Cheaper Doesn't Always Mean Better

Last year Shop Rite had a 20 pack of AA and AAA batteries cheap.  I purchased a few packs of each just to have.  I recently opened a pack of AA to put two in my digital camera.  I took a picture or two and a message popped up that the batteries were depleted.  Really?  I thought I put new batteries in.  Yesterday we took out our wii fit board to use.  It would power on, but would not allow a body test because the batteries were to low.  We changed the batteries a month or so ago.  Again we put in Kodak batteries.  The wii fit board gets used once a week or once every two weeks.  These batteries should have lasted longer.
Because I thought I was getting a bargain on batteries I now am faced with having to change the batteries in things more often.  Shop Rite has these same batteries on sale this week for a good price however this is one deal that I will not be getting.  They might be great batteries for TV remotes or flash lights, but in my experience these batteries are not good for electronics.
Sometimes cheaper is not always better.

My Grand Idea

Earlier this month I had the grand idea to make this my job.  Start my own company and start holding couponing classes.  So far it is just an idea.  When I throw out on facebook the offer to show people how I save at no cost to them, there haven't been any takers.  It has me wondering, if there will be a lot of people interested in couponing classes if I charge a certain amount per person.
Hmm...Do I take my grand idea and run with it....You'll have to wait until 2014 to see what I decide.

Cell Phone Plan Savings

You don't just need to use coupons to save.  A few weeks ago, my family and I upgraded our cell phones to smart phones with the upgrade we added a data plan.  Before this we only used our cell phones to make telephone calls and text.  We spent hours comparing cell phone plans on the top cell phone carriers.  After the hours comparing we discovered that unlimited data did not make the most financial sense for our family.  

I went to facebook and asked my friends how much data do they use.  Never having a data plan I really did not know how much data we really would need.  Their answers varied, but it did give me hope that we wouldn't need unlimited.  This got me thinking, since some of the answers said they didn't really use much since they mostly connect to wifi.  At least 90% of the places I go to have wifi or I'm able to pick up a hotspot from my cable company.  If I don't have wifi while I'm out whatever I need to do can wait until I get home.  

Before we purchased our phones we made sure we can change our data plan as we find necessary without changing our contract.  We started out higher than we really needed.  Since our billing cycle just ended we decided to make a change to our data. We went down a few gigs.  We have alerts set for 50%, 75% and 100%.  If we find that our data usage increases we can always increase it and it would still be less than what an unlimited plan with a different carrier would have cost us. Don't let the salesperson talk you into something you don't need.  Stand firm on your decision...it's not their money they are spending, but yours.   

On a side note, check with your cell phone carrier or your job to see if they offer discounts that will lower your bill each month.  

Organization is the Key

Have you seen a sale, but you have no clue if you have a coupon to make the final price even less? Have you gone shopping and found out a few days later you had a coupon for that item?  This has happened to me quite a bit and has caused much frustration.

There is a solution to it the problem.  Organization.  Time is not always our friend so you might be laughing at the word organization.  Organization does not have to be cutting and filing your coupons. That is one obvious way to get organized.  Let's explore this option for a minute after clipping your coupons you can file them away in a coupon box.  Or another way that is becoming more and more popular is a coupon binder.  Using baseball card sheets and tabbed dividers your coupons would be easier to find this way.

Clipping and filing the coupons are not high on your list, but you still want to save.  Here are two other ways I have tried to organized my coupons and reasons why it worked or didn't for me.

Make three piles for your coupon inserts.  Pile 1 will be Red Plum.  Pile 2 Smart Source.  Pile 3 P&G, which you will only get once a month.  Within each pile sort the inserts by date, the dates of the inserts are on the outer spine.  The reason for sorting the inserts this way is to help you find your inserts quicker when on a couponing website that mentions a deal.  Most couponing websites that discuss actual deals list the insert name and date.  This will help cut down on flipping through all of your inserts to see if you have the paper towel coupon you are looking for.  For me this didn't work.  Here's why I would never remember if I used a coupon and would flip to where it should be and find I used it already.  Also since coupons are regional I would be disappointed when I would look for a certain coupon to find I didn't receive it in my insert.

So, organizing the inserts by date didn't exactly work for me, but then I revised this idea some.  On a Saturday or Sunday when I would get my coupon inserts I would flip through the inserts, write down on a sticky note the coupon names that are inside and stick it to the cover.  I could quickly glance at the insert covers to see if I have a coupon for things we might be running low on.  When I would take a coupon from the insert I would just cross it off the list.

When I have inserts that are piling up, I will try and use the sticky notes, but to be honest sometimes that doesn't even happen.  Ultimately I really enjoy my coupon binder.  I never would have thought I would have a binder just for coupons, but it's what works best for me.




      

Does the Deal Make Sense to You?

So you heard about some awesome deal through a friend.  They tell you exactly the coupons they used, the store they went to and the price they paid.  It's a friend so you take them at their word, right?  Now say you were on Facebook and you saw someone post a deal they did, you duplicate that said deal, right?

In both cases I say wrong.  Before you do any deal look at your coupons for that deal, look at the ad for the store, read all the fine print, read the stores couponing policy.  Make sure for yourself that the deal is a legit one.  That the coupon that you just printed from coupons.com or any other legit site didn't get something added to the fine print after your friend used theirs.  

You are the one heading to the store to do the shopping.  The money from your purchase is coming out of your pocket.  If you take someone at their word that this shopping trip is only going to cost you $5 and some of your coupons do not double that means more money out of your pocket and budget.  

No matter who tells you about a deal, make sure to check it out for yourself.  

The Art of Couponing

Couponing might be considered an art by some.  It takes time to figure out how to do it to maximize your savings.  It takes time to perfect.  People admire what you do, just like a good art piece.  However, once you think you have it all figured out you get your next batch of coupons and you notice the Manufacturer changed the fine print, what you can use it on, how you can use it, etc.  Back to the drawing board you go.  Back to tweaking your masterpiece.  Back to figuring out if the deal you heard about will still work.  Back to relearning.  Back to saving.

Successful Drop off and 89% Savings

I was determined to drop the items I was going to donate off, but I could not find the place.  My GPS kept telling me I had arrived at my destination, but I saw no signs and what to me looked like a residential neighborhood.  Where was it?  With the sun blinding me I decided to continue driving.  I kept thinking I must have put something in wrong.  A hop, skip and a jump from where I wanted to be was a Rite Aid.  I had come prepared with my coupons and knew what I was buying, 2 Dove Shampoos.  By being prepared I saved 89%...However the deal gets sweeter.  I spent out of pocket $1.16 and received $2.00 back in up rewards. 

No back to finding the place I was dropping my donation off at.  Finally I found it, and it felt great to bring my box of items in to donate.  I believe all the items I donated will go to people who need them.

 

Return to Couponing

Life kind of put my couponing on hold for a bit.  I didn't have time to cut the coupons, file them and then find the coupons I needed that went along with my shopping list.  Somehow I still managed to save between 40 and 50 % on most of my shopping trips just by buying things on sale.  Now that things have started to go back to normal I decided to kick off my return to couponing by donating the below items to an organization nearby. 

 
I realized after taking the first picture, I was missing the hair gel, Tabasco Sauce, and mustard.  This will be my first donation to this place.  Items I'm donating: 6 Shaving Cream, 4 packs of Razors, 2 Panty Liners, 1 Cup Cake Liners, 1 Hair Elastics, 1 bottle of hair gel, 2 Tabasco Sauce, 2 mustard.

I hope this is the first of many donations to this organization.  I am looking forward to resuming couponing this week.

Lack of Organization Brings Done Your Savings

I had to take a break from blogging for a bit because I just was not saving what I knew I could be.  I had too many coupon inserts piling up, not preparing before my shopping trip, finding coupons in inserts at home upon returning home from a shopping trip.  It was frustrating and I knew I could do better.
I am almost all caught up with clipping and filing all the back coupon inserts.  I have gotten some things for free and am managing to save again.  A lot of people get into a savings slump, but it's what you do with the slump that matters most.
I felt like I was continually wasting time flipping through coupon inserts to see if I might possibly have a coupon.  I also wanted to bring my coupon inserts with me while shopping.  You know there are times that you add to your shopping list while at the store, but how do you know if you have a coupon for the added item.
I had a light bulb go off to make finding coupons in the inserts waiting to be cut easier.  I grabbed a sticky note pad, a pen and my inserts.  I went page by page in the coupon insert and wrote down the names of each coupon that were still good in the insert and then stuck the sticky note to the front of the corresponding insert.  While shopping or gathering my coupons for a shopping trip I can now glance at the covers of the inserts I have not cut yet to quickly see if I have a certain coupon.  This majorly cuts down on my preparation time and in my opinion makes couponing easier.
Here are a few pictures of inserts I have yet to cut.

Taking a Little Break

Hello Fellow Readers.

I am taking a little break from my blog.  I want it to be successful.  I want to help others save.  However, for some reason the people reading is down and I am running out of topics to talk about.  I thought there was going to be more interaction and questions from my readers, but there are not any.  So, I am going to take this time to reevaluate the blog and where I want to take it.  If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask, I will still be answering questions during the break.  If you're a reader and someone I know and want to learn how to maximize your savings contact me and I will show you.

Have a wonderful day and happy savings!

Have you Checked Out Groupon Lately?

I get new groupon e-mails daily, but sometimes they get buried with all my other e-mails.  I happened to open yesterdays and noticed a Yankee game groupon.  I have many friends that are Yankees fans and I thought of sharing that groupon on Facebook, but haven't.
I decided today to actually go to groupon's website since I have been looking for a Starbuck's groupon, but haven't found one yet.  However, while I was looking for the Starbuck's I noticed the Yankee Groupon is for specific games.  Also I noticed many other great saving deals out there.  Discounted Newspaper deals, Japanese Buffet, The Wedding Singer Performance and many, many more great deals and savings.  Groupons have various end dates and times.  If you see something you might want to buy check to see how much time is left.  I was considering purchasing the Wedding Singer Performance, but with only 14 hours left in that groupon I don't know if that is enough time to find someone interested in seeing this show, pick the date and buy the groupon.
If you're looking for something it might be worth you checking out Groupon, you never know what you will find on there.

*Note these are some groupons that are available in my area, what's available for me might not be available for you.

Saving on Allergy Medicine with Coupons

Do you or any of the members of your household take allergy medicine?  Three people in my household does.  Not everything that we are on is available with a prescription.  One of us is on Zyrtec-D and another is on Allegra.  Both in the past few years have gone from medication available by prescription to over the counter no prescription needed.  With any medicine going over the counter it will possibly cost more to take, but what do you do if it is the only thing that helps.  You continue taking it.

There have been many times I have not had a coupon for the Zyrtec-D and it wasn't on sale, but I'm not going to mess with my allergies and I'm still going to buy it.  Zyrtec started a rewards program about a year ago, that if you go to the website, click on savings and rewards, sign in and enter the code on your box or bottle you can print out a coupon that might be able to be used on your next purchase.  You can only enter a code once every 30 days.  

With allergy season in full bloom I have noticed an increased amount of Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D coupons in the Sunday coupon inserts.  I took advantage of this and stocked up a little   Something I would never think I could stock up on, I was able to.  

This week in the coupon inserts is a coupon for Allegra.  We did not get it in our paper, but since it is on sale this week we headed out found the paper it was in and bought four.  The paper only cost $1.75 per paper, the coupon is for $5.00 off.  If you subtract the cost of the paper you still make out good.  Add the sale on top of that to make a sweet deal on Allegra.  

It is possible to save on Allergy medicine, I do!

.50 Women's Flip-Flops and an Upcoming Starbucks Deal

The weather has been beautiful lately.  It is starting to feel like Spring with a touch of Summer.  Time to start thinking about the flip-flops, beaches, pools, etc.  Target has a good deal on Women's Flip-Flops.  If you head to Target.com and print out a coupon for $2.00 off select Women's Flip-Flops.  Yeah so.  Well Target has a handful of Women's Flip-Flops for $2.50.  If you are able to use this coupon on the flip-flops it will make them only .50.  Awesome!

Attention Starbuck's Frappachino drinkers.  Starbuck's is apparently bringing back their happy hour.  At participating Starbuck's May 3rd-12th from 3pm to 5pm you can get Frappachino's half off.  A nice cold blended beverage on a warm day is quite satisfying.  A cold blended beverage on a warm day at half off, extremely satisfying!

Social Media and Savings

Sometimes I feel that too much of our lives are put out there through social media.  I have cut back on what I share and have even tried to unplug from electronics.  However I learned I can't stay unplugged for long.
Through social media I am able to see what friends up to and ways they are saving.  It's great to have a circle of friends who share photos of their shopping trip with how much they spent out of pocket for the pictured items.  More and more I am seeing these types of pictures popping up on my newsfeed and it warms my heart.  Knowing others are saving is great.  Whether or not I had some influence on them deciding to check out coupons, savings and ways to save or not doesn't matter.  Although I would love to hear that because of what I do, I inspired someone else to do it.
In my opinion social media could be used to share tips, stories, what worked for you, what didn't and just encourage each other.  Hmm...That gets me thinking.  Maybe I should create a group on Facebook to do just that.
I don't know if I consider myself an expert or not, but I do know that I can learn from what others do.  I am always open for tips and suggestions on ways to maximize my savings and places to donate items to.
What are your thoughts on Social Media and Savings?

Readership is Down

I know that I don't blog everyday.  Sometimes I have a thought, but don't take the time to put the thought to paper or in this case to computer.  I don't know if it is with the lack of blog posts, the topics or what, but I seem to be having less readers.  Why is that?  Those that do read, what can I do to increase my readers?

Carvel Free Jr. Cone Today Only

Did you know at participating Carvel's today(4/25/13) only from 3-8 PM you can get a FREE Jr. Cone?  Well you can!!!  According to their website if you give a two dollar donation you will receive a coupon book with over $20 in savings.  The two dollar donation will help support American Red Cross's Disaster Relief.
I'm thinking a Carvel cone sounds really good today!

Organization is Key

I have been having to play catch up with my coupons for a while now.  I don't have all of them cut and filed.  I do have them neatly in one place waiting to be cut.  I have tried to catch up on it this past week.  Trying and really doing it is two different things, but my motivation has now increased.
As you all know I shop at Shop Rite.  A few weeks back I purchased 15 Yoplait yogurts which caused a $1.25 off your next order coupon to print out.  This coupon had an expiration date of 4/20/13 on it.  I went to Shop Rite on 4/20 and did a little shopping.  I was reminded of the coupon when I walked past the yogurts.  I pull the carriage aside so others could get past me.  I look through my binder to come up empty.  I was hoping that the coupon did not expire that day since it was not with me, but I had a feeling it did.  I come home look in my box (where I put the coupons waiting to be cut and some register coupons waiting to be filed), but I still can't find it.  Where else could it be?  Well the day I got this coupon it was colder out and I had a jacket on.  Hmm...could it be that I just shoved it in my coat pocket and forgot about it.  Yup, sure enough that's what happened.  I was disappointed when I saw that it had expired that day and I could have used it if I had only filed it when I came home instead of stuffing it and forgetting about it.
Now if that wasn't enough, as I am cutting the Smart Source inserts that I am behind on I find a .35 off coupon for Land-O-Lake Eggs.  Gee in that same shopping trip on Saturday I got Land-O-Lake Eggs for .99 with the Shop Rite coupon.  If I had cut and filed this coupon earlier I would have only paid .29 for my eggs instead of .99.  Grrr....
Finding out I had coupons for items I just bought and I didn't use the coupon really bothers me.  I am working on catching up with my cutting and filing of coupons.  I know that organization is the key to saving, and I strive to get better at it.

One Coupon Insert in Sunday's Paper

There is only one coupon insert that will be in Sunday's inserts.  I was shocked to see that there will be a $7.00 off Zyrtec-D coupon in the inserts again.  It was only two weeks ago that the last $7.00 coupon was in the paper.  When looking at the paper we get delivered I discovered it was not part of our insert.  Tomorrow I will venture out in search of the coupon.  I know if my paper does not have a certain coupon I am looking for there are one or two other papers I check.
A tip to you all.  If you are going to buy a paper for a certain coupon, flip through the paper, look at each coupon, make sure the one you are looking for is really in the insert and paper you are going to buy.  In order to cut down on the amount of stores you have to go to in order to find that desired coupon you might want to head to the store earlier.  If you decide to head out mid-afternoon or early evening don't let the time of day stop you just because you think they might not have the coupon or paper you are looking for.  A coupon of value to you might not be a coupon someone else sees as valuable.
Happy Saving!!!

Monday is Earth Day, But Stores Are Giving Treats Early

Last year on the Sunday before Earth day I headed to Target and got a good size reusable bag free.  Many times I have folded the bag, stuck it in my pocketbook and saved five cents by reusing a bag.  

This year they are doing the same thing.  Starting at 10 am tomorrow (4/21/13) Target will be giving away reusable bags while supplies last.  If there are multiple entrances to your store and you don't see someone handing out bags at the one you just came in check the other entrance.  It will be worth it.  I have read that some of the bags might have samples in them, but not all.  There might also be a coupon book in the bag or that is being handed out too.   

What time will you be heading to Target?  

Great Finds on Clearance Racks

Lately I have been finding some great finds on clearance racks.  I picked up a pair of men's shorts for my son for $4 and change.  These shorts normally go for 9.99 and up.  Two other finds I recently purchased was a wii game normally $29.99 marked down to $8.98 and a CD which has an original price of $16.99 was marked down to $3.86.  The only reason the CD was marked down was because the item wasn't normally sold in stores, but on their website.  It could really pay off to check out the clearance spots in the stores you shop in.
I love the bargains I find on the clearance racks!  If I am 100% honest with you, my readers, not everything I buy is on clearance or sale.  Seeing the savings though, I love it and want to bargain shop more.

Opening up the Floor for Questions

I tend to blog about the things that I feel would be helpful or interesting to you as readers.  Now though I would like to hear from you.  Send me an e-mail or post a comment with topics you want to know more about, questions you might have, or your savings stories.

Awesome Battery Deal at Shop Rite

Can you ever have enough AA or AAA batteries?  Well you probably could.  Better question is are you running low on AA or AAA batteries.  If you said yes, you might want to take a look at your Shop Rite ad.  I noticed in my ad they have Kodak 20 count AA and AAA batteries on sale for $1.99 with your card.  That is an awesome price!  With an awesome price comes a limit.  You are only able to purchase four per variety.   This sale for me is going on all week and there is no minimum amount that needs to be spent to lock in this price.  How much more awesome could this get?  

Are you heading to Shop Rite to stock up on batteries?

What $1 Flip-Flops Early???

I was reading the paper today and noticed an ad from JC Penney.  On the cover of the ad was a rainbow assortment of flip-flops.  What struck me about this ad was the $1 Family Flip-Flops in every color while supplies last.  Why is that so odd?  Normally I get my flip-flops at Old Navy which normally only offers select colors and is normally not until May or June.  It looks like Old Navy has some competition this year. 

I am not one to match my outfit with my flip-flops, but if I was this would be one sale I would be heading to.  

Apology To My Readers

Hello to all of my readers,

Every day I think about posting something, but I don't.  How can I expect you to continue to check my blog if I am not going to offer you something new.  I apologize for my lack of posting lately.  I am going to try my best to not let other things get in my way of blogging.  I do not get paid to blog.  I would love to get paid to do this, but at the moment my payment is hoping that by sharing my stories and tips that you start saving or maximize your savings.

I vow to do better...

Make Your List and Check it Twice (Tip #3)

On Sunday's I try to make my shopping list for the week.  Normally through the week I will add things to the list and even take things off.  Some of my list might be things that we actually need or are running low on.  Most of the list though will be compiled from Coupon Mom, Hip2save, Krazy Coupon Lady.  Occasionally I will find out about sales elsewhere or I will just look at the ads and see what jumps out at me.  

After I make the list, I don't head straight to the store and shop.  At this point I have no clue what coupons I have that will match up with the sales.  I will put the list aside, more than likely forget about it.  At some point during the week I will get my binder and coupon inserts out along with my laptop to look at the lists I have compiled.  Once I see what coupons I have I decide on what I am really going to buy from that list.  I have been trying to take the coupons out and put them either in an envelope or section of my binder with the corresponding list.  Sometimes I do all this work, head to the store only to find that my store does not have the item on sale for the amount that the website listed.  I have to take a minute to see if this is really still a good deal and something I still want.  Depending on the time of week I go (lately the end of the week) I can't find the clearance item, the right size, other people cleared the shelves, or the store I am at doesn't carry said item.  No big deal. I know I should do my shopping at the beginning of the week, but sometimes schedules just don't permit that to happen.  

Make your list, check it twice and enjoy watching the savings roll in.

Coupon Surprise

Since we get the paper delivered our ads come on a Saturday instead of Sunday.  This is great since it helps us to see what is going on sale next week which might cause us to adjust our Saturday shopping.  Since tomorrow is Easter Sunday I was not expecting any coupon inserts in the paper today.  However I was pleasantly surprised to see a Proctor and Gamble insert.  I was expecting this insert in next weeks Sunday inserts.  So, if you look forward to the Proctor and Gamble coupon inserts and do not get your paper delivered I would recommend finding a store that is open tomorrow and getting your newspaper.  When shopping on a Saturday I have noticed that there are some sale ads in the Saturday papers they have on display at stores.  I have to admit I have not bought any papers on a Saturday, but it is worth a look to see if the Proctor and Gamble insert is in today's paper in stores.  I wouldn't want you to miss out on a coupon. 

Happy Saving!!!

Tip #2 Find the Perfect Website Fit

Do you have a photographic memory?  Most of us do not and cannot remember what coupons we have, what we have used, how much the coupon we have is for.  Nevermind trying to remember the coupon and  matching it with the current sales ad.
Thankfully there are websites that make this task easier.  I don't think I would be as successful with couponing and saving if it wasn't for these websites.  

• Coupon Mom
• Hip2Save
• Krazy Coupon Lady
• Coupon Divas

I know that is a lot of websites to check daily. Honestly, I don't check these daily.  I try to check Coupon Mom on a Sunday to get a sense of the deals for the week.  The rest of them I subscribed to and get their e-mails daily.  The e-mails are normally packed with some good deals, but with time not my friend at times I read the e-mails after certain deals expire. 

What websites do you use to get your deals from?

Tips-Organization

I've been thinking that I need to continue to hold your attention.  Keep you'll reading and keep this interesting.  I know I have many blog posts already, but you might not sit down and read them all.  I am going to do a series of  tips to help you with your savings experience.
The first thing, maybe even before you get your coupons, is you need to figure out how you are going to organize your coupons.  You don't want to have a stack of coupons sitting in the corner waiting to be cut.  You want to look at the big picture.  Will you just be trying out couponing, but aren't really committed to it.  Is this something you could see yourself doing for a while?  Once you answered that, it might help you come to the conclusion of how you should store your coupons.  I have tried three different ways file folders, coupon box and binder.  I will go into more detail on each.

File Folders

• Get some manila file folders
• Separate your coupon inserts by type: Red Plum, Smart Source, P &G and Printed
• Decide if you want to file the inserts by type or by type and date
• Start filing

Coupon Box

• Purchase or make some dividers which you will use to break your coupons up into categories or alphabetically
• Cut your coupons.  I would recommend cutting your oldest insert first
• After you cut your coupons decide sort  them into your prospective categories.  
• File
• Take your box for a test drive on a shopping trip (use it at your must shopped at stores)
• Ask yourself if your coupon box makes sense the way it is
• As you shop more you might find you need to make more categories for your coupons
• Don't be afraid to totally revamp your coupon box if you find you have outgrown it or it's just not working

Coupon Binder

• Purchase a binder that you like
• When purchasing a binder think about if you drop it will all the sheets fall out.  (I recommend getting a binder that zips)
• Purchase baseball card sheets, or some sort of insert that works for you.  
• Purchase or make dividers to separate your coupons into categories.  
• Organize in a way that works for you
• Instead of shifting all coupons to put new coupons in think about inserting a blank baseball card sheet.

You should be all set to start your couponing journey!

Got My Groove Back...Oh Yeah!!!

Lately I have been feeling like I lost my couponing groove.  I am looking at my spreadsheet and seeing my overall savings is not as high as I want it to be.  Yes, I am saving and my percentage of saving per shopping trip is good, but I was getting discouraged.  Somehow I let my coupon stacks pile up which is more time consuming trying to find if I have a coupon or not.  I have been able to make a good dent at cutting and filing, so it is getting easier to find what coupons I have and which I don't.
All of that discouragement changed today.   The day started out with getting a Nivea Lotion sample in the mail today.  However, I started getting excited my second shopping stop in.  First stop I purchased a new TV stand for myself which I saved $20 on.  However, my second stop I paid only .56 cents and saved $4.00.  I was grinning and could feel the excitement stirring inside.  So, what did I spend just .56 on?

Do you think the three Jell-O's were worth .56 cents?

My savings did not stop there.  I headed to Shop Rite to pick up only the items on my list.  I picked up a total of 33 items, paid $44 and saved $66.79.  Waa hoo I saved more then I spent, plus I received a .50 coupon towards my next purchase.  I won't rattle off everything I purchased and what I saved on each item.  I will highlight a few of the items.  I picked up two packages of McCormick Brown Gravy mix on sale for .50 a piece.  I had a coupon that was $1.00 off 2.  By using that coupon I got both packs of Gravy Mix for free.  Another item I picked up was two packages of Nestle Nesquick powder mix.  These were on sale for .99 a package.  Since I picked up two packs I was able to use my $1.00 off 2 coupon.  I got both packs for .98 cents which is .49 cents a package.  One item I did not have a coupon for, but was part of the four day price break was the Italian Village Ravioli's and Cavatelli both on sale for .99 a piece.  I made sure I got four of both.
Wait I should mention that part of the $44 dollars I spent at Shop Rite was on a 20 roll package of Marcal Toilet Paper which I paid $6.99 for and a 12 pack of Marcal Paper Towels which I paid $5.99.

What was the percentage of saving at Target and Shop Rite?  At Target I saved 88%  and 66% at Shop Rite.  I feel I am back on the right track to savings.

You don't always need to use coupons to save!

You Don't Always Need to Leave the House...

You don't always need to leave the house to get free things.  I checked my mail and look what was waiting for me.

A sample box from P&G with samples I had requested.  I totally forgot I had requested these and was pleasantly surprised when I saw this box in the mailbox.










All of these items were in the box.  Plus there was a booklet filled with coupons.  Score!!!

Different websites offer samples and coupons from time to time.
It's good to check back at sites like P & G, Target and Walmart.

There have been times I have even been routed to Facebook  like a page and request a sample.  Check out manufacturers websites for items you use.  Like them on Facebook   You might be able to request some samples you and your family can enjoy.

Subway 6in or foot long

While I was enjoying the beautiful weather today, I felt like having a six inch veggie delight on wheat from Subway.  I decided to go and get one.  However when I walked in the door and started pricing my veggie delight and my son's meatball sub I saw there was only a $1.50 difference between a six inch and foot long.  At about the same time my son and I decided to get a foot long a piece.  I knew we would not eat the foot long in one day, but for $1.50 more we got lunch for today and tomorrow.
Sometimes buying less of something doesn't make financial sense.  Will you use all of the bigger size?
Just because it makes sense for me doesn't mean it will for you.   Figure out what way would be cheaper for you.

Bath and Body Works Candle Sale Again

As I was lighting a floral candle today, I was thinking about the Bath and Body Works three wick candle sale that started today.  The sale is 2 3-wick candles for $22 plus tax.  Knowing that these candles go for for $20 a piece I would consider buying two.  However, could I get a better deal?  I like fresh flowers, but floral candles might be a bit overpowering.  They do have fruity scents at Bath and Body Works as well as floral.  

Knowing me I might head to Bath and Body Works and pick two scents.  However, I can't get every sale.  Plus in the back of my mind I might be saying that this is not the best deal for your money.  If I head to Christmas Tree Shop I could get 6 candles for $21 plus tax.  If money talked it would say the Christmas Tree Shop deal is better.  How are the scents?  Is it really the same since Christmas Tree Shop is only a single wick?  

Which deal will I decide to do?  I will let you know.

Enjoy your shopping excursions!!

What Was I Thinking???

What was I thinking when I started couponing?  I never thought of the amount of coupons I would need to cut.  Or the stacks of coupons that would be waiting for me to cut.  It was something I enjoyed and wanted to explore more.

This past Sunday I went out and purchased four newspapers.  Why?  I take Zyrtec-D.  This past Sunday there was a $5.00 off Zyrtec-D coupon in the Red Plum insert that is good until 3/31/13.  Since I can only get one box every 10 to 12 days I did not buy any more papers to get even more coupons.
I loved paying only 13.99 plus tax for a 24 count at Rite Aid this week, but I don't love this....

These are just the coupon inserts from all of the March 3rd Newspapers I got (four bought and one delivered).

That's not that bad, but this huge stack waiting to get cut and filed is quite intimidating.

Will I throw in the towel and say I quit?  No, I will tackle this pile of coupons like I tackle everything else.

There will be days that you will wonder what you got yourself into, before you give up remember everyone needs a break from time to time.  Take a short break, forget about coupons for a week, two, a month.  Come back refreshed and ready to start racking in those savings.

Amazon Kindle Books

Every so often I will check out what free books Amazon has available for Kindle.  Normally I come across classics or authors I have never heard of.  Yesterday I came across the book Courageous free for Amazon Kindle.  The kindle edition of this book normally goes for $14.99.  

So you don't have a kindle and are wondering how this can benefit you.  You do not have to have a kindle to read books from Amazon.  You can read them right on your computer and i product.  I have read books both on my kindle and my laptop.  I found my screen on my ipod touch was too small for my liking, but it is possible to do.  

Have you checked out the free books they have to offer?  Prices do change often and can go up without warning.  

Have You Ever Arrived A Day Late

Have you ever arrived a day late for a sale?  I have.  This week I went to Bath and Body Works to buy candles that are normally $20 a piece, but on sale 2 for $22.  However while looking at the different scents that they had to offer I wasn't seeing any sale signs.  This did not stop me from picking two scents that I thought would smell great lit.  I approach the cash register and before I put the candles down I ask if they are still on sale 2 for $22.  The cashier told me the sale had ended the day before.  Man, I was a day late for this.  Maybe that was a good thing since I was thinking $22 for two candles before tax was quite a bit.  I could head to Christmas Tree Shop and get candles for $3.50.  However, they may not have the scents that Bath and Body works does.  Plus I remember seeing a coupon for $20 off $45 at Yankee Candle.  I don't need more candles, but I find that I don't have many or any for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.
A candle is only good for however long the wax and wick last.  How much would you spend on a single candle?

Looking Forward to Sunday's Coupons

Sunday is the first Sunday of a new month.  For a couponer, or at least me this is great.  I find that there are normally three coupon inserts in the paper when the Procter and Gamble insert is in the Sunday's paper.  I expect to see 1 Procter and Gamble, 1 Smart Source and 1 Red Plum insert.  Any other inserts that are in the paper are going to be a bonus to me.
I never know when the Procter and Gamble insert will be in.  Some months I receive it in the paper the last Sunday of the month. Where other months it is in the paper that comes the first Sunday of the new month.
I often use some of these coupons.  I especially enjoy seeing the Dawn coupons in the P &G insert.  Pairing this coupon with a sale that month I tend to get Dawn dish detergent for .50 cent a botttle or less.

Speaking of coupons, I can't wait to receive my first issue of the All You Magazine.  I finally gave in and got myself a subscription to the magazine.  I received an e-mail from them today with a refer a friend link.  It's a great magazine to check out at least once.   Here's a link if you decide to subscribe, www.allyou.com/referafriend

What coupons do you look forward to?  Have you seen the All You Magazine?  What do you think about it?

Am I Missing Something???

I took a look at the sales, coupons and final prices for this weeks sales.  I don't see anything worth running out to the store for.  Wait let me correct that Shop Rite has Yoplait Yogurt 20 for $10  this week.  Also part of Shop Rite's 4 day sale they have Botticelli Pasta for .67.  Other than that I don't see anything to run out for.
Am I missing the sales?  Are they staring me in the face, but I don't see it because I don't need anything?
Have you found any good sales this week?  Are there things you are looking for but can't seem to catch a break on it?

First Speaking Engagement

In March I will have a first with couponing, I will be speaking to a great bunch of women about how I use coupons.  Wow.  Who would have thought?  I certainly wouldn't have.  I have never spoke to a group of people before regarding coupons and savings.  This will not be a paid speaking engagement.  Instead my payment will be sharing what I do and hoping others are able to maximize their savings.  Will I be ready for it?  I sure hope so.  

Don't let doubt or uncertainty stop you from trying something you want to do or are passionate about.  You really never know where it will lead.

Couponing a Job???

I feel like I am so behind on blogging, cutting coupons, ugh...filing the coupons.  I am starting to think that couponing itself could be a full time job.  I was doing so good at keeping everything organized, cut and filed, but it seems like winter happened and everything got thrown off.
I feel like the coupons just aren't that great lately.  The manufacturers are changing the size requirements on coupons which makes things I used to get free I no longer do.
We are running low on things and I don't have another one in reserve to take it's place.  I don't remember the last time I used a coupon or got something for free.
I'm loving my savings, but is it really worth it?  I never wanted couponing to be a job.  I always wanted it to be something I do as sort of a hobby.
I need to rekindle that passion I had and start finding them good deals again.  I need to get up a half hour earlier and make that quiet time my coupon time.  I need to remember I'm only going to get out of it what I put into it.

Stockpile

When we were slammed with the blizzard last week I wasn't concerned about what we were going to eat.  I knew we have more than enough of macaroni, steak, tomatoes to make sauce, cereal, fruit, soup, beans, hot dogs, bread, peanut butter, snacks, toliet paper, etc.  As the days crept by and we still didn't see a plow I was still okay.  I knew that we had enough food still.
During the storm and the clean up I had many days to think. I realized that until the show "Extreme Couponing" I had never heard of stockpiling.  Didn't it used to be called a pantry?
My thoughts of stockpiles have changed some since going through the blizzard.  I feel within moderation a little stockpile is good.  It showed me that maybe I head to the store a little to much to catch some great deals.  Then again if I didn't catch them deals would we have had enough food?  Whether you call it a pantry, a stockpile or just food I have come to realize it is okay and even good to have a few of your most used items.  You could buy more than one box of cereal, more than one can of soup.  The problem comes in when you start overbuying.
What are you low on, what did you run out of....take a look and organize your stockpile, pantry or food.

Newspaper Groupon

I noticed yesterday as I was reading my e-mails that there is a groupon for four different newspapers.  You could get up to 73% off a subscription to the Connecticut Post, The News-Times, The Advocate, or Greenwich Times.  There are six different subscription options to choose from.
If your looking to get a subscription this could be a cheaper way to go.  Head over to groupon.com to check it out.  There are only three days left on this groupon, so if you snooze you might lose.

Digging Out

To all my readers on the East Coast, stay safe as you dig out from Nemo!!!

FebruAny at Subway

I realize I get more than humanly possible to read newsletters e-mailed to me.  Subway happens to be one of those that I subscribed to. Some time ago they started to highlight certain subs for a lower price all month long.  If you haven't seen it yet their FebruAny commercial has quite a catchy beat, tune, lyrics.  I will remember it and probably stop and get a sub this month.  Their advertising worked with me and hooked me.    

According to their website this months $5 footlongs are Italian B.M.T, Meatball Marinara, Turkey Breast.  Surprisingly there are also $6 Footlong Specials which are Roast Beef, Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt and Steak & Cheese.  

There is fine print that says prices and participation may vary.  

Well, after looking at the list my Veggie Delight may or may not cost me $5.  It all depends on which list I look at.  However my son has been enjoying the Meatball Marinara lately which is part of the $5.  

I see Subway for lunch in my near future...

Another Way My Family Saves

As I was putting a log in the fireplace I realized another way my family saves is by using our fireplace.  We have an insert in our fireplace.  Within the insert there is a blower which in my opinion heats the house more than a regular fireplace.
We don't have gas, but instead have oil.  If you don't lock in your oil price the fluctuating price of oil could have you guessing how much per gallon your fill up will cost.
We have had the oil truck come twice since we are on automatic deliveries.  Using the fireplace has greatly cut down on how much they have to deliver.  I believe our oil tank is a 500 gallon tank.  The first delivery they only delivered 88 gallons.  Not bad at all.  The second delivery was a little more than that.
To be honest I am still trying to wrap my mind around how we are really saving, but I know we are.  See you have the cost of the wood, which we get  few cords at a time, but also if there are any oil deliveries you have to pay for what was delivered.  I know overall we make out quite good.  If I saw the figures side by side I would probably be blown away by how much it would cost to heat the house without the fireplace for a whole heating season vs. mainly fireplace heat.

It's the little things that overall make a big difference.

Read the Ads Carefully

I did my usual Saturday shopping at Shop Rite today armed with my coupons, my list and my mothers list.  One of the items on the list was a beef tenderloin.  On my list was to get two.  I know from past times getting these that it is normally limit one to get the Shop Rite card discount. 

I thought I scanned and read the paper really good.  I did not see the limit one anywhere, so I picked up the two and had the butcher cut it into steaks for me.  Finished getting what I needed, checked out and was quite surprised at the total.  Being the highest that I ever have spent I had to quickly remind myself that I got two tenderloins.  I always make it a habit to look at my receipt after I check out whether on the way to the car or in the car.  I was quite impressed with how much I saved.  Upon closer inspection I discovered that only one tenderloin got the Price Card discount.  This had me puzzled and ready to go back into the store.  Before I did I looked at the paper one more time.  Sure enough in very small print it says limit one.  Well, too late now I already purchased it.  If I had seen the fine print before I would have split the transaction into two separate orders.  

Make sure you read the paper and signs carefully, misreading them could cost you more than you originally expected.  

Question for my Readers

I have been toying with the idea of getting paid to blog.  Currently I am blogging for free with my payment knowing I am passing information onto my readers and friends in hopes of helping them save.  I have been researching and asking questions to others with blogs.  I need your input.  I don't want to get away from the point of my blog.  I don't want to have a whole lot of advertising, give-a-ways, reviews that my couponing posts get lost in the mix. 

 

So here is the question:  

Do you like the blog the way it is?  Would you mind advertisers advertising on the right hand side of my blog?  If I had to do a review on a product would you find it helpful?  

All input is appreciated and wanted.  I write for you all.   

Shopping with Others in Mind

Yesterday I set out on a mission.  I was going to do some shopping for my household as well as others.  I used to think that if an item was free I will pick it up and share it with others.  However, my thoughts have recently changed.  I purchased four bottles of Dawn yesterday which my coupons brought down to .49 a bottle.  Now we have more than enough and do not need any more, but I picked them up anyways with the understanding that giving someone some Dawn may go a long way.  

For only $1.28 out of pocket I purchased the above five items.  I saved $7.08 by getting these items on sale and using coupons.

I don't have anyone in mind for these yet.  If I know you and you are need of Dawn let me know I'd be happy to give you a bottle.

Budgeting and Coupons

Recently it was like a light bulb went off after reading a friends status message on social media regarding budgets.  It really got to me to think.  Do I really gear my blog posts to people on budgets?  I don't go shopping with a set amount of money in my pocket or knowing I have only so much in food stamps.  I do not receive food stamps so I have not had that experience.  We don't have an envelope with our food more for the month.  However, we do have an average per day for us to spend.  However it's only an average.  There are many days that we spend nothing at all.
This got me to thinking more though.  I have heard many different views and thinking with coupons.  Some people tend to buy more if they have coupons for items they use.  While for others coupons help them stretch the already tight money.  Then there are those that just like a good savings and helping others.  I for one don't think twice about picking up multiple of an item that is on sale.  However, if your on a budget do you just get one?  Does stocking up on something that is a really good price help you?  I would think in the long run it helps.  I would not go overboard stocking up on everything you use.  No, there is always a happy medium.  What works for me might not work for you.  
My view on a budget and using coupons is that coupons can be helpful.  They can help you save money on an item you were already planning to buy.  I see for my house how much getting something on sale and at times using coupons on top of the sale has saved us already for this year.  The money that is saved could be used towards another area in your life.  Maybe treating yourself to the movies, a mani-pedi, outfit, etc.  It also could be set aside to use towards a vacation, make bigger payments to pay down debt, etc.
I am not saying just one shopping trip with coupons is going to cure everything.  Once you find that groove that works for you I would hope that you see the savings start piling up.

I'm reevaluating our Cable, Netflix, Hulu+ ...

Since we have added the DVR feature to our cable service we have had two different issues.  Besides cable we get Netflix both streaming instantly and DVD by mail.  This last DVR issue has me ready to completely cancel our cable.  If the bill was in my name I might have cancelled it already.  However it has had me really rethinking if we can do without cable and still watch the shows we like to watch.  I have been able to find just about everything we watch online whether it's at ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Hulu, Netflix.  

I started looking at the potential savings though.  Netflix is about $20 for the DVD and streaming options we have.  Hulu has many shows you can watch for free without signing up for the + feature.   As long as you have internet you can head to most channels websites and view episodes of shows on there.  Not every show is available to watch online, but that is what is great about Netflix.  Eventually all shows go to DVD don't they?  I would rather pay the $20 a month plus internet cost then pay the overpriced prices of Cable, Dish and Direct TV.  

At this point I have lost the fight of cancelling our cable.  Some people in the house like to be able to flip the channels and watch what's on when it's on.  Me however, I think I would be just fine without.  

A Way to Track Prices

When I see toilet paper and dish washing detergent on sale I never know if it is a good sale or one I should pass on.  I finally got tried of having to figure out each time they are on sale if it is a good price per tablet or sheet.  So to help that frustration I started making spreadsheets.  Hopefully I will be able to quickly glance, make adjustments for sales or coupons and then be able to tell which is cheaper per tablet.  I have yet to find a sale that beats the price per tablet at BJ's for Finish.  Normally the wholesale club big packages of things do not make the most economic sense.  Finish seems to be one of the exceptions to the rule.
A spreadsheet of your frequently purchased or sought after items might help you cut down your couponing time.  It might require a little more time in the beginning as you set up your spreadsheet, but hopefully overtime it cuts down on your time.  
Okay so I said a mouthful, but what am I really trying to say.  Let's take a look at Toilet Paper and Dishwashing detergent.

Toliet Paper Prices
Brand	Pack	Ply	Sheets	Amount	Price Per Sheet
Angel Soft	6	Double	1,800	2.34	0.0013
Angel Soft	12	Single	1,800	2.34	0.0013
Marcal Small Steps	12	Double	4,032	4.99	0.001238
Scott	20	Extra Soft	9,380	12.99	0.001385
Scott	20	Single	20,000	12.99	0.00065

	Dishwashing Detergent Price Comparison
Store	Brand	Type	Quanity	Price	Price Per	Price After Coupon
Walmart	Finish	Gel Pacs	20	3.97	0.1985	1.82	0.091

You can do this for just about anything.  Hope this little tip helps you on your couponing journeys.



*On a side note if you don't know how to do formulas in Excel send me and e-mail and I will be happy to give you step-by-step instructions.

Cold Front Stalling Shopping

It is mighty cold here.  Watching the weather earlier in the week I knew my shopping was going to be slow or non-existent.  I am using this week to catch up on things, take stock of what we have and what we are low on.  Honestly I think the only thing that I will be looking at the papers for are paper towels.  We only have three rolls in our storage closet.
I have to admit I have been enjoying not having to run to the store when finish the bottle of laundry detergent we are using, squeeze the last drop out of the bottle of shampoo, toothpaste, etc.  Instead I walk down to our storage closet/pantry and get the item I need to replace.  This does cut down on paying full price for an item that is needed.

One Sale I Personally Struggled With

Last year I discovered Bath and Body Works scent Aruba Coconut.  I received many compliments on it and tried to buy another bottle of it.  However I discovered that it was a limited time scent.  Seeing that I had only bought the one bottle last year I have not been using it every day.
To my delight I saw that Bath and Body Works had a buy 3 get 3 free sale going on 1/19-1/21/2013.  One of the three featured scents was Aruba Coconut.  I start plotting out what I am going to buy.  Start adding them to my online cart.  Deleted scents.  Decided not to order.  Went to the store to get a bottle of lotion that ended up being free with coupon.  Glanced at their stock.  Saw they had plenty of the Aruba Coconut in case I decided to head back and get 6 scents.  Checked the web site again, made a potential list.  Decided at 5:45 Sunday evening to head to Bath and Body Works.  We only live about 7 maybe 10 minutes from the mall.  There was a problem the store was going to close at 6.  I knew I wouldn't get there in time.  Well maybe it was for the better since I knew I had a whole lot of different scents already and really didn't need to add to my collection.
That was the real issue that had me struggling on whether to go and pick up 6 scents or not.  I knew I already had a lot of different fragrances some I really don't even wear anymore.  Why would I go add more just to get one scent.  True I could have just purchased one bottle of Aruba Coconut, but it's $14 a bottle.  If I took advantage of this sale and used my 20% off coupon they would only be $5.60 a bottle.
Since store had already closed I'm considered placing an online order.  I can't see paying 6.99 for shipping, so I decide against the order. I guess I'm not meant to add six more scents.
Part of me was regretting not making up my mind sooner.  However I don't really need them.  I really was conflicted.  Then I read my e-mail today.  Wait the sale in stores and online ends today, not yesterday.  Okay, don't run to the store and buy impulsively.  Think about it.  I finally decide around 3 to head out as long as the snow has not started yet.  You're kidding I'm all dressed and ready to go and it's snowing.  Wait it's not sticking.  Should I go...No...Yes....No...YES.  I give in and go.
Finally I'm at the mall pick up the first three or four scents no problem.  Now trying to figure out the remaining so this trip wasn't a wasted trip.  What feels like a long time later I have the six bottles in hand, head to the check-out and ask if I could use the 20% coupon on top of the buy 3 get 3 free sale.  Yippee I can!!
After examining the receipt I saved $50.40 and only spent 35.73.  For the 59% I saved it was worth going out and getting the Aruba Coconut and the other five scents.

Print Store's Coupon Policy

I know I have touched on this before, but since it is a new year it is worth repeating.  Print out the store's you shop at coupon policy.  Familiarize yourself with it, keep it with you in case a question arises while shopping or checking out.  Also note that these policies are from the cooperate office and each store might have adjusted their policy some.  Inquire at the stores you frequent as to what their policy is.  Do they have a limit on how many total coupons you can use per transaction?  Unless noted on the coupon do not double some stores will double a coupon whose value is up to .99 before doubling.  Does your store limit the amount of doubled coupons.  Does the store allow your balance to be a negative?  If you have six coupons do you have to have six or more items or could you just have four items?  Seems like a lot of questions to consider, but you don't want to get caught off guard one day while shopping.

Where to Print Coupons From

A few people I have come in contact with recently have had some great questions.  These questions had me looking at my past posts and I couldn't find any posts that I shared the sites I print coupons from.  I know it's there, well I thought it was but maybe I overlooked sharing with you a simple way of getting coupons. 

It's hard to know which coupons to print and what sites you can trust.  

If I'm looking for a certain coupon and I don't find it in the Sunday Coupon inserts here are some sites I use:

• www.coupons.com
• www.smartsource.com
• www.redplum.com
• www.allyou.com
• www.target.com
• www.pgeverydaysolutions.com
• www.bettycrocker.com/

Besides these sites I go to manufacturer websites of the products I'm going to buy.  Well I go to them when I remember.  It does help that must sites I print from I subscribe to their newsletters.  This helps because their are coupons within those newsletters.

Since I do find out the best sales from www.couponmom.com's website if there is an online coupon coupon mom will attach a hyperlink to that coupon's spot on the net.

What sites do you print coupons from?

Don't fall in the fraudulent coupon traps, if a coupon looks to good to be true check it out here www.couponinformationcenter.com/

Stockpile Wisely

As you shop and save it is easy to fall into the trap of overbuying.  Sometimes people clear spaces in order to store their stockpile.
When I started couponing I made a vow to myself that I will not overbuy, I will not buy items we don't use, don't have a person in mind to give it to, don't have a designated space for, or just don't need.
Seeing the savings rack up, not knowing when it will be on sale next makes you want to buy more.  Try to resist the urge to buy more than a few of each item in a shopping trip unless you are going to donate the overage somewhere.
Watch the sales you will find they cycle.  Some of the coupons are the same way, you could pretty much guarantee what will be in the Proctor and Gamble coupon inserts each month.  There are a few surprises month to month though.
Stockpile wisely!!!

Savings Tracking

I know I have talked before about tracking your savings, but I want to discuss it again.  I have been keeping a spreadsheet tracking my spending and savings since 2011.  I will admit I don't register every receipt into my spreadsheet because at times I just forget.  If I carried my laptop everywhere I went then maybe it would be easier to register the receipts.  :-)  Moving right along...

Tracking your savings helps you to see what you are spending the most on, how much if anything you are saving, what can you cut if you need.  I know my weakness in summertime is Starbucks Vanilla Bean or Strawberries and Cream Frappachino.  When I see Starbucks on my spreadsheet day after day I know it's time to cut that for a bit.

So exactly how do I track my spending?  I track the date, store, total before savings, total after savings, amount saved and percent saved in an excel spreadsheet.  Recently I was registering some receipts from 2013.  Since 2013 just started I had to insert a new tab to my spreadsheet.  I was amazed and driven when I saw my figures from 2012.  I know I didn't register every receipt, but from what I did I was very impressed with how much we saved.  It was shocking at the amount if we had paid full price we would have spent.  Seeing all the figures in front of me has driven me to continue to use coupons, not pay a lot for things and just save!!

So far in 2013, with the receipts I have registered in my spreadsheet, I have saved $114.87.  The average percent saved is 48%.  However that does not really reflect my percentage saved each shopping trip.  Trip 1 41%, Trip 2 96%, Trip 3 75%
The 41% brings down my average percent saved.  For it being only January 13th I am quite happy with my savings thus far.
How much have you saved this year?

Comparison Shopping

You could be going out of your way to get things cheaper and not even realize it.  Since BJ's stopped carrying the gallon of orange juice a year or more ago, I head to Price Rite to get our orange juice.  We seem to go to Price Rite once or twice a week depending on the week.  However, our actual grocery shopping is done elsewhere.  There are days that I dread this extra stop, but know the orange juice is needed.
When shopping I tend to notice prices of things we use and buy often.  For the past month I have noticed that Shop Rite has their gallon of orange juice for the exact same price as Price Rite.  Since I do a lot of my shopping at Shop Rite, there is a good chance that I can eliminate the Price Rite shop or at least cut down on it.
By comparison shopping I am saving myself some time knowing I can get the majority of my shopping done all at one store.  Is what you are going out of the way for cheaper or the same price at a store you frequent?

Almost a Year

I am approaching a year since I started this blog.  I can't believe I have been blogging that long.  I know that I don't post daily, but have enjoyed the posts I have complied.

Thank you to all of you who have read even once.  Without you this blog would not have been a success.  I have had over a thousand views in this past year.  Pat yourself on the back for being one of those 1000 views.  I hope that I have taught you'll something.  Helped you to save, got you thinking about saving, etc.  Now I have to figure out if I should continue with the blog or just continue couponing and not blog.  Any input from my readers would be appreciated.

On a savings/shopping note.  Shop Rite's Can-Can sale appears to be in full force.  I found that a lot of the sales that started last week are still in effect this week.  It's a great time to get canned veggies, tuna fish, pasta, etc all at a great price.

Talk to Friends About Savings

This week a friend of mine posted pictures and how much she spent out of pocket for certain items at CVS.  These items happen to be part of the clearance, but not marked in stores.  I inquired about what store and what coupons she used to get the items so cheap.  Since my friend shared it with me, I was able to duplicate it.  If you know of a good deal on things, let others know.  With so many sales and clearance events happening we are likely to miss something.

Today coupon and saving wise I did quite well.  At Toys "R" Us I saved 75% and saved at CVS I saved 96%.  After the 96% savings I did a little happy dance in the parking lot.  Yup I was very proud of myself.

Some of the things I bought for Christmas was from Toys "R" Us and ended up racking up some rewards.  I had $6 in rewards that expires on January 11th.  I decided to use it on a Yahtzee game and knew I was going to have to pay some out of pocket.  Also, most of their Christmas items are now 90%.  I picked up a few rolls of wrapping paper.  With my rewards I paid .19 a roll,  without the rewards the 3.99 rolls are down to .39.  Their price beat most places I have been to lately. I picked up three rolls so I'm all set for next year now :-)

At CVS I paid only .51 for two bottles of Dial 21 oz. lotion.  I went to three different CVS before I found them.  They were all in the areas I was heading today so I didn't have to go out of my way to look for this lotion.  I have found that it is just the Nutriskin 21 oz bottle of lotion that is on clearance.  The store I purchased mine from the regular price is 6.99 and they were on clearance for 1.74.  They did not have them marked on clearance, but still had the sticker at full price.  If my friend hadn't told me about this I would have walked right by them.  I scanned the bottles they had there to find the one on clearance.  I had already printed two coupons from coupons.com to save $1.50 off 1.  The cashier said, "Now that's a good deal" after she scanned my two 1.50 off coupons and saw all I had to pay was .51.

Here is what only spending $1.11 looks like.

These six items total cost me $6.03.  The majority of the out of pocket was spent on yahtzee.

If I had purchased all of these items at full price without any coupons or sales I would have spent a total of $36.30 out of pocket.  Wow what a big difference coupons and sales make.  I'll take my $6.03 out of pocket any day.  

My Help to You

I have been hearing of people struggling, I know coupons don't solve everything.  However I do know that coupons and sales help to cut down on spending.  Yesterday with coupons and sales I saved 41% at Shop Rite.  The year has really just started and I am saving 41% on one shopping trip.  If I had prepared more and seen what coupons were available on coupons.com and printed them, I might have saved more.
Also, read the ad carefully.  Make sure the item you picked up is really the one that is on sale.  I even get tripped up with this sometimes.  Yesterday, I bought yogurt that I thought was on sale.  Well it was, just not 20 for $10.  The kind I purchased was excluded from the 20 for $10 sale.
So far I have not told you how I am willing to help you.  Well here we go.  For my local readers who are serious about saving I am willing to help one or two of you start your coupon binder or box by giving you coupons from my binder or buying you a newspaper with great savings inside.  All you have to do is contact me.
For everyone I am always here for questions.  I know some of you have inquired about me showing you how I save.  Let's do it!  

Coupon Inserts for Sunday's Paper

We are back to getting our paper delivered everyday, so I got the ads and coupons today.  I was quite surprised to see that there are four coupon inserts in the paper this week.  I even received duplicates of some of the inserts. There are some good coupons.  

I also like that CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid tells you in their ad that their might be coupons in the Sunday coupon inserts for said item that is on sale.  It helped me to see what coupons I did not get and now I have to weigh if it makes sense for me to purchase a Sunday Paper tomorrow that has the coupons I didn't get and want.  It could mean I have to buy multiple papers which then might not make financial sense.

If you have not started couponing and want to this is a week to head out and get those papers.

CVS Clearance

I have not checked this out yet, but from reading my e-mail from Hip2Save I found out that CVS is having an awesome clearance sale.  Not only is Christmas items on clearance, but regular items are as well.  From the prices I saw you could get some good deals on shampoo, candy, etc.  Prices and stock may vary per store.
For those of you with cats I noticed that Target might have cat litter on clearance for a great price.  I have not confirmed this at any local Target's.
What other stores are have good clearance prices and items?