Saving Money in KC

1.00 off Glad Forceflex trash bags

2009-12-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

Go here to snag a 1.00 off Glad ForceFlex trashbag coupon. This coupon can be combined with the target 1.00 Glad coupon found in 12-6 Red plum today. Combined this will give you 2.00 off trashbags. Hopefully, these might go on sale this month at target.

Thanks, KC Penny Pinchin Mama!

50 free christmas cookie recipes

2009-12-05T07:24:00.001-08:00

Go here to receive 50 Free Christmas cookie recipes through this ebook.

Sticking to a budget over the holiday season

2009-11-30T18:05:00.001-08:00

With all of the wonderful deals that have been available over the past few days, I have found myself getting fixated on "getting the deal". While scoring great deals on gifts I need for Christmas is important, I have to take a step back for a moment and prioritize. On black friday, I almost purchased a flipvideo camera because it was a great deal. I never once desired to have this product and I didn't have anyone on my Christmas list who needed this product. So why did I almost buy it? It was a great deal! Not a good answer. Let's take a step back for a moment and prioritize so that we do not get out of hand over the holiday season.

Budget for Gifts-Hopefully, by now you have created a holiday budget for yourself. If not determine how much you have to spend on each person on your list. Without a budget we often spend more than what we can actually afford. This is the first step.

Don't use credit-I know that times are rough this year, but try to avoid using credit cards over the holiday season. You do not want to be stuck paying for Christmas presents in February and March. If your budget is tight this year try making a homemade present. Or ask your family if you could do a secret santa gift exchange instead of purchasing a present for everyone in your family. Or simply scale down, if you normally spend 30.00 on a present for your brother reduce your price to 20.00 or whatever you are comfortable with. Don't go broke trying to afford Christmas, the important thing is spending time with the ones you love.

It's o.k. to miss a deal-I get so excited about shopping that I often forget what I am trying to do which is save money. Have an honest moment with yourself and make sure the deals you are snagging our actually things you need to get for Christmas.

Have a great holiday season and have fun saving money and finding awesome deals!

Walgreens 4 day sale 12-2 to 12-5

2009-11-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

Walgreens will be having a mid-week sale ad, with a few free items. Combine this sale with walgreens weekly deals for added savings!

Freebies

7.99 RR wyb Complete Multipurpose Solution at 7.99
Use 1.00 of complete from RP 10/25
Free + 1.00 Money maker

1.99 RR wyb Dentex floss at 1.99
Free

4.00 RR wyb Natrol Acai at 4.00
Use 3.00 coupon from here
Free + 3.00 Money maker

2.00 RR wyb Goody's Ouchless Hair Accesories at 2.00
Free

5.00 wyb Soft and Beautiful Bontanics at 5.00
Free

Registered Reward Deals

2.50 RR wyb 3 Coke 2 liters at 3 for 4.50
.67 for each 2 liter
(Great Price)

1.00 RR wyb Quilted Northern bathroom tissue at 4.29
3.29

Other Great Walgreens Deals this week

Toblerone Chocolate Bars 2 for 3.00
Use 2-1.00 off coupon from SS 11-22
Use 1.00 off 2 coupon from December coupon booklet (found by weekly ad in stores)
2 free chocolate bars
(Make sure to give manufacturer coupon before Walgreens coupon)

Deal Scenario for Sale
(Starting with 8.00 RR)

Dentex floss at 1.99
Natrol Acai at 4.00
Goody's Ouchless Hair Accesories at 2.00
3 Coke 2 liters at 3 for 4.50
Toblerone Chocolate Bars 2 for 3.00

Coupons:
Use 3.00 coupon from here
Use 2-1.00 off coupon from SS 11-22
Use 1.00 off 2 coupon from December coupon booklet (found by weekly ad in stores)

Use 8.00 RR

OOP: 1.50 + tax
Earn: 2.00RR, 4.00RR, 2.00RR, 2.50RR

1.00 Profit-Started with 8RR and paid 1.50=9.50, after transaction ended with 10.50 RR

Deal Scenario without any Registered Rewards to begin.

2 Transactions

Dentex floss at 1.99
Natrol Acai at 4.00
Toblerone Chocolate Bars 2 for 3.00

Coupons:
Use 3.00 coupon from here
Use 2-1.00 off coupon from SS 11-22
Use 1.00 off 2 coupon from December coupon booklet (found by weekly ad in stores)

OOP: 3.00

Earn: 2.00 RR, 4.00 RR=6.00RR

Goody's Ouchless hair accesories at 2.00

3 coke 2 liters at 3 for 4.50

Use: 6.00 RR from previous transaction

OOP: .50

Earn: 2.00 RR, 2.50 RR=4.50 RR

Total for 2 transactions-3.50 spent and end with 4.50 in RR-1.00 Moneymaker

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-29T21:00:00.001-08:00

Monday-Swiss Chicken
Tuesday-Steamfresh Meal (I have 6 bags in the freezer!!)
Wednesday-Pork Fillets, green beans, rolls
Thursday-Portabella Pasta
Friday-Bagel sandwiches w/ham, lettuce, cream cheese, bacon
Saturday-Chicken wings slowcooker recipe
Sunday-Meatloaf in the crockpot (never tried meatloaf in the crockpot, wish me luck!)

Monday-Steamfresh meal
Tuesday-Potato Chowder in slowcooker
Wednesday-Bagel Sandwiches (again)
Thursday-Steamfresh meal
Friday-Sausage Saurkraut w/potatoes and carrots in slowcooker
Saturday-Chicken Wings Slowcooker (again)

I have been trying to plan my meals 2 weeks in advance. Often I find that I will change the meal based on my mood and how much I feel like cooking for the night. I am hoping that by preparing several of these meals in the slowcooker I will stick to my plan.

It is just me and my husband eating these meals. Usually we will take the leftovers to work the next day for lunch.

Breakfast around here is grab and go. I usually have coffee and a granola bar.

Crockpot meals this week

2009-11-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

I recieved my new Taste of Home slowcooker cookbook in the mail. I bought it back when they were clearanced for 4.00. I have come up with 5 recipes that I will be cooking for dinners this week. I am supper excited to try to use the crockpot more than I have been. Since I work during the day, it will be nice to put the meal in the crockpot in the morning and have it ready when I get home from work. Hassle free!

Monday I am making Swiss Chicken. It is supper simple just chicken, swiss cheese slices, cream of mushroom soup, 1 stick of butter, 1/4 cup milk. Sprinkle with 2 cups of stovetop stuffing. Can it get any easier.

CVS Free or Cheap 9-13 to 9-19

2009-09-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

Colgate Total Advanced or Acti Flex Toothbrush $2.99=$2Ecb (limit 1)
use the $1/1 coupon from the 9/13SS
FREE!

Listerine Total Care 16.9 oz, Reach Toothbrush 2 pk. or Reach Floss 30 yd $3.99 each=$2Ecb
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 3/15SS or the 4/26RP
OOP $1.99
Get back a $2Ecb
FREE!

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $5.99=$2Ecb (limit 1)
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 8/30PG
$0.99!

Almay Smart Shade or Smart Balance Foundation $9.99=$5Ecb (limit 1)
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 9/13SS
$3.99!

Dyna Pep energy micro-shot 2 pk $4.99=$4.99Ecb (limit 2)
FREE!

Schick disposable Razors (travel size) $1.29
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 8/16SS
FREE + possible overage!

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser (travel size) $0.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/2SS
FREE!

For more drugstore deals visit Becentsable!!

CVS deals 8-30

2009-08-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Glade Fragrance Collection Scented Reed Diffuser 1.62 oz or Soy Candle 4.9-10oz pay $6.99 get $6.99 ECB (Limit 1)
$3.00 off any product from The Fragrance Collection All You magazine (August)
$2.00 off any Glade Fragrance Collection All You magazine (Septemeber)

Free + 2 or 3 mm

$1 ECB wyb 5 Keebler or Nabisco Cookies 5/$5 (Limit 1)
$.75 off 2 Nabisco Cookies or Crackers, any 4 - 28 oz boxes 7/26/09 SS
$1.00 off 2 Nabisco Cookies or Crackers, any 4 - 28 oz boxes Kraft Save throughout the School Year booklet

$2 ($.33 ea)

$1 ECB wyb 2 Fabuloso or Murphy Oil 2/$5 (Limit 1)
$0.55 on any Murphy Oil Soap 8/30/09 SS
$1.45 each

$2 ECB wyb 2 CVS Disinfecting Wipes 42 ct (Limit 1)

$2 ECB wyb Clairol Loving Care Hair Color $4.99 (Limit 1)
$4.00 off Natural Instincts hair color 8/2/09 P&G
Free +$1.01 MM

For more great drug store deals visit Becentsable!!!

Walgreens Free deals 8-30

2009-08-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

It is a new month at Walgreens. Great deals starting this week.

Free

Rembrandt Toothpaste 2.6 or 3 oz. $5 (receive $5 RR)

Carefree Ultra Protection Pantiliners 16 ct. $1.99 (receive $2 RR)
$1 Carefree Ultra Protection product 8/30 SS

Men's Zone 6 Blade Razor System $3.99 (receive $4 RR)

Colgate 360 ActiFlex Toothbrush $2.99 (receive $3 RR)
.40 Colgate manual tb 8/30 SS

Reach Total Care toothbrush $2.99 (receive $2 RR)
1.00 Coupons 3/15 SS, 4/26 RP, 6/14 SS, 6/21 SS and 8/2 SS

-Breathe Right nasal strips 10 pack $4.99 (receive $4 RR)

1.00 each (great deal if you use these)

CVS Deals 8-23 to 8-30

2009-08-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

FREE ITEMS

Caliber/CVS Composition Book 100 sheets $0.99 earn $0.99ecb (limit 2)
FREE

Carefree Ultra Protection (16 ct) $3.79 earn $3.79ecb (limit 4)
Use the $1 coupon here
FREE + overage

Buy 2 Poise Liners (10-16 ct) $2 earn $1ecb (limit 5)
Use the $2 coupon from here
OOP:0
Get back a $1ecb
FREE + overage

Extra Care Buck Deals

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 4/$4=$2ecb (limit 1)
Use the buy 3 get one FREE printable coupon, not available
$0.25 each

Buy $25 in Aveeno Products=$10ecb (limit 1)

Buy $15 in Neutrogena Products=$5ecb (limit 1)

Buy $10 in Glade products=$3ecb (limit 3)
Scenarios:
Buy 2 Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kits $5 each
Use 2 $4 coupons from 8/23SS or All You mag.
OOP: $2
Get back a $3ecb
FREE + overage

For more great grocery deals visit Becentsable-The original grocery gathering.

Kmart Awesome Trip!!

2009-08-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

As coupners we have great days and not so great days couponing. I am too hard on my self when I feel like I didn't get the best deal and payed too much. But, days like today make up for those not so great days.

I went to Kmart this morning for the double event, you can read about HERE. I only buy items that are free or almost free when I go the Kmart for doubles. So how did I do?

Total before coupons: $55.36

Total after coupons and what I paid....$.81

Here's what I got:

For a list of all the great deals you can snag at Kmart this week, go here!! Good Luck!!

CVS Deals 8-16 to 8-22

2009-08-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

$5.00 off $25.00 purchase-If you didn't complete the CVS Quiz to get your coupon last week, than do so this week. The coupon is good until 8-22.

School Supply Free Deals

CVS/Caliber Filler Paper 150 sheets .99=.99ecb (limit 2)
FREE

CVS/Caliber Mini Composition Notebook $1.99=$1.99 ecb (limit 2)
FREE

Caliber Recycled School box $1.99=$1.99 ecb (limit 2)
FREE

Paper Mate Pens .99=.99 ecb (limit 2)
FREE

Extra Care Buck Deals

Philips Headphones $6.99=$6.99 ecb (limit 1)
FREE

Pepsi 12 packs 4/$12=$4ecb (limit 1)
Final cost 4/$8, $2.00 each

Buy 2 L’Oreal Everpure Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers on sale $5.99 each=$5Ecb (limit 1)
Use 2 $2 coupons from the 8/2SS
Final cost $1.49 each!
**Plus, through 8/24, purchase 2 L'Oreal products and snag a FREE cosmetic case and free samples of skincare products from L'Oréal Paris ($10 value)!
(Thanks, Hip2Save)

Buy 2 Band-Aid Bandages, Johnson & Johnson Red Cross or Neosporin Products=$2ecb (limit 5)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go Kits .99
Use 2 $1 coupons from the 5/17RP
Get back a $2Ecb
Final cost FREE + a $2 moneymaker
(Thanks, Hip2Save)

AMC Entertainment Card $25=$5Ecb (limit 2)

Other Great Deals :

Fleece Robes $5

Nabisco Cookies and Crackers 5/$5
Use $1/2 coupon 7/26SS
.50 per box

Purex Ultra Detergent Complete 3-in-1 $5.99 B1G1 FREE
Use 2 $1 coupons from HERE

$1.99 each

Deal Scenario:

-Buy AMC 25.00 gift card

-Use 5.00 off 25.00 coupon

OOP: 20.00

Earn: 5 ecbs

15.00 for a 20.00 gift card (This would be a great deal for Christmas or Birthdays)

Check out: Becentsable-The Original Grocery Gathering for more Grocery and Drug Store Deals in your area.

Kmart Super Doubles 8-16

2009-08-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Kmart is having a Super Doubles event this coming weeking starting tomorrow on August 16th. The only time I go to Kmart is when they have a double's event. You can go here to see if your local store will be participating.

These are the rules for the doubles event:

Coupons double up to a $2.00 value, if you have a coupon that is $2.00 you will get $4.00 off.
Only use 4 like coupons.
Your total before coupons must reach $25.00.
You can only use 10 coupons in your transaction.

Kmart slowly has increased the rules over the course of this past year to make this event almost not worth it. I will only go if they have a lot of free items. Luckily, this week their are many items that are free.

If you do end up spending over $50.00 in one transaction you can use this $5.00 off $50.00 coupon!

These are the free items you can snag this week!

*************************************************************************************
Honey Bunches of Oats Pecan Cluster Cereal $2.75
Use the $2 coupon from HERE
FREE

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda $.50
Use .50/2 HERE
FREE

Wish Bone Salad Dressing $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon 6/28 RP
FREE

Trident Gum $1
Use $1/2 coupon HERE
FREE

Smart Water $1
Use $1/2 coupon 6/21SS
FREE

Starbucks Individual Frappuccino $2.25
$1 coupon 6/21RP

.25

Reach Toothbrushes (2 pk) $2.99
Use $2 coupon 6/14SS
FREE

Ban Deodorant $2
Use $1 coupon 8/9SS
FREE

Tag Body Spray $3.99
Use $2 coupon 8/2PG
FREE

Aveeno Body lotion starting at $3.79
Use the $2 coupon HERE
FREE

Angel Soft 4 pack $1.99--Sparkle Paper Towels 3 pack--$2.99
Use the $2/2 coupon from HERE, Final cost .98 for both!
(Thanks, Hip2save)

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel $3.50
Use the $2 coupon from HERE
Plus, use the buy toilet cleaning gel, get a FREE Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit for FREE from the 8/2SS
FREE (Thanks, Hip2Save)

Scotch Pop Up Tape Dispenser $3.99
Use $2 coupon HERE
**Get a FREE Sack Pack by mail when you purchase 4 of these

FREE + Sack Pack (Thanks, Hip2Save)

Bic Pens .99
Use $1/2 coupon 8/9SS
FREE

Chinet Plates $4.49
Use $2 coupon 8/9RP
.49 each

HIP products B1G1Free $7.99
Use $2 coupon 6/14SS or 8/2RP
FREE

Colgate Wisp $1
Use .50 coupon July All You mag.

FREE

Shopping for Healthy Food on a Shoestring Budget

2009-08-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

My husband and I wanted to go on a healthy diet and I have to say I was very concerned about being able to buy all of the food within our $50.00 a week budget. Most coupons are for items that are prepackaged and not diet friendly. I found that switching are diet to fresh, non-processed foods, I was actually spending less money than when I used my coupons. I still use coupons for all of my non-food items.

I have put together a few ideas for helping you buy healthier food and staying within your budget.

Preparing meals vs. Convenience-I have realized that to use healthy ingredients in your foods you have prepare most of your meals from scratch. This means you will have to invest more time towards cooking. Not every meal has to be difficult, but you will spend more time cutting, chopping, and cooking then you would do with convenience foods.

Buy less ingredients-I found that the reason I was able to save money was because I was buying less ingredients. (I was not buying a bunch of junk food!) You could buy a whole chicken and use it for several meals for example. As long as you have a stocked pantry with oils, spices, and condiments you can come up with some great meal options using very few ingredients.

Buy in season or sale veggies and fruit-To stay within your budget buy fruits and veggies that are on sale or in season. These are the cheapest produce. You can find many sites on the Internet that list veggies that are seasonal. Also, consider freezing. If green beans are on sale, you can buy more than you need at a good price and freeze them.

Buy Cheaper meats and seafood-My husband and I love steak, but it is not always on sale. Instead of purchasing steak, I will buy turkey tenderloin fillets. They are great and the fraction of the price of steak. Instead of buying large shrimp for 8.00 a bag, I buy the mini-shrimp for 1.50 and use them in a vegetable stir fry.

Shop the outer aisle of the grocery stores-The fresh ingredients are on the outer aisles. These are where you want to focus. I will shop in the inner aisles for condiments and bread.

It is possible to buy fresh, healthy ingredients on a budget. You need to be willing to invest some of your time. I hope this article gives you some ideas to try with your family!

Free Juicer

2009-08-13T19:54:00.001-07:00

A great new freebie! You can get a free citrus juicer from Paramount Citrus. You will need to enter promo code JUICER. Fill out the form and wait for your juicer. Go here for yours.

Thanks, hip2save!

Nestle Coupon Calendar

2009-08-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nestle is offering a back-to-school calendar of coupons. The value of the coupons on the calendar is $20.00. You can go here to receive your calendar in the mail.

The Jesus Book Review

2009-08-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have been reviewing books for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers. This is a wonderful program that allows bloggers to review christian books. For more info check out my post here.

I was sent the book, The Jesus Book. The Jesus Book is a children's book by Stephen Elkins.

Just by glancing at the cover of The Jesus Book you would assume this is a book for young children. This book is actually more suitable for upper elementary children, due to the vocabulary and reading level of the book. This book could be used with younger children, if the parents wanted to use the book for a short bedtime story as well. In The Jesus Book, the author uses short stories and vibrant illustrations to tell the story of Jesus. The book is set up into sections of who, what, when, where, and why. Each section, tells the story of Jesus and his teachings. This book was a fun read. It gives children information about Jesus from the bible in a short and simplistic way so that they can understand. This book is thought provoking and a way for parents to share stories about Jesus with their children and be able to answer any questions the children may have about the stories. This book already a good by at 10.70, also comes with a children's c.d. that has 30 Christian songs. I defiantly recommend this book for teaching your children about Jesus.

CVS Advisor Panel

2009-08-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

CVS Advisor Panel-Are you a member of the CVS Advisor Panel? If you shop at CVS you need to join. When you sign up for the panel CVS will send you surveys periodically to your inbox. When you complete a survey they will reward you with $5.00 to $15.00 in Extra Care Bucks. This is a great way to earn extra savings at CVS!

Allure free giveaway in August

2009-08-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

Allure magazine is offering a great promotion through the month of August. They will be giving away free beauty items, shoes, accesories, makeup, etc. each weekday throughout August. The giveaways will be every hour from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm eastern time. You need to log on at the top of each hour, because some of prizes are very limited. For example, the prizes for Wednesday August 12th are:

12 pm Banana Republic Suede Ankle Boots ($69)
1 pm Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray ($4.99) First 500
2 pm Make Up For Ever Professional Aqua Eyes Eyeliner Pencil in 11L ($17) First 100
3 pm Channel Ultra Correction Lift Firming Day Cream SPF 15 ($150) First 30
4 pm American Beauty Beloved Red Rose Fragrance ($39.50) First 20
5 pm Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo ($5.49) First 100
6 pm Jonathan Product Hydrating Mask ($26) First 100

You can go here for a complete list of daily prizes. Remember that the times are Eastern.

Thanks, Nicole's Nickels!

Scrubbing bubbles Automatic Shower cleaner sample

2009-08-11T12:38:00.001-07:00

Scrubbing Bubbles is offering a sample for the Automatic Shower Cleaner. These are usually priced around 20.00. I have one in my bathroom and really like using it. Go here to get your free sample! They will send a message to your email, you may need to confirm your info from your email. Make sure to check your email after signing up.

Burt's Bee Natural Acne Solution Sample

2009-08-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Burt's Bees is offering a free sample of the Natural Acne Solution. Go here to receive a free sample.

Aveno hair care collection sample

2009-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Aveno is offering a free sample of their hair care collection. They will ask you a few questions about the type of hair you have so they can send you a sample that is appropriate for your hair. Go here for your sample!

Playtex Sport Sample

2009-08-11T12:31:00.001-07:00

Go here and fill out your information for a free sample of Playtex Sport tampons. Usually they will send a coupon with for a box of Playtex with the sample.

Carefree sample

2009-08-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Go here for a sample of Carefree pads!

Thrifty tip #5

2009-08-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

#5
Use ingredient substitution when cooking-Have you ever been in the middle of cooking a recipe and realize that you forgot to pick up an ingredient at the store. This seems to happen to me alot whenever I am baking. Instead of sending your husband running to the store for the ingredient, use this as an opportunity to save money and be a little creative. I recently discovered that most cookbooks come with an ingredient substitution list. Pull out your dusty cookbooks and look to see if their is a substitution for the ingredient you are missing.
For example:
Ingredient Substitution
1 cup honey-------1 1/4 cups sugar & 1/4 cup water
1 T. cornstarch----2 T. all purpose flour
1 cup sour cream--1 cup yogurt & 1 T. cornstarch (for cooking)
1/4 cup red wine--1/4 cup cranberry juice

Take out those old cookbooks and be creative with your recipe substitutions

Walgreens Deals 8-9 to 8-15

2009-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Free

Colgate Total Enamel Strength Toothpaste 4 oz., $2.99
$1/1 Colgate Toothpaste, Any 4.0 Oz. SS 7-26

Earn $2.99 Register Rewards
FREE + Overage

Bic Pens, 2/$1
$1/2 from 8-9 Smart Source Insert
FREE

Reach Toothbrush, 3/$9
$3/3 from SS 8-2
Earn $6 Register Reward when you buy 3
FREE

Listerine, Reach Toothbrush, and Floss, 3/$9
$5/3 when you buy Listerine, Floss, and Toothbrush from SS 8-2

Earn $6 Register Reward when you buy 3
FREE + Overage

Other Good Deals:

Jergens Natural Lotion 16.8 oz., $5.99
Earn $5 Register Rewards

$1

Nivea for Men, 2/$10
(2) $1/1 Nivea for Men Body Wash from RP 7-12

Earn $5 Register Rewards when you buy 2
$1.50/each

Glade Sense & Spray, $6.99
$4/1 from July 2009 All You Magazine
Earn $2 Register Reward
99¢

Mentos Gum $.99 (with in-ad coupon)
Use $.55/1 - 6/21 SS
$.44 each

B1G1 Free Mint Chocolate Chip Shake!

2009-08-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Steak n Shake is offering a coupon for a B1G1 Free Mint Chocolate Chip Milk Shake! This is a great deal. The coupon is good thru the end of September. I printed two, but you may be able to print more. Go here to get your coupon!

Thanks Mojo Savings.

Staples Deals 8-9 to 8-15

2009-08-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

I don't typically shop at Staples, but this coming week they are offering some great deals. I will have to make a trip this Sunday.

Free:

Casio Handheld labelmaker: $19.99
– $5 instant savings
– $15 Easy Rebate (Limit 1)
FREE plus 1 cent overage

Staples Slim-Line Pencil Sharpener: $15.99
– $5.99 instant savings
– $10 Easy Rebate (Limit 1)
FREE

Handyline Dry Erase Markers 3pk: $3.99
– $3.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1)
FREE

Staples Multi-Purpose Paper: 500ct: $5.99
– $1 instant savings
– $3.99 easy rebate (Limit 2)
$1 each after rebate!

Staples Brights Colored Paper: $10.99
– $5.99 Easy Rebate
$5 after rebate

Brother 575 plain paper fax: $59.99
- $50 Easy Rebate
$9.99 after rebate

Norton Internet Security 2009 for 1-3 PCs: $59.99
- $40 Easy Rebate
- $20 upgrader Mail in rebate
FREE

Other Sale Items:
Spiral Notebooks 70ct-$.01 (Limit 6)

Bic Bright Liner Assorted Highlighters are $1 each (Limit 2)
$1/2 coupon (8/9 SS)
Price: .50 each

Possible Scenario:

1 Label Maker @ $14.99 after instant savings
1 Pencil Sharpener @ $10 after instant savings
1 3pk dry erase markers @ $3.99
2 Staples Multipurpose Paper @ $4.99 each after instant savings
1 Staples Brights Paper @ $10.99
6 Spiral Notebooks @ $.01
Total: $52.07

Use:
-$5 in-ad coupon
$47.07 OOP

Rebates Earned:
$15.00 from label maker
$10.00 from pencil sharpener
$3.99 from dry erase markers
$5.99 from paper
$5.99 from paper
$5.99 from paper
Total Rebates Earned: $46.96

After rebates you will have payed $.11 for everything!!!

Thanks Thrifty Mom

Thrifty tip #4

2009-08-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

#4
Create a budget-My husband and I have developed a budget that fits the needs of our family. I believe that one person can not complete a budget on their own. You both need to work together, because you both will be responsible for staying within that budget.

Every two weeks we meet to discuss are budget and pay bills. We meet every two weeks based off of when bills are due and when we get paid. We have a budget for the first and second half of the month. All of our money is pooled into one checking account. The budget changes monthly depending on your needs, so you can not expect to make one budget and it lasts you a full year. When we meet every two weeks we spend at most 30 minutes discussing our budget.

We create categories within our budget. For example, we have a category for car maintenance of 50.00. Every month we write put 50.00 in the car maintenance category of our budget. We do not physically move the money from our checking account, but we allocate the money on paper. We create a tracking sheet for each one of our categories. All of our categories papers are put into a binder. Throughout the 2 weeks when a purchase is made we deduct it from the specific category. This might sound like alot of work, but once it is set up, it is an easy way to keep track of where your money is. Examples of our categories include: mortgage, gas, electric, water, doctor's visit, phone, internet, cable, haircuts, groceries, personal allowance, date night, gasoline, home maintenence, car maintenence, property tax, gifts, clothes.

Why we like this system? Every dollar that you spend is accounted for and has to fit into your budget. When we want to do something, we have to be able to figure out which category the purchase fits in to. This also helps plan for unexpected events so you are not dipping into your savings. For example, we pay property tax every year in December. This bill is usually around 500.00. If we forget about this bill, along with Christmas, we would be pulling money from our savings to pay for our property tax. Instead, we save a portion on paper in our budget to cover this expense.

The other great thing about having a budget is that you are able to save more or pay off more debt. Everything you spend has to fit in your budget, so you have to discipline yourself to not give in to your spending urges.

CVS Deals 8/9-8/15

2009-08-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Freebies!!!

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse 9.99 get 9.99ecbs
-use 1.00 off Revlon from SS 7-19

Free + 1.00 money maker

Mars singles 2/$1.00

-use $1.00 off 2 milkways, snickers, twix, three muskateers or milky way from RP 7-26

Free

Bayer Contour Meter 14.99 get 5.00ecbs

-use up to $30.00 Q from SS 3-22

Free + 5.00 money maker

Sharpie 4ct. or Papermate 6ct. Highlighters .99
-use 1.00 off sharpie here

Free

Cheap Deals!

Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen 8.99 get 2ecbs

-use 5.00 Q from here

2.00 after ecbs

Airwick Freshmatic Automatic spray 5.99

-use 4.00 off Airwick here

2.00

All Nair Hair Remover 3.99

-use 3.00 off 2 from here

2.50 each when you buy 2

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, Healthy Skin liquid makeup, pressed powder or Skin Clearing Liquid makeup 9.99 get 2ecbs (limit 1)

-use 2.00 Neutrogena cosmetics from SS 7-26

6.00

Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick 6.99 get 2ecbs (limit 1)

-use 1.00 off Neutrogena lip cosmetics RP 7-26

4.00

********************
$5.00 off $25.00 coupon!!-CVS is offering a great 5.00 off 25.00 coupon by going here. You will be asked to answer a 5 minute trivia questionnaire about filling prescription. After the questionnaire you can print your coupon. Go here to get your coupon.

Scenario:
Buy:

1-Revlon Mousse 9.99

5-Mars singles candy bars @ .50 each=2.00

4-Sharpie Highlighters @ .99 each=3.96

1-Coppertone Sunscreen @ 8.99

25.44 before coupons

Use: (hand these in the following order)

5.00 off 25.00 CVS from here

1-1.00 off Revlon Q from SS 7-19

2-1.00 off 2 mars candy bars from RP 7-26

4-Sharpie Highlighter 1.00 Q from here

1-Coppertone 5.00 Q from here

Total OOP=8.44+tax

(if you have old ecbs you can use then to bring your total OOP down)

Earn: 12 ecbs for your next trip!!!

Check out: Becentsable-The Original Grocery Gathering for more Grocery and Drug Store Deals in your area.

Restaurant.com

2009-08-07T14:32:00.001-07:00

Save 80% Off w/every $25 Gift Cert. order. Use code PORTION. Pay $2 thru 8/13/09 at Restaurant.com.

Surveys

2009-08-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting to many deals today because I have been working on posting all my favorite survey websites in my survey link. I recently got hooked on taking surveys. They are a great way to make extra money and they are usually fun to take.

To read more about surveys click here!

Nabisco $55.00 in coupons!

2009-08-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Nabisco has a great promotion for a savings of $55.00 to use on Nabisco products. Coupons will come by mail once you sign up here.

Thrifty Tip #3

2009-08-05T08:24:00.001-07:00

#3
Cut dryer sheets in half. This is a trick I use to double the amount of dryer sheets. When I open a new box of dryer sheets, I will go through and cut each one in half. It works just as well as using a whole sheet.

Mindfield--Survey

2009-08-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

Mindfield is another online survey site that I would like to recommend signing up for. I have had good results with receiving and being approved to take surveys. Go here to sign up for Mindfield.

FREEBIE LIST

2009-08-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

The following products are all free. Click on the links below to receive some great free samples in the mail.

Glade fall into fragrence gift pack

LEGO Magazine-2 year free subscription Stayfree-Free Sample

Thrifty Tip #2

2009-08-04T13:27:00.001-07:00

Carry Cash-You will save more money if you carry cash than use your credit card or debit card. If you take $30.00 in cash into a store you will make sure that you stay under $30.00 so that you have enough money to make your purchase. If you use a debit or credit card you might not be as concerned about how much you are spending until the cashier tells you how much you owe and it is way over the $30.00 you planned on spending. You will then leave the store feeling upset that you spent more money, cash eliminates this problem. You know that you are not going to spend more than what you have in your wallet.

Restaurant.com

2009-08-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Take 50% Off + Free $10 Gift Cert. w/every $25 Gift Cert. Order. Use code SUPPER. Pay $5 thru 8/6/09 at Restaurant.com..

Now through 8/6/09 you can get a $25.00 Gift Certification as well as a $10.00 Gift Certificate to a restaurant in your area for $5.00! This is a great value.

American Consumer Opinion

2009-08-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

My goal is to bring you a new survey company as often as possible. Today's survey link is American Consumer Opinion. This site pays in cash for taking surveys. You can sign up and start earning money here.

Free Sample Fiber One Honey Clusters and $5.00 in coupons

2009-08-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is a great sample. You will receive a free sample of Fiber One Honey Clusters cereal and $5.00 worth of coupons for Fiber one products. Go here to sign up.

Free Sample Honey Nut Cheerios

2009-08-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Go here to receive a free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios plus a $1.00 coupon for a box of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Thrifty Tips

2009-08-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have decided to challenge myself to post a thrifty tip everyday that I have learned, created, read or used. I love learning what others are doing to stretch a buck. So today will be my first day for the Thrifty Tips post. You will be able to view all the thrifty tips by clicking on the link on the sidebar.

#1:
This tip is by far my favorite and something I actually do. This tip is called the cooling off period. We all try not to use credit cards if we are thrifty, but sometimes an emergency happens and we must use our emergency credit card. This tip will help you to decide if your emergency is really an emergency. Take your emergency credit card and put it in a bowl or container of water and then put the bowl in the freezer. Yes you heard me right, you are going to freeze your credit card! This may sound crazy, but this will allow you to take your time in deciding if you really need to use your credit card while your card is cooling off. This helps with making an impulsive purchase. People might think you are crazy, but you will have more money in your pocket if you make smart choices about using credit cards. Happy freezing!

#2:
Carry Cash-You will save more money if you carry cash than use your credit card or debit card. If you take $30.00 in cash into a store you will make sure that you stay under $30.00 so that you have enough money to make your purchase. If you use a debit or credit card you might not be as concerned about how much you are spending until the cashier tells you how much you owe and it is way over the $30.00 you planned on spending. You will then leave the store feeling upset that you spent more money, cash eliminates this problem. You know that you are not going to spend more than what you have in your wallet.

#3:
Cut dryer sheets in half. This is a trick I use to double the amount of dryer sheets. When I open a new box of dryer sheets, I will go through and cut each one in half. It works just as well as using a whole sheet.

#4
Create a budget-My husband and I have developed a budget that fits the needs of our family. I believe that one person can not complete a budget on their own. You both need to work together, because you both will be responsible for staying within that budget.

Every two weeks we meet to discuss are budget and pay bills. We meet every two weeks based off of when bills are due and when we get paid. We have a budget for the first and second half of the month. All of our money is pooled into one checking account. The budget changes monthly depending on your needs, so you can not expect to make one budget and it lasts you a full year. When we meet every two weeks we spend at most 30 minutes discussing our budget.

We create categories within our budget. For example, we have a category for car maintenance of 50.00. Every month we write put 50.00 in the car maintenance category of our budget. We do not physically move the money from our checking account, but we allocate the money on paper. We create a tracking sheet for each one of our categories. All of our categories papers are put into a binder. Throughout the 2 weeks when a purchase is made we deduct it from the specific category. This might sound like alot of work, but once it is set up, it is an easy way to keep track of where your money is. Examples of our categories include: mortgage, gas, electric, water, doctor's visit, phone, internet, cable, haircuts, groceries, personal allowance, date night, gasoline, home maintenence, car maintenence, property tax, gifts, clothes.

Why we like this system? Every dollar that you spend is accounted for and has to fit into your budget. When we want to do something, we have to be able to figure out which category the purchase fits in to. This also helps plan for unexpected events so you are not dipping into your savings. For example, we pay property tax every year in December. This bill is usually around 500.00. If we forget about this bill, along with Christmas, we would be pulling money from our savings to pay for our property tax. Instead, we save a portion on paper in our budget to cover this expense.

The other great thing about having a budget is that you are able to save more or pay off more debt. Everything you spend has to fit in your budget, so you have to discipline yourself to not give in to your spending urges.

#5
Use ingredient substitutions when cooking-Have you ever been in the middle of cooking a recipe and realize that you forgot to pick up an ingredient at the store. This seems to happen to me alot whenever I am baking. Instead of sending your husband running to the store for the ingredient, use this as an opportunity to save money and be a little creative. I recently discovered that most cookbooks come with an ingredient substitution list. Pull out your dusty cookbooks and look to see if their is a substitution for the ingredient you are missing.
For example:
Ingredient Substitution
1 cup honey-------1 1/4 cups sugar & 1/4 cup water
1 T. cornstarch----2 T. all purpose flour
1 cup sour cream--1 cup yogurt & 1 T. cornstarch (for cooking)
1/4 cup red wine--1/4 cup cranberry juice

Take out those old cookbooks and be creative with your recipe substitutions

Free Yoplait Whips Coupon

2009-08-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Sign up here for Betty Crockers newsletter and you will receive a coupon for a free Yoplait Whips. These are very good if you haven't tried them.

Free Book! The Ten-Year Nap

2009-07-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Go here to request your free copy of The Ten Year Nap while supplies last. This is a new book about working moms who have been stay at home moms and are now looking at where to go next.

Click on the link here and send an email with your address to receive a copy.

CVS Deals 8/2 to 8/7

2009-07-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

School Supply Sale!

Caliber 10 Pk Pencils $.99 get $.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber 20 ct Pens $.99 get $.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber Academic Book Covers $1.99 get $1.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber Academic Compass/Protractor $1.99 get $1.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber 1 Subject notebook .99 get .99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber Academic Flexi Ruler $.99 get $.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber Academic Scissors $2.99 get $2.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Caliber Sticky Note/Glue stick/Pen Eraser $.99 get $.99 ecb limit 2-Free

Poly Portfolio $.49 get $.49 ecb limit 2-Free

Extra Care Bucks Deals!

Blink tears or gel tears $7.99 get $7.99 ecb limit 1
-$1.50 blink Tears lubricating eye drops from here
Free + overage

Softsoap Nutri Serums 15 oz $4.99 get $4 ecb Limit 1
-$2 Softsoap Body Wash or Irish Spring Body Wash 15 oz from here, try zip 45435
Free or Overage

Pepsi 8 pk 5/$10 get $2 ecb wyb 5 limit 1
2.00 each

$10 ecb WYB $20 limit 1
Electrasol, Resolve or Woolite 2/$9
Lysol Cleaner or airwick 2/$6
Lysol Spray 2/$8

Use:
-$2.50 Finish/Electrasol Quantum, Powerball Tabs or Gelpacs SS 7/12/09
-$1 Resolve SS 6/28/09
-.50 off any electrosol auto dish detergent
-1.00 off Finish quantum detergent
-$.75 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourable, Trigger, Plus Bleach or Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner (exp 8/3/09) SS 6/7/09
-$.75 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Trigger, Plus Bleach, or Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner SS 7/12/09
-$.75 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner SS 6/7/09
-$.75 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner SS 7/12/09
-$1 Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill Pack SS 7/12/09
-$1 Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill Pack or two Single Refills SS 6/21/09
-Air Wick Warmer Free up to $2.19 wyb any Air Wick Scented Oil Refill SS 7/12/09
-Air Wick Warmer Unit FREE wyb Air Wick Scented Oil Refill, up to $3.19 value SS 6/21/09
-$1 Lysol Disinfectant Spray (exp 8/3/09) SS 6/7/09
-$1 Lysol Disinfectant Spray SS 7/12/09
Prices Vary

$5 ecb wyb $15 limit 5
gold emblem the big mix candy bags assorted sizes 2/$6
orbit/eclipse/trident/dentyne 60 ct 2/$5
gold emblem jelly beans or licorice 2/$4
Prices Vary

Stayfree $5 ecb wyb $10 worth, products are $5.00 each
B1G1 Free Stayfree 6/28/09 SS
$1.00 off any Stayfree printable here
$1.00 off any Stayfree printable at redplum.com
Free + overage

CVS cotton balls, squares, rounds, ovals, pads, towelettes 25-300 ct
or nail polish remover 6 oz (PSA $1.99) get $2 EB WYB $5 Limit 1
$1.33 each when you buy 3

Scenario

I am starting the week with 4ECBs.

1st Transaction
Softsoap Nutri Serums 15 oz $4.99 get $4 EB Limit 1
Stayfree $5 ecb wyb $10, buy 2 at 5.00 each

Use:
4ecbs
$2 Softsoap Body Wash or Irish Spring Body Wash
B1G1 Free Stayfree 6/28/09 SS
$1.00 off any Stayfree printable here.

OOP: 2.00
Earn: 9ecbs

2nd Transaction
Pepsi 8 pk 5/$10 get 2 ecb wyb 5 limit 1

Use: 9ecbs
OOP: 1.00
Earn: 2ecbs

Total OOP: 3.00
Total ECBs: 2

Check out: Becentsable-The Original Grocery Gathering for more Grocery and Drug Store Deals in your area.

Walgreens Deals 8/2 to 8/7

2009-07-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Gum Toothbrush 2 pack $3.49 get $3.49 RR

$1 Gum Toothbrush RP 6/21

Free + 1.00 overage

Vitamin Shampoo & Conditioner 13oz $3.99 get $3.99 RR
Free

Buy 8, get a $10 RR--buy 6, get a $6RR--buy 4, get a $2RR.

Participating Products Include:
Dove Hair Care (7 - 12oz) 2/$6
Dove or Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant $5.99
Dove or Degree Deodorant (2.6-3 oz) 2/$7
Dove Lotion 13.5 oz or Body Wash 24 oz 25% off
Vaseline IC Lotion 25% off
Pond's Skin Care 25% off
285pk Q-Tips Vanity or 500pk Swabs 25% off
Suave Antiperspirant/Deodorant 2.6 or 6 oz 25% off
Breyers Ice Cream 48oz 2/$7
Lipton Tea 40pk Green tea, 48pk Decaf, 100pk Orig $2.99
Hellmann's Mayo 22 or 30 oz $2.99
Skippy PB 16.3 oz 2/$4
Ragu 26 oz 2/$4
Bertolli Dinner 24 oz $5.99

Deal Scenario:
Buy 8 Jars of Ragu Pasta Sauce- on sale 2/$4
Total=$16
Use 4 $1.25/2 coupons from the upcoming 8/2 Red Plum insert
Pay $11
Get back a $10 Register Reward
Final cost ONLY $1 for 8 jars of Ragu--just .13 per jar! (Thanks, Hip2Save)

Kellogg's Cereal 12-20 oz 2/$5 get $2 RR wyb 2
Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Gold, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Pops 10 oz+ $1 on 2
1.00 each

Scenario: (starting with 0 RR)

1st Transaction
Buy 8 Jars of Ragu Pasta Sauce- on sale 2/$4

Use: 4 $1.25/2 coupons

OOP: $11.00
Earn: 10RR

2nd Transaction
Gum Toothbrush 2 pack $3.49 get $3.49 RR
Vitamin Shampoo & Conditioner 13oz $3.99 get $3.99 RR
Kellogg's Cereal 12-20 oz 2/$5 get $2 RR wyb 2

Use:
$1 Gum Toothbrush RP 6/21
Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Gold, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Pops 10 oz+ $1 on 2 8-2 $10.00 RR from previous transaction
OOP: .50
Earn: 2RR, 3.49RR, 3.99RR

3rd Transaction

Vitamin Shampoo 3.99

Use: 3.49 Gum RR

OOP: .50

Earn: 3.99 RR

4th Transaction

Gum toothbrushes 2 pack 3.49

$1.50 item (newspaper, filler)

Use:

$1.00 Gum RP 6/21

3.99 Vitamin RR

OOP: 0

Earn: 3.49 RR

Repeat transaction 3 &4

$25.00 Restaurant.com GC

2009-07-31T00:23:00.001-07:00

In the month of August Swagbucks is offering a great promotion. You can earn a $25.00 Gift Card towards a restaurant on restaurant.com by earning 45Swagbucks. This is a great offer since 45Swagbucks currently can only be redeemed for $5.00 in cash. This is a great offer.

Not familiar with Swagbucks? Swagbucks is a search engine that allows you to search the web while earning points. Points can them be redeemed for prizes and rewards. Go here to get started on Swagbucks!

5 Coupon Inserts this Sunday 8-2!!

2009-07-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Time to stock up on papers this Sunday. This Sunday's paper should have 5 coupon inserts! Below is a preview of coupons that will be available this Sunday.

SMARTSOURCE

Blue Bunny Aspen or Sedona Frozen Yogurt Granola Snacks $2

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit or Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser $3

Clean & Clear Product, any $1
Kens Marinade or Buffalo Wing Sauce $1
Listerine Agent Cool Blue, 500 ml or Smart Rinse 500 ml B1G1F up to $5.05
OneTouch Meter $10

Pampers Cruisers Premium Absorbency Diapers $2 (TARGET)
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers $2 (TARGET)
Pert Plus, 24.5 oz+ $2
Pert Plus for Men $1.50
VisineProduct, any except trial $2
Zyrtec, 24 ct+ $4
Zyrtec Childrens $2

SMARTSOURCE #2
Breyers YoCrunch 100 Calorie Yogurt Packs, any .75
Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator B1G1F to $4.29

Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder $3
LOreal EverPure Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment $2
Oust Air Sanitizer B1G1F to $3.49
Pledge Furniture Care $1.50/2

Pledge Furniture Care Wipes $1

Pledge Multi Surface Product $1
Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit FREE up to $7.29 wyb Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel

RED PLUM
All Liquid Laundry Detergent, 96 load+ $2

Blink Tears or Blink GelTears Lubricating Eye Drops, any $4

Degree Men or Women Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant $2

Dove Beauty Bar (6-bar+) or Body Wash, 10 oz.+ $1

Dove Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin or Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash ,12 oz+ $2
Hellmanns Product, 16.5 oz.+ .60
Knorr Rice and Pasta .60/2

Oral-B Advantage Plus Toothbrush FREE up to $3.44 wyb both Crest And Scope (TARGET) Ragu .60/2

Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover Starter Kit $5

KELLOGGS
Kelloggs Eggo Frozen Products, 4 ct+ $1 on 2

Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Gold, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Pops 10 oz+ $1 on 2
Kelloggs Pop-Tarts, 8ct+ $1 on 2

PROCTER & GAMBLE
Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $4

Crest Whitestrips Classic $3
Gillette Body Wash FREE wyb Gillette Fusion Razor
Gillette Clinical Strength AND Secret Clinical Strength $4
Gillette Shampoo FREE wyb Gillette Fusion Razor
Pringles Cans, 180g+ $1 on 2
Tag Invisible Solid or Body Spray $2

Venus Disposables 6ct, Mach3 Disposables 6ct, Sensor3 8ct or CustomPlus3 8ct $3

For a complete list of coupons for 8-2 visit Taylortown Preview!

Free Viva Paper Towel Sample

2009-07-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Get your free sample of Viva Paper towels through Wal-Mart free samples. Go here to sign up. Wal-Mart samples usually arrive in less than 4 weeks.

Chicken Casserole Recipe E-book

2009-07-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Download this free ebook with several chicken casserole recipes. This freebie does not require you to enter any of your information. Download your book here.

Target Toy Clearance!

2009-07-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Target is running a toy clearance sale. Toy's are up to 75% off. I found a wide variety of items that were still available this afternoon. I also heard an employee talking about adding more items at a later time. Hurry over to Target and start stockpiling toys for birthdays and Christmas.

Items I bought:

stuffed animal storage basket 2.48

Password Boardgame 4.48

Doll Highchair 5.00

Being Green for Free!

2009-07-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

We are bombarded with different ideas for living a green lifestyle everyday. But, some of the ideas for being green are costly. If you are living on a budget, like I am, you can't afford new EnergyStar appliances or to put solar panels on your house. I have compiled a list of 10 things you can do to live a green lifestyle for free and actually save you money.

1-Peak electrical energy demand hours are between 5am-9am and 4pm-7pm. Avoiding using large appliances (dishwasher, electrical oven, and dryer) during these hours will save on energy use. I try to do my laundry between 10am-2pm and I will run my dishwasher at 9pm.

2-When you are washing fruits or vegetables in a strainer put a bowl under the strainer to catch the extra water. Then use the bowl of water to water your indoor or outdoor plants. This will help to conserve water.

3-Stop using plastic bags. I wouldn't go to the store without my shopping list, but I will sometimes forget to bring my reusable grocery sacks because I know the store will offer me a plastic sack to carry my groceries. If we make it a priority to not use them we will be helping the environment. If you do get plastic bags, make sure that you are reusing them to take your lunch to work in or as a trashcan liner in the bathroom.

4-Have a garage sale, sell items online or donate to charity. Reusing items is a great way to be green. Instead of your old couch ending up in a landfill, why not try to sell it to a family that would use it or donate it to someone in need. When you shop at garage sales or thrift stores you are reusing items as well. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

5-Turn off the lights. It is such an easy concept, but so many of use forget to turn off lights when they are not in use. We also need to turn off T.V.'s, computers and appliances that we are not using.

6-Recycle! If you clip coupon you might accumulate 2-5 newspapers each week. These need to be recycled. Check out your city's website to see what items they accept at your local recycling center. You might be surprised of the things you throw in the trash that could be recycled. Some city's will charge a fee to pick up your recycling at your home, but most city's have a place that you can drop off your recycling for free.

7-Shop at antique stores and flea markets. I love antiques and they are thrifty and green items to buy since they are being sold used. Most of the items I have bought in my house have come from antique stores or garage sales. Anytime you purchase something used you are helping to reuse and conserve the environment.

8-Call your local electrical company and ask if they have any energy efficient programs you could benefit from. In my area my electric company offered new programmable thermostats that allowed us to preset the temperature to change through out the day. The thermostat was installed in my home for free. Since, I have been using the new thermostat my electrical bill has dropped by 38.00 a month!

9-Carpool or drive as little as possible. You can do your part by trying to use your car less. Car pool to work with someone or walk or ride your bike to your destination.

10-Be conscious of your choices and how they will effect the environment. Commit to doing your part to living a more green lifestyle.

My $50.00 Challenge

2009-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

This week I spent $23.29 on groceries. We are having an eat what's around the house week. I spent $31.00 on a big bag of cat food and I try to keep my pet's food within my $50.00 weekly budget if I can. In total we went over our budget by $4.29.

At CVS, I started with 5ECBs and came out with 5ECBs to use next week. I spent $8.05 at CVS. If you haven't shopped at CVS yet this week, go here for all the deals.

At Wal-Mart, I spent $11.08. Breyer yogurt was priced at .58 each. Using the $1.00 off 2 coupon from here making each yogurt .08 each!

At Price Chopper, I spent $4.16 on two cases of pop.

Walgreens Coupon

2009-07-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

Walgreens released a 1 day only coupon for July 31st for 15% off eligible store items and 20% off Walgreens Brand items. Combined with sale items this would make a good deal for the week. Go here to get your coupon.

Home Made Simple $30.00 Coupon Booklet

2009-07-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Home made simple is offering a coupon booklet with $30.00 worth of coupons. If you have requested it before, you should be able to request again since this is a new link. Go over here! Booklets will be delivered in 6-8 weeks.

Honey Bunches of Oats Coupon

2009-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Post has a high value coupon of $2.00 for 1 Honey Bunches of Oats Pecan Cluster cereal. You could probably pick up a book for free or around $1.00 at most stores.

Overwhelmed by Coupons!

2009-07-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

When I first began coupon shopping I would spend a few hours on Sundays clipping, filing, purging and organizing my coupons. I found that I would be purging so many coupons weekly that where expired because I never used them. It seemed silly for me to be spending all this time clipping and organizing coupons if they were of no use to me.

I now do not clip coupons until I am ready to go to the store. Each Sunday, I will organize my coupon in a file folder system. I will date each one of the folders so that I can find coupons easily. I longer clip any coupons from my inserts until I need them.

Due to the great resources we have with blogs and coupon sites, we are able to determine sales and coupons that match sales before we enter a store. I do not leave my house without a list with the items I will be buying and a stack of coupons to match my items. When I have my list of items I can easily go through my folders and cut out the coupons I will need and print them from the internet for my store purchases.

When I first began doing this I worried that I might miss a deal on a clearance item that I knew I had a coupon to match the item. In that case if I really need the item, I will come back and get it the next day with my coupon. Making a second trip to a store every so often is a much better use of my time then spending a few hours every Sunday clipping and organizing my coupons.

I found that typically I do not return to the store to pick up the item I saw on sale. I usually don't need the item.

This system allows me to stick to my list. I believe that I save money by not buying impulse items. I also feel like I save time by not wondering the store for a long period of time. I have my list with the items I will be buying and those are the only items I will purchase. The longer I am in a store the more I will buy.

Free Crafts

2009-07-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Are the kids restless and bored at home. Check out Favecrafts. They have a selection of 22 summer crafts for kids. Click here to to visit FaveCrafts!

Discounted textbooks

2009-07-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

The time is quickly approaching for college students to return to school. Textbooks are extremely expensive on college campuses. I use textbookx.com to order books that are used for my masters level classes I am taking. I will search for the books I need through my college book store and then search on textbookx.com for the best deals. Check them out by clicking on the button above.

Quality Health Free Samples

2009-07-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

When you join Quality Health, you can receive free samples on a variety of products. Sign up is free. Click here to join.

Surveys

2009-07-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Surveys are a great way to earn extra cash and rewards. I enjoy taking surveys and sharing my opinion on products and issues. Below you will find a list of survey sites that I use. All the surveys listed below are ones that I personally use on a daily basis. Click on the links below to get started earning money for taking surveys.

*Opinion Outpost-Is a survey site that will send you surveys based on your desire to take them. They will not flood your inbox with more surveys then you are willing to take. Opinion Outpost pays in points that can be redeemed for rewards and prizes. Opinion Outpost is my favorite survey site. I have the most luck on this site receiving and earning money.

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*Opinion Place-Opinion Place is a survey site I like to use because they will pay rewards instantly. You do not have to wait until you accumulate points. They will send your funds thru paypal or amazon gift cards.

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*Mindfield is another online survey site that I would like to recommend signing up for. I have had good results with receiving and being approved to take surveys. Go here to sign up for Mindfield.

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*American Consumer Opinion-This site pays in cash for taking surveys. You can sign up and start earning money here.

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*HCDSurveys-You can earn up to $5.00 using this study. They have a refer a friend link to earn extra money by refering friends.

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*Survey Savvy-is another survey site. I don't receive emails very often from this company, but when I do the pay out for taking the survey is pretty good and I usually qualify for the surveys.

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*Say Nation-is different from the other survey sites. When you take surveys on this site you are trying to accumulate enough points to receive a $25.00 gas card. We could all use a gas card.

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*SaskWatch- provides rewards between 10-50 per survey that is taken. When you reach 100 points you can cash out your earnings for $10.00. The other great thing about this site is you are awarded points for trying to qualify to take a study. So this site will not waste your time.

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*Ipos-i-say-This survey site will send a few emails to you a week. The surveys that you take will earn you points that can then be redeemed for restaurant gift cards. Click on the Ipos-i-say button to join.

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CVS Advisor Panel-Are you a member of the CVS Advisor Panel? If you shop at CVS you need to join. When you sign up for the panel CVS will send you surveys periodically to your inbox. When you complete a survey they will reward you with $5.00 to $15.00 in Extra Care Bucks. This is a great way to earn extra savings at CVS!

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Freebies

2009-07-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Go here for a free Shamwow drying cloth.

Freefly Freebies found today:

Ideal no calorie sweetner

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond True Delights

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Fragrance

They have several more offers as well. These are the ones I signed up for. Join Freefly by clicking the Freefly button on the sidebar of this page.

Living a clutter free life and making money.

2009-07-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

My husband and I began working on paying off our debt (car loans and student loans) this summer. We are trying to put as much money each month towards are debt. Besides are two incomes, I have been trying to earn extra money on the side. One thing I have done is tried to sell things around the house.

We had a garage sale this past weekend and raised almost $300.00 in one day just by selling little things around the house that we don't use anymore.

I have also been selling items on craigslist. I like to sell bigger items on craigslist. I think you can get a better price for items through craiglist. This past month I have sold furniture and gym equipment.

In the process of trying to earn money, I was surprised at how getting rid of items I no longer used actually made me feel better in my home. I think that it is important to declutter and get rid of what we don't really need. When I am in my house I feel lighter with less items.

I believe having clutter makes us stressed out and anxious. I was holding on to so many items that my garage was completely full. I had kitchen and home items that I was saving for when I got a bigger house to decorate with or a bigger kitchen with more cabinets to put all the dishes in. But, I probably won't get a bigger home for 3-4 years. I have to live and function in the size house that I have. Let's face it, I probably will want the newest home decorations anyways by the time I get a bigger home. I decided that I wasn't going to live in the future when it came to my clutter, but to live in the now. The now is living a clutter free life and even making some extra cash doing it.

50 Free photo prints from CVS

2009-07-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sign up for CVS photo center. It's free and you'll get up to 50 free prints when you join. Includes Free photo storage and sharing. I signed up and was able to print my photos from my recent vacation to use in my scrapbook. Click on the picture link above.

Free Spring Samples

2009-07-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Get your free spring samples by clicking on the picture above.

CVS FREE or CHEAP 7-26 to 8-1

2009-07-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste $2.88 get $2ECBs (Lmt. 1)
-Use 1.00Q from 7/12SS
=Free + Overage

Caliber 100 Page Composite Notebook $.99 get $.99ECBs (Lmt. 2)
=Free

CVS Erasers, Push pins, or Binder clips $.99 get $.99ECBs (Lmt. 2)
=Free

Caliber pencil or Index Card case $.99 get $.99ECBs (Lmt.2)
=Free

Pilot Easytop Pen 2pck. $.99 get $.99ECBs (Lmt. 2)
=Free

Caliber Sticky notes 2pck. $.99 get $.99ECBs (Lmt. 2)
=Free

Buy 2 Georgia Pacific Copy Paper at $5.00 each get $5.00ECBs (Lmt.4)
=2.50 each

Buy 4 Coke Products for $13.00 get $3.00ECBs (Lmt.1)
=2.50 each

Buy a lunch carrier starting at $5.99 get $3ECBs (Lmt.2)
=2.99 each

CVS tampons $1.89 get $1.89ECBs (Lmt.1)
=free

My Scenario for this week.
I am only starting the week with 5.00 in ECBs so I will probably do smaller transactions to keep my OOP cost down.

Transaction 1:
Colgate total 2.88
CVS tampons 1.89
2 CVS binder Clips 1.98
Use:
1.00 Colgate Q from 7/12SS
5.00 ECBS

=.75 OOP
Earn: 5.89ECBs

Transaction 2:
2 Caliber Sticky Notes 1.98
1 lunch carrier 5.99
Use:
5.89ECBs from last transaction

=2.08OOP
Earn:5.00ECBs

Transaction 3:
Buy 2 copy paper at 5.00 each
Use:
5.00 ECBs from last transaction

=5.00 OOP
Earn:5.00ECBs

Transaction 4:
2 Pilot Easy top pens 1.98
2 Composition Notebooks 1.98
1 index card case .99

=0 OOP
Earn: 5.00 ECBs

Total OOP: 7.83
I still have the same amount of ECBs that I started with 5.00.

Check out: Becentsable-The Original Grocery Gathering for more Grocery and Drug Store Deals in your area.

Free Craft Ebook

2009-07-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Signup for FaveCrafts Newsletter and receive an ebook with over 60 craft projects. The projects are low cost and involve most items that you could find around your house. The book has some great ideas and includes pictures of the crafts. Go here to get your ebook.

Twilight Trivia Quiz

2009-07-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

For all of you twilight fans. I was emailed a fun trivia quiz. Test your twilight knowledge here!

Free Subscription to eWeek Magazine

2009-07-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Receive a free subscription to eWeek Magazine by clicking on the link here. Hurry while this deal is still available.

Walgreens 7-12 Free and Cheap

2009-07-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

All Laundry Detergent 40-36 loads 2 for 10.00

Get 3.00 RRs wyb 2

1.00 all laundry detergent RP 6-28

2.50 each

Smartwater 5 for 5.00

1.00 off 2 Smartwater SS 6-28

.50 each

CVS Deals 7-12-free and cheap

2009-07-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Caliber 1 subject notebook .99
get .99 ECBs Limit 2
FREE

Caliber 12" wooden or plastic ruler .99
get .99 ECBs Limit 2
FREE

Caliber 5 oz. school glue .99
get .99 ECBs Limit 2
FREE

Caliber or It's academic 5" scissors 2.99
get 2.99 ECBs Limit 2
FREE

Gillette Fusion manual or power razor 7.99
get 4.00 ECBs Limit 1
Use 4.00 Gillette Fusion razor coupon from P & G 6-7
FREE

Photobook ten 6X8 pages 7.99
get 7.99 ECBs Limit 3
FREE

Papermate grip pens 8ct. .99
get .99 ECBs Limit 3
FREE

Kotex pads and tampoons 2 for 7.00
get 2.oo ECBs
Use .75 off any kotex from 6-14 SS
3.50 for 2 packs

Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets 20ct. B1G1F (priced at 8.99)

Use 2.00 off Purex 3 in 1 from 6-14 SS

2.50 each

The Best Ways to Waste Money

2009-07-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

That seems like a crazy title. We are always discussing ways to save money, but do we consider the things we are doing that might be wasting money. I have put together a list of the best ways to waste money. If you have any to share please leave a comment!

-Have a high interest credit card that is not being payed off monthly. I try to avoid credit cards if possible.

-Buy a new car every 2-3 years. I think that we all want new things, but in order to get the full value out of your car you need to try to hold on to it as long as possible.

-Not consider the money you waste in gas. I am guilty of driving to 3 different stores to get great deals on free items. I don't take into account how free that item was when I consider the gas I spent driving. Try to cluster your errands so that you can shop at several stores in the same area at once. Less gas used equals more money.

-Not paying yourself first on each paycheck. Saving is important, so make sure you are setting aside money first. You won't ever miss it, if you don't count on it.

-Eating out-It so alluring and convenient to eat out at restaurants, but eating out is a waste of money compared to the price it costs to make a meal at home. Try to designate one night a week or month for eating out.

-Making several trips to the grocery store. Not being planned and organized costs you money. When you impulse buy, you will tend to buy more items then if you had an organized list. You will also forget items that you needed and will have to go back to store, creating more of an opportunity to impulse buy. Have a plan and stick to it.

This list is to get you to consider what do you waste money on. These are things that I have been guilty of doing. If you have something to add please leave a comment.

My 50.00 Challenge

2009-07-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I reached my 50.00 goal this week for grocery spending. I spent $41.90 at CVS, Aldi's, & Target.

I spent 13.38 at Target. I got some great deals on Kashi products thanks to Target printable coupons. I also had a 5.00 gift card from a previous gift card deal to use.

At CVS I spent, 4.90. I used 8 ECBs and received 10 ECBs. So my out of pocket spending was 2.90 since I made 2 ECBs. See CVS deals here.

I spent 23.62 at Aldi's. I shopped for basic items that we needed. My Aldi's had a gallon of milk for 1.99! We go through atleast 2 gallons a week. So Aldi's is a great store to shop at first. It is hard to get everything you need at Aldi's, but it is worth shopping for basic items before you go to a larger grocery chain.

2009-07-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Order right now through PetSmart to recieve 15% off your order.

McDonald's FREE Mocha Mondays

2009-07-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

McDonald's will be giving away Free Mocha McCafe every Monday through August 3rd from 7 am to 7 pm. There is a limit of one 8 oz hot mocha or 7 oz. iced mocha per person per visit.

Earn Money while you blog!!!

2009-07-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

I love reading coupon and saving money blogs. It took me about a year before I decided to create a blog of my own. In the process of starting my blog I realized that bloggers can get paid for advertising on their sites through affiliate companies.

The great thing about affiliates is you are able to sign up with one company that represents hundreds of individual companies. Once enrolled with an affiliate you can select which companies you would like to post on your blog. Most affiliates will pay you if a sale is generated from your blog or if it is a coupon site if someone prints coupons from your link.

If you are a blogger, consider joining an affiliate program. It is a great way to earn extra money. You can post ads for company's on your page and if those ads generate sales, you could earn money for referring customers.

My favorite affiliate programs:

Logical Media-Logical Media Logical Media is a great affiliate program. Check them out.Logical Media - Make Money!

LinkShare Affiliate!- Link Share is an affiliate program for bloggers. Sign up to earn commission from items sold through your blog.

Thomas Nelson Book Review-Thomas Nelson is a great affiliate site. They will send you free christian books on a variety of topics if you agree to write a review about the book on your blog. This is a great way to recieve some free books for you or your children. Click on the Thomas Nelson advertisement to sign up to be a book review blogger.

America's Cheapest Family

2009-07-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

While I was at the book store on Friday, I came across this book. It is by "America's Cheapest Family". I only have had the book for a few days and have read the entire book. I have to say that it is a good read. Being a frugal person I new alot of the information they discussed in the text. What I got from the book was the system that the family used for creating a monthly budget. They have a great system for allocating and saving money. I loved their system so much I had my husband sit down today and create a new budgeting system. I highly recommend this book, you will find a link on the sidebar to purchase this book, it is very reasonably priced.

Walgreens deals 7-5

2009-07-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

12 pack of pepsi products 3 for 11.00 Get 3.00 RR
3 for 8.00

Buy 10.00 in Keebler Products Get 5.00 RR
Buy 4 Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies
Use 2 1.00/2 from here
Pay 8.00
Get 5.00 RR
.75 each

Buy 10.00 of Covergirl Products Get 3.00 RR
-1.00 Covergirl P&G 6/7
-2.00 on 2 Covergirl P & G 6/7
Prices vary

Menu Plan

2009-07-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday-Salmon fillets, coleslaw, cornbread

Thursday-Chicken Stir fry

Friday-Date Night

Saturday-With Family

Sunday-Cheddar Bratwurst & Sauerkraut

Monday-Flounder fish, green beans, potatoes

Tuesday-hot dogs, chips, cantaloupe

Wednesday-Pork fillets, wild rice, broccoli

Earn Money

2009-07-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

The internet provides many opportunities to earn money and rewards. Below are a list of a few ideas.

Search engines

Swagbucks-Sign up at swagbucks to receive swagbucks just for searching. You can redeem your swagbucks for gifts or gift cards. Typically, you will receive 2-5 swagbucks a day. This is the first site I begin searchin on.

Blingo-This is the next search engine that you can use. You have the chance of winning prizes daily just for searching.

Reward Programs

My Coke Rewards-Do you drink coke? If you buy coke save your coke reward points on bottle caps and box lids. Enter points on My Coke Rewards. Points can be redeemed for gifts, gift cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.

Surveys

Surveys are a fun way to earn extra money by answering questions about you and your family. Some survey sites offer rewards, while others pay actual cash for taking surveys. Check out my survey link here.

Sell things

Ebay-I have been successful with selling items around my house by using ebay. Click here to see how many people earn money by using ebay. You can sign up for a free success kit.

Dairy Queen Blizzard B1G1 Free

2009-07-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

My $50.00 Challenge

2009-07-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

I stayed with in my $50.00 budget for the week. I did not shop at CVS or Walgreens on Sunday, so I had a little more to spend on groceries. I spent $44.76 at Wal-Mart for our weekly groceries. Some of my favorite deals I snagged....

Starbucks Pint icecream 2.50
2.00 Q from 6-17ss

.50 each

California pizzas (small) 2.50

1.00 Q from 5-17ss

1.50 each

Herdez Salsa 1.68

.50 Q from 5-3ss

1.18 each

Tide Free Sample & 1.50 Coupon!

2009-06-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Tide is offering a free sample of detergent as well as a high value coupon of 1.50 off new Tide stain release. Sign up here the coupon and sample will be mailed to you in 4-6 weeks.

Save money on your household bills!

2009-06-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you checked to make sure you where getting the best deal possible on your household bills? I try every 6 months to a year to check competitor sites for my current service providers to ensure I am receiving the best rates. This is a tedious task, but it is worth it. Yesterday, I saved my family $16.00 a month by calling my cable company for 15 minutes.

I began by looking at competitor sites of my existing cable service and I was able to come up with a figure for what I could get service for at a different company. This is an important step, you need to research to know if you are getting the best rate or not.

I then called my cable provider and said, "I would like to know what I need to do to get my service canceled." The representative asked if I was dissatisfied with my service. I told her I was just wanting to lower my household expenses and could get a better rate through another service provided.

She immediately, told me she could reduce my monthly bill for the next 6 months by 5.00. I told her that wouldn't make much difference compared to other offers I have found. She then offered to reduce my monthly bill for the next 6 months by 10.00. I still refused and told her I was also unsatisfied with my DVR service. She then offered 10.00 off my bill for 6 months plus free DVR service for a total of 16.00 off my current bill.

I agreed to this offer. Reducing my bill by 16.00 made it competitive with the other service providers. Over the course of 6 months I will save a total of 96.00, for spending 15 minutes on the phone. Now I will mark on my calendar when the 6 month time frame will be up and call back and complete the same process over.

Service providers will offer incentives to keep you as a customer. They want your business! If you are dealing with a representative who is not working to ensure you the best rate, hang up and call back till you find someone who will help you. As a consumer it is far easier for me to get my rate decreased then to go through the hassle of switching my carrier.

Don't just think about your cable expenses, what about....

Phone

Internet

Cell Phone

Gas

Electric

Trash

Credit Cards

etc.

Snapfish 50% off Summer Sale

2009-06-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Snapfish is offering 50% off select photo gift items now thru July 4th.

Photo mousepad:5.00

Photo flipbooks: 2.50

Photo Magnets: 2.50

Click here for more details!

Arby's Freebies

2009-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

I received an email that Arby's will be giving away Freebies on WEDNESDAY all summer long for participation stores in AR, IL, KS, MO, & OK. This Wednesday you can get a roast beef n cheddar sandwich with the purchase of any soft drink.

Couponing

2009-06-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Getting started...

Newspapers-Subscribe or begin getting copies to your local paper. The papers will be your means for getting coupons to score the great deals you read about on my site. How many papers to get? I usually get between 2-5 papers a week. It depends on what coupons are coming out this week. You can find a preview for weekly coupons here. When you first start couponing, I would recommend getting between 4-5 papers so that you are able to build your stockpile of items.

All You Magazine-I have a subscription to All You Magazine. All You has the most coupons of any magazine. These coupons are great for matching with sale items. Click on the picture of the magazine to order a subscription.

Organize your coupons-You will soon realize that you will be overwhelmed with the amount of coupons you have. I organize my coupons in file folders, where I will label the folders with the date. When coupons are referenced on blogs they will tell you what weekly insert you can find a particular coupon. To find coupons easily, you will need to organize by week.

Don't cut coupons weekly-This may sound strange, but I will determine my grocery list for the store before I leave the house. I will also match up the coupons I need with the items I will be buying. This way I do not have to spend time cutting and organizing my coupons. There are different sites that have coupon databases if you want to find out if a particular item has a matching coupon. My favorite site is A Full Cup.

Store Reward Cards-Make sure you go and register for a CVS Extra Care Card if you don't already have one. Also register at your local grocery stores for reward cards as well.

Stockpiling- When you are able to match a coupon with a sale item you can often find items for free or very cheap. This is when you want to stockpile. Creating a stockpile will allow you to stock up on items so that you do not have to pay full price.

I like to stockpile items that are not perishable such as paper towels and aluminum foil. I also will stockpile cleaning supplies.

Another great thing to stockpile is your toiletry items. CVS & Walgreens has great deals on these items throughout the year.

Frugal ideas for the mom on the go

2009-06-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

We all seem to live such busy life's, whether we are SAHMs chasing our kids around or we are working moms. It is hard to find time for all of our frugal living. I would love to frequent my favorite stores a couple of times a week, but with my busy schedule I don't have the time. I have listed below some of my time saving ideas to live a frugal lifestyle.

Shop at Wal-Mart-Wal-Mart is where I do all of my grocery shopping. I used to go to Wal-Mart once a month and would frequent 3 neighborhood grocery stores weekly. I cut my time down to 1 shopping trip a week when I learned that Wal-Mart honors competitor prices and will do Price Matching. I will take in the grocery ads from my local Hy-Vee and Price Chopper (if the ads don't come in the paper, I will print them online so I don't have to go to the stores). When I go to check out I will hand the cashier my ads and point out the prices I want matched. For example, If Hy-vee is running a special on Kraft chesse singles for .99, the cashier will adjust the price of my item down to .99. Voila! I have just shopped at 3 different stores in the time it took to go to one store.

Do Multiple Transactions-When I first started couponing I would go to 3 different Walgreens and CVS stores on Sundays to shop. I was spending anywhere from 2-4 hours shopping. I realized this was taking up to much of my time. I think I did this because I was self-conscious about other customer being held up in the lines or the cashier looking at me funny. So I have two options that work well for me. If the store is not very crowded I will do multiple transactions. If a customer comes up behind me, I will move my cart off to the side and let them purchase their items. Another thing I do is complete one transaction, then I will take my items to my car and go back into the store and get the rest of my items to complete another transaction. I feel like this is the equivalent of forgetting to get an item you needed in the store and going back in to purchase it. This saves me time and gas money, if we are trying to be frugal we need to consider the money we spend in gas.

Don't Clip Coupons-I know, I must be crazy. But, really I no longer clip coupons. Due to the great resources we have with blogs and coupon sites, we are able to determine sales and coupons that match sales before we enter a store. I do not leave my house without a list with the items I will be buying and a stack of coupons to match my items. I will organize my coupons in a filing folder according to the date. When I have my list of items I can easily go through my folders and cut out the coupons I will need for my store purchases. Some people might think that they might miss a deal on a clearance item that they had a coupon for. This may happen where I see an item that I know their is a coupon for maybe every other month. So in that case if I really need the item I will come back and get it the next day with my coupon. Making a second trip to a store every 2 months is a much better use of my time then spending 1 hour every Sunday clipping and organizing my coupons.

Make it a Family Activity-As busy moms it is hard to be supermom all the time. Involve your husband, older children, parents, and friends in helping you snag great deals. Sometimes I will send my husband to the store with my list and stack of coupons. Now this is not always the best idea and he is bound to come home with extra items, but it frees up your time. ( This is something I will do out of necessity) I will also go coupon shopping with my mom. We will drive the 20 minute drive together to go to Kmart when they are doubling coupons. Not only do we both get great deals, but I get to spend quality time with my mom. Husbands and family members are also helpful when you are trying to complete multiple transactions at stores.

I wish that I had more time to devote to increasing my stockpile, but I also think that we all must take on what is manageable in our lives. Using these techniques allows me to live frugally but still have time for my family.

CVS Deals 7/5

2009-06-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

Caliber or CVS brand invisible tape-$1.49 get $1.49ECB (Limit 3)

FREE

Caliber or CVS brand No. 2 pencils 10ct. or double blade pencil sharpner-$.99 get $.99ECB (Limit 3)

FREE

CVS brand pantiliners 22ct. $.89 get $.89ECB (Limit 1)

FREE

Febreze spend $10.00 get $5.00 ECB (Limit 5)

Possible Scenario:

Buy:

2 Febreze noticeables-6.50 X 2= 13.00

1 Febreze air effects-3.00

1 Febreze fabric refresher-5.00

=21.00

Use:

2-Febreze noticeable coupons-4.00 (P&G 7-5)

1-Febreze free air effects wyb refresher coupon (P&G 7-5)

Pay: 10.00

Get: 10.00 ECBs

FREE

Price Chopper Deals 6-28 to 7-7

2009-06-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ball Park Franks .97
1.00 off 2 (SS 6-07 & 6-28)

.47 each after coupon!

Breyer's Ice Cream 1.97

1.00 off 2 (RP 5-17)

1.47 each after coupon!

Kraft American Singles 1.47

1.00 off 2 (SS 4-19 exp. 6-30 or here)

.97 each after coupon!

Other great deals:

-KC Masterpiece .77

-Hefty 50 ct. Plates .97

-Lay's Potato Chips 1.77

-Seedless Watermelon 3.77

Don't forget your $5.00 of $50.00 or $5.00 of $75.00 coupon from the entertainment book.

Free Captain D's Meal

2009-06-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Join the D's Club to receive a free Fish & Fries or Chicken & Fries just for joining! After registering an email will be sent to your inbox with the coupon.