Coupon 101: Coupon Casino- When to Hold Them, When to Fold Them

Deals are going to start pouring in as companies want you buying their products to get ready for back to school. However, this is a gambling game and sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn't.

I used this particular scenario that popped up earlier at my friend, Bethany's house when we did a GNO seminar not too long ago. Will it work again to hold off and wait for a better price? Don't hold me to it but this is what happened the last time this deal came around.

Betty Crocker fruit snacks are on sale this week at Publix and with a coupon to buy 2- you can get for .80 each or a savings of 69%. I remember this deal the last time it came around the sale cycle. I remember asking if Mike thought it was a good deal and he said no. We waited one week and they were on sale again but with a better coupon from that week's newest coupon inserts. The coupon out right now is for a purchase of 2 boxes and they are on sale for $1.30. The next coupon was for 1 box and the .50 cent coupon doubled to $1.00 making the fruit snacks just .30 each at that point.

I have no idea how it will pan out but I'm going to hold off. Fruit Snacks are a Back to School hot item and I think the coupons/deals will be better. If they aren't- no biggie. This isn't a staple or a need item- just something the girls enjoy in ration.

The point I'm trying to make is there are still questions, doubts and even a season pro like me has to weigh the options, my chances to score the best deal and decide when to cash in those coupons. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but I do encourage you to trust the 12 week sale cycle. It rarely fails me even when I worry that I'm out of a particular item.

I've never been to Vegas but if I had the odds in my favor like I do from the 12 week sale cycle with couponing- I think I could hit it big!

Deals at Publix this week!

Finally, some deals!! Here's what I liked at Publix this week.

Tai Pei Frozen Dinners BOGO
Sale Price: $1.50 Coupon: 3/1RP Must buy 2 Final Price: $1.00 or 67% off
Huggies Bath Products BOGO
Sale Price: $1.65 Coupon: 4/19S Final Price: .65 or 80% off
Margaret Holmes Vegetables
Sale Price: $1.00 Coupon: 5/10RP Final Price: .30 or 77% off
Dial Bar Soap 3 count
Sale Price: $1.19 Coupon: 5/17S1 Final Price: .49 or 76% off
Daisy Sour Cream
Sale Price: $1.67 Coupon: 5/31RP Final Price: .67 or 71% off
Newmans Own Salsa
Sale Price: $2.00 Coupon: 5/31RP Final Price: $1.00 or 60% off
A1 Marinades BOGO
Sale Price: $1.45 Coupon: 6/14S Final Price: FREE or 100% off
Spray N Wash Stain Remover Spray or Stick BOGO
Sale Price: $1.50 Coupon: 6/14S Final Price: .50 or 83% off
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks BOGO
Sale Price: $1.30 Coupon: 6/14S Must buy 2 Final Price: .80 or 69% off
Muellers Pasta BOGO
Sale Price: $1.00 Coupon: 6/21S Must buy 2 Final Price: .50 or 75% off
Planters Peanuts BOGO
Sale Price: $1.60 Coupon: 6/28S Must buy 2 Final Price: .85 or 73% off

If you bought all these items, you would spend $9.36 and save 75%!!

Coupon 101: Calling companies for coupons

I've mentioned this before but a good friend of mine from high school, Bev emailed me to tell me it worked and how easy it was.

She emailed the company that makes her brand of cat litter and I think she told me it was the Nestle Corporation. She got a response the next day that they would gladly send her coupons not only for that product but other products as well. And because she was a loyal customer- they would send her coupons every 4-6 weeks!

It's easy, takes a few minutes to research, send the email or make a phone call. During this economy, I think I would seriously fall on the floor if any company refused to give you coupons to use and buy their products.

Thanks Bev for reminding me how easy this is to do and get great results!!

$1.00 off AJC this Sunday

Don't forget to print your coupon for $1.00 the AJC this Sunday.
It works on doubles and the coupon is for Kroger but remember that Publix should take it as a competitor's coupon.

http://media.ajc.com/unplugsunday/

Free Chick Fil A this Friday!

It's Cow Appreciation Day this Friday, July 10th at Chick Fil A. Dress like a cow and get a free meal.

Details on all the contests are here:
www.cowappreciationday.com

Free Mocha Mondays At McDonald's through 8/3

Free Mocha Mondays starting this Monday through August 3rd between 7am and 7pm. 8oz mocha or 7 oz iced mocha while supplies last.

http://www2.mcdonalds.com/mccafe/

Where are the deals????

One of the reasons I've been quiet is the deals are just not there. Maybe it's just me but I'm not finding prices that I like to stock up on items.

Never fear- it will change soon in the upcoming weeks. Deals on Back to School items like lunch items, breakfast items etc will start to pop up as people get ready for the new school year. The coupons will increase also.

There are dry spells so don't worry- hang in there and it will turn around.