Thursday, December 17, 2009

Sunday Coupon Inserts: 12/20


I must admit that the only reason that I receive a Sunday paper is for the coupons! You see there are many reasons that I use coupons and different weeks/months I would probably have a different reason but until the middle of January...coupons are helping me to save money so that I can take my wonderful husband out for his birthday!

With that being said...WE WILL NOT BE RECEIVING ANY COUPON INSERTS THIS SUNDAY!

I know you are all as disappointed as I am. However, you can still print coupons at coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com and target.com. There are many other coupon sites. These are just a few of my favorites!

Marsh Supermarkets: 12/17-12/24


My most favorite grocery store to shop at is Marsh Supermarkets! I feel like the produce is more fresh, I have one out my back door and I am totally biased towards their Milk!!! I know this may sound crazy but I LOVE Marsh Milk! I don't know what they feed their cows but it is by far the best tasting milk! I guess you could say that I have very sensitive taste buds because believe me....I could tell the difference in a taste test!

Okay...aside from my milk obsession I have a couple of ground rules for shopping at Marsh.
1. It is not always the cheapest. However, when comparing ads each week Marsh tends to have better sales on most items. This brings me to my most important rule.
2. ONLY MAKE PURCHASES AT MARSH FOR THINGS THAT ARE ON SALE WITH COUPONS! When you do this you will save BIG!
3. Don't be afraid to use small coupons at Marsh. They double all coupons $.50 and less! So that makes your $.40 Pillsbury coupons worth $.80!
4. When they say 2/$ or 4/$, etc. they also give you the discounted price for purchasing just one of these items. (ex. If it said 2/$3 then you could also purchase 1/$1.50)
5. When they run promotions where it is 5/$5 or 10/$10....you can mix and match amongst other items that are running the same promotion. You don't have to actually purchase 5 or 10 of the same item.

I could go on but those are the biggies.

Here are the best deals that I see for this week:

1/2 price Kraft Cheese - chunk, shredded or cubes
Use a $1/2 coupon found SS 11/22/09

$3/2 Bob Evans Express Sausage Patties or Links
*Use 2 of the $.25/1 coupons found SS 11/15/09
Final Price = $2/2

B1G1 Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon
Use 2 of the $.75/1 coupons found SS 11/15/09
Final Price = $3.99/2

$5/2 Dole Salad Blends
Use $1/2 coupon found here
Final Price = $4/2

B1G1 President Brie
Final Price = $5.99/2

B1G1 Lay's Potato Chips
Final Price = $3.99/2

$5/2 King's Hawaiian Bread Rolls (12 ct.)
Use $1/1 coupon found RP 11/15/09
Final Price = $3/2

$6/2 Coffee-Mate Creamer (32 oz)
Use 2 of the $1/1 found here
Final Price = $4/2

$1.99 Country Crock Spread
*Use $.40/1 coupon
Final Price = $1.19

$5/4 Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Use 2 of the $1/2 coupon found RP 11/15/09
Final Price = $3/4

$5/2 Chinet Dinnerware
There are multiple options here...these are the best options that I see
Purchase 1 Chinet Classic White Plates
Purchase 1 Chinet Salad/Side Dishes
Use $1/1 Chinet Classic White Plates found SS 11/22/09 or here
Use $2/1 Chinet Salad/Side Dishes found SS 11/22/09
Final Price = $2/2
OR
Purchase 2 Chinet Salad/Side Dishes
Use 2 of the $2/1 Chinet Salad/Side Dishes found SS 11/22/09
Final Price = $1/2

$5/4 Freshlike Vegetables
*Use 4 of the $.35/1 coupons
Final Price = $2.20/4

$4/2 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers
*Use 2 of the $.40/1 coupons
Final Price = $2.40/2

$1.69 Aunt Millie's Dinner Rolls
Use $.55/1 coupon found here.
Final Price = $1.14/1

$5/4 Heinz Gravy
Use 2 of the $1/2 coupons found SS 11/1/09
Final Price = $3/4

20% OFF Mt. Olive Products
*Use $.50/1 coupon

*= coupon(s) will be doubled at the register. I included the doubled coupon value in my "Final Price" totals.

Other Deals to make a note of...

$2.99 Garden Fresh Salsa

$5.99 Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2.5 lb bag)

B1G1 Thomas English Muffins

$1.98 Gallon Marsh Milk

Another bonus from now thru December 24th when you buy a $25 gift card or higher and scann your Fresh Idea Card, you'll receive $5 OFF your next grocery purchase of $25 or more at Marsh!!! Total bonus if you were already going to purchase gift cards for Christmas gifts.

If you see/score other great deals...please let me know! I hope this was helpful!
Happy Shopping!



Tuesday, December 15, 2009

OvernightPrints.com: 30% OFF Holiday Cards


Still haven't done your holiday cards??? Now until December 16th at midnight you can receive 30% OFF your Holiday Card purchase at overnightprints.com. You can also be sure that your cards are delivered before Christmas by using their Mailing Services to send your Holiday Cards!

Click here to get started!

Be sure to use code DC30P at checkout to receive your 30% OFF discount!
(this offer does not include S&H)


Restaurant.com: Save 70%


For a limited time, Restaurant.com is offering $25 restaurant gift certificates for only $3! The gift certificates have been reloaded and more restaurants have been added! So hurry over to restaurant.com to order your gift certificates now!

Be sure to enter discount code SNOW at checkout and hit "APPLY"!

Click here to begin browsing the restaurants in your area.

OLD NAVY: 20% OFF Entire Purchase


The sale ends today! So hurry on over to OldNavy.com to make your purchases! You can receive 20% OFF your entire online purchase!

Be sure to use the code ONSAVE20 at checkout!

Click here to begin shopping!

Monday, December 14, 2009

FREE 1 Year Subscription to Weight Watchers


I love to receive magazines in the mail! It gives me something new and fresh to read each month! This free subscription won't last long! Click here to get your FREE 1 year subscription to Weight Watcher's magazine.

Thanks to FreeBizmag.com!

(Thanks, Hip2Save)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Yankee Candle: $10 OFF $20 Coupon


I love Yankee Candles! I try to buy them at Hallmark when they have everything in the store on sale. But that only happens once or twice per year. If you are wanting a new holiday candle...you are in luck! Yankee Candle just released a new coupon! Click here to print a coupon for $10 OFF your $20 purchase. The coupon is only good till December 13th!

Hurry! You won't want to miss out!

(Thanks, Hip2Save)

Kellogg's Printable Coupons!


As I have mentioned before, one of my favorite websites to print coupons is coupons.com! This month they seem to be releasing new coupons almost every day. Today they have released new Kellogg's Cereal coupons.

Click here to print these coupons. They won't last long! Don't miss out!

These are the coupons that you should find...
$.75 - 1 Smart Start
$.50 - Raisin Bran
$.75 - 1 Honey Smacks
$1 - 2 Rice Krispies
$1 - 2 Special K
$1.50 - 3 Kellogg's Cereals
$1.50 - 2 Frosted Mini Wheats
$.75 - All Bran
$1.50 - 2 Corn Flakes

Good Luck!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

OLD NAVY: 20% OFF + FREE SHIPPING


I don't know about you, but I LOVE Old Navy! I can always find something at a great price! Well if you haven't done your Old Navy holiday shopping then you are in luck! Now through 12/15 you can receive 20% OFF your entire purchase online!

Click here to begin shopping!
Be sure to enter code ONSAVE20 at checkout!
And don't forget to select "Free Shipping" at checkout if your order is over $50!

They also have Sixty Gifts at $6 and under! What a great deal!
Happy Shopping!

Tiny Prints: $30 OFF Holiday Orders


Have you been procrastinating on your Holiday Cards?? Today is the last day to save $30 OFF your Holiday Order of $99 or more at tinyprints.com. That makes your $99 order ONLY $69! The Holiday Cards include: holiday photo cards, Christmas cards, New Year's cards and Thank You cards. Hurry this offer ends at 11:59pm on 12/10/09

Click here to begin shopping!
Use the code THBXC7AZ34 at checkout to receive the discount!

Kraft: Coupons Reset!


About a week ago or so, Kraft released some coupons for their dairy products. They have been restocked! :)

Click here to print them.

Coupons:
$.55 off - 1 package of Velveeta
$.55 off - 1 package of Knudsen Sour Cream
$.55 off - 1 package of Breakstone's Sour Cream
$.55 off - 2 packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
$1 off - 2 packages of Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese

I'm Back!

Sorry that I haven't posted anything in a couple of days. I have been dealing with sick ones at home. Thanks for your patience! I am back! Stay tuned for new savings and coupons today!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

UPromise: New eCoupons


UPromise is a unique website. UPromise is a website designed to help you save money for college tuition! They offer online shopping at many participating retailers that earn you money for college. They offer special offers at nearly 9,000 restaurants. And they offer grocery coupons. (one of my favorites!)

UPromise has just uploaded 45 new eCoupons worth over $50 in college savings!
Some of the coupons are...
$2.00 - purchase 1 Bounty Paper Towels 6ct. or larger
$.40 - purchase 1 Fleischmann's Yeast strip or jar
$.55 - purchase any 1 Fisher Culinary Touch Cooking and Baking Nut
$1.00 - purchase any 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta
**Remember these are college savings. When you register you create an account and it keeps track of your college savings**

The way it works...in a nutshell!
First, you must go to UPromise.com and register.
Second, you can upload your grocery and drugstore rewards cards. (ex. Kroger, Marsh, CVS, etc.) Third, select the coupons that you want and it uploads them to the rewards cards that you have entered. Then when you are at the grocery/drugstore if you purchase that item then you will receive the discount/money for college once your rewards card is scanned!

Click here to get registered!

*Many of the items that you can save college money on also have coupons online and in your local newspaper. It is like double savings!!!*

I will talk more about UPromise at another time! Keep checking this blog for more benefits to using this wonderful website!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Hallmark: $5 OFF Printable Coupon


Hallmark Gold Crown just released a $5 OFF $5 printable coupon. The coupon is vaild through December 24th. This is a coupon that you won't want to be without! Think of all of the free cards, tissue, wrapping paper and more that you could receive! I received this coupon in the mail for being a Gold Crown Rewards Card Holder. I am so glad that they have a printable coupon for YOU!

Click here to print off your $5 coupon.

If you are interested in becoming a Hallmark Gold Crown Rewards Card Holder...
Click here to join the program and start earning free rewards!

Walmart: Online Specials!


Only 2 Days Left for Cyber Week! Walmart is offering some unbelievable online specials that you won't want to miss!

Hurry on over to check out the specials and check off items from you Christmas list!

Click here to see all online specials!

Some specials include:
* $89 Samsung Digital Camera Bundle with 2GB Memory Card and Camera Case
* $49 Radio Flyer Soft Rock & Bounce Pony
* $29 Sunbeam MicroPlush Electric Throw, in 6 different colors
* $68 Ematic 8GB MP3 Video Player

J.Crew: 25% OFF


Hurry on over to JCrew.com to make your holiday/new year's purchases! For 2 more days they will be offering 25% OFF all online orders of $150 or more.

Click here to start shopping!

Be sure to use code GIFTS at checkout

Eastbay: $25 OFF Purchase + 20% OFF Gift Cards


Do you know anyone who is into sports and athletics? Did they give you a wish list of sporting equipment? Visit Eastbay.com and make your purchases. You can get $25 OFF your order of $99 or more. You can also receive 20% OFF all Gift Cards!

For option 1: To receive $25 OFF...be sure to enter the promotion code EMEB9CF2 at checkout.
(note: the promotion code box is located in step 4 of checkout)
This offer is good until 12/7/2009

For option 2: To receive 20% OFF your Gift Card Purchase...be sure to enter the promotion code IPEB9HC2 at checkout.
(note: the promotion/source code box is located above the email address entry on the shipping methods page)
This offer is good until 12/19/2009.

Click here to begin shopping!

FineStationery.com: Save 10% + FREE Shipping


One of my favorite online stationery stores is finestationery.com. You can purchase Holiday Cards, Photo Cards, Note Pads, Recipe Cards and Boxes, Stamps, Embossers, Invitations, etc.

For 3 days, they are offering 10% OFF your entire purchase + FREE ground shipping.

Click here to start shopping!
Be sure to use code 1209EMAILSAVE10 at checkout.
Good through Sunday, December 6, 2009

Staples: Extra Rewards


More Staples Rewards!!! Now thru 12/19/2009..

*Earn Double Staples Rewards on HP ink with a $50 HP ink purchase.
* Get 20% back in Staples Rewards on all purchases. (was 10%)
*Get $6 back in Staples Rewards on HP ink recycling

Click here for more information on the Promotion!
Click here to become a Rewards Member!

Staples: FREE DURACELL BATTERIES


Hurry on over to Staples to purchase "Duracell AA 16+4 bonus pack" or "Duracell AAA 16+4 bonus pack". You pay $12.99 each (plus sales tax) and you get $12.99 each back in Staples Rewards.

It's like getting them for FREE!!! From now until 12/26/09!

If you aren't a rewards member yet...click here to sign up!
You can purchase 2 per customer per week. While supplies last. Don't miss out on free batteries for all of those Christmas toys!

Your rewards will be mailed to you in January to be used in the store.

GAP: 25% OFF Entire Purchase


Gap is offering 25% OFF your entire online purchase now through Sunday, December 6th!

Click here to start shopping!
Be sure to enter BCKM73TV8WTB at checkout to redeem your 25% OFF!

As an additional bonus...they are offering FREE SHIPPING on any purchase of $50 or more. Be sure to select "free shipping" at checkout! (Through December 15th)


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Babies "R" US: 20% OFF


Here is another perk to being a Facebook user! Hurry on over and become a fan of Babies "R" US! They are running a promotion on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th for all of their Facebook Fans. Receive 20% off a great selection of toy and baby items within their online Facebook Fan Store.

Please note that this sale is only online and the sale price will be reflected once you have added items to your shopping cart.

click here to become a Fan! You won't want to miss this event!

Luis Martinez Cigar - FREE!


I just love Facebook for so many reasons! Here is another reason. Become one of the 1st 1,000 fans of Luis Martinez Cigar Company on Facebook and receive a FREE cigar!

After becoming a fan, click the FREE Cigar icon and fill out the form!

Click here to become a fan!
This could make a great stocking stuffer for that special guy in your life!

(Thanks, Hip2Save!)

Restaurant.com: Save 60%


My husband and I love to order restaurant gift certificates to our favorite restaurants from Restaurant.com! We purchase them in bulk and then we always have one to use when we go out on date nights or to give to family and friends on special occasions (ex. a birthday gift or anniversary surprise!)!

Order now and you can save 60% Off! Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $4!

Click here to be redirected to their website.
Be sure to enter Discount Code: LIST at checkout and Hit "Apply"
Hurry offer ends soon!

The Popcorn Factory: Up to 20% Off


Do you ever wonder what to get your boss or your child's teacher or that person that you don't know very well but you feel the need to buy them a present? The Popcorn Factory has the perfect solution! They have delicious gifts that come in a variety of fun cans, boxes, small mailboxes, etc. These are also great gifts for college students to help get them thru finals. I always send my brother one (he is away at college) and he loves them!

You are in luck! You can save 20% on your order of $100 or more! Use Promo Code HS20. Or you can save 10% on your order of $50 or more! Use Promo Code HS10.

Click here to place your order.
Happy Shopping!


Walgreens Deals: 11/29-12/5


Walgreens and CVS make for a unique shopping experience in the sense that they give money back rewards on certain items at the register after you make your purchases. These rewards print off of a Catalina machine in the form of a coupon that can be used on anything in the store the next time that you shop. I haven't talked in detail about these stores but I will. These rewards are called "Register Rewards" at Walgreens. "RR" for short.

I am going to post some of my favorite deals from this week's ad...
BTW...did you know that for the month of December they are issuing a special mid-week ad full of additional savings? I will post deals from both.

This Week's Hot Deals

$5/4 - 2 Liter Coca-Cola Products
Get $2 in RR
*purchase must include 1 Diet Coke
Final Price = $.75/1

$5/2 - M&M's
Use the $1/2 coupon from here
Stack the $/2 coupon from Walgreens December Coupon Book
Get $1 in RR on 2
Final Price = $1/bag

$7.99/1 - Complete Multipurpose Solution
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/25 RP
Get $7.99 in RR
Final Price = FREE + $.99 (you just made money!!!)

$2/1 - Good Ouchless Hair Accessories (27 or 50 pack elastics or flexible tips headband)
Get $2 in RR
Final Price = FREE

$1.99/1 - Dentek Dental Care (35-90 count floss picks or 55 yd. floss)
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/11 SS
Get $1.99 in RR
Final Price = FREE

$5/1 - Soft & Beautiful Botanicals Relaxer Kit or Texturizer
Get 5 in RR
Final Price = FREE

$4.29/1 - Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue (9 rolls)
Use the $1/1 coupon found here
Get $1 in RR
Final Price = $2.29

$4/1 - Natrol Acai
Use the $3/1 coupon found here
Get $4 in RR
Final Price = FREE + $3 (you just made money!)

$5.99/1 - Softsop Ensembles Pump
Use the $2/1 coupon from Walgreens December coupon book
Final Price = $1.99

$1/1 - 2 liter Sunkist
Use the coupon found in the Walgreens ad
Stack the $1/2 coupon from the 11/15 SS
Final Price = $.50/2 liter

$5/2 - Breakfast items (see ad for specifics)
Best Deal Option...
Purchase 2 Quaker Oatmeal Pancake Mix
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Get $2 RR
Final Price = $1/2 ($.50/box)

These are just a few of my favorite deals from this week's ad.

Let me know if you find any other great deals!


Crate & Barrel: Free Shipping


Many stores offer special promotions around the holidays. Crate & Barrel is offering free shipping on online and catalogue purchases totaling $100 or more. Now through December 22!

Check out their website for more information!
Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

How am I doing?

Well, I have only been blogging for 2 days now. I am still trying to familiarize myself with being a blogger and all of the terminology and options that come with that. How am i doing? I would love feedback! Do you like the things that I have posted? Have they been helpful?

Let me know what you think! I am in the market to find someone to design a "new look" for my blog! I feel like it is so generic....and I am definitely NOT generic! :)


$100 Gift Card Giveaway courtesy of ShopatHome.com


One of my favorite bloggers is Stretchingabuckblog.com. On her website she is giving away a $100 Gift Card from ShopAtHome.com. Did you know that you can earn cash back from your purchases when you shop here?

Check out Stretchingabuckblog.com for more info and be sure to enter for the $100 Gift Card Giveaway.

Click here for a direct link to the giveaway.

Disclosure Policy


This policy is valid from 02 December 2009 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact whensavingsmetsally@gmail.com. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest. To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

GROUPON: Daily Deals in Your City


I love to try new things in Indianapolis (where I live)! However, many times I miss out on opportunities because I have trouble rationalizing the price/fee to try the new thing for fear that I won't like it and then I will beat myself up for spending so much money on it. Does this sound like you? I have the perfect solution...or I should say "GROUPON" has the solution!

GROUPON emails you one coupon per day so you can experience "the best things to do, see, eat and buy in your city." The savings is always between 50%-90% OFF! WOOHOO! You can't beat that!

Click here to sign up to receive your city's GROUPON today!
Some examples of savings in Indianapolis...
Friday's offer - 65% OFF at Westview Healthplex
Monday's offer - 58% OFF at "Ah Barista"
Today's offer - 85% OFF Dental Exam

Once Upon A Child: One Day Sale


Do you like to shop for kids clothes at consignment shops? I do! One of my favorite places to go is Once Upon A Child! They are having a one day Clearance Blowout! This Saturday, December 5th, 2009. The longer you shop the more you save!

From 10:00am-2:00pm - Save 20% OFF
From 2:01pm-6:00pm - Save 40% OFF
From 6:01pm-10:00pm - Save 60 % OFF

Hurry in you won't want to miss these great savings on gently used Fall & Winter clothing!

For more details and to find a participating store near you - click here.
You will need to call your local store to see if they are participating.

Walgreens: December Coupon Book


Be sure to head on over to your local Walgreens and pick up their December Coupon Book. This book can be found by their ads. This coupon book contains over $160 in savings. The coupons expire on 12/26/09...so hurry in before the coupon books run out! One of the great things about Walgreens coupons is that they can be combined with Manufacturer's coupons for added savings.

Here are some of the coupons...

$4/1 off Excedrin PM Express Gels, 80ct.
$3/1 off Mucinex 600 mg. Extended Release Tablets, 100ct.
$1/1 off Chapstick 3-pack Lip Balm Cherry
$1.50/1 off Neosporin Lip Health
$10/1 off Wal-itin 10mg., 150 ct.
$2/1 off Dove Extra Dry Cream Oil Lotion, 13.5 oz
$5/1 off Alfrin Pure Sea Nasal Rinse, 4 oz
$1/2 off Holiday M&M's, 9.9 to 12.6 oz
$1/2 off Nestle Jingles Butterfinger or Crunch Candy, 9.2 to 11 oz.
$1/2 off Toblerone Chocolate Bar, 3.5 to 3.52 oz.
$1/2 off Life Savers Candy, 6.25 to 7.7 oz.
$1/1 off Bic Lighter, 5 pack or Surestart Multi-Purpose Lighter

And many more...
Be sure to pick up your copy soon! You won't want to miss these deals!

Amazon.com - Free Holiday Downloads



One of my favorite online stores is Amazon.com. Not only do they have daily deals but you can find almost anything that you are looking for while sitting in your pajamas while sipping hot cocoa!

Everyday through Christmas, Amazon is releasing a new holiday song (MP3) that is available to download for free for a limited time. What a great way to get in the Christmas Spirit!

Click here for today's download.

Yesterday's download was "Joy to the World" by Casting Crowns. Today's download is "Snow Angel" by Tori Amos. I wonder what tomorrow's will be! Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Memoryescape.com 30% Off or Free Shipping




Visit Memoryescape.com to create a photo book and receive 30% off using the code: HOL30 or Free Shipping using the code: HOLFS. Photo books make wonderful Holiday gifts because they are filled with your own photos and text and these will impress everyone!!!

Click here to get started and save!

Huggies Diaper Dash - Win a 6-Month Supply of Diapers


Is your baby a little speedster on all fours??? If so...this Saturday, December 5th is Race Day at Babies "R" Us. Visit Babies "R" Us to find a participating store to sign up for the Huggies Little Movers Diaper Dash. The event is limited to the first 25 racers to sign up at each participating store.

The winner will receive a 6-month supply of Huggies diapers and a $50 "R" Us Gift Card!
Babies aged 7-12 months only.

Cyber Tuesday - Fisher Price


Fisher-Price is offering 20% off of your total purchase until 11:59 pm (central time) on 12/1/09. Due to high traffic at their online store yesterday (Cyber Monday), they are extending their promotion. Check it out.

To shop and save 20% click here.

Also starting tomorrow (12/2) and running thru December 11th, Fisher-Pricestore.com will be offering free standard shipping on all orders from their online store.

Getting Started With Coupons - Baby Steps

You may be wondering where to begin...

There are many ideas and philosophies on this topic. You can dabble a little or a lot in the world of couponing. I will simply tell you what I did 6 weeks ago when I began my journey.

First I would begin by purchasing a Sunday newspaper each week. I use to pick up the newspaper from the grocery store but half the time I would get there and they would be all out. So I decided to order a subscription for Sunday/Thursday. This way I would always have the newspaper and better yet - it was delivered to my door. For a discount on a newspaper subscription...click here.

Second start clipping the coupons for products that you would most definitely use. Then go back thru the coupons and clip the coupons that you may use. These are the questions that I would ask...
1. "would I be willing to use/try this product in place of the one that I am using?"
2. "would I be willing to use/try this product if it were free?"
3. "can we donate it?"

Fourth I would begin to collect the ads from the Sunday paper and weekly mailings for the grocery stores in your area. (For example: I collect Kroger, Marsh, Target, CVS and Walgreens) If you want to keep it simple then just pull the ads for your two favorite stores. You may be thinking that CVS and Walgreens aren't grocery stores. Well you're right...they aren't. However they do sell grocery items. I will get into the specifics about why you should shop at CVS &/or Walgreens in a later post.

Fifth begin to make a list of the groceries that you need and compare that list with the items that are on sale (based on the grocery store ads). Then check to see if you have a coupon for that item. Your coupons can be best used combined with an item that is on sale. This way you get the biggest savings! :) I sit down on Sunday evening with my ads and I plan out my meals for the week based on what I have in the fridge/freezer and what is on sale.

Remember you do NOT have to use all of your clipped coupons each week. This is what manufacturers want you to do. Save the ones that you don't use and wait till the item is on sale. Many times you may find that with the sale price plus the coupon...you end up getting items for free!!

It my sound tedious but it can be lots of fun! I turn it into a game. I try to beat my savings each week!

This is just the bare bones of couponing. I will get into specifics as the week goes on.
Stay Tuned!
Let me know how you do...what was your savings this week?


RedPlum.com - Printable Coupons


It's December 1st! That means that all of the online coupon generators have been reset! You should make a mental note that the first of the month is always the best time to print online coupons. Among the online coupon websites is RedPlum.com. Red Plum may sound familiar because you receive their coupon inserts in your Sunday newspaper. Did you know that you can print them online?

Red Plum also adds new coupons to their website that do not appear in your newspaper. These coupons have a limited number of times that they can be printed. So if you find coupons that you think you will use...PRINT THEM - Don't Wait!

You can print Red Plum coupons here. Enter your zip code for more coupons.

Coupons.com - Printable Coupons


One of my most favorite websites is coupons.com. This is a website that is updated at the 1st of each month. Check out the website and be sure to print off any coupons that you will be using or think you will be using soon. The coupons change regularly. I have made the mistake of thinking that I could print off a certain coupon the following week when I needed it and when I went back...it was gone! So hurry before they disappear! Each coupon has a max number of times that it can be printed before it is gone!

FYI: I have never had any trouble using these coupons at a store. Sometimes they don't scan very well and so the cashier has to manually enter the coupon number.

Print your coupons here.

If you have any questions about printable coupons...don't hesitate to ask. I will try to answer them the best that I can!

WELCOME

Welcome to my money saving blog!

I know that there are a zillion coupon/money saving blogs out there. So why create a new one???

Well, here's the thing...
My husband took a new job 2 months ago and with that new job came a significant pay decrease (which we were expecting). The job in and of itself has been a wonderful thing for our family...less stress, home by 5pm for dinner, seldom working weekends, etc. However, the decrease in pay has created some new challenges. We first sat down and came up with a new budget. At first I was incredibly optimistic but I soon realized that I really had no idea what it cost us each week outside of our fixed expenses. Plus when you add to the mix that we just had our first baby last spring and I quit my job to stay at home with him...we were really in for a surprise! The reality of the cost of diapers, formula, cereal, baby food, wipes, etc. hit me hard in the face. I must admit that it stung a little!

So what did I do???
What any other woman in my situation would do...I started cutting coupons! However, I really knew nothing about the "art of couponing". I did not know that there were good, bad and better ways to use them. After following many bloggers that have gone before me and reading up on "the best use of coupons", it has revolutionized my life and the life of my family. I have kept an ongoing tally of the money that I have saved since I began this journey 6 weeks ago. I have spent $531.49 on groceries, toiletries, and baby items (mainly diapers, wipes, formula, cereal, etc.). I have saved $317.98. That is a 59.8% savings. Just think...before my cutting coupon days I would have spent all $849.47. WOW! I am slightly disgusted with myself!

Why did I start this blog?
Since I am new to couponing I thought that I would blog about it for three reasons

1. As a way to help keep myself accountable. Trust me, there are days when I would much rather just walk right into a grocery store and get what I need without a coupon. However, if I did this then we would be without something for the week. We are on a very tight budget. Which I am sure that half of America can relate to with these economic conditions.

2. Many blogs have been active for over a year. Since I am just beginning my couponing/money saving journey, I thought that it would be easier for newbies to follow. We can learn together! Trust me, in these economic conditions I know what it is like to lose a job, take a job with a lower salary, live on less yet still want more and be forced to budget...budget...budget. Not because you want to but because you MUST!

3. One of the stores that I like to shop at (Marsh) never gets blogged about. Not to mention that it has a bad reputation for being overpriced. I am not saying that they don't have anything that is overpriced. However, when I compare the ads each week (Marsh to Kroger) the items that we get coupons for tend to be about the same. Sometimes Kroger is a little higher for a specific item and sometimes it is Marsh.

Enough of my rambling...you'll be seeing more of it daily! I hope this blog helps you save money but most importantly...I hope that this blog will give you peace and hope in your current financial situation. Just to know that there is a way live on less so that you can cut debt and replenish your savings...one coupon at a time!