So, you've plotted out your trip- checked the sales, pulled your coupons.
You shopped.
You came, you saw, you conquered!! And you saved a ton (over 50%- GREAT!!)
Now what?
This ladies and gents, is the stockpile. I have two.
One is for edibles. It lives in our cupboard. I stock pile things that I can get for A) Free, B) We'll eat, and/or C) Have a good shelf life. I don't recommend stockpiling, say... milk, or chicken breasts. DH and I eat at work 3-4 days a week, so I tend to stock up on snacky/lunch foods and food that's good for entertaining (crackers, snack mix). My cupboard is relatively organized. I know what's in there with a quick glance. The 2nd type of stock pile item is something that has a good shelf life that we use a lot of. Examp[le: Hunt Sugar Free Pasta sauce in a can . Yup, a can. Our local grocery store was no longer going to carry it, so it was marked down to .59/can. Down from $1.79. Such a deal. I bought 10. That's about 3 months worth. I use it for many different recipes, so it comes in handy. When something is insanely cheap- EVEN IF THERE IS NO COUPON- and YOU WILL EAT IT- BUY IT.
The second is HBA: Home Bath Accessories. Shampoo, soap, toilet tissue, kleenex, paper towels, cleaning supplies. Once again A) Free, B) We'll use and/or C) Make good gifts.
I have two stash locations: Kitcheny/cleaning stuff goes under the sink. Dish soap is usually free or less than .50. Combine manufacturer (man. q's) coupons with walgreens store/circular/super saver q's and you are in like Flynn. Bath stuff lives in a large box in my closet. It's dark and cool, great for storage.
I tend to buy "sets"- shampoo AND conditioner, body wash AND lotion. Of course, sales permitting. I stock up when they are cheap/free and save them. Brushes, combs, hair accessories, candles (stuff that makes great gifts!). I keep them all in a box and when it's time for a birthday or a party where I need a hostess gift, I pull out hte box and make a gift basket.
GIFT WRAP- Total non sequiter- After X-mas, stock up on plain-ish looking gift bags and tissue. 90% off at Target the week after X-mas.. OK!
Now I've got it... what do I do with it?? part two- revenge of the coupons
So, you're new to money saving... or, you're like me and you clip ALL the coupons. What do you need fixodent or Depend adult diapers for?? The coupons you won't use, put in an envelope and offer the coupons to a co-worker or friends (your coupon buddies!), let them look through and take what they want. With the rejects (fixodent!), I take them with me to the store and leave them on the shelf, next to the item. Someone's gonna need it!
If I can impart one kernel of knowledge- Club Cards, Club Cards, Club cards. Who really cares if they know what you buy? It's called market research! That's how they offer great deals- they see what you want and buy more! Club cards aren't big brother- they are a tool to save money!! USE THEM!!!
Oh and withthe new year, comes coupons that expire 12/31/08. Clean out your coupon stashes and PURGE the expireds!!
Have a great and safe new year.
2009 will be the year of savings!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
On rebates (part deux)
Walgreens (my favorite drug store) has a rebate/coupon book each month called the Super Saver catalog:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/rebateclub.jsp
The "catalog" is 2 fold- the front has coupons which you tear (or cut) out and redeem just like any other coupon- but these are MAGICAL. YOu can stack/layer them with a manufacturer coupon.
Example- There is a coupon in this months super saver for $1.00 off garnier shampoo. There was a coupon in the paper last month that I clipped and saved for $2.00 off the same garnier shampoo. I combine them (by handing them to the cashier with my other wad of coupons) and $3.00 is deducted. Pretty sweet when the shampoo was only $3.50 to start with! .50 for shampoo I really do like.
The second part is the rebate. Boo Hiss rebates suck you say? Not so, grasshoppa! With Walgreens you can set up your rebate online- no mailing forms or circling on receipts.
Just click the CLAIM REBATES button, sign up (it only takes aminute) and poof. You enter some info from your receipt and in a week or so you get your rebate check.. or for an additional 10% sign up for a rechargeable walgreens giftcard! That's right an extra 10% (so for me this month that .15!), they will send you a rechargeable walgreens gift card preloadedwith your rebate, then next month when you log on to claim your rebate, you simply choose the giftcard option (again with an extra 10%) and enter the # in the back of your card into the system when prompted!
SUPER EASY.
With rebates, you can use coupons.
Example: this month there is a $5 rebate when you buy two CocoaVia products. I found a printable online coupon for said product: www.cocoavia.com/ONLINE-COUPON-1.pdf, printed two copies and added them to my stack of coupons for the trip.
On the topic of my love of Walgreens, they offer something called Register Rewards. CVS has a similar program called Extra Care Bucks. When you purchase a specific item (or items), a coupon prints out at the register entitling you to a specifc dollar amount off your next purchase. This week, spend $20 (pre coupon) on Proctor and Gamble (P&G) shampoo or conditioner and receive a $4 register reward for your next trip. Register Rewards (RR) are usually done in conjunction with coupons being offered in the paper for the items (there were P&G coupons in Sunday's paper).
So this trip I got:
Head and shoulders 2 in 1 (great for camping) $6.00 ($1 off Q) And there was an 8 oz bonus bottle attached- SCORE!
Infusium Conditioner $6 ($3 off Q)
Infusium Shampoo $6 ($3 off Q)
Herbal essences shampoo $6 ($1 off Q)
SO after Coupons (q's) $16.00.. and I got a $4.00 RR- that's like paying $3/bottle. And these are the large 23oz bottles.
Next-Now I've got it... what do I do with it?
http://www.walgreens.com/store/rebateclub.jsp
The "catalog" is 2 fold- the front has coupons which you tear (or cut) out and redeem just like any other coupon- but these are MAGICAL. YOu can stack/layer them with a manufacturer coupon.
Example- There is a coupon in this months super saver for $1.00 off garnier shampoo. There was a coupon in the paper last month that I clipped and saved for $2.00 off the same garnier shampoo. I combine them (by handing them to the cashier with my other wad of coupons) and $3.00 is deducted. Pretty sweet when the shampoo was only $3.50 to start with! .50 for shampoo I really do like.
The second part is the rebate. Boo Hiss rebates suck you say? Not so, grasshoppa! With Walgreens you can set up your rebate online- no mailing forms or circling on receipts.
Just click the CLAIM REBATES button, sign up (it only takes aminute) and poof. You enter some info from your receipt and in a week or so you get your rebate check.. or for an additional 10% sign up for a rechargeable walgreens giftcard! That's right an extra 10% (so for me this month that .15!), they will send you a rechargeable walgreens gift card preloadedwith your rebate, then next month when you log on to claim your rebate, you simply choose the giftcard option (again with an extra 10%) and enter the # in the back of your card into the system when prompted!
SUPER EASY.
With rebates, you can use coupons.
Example: this month there is a $5 rebate when you buy two CocoaVia products. I found a printable online coupon for said product: www.cocoavia.com/ONLINE-COUPON-1.pdf, printed two copies and added them to my stack of coupons for the trip.
On the topic of my love of Walgreens, they offer something called Register Rewards. CVS has a similar program called Extra Care Bucks. When you purchase a specific item (or items), a coupon prints out at the register entitling you to a specifc dollar amount off your next purchase. This week, spend $20 (pre coupon) on Proctor and Gamble (P&G) shampoo or conditioner and receive a $4 register reward for your next trip. Register Rewards (RR) are usually done in conjunction with coupons being offered in the paper for the items (there were P&G coupons in Sunday's paper).
So this trip I got:
Head and shoulders 2 in 1 (great for camping) $6.00 ($1 off Q) And there was an 8 oz bonus bottle attached- SCORE!
Infusium Conditioner $6 ($3 off Q)
Infusium Shampoo $6 ($3 off Q)
Herbal essences shampoo $6 ($1 off Q)
SO after Coupons (q's) $16.00.. and I got a $4.00 RR- that's like paying $3/bottle. And these are the large 23oz bottles.
Next-Now I've got it... what do I do with it?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays everyone.
Remember, after X-mas sales are a great way to stock up for gifts for future holidays and birthdays.
Also- No coupons in this weekends' paper or next weekend. The weekend of a holiday there are no coupons, and the weekend before X-mas (so last weekend) there were no coupons either.
If you are jonsing for some deals:
www.coupons.com
couponbar.coupons.com
Are two sources for great printable q's.
One last big money saver- especially if you eat out a lot or rent a car with any frequency: Entertainment books are now on sale for 2009. And they are on sale:
http://www.entertainment.com/discount/local_editions.shtml If you use a few of the coupons, the book pays for itself. Ours has paid for itself- and I got it last week!
Remember, after X-mas sales are a great way to stock up for gifts for future holidays and birthdays.
Also- No coupons in this weekends' paper or next weekend. The weekend of a holiday there are no coupons, and the weekend before X-mas (so last weekend) there were no coupons either.
If you are jonsing for some deals:
www.coupons.com
couponbar.coupons.com
Are two sources for great printable q's.
One last big money saver- especially if you eat out a lot or rent a car with any frequency: Entertainment books are now on sale for 2009. And they are on sale:
http://www.entertainment.com/discount/local_editions.shtml If you use a few of the coupons, the book pays for itself. Ours has paid for itself- and I got it last week!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
fav inexpensive meals
What is your favorite cheap meal?
We love salsa chicken.
1 lb chicken (any kind, but remove the skin)
1 jar of salsa- any kind.
Remove the skin from the chicken, place in a glass baking dish, cover with salsa and bake 25-35 minutes at 350 until the chicken is cooked. Top with 1/4-1/2c cheese and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
Serve with noodles or rice and salad or green veggie.
We love salsa chicken.
1 lb chicken (any kind, but remove the skin)
1 jar of salsa- any kind.
Remove the skin from the chicken, place in a glass baking dish, cover with salsa and bake 25-35 minutes at 350 until the chicken is cooked. Top with 1/4-1/2c cheese and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
Serve with noodles or rice and salad or green veggie.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
rebates work!
In the past 3 weeks, I have received over $30 in rebate checks.
Remember- cash back promises (like progresso, wenchai ferry, hillshire farms, and fiber one toaster pastries) are a great way to try something and get your money back. Even if you like them, take advantage of money back!
And as a friendly reminder- Check your receipts for holiday purchases. Many companies have on line surveys you can take to receive cash off or a percentage off your next purchase.
OOHH... One last thing- keep your eyes peeled for Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons in the mail! There have been 2-3 per week for the past month or so!
Remember- cash back promises (like progresso, wenchai ferry, hillshire farms, and fiber one toaster pastries) are a great way to try something and get your money back. Even if you like them, take advantage of money back!
And as a friendly reminder- Check your receipts for holiday purchases. Many companies have on line surveys you can take to receive cash off or a percentage off your next purchase.
OOHH... One last thing- keep your eyes peeled for Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons in the mail! There have been 2-3 per week for the past month or so!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
$5 off any purchase of $30 + at CVS
$5 off any purchase of $30 + at CVS through 10/14.
Check your email or the CVS website at cvs.com.
Check your email or the CVS website at cvs.com.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
ewww!!!
Ever try something and it's so yucky that you wouldn't feed it to your dog??
Call the customer service number on the back of the package and let them know!
Most of the time, the company will send you your money back, or coupons, or gift certs. for free products.
I have had this happen a couple times in the back 6 months or so, and the companies are more than willing to send you something so you won't run and tell your friends how icky something is.
Call the customer service number on the back of the package and let them know!
Most of the time, the company will send you your money back, or coupons, or gift certs. for free products.
I have had this happen a couple times in the back 6 months or so, and the companies are more than willing to send you something so you won't run and tell your friends how icky something is.
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