Monday, January 31, 2011
Animal Report Form--Currclick's Freebie
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Animal Report Form--Currclick's Freebie: "I wish I'd recieved this a couple of weeks ago! Animal Report Form would have worked great for my daughter's first animal repo..."
Weekly Walgreens
Been busy on my other blog reviewing a book for Gabby Moms. I also know that it's too late to get my deals since I got them last week!
Use with $1 off 2 from Jan. Walgreens Coupon Book
Final Price: $.99
Colgate ProClinical Toothpaste $3.49
Get $2.50 Register Rewards store credit
Final Price: $.99
Pedia Care Cold Relief, 4 oz - $5.99
$4 RR WYB (1)
$1/1 any PediaCare Product
$0.99 each after Coupons/Register Reward!
I ended up paying $2.96. My retail would have been $14.46 which means I had a savings of 85%. I earned $6.50 in Register Rewards, so once I again, I was paid to shop at Walgreens.
You know, it's frustrating when you're working a deal, and you look at your coupon and it's different than the one listed on the site! For instance, BeCentsAble mentioned a $0.40/2 coupon for Cambell's soup. In my area, however, the coupon was $0.40/3 coupon. Not such a great deal. It's also frustrating when you see a great deal listed for RR on SavingsLifestyle.com and you can't get it because they are offering points instead. I have not liked Walgreens points program. It's not as great a deal as CVS' points.
Ok, let's get some cheese for my whine!
Kraft Dressing $1.99
Use $1 off 2 from 1/23 SS insertUse with $1 off 2 from Jan. Walgreens Coupon Book
Final Price: $.99
Colgate ProClinical Toothpaste $3.49
Get $2.50 Register Rewards store credit
Final Price: $.99
Pedia Care Cold Relief, 4 oz - $5.99
$4 RR WYB (1)
$1/1 any PediaCare Product
$0.99 each after Coupons/Register Reward!
I ended up paying $2.96. My retail would have been $14.46 which means I had a savings of 85%. I earned $6.50 in Register Rewards, so once I again, I was paid to shop at Walgreens.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It's all good...and all free!
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: It's all good...and all free!: "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is once again offering their Annual Freebie Directory. Some, you get a free item. Some, you get a ..."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I needed a paper.
I needed to pick up my paper for today, so I ran to the corner CVS. I looked over bargainbriana.com for some quick deals I could score while I was there.
Crest Pro Health or Complete Rinse (16.9 oz) - $3.99
Earn $3.99 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$2/1 Crest Rinse 12/26/10 P&G Insert (exp 01/31/11)
Net Price FREE
TLC Bars (6 ct), Crackers (9 oz), Go Lean, Heart to Heart Cereal
$3/1 coupon from Vocalpoint.comNet Price FREE
Special K 3/$10
Earn $4 ECB
B1G1 Free coupon...Don't remember where I got it, but it was a printed one.
Final Price: $0.89 each
I paid $8.66. I had used all my ECB during the week just buying some normal grocery stuff, so I had to actually pay quite a bit OOP. Here's the good park. I received $7.99 in ECB which means I'll end up paying $0.67 which is less than one box of Special K.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Free Purse Book at Wags
Until Saturday, January 22, Walgreens is offering a Free Purse Book. The code is, get this, PURSE. It's basically the same thing as a small picture book. The size for a purse book is 4.5 x 6. They usually run about $7. I think shipping is only about $2, but don't quote me on that!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Lose Weight and Gain Money
Yeah, I thought that would capture your attention. It sure did me when I saw the Living on a Dime email. Two things I really need to work on! Here's what she had to say. 1. Eat smaller portions. The less food you eat, the less food you have to buy, which means less money you spend on food.
2. Walk more. I have a grocery store 2 1/2 blocks from me. Shame on me for driving there, especially when I only need one or two items. I can't even use being in a hurry as an excuse because it takes me the same amount of time to walk as to drive. Stop complaining about gas prices and start walking.
3. Stop paying someone else to do your work. Start doing your own yard work and housecleaning. You don't think you have time to clean? Use that hour you would have worked out at the gym each morning to do your house work or yard work. Not only do you save the money you are paying someone to do these things, but you don't have to pay to go to the gym. Don't think you can lose weight cleaning your house? Trust me. If you are doing these things properly you will lose weight. You can clean and organize in five minutes.
4. Stop going out to eat as much. Not only does it cost so much less to eat at home but you can control how much you eat and what you are eating better. How often do you eat everything they give you in a restaurant just because you don't want to waste money? Make easy meals at home and save money.
5. Take the kids to the park instead of the movies. It doesn't cost a thing to go to the park and you get exercise. Plus there is the added benefit of actually talking and playing with you kids instead sitting staring at a movie.
6. Drink water and not pop (or sodas). We all know it. Pop is just empty calories with no benefit. Why spend the money or pack on the extra calories?
That goes for Lattes too. It costs much less to just have a regular cup of coffee from home and is much less fattening. Save the lattes for a special treat or dessert.
7. Reduce excess scheduled activities. Many of us are just too busy with things that are often not really that important because we think that's the way it should be. Eliminating some of your excess commitments will save on gas and will reduce stress, which will make it less tempting to eat or spend as a stress reliever.
8. You don't need to bring out the fatted calf to entertain or impress people. Have simple cake and punch at your child's birthday party instead of going to Chucky Cheese's. It's funny how the expensive flashy things are rarely the things the kids remember fondly when they grow up.
If you're having people over for dinner, keep the food simple. You don't need a 10 course meal that includes everything from lobster to an expensive cheesecake. There are very few people who wouldn't enjoy roast chicken with fresh fruit for dessert just as much, especially if the company is good.
9. Stop shopping and start exercising. When under stress there are two things at the top of the list that people do. Shopping and eating. Have a plan of attack so that, when you start feeling stressed, instead of grabbing your purse (or wallet) and heading for the mall you hit the yoga mat, hop on your bike or just start walking.
Do you know how much money you would save if you exercised instead of shopping? Not to mention you probably would rid yourself of a lot of your stress. If you didn't have as many money problems from overspending, you wouldn't feel the need to go shopping or to over-eat and you would eventually break the cycle.
10. Drive quickly by fast food joints. Don't even drive by them. Don't drive on the same street where they are. If you have a big problem with this, don't drive in the section of town where they are. And if you have any in your town then move to another town! (This was my favorite son-in-law's idea. Guess where his weakness lies! HA! HA!)
-Jill
EXPIRED---Bossy R Phonics Manipulatives and Worksheets FREE...
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Bossy R Phonics Manipulatives and Worksheets FREE...: "Currclick.com is offering Bossy R Phonics Manipulatives and Worksheets as the free item this week. 'Flashcards, minibooks, work..."
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Walgreens
I needed to get to Walgreens today because I had a Register Reward that will expire today. It's worth $9 by itself! I'm not going to throw almost $10 if I can help it! Since finances are really tight right now and my hubby doesn't get paid until Friday, I'm probably going to go for a few more "practical" things that might help to see us through verses just good deals that I can stock pile or donate.
Bargainbriana.com, and savingslifestyle.com are my sources except for the Jimmy Dean deal.
Campbell's Chunky Soup - $1.25
$0.50/2 Campbell's Chunky or Select Harvest Healthy Request Soup 01/02/11 SS Insert (exp 02/13/11)
Final Price: $1.00 each
ThermaCare Pain Relief $2.50
Receive $2.50 in RR
$1/1 Thermacare Coupon
Final Price: $1 MONEY MAKER
Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese, 12.6 oz - $1.67
$1/1 Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese (exp 02/16/11) 1/16/2011 SS Insert
Net Price $0.67 each
Got this myself after looking at the coupon database at ACupFull.com.
Jimmy Dean Breakfast items $1.99
Like Jimmy Dean on FB for $1/1 off any item
Final Price: $1 each
Breathright Strips
Walgreen coupon for one free.
Here's the facts, ma'am. I ended up saving 98% by paying $0.53 for $34.48 worth of items. I earned $4 in RR, so once again I was paid to shop at Wags!
Bargainbriana.com, and savingslifestyle.com are my sources except for the Jimmy Dean deal.
Campbell's Chunky Soup - $1.25
$0.50/2 Campbell's Chunky or Select Harvest Healthy Request Soup 01/02/11 SS Insert (exp 02/13/11)
Final Price: $1.00 each
ThermaCare Pain Relief $2.50
Receive $2.50 in RR
$1/1 Thermacare Coupon
Final Price: $1 MONEY MAKER
Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese, 12.6 oz - $1.67
$1/1 Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese (exp 02/16/11) 1/16/2011 SS Insert
Net Price $0.67 each
Got this myself after looking at the coupon database at ACupFull.com.
Jimmy Dean Breakfast items $1.99
Like Jimmy Dean on FB for $1/1 off any item
Final Price: $1 each
Breathright Strips
Walgreen coupon for one free.
Here's the facts, ma'am. I ended up saving 98% by paying $0.53 for $34.48 worth of items. I earned $4 in RR, so once again I was paid to shop at Wags!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Walgreens in the winter. I'm a winner!!
It's been so snowy and cold no deal could make me leave the house! However, I ventured out tonight. My Register Rewards expire on Sunday, I wanted to make sure to use them.
I used BargainBriana.com, and Savingslifestyle.com.
Go! Kids Multi-Vitamin Gummies (60 ct) - $5
Earn $5 Register Rewards
The Wags I went to were out of these. No deal here for me.
Lysol Healthy Touch Hand Soap System (8.5 oz) - $11.99
Earn $7 Register Rewards
$3/1 Coupon Here
Net Price $1.99
Kellogg's Cereals (Select) - 2/$5
Earn $2 Register Rewards wyb 2
B1G1 Special K cereal
Final Price: $0.50/2
All Detergent, 28 to 40 loads - $3.49
$1/1 All Liquid Laundry Detergent 12/05/10 RP Insert
Final Price: $2.49
Stayfree, 28-48 ct - $6.49
$3 Off With Walgreen's Weekly Ad Coupon ~ Limit 3 Stayfree/Carefree
B1G1 Stayfree Products (exp 03/31/11) 1/9/2011 SS Insert
Final Price: $1.75/1
I even purchased some coffee and gum for Mike for which there were no sale or coupon!
Retail total $55.51
I paid $0.34, yes, $0.34. That's a savings of just over 99%.
I received $7 in Register Rewards which means they paid me $6.66 to take over $55 in items from there store.
Watch me do the cha-ching dance!!
I used BargainBriana.com, and Savingslifestyle.com.
Go! Kids Multi-Vitamin Gummies (60 ct) - $5
Earn $5 Register Rewards
The Wags I went to were out of these. No deal here for me.
Lysol Healthy Touch Hand Soap System (8.5 oz) - $11.99
Earn $7 Register Rewards
$3/1 Coupon Here
Net Price $1.99
Kellogg's Cereals (Select) - 2/$5
Earn $2 Register Rewards wyb 2
B1G1 Special K cereal
Final Price: $0.50/2
All Detergent, 28 to 40 loads - $3.49
$1/1 All Liquid Laundry Detergent 12/05/10 RP Insert
Final Price: $2.49
Stayfree, 28-48 ct - $6.49
$3 Off With Walgreen's Weekly Ad Coupon ~ Limit 3 Stayfree/Carefree
B1G1 Stayfree Products (exp 03/31/11) 1/9/2011 SS Insert
Final Price: $1.75/1
I even purchased some coffee and gum for Mike for which there were no sale or coupon!
Retail total $55.51
I paid $0.34, yes, $0.34. That's a savings of just over 99%.
I received $7 in Register Rewards which means they paid me $6.66 to take over $55 in items from there store.
Watch me do the cha-ching dance!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cutting Curriculum Cost
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Cutting Curriculum Cost: "This is from HSDLA's Homeschool Heartbeat. If you click the link below, you can listen instead of read! Cutting Curriculum Cost Vol..."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Multiplication Games Level One
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Multiplication Games Level One: "Currclick.com is offering this week's freebie. It's Multiplication Games Level One: by Teachwithgames.com.'Fifteen Multiplication game..."
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Anniversary trip to CVS
Last night was our "official" celebration. It usually includes dinner and a movie. Since there was no movie that really was to our liking, we did the frugal thing and rented a few videos. Blockbuster had a code for rent 2 get 1 free. (The code expires tonight at midnight or I'd share it!) It was really cool, because we just picked out what we wanted and paid for it here at home on the computer and picked it up at the kiosk.
After our yummy dinner with plenty to bring home for a second meal, we stopped by CVS to stock up on some munchies for our videos.
We've been drinking more tea to save money on pop (or soda depending on where you live). However, the Pepsi products were already marked on sale, so we decided to stock up. The deal was purchase 6 for $20 and get $10 in ECB.
So, here's what how it all ended. The retail total was $38.63. We paid $4.63 which is a savings of 88%. I received $10 in ECB which means CVS paid me $5.37 for shopping there!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
It's winter!
Ingles 360 is offering a free pocket chart set on Currclick.com. It's entitled It's winter!.
This is what what the site mentions about using pocket charts.
This is what what the site mentions about using pocket charts.
What can you do with pocket charts?
- Re-tell stories, songs, poems and chants
- Sequence alphabet or pictorial story lines
- Sort vocabulary
- Add creativity and visualization
- Promote the imagination and learning skills of children
- Increase the use of fine motor skills
- Hold the attention of children
- Help children remember songs, rhymes, stories
- Present or reinforce vocabulary items
- List day of the week, month, season, special dates
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sunday Coupon Inserts for 2011
I picked this up from BeCentsAble.net. It's nice information to have since it can save you the cost of a paper. No need to purchase if there's no inserts!
Here is a schedule of the Sunday coupon inserts for 2011!
January
2— (2) Smart Source (2) Red Plum and General Mill
9— Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor & Gamble
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum
February
6 — Smart Source
13 — No Inserts scheduled (Valentine’s Day)
20 — Smart Source, General Mills and Procter & Gamble
27 — Smart Source and Red Plum
March
6— Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — (2) Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
April
3— No Inserts scheduled (Easter)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source and Red Plum
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
May
1 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
8— Smart Source and Red Plum
15 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum
22 — Smart Source and Red Plum
29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)
June
5 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smart Source
19 — Smart Source and Red Plum
26 — Smart Source and Red Plum
July
3 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
31 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
August
7 — Smart Source and Red Plum
14 — Smart Source and Red Plum
21 — Smart Source and Red Plum
28 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
September
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
11 — Smart Source and (2) Red Plum
18 — Smart Source and Red Plum
25 — Smart Source and Red Plum
October
2 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
9 — Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source and Red Plum
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum
November
6 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)
December
4 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
11 — Smart Source and Red Plum
18 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
25 — Procter & Gamble
Thanks, Sunday Coupon Preview
2011 Coupon Insert Schedule is a post from: Becentsable
Here is a schedule of the Sunday coupon inserts for 2011!
January
2— (2) Smart Source (2) Red Plum and General Mill
9— Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor & Gamble
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum
February
6 — Smart Source
13 — No Inserts scheduled (Valentine’s Day)
20 — Smart Source, General Mills and Procter & Gamble
27 — Smart Source and Red Plum
March
6— Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — (2) Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
April
3— No Inserts scheduled (Easter)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source and Red Plum
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
May
1 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
8— Smart Source and Red Plum
15 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum
22 — Smart Source and Red Plum
29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)
June
5 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smart Source
19 — Smart Source and Red Plum
26 — Smart Source and Red Plum
July
3 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
31 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
August
7 — Smart Source and Red Plum
14 — Smart Source and Red Plum
21 — Smart Source and Red Plum
28 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
September
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
11 — Smart Source and (2) Red Plum
18 — Smart Source and Red Plum
25 — Smart Source and Red Plum
October
2 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
9 — Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source and Red Plum
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum
November
6 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)
December
4 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
11 — Smart Source and Red Plum
18 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
25 — Procter & Gamble
Thanks, Sunday Coupon Preview
2011 Coupon Insert Schedule is a post from: Becentsable
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Catching up on my photo deals--gotta' love FREE
I took advantage of 2 photo deals tonight. I believe they both our over on Jan. 9, so you still have a few days to get them yourself.
First, Kodak is offering a free 5 X 7 photo book. The book is priced at $9.99, but you only have to pay $1.99 shipping. Just go to Kodak Gallery. The promotion code you will need to enter when you begin checkout is TGTFREEBOOK . Here's a picture of mine! If you add the shipping, I saved 83%.
Snapfish is offering 99 prints for only $0.99! Yup, a penny a print. Go to Snapfish.com. The special code is 2011PENNY. The do need to be mail-order, however. My shipping was $5.89. That ends up being a 54% savings.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Walgreens--I like to get paid to shop!
Children’s Oscillococcinum Homeopathic Flu Medicine $8.99
Use $2 printable HERE
Get $8.99 RR
Final Price: FREE +
Omega Factor-3 $10
Get $10 RR
Final Price: FREE
Salonpas Arthritis Pain Patch 5-pk $5.99
Get $5.99 RR
Final Price: FREE
Nivea for Men Arctic Freeze Shave Gel or After Shave $3.99
Get $3 RR
Plus there ended up being $1/1 coupon on the display
Final Price: FREE
And some of my own deals:
Trident $0.79 with clipless coupon
$1/3 from 1/2 SS
Final Price: $0.46 each
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap $0.99 with clipless coupon
$0.35/1 from 1/2 SS
Final Price: $0.64
The total retail for these items would be $59.12. I paid {gulp} $28.98. That's only a 51% savings. I know, half price is great, but not up to par. BUT I then received $28 in Register Rewards which means I ended up paying $0.98. The savings then became 98% savings. Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
CVS--I paid less than 1% then got paid on top of that!
Checked out BeCentsAble.net, Savingslifestyle.com for these deals.
(I was going to get a deal on Excedrin, but I'm $0.53 short of $20! Gotta' go back and get one more small one. So, this is not included in the totals.)
Extra or Extra Dessert Gum 3 for $2 (Limit 1)
Get $1 ECB
Final Price: $.33 each
GE Energy Smart - $3.99
Earn $2 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$2/1 GE coupon
Final Price: FREE
Spend $10 on Select Glade, Get $3 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
Glade Scented Oil Plugins - $4
$1/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Refills 12/05/10 RP Insert (exp 01/16/11)
Glade Sense & Spray, Lasting Impressions, Fragrance Collection - $6
$3/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder 12/05/10 RP Insert (exp 01/16/11)
Final Price: $3/2
My retail total was $49.74, but I only paid $0.27. That ends up with me only paying about 0.5%. I then got $6 ECB for my purchases PLUS $3.50 in ECB from my rebate for the last quarter.
CVS Excedrin
When I went to CVS yesterday, I was $0.53 from the $20 needed to earn my $10 in Extra Care Bucks. I'm glad I had to go back because I got another coupon for a free Excedrin in the mail today!
Excedrin Products (Limit 1)
Buy $20, Get $10 ECB
Use free coupons, if you have any
(I ended up with 3 coupons for Free items and one for $3.50/1)
or $2.50 off from 12/5 SS insert
Final Price: Free +
So, the retail on these items would have been $24.86. My final OOP was $4.99 which is 80% savings. I then received the $10 in ECB which means in the end, CVS paid me $5.
Excedrin Products (Limit 1)
Buy $20, Get $10 ECB
Use free coupons, if you have any
(I ended up with 3 coupons for Free items and one for $3.50/1)
or $2.50 off from 12/5 SS insert
Final Price: Free +
So, the retail on these items would have been $24.86. My final OOP was $4.99 which is 80% savings. I then received the $10 in ECB which means in the end, CVS paid me $5.
Free booklet of P&G coupons
A Couponing How To
This came through on a homeschooling email group I'm in. It was written by Kriss Spencer. I thought it was an awesome "beginner's class" so I posted it here!
Well, for those that I've driven nutty with my couponing ...or that you've driven me nutty, begging for a Q Class (q=coupon) ... just know that tomorrow would be a GREAT day to get started in this great money saving adventure! I just want to encourage you to pick up a paper or two or threeor five. :-) ** There will be ** 5 ** coupon inserts in tomorrow's paper!!!
** Can you tell how excited I am???
It's a great time to get started saving your family an INSANE amount of money!! YES you can save by couponing ...WAY more than even buying the generic (WalMart) brand of items. You don't have to go insane with it...just check these websites for coupon match-ups & use them as the stores have their sales.
I had hoped to prepare a couponing class for those that have asked, but I still have not had an opportunity to do so. So...my recommendation is to just dive in & do a little bit of research as you can. Perhaps over spring
break or summer I can pull together everything I need for a great class.
Otherwise, below are my thoughts & some baby steps to get you going...
Here are the blog sites that I use frequently:
www.passionforsavings.com http://www.passionforsavings.com/
www.hip2save.com
www.totallytarget.com
www.wildforwags.com
www.southernsavers.com
www.iheartthemart.com
Just a note on coupons...there is a difference! There are RP (Red Plum) SS(Smart Source) GM (General Mills) Pillsbury - all of these are inserts that you might get in your paper. Big city papers 'generally' have the higher dollar coupons, because those cities generally have stores that double & triple "up to xx amount" (usually 50 cents), so those papers will have high dollar q's, and the smaller cities (such as NWA that have a lot of WM stores that don't double coupon) will have the smaller dollar amount coupons. So,
you're best bet is to try & pick up some of both. I am blessed to liveclose enough to both borders (AR/MO) that I can pick up KC, Joplin & Springfield and NWA papers. So I get a lot of different coupons, both high
& low dollar ones.
BEFORE you close that door on the newspaper dispenser, make sure your coupons are in there!! Those machines are the LAST to get coupons. The newspaper office has a 'priority list' of who gets them & who doesn't...depending on how many they get (as I understand it). For instance...in Pea Ridge(Arkansas), some stores have papers, and they will have coupons in them, and some don't have coupons (especially machines).
Dollar General Stores newspapers generally have coupons, but the machines outside of Marvins IGA & Fred's sometimes do & sometimes don't. So it's best to buy them from somewhere that you can check the paper before dropping those coins in. (Wal-Mart or Dollar General for example)
Just know you can get as 'deep' into couponing as you desire. Couponing a little will save you 'a little.' Any amount saved is money for something else. Couponing a lot can save you so much you wonder why you didn't start sooner. There is no right or wrong for your family...I just encourage you to try if you can carve out an hour a week to get started.
Every time I go shopping I get stopped as least once, usually more like 2 or 3 times, and people generally ask me these questions:
I'm not an organized person, how can I keep up with them all?
You will have to find the right fit for you. Personally, I've used every method known to man...but am very happy with using a 3 ring binder (trapper keeper type) with baseball card holders as my coupon holders.)(Thanks Tina P & Jo Anna R for your encouragement) I file them alphabetically by manufacturer. No special 'organizing' skills needed! I have an excel spreadsheet of manufacturers that I created awhile ago, so it's not 100% up to date, but email me if you would like a copy. IT will overwhelm you if you're not an organized person, as there are 600+ catagories. I recommend you start small, with a coupon box that you make your own file tabs for.When your box is overflowing, move to the binder. I cut & clipped the spreadsheet labels & taped it on the card holders. It's a work in process, as you can't just have one 'card holder' for, say, Pillsbury...I have two pages for them...so 18 slots!
What do you do with all those expiring coupons?
This is one of the biggest questions I get when I go shopping. Generally, I don't worry about it. I'm in my binder 2 -3 times a week, so as I see expiring coupons, I pull them. Usually, when shopping, I will pull the
coupons that are expired and put them in the bottom or my cart, or in a 'produce/trash' bag that I tie to my cart. The next to the last week of the month I (try) to sit down with a sheet of paper & jot down the name of all the q's that are high dollar that will expire in the next week. I'll take that to WM / Dollar General or Walgreens and just check clearance or prices to see if I want to use them. Generally speaking, don't worry about it...those great deals WILL come around again! Don't stress, and (for me) since I live so far out from 'town' I rarely will make a special trip, just for expiring coupons. The exception was year end...man I got some crazy bargains on many things, because those q's expired 12/31.
Just a note: You can send those expiring coupons to overseas military families...they are allowed to use 6 - 12 month old expired coupons. I haven't gotten to that point yet...not politically correct, but I just haven't found the time to do so...they ask that they are organized & totaled up prior to sending.
Coupon Match-ups:
All the blogs listed above will tell you what coupons to use, when to use them, and where to use them! That's the WONDERFUL thing about couponing with our technology! Generally each site will tell you what store has the best deal...and you will see that they each glean info from each other. I'm not a huge Target shopper, but will occasionally go there because they might have the best deal in town on something.
How do you keep up with it all?
Well, borrowing a GREAT idea from my dear couponing friend Amber B :-) as you cruise through the blogs & you see a great deal at one of the stores, copy and paste it into a Word document. I have two that I keep open all the time: Deals in NWA and Deals in SWM (because I'm in a border town). Just type in each stores name as a title & paste the deals under the appropriate stores title. Print the doc before you go shopping. No biggie.
I don't want to run all over town!!
Then don't :-) Make a nice route to go by each store that you don't have a sales ad for & go to Wal Mart. I love, love, love Wal Mart's ad matching policy! It is a huge time saver when I just don't want to shop around. I love to shop around though...I'm not a clothes & jewelry girl, but OH give me a great deal on shredded cheese & I'll happy dance all the way home!!
This is also another GREAT reason to file your coupons by manufacturer! Go to the clearance isle & it's easy to cruise through & see if you have any great coupons for all those things that are being sold dirt cheap anyway!
I don't want to clip **All** the coupons!!
This is one I had to really get over myself! I thought, what in the WORLD would I do with baby formula? I don't have a baby!!! Well, currently, I have a 1/2 of a case a baby formula that I will be donating (tax benefit) to the Women's Shelter that I actually MADE MONEY ON! What a blessing to give a basket FULL of toiletries to a family that is on disability & food stamps! Did you know that you cannot buy toiletries with those benefits? I didn't realize that until a family mentioned it recently. How fantastic to be able to minister to them with soap, shampoo, hair styling products, shaving supplies...and all of these items cost you nothing! You will regret not clipping them all...trust me...I speak from experience!! I've missed
many deals by skipping some q's, then later seeing a fantastic deal that I could have gotten for free...then given away.
How much money do you save?
Generally speaking, before my family discovered living on a budget & while I still worked, we spent $800 - $1200 monthly...sometimes more! <>
Now, as an average, our family of four spends about $200 a MONTH on all the items we need from the store. That's an average $50 a week. Your savings can be more or less, depending on the time you want to invest. Personally, I coupon very heavily from October to December...and spend more than $50 a week on several of the weeks, because it's a great time to stock up with all the sales going on. The rest of the year I usually don't coupon at all...although this year I think I will, just because I'm really enjoying it. You have to find the right balance for your family. Again, there is no right or wrong...just big opinions :-)
I hope I've inspired some of you to at least give it a shot. Don't be overwhelmed...just tip toe in & do what you can with the info you have. Try to understand a little bit more every week, or every month, or every year. That's what I did. Remember, someone will ALWAYS be more organized, save more and do more than you do. Do what's right for you and your time and your family.
Blessings to you & yours this year!
Kriss Spencer
Well, for those that I've driven nutty with my couponing ...or that you've driven me nutty, begging for a Q Class (q=coupon) ... just know that tomorrow would be a GREAT day to get started in this great money saving adventure! I just want to encourage you to pick up a paper or two or threeor five. :-) ** There will be ** 5 ** coupon inserts in tomorrow's paper!!!
** Can you tell how excited I am???
It's a great time to get started saving your family an INSANE amount of money!! YES you can save by couponing ...WAY more than even buying the generic (WalMart) brand of items. You don't have to go insane with it...just check these websites for coupon match-ups & use them as the stores have their sales.
I had hoped to prepare a couponing class for those that have asked, but I still have not had an opportunity to do so. So...my recommendation is to just dive in & do a little bit of research as you can. Perhaps over spring
break or summer I can pull together everything I need for a great class.
Otherwise, below are my thoughts & some baby steps to get you going...
Here are the blog sites that I use frequently:
www.passionforsavings.com http://www.passionforsavings.com/
www.hip2save.com
www.totallytarget.com
www.wildforwags.com
www.southernsavers.com
www.iheartthemart.com
Just a note on coupons...there is a difference! There are RP (Red Plum) SS(Smart Source) GM (General Mills) Pillsbury - all of these are inserts that you might get in your paper. Big city papers 'generally' have the higher dollar coupons, because those cities generally have stores that double & triple "up to xx amount" (usually 50 cents), so those papers will have high dollar q's, and the smaller cities (such as NWA that have a lot of WM stores that don't double coupon) will have the smaller dollar amount coupons. So,
you're best bet is to try & pick up some of both. I am blessed to liveclose enough to both borders (AR/MO) that I can pick up KC, Joplin & Springfield and NWA papers. So I get a lot of different coupons, both high
& low dollar ones.
BEFORE you close that door on the newspaper dispenser, make sure your coupons are in there!! Those machines are the LAST to get coupons. The newspaper office has a 'priority list' of who gets them & who doesn't...depending on how many they get (as I understand it). For instance...in Pea Ridge(Arkansas), some stores have papers, and they will have coupons in them, and some don't have coupons (especially machines).
Dollar General Stores newspapers generally have coupons, but the machines outside of Marvins IGA & Fred's sometimes do & sometimes don't. So it's best to buy them from somewhere that you can check the paper before dropping those coins in. (Wal-Mart or Dollar General for example)
Just know you can get as 'deep' into couponing as you desire. Couponing a little will save you 'a little.' Any amount saved is money for something else. Couponing a lot can save you so much you wonder why you didn't start sooner. There is no right or wrong for your family...I just encourage you to try if you can carve out an hour a week to get started.
Every time I go shopping I get stopped as least once, usually more like 2 or 3 times, and people generally ask me these questions:
I'm not an organized person, how can I keep up with them all?
You will have to find the right fit for you. Personally, I've used every method known to man...but am very happy with using a 3 ring binder (trapper keeper type) with baseball card holders as my coupon holders.)(Thanks Tina P & Jo Anna R for your encouragement) I file them alphabetically by manufacturer. No special 'organizing' skills needed! I have an excel spreadsheet of manufacturers that I created awhile ago, so it's not 100% up to date, but email me if you would like a copy. IT will overwhelm you if you're not an organized person, as there are 600+ catagories. I recommend you start small, with a coupon box that you make your own file tabs for.When your box is overflowing, move to the binder. I cut & clipped the spreadsheet labels & taped it on the card holders. It's a work in process, as you can't just have one 'card holder' for, say, Pillsbury...I have two pages for them...so 18 slots!
What do you do with all those expiring coupons?
This is one of the biggest questions I get when I go shopping. Generally, I don't worry about it. I'm in my binder 2 -3 times a week, so as I see expiring coupons, I pull them. Usually, when shopping, I will pull the
coupons that are expired and put them in the bottom or my cart, or in a 'produce/trash' bag that I tie to my cart. The next to the last week of the month I (try) to sit down with a sheet of paper & jot down the name of all the q's that are high dollar that will expire in the next week. I'll take that to WM / Dollar General or Walgreens and just check clearance or prices to see if I want to use them. Generally speaking, don't worry about it...those great deals WILL come around again! Don't stress, and (for me) since I live so far out from 'town' I rarely will make a special trip, just for expiring coupons. The exception was year end...man I got some crazy bargains on many things, because those q's expired 12/31.
Just a note: You can send those expiring coupons to overseas military families...they are allowed to use 6 - 12 month old expired coupons. I haven't gotten to that point yet...not politically correct, but I just haven't found the time to do so...they ask that they are organized & totaled up prior to sending.
Coupon Match-ups:
All the blogs listed above will tell you what coupons to use, when to use them, and where to use them! That's the WONDERFUL thing about couponing with our technology! Generally each site will tell you what store has the best deal...and you will see that they each glean info from each other. I'm not a huge Target shopper, but will occasionally go there because they might have the best deal in town on something.
How do you keep up with it all?
Well, borrowing a GREAT idea from my dear couponing friend Amber B :-) as you cruise through the blogs & you see a great deal at one of the stores, copy and paste it into a Word document. I have two that I keep open all the time: Deals in NWA and Deals in SWM (because I'm in a border town). Just type in each stores name as a title & paste the deals under the appropriate stores title. Print the doc before you go shopping. No biggie.
I don't want to run all over town!!
Then don't :-) Make a nice route to go by each store that you don't have a sales ad for & go to Wal Mart. I love, love, love Wal Mart's ad matching policy! It is a huge time saver when I just don't want to shop around. I love to shop around though...I'm not a clothes & jewelry girl, but OH give me a great deal on shredded cheese & I'll happy dance all the way home!!
This is also another GREAT reason to file your coupons by manufacturer! Go to the clearance isle & it's easy to cruise through & see if you have any great coupons for all those things that are being sold dirt cheap anyway!
I don't want to clip **All** the coupons!!
This is one I had to really get over myself! I thought, what in the WORLD would I do with baby formula? I don't have a baby!!! Well, currently, I have a 1/2 of a case a baby formula that I will be donating (tax benefit) to the Women's Shelter that I actually MADE MONEY ON! What a blessing to give a basket FULL of toiletries to a family that is on disability & food stamps! Did you know that you cannot buy toiletries with those benefits? I didn't realize that until a family mentioned it recently. How fantastic to be able to minister to them with soap, shampoo, hair styling products, shaving supplies...and all of these items cost you nothing! You will regret not clipping them all...trust me...I speak from experience!! I've missed
many deals by skipping some q's, then later seeing a fantastic deal that I could have gotten for free...then given away.
How much money do you save?
Generally speaking, before my family discovered living on a budget & while I still worked, we spent $800 - $1200 monthly...sometimes more! <
Now, as an average, our family of four spends about $200 a MONTH on all the items we need from the store. That's an average $50 a week. Your savings can be more or less, depending on the time you want to invest. Personally, I coupon very heavily from October to December...and spend more than $50 a week on several of the weeks, because it's a great time to stock up with all the sales going on. The rest of the year I usually don't coupon at all...although this year I think I will, just because I'm really enjoying it. You have to find the right balance for your family. Again, there is no right or wrong...just big opinions :-)
I hope I've inspired some of you to at least give it a shot. Don't be overwhelmed...just tip toe in & do what you can with the info you have. Try to understand a little bit more every week, or every month, or every year. That's what I did. Remember, someone will ALWAYS be more organized, save more and do more than you do. Do what's right for you and your time and your family.
Blessings to you & yours this year!
Kriss Spencer
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Conference
Here's a posting from my other blog.
Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Conference: "Just found out about a free home education conference which starts on Monday, Jan. 3. Telesummit will be for 10 days, one speaker each..."
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