Free Black Taco on October 31st!

From 6 p.m. to midnight!

http://www.tacobell.com/freeblackjacktaco/

Mom Feeds family of 6 for $4 a week on ABC News

Hip2save just posted this link and wow I had to steal it.  I mentioned in one post that usually try to keep within my budget by shopping for things that are under $1 some week's and like this week were I'm doing less mostly under $.50.  She tries to shop for things that are only free and look at her results!

They go over a few basics in the video as well so check it out!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/mom-feeds-family-week/story?id=8463295

Keep in mind though these results are not typical and we probably couldn't reproduce such extreme results at our grocery stores here in MI.  After looking at some forums on details about this store here are some advantages that she has that we don't:
The grocery store she is at doubles coupons up to $.99
She can use as many coupons as she wants (Meijer's limits 2 per like item, Kroger 3)
She has multiple coupons for deli items (never seen this! Once in a while but 7!)
She's already accumlated several "catalina" coupons or coupons good towards your next purchase.
And she doesn't have to pay sales tax on any food items (other than preprocessed foods) in her state.
So focus on the basics she is teaching and don't get discouraged if you can't duplicate her results!

Hidden Benefits of Using Coupons

Great article on basics and then some!

http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/some-hidden-benefits-of-using-coupons/

Coupons this week

First the Sunday coupon review is up so check it out here.

http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Second it is the end of the month so be sure to go back to coupons.com and print off any coupons you would like to use.  There are a few new ones this week and on 11/01/2009 they will reset and some will change.  So be sure to do it today!

Breaking Natural Shopping Habits

To succeed at using coupons and sales cycles we have to break some natural shopping habits.  We tend to shop at more than one maybe two stores, the closest one we feel more comfortable with buy what we need and stick to certain brands. 

To get good at this we have to stop doing most of those things.  We have to try to shop at different stores, maybe even more than one or get good at price-matching.  We have to buy what is on sale and buy more than we need.  And we have to give up our brand loyalties. 

Before it was very rare that I went to more than two stores and it was usually just Kroger and Aldi's or maybe just Aldi's.  I never bought anything but medicine and vitamins at pharmacies and only when I needed it and hoped it would be on sale at the store I walked into.  Now I usually shop at 3 or 4 stores and get various things at pharmacies. 

And of course I stockpile buying more than one thing if I have coupon for it when it is on sale and buying things a few weeks in a row even though I may already have some in my house.

Someone who had the same brand frozen entree as me asked if I preferred that brand, which that day was SmartOnes by Weight Watchers.  My response was "I prefer whichever brand is on sale."  I'd have to honestly say my favorite is actually Healthy Choice, they seem to have a lot of food and get a great deal of variety.  However I haven't had them in a while and today I'm eating a Lean Gourmet.  Because that is what was a very low price when I went shopping.

My favorite fruit to buy is Del Monte Fruit Naturals but today I ate Dole from a can.  (Which if I had a preferance I'd never buy fruit in a can!)  But that was what I had on hand and what was on sale one week. 

Some people will object they can't use coupons because they never have the ones they want! Well they probably just need to be more flexible in reality.  Try something new! I've tried tons of snack items for free and most were pretty good.  When you clip coupons don't think of things you like, think if is something useful and what is more would you buy it if it was $1.00, $.50 or free! There are many things I probably would never buy regular price but at $.50 they're a pretty good deal! 

So slowly change your thinking and the more you do the more you will save!

To be sure though don't feel like you can't indulge sometimes.  I do on one or two items once in a while. I may grab Oikos Yogurt when it is on sale but I don't have a coupon or Kozy shack pudding knowing that it is a "phantom sale" (only 10%) off because I have a coupon.  But I keep those to a minimum and mostly let the true sales dictate my purchases.

Rebates and Refunds

This is another way to stretch your dollars.  If you buy things with rebates when they are on sale and with a coupon a lot of times you can make money off the transaction.  Imagine getting paid to try products.

I have to admit I am not too good at this although I have good intentions!  Hers a great site that has a list of rebates available.  If you are good at it check it out!

http://couponsdealsandmore.com/printable-refunds-rebates/

Here's another good site with references and a way to track them.

http://www.rebate-tracker.com/

How to know when to buy

Here is another great article on knowing when to buy.  Here is the shopping strategy for another blogger with great things to keep in mind.

http://www.sharpenyourscissors.net/2009/10/shopping-strategy.html

Why I love Hip2save!

Hip2save is always posting great deals on-line.  Today in the mail I got a mother-load!  I got 5 packs of Dry Erase markers for $4.75 from the Land of Nod.  I got a $14.99 package from the Popcorn factory (three small bags of popcorn two gourmet cookies, two chocolate covered pretzels, jelly beans, and candy) for $5.96 (only paid shipping!), and E.L.F mini-make up kit and eyeliner for $6.95!  If you go to her website that deal is still available but the others most likely are not.  I also got some Gourmet Chocolate last week for free (which lead to the popcorn factory deal!)  She posts on-line deals where you can get really cheap things using on-line codes, Amazon.com deals all kinds of stuff.  So that is why I check her site several times a day.  Also most of these items I bought I could go through ebates or cashbaq and then get cash back on my puchase to make them even cheaper.  So if you haven't done so yet sign up for those (buttons/links on the right) and start checking out Hip2save!

Wal-Mart Information and Review

Wal-Mart is a favorite store of many.  There was a short time that I shopped at a smaller one when it was on my way to some where else.  It is an everyday low-price store and a good place to shop if you don't use coupons. 
I don't shop there because my favorite sites don't do too many match-ups for them and all of them are 10 minutes away (and I have lots of other stores closer.)  And when you are dealing with a store that doubles some coupons the prices can balance out in the end. 
Still as an everyday low price store that accepts coupons you can get many free items there.  Wal-Mart, (as well as Target and Pharmacies) have a unique opportunity in that they usually have trial sections.  If you can get a coupon that says "any" size (rather than specifying a size or saying "does not includ trial sizes") you can find a jackpot of free items! 
So all and all Wal-Mart is a great store to use coupons at especially if it is already your favorite store.

Surprising Signs you'll live to 100

Interesting MSN Health article!

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100247017&imageindex=1

Getting Coupons Directly

I've been blogging a lot about Couponing to Disney and she's compiled a great list of companies she has emailed directly to receive coupons.  She has "5 a day system where she tries to email about five companies a day.  Here is a list of the coupons she has received.  I can attest to the fact that emailing companies directly works and is a great way to build up your coupon pile.  I mentioned earlier the list on the grocery coupon guide and here is another great list!

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2008/10/5-day-recap.html

Dollar General Information and Review

Dollar General has always been on my list of stores to visit to get something quick and cheap.  If you are able to do your own match ups it is a great place to shop.  As of now I just use it to get things I can't get elsewhere or get things in a hurry.  The great thing is that they do accept coupons only actual coupons though no Internet Printables.  This has resulted in some free items and it is a good place to check out for many things.

Free Sample of Organic Chai Tea

This was advertised in Sunday's paper!

http://givemeoregonchai.com/FreeSampleForm.aspx

This was offered before and quickly ran out of stock and I didn't get any so hurry!

Restaurant.com deal!

You can save 80% again on restaurant.com certificates.  Directly from the site: Enter discount code: TREATS at checkout and hit apply to save 80%! Offer valid from 10/26/09 at 5:00AM PST to 10/31/09 at 11:59PM PST

If you don't know about restaurant.com it is like getting a coupon discount to a restaurant. Most $25 gift certifcates can only be used on a purchase of $35 or more, but it still makes for a great discount especially if you have gotten it for only $2. Anton and I used one of ours this Friday at Tokyo Grill in Auburn Hills.

You can also check out the dinner of the month program if you go out to eat a lot.

http://gift.restaurant.com/index_dom.asp?prti=4252&raid=1150&s_kwcid=TC7304restuarant%20comS
4072801997

In order to get an even better deal be sure to go through cashbaq.  If you haven't signed up yet check the button to the side and get some cash back on this purchase for a greater discount. 

CVS Information and Review

Okay well here is another "grocery store" review.  It is really a Pharmacy I am a newbie to the pharmacy game.  It is a little more difficult because it requires constant attention because you try to buy things that will give you a "rebate" and use the "rebate" to buy other things to keep costs low.  At CVS their rebate is extracare bucks.  You need to have there extracare card to get deals and the extracare bucks.  Walgreens it is registry rewards and rite aid has their own rebates as well. Right now I concentrate on just CVS, but most sites (like hip2save) will give you deals on all three. 

Couponing to Disney has picked a couple of great tutorials to get you started so check them out here:

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/07/getting-started-at-cvs.html

You can also find a list of good deals on that site.

Another site has deals for newbies choosing ones to keep your out of pocket low (she tries to choose deals $5 or less) and then maximize your ECB returned.  So that is a good one to check out below.

http://www.centsablemomma.com/category/cvs-5-challenge

CVS now has a tag you can attach to your reusable bag that can be scanned at purchase and will give you $1 in ECB after every 4 swipes.  So basically it is $.25 every time you use your own bag.  Pretty good deal since I usually use 3 or 4 at a Grocery Store and get $.05 for a total of $.15/.20 so looks like they understand that you usually only walk out with one bag and are trying to make it comparable.

I'm getting even more excited because I have a flexible spending account and as everyone knows medical costs go up every year.  I now am going to have a copay for my Dr.'s visits.  So being able to save on other FSA eligible products by working pharmacy deals will help me cut my expenses next year.

Check out Macomb Money Savers today!

Kroger, Target, Meijer's, Hiller's some Walgreens deals and a few others are up today so check it out!

http://www.macombmoneysavers.com/

Grocery Store Roll Call 10/25/2009

CVS (1st Trip)

Items bought: 7
Total Paid: $16.81
Total Saved: $19.38
Precentage Saved: 53.6%
(Special note I recieved a total of $11.99 in extracare bucks)

Kroger (1st Trip)
Items bought: 13
Total Paid: $8.71
Total Saved: $25.06
Precentage Saved: 74.3%
(Special note received coupon for $.75 off next order, used $1.25 coupons from previous week)
(Also this week's Kroger was a normal Kroger not a Kroger that doubles coupons up to a dollar.)

VGs
Items bought: 7
Total Paid: $10.17
Total Saved: $5.38
Precentage saved: 34.6%

Meijer's
Items bought: 33
Total Paid: $20.94
Total Saved: $39.45
Precentage saved: 65.3%

Kroger (2nd Trip)
Items bought: 5
Total Paid: $3.25
Total Saved: $12.36
Precentage saved: 79.2%

CVS (2nd Trip)
(Note used extracare bucks from previous transaction)
Items bought: 9
Total Paid: $3.89
Total Saved: $32.93
Precentage Saved: 89.4%
(Special Note received $10 in extra care bucks)

So I bought $197.88 worth of groceries for $63.77 for an overall savings 67.8%.  This includes various pharmacy items such as cough medicine, advil PM and chapstick.

Target Coupon Policy

Thanks for asking us about using coupons at Target. Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it's easy to use them at our stores. Because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target.


When accepting coupons, we use the following guidelines:
- We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued and manufacturer-issued.
- We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
- We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in this case, we're able to adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
- We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
- All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you're checking out.

For questions about using a specific coupon, we encourage you to stop by Guest Service and ask to speak with the Guest Service Team Leader. They'll do their best to help while you're in the store. If you still have questions after speaking with them, please call our Guest Relations team at (800) 440-0680. Either way, we're here to help!

We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you.
Sincerely,



James

Target Guest Relations

www.target.com

Target Information and Review

In my college years Target was one of my favorite stores.  They always have cute shirts and they fit my small grocery shopping needs.  A lot of weeks I didn't really need a grocery store just my own snacks and Target did the trick!  After coupons they fell down a little on the list as all around the blogosphere they have a reputation for not being the most coupon friendly of stores. 
I usually don't have problems at the small Target with little selection but more than once I've got stuck at check out needed a manager and had to leave without all or most of my things at the larger new Bloomfield Target.  If I had not been in a hurry I could've want to customer service to discuss it some more but I didn't have the time.  One time I did call corporate report the person's name and receive $6 in coupons to use as a pleased.  So if your new keep this in mind and you may want to avoid Target for a while until you have a little bit more experience.  You can call corporate there in the store (which in my new days I didn't know) and fix it and get everything, but since it is out of my way to go to Target and I get great deals elsewhere they need a really good week to draw me in.  Be sure to always take the coupon policy with you.  It is available on-line and I will post a copy on the next message.  I go there about once every two months now. 
That being said though Target has some great deals.  Like Meijer's they have store coupons that can be stacked with Manufacturer coupons for great savings.  You can get these on their website or on their kiosk in the store (where you'd go for a registry.)
One great thing about Target along with most Pharmacies and Wal-Mart is the trial/travel section.  Ocassionally you can find coupons that say for any size.  When you have on of those you can score free shampoo, lotion, contact solution, toothpaste, single size detergents, etc in the trial section. 
That is a good thing to remember about coupons.  You always want to use it on the smallest size possible to get the most value.
Target also now price matches.  If you find a lower price at another store for an identical item bring the ad with you and they will give you that lower price.
Also most Targets have started given a "green discount" for bringing your own bags so ask about this at the service desk as well.
All things considered Target can be a great place to shop especially if you have one in your area.

New Coupons

Sign up for this site for coupons on Lysol and many other products!

http://www.homesolutionsnews.com/

KFC Free Grilled Chicken on 10/26

Hip2save just posted the KFC will be giving away one free grilled chicken to every customer at 5,000 locations on Monday 10/26 only.

Check out the full article here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091022/ap_on_bi_ge/us_kentucky_grilled_chicken_freebie

VGs Information and Review

Before coupons I had only ran into a VGs maybe once or twice because it happened to be on my way to somewhere else and one of those times was probably just to go to the bathroom.  I haven't been in the Pontiac VGs in a long time but the Waterford one is really nice.  They even have free complimentary coffee!  I was lured into VGs by their triple coupon promotion.  I heard that Kroger's in other states do this but from my scoping out the blogosphere doesn't seem like they have in MI in about 3 years.  VGs has done it twice (that I could find) this year one for a couple weeks and another time for a whole month.  They tripled coupons up to and including $.99.  It was a great way to build up my stock pile.
VGs usually has marked down meat for about 50% off.  They mark them with yellow tags.  I know other stores do this as well but almost always there is something there when I go on my shopping day on Friday at VGs.  I only occassionally and randomly find mark downs at Meijer's and Kroger and I don't think I've ever found them on meat before.  These are cuts usually to expire in 2 or 3 days and I throw them in the freezer and wait till I am ready to use them. 
VGs also offers the "green discount" of $.05 per bag for bringing your own bags. 
I usually shop at VGs 2 to 3 times a week and sometimes it is a very small trip.  Overall it is a good grocery store.

Sunday Coupon Review is up.

Check out some of the coupons to appear in this Sunday's paper.  As always this is from a different area and a few of ours here in Metro Detroit may vary.

http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Home Made Simple Coupon Book Available again

Here is a new link to order the Home Made Simple Coupon Book.  It contains many high value coupons from Mr. Clean, Cascade, Dawn, Febreeze, Swiffer and more! It also has recipes inside.  Request yours at the link below.


http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100880/quickQuestion.iphtml?item=100880&source=caapacgel

Kroger Information and Review

Before and after coupons Kroger has always been one of my favorite stores.  It is a strict grocery store and as I mentioned in my post about Meijer's I prefer that over supercenters.  I can get in and out a lot quicker.  I absolutely love all their healthy and organic products are conveniently located in their "Nature's Market" section right after produce usually and not too far from the front of the store.  Their website is wonderful I can easily create my shopping list on there and it is coupon friendly providing you to links were you can get your coupons!  A lot of my organic/health items never seem to show up on coupon match-ups like Food Should Taste Good or Terra chips, Oikos Yogurt, etc. so I can go to the website and see when those are on sale and add to my list.  Check out all the things you can do at Http://www.kroger.com/

Kroger will double Manufacturer coupons up to and including $.50. but recently began limiting the number of coupons allowable to 3 identical coupons per like items. There are also Super Krogers, Kroger's that double up to and including $1.00. I happen to work in Grand Blanc and can hit one of these on my way home which increases my savings.  Again only 3 like coupons.  A list of these can be found here:
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-76620.html

Kroger also offers a "green discount" of $.05 per bag you bring. 

Kroger sale prices are available only to those who shop with a Kroger Savings Club Card. You must have this card to receive the sale price discounts when you shop. If you don't have a Kroger Savings Club Card, stop by the Customer Service desk.

Busch's & VGs Match-ups

Here are highlights from Busch's and VGs match-ups.  Hopefully Hiller's will be up later today.

For the full list as always see www.macombmoneysavers.com/

Buschs

$0.50 Dannon Yogurt, 6 oz
-$1.00/10 coupon (from 9-13 SS)
$0.40 each when you buy 10 with coupon

$0.75 Brooks Chili Beans, 15.5 oz can all varieties
-$0.55/2 coupon (from 10-4 SS)
$0.48 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.25 Keebler Fudge Shoppe or E.L. Fudge Cookies
-$1.50/2 printable coupon (print 2 per computer)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.39 Campbells Select Harvest Soup, all varieties
-$0.40/2 coupon (from 9-20 SS) or $0.30/2 coupon (from 9-13 SS2, 10-4 SS)
$0.99 - $1.09 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$2.00 Doritos, 11.75-12 oz (excludes baked)

B1G1 Jennie-O Ground Turkey or Links, 19.5-20 oz

$2.99 Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Cheese, 4.5 oz
-$0.55/1 coupon (from 8-2 SS)
$2.44 after coupon

VGs
$3.49 Snuggle Liquid Fabric Softener: Exhilarations, Creme Essence or Blue Sparkle (32 oz.)
-$3.00/1 coupon (from 10-4 RP, expires 10-25)
$0.49 after coupon
$1.00 Purina Whisker Lickin's Cat Treats (2.1-3 oz.)
-$1.00/2 coupon (from 8-9 RP)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Fancy Feast Appetizers (2-2.1 oz.)
-B1G1 coupon (from 8-9 or 9-13 RP)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon
Register at http://www.turntospartan.com/ to print Spartan coupons for Spartan products below
$1.99 Spartan Juice Pouches, 10 ct (reg price)
$0.99 after coupon

$2.19 Spartan Fruit Bowls, 4ct/4oz (everyday price)
$1.19 after coupon

$1.29 Spartan Soft Taco Flour Tortillas, 10 ct.

$1.49 Spartan Flour, 5 lb bag

B1G1 Breyer's Ice Cream, 1.5 Quart (reg $4.59)
-$0.75/1 coupon (from 10-18 RP), use 2 if the store allows it
$1.55 or $1.92 each when you buy 2 after coupon(s)

$3.49 All Liquid Laundry Detergent 2X (50 oz.) or Small & Mighty (32 oz.)
-$1.00/1 coupon (from 8-2 RP, expires 10-25)
$2.49 after coupon

DAIRY
$1.00 Spartan Chunk Cheese, 8 oz.

$1.67 Kraft Shredded Cheese, 7-8 oz.
-$1.00/2 printable coupon
$1.17 each when you buy 2 with coupon

MEAT
B1G1 Eckrich Smoked or Polish Sausage or Grillers Assorted Varieties, 14-16 oz. (reg $4.39)
-$0.55/1 coupon (from 10-11 SS), use 2 if store allows
$1.65 or $1.92 each after coupon(s)

CVS, Target Deals check out couponing to disney

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/ has some great deals posted.  There are a couple scenarios on how to get cheap or free candy at CVS and several deals on how to get cheap or free candles at Target.  So spend some time on her blog today!

Meijer's Store Information and Review

Before my days of coupons Meijer was a store I only went to after all other stores were closed.  It was not my favorite. I'm an efficient person I like to get in and out and it and other superstores were pretty irritating to me as I don't want to have to cross through clothes or housewares to get my Vitamins and medicine from pharmacy and then grocery shop.  But when we needed paint after Home Depot closed they were a life saver.  It just usually was not where I grocery shopped.
Life after coupons is different! On average now I do most of my volume shopping at Meijer although occassionally Kroger wins out.  Meijer has a clear advantage in that they weekly have store "mealbox" coupons that allow you to "stack" a store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon.  This frequently leads to free or very cheap items. 
To access these coupons go to: http://www.meijermealbox.com/
Click the specials tab, choose the coupons you want by adding to your shopping list.  To print click shopping list then print coupons.  I always print as a pdf and print a few of them early in the week. Be sure to read all carefully.  Many are for $1 off 2 or more items, so you would need 2 or more manufacturers coupons to get the best savings.  Some also say limit one per transaction so be sure to read all carefully.
Mealbox coupons never double but most Meijer locations in metro Detroit double the first two identical manufacturer coupons up to $.50.  In some cases to maximize a deal and stockpile you may need to make a few visits or at least do a few separate transactions to maximize.
Meijer also frequently has "catalina" promotions.  A catalina is a coupon that prints out after you buy a certain number of items.  You'll find a list of these on the front page of the Meijer ad on the right hand side and also little white tags detailing the promotion under the actual products.  Paying attention to these can lower your overall costs for future transactions. 

More on Ecoupons

If you haven't signed up for ecoupons yet this week is a great week to do it.  As I said some weeks can be pretty sparse and I just order coupons for my staples like yogurt and fruit cups and then I pad with coupons that have far out expiration dates.  Some times with this I am pleasantly surprised like I had a Lea Perkins Worchester sauce coupon I never knew I would use because of a far-out expiration date. I don't think we got that coupon in our area however I was able to use it on a Wal-Mart deal this week. Some weeks though like this week I get coupons for almost everything I have for coupon match-ups as well as some rare coupons.  Here is how ecoupons work this is direct from their website:

Our coupon trading service is simple and free! Help your family, friends and neighbors by donating your unused coupons! Mail the coupons you'd otherwise discard to eCoupons.com, include a postage paid return envelope and you'll receive a credit for the selection of up to 25 coupons you do want. With the average coupon worth between $1 - $3, you might save $20-$60 on your next supermarket trip! The only thing you're spending is a little extra time and two stamps.

What makes the service unique is that unlike other websites that charge for manufacturer grocery coupons, eCoupons.com is completely free. There's no software to install or worries about a store accepting Printable Internet Coupons -- these are all regular original coupons.
Diversity is key. Different parts of the country have different coupons for different amounts. Check often as inventory changes daily.
Three Easy Steps:
1) Register as an eCoupons.com member and mail us your unwanted / unused / unloved / UNEXPIRED original Manufacturer Printed Grocery Coupons. Write your email address or username at the back of the envelope so we know it's from you.
eCoupons, Inc. 6124 Madison St. West New York, NJ 07093-1513
2) Include a postage paid envelope (please use CORRECT return postage or we will not send out your order) with your return address. Write your eCoupons.com username above your return address.
3) For every envelope of coupons you send us, you'll receive a credit to place an order of up to 25 coupons (per order). The shopping cart feature on this page will then be enabled and you'll be able to select the coupons you want and place your order.
Important! NO EXPIRED COUPONS! OR coupons expiring within 2 weeks.
Only original manufacturer printed grocery coupons! No coupons printed from the Internet.
No store specific coupons from Walgreens and Riteaid etc. (They expire too fast)
No location specific restaurant coupons.

So this week they had great coupons like Terra Chips, Oikos, and other great organic coupons.  And again they had lots of coupons available for things that are on sale.  I like to order these for a few reasons.  First original coupons can be used any where without a hassle and rarely say "Do Not Double."  (Internet Printables are not accepted at some smaller stores and at Dollar General.  Internet Printables frequently say "Do Not Double" although you can usually get away with it at a U-Scan.)  Second I can build up my coupon stash quicker and without always buying extra papers.  So if you haven't already be sure to click the button on the right side bar to sign up for ecoupons.
Here is my order and examples of coupons I got for items on sale:
BIC 1 Save $2 on any BIC Soleil Disposable Shaver. (On sale this week at CVS)

DanActive 1 Save $1 when you buy any ONE 4-pack of DanActive. (On sale this week at Meijer’s)
Dole 2 Save $1.00 on any TWO (2) packages of DOLE Fruit Bowls in Gel or Fruit Parfait.(On sale this week at Kroger’s frequently on sale at VGs)
Dole 2 Save .75 on any 2 Dole Fruit Bowls, Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel, or Fruit Parfait. (On sale this week at Kroger’s frequently on sale at VGs)
Hefty 2 Save .50 off any ONE (1) package of Hefty, Hefty Hearty Meals or Hefty ElegantWare plates or bowls.
Hunt's 1 Buy TWO (2)cans of Manwich, get ONE (1) FREE (15.5oz can).(On Sale this week)
Pringles 1 .50 off any TWO cans (165g or larger Fat Free Pringles).(On sale this week)
Smart Ones 2 Save $2.50 with the purchase of FIVE Weight Watchers Smart Ones Frozen Products (any variety).(On sale this week at Kroger’s usually on sale somewhere once a month)
StarKist 1 Save .75 on any ONE StarKist Sandwich-Ready Tuna Salad Pouch.(On sale this week at Kroger’s)
Stonyfield Farm 1 $1.00 OFF any ONE 5.3oz cup or 16oz cup of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. (On sale last week at VGs hopefully still on sale!)

Stonyfield Farm 1 $1.00 OFF any ONE 5.3oz cup, 16oz cup or 4oz 4-pack of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. (On sale last week at VGs hopefully still on sale!)
Terra Chips 6 Save $1 on ONE Bag. Valid on one (1) 5 oz or larger Terra Chips product.(Great organic product frequently on sale at Kroger’s but Organic stores like Whole Foods take coupons too!)
Tony's Pizza 2 Save .50 on any ONE (1) Single-Serve Tony's Pizza or Pouches Twin Pack.(On sale at Meijer’s)
Yoplait 1 Save .40 on six when you buy SIX any variety Yoplait Yogurt cups (Includes Original, Light Thick & Creamy OR Whips! OR any flavor Yoplait Original OR Light Smoothie).(On sale at Meijer’s)
Zatarain's 1 Save .75 on any TWO (2) varieties of Rice Mixes or Pasta Mixes. (On sale at Kroger’s)
In addition ecoupons has lots of on-line codes for on-line shippping so definitely check them out!

More printable Coupons

http://www.printablecouponsanddeals.com/ is a good source that I have mentioned before and has a few new printable coupons.

Coupons.com also has some new and good coupons such as $1.50/1 Hormel entree and $1.50/2 Ore-Ida French Fries.  Click the coupons.com link on the right side to access these new coupons!

$5 Rebate on Real Simple Products

Send in your original receipt(s) confirming purchase of $15 or more on products from any of the participating brands in this Holiday Savings promotion and you could receive a $5 cash rebate from Real Simple.

Check out all the brands including here:

http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn/holidaysavings/index.html

Hip2save posted a good deal scenario and be sure to check for coupons on each product.  Check here out here: http://www.hip2save.com/ and search for her post.

Check out Macomb Money Savers today!

The majority of the coupon match-ups are now up.  Aldi's, Target, Meijer's, Kroger and even some Walgreen's deals.  Hopefully Busch's, Hiller's and VGs will be up later today.

So check out:
http://www.macombmoneysavers.com/

Here are some highlights:

Aldi’s

PRODUCE

$0.39/lb Del Monte Bananas
$0.79/lb Red Grapes, sold in a 2-lb clamshell for $1.58
$0.99 Anjou Pears, 4 pack
$1.19 Apples, 3 lb bag (Gala, Granny Smith, Red or Golden Delicious)
$1.69 Del Monte Pineapple, large

GROCERY (New Low Prices)
$0.99 Baker's Corner Brownie Mix
$1.39 Aunt Maple's Buttermilk Pancake Mix
$1.99 Carlini Vegetable Oil, 48 oz
$1.99 Fun-Size Halloween Candy Bags (Nestle, Mars, etc)
$1.99 L'Oven Fresh Cinnamon Raisin Bread
$2.29 Carlini Canola Oil, 48 oz
$2.49 Carlini Corn Oil, 48 oz
And don’t forget until 10/31/09 1 Gallon of Milk is $1.00 at the new Waterford Aldi’s on Crescent Lake Road.

Meijer’s
GROCERY
$0.99 Tony's Pizza for One (price drop through 10-18)
-$0.50/1 coupon (from 10-4 SS)
FREE after coupon*
NOTE: Coupon reads "do not double" and may be restricted by your cashier.

$0.44 Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup, 10.75 oz can (LIMIT 4)
-$0.40/4 coupon (from 9-13 or 10-4 SS)
$0.24 each when you buy 4 with coupon - great charity donation!
BONUS: Buy any 5 cans Campbell's Condensed Soup and 1 loaf Pepperidge Farm Bread, get a $5 checkout coupon. Limit 1 per transaction; valid through 10-21 ONLY.

$0.99 Totino's Pizza Rolls, 15 ct
-$0.35/1 coupon (from 8-9 or 9-13 GM)
$0.29 after coupon*

$0.79 Hunt's Tomatoes, 14.5 oz
B2G1 coupon (from 10-4 SS) or $0.75/3 coupon (from Oct All You magazine)
$0.29 or 0.54 each when you buy 3 with coupon

$0.89 Barilla Pasta, Piccolini or Whole Grain, 12-16 oz (excludes Plus)
-$0.50/2 Piccolini or Whole Grain coupons (from 8-23 SS - HURRY! Expires 10-18!)
$0.39 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.99 Betty Crocker Warm Delights
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox
-$0.50/1 coupon), use 2
BONUS: Buy 2, get a $1.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order.
$0.49 each when you buy 2 with coupons; FREE after $1 checkout coupon! Thanks, 1-2-3 Save!

$1.49 Hefty Foam Plates or Bowls 50 ct, Deep Plates 24 ct, Trays 20 ct, Zoo Pals Plates, Cups, Bowls or Cutlery
-$0.50/1 coupon (from 6-21 RP)
$0.49 after coupon*

$1.99 V8 Splash, 64 oz or V8 Splash Smoothies, 46 oz (everyday best price)
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox (expires 11-7)
-$1.00/2 coupon (from 9-13 SS) (expires 10-25)
$0.99 each when you buy 2 with coupon

Kroger
GROCERY
$1.00 Reach Dental Floss Select Varieties, 1 ct
-$0.50/1 coupon (from 3-15 or 8-2 SS) or $1.00/1 coupon (from 4-26 RP, 6-14 SS or 10-18 RP)
FREE after coupon

$1.25 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles (price drop)
-$0.50/1 coupon (from 8-23 SS, exp 10-31)
$0.25 after coupon

$1.00 StarKist Tuna, 2.6 oz pouch
-$1.00/2 coupon (from 9-20 or 10-11 RP)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Carnation Evaporated Milk, 12 oz
-$1.00/2 coupon (from 9-27 SS)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Pure Protein Bar
-B1G1 coupon (from 10-4 RP)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Zatarain's Rice, 6.3-8 oz select varieties
-$0.75/2 coupon (from 9-13 RP)
$0.63 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Dole Pineapple, 20 oz
-$1.00/3 coupon (from 7-19 SS)
$0.67 each when you buy 3 with coupon

$0.67 Kroger Broth, 14 oz can

$2.50 Post Cereal, Fiber One Bars or Nature Valley Granola Bars
-$0.40/1 Fiber One Bars coupon (from 9-13 or 10-4 GM)
-$0.40/1 Fiber One Shortcuts e-coupon (load to your Kroger card)
-$0.40/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars coupon (from 9-13 GM)
-$0.40/1 Nature Valley Cellfire e-coupon (load to your Kroger card)
-$0.40/1 Nature Valley Shortcuts e-coupon (load to your Kroger card)
BONUS: Buy any 4 Post Cereals (Select Varieties, 11-24 oz), and receive $4.00 off your order at checkout with Kroger Card. All items must be purchased in the same transaction with card. Limit 2 rewards per transaction.

DEAL SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Nature Valley Granola Bars @ $2.50 [$5.00]
Buy 2 Fiber One Bars @ $2.50 [$5.00]
Use 2 $0.40/1 Nature Valley coupons and 2 $0.40/1 Fiber One coupons [-$3.20]
PAY $6.80, get a $4.00 checkout coupon ($0.70 each after checkout savings)

Target
$0.52 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, 2 pk (at registers)
-$0.55/1 coupon (from 8-23 SS)
FREE after coupon

$0.97 Johnson’s Buddies Bar (regular price)
-$1.00/1 coupon (from 9-13 RP)
FREE after coupon - great charity donation!
Note: Some cashiers may refuse this coupon, since it reads “baby toiletry”

$2.49-$3.19 Glade Fragrance Collection Soy Candle, 2 oz (temp price cut or regular price)
-$3.00/1 coupon (from August All You magazine)
FREE - $0.19 after coupon
Bonus: purchase 3 and submit for the $5 SC Johnson rebate and it’s a moneymaker!

Walgreens
$2.99 Chapstick Fresh Effects
Get $2.99 Register Rewards
Final price FREE

$8.99 Gillette Fusion Razor
Get $6 Register Rewards
-$4.00/1 coupon (from 9-27 PG)
Final price FREE plus $1.01 earned

$3.00 Oral-B Advantage 1-2-3 Toothbrush
Get $3 Register Rewards
-$0.75 coupon (from 9-27 PG)
Final price FREE plus $0.75 earned

Check the link to above or the button on the side for all match-ups from Macomb Money Savers! There is also a great deal on All You magazine a magazine available only through subscription or at Wal-Mart that is full of coupons.  So check out that deal on her site as well!

Grocery Store Roll Call 10/18/2009

I went to a lot of stores this week and spent a lot of money but got my money's worth!
Meijer's (2nd Trip)
Items bought: 37
Total Paid: $33.56
Total Saved: $33.39
Precentage Saved: 49.9%
(Special Note: I received coupons for a total of $11 off my next order which I used on another transaction the following day.)

Wal-Mart
Items bought: 20
Total Paid: 19.97
Total Saved: 31.90
Precentage Saved: 61.5%
(Special Note I bought Zantac a pretty expensive acid reducer medicine)

Kroger (Super Kroger in Grand Blanc Doubles coupons up to $1)
Items bought: 31
Total Paid: 16.56
Total Saved: 35.67
Precentage Saved: 69.3%
(Special note received coupons for $.75 and $.50 off next shopping order at Krogers)

VGs
Items bought: 31
Total Paid: 30.23
Total Saved: 31.43
Precentage Saved: 51%
(Special note I bought marked down meat, ground beef and chicken breast as well as Claritin D, retail $17.99.  I also was able to use coupons for $9 off my order that I received from doing a deal at a previous visit.)

Meijer's last trip:
Items bought: ?? (Will update when I locate the receipt!)
Total Paid: $16.43
Total Saved: 43.27
Precentage Saved: $72.5%
(Special note was able to use coupons from above transaction and still received another coupon for $5 off my next order at Meijer's)

Complete Total Spent: 83.19
Complete Total Saved: $175.66
Complete Precentage Saved: 52.7%  (I bought $258.85 worth of groceries for $83.19 and this includes food, medicine, and household goods like air freshners.)

Up to $50 in free Gift Cards for Rite Aid Prescription Transfer

This is how I got a bunch of my stuff for free from CVS.  My husband merely wanted to have a 24 hour pharmacy so he transferred his prescriptions to CVS which is the closest to us.

So if you have a reason to switch to Rite Aid here is a big incentive!

http://www.riteaid.com/www.riteaid.com/w-content/images/pharmacy/TransferCoupon_11302009.pdf

Expires 11/30

Sundy Coupon Review is up!

Check it out!

http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew

I made one of my classic favorites this week. Here is the general recipe:

Vegetable Beef Stew


4 cans French Onion Soup - low sodium

1 can of peas

1 can of carrots

1 Packet of Beef Tips with Gravy

1 bag of French Onion flavored Potatoes



Throw it all in and turn it on!

Spice it up and make it as difficult as you want. Feel free to cut up your own beef, get fresh vegetables instead whatever. Add more veggies you like, like celery or mushrooms. Try adding a couple cans of diced tomatoes one time for a different more tomatoey flavor. Most of the flavor comes from the French Onion soup so you can change the other things around to your liking.

Cook for 7 to 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high

Above is my general recipe I usually use and pass out when people ask me for the recipe.  I actually made it this week quite different using what I had on hand.  I had canned potatoes added fresh celery, green onions, and white onions that I had left from a previous meal.  I used a packet of onion soup for half the broth then water and beef bouillon cubes (2 cups and 2 cubes) and I also had canned mushrooms.  Turned out great.

Free Tote Bag Offer from Red Gold

I just posted about benifiting from bringing your own bags and here is a free offer!
Here are the details directly taken from the website: This offer is only available to residents in IL, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH, OK and WI with a valid shipping address.

This versitle tote bag measures 13"W x 15" H x 6"D, allowing plenty of room for groceries. Following the "green" trend, it is durable enough to be used on numerous shopping trips. The reinforced straps allow for packing your bag with a variety of items.
OFFER EXPIRES November 6, 2009 or while supplies last
Limit 1 Tote Bag per Household Address


Go here!

http://www.redgold.com/redgold/contest-details.aspx?contest_id=16

Complete Match-ups now available!

So a loyal reader of Macomb Money Savers has moved into our territory and they are trying Busch's and Hiller's match ups for a month!  Here are some highlights:

Hillers


GROCERY



$1.00 Freshlike Vegetables, 16 oz

-$0.35/1 coupon (from 9-13 SS)

$0.30 after coupon



$0.67 Old El Paso Seasoning Mix, 1 oz original, mild, hot low salt

-$0.60/2 printable coupon

$0.37 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$1.00 Green Giant Simply Steam or Boil-in-Bag Veggies, 7-10 oz

-$1.00/2 coupon (from 9-13 GM) or $0.50/2 printable coupon

$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$1.67 Buitoni Fresh Pasta, 9 oz fettucine, linguine or angel hair

-$1.00/1 coupon (from 6-21 or 10-4 SS)

$0.67 after coupon



$1.67 Betty Crocker Warm Delights

-$0.50/1 printable coupon

$0.67 after coupon



$0.99 Old El Paso Refried Beans, 16 oz asstd varieties

-$0.60/2 printable coupon

$0.69 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$2.00 Yoplait Delights Parfaits, 4 pk

-$1.25/1 printable or $1.00/1 coupon (from 8-23 SS, 9-13 or 10-4 GM or printable)

$0.75-1.00 after coupon



$1.33 Progresso Soup, Traditional, High Fiber, Classics, Light, Healthy Favorites and Bowls

-$1.10/3 printable coupon

-$0.25/1 Progresso High Fiber coupon (from 9-13 or 10-4 GM) OR

-$0.50/2 Progresso coupon (from 9-13 or 10-4 GM)

$0.83 - $0.96 each after coupon



$2.00 Alexia Crunchy Snacks - Waffle Fries or Onion Strips, 4.5-5 oz

-$1.00/1 coupon (from 10-4 SS)

$1.00 after coupon



$2.00 Activia Yogurt or Danactive Drink, 4-pack

-$1.00/1 Activia coupon (from 7-26, 8-30 or 10-4 SS)

-$1.00/1 Danactive coupon (from 7-26, 8-9, 8-30 or 10-4 SS)

$1.00 each after coupon



$2.00 Starbucks Ice Cream, pint

-$1.00/1 printable coupon

$1.00 after coupon



$2.50 Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal, 13-15 oz asstd varieties

-$1.00/1 printable coupon

$1.50 after coupon

-$0.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios printable, $1.00/2 (from 9-27 SS or printable) or $1.00/3 coupon (from 9-13 or 10-4 GM)



MEAT

$1.49/lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

$1.49/lb Whole Boneless Pork Loin (save $1.50/lb), sliced free, 6-8 lb average

Busch's
$1.00 Snapple Tea, all varieties 16-17.5 oz


-$0.55/1 printable coupon (print 2 per computer)

$0.45 after coupon



$1.00 Pillsbury Biscuits or Cinnamon Rolls, 4-12 oz (excludes crescents)

-$0.40/2 Cinnamon rolls printable coupon or $0.30/2 Grands printable coupon

$0.60 - $0.70 each after coupon



$1.50 Dean’s Dips, all varieties

-$1.00/2 (9-27 S)

$1.00 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$1.00 Don Marcos Tortillas, 11 oz flour or 16 oz corn



$1.00 Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Crackers, 8 oz



$1.00 Nabisco Snak Saks, 8 oz all varieties



$1.00 Nabisco Cheese Nips, 11.75-12oz



$1.00 Spartan Brand Instant Oatmeal, 8-15.1 oz



$1.00 Spartan Brand Graham Cracker Crust



$1.50 Ronzoni Pasta, all varieties

-$1.00/2 Ronzoni Smart Taste or Healthy Harvest printable coupons

$1.00 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$1.88 Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies

-$1.50/2 printable coupon

$1.13 each when you buy 2 with coupon



$1.69/lb Ground Hamburger, Family Pack



$3.99 Macaroni Grill Dinner Kit

-$1.10/1 printable coupon or $1.00/1 (9-13 or 10-4 GM)

$2.89-2.99 each after coupon



$3.99 Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit

-$1.10/1 printable coupon or $1.00/1 (from 9-13 or 10-4 GM)

$2.89-$2.99 each after coupon



$5.99 Quilted Northern Bath Tissue, Mega Roll 9ct, Double Roll 12ct, Single Roll 24ct

-$1.00/1 (10-11 RP or printable)

$4.99 each after coupon



PRODUCE

$0.50 Cucumbers

$0.79 Iceberg Head Lettuce

Thanks Colleen & Macomb Money Savers!
Check out the full list here:
http://www.macombmoneysavers.com/

Catalina Deals at Meijer's this week

There are various Catalina deals posted for Meijer's this week.  Click on the button for Macomb Money Saver on the right then go to Meijer's to check them all out.  These are deals that you can roll and some are for more than one week, meaning you can only do one per transaction but you can then take that catalina coupon (that comes out after purchase and is good as money) to purchase another.

One I just did for a second time was the Campbell's Soup and Pepperidge Farm deal.  You buy five Campbell's soups and one loaf of Pepperidge Farm bread then you get a $5 coupon off your next order. 
At the same time I also did another one where you buy 2 Warm Delights and get $1 off your next order.
My total price was around $13 after store and manufacturer's coupons it came down to $9.50.

Then I had the $1 & $5 off from my last transaction used that to score, 2 personal desserts, 5 cans of soup and one loaf of bread for only $3.34 AND got $6 back to use on my next transaction! (Since I can use this again as cash, technically I made money on this deal!)

There is new one posted today for Breakstones Cottage Cheese doubles which I love but never has coupons for.  I will get one here and there when they are on sale for $1.  However this week if you buy you get a coupon for $3 off your next transaction!  So I'm definitely doing the above deal a third time for my full shopping trip and this new one as well. 

Again check Macomb Money savers for the match-ups and coupons available to maximize your savings and actually make money buying some products!

She's also posted the Saturday Super Sale for Meijer's with some great match-ups.

Rewards for being Green

Now we all know that nothing reminds us to do something more than a money incentive.  We probably all return our pop bottles to get back that 10 cents back.  And we probably should all recycle more and use reusable bags, etc, etc.  But did you know some stores give a monetary incentative for brining your own bags?  Kroger, VGs and certain Target locations (check at the service desk) offer $.05 off your order for brining your own bags.  CVS is also getting into the mix with their new green bag tag.
Couponing to Disney has all the details here:

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-here-earn-1-ecb-for-every-4th-time.html

If you are new to shopping at CVS check out this wonderful post and website.

http://iheartcvs.com/2008/03/cvs-for-newbies.html

Free Pink Panty for Pink Nation Members

Go here to get a coupon for a free panty with no purchase necessary.  Sign up for Pink Nation if you are not yet a member.

https://secure.vspink.com/pink_nation/login.jsp?promo=home_10_off_bra_101309

How many coupons do you need to stockpile?

Great question and here is an article with great answers!

http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2009/10/how-many-coupons-do-you-need-to-stockpile.html

20 Ways to Save without Using Coupons

Check out these awesome tips.  If you just can't use coupons then here are some things you can still do.  And if you do use coupons this makes your shopping much smarter and cheaper!

http://amysfinerthings.com/20-ways-to-save-on-groceries-without-using-coupons-1-5

http://amysfinerthings.com/20-ways-to-save-on-groceries-without-using-coupons-6-10

http://amysfinerthings.com/20-ways-to-save-on-groceries-without-using-coupons-11-15

http://amysfinerthings.com/20-ways-to-save-on-groceries-without-using-coupons-16-20

K-Mart Deals

K-Mart is now at their 75% off stage off summer cleareance so check out some of those deals.  Also the Commerce Township location at Union Lake Road as well as a Troy and Farmington Hills location are closing.  So they have everything in the store marked down from 20-50% off.  So check out their high ticket items like T.V.s video game systems or exercise equipment and stock up on things that rarely have coupons.  Be careful and calculate though.  For instance vitamins are 30% off right now, but I've seen tons of Buy 1 Get 1 free deals (which is essentially 50% off).  So I can get better deals elsewhere on that.  But there are definitely some good deals to be found so check them out.

Check out Macomb Money Savers today!

http://www.macombmoneysavers.com/

All match-ups for Oakland County stores are up and a great guest post today about Farmer's Markets.

Free On-Line Financial tool

I had never heard of this and signed up yesterday and I am liking it all ready.  You can pull all your information, banks, credit card, investments, that you are registered on-line for into this and it gives you recommendations.  I am still working on getting everything entered but it looks great!

Check out the details and overview here:

http://www.mint.com/about/

Then sign up!

New Aldi's in Waterford!

I saw the sign for the first time on Saturday and screamed with Glee, there is a new Aldi's opening up less than a mile from my house!  Then I got a flier in the mail on Saturday their grand opening is this Saturday, Saturday the 17th.  You can get a gallon milk for  $1.00 at this location only until October 30th.  There is also a Pre-Grand Opening Open house from 11 AM to 4 PM on Thursday October 15th.  You'll be able to sample Aldi select brands and they will have hourly drawings!

Here is Aldi's official website:

http://aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm

When I first got into saving money on groceries I read on a couple websites that shopping at Aldi's is the best strategy to reduce your expenses if you just can't cut coupons.  Before I was into coupons and I was in a money crunch Aldi's was the only place I shopped.  If I don't have a coupon for something and it is not on sale I will usually get it from Aldi's. 

There are a few things to know that are bit peculiar but it is how they keep their costs so low.  You have to place a quarter in a cart to retrieve it then when you return it you get it back.  This allows them to not need additional people to put carts back.  You also have to bring your own bags or you will pay for the bags there.  And you have to bag your own groceries.  They accept cash, EBT and most debit cards but do not accept checks or credit cards/debit cards without a pin number. 

They also do not accept coupons but their prices are so low that unless you have a great sale and a coupon making the purchase under 50% Aldi's will beat the other grocery store every time.  Occassionally they will have a coupon in a savings magazine for $5 off purchase of $30 etc. 

I am excited right now the closest Aldi's is in Pontiac it isn't too far away and I can hit it on the way home from my bus stop after work or worship service some times.  But this one now makes my Meijer's, Aldi's, Kroger's and VG's all within two miles of my house.  I just need a closer Target and I will be all set!

This week at Wal-Mart

I have to admit Wal-Mart is not my favorite store I very rarely go there.  However Hip2save pointed out this website and it lists 50 items for under a dollar with coupons this week and 17 of those are free.  Meijer's and Kroger's have been scant the past couple weeks so I may be moved to check out Wal-Mart.

Here's the match ups:

http://couponingtodisney.blogspot.com/2009/10/walmart-50-items-under-1-17-are-free.html

Spartan Coupons

Sign up here to access spartan coupons!

http://www.turntospartan.com/

This will help when you need something that is not on sale you can get the generic/store brand even cheaper.  VGs is a Spartan store as well as many other local stores like Hiller's, Huron Foods in Waterford, etc. carry Spartan products.

Top 6 Fitness Myths & Truths

Great article to check out on sparkpeople!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=354

CVS Week 10/09 transaction one

Well I did well on my first transaction.

1 Tylenol extra strength 100 ct caplets $8.50
1 Tylenol Cough and Cold 24 ct $6.00
1 Tylenol Sinus Congestion 20 ct $6.00
1 Vagisil Creme $6.49  (They didn't have another item I wanted and needed to buy a filler and this was on sale.)

Used $3/2 Tylenol sinus coupon
$1/1 Tylenol
Used $5/off purchase over $25 from CVS website given after taking flu quiz.  (Go to Hip 2 Save's website for 3 different links!)
Used $15 in Extra Care Bucks from last week's transaction.

Final cost: $4.28
Total Saved: $29.97

Hooked on Phonics Deals

There are are lot of sales on Hooked on Phonics including Hooked on Spanish and some previous edition deals (which are selling out fast!)

http://www.hookedonphonics.com/

Then you can use this code SLICK50 for 50% off! I got hooked on Spanish for my 5 year old niece and hooked on Phonics pre-K for my twin nieces 2 1/2 to start using in a little bit.  Each were on sale for $19.95, then after the discount and adding shipping and tax it came out to about $29.

Motor City Steals and Deals

Macombmoneysavers just posted an awesome site that I never heard of.  You can get discounted coupons on a variety things so check it out!

http://www.gmd.giftsanddeals.com/index.php

Free magazines!

Rewards Gold is offering a free 3 year subscription to Town & Country Magazine!
Click the link here and take a survey.
http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/tnc_em/sg_towncountry_pg2_1a.htm

There is no catch and I have ordered from them before.  Currently I have 4 free magazine subscriptions coming to my house so I think I am going to skip this one!

They are also offering subscriptions for business week:

http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/bw_methome_em/sg_bus_week_pg1.htm

And Metropolitan home:

http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/metropol_home_bw_em/sg_metro_pg1.htm

Hurry these don't last long.

The Spark - New book by Sparkpeople.com!

Check this out!

http://book.sparkpeople.com/default.asp?f=SPInsider

Last week's CVS Deals

So with my $25 gift card that my husband got for his prescription transfer I got into the pharmacy game.  Hip 2 Save posts these deals as well as a few others and I usually skip over them.  But last week I scored this:

Tuesday: Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion 6.8 oz $7.99 Used the $1.50/1 coupon and received $7 in extra care bucks.

Saturday: Almay Mascara $5.99 Used the $1/1 coupon received $3 in extracare bucks (ECB)
Scope Mouthwash $3.99 Used $1/1 coupon received $1.50 in ECB
3 Tide Laundry Detergents $4 each=$12 Used 3 $1/1 Tide product (one I had, and took 2 off tearpad in store)
1 Tide Stain Release 20 oz & 2 Tide Stain Release 10 ct $4 each=$12 Used 2 $1.50/1 coupon & 1 additional $1/1 coupon
1 Dawn dish soap 10.3 oz $1 Usded $.25/1 coupon
For purchasing over $25 in P&G products I received $10 in ECB
Then when I paid I used a $5.00 off any in-store purchase of $25 or more located on their website by taking a flu quiz
After paid with my $7 in ECBs from Monday then gave all the manufacturer's coupons.
The total after all that was around paid with my gift card and then spent only $1.96 out of pocket!
Plus I now have $14.50 in ECBs to use this week! So really I am still working on money that CVS basically gave me for free! Woo hoo!

Free Redbox Code valid today 10/05 only

Redbox is currently offering up a FREE Rental code, valid thru today, 10/5 ONLY. Go to any Redbox location (Meijer's and Wal-Mart usually have them) and select “Rent with Promo Code,” then enter this code QNGJ7KD and select the movie you want.

Free Stuff for Parents to Be

Check out this site for some free samples if you are a parent to be.

http://www.babytobee.com/register.aspx?vid=350

Five Secrets to Maximizing Coupon Savings

I love the way this article begins.  Someone asks the writer "How did you DO that?"  I had a great time with my first try at CVS this week which I will try to post later.  Thanks to my $25 gift card from my husband transferring his prescriptions I paid $1.96 out of pocket and walked away with $15 in extra care bucks.  The cashier said to my husband, "Wow now that's how you shop!" Great to hear things like that.  So read this article to see how you actually do it . . .

http://frugalhacks.com/2009/09/24/secrets-maximizing-coupon-savings/

The poster also offers a 5 Part-Mini-Course on his website.  I haven't takent it but doesn't seem like a huge investment so you may want to check it out.

http://www.startsavingwithcoupons.com/

Redbox, Meijer's DiGiorno Deal

Buy any two DIGIORNO Pizzas or Flatbread Melts and get a one-night redbox DVD rental FREE. The offer's good 10/04/09 through 10/31/09 at all Meijer locations.

What is redbox? Check out how it works here:

http://www.redbox.com/HowItWorks.aspx

Top Ten Worse Restaurant Salads to Eat

Very Scary List!

http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=top_10_list_the_worst_restaurant_salads_you_may_be_eating

Coupons.com update more eCoupons to become available

Coupons.com is getting into the ecoupon game downloading coupons directly to a customer loyalty card.  And the article says they have "fixed" the problem of stacking an eCoupon with a printed coupon.  Check out all the information in the article here:

http://promomagazine.com/news/couponscom-hikes-mobile-reach-1001/#

Best Websites for Black Friday

Okay sooooo as my husband and I were standing in line for our free pizza on Tuesday (when it was quite chilly!) we thought how it was great practice for Black Friday!  (And yes it was worth it we got two meals and it was soooo good!)
Check out this post here what you can do now to prepare for black friday:

http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=146913

The actual site is here:
http://www.gottadeal.com/blackfriday/

Here are some more good ones:

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/

http://bfads.net/

http://www.blackfriday.info/

http://www.retailmenot.com/

Also a good site to look at product reviews especially if you plan to buy on-line.  I need them since I'm not all that electronics savvy.
http://www.consumersearch.com/

To stay abreast of the deals you may want to subsribe to some or all of the sites.  And as with all your coupon and deal information you may want to set up a separate email if you haven't already so these don't clog up your personal email.  (There is a yahoo button on the side bar you can get a free email account there.)

One thing that has made Black Friday more enjoyable is saving gift cards to maximize the buys.  I've done this just by chance in the past.  I won a $300 gift card to Best Buy from Bausch & Lomb two years ago which helped me to get a great on-line deal for my laptop almost free! (Also included bag, printer, mouse, and antivirus software great deal!)   Last year we saved a few of our gift cards from our wedding which was in August, to score tons of high item things like a nice winter jacket, nice duffel bags etc. 

So that is one of the reasons why I'm posting this now as well.  I won't have any perchance gift cards this year, however I'm trying to increase my cash flow and gather some on the side!  How? By using the websites that pay you either in gift cards, paypal or check to take surveys, review products, make purchases etc.  I have tons of them on the side like Youdata, Inbox, Vindale, Swagbucks, cashbaq, mypoints, so on and so on.  So if you think you won't have enough to spend on Black Friday think about signing up for some of these sites to increase your cash flow.  You cannot make a part-time job out of it but if you get a $40 gift card here and a $10 there, that is $50 that you have to spend with minimal effort to get them.

Print off more coupons today!

There are a total of 13 new toy coupons at coupons.com and they all don't expire until 1/15/2010. I can't wait for some clearance deals the end of December!


They are:
$5 Mr Potato Head Silly Suitcase
$2 Mr Potato Head toy
$5 Playskool Busy Ball Popper
$3 Playskool Gloworm
$5 Playskool Step Start Walk'nRide
$5 Mr Potato Head Spud Buds
$10 Musical Sit N Spin
$5 Playskool Activity Ball
$5 DinoRoars Hatchlings
$10 Dance Cam
$5 Tumble N Twirl
$5 Swing N Score Baseball
$10 DinoRoars Stompers

In addition see which coupons have reset and print your favorites.  Go to the right side bar and click see all coupons for coupons.com today!

Multiple Streams of Income

Check out this great article.  Having multiple streams of income protects you during hard economic times.

http://www.wisebread.com/one-talent-multiple-streams-of-income