Couponing: Head & Shoulders

The last time I purchased Head & Shoulders Shampoo (for Hubby) was in April 2012. It took a while for him to get through those three bottles, but it was worth stocking up for the price I paid!

The other day, I noticed that he was on his last bottle and they just happened to be on sale this week, and I had a fairly high-valued coupon. I figured it was time to stock up again,

Here's what my transaction looked like:
 -  Two Head & Shoulders Shampoo on sale: 2/$10 (regular price: $6.99 each)
    - Used $3 off 2 coupon
 -  Four Blue Diamond Almonds, 6 oz containers on sale: Buy 1 Get 1 Free ($4.99 each)
    - Used $1 off 2 coupon
    - Used $1.50 off 2 coupon
Total paid: $15.36 including tax 
Regular purchase price could have been: $34

Some of you may think it's silly to blog about these little trips, but it helps me keep track of how much I spend on things like shampoo and I can use it as a gauge for what a good deal is/how much I should pay and how long the products last.

Now, if I would shopped on Amazon.com it would have been even cheaper . . . but I forgot to compare prices before I went shopping.

The last time I purchased Head & Shoulders Shampoo (for Hubby) was in April 2012. It took a while for him to get through those three bottles, but it was worth stocking up for the price I paid!

The other day, I noticed that he was on his last bottle and they just happened to be on sale this week, and I had a fairly high-valued coupon. I figured it was time to stock up again,

Here's what my transaction looked like:
 -  Two Head & Shoulders Shampoo on sale: 2/$10 (regular price: $6.99 each)
    - Used $3 off 2 coupon
 -  Four Blue Diamond Almonds, 6 oz containers on sale: Buy 1 Get 1 Free ($4.99 each)
    - Used $1 off 2 coupon
    - Used $1.50 off 2 coupon
Total paid: $15.36 including tax 
Regular purchase price could have been: $34

Some of you may think it's silly to blog about these little trips, but it helps me keep track of how much I spend on things like shampoo and I can use it as a gauge for what a good deal is/how much I should pay and how long the products last.

Now, if I would shopped on Amazon.com it would have been even cheaper . . . but I forgot to compare prices before I went shopping.

Coupons: Losing Money

Believe it or not, couponing isn't always profitable . . . let me share my most recent (and oh, so sad) story.

About a month ago, Chris did a major grocery run for me. The list was long and some items heavy. I was so thankful he went for me. I just didn't have the energy.

One of the sales going on at the time was on cereal; if you bought 2 boxes, you'd get a coupon to use on your next shopping trip for a $1 off, if you bought 3, you'd get $2 off, and if you bought 4 boxes of cereal, you'd get a coupon for $3 off your next shopping trip. Of course, I told Chris to buy all 4.

Well, the month came and went and that coupon was still siting in my wallet yesterday. That $3 coupon was expired! AAAHH! Seriously, I may have let a little scream out of my mouth in the store. So, not only did I loose out on saving $3, I actually spent more buying cereal than I would have had I not had the original offer to begin with. Ouch!

So you see, if you don't use your coupons (especially the ones you earn) you can lose money.

_______

I haven't been couponing as much lately. I just can't find the time to stay that organized. But I still get frustrated with myself when I let a good deal slip away. My most recent stock-up worthy trip happened yesterday with Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

Walgreens was having a sale: Buy 1 Get 2 Free and I had a $2 off coupon when I buy 2. 

For all 3 bottles of detergent, I paid $4.79. Not bad considering that should cover us for at least the next 6 months (if not the whole year)!

Believe it or not, couponing isn't always profitable . . . let me share my most recent (and oh, so sad) story.

About a month ago, Chris did a major grocery run for me. The list was long and some items heavy. I was so thankful he went for me. I just didn't have the energy.

One of the sales going on at the time was on cereal; if you bought 2 boxes, you'd get a coupon to use on your next shopping trip for a $1 off, if you bought 3, you'd get $2 off, and if you bought 4 boxes of cereal, you'd get a coupon for $3 off your next shopping trip. Of course, I told Chris to buy all 4.

Well, the month came and went and that coupon was still siting in my wallet yesterday. That $3 coupon was expired! AAAHH! Seriously, I may have let a little scream out of my mouth in the store. So, not only did I loose out on saving $3, I actually spent more buying cereal than I would have had I not had the original offer to begin with. Ouch!

So you see, if you don't use your coupons (especially the ones you earn) you can lose money.

_______

I haven't been couponing as much lately. I just can't find the time to stay that organized. But I still get frustrated with myself when I let a good deal slip away. My most recent stock-up worthy trip happened yesterday with Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

Walgreens was having a sale: Buy 1 Get 2 Free and I had a $2 off coupon when I buy 2. 

For all 3 bottles of detergent, I paid $4.79. Not bad considering that should cover us for at least the next 6 months (if not the whole year)!

Couponing for Baby Things and more

We needed a few things for William this week: Vitamin D drops and disposable diapers. I meant to get in on a Huggies deal last week but totally forgot about it, so I went with the Pampers deal this week at CVS. I had also been waiting to get the baby Vitamin D until I had a 20% off CVS store coupon which I received in my email this last Thursday, so I was all set to go today. Once again, I had a few transactions and a few extra goodies to make it even better.

#1: 2 packages Stride Gum on sale for $2/2 with $1 Extra Care Buck. Used $1/2 coupon.
      1 Sundown Calcium Vitamin on sale for $7 with $4 ECB. Used $2/1 coupon.
      1 Crest Sensitive with Scope toothpaste on sale for $4.99 with $4 ECB. Used $1/1 coupon.
Paid $9.99 (before tax) and received $9 ECB
*This purchase was totally not necessary, but the deals were just so good and it would help pay for the diapers.

#2: 4 packages of Pampers Diapers (32 ct) on sale for $8.99 each, and $10 ECB when you spend $30
      Used 4 $1.50/1 coupons and the $9 ECB from previous transaction
Paid $20.96 and got $10 ECB (tax was a whopping $3.33 which sticks... )

#3: Baby D-Vi-Sol not on sale at all $11.99
      1 Dozen eggs on sale for $1.79 (so much cheaper than Safeway)
      2 Cans Tuna $.88 each
      Used 20% off coupon for D-Vi-Sol and the $10 ECB from previous purchase
Paid $3.14 (before tax)

Total paid: $34.09 ($39.47 with tax)

*If I had just purchased the diapers (with the same coupons/deal) and the baby vitamin, I would have spent $28.96 before tax. So for an extra $5.13 I got a lot more stuff!

We needed a few things for William this week: Vitamin D drops and disposable diapers. I meant to get in on a Huggies deal last week but totally forgot about it, so I went with the Pampers deal this week at CVS. I had also been waiting to get the baby Vitamin D until I had a 20% off CVS store coupon which I received in my email this last Thursday, so I was all set to go today. Once again, I had a few transactions and a few extra goodies to make it even better.

#1: 2 packages Stride Gum on sale for $2/2 with $1 Extra Care Buck. Used $1/2 coupon.
      1 Sundown Calcium Vitamin on sale for $7 with $4 ECB. Used $2/1 coupon.
      1 Crest Sensitive with Scope toothpaste on sale for $4.99 with $4 ECB. Used $1/1 coupon.
Paid $9.99 (before tax) and received $9 ECB
*This purchase was totally not necessary, but the deals were just so good and it would help pay for the diapers.

#2: 4 packages of Pampers Diapers (32 ct) on sale for $8.99 each, and $10 ECB when you spend $30
      Used 4 $1.50/1 coupons and the $9 ECB from previous transaction
Paid $20.96 and got $10 ECB (tax was a whopping $3.33 which sticks... )

#3: Baby D-Vi-Sol not on sale at all $11.99
      1 Dozen eggs on sale for $1.79 (so much cheaper than Safeway)
      2 Cans Tuna $.88 each
      Used 20% off coupon for D-Vi-Sol and the $10 ECB from previous purchase
Paid $3.14 (before tax)

Total paid: $34.09 ($39.47 with tax)

*If I had just purchased the diapers (with the same coupons/deal) and the baby vitamin, I would have spent $28.96 before tax. So for an extra $5.13 I got a lot more stuff!

Me Time: Couponing

This weekend I had a few hours to myself and you know what I did . . . clipped coupons, studied the coupon sites and went shopping . . . for toilet paper. I do wish my life were a little more exciting than that honestly, but I got a great deal and felt good doing something I enjoyed pre-baby-life.

I actually hit up three stores and did quite a few separate transactions. Here's how it worked out:

CVS:
#1: 12 oz bag of jelly beans on sale for $.99 with $.99 Extra Care Bucks
      Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Egg on sale for $.74 with $.74 ECB
     18 pack Playtex Tampons on sale for $5.99 with $3 ECB, also had $1 coupon
      Used 20% off total purchase coupon ($1.20)
      Paid: $5.52 and received $4.73 ECB (before tax)

#2: Charmin toilet paper 16 rolls with bonus 4 rolls on sale for $9.88*;
      had $1 store coupon and $.25 manufacturer coupon.
      Used $4.73 EBC from first transaction
      Paid $3.90 (before tax)

Total CVS: $9.42 before tax
*I don't like paying more than $.50 per roll for toilet paper. The ad had advertised the 16 rolls for $9.88 which is $.62 each. With the coupons I had it brought it down to $.53 each but when I saw the package with the bonus 4 rolls I knew it was going to be a great deal. And it was. It was just $.43 per roll! And if I go one step further to say that I only spent $3.90 for it, well then it was only $.20 a roll. That just makes me smile and want to say "Yippy!" :)

Walgreens:
#1: Kellogg's To-Go Shake on sale for $1.49 with $1.49 in Register Rewards
      Paid $1.49 before tax and received $1.49 RR

#2: Kellogg's To-Go Shake on sale for $1.49 with $1.49 in Register Rewards
      Paid $1.49 before tax and received $1.49 RR

#3: Two Pantene Pro-V Shampoo and 1 Conditioner on sale for $3/10
      and receive 1,000 Balance points
      Had one manufacturer coupon for $5 off 3
      Used both RR from previous transactions ($2.98)
      Paid $2.02 (before tax) and received 1,000 Balance Reward Points (equal to $1 on future purchase)

Total Walgreens: $5 and have 1,000 points

Target:
#1: 4 DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas on sale for 2/$10
      -   Used Target CartWheel for the first time ever for 5% off ($1.00)
      - Target.com coupons $2/2 (had two)
    Seventh Generation Baby Wipes 256 ct. on sale for $7.99
     - Target CartWheel offer 10% off ($.80)

Target Total: $22

It was nice to get out of the house and get some things we needed at a good price (and a few treats too!) But I was surprised by how it all zapped my energy for the rest of the day. I'll have to remember that next time!

This weekend I had a few hours to myself and you know what I did . . . clipped coupons, studied the coupon sites and went shopping . . . for toilet paper. I do wish my life were a little more exciting than that honestly, but I got a great deal and felt good doing something I enjoyed pre-baby-life.

I actually hit up three stores and did quite a few separate transactions. Here's how it worked out:

CVS:
#1: 12 oz bag of jelly beans on sale for $.99 with $.99 Extra Care Bucks
      Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Egg on sale for $.74 with $.74 ECB
     18 pack Playtex Tampons on sale for $5.99 with $3 ECB, also had $1 coupon
      Used 20% off total purchase coupon ($1.20)
      Paid: $5.52 and received $4.73 ECB (before tax)

#2: Charmin toilet paper 16 rolls with bonus 4 rolls on sale for $9.88*;
      had $1 store coupon and $.25 manufacturer coupon.
      Used $4.73 EBC from first transaction
      Paid $3.90 (before tax)

Total CVS: $9.42 before tax
*I don't like paying more than $.50 per roll for toilet paper. The ad had advertised the 16 rolls for $9.88 which is $.62 each. With the coupons I had it brought it down to $.53 each but when I saw the package with the bonus 4 rolls I knew it was going to be a great deal. And it was. It was just $.43 per roll! And if I go one step further to say that I only spent $3.90 for it, well then it was only $.20 a roll. That just makes me smile and want to say "Yippy!" :)

Walgreens:
#1: Kellogg's To-Go Shake on sale for $1.49 with $1.49 in Register Rewards
      Paid $1.49 before tax and received $1.49 RR

#2: Kellogg's To-Go Shake on sale for $1.49 with $1.49 in Register Rewards
      Paid $1.49 before tax and received $1.49 RR

#3: Two Pantene Pro-V Shampoo and 1 Conditioner on sale for $3/10
      and receive 1,000 Balance points
      Had one manufacturer coupon for $5 off 3
      Used both RR from previous transactions ($2.98)
      Paid $2.02 (before tax) and received 1,000 Balance Reward Points (equal to $1 on future purchase)

Total Walgreens: $5 and have 1,000 points

Target:
#1: 4 DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas on sale for 2/$10
      -   Used Target CartWheel for the first time ever for 5% off ($1.00)
      - Target.com coupons $2/2 (had two)
    Seventh Generation Baby Wipes 256 ct. on sale for $7.99
     - Target CartWheel offer 10% off ($.80)

Target Total: $22

It was nice to get out of the house and get some things we needed at a good price (and a few treats too!) But I was surprised by how it all zapped my energy for the rest of the day. I'll have to remember that next time!

Drugstore Deals

Last year at this time, I was at the peak of my couponing high and couldn't wait for Black Friday, but at the last minute, my plans changed and I couldn't go shopping. I did however, partake in some pre-Black Friday deals at the drugstores. This year, I was looking forward to doing it again. And today was the day!

This was also a little bit of an adventure as I was taking my two month old with me! He did fantastic and I didn't do too bad either, although, I think my pulse races for two reasons now: couponing and fear of baby melt-downs! Here's what my three transactions looked like:

 

CVS Transaction #1:

1 dozen eggs: On sale for $1.79 (much cheaper than my grocery store)

1 Reese's candy bar: $.79 with $.79 Extra Care Bucks (ECB)

1 CVS brand panty liners: $.99 with $.99 ECB

1 Colgate Toothpaste: $3.00 with $.50 manufacturer coupon and $2.50 store coupon (=FREE!)

1 Sparkle Papertowel: $1.00 with $1.00 ECB

Total: $4.57 with $2.87 in Extra Care Bucks

CVS Transaction #2:

2 Chex Mix: $1.99 each with $.50 manufacturer coupon when you buy 2 and received $1.00 ECB

1 Crispix cereal: $1.99

1 Frosted Mini Wheats: $1.99

Total: $7.96 but I paid $4.66 and used the three ECB ($2.87) from my previous transaction and got $1.00 ECB for next time.

Walgreens Transaction #3:

3 Bumble Bee Tuna: $1.89 on sale with store coupon for $.99 each

2 Holiday M&M 11 oz bags: On sale for 2/$5; $1.00 off two store coupon and $1.00 off two manufacture coupon (making them 2/$3)

Total: $5.97

Total paid from my trip today: $15.20 and I still have $1 left for CVS (I probably should have changed the way I did my CVS transactions so I could carry that over for the second transaction too, but I had forgotten that the chex mix had it! oops!) $15 is still quite a bit to spend for a real crazy coupon lady, but I was quite pleased since I actually didn't have that many coupons. Technically, the paper towels, panty liners, candy bar, and toothpaste were all free!

Last year at this time, I was at the peak of my couponing high and couldn't wait for Black Friday, but at the last minute, my plans changed and I couldn't go shopping. I did however, partake in some pre-Black Friday deals at the drugstores. This year, I was looking forward to doing it again. And today was the day!

This was also a little bit of an adventure as I was taking my two month old with me! He did fantastic and I didn't do too bad either, although, I think my pulse races for two reasons now: couponing and fear of baby melt-downs! Here's what my three transactions looked like:

 

CVS Transaction #1:

1 dozen eggs: On sale for $1.79 (much cheaper than my grocery store)

1 Reese's candy bar: $.79 with $.79 Extra Care Bucks (ECB)

1 CVS brand panty liners: $.99 with $.99 ECB

1 Colgate Toothpaste: $3.00 with $.50 manufacturer coupon and $2.50 store coupon (=FREE!)

1 Sparkle Papertowel: $1.00 with $1.00 ECB

Total: $4.57 with $2.87 in Extra Care Bucks

CVS Transaction #2:

2 Chex Mix: $1.99 each with $.50 manufacturer coupon when you buy 2 and received $1.00 ECB

1 Crispix cereal: $1.99

1 Frosted Mini Wheats: $1.99

Total: $7.96 but I paid $4.66 and used the three ECB ($2.87) from my previous transaction and got $1.00 ECB for next time.

Walgreens Transaction #3:

3 Bumble Bee Tuna: $1.89 on sale with store coupon for $.99 each

2 Holiday M&M 11 oz bags: On sale for 2/$5; $1.00 off two store coupon and $1.00 off two manufacture coupon (making them 2/$3)

Total: $5.97

Total paid from my trip today: $15.20 and I still have $1 left for CVS (I probably should have changed the way I did my CVS transactions so I could carry that over for the second transaction too, but I had forgotten that the chex mix had it! oops!) $15 is still quite a bit to spend for a real crazy coupon lady, but I was quite pleased since I actually didn't have that many coupons. Technically, the paper towels, panty liners, candy bar, and toothpaste were all free!

Balance Rewards: Redeemed

Earlier this year, Walgreens started a new rewards incentive program called Balance Rewards. I've been accumulating them ever so slowly but finally reached enough points to equal $20. My problem then became needing to actually spend $20 at Walgreens since I usually just spend a few dollars here and there - especially when using coupons.

Well, the day finally came when I needed to spend $30 - buying infant formula and vitamin D for Baby William. I gladly took this opportunity to redeem my rewards.

Here's what the transaction looked like:
1 can of Gerber Good Life formula - $18.99; used $10 off coupon from Gerber
1 bottle of Enfamil D-Vi-Sol - $11.99
1 prescription refill - $5.99
Total: $27-$20 Balance Rewards = $7 Total Paid

Earlier this year, Walgreens started a new rewards incentive program called Balance Rewards. I've been accumulating them ever so slowly but finally reached enough points to equal $20. My problem then became needing to actually spend $20 at Walgreens since I usually just spend a few dollars here and there - especially when using coupons.

Well, the day finally came when I needed to spend $30 - buying infant formula and vitamin D for Baby William. I gladly took this opportunity to redeem my rewards.

Here's what the transaction looked like:
1 can of Gerber Good Life formula - $18.99; used $10 off coupon from Gerber
1 bottle of Enfamil D-Vi-Sol - $11.99
1 prescription refill - $5.99
Total: $27-$20 Balance Rewards = $7 Total Paid

Why I Don't Pay for Printer Paper

Why don't I pay for the paper for my home-printer? Well, because I don't have to! No, I don't steel it, or get it from someone else. I doubt that would be blog worthy! I buy it. And technically, I guess at the time of purchase I do pay for it. But, I get rebates! Which makes it free!

Staples* frequently run sales where you can get a rebate for a ream of paper after purchase. I've done it twice now! I signed up for their Staples Rewards program and get weekly emails with specials like this one:

You can either print the coupon or you can use their mobile app and scan that at the store. It's easy! Their paper isn't exactly cheap. This ream would normally cost $7+ but with their coupon I paid $3.99 and could fill out the rebate form online to get $3.99 back! I don't even have to use a stamp to submit the rebate anymore!

There are cheaper places to buy printer paper; I'd probably shop there if I didn't have these rebate offers. But free is free. And saving any amount of money, even just $7 every once in a while will help my family stay within our budget and reach our financial goals . . . or at least make it possible to go out for ice cream!

*Staples has no idea who I am and is not endorsing this post. I just really wanted to share so you could get free paper too!

Why don't I pay for the paper for my home-printer? Well, because I don't have to! No, I don't steel it, or get it from someone else. I doubt that would be blog worthy! I buy it. And technically, I guess at the time of purchase I do pay for it. But, I get rebates! Which makes it free!

Staples* frequently run sales where you can get a rebate for a ream of paper after purchase. I've done it twice now! I signed up for their Staples Rewards program and get weekly emails with specials like this one:

You can either print the coupon or you can use their mobile app and scan that at the store. It's easy! Their paper isn't exactly cheap. This ream would normally cost $7+ but with their coupon I paid $3.99 and could fill out the rebate form online to get $3.99 back! I don't even have to use a stamp to submit the rebate anymore!

There are cheaper places to buy printer paper; I'd probably shop there if I didn't have these rebate offers. But free is free. And saving any amount of money, even just $7 every once in a while will help my family stay within our budget and reach our financial goals . . . or at least make it possible to go out for ice cream!

*Staples has no idea who I am and is not endorsing this post. I just really wanted to share so you could get free paper too!

Coupon Fail

Last week, I noticed I needed to buy toilet paper. Not something you really want to run out of! With just a roll to spare, I picked up a 12 pack at Safeway. I would have preferred to wait for a better sale, but who knew how long that one roll would last us! I couldn't risk it.

The 12 pack was marked down a few dollars and I had a $1.00 off coupon which made it a reasonable purchase, but not great. (With toilet paper, I really try to spend $.50 or less per roll.) The very next day, the Target ad came out advertising the same brand but in the 18 pack and for only $1.50 more. It still was a little over $.50 per roll but I thought it was a much better deal. So, I drove to Target (rather, I made Chris drive me to Target on the way to the movies . . . I don't think  I need to mix shopping with date night any time soon).

I was feeling really good about this purchase and returned the original package to Safeway (where I spent nearly 15 minutes waiting for their customer service attendant . . . argh). But wait, there's more. As I was leaving the store, I noticed that the toilet paper I just returned was on an even better sale than Target . . . if I had saved my $1.00 coupon, the toilet paper would have been the desired $.50/roll. But I wasn't going to waste anymore of my time.

And then I got home and found another $1 off coupon that I could have used at Target or Safeway . . . I give up. It's toilet paper.

Sometimes the effort it takes to save a buck isn't worth it. And I was reminded of that over and over again in this situation.

Last week, I noticed I needed to buy toilet paper. Not something you really want to run out of! With just a roll to spare, I picked up a 12 pack at Safeway. I would have preferred to wait for a better sale, but who knew how long that one roll would last us! I couldn't risk it.

The 12 pack was marked down a few dollars and I had a $1.00 off coupon which made it a reasonable purchase, but not great. (With toilet paper, I really try to spend $.50 or less per roll.) The very next day, the Target ad came out advertising the same brand but in the 18 pack and for only $1.50 more. It still was a little over $.50 per roll but I thought it was a much better deal. So, I drove to Target (rather, I made Chris drive me to Target on the way to the movies . . . I don't think  I need to mix shopping with date night any time soon).

I was feeling really good about this purchase and returned the original package to Safeway (where I spent nearly 15 minutes waiting for their customer service attendant . . . argh). But wait, there's more. As I was leaving the store, I noticed that the toilet paper I just returned was on an even better sale than Target . . . if I had saved my $1.00 coupon, the toilet paper would have been the desired $.50/roll. But I wasn't going to waste anymore of my time.

And then I got home and found another $1 off coupon that I could have used at Target or Safeway . . . I give up. It's toilet paper.

Sometimes the effort it takes to save a buck isn't worth it. And I was reminded of that over and over again in this situation.

Register Rewards from Walgreens

It has been a while since I've purchased anything using coupons. I got a little burned out from the couponing craze for a while . . . several months actually. But, Walgreens had a few things that we've been in need of at a decent price, so I jumped back in this week. And the high came right back! (oh, dear).

I did two transactions because there were register rewards involved and I wanted to use one to pay for the second order.

Transaction 1:
 - H+ Creme (TMI, I know): Regular price: $9.99, on sale for $7.00 with $7 in Register Rewards
Paid: $7.61 (including tax) and received $7 RR

Transaction 2:
 - Colgate Toothpaste 4 oz.: Regular price $3.79, on sale for $3.00 with $2.50 Register Rewards; also used $.75 off coupon
 - Reach Floss 30 Yd: Regular price $4.49, on sale for $2.99 with $2 Register Rewards
 - Kleenex Tissue (2 boxes): Regular price: $1.49, on sale for $1 each.
Paid: $7 RR from previous transaction and $.94 (including tax) and received $2 and $2.50 RR

So, I ended up spending $8.55 (with $1.10 being sales tax) and have $4.50 RR left for my next purchase. The total value (regular price) would have been $21.45 if I ever needed to buy this stuff while it was not on sale (gasp! but it does happen).

It has been a while since I've purchased anything using coupons. I got a little burned out from the couponing craze for a while . . . several months actually. But, Walgreens had a few things that we've been in need of at a decent price, so I jumped back in this week. And the high came right back! (oh, dear).

I did two transactions because there were register rewards involved and I wanted to use one to pay for the second order.

Transaction 1:
 - H+ Creme (TMI, I know): Regular price: $9.99, on sale for $7.00 with $7 in Register Rewards
Paid: $7.61 (including tax) and received $7 RR

Transaction 2:
 - Colgate Toothpaste 4 oz.: Regular price $3.79, on sale for $3.00 with $2.50 Register Rewards; also used $.75 off coupon
 - Reach Floss 30 Yd: Regular price $4.49, on sale for $2.99 with $2 Register Rewards
 - Kleenex Tissue (2 boxes): Regular price: $1.49, on sale for $1 each.
Paid: $7 RR from previous transaction and $.94 (including tax) and received $2 and $2.50 RR

So, I ended up spending $8.55 (with $1.10 being sales tax) and have $4.50 RR left for my next purchase. The total value (regular price) would have been $21.45 if I ever needed to buy this stuff while it was not on sale (gasp! but it does happen).

A Successful Stop at Walgreens

I felt like I had a little bit of a high from my last stop at Walgreens. I walked out with so much stuff and only spent $2.72! Take a look:

I bought:

• 3 packages of ThermaCare heat wraps on sale for $4.99, buy 3 and recieve 4,000 points; I used three $3/1 coupons from ThermaCare's website making them $1.99 each
• 6 Balance protein bars on sale for $1 each; I used two $1/3 coupons and one $.50 off each store coupon making them $.17 each
• Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner on sale for 2/$5 with 1,000 points; used $1/1 coupon making them $2 each.

My total came to $12.72 including tax and I had a $10 off coupon from my last purchase of vitamins so my out-of-pocket total was only $2.72! And I earned 5,000 points which is worth $5 for my next trip!

Honestly, I probably wouldn't have purchased the shampoo but I needed to exceed $10 in order to use my coupon which would expire next week. All-in-all, though I felt pretty good -- and my back will feel even better with those heat wraps!

I felt like I had a little bit of a high from my last stop at Walgreens. I walked out with so much stuff and only spent $2.72! Take a look:

I bought:

• 3 packages of ThermaCare heat wraps on sale for $4.99, buy 3 and recieve 4,000 points; I used three $3/1 coupons from ThermaCare's website making them $1.99 each
• 6 Balance protein bars on sale for $1 each; I used two $1/3 coupons and one $.50 off each store coupon making them $.17 each
• Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner on sale for 2/$5 with 1,000 points; used $1/1 coupon making them $2 each.

My total came to $12.72 including tax and I had a $10 off coupon from my last purchase of vitamins so my out-of-pocket total was only $2.72! And I earned 5,000 points which is worth $5 for my next trip!

Honestly, I probably wouldn't have purchased the shampoo but I needed to exceed $10 in order to use my coupon which would expire next week. All-in-all, though I felt pretty good -- and my back will feel even better with those heat wraps!

Pre-Black Friday Deals

As if the excitement of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving weren't enough, many stores have started offering "Pre-Black Friday" sales all week. I probably wouldn't have paid much attention because I had planned to go crazy with the rest of the nation on Friday, but we just made last-minute plans that would take us out of town for the whole weekend. I was excited to get away, but also a little sad that I wouldn't be able to experience the rush of Black Friday as a couponer. (I may have a problem.)

I had heard that Walgreens and CVS offered amazing deals (often free merchandise after the register rewards/extra care bucks) on Black Friday and was already making my list. So to have to tear it up made me a little sad.

But then, the CVS circular came out on Sunday and I was happily surprised to see several things were offered for free after extra care bucks (ECB)! I couldn't resist. Seriously.

I did a three separate transactions, here's what they looked like:
1) - 3M Command hook sample pack
       buy 1 for $.99 and receive $.99 ECB
       I could have used a $1 off coupon for this, but I left it at home.
    - Kleenex slim pack facial tissue
       buy 1 for $1 and receive $1 ECB
Paid: $1.26 + $1 ECB from a previous purchase

2) - Starbucks Refresher drink
       buy 1 for $1.50 and receive $1.50 ECB
       used $1 off coupon
    - Carmex lip balm
       buy 1 for $1 and receive $1 ECB
       used $.30 off coupon
Paid: $.47 plus used the $1 ECB received in transaction #1

3) - Advil 10ct. vial
      buy 1 at $2.99 and receive $2.99 ECB
 Paid $.75 plus used $1.50 and $.99 ECB from transaction #2 

Total out of pocket expense: $2.48 (and I still have $3.99 ECB for next time)

If you can get to CVS or Walgreens on Thursday or Friday this week, do it! They'll have even better deals going on then! You can check out the upcoming sale at thekrazycouponlady.com

As if the excitement of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving weren't enough, many stores have started offering "Pre-Black Friday" sales all week. I probably wouldn't have paid much attention because I had planned to go crazy with the rest of the nation on Friday, but we just made last-minute plans that would take us out of town for the whole weekend. I was excited to get away, but also a little sad that I wouldn't be able to experience the rush of Black Friday as a couponer. (I may have a problem.)

I had heard that Walgreens and CVS offered amazing deals (often free merchandise after the register rewards/extra care bucks) on Black Friday and was already making my list. So to have to tear it up made me a little sad.

But then, the CVS circular came out on Sunday and I was happily surprised to see several things were offered for free after extra care bucks (ECB)! I couldn't resist. Seriously.

I did a three separate transactions, here's what they looked like:
1) - 3M Command hook sample pack
       buy 1 for $.99 and receive $.99 ECB
       I could have used a $1 off coupon for this, but I left it at home.
    - Kleenex slim pack facial tissue
       buy 1 for $1 and receive $1 ECB
Paid: $1.26 + $1 ECB from a previous purchase

2) - Starbucks Refresher drink
       buy 1 for $1.50 and receive $1.50 ECB
       used $1 off coupon
    - Carmex lip balm
       buy 1 for $1 and receive $1 ECB
       used $.30 off coupon
Paid: $.47 plus used the $1 ECB received in transaction #1

3) - Advil 10ct. vial
      buy 1 at $2.99 and receive $2.99 ECB
 Paid $.75 plus used $1.50 and $.99 ECB from transaction #2 

Total out of pocket expense: $2.48 (and I still have $3.99 ECB for next time)

If you can get to CVS or Walgreens on Thursday or Friday this week, do it! They'll have even better deals going on then! You can check out the upcoming sale at thekrazycouponlady.com

Full shopping basket at Walgreens

It feels like it's been a while since I've shopped at Walgreens; it's been a while since I've done any couponing really. After our vacation I took an afternoon and cleaned up my coupon binder and got rid of almost half of the coupons because they had expired. Now it's clean, organized, up to date and ready to use!

Walgreens came out with a new reward program called Balance; it's a point system where you earn points for purchasing specific items each week ranging from 500 to 5,000. Once you've earned 5,000 points you can redeem them for $5 off your purchase. So far, I'm not really a fan, but I am expecting it to take time for me to get used to.

Anyway, back to my shopping trip to Walgreens.
All of the things I purchased today I did so because they were on sale, I didn't need any of the items right now. I will use all of them (trust me)!

Here's what my purchase looked like:

 

Kleenex Tissue: Regular price is $1.59 each, on sale for $4/4 and 500 Balance points. Paid: $4 for four boxes

Tic Tac (1 oz box): Regular price is $1.59; I had a store coupon listing the price as $.99 plus a manufacture coupon for $.50 off when I buy two. Paid $1.48 for two.

Schick Quatro razors (4 pack): Regular price is $10.99; they were on a buy one get one half off sale and I had a coupon for buy one get one FREE (max discount $10.50). Paid $6.00 for 8 razors.

Werther's Original carmels: Regular price is $2.29 but they were on sale for 2/$3 and I had a $1 off coupon when I bought two. Paid: $2 for two bags.

Total: $10.86 (including tax) and I earned 500 points (or $.50) toward a future order.

My receipt says I saved 21.08 by using coupons and shopping for sale items! I saved 69% on my purchase today!

It feels like it's been a while since I've shopped at Walgreens; it's been a while since I've done any couponing really. After our vacation I took an afternoon and cleaned up my coupon binder and got rid of almost half of the coupons because they had expired. Now it's clean, organized, up to date and ready to use!

Walgreens came out with a new reward program called Balance; it's a point system where you earn points for purchasing specific items each week ranging from 500 to 5,000. Once you've earned 5,000 points you can redeem them for $5 off your purchase. So far, I'm not really a fan, but I am expecting it to take time for me to get used to.

Anyway, back to my shopping trip to Walgreens.
All of the things I purchased today I did so because they were on sale, I didn't need any of the items right now. I will use all of them (trust me)!

Here's what my purchase looked like:

 

Kleenex Tissue: Regular price is $1.59 each, on sale for $4/4 and 500 Balance points. Paid: $4 for four boxes

Tic Tac (1 oz box): Regular price is $1.59; I had a store coupon listing the price as $.99 plus a manufacture coupon for $.50 off when I buy two. Paid $1.48 for two.

Schick Quatro razors (4 pack): Regular price is $10.99; they were on a buy one get one half off sale and I had a coupon for buy one get one FREE (max discount $10.50). Paid $6.00 for 8 razors.

Werther's Original carmels: Regular price is $2.29 but they were on sale for 2/$3 and I had a $1 off coupon when I bought two. Paid: $2 for two bags.

Total: $10.86 (including tax) and I earned 500 points (or $.50) toward a future order.

My receipt says I saved 21.08 by using coupons and shopping for sale items! I saved 69% on my purchase today!

Money Making Rebates

A few weeks back, my husband was shopping for oil for the car and truck. He has been changing the oil himself since we got married. After a few minutes in the store, he came back out to the truck asking me to come in to the auto parts store with him. (Odd, I know.) 

He had found a rebate offer on the oil he wanted to buy but there was limit of one per person. I haven't had much experience with rebates but this one was a pretty high value. The oil was marked as $30 and the rebate was for $20 back in the form of a store credit (which is fine since we will be back in three months or so). When we brought the oil up to the register, it actually rang up on sale at $17.99.

Perfect!

He bought one and I bought one. Yesterday we got our first rebate card in the mail. Not only did we get our money back, but we made a couple dollars on it!

My husband found that deal all on his own, without my help or my normal couponing resources. I should have him do the shopping more often!

A few weeks back, my husband was shopping for oil for the car and truck. He has been changing the oil himself since we got married. After a few minutes in the store, he came back out to the truck asking me to come in to the auto parts store with him. (Odd, I know.) 

He had found a rebate offer on the oil he wanted to buy but there was limit of one per person. I haven't had much experience with rebates but this one was a pretty high value. The oil was marked as $30 and the rebate was for $20 back in the form of a store credit (which is fine since we will be back in three months or so). When we brought the oil up to the register, it actually rang up on sale at $17.99.

Perfect!

He bought one and I bought one. Yesterday we got our first rebate card in the mail. Not only did we get our money back, but we made a couple dollars on it!

My husband found that deal all on his own, without my help or my normal couponing resources. I should have him do the shopping more often!

Shopping Spree at Safeway

I went to Safeway yesterday to pick up just a few things, you know the essentials. Cereal was on the list since they were having a Buy 4 Save $4 sale and since I had a few coupons for cereal I planned to stock up. But we really didn't have much else on the list so we just grabbed a basket instead of getting a cart.

But Safeway surprised me.

In the cereal aisle, we realized we would need more than just a basket. There were more cereals on the sale than I originally expected!

Then on our way to pick up the last few things on my list, we passed the clearance shelf. Their clearance shelves are never well stocked. At least not with anything I usually buy. But today it was filled with granola bars and nuts (and several other things, but those didn't interest me). And I had coupons for the granola bars! Score!

You should have seen us walking with two over-stuffed baskets (and me with my coupon binder trying to keep track of all my coupons)!

Fiber One - on sale for $2.99; I used a store coupon for $1 off and a manufacturer coupon for $.75 off. Price: $1.24

2 boxes of Cheerios - on sale for $1.49 each; I used a $.50 off one. Price: $2.50

4 boxes of Wheat Chex - on sale for $1.49 each; I used a $1 off when you buy three and $1 off when you buy two General Mills cereal (paired that with the other box of Cheerios) Price: $3.96

Life cereal - on sale for $1.99 (no coupon used). Price $1.99

8 boxes of cereal: $9.19 or $1.14 per box!

Nature Valley granola bars were $3.99 and $4.29 each; on 50% off clearance sale and I had a coupon for $.50 when you buy two. Price: $3.65

South Beach protein bars were $3.69 each; also on the 50% off clearance sale and I had two $.55 off coupons. Price: $2.58

4 boxes of granola bars: $6.23 or $1.55 per box!

I didn't have any coupons for the walnuts or pecans, but we go through them so quickly we decided to stock up anyway. One bag of chopped pecans was regularly $7.99 but was 50% off making it only $3.99. We bought two bags of chopped walnuts which are regularly $6 each but with the 50% off clearance sale they were only $3 each! 

3 bags of chopped nuts: $9.99 or $3.33 each!

Our cupboards are stocked! (And my wallet isn't empty!)  Days like this make it fun to go shopping.

I went to Safeway yesterday to pick up just a few things, you know the essentials. Cereal was on the list since they were having a Buy 4 Save $4 sale and since I had a few coupons for cereal I planned to stock up. But we really didn't have much else on the list so we just grabbed a basket instead of getting a cart.

But Safeway surprised me.

In the cereal aisle, we realized we would need more than just a basket. There were more cereals on the sale than I originally expected!

Then on our way to pick up the last few things on my list, we passed the clearance shelf. Their clearance shelves are never well stocked. At least not with anything I usually buy. But today it was filled with granola bars and nuts (and several other things, but those didn't interest me). And I had coupons for the granola bars! Score!

You should have seen us walking with two over-stuffed baskets (and me with my coupon binder trying to keep track of all my coupons)!

Fiber One - on sale for $2.99; I used a store coupon for $1 off and a manufacturer coupon for $.75 off. Price: $1.24

2 boxes of Cheerios - on sale for $1.49 each; I used a $.50 off one. Price: $2.50

4 boxes of Wheat Chex - on sale for $1.49 each; I used a $1 off when you buy three and $1 off when you buy two General Mills cereal (paired that with the other box of Cheerios) Price: $3.96

Life cereal - on sale for $1.99 (no coupon used). Price $1.99

8 boxes of cereal: $9.19 or $1.14 per box!

Nature Valley granola bars were $3.99 and $4.29 each; on 50% off clearance sale and I had a coupon for $.50 when you buy two. Price: $3.65

South Beach protein bars were $3.69 each; also on the 50% off clearance sale and I had two $.55 off coupons. Price: $2.58

4 boxes of granola bars: $6.23 or $1.55 per box!

I didn't have any coupons for the walnuts or pecans, but we go through them so quickly we decided to stock up anyway. One bag of chopped pecans was regularly $7.99 but was 50% off making it only $3.99. We bought two bags of chopped walnuts which are regularly $6 each but with the 50% off clearance sale they were only $3 each! 

3 bags of chopped nuts: $9.99 or $3.33 each!

Our cupboards are stocked! (And my wallet isn't empty!)  Days like this make it fun to go shopping.

Quick stop at Walgreens

I can never say that I have a quick stop at Walgreens. Usually, I can never find what I'm looking for and if I do, the price doesn't match the ad; if it does, they won't accept my coupons, etc. You get the idea. Shopping at Walgreens has never been easy.

Today was different. Granted, I had to ask the manager for help three times, and the prices didn't match the ad, but he was really nice and I was able to remain fairly calm. The girl checking me out didn't freak out that I had coupons or multiple transactions. This was seriously, the best shopping experience I've had at Walgreens in a long time. Sometimes I leave so flustered and angry it wasn't worth the savings at all.

When I am getting ready to do a coupon-shopping trip, I get pretty excited. Usually on Sundays I'll spend sometime looking through the ad and comparing it to what I have coupons for. My goal is to use coupons on sale prices so the product is even cheaper.

Sometimes, that same excitement is with me while I'm doing the shopping (but usually not at Walgreens for the reasons stated above), and sometimes, I come home so excited that Chris thinks I won the lottery. Today, after I got home from the store, that excitement sort of left as I realized, that nothing I bought today was actually needed. It was all for the sake of my feeding my coupon addiction.

Anyway, I'm not going to feel too guilty because well, I still feel like I got a pretty good deal.

Today, I had two transactions.
1) Venus razor, Regular price: $12.99 on sale for $8.99 plus get $4 in Register Rewards
     -- I used a $4 off coupon
    Page protectors were on a crazy sale for $.39 for a package of 10, the normal sale price was $1.99
    **I spent $6.20 including tax and received $4 in Register Rewards to use on my next purchase**

2) Clear Eyes eye drops were on sale for $4.29 and had a Buy One Get One Free Deal
    -- I used two $1.00 off coupons
    Blue Diamond Almonds were on sale for $3.79 and also had a Buy One Get One Free Deal
    -- I used a $.75 off coupon when I buy two.
    ** I used my $4 Rewards from my previous purchase and spent $1.69 out of pocket**

My total: $7.89 and I get to try one of those crazy name-brand-5-blade-razors myself without feeling too guilty.

I can never say that I have a quick stop at Walgreens. Usually, I can never find what I'm looking for and if I do, the price doesn't match the ad; if it does, they won't accept my coupons, etc. You get the idea. Shopping at Walgreens has never been easy.

Today was different. Granted, I had to ask the manager for help three times, and the prices didn't match the ad, but he was really nice and I was able to remain fairly calm. The girl checking me out didn't freak out that I had coupons or multiple transactions. This was seriously, the best shopping experience I've had at Walgreens in a long time. Sometimes I leave so flustered and angry it wasn't worth the savings at all.

When I am getting ready to do a coupon-shopping trip, I get pretty excited. Usually on Sundays I'll spend sometime looking through the ad and comparing it to what I have coupons for. My goal is to use coupons on sale prices so the product is even cheaper.

Sometimes, that same excitement is with me while I'm doing the shopping (but usually not at Walgreens for the reasons stated above), and sometimes, I come home so excited that Chris thinks I won the lottery. Today, after I got home from the store, that excitement sort of left as I realized, that nothing I bought today was actually needed. It was all for the sake of my feeding my coupon addiction.

Anyway, I'm not going to feel too guilty because well, I still feel like I got a pretty good deal.

Today, I had two transactions.
1) Venus razor, Regular price: $12.99 on sale for $8.99 plus get $4 in Register Rewards
     -- I used a $4 off coupon
    Page protectors were on a crazy sale for $.39 for a package of 10, the normal sale price was $1.99
    **I spent $6.20 including tax and received $4 in Register Rewards to use on my next purchase**

2) Clear Eyes eye drops were on sale for $4.29 and had a Buy One Get One Free Deal
    -- I used two $1.00 off coupons
    Blue Diamond Almonds were on sale for $3.79 and also had a Buy One Get One Free Deal
    -- I used a $.75 off coupon when I buy two.
    ** I used my $4 Rewards from my previous purchase and spent $1.69 out of pocket**

My total: $7.89 and I get to try one of those crazy name-brand-5-blade-razors myself without feeling too guilty.

CVS: Oral Hygiene and free makeup

I found a few good deals at CVS this week and with the Extra Care Bucks I got back my purchase was almost free!

Crest Pro-Health mouth wash: On sale for $5.99 with $5 Reward back;

      used $.25 off manufacturer's coupon

Oral-B toothbrush: On sale for $2.77 with $2 Reward back; 

      used a $.25 manufacturer's coupon and $1 store coupon

Colgate toothpaste: One sale for 2.74 with $1 Reward back

Cover Girl mascara (2): On sale, buy one get one 1/2 off regular price $8.49;

      used buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon, $1 off coupon and $4 store coupon

My out of pocket price without sales tax: $9.48 (with sales tax $11.11)

Received $8 in Extra Care Bucks to use on my next purchase

The mascara purchase kind of bewildered me, but I had to try it. I had seen people commenting on thekrazycouponlady.com site that it worked. Here's what happened: The store promotion took off $4.26  from one mascara, then I used the "buy one get one free" coupon which took off the maximum amount of the coupon from the full priced mascara ($7.50). Then the $1 coupon was applied to the half off mascara. And finally, the $4 coupon was good for any cosmetic purchase over $12 (before coupons) which meant I actually paid only $.23 for them both (before tax)! Whew.

Getting those kind of results kind of freaks me out  . . .  

I found a few good deals at CVS this week and with the Extra Care Bucks I got back my purchase was almost free!

Crest Pro-Health mouth wash: On sale for $5.99 with $5 Reward back;

      used $.25 off manufacturer's coupon

Oral-B toothbrush: On sale for $2.77 with $2 Reward back; 

      used a $.25 manufacturer's coupon and $1 store coupon

Colgate toothpaste: One sale for 2.74 with $1 Reward back

Cover Girl mascara (2): On sale, buy one get one 1/2 off regular price $8.49;

      used buy one get one free manufacturer's coupon, $1 off coupon and $4 store coupon

My out of pocket price without sales tax: $9.48 (with sales tax $11.11)

Received $8 in Extra Care Bucks to use on my next purchase

The mascara purchase kind of bewildered me, but I had to try it. I had seen people commenting on thekrazycouponlady.com site that it worked. Here's what happened: The store promotion took off $4.26  from one mascara, then I used the "buy one get one free" coupon which took off the maximum amount of the coupon from the full priced mascara ($7.50). Then the $1 coupon was applied to the half off mascara. And finally, the $4 coupon was good for any cosmetic purchase over $12 (before coupons) which meant I actually paid only $.23 for them both (before tax)! Whew.

Getting those kind of results kind of freaks me out  . . .  

Coupon Deal at CVS

I had too much fun shopping the other day . . . at the drug store. I feel so silly telling you about the great deal I got because it wasn't for anything special; it was for the most everyday supplies ever. But I paid a fraction of the retail price and it just has to be shared.

CVS has these store rewards called "Extra Care Bucks." They are coupons that are dispensed along with your receipt when you buy certain advertised items. Usually they cover the cost or a good portion of the cost of the item bought making it a really great deal. 

I did separate transactions to use the extra care coupons for the next purchase so my out-of-pocket price would be less.

#1: Halmark cards (Buy 3 and get $3 in Extra Care Bucks)

      - Bought three Hallmark greeting cards for $1.99 each

      - Used a $3.00 off coupon when I bought three

      - Used a $1.50 Extra Care Buck from a previous purchase 

         Total paid: $1.93 (including tax) and received $3 in Extra Care Bucks

#2: Blink eye drops (on sale for $8.99 and get $8.99 Extra Care Bucks)

      - Bought one at $8.99 (Regular price was $12.99)

      - Used a $1.00 off coupon

      - Used $3 Extra Care Bucks from greeting card purchase

         Total paid: 5.75 (including tax) and received $8.99 in Extra Care Bucks

#3: Head & Shoulders (on sale for 3/$14 and get $4 in Extra Care Bucks)

     - Bought three bottles (Regular price $6.00 for 14 oz. bottle)

     - Used Buy One Get One Free coupon

     - Used 8.99 Extra Care Bucks from eye drops

        Total paid $1.54 (including tax) and received $4 in Extra Care Bucks

The total out-of-pocket paid: $9.22 with a coupon of $4 to use on my next purchase

Total value of products purchased (sale price): $31.37; (the regular price: $38.97)

It's pretty exciting to "make money" shopping. In each transaction I ended up with more value in the Extra Care Buck coupon that I had paid for the actual item. That doesn't usually happen for me! 

When I was planning my shopping trip I had forgotten to include tax so I was a little frustrated at the register when my total out of pocket price was higher than I had anticipated. Almost $2 of my total cost paid was in sales tax! But really, it was still pretty cool to leave the store with $30 worth of brand-name products and a $4 coupon for less than $10.

Now I just need to find more shelf space in my closet!

I had too much fun shopping the other day . . . at the drug store. I feel so silly telling you about the great deal I got because it wasn't for anything special; it was for the most everyday supplies ever. But I paid a fraction of the retail price and it just has to be shared.

CVS has these store rewards called "Extra Care Bucks." They are coupons that are dispensed along with your receipt when you buy certain advertised items. Usually they cover the cost or a good portion of the cost of the item bought making it a really great deal. 

I did separate transactions to use the extra care coupons for the next purchase so my out-of-pocket price would be less.

#1: Halmark cards (Buy 3 and get $3 in Extra Care Bucks)

      - Bought three Hallmark greeting cards for $1.99 each

      - Used a $3.00 off coupon when I bought three

      - Used a $1.50 Extra Care Buck from a previous purchase 

         Total paid: $1.93 (including tax) and received $3 in Extra Care Bucks

#2: Blink eye drops (on sale for $8.99 and get $8.99 Extra Care Bucks)

      - Bought one at $8.99 (Regular price was $12.99)

      - Used a $1.00 off coupon

      - Used $3 Extra Care Bucks from greeting card purchase

         Total paid: 5.75 (including tax) and received $8.99 in Extra Care Bucks

#3: Head & Shoulders (on sale for 3/$14 and get $4 in Extra Care Bucks)

     - Bought three bottles (Regular price $6.00 for 14 oz. bottle)

     - Used Buy One Get One Free coupon

     - Used 8.99 Extra Care Bucks from eye drops

        Total paid $1.54 (including tax) and received $4 in Extra Care Bucks

The total out-of-pocket paid: $9.22 with a coupon of $4 to use on my next purchase

Total value of products purchased (sale price): $31.37; (the regular price: $38.97)

It's pretty exciting to "make money" shopping. In each transaction I ended up with more value in the Extra Care Buck coupon that I had paid for the actual item. That doesn't usually happen for me! 

When I was planning my shopping trip I had forgotten to include tax so I was a little frustrated at the register when my total out of pocket price was higher than I had anticipated. Almost $2 of my total cost paid was in sales tax! But really, it was still pretty cool to leave the store with $30 worth of brand-name products and a $4 coupon for less than $10.

Now I just need to find more shelf space in my closet!

Crazy Couponer

I've been clipping coupons pretty actively for four months now. I didn't know how serious I would get when I first started so I was reluctant to really invest in any organization tools. Seriously, I just didn't think I should spend $5-10 in order to stay organized in my money-saving attempts!

Instead I had three separate envelopes. One for grocery coupons, one for drugstore items, and a third for the coupons I would be bringing to the store. Every week I would go through and pull out any coupons that matched sale items or items I just had to buy that week and put them in that third envelope. I was trying to avoid looking like a crazy lady with all of my coupons.

Clipping time!

This is an example of what my drugstore coupon envelope looked like. Like products were kept together with paperclips. It wasn't all that bad but I found myself constantly looking through each stack trying to find the right category and then looking through that group of coupons for the specific one I needed. It was getting to be too much work to find my coupons!

I finally broke down and bought the baseball card protector pages that couponers recommend. I just bought one package of 25 pages, so hopefully I can keep it contained! But just look at how much easier it is to find a coupon now!

I still have a little more organizing to do, and I'm sure every time there are new coupons to add I'll have to clean it up again. But I think in the long run, this will work just great! 

I've been clipping coupons pretty actively for four months now. I didn't know how serious I would get when I first started so I was reluctant to really invest in any organization tools. Seriously, I just didn't think I should spend $5-10 in order to stay organized in my money-saving attempts!

Instead I had three separate envelopes. One for grocery coupons, one for drugstore items, and a third for the coupons I would be bringing to the store. Every week I would go through and pull out any coupons that matched sale items or items I just had to buy that week and put them in that third envelope. I was trying to avoid looking like a crazy lady with all of my coupons.

Clipping time!

This is an example of what my drugstore coupon envelope looked like. Like products were kept together with paperclips. It wasn't all that bad but I found myself constantly looking through each stack trying to find the right category and then looking through that group of coupons for the specific one I needed. It was getting to be too much work to find my coupons!

I finally broke down and bought the baseball card protector pages that couponers recommend. I just bought one package of 25 pages, so hopefully I can keep it contained! But just look at how much easier it is to find a coupon now!

I still have a little more organizing to do, and I'm sure every time there are new coupons to add I'll have to clean it up again. But I think in the long run, this will work just great! 

my trip to the drugstore

Before I tell you what I purchased, you need to know that I'm obsessed with couponing and thekrazycouponlady.com. I mean, I check the website more than once a day to make sure I know about every sale. Okay, now that I've publicly proclaimed my obsession (and am starting to think I have a problem) let me tell you about this fantastic deal I found at the CVS drugstore.

They had a sale on their Schick Hydro men's razors. Normally the razor which includes two cartridges will cost around $10 and the replacement cartridge pack of 4 cost $13. Schick introduced this razor not too long ago so coupons are in abundance. I've actually seen them for months but Chris doesn't use that razor so I didn't ever give it a second look. But this sale I could not pass up so I asked him to try it out for me, and he happily obliged.

Anyway, back to the details.

The sale was $8.49 for each. Not a huge price cut. But, CVS runs these promotions where they will give you "ExtraCare" rewards on certain purchases. In this case, they will give you $4 for each purchase in the form of a coupon to use toward your next purchase. That made the deal worth looking into!

But even better, was the fact that I had a $2 off coupon for each of these products! And I also had a $3 off coupon toward my next purchase from a previous sale. Here's what it ended up costing:

Schick Hydro Razor  . . .  $8.49 - 2.00 = $6.49
Schick Hydro 4-pack . . .  $8.49 - 2.00 = $6.49
Total price: $12.98 - $3 = $9.98

That made each razor only $1.66 which is not too bad; actually that's pretty good compared to what I had been paying for his razors.

But then I took that $8 coupon and went back to the store and bought another pack of the cartridges. I had another $2.00 off coupon which left a little left over for a treat and it was all free.

So, let's add that to the total: I paid $9.98 for essentially 10 razors which makes them: $.99 each!

Yes, I'm aware that this stock pile will last us more than half of the year, but seriously, I don't ever want to pay full price for a razor again! And I really hope you won't either!

Before I tell you what I purchased, you need to know that I'm obsessed with couponing and thekrazycouponlady.com. I mean, I check the website more than once a day to make sure I know about every sale. Okay, now that I've publicly proclaimed my obsession (and am starting to think I have a problem) let me tell you about this fantastic deal I found at the CVS drugstore.

They had a sale on their Schick Hydro men's razors. Normally the razor which includes two cartridges will cost around $10 and the replacement cartridge pack of 4 cost $13. Schick introduced this razor not too long ago so coupons are in abundance. I've actually seen them for months but Chris doesn't use that razor so I didn't ever give it a second look. But this sale I could not pass up so I asked him to try it out for me, and he happily obliged.

Anyway, back to the details.

The sale was $8.49 for each. Not a huge price cut. But, CVS runs these promotions where they will give you "ExtraCare" rewards on certain purchases. In this case, they will give you $4 for each purchase in the form of a coupon to use toward your next purchase. That made the deal worth looking into!

But even better, was the fact that I had a $2 off coupon for each of these products! And I also had a $3 off coupon toward my next purchase from a previous sale. Here's what it ended up costing:

Schick Hydro Razor  . . .  $8.49 - 2.00 = $6.49
Schick Hydro 4-pack . . .  $8.49 - 2.00 = $6.49
Total price: $12.98 - $3 = $9.98

That made each razor only $1.66 which is not too bad; actually that's pretty good compared to what I had been paying for his razors.

But then I took that $8 coupon and went back to the store and bought another pack of the cartridges. I had another $2.00 off coupon which left a little left over for a treat and it was all free.

So, let's add that to the total: I paid $9.98 for essentially 10 razors which makes them: $.99 each!

Yes, I'm aware that this stock pile will last us more than half of the year, but seriously, I don't ever want to pay full price for a razor again! And I really hope you won't either!

Extreme Couponing . . . or not

Last month a friend of mine turned me on to a little trend and now TV show known as "Extreme Couponing." It sounded a little crazy to be honest but now I have to confess that I am addicted. I'm not one of those professionals who can walk out of Walmart with over $100 of merchandise for 50 cents or anything but I am saving money. On average about an extra $8 per week on my normal grocery shopping. It may not sound like much but that's about $35 saved last month.

It's easy to get side tracked from my main goals in buying healthy foods and meal planning and just follow the coupons and sales and buy a bunch of stuff I don't need. But I have to say that I think I've done an okay job in saving money on things we really do use. (I have come home with regret in knowing I shouldn't have bought something just because it was on sale and I had a coupon -- but you learn my making mistakes right?!)

I follow a coupon-blog called thekrazycouponlady.com and she tells you what is on sale at each store and what coupons to pair with those sales to get amazing savings. She basically does all the hard work for you. All I have to do is clip the coupons and make my list.

Walgreens had a sale that I wanted to get in on this week. So yesterday I headed over there with my envelope of coupons and list and this is what I came home with:

Two six-ounce containers of almonds, three cans of tomato soup and one nine-ounce container of dish soup.  If I had gone shopping without watching the sales or with coupons (okay I would not have gone to Walgreens at all if that were the case), it would have cost: $12.75 (plus tax). But I didn't . . . so instead I bought:

   * the almonds on a buy-one-get-one-free sale along with a $1 off when you buy two coupon

   * there was an in-store coupon on the soup so they were .59 each and I had a .40-off coupon when you buy three

   * the dish soap was on sale for $1 and I had a .50 off coupon

So, my total was only $4.45 (plus tax).  I know that the extreme-couponers that get featured on the television show aim for 95% or higher savings but I still felt pretty good about this purchase and the 65% savings since I know I will use all of these things! 

Last month a friend of mine turned me on to a little trend and now TV show known as "Extreme Couponing." It sounded a little crazy to be honest but now I have to confess that I am addicted. I'm not one of those professionals who can walk out of Walmart with over $100 of merchandise for 50 cents or anything but I am saving money. On average about an extra $8 per week on my normal grocery shopping. It may not sound like much but that's about $35 saved last month.

It's easy to get side tracked from my main goals in buying healthy foods and meal planning and just follow the coupons and sales and buy a bunch of stuff I don't need. But I have to say that I think I've done an okay job in saving money on things we really do use. (I have come home with regret in knowing I shouldn't have bought something just because it was on sale and I had a coupon -- but you learn my making mistakes right?!)

I follow a coupon-blog called thekrazycouponlady.com and she tells you what is on sale at each store and what coupons to pair with those sales to get amazing savings. She basically does all the hard work for you. All I have to do is clip the coupons and make my list.

Walgreens had a sale that I wanted to get in on this week. So yesterday I headed over there with my envelope of coupons and list and this is what I came home with:

Two six-ounce containers of almonds, three cans of tomato soup and one nine-ounce container of dish soup.  If I had gone shopping without watching the sales or with coupons (okay I would not have gone to Walgreens at all if that were the case), it would have cost: $12.75 (plus tax). But I didn't . . . so instead I bought:

   * the almonds on a buy-one-get-one-free sale along with a $1 off when you buy two coupon

   * there was an in-store coupon on the soup so they were .59 each and I had a .40-off coupon when you buy three

   * the dish soap was on sale for $1 and I had a .50 off coupon

So, my total was only $4.45 (plus tax).  I know that the extreme-couponers that get featured on the television show aim for 95% or higher savings but I still felt pretty good about this purchase and the 65% savings since I know I will use all of these things!