Memorial Day on $0?

Ok so Every year we host a Huge Memorial weekend party.  people come from all over and camp out in our yard.  Its a blast and we have between 45-60 people coming and going the whole day.  Its usually a big expense for us and every year we make a big trip to BJs to buy the stuff and spend about $500 once all is said and done.

My goal this year now that I am couponing is to do it for as little as possible by planning early.  I know I cant really do it for $0 but if I can plan it so our only real cost is the meat from the local butcher that would be amazing.  If you want to see how I am doing I am tagging everything that I get for the party as Memorial Day Prep.  So far I have tons of soda and chips from this weeks pepsi deal...  When the week is up I will tally it but it should come out pretty much free.  maybe a buck or two.

Check back soon or start planning your own party following my lead.

CVS for $0!!! 01/26 I had to share.

I went to a different CVS today and had the best experience.  Its off the beaten path but I was out that way already and decided to stop in for a quick peak.  Its a small store and I have never been in it.  Boy am I glad stopped in.  There was hardly anyone in there and although I had a bit of a time locating things due to the strange layout the good new is they had almost everything all the other stores were sold out of.

YEAH!!!  I finally got my soy joy bars.  I wonder if I will even like them now that I found them.  We'll see.  They were free to try.

SO heres what I picked up for FREE.  Thats right ZERO DOLLARS TODAY.  I was super excited.

4 Glade Air and Fabric freshener sprays
3 boxes of Soy Joy 6 bars each box
3 Ivory soap 3bars per pack
2 Thermacare heat wraps (raincheck)
and a little baby hand...  lol Xander was trying to move my stuff so this photo had to be quick.  He likes to play demolition derby by smashing a toy against another... see it in his hand going for the soap.... lol.

I will break this up per transaction so you can see how it was all free

Transaction #1
2 therma care wraps $2.49
- $2 ($1 off coupon each)
Used $2 ECB (from last week)
Total OOP $1.04 recieved $6 ECB back (yup it rounded up and I got an extra $1)

Transaction #2
1 box of Soy Joy Bars $6
3 packs of soap $.99 each
- $2.98 ($1 off each bar of soap adjusted to fit price)
Total was $6 used $6 ECB from above transaction

Transaction #3 and #4
Soy joy box $6
Used $6 ECB from the transaction before to pay for it

Transaction #5
2 glade sprays $3.99 each
Used $6 ECB and $1 ECB reward for using my own bags/green tag
Total $1.04 (with tax) received $6 ECB

Transaction #6
2 glade sprays $3.99 each
used $6 ECB from above
total $2.08 received $6 ECB

Total OOP $4.16 I started with $2 ECB so thats $6.16 but I ended with $6 ECB
Total COST is $.16

OK so thats not FREE but come on its just the tax.  :)  a great start to the week but I probably cant keep it up as theres some double packs I have my eye on...  Check back often to see how I am doing.

Rite Aid- my recap 01/23

Heres my Rite Aid recap for the week:

This was done in 3 transactions but I am not going to break it up.
Total OOP expense was $33.65 and I used a $20 Gift certificate so $53.65 total cost.
I am receiving a $2 rebate on the light bulbs, and another $2 on always maxis.  plus working towards the P&G rebate to get $35 back.  I also was stocking up on some staple items that were on sale.




Not my best trip but the prices were really good.
Light bulbs will be free after rebate
stayfree maxis were free after B1G1 sale and B1G1 coupon
Quakes $1.50 -$.75 coupon = $.75 a bag ( I goofed up these were a better deal at walgreens only $.25 after coupon)
Cheese its $2.50 a box -$1coupon = $1.50
Always Infinity $6.99 on sale and coupon B1G1 small box free and $2 rebate = 11.98 for 92 pads total
Mustard $1.25 - $.50 coupon = $.75
tuna $1.49 B1G1 = $.75 each (the sign on shelf said $1.29 a can and I haven't gone in to argue it yet)
Chunk chicken $.99 a can
Lindsey Olives $1.25 - $1/2 cans = $.75 each
Planters NUTrician on sale $3.99 - $1 coupon = $2.99 (these were labeled $6.99)
Pampers Boxes $19.99 - 2 coupon and rebates = $6 a box see post here for how to utalize the P&G rebate to get your diapers this cheap.

Also these prices dont take into account that I use $5 off $25 purchase coupons so my totals came out even less than above.  dividing up the $5 across so many items though is a bit of a headache.

How did you do at Rite Aid this week

CHEAP PAMPERS AT RITE AID!!!

Rite Aid cheap Pampers this month..  Heres how.

There is a P&G rebate spend $25 get a $5 visa card, spend $50 get $15, spend $100 get $35.

Last time they did something similar I didnt realize until the last day that it included diapers... I had to run out to buy diapers just before the store closed.  This time I am ready ahead of time and wanted to let you know about it too.

If you buy 5 packs of diapers during the rebate period it would only cost you $6 per pack.  Interested?  heres how it works.

If you ONLY bought diapers it would be 5 LARGE BOXES  $19.99 each and a small P&G item since you will be pennies shy of $100.

break it up into orders of $25 by adding in other items you need or other rebates. And use this coupon $5 off $25 purchase coupon  no print limit.  

each order should be about $25

a pack of diapers $19.95 and a $5 item (make sure at least one order has a small P&G item)
use $5 off $25 coupon
use $2 off pampers from the paper a few weeks ago
any coupons for other items

cost for the 5 boxes of diapers
$100
- $25 (5 off 25 coupons x 5 orders)
- $10 (2 off pampers coupons x 5)
= $65 OOP
- $35 P&G visa card (comes in the mail to spend on something else later)
= $30 for 5 BIG BOXES of Pampers or $6 per box!!!

*** don’t have the $2 off coupon? It still comes to only $8 a box without the coupon!!!

OR do 4 orders of $25 worth of P&G
a pack of diapers and a $5+ item (always maxis were on sale last week were great for this and I had B1G1 coupons. Which helped me rack up to $65 quickly. This week i only need 2 packs of diapers and I am at $100….Perhaps you bought these also and are part way to there already).

But any way you do it thats cheap diapers.

What looks good this week for add ins? I like to look for items that overlap rebates to maximize the savings… I got a $2 rebate for the always I bought. This week Old spice and Gillette are on sale and have rebates. Bounty, cascade and dawn are also included in the list and are on sale this week.

And I know I have coupons for ALL OF THESE YEAH!!! Hope this helps you get excited.  check out my other posts on how to save money shopping with coupons.

What can you get for $5 at CVS???

What can you get for $5 at CVS?

CVS had some good sales this week and I started stocking up for our big Memorial Weekend Party already.  Between their sales, coupons and some rebates I spent under $5….

Heres a list of EVERYTHING I got.  Sorry i dont have photos I redid my stockpile and was excited and put it all away.  The break down per transaction is at the bottom...

4 bottles of Pepsi & Diet

4 Bottles of Mountain dew & Diet

4 bags of Stacys pita chips (Yummy)

2 bags of True North Pistaccio chips

2 bags of tostitos

2 jars of Tostitos salsa

1 GE energy Smart Light Bulb (raincheck)

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet cleaner twin pack

A 3 pack of scotch brite kitchen sponges (not on sale but we needed it)

1 Therma care neck/arm Wrap (raincheck)

CVS Electrolyte twin pack

Infant tylonol (not on sale but Xander was sick)

1 Crave nx Spray

2 Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansers

2 dove chocolate bars

All that for $4.64 and it could have been even less but I misplaced a $5 off $20 coupon and another $2 coupon didnt come off the reciept.

Want to see the breakdown on how I did this?  

Transaction #1

3x Stacys pita chips $3

2x Tostitos chips 3.5

2x Tostitos salsa 2.99

Ge energy smart bulbs 2.99 (raincheck)

Thermacare wrap 2.49 (raincheck)

Sub Total: 27.46

Subtract coupons

5 off total of $20 or more

$3 off stacys chips (3 coupons worth $1 each)

$2 off Tostitos (2 coupons worth $1 each)

1 off lightbulb

1 off thermacare

New total: $15.46

Used $15 in ECB’s

OOP: $.49 received $10 ECB for chips, $2 and $3 for light bulbs and thermacare (should have been 2 and 2.49 but I think the cashier got confused.)

Transaction #2

Crave nx $7.99

Total: $8.11

Used $6 ECBs

OOP $2.11 Received $8ECB =FREE (only cost is 11 cents tax)

Transaction #3

2x Olay Daily regenerist Facial cleanser on sale 6.99  (I will send for a $15 rebate wyb 2)

CVS electrolyte twin pack $7.98

Sub Total: 21.96

Subtract coupons

$6 off olay (2 coupons worth $3 each)

New total: $15.96

Used $10 ECB (from chips above)

OOP $6.15 (tax adds in at the very end)  received $3 ECB for buying electrolytes

(I had a $5 off 20 but couldn’t find it or this order would have been 1.15.  I later found it and gave it to another mom shopping.)

The only photo I have is from the second trip to the store.

Transaction #4

4 bottles of pepsi $5

4 bottles of Mountain dew $5

+ .40 for deposits

Stacys chips 3

2 bags of True north Pistaccio chips @ $3

2 Dove chocolate bars .89 (B1G1)

Sub total: $20.29

Subtract coupons

$5 off $20 purchase coupon

1 off stacyes chips

2 off True north pistaccio chips (2 coupons 1 each)

new total: $12.29

used 11 ECBS (8 from cravenx and 3 from Thermacare)

OOP: 1.29 received $10 ECB from pepsi

Transaction $5

Scotch brite sponges 3.99

Scrubbing bubbles twin pack 6.99

Infant Tylonol 10.29

Sub total: 21.27

Subtract coupons

$5 off 20 purchase

1 off scrubbing bubbles

(I had a $2 tylonol but see now it didn’t come off)

New total: 15.27

used 10 ECB from pepsi

OOP 5.60 (again the tax added at the end) received 2 ECB from scrubbing bubbles

Total OOP at CVS this week was $15.64

I started the week with $16 in ECB’s ended with only $2 ECBs Cost $14 in ECBs

Will be sending away for $15 back from olay

AND the Pepsi/coors rebate right now I am lined up for at least $10 back.  This rebate includes condiments AND paper products so I may be able to find more that can apply towards this!!!

SO $15.64 OOP $14 in ECBs = 29.64 cost

But at least $25 back in rebates

SO total cost is $4.64 for all that!!!

Oh and remember I said the tylonol coupon didn’t come off the reciept?

Had the coupon come off it would have been only $2.64

$4.64- 2 coupon = $2.64. 

Insert laughter here…. lolololololololol

I'd call that a super successful week.  How was your week?  Comment here and let me know what your best buy of the week was.

Want to save like I do?  Follow my blog and Subscribe to get email alerts. It wont take long before you see a dent in your grocery and drugstore expenses.  

Saving Money 101: Coupon Rules?

Welcome back.  I am sure you have used a coupon here or there before but what do you really know about the rules...  Did you know there are rules?

Each store has their own rules on coupons.  It’s a good idea to check out their policies.  Some stores allow you to “stack” coupons.  If they have a coupon and the manufacturer has a coupon you can use both and save extra.  Others will accept competitors coupons.  Its good to know the corporate policy because sometimes even the cashiers dont know it...

Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, and Target all allow this type of stacking as longs as 1 is manufacturer and 1 is a store coupon.

Heres a quick link to targets policy...  this is one I recommend you carry with you as Target seems to be a store thats not very informed although the corporate policy is spelled out very nicely.  It is one I have heard and experienced problems with 

Target http://www.target.com/b/ref=br_bx_4/192-8675570-7665569?ie=UTF8&node=2223357011

Even when items are on sale YOU CAN USE COUPONS!!!  In most stores If an item is on a B1G1 free sale you can use a coupon for both items even the free one.  Example:  Lets say eyeshadow which normally costs $4 goes on sale for B1G1.  you have a coupon for $2.  You buy 2 eyeshadows ($8) B1G1 your cost is only $4.  You use 2 $2 coupons (1 coupon for each eyeshadow).  $4 cost - $4 coupons= Now they were both FREE!!!

Some stores will allow you to use coupons for the same brand even if its not exactly the same product.  Example: Using a womens body wash coupon to purchase a mens body wash item.  This is at the store level and will even vary by day.  Just ask.  it never hurts.

I hope you have enjoyed this second issue of Saving money 101.  Check back often for more tips.

Walgreens trip 01/20/2010 Cheap lotion +free stuff

I havent downloaded the photos yet but wanted to show you what I picked up at Walgreens yesterday.

2 jergens lotions $ .29 each (the smaller 12 oz size is 4.29 bought 2 used a $3off 2 and get back $5)

4 Kraft mac n cheese $.50 each (we stock up when its on sale) J

4 cans of tuna $.69 each (Justins request)

2 wet wipes FREE

1 can of enfimil colic formula FREE ($5 clearance used $5 coupon)  I plan to give away at my monthly moms group

Total: $11.34 used $10 RR and $1.34 cash and got back $6 RR

My total actual cost was $5.34 (because I used 4 more RR then got back)

Overall A pretty successful trip.

Saving Money 101: Coupons where to find them...

Several people have asked how I find such good deals...  Heres a quick overview about where to find coupons to help you get started on your New Years Resolution to save more money. 

First I buy the Sunday paper and I buy multiple copies 2-3 papers works for me.  I heard it recommended you buy 1 for each member of your family who eats. Some weeks I think 3 is too many and then I hit a good bargain and am glad I have 3 times the coupons for it.  so its up to you but at least buy 2 copies.  ALSO not all Sunday papers are created equal.  I find the Hartford Current has more coupons then the Sunday Republican.  Although sometimes the coupons in the republican have a higher $$$ amount on them.  Example: a coupon for colgate in the Hartford current was for $.75 off in the republican it was $1 off.  I usually buy 2 hartford papers and 1 local.  ***Always look through the paper before buying to make sure your coupons are in them!

Second: I subscribe to www.sundaycouponpreview.com each week it tells me what coupons to expect in the paper and whether there is actually a coupon  insert.  I don’t want to waste my money if there isn’t any coupons that week.

I also print them off the computer.  Heres a few places to find coupons to print at home.  Also most companies have them on their websites and you can find extras on the big box store websites.

www.Coupons.com

www.smartsource.com

www.bettycrocker.com

www.redplum.com

www.walgreens.com

www.riteaid.com

www.cvs.com

www.target.com

www.bigy.com

Check when you are shopping and pick up and coupons hanging on shelves.  EVEN IF YOU AREN'T BUYING THAT ITEM!!!  sometimes they are good for months and you might want it later.  Ask at the pharmacy.  They often have coupons or coupon books behind the counter.

LOOK EVERYWHERE.  I find great ones at the pediatrician for kids items.  and I take a whole bunch.  dont feel bad they usually have tons and most get thrown away.  I like to get these and share with friends.

Just keep your eyes open you never know where you'll find them.  sometimes its in very strange places youd never expect.