Goodbye 2011! I'd been keeping tabs of all my coupon savings this past year. I have a Word document where I breakdown my shopping trips, list my total before coupons, my total out-of-pocket, and my total savings. I always type up the info on there and copy and paste to my blog. I don't breakdown every single grocery trip, so most of these numbers are from couponing at drug stores or Walmart.
I only started couponing in June, but I was still able to save a lot of money!
:::drumroll please:::
In 2011, I saved $3,427.30 using coupons! That's 79%. Woo!
Can't wait to continue saving in 2012!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Shopping Trip - 12/29/11
Last one of 2011! Super small trip. I doubled up on the Zyrtec and Sundown Naturals because my mom wanted some, too.
I started with $10 EBs and a $10 CVS cash card from last week’s promotion.
Transaction # 1 (my card)
4 foam puzzles @ $0.49 = $1.96 (regularly $1.00 each)
Sundown Naturals St. John’s Wort 150ct $5.49 (regularly $11.49)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.49, earned $2 EBs (making this $2.49)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.49, earned $2 EBs (making this $2.49)
Zyrtec 5ct $5.99 (regularly $6.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.99, earned $5.99 EBs (making this FREE + $2.00 profit)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.99, earned $5.99 EBs (making this FREE + $2.00 profit)
Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $13.44 + tax = $14.75
-$3.00 coupons
-$10.00 ExtraBucks from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.44 + tax = $1.75, earned $7.99 EBs
-$3.00 coupons
-$10.00 ExtraBucks from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.44 + tax = $1.75, earned $7.99 EBs
Transaction # 2 (mom’s card)
Sundown Naturals Gingko Biloba 200ct $5.49 (regularly $14.79)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.49, earned $2 EBs (making this $2.49)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.49, earned $2 EBs (making this $2.49)
Zyrtec 5ct $5.99 (regularly $6.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.99, earned $5.99 EBs (making this FREE + $2.00 profit)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.99, earned $5.99 EBs (making this FREE + $2.00 profit)
Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $11.48 + tax = $12.60
-$3.00 coupons
Total: $8.48 + tax = $9.60
-$9.60 CVS cash card from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.00 (not even tax), earned $7.99 ExtraBucks and $0.40 remaining cash card balance
-$3.00 coupons
Total: $8.48 + tax = $9.60
-$9.60 CVS cash card from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.00 (not even tax), earned $7.99 ExtraBucks and $0.40 remaining cash card balance
CVS total before coupons: $24.92 + tax = $27.35
My OOP: $0.44 + tax = $1.75, with $0.40 CVS cash card and $15.98 ExtraBucks remaining
Savings: $25.60, 94%
My OOP: $0.44 + tax = $1.75, with $0.40 CVS cash card and $15.98 ExtraBucks remaining
Savings: $25.60, 94%
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
What I did with all that stuff!
One question I often got asked after I started couponing--"What are you going to do with all that stuff?" Well, here's the answer.
In addition to sharing with my family whenever they needed any products, I made lots of gift baskets for Christmas! Sure, not everyone loves getting bath and body products, cosmetics, or cleaning supplies. But the way I see it? You're going to have to buy that stuff anyway. Why wouldn't you want to get the stuff you need on a daily basis given to you?
I love how my parents' gifts turned out. I got them each a couple of other things other than the baskets. Mom got some Pyrex, Rubbermaid, and hair trimmers, while Dad got a new jacket, socks, and rain suit. They also had small gift bags for their stockings filled with items I'd mostly bought by couponing, like Planters nuts, cozy socks, ceramic mug, pens, notebooks, etc.
The fun started when I got the idea for these "Stay ________" gift baskets. I'd been surfing Pinterest a lot lately. I don't think I found this exact idea on there, but I did get a lot of inspiration by searching for gift baskets. I decided to make 6 baskets filled with various types of goodies. Here's a picture of each. (All totals do not include tax.)
The baskets were $1 at Dollar Tree. I printed the signs on pieces of Post-It photo paper I'd had laying around for a few years. I made the tags on the computer by using Microsoft Word. Various ribbons were used--some leftover from Halloween, some off a gift given to me, and some Hello Kitty ribbon I'd gotten from Target's $1 spot a few years ago. This was because I ran out of the plain green ribbon after making my other gift baskets.
So my grand total spent on these 104 items in the gift baskets? $31.55 plus tax for $292.45 worth of products. That was with sale prices, too! Regular retail was probably close to $500. If you divide $31.55 by 104 items, that comes out to around $0.30 per item. Wowza! My actual out-of-pocket may have been a little less because I often pay for my purchases with rewards from previous weeks.
Though my parents' gift was my big project, I did a few other gift baskets for other relatives. Here are 8 of them.
The baskets were from Dollar Tree. I used basket bags to wrap these--they were 2/$1. Ribbon was leftover from Halloween and I printed and cut the name tags. I used a Sharpie to write their names on them. I thought they were adorable!
The stuffed animals were a gift for my nieces--less than $2.50 for all three of them! I printed the name tags and attached them to the ribbon. Super cute!
I'm not going to list individual prices, but for all the products included inside the baskets, the retail value was $174.56. This was the sale price--regular retail would've been much more. Not including tax or supplies for the baskets, I paid $18.84. Not bad for 8 presents!
Couponing helped me be able to give a lot of gifts for minimal money this year. As someone who is now unemployed AGAIN, every penny counts. I feel very blessed that I've learned how to do this and will continue to be able to get the products my family needs and wants for pennies on the dollar.
I hope that 2012 brings me even better deals!
In addition to sharing with my family whenever they needed any products, I made lots of gift baskets for Christmas! Sure, not everyone loves getting bath and body products, cosmetics, or cleaning supplies. But the way I see it? You're going to have to buy that stuff anyway. Why wouldn't you want to get the stuff you need on a daily basis given to you?
I love how my parents' gifts turned out. I got them each a couple of other things other than the baskets. Mom got some Pyrex, Rubbermaid, and hair trimmers, while Dad got a new jacket, socks, and rain suit. They also had small gift bags for their stockings filled with items I'd mostly bought by couponing, like Planters nuts, cozy socks, ceramic mug, pens, notebooks, etc.
The fun started when I got the idea for these "Stay ________" gift baskets. I'd been surfing Pinterest a lot lately. I don't think I found this exact idea on there, but I did get a lot of inspiration by searching for gift baskets. I decided to make 6 baskets filled with various types of goodies. Here's a picture of each. (All totals do not include tax.)
Stay Fueled
This basket was designed to keep them energized with drinks and snacks. I included 2 Welch's grape juice, Cheerios, 2 bags popcorn, Popchips, Pringles, 4 Rice Krispies treats, Nescafe Taster's Choice sticks, and Tetley tea. I also attached two $25 gift cards to Exxon and BP. I got those for free out of my credit card reward points.
Stay Fueled basket cost: $7.00 for $69.04 worth of products
Stay Sweet
This basket was designed to satisfy their cravings for anything sweet or chocolatey. I included a box of Turtles candies, 2 Peeps, bag of starlight mints, 4 Russell Stover holiday candies, Haribo gummi bears, Skittles, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, 4 Nestle holiday candies, 2 Snickers nutcrackers, Mrs. Field's cookies, Icebreakers mints, and 7 candy canes.
Stay Sweet basket cost: $4.85 for $17.30 worth of products
Stay Healthy
This basket was designed to keep them healthy and feeling well. I included Halls cough drops, Theraflu single packet, Thermacare heat wraps 3pk, Benefiber sticks, hand sanitizer, 2 packs Kleenex, Theraflu syrup, Theraflu caplets, Salanpas pain patch, Mission muscle rub, Cepacol throat lozenges, Visine eye drops, Excedrin 8ct, SAMe vitamins, Advil PM, St. Joseph's low dose aspirin 120ct, Naproxen Sodium caplets, and Bayer Advanced Aspirin.
Stay Healthy basket cost: -$4.77 for $56.82 worth of products
That means I made money off this stuff!
Stay Clean
This basket was designed to help keep their home smelling clean and fresh! I originally wanted to include a lot more cleaning supplies, but my basket was too small so I'm saving them for another time. I did include Febreze fabric refresher spray, Tuf paper towels, Airwick iMotion automatic spray kit, Airwick iMotion automatic refill, Febreze set and refresh, Febreze air effects spray, Glade air freshener spray, Gain dish detergent, and Dawn dish detergent.
Stay Clean basket cost: $6.88 for $24.57 worth of products
Stay Beautiful
This basket was designed to help keep my mom pampered and beautiful. I included Tresemme hair spray, Tresemme shampoo, Pantene mousse, Pantene hair spray, Reach toothbrush, first aid kit, CVS brand body wash, Venus razor, Venus 4ct cartridges, Revlon nail clippers, Schick Quattro for Women disposable razors, Skintimate cream shave, Secret deodorant, Cover Girl blush, Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Softlips vanilla lip balm, Crest toothpaste, and a Cover Girl eyeshadow single.
Stay Beautiful basket cost: $15.83 for $74.51 worth of products
Stay Handsome
This basket was designed to help keep my dad handsome and well-groomed. I included Pert Plus shampoo, Gillette shave gel, Schick Hydro shave gel, Crest toothpaste, Ivory body wash, Reach toothbrush, Schick Quattro for Men razor with 4 bonus cartridges, first aid kit, 2 Sure deodorants, Oral B dental floss, Blistex lip balm, Revlon toenail clippers, Schick Xtreme3 disposable razors, Softsoap shea butter hand soap, and Carmex ultra healing ointment.
Stay Handsome basket cost: $1.76 for $50.21 worth of products
The baskets were $1 at Dollar Tree. I printed the signs on pieces of Post-It photo paper I'd had laying around for a few years. I made the tags on the computer by using Microsoft Word. Various ribbons were used--some leftover from Halloween, some off a gift given to me, and some Hello Kitty ribbon I'd gotten from Target's $1 spot a few years ago. This was because I ran out of the plain green ribbon after making my other gift baskets.
So my grand total spent on these 104 items in the gift baskets? $31.55 plus tax for $292.45 worth of products. That was with sale prices, too! Regular retail was probably close to $500. If you divide $31.55 by 104 items, that comes out to around $0.30 per item. Wowza! My actual out-of-pocket may have been a little less because I often pay for my purchases with rewards from previous weeks.
Though my parents' gift was my big project, I did a few other gift baskets for other relatives. Here are 8 of them.
The stuffed animals were a gift for my nieces--less than $2.50 for all three of them! I printed the name tags and attached them to the ribbon. Super cute!
I'm not going to list individual prices, but for all the products included inside the baskets, the retail value was $174.56. This was the sale price--regular retail would've been much more. Not including tax or supplies for the baskets, I paid $18.84. Not bad for 8 presents!
Couponing helped me be able to give a lot of gifts for minimal money this year. As someone who is now unemployed AGAIN, every penny counts. I feel very blessed that I've learned how to do this and will continue to be able to get the products my family needs and wants for pennies on the dollar.
I hope that 2012 brings me even better deals!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Mail Call -- Week of 12/18 - 12/24
Another mail call! Pretty good week.
I got a Betty Crocker 2012 calendar with monthly recipes, Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 dog food sample and coupon, Seattle's Best Coffee sample and coupon, OB tampons sample in compact carrying case, U by Kotex samples and coupons, and Post-It flags and tabs samples and coupons.
Not a whole lot of stuff, but I thought the quality of the things I did get was great! I was especially impressed by the size of the dog food sample. Hopefully my pups will like it!
I got a Betty Crocker 2012 calendar with monthly recipes, Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 dog food sample and coupon, Seattle's Best Coffee sample and coupon, OB tampons sample in compact carrying case, U by Kotex samples and coupons, and Post-It flags and tabs samples and coupons.
Not a whole lot of stuff, but I thought the quality of the things I did get was great! I was especially impressed by the size of the dog food sample. Hopefully my pups will like it!
Shopping Trip - 12/18/11
Better late than never, right?
I spent a bit more out-of-pocket than usual, but I bought some Christmas gifts and essential items, like toilet paper and drinks. I purchased these 57 items for a total of $43.54 plus tax. My out-of-pocket with tax was $54.53 with $19 rewards and a $10 gift card remaining. The total retail was $173.94 plus tax. That means I saved $132.17 or 71%! I did use up a lot of soon-to-expire rewards this week. I was glad to find some good deals and earn some new rewards in the meantime.
Purchased items include 2 packs Angel Soft 9-pk toilet paper, 2 bags Popcorn Indiana cinnamon sugar kettle corn, 2 bags Popchips, 2 boxes Rice Krispies cereal, 2 boxes Mrs. Field's cookies, 2 bottles Welch's grape juice, 2 bottles Fuze, 2 bottles Fuji water, 2 boxes Hershey's Pot of Gold candy, 2 Reese's trees, 3 packs Orbit gum, 2 Icebreakers Mints, 2 Toblerone candies, 2 bags Hershey's Kisses, 2 bags holiday M&M's, 3 bags Hershey's Bliss chocolates, 1 glittered star tree topper, 4 red velvet decorative bows, 1 bag Burt's Bees cough drops, 1 Lysol Healthy Touch automatic soap dispenser, 1 box Hello Kitty band-aids, 3 Nivea lip balms, 2 bottles Excedrin PM 100ct, 2 bottles Bayer Advanced aspirin 20ct, 3 Coke product 12-pks, 1 Glade Sense & Spray air freshener, 1 Glade Lasting Impressions air freshener, 1 Leap Frog learning book, 1 Nerf disc blaster, and 1 automatic rotating photo cube.
Here's a breakdown of each store.
Rite Aid
I started with $3 UPs from last week.
Transaction # 1
3 Coke product 12-packs @ $3.33 = $9.99 (regularly $5.39 each)
Used (2) -$0.50 VV coupons
Cost: $8.99, earned $2 UPs (making these $6.99 or $2.33 each)
Used (2) -$0.50 VV coupons
Cost: $8.99, earned $2 UPs (making these $6.99 or $2.33 each)
3 packs Orbit gum @ $1.00 = $3.00 (regularly $1.29 each)
Used -$0.25 VV coupon
Cost: $2.75, earned $3 UPs (making these FREE + $0.25 profit)
Used -$0.25 VV coupon
Cost: $2.75, earned $3 UPs (making these FREE + $0.25 profit)
Lysol Healthy Touch automatic hand soap system $7.99 (regularly $14.99)
Used -$5.00 VV coupon
Cost: $2.99, earned $3 UPs (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)
Used -$5.00 VV coupon
Cost: $2.99, earned $3 UPs (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)
2 Ice Breakers Frost mints @ $1.50 = $3.00 (regularly $2.29 each)
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 UPs (making these FREE)
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 UPs (making these FREE)
Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $23.98 + tax = $25.20
-$7.25 coupons
-$3.00 UPs from previous purchase
My OOP: $13.73 + tax = $14.95, earned $10 UPs
-$7.25 coupons
-$3.00 UPs from previous purchase
My OOP: $13.73 + tax = $14.95, earned $10 UPs
Transaction # 2
2 Figi Natural Artesian waters @ $0.88 = $1.76 (regularly $1.39 each)
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $0.76 (making these $0.38 each)
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $0.76 (making these $0.38 each)
Burt’s Bees honey lemon cough drops $1.69 (regularly $1.99)
Used -$1.50 Rite Aid coupon
Cost: $0.19
Used -$1.50 Rite Aid coupon
Cost: $0.19
3 Nivea lip balms @ $2.00 = $6.00 (regularly $2.99 each)
Used -$3.00/2 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/1 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.00 (making these $0.67 each)
Used -$3.00/2 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/1 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.00 (making these $0.67 each)
2 Reese’s Peanut Butter trees @ $0.50 = $1.00 (regularly $0.99 each)
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: FREE
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: FREE
3 bags Hershey’s Bliss chocolate candy @ $3.00 = $9.00 (regularly $4.99 each)
Used -$3.00 B2G1 free mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $5.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $3.00 or $1.00 each)
Used -$3.00 B2G1 free mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/2 VV coupon
Cost: $5.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $3.00 or $1.00 each)
Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $19.45 + tax = $21.18
-$11.50 coupons
-$7 UPs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $0.95 + tax = $2.68, earned $2 UPs
-$11.50 coupons
-$7 UPs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $0.95 + tax = $2.68, earned $2 UPs
Rite Aid total before coupons: $43.43 + tax = $46.38
My OOP: $14.68 + tax = $17.63, with $5 UPs remaining
Savings: $28.75, 62%
My OOP: $14.68 + tax = $17.63, with $5 UPs remaining
Savings: $28.75, 62%
CVS
I started with a $10 CVS gift card and $42.97 in ExtraBucks.
Transaction # 1 (my card)
2 Excedrin PM 100ct @ $11.49 = $22.98
Used (2) -$1.50 mfr coupons
Used -$5.75 25% CVS email coupon
Cost: $14.23, earned $10 EBs (making these $4.23 or $2.12 each)
Used (2) -$1.50 mfr coupons
Used -$5.75 25% CVS email coupon
Cost: $14.23, earned $10 EBs (making these $4.23 or $2.12 each)
Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $22.98 + tax = $24.56
-$3.00 coupons
-$5.75 25% email discount
-$6.00 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $8.23 + tax = $9.81
-$9.81 CVS gift card from last week’s promotion
My OOP: $0.00, earned $10 EBs (with $0.19 gift card balance remaining)
-$3.00 coupons
-$5.75 25% email discount
-$6.00 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $8.23 + tax = $9.81
-$9.81 CVS gift card from last week’s promotion
My OOP: $0.00, earned $10 EBs (with $0.19 gift card balance remaining)
Transaction # 2 (mom’s card)
2 Fuze drinks @ $1.00 = $2.00 (regularly $1.69 each)
Used (2) -$0.75 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.50 (making these $0.25 each)
Used (2) -$0.75 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.50 (making these $0.25 each)
2 bags Hershey’s Kisses @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.49 each)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.00, earned $2 EBs (making these $2.00 or $1.00 each)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.00, earned $2 EBs (making these $2.00 or $1.00 each)
Hello Kitty band-aids $2.99 (regularly $3.99)
Used -$0.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.49, earned $2 EBs (making these $0.50)
Used -$0.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.49, earned $2 EBs (making these $0.50)
The following items were part of this week’s gift card promotion.
2 boxes Mrs. Field’s cookies @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $4.19 each)
2 Toblerone chocolate candies @ $1.50 = $3.00 (regularly $2.27 each)
2 bags Popchips @ $2.00 = $4.00 (regularly $2.99 each)
2 bags holiday M&M’s @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.99 each)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/2 CVS coupon
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00/2 CVS coupon
2 Hershey’s Pot of Gold @ $3.99 = $7.98 (regularly $5.99 each)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Used -$3.00/2 CVS coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Used -$3.00/2 CVS coupon
Glade Sense and Spray air freshener $5.00 (regularly $10.79)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon
Glade Lasting Impressions plug-in air freshener $5.00 (regularly $10.49)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon
(Gift card promotion total was $34.98 before coupons. I used $12 in coupons.)
Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $44.97 + tax = $48.53
-$15.00 coupons
-$27.97 EBs from previous purchases
Total: $2.00 + tax = $5.56
-$0.19 CVS gift card from last week
My OOP: $2.00 + tax = $5.37, earned $4 EBs and $10 CVS gift card
-$15.00 coupons
-$27.97 EBs from previous purchases
Total: $2.00 + tax = $5.56
-$0.19 CVS gift card from last week
My OOP: $2.00 + tax = $5.37, earned $4 EBs and $10 CVS gift card
Transaction # 3 (mom’s card)
LeapFrog interactive book $14.79
Photo cube $5.99
Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $20.78 + tax = $22.30
-$5.20 25% CVS email coupon
-$4 EBs from Transaction # 2
-$9 EBs from previous purchase
-$5.20 25% CVS email coupon
-$4 EBs from Transaction # 2
-$9 EBs from previous purchase
My OOP: $2.58 + tax = $4.10
CVS total before coupons: $88.73 + tax = $95.39
My OOP: $4.58 + tax = $9.47, with $10 EBs and $10 gift card remaining
Savings: $85.92, 90%
My OOP: $4.58 + tax = $9.47, with $10 EBs and $10 gift card remaining
Savings: $85.92, 90%
Walgreens
I started with $4 RRs from last week and $5 off $30 Jingle Cash.
4 red bows @ $0.25 = $1.00 (regularly $0.99 each)
Star tree topper $1.59 (regularly $5.99)
Nerf Vortex Blaster toy $7.49 (regularly $14.99)
2 Angel Soft toilet paper 9ct @ $4.00 = $8.00
Cost: $8.00, earned $1 RR (making these $7.00 or $3.50 each)
Cost: $8.00, earned $1 RR (making these $7.00 or $3.50 each)
2 Kellogg’s Rice Krisipies cereal @ $2.00 = $4.00
2 Welch’s 100% grape juice @ 2/$9.00
Used -$3.00 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.50/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.50 (making these $2.75 each)
Used -$3.00 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.50/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.50 (making these $2.75 each)
2 bags Popcorn Indiana cinnamon sugar kettle corn @ $1.99 = $3.98
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.98 (making these $0.99 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.98 (making these $0.99 each)
2 Bayer Advanced aspirin @ $3.36 = $6.72
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.72, earned $3 RR (making these $0.72 or $0.36 each)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.72, earned $3 RR (making these $0.72 or $0.36 each)
Walgreens total before coupons: $41.78 + tax = $44.93
-$8.50 coupons
-$5/$30 Jingle Cash
-$4 RRs from previous purchase
My OOP: $24.28 + tax = $27.43, with $4 RRs remaining
Savings: $17.50, 39%
-$8.50 coupons
-$5/$30 Jingle Cash
-$4 RRs from previous purchase
My OOP: $24.28 + tax = $27.43, with $4 RRs remaining
Savings: $17.50, 39%
I had $5 UP rewards, $4 Register Rewards, $10 ExtraBucks, and a $10 CVS gift card remaining. It was a relief to get rid of all those ExtraBucks! I was in constant fear of losing them. I used the $5 UP rewards towards the purchase of gift sets at Rite Aid later last week, so those won't be in play for next week's shopping trip. I've got a nice stockpile of items now, so I plan to scale back in the new year and only buy items that are moneymakers, freebies, super deals, and items I absolutely need. Happy shopping!
Mail Call -- Weeks of 12/4 - 12/17
I was crunched for time and the mail was a little slow the first week... so here's the Mail Call for the weeks of December 4th through December 17th.
Some pretty nifty stuff! I got an Eat Better America 2012 calendar with monthly recipes, Avent baby bottle, Nescafe Taster's Choice instant coffee sticks and coupon, Crest whitestrips, toothpaste, and coupons, Tresemme shampoo and conditioner shampoo and coupons, Shout Color Catcher, Kotex sample and coupon, Always sample and two coupons, Amlactin lotion samples and coupon, Prilosec OTC sample and coupon, Lactaid Fast Act dietary supplement samples and coupon, Biore cleanser sample, and Land O' Lakes recipe book and coupon.
My favorite was the Nescafe Taster's Choice sticks. I love those things! You could request one sample per person (instead of per household), so I got four of these--one for my husband and myself and one for my mom and dad. Plus those $1 off coupons will mean more FREE Taster's Choice sticks because they're often on sale for $1.
My other favorite was the Avent baby bottle. I don't have a baby, but I thought it was a pretty neat freebie. It could always be used as part of a shower gift down the road.
Some pretty nifty stuff! I got an Eat Better America 2012 calendar with monthly recipes, Avent baby bottle, Nescafe Taster's Choice instant coffee sticks and coupon, Crest whitestrips, toothpaste, and coupons, Tresemme shampoo and conditioner shampoo and coupons, Shout Color Catcher, Kotex sample and coupon, Always sample and two coupons, Amlactin lotion samples and coupon, Prilosec OTC sample and coupon, Lactaid Fast Act dietary supplement samples and coupon, Biore cleanser sample, and Land O' Lakes recipe book and coupon.
My favorite was the Nescafe Taster's Choice sticks. I love those things! You could request one sample per person (instead of per household), so I got four of these--one for my husband and myself and one for my mom and dad. Plus those $1 off coupons will mean more FREE Taster's Choice sticks because they're often on sale for $1.
My other favorite was the Avent baby bottle. I don't have a baby, but I thought it was a pretty neat freebie. It could always be used as part of a shower gift down the road.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Shopping Trip - 12/11/11
Here's another shopping trip from a couple of weeks ago. Gotta love playing catch-up!
This shows my shopping trips from December 11th. I went to three stores--Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens. Here's a picture of my finds.
I purchased these 55 items for a total of $25.15 plus tax. My out-of-pocket with tax was $33.41. The total retail for these items with sale prices was $113.87 plus tax. That means I saved $88.72 or 73%. I also had $13 in rewards, a $10 gift card, and a $5 off $30 coupon remaining. That doesn't include the $36.97 unused ExtraBucks from previous weeks. Pretty nifty!
This was the week to stock up on tons of free and cheap candy for stocking stuffers! The 55 items purchased include 10 holiday Peeps, 8 Snickers Nutrackers, 3 Russell Stover holiday chocolates, 2 Red Bull energy drinks, 1 bag Combos snacks, 6 holiday tins, 3 American Greetings cards, 2 Goody's hair clips, 2 boxes Ricola cough drops, 4 boxes 15ct Christmas cards, 1 Thermacare heat wraps 3pk, 1 Remington hair trimmer, 2 Salanpas pain patches, 1 Advil pain relief 50ct, 3 Centrum Pro Nutrients 50ct vitamins, 4 Pepsi product 12pks, 1 Kodak photo collage, and 1 Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper.
Here's a breakdown of each store.
CVS
8 Snickers Nutcrackers @ $0.50 = $4.00 (regularly $0.87 each)
Used (4) -$1.00/2 mfr coupons
Cost: FREE
3 American Greetings cards @ $0.99 = $2.97
Used -$1.00/2 CVS coupon
Cost: $1.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $1.03 profit)
Used -$1.00/2 CVS coupon
Cost: $1.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $1.03 profit)
Combos pizza snacks $2.00 (regularly $2.49)
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 EBs (making these FREE)
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 EBs (making these FREE)
Facebook photo collage $6.99
Used -$6.99 free photo collage CVS email coupon
Cost: FREE
Used -$6.99 free photo collage CVS email coupon
Cost: FREE
3 Centrum Pro Nutrients vitamins @ $9.99 = $29.97 (regularly $12.29 each)
Used (3) -$5.00 mfr coupons
Used -$5.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $9.97, earned $10 CVS gift card (making these FREE + $0.03 profit)
Used (3) -$5.00 mfr coupons
Used -$5.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $9.97, earned $10 CVS gift card (making these FREE + $0.03 profit)
CVS total before coupons: $45.93 + tax = $49.12
-$5/$30 CVS email coupon
-$31.99 coupons
Total: $8.94 + tax = $12.13
-$0.26 CVS money card (from refund last week)
-$10.00 CVS gift card (from gift card promo last week)
My OOP: -$1.32 + tax = $1.87, with $5 EBs from purchases, $1 EB from green bag tag, and $10 CVS gift card remaining
Savings: $47.25, 96%
-$5/$30 CVS email coupon
-$31.99 coupons
Total: $8.94 + tax = $12.13
-$0.26 CVS money card (from refund last week)
-$10.00 CVS gift card (from gift card promo last week)
My OOP: -$1.32 + tax = $1.87, with $5 EBs from purchases, $1 EB from green bag tag, and $10 CVS gift card remaining
Savings: $47.25, 96%
Rite Aid
4 Pepsi product 12pks @ $3.00 = $12.00 (regularly $5.49 each)
Cost: $12.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $2.50 each)
Cost: $12.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $2.50 each)
2 Red Bull energy drinks @ $1.50 = $3.00 (regularly $2.29 each)
2 Ricola dual action cough drops @ $1.50 = $3.00 (regularly $2.79 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 UP (making these FREE)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 UP (making these FREE)
Rite Aid total before coupons: $18.00 + tax = $19.32
-$2 coupons
-$2 UPs from previous purchase
My OOP: $14.00 + tax = $15.32, with $3 UPs remaining
Savings: $4.00, 21%
-$2 coupons
-$2 UPs from previous purchase
My OOP: $14.00 + tax = $15.32, with $3 UPs remaining
Savings: $4.00, 21%
Walgreens
Transaction # 1
6 Christmas Peeps @ $0.75 = $4.50
Used -$1.50 in-ad coupon
Used (3) -$1.00/2 mfr coupons
Cost: FREE
Used -$1.50 in-ad coupon
Used (3) -$1.00/2 mfr coupons
Cost: FREE
4 Christmas cards 15ct @ $1.99 = $7.96
Used -$3.98 in-ad coupon
Cost: $3.98 (making these $0.99 each)
Used -$3.98 in-ad coupon
Cost: $3.98 (making these $0.99 each)
Salanpas pain relief patch $1.00
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 RR (making this FREE)
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 RR (making this FREE)
Goody’s hair clips $2.00
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making this FREE)
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making this FREE)
3 Christmas mini-tins @ 3/$2.00
Used -$0.83 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
Used -$0.83 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
Advil 50ct $4.99
Thermacare heat wraps 3ct $5.99
Used -$5.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.98, earned $5 RR (making these $0.49 each)
Thermacare heat wraps 3ct $5.99
Used -$5.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.98, earned $5 RR (making these $0.49 each)
Remington hair trimmer $10.00
Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $38.44 + tax = $41.49
-$14.31 coupons
-$13.00 RRs from previous purchases
My OOP: $11.13 + tax = $14.18, earned $8 RRs and $5/$30 Jingle Cash for future purchase
-$14.31 coupons
-$13.00 RRs from previous purchases
My OOP: $11.13 + tax = $14.18, earned $8 RRs and $5/$30 Jingle Cash for future purchase
Transaction # 2
2 Christmas Peeps @ $0.75 = $1.50
Used -$0.50 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.00
Used -$0.50 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.00
Goody’s hair clips $2.00
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making these FREE)
Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making these FREE)
Salanpas pain relief patch $1.00
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 RR (making this FREE)
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 RR (making this FREE)
3 Christmas mini-tins @ 3/$2.00
Used -$0.83 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
Used -$0.83 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
3 Russell Stover Christmas candies @ $0.50 = $1.50
Used -$0.33 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
Used -$0.33 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.17 (making these $0.39 each)
Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $8.00 + tax = $8.60
-$1.66 coupons
-$5.00 RR from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $1.34 + tax = $1.94, earned $3 RRs
-$1.66 coupons
-$5.00 RR from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $1.34 + tax = $1.94, earned $3 RRs
Transaction # 3
Knoxville News-Sentinel $2.00
2 Christmas Peeps @ $0.75 = $1.50
Used -$0.50 in-ad coupon
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: FREE
Used -$0.50 in-ad coupon
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: FREE
Transaction # 3 Total before coupon: $3.50 + tax = $3.60
-$1.50 coupons
-$2.00 RR from Transaction # 1
Cost: $0.00 + tax = $0.10
-$1.50 coupons
-$2.00 RR from Transaction # 1
Cost: $0.00 + tax = $0.10
Walgreens total before coupons: $49.94 + tax = $53.69
My OOP: $12.47 + tax = $16.22, with $4 RRs and $5/$30 Jingle Cash remaining
Savings: $37.47, 70%
My OOP: $12.47 + tax = $16.22, with $4 RRs and $5/$30 Jingle Cash remaining
Savings: $37.47, 70%
No pictures of my rewards, but I had $6 ExtraBucks, $10 CVS gift card, $3 UPs, $4 Register Rewards, and a $5 off $30 Jingle Cash coupon remaining. I also still had $36.97 in ExtraBucks from previous weeks. Woohoo! That made some for very happy CVS shopping the next week, too.
The Best Mail Call of All!
I use my credit card to pay for almost everything. I do this ONLY because I pay off the balance in full each month. If I couldn't afford to pay the whole balance, I'd stop using it so much--interest fees aren't my cup of tea.
One perk of my credit card is that I earn cash back points for every dollar I spend. My card also has bonus earning opportunities each quarter. I can use those points to get credit on my statement, buy merchandise, or redeem them for gift cards. I'd ordered a couple of gift cards last year--like Lowe's and Red Lobster.
I'd been saving ALL my points this year. I decided to check out my points balance in November--I was able to get $290 worth of gift cards. Woohoo! I'm using these to buy gifts or to actually give as gifts.
So imagine my excitement when I received these in the mail. Talk about the best mail call ever!
One perk of my credit card is that I earn cash back points for every dollar I spend. My card also has bonus earning opportunities each quarter. I can use those points to get credit on my statement, buy merchandise, or redeem them for gift cards. I'd ordered a couple of gift cards last year--like Lowe's and Red Lobster.
I'd been saving ALL my points this year. I decided to check out my points balance in November--I was able to get $290 worth of gift cards. Woohoo! I'm using these to buy gifts or to actually give as gifts.
So imagine my excitement when I received these in the mail. Talk about the best mail call ever!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Shopping Trip - 12/4/11
It's been such a long time since I've posted about my shopping trips! I've been busy teaching and trying to wrap things up before Christmas. I made time for my weekly shopping trips but I've been majorly neglecting this blog. I've been keeping track of my savings, though!
I had a super shopping trip the week of December 4th. Here's a picture of all my goodies.
I only went to two stores--CVS and Walgreens. I purchased these 48 items for only $10.27 plus tax. I only had to pay $3.05 in tax this week, making my total out-of-pocket $13.32. Total retail for these items was $135.06 plus tax. I saved a total of $131.94. That's 91%! I also had $13 Register Rewards, $10 CVS gift card, $0.26 CVS money card (from a refund), and $21 ExtraBucks remaining (plus $10.97 unused EBs from a previous week.) I definitely found some good deals to keep those Thanksgiving rewards rollin', rollin', rollin'.
The 48 items purchased include 2 boxes Cheerios, 1 box Cocoa Puffs, 2 boxes candy canes, 3 Renuzit adjustables air fresheners, 1 Tresemme hair spray, 1 Tresemme conditioner, 4 Afrin nasal sprays, 2 Edge shave gels, 2 Nivea for Men body washes, 1 Dove for Men deodorant, 2 packs Schick Xtreme3 razors, 2 packs Schick Quattro for Women razors, 3 Butterfinger Christmas candies, 3 Nestle Crunch Christmas candies, 2 bags Walgreens starlight mints, 1 bag Walgreens gummy worms, 6 American Greetings cards, 5 Sharpie markers, 1 Revlon Top Speed nail enamel, 2 Revlon toenail clippers, 1 Revlon fingernail clippers, and 1 pack Revlon emery boards.
Here's a breakdown of each store.
Walgreens
I started with $14 RRs from last week.
5 Sharpie markers @ $0.99 = $4.95
Used -$3.50 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.45 (making these $0.29 each)
Used -$3.50 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.45 (making these $0.29 each)
3 Walgreens candy @ $0.99 = $2.97
Used -$0.90 in-ad coupon
Cost: $2.07 (making these $0.69 each)
Used -$0.90 in-ad coupon
Cost: $2.07 (making these $0.69 each)
6 Nestle holiday candy @ $0.50 = $3.00
Used -$0.66 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.90 December coupon booklet
Cost: $1.44 (making these $0.24 each)
Used -$0.66 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.90 December coupon booklet
Cost: $1.44 (making these $0.24 each)
Tresemme hair spray and shampoo @ $5.29 = $10.58
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $9.58, earned $5 RR (making these $2.29 each)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $9.58, earned $5 RR (making these $2.29 each)
Dove for Men deodorant $3.99
Used -$0.25 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.74, earned $3 RR (making this $0.74)
Used -$0.25 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.74, earned $3 RR (making this $0.74)
2 Nivea for Men body wash @ 2/$7.00
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.00, earned $2 RR (making these $1.00 each)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.00, earned $2 RR (making these $1.00 each)
Revlon Top Speed nail enamel $3.99
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 Walgreens Make This Season Stunning coupon
Cost: $1.99, earned $3 RR (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 Walgreens Make This Season Stunning coupon
Cost: $1.99, earned $3 RR (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)
Walgreens total before coupons: $36.48 + tax = $39.53
-$12.21 coupons
-$14.00 RRs from last week
My OOP: $10.27 + tax = $13.32, earned $13 RRs
Savings: $26.21, 66%
-$12.21 coupons
-$14.00 RRs from last week
My OOP: $10.27 + tax = $13.32, earned $13 RRs
Savings: $26.21, 66%
CVS
I had a few problems at CVS, but I still managed to work it out and score some awesome savings. I started with a lot of ExtraBucks and a $10 CVS gift card from last week's promotion. I shopped for both mom and myself again this week.
Transaction # 1 (my card)
Cocoa Puffs $2.50 (regularly $4.89)
Used -$0.85 mfr coupon
Cost: $1.65 (part of gift card promo continued on Transaction # 2)
Used -$0.85 mfr coupon
Cost: $1.65 (part of gift card promo continued on Transaction # 2)
Candy canes $1.27
Cost: $1.27, earned $2 EBs (cashier had to manually print them because it wasn’t in system and they can’t manually enter cents)
Cost: $1.27, earned $2 EBs (cashier had to manually print them because it wasn’t in system and they can’t manually enter cents)
3 Renuzit adjustable @ $0.88 = $2.64 (regularly $1.77)
Used -$0.55/3 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.09 (making these $0.70 each)
Used -$0.55/3 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.09 (making these $0.70 each)
Revlon Expert Shape files $1.85 (clearance)
Cost: $1.85 (These were later returned because they were clearance and didn’t count towards the EB reward. They weren’t marked and I didn’t know until after checkout.)
Cost: $1.85 (These were later returned because they were clearance and didn’t count towards the EB reward. They weren’t marked and I didn’t know until after checkout.)
Revlon nail clippers $2.99
Cost: $2.99 (part of the earn $6 EB wyb 2 Revlon beauty tools)
Cost: $2.99 (part of the earn $6 EB wyb 2 Revlon beauty tools)
The following items were part of the earn $10 EBs when you buy $20 Schick products.
Edge shave gel $2.99
Used -$0.55 mfr coupon
Used -$0.55 mfr coupon
2 Schick Xtreme 3 4ct razors @ $8.79 = $17.58
Used -$8.79 BOGO mfr coupon
Used -$8.79 BOGO mfr coupon
Schick total: $20.57
Used -$9.34 coupons
Cost: $11.23, earned $10 EBs (making it $1.23 for all)
Used -$9.34 coupons
Cost: $11.23, earned $10 EBs (making it $1.23 for all)
3 American Greetings cards @ $0.99 = $2.97
Used -$2.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $0.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $2.03 profit)
Used -$2.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $0.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $2.03 profit)
Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $34.79 + tax = $36.88
-$12.74 coupons
-$5.56 25% off CVS coupon
-$13.99 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $2.50 + tax = $4.59
-$4.59 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $15 EBs and $2.50 towards gift card promo ($5.41 remaining gift card balance)
-$12.74 coupons
-$5.56 25% off CVS coupon
-$13.99 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $2.50 + tax = $4.59
-$4.59 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $15 EBs and $2.50 towards gift card promo ($5.41 remaining gift card balance)
Transaction # 2 (my card)
Revlon emery boards $3.49
Cost: $3.49, earned $6 EBs (combined w/ $2.99 Revlon from Transaction # 1--$6.48 total, so making the Revlon items $0.24 each)
Cost: $3.49, earned $6 EBs (combined w/ $2.99 Revlon from Transaction # 1--$6.48 total, so making the Revlon items $0.24 each)
Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $3.49 + tax = $3.64
Used -$2.00 EBs from Transaction # 1
Total: $1.49 + tax = $1.64
-$1.64 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $6 EBs ($3.77 remaining gift card balance)
Used -$2.00 EBs from Transaction # 1
Total: $1.49 + tax = $1.64
-$1.64 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $6 EBs ($3.77 remaining gift card balance)
Transaction # 3 (my card)
All these items were part of the “Buy $30 in participating products, get $10 gift card” promotion. I already had $2.50 in qualifying purchases from Transaction # 1.
2 Cheerios @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $4.19 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.00
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.00
4 Afrin nasal spray @ $5.99 = $23.96 (regularly $7.29-$7.89 each)
Used (4) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $15.96
Used (4) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $15.96
(Including my Cocoa Puffs from Transaction # 1, my gift card total was $31.46.)
Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $28.96 + tax = $31.71
-$10.00 coupons
-$19.00 EBs from Transactions # 1 and # 2 (had to be adjusted to $18.96)
Total: $0.00 + tax = $2.75
-$2.75 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned new $10.00 CVS gift card ($1.02 remaining balance on old gift card)
-$10.00 coupons
-$19.00 EBs from Transactions # 1 and # 2 (had to be adjusted to $18.96)
Total: $0.00 + tax = $2.75
-$2.75 CVS gift card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned new $10.00 CVS gift card ($1.02 remaining balance on old gift card)
Transaction # 4
Returned Revlon Nail files from Transaction # 1 since they weren’t a qualifying purchase
-$1.85 + tax = -$2.03
Received $2.03 on CVS money card
Transaction # 5 (mom’s card)
Candy canes $1.27
Cost: $1.27, earned $2.00 EBs (because cashier had to enter it manually)
Cost: $1.27, earned $2.00 EBs (because cashier had to enter it manually)
2 Revlon toe nail clippers @ $3.99 = $7.98
Cost: $7.98, earned $6 EBs (making these $0.99 each)
Cost: $7.98, earned $6 EBs (making these $0.99 each)
These next items were part of the Schick promotion.
Edge shave gel $2.99
Used -$0.55 mfr coupon
Used -$0.55 mfr coupon
2 Schick Quattro for Women disposable razors @ $8.99 = $17.98
Used -$8.99 BOGO coupon
Used -$8.99 BOGO coupon
Schick total: $20.97
-$9.54 coupons
Cost: $11.43, earned $10 EBs (making it $1.43 for all)
-$9.54 coupons
Cost: $11.43, earned $10 EBs (making it $1.43 for all)
3 American Greetings cards @ $0.99 = $2.97
Used -$2.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $0.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $2.03 profit)
Used -$2.00 CVS coupon
Cost: $0.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $2.03 profit)
Transaction # 5 total before coupons: $33.19 + tax = $35.53
-$11.54 coupons
-$7.23 CVS 25% off email coupon
-$13.97 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $0.45 + tax = $2.79
-$1.02 old CVS gift card
-$1.77 CVS money card from return on Transaction # 4
OOP: $0.00, earned $21 EBs ($0.26 remaining balance on CVS money card)
-$11.54 coupons
-$7.23 CVS 25% off email coupon
-$13.97 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $0.45 + tax = $2.79
-$1.02 old CVS gift card
-$1.77 CVS money card from return on Transaction # 4
OOP: $0.00, earned $21 EBs ($0.26 remaining balance on CVS money card)
Total CVS before coupons: $98.58 + tax = $105.73
My OOP: $0.00 (not even tax!), with $0.26 CVS money card, $10 CVS gift card, and $21 EBs remaining (plus $10.97 unused EBs from a previous week)
Savings: $105.73, 100%
My OOP: $0.00 (not even tax!), with $0.26 CVS money card, $10 CVS gift card, and $21 EBs remaining (plus $10.97 unused EBs from a previous week)
Savings: $105.73, 100%
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