We've been catching remnants of Fay here this week. They rain is very welcome since we've been under drought conditions for so long. The grass, bushes, and the trees are drinking up this bountiful splendor but it doesn't do much for my disposition.
Today was one of those morning that sleeping in would have been a great option - the rain was singing on the roof and the dark sky left the room with a sleepy haze. Oh well, enough of that. Since I'm now carpooling three times a week, this was one of those mornings to get up and out of the house quickly. It rained the whole way into the office but the sun began to peek out from the clouds as the day went on.
Carpooling is an great way to save money on commuting to work but it's sure hard to stay on top of things and get out the door on time.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Spending Time to Save Money
I'm just back into couponing for a few weeks now but already, I'm up to my ears in coupons. When I used coupons before (in the late 80s), I had a hard plastic box with dividers. It worked out fairly well but the coupons would slide down and become scrambled if the box got turned on it's side. Couponing was different then because there were limited opportunities to get coupons and there was no network (internet) available to find and share opportunities for saving money. At first I visited the Coupon Mom's site to get peview information on what Publix had on sale for the week. After I found that there was this vast network of (mostly) moms sharing information on coupons and sales, I was motivated to try this again.
This time, I started out organizing my coupons in a 13 month check file from the dollar spot at Target. It worked well for the first week or two but I quickly had so many coupons and so few categories. After looking around a while for something more suitable, I found two additional check files at Target. (Total investment to date $3.) I have one file for grocery (edible) items only. The second file has all paper and cleaning supplies, household items, and a space for "other stores and restaurants." The third file is for personal care with categories for hair, teeth, skin, drugs, first aid, etc. (I find that this is where I can make the BEST deals at CVS and Walgreens so it just makes sense to be highly organized with these coupons.) Being different colors, it is easy to quickly grab the file and start looking.
So far this is working pretty well but I am spending a fair amount of time clipping and organizing the coupons each week. They say that you have to spend money to make money so I guess this is the equivalent of spending time to save money.
This time, I started out organizing my coupons in a 13 month check file from the dollar spot at Target. It worked well for the first week or two but I quickly had so many coupons and so few categories. After looking around a while for something more suitable, I found two additional check files at Target. (Total investment to date $3.) I have one file for grocery (edible) items only. The second file has all paper and cleaning supplies, household items, and a space for "other stores and restaurants." The third file is for personal care with categories for hair, teeth, skin, drugs, first aid, etc. (I find that this is where I can make the BEST deals at CVS and Walgreens so it just makes sense to be highly organized with these coupons.) Being different colors, it is easy to quickly grab the file and start looking.
So far this is working pretty well but I am spending a fair amount of time clipping and organizing the coupons each week. They say that you have to spend money to make money so I guess this is the equivalent of spending time to save money.
Menu Monday
Sunday - Homemade Chili
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Scaloped Potatoes
Tuesday - Chili served over Baked Potatoes
Wednesday - Salad and Grilled Cheese
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Friday - Dinner Out
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Scaloped Potatoes
Tuesday - Chili served over Baked Potatoes
Wednesday - Salad and Grilled Cheese
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Friday - Dinner Out
Friday, August 22, 2008
Big Savings Weekend
This was a big Savings Weekend for me. (I took my daughter along for an extra set of hands and the extra brain was useful as well.) Our first stop was Walgreens Friday evening. Initially, I was looking at purchasing the Ragu pasta sauce but they only had the Traditional Meat Sauce which is not popular at my house so we looked for other opportunities to spend $20.
We settled on 4 Dove Hair Products (Best deal at .50 per item), 2 36 ct Kotex Tampons, 2 64 ct Kotex Pantiliners, 1 Soleil Cartridge, 6 Hershey Candy, 2 Bobby Pins, 1 Pony Tail Holders, and 2 Kodak Puzzles on clearance. This was two transactions resulting in a $2.00 RR from the first transaction. We realized when we got home that we over bought the Hershey's candy. (Buy $10, Get $5 Rebate) We'll have to go back and get $3 more to get two $5 rebates.
Net OOP $32.48 - with coupon savings of $23.50 and total savings of $49.94 and an anticipated rebate of $10.00.
On our second trip to Walgreens Saturday, we scored three memory cards on clearance and the extra candy we needed to get our rebates. We needed a few more dollars to make the $20 amount for the $5 coupon savings so we decided on the Rimmel eye shadow which was BOGOF. When I realized that I also had a coupon for BOGOF, it caused chaos at the register but the VERY nice cashier in Cosmetics worked with us and by the time we walked out the store, we had 4 eye shadows, 3 memory cards, 2 candies and a Prep H. All for just over $16.00 - Sweet!
We tried to use our BOGOF Elements St. Ives coupon at Rite Aid but apparently they don't sell that particular item. (Rite Aid had St. Ives as BOGOF.)
Publix was a blessing this week. I was able to use a handful of coupons but the real bonus was all the buy one get one free deals this week. On top of that, we had some buy two tostitos and get free dip. MMMM. Our OOP was just over $100 (usual for a week) and our receipt said we saved $50.
We settled on 4 Dove Hair Products (Best deal at .50 per item), 2 36 ct Kotex Tampons, 2 64 ct Kotex Pantiliners, 1 Soleil Cartridge, 6 Hershey Candy, 2 Bobby Pins, 1 Pony Tail Holders, and 2 Kodak Puzzles on clearance. This was two transactions resulting in a $2.00 RR from the first transaction. We realized when we got home that we over bought the Hershey's candy. (Buy $10, Get $5 Rebate) We'll have to go back and get $3 more to get two $5 rebates.
Net OOP $32.48 - with coupon savings of $23.50 and total savings of $49.94 and an anticipated rebate of $10.00.
On our second trip to Walgreens Saturday, we scored three memory cards on clearance and the extra candy we needed to get our rebates. We needed a few more dollars to make the $20 amount for the $5 coupon savings so we decided on the Rimmel eye shadow which was BOGOF. When I realized that I also had a coupon for BOGOF, it caused chaos at the register but the VERY nice cashier in Cosmetics worked with us and by the time we walked out the store, we had 4 eye shadows, 3 memory cards, 2 candies and a Prep H. All for just over $16.00 - Sweet!
We tried to use our BOGOF Elements St. Ives coupon at Rite Aid but apparently they don't sell that particular item. (Rite Aid had St. Ives as BOGOF.)
Publix was a blessing this week. I was able to use a handful of coupons but the real bonus was all the buy one get one free deals this week. On top of that, we had some buy two tostitos and get free dip. MMMM. Our OOP was just over $100 (usual for a week) and our receipt said we saved $50.
How much money have I been throwing away?
You know those pesky little neighborhood newspapers that show up on your driveway on Wednesday and Thursday? Pssst. They've got a secret! There are coupon inserts in them. Who knew?
I was tossing those into the trash can. Every.Friday.Morning.
In just the two papers on my driveway last night, there four inserts and probably 30 or more coupons including a coupon for a FREE loaf of bread. FREE!
I took some of those coupons straight down to the CVS and made a deal. Two bottles of shampoo and two packages of clearance batteries (no coupons) for a grand total of $1.55 including tax. (CVS says that I've saved $184.49 in just the past three weeks. I don't know if I believe that but I've gotten some good deals.)
Now, I've got to find another way to organize my coupons. They have quickly outgrown their current home. Hmmmm, wonder if I can get a deal on that? Happy saving!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
OOP $2.02
OOOOOH!
I made a quick stop by CVS on the way home today and picked up two Sunsilk products, two Wet One canisters, and a four pack of Duracell Batteries. With a $3/15 coupon and M Qs, my OOP was only $2.02. (My daughter has requested additional WetOnes for her classroom.)
Of course, the Sunsilk and WetOnes did not initially ring up as BOGOF so both the cashier and the manager had to verify.
I see some deals at Walgreens so that will be my stop on Friday. I just got a preview of Publix's deals beginning Thursday. I see some matchups but I'll keep watching some of my favorite blogs to verify.
I made a quick stop by CVS on the way home today and picked up two Sunsilk products, two Wet One canisters, and a four pack of Duracell Batteries. With a $3/15 coupon and M Qs, my OOP was only $2.02. (My daughter has requested additional WetOnes for her classroom.)
Of course, the Sunsilk and WetOnes did not initially ring up as BOGOF so both the cashier and the manager had to verify.
I see some deals at Walgreens so that will be my stop on Friday. I just got a preview of Publix's deals beginning Thursday. I see some matchups but I'll keep watching some of my favorite blogs to verify.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
This weekend's deals
I'm a little slow to post my deals due to a nasty bout of food poisoning this weekend. To catch up, here are the recent deals I've made.
CVS
Returned one item recently purchased for a credit of $6.35 on a money card.
Deal One:
(1) Alavert 10.99-5.00 sale = 5.99
(1) Children's Advil 6.49 - .70 sale = 5.79
(1) Flashlight 5.99 - 4.49 clearance = 1.50
(1) Twizzler 2.49
Total value of $25.96 less sale -10.19 less Coupons - 9.00 for a Total OOP of $6.77
Deal Two:
(1) HairColor $9.99-3.00 sale = $6.99
(1) HairColor $9.99-3.00 sale = $6.99
(1) Ivory Soup $1.39
(1) Wipes .99
Total value $22.36 less sale -6.00, Coupons -8.00, Money Card -6.35 for a Total OOP of $2.01
Plus $8.97 in EBCs and two $3/$15 coupons.
Target:
From Clearance Aisle, 2 Purex laundry detergents, 1 A&H detergent, and 1 spray shout
After coupons $6.45 for all four!
Publix:
Total Value of items purchased $67.86 less savings of $24.54 leaving OOP of $43.32
Walmart:
After a quick review of prices at Walmart this weekend, it is clear that several items are definitely a better bargain there. In addition, I purchased the "All You" magazine and found it to be chock full of coupons that I WILL use.
CVS
Returned one item recently purchased for a credit of $6.35 on a money card.
Deal One:
(1) Alavert 10.99-5.00 sale = 5.99
(1) Children's Advil 6.49 - .70 sale = 5.79
(1) Flashlight 5.99 - 4.49 clearance = 1.50
(1) Twizzler 2.49
Total value of $25.96 less sale -10.19 less Coupons - 9.00 for a Total OOP of $6.77
Deal Two:
(1) HairColor $9.99-3.00 sale = $6.99
(1) HairColor $9.99-3.00 sale = $6.99
(1) Ivory Soup $1.39
(1) Wipes .99
Total value $22.36 less sale -6.00, Coupons -8.00, Money Card -6.35 for a Total OOP of $2.01
Plus $8.97 in EBCs and two $3/$15 coupons.
Target:
From Clearance Aisle, 2 Purex laundry detergents, 1 A&H detergent, and 1 spray shout
After coupons $6.45 for all four!
Publix:
Total Value of items purchased $67.86 less savings of $24.54 leaving OOP of $43.32
Walmart:
After a quick review of prices at Walmart this weekend, it is clear that several items are definitely a better bargain there. In addition, I purchased the "All You" magazine and found it to be chock full of coupons that I WILL use.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Another Deal and being Prepared
A quick visit to Walgreens netted us three rolls of WAGs paper towels, two packages of refills for the Soleil razor and two dozen ink pens for a little over $4. (Not bad since we had to stop in there anyway.) I'd like to stop by CVS just one more time this week. I think I can make a deal for just a little cash.
I've been a loyal Publix grocery shopper for years. When they have a deal (BOGOF), they're good ones but some of the regular prices are getting higher with every visit. Taking a clue from my frugal daughter (who's been shopping at Walmart during her college years), I think we will be supplementing our Publix purchases with some items from Walmart. It's a little more effort but we're usually in Walmart at least once a week anyway.
On a second note, I saw a feature on Nightline this week about how some folks are preparing for the unknown. Like many did for Y2K, these folks are now focusing on preparing for hard times. One guy had an eight month supply of food for his family and he wanted to add to it.
Well, I can't say that I have that much of a stockpile but I am creating a generous pantry that can feed us for an extended period of time. It just makes sense. You usually buy the same stuff every week and many items have an extended shelf life. (Some canned goods are stamped for storage up to two years.)
I'm always surprised by people who say that they don't have many groceries in the house. I guess these are the same folks who rush to the grocery store for milk and bread when there's a chance of snow. For the price you pay for a soda every day, you can begin stocking your pantry. A couple of extra canned goods and an extra bag of pasta/rice every week will really make a difference. Just focus on what's on sale, what you like, and if you have a coupon, even better.
If I can buy these items on sale, I not only save money but I'm prepared in case of any situation. For example, we have an unexpected expense one week, I can probably get by with a fresh gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. If there is a transportation disruption (think high diesel prices), the selection will be limited or non-existant at the local grocery store for a period of time. If there is a regional or national disaster, at least we'll have some kind of supply of food and household needs.
My biggest obstacle is prescription drugs. Most insurance plans don't allow you to fill more than one month's prescription at a time. How are you supposed to prepare for those needs? I've even had problems getting things refilled a week early.
I've always considered it my responsibility to take care of myself (and family) as long as I am able to. I don't expect someone to knock at my door with a big ole Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes Check and I sure don't expect that someone will be waiting to bail me out in case of a hardship. If I'm wrong, so be it but I'd rather be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be able to get it.
Are you ready?
I've been a loyal Publix grocery shopper for years. When they have a deal (BOGOF), they're good ones but some of the regular prices are getting higher with every visit. Taking a clue from my frugal daughter (who's been shopping at Walmart during her college years), I think we will be supplementing our Publix purchases with some items from Walmart. It's a little more effort but we're usually in Walmart at least once a week anyway.
On a second note, I saw a feature on Nightline this week about how some folks are preparing for the unknown. Like many did for Y2K, these folks are now focusing on preparing for hard times. One guy had an eight month supply of food for his family and he wanted to add to it.
Well, I can't say that I have that much of a stockpile but I am creating a generous pantry that can feed us for an extended period of time. It just makes sense. You usually buy the same stuff every week and many items have an extended shelf life. (Some canned goods are stamped for storage up to two years.)
I'm always surprised by people who say that they don't have many groceries in the house. I guess these are the same folks who rush to the grocery store for milk and bread when there's a chance of snow. For the price you pay for a soda every day, you can begin stocking your pantry. A couple of extra canned goods and an extra bag of pasta/rice every week will really make a difference. Just focus on what's on sale, what you like, and if you have a coupon, even better.
If I can buy these items on sale, I not only save money but I'm prepared in case of any situation. For example, we have an unexpected expense one week, I can probably get by with a fresh gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. If there is a transportation disruption (think high diesel prices), the selection will be limited or non-existant at the local grocery store for a period of time. If there is a regional or national disaster, at least we'll have some kind of supply of food and household needs.
My biggest obstacle is prescription drugs. Most insurance plans don't allow you to fill more than one month's prescription at a time. How are you supposed to prepare for those needs? I've even had problems getting things refilled a week early.
I've always considered it my responsibility to take care of myself (and family) as long as I am able to. I don't expect someone to knock at my door with a big ole Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes Check and I sure don't expect that someone will be waiting to bail me out in case of a hardship. If I'm wrong, so be it but I'd rather be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be able to get it.
Are you ready?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Obsessed with Toilet Paper?
Ok, last week I was accused of being obsessed with coupons - and maybe I am. (I'll tell you about my good deals later...) In today's e-mail, the opinion seems to be that I'm obsessed with toilet paper.
See, that's been one of the things I've been focusing on - paper and cleaning products. I found these awesome $1 coupons. I've bought tp from Walmart, CVS and Walgreens. The cheapest I could get it was 99 cents for a four roll pack. You always need tp, right? Can you think of anything worse than running out in the middle of the night?
OK, now for my great deals. I finally mastered that CVS game. Friday, I purchased two CoverGirl products ($8.99 each) and a four pack of batteries. OOP was 81 cents! 81 Cents! I also made some pretty good deals at Walgreen's Sunday. Retail of items purchased was $53 for an OOP of $20. My next scenario is a trip back to CVS. If I play this right, I should be able to get a Children's Advil, Alavert, and two L'Oreal hair colors for an OOP of $6.
I know many folks have large stockpiles but I'm working on a six month supply for my family. That should be about right to cover everything from an unexpected financial situation to a regional disruption in transportation. Any longer than that, and we'll need to find a plan B.
Do you think there's a bumper sticker ... "Ask me about my Coupons!"
See, that's been one of the things I've been focusing on - paper and cleaning products. I found these awesome $1 coupons. I've bought tp from Walmart, CVS and Walgreens. The cheapest I could get it was 99 cents for a four roll pack. You always need tp, right? Can you think of anything worse than running out in the middle of the night?
OK, now for my great deals. I finally mastered that CVS game. Friday, I purchased two CoverGirl products ($8.99 each) and a four pack of batteries. OOP was 81 cents! 81 Cents! I also made some pretty good deals at Walgreen's Sunday. Retail of items purchased was $53 for an OOP of $20. My next scenario is a trip back to CVS. If I play this right, I should be able to get a Children's Advil, Alavert, and two L'Oreal hair colors for an OOP of $6.
I know many folks have large stockpiles but I'm working on a six month supply for my family. That should be about right to cover everything from an unexpected financial situation to a regional disruption in transportation. Any longer than that, and we'll need to find a plan B.
Do you think there's a bumper sticker ... "Ask me about my Coupons!"
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Could be a deal if....
I'm working on understanding how this drugstore game works. I get the basic concept that you're supposed to be able to get a bunch of stuff and spend just a little money. Let's just say I'm working on it. I went to CVS last night to get my "deals." According to CVS, the value of the items displayed is about $46. After bogof sales, coupons and CVS coupons and bucks, I paid about $12.50 and for that, I used the CVS gift card I earned from transferring a prescription. Not bad, until I consider the real value. Is this really $46 bucks? Well, lets just say that I wouldn't have paid that much. First, the best part of the deal was the CoverGirl make up. CVS was having a buy one/get one free sale on that and since I also had a coupon for buy one/get one free, they were BOTH FREE!!! Both the Pert Shampoo and the Sure Deodorant were also bogof and I had coupons but they are strictly stockpile items and will likely be used in a "I just ran out of ...." situation. I only got two of each because they are not our preferred brands. I feel like the chex mix was overpriced even at $1.50 a bag.
The Witch Hazel is going back to the store. I mis-read the price sign and Extra Bucks information. I thought it was only $3.99 each and that I would get $3 ECB with only one. The price billed was $5.99 and you have to get 2 to earn the ECB. I forgot to get my Dawn detergent so I will pick that up, along with some free swabs, when I return the Witch Hazel.
All in all, not too bad but I'll do better next time.
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