sale this week.  You can get two loaves for a dollar until September 13th.

Know When to Ask to See a Manager

I ran a lot of errands a few days ago, and didn't bring something to drink with me.  By the time I got to Target I needed something cold to quench my thirst.  I remembered I had a Target receipt stamped from last week.  I head to Starbucks, fish out my receipt, placed my order, the cashier sees my receipt and says he can't take it anymore.  What he went on to explain just was not making any sense.  I purchased a drink from Starbucks in Target on 8/28 and the cashier at the time stamped my receipt, but the cashier now was telling me he couldn't take it because it wasn't dated 8/31.  If it was dated 8/31 he would be able to accept it.  I said, but I was within my 14 days.  He still insisted he couldn't take it.  I asked if he could page someone above him.  He got frustrated and just accepted my receipt and gave me the drink for 2.13.  I have a feeling that the promotion ended at close on August 31st.  However, the first cashier who stamped my receipt did not state that.  

By the end of me getting my beverage me and the cashier were engaged in a conversation about what toppings people put on the beverage I ordered.  What could have been a bad experience turned completely around to a good one.  I think it was good that I left on a positive note since it is a Starbucks that gets a lot of my business.  

By not being afraid to speak up for what I felt was right and asking for a manager I got what I felt I was entitled to.  

When using coupons and issues arise try to not let your temper get the best of you.  More than likely it is a store that you will be in again and you want to maintain a good relationship with the employees and managers.

Saved $17.54 at Rite Aid

One thing I dislike about being on allergy medicine is that with Zyrtec-D I have to go every 10-12 days.  Now that you do not need a prescription for it they only sell it in two sizes.  The most you can get is a 12 day supply.  So, it was that time that I had to buy another box.  I checked to see who had it on sale this week.  Rite Aid has the 24 count box on sale for $18..99.  I had a $5.00 off Zyrtec coupon and $5.00 in Up Rewards from a previous purchase.  I chose to use them both even though I did not receive any Up rewards for the Zyrtec.  While there I also picked up a .75 oz box of Super Poligrip.  Nobody in my house uses or needs Super Poligrip, but a few weeks ago in the coupon inserts there was a free .75 oz box of Super Poligrip up to 2.60.  Finally I found a store that had it in stock.  

Let me show you the math before sales and coupons:

$22.99 Zyrtec-D Full Price

$  2.49 Super Poligrip

$25.48  Total Before Tax

Now to show you the Savings Math:

 18.99 Zyrtec-D

   2.49 Super Poligrip

 21.48  Total Before Tax and Coupons

-  5.00 Zyrtec Coupon

-  5.00 Up Reward

-  2.49 Price of Super Poligrip

8.99 Total Before Tax

Yes, it would have made more sense to use my Up rewards to get more Up rewards, but I am very happy only paying $9.56 out of pocket for the items pictured below.  

                                             

  

Only Spent .03 Today at Target

As I was going through and cutting my coupons today I noticed that I had a save $3 Bic razor coupon expiring today.  I didn't check to see how my stock on razors was, but had a decision to make.  I knew I was going to use the coupon, but the question was where.  I knew if I went to Target I might have to pay .09 for the pack of razors, but if I went to Walmart I would get the razors for free and maybe even have an overage.  I decided to go to Target and take a reusable back with me.  I set out to get a few things on my list and knew that the most I would pay would be .09 plus tax.  They only had the 10 pack of razors and febreze noticeables scented oil warmer in stock.  I got one of each looked around the store a little.  Checked out the clearance clothes for men, got nothing today but there was some really good clearance deals.  Headed to the check out with coupons in hand.

I now make sure I have at least one reusable bag in my pocketbook, I pulled that out and made sure I put it up with the items I was about to purchase.  Happily handed the cashier my coupons, she scanned the items, took off .05 for my reusable, took off my coupons and told me my total will be .03.  I happily took three pennies out of my wallet and handed them to the cashier.

I knew when I left the house I wasn't planning on spending much and also know that in the past I had issues debiting anything under a dollar.  I now try and always have cash or change on me.  So with the three cents I paid with, this is what it bought me

Stop and Shop 8-31 thru 9-6

I always seem to remember on Friday that Stop and Shops sales ended the day before.  More than likely I didn't get whatever was on my list for that week.  So, I am trying something new.  I headed to Couponmom.com and checked out what was on sale this week and what coupons go with it.  Checking out the sales on a Friday at Stop and Shop.  Maybe this way I will make it there with my coupons for the items before the sale ends.  Here are some good sale items at Stop and Shop this week if you want to see everything that is on sale and what coupons to use head to Couponmom.com to see the list compiled for the week and the coupons to use.

		Qty.	Sale Price		Mfr Cpn.		Register Price Per Item		Final Price All Savings Per Item	% Saved
	Propel Fitness Water 24 oz.	1	$0.50	-		=	$0.50	=	$0.50	64%
	General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal 12.2 oz. Printable Coupons Other Newspaper Coupons: 08-05 GM	1	$2.00	-		=	$1.00	=	$1.00	71%
	must buy (3), mix and match, for price shown additional or lesser quantities at $2.49 each Printable coupon is for $0.50 off 1, final price is after doubled printable coupon. This is a good item to donate to charity.
	Aim, Pepsodent or Close Up Toothpaste all varieties	1	$0.67	-		=	$0.67	=	$0.67	66%
07-08 RP	Pure Silk Shave Cream 8 oz. can	1	$1.79	-	$0.80	=	$0.19	=	$0.19	91%
07-15 S	Cooked Perfect Italian Meatballs 14 oz. buy 1 get 1 free	2	$2.00	-	$1.00	=	$1.00	=	$1.00	75%
	Estimated price.
08-05 GM	Betty Crocker Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helpers	3	$1.00	-	$0.75	=	$0.50	=	$0.50	77%
08-12 RP	Good n Natural Bar	1	$1.29	-		=	$0.00	=	FREE	100%
	get this item free with coupon
08-19 RP	Dial Liquid Hand Soap 7.5 - 9.38 oz.	3	$1.00	-	$1.00	=	$0.67	=	$0.67	66%
08-26 RP	Super Poligrip .75 oz.	1	$2.60	-		=	$0.00	=	FREE	100%
	get this item free with coupon (up to $2.60)
08-26 S	Colgate Regular Toothpaste 6.4 oz.	1	$1.50	-	$0.75	=	$0.00	=	FREE	100%

My CVS Shopping Trip

I went shopping today with coupons and saved 67%  I feel like it has been a while since I bought something with coupons, so I made sure I did this today.  Thanks to the couponing sites I check and a friend that posted on Facebook her savings on this same item, I checked my coupons to see which Dawn coupons I had.  I had save $1.00 on 2.  So, since I had multiple coupons I didn't get just two.  

I saved with sales and coupons $8.64

Now for how much they cost

All eight of these only cost me $4.17 (3.92 + .25 tax).  

If I can do it, you can too!!!

Starbucks Drinkers

If you frequent Starbucks you might want to know this.....If you purchase any beverage from a Starbucks within a participating Target they stamp your receipt.  The stamp allows you to come back in within 14 days to purchase any drink, any size for only $2 plus tax.  You have to have the stamped receipt with you and show or give it to a participating Starbucks within Target's to get the discounted price. I took advantage of this yesterday and purchased a Venti Frappachino that goes for over $4.  I only paid $2.13 plus they stamped my receipt so I can enjoy another tasty beverage within the 14 days for a great price.  It pays to save those receipts!!!

Comparing, Newspapers, CVS 8/26-9/1

Last night I found myself comparing my couponing to a friends who also lives in CT.  However, she lives close to the CT/MA border.  I haven't asked if she does her couponing in CT or MA, but there is probably a good hour or more between where she lives and me.  Today it has helped me to become more determined to organize my coupons and really search inside myself for the reason I got into using coupons in the first place.  I always seem to play a catch up game with cutting my coupons.  Now that I expanded which papers I buy I find myself with even more inserts.
Speaking of newspapers.  Over the past few months I have been venturing out to purchase other papers on a Sunday.  Depending on the value of the coupon I am searching for I will limit my search to papers that cost in that range.  I tend to stay away from the $5 papers.  I am finding that each paper I pick up and look at the inserts have some different coupons than the Connecticut Post I get delivered.  Some inserts have the same coupon just a different value.  While others have coupons that I would use, but that were not printed in the Connecticut Posts inserts.  
Today I tried to get a subscription for the New Haven Register since that is one the papers I find has the coupons that are not in my Connecticut Post.  They do not deliver to my area.  So instead I have to go store to store looking for it on a Sunday if I want it.
Instead of getting frustrated because someone appears to be doing much better than you with their couponing take some things into consideration are they in your same town.  Just because they are in the same state as you does not mean you are getting the exact same coupons.  Coupons vary paper to paper and could vary per city or county in the same state.
Always keep in mind why YOU coupon.  Don't get all wrapped up in what the Jane's and John's of this world are doing.  Instead ask them questions, we all could learn something new.  Remember the feeling you get when you see how much YOU saved.  Be happy with your accomplishments, the people YOU help, the money YOU save.

CVS has a lot of items that are free after Extra Care Rewards or Coupons here is a peak at some of the items.  Take a look and Shop, Shop, Shop!!!

Cpn. Out	Description	Sale Price	Register Price Per Item	Final Price All Savings Per Item
07-29 PG	Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 12.6oz or styler 5.7-11.5oz Coupon shown expires 8/31. 8/26 PG coupon is good all week--save $1 on 2. Gas Promo item, spend $30 on select items and get a FREE $10 Gas Card.	$3.33	$1.83	$1.83
08-12 RP	Good N Natural Bar Single FREE after coupon. This is a good item to donate to charity. Printable Coupons	$0.99	$0.00	FREE
08-12 RP	Gillette Venus Razor or Disposable Razor for Women Estimated price from CVS.com for 1ct Gillette Venus Embrace 5 Blade Great Razor. Price is after $5 Extra Bucks Reward and newspaper coupon. More recent coupon in 8/26 PG but savings is less. 8/5 RP coupon is buy one get one free. Limit 1 Womens Gillette Razor reward. This is a good item to donate to charity. Other Newspaper Coupons: 08-26 PG, 08-05 RP	$7.99	$3.99	$1.01 profit
08-26 PG	Dawn 9-10.3 oz Coupon for select varieties. Gas Promo item, spend $30 on select items and get a FREE $10 Gas Card. This is a good item to donate to charity. Other Newspaper Coupons: 07-29 PG	$0.99	$0.24	$0.24
08-26 RP	Super Poligrip .075 oz FREE after coupon. This is a good item to donate to charity. Printable Coupons	$2.60	$0.00	FREE
08-26 S	Bic Flame Disc FREE after coupon. This is a good item to donate to charity.	$4.99	$0.00	FREE
08-26 S	Stayfree Pads 14-24ct This is a good item to donate to charity. Other Newspaper Coupons: 07-29 R2, 07-22 S	$2.00	$0.00	FREE