Shopping Trip - 1/29/12

This was a great way to end the month! I'm still in awe over how much stuff I bought for SO little money. I know how much money this stuff costs normally, so that makes this deal super sweet. Don't worry, I'll be sharing some of this stuff with my family. :)

I bought these 51 items for a total of $10.00 plus tax. My total out-of-pocket including tax was $19.14. The total retail with sale prices was $171.66 plus tax ($185.57.) That means I saved $166.43 or 90%! Super, super excited about this. I had some expensive items! I also have $19 rewards and $3.85 remaining on a CVS cash card.   

Purchased items include 9 Pepsi product 12-packs, 2 bottled water 24-packs, 2 Gatorade 4-packs, 2 bags Combos snacks, 4 cans Pringles chips, 1 can Lays Stax chips, 1 box Taster's Choice coffee sticks 6-pack, 2 bags Palmer's valentine candy, 1 king-size Butterfinger, 1 king-size Almond Joy, 1 king-size Hershey's Drops, 1 Reese's peanut butter egg, 4 Russell Stover chocolate hearts, 1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor kit, 2 Old Spice body sprays, 1 Neosporin Essentials 3pc trial kit, 3 American Greetings cards, 3 bottles Centrum ProNutrients supplements 50ct, 1 bottle Centrum Men's multivitamins 100ct, 2 bottles Bayer low-dose aspirin 32ct, 2 bottles St. Joseph low-dose aspirin 36ct, 2 bottles Blink Tears eye drops 0.5 oz, 1 John Frieda Precision Foam hair colour, 1 John Frieda Full Repair conditioner, and a Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper.

Here's a breakdown of each store. 

Rite Aid

I started with $22 UPs. I finally found a good deal to use my Resolution Rewards on! 

Transaction # 1

6 Pepsi product 12-pks @ $3.33 = $19.98 (regularly $5.49 each)

Earned $4 UPs

Stax potato chips $1.00 (regularly $1.79)

2 Combos cheddar snacks @ $1.00 = $2.00 (regularly $2.39 each)

Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon

2 Gatorade 4-pks @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $4.79 each)

3 king-sized candy bars @ $1.00 = $3.00 (regularly $1.89 each)

(Total for those items was $30.98. They were all part of a promotion—earn $5 UPs when you buy $15. The Pepsis had additional UPs--$4. So I earned a total of $14 UPs from buying those items! When you subtract my -$1 mfr coupon, that’s like paying $15.98 for all 14 items.)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $30.98 + tax = $33.22
-$1.00 mfr coupon
-$22 UPs from previous purchase
-$3.99 SCR from November
-$2.99 SCR from December
My OOP: $1.00 + tax = $3.24, earned $14 UPs

Transaction # 2

3 Centrum vitamins @ $9.99 = $29.97 (regularly $11.99-$12.99 each)

Used -$5, -$5, -$3 mfr coupons and -$4 VV coupon
Cost: $12.97, earned $10 UP (making these $0.99 each)

2 bags Palmer’s valentines candy @ $1.00 = $2.00 (regularly $1.29 each)

Cost: $2.00, earned $1 UP (making these $1.00 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $31.97 + tax = $35.01

-$17 coupons
-$14 UPs
My OOP: $0.97 + tax = $4.01, earned $11 UPs 

Rite Aid total before coupons: $62.95 + tax = $68.23
My OOP: $1.97 + tax = $7.25, with $11 UPs remaining
Savings: $60.98, 89% 

CVS

I started with a $10 CVS cash card from last week’s purchases. 

Transaction # 1

Reese’s egg $0.87 (regularly $0.99)

Cost: $0.87, earned $0.87 EBs (making this FREE)

Taster’s Choice coffee sticks $1.00

Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: FREE

Centrum Pro Nutrients supplements $9.99 (regularly $12.29)

-$5.00 mfr coupon
-$4.00 CVS scanner coupon
Cost: $0.99

2 Bayer low-dose aspirin 32ct @ $3.19 = $6.38

-$1.60 BOGO 50% off sale
-(2) $1.00 mfr coupons
-$3.00/2 CVS scanner coupon
Cost: -$0.22 (making this FREE + $0.22 profit)

John Frieda Full Repair conditioner $5.00 (regularly $7.39)

John Frieda Precision Foam hair color $12.00 (regularly $12.79)
-$2.00 mfr coupon (Full Repair)
-$12.00 FREE product coupon (Precision Foam)
Cost: $3.00, earned $5 EBs (making these FREE + $2.00 profit)

3 American Greetings cards @ $0.99 = $2.97

Used -$2.00/3 CVS website coupon
Cost: $0.97, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $2.03 profit)

Neosporin Essentials trial pack $13.79

-$5.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $8.79, earned $5 EBs (making this $3.79)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $50.40 + tax = $53.98
-$10/$50 CVS coupon
-$3.59 CVS 25% off regular price merchandise coupon (only Neosporin and cards)
-$36.00 coupons
Total: $0.81 + tax = $4.39
-$4.39 CVS cash card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $13.87 EBs and $5.61 CVS cash card balance remaining

Transaction # 2

3 Pepsi 12pks @ 3/$10.00 (regularly $4.99 each)

Cost: $10.00, earned $4 EB (making these $2 each)

2 purified bottled water 24pk @ $2.22 = $4.44 (regularly $3.99 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $14.44 + tax = $15.63
-$13.87 EBs from Transaction # 1
Total: $0.57 + tax = $1.76
-$1.76 CVS cash card from last week’s purchases
My OOP: $0.00, earned $4 EBs and $3.85 CVS cash card balance remaining

 

CVS total before coupons: $64.84 + tax = $69.61
My OOP: $0.00 (not even tax!), with $4 EBs and $3.85 cash card remaining
Savings: $69.61, 100% 

Walgreens

 

I didn’t have any RRs to start with. I did this at two different Walgreens.

Transaction # 1

Blink Tears eye drops $8.00 (regularly $9.99)

Used -$1.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $6.50, earned $8 RR (making this FREE + $1.50 profit)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $8.00 + tax = $8.76
-$1.50 coupon
My OOP: $6.50 + tax = $7.26, earned $8 RR

Transaction # 2

Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor set $9.99 (regularly $12.99)

Used -$5.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.99, earned $4 RR (making this $0.99)

St. Joseph low-dose aspirin 36ct $2.00 (regularly $2.49)

Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making this FREE)

2 Russell Stover chocolate hearts @ 2/$1.00

Used -$0.42 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.58 (making these $0.29 each)

2 Old Spice body spray @ $2.59 = $5.18 (clearance—regularly $4.99 each)

-$1.30 BOGO 50% discount
Used (2) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: -$0.12 (making these FREE + $0.12 profit)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $16.87 + tax = $18.43
-$9.42 coupons
-$8.00 RR from Transaction # 1
My OOP: -$0.55 + tax = $1.01, earned $6 RRs

Transaction # 3

Blink Tears eye drops $8.00 (regularly $9.99)

Used -$1.50 mfr coupon
Cost: $6.50, earned $8 RR (making this FREE + $1.50 profit)

2 Russell Stover chocolate hearts @ 2/$1.00

Used -$0.42 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.58 (making these $0.29 each)

Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $9.00 + tax = $9.84
-$1.92 coupons
-$6.00 RR from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $1.08 + tax = $1.92, earned $8 RR

Transaction # 4

Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper $2.00

St. Joseph low-dose aspirin 36ct $2.00 (regularly $2.49)

Cost: $2.00, earned $2 RR (making this FREE)

4 cans Pringles @ 4/$6.00 (regularly $1.99 each)

-$1.00/4 mfr coupon
Cost: $5.00, earned $2 RR (making these $0.75 each)

Transaction # 4 total before coupons: $10.00 + tax = $10.70
-$1.00 coupon
-$8.00 RR from Transaction # 3
My OOP: $1.00 + tax = $1.70, earned $4 RRs

Walgreens total before coupons: $43.87 + tax = $47.73
My OOP: $8.03 + tax = $11.89, with $4 RRs remaining
Savings: $35.84, 75% 

I have $4 RRs, $11 UPs, $4 EBs, and $3.85 CVS cash card balance remaining—that means I have $22.85 in rewards to get me started next week. Not bad at all!

Mail Call -- Week of 1/22 - 1/28

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME week for mail! Here's what I found at the box this week.

I got several full-sized P&G products and couldn't figure out where they came from. A little Google research took me back to an Allure magazine giveaway I'd entered back in SEPTEMBER! I'd forgotten all about it.

A full-size Olay luscious embrace body bar 2-pack

A full-size Olay Complete moisturizer (and I use this stuff daily anyway--win!) 

And full-size Secret minerals deodorant. All that full-size stuff would've cost at least $15 in store. Awesome! 

This little box was cute! You couldn't sign yourself up for one, so I sent it to Chad.

Yummy cappuccino 3-pack and a coupon!

Amlactin lotion samples and coupon

Seventh Generation dish liquid samples

Mirolax samples and coupon (and the samples are the size of a regular dose)

Benefiber stick sample

P&G coupon booklet (with good coupons!) and a $2 Charmin coupon

Another one of these Gather Together coupon books--that makes 3 or 4 of them. Not sure why I keep getting the same thing! I didn't request them all. 

And finally... my two Rite Aid Single Check Rebate checks for $2.99 and $3.99 AND my first issue of All You magazine. I'd bought the magazine at Walmart for years, but my grandma bought me a subscription for Christmas. 

Seriously, I was giddy with all those full-size freebies this week! 

Shopping Trip - 1/22/12

Another weekly shopping trip! I'm a little bummed because my savings percent isn't very high. I think it has a lot to do with all the drinks I've been buying. I added it up, and I think I've spent $50 plus tax on 19 packs of soda this month. Yikes! My husband drinks waaaay too many of these. I still have three unopened cartons from the past two weeks. He'd already drank all three Mountain Dews and half the Cherry Cokes from last week. He needs to sloooow down on the soda consumption! Some of the drinks from this week are for my parents--all the Coke products. They'll pay me back for getting those.

Here's this week's haul. 

I bought 30 items for $37.63 plus tax. My total out-of-pocket including tax was $47.21. Total retail value with sale prices for these items was $107.11 + tax ($116.78.) That means I saved $69.57 or 60%. Without factoring in tax, I saved 65%. I have $2 UPs and a $10 CVS cash card remaining. That doesn't include the $20 UPs I have leftover from last week.

Purchased items include 4 Coke product 12pks, 4 Mountain Dew 12pks, 2 Neosporin Essentials 3pc trial kits, Theraflu 6pk packets, Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper, Always liners, U by Kotex liners, Revlon PhotoReady foundation, Revlon toenail clippers, Axe deodorant, 3 bags Dove candy, 2 bags Skittles, 3 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, Post Shredded Wheat cereal, 2 GE compact florescent light bulbs, Ultimate Flurry protein bar, and Bounty Basics paper towels 8pk. 

Here's a breakdown of each store. 

Rite Aid

I started with $4 UPs from last week. (I also had $20 UPs from my Resolution Rewards purchases, but it wasn’t needed for these transactions.)

Transaction # 1

2 GE compact florescent light bulbs @ $3.99 = $7.98 (regularly $6.99 each)
Used -$0.50 VV coupon
Cost: $7.48, earned $6 UPs (making these $0.74 each)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $7.98 + tax = $8.74
-$0.50 coupons
-$4.00 UPs
My OOP: $3.48 + tax = $4.24, earned $6 UPs

Transaction # 2

4 Post cereals @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $4.99 each)
Used (4) -$1.00 coupons
Cost: $6.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $1.00 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $10.00 + tax = $10.80
-$4.00 coupons
-$6.00 UPs
My OOP: $0.00 + tax = $0.80, earned $2 UPs

Rite Aid total before coupons: $17.98 + tax = $19.54
My OOP: $3.48 + tax = $5.04, with $2 UPs remaining (plus $20 unused UPs from last week)
Savings: $14.50, 74%

Walgreens

I didn’t have any RRs to start with. I had a problem with my Theraflu register reward—it didn’t print for some reason. The cashier was not helpful at all, but I did get a manager to fix the situation. Hey, a dollar is a dollar!

Transaction # 1

2 Neosporin Essentials skincare trial 3pks @ $10.00 = $20.00 (regularly $13.99 each)
Used (2) -$5.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $10.00, earned $5 RR (making these $2.50 each)

Theraflu packets 6ct $4.99 (regularly $5.99)
Used -$4.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.99, earn $1 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Ultimate Flurry protein bar $1.99
Cost: $1.99, earned $2 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $26.98 + tax = $29.57
-$14.00 coupons
My OOP: $12.98 + tax = $15.58, earned $7 RRs (Should’ve been $8, but my Theraflu didn’t print—see Transaction # 3.)

Transaction # 2

Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper $2.00

4 Mountain Dew 12pks @ 4/$13.00
Used -$3.00/4 IVC
Cost: $10.00 (making these $2.50 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $15.00 + tax = $16.07
-$3.00 coupons
-$7 RRs
My OOP: $5.00 + tax = $6.07

Transaction # 3

Manager tried ringing up my Theraflu again, but it still didn’t print the Register Reward. She just gave me a refund for $1.10. Not sure why tax was factored in.

My OOP: -$1.00 + tax = -$1.10

Walgreens total before coupons: $41.98 + tax = $45.64
My OOP: $16.98 + tax = $20.55
Savings: $25.09, 55%

CVS

I started with $4 EBs and $10 CVS cash card.

Transaction # 1

The following items were part of a Revlon promotion—get $7 EBs when you buy 2 items.

Revlon PhotoReady foundation $10.00 (regularly $13.79)

Revlon toenail clippers $3.99

(Total was $13.99. I earned $7 EBs. That means I paid $6.99 for both items.)

Axe deodorant $1.19 (clearance—regularly $4.79)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.19

Always liners 20ct $0.99 (regularly $1.87)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon (adjusted to -$0.99)
Cost: FREE

U by Kotex liners 18ct $0.99 (regularly $1.49)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon (adjusted to -$0.99)
Cost: FREE

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $17.16 + tax = $18.83
-$2.98 coupons
-$4 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $10.18 + tax = $11.85
-$10 CVS cash card
My OOP: $0.18 + tax = $1.85, earned $7 EBs

Transaction # 2

These items were part of the $10 CVS cash card promotion when you buy $30.

4 Coke product 12pks @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $5.79 each)

2 bags Skittles 14oz @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.49 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons

3 bags Dove chocolate 8.5-9.5 oz @ $3.00 = $9.00 (regularly $4.89 each)
Used (3) -$1.00 mfr coupons

Bounty Basics paper towels 8-pk $5.99 (regularly $8.99)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon

(Total was $29.99. I used -$6.00 coupons and received a $10 gift card. That means I paid $13.99 for all these items—making these $1.40 each.)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $29.99 + tax = $32.77
-$6.00 coupons
-$7 EBs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $16.99 + tax = $19.77, earned $10 CVS cash card

CVS total before coupons: $47.15 + tax = $51.60
My OOP: $17.17 + tax = $21.62
Savings: $29.98, 58%

I have a $10 CVS cash card and $2 UPs remaining. I also have $20 in unused UPs from last week.

Mail Call -- Week of 1/15 - 1/21

This was a pretty awesome mail week! I've started taking individual pictures of items instead of waiting until the end of the week. 

On Tuesday, I got a Keebler Jumbo Fudge Stick. I'd forgotten I had to request this in Spanish--see the Spanish words on the form? I didn't get to taste it to see if it was yummy or not. Chad called dibs as soon as he saw it in the mailbox.

I also got two Invisible Glass cleaner wipes. It had all sorts of rebates and Internet coupons, but I won't be using those.

I received a Woolite Darks sample that same day. It came with a high value coupon--too bad it expired on December 31, 2011!

A few days later I got this Sundown Naturals fish oil sample and coupon.

On Friday, I got a Shiseido bio-performance serum sample.

I also got a coupon for a FREE box of John Frieda Precision Foam hair color! Super excited about this! It's up to a $12.99 value (I think), so I should be able to get this for free at almost any store.

But the best thing in the mail? My free 4-pack of Sugar Free Red Bull. I got this on Saturday. I think I actually jumped up and down when I saw this. 

So between the hair color and the Red Bull, my mail call was worth almost $20 in free goodies. Yeah! It pays off to follow those freebie sites and try to get those exclusive Facebook fan promotions.

Shopping Trip - 1/20/12

I had a mid-week trip to CVS. 

I bought these 5 items for $1.88 plus tax. Here's the breakdown.

I started with $3 EBs from a previous purchase.

2 Carmex Moisture Plus lip balms @ $1.19 = $2.38 (regularly $3.39 each)
Used -$1.50 CVS scanner coupon
Used (2) -$0.75 mfr coupons
Cost: -$0.62 (making these FREE + $0.62 profit)

These items were part of the get $4 EBs when you buy $12 in participating Glade products. 

Glade Lasting Impressions automatic air freshener $5.00 (regularly 10.99)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon

Glade Sense and Spray automatic air freshener $5.00 (regularly 11.49)
Used -$3.50 mfr coupon

Glade automatic spray refill $3.00 (regularly $4.39)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon

(Total was $13.00. I used $7.50 in coupons and received $4.00 EBs. That means I paid $1.50 or $0.50 each.)

CVS total before coupons: $15.38 + tax = $16.80
-$10.50 coupons
-$3.00 EBs from previous purchase
My OOP: $1.88 + tax = $3.30, earned $4 EBs
Savings: $13.50, 80%

Shopping Trip - 1/15/12

Another week of couponing in 2012! My deals weren't as great as I'd like them to be, but I got a lot of stuff. I went to CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Sorry about the picture quality. It was too dark with flash, so I went with the photo without flash.

I bought 50 items for a total of $42.49 + tax. I had to pay almost $10 in tax today--my total out-of-pocket was $52.18. Total retail with sale prices was $136.23 + tax--$148.16 in all. I saved $95.98. That's 65%. Kind of disappointing compared to my 80% savings last week. I do have a LOT of rewards leftover, especially at Rite Aid. I have $24 UPs, $3 ExtraBucks, and a $10 CVS cash card remaining. 

Some of these items were necessities--like paper towels and drinks. I bought my parents some things, like canned drinks, 2-liters, and cat food. I should be all set on Valentine's Day cards for my family now. Some items were bought just because they were free or could get me a reward. I have enough Theraflu to last for years.

My 50 purchased items include 4 Coke product 12-packs, 4 Pepsi product 12-packs, 7 American Greetings Valentine's Day cards, 3 9 Lives canned cat food 4-packs, 2 boxes Ritz crackers, South Beach snack bars 5-pack, Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper, 3 7-UP 2-liters, Vitamin water, Planters nuts 16oz, Scott paper towels 6-pack, 2 bags Kettle Chips, Popcorn Indiana white cheddar popcorn, 2 bags Walgreens starlight mints, GE light bulbs 4-pack, 2 Breathe Right Advanced 10ct, Thermacare menstrual relief heat wrap, 2 boxes Theraflu packets 6ct, Theraflu warming caplets, Revlon Grow Luscious plumping mascara, Almay Intense i-color trio, Mentos UP2U gum, 2 bottles Tom's of Maine mouthwash, Glade Lasting Impressions air freshener kit, Glade Sense & Spray air freshener kit, Glade scented oil candle holder w/ bonus refills, and 2 tubes Crest 5.8 oz toothpaste.

Here's a breakdown of each store. 

Rite Aid

I started with $2 UPs from a previous purchase. Italicized items are part of the Resolution Rewards program. I had $54 in Resolution Rewards from previous purchases.

Transaction # 1 

Mentos UP2U gun $1.00 (regularly $1.49)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: FREE

GE Soft White light bulbs 4pk $2.99 (regularly $4.49)
Used -$2.00 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.99

3 Theraflu @ $5.00 = $15.00 (regularly $6.49 each)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$3.00/2 mfr coupon
Used (2) -$1.00 Video Values coupons
Cost: $8.00, earned $5 UP (making these $1.00 each)

3 9 Lives canned cat food 4pk @ $1.33 = $3.99 (regularly $2.99 each)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.99, earned $1 UP (making these $0.66 each or $0.17 per can)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $22.98 + tax = $25.16
-$11.00 coupons
-$2.00 UPs
My OOP: $9.98 + tax = $12.16, earned $6 UPs and $18.00 towards Resolution Rewards

Transaction # 2 

2 Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh mouthwash @ $3.99 = $7.98 (regularly $5.49 each)
Cost: $7.98, earned $6 UPs (making these $0.99 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $7.98 + tax = $8.74
-$6.00 UPs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $1.98 + tax = $2.74, earned $6 UPs and $8.00 towards Resolution Rewards

Transaction # 3 

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping mascara $4.79 (40% off promo—regularly $7.99)
Used -$2.00 Video Values coupon
Cost: $2.79

2 Crest toothpastes 5.8 oz @ $2.77 = $5.54 (regularly $4.49 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.54, earned $2 UPs (making these $0.77 each—plus earned $5.54 towards Crest/Oral B $10 wyb $25 Single Check Rebate)

2 Breathe Right advantage 10ct @ $3.99 = $7.98 (regularly $5.99 each)
Used (2) -$2.00 Video Values coupons
Used (2) -$1.50 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.98 (making these $0.49 each)

3 7-UP 2-liters @ $1.33 = $3.99 (regularly $1.49 each)
Cost: $3.99, earned $2 UPs (making these $0.66 each)

Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $22.30 + tax = $24.36
-$11.00 coupons
-$6.00 UPs from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $5.30 + tax = $7.36, earned $4 UPs and $20 Resolution Rewards UPs (had $102.00 Resolution Rewards balance)

Rite Aid total before coupons: $53.26 + tax = $58.26
My OOP: $17.26 + tax = $22.26, with $24 UPs remaining (plus $5.54 towards Crest SCR)
Savings: $36.00, 62%

Walgreens

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

Transaction # 1 

South Beach snack bars 5pk $5.99 (sale)
Cost: $5.99, earned $6 RRs (making these FREE + $0.01 profit)

Thermacare menstrual relief heat wrap $2.49 (sale)
Cost: $2.49, earned $2.50 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Transaction # 1 total: $8.48 + tax = $9.21
My OOP: $8.48 + tax = $9.21, earned $8.50 RRs

Transaction # 2 

Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper $2.00

2 bags Walgreens starlight mints @ $0.99 = $1.98
Used -$1.00 in-ad coupon
Cost: $0.98 (making these $0.49 each)

Vitamin Water $1.59
Used -$0.59 in-ad coupon
Used -$0.75 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.25

4 Pepsi product 12-pks @ 4/$13.00
Used -$3.00 Walgreens coupon
Cost: $10.00 (making these $2.50 each)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $18.57 + tax = $19.83
-$5.34 coupons
-$8.50 RRs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $4.73 + tax = $5.99

Walgreens total before coupons: $27.05 + tax = $29.04
My OOP: $13.21 + tax = $15.20
Savings: $13.84, 48%

CVS

I started with $5 EBs, $0.77 gift card balance, and a $10 CVS cash card from last week.

Transaction # 1 

4 American Greetings valentines cards @ $0.99 = $3.96
Used -$0.99 FREE greeting card CVS coupon
Used -$0.80 20% CVS email coupon
Cost: $2.17, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $0.83 profit)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $3.96 + tax = $4.27
-$1.79 coupons
Total: $2.17 + tax = $2.48
-$0.77 gift card
-$1.71 CVS cash card
My OOP: $0.00, earned $3 EBs

Transaction # 2 

3 American Greetings valentines cards @ $0.99 = $2.97
Used -$0.60 20% CVS email coupon
Cost: $2.37, earned $3 EBs (making these FREE + $0.63 profit)

The following items were part of a Glade promotion—get $4 EBs wyb $12.

Glade Lasting Impressions kit $5.00 (regularly $10.49)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon

Glade Sense and Spray kit $5.00 (regularly $10.79)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon

Glade scented oil candle holder w/ bonus refills $3.00 (regularly $3.99)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon

(Cost was $13.00. I used $7.00 coupons and earned $4 EBs. That means I paid $2.00 for all three items—making these $0.66 each.)

Almay Intense i-color eye shadow kit $5.99 (regularly $7.79)
Used -$3.00 CVS scanner coupon
Cost: $2.99, earned $3 EBs (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $21.96 + tax = $24.04
-$10.60 coupons
-$5.00 EBs from previous purchase
Total: $6.36 + tax = $8.44
-$8.29 CVS cash card
My OOP: $0.15 (tax), earned $10 EBs

Transaction # 3 

These items were part of the $10 CVS Cash Card wyb $30 in participating products.

4 Coke product 12pks @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $5.79 each)
Used (2) -$0.99 mfr coupons

Planters nuts 16oz $2.50 (regularly $4.29)

2 Kettle brand potato chips @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.49 each)
Used (2) -$2.50 FREE product mfr coupons

Popcorn Indiana white cheddar popcorn $2.50 (regularly $3.99)

2 Nabisco Ritz crackers @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.49 each)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon

Scott Mega Roll paper towels 6ct $5.00 (regularly $7.99)
Used -$1.00 SavingStar digital coupon (will be cashed into an Amazon gift card at a later date)

(Total products were $30.00. I had $8.98 in coupons and earned $10 cash card. That means I paid $11.02 for all those products.)

Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $30.00 + tax = $32.55
-$7.98 coupons
-$10.00 EBs from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $12.02 + tax = $14.57, earned $10 CVS cash card and $1.00 SavingStar credit 

CVS total before coupons: $55.92 + tax = $60.86
My OOP: $12.02 + tax = $14.72, with $10 CVS cash card and $3 EBs remaining
Savings: $46.14, 76% 

I have $24 UPs, $3 EBs, and $10 CVS gift card remaining. That’s $37 in rewards!

Mail Call -- Week of 1/8 - 1/14

Another slow week at the mail box. 

I got a pack of Starburst Flavor Morph--yum!

I got a Gather Together coupon booklet. I'm not sure why I got this again--I'd already received it at an earlier date.

And I got a Glam Pack bag from Rite Aid. I qualified for it based on my fall beauty products spending. 

It was supposed to have a coupon booklet--but I got this letter instead. Oh well.

That's it! 

Shopping Trip - 1/8/12

I went to my three favorite stores--CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. I found some decent deals this week.

I bought 53 items for a total of $18.13 + tax. My total out-of-pocket including tax was $25.28. Total retail including tax was $139.22. That means I saved $113.94 or 82%! I also have a $10 CVS gift card remaining. One reason my out-of-pocket was so low was because I had some free CVS gift cards to use. My OOP without the gift cards would've been $40.97 plus tax. Not bad for expensive items I actually needed, like Cokes, laundry detergent, Afrin, and Brita pitcher filters--a 62% savings.

My 53 purchased items include 3 Coke 12-packs, Airwick Freshmatic compact spray kit, Finish dishwasher tabs 20ct, Finish Jet Dry rinse agent, 2 All Free & Clear laundry detergents, GE Compact Florescent Light Bulb, 6 Renuzit adjustables air fresheners, CVS brand Vitamin D 100ct capsules, 2 eos shave creams, Tom's of Maine mouthwash, Reach Total Care dental floss, 4 Hall's cough drops, 4 o.b. tampons 18ct, 2 Stayfree maxis 16ct, 2 Afrin nasal sprays, Tylenol Precise pain cream, Brita pitcher filters 3ct, Bugles snacks, 3 bags Chex Mix, 2 boxes Wonka candy canes, 4 Lifesavers storybooks, Terry's chocolate orange, Ferrero Rocher 12ct, 2 holiday Peeps, Snickers bar, Syntha6 protein bar, Campbell's chicken gravy, and 2 Knoxville News-Sentinel newspapers (not pictured.)

Here's a breakdown of each store.

Walgreens

I started with $9 RRs from last week.

Transaction # 1

2 eos shave cream @ 2/$6.00 (sale price)
Cost: $6.00, earned $4 RR (making these $1 each)

Tom’s of Maine mouthwash $3.99 (sale price)
Cost: $3.00, earned $3 RR (making this $0.99)

Syntha 6 protein bar $1.89 (regular price)
Cost: $1.89, earned $2 RR (making this FREE + $0.11 profit)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $11.88 + tax = $13.01
-$9 RRs from previous purchase
My OOP: $2.88 + tax = $4.01, earned $9 RRs

Transaction # 2

Tylenol Precise cream $5.99 (sale)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $3.99, earned $3 RR (making this $0.99)

Reach Total Care floss $2.99 (sale)
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost:  $1.99, earned $2 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

1 Bugles and 3 Chex Mix @ 4/$6.00 (sale)
Used -$1.00/4 Wags coupon
Used (2) -$0.60 coupons
Used -$0.50 coupon
Cost: $3.30, earned $1 RR (making these $2.30 or $0.58 each)

2 Knoxville News-Sentinel newspapers @ $2.00 = $4.00 (not pictured)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $18.98 + tax = $20.36
-$5.70 coupons
-$9.00 RRs from Transaction # 1
My OOP: $4.28 + tax = $5.66, earned $6 RRs

Transaction # 3

2 Afrin nasal spray @ 2/$10.00 (sale)
Used (2) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $6.00 (making these $3.00 each)

2 boxes Wonka candy canes @ $0.62 = $1.24 (clearance)
Used -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $0.24 (making these $0.12 each)

2 holiday Peeps @ $0.18 = $0.36 (clearance)

Campbell’s canned gravy $0.39 (clearance)

Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $11.99 + tax = $13.12
-$5.00 coupons
-$6.00 RRs from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $0.99 + tax = $2.12

Walgreens total before coupons: $42.85 + tax = $46.49
My OOP: $8.15 + tax = $11.79
Savings: $34.70, 75%

CVS

I started with $6.50 ExtraBucks and some CVS gift cards I’d gotten for free thanks to my credit card reward points. The balance on one card was $2.87 and the balance on the other card was $25.00.

Transaction # 1

4 Lifesavers story books @ $0.87 = $3.48 (regularly $3.49 each)
Used (2) -$1.50/2 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.48 (making these $0.12 each)

Ferrero Rocher tree $1.99 (regularly $7.99)

Snickers bar $0.75 (regularly $1.19)
Cost: $0.75, earned $0.75 EBs (making this FREE)

6 Renuzit adjustables @ $0.88 = $5.28 (regularly $1.77 each)
Used (2) -$1.00/3 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.28 (making these $0.55 each)

CVS brand Vitamin D 100ct capsules $3.49 (regular price)
Cost: $3.49, earned $3.49 EBs (making these FREE)

GE Energy Smart light bulb $2.99 (regularly $6.99)
Cost: $2.99, earned $2.00 EBs (making this $0.99)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $17.98 + tax = $19.56
-$5.00 coupons
-$6.50 EBs
Total: $6.48 + tax = $8.06
-$2.87 gift card
-$5.19 gift card
My OOP: $0.00, earned $6.24 EBs, $1.00 EB for Green Bag Tag, and $19.81 remaining gift card balance

Transaction # 2

All of these items were part of the CVS Cash Card promotion.

3 Coke 12pks @ 3/$10.00 (regularly $5.79 each)

2 All detergents @ $4.00 = $8.00 (regularly $7.79 each)
Used (2) -$0.75 mfr coupons

Finish Powerball dishwasher tabs 20ct $3.50 (regularly $6.29)
Used -$2.15 mfr coupon

Finish Jet Dry rinse agent $3.50 (regularly $5.89)
Used -$0.75 mfr coupon

Airwick Freshmatic compact kit $5.00 (regularly $9.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon

(Total was $30. I used $6.40 in coupons. I earned a $10 gift card, so that means I paid $13.60 for all these items. That equals to about $1.70 per item.)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $30.00 + tax = $32.68
-$6.40 coupons
-$7.24 EBs from Transaction # 1
Total: $16.36 + tax = $19.04
-$19.04 gift card
My OOP: $0.00, earned $10 CVS cash card and $0.77 gift card balance remaining

CVS total before coupons: $47.98 + tax = $52.24
My OOP w/o gift cards: $22.84 + tax = $27.10, with $10 CVS cash card remaining
Savings: $25.14, 48%
Actual OOP: $0.00, 100% savings 

Rite Aid

 

I started with $3 UPs. Italicized items are part of the Resolution Rewards promo. 

Transaction # 1

Terry’s Chocolate Orange $0.99 (clearance—regularly $3.99)

4 o.b. tampons 18ct @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $4.99 each)
Used (2) -$1.00/2 in-ad coupons
Used (4) -$2.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $0.00 (making these FREE!)

2 Stayfree 16ct @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $3.99 each)
Used -$1.00/2 in-ad coupon
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $2.00 (making these $1.00 each)

4 bags Hall’s cough drops @ $1.50 = $6.00 (regularly $2.69 each)
Used (2) -$1.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $4.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $0.50 each)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $21.99 + tax = $24.08
-$15.00 coupons
-$3.00 UPs
My OOP: $3.99 + tax = $6.08, earned $2 UPs and $21 towards Resolution Rewards

Transaction # 2

Brita filters 3pk $14.99 (regularly $21.99)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $12.99, submit for $5 SCR (making this $7.99)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $14.99 + tax = $16.41
-$2.00 coupon
-$2.00 UPs
Today’s OOP: $10.99 + tax = $12.41
-$5.00 SCR
Total OOP: $5.99 + tax = $7.41

Rite Aid total before coupons: $36.98 + tax = $40.49
My OOP: $9.98 + tax = $13.49 (earned $21 in Resolution Rewards—making my total $33)
Savings: $27.00, 67%

I don't have very many rewards to start with next week--only a $10 CVS gift card. I'm sure I can find a way to still score some great deals, though!