Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Monthly Totals and a Financial Milestone

This month I had a very important financial milestone - I paid off my last credit card! I'm finally free! My credit card balance is zero, zip, zilch, nada! About four years ago, I was carrying almost $14,000 on my credit cards, and they were close to all being maxed out. I remember going through a cycle of paying the minimum balances, getting hit with the monthly finance charges which then brought me over my credit limit and wammy! Over-limit fees! One day I woke up and said enough, I want outta this. I started reading everything and anything I could get my hands on that dealt with finances. I went to a credit union and was able to negotiate a personal loan to consolidate my debt and bring down the interest rate. After about a year, I transferred the loan balance back to a credit card at a low interest rate and shuffled it whenever possible to stay at the lowest rate possible. Now, four years later, I've accomplished my goal and I couldn't be happier. It feels so good! Here are some of the things I've done over the past several years that helped me reach my goal:

  • Worked extra hours/jobs whenever possible and put every extra penny towards the debt.
  • Sold a lot of personal items online, ie. books, CD's and movies (wish I'd never bought many of these in the first place!)
  • Hounding (of course!) - you didn't think I'd leave this off the list, did you?? I really only started smart shopping this year, but its made such a difference.
  • And most importantly, I changed my whole way of thinking about money. I was determined to pay off this debt and reevaluated what I bought and paid for in terms of this goal. For me, it was the little day-to-day purchases that got me into all this cc debt, so I figured closely monitoring these purchases could be my way out as well.

My car will be paid off next May and I still have a mountain of student loan debt to tackle. But for now, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing I don't owe the CC companies anything, especially considering the economy at the moment. I will still use my cc's to purchase gas and pay some of my monthly bills, but just for the rewards I get on my cc. I get 5% back on gas and automotive purchases/repairs and with an hour commute (each way), that adds up pretty fast. But the difference is that my balances will be paid off each month in full. My next goal is to build up my savings, which is pitifully small at the moment. I plan to put my monthly cc payment plus all of the money I get back from rebates directly into savings. My first goal is $500 in a short-term savings account. Here we go!

Without further delay, here are my monthly totals for September:

CVS - my lightest CVS month yet

  • Merchandise Total: $174.52
  • Value of Coupons Used: $80
  • ECB's/Gift Cards Used: $97.45, ECB's Earned: $71.95
  • Profit: $15.07
  • # Items: 62, # Free Items: 30

All Other Stores:

  • Merchandise Total: $719.64
  • Value of Coupons Used: $415.67
  • Rewards/Gift Cards Used: $85.20, Rewards Earned: $134.50, Rebates: $110.12
  • Total OOP: $86.24, Profit: $54.61
  • # Items: 328, # Free Items: 149

WAG RR's Head's Up

Just a quick post to let you know that if you bought the Crest Pro Health rinse last week at Walgreens and were planning to use the $4.50 RR on the Oral B toothbrushes this week, the Oral B RR's won't print. Supposedly, the UPC code on the Crest RR is the same as the Oral B RR, so the system won't print the new one.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Holy Air Freshners!

EDIT - if you also bought the 3m lint rollers and aren't satisfied with them, you can submit for this Satisfaction Guarantee (up to $4.99).
EDIT - there is another BOGO coupon for the Glade gel warmers on coupons.com - thanks Tosha!


Walmart
  • 3 bags Tidy Cats litter ($6.73 ea) & 3 bags of the litter pads ($4.32 ea) - its getting harder and harder to find this stuff so when I see it, I've been grabbing multiple packages. I used one $1 Tidy Cats coupon that my houndfriend dancinmama sent me (wish I had more to use but they weren't in my inserts)
  • 6 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $1.50, used six $1 coupons (8/24 SS) = $0.50 each
  • Total was $37.47 but at least I'm set on litter for a while

CVS

  • 6 Scotch Brite lint rollers $2.50 each, used six $1 coupons = $1.50 each
  • Used $3 off $15 and $3 ECB, total was $3.63 and got back $5 ECB (for buying $15 worth of Scotch Brite)
Ok, now here's where the fun starts. Thanks to an awesome tip from a fellow hound called saphira, I was able to pick up all these Glade air freshners at Stop & Shop.

Transaction One:
  • 2 Glade Wisp Flameless Candles $9.99 each, used BOGO coupon and got back two $3 catalinas plus I'll submit for Try Me Free rebate $9.99 (9/7 SS) = $6 profit

Transactions Two & Three:

  • 22 Glade Gel Warmers $1.79 each, used a combination of BOGO coupons (or 9/14 SS) and $0.55 coupons (also print when you print the BOGO coupons) and got back $2 catalina for each warmer I bought
  • So here's the run down: I paid $21.51 OOP for the warmers and I got back $44 in catalinas! That's a $22.49 profit!

Well, I just had to put all those catalinas to good use! All in all, I had $64 to spend (including catalinas I'd earned today and a couple days back). Back to S&S DBF and I went:

So, as far as I understand it, here's the deal with S&S catalinas. They are manufacturer's coupons (as opposed to S&S coupons), so you can only use one per item. Also, if you have a $2 catalina, your item must cost at least $2. So the name of the game was finding as many $2 and $3 items as possible. Here's what I got:
  • 5 papers $2 each, used five $2 cats = FREE
  • Arnold bread $2.50, used $2 cat = $0.50
  • Tortilla chips $2.89, used $2 cat = $0.89
  • Rold Gold pretzels $2, used $2 cat = FREE
  • Thomas mini bagels $2.50, used $2 cat = $0.50
  • 2 Milks $2.29 ea, used two $2 cats = $0.58
  • Land O Lakes half sticks butter $4.29, used $3 cat and will submit for Try Me Free rebate = $1.29 paid, $4.29 back = $3 profit
  • Yoplait yogurt $2.29, used $2 cat = $0.29
  • 4 S&S shredded cheeses $2.50 each, used four $2 cats = $2
  • S&S brick cheese $2.50, used $2 cat = $0.50
  • 2 S&S cream cheese $2 each, used two $2 cats = FREE
  • Sargento swiss cheese $3, used $3 cat = FREE
  • Tropicana OJ $3, used $3 cat = FREE
  • 2 Healthy Ones cold cuts $3 each, used $3 and $2 cat = $1
  • McCain fries $2, used $2 cat = FREE
  • Perdue ground turkey $3.06, used $2 cat = $1.06
  • 1 pound strawberries $2, used $2 cat = FREE
  • Apples $4.41, used $2 cat = $2.21
  • Total was $10.52 and I still have a couple $2 catalinas still to use

Even if you don't have any Q's for the Glade gel warmers, at $1.79 each, you make $0.21 for every $2 catalina you get back. The $0.55 coupons are actually a better deal than the BOGO coupons. $1.79 + $1.79 - $1.10 - $1.10 ($0.55 Q doubled) = $1.38 for two (versus $1.79 with the BOGO Q).

Friday, September 26, 2008

Hidden Deals at Walgreens!

Thanks again saphira for another awesome tip! She discovered that Walgreens is repeating two of their September rebates during October: #45 is Nivea for Men body wash $4.99 (free after rebate) and #46 Lypsyl Honey Berry lip gloss $1.99 rebate (price is listed as $3.99). You can use the $1 Nivea coupon from the 7/20 SS and the $1 Nivea coupon in the October Easy Saver book to make a $2 profit on the Nivea. Thanks again houndfriend!

EDIT - the Easy Saver coupon for Nivea is only good for products up to 5 oz. The body was is 16 oz. so it won't work. Still a $1 moneymaker though!

NEW EDIT - these two rebates are no longer listed on Walgreen's website so I don't think they're valid for October anymore. :(

Gotta Love those Double Dip Days!

Today and tomorrow are fabulous days in Walgreens land! Why, you might ask? Well, because you can still buy September rebate items, but you can also buy October rebate items! If you can find any (more likely, you'll have to ask for them), you can use the new coupons available in the October Easy Saver book. There is also a $5 off $20 coupon available. I probably could've worked this into my deals today, but I feel a cold coming on and my brain's a little fuzzy. Good thing I got some cough drops! :) Here goes:

Transaction 1 - was looking for more Reach toothbrushes, no luck
  • 2 packages Nabisco cookies $5, get back $3 RR
  • Small package of Oreos (filler) $1
  • Pert Plus shampoo $3.49, used $2.50 coupon from Oct. Easy Saver book and $2 coupon (8/3 SS) and I'll submit for Sept. ESR #43 for $3.49 = $4.50 profit *This deal is only good 9/26 or 9/27
  • Glade Fabric and Air Freshner $4.29*, used $1 coupon from Sept. Easy Saver book and $1.50 coupon (or 8/24 SS) and will get back $1 rebate Oct. ESR #28 = $0.79
  • Used $4.50 RR and total was $2.83

*I thought this was going to be $2.99, so its not quite the moneymaker deal I had planned on, but I think its still a pretty good deal. $0.79 isn't bad for a product that I use very often. Melissa, another great hound, has confirmed that the Easy Saver coupon will come off multiple times for this item, even though it says Limit One. She used one coupon and the discount came off 10 times, so buy away!

Transaction 2 - I also do rebates in my boyfriend's name so these will be submitted under his name

  • 2 bags Halls cough drops $1 each with in-circular coupon = $2
  • WAG brand Brita filter $6.99, will get back $6.99 Sept. ESR #9 = FREE
  • Pert Plus shampoo $3.49, used $2.50 coupon from Oct. Easy Saver book and $2 coupon (8/3 SS) and I'll submit for Sept. ESR #43 for $3.49 = $4.50 profit *This deal is only good 9/26 or 9/27
  • Crest Pro Health rinse $4.49, used $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) and got back $4.50 RR = $1 profit
  • Used $3 RR from cookies, total was $9.50

This was an awesome Walgreens month for me. I shopped more at Walgreens than I did at CVS, and that's really saying something (for me at least!). I've earned roughly $65 on my gift card and the same on my boyfriend's gift card, with a profit of roughly $20 on each. WAG gift cards never expire, and you can use this money to buy more rebate items in months to come (or of course, anything else in the store you want to buy). I love it because I don't have to include this money in my grocery budget and it helps me save some of my cash. October looks pretty slow for me, at least in terms of rebate items, so I'm sure I can stretch this money very far.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

My Name is frugalsuz and I am a Pasta-holic

ShopRite

  • 6 boxes Ziploc EZ zipper bags $1.79 each, used six $0.75 coupons (9/14 SS) = $0.29 each (bought 4 in one transaction, two in another - SR only doubles 4 of the same coupon in a transaction)
  • 10 boxes Ronzoni pasta $0.55 each
  • 2 Cabot cheddar cheeses (yum!) two for $5
  • 2 Friendship sour creams two for $3, used $1 off 2 coupon (9/21 paper) = $2
  • Thomas toasting bread $1.99
  • Total was $16.91 after $0.15 bag discount

Stop n Shop

saphira (one of the fellow Jersey gals from the pound) clued me in to this awesome deal - thanks houndfriend!

  • 2 L'Oreal Vive shampoos $3.99 each, BOGO sale and used BOGO coupon and $1 coupon = $1 profit
  • 2 Glade Wisp Flameless Candles $9.99 each, used BOGO coupon and got back two $3 catalinas plus I'll submit for Try Me Free rebate $9.99 (9/7 SS) = $6 profit
  • 4 Glade Gel Warmers $1.79 each, used two BOGO coupons (or 9/14 SS) and got back $2 catalina for each ($8 total) = $4.42 profit

The deal on the gel warmers is supposed to be good until 10/2 and if you use the self-checkout, the BOGO coupons scan by themselves and you don't need the cashiers to enter in the price manually. If you have a Kroger by you, its supposed to work at this store as well.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Gettin' Ready for Next Week 9/28 - 10/4

As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW, Slick Deals (starting to try them out) and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com (and once in a blue moon, from my very own noggin'!). If you ever want to actually see the circulars, Erica's websites have scanned copies available. If I've missed anything, please let me know! You can post a comment or email me at frugalsuz@hotmail.com. Here we go...


CVS - there is a new $3 off $15 coupon available on iheartcvs.com under Coupon Links (also a $2 off $10 if that works better for you)
EDIT - if you also bought the 3m lint rollers and aren't satisfied with them, you can submit for this Satisfaction Guarantee (up to $4.99).

  • Covergirl Clean Make Up $5.49, use $1 coupon (8/31, 9/14 or 9/28 P&G) and get back $5.49 ECB = $1 profit or FREE if no Q's (Limit 1). You could also use the BOGO Q to get a free makeup item. You'd still only get back $5.49 ECB, but you'd get 2 items for free.
  • Colgate Total Maxfresh toothpaste or 360 or Active Angle Toothbrush two for $5, use $1 toothpaste or brush coupon (or 9/7 SS) or $1 toothpaste/brush coupon or $1.50 paste coupon (All You magazine, Issue 9 Sept. 26) and get back $2 ECB (Limit 2) = $0.50 - $1 depending on coupons. *I got $1 scanner Q's for the toothpaste & brush making this a $1 moneymaker.
  • 3M Products Spend $15, get $5 ECB (Limit 1): Includes $2.50 Post It Notes, Flags or Page Markers ($3 off 2 Q), $2.50 Command Hooks ($1 Q), $2.50 Lint Brush or Roller ($1 Q) - I've been out of lint rollers for ages and with two shed-happy kitties, I've been eagerly waiting for a good deal - yay!
  • Nestle Candy Spend $15, get back $5 ECB (Limit 1) - might be a good deal if you're stocking up for Halloween. Erica has a list of all the items included and available coupons for the deal here.

Rite Aid - another light week! I haven't been to RA in over two weeks, but I'll probably stop in for the Kotex.


  • Diabeti-Derm Heel and Toe Cream $6.99 and get back $6.99 (SCR #33) = FREE
  • Gillette Fusion Razor (Power or Manual) $9, use $4 Q (in upcoming paper) and get back $5 (SCR #148) = FREE
  • Crest Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste (4.2 oz) $2.69, use $1 coupon (8/31 or 9/28 P&G) and get back $2.69 (SCR #168) = $1 profit
  • Kotex liners $0.99, use $1 coupon from All You magazine = FREE


Walgreens - must be oral health care month! Reach toothbrushes this week, Crest Pro Health Rinse all month, and next week, its Oral B...

  • Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush $4.49, use $0.75 coupon (9/28 P&G) and get back $4.49 RR = $0.75 profit
  • Softsoap Body Wash $3.49, buy 5 and get $10 RR, use five $1 coupons or 9/14 SS, and use $1 coupon from October ESR book and get back $10 RR = $1.45 for five bottles (I'm assuming here that the ESR coupon will only come off once - it may take off more than $1 even though it says limit one.)
  • Snacks: two for $5 and get back $2 RR (6 or 8 pack Nutri-Grain Bars, 8 pack Rice Krispie Treats, 6 pack Special K Bars, Sandies Pecan Shortbread Cookies or 16 oz. Club Crackers), use various $1 coupons from 8/3 GM insert ($1 off 2 Nutri Grain, $1 off 2 Nabisco cookies, $1 off 2 Rice Krispies) - total would be $2 per box

REMINDER - Rebate deals for 9/26 and 9/27 ONLY from iheartwags.com:

  • Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner (25.4oz - probably family size) or Deep Conditioner (10.2 oz) $6.99 (buy 3), use three $3 coupons from October Easy Saver book AND three $1 coupons (6/22 RP, 7/20 SS, 8/24 RP or 9/24 RP) = $8.97 and get back $10 rebate (Sept. ESR #12) = $1.03 profit *The WAG Q is Limit 1 per item so you may have to buy these separately.
  • Pert Plus $4.29, use $2 coupon (8/3 SS or $1.50 Q 9/7 SS) AND $2.50 coupon from October Easy Saver book AND get back $4.29 rebate (Sept. ESR #43) = $4.50 profit
  • Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator $2.99, use $1.50 coupon or 8/24 SS AND $1 coupon from Sept. Easy Saver book AND get back $1 rebate (Oct. ESR #28) = $0.51 profit Limit 10!!

Hidden Monthly Deal: Crest Pro Health rinse (500 ml) $4.49 and get back $4.50 RR = FREE

September Rebate Deals: 8/29 - 9/27

  • Nivea for Men Body Wash $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $4.99 rebate (Sept. ESR #2) = $1 profit
  • Revlon Nail Color or Nail Care $4.79, use $2 coupons (7/20 or 8/3 SS) and get back $4.79(Sept. ESR #7) = $2 profit
  • Loreal Advanced Revitalift Antiwrinkle Concentrate $16.49, use $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $16.49 (Sept. ESR #3) = $3 profit
  • Crest Pro-Health toothpaste $3.79, $3.79 ESR = FREE
  • Chemistry shampoo/conditioner $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Lypsyl lip gloss $1.99, $1.99 ESR = FREE
  • WAG acid controller complete (25 chewable tablets) $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Walgreens brand Brita filter $6.99, $6.99 ESR = FREE

October Rebate Deals: 9/26 - 10/25

  • Extreme Energy 6-Hour Shot 2 pack, 2 oz. each $3.99, $3.99 ESR #1 = FREE
  • L'Oreal Cleansers (Age Perfect or Revitalift Cream 5 oz, Skin Genesis Gel 8 oz or Towelettes 25-30 pack) $7.99 (says $6.99 in 9/28 circular), use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $7.99 ESR #2 = $1 profit
  • Rimmel Lasting Finish Mineral Enriched Foundation 1 oz $7.49, use $1 coupon (9/14 RP) and get back $7.49 ESR #3 = $1 profit

Don't forget that if you get your WAG rebate back on a gift card instead of check, you'll get an extra 10% bonus on each item.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Breakfast Grub

CVS

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Light Day

Walgreens
  • 2 Nabisco cookies two for $5, got back $3 RR (you don't have to buy the milk for this deal to work!)
  • 2 Reach Ultra Clean toothbrushes two for $5, used $1 coupon (6/8 RP) and $0.50 coupon (from a rebate I did a while back) and got back $5 RR = $1.50 profit *Note - the coupon in the Easy Saver book does NOT work on these toothbrushes
  • Revlon nail polish $4.79, used $2 coupon (9/14 SS) and will get back $4.79 rebate (#7) = $2 profit
  • Used $4.50 RR, total was $2.98 and got back $3 RR for cookies and $5 RR for Reach

Transaction 2

  • Crest pro health toothpaste $3.79, used $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) and will get back $3.79 rebate (#4) = $1 profit
  • Crest pro health rinse $4.49, got back $4.50 RR (month long deal) = FREE
  • Used $3 RR and $5 RR from first transaction, total was $0.70

CVS

Three transactions on DBF's card, two different stores
  • 4 cases Pepsi $12, got back $3 ECB
  • Sierra Mist $1.89, used freebie coupon (only good up to $1.69) = almost free
  • Used $2 off $10, $2 ECB, $3 ECB and $4.99 ECB
  • Total was $0.34

  • Nivea men's body wash $4.99, used $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and got back $4.99 ECB = $1 profit
  • Adidas deodorant $4.99, used $1 coupon (7/27 or 9/7 RP) and got back $4 ECB = FREE
  • Crest pro health toothpaste $2.99, used $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) and got back $2 ECB = FREE
  • Used $2 off $10 and $5.99 ECB
  • Total was $2.33 and got back $4.99 ECB for Nivea, $4 for Adidas and $2 for Crest

  • Loreal anti wrinkle concentrate $11.99, used $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and got back $11.99 ECB
  • Used $2 off $10 coupon and $6 ECB, total was $1.27

Bought with my card:

Loreal transaction from above and also:

  • 5 papers $10
  • Milk $2.69
  • Crest pro health toothpaste $2.99, used $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) and got back $2 ECB = FREE
  • Used $2 off $10 and $11.99 ECB
  • Total was $0.69

Friday, September 19, 2008

Finally Used up all my Kraft Q's

Sigh, finally...they're all gone! There were great coupons in a past issue of All You magazine where you'd get a free item when you bought 3 Kraft items. I love these coupons but sometimes its so exhausting actually using them! I always have to explain to the cashiers that the Kool Aid is a Kraft item, the coupons always seem to beep, it takes the cashiers forever to look up the price of the items (even when I've told them ahead of time I have coupons for freebie items and would they want the coupons ahead of time? Nope, that's ok she says. Sigh). Anyway, today was a bit of a mega-shopping day. Let's get started:


ShopRite

  • 2 bottles Arbor Mist (hey, a girl needs a drink after the stress of using all those Q's!) $4.99 each and will submit for $3 rebate
  • 5 bags Purina Healthful Life cat food $1.75 each, used five $1 coupons (8/3 RP) = $0.75 each (limit is four, I bought these over 2 transactions)
  • Glade Wisp Flameless Candle $7.99, used $3 coupon (from a tearpad or sample from somewhere - there are also $5 coupons out there from the 9/7 SS, I got the rebate form, so no $5 Q for me), got back a $3 catalina and will submit for Try Me Free rebate (9/7 SS) = $6 profit
  • 12 packages Kool Aid = $3, freebie items = Crystal Lite ($3.99), 2 Kraft Dressings ($2.99 each) and Kraft singles cheese ($3.49)
  • SR tortillas $1.69
  • 8 Bic razors $2.99 each, used eight $3 coupons (9/14 SS) = FREE
  • Fruits & veggies $6.55
  • Got $0.10 bag discount, total was $33.59

Walgreens - thanks VA MOM for this deal! :)

  • 2 bags Nestle chocolate chips $1.99 each w/in-circular coupon, used two $1.50 coupons = $0.98

A&P

  • 8 Joint Juice $0.99 each, used eight $1 coupons (6/22 or 8/3 RP) = FREE
  • 6 Kool Aids $1.98, freebie items: 2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs ($4.69 each)
  • Total was $0.76 after DBF's mom's discount

How cool is this? We did self-checkout and I was fully prepared for issues with the Kraft coupons. They scanned with no beeps and even automatically entered the price of the freebie items! Man, if I'd known that, I would have bought all my stuff at A&P and avoided such hassles! :)

Target - went a little crazy buying some shoes here. I didn't include them in the pic, but I assure you - they are gorgeous. :)

  • 7 Bath Buddies - found some still at the $0.99 price! $6.93 and used seven $1 coupons = FREE Here are the links to the coupons: $1 coupons here and here and $2 off 2 coupons here and here
  • Oscar Mayer ham $3.89
  • Bread $2.79
  • Iams cat food $7.49, used freebie coupon (sorry, I can't remember where I saw this deal but it was online somewhere and they mailed me this Q) = FREE
  • Used gift cards (from last week's Kashi deal) to pay - OOP for food was around $1-2

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Upcoming Deals - Week of 9/21

As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW, Slick Deals (starting to try them out) and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com (and once in a blue moon, from my very own noggin'!). If I've missed anything, please let me know! You can post a comment or email me at frugalsuz@hotmail.com. Here we go...

CVS



  • Sunday & Monday only: L'Oreal Advanced Revitalist anti wrinkle serum $11.99, use $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $11.99 ECB (Limit 1) = $3 profit
  • Crest Pro Health $2.99, get back $2 ECB (Limit 2) and use $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) = FREE
  • South Beach and Kashi Bars two for $5 (buy two of each), use two $2 South Beach coupons and two $2 Kashi coupons plus a $2 off $10 coupon = FREE
  • Adidas deodorant $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/27 or 9/7 RP) and get back $4 ECB (Limit 1) = FREE
  • Nivea for Men Bodywash $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $4.99 ECB (Limit 1) = $1 profit
  • Pepsi 12 pack four for $12 and get back $3 ECB (WYB 4), use Sierra Mist Q (free bottle WYB 3 cases of Pepsi)
Rite Aid - finally! Some good deals courtesy of Sisterly Savings

EDIT - I don't see these deals in my circular, so I'm not sure where the ideas for these deals came from. As far as I know, these deals are not working. So sorry about that!
  • Reach Toothbrushes Value Pack 3 for $12, use three $1 coupons (6/8 RP) and get back $10 SCR #606 (WYB 3) = $1 profit
  • Oral B Crossaction Power Toothbrush 3 for $18, use three $5 coupons (8/31 P&G) (*if premium power is accepted) and get back $10 SCR #607 = $8 profit

Walgreens

NEW - Rebate deals for 9/26 and 9/27 only from iheartwags.com:

  • Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner (25.4oz - probably family size) or Deep Conditioner (10.2 oz) $6.99 (buy 3), use three $3 coupons from October Easy Saver book AND three $1 coupons (6/22 RP, 7/20 SS, 8/24 RP or 9/24 RP) = $8.97 and get back $10 rebate (Sept. ESR #12) = $1.03 profit
  • Pert Plus $4.29, use $2 coupon (8/3 SS or $1.50 Q 9/7 SS) AND $2.50 coupon from October Easy Saver book AND get back $4.29 rebate (Sept. ESR #43) = $4.50 profit
  • Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator $2.99, use $1.50 coupon or 8/24 SS AND $1 coupon from Sept. Easy Saver book AND get back $1 rebate (Oct. ESR #28) = $0.51 profit Limit 10!!

Regular Weekly Deals:

  • Reach Ultra clean toothbrush and floss (30 yards) two for $5 and get back $5 RR (WYB 2) = FREE or use two $1 coupons (6/8 SS) for $2 profit *There is also a $1 coupon in the Sept. ESR booklet - not 100% positive its for the same kind of toothbrush on this deal, but worth a shot! It says limit one and you can combine it with the manufacturer's coupon.
  • Hidden Monthly Deal: Crest Pro Health rinse (500 ml) $4.49 and get back $4.50 RR = FREE
  • 8/29 - 9/27 Deal: Buy 2 Nabisco cookies (two for $5) and 1 gallon milk ($3.39) and get $3 RR *Hidden deal - you don't have to buy the milk for this deal to work

September rebate items:

  • Nivea for Men Body Wash $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $4.99 rebate (Sept. ESR #2) = $1 profit
  • Revlon Nail Color or Nail Care $4.79, use $2 coupons (7/20 or 8/3 SS) and get back $4.79(Sept. ESR #7) = $2 profit
  • Loreal Advanced Revitalift Antiwrinkle Concentrate $16.49, use $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $16.49 (Sept. ESR #3) = $3 profit
  • Crest Pro-Health toothpaste $3.79, $3.79 ESR = FREE
  • Chemistry shampoo/conditioner $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Lypsyl lip gloss $1.99, $1.99 ESR = FREE
  • WAG acid controller complete (25 chewable tablets) $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Walgreens brand Brita filter $6.99, $6.99 ESR = FREE

Don't forget that if you get your WAG rebate back on a gift card instead of check, you'll get an extra 10% bonus on each item

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Hardy Har Har Har

Favs of the day from lolcats and loldogs:







Can You See the Max Fresh Sparkles?

They must have caught my flash just right! Here's what I got at Walgreens
  • 2 tubes Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste $2.99, used $2 coupon from circular (limit 2 of same item, scans twice so took off $4) and two $1 coupons = FREE
  • Walgreens Brita filter $6.99, will get back $7.68 ($6.99 + 10%) ESR #9 = $0.69 profit
  • Crest Pro Health rinse 500 ml. $4.49, got back $4.50 RR = FREE *This deal seems to be good all month long :)
  • Used $10 RR, total was $2.68

Monday, September 15, 2008

Using Up Those Kraft Q's...

A couple weeks back, I bought five copies of the August issue of the All You magazine. This issue had great coupons to buy 3 Kraft products and get one free. They expire on 9/30, so I've been trying to slowly use them up before then. I've bought tons of Kool Aid (qualifies as the 3 Kraft items and is super cheap), which I'll see if my friend wants and if not, they'll go to the local food pantry.
ShopRite - did this over two transactions at two different stores
  • 7 cans Mighty Dog food $0.66 each, used seven freebie coupons from 8/10 SS (thanks TempestMargaret!) = FREE
  • Purina Healthful Life cat food $1.75, used freebie coupon from 6/8 RP (thanks again TempestMargaret!)= FREE
  • 6 boxes Barilla pasta $0.88 each
  • Millions of Kool Aid packages (just kidding, actually bought 36) $0.29 each at one store, $0.25 at the other = $9.72
  • Here are the freebie items I got for using the freebie Q's from the All You magazine: 3 Crystal Lites ($3.99 each), 4 packages Kraft Singles cheese ($3.49 each), 3 Kraft dressings ($2.99 each) and 2 boxes Wheat Thins ($3.29 each) - that's $41.48 worth of food and I only paid $9.72 (price of Kool Aid) - not too shabby!
  • 4 Bic Comfort Advance razors $2.99 each, used $3 coupon (9/14 SS) = FREE
  • 1 Bic Soleil razor $2.99, used $3 coupon (9/14 SS) = FREE *I know I have more of these coupons but they somehow disappeared on me in the store. I left them in my coupon organizer so I'm going to go back tomorrow for more free razors. :)
  • Mission tortillas $2.50 (not on sale but I needed these)
  • Used a $3 catalina and got $0.15 bag discount
  • Total was $15.31

Walgreens

  • 2 tubes Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste $2.99, used $2 coupon from circular (limit 2 of same item, scans twice so took off $4) and two $1 coupons = FREE

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Light Sunday

DBF's mom got me these squirrel reusable bags - inn't they cute?!? They reminded her of my favorite commercial and thought I'd get a kick out of them. :) I just had to put them to good use at A&P:

  • Sargento deli cheese $2.19 and used $0.50 coupon (doubled to $1) 6/22 RP = $1.19
  • 9 packages of Kool Aid 3 for $0.99 = $2.97
  • 2 packages of Wheat Thins = FREE w/Kraft coupon from August All You magazine (Issue 8, expires 9/30)
  • Oscar Mayer hot dogs = FREE w/Kraft coupon
  • Total (after bag discount) was $2.80

The only other thing I bought today was 5 papers - this was the lightest hounding Sunday I've had in ages!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Friday, September 12, 2008

Go Kashi!

Target
  • 4 Kashi cereals 4 for $11, used three $2 coupons
  • Total was $5 and got back $5 gift card = FREE

Went back another day...

  • 4 more Kashi cereals 4 for $11, used two $2 coupons and two $1 coupons
  • Plastic spoons $1.12
  • Cashier scanned one of my $2 coupons twice by accident (she saw it happen and didn't fix it) so total was $4.20 - paid with $5 gift card from before - OOP = ZERO! and got back another $5 gift card

ShopRite

  • 4 Marcal napkins $1.39 each, used $1 coupon (8/10 SS) = $0.39 each
  • 2 Scotch Brite sponges $0.99 each
  • 5 Natures Valley granola bars $2 each (5th one rang up $2.99), used two $0.50 coupons (8/10 GM) and two $0.60 coupons = $6.59 and got back $3.50 catalina
  • Total was $9.12 after bag discount

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Light Week (for me at least!) 9/14 - 9/20

As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com (and once in a blue moon, from my very own noggin'!). If I've missed anything, please let me know! You can post a comment or email me at frugalsuz@hotmail.com. Here we go...

CVS
  • Hidden Monthly Deal - Ambi bar soap is $1.99 and is generating a $3 ECB (Limit 3) = $1 profit
  • Excedrin Express $3.99, use $2 Excedrin PM coupon (7/13 SS) or $2 Excedrin Migraine coupon and get back $3.99 ECB = $2 profit (Limit 1)
  • Purex $2.99, use $0.50 coupon (8/10 SS) and get back $1 ECB (Limit 5) - this is a September monthly deal
  • Just for Men or Touch of Grey $7.99, use $2 coupon and get back $2 ECB (Limit 1) -- also, submit for Try Me Free offer here = $4 profit (after rebate & ECB)
  • Aleve D Sinus & Cold or Sinus Headache $3.99, use $1 Aleve coupon or $1 Aleve D coupon and get back $3 ECB = FREE (Limit 1)
  • Powerade 32 oz $0.88, use $0.75 (6/8 SS) or $1 coupon (7/13 SS) = Close to free, FREE or overage depending on Q and store
  • Possible good deal - Flex A Min vitamin supplements are BOGO and there were $5 coupons (use two b/c you'd be buying 2 vitamins) in the 9/7 RP - might stock up on glucosamine for DBF depending on prices...

Rite Aid

  • L'oreal Facial Cleanser $5.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $5.99 (SCR #23) = $1 PROFIT
  • Cover Girl makeup is BOGO - if you got the BOGO Q's (8/31 P&G) - that equals free makeup for you!
  • Crest Pro Health, With Scope, Whitening Expression or Sensitive $2.99, use $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) and get back $2 (SCR #90) = FREE

Walgreens

  • Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste $2.99, use $1 coupon (click "Back to Coupons" to print 2nd) or 9/7 SS (some areas $0.75) or from All You Mag (Sept. Issue #9) and $2 in-circular coupon = FREE or $0.25 w/$0.75 Q Limit 2
Hot off the presses (beep, beep, beep!) WAG Rebate News
Pert Plus was free after rebate during August and it looks like they've extended the rebate into September! You can do this rebate even if you did the August one since its a new month. Its rebate #43 and is good for up to $4.29. Use the $2 coupon from the 8/3 SS or $1.50 coupon from the 9/7 SS for a $2.42 profit w/$2 Q or $1.92 profit w/$1.50 Q (Q + 10% gift card bonus). BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER! Wait until the October Easy Saver book comes out (starts 9/26) - they're will be a $2.50 coupon in there that you can combine with the $2 or $1.50 manu. coupon for a..(wait for it...) $4.92 or 4.42 profit!!

And don't forget about all the September rebate items:

  • Nivea for Men Body Wash $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $4.99 rebate (Sept. ESR #2) = $1 profit
  • Revlon Nail Color or Nail Care $4.79, use $2 coupons (7/20 or 8/3 SS) and get back $4.79(Sept. ESR #7) = $2 profit
  • Loreal Advanced Revitalift Antiwrinkle Concentrate $16.49, use $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $16.49 (Sept. ESR #3) = $3 profit
  • Crest Pro-Health toothpaste $3.79, $3.79 ESR = FREE
  • Chemistry shampoo/conditioner $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Lypsyl lip gloss $1.99, $1.99 ESR = FREE
  • WAG acid controller complete (25 chewable tablets) $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Walgreens brand Brita filter $6.99, $6.99 ESR = FREE

Don't forget that if you get your WAG rebate back on a gift card instead of check, you'll get an extra 10% bonus on each item.

Makin' Some Dough - $5.35 Profit!

I had been hesitant to try the Robitussin deal at WAG's this week because I read on HCW that some folks were only able to use one coupon. Then I saw on Frugal and Fabulous that she bought three with no trouble, so I figured I'd give it a shot. It worked! Here goes:
  • 2 Chex Mix $0.99 ea, used two $0.60 coupons (printed, link no longer works) = $0.39 each
  • 2 Dove bars 2 for $3 w/in-circular coupon, also used $1 coupon from Sept. Easy Saver booklet and two $1 coupons from 9/7 RP = FREE
  • 5 cases Diet Coke for DBF $4.25 and $4.24 each, used 5 freebie coupons from Coke Rewards = FREE *I'd been saving these for a ECB deal at CVS, but they expire soon so I had to use them up - watch, they'll be a great sale next week with my luck! :)
  • Crest Pro Health rinse 500 ml. $4.49 and got back $4.50 RR = FREE
  • Crest Pro Health toothpaste + whitening $3.79, used $1 coupon (8/31 P&G) = $2.79 and I'll get back $4.16 ESR #4 ($3.79 + 10%) = $1.37 profit
  • 3 Robitussins $3.99 each, used three $3 coupons (have to use a different email each time you sign up so you'll get three different coupon codes and use these correctly - just printing three is apparently coupon fraud and they may beep at the register) = $2.97 and got back $10 RR = $7.03 profit!
  • Coupons used: $10 RR from previous deal plus coupons listed above
  • Total was $3.31 and got back $10 RR for Robitussin and $4.50 for Crest plus will get back $4.16 rebate for toothpaste = $5.35 profit overall

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A Little Pick Me Up!

Ahhh, here is your daily dose of my new favorite website (thanks to emhalf!) http://icanhascheezburger.com/:















Sunday, September 7, 2008

What a Weekend

This was so me this weekend - sorry again honey! Ugh, this was one of those weekends where if it could go wrong, it was gonna. It started on Saturday when DBF and I went to Pathmark. They have a promo going now where you spend $30 in General Mills stuff, you get back $10. So off we went with my coupons in hand. I had planned on buying cereal, cookie mixes and brownies. Well, the first store was totally out of brownies and I didn't plan well and have alternate Q's with me. So DBF and I headed over to another store. They only had 4 brownies, so I bought some other stuff that I didn't have coupons for. Sigh, now the problems began. All but two of my Cheerios Q's were expired (oops! totally didn't realize this), I totally forgot about limits on certain items so only some items rang up the sale price and rest rang up regular price, other things rang up the totally wrong price and my $10 Q didn't print. I had expected to spend around $13 and get back $10. Instead, it cost me $25 - ouch! I ended up returning almost everything today and that was a hassle too. But I just couldn't stomach spending $25 on stuff I didn't need. I should have just voided the order last night, but oh well. I'd been such a hassle at that point, I felt bad asking her to void the order, but I really should have. Sigh, here's what I actually ended up keeping:

  • Chock full o nuts coffee $1.88, had $0.75 coupon that doubled (printed from coupons.com a while back - wish 'd printed more!) = $0.38
  • Totinos pizza rolls 10 for $10, used two $1 coupons = FREE
  • 5 Warm Delights $1.39 each (forgot to put in pic), used two $0.55 coupons or here - doubled to $1.10 each and three $0.50 coupons - doubled to $1 each (7/13 SS) = $0.39 and $0.29 each
  • Total was $2.13

So along comes Sunday and I'm thinking, ok today should can't be worse than yesterday. Hmm, shouldn'ta said that! :)

CVS - DBF and I were checking the papers (like we always do) to make sure all the coupon inserts were in them. When I checked out, the cashier/shift supervisor questioned me about it and had a tone to his voice like I was trying to steal something or do something shady. I told him I was just making sure all the inserts were there (we did find one paper that didn't have all of them, which is why I always check). That was strike one.

Then I was buying Revlon nail polish and using a $2 coupon good on any Revlon color cosmetic item. The coupon beeped and he would not override it (strike two). His logic was that there was no picture of nail polish on the coupon. I could not talk sense into him and was ticked off at this point so I just kept the coupon. He then scanned my Soft n Dri coupons which also beeped - but these he overrode without a problem. Explain me that! And he jipped me a dollar (strike three!) so I had to back after the transaction was done to get my money back. Grr, frustrated was frugalsuz! Anyway, here's what I ended up buying:

Transaction 1:

  • 5 papers $10, used $2 off $10 coupon and $8 in ECB = $0

Transaction 2:

  • 3 Soft n Dri deodorants $2.99 each, used three $1 coupons (8/10 SS) and got back $6 ECB ($2 each, limit 5) = FREE
  • Revlon nail polish $3.99, used $2 Revlon coupon from scanner and shoulda used $2 Revlon Q (GRR!) from 7/24 or 8/24 SS and got back $3 ECB = $1.01 profit *Sunday & Monday only
  • Loreal Skin Genesis face wash $5.99, used $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and got back $5.99 ECB = $1 profit
  • 2 Honey Bunches of Oats cereals, BOGO sale and used freebie coupon from MIR - ended up paying $0.79 because the cereal was $4.58 each and the coupon was only good up to $3.79
  • 2 Malt o Meal cereals $1 each, used two $1 coupons = FREE
  • Coupons used: $2 off $10, three $1 Soft n Dri, $2 Revlon, $1 Loreal, Honey Bunches freebie, two $1 Malt o Meals, $5 ECB and $4 ECB
  • Total was $3.03 (ouch! that seems so high to me for a CVS purchase) and got back $6 for Soft n Dri, $5.99 for Loreal and $3 ECB for Revlon

Was planning on buying these items again on DBF's card but since I knew he wasn't going to accept the Revlon coupon, I said forget it and we left. I'll figure out a new scenario and go to a different CVS during the week.

Walgreens

  • 3 Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubbers $3.79 each, used three $2.75 coupons and will get back $3.79 for Try Me Free rebate (7/20 SS)
  • 2 Windex $2.49 each, used two $0.75 coupons (7/20 SS)
  • 2 Scrubbing Bubbles cleansers $2.49 each, used two $0.75 coupons (7/20 SS)

So I spent $10.08 on cleansers (really $6.29 after the rebate) and I got back a $10 RR

  • Crest Pro Health rinse (500 ml) $4.49, get back $4.50 RR = FREE
  • 4 puddings and small Lindt chocolate (fillers so I'd have enough items to use my RR's) = $1.73
  • Coupons used: five $3 RR's, plus cleanser Q's from above
  • Total was $3.14 and I got back a $10 RR for cleansers and a $4.50 RR for Crest

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

emhalf - you're killin me!

I so have a new favorite website thanks to emhalf. Oh my lordie, these are cracking me up! Some of my favs:

That's how I roll
When vacume cleaners go bad
You blow on my tail, okay?
Pocket protector
Der somting in mah closet
Dis ur kid?
Cheeeeezzz
Teleport machine need work
Look dad!
No PMS
iz foundz remote
iz mouse gone?

Coupons Make the World Go 'Round - Week of 9/7 - 9/13

As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com (and once in a blue moon, from my very own noggin'!). If I've missed anything, please let me know! You can post a comment or email me at frugalsuz@hotmail.com. Here we go...

CVS - don't forget about the $2 off $10 printable coupon at iheartcvs (Coupon Links)

  • Sunday & Monday Only: Revlon nail polish $3.99, get back $3.99 ECB, use $2 coupon (7/20 or 8/24 SS) = $2 profit (Limit 3)
  • Loreal Age Perfect, Revitalift or Skin Genesis cleansers $5.99, get back $5.99 ECB, use $1 coupon (tons out there - 6/22 RP, 7/20 SS, 8/3 RP or 8/10 RP) = $1 profit (Limit 1)
  • Right Guard Sort or Xtreme or Soft n Dri deodorant $2.99, get back $2 ECB and use $1 coupon (7/13 or 8/10 SS) = FREE (Limit 5)
  • American Greetings cards - Buy 3 get 1 free, combine with BOGO coupon (you can print more than 2 per computer with this coupon) to get (help me out here!) = 3 free? 4 free?
  • Chex Mix $1, use $1 coupon here or here = FREE
Walgreens - be sure to use your RR's whenever possible! Check out my Hounding 101 section for tips on how to use these puppies

  • Crest Pro-Health mouthwash (500 ml) $4.49, get $4.49 RR = FREE
  • Chex Mix $0.99, use $1 coupon here or here = FREE
  • Robitussin $3.99, buy 3 and get $10 RR, use $3 coupon (register w/different email addresses to print multiple copies) = $2.97 and get back $10 RR = $7.03 profit

*Heads up on the Robitussin deal from dancinmama - word on the street is that the registers will beep when you use more than one Robitussin Q in the same transaction. So I'm not sure if this deal is going to work.

  • Cleaning products: $2.49 each: Shout $1 Q 7/13 or 8/10 SS, Scrubbing Bubbles $0.75 or $1 Q 7/20 SS, Fantastik and Windex $0.75 or $1 Q 7/20 SS, or $3.79 each: Pledge spray $1 Q 7/20 SS or dusters, Drano or Scrubbing bubbles shower foamer $1 Q here, action scrubber $2.75 Q here and TMF offer in 7/20 paper, fresh brush max kit or toilet gel $1 Q here. Buy 2, get $2 RR, Buy 4, get $5 RR, buy 7 get $10 RR.

One scenario is to buy seven $2.49 items and use seven $1 coupons. You'll pay $10.43 and get back $10 RR. Or throw in some action scrubbers at $3.79 a pop and use the $2.75 coupon (depending on how many you can print) and save even more!

  • Pond's Towelettes 2 for $9 and get back $3 RR - good item if you're looking to use up some RR's. I also found $1.50 tearpad Q's for these at CVS.
And don't forget about all the September free or moneymaker after rebate items:

  • Nivea for Men Body Wash $4.99, use $1 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $4.99 rebate (Sept. ESR #2) = $1 profit
  • Revlon Nail Color or Nail Care $4.79, use $2 coupons (7/20 or 8/3 SS) and get back $4.79(Sept. ESR #7) = $2 profit
  • Loreal Advanced Revitalift Antiwrinkle Concentrate $16.49, use $3 coupon (7/20 SS) and get back $16.49 (Sept. ESR #3) = $3 profit
  • Crest Pro-Health toothpaste $3.79, $3.79 ESR = FREE
  • Chemistry shampoo/conditioner $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Lypsyl lip gloss $1.99, $1.99 ESR = FREE
  • WAG acid controller complete (25 chewable tablets) $7.99, $7.99 ESR = FREE
  • Walgreens brand Brita filter $6.99, $6.99 ESR = FREE

Don't forget that if you get your WAG rebate back on a gift card instead of check, you'll get an extra 10% bonus on each item.

Rite Aid

  • Colgate toothpaste $3.99, use four $1 coupons (8/24 SS) and four $1 RA coupons and get back $10 (SCR #605) = $2.04 profit *RA coupons are technically supposed to be one per person so you may have to break this up into four transactions.

Say Hello to my Little Friend!

My cat Mousse has a very strange fascination with shoes. Whenever I look, he's got his little paws on my sandals and heels, sometimes even in the straps as if he wants to wear them! When I put sneakers out - he's cuddling them like there's no tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Free Elle Cosmetic Case

For anyone who took advantage of the John Frieda RR deal last week at Walgreens, Erica has a great deal on her website where you can send away for a free Elle cosmetic bag.

Free Dawn

ShopRite - 3 Pretzelfils (these are actually pretty yummy! Except for the yucky pepper jack flavor - those puppies are for DBF) $1.84 each, used $0.75 coupon (8/24 RP) = $0.34 each. After $0.05 bag discount, my total was $0.97.

Walgreens
  • WAG Brita filter (finally found one!) $6.99, will get back $7.68 ($6.99 + 10%) ESR #9
  • 2 Pringles $1.98
  • Nestle candy bar $0.33
  • Coupons used: $9 RR
  • Total was $0.80
CVS
  • 6 Dawn plus Hand Renewal $0.99 (signed as $2.39 each so don't be fooled), used six $1 coupons (8/31 P&G)
  • Total was $0.42 - just the tax

Monday, September 1, 2008

The Frugalsuz Store

I haven't taken any stockpile pics in ages and my garage storage room is getting pretty full. Let's take a look... See how the shelves are dipping? Uh oh, I better move some stuff around so they don't break on me! The bottles of shampoo on the top are about 8-9 bottles deep.
I love this little drawer. The top drawer is full of q-tips, face clothes and pantiliners. Drawer two is lotions, deodorant, razors and vitamins. The bottom drawer is kitty treats, toilet bowl cleaners and scrub brushes for washing dishes. And I dumpster-dived this drawer when some folks were moving out of my apartment building so it was free!






Donation Day!

If you saw my monthly totals for August, you might be thinking, what in tarnation do you do with all this stuff woman?!? Over 500 items bought in just one month?
I give a lot of stuff to family and friends, and of course, I use many of the things I buy. Everything else gets donated. The picture above is a table I keep in my garage and as I buy donation items, I just keep everything in one spot. Its hard to see everything in this picture, but there are tons of toothbrushes and toothpaste buried under there, shampoos and conditioners behind the cereal and lots more food that I kept upstairs (away from the wonderful things that inhabit my garage). I packed everything up today and I'm going to drop it all off in the morning. The bags took up my whole backseat!
Here's a quick list of what I'm donating: Pop Tarts, cereal, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hand wipes, bath buddies, air freshners and cleaners. If you have extra items you can donate, just call your local municipal office to inquire about your town's food pantry.

Food Shopping Day


Rite Aid - finally found the Loreal Anti-Wrinkle concentrate for SCR #21. Price was $14.99, and I used a $3 RA coupon and a $3 coupon (7/20 SS). My total was $10.04 but the cashier only had me pay $10 and used four pennies by the register - isn't that cool?!? I'll get back $14.99 as a rebate ($6 profit) and this will also finish off SCR #24 from yesterday (Modella bag plus coupons).

A&P - had a $8 catalina to use up
  • 3 pounds ground beef $1.97/lb = $5.97
  • Romaine lettuce $1.97
  • Carrots $1.29
  • Milk $2.49
  • 5 Marcal rolls of toilet paper $0.89 each, used freebie coupons (8/10 SS) = FREE - when the cashier entered in the value of $0.89, they started doubling for some reason. He said this was ok, so I used four coupons and saved the 5th for ShopRite.
  • Mentos $0.79 - picked up b/c total was negative
  • Total was $0.20 after using $8 catalina and DBF's mom's employee discount
ShopRite
  • 4 Pretzelfils $1.84 each, used $0.75 coupon (8/24 RP) = $0.34 each
  • Cantelope $0.99
  • 2 Perdue Chicken breasts $2.39 and $2.57 each
  • 2 Greased Lightning cleaners $1.49 each, used $1.50 coupon (6/8 SS or All You magazine) = FREE
  • 2 Daisy sour creams $1.29 each (coupons are in 8/24 SS but I didn't get any)
  • 3 ShopRite shredded cheeses $1.88 each
  • Marcal toilet paper $0.79, used freebie coupon leftover from A&P = FREE
  • Total was $15.63 after $0.10 bag discount

Monthly Totals - August

This has been a great month! My mom asked me the other day how much money I'm making with all this hounding, so I've decided to keep a separate tally of my profit each month. Here's how I did for August:

CVS Spending
Merchandise Total: $523.07, Coupons Used: $347.63
ECB's/Gift Cards Used: $177.32, ECB's Earned: $133.07
Cash OOP: $4.68
Profit: $51.28
# Items Bought: 212
# Free Items: 137
YTD Savings My Card: $2,049.59, DBF's Card: $1,110.30

All Other Stores Spending
Merchandise Total: $961.58, Coupons Used: $548.45
Rewards/Gift Cards Used: $191.67, Rewards Earned: $139
OOP Expense: $259.14 - yikes! Went a little over budget here
Rebates: $271.93
Actual OOP (after rewards earned & rebates): $39.88
Profit: $91.99
# Items Bought: 341
# Free Items: 221

All in all, I made $143.27 this month - that's not a bad hobby! :)