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Monday, May 10, 2010

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

Friday, May 7, 2010

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

Thursday, May 6, 2010

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

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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

Saturday, May 1, 2010

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