Shopping Trip - 1/7/12

Told ya I might go back to Rite Aid later on in the week. I was able to snag a few good deals.

 Total before coupons: $17.99 + tax = $19.70
-$9.00 coupons
Today’s OOP: $8.99 + tax = $10.70, with $3 UPs remaining
-$2.99 SCR
Total OOP: $6.00 + tax = $7.71, with $3 UPs remaining and $12 towards Resolution Rewards UPs
Savings: $11.99, 61%

Italicized items are part of the Resolutions Reward program—get $20 UPs wyb $100 of participating items January 1^st-January 28^th.

Oral B battery toothbrush $5.99 (regularly $7.99)
Used -$3.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.99, submit for $2.99 SCR (making this FREE)

2 Carmex lip balms @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $2.99 each)
Used (2) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $3.00, earned $2 UPs (making these $0.50 each)

2 Nivea lip balms @ $2.50 = $5.00 (regularly $2.99 each)
Used -$3.00/2 mfr coupon
Cost: $2.00 (making these $1.00 each)

2 Carefree pantiliners @ $1.00 = $2.00 (regularly $1.49 each)
Used (2) -$0.50 mfr coupons
Cost: $1.00, earned $1 UP (making these FREE)

Welcome Home basket!

My cousin's husband is in the military. He was stationed in South Korea a couple of years ago, so my cousin and their two sons moved to be with him. They're home for a couple of weeks before they move to their next station in Texas.

I knew they probably didn't bring a lot of toiletries home with them, so I wanted to make them a basket full of goodies. 

I made the cute little tag in Microsoft Word. 

The contents: Axe body wash, Axe body spray, Axe deodorant, travel Axe shampoo, Schick Hydro 5 razor, Edge shave gel, Nivea lip balm, Colgate toothpaste, GUM toothbrushes, Reach floss, Venus Embrace razor, eos lip balm, eos shave cream, Softsoap body wash, o.b. tampons travel kit, Goody's hair clips, Goody's hair elastics, bareMinerals lip gloss, Suave deodorant, travel Suave dry shampoo, travel John Frieda shampoo, conditioner, and lightening spray, loofah, and a wash cloth.

All this stuff would've cost around $60 plus tax--and that's with sale prices! So, hopefully they can use the money they would've spent on the necessities to do fun stuff with their families. 

I love making gift baskets!

Mail Call -- Weeks of 12/26 - 1/7

It's been a LONG time since I've had any mail worth reporting about. Junk, bills, catalogs, and three lonely little samples. That's rough for a two week period.

My hubby was excited about the tea samples. He had to open it right away. The coupon will come in handy.

Here's a Dove sample and coupon.

And some cool looking Schiff MegaRed pills and coupon. I'll have to check around with my relatives and see if any of them take these.

Shopping Trip - 1/1/12

My first shopping trip of the new year! I only went to two stores--CVS and Walgreens. I may go to Rite Aid later on this week.

I bought these 27 items for a total of $19.35 plus tax. I had to pay $6.71 just in tax today, so my total out-of-pocket was $26.06. The retail with sale prices was $85.15 plus tax. That means I saved $65.80 or 72%. I actually only paid $1.08 out-of-pocket at CVS thanks to a free gift card from my credit card reward points. If you factor that in, I only paid $18.93 for everything shown. I have $20.50 in rewards to start me off next week. 

This was the week to stock up on lip balms and candy. Hey, at least it's Skinny Cow candy and it's better for you than regular candy. The expiration date is good through September, so I'll have plenty of time to eat (and share!) these before they go bad.

My purchased items include 8 boxes Skinny Cow candy 6ct, 8 Nivea lip balms, 2 eos lip balms, 2 Advil Congestion Relief 10ct tablets, 2 Axe shampoo, Nutralife SAMe supplements 30ct, Thomas and Friends toy train set, Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper, Red Bull energy drink, and a Musletech energy bar.

Here's a breakdown of each store.

CVS

So much for not using mom’s card! It’s so hard not to when we both have those  $5 off $25 coupons. Today was the first day to print quarterly ExtraBucks from fall spending. We each just got $1.50! I guess that reflects how little out-of-pocket we’ve spent, though. I suppose that’s pretty great! I started with $15.98 ExtraBucks, $0.40 CVS cash card, and a $10 CVS gift card I got for FREE from redeeming my cash back points on my credit card. 

Transaction # 1 (my card)

4 Nivea lip balms @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $3.19-$4.19 each)
Used (4) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $6.00, earned $5 EBs (making these $0.25 each)

Axe shampoo $1.62 (clearance—regularly $6.49 each)

6 boxes Skinny Cow candy 6ct @ $4.99 = $29.94
-$14.97 BOGO free sale
Used (3) BOGO free coupons (up to $3.48 value) -$10.44
Cost: $4.53 (making these $0.75 per box)

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $26.59 + tax = $28.51
-$5/$25 coupon
-$14.44 mfr coupons
-$7.99 ExtraBucks from last week
My OOP: -$0.84 + tax = $1.08, earned $5 EBs (and $1.50 quarterly EB remaining)

Transaction # 2 (mom’s card)

4 Nivea lip balms @ $2.50 = $10.00 (regularly $3.19 each)
Used (3) -$1.00 mfr coupons
Cost: $7.00, earned $5 EBs (making these $0.50 each)

Axe shampoo $1.62 (clearance—regularly $6.49 each)

2 boxes Skinny Cow candy 6ct @ $4.99 = $9.98
-$4.99 BOGO free sale
Used -$3.48 BOGO free coupon (max value)
Cost: $1.51 (making these $0.75 each)

Thomas and Friends train set $9.99 (regularly $19.99)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $26.60 + tax = $28.50
-$5/$25 coupon
-$6.48 coupons
-$7.99 ExtraBucks from previous purchase
-$1.50 quarterly ExtraBucks
Total: $5.63 + tax = $7.53
-$0.40 CVS Cash Card from last week
My OOP: $5.23 + tax = $7.13, with $5 EBs remaining (I used my FREE gift card, so it was like paying NOTHING out-of-pocket with a $2.87 balance remaining)

CVS total before coupons: $53.19 + tax = $57.01
My OOP: $4.39 + tax = $8.21, with $10 EBs and $1.50 quarterly EBs remaining
Savings: $48.80, 85%

But since I used my free gift card for Transaction # 2, it was really like paying $1.08 for everything—including tax! 

Walgreens

I started with $4 RRs from a couple of week’s ago. This Walgreens trip had a few glitches—but I still think I did alright! It started when the newspaper didn’t have nearly the amount of inserts it should have. Only 2 inserts when it should’ve had 5! I wanted to buy two papers, but since the coupons weren’t there, I just stuck with one.The Advil Congestion Relief price was not programmed in the system yet. It rang up $7.99 each. After the cashier finally modified the price, it wouldn’t accept my coupons. THEN when I got out to the car, I realized that the cashier didn’t ring up my protein bar, so I had to go back inside and pay for it. I had to have lots of patience today! 

Transaction # 1

Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper $2.00

Transaction # 1 total before coupons: $2.00 (no tax)
-$1.00 RR from previous purchase
My OOP: $1.00 (no tax)

I actually left Walgreens and went to CVS at this point. I was hoping to find $3/2 Nivea coupons to use there, but they weren't included in my inserts. 

Transaction # 2

NutraLife SAMe supplements 30ct $10.00 (regularly $19.99)
Cost: $10.00, earn $10 RR (making this FREE)

eos lip balm $2.99 (regularly $3.29)
Cost: $2.99, earn $2 RR (making this $0.99)

Transaction # 2 total before coupons: $12.99 + tax = $14.26
Used -$3.00 RR from previous purchase
My OOP: $9.99 + tax = $11.26, earn $12 RRs

Transaction # 3

Red Bull $1.99 (regularly $2.19)

2 Advil Congestion 10ct tablets @ $5.00 = $10.00 (regularly $7.99 each)
Used -$2.00 mfr coupon
Used -$1.00 mfr coupon
Cost: $7.00, earn $3 RRs (making these $2.00 each)

eos lip balm $2.99 (regularly $3.29)
Cost: $2.99, earn $2 RRs (making this $0.99)

Transaction # 3 total before coupons: $14.98 + tax = $16.44
-$3.00 mfr coupons
-$10 RRs from Transaction # 2
My OOP: $1.98 + tax = $3.44, earned $5 RRs

Transaction # 4

Muscletech protein bar $1.99
Cost: $1.99, earn $2 RR (making this FREE + $0.01 profit)

Transaction # 4 total: $1.99 + tax = $2.15
My OOP: $1.99 + tax = $2.15, earned $2 RRs

Walgreens total before coupons: $31.96 + tax = $34.85
My OOP: $14.96 + tax = $17.85, with $9 RRs remaining
Savings: $17.00, 49%

I ended up with $9 Register Rewards and $11.50 ExtraBucks to start with next week. I also have that $2.87 balance on my free CVS gift card. I have ANOTHER free $25 CVS gift card I ordered with my credit card points. I should have a very small out-of-pocket expense there for the next several weeks. 

2011 Savings

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!

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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% 

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.)

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 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!