Here are some of the deals this week at Kroger that caught my attention:
Kroger 10oz Baking Powder .58 cents or 68% off (Holiday baking item!)
Oscar Mayer Lunchables $1.00 each or 52% off
Kroger Canned Fruit or Mandarin Oranges .58 cents or 27% off (Charity item!)
Kroger Mac and Cheese .58 cents or 27% off (Good item to donate for charity)
24pk Deer Park Water $2.99 each or 50% off
There is a coupon in 8/24 Red Plum insert to get this price. Sale price is $3.99
Purex Laundry Detergent 24-32 loads (limit 4) $1.29 each or 65% off
There is a coupon in 10/05 Smart Source insert to get this price. Sale price is $1.99
Clairol Herbal Essence Hair Care 6-12oz .99 cents each or 75% off
There is a coupon in 10/12 Proctor and Gamble insert and you must buy 2 to get this price.
Sale price is $2.49 each
Aussie Hair Care 6-12 oz $1.49 each or 63% off
There is a coupon in the 10/12 PG insert to get this price. Sale price is $2.49
Reach Advanced Design Toothbrush .50 each or 80% off
There is a coupon in the 10/12 RP insert to get this price and you must buy 2. Sale is $1 each
Dove Hair Care Products 4-12 oz $1.50 each or 63% off
There is a coupon in the 10/12 RP insert to get this price. Sale is $3.00 each
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
How to make "designer" brownies for next to nothing!
An item that I always buy at a rock bottom price is brownie mixes. I can buy Betty Crocker brownie mixes and even the Ghirardelli mixes for .19-.35 cents a box when the sale cycle comes around on these items. I currently have 12 boxes of brownie mix. Sound crazy? Probably but with the holiday season approaching- there will be Trunk or Treat dinners and cookouts this week, church holiday functions, parties at school, family dinners and Daisy Scouts etc. in the next couple of months. We had a Fall Festival in the neighborhood tonight and you'll never guess what I took... brownies!
But you can get all Sandra Lee and turn a plain box of brownies into what I call "designer brownies." These 2 ideas are always a huge hit and people think I spent a lot more time (and money) than I really did.
Turtle Brownie Bites:
I always get the Turtle flavor mixes and I do these in mini muffin tins. Just spray really well with baking Pam. Fill each about 3/4 of the way full and I do the cake like brownies and add the third egg. Take the caramel packet and squirt a small amount in each then swirl with a toothpick. Bake as usual and I always serve them if at home on a 3 tiered serving piece. These also work really good in my monogrammed baking boxes that I give as gifts at the holiday season. I'll explain those later. :)
Mississippi Mud Brownies:
This brownie is special to my family. My grandmother, who passed away in 1995, lived in Charleston. She would make these brownies from scratch. I can remember arriving at her house from Atlanta and if it was dinner time- chicken was frying (she was the best at it) and these brownies were cooling on the counter. I've shortened the process by using a mix. I know she wouldn't be mad at my shortcut as busy as I am!
Bake a brownie mix as usual. Again, I do the cake like brownies with 3 eggs versus 2. About 5 minutes left or when your toothpick test is almost "clean" or the top is barely soft to the touch... pour a bag of mini marshmallows on top or enough to cover well. Turn off the oven and let the pan sit in the oven for about 2 minutes. Take the brownies out of the oven and with a spatula or spoon, spread the marshmallows around- they have melted and will make one even layer. While they are in the oven- make the following icing.
Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 cup butter softened
1/4 cup cocoa + 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons warm milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 16 oz confectioner's sugar sifted
Cream butter and add cocoa, mixing well. Gradually add the sugar, adding warm milk as needed to keep the right consistency (a little thick but you can stir). Stir in vanilla. Pour over the marshmallows and let hardened before cutting.
These brownies ROCK! And everyone loves them.
Both are super easy, looks like you spent a lot of time, your serving plate will be wiped clean and you haven't spent a lot of money. I have 12 boxes and if I spent .25 cents on each- I've spent $3.00 plus a few other ingredients. I can easily do 12 functions this Holiday Season for under $10.00 and I'm bringing desserts that are a huge hit!
This is just one of many examples of how you stockpile, work the lists and then use the products you get for next to nothing work to your advantage. I'll add more ideas like these in the next couple of weeks.
But you can get all Sandra Lee and turn a plain box of brownies into what I call "designer brownies." These 2 ideas are always a huge hit and people think I spent a lot more time (and money) than I really did.
Turtle Brownie Bites:
I always get the Turtle flavor mixes and I do these in mini muffin tins. Just spray really well with baking Pam. Fill each about 3/4 of the way full and I do the cake like brownies and add the third egg. Take the caramel packet and squirt a small amount in each then swirl with a toothpick. Bake as usual and I always serve them if at home on a 3 tiered serving piece. These also work really good in my monogrammed baking boxes that I give as gifts at the holiday season. I'll explain those later. :)
Mississippi Mud Brownies:
This brownie is special to my family. My grandmother, who passed away in 1995, lived in Charleston. She would make these brownies from scratch. I can remember arriving at her house from Atlanta and if it was dinner time- chicken was frying (she was the best at it) and these brownies were cooling on the counter. I've shortened the process by using a mix. I know she wouldn't be mad at my shortcut as busy as I am!
Bake a brownie mix as usual. Again, I do the cake like brownies with 3 eggs versus 2. About 5 minutes left or when your toothpick test is almost "clean" or the top is barely soft to the touch... pour a bag of mini marshmallows on top or enough to cover well. Turn off the oven and let the pan sit in the oven for about 2 minutes. Take the brownies out of the oven and with a spatula or spoon, spread the marshmallows around- they have melted and will make one even layer. While they are in the oven- make the following icing.
Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 cup butter softened
1/4 cup cocoa + 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons warm milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 16 oz confectioner's sugar sifted
Cream butter and add cocoa, mixing well. Gradually add the sugar, adding warm milk as needed to keep the right consistency (a little thick but you can stir). Stir in vanilla. Pour over the marshmallows and let hardened before cutting.
These brownies ROCK! And everyone loves them.
Both are super easy, looks like you spent a lot of time, your serving plate will be wiped clean and you haven't spent a lot of money. I have 12 boxes and if I spent .25 cents on each- I've spent $3.00 plus a few other ingredients. I can easily do 12 functions this Holiday Season for under $10.00 and I'm bringing desserts that are a huge hit!
This is just one of many examples of how you stockpile, work the lists and then use the products you get for next to nothing work to your advantage. I'll add more ideas like these in the next couple of weeks.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Saving $$ on Online Shopping
Deals are going to be huge (hopefully) with the economy and many retailers will be courting you to shop in their stores and online this holiday season. I have two great websites to check out before you do any online shopping.
www.retailmenot.com and www.funtasia.net
Let's say you want to purchase some toys at Kohl's online when they start doing some great deals (which they do by the way- just give it a couple of weeks). Before you go to www.kohls.com, check these websites out. Do a search for Kohls- Funtasia has a search window on the left top side and RMN has their search window in the center of their home page. Both will generate codes for % discounts, free shipping etc. RMN will tell you the success rate using the codes as well. Funtasia will also feature some great deals at Kohl's as well as the codes. Some require you to click through the site to go to Kohl's.com but that's how they make their money for providing this great service. If you get the code, just open another window or write the code down. In your checkout process, there will be a place to enter the code and update your total. If a code doesn't work for whatever reason, find another and try, try again!
And if you search for a store and can't find a code at either website- simply punch in "XStore Coupon Code" in Google or Yahoo and see what pops up.
Just please promise that you will never shop online again without trying to find a code first. Every little bit helps... especially this Holiday Season. Take care and happy shopping!
www.retailmenot.com and www.funtasia.net
Let's say you want to purchase some toys at Kohl's online when they start doing some great deals (which they do by the way- just give it a couple of weeks). Before you go to www.kohls.com, check these websites out. Do a search for Kohls- Funtasia has a search window on the left top side and RMN has their search window in the center of their home page. Both will generate codes for % discounts, free shipping etc. RMN will tell you the success rate using the codes as well. Funtasia will also feature some great deals at Kohl's as well as the codes. Some require you to click through the site to go to Kohl's.com but that's how they make their money for providing this great service. If you get the code, just open another window or write the code down. In your checkout process, there will be a place to enter the code and update your total. If a code doesn't work for whatever reason, find another and try, try again!
And if you search for a store and can't find a code at either website- simply punch in "XStore Coupon Code" in Google or Yahoo and see what pops up.
Just please promise that you will never shop online again without trying to find a code first. Every little bit helps... especially this Holiday Season. Take care and happy shopping!
Saving on Holiday Baking and Cooking Items
Pay attention to the sales the next couple of weeks. I typically find that as we get closer to Thanksgiving and then through Christmas, the sales on items like butter, eggs, flour, chicken broth etc. slow down. I try to stock up now when I see something like butter on sale.
It's never a bad idea to start planning what you'd like to bake and cook for the holidays now. Planning your holidays out before things get super busy keeps you on track, on budget and eliminates holiday stress. I've experienced some seasons where I had all these "grand" plans to bake and try some different recipes but once the whirlwind starts- I ran out of time.
Keep in mind things like appetizers and desserts you may need to take to a party or function. Look for items you would need now on the grocery and even drugstore lists now to stock up. For example, there are always great deals on brownie mixes. I can get them as low as .19-.35 cents with a coupon. Usually Betty Crocker but Publix does deals on Ghirardelli mixes all the time. Tomorrow I will post how I "dress up" simple brownies that is a huge hit wherever I take them.
It's never a bad idea to start planning what you'd like to bake and cook for the holidays now. Planning your holidays out before things get super busy keeps you on track, on budget and eliminates holiday stress. I've experienced some seasons where I had all these "grand" plans to bake and try some different recipes but once the whirlwind starts- I ran out of time.
Keep in mind things like appetizers and desserts you may need to take to a party or function. Look for items you would need now on the grocery and even drugstore lists now to stock up. For example, there are always great deals on brownie mixes. I can get them as low as .19-.35 cents with a coupon. Usually Betty Crocker but Publix does deals on Ghirardelli mixes all the time. Tomorrow I will post how I "dress up" simple brownies that is a huge hit wherever I take them.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Deals I Found At Publix 10/23-10/29
Note: These are deals for Georgia Publix so your sale may vary. Check out your Publix list at CouponMom to see your deals if you aren't Georgia.
Here's the items I found to be good deals this week at Publix:
NO COUPONS:
Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters .59/lb or 54% off
Publix Salad Blend 5-14 oz, BOGO $1.50 each or 50% off
Fresh Western Lettuce .79 each or 47% off
Publix Soft Drinks (girls love the root beer) .50 each or 38% off
(jeez- remember when Coca Cola 2 liters used to be almost this cheap?)
Capri Sun Drinks 10 pk $1.67 each or 27% off
(I just read that the Roarin Waters has the least sugar so we get those)
Publix Print Napkins 250 count $1.67 or 27% off
Fresh Red Seedless Grapes $1.69/lb or 15% off
COUPONS:
Nature Valley Granola Bars
Coupon 9/7 GM $1 off Final Price $1.00 or 60% off
Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Cookies
Coupon 10/5 GM .50 off 2 Final Price $1.50 or 48% off
Pedigree Good Bites Dog Treats
Coupon 10/12 RP Free item up to $4.99 so FREE or 100%
(we don't have a dog but I included this deal if you do!)
If I bought all these items, including 5 lbs of chicken and 2 lbs of grapes, my total would be:
$16.46 or 74% off for 11 items. I have a $5 off $25 coupon from CVS that I would apply before I hand the cashier my coupons so my total before tax would be $11.46!
And ironically- I'm not too excited about the deals this week. They are just so-so in my opinion. But you will have weeks like that.
Here's the items I found to be good deals this week at Publix:
NO COUPONS:
Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters .59/lb or 54% off
Publix Salad Blend 5-14 oz, BOGO $1.50 each or 50% off
Fresh Western Lettuce .79 each or 47% off
Publix Soft Drinks (girls love the root beer) .50 each or 38% off
(jeez- remember when Coca Cola 2 liters used to be almost this cheap?)
Capri Sun Drinks 10 pk $1.67 each or 27% off
(I just read that the Roarin Waters has the least sugar so we get those)
Publix Print Napkins 250 count $1.67 or 27% off
Fresh Red Seedless Grapes $1.69/lb or 15% off
COUPONS:
Nature Valley Granola Bars
Coupon 9/7 GM $1 off Final Price $1.00 or 60% off
Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Cookies
Coupon 10/5 GM .50 off 2 Final Price $1.50 or 48% off
Pedigree Good Bites Dog Treats
Coupon 10/12 RP Free item up to $4.99 so FREE or 100%
(we don't have a dog but I included this deal if you do!)
If I bought all these items, including 5 lbs of chicken and 2 lbs of grapes, my total would be:
$16.46 or 74% off for 11 items. I have a $5 off $25 coupon from CVS that I would apply before I hand the cashier my coupons so my total before tax would be $11.46!
And ironically- I'm not too excited about the deals this week. They are just so-so in my opinion. But you will have weeks like that.
Huge Savings on Eating Out
Yes, even the die hard cheapies eat out (occasionally). But of course, we have found a way to do so and save big time!
If you go to www.couponmom.com, you'll see in the center of the page Restaurant Coupons and Free Offers. Click on the link to www.restaurant.com. Enter your zip code and you'll get a list of area restaurants that you can buy a $25 gift certificate for $6.00 through CM! And, at the end of the month- sometimes they run even heavier discounts like 70-80%!!
There are stipulations and minimums that have to be met. You can click on the restaurant and see it's menu so you can see how much an entree is. $25.00 may go a long way in some restaurants while barely put a dent in another restaurant's bill. Some also state they will automatically add 18% gratuity to your bill. We've only had that happen once but be a good patron and remember to figure your tip on the amount before your gift certificate. You purchase the certificates you want, pay online and print out at home. The certificates are good for a year.
We have found some great restaurants in our area through this great service. If you find a certificate you want but it's sold out- no worries! The certificates are refreshed the 1st of each month.
These could make great Christmas presents!
If you go to www.couponmom.com, you'll see in the center of the page Restaurant Coupons and Free Offers. Click on the link to www.restaurant.com. Enter your zip code and you'll get a list of area restaurants that you can buy a $25 gift certificate for $6.00 through CM! And, at the end of the month- sometimes they run even heavier discounts like 70-80%!!
There are stipulations and minimums that have to be met. You can click on the restaurant and see it's menu so you can see how much an entree is. $25.00 may go a long way in some restaurants while barely put a dent in another restaurant's bill. Some also state they will automatically add 18% gratuity to your bill. We've only had that happen once but be a good patron and remember to figure your tip on the amount before your gift certificate. You purchase the certificates you want, pay online and print out at home. The certificates are good for a year.
We have found some great restaurants in our area through this great service. If you find a certificate you want but it's sold out- no worries! The certificates are refreshed the 1st of each month.
These could make great Christmas presents!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The ABCs of Couponing 101
I just realized that when I'm writing this- I have to remind myself that some people reading do not understand all the ins and outs of couponing like I do since I've been doing this for so long. Here are some quick facts, definitions of abbreviations and how each store handles coupons differently. I will elaborate on this last point store by store later this week.
Abbreviations and definitions concerning the coupon inserts and my blog:
S= Smart Source
RP= Red Plum
PG= Proctor and Gamble. This one comes out the first Sunday of every month.
GM= General Mills
AY= All You magazine that you can buy cheaply at Walmart. It normally has over $60 worth of coupons in it each month and it's a cute, informative magazine.
CM= Coupon Mom
WG= Walgreens
BOGO= Buy One Get One Free
OYNO= On your next order
Catalina= a coupon that will print at the store and the cashier will hand to you with your receipt.
Fun Facts:
- If you get your inserts out of order, if you look on the spine the date is printed.
- Kroger's sale is Sunday to Saturday each week.
- Publix sale is Thursday to Wednesday each week. (if you are not in GA- check because it might be different.)
- Walmart is updated on Saturdays.
- Drugstores' sales are Sunday to Saturday.
- CM lists advertised and unadvertised sales for the grocery stores so you'll find deals you might not see in the sale ad in the Sunday paper.
- On Sunday and Monday only- Publix has a Mystery Penny Item coupon in their sale ad. If your total (before coupons) hits $10- you qualify for this item. The items are great- toilet paper, apple juice, coffee, chips etc.
- If an item at the drug stores is BOGO- you must buy both. But with multiple inserts you can use 2 coupons.
- BOGO at the grocery stores is simply if you buy one- it's half off. You don't have to buy 2.
- CVS has a policy that if they have a sale on something that's BOGO and you have a BOGO coupon then you get both items for free. I normally see this deal on makeup and the coupons are usually in the PG coupon inserts.
- Walgreens deals will often combine sale ad coupons that you must clip, Easy Saver catalog coupons that you can find in the store when you get there and they limit how many you can purchase. CouponMom will show you all the coupons you need to get the lowest price and where to find them. CM is also great about telling you the limit of how many you can purchase.
- Kroger doubles coupons up to the face value of .50 cents.
- Publix double coupons up to the face value of .50 cents but this may vary state to state. I know they do not double in Florida. Publix is based in Florida and they are the king of Florida. Publix for a long time did not double in Georgia but about 3 years ago changed their policy to compete as heavily as they do with Kroger.
- The drug stores, Target and Walmart do not double coupons.
- Publix will take almost every competitors' coupons including the $5 off $25 CVS and Walgreens coupons that will generate on your receipt or they will email you. You must verify this at your store because it does seem to vary in different areas. My Publix will take them but not Target because there is not a Target nearby. There will be in about 6 months so I expect this store's policy to change. All you have to do is ask Customer Service.
That's it for now but I will be adding more later. Once you understand the different policies and rules- getting the deals and free items each week will be a piece of cake... I promise!
Abbreviations and definitions concerning the coupon inserts and my blog:
S= Smart Source
RP= Red Plum
PG= Proctor and Gamble. This one comes out the first Sunday of every month.
GM= General Mills
AY= All You magazine that you can buy cheaply at Walmart. It normally has over $60 worth of coupons in it each month and it's a cute, informative magazine.
CM= Coupon Mom
WG= Walgreens
BOGO= Buy One Get One Free
OYNO= On your next order
Catalina= a coupon that will print at the store and the cashier will hand to you with your receipt.
Fun Facts:
- If you get your inserts out of order, if you look on the spine the date is printed.
- Kroger's sale is Sunday to Saturday each week.
- Publix sale is Thursday to Wednesday each week. (if you are not in GA- check because it might be different.)
- Walmart is updated on Saturdays.
- Drugstores' sales are Sunday to Saturday.
- CM lists advertised and unadvertised sales for the grocery stores so you'll find deals you might not see in the sale ad in the Sunday paper.
- On Sunday and Monday only- Publix has a Mystery Penny Item coupon in their sale ad. If your total (before coupons) hits $10- you qualify for this item. The items are great- toilet paper, apple juice, coffee, chips etc.
- If an item at the drug stores is BOGO- you must buy both. But with multiple inserts you can use 2 coupons.
- BOGO at the grocery stores is simply if you buy one- it's half off. You don't have to buy 2.
- CVS has a policy that if they have a sale on something that's BOGO and you have a BOGO coupon then you get both items for free. I normally see this deal on makeup and the coupons are usually in the PG coupon inserts.
- Walgreens deals will often combine sale ad coupons that you must clip, Easy Saver catalog coupons that you can find in the store when you get there and they limit how many you can purchase. CouponMom will show you all the coupons you need to get the lowest price and where to find them. CM is also great about telling you the limit of how many you can purchase.
- Kroger doubles coupons up to the face value of .50 cents.
- Publix double coupons up to the face value of .50 cents but this may vary state to state. I know they do not double in Florida. Publix is based in Florida and they are the king of Florida. Publix for a long time did not double in Georgia but about 3 years ago changed their policy to compete as heavily as they do with Kroger.
- The drug stores, Target and Walmart do not double coupons.
- Publix will take almost every competitors' coupons including the $5 off $25 CVS and Walgreens coupons that will generate on your receipt or they will email you. You must verify this at your store because it does seem to vary in different areas. My Publix will take them but not Target because there is not a Target nearby. There will be in about 6 months so I expect this store's policy to change. All you have to do is ask Customer Service.
That's it for now but I will be adding more later. Once you understand the different policies and rules- getting the deals and free items each week will be a piece of cake... I promise!
PART TWO: I've got my list... what now?
You've gone to www.couponmom.com and printed out your list. You are super excited about the savings and items on sale this week but what now?
I'm sure people wonder how I store 6-10 copies of the coupon inserts each week and keep the couple of months all in one place? I have a Rubbermaid bin that's about the size of a standard size file cabinet drawer but not that deep. It's easy to carry around and while it gets heavy with all those inserts- it is definitely manageable. I keep the inserts in order with the most current dates on top.
Once I have my list- one great thing about CM is your list will be printed in order of the coupon dates with the newest date at the bottom of the list. Makes going through the inserts super easy. I just work from the bottom of my list and after I get the coupons from an insert I just lay it to the side upside down. I just stack the inserts that way on top of one another so when I'm finished I can just lay them right side up in the bin and I'm still in order.
Once I get my coupons then I update my list, crossing out any items I didn't have a coupon for or decided not to get. I also update my quantity column for each item since I'm stockpiling and buying multiples. When I am finished, I paper clip the coupons to the top of the list and fold in half. I add any items I need to purchase on the bottom and if I have a coupon- the final price.
Because your list is updated with quantities- you will not be flipping through coupons in the grocery aisles. Just follow your list, head up to checkout and when your total is on the screen, hand the cashier your coupons and watch the total fall!
Sounds overwhelming? Maybe the first couple of times you do this. But once it becomes a process for you- it's easy and with all 5 lists- it only takes about an hour to get everything ready from going out to CM, printing the lists and retrieving the coupons. That hour is worth it when you are saving 60%+ each week!
I'm sure people wonder how I store 6-10 copies of the coupon inserts each week and keep the couple of months all in one place? I have a Rubbermaid bin that's about the size of a standard size file cabinet drawer but not that deep. It's easy to carry around and while it gets heavy with all those inserts- it is definitely manageable. I keep the inserts in order with the most current dates on top.
Once I have my list- one great thing about CM is your list will be printed in order of the coupon dates with the newest date at the bottom of the list. Makes going through the inserts super easy. I just work from the bottom of my list and after I get the coupons from an insert I just lay it to the side upside down. I just stack the inserts that way on top of one another so when I'm finished I can just lay them right side up in the bin and I'm still in order.
Once I get my coupons then I update my list, crossing out any items I didn't have a coupon for or decided not to get. I also update my quantity column for each item since I'm stockpiling and buying multiples. When I am finished, I paper clip the coupons to the top of the list and fold in half. I add any items I need to purchase on the bottom and if I have a coupon- the final price.
Because your list is updated with quantities- you will not be flipping through coupons in the grocery aisles. Just follow your list, head up to checkout and when your total is on the screen, hand the cashier your coupons and watch the total fall!
Sounds overwhelming? Maybe the first couple of times you do this. But once it becomes a process for you- it's easy and with all 5 lists- it only takes about an hour to get everything ready from going out to CM, printing the lists and retrieving the coupons. That hour is worth it when you are saving 60%+ each week!
PART ONE: How I use www.couponmom.com
Couponmom.com is where I get my lists for Kroger, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target and even Walmart each week. I've been using this site for over 8 years and while I know the website like the back of my hand- I realize someone new to CM could get lost very quickly! So, I'm going to walk you through step by step how I utilize Couponmom.com
1. When you go to the website- you will see on the home page "Find your store's Grocery Deals List." Click here and if you need to register, it's free or you may need to log in.
2. At the top is Grocery Deals by State. Use the drop down window to find your state and store. Highlight it and click "Go."
3. A new window will pop up for example, Kroger Best Deals. Maximize this window.
4. What I do next is on the far right of the headers is % Saved. There are 2 triangles- one right side up and one upside down. The upside down triangle will sort the list from 100% down. Click on it and the list will regenerate sorted by highest % to lowest % saved.
5. Now, go through the list and check the boxes on the far left of the deals you want to take advantage of. Once you go through the entire list, click "Display Selected Deals."
6. Your list for that store is ready to print!
To decipher the list- look at the headers. The first on the left is Coupon Date and what insert the coupon is in. The next section is the item itself. Then it tells you what quantity you need to buy to use the coupon and meet it's stipulation. You then see the sale price, the final price after using the coupon and the % saved on that item. At the bottom of your list is your total and total % saved.
Now you are ready to clip your coupons for the items you want to buy and then you are ready to hit the stores. Next post- I'll explain how I store my inserts and how I get everything organized so I'm ready to shop and save big!
1. When you go to the website- you will see on the home page "Find your store's Grocery Deals List." Click here and if you need to register, it's free or you may need to log in.
2. At the top is Grocery Deals by State. Use the drop down window to find your state and store. Highlight it and click "Go."
3. A new window will pop up for example, Kroger Best Deals. Maximize this window.
4. What I do next is on the far right of the headers is % Saved. There are 2 triangles- one right side up and one upside down. The upside down triangle will sort the list from 100% down. Click on it and the list will regenerate sorted by highest % to lowest % saved.
5. Now, go through the list and check the boxes on the far left of the deals you want to take advantage of. Once you go through the entire list, click "Display Selected Deals."
6. Your list for that store is ready to print!
To decipher the list- look at the headers. The first on the left is Coupon Date and what insert the coupon is in. The next section is the item itself. Then it tells you what quantity you need to buy to use the coupon and meet it's stipulation. You then see the sale price, the final price after using the coupon and the % saved on that item. At the bottom of your list is your total and total % saved.
Now you are ready to clip your coupons for the items you want to buy and then you are ready to hit the stores. Next post- I'll explain how I store my inserts and how I get everything organized so I'm ready to shop and save big!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Q&A: Where to find those great prescription gift card coupons
Q: I have never heard of Prescription Gift Cards. We rarely get prescriptions so I am not sure if this would apply to me. How do you get them?
A: Now that you've heard of these "free money" coupons, you will start noticing them more. Most are in the sale circulars in the Sunday paper or sent out in mailers. Go out to the drug store websites and sign up to receive emails from them. Some of these coupons generate through these emails. Also, when you start doing all the great deals at CVS for free items, I get a prescription coupon printed on my receipt all the time. I've also found Rite Aid coupons in that Red Plum "coupon" mailer that comes in the mail once a week. I'm talking about the one that has Arby's and Pizza coupons in it. Just always look in it. Last flu season, Rite Aid ran a newspaper ad in the AJC usually in the Local section for these coupons.
Now that germ and sick season is approaching- these coupons will be more frequent. Just keep a watch for them!!
A: Now that you've heard of these "free money" coupons, you will start noticing them more. Most are in the sale circulars in the Sunday paper or sent out in mailers. Go out to the drug store websites and sign up to receive emails from them. Some of these coupons generate through these emails. Also, when you start doing all the great deals at CVS for free items, I get a prescription coupon printed on my receipt all the time. I've also found Rite Aid coupons in that Red Plum "coupon" mailer that comes in the mail once a week. I'm talking about the one that has Arby's and Pizza coupons in it. Just always look in it. Last flu season, Rite Aid ran a newspaper ad in the AJC usually in the Local section for these coupons.
Now that germ and sick season is approaching- these coupons will be more frequent. Just keep a watch for them!!
Q&A: Using Multiple Coupons on a sale item
Thanks for all the great comments and questions! It's nice to know people are reading.
Q: I am still trying to learn this. So if I have 3 coupon circulars from the Sunday paper and let's say I have three different coupons for $.50 off shampoo. Would I have to buy 3 of the same shampoo in order to use all three coupons?
A: Yes, you would use all 3 coupons on 3 shampoos. But, you are buying this particular shampoo at a rock bottom price or getting it for free. You only use a coupon when the price is at it's lowest or if you need the item. But with stockpiling and buying multiples- you only buy when you are at the lowest price. Buy a couple and they will last you until the sale cycle comes back around and the rock bottom or free price is available again.
For example, Walgreens has Pert Plus shampoo on sale this week for $3.49. There is a coupon for $2.50 off in the Easy Saver Catalog. This catalog is available as soon as you walk in the store on a display along with the sales circular. It's a little larger and wider than a dollar bill. You find that coupon, get the product plus you have a coupon from the Smart Source coupon insert from 10/19/08. It's for $2.00 off but since the new price after the Easy Saver is .99 cents- the register will adjust the coupon down to .99 cents or the cashier can adjust. It is their policy to do so and I've never had a problem. (knock on wood) So Pert Plus is free this week! If you had 3 coupons from the paper then you just need 3 catalogs since this one does state 1 item per Easy Saver coupon. Some ES coupons will work on multiples- just read the fine print.
Have the cashier ring up the item, have your catalog ready on the right page for the bar scan and then present your newspaper coupon.
Don't think this sounds complicated. When you generate your CouponMom.com list for Walgreens, it tells you where to find the newspaper coupon, that you need the Easy Saver catalog coupon and that you get the product for free.
Sometimes I'll buy all 3 at once or to keep it simple- Mike goes by 3-4 Walgreens almost everyday. We find it easier to just stop in and buy 1 at a time since it's not out of the way and wasting gas. This obviously wouldn't work if you don't go by Walgreens everyday. Wasting gas and trips plus your time will not justify the savings or FREE! Hope this helps!
NOTE: This deal is different than most with the price being .99 cents and the newspaper being such a high dollar amount. We are going to "test" this deal tomorrow and I'll post tomorrow night how it worked and if there were any problems. There shouldn't be but I'd feel better that I knew exactly how it went. I'll follow up tomorrow!
Q: I am still trying to learn this. So if I have 3 coupon circulars from the Sunday paper and let's say I have three different coupons for $.50 off shampoo. Would I have to buy 3 of the same shampoo in order to use all three coupons?
A: Yes, you would use all 3 coupons on 3 shampoos. But, you are buying this particular shampoo at a rock bottom price or getting it for free. You only use a coupon when the price is at it's lowest or if you need the item. But with stockpiling and buying multiples- you only buy when you are at the lowest price. Buy a couple and they will last you until the sale cycle comes back around and the rock bottom or free price is available again.
For example, Walgreens has Pert Plus shampoo on sale this week for $3.49. There is a coupon for $2.50 off in the Easy Saver Catalog. This catalog is available as soon as you walk in the store on a display along with the sales circular. It's a little larger and wider than a dollar bill. You find that coupon, get the product plus you have a coupon from the Smart Source coupon insert from 10/19/08. It's for $2.00 off but since the new price after the Easy Saver is .99 cents- the register will adjust the coupon down to .99 cents or the cashier can adjust. It is their policy to do so and I've never had a problem. (knock on wood) So Pert Plus is free this week! If you had 3 coupons from the paper then you just need 3 catalogs since this one does state 1 item per Easy Saver coupon. Some ES coupons will work on multiples- just read the fine print.
Have the cashier ring up the item, have your catalog ready on the right page for the bar scan and then present your newspaper coupon.
Don't think this sounds complicated. When you generate your CouponMom.com list for Walgreens, it tells you where to find the newspaper coupon, that you need the Easy Saver catalog coupon and that you get the product for free.
Sometimes I'll buy all 3 at once or to keep it simple- Mike goes by 3-4 Walgreens almost everyday. We find it easier to just stop in and buy 1 at a time since it's not out of the way and wasting gas. This obviously wouldn't work if you don't go by Walgreens everyday. Wasting gas and trips plus your time will not justify the savings or FREE! Hope this helps!
NOTE: This deal is different than most with the price being .99 cents and the newspaper being such a high dollar amount. We are going to "test" this deal tomorrow and I'll post tomorrow night how it worked and if there were any problems. There shouldn't be but I'd feel better that I knew exactly how it went. I'll follow up tomorrow!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Using competitor's Prescription Gift Card Coupons at grocery stores
A lot of people don't realize that you can cash in these coupons at Kroger and Publix!
I'm talking about the $25-$30 coupons in the drug stores' sale circulars and mail outs for a new or transferred prescription. So when you come across one, save it... especially with flu and cold season right around the corner. Just keep the expiration of the coupon in mind.
Kroger will download the amount to your Kroger Card and Publix will give you a gift card. This is a great way to save even more on your weekly groceries when you combine this "free" money with coupons!!
And, you can transfer refills around to use the coupons. Just keep track of where you've used it and keep in mind that if even if this is a "new" prescription on a medication that you've had filled before, it won't count.
I'm talking about the $25-$30 coupons in the drug stores' sale circulars and mail outs for a new or transferred prescription. So when you come across one, save it... especially with flu and cold season right around the corner. Just keep the expiration of the coupon in mind.
Kroger will download the amount to your Kroger Card and Publix will give you a gift card. This is a great way to save even more on your weekly groceries when you combine this "free" money with coupons!!
And, you can transfer refills around to use the coupons. Just keep track of where you've used it and keep in mind that if even if this is a "new" prescription on a medication that you've had filled before, it won't count.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
My!... How the times are changing!
I've been using couponmom.com for over 8 years and it is so funny how the attitude about coupons and saving money has changed in the last 6 months. Using coupons is being covered very heavily by the media and I've had the pleasure of being part of that coverage. It's been fun and I'm happy to help show people how to save money.
I've definitely had my critics, skeptics and some have pretty much called me crazy! I've heard over and over the following statements:
"That is just way too complicated and too much time."
Note: It's not when you are organized and have a plan.
"I only buy the things I need or will use."
Note: I do too- I may try new products but they are free or close to it. And it's been fun discovering products that I would have passed over that I like now, can become an alternate for more expensive items and I love it when I find a product that becomes a favorite in my household.
"People like you steal from stores."
Note: First of all, there are some people that take the couponing way over the top. I only adhere to a store's coupon policies. I follow all the rules and I don't clear shelves, hold up lines, buy products to sell at flea markets or copy Internet Printable coupons. I don't like these people and wish they would stop so the savings can be shared by all.
"Things cost more now because of people using coupons."
Note: Only around 5% of the American population use coupons and the stores are reimbursed for those coupons. Companies would not issue coupons and stores wouldn't accept them if they both didn't make money.
"You don't take care for your family by buying the products that there are coupons for."
Note: That is entirely not true! I cook from scratch almost every night and processed package foods are very few and far between. My girls are in the perfect weight percentages, healthy as horses and rarely get sick. My oldest had an ear infection and we went to the pediatrician this week and she even asked if we were seeing another doctor because the girls' files are so small. Yes, my girls eat fruit snacks but that's a treat for 2 little girls that actually ask for salad, asparagus and brussel sprouts.
"I'd be embarrassed to use a coupon at a store. I don't have to coupon and people will think I do."
Note: If you walked down the street every week and found a $100 bill- would you not pick it up because people might think something of you? If you like to play golf and with couponing with your wife- you save $100 a week... you could play every Saturday. Why pay full price when you can pay little or next to nothing? This is probably the one that drives me nuts! I don't have to do this, I never have and I did this when I made good money in IT Sales. One of the reasons I started was I could save money on what we obviously had to have (aka food) and my new found savings could be spent at the Dawsonville Outlets which before kids we used to go to every Friday night and walk around.
Okay- I think you get my point. People have actually emailed me, called and apologized for their "opinions" in the past about my obsession and are now asking how to do it. And if your neighbors, high school or college friends from Facebook are behind you in line at the grocery store- I think they would now be impressed that you use coupons. And you wouldn't believe how many people now including cashiers almost chase me down in the parking lot wanting to know how I do this.
I've definitely had my critics, skeptics and some have pretty much called me crazy! I've heard over and over the following statements:
"That is just way too complicated and too much time."
Note: It's not when you are organized and have a plan.
"I only buy the things I need or will use."
Note: I do too- I may try new products but they are free or close to it. And it's been fun discovering products that I would have passed over that I like now, can become an alternate for more expensive items and I love it when I find a product that becomes a favorite in my household.
"People like you steal from stores."
Note: First of all, there are some people that take the couponing way over the top. I only adhere to a store's coupon policies. I follow all the rules and I don't clear shelves, hold up lines, buy products to sell at flea markets or copy Internet Printable coupons. I don't like these people and wish they would stop so the savings can be shared by all.
"Things cost more now because of people using coupons."
Note: Only around 5% of the American population use coupons and the stores are reimbursed for those coupons. Companies would not issue coupons and stores wouldn't accept them if they both didn't make money.
"You don't take care for your family by buying the products that there are coupons for."
Note: That is entirely not true! I cook from scratch almost every night and processed package foods are very few and far between. My girls are in the perfect weight percentages, healthy as horses and rarely get sick. My oldest had an ear infection and we went to the pediatrician this week and she even asked if we were seeing another doctor because the girls' files are so small. Yes, my girls eat fruit snacks but that's a treat for 2 little girls that actually ask for salad, asparagus and brussel sprouts.
"I'd be embarrassed to use a coupon at a store. I don't have to coupon and people will think I do."
Note: If you walked down the street every week and found a $100 bill- would you not pick it up because people might think something of you? If you like to play golf and with couponing with your wife- you save $100 a week... you could play every Saturday. Why pay full price when you can pay little or next to nothing? This is probably the one that drives me nuts! I don't have to do this, I never have and I did this when I made good money in IT Sales. One of the reasons I started was I could save money on what we obviously had to have (aka food) and my new found savings could be spent at the Dawsonville Outlets which before kids we used to go to every Friday night and walk around.
Okay- I think you get my point. People have actually emailed me, called and apologized for their "opinions" in the past about my obsession and are now asking how to do it. And if your neighbors, high school or college friends from Facebook are behind you in line at the grocery store- I think they would now be impressed that you use coupons. And you wouldn't believe how many people now including cashiers almost chase me down in the parking lot wanting to know how I do this.
Review on the Free Rimmel Lasting Foundation at Walgreens this month!
This month at Walgreens, you can purchase Rimmel Lasting Foundation for $7.49 and receive a rebate in their Easy Saver Rebate Program for $7.49. Plus if you have the SmartSource coupon insert from 9/14, there is a coupon for $1 off any Rimmel Product. This means you can purchase this foundation for $6.49, then apply online for the rebate and get this product free plus make $1.00!
I did this deal and this is my first time trying a Rimmel foundation. I will admit that I used to be a "make-up snob" and spent a lot of money at Sephora. I save so much money on other things that I felt I could splurge on myself (which I seldom do). But I tried this product today for the first time and it was awesome! It claims it will last 16 hours and it did last all day. Applies really well, even and looked natural. We were at a Pumpkin farm running around with my family and even my husband commented that my makeup still looked good at the end of the day.
This deal is good for the entire month and getting your rebate back is very simple. You log in at www.Walgreens.com and enter your receipt number when you get home and check off this rebate item. You can only claim your monthly rebates once but it will save until you are ready to ask for your total month's rebate. Don't get scared of the thought of saving receipts, collecting UPCs and filling out forms. Of course, don't throw that receipt away until you've entered it online. I try to do it the day of the purchase so I know I'm covered. You can do rebates for all the drugstores online and it's very simple.
If you did this deal alone this month, you would spend $6.49 plus tax, receive $7.49 back and if you use the option of having this rebate put on a gift card- they give you a 10% bonus of your rebate. So you get free, good foundation and get $8.24 back! You then use the gift card to do your next great deal at Walgreens on more free or close to it items!
I did this deal and this is my first time trying a Rimmel foundation. I will admit that I used to be a "make-up snob" and spent a lot of money at Sephora. I save so much money on other things that I felt I could splurge on myself (which I seldom do). But I tried this product today for the first time and it was awesome! It claims it will last 16 hours and it did last all day. Applies really well, even and looked natural. We were at a Pumpkin farm running around with my family and even my husband commented that my makeup still looked good at the end of the day.
This deal is good for the entire month and getting your rebate back is very simple. You log in at www.Walgreens.com and enter your receipt number when you get home and check off this rebate item. You can only claim your monthly rebates once but it will save until you are ready to ask for your total month's rebate. Don't get scared of the thought of saving receipts, collecting UPCs and filling out forms. Of course, don't throw that receipt away until you've entered it online. I try to do it the day of the purchase so I know I'm covered. You can do rebates for all the drugstores online and it's very simple.
If you did this deal alone this month, you would spend $6.49 plus tax, receive $7.49 back and if you use the option of having this rebate put on a gift card- they give you a 10% bonus of your rebate. So you get free, good foundation and get $8.24 back! You then use the gift card to do your next great deal at Walgreens on more free or close to it items!
Inserts are like money... the more the better!
You can't go to school without books so you can't start couponing without coupon inserts. And the more inserts you have, the more you can save by buying multiples of the products that are free or close to it and for the products you use and your family enjoys.
I buy 2 Sunday papers each week and then receive inserts from family and neighbors that don't use coupons. Also, several neighborhoods around Atlanta receive a Buyer's Edge from the AJC which also has inserts in them most of the time. My neighbors that don't subscribe to the AJC get one on Thursday. Most just throw this away so I have their permission to grab theirs when I pick my daughter up from the bus. So I end up with 6-10 copies of the inserts every week.
I don't clip until I have my lists ready from www.couponmom.com and I keep them in order by date in a rubbermaid bin. So don't fret at the idea of clipping coupons from 10 inserts. Last week I purchased Lysol All Purpose Cleaner for .24 cents and bought 6. Plenty to last until the sales cycle comes back around on this product and I've gathered more coupons!
So, start saving your coupons, find as many copies of the inserts you can and save them! Keep reading my blog and I can help you save as much as 60-70% after you start using my tips and www.couponmom.com in just over a month of couponing.
Couponing is easier than you think and right now- every little bit helps! And it's fun getting cool stuff for free and watching your total drop from $60 to $13!!
I buy 2 Sunday papers each week and then receive inserts from family and neighbors that don't use coupons. Also, several neighborhoods around Atlanta receive a Buyer's Edge from the AJC which also has inserts in them most of the time. My neighbors that don't subscribe to the AJC get one on Thursday. Most just throw this away so I have their permission to grab theirs when I pick my daughter up from the bus. So I end up with 6-10 copies of the inserts every week.
I don't clip until I have my lists ready from www.couponmom.com and I keep them in order by date in a rubbermaid bin. So don't fret at the idea of clipping coupons from 10 inserts. Last week I purchased Lysol All Purpose Cleaner for .24 cents and bought 6. Plenty to last until the sales cycle comes back around on this product and I've gathered more coupons!
So, start saving your coupons, find as many copies of the inserts you can and save them! Keep reading my blog and I can help you save as much as 60-70% after you start using my tips and www.couponmom.com in just over a month of couponing.
Couponing is easier than you think and right now- every little bit helps! And it's fun getting cool stuff for free and watching your total drop from $60 to $13!!
Why Southern Coupon Belle?
Well, honest... most of the names I would have chosen are taken. Every name imaginable including those with Mom, Queen, Coupon, Mommy, Savings etc. are taken. But I like the name I chose!
I finally decided to sit down and create a blog so I can help the people that ask me all the time how I save so much money each week. I've emailed it to so many folks and that's a lot of typing!! Plus this allows the reader to see how it works and puts the whole process in one place.
Each week, I'll list the hot deals I found for Kroger, Publix, CVS and Walgreens. I also plan to post freebies you can get in the mail and tips to getting started in couponing.
One thing I plan to do that I haven't seen on similar blogs about the deals is review the free or close to it products that I have bought that are new to me. I'll let you know what I think and if it's free or a moneymaker- should you keep it or put it in your gift or charity pile!
Thanks for reading and I hope to help everyone out! Be patient as this will take awhile to get everything out here that I want so check back often!!
I finally decided to sit down and create a blog so I can help the people that ask me all the time how I save so much money each week. I've emailed it to so many folks and that's a lot of typing!! Plus this allows the reader to see how it works and puts the whole process in one place.
Each week, I'll list the hot deals I found for Kroger, Publix, CVS and Walgreens. I also plan to post freebies you can get in the mail and tips to getting started in couponing.
One thing I plan to do that I haven't seen on similar blogs about the deals is review the free or close to it products that I have bought that are new to me. I'll let you know what I think and if it's free or a moneymaker- should you keep it or put it in your gift or charity pile!
Thanks for reading and I hope to help everyone out! Be patient as this will take awhile to get everything out here that I want so check back often!!
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