Shopping Trips - 10/29/11 and 10/30/11

Not so great this week. I didn’t have a lot of time to plan for couponing since I’m working again. Teaching second graders is hard work! And if it comes between having time to plan for couponing and time to plan lessons, guess which one will win every time?

Rite Aid didn’t have anything I needed in the 10/30 circular, so I went back on Saturday, 10/29, to get a few things I missed last Sunday. CVS and Walgreens had some decent deals, but again, not the best. 

I purchased 33 items for $20.16 + tax with $14 in rewards remaining for next week. This does not include the $9 in leftover rewards from last week. (So I’ll have $23 to start with next time… yippee!) I had to pay $5.22 in tax this week. Even with tax included, I saved $56.56 or 70%. Not my greatest, but not bad for someone with zero time to plan for this week’s shopping trip. 

Purchased items include 4 cans Pringles Super Stacks, 2 boxes Lucky Charms cereal, 1 bag Ricola cough drops, 1 Dawn dish liquid, 1 Nivea body wash, 2 Got2B hair stylers, 1 Schick Quattro for women razor cartridges 4-ct, 1 Mitchum deodorant, 3 cans Hunt’s tomato sauce, 3 cans Campbell’s soup, 3 American Greetings cards, 4 Crest Pro-Health toothpastes, 2 Illy coffee drinks, 2 Fuze drinks, 2 bags Skittles, and 1 Red Bull energy drink (not pictured). 

Here’s a breakdown of each store. 

Rite Aid

 

I had $7 UPs from a previous purchase, but I didn’t use them. I also had a 20% one-time shopping pass.

2 Skittles single serve packs @ $0.59 = $1.18
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.18 (making these $0.09 each)

Mitchum deodorant $3.99
Used -$2.00 VV coupon
-$0.40 from 20% discount pass
Cost: $1.59, earned $2.00 UPs and submit for $1 Single Check Rebate (making this FREE + $1.41 profit)

2 Got2B hair stylers @ $6.49 = $12.98
Used -$6.49 BOGO sale
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$2.00 VV coupon
Cost: $2.49 (making these $1.25 each)

Red Bull energy drink $2.29 (not pictured)
-$0.23 from 20% discount pass
Cost: $2.06

Rite Aid Total before coupons and BOGO sale: $20.44 + tax = $21.67
-$6.49 BOGO sale
-$7.63 coupons
Today’s OOP: $6.32 + tax = $7.55, with $2 UPs remaining
-$1.00 SCR
Total OOP: $5.32 + tax = $6.55, with $2 UPs remaining
Savings: $15.12, 70%

 

Walgreens

I didn’t have any Register Rewards to start with this week. 

Transaction # 1

2 Crest Pro Health toothpastes 2/$7.00
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $5.00, earned $5.00 RRs (making these FREE)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $7.00 + tax = $7.68
-$2.00 mfr coupons
My OOP: $5.00 + tax = $5.68, with $5.00 RRs remaining 

Transaction # 2

Ricola Cherry Dual Blast cough drops $2.00
Cost: $2.00, earned $2.00 RR (making these FREE)

Nivea Body Wash 16.9 oz $3.99
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $1.99, earned $2.00 RR (making this FREE + 0.01 profit)

3 Campbell’s soups @ $1.29 = $3.87
Used -$2.10 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.40/3 mfr coupon
Cost: $1.37 (making these $0.46 each)

Hunt’s tomato sauce $0.99
Used -$0.65 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.34

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $10.85 + tax = $11.02
-$5.15 coupons
-$5.00 RR from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $0.70 + tax = $1.45, earned $4.00 RRs

Transaction # 3

2 Lucky Charms cereals 2/$4.00
Used (2) -$0.50 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.00 (making these $1.50 each)

2 Crest Pro-Health toothpaste 2/$7.00
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $5.00, earned $5.00 RRs (making these FREE)

2 Hunt’s tomato sauce @ $0.99 = $1.98
Used -$1.31 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.67 (making these $0.34 each)

Transaction # 3 Total before coupons: $12.98 + tax = $14.05
-$4.31 coupons
-$4.00 RRs from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $4.67 + tax = $5.74, earned $5.00 RR

Walgreens Total before coupons: $30.83 + tax = $32.75
My OOP: $10.37 + tax = $12.87, with $5 RR remaining
Savings: $20.46, 62%

CVS

I started with $7 in ECBs from last week, but I only needed to use $5 of them. Mom wanted me to pick up some dish soap for her, so I used her card for one transaction. 

Transaction # 1

Illy issimo coffee drink $2.00
Used -$2.49 FREE coupon that printed from CVS coupon machine (up to $2.49—took off whole value)
Cost: -$0.49 (making this FREE + $0.49 profit)

Dawn Plus dish liquid $0.99
Used -$0.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.49

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $2.99 + tax = $3.26
-$2.99 coupons
My OOP: $0.00 + tax = $0.27

Transaction # 2

4 Pringles Super Stack cans @ $1.50 = $6.00
Used -$1.00/4 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.00 (making these $1.25 each)

2 Fuze drinks @ $1.25 = $2.50
Used (2) -$0.75 mfr coupons hanging on product
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.50 each)

Illy issimo coffee drink $2.00
Used -$2.49 FREE coupon that printed from CVS coupon machine (up to $2.49—took off full value)
Cost: -$0.49 (making this FREE + $0.49 profit)

Schick Quattro for Women 4-ct razor cartridges $8.99
Used -$4.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.99, earned $4.00 ECBs (making these $0.99)

3 American Greetings birthday cards @ $0.99 = $2.97
Cost: $2.97, earned $3.00 ECBs (making these FREE + $0.03 profit)

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $22.46 + tax = $23.68
-$4.00/$20.00 CVS email coupon
-$8.99 coupons
-$5.00 ECBs from last week
My OOP: $4.47 + tax = $5.69, earned $7.00 ECBs

CVS Total before coupons: $25.45 + tax = $26.94
My OOP: $4.47 + tax = $5.96, with $7 ECBs remaining
Savings: $20.98, 78%

Here are my leftover rewards--$5 RRs, $7 ECBs, and $2 UPs. I also have $7 UPs and $2 ECBs leftover from the week before (not pictured.) That's a total of $23 to start with next week. Woohoo!

Mail Call -- Week of 10/23 - 10/30

Another good week at the mailbox!

I got samples of Kleenex, Breathe Right Strips w/ $1.50 coupon, 5 Hour Energy Shot, Infusium w/ $1.00 coupon, Splenda w/ $1.00 coupon, Post-It Super Sticky notes (love!), Biore facial cleanser sample, a coupon for free Bayer Advanced aspirin (not sure why I got another one of these), and 2 coupons for free Suave Professionals styling products. I also got a Frye keychain from a Belk Facebook promotion. It's not really my style, but I thought it looked pretty nice.

And this didn't come in the mail, but my mom got an email for a free Bare Minerals lip gloss sample at Sephora in JC Penney. We had to do some shopping there on Saturday, so we stopped by to pick it up. 

Shopping Trip - 10/23/11

This trip was a lot smaller than other trips I’ve done recently. The sales weren’t that great and I hadn’t had a whole lot of time to plan for this trip. I finally got called for a teaching job—yay! It’s just subbing for now, but hopefully it will help lead to something permanent in the future. 

Click on the picture for a larger view. I paid $14.40 plus tax for these 43 items. I also have $14 in rewards remaining for next week. I had to pay $6.18 in sales tax this week. Not as painful as paying $15 in tax, but that’s still a pretty big chunk. Even with tax included, I saved 74%. The total retail for all these items was $73.13 plus tax. That means I saved $58.73. Not too shabby since I had to buy some expensive items, like soda. 

Purchased items include 4 Pepsi product 12-packs, 2 Digiorno 12-inch pizzas, 4 boxes of mini vanilla wafer cookies, 6 SoBe Lifewaters, 1 Mountain Dew 20 oz. (not pictured), 2 cans Butterball chicken broth, 2 bags Gold Emblem autumn mix candy, 6 bags of Skittles, 6 packs of Starburst,  2 Sure deodorants, 2 boxes Kleenex Cool Touch tissues, 2 tubes Kerasal foot moisturizer, 1 pumpkin carving tool, 1 bottle Bayer Advanced aspirin, 1 Zicam Cold Relief medicine 18-ct, and 1 Theramax Cold and Flu nasal spray.

I'm not really sure how I ended up with so many Skittles and Starburst. I'd only planned on buying 4 of each, but then the cashier kept telling me my subtotal wasn't enough, so I added more. Oh well. I'll save them for Christmas stockings! 

Here’s a breakdown of each store.

CVS

 

I started with $12 in ECBs from previous purchases. My husband went with me on this trip. Mistake! He does not enjoy couponing at all. Anyway, that’s why we have duplicates of some offers, like the Skittles, Starburst, and candy corn. I had to go back because my ECBs didn’t print for the candy corn or the pumpkin carving tool, but for some reason the cashier printed $1 for each of the candy corns and $3 for the pumpkin carving tool. 

Transaction # 1

6 Skittles and 2 Starburst @ $0.50 = $4.00 (regularly $1.19 each)
Used BOGO CVS coupon -$1.19 (took off full value)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $1.81, received $1.00 ECB (making these $0.81 or $0.10 each)

4 boxes mini vanilla wafers @ $0.25 = $1.00 (clearance)

Gold Emblem Autumn Mix candy $0.99
Cost: $0.99, received $1.00 ECB (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Mountain Dew Game Fuel 20 oz. $1.77 (for the husband)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $7.76 + tax = $8.42
-$2.19 coupon
-$0.76 CVS 20% off coupon
-$4.00 ECBs from a previous purchase
My OOP: $0.81 + tax = $1.47, earned $2 ECBs

Transaction # 2

4 Starburst @ $0.50 = $2.00 (regularly $1.19 each)
Used BOGO CVS coupon -$1.19 (took off full value)
Used BOGO CVS printable coupon -$0.50
Cost: $0.31, earned $1.00 ECB (making these FREE + $0.69 profit)

Pumpkin Masters pumpkin carving tool $1.86 (regularly $2.49)
Cost: $1.86, earned $3.00 ECBs (making this FREE + $1.14 profit)

Gold Emblem Autumn Mix candy $0.99
Cost: $0.99, earned $1.00 ECB (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

6 SoBe Lifewaters @ $1.67 = $10.02
-$5.01 BOGO sale
Used -$1.00/5 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.01 (making these $0.67 each)

Bayer Advanced Extra Strength 20-ct aspirin $4.29
Used -$4.29 FREE mfr coupon (from Bayer Speed Share)
Cost: FREE

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $14.15 + tax = $15.45
-$6.98 coupons
-$8.00 ECBs from previous purchase
My OOP: -$0.83 + tax = $0.47, earned $5 ECBs

CVS Total before coupons: $21.91 + tax = $23.87
My OOP: -$0.02 + tax = $1.94, with $7 ECBs remaining
Savings:  $21.93, 92%

Walgreens

 

I started with $6 RRs from a previous purchase. 

Transaction # 1

Theramax Cold and Flu nasal spray $7.99
Cost: $7.99, received $8.00 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

2 boxes Kleenex Cool Touch tissues @ 2/$3.00
Used (2) -$0.50 mfr coupons
Cost: $2.00, received $1.00 RR (making these $1.00 or $0.50 each)

2 cans Butterball chicken broth 14 oz. @ $0.99 = $1.98
Used -$0.98 in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.50 each)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $12.97 + tax = $14.09
-$1.98 coupons
-$6.00 RRs from a previous purchase
My OOP: $4.99 + tax = $6.11, earned $9 RRs

Transaction # 2

2 Sure deodorants @ 2/$5.00
Used -$2.00 in-ad coupon
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.50 each)

2 DiGiorno 12 inch pepperoni pizzas @ 2/$10.00
Used -$1.00/2 Walgreens coupon
Used (2) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $5.00 (making these $2.50 each)

4 Pepsi product 12-packs @ $3.32 = $13.28
Used -$3.32 FREE Diet Pepsi in-ad coupon
Cost: $9.96 (making these $2.49 each)

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $28.28 + tax = $30.43
-$12.32 coupons
-$9.00 RRs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $6.96 + tax = $9.11

Walgreens Total before coupons: $41.25 + tax = $44.52
My OOP: $11.95 + tax = $15.22
Savings: $29.30, 66%

Rite Aid

I started with $2.50 UPs from a previous purchase. The Kerasal was a crazy good deal. I only printed one coupon because I’d originally planned on buying just one, but when I saw what an awesome deal it was, I went ahead and bought another one without a coupon. Plus, I can submit my receipt and UPC code to Kerasal and they’ll send me a free pair of socks! Can’t beat that. 

Zicam Cold Remedy 18-ct $7.99 (regularly $12.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.99, earned $7.00 UPs (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)

2 Kerasal exfoliating moisturizer foot therapy @ $0.99 = $1.98 (regularly $9.99 each!)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.98, submit for $2.00 Single Check Rebate (making these FREE + $1.02 profit + free socks)

Rite Aid Total before coupons: $9.97 + tax = $10.92
-$3.00 coupons
-$2.50 UPs from a previous purchase
Today’s OOP: $4.47 + tax = $5.42, with $7 UPs remaining
-$2.00 SCR
Total OOP: $2.47 + tax = $3.42, with $7 UPs remaining
Savings: $7.50, 69%

Mom and I have $14 in rewards leftover for next week--$7 ECBs and $7 UPs. No leftover RRs from Walgreens this week!

 

Mail Call -- Week of 10/16 - 10/22

Finally a good week for mail! 

I got a sample of Dial Nutriskin lotion, a coupon for a FREE full-size Dial Nutriskin lotion, an Olay Pro-X Clear sample w/ an acne treatment sulfur mask and clear complexion renewing lotion, AND a Target beauty bag. I was ecstatic to see this little box in the mail!

Oh, how I've been waiting for that Target beauty bag! It had $20 worth of Target coupons, some Ponds cleansing towelettes, samples of John Freida, Tresemme, and Garnier Fructis hair care, Burt's Bees lotion, and L'oreal Youth Code moisturizer. PLUS, check out that awesome makeup bag! Pretty nifty, huh? 

The good, the bad, and the FREE

If I can get something for free, I'll buy it. Even if it's a product I've never heard of. This can be great because I can discover an awesome new product that I must buy again in the future! Here's an example. 

I'm in love with Colgate Optic White toothpaste. I bought a few tubes of it when I had some coupons in early September or October. I think I got maybe 6 tubes for $1.00 total, if that. (I could go back and read earlier posts, but I'm lazy, so I'll have to take a guess.)

It doesn't have the greatest taste in the world, but it WORKS! My teeth are becoming noticeably whiter. I even like it more than the Crest 3D Advanced Vivid that I swore by. I never would've tried this product if not for coupons, so for that, I thank them!

But not all freebies are created equal. For example:

I actually made money on this at Rite Aid--so technically, this is a product that was free PLUS $2 profit. My husband, Chad, uses nasal spray frequently for his stuffy nose. He usually uses Afrin, but I bought him this Sinus Buster spray since it was free. 

Unfortunately, I was not awake when he tried it so I wasn't able to witness the horrors that he swears occurred after use. He said it felt like he was shooting pepper spray up his nose! His nose was on fire and his eyes were watering like crazy. He actually had to put water up his nose to see if he could get it to stop burning. Apparently the burning let up enough for him to go to bed a couple of hours later--but not before he left me a scathing note to read the next morning. He wrote to NEVER buy that stuff ever again and told me he'd squirted pepper spray up his nose thanks to my "stupid couponing." Pssh.

In his defense, Sinus Buster DOES have one of the ingredients of pepper spray. So maybe he wasn't totally exaggerating. (Disclaimer: I looked at Sinus Buster reviews on Amazon. Some people love it! Others had the same reaction as Chad. Maybe it works better for different people.)

You're always taking a gamble when trying a new product. Sometimes you get lucky and you find something awesome! Often the product is just meh.. okay, but you probably wouldn't go out of your way to buy it again. Seldom the new product causes negative side effects. Like a fiery inferno up your nose.

Shopping Trip - 10/16/11

This week was probably one of my lowest out-of-pocket shopping trips. I have mostly Rite Aid to thank for that. I love when I can turn my rewards back into REAL MONEY! This week I bought a lot of makeup and a lot of health care items. One thing I didn’t buy a lot of—candy! Thank goodness. 

Click on the picture for a larger view. I purchased 52 items for $2.11 + tax out-of-pocket with $21.50 in rewards remaining for next week. Yep, that’s right! $2.11. My out-of-pocket including tax was $16.36. I paid $14.25 in tax today. That's about 7 times as much as my subtotal. Even with my ridiculous tax rate, I saved 91%. If you include the $10 Procter & Gamble mail-in rebate I'm now qualified for thanks to CoverGirl, I only paid $6.36 (including tax) for all these items. That's crazy good! The total retail for these 52 items was $166.29 + tax. That means I saved $164.18. Awesome! 

Purchased items include 2 boxes 24-ct Theraflu caplets, 2 bottles Theraflu warming syrup, 1 St. Joseph's low-dose aspirin 120-ct, 1 Zarbee's Nighttime Cold & Cough drink 6-pk, 1 NeilMed NasaDrops Saline on the Go, 1 bag Organix cough drops, 2 packs Saline Soothers nose wipes, 1 Duract cold medicine, 1 Similasan Cold Relief medicine, 1 Sinus Buster nasal spray, 2 Thermacare knee and elbow heat wraps 2-ct, 1 Blistex Cold and Allergy lip soother, 1 pack Walgreens ultrathin maxis, 2 Schick Hydro for Men razors, 1 Reach Total Care toothbrush, 1 Lysol Healthy Touch hand soap system, 2 bottles Welch's grape juice, 1 Popcorn Indiana cinnamon sugar kettlecorn, 2 Dawn Plus dish liquids, 1 Revlon tweezers, 1 CoverGirl Aquasmoothers foundation, 1 CoverGirl concealer, 1 CoverGirl blush trio, 1 CoverGirl single blush, 4 CoverGirl single eye shadows, 1 Almay eye shadow trio, 3 Halloween coloring books, 4 Halloween Peeps, 8 Halloween pencils, and a Knoxville newspaper (not pictured.) 

Here's a breakdown of each store. 

Rite Aid

I had $7 UPs to start with. I planned on doing 4 transactions because I wanted to keep my out-of-pocket low. The cashiers there are great, and I asked her if she’d mind if I did 4 transactions when I first arrived. She said no problem. 

 

Transaction # 1

These items were part of a P&G promotion—buy $30 in participating items, receive $10 UPs. CoverGirl cosmetics were Buy One Get One 50% off. 

CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers foundation $9.39
CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones blush trio $2.84 (regularly $5.69 – 50% off)
CoverGirl Invisible Concealer $5.59
CoverGirl Cheekers blush $2.19 (regularly $4.39 – 50% off)
2 CoverGirl Eye Enhancers eye shadow singles @ $3.39 = $6.78
2 CoverGirl Eye Enhancers eye shadow singles @ $1.69 = $3.38 (regularly $3.39 each – 50% off)
Used (2) -$8.00/2 CoverGirl face products coupons
Used (4) -$1.00 CoverGirl product coupons
Cost: $10.17, get $10 UPs (making these $0.17 or about $0.02 each!)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $30.17 + tax = $33.04
-$20.00 coupons
-$7.00 UPs from last week
My OOP: $3.17 + tax = $6.04, earned $10.00 UPs

One great thing about this purchase was that it qualified me for the Procter & Gamble Pink Rebate—get $10 back by mail when you buy $50 of participating products. I combined this with my CoverGirl and Pantene purchases from a couple of weeks ago, and voila! I probably didn’t even spend $10 total out-of-pocket thanks to coupons and UP rewards, but I’ll get a $10.00 rebate check anyway. Awesome!

Another great thing about this purchase was that it gave me 8 codes to enter for the Rite Aid Taylor Swift promotion. It earned me two free t-shirts and keychains. This is in addition to the one free t-shirt and keychain I earned two weeks ago. 

Transaction # 2

Sinus Buster 20 ml nasal spray $8.00 (regularly $13.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $6.00, earned $8.00 UPs (making this FREE + $2.00 profit)

Revlon Tweezers $1.80 (regularly $3.00 – 40% off)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.80, earned $2.00 UPs (making this FREE + $1.20 profit)

Blistex Cold and Allergy Soothers lip balm $1.49 (regularly $2.79)
Cost: $1.49, earned $1.39 UPs (making this FREE)

St. Joseph’s 81 mg low-dose aspirin 120-ct $4.99 (regularly $6.49)
Cost: $4.99, earned $4.00 UPs (making this $0.99)

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $16.28 + tax = $17.83
-$3.00 coupons
-$10.00 UPs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $3.28 + tax = $4.83, earned $15.49 UPs

Transaction # 3

NeilMed Nasa Drops Saline $7.00 (regularly $10.29)
Cost: $7.00, earned $7.00 UPs (making this FREE)

Duract Cold Relief tablets 12-ct $6.00 (regularly $8.99)
Cost: $6.00, earned $6.00 UPs (making this FREE)

Organix cough drops 21-ct $1.50 (regularly $2.19)
Cost: $1.50, earned $1.50 UPs (making this FREE)

Saline Soothers wipes 15-ct $1.00 (regularly $1.99)
Cost: $1.00, submit for $1.00 SCR (making this FREE)

Conair Color Vibes brush $2.99 (not pictured)
Used -$1.00 VV coupon
Cost: $1.99 (I thought I would receive $2.00 UPs, but I didn’t. I returned this in a later transaction.)

Transaction # 3 Total before coupons: $18.49 + tax = $20.25
-$1.00 coupon
-$15.49 UPs
My OOP: $2.00 + tax = $3.76, earned $14.50 UPs and $1.00 SCR

Transaction # 4

2 Welch’s grape juice 64 oz @ $3.00 = $6.00 (regularly $5.39 each)
Used -$1.00 and -$0.75 mfr coupons
Used (2) -$0.10 VV coupons
Cost: $4.05, received $1.00 UP (making these $3.05 or $1.53 each)

Similasan Cold Relief for Children medicine $3.99  (regularly $8.29)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.99, submit for $3.00 SCR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Zarbees Cold & Cough Drink 6-pk $6.99 (regularly $8.99)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.99, submit for $6.99 SCR (making this FREE + $1.00 profit)

Saline Soothers wipes 15-ct $1.00
Used -$0.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.50 (limit one SCR—used in Transaction # 3)

Transaction # 4 Total before coupons: $17.98 + tax = $19.60
-$4.45 coupons
-$13.00 UPs from Transaction # 3
My OOP: $0.53 + tax = $2.15, earned $1.00 UP and submit $9.99 SCR

Transaction # 5

Returned Conair brush because the UPs didn’t print.

-$2.99 + tax = -$3.27 back on card

Rite Aid Total before coupons: $79.93 + tax = $87.45
Today’s OOP: $5.99 + tax = $13.51
-$10.99 SCR
Total OOP: -$5.00 + tax = $2.52, with $2.50 UPs remaining
Savings: $84.93, 97%

CVS

I started with $16 ECBs from last week--$11 from purchases and $5 for reaching $50 on Beauty Club.

Transaction # 1

Almay Intense i-Color shadow kit for hazel eyes $5.99 (regularly $8.79)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.99, earned $4.00 ECBs (making this $0.99)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $5.99 + tax = $6.57
-$1.00 coupon
-$4.00 ECBs from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.99 + tax = $1.57, earned $4.00 ECBs

Transaction # 2

Lysol Healthy Touch hand soap system $11.99 (regularly $12.79)
Used -$0.75 mfr coupon
Cost: $11.24, earned $8 ECBs (making this $3.24)

2 Dawn Plus dish liquid @ $0.97 = $1.94 (regularly $1.67 each)
Used (2) -$0.50 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.94 (making these $0.47 each)

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $13.93 + tax = $14.70
-$1.75 coupons
-$12.00 ECBs from previous purchase
My OOP: $0.18 + tax = $0.95, earned $8.00 ECBs

CVS Total before coupons: $19.92 + tax = $21.27
My OOP: $1.17 + tax = $2.52, with $12.00 ECBs remaining
Savings: $18.75, 88%

Walgreens

I started with $7 Register Rewards. I shopped at two different stores today. (Note: Kitty not included with purchases. She was nosy and wanted to be in the picture.)

Transaction # 1

4 Halloween peeps 8-pks @ $0.75 = $3.00
Used -$1.00 Walgreens in-ad coupon
Used (2) -$0.50/2 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.25 each)

3 Halloween coloring books @ $0.50 = $1.50
Used -$0.50 Walgreens in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.33 each)

Schick Hydro 5 men’s razor $8.49
Used -$5.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.49, earned $4.50 RRs (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)

2 Theraflu warming syrups @ $5.00 = $10.00
Used (2) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $6.00, earned $5.00 RRs (making these $1.00 or $0.50 each)

Transaction # 1 Total before coupons: $22.99 + tax = $24.75
-$3.00 off $10.00 purchase coupon
-$11.50 coupons
-$7.00 Register Rewards from previous purchase
My OOP: $1.49 + tax = $3.25, earned $9.50 RRs

Transaction # 2

Walgreens Ultrathin Maxi $2.00
Cost: $2.00, earned $2.00 RRs (making this FREE)

Schick Hydro 5 men’s razor $8.49
Used -$5.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.49, earned $4.50 RRs (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)

Popcorn Indiana cinnamon sugar kettle corn $1.99
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.99

Transaction # 2 Total before coupons: $12.48 + tax = $13.67
-$6.00 coupons
-$5.00 RRs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $1.48 + tax = $2.67, earned $6.50 RRs

Transaction # 3

Reach Total Care toothbrush $2.99
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.99, earned $2.00 RRs (making this FREE + $1.01 profit)

2 Theraflu 24-ct caplets @ $5.00 = $10.00
Used -$3.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $7.00, earned $5.00 RRs (making these $2.00 or $1.00 each)

Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper $2.00

8 Halloween pencils @ $0.25 = $2.00
Used -$1.00 Walgreens in-ad coupon
Cost: $1.00 (making these $0.125 each)

2 Thermacare knee/elbow heat wraps 2-ct @ $6.99 = $13.98
Used (2) -$1.00 Walgreens coupons
Used (2) -$3.00 mfr coupons
-$3.00 Buy One Get One 50% off promotion (I guess I didn’t get the $3.49 off because of my coupons)
Cost: $2.98 (making these $1.49 each)

Transaction # 3 Total before coupons: $30.97 + tax = $33.40
-$3.00 BOGO sale
-$14.00 coupons
-$11.00 RRs
My OOP: $2.97 + tax = $5.40, earned $7.00 RRs

Walgreens Total before coupons: $66.44 + tax = $71.82
My OOP: $5.94 + tax = $11.32, with $7.00 RRs remaining
Savings: $60.50, 84%

Here's a picture of my leftover rewards. I earned $12 ExtraBucks from CVS, $7 Register Rewards from Walgreens, and $2.50 +UP rewards from Rite Aid. I love using my rewards to pay from week to week! I'll have to get creative with Rite Aid next week since I have so little to start with, but I'll make it work somehow.