Managing Money Mondays

Stockpiling:

Stockpiling is key to making the most out of coupons and sales.  When you can get an item at an extreme discount or even free, that is the time to buy multiples.  Usually items go on sale on a three month rotation.  That mean is Kellogg's cereal is on sale for B1G1 Free this week, then there is a very good probability that they will be on sale at the same price or equivalent within the next three month.  Therefore, when buying items for your stockpile keep the following things in mind to make the most  of you money and space:
1.  Only buy what you will use for sure in the next 3 months (that includes taking into consideration what you already have at home).
2.  Look for the latest "use by" date to ensure that it will still be within that range 3 - 4 months from now (I try to not buy anything I won't use in the next few weeks that doesn't have a date of at least 6 months from now).
3. Make sure you have the room for the items you are buying.  It doesn't do any good to buy 10 lbs. of chicken if you can even fit it in the freezer.
4. Don't forget to rotate your stock pile, putting the closest expiration date towards the front.  I am guilty of coming home and just shoving items, and then forgetting to rotate them, only to find a box of something that expired 6 months ago. 

how do you manage your stock pile?  what rules do you follow?
- Kathleen

Old Spice Odor Blocker Body Wash Sample!

 

Walmart.com has yet another sample available for Old Spice Odor Blocker Body Wash.  Go here for yours!

Happy Sampling!
- Kathleen

Free Sample Secret Clinical Deodorant

Go here for a free sample of Secret Clinical Deodorant!

Happy sampling!
- Kathleen

Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Deodorant Sample

At walmart.com you can go here for a free sample of Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Deodorant!


Happy Sampling!
- Kathleen

April Budget Final - I blew it!

Wow, so the first month that I diligently kept track of my spendings and I blew it, BiG TIME!

If only Lowes Foods and Harris Teeter had not done triple coupons the last few days of the month, and if only I had self control!  LOL!

Well here is the breakdown  (this includes all grocery store, drug store, health food store, and shopping at Target and Walmart):

Total Regular Retail:   $2061.94
Total Savings with coupons:  $866.09
Total store savings:  $675.89
Total OOP:  $459.53

At end of month I had:  $22 in ECB and I sent in for $69.50 in rebates.

I don't count the ECB off of my total or the rebates because I count my ECB as savings as I go and rebates are earmarked for Christmas money. 

Well, all and all, not my best.  I pulled money from my extra money amount this month ($50) and I had a few savings throughout the month so I had a little extra.  Of course as life goes, no sooner did we finish this month, then one of our vehicles needed fixed.  So after paying for that, next month I will be trying not only to stay within budget, but (YIKES) cut it even more to make up some of the money.  So for MAY my budget is $250.  So, lets see what happens!  

How do you do on your budget?  Do you stick with it with ease?  Do you blow it every now and again?  Can you never stick to your budget?

- Kathleen

Friday Finals - Grocery Store - Harris Teeter week of 5/1

This week went to Harris Teeter but I went two more time before triples ended and made a stop at Trader Joes.  I have not had to go back to a store since, except to pick up a gallon of milk today for $2.77.  I am trying to cut back a bit this month, since we just had some car repairs, so my goal for the month of May is to spend $250 or less (about $100 less than my usual goal).  So we will see over the next few weeks how I do! 

Regular Retail = $45.97 - $13.26 VIC card savings - $29 triple coupons = $3.68 OOP

92% savings

Not Pictured (sorry forgot this day):

Harris Teeter

Regular Retail:  $40.30 - $7.07 VIC card savings - $27.62 triple coupons = $5.61 OOP

85% savings

Trader Joes

$7.35

Total Regular Retail Groceries:  $93.62 - coupons/savings = $16.64 total OOP

83% TOTAL SAVINGS

May regular retail: $350.76 - $316.77 savings = $25.81 OOP

May Budget:  $250 - $25.81 amount spent = $224.19 left in budget

Total savings May = 92%

 

How did you do this week?

- Kathleen

Friday Finals - Drug Stores - Rite Aid, CVS - week of 5/1

Here are my drug store savings for the week:

                                                             Rite Aid Trip #1 (transaction #1 )

 Nivea  (on sale $4 each) = $12 / 3  - 3 $4 coupons = $0
carefree panty liners= $1 - $1 coupon = $0
kotex panty liners = $1 - $1 manufactorer coupon - $1 rite aid video coupon = $1 overage
Cover Girl powder:  $8.99
Cover Girl mascara : $8.99 - $8.99  on sale B1G1F
   = $8.99/2 - $8.99 B1G1F manufactorer coupon
Sally Hansen nail strengthener: $4.95 + Sally hansen nail polish $2.49 (on sale b1g1 50%) - $4 manufactorer
 = $3.44/2
Sally Hansen nail: $3.19 + SH nail polish $1.15 (b1g1 50%) - $4 manufactorer = $0.34/2
SH nail polish: $2.30 + SH nail polish $1.15 (b1g1 50%) - $1 manufactorer = $2.30/2
- $5/25 coupon
=  $0.08 + tax = $1.67 = $1.75 OOP       EARNED $3 rebate on Sally Hansen #70

Regular Retail:  $56.05 - coupons/savings = 97% savings  + earned $3 rebate

CVS

Colgate Total Advanced $2.99 - $1.00 coupon
Nivea lipgloss x2 = $5.98/2 - $2.99 b1g1f coupon , -$1 coupon
Nivea body wash = $9.76/2 - $4.88 b1g1f coupon, -$4 coupon
Gummies Vitamins= $7.99/2 (on sale B1G1F) - 2 $1 coupons, - 2 $0.50 on package (cashier rang them without me realizing till got home and they were off package and saw on receipt taken off)
Reach Total Care Floss = $7.98/2 - $3.99 b1g1f coupon, -$1 coupon
= $12.84 - $10 ECB, - $2 ECB = $1.12 OOP (with tax)
received back:  $9 ECB

Regular Retail: $45.81 - coupons & savings = 72% savings before ECB = 97% savings after ECB

Rite Aid Trip #2 (transaction #2 & 3)

Today I went to use my last Cover Girl B1G1F coupon and since I received my $25 Rite Aid gift card from the allergy medication rebate offer yesterday, I knew I wouldn't have to use any OOP money.

Transaction #3:
Scrubbing Bubbles Starter $9.99
Scrubbing Bubbles Refill $4.49
Cover Girl Mascara $8.99
Cover Girl Mascara $0  (on sale b1g1f)
- $5/25 coupon
- $5 scrubbing bubbles starter coupon
- $3.99  (buy scrubbing bubbles get refill free)
- $8.99 BiG1 free cover girl coupon
= $0.49 + $1.52 tax = $2.01 on gift card = $0 OOP

Regular Retail: $32.46  - coupons & savings  =  93 % savings

Transaction #3
Votive on clearance $0.99
Votive on clearance $0.99
Votive on clearance $0.74
Votive on clearance $0.74
FGX sunglasses $12.99
FGX sunglasses $3.49 (b1G1 50%)
- $5/20 coupon
- $5 foster grant rite aid video coupon (exp.5/31 - printed in april)
- $5 foster grant rite aid  video coupon (exp. 6/30 - printed in may)
= $4.94 + $1.23 tax = total $6.17 - gift card = $0 OOP
qualifies for $4 rebate on sunglasses in May Rite Aid rebate

Regular Retail Price:$33.94  - sale & coupons   =  81% savings + $4 back in rebate #7

Total Regular Retail Drug Stores: $165.26  - coupon/savings =  $ 2.87 Total OOP  = 99 Total % Savings       + earned $7 in rebates and $9 in ECB

May regular retail: $350.76 - $316.77 savings = $25.81 OOP

May Budget: $250 - $25.81 amount spent = $224.19 left in budget
Total savings May = 92%

How did you do?

- Kathleen

Dove Har Care Sample

Go here for a new sample of Dove Daily Moisture Hair Care!

Happy Sampling!
- Kathleen

Dole Fruit Crisp $0.75 coupon

Go here to print a $0.75 coupon on any 1 Dole Fruit Crisp.  This coupon can be doubled so this should make for free or cheap fruit crisp!  I haven't tried this one yet, but might be worth it now with such a high value coupon.  Have you tried it?  What do you think?

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $0.75 coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $0.75 off Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta.  This coupon can be doubled! 

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Free Pedometer from Nature's Bounty

Go here for a FREE pedometer when you sign up for Nature's Bounty mailing list! 

Happy Freebies!
- Kathleen

Lowes Foods Ad 5/5 - 5/11

Here are the highlights from this weeks Lowes Foods ad:

BOGO:

Premium Strawberries, 2 lb.

Lay's Potato Chips

Oscar Mayer Bacon

Klondike Ice Cream Bars

Fresh Express Premium Romaine or Green & Crisp Salad

Thomas English Muffins

8 ct. Mini Croissants

Land O Frost Bistro Meats

Plumrose St. Louis Style Ribs

Sunshine Cheez-Its
  - $.75 printable
 
 
Dairy/Refrigerated/Frozen:


Healthy Choice Entrees $1.97

Yoplait Yogurt $0.47

Tropicana OJ or Trop50 2/$6

Activia 4 pack or Danimals Drinks 6 pack $1.97

Sunny D 2/$5
 - $.25/1 SS 4/18

 - $.25/1 SS 4/11
Daisy Sour Cream, 8 oz. 5/$5

Hot, Croissant, or Lean Pockets $1.77

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel $1.97

 
Three Week Lowes Foods In Ad Coupons (vaid 5/5 - 5/25):
General Mills Cereals: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Honey Nut Cheerios, or Trix 2/$4
   - $1/2 Various GM Cereals printable ; SS 5/2

Slim Jim Beef Snack 15-16 ct. $1.99
  -$1 All You Magazine April

Nature Valley Granola Bars 2/$4
   - $.40 SS 4/18

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.29
   -$.40 SS 3/28

Tombstone Pizza Buy 2, Get 1 free

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix $1.49
  -  $.50/2 printable

Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn $1.49
   - $1/2 printable
   - $.75 Cheese SS 3/28

Berio Olive Oil 50.7 oz. $8.99
 -  $1 Family Circle Magazine 2/1 ; Womans Day 2/17

Edwards Pies $4.99
   -  $.75 SS 3/21

Dial Body Wash for Men $3.49
     - $1.50/2 printable

Wesson Vegetable or Best Blend Oil 48 oz. $2.38
    -  $.25 SS 3/28

Peter Pan Peanut Butter 13-16.3 oz. 2/$3
   - $1.50/4 printable

Charmin 6 Mega or 12 Big Rolls $5.99
  - $.25 PG 5/2

Bounty 8 rolls $5.99
   - $.25 PG 5/2

Crunch N’ Munch 12 oz. $1.99

Banquet Chicken Nuggets or Tenders $3.49

Top Care Sunblock Active Spray 6 oz. $3.99

Paws Chunk Dog Food or Bites-n-Bones-n-Squares 17.6 lb. $5.99

Rug Doctor $5 off

LF Salad Dressing, 16 oz. $1.29

LF Mac and Cheese 3/$0.99

LF Canned Veggies 2/$1

LF Potato Chips $1.37

LF Ice Cream 64 oz. $1.88

LF Premium OJ $1.99

LF 8 Ultra Roll Paper Towels $4.99

LF 12 Rolls Bath Tissue $4.99

LF Chunk Light Tuna in Water 5 oz. 2/$1

LF 12 pack Drinking Water 2/$3

LF 18 lb. Charcoal $4.99

LF Ultra Bleach 96 oz. $1.19

Happy Savings!
- Kathleen

Harris Teeter 5/5 - 5/11

Here are a few highlights from this weeks Harris Teeter ad:

E-VIC SPECIALS

-$.27/each HT Yogurt (6 oz.) Limit 4/Non E-VIC Member Price 10/$4
-$.97/each HT Cereal Select Varieties/Non E-VIC Member Price $1.97/each


VIC MEAL DEAL
Buy Stouffer's Lasagna (90 oz.) Get Pepperidge Farm Thick & Crust Garlic Toast (11.25 oz.), Pepperidge Farm Petite Cake (10 oz.), Pepsi (2 lt.)     Save at least $8.73
      - $1 off Stouffer’s Family size entree Good Housekeeping or April All You Magazine
      -$1 off Pepperidge Farm Petite Cake, SS 4/25
BOGO
-B1G1 California Strawberries (1 lb.) or Fresh Blackberries (5.6 oz.)
-B1G1 Lay's Potato Chips (10.5-11 oz.)

-B1G1 Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon (12-16 oz.)
       -$1/2 any Oscar Mayer Bacon SS 3/21

-B1G1 All Thomas' English Muffins (6 ct.)
     -$1 off Thomas’ Honey Wheat English Muffins March All You Magazine

-B1G1 Hebrew Kosher National Beef Franks (11-12 oz.)

-B1G1 Oscar Mayer Beef Bologna (16 oz.)
       -$1/2 Oscar Mayer Lunchmeats, In Store Dispenser
-B1G1 Deer Park Water (24 pk. .5 lt. btls.)

-B1G1 Orville Redenbacker's Microwave Popcorn Smart Pop or Movie Theatre Butter   
       -.40/1 Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popping corn SS 3/28

       -$1/2 Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn SS 3/28

-B1G1 Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup (24 oz.)

-B1G1 Organic Coffee Company (12 oz.)

B2G3 (must buy 2 to get three free, these will not ring individually at a discounted price)
-   B2G3 Breyers Ice Cream (48 oz.) Limit 10 total

-  B2G3 Green Giant Canned Corn, Peas, or Green Beans (15-15.25 oz. cans) Limit 10 total


DAIRY/REFRIGERATED/FROZEN
5/$10 Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Entrees (Selected sizes)

2/$5 Trop50 (59 oz.) or Tropicana Orange Juice (64 oz.)
       -$1 off Tropicana Trop50 RP 3/14
      -$1/2 Tropicana Pure Premium or Trop50 RP 3/14, 4/18

2/$6 Tyson All Natural Chicken Nuggets (13.25 oz.)


2/$11 DiGiorno Pepperoni or Supreme Pizza (28.3-32.7 oz.)


$1.99/each Dannon Activa or DanActive (4 ct.)
    -.75/1 Dannon Activia SS 2/28
     -$1 off Dannon Activia 4pk. SS 3/28, SS 5/02

2/$4 Dannon Crush, Danimals, or Danonino (4-6 ct.)
    -.75/1 Danimals Crush Cup 4pk. SS 05/02
    -$1 off Dannon Danimals SS 3/28, 5/02

2/$3 Philadelphia Cream Cheese (8 oz.)

2/$5 Jell-O Pudding (22.5 oz.)

2/$5 Daisy Sour Cream (24 oz.)


MISC FOODS
5/$5 Ken's Dressing (8 oz.)

5/$5 Furmano's Tomatoes (15 oz.)
    -$1/3 Furmano’s Tomatoes, SS 4/25

10/$10 Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom or Consomme (10.5-11.5 oz.)

3/$6 Prego Pasta Sauce (23.5-24 oz.)

2/$7 Bear Naked Granola (12 oz.)
   -$1 off Bear Naked Product printable

3/$5 Kellogg's Froot Loops or Apple Jacks (8.7 oz.)

5/$5 Barilla Penne (16 oz.)

2/$4 Grape Nuts (24 oz.) or Spoon Size Shredded Wheat Post Cereal (16-18 oz.)
   -$2 off Post Natural Cereals printable

Happy Shopping!
- Kathleen

$1.00 off Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon

 Go here to get your $1.00 off Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon coupon.

You will have to enter your first name, something you wouldn't give up, and then after you submit you can print your coupon.  I know it says this starts May 10, but it is working now, so you might not want to wait, these go quick!

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Huggies Little Swimmer $1.50 coupon, OFF $.75 off

There are some new coupons at coupons.com.  Here are a few highlights:

Hugglies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Pants: save $1.50 here

OFF Family Care Smmooth & Dry or OFF Deep Woods Aerosol or pump:  save $.75 here

Hormel Pepperoni packs:  save $.55/2 here

Nexcare Products: save $1.00 here (this does not exclude travel size)

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Old El Paso $0.60/2 coupon and more...

                

There are some new coupons at coupons.com and some have even reset.  You can print coupons here.  A few of the coupons are:
     - Old El Paso $0.60/2 coupon (should make for some cheap or free items at Harris Teeter with triples through 5/4)
      -  Wacky Mac pasta $0.50
       - Del Monte Fruit Chillers Tubes or cups $1.00


Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Cutter B1G1F coupon and $1.00 Pam grilling cooking spray

                             

There are a few need good coupons on SmartSource.com.  Go here to print.  A few of the coupons are:
      - B1G1F Cutter Insect Repellant product
      - $1.00 Pam Grilling Cooking Spray
      - $0.75 off 2 Betty Crocker Box Supreme Brownie Mixes

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Aveeno Baby $1.00 coupon

 Go here to print a $1.00 off any Aveeno Baby product coupon.


Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Del Monte Fruit Chillers - $1.00 off coupon

Go here for a $1.00 off Del Monte Fruit Chillers Cups or Tubes Coupon.  My 22 month old really likes these!


happy couponing!
- Kathleen

30% off Old Navy this weekend 4/30-5/2

April 30-May 2 get 30% off your total purchase at Old Navy. Valid in store only. You can get more information here.

Thanks  30 weekly grocery challenge!

Friday Finals - Grocery Stores - Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods Aldi

Lowes Foods (triple coupons last weekend)

Regular Retail:  $44.60 - $5.06 reward card savings - $30.81 triple coupons = $8.73 OOP

Total Savings:  80%

Harris Teeter

This is actually three visits:

Visit #1  Regular Retail:  $24.09 - $11.97 VIC card savings - $10 coupons = $2.12 OOP

Visit #2  Regular Retail: $59.50 - $28.44 VIC card savings - $22 coupons = $9.06 OOP

Vist #3  Regular Retail:  $11.07 - $5.97 VIC card savings - $3 coupons = $2.10 OOP

Total OOP for all items in picture:  $13.28

Total Savings:  86%

Harris Teeter

4 - Frechetta Pizzas (on sale $4 each) = $16 - 4 $0.75 coupons tripled = $7/ 4 pizza's

2 pillsbury crescent rolls - used 2 $0.70 coupons tripled

2 sargento cheese - used 4 $0.75 coupons tripled

nature made bread - $0.55 coupon tripled

sara lee bread - $0.55 coupon tripled

coffe mate creamer - $0.75 coupon tripled

3 packages of green giant steam fresh - 3 $0.55 coupons each tripled

3 yoplait 6 packs of yogurt - 3 $0.40 coupons tripled

watermelon: $3.99

ortega beans and ortega taco pack - $0.75/2 tripled

old el paso - ? I think it was a $0.50 coupon tripled?

land o lakes butter with olive oil - $0.75 coupon tripled

Regular Retail Price:  $85.54 - $33.41 VIC savings - $37.86 triple coupons = $14.27 OOP

Savings of 87%

Harris Teeter

This was todays (4/30) quick purchase:

Regular Retail Price: $50.50 - $14.04 VIC card savings - $30.27 triple coupon savings = $6.19 OOP

Total Savings 87%

Harris Teeter

Regular Retail:  $65.96 - $22.53 VIC card savings - $37.17 triple coupons = $6.26 OOP

Savings 90%

ALDI

1 head of lettuce, 3 pack of romaine lettuce, bag of spinach, 3 pack of tomatoes, cucumber, 2 avocado's, bag of baby carrots, 3 pack of colored peppers, brocolli, pack of hamburger buns, and 1 gallon of milk

Total price OOP:  $18.20

Total Regular Retail Groceries: $359.36  

 Total OOP after coupons/ store savings:  $66.93

Total Savings Groceries: 81%

OK, so I might have gone a little over board with the triple coupons this week.  With Lowes having it for three days and now Harris Teeter until 5/4 - I went a little overboard.  This weekend we have our 5 kids here plus a few neighborhood kids (who are teenagers) for the evening, so we will use 5 or more pizza's for just that.  Thank goodness after my $0.75 coupon each they are only $1.75 each. 

How did you do this week at the grocery store?

- Kathleen

Friday Finals - Drug Stores - Rite Aid

I made two stops at Rite Aid this week.  I didn't go to any other drug store's because the sale's weren't worth going with a 22 month old.  Here is what I was able to get at some great savings:

Shopping Trip #1

Dove Conditioner: $3 - $1.50 manufactorer coupon on bottle = $1.50

Dove Conditioner: $3 - $1.50 manufactorer coupon on bottle = $1.50

NYC lipgloss (on sale $0.74 each /reg. retail $2.99) = $1.48 - 2 $1 manufactorer coupons, - $2 rite aid coupon for makeup $2.99 or over (cashier said I could use it since it was regular retail that price, but this will vary per cashier and location) = + $2.52

Reach dental floss x 2  ($3 each ) = $6 - B1G1F coupon = $3

Stayfree pad x2 (1.99 each) = $3.98 - 2 $2 coupons = + $0.02

$3/$15 wellness coupon

Regular Retail:  $31.42 - $ 17 coupons - $14.36 sale prices = $0.76 OOP

I also earned a rebates on the Dove products and the Reach dental floss: $6

Total OOP savings: 98%   after rebate over 116% savings or profit of $5.24

Earned with rebates:  #57 Listerine / Reach $3 & #63 Dove $3 = $6

Shopping Trip #2

Dove Conditioner: $3 - $1.50 manufactorer coupon on bottle = $1.50
Dove Conditioner: $3 - $1.50 manufactorer coupon on bottle = $1.50
4 easter bags  on clearance for $0.49 each = $1.96
2 easter egg sets  on clearance for $0.37 + $0.49 = $0.86
4 stay free pads (on sale $1.99 each) =$7.96 - 4  $2 manufactorer coupons = +$0.04
NYC lipgloss (on sale $0.74 each /reg. retail $2.99) = $1.48 - 2 $1 manufactorer coupons, - $2 rite aid coupon for makeup $2.99 or over (cashier said I could use it since it was regular retail that price, but this will vary per cashier and location) = + $2.52
bunny sipper cup on clearance for $0.49
- $5/$25 rite aid coupon (don't forget when using a rite aid money off total coupon, use it before all other coupons - this is in their coupon policy that it is ok)

Regular Retail Price:  $55.05 - $27.29  coupons - $26. 58 saved sale prices = $1.72 OOP

Total Savings:  97%

One way I  get a little more out of the video coupons and the wellness plan is to have my husband and I both do the video's per our emails, and we also both signed up for the wellness plan seperately.

How did you do at drugstore's this week? 
- Kathleen

Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet

Another Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet is available here! Hurry over to get your $30 worth of coupons for products such as Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Swiffer and more!

Happy Couponing!
- Kathleen

Lowes Foods Weekly Ad 4/28 - 5/4

Here are the highlights from this weeks ad:


Meats:

Sanderson Farms Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast $1.97/lb

80% Lean Ground Beef $1.97/lb

Shady Brook Farms 93% Lean Ground Turkey $1.97 (20.8 oz)

Lowes Foods Sliced Bacon 2/$5

Plumrose Sliced Bacon $3.99

Johnsonville Brats or Italian Sausage $3.99

Land O Frost Sliced Meats $2.99

Perdue Fresh Drumsticks or Thighs $0.99/lb


Produce:
Hass Avocados 5/$5

Mangoes 4/$5

Fresh Pineapple $2.99

Beverages:
Pepsi 2 liters 10/$10

Simply Orange Juice $2.99

Capri Sun $1.99
     $1.00/1 SS 4-25-10

Refrigerated/Frozen:

Eggland's Best Eggs 2/$5
      -$.50/1 SS 1/31
     - $.35/1 SS 3/28

Lowes Foods Shredded Cheese $1.77

Breyers Yogurt 10/$5
     -$1.00/10 SS 3/28
Grocery:
Kellogg's Cereals: Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, or Corn Flakes $1.67
     (at the lowes in Charlotte off of Prosperity Church had the kellogg's reusable grocery bags, buy 2 boxes of cereal get 1 free.  this is really good since Kellogg's had a mail in form you could send 2 UPC's and $1.75 shipping to get one, here just buy the two boxes and get it free.  they had all three (tony tiger, toucan sam, and the frog from honey smacks) so you may want to check with the lowes closest to you to see if they have this deal)

Chocolate Cheerios or Wheaties Fuel 2/$5
      $.75/1 Wheaties Fuel Print here
      $.55/1 Chocolate Cheerios print here

Van Camp's Pork and Beans $0.59

Old El Paso Dinner Kits 2/$4

Ken's Salad Dressing 8 oz. ($0.99)
     $1.00/1 SS 3/28 (free)

Thomas NY Style Bagels ($1.99)
      $.55/1 SS 4/11
 
 
3 Day Sale Friday-Sunday:


Grade A Turkey breast, frozen $0.89/lb, limit 2 per household w/additional $25purchase

Lowes Food Shredded Cheese $0.99, limit 2

Lowes Food Canned Veggies $0.47

Fresh Express Garden Salad $0.89, limit 2

Lowes Foods Ultra Paper Towels (8 rolls) or Lowes Food Bath Tissue Regular or Ultra (12 dbl. rolls) $3.99, limit 2

Happy Shopping!
- Kathleen

Harris Teeter Weekly Ad 4/28 - 5/4 (Triple Coupons All Week)

Here are the highlights from this weeks Harris Teeter Ad.  Don't forget that this entire week is TRIPLE COUPONS.  They will triple up to 20 coupons valued at up to $.99 a day.  That should make for quite a few free items or nearly free items!

e-VIC Item

     HT Bath Tissue 12 double rolls $3.99 (limit 1)

Buy One Get One Deals
     Harris Teeter Sour Cream 16 oz. at $1.55 (77¢)

     Sargento Shredded Cheese 8 oz at $3.29 ($1.64)
          -$1 off Sargento Reduced Sodium Cheeses, SS 4/18
          -$1/2 Sargento Shredded Cheeses, SS 1/31 (exp 4/30)
          -.75/1 Sargento Cheese printable (makes it FREE)Crystal Light 12 quart at $5.29 ($2.64)

Edy’s Ice Cream 48 oz at $5.99 ($2.99)
        -$2/2 Edy’s Slow Churned Ice Cream Nestle School Days Made Simple booklet

Nature’s Own Whole Grain Bread 20 oz at $3.19 ($1.59)

Old El Paso Seasonings 1 oz at $1 (50¢)
    Free Seasoning wyb (2) Old El Paso products coupon on boxes

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers at $2.39 ($1.19)

    -.50/2 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers SS 3/07 (exp 5/1)
    -.40/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers SS 3/28 (makes it FREE)


Tostitos Scoops Chips 14-18 oz at $4.99 ($2.49)
      -$1/2 Tostitos Chips, and Tostitos Dip, SS 4/25 (makes it $1.99)


Produce
Sweet Whole Watermelon $3.99 ea

Kiwi, Large Limes, or Mangoes 60¢ ea

Vidalia and Sweet Onions 79¢ lb

Meat
Angus Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak $6.99 lb

Angus Beef Bone In Chuck Steak $1.79 lb

Smithfield Boston Butt 99¢ lb

Boston Butt Country Style Ribs or Bone In Pork Steak $1.29 lb

Butterball Turkey Bacon or Smoked Sausage 12-14 oz $2.50

Rotisserie Chicken $4.99

Virginia Ham $3.99 lb

Beverages

Harris Teeter Apple Juice 64 oz $1.25

Florida’s Natural Orange Juice 64 oz $2.87

Nestle Pure Life Water 24 pk, .5 lit bot $3.33
       -$1/2 Nestle Pure Life Purified Water Multi-Packs, RP 4/11

Juicy Juice 64 oz $2.50

Grocery:
Mission Soft Tortillas 17.5 oz, 10 ct $1.50
      Free Harris Teeter Salsa wyb (2) Mission Brand Items

Keebler Deluxe Graham Cookies 12.5 oz $2.49

     -.55/2 Keebler Cookies, 8.5 oz. RP 3/07, 4/18

Hunt’s Tomatos 28 oz $1.67
    -$1/3 Hunt’s tomatoes April All You Mag
    -$1/4 Hunt’s tomatoes Conagra home mailer

Nabisco Chips Ahoy! 14-16 oz $2.99
      -$1/2 Chips Ahoy or Oreo cookies printable (Facebook offer)

Fridge or Frozen
Freschetta Brick Oven Pizza 12.5-20 oz $4.00
    -$1.25 off Freschetta Multi Or Single Serve Pizza, SS 3/07
    -$1 off Freschetta Multi Or Single Serve Pizza, SS 3/07
    -.75/1 Freschetta Multi Or Single Serve Pizza, SS 3/07 (makes it $1.75)

Yoplait GoGurt, Trix, or Kids $2.00
    -.35/1 Yoplait Gogurt, Trix or Kids Yogurt SS 3/21 (makes it 95¢)
    -.75/2 Yoplait Gogurt or Trix Multi-pack Yogurt SS 3/21 (makes it $1.75 /2)

Yoplait Yogurt 4-8 oz 50¢
    -.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt Cups SS 3/21
    -.50/6 Yoplait Yogurt Cups printable or printable (makes it 25¢ ea)


Household

All Laundry Detergent 50 oz $3.99
    -$2 off All Detergent 50 oz + RP 2/07
    -$1 off All Detergent 50 oz + RP 2/07

Charmin Bath Tissue 24 rolls $11.99
     -.25/1 Charmin Bath Tissue PG 4/04

Viva Paper Towels 6 roll $5.99
       -.85/1 Viva Towels SS 4/25 (makes it $3.44)
       -.60/1 Viva Towels SS 4/25

Wisk Laundry Detergent 50 oz $3.99
     -$2 off Wisk Detergent 32 oz + RP 3/14 (makes it $1.99)
     -$1 off Wisk Detergent 32 oz + RP 3/14


Find any great deals?  Let us know!

- Kathleen

Bi-Lo Weekly Ad 4/28-5/4

Here are the highlights for this week's Ad.  There is not a lot going on this week.

Meal Deals

Buy 2 Mystic Pizzas, 15.7-18 oz, up to $9.98 and get
    -Pet Ice Cream, 56 oz, FREE
    -Southern Home Potato Skins, 7 oz, FREE
    -Coke, 2 liter, FREE

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, 2.5 lb, $2.99 lb
    -Baby Cut Carrots, 1 lb, FREE
    -Whole Mushrooms, 8 oz, FREE

Buy One Get One Deals (each item rings at half price)
Hebrew National Beef Franks, 12 oz, at $4.99 ($2.49)
        -.75/1 Hebrew National Beef Franks, SS 3/07
        -$1 off Hebrew National Beef Franks, SS 3/07

Southern Home Tray Pack Chicken Strips, Nuggets or Patties, 32 oz, at $7.99 ($3.99)

Southern Home Original Franks, 16 oz, at $2.89 ($1.44)

Carolina Pride Ham or Turkey, 10 oz, at $3.69 ($1.84)

Southern Home Tilapia, Perch, Cod or Alaskan Flounder, 16 oz, at $8.99 ($4.49)

Nabisco Classics Cookies, 10-12 oz, at $2.99 ($1.49)
       -$1/2 Nabisco Cookies or Crackers, $55 Nabisco Calendar Booklet

Keebler Ice Cream Cones, 3-5 oz, at $3.19 ($1.59)

Jonathan Apples, 3 lb, at $3.99 ($1.99)


Produce
Red Seedless Grapes, $1.29 lb
Fresh Golden Ripe Pineapples, $1.99 each
Cluster Tomatoes, $1.99 lb


Meat
Southern Home Fresh Split Chicken Breasts, 89¢ lb
Pork Spare Ribs, $1.39 lb
Butterball Turkey Breast, $3.99 lb
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Sandwich Meat, 8-10 oz, $3.34
     -$1/2 Hillshire Farm Deli Select lunchmeat April Food Network Mag (makes it $2.84)
Fresh Southern Home Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs, 99¢ lb


Grocery
Southern Home Large White Eggs, 1 dozen, 98¢

Kraft Natural Shredded or Chunk Cheese, 7-8 oz, $2.00

Gatorade, 32oz., $1.00

Minute Maid Juice, 10pk., $1.99

Starkist Tuna Salad, 3oz., $1.00
    -$1/2 Starkist pouch products February Better Homes & Gardens Mag
    -$1/2 Starkist pouch products RP 2/14

Ken’s Salad Dressing, 8oz., $1.50
   B1G1 Ken’s salad dressing 8oz SS 3/07
 -$1 off Ken’s salad dressing 8oz SS 3/07
 
Chef Boyardee, $1.00
  -$1/5 Chef Boyardee cans April All You March
Manwich, $1.25
     -$1/3 Manwich products April All You Mag




Is there a good deal that I missed?  If so, please let us know!


Happy shopping!
- Kathleen

Free Samples from Walmart.com : Dove Men+ Care, Eucerin, John Frieda

Walmart has a couple of samples available at this time:

Go here for a sample of John Frieda Root Awakening. Click on "Get your Sample"

Go here for a sample of Eucerin.  Click on "Get your Sample"

Go here for a sample of Dove Men+ Care. Click on "Get a free sample"


Happy Sampling!
- Kathleen

Managing Money Monday

How To Keep From Impulse or Emotionally Spending:

Have you ever went into a store and there was this great deal on something that either you really like, but is pushing your budget, or that you probably wouldn't have put on your top 5 things you want but it's 90% off so not it's only $25. Sometimes I get caught up in the sale, sometimes there is a outfit that is sooo cute or a new purse that I really like a lot. Or even worse: a really cute pair of shoes! In my life at this time impulse shopping or emotionally shopping is not within my budget. We are experiencing a major change in our income in the last two years and the outlook doesn't appear it will be changing for a few more until our economoy bounces back. With this being said, I try to follow the five day or thirty day rule when making purchases that weren't planned for or that are stretching the budget. This is especially true for high ticket items. So here are the rules that help me.

The Five Day Rule: When I am tempted to make an impulse or emotional purchase on something that I wasn't searching for, is full price, or is pushing my budget in any way I step back. I walk away from the item for five days. If after five days I still can't get it out of my mind, and I can manage to buy it without it busting my budget, or sacrificing something else that shouldn't be sacrificied (like putting away emergency fund money, or making a payment on something we owe) I go back to take another look. If when I go it is still available then I allow myself the purchase. Again, this is IF I am not sacrificing something I shouldn't.

An example of this is a book I wanted. It was full price, just out and $19.99. In my world, that is a lot to spend on an item. I love to read, love to veg out in the tub with a great book and escape for a while from the stress of life. To me, a book is like therapy. I prefer fiction and mystery / murder mystery types. I really wanted the book and heard it was great. There were only two on the shelf. I had the cash. I walked away. About 4 days later was our neighborhood yard sale. I still had the $20. I realized when at the sale I could purchase 5 used books (that the person could tell me was worth the money to read, that could be with me in the tub with no worry of it getting a little wet, that I wouldn't feel guilty about turning down the page to save my place) and still have $10 left. I bought the used books. I realized that the new book would eventually be in paperback or even better in someone's yard sale within the year.
There certainly have been time that when 5 days passed, I still had my heart set on it and bought it. There have also been times that when 5 days passed I still had my heart set on it, and it was sold out. I figure that is God doing for Me what I couldn't .... saying No to item I truly didn't need!


The Thirty Day Rule: I use this rule for major purchases, such as any type of new furniture, appliances (unless of course I am buying something because my is dead), and just about anything that is over $200. I am not talking about repairs or things that we can't go without. I am talking about when you have a coach, it works, maybe not the best, but it would be fine to use longer. If I see a coach that is oh so cute and would fit perfect with our decoration, I don't just fork over the money and that is that. If I haven't saved the money for that specific item, and that was not the reason I was saving the money, then I need to be very very very careful when making a larger purchase. If I have 3/4 the cash for a coach, and see the one I love, well... I only have 3/4 the money. I walk away. If 30 days later it is still there, and I can manage to swing the other 1/4 without not paying a bill or taking money from something that we need with that money, then I go for it. I rearrange my budget that can be and make up the difference. I am especially careful not to purchase items that are brand new on the market. I know all to well with electronics if I just wait a few year, the price will be much much more reasonable. If a furniture store just got a new living room set, chances are they will still be selling the same set in a few months when I have the money to pay in full.

I know in a society where what you have can resprensent to others who you are, but I CAN NOT forfeit my families well being and future for instant gratification now, espeically to keep up with the Jones's.

What rules do you have to help you from impulse or emotional shopping?

- Kathleen

CVS Weekly Ad 4/25 - 5/1

Here are the highlights from this weeks CVS ad:

$2 ECB wyb Softsoap or Irish Spring Body Wash 15-18 oz. $2.99 Limit 2

         -.75/1 off Softsoap Nutri-Serum Body Wash printable (no more prints available)

$1 ECB wyb Crest 3D White Vivid 4oz or Oral B 3D White Toothbrush $2.99 Limit 2
        -$2 off Oral-B Pulsar CrossAction, Advantage Toothbrush PG 4/04
        B1G1 Oral-B Advantage Manual Toothbrush PG 3/07
 
$5 ECB wyb $15 Nivea or Eucerin products shown Limit 1

 Nivea Lip Care 0.17-0.35oz, Body Wash, Lotion, Creme or Eucerin
         -$1 off Nivea Body Wash for Women, 8.4-16.9 fl oz RP 4/11
         -$2 off Nivea Body Wash for Women March & April All You
         B1G1 Nivea Lip Care May All You
         B1G1 Nivea Body Wash for Women May All You

$4 ECB wyb Schick Quattro Men’s Cartridges 4ct, Intuition, Quattro for Women’s Razor 1ct. or Cartridges 3-4ct. $8.99 Limit 1

        -$2 off Schick Quattro Titanium Razor, Trimmer, or Refill SS 3/28
        -$4 off Schick Intuition Razor or Refill SS 4/25
        -$4 off Schick Quattro for Women Razor or Refill SS 4/25 (makes it 99¢)
 
$2 ECB wyb Colgate Pro Clinical toothpaste 4oz $3.99 Limit 2

         -$1 off Colgate Pro Clinical Toothpaste, 4oz SS 4/11, printable
 
Arm & Hammer 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent 32 loads or Total 2-in-1 Dryer cloths 40ct. B1G1

         -$1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry products SS 4/11
         -$1 off Arm & Hammer Dryer Cloths printable


Happy Shopping!
 - Kathleen

Walgreens Weekly Ad 4/25 - 5/1

Here are the highlights from this weeks Walgreens Ad:


Register Reward Deals  ( each deal is free after the Register Rewards alone, or with coupons)


$2.99 RR wyb Stayfree Maxi Pads 16 or 24 ct at $2.99
          -$2 off Stayfree Product RP 3/28
          -$1 off Stayfree product SS 4/25

$2 RR wyb Plackers Dental Flossers 90 ct at $2 ea
          -.50/1 off Plackers Dental Flossers 60 ct+ RP 4/18

$2.99 RR wyb Skintimate Shave Cream at $2.99

$3 RR wyb Tone Body Wash at $3.99

       -$1 off Tone Body Wash printable (makes it free)

$4.99 RR wyb Clio Beautytrim Personal Hair Trimmer at $4.99

Things to remember at Walgreens:  You can only use one coupon per item. You can not stack register rewards and coupons on each item like at CVS.  So if you have a coupon for an item and a register reward you are wanting to use, you will need to pair it with an item that doesn't have a coupon to use both.  This time of year you can sometimes find really cheap easter items on clearance, or look in the clearance section for a filler if needed.

Happy Shopping!
- Kathleen

Lowes Foods TRIPLE COUPONS TODAY thru Tuesday

Lowes Foods has triple coupons starting today, Sunday April 25 - Tuesday April 27. 

They will triple up to 20 manufacturer's coupons with your fresh rewards card (don't worry, if you can't find your card they can look it up with your phone number).  They will triple coupons up to $0.99 face value, and there is no minimum purchase required. 

This offer is good at Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Fort Mill, Gastonia, Harrisburg, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Mooresville Lowed Foods locations.

Happy Shoppin!
 - Kathleen

Arm & Hammer Printable Coupons

Go here for multiple Arm & Hammer printable coupons, including:

Save $1.00 on any ARM & HAMMER® Power Gel Detergent
Save $1.00 on ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter
Save $1.00 Any ARM & HAMMER Whitening Booster (2.5oz or Larger)
Save $1.00 Off any ARM & HAMMER Toothpaste (4.3oz or Larger)

Save $1.00 on any ARM & HAMMER ® Total 2 - in - 1 Dryer Cloths
Save 75¢ Off Any Arm & Hammer ® Clean Shower ® Daily Shower Cleaner

Save $1.00 on any 2 ARM & HAMMER® Laundry Detergents Or 100ct Larger Fabric Softener Sheets

Save 50¢ Off any Arm & Hammer® Carpet & Fabric Odor Eliminator Powder

Save 75¢ Off Any Arm & Hammer ® Scrub Free ® Bathroom Cleaner

Save 50¢ Off Two 2lb or 4lb ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda OR Fridge Fresh™ Refrigerator Air Filter



Happy Couponing!
 - Kathleen

Eight O'Clock $2/2 coupon

Go here for a printable coupon for $2/2 Eight O'Clock Coffee's.  Once you clink on the link, look towards the bottom middle and you will see coupon.  Click on coupon.

Happy Couponing!

- Kathleen

Join Nestle Family for coupons

Have you signed up on Nestle Family website yet?  If not, then go here and sign up to be able to print monthly coupons (link found in monthly email newsletter).  This month I was able to print a coupon for $1/2 Nestle Juciy Juice products, $1/2 wonka bags or nestle butterfinger fun size or minature bags, and more.

Just another way to expand your coupon selection.

Happy Couponing!

 - Kathleen

Rite Aid Coupon Policy

Rite Aid Highlights for 4/25-5/1 Ad

Here are the higlights for the Rite Aid ad starting Sunday, April 25.  To make your deals even better make sure you are participating in the Rite Aid Video Value Program.  You can watch short video's and then print Rite Aid coupons (which can be stacked with manufactorer coupons) for certain items, and once you have occumulated 20 points you can print a $5/$20 coupon (1 print per month).  There is also a $5/$25 coupon that you can print here ( if you do not see the coupon under your zipcode then try zipcode 43666).  Don't forget that at Rite Aid you can use the money off total purchase coupon before all others, so your total does not have to be $20 or $25 after coupns, but before.  This really can make for great savings. 

You can view the entire ad here (this ad may not be exactly the one you recieve, since advertisements differ per region).

The deals I will be getting:

Dove Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers 2/$6

$3 Single Check Rebate #63 when you buy 2
Use 2 $1.50/1 coupons from the 3/28 RP (expires 4/25!)
Total  FREE!


Select Stayfree Maxi-pads or Carefree Liners $1.99
Use the $2/1 Stayfree coupon from the 3/28 RP
Total  FREE!


Clean & Clear Skin Care $4.50 ea
-$5 SCR #1 wyb (3) Aveeno, Johnson Clean & Clear products
-$2 off Clean & clear printable coupon
-$1 off Clean & Clear SS 3/28
Total 83¢ each


Speedstick 24/7, Pro, or Stainguard $2.99
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon  ( You can stack an in ad manufactorer coupon with another coupon per their policy)
Use the $0.75/1 Stainguard coupon found here
Total  24 ¢
 
Deal Scenerio:
 2 Dove Conditioners 2/$6
Use 2 $1.50/1 coupons from the 3/28 RP
= $3  
+
Select Stayfree Maxi-pads or Carefree Liners $1.99

Use the $2/1 Stayfree coupon from the 3/28 RP
= 0
+
3 -Clean & Clear Skin Care $4.50 ea

-$2 off Clean & clear printable coupon x 3 (need 2 computers to print this many)
= $7.50
+
Speedstick 24/7, Pro, or Stainguard $2.99

Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
Use the $0.75/1 Stainguard coupon found here
= 24 ¢
Total Price before coupons: $24.48  - $5/$20 coupons from Rite Aid Value Program = $19.48
$19.48 -$13.75 in  coupons (shown above) = $5.73 + tax OOP
Qualifies for $8 in rebates   = final price after rebates $2.27 profit (which may be breaking even after tax)

If you do not know Rite Aid's coupon policy or to be even more prepared print a copy of their coupon policy and bring it with you when you shop to avoid any problems using your coupns.

Do you have any other great deals at Rite Aid this week?  If so please feel free to share!

Happy Savings!
- Kathleen