Saturday, November 12, 2011

Planning and Cooking from your Stockpile




One of the first steps I took to decrease my food budget was to plan my meals out ahead of time.  This one step cut my food budget dramatically!  I made a menu two weeks worth of meals, then when I shopped I bought only the foods I needed for those meals.  We wasted a lot less food and saved money because we only bought what we were actually going to eat.  No more running to the store at the last minute (Saving time!).  A lot less throwing away of spoiled food (Saving money!).  

A while later I tried to add using coupons to my routine.  I would spend hours cutting out coupons that I thought I might want to use when I got to the store.  I would end up saving a few dollars each trip and did not find the savings worth my time, so I stopped.  Later on I heard about a couponing class at my church.  I went and learned how to use coupons in a way that could save me more than enough money to make it worth my time.  I started saving $100’s on my groceries each month.  I was then able to build my stockpile.  Now when I go to make my menu, I look at my stockpile and try to use mostly those items.  This is important to take note of what is in your stockpile and be sure to use it.  

There is no sense in buying something and then not using it.  These days when I go to the store I usually only purchase perishable goods such as milk and produce for the week.  I use the rest of my grocery budget to purchase any items that are at a stock-up point or I save it to use for stocking up on an item in the future.  

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Albertsons is Smokin' HOT this week!


To be completely honest, I have not done much coupon shopping lately.  With back to school, work, and the holidays coming I have been a bit distracted...

Well, I will definitely be heading to Albertsons this weekend with my coupons when I do my shopping!  There are several HOT dealz starting Wednesday, AND there are strong rumors of doublers again to make this even sweeter starting Sunday!!

Check out Happy Money Saver or Fabulessly Frugal for a complete list of match ups of the HOT dealz coming!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Black Friday is Coming!


Only 34 days til Black Friday! 
I have already started scoping the Black Friday Ads!  Did you know you could do that? 
Many businesses will allow sites (such as theblackfriday.com) to post their Black Friday Ads online early.  What a great way to get a head start on your holiday shopping plan!

Happy Savings!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Stockpiling: A key to extreme couponing!



stock·pile [stok-pahyl] noun, verb, -piled, -pil·ing.
–noun
A large supply of some metal, chemical, food, etc., gathered and held in reserve for use during a shortage or during a period of higher prices. ~dictionary.com 

(Notice it does not say a lifetime supply of groceries and toiletries).

The basic principal of successful coupon shopping is to stock up on items you use when they are at their lowest price point.  This way, you will not have to buy them when they are full price.  There are some questions that you need to ask yourself when you are building your stockpile to figure out how much you need.  How much will I use before this expires?  How much will I use before it goes on sale again?  These answers will vary for everyone and vary by product.  There are no set answers and much of it comes from trial and error.  For example, last year I wish I had stocked up better when toilet paper was on sale for $1.50 for 12 double rolls, and I accidentally went a bit overboard on brownie mix when it was free!  I donated about half of my brownie mix to our local teen shelter and then have been bringing brownies to every get together I go to!!  Really it’s not a big deal to get too much or too little, it helps you learn for next time.  If you get too much, you can always donate to your local food bank, shelter, or other community organization.  If you do not get enough you can still buy a bit more (hopefully on sale or with a coupon) to get you buy until it is at a stock-up price again. Figuring out how much you need can be tricky to figure out at first, but through trial and error, you get to know how many you will need.  It is important to remember that they will go on sale again.  Sales go in cycles.  Food item sales usually cycle every 6-12 weeks.  Items that are seasonal, such as some produce, sunscreen, and school supplies will have annual sales. 

You need to be patient when building a stockpile.  You will not build a fabulous stockpile overnight.  In fact, it took me at least six months to get a decent stock pile, and I am still working on it.  One of the fun parts of having a stockpile is that it is always changing.  There will be some things that are consistent (razors, toothbrushes, pasta, spaghetti sauce, etc.), but other things that change a lot (types of cereal, types of granola bars, brands of things, etc.).  One of my favorite things that I like to stockpile is new items.  When a new product is being launched, they often put out higher value coupons and have sales to promote their product.  Combining these promotions can lead to some great stock up prices on new fantastic products!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Albertsons Doublers are coming!

Have you heard???  Albertsons will have doublers on Sunday!  This will really sweeten up their GM and Spend $30 save $10 promotions they are having this week.  Check out Happy Money Saver's site for all of the coupon match-ups that go with this!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Possible Money Maker on Razors at Walmart!

I went to Walmart yesterday to stock up on some the essentials we were out of.  My husband was OUT of razors!  So I grabbed the $5/1 Gillette Fusion razor coupon from the 10/2 RP and hoped for a decent price on these!  To my great surprise, this is what I found:

The Seahawks version of the Gillette Fusion are on sale for $7.74
AND all red tag sales price are an additional 50% off (new price $3.87)
AND stacked with my $5/1 Gillette Fusion from 10/2 RP
Final Price: $1.13 MONEY MAKER!!

The Spokane Valley Walmart only had a few, but if you are headed to another Walmart it would definitely be worth bringing along these coupons just in case!!

Another FREE Transformer at Target (Today only?!)


Did you get a new set of mobile coupons from Target today?  I did!  This means we can go get another FREE Transformer!  Here's how!

Currently Transformers are on sale for $9.99 at Target (Today may the last day of the sale?)
Use $5/1 manufacturer coupon here.
Stack with $5/1 mobile coupon (sign up here if needed)
Final Price: FREE! (Just pay tax)

These are regularly $11.99, so even without the sale they are only $1.99!!

This makes for a great frugal Christmas or Birthday gift for any kid!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Albertsons: FREE dove Shampoo and Conditioner!!

I will definitely be adding this to my "FREE Shopping" list!  For 2 days only you can get:

Buy 4 Dove Shampoo or Conditioner $3.89
Use (2) B1G1 Dove Hair Care Product, exp. 10/30/11 (RP 10/02/11)
and Use (2)$0.75/1 Dove Hair Care Product printable
Use (2) Twice the Value Coupons
Pay:  $4.78, receive a $5.00 Catalina (Spend $15 Receive $5 Catalina)
Final Price, FREE + $0.22 Money Maker!


You might want to hurry, they will most likely run out!!
 

Walmart: FREE and/or cheap face make-up!!

Whooo hoooo!!  Spokane was lucky enough to receive the $8/2 CoverGirl face products.

This will mean FREE (money maker) and cheap make-up if you use these at Walmart!

Who doesn't love FREE make-up!?!?

Let me know if you find any other great places to use these!  Woot Woot!

Free JeBouffe Home Canning eCookbook!!



I plan to start a big garden next year to help save some money on produce.  This eBook will be perfect for me to can some of my home grown goodness!  Get yours FREE through Amazon by clicking here!

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Cheap Toys??

Well the North side K-Mart is going out of business.  The good news is they are having a huge clearance sale! 

I don't get up to the North side of town much anymore, but if you happen to be in the area, you might take some of those new Toy Coupons we got in the paper today or that you can print online here and see what they have on clearance. 

I bet you could start your Christmas Toy stock-up a bit early!  Let me know if you score anything great!!

Great Paper Today!

I woke up to SIX inserts AND Albertsons doublers this morning!  (I was actually a bit giddy!)

Not only did we get A LOT of coupons, we got A LOT of HIGH VALUE coupons!  I can sure tell it is fall.  There were many coupons for toys, soups, and baking supplies!  I love this time of year.  We get to stock up on all kinds of fun new things. 

If you do not get multiple copies of the Spokesman Review, I would suggest buying extras of today's paper!

Happy Savings!

"Free Shopping" Sneak Peak!

One of my favorite things to do is go "Free Shopping"!  That is when I go shopping and just pick up some stuff for FREE!  Wanna sneak a peak at my "Free Shopping" list for this week?  Well, here ya go!


Walmart
Buy: Old Spice Body Wash 1.7 oz. Travel Size $.97
Use: $1/1 Old Spice Product (1.7 oz. or larger) 10/2/11 P&G Insert
Final price: FREE + $.03 Overage!

$8/2 CoverGirl Face Products 10/2 PG
Final Price, Money maker or Cheap!

Albertsons
GM Cereals $1.88 (wyb 5)
Cheerios 8.9 oz, Cinnamon Toast Crunch 12.8-14 oz, Chex 12.8-14 oz
Double $1/2 General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coupon (IE)  Printable (FF)
or $.75/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coupon http://www.freecouponalerts.com/?s=cereal&x=0&y=0
or $.50/1 Cheerios Coupon 
or $1/2 General Mills Original Cheerios Cereal
or $1/2 General Mills Cheerios 9/25/2011 SS 

or $0.50/1 General Mills Chex Cereal 8/28/2011 SS
or $1/2 Cheerios Cereals from 9/25 SS insert
or $1/2 Chex Cereals from the 9/25 SS
Final Price: $.38-$.88 (I know it's not free, but geez it's a great deal!)

Balance Bar $1.00
Double $0.55/1 Balance Bar Single 9/11/2011 SS Insert
Final Price: Free!

Treetop Juice, 3 pack $1.00
Double$1/2 Tree Top Products
Final Price: 2 Free!

Brawny Paper Towel (46 sheets) - $1.00
$0.50/1 Brawny Paper Towel, (SS 09/25/11 R)
Final Price: FREE after doubler

Kraft Chunk or Shredded Cheese 3oz - $1.00
$1/2 Kraft Chunk or Shredded Cheese from Kraft Hunger Bowl Tearpad
(I hope I find this!)
Final Price: Free with doubler

Starkist Chunk Light Tuna Pouch - $1.00
$1/2 Starkist Product , (All You Sept '11)
Final Price: Free with doubler

What are you getting this week???

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Doublers are coming!

The rumors are flying that Albertsons will be having doublers Sunday!  If you're looking for some ideas check out Happy Money Saver's Big Ole' Albertsons Doubler List!  Looks like we could get FREE paper towels, pasta, juice, and  more!  Woot woot!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Free coffee at Krispy Kreme!

Sept. 29th is national coffee day.  To celebrate, Krispy Kreme is giving away free coffee!  Click here for details!

Monday, September 26, 2011

And the winners are...

 The 5 winners of the CouponCliqueNW coupon clutch and note pad have been chosen using random.com (a random number generator).

#11) April
#26) Susansmoaks
#20) kygirl
#17) ard1977
#13) Miss Kristen

Congratulations to all my winners!  I have sent you an email with the details.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Zaycon Chicken Event is Coming!




 I am soooo excited!!  One of my very favorite frugal secrets is... Zaycon Chicken!! 

You get a box with 40 lbs. of fresh chicken breast for only $1.49 a pound!!  This is a deal you can't beat!

They only come once every few months and you only have 5 days to order (or until they run out).  I highly suggest ordering early if you are going to order because they do run out.

Starting . . .
Tuesday, Sept. 27th at 5:00pm

Ending . . .
Saturday, Oct. 1st at Midnight


They have several pick up locations across the northwest area.  To learn more about this event and to order your chicken click here!

Friday, September 23, 2011

2 more days to enter the GIVEAWAY!

If you haven't entered our giveaway yet, don't panic, you still have time! Click here to learn how you could win!


You have until 11:59 Sunday 9/25/11 to enter.  
Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Monday 9/26/11.
Good Luck!!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Top 8 Couponing Myths Busted!


Here it is....the myth I hear the most.  Prepare to be busted!

Myth #1:  It is less expensive to buy the generic rather than the name brand with a coupon.

            I have heard many people say, “I spent time and cut out several coupons only to get to the store and realize the name brand product with the coupon is still more expensive than the generic version”.  This person usually ends up buying the generic item and giving up on couponing.  This is a tragic story that I hear all too often (and even went through it myself when I first started).  Luckily I stumbled across a class that taught me how to coupon in a way that the brand name product will end up less expensive than the generic. 
           
            The first key to successful couponing is matching up the coupon with items when they are on sale and especially if they are producing some sort of reward back.  For example; let’s say a name brand tooth brush costs $3 and that a generic toothbrush costs $1.  I find a coupon for the name brand toothbrush that is $1 off.  (You are thinking…buy the generic one! But wait!).  The name brand toothbrushes are on sale at Rite Aid for only $1.50.  Now I could use that coupon to buy my (originally $3) name brand toothbrushes for only .50 each!  Now we are talking deal worthy, but it can get even sweeter.  Many drugstores like Rite Aid often have deals where if you buy certain products you can earn reward money to spend on your next purchase.  Let’s say in our scenario that Rite Aid is offering up a $1 Up Reward to spend on your next order when you buy 2 of the name brand toothbrushes.  Now you can do a scenario like this.

·         Name brand toothbrush = $3 per toothbrush
·         Sale on toothbrush= $1.50 per toothbrush
·         Use a coupon for $1 off= .50 per toothbrush
·         Buy 2 toothbrushes for .50 each, use 2 $1 off coupons =$1 out of pocket and receive $1 to spend on your next purchase. 
(Here is my favorite part of the deal!)
·         Buy 2 more toothbrushes for .50 each, use 2 $1 off coupons = use the $1 reward that you just received and receive another $1 to spend on your next purchase. 

You just spent $1 out of pocket for four toothbrushes (making them only $0.25 each and you still have $1 to spend on your next purchase.  Now if you have more coupons, you could roll that $1 reward again to get more free toothbrush, or you can save it for a future purchase that will give you reward money back.  We call this rolling the rewards!   You can roll most catalinas and rewards.  This is my favorite way to save money!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Top 8 Couponing Myths Busted!


Myth #2: The savings is not worth the time invested.

            One time I had just finished paying .50 for about $30 worth of groceries.  I smiled at my accomplishment and said, “not a bad price!” to the cashier.  He smiled and nodded as always.  (Obviously impressed by my skills...ha ha)
The guy behind me in line says, “yeah, but how much time to spend to do that?”
I thought a bit and said, “about 15 minutes”.  Then I walked proudly out to my car. 
$30 savings for 15 minutes of work is well worth it to me!  That averages out to be $160 per hour!  Very worth my time!!

I do most of my coupon work at home in front of the TV in the evenings on the weekends.  I probably spend on around 2 hours a week doing this.  I would conservatively say that I save around $100 a week on groceries.  It varies from week to week, but this is a conservative average.   That averages out to be $50 per hour!!  There is a great article written about the cost (or payoff) of couponing in the New York Times that estimates a couponer makes around $100 per hour.  I would definitely say that the savings is worth my time invested.