Showing posts with label Walgreens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walgreens. Show all posts
Friday, May 11, 2012
Stock Up Prices: Part I
When I first began couponing (like really couponing...not just couponing...you know what I mean), I wasn't super clear on what was a stock up price. At first, any discount felt like a deal. Oh I was such a beginner!
Over time, I have learned a few things.
First, my stock up price is not necessarily your stock up price.
So don't feel like you have to compare blog prices. I use blog prices as a guide but not an end all, be all. Prices tend to run higher here than in say, the south. And until recently, double coupons was a very rare treat for me. You also have to consider supply. Supply of stores. For example, there is only one Walgreens in my area. Sometimes I visit a second store (like twice a year) when I have a meeting in that area. And my store is always out of everything. And supply of products. As I said, my Walgreens is out of everything. My Rite Aid however, does an awesome job of keeping things stocked. At least for the first few days. My two main grocery stores, Price Chopper and eventually Shop Rite, both double coupons up to $0.99. And both offer their own coupons that can be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Not everyone has this luxury. And trust me, I feel your pain. This is a recent (and joyful) change for my area!
Second, your stock up price tends to adjust down as you become a better couponer.
In the beginning, I was overjoyed to pay $1 for a tube of $4 toothpaste. Now I only buy it for free or better. But at first, saving 75% felt amazing. And it was! But the more I learned, the more frequently (like every other week) I found it for free. Same goes for deodorant. And body wash. And shaving cream.
Third, just because something hits a stock up price, does not mean you need to buy it.
I have 1-2 years worth of laundry detergent. Because at first, just as I noted with the toothpaste example, I thought 50% was an awesome deal. And again, it totally was! But over time, I realized I could get detergent for even less. My stock up price now is $0.03-0.05 per load. And I've found several deals lately. But I am refraining from buying. Because I already have soooo much in my stockpile. While detergents do have a long shelf life, the are not indefinite. I have plenty for myself and to share and I won't buy more until I really work through my stock.
Fourth, there will always be another sale.
Sometimes when new products debut, you can get them for free. OK, so that might not roll around again. But beyond that, everything else will be on sale again. In 6-12 weeks. I personally have very minimal space to use for storage. I simply cannot store a year's worth of anything (other than laundry detergent- ha). So if I find something is a super stock up price, I might buy a few month's worth. Because I know there will eventually be another sale.
Fifth, there are seasons for every item in your grocery store.
Everything from oatmeal to cleaning supplies to ketchup to ice cream to pencils has an "in season." That's the month when things are at the most rock bottom prices. So while everything does go on sale regularly, there is a short period of time each year when you can typically get items even lower. In season groceries are always the least expensive, healthiest, and often local.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
One Lonely Deal and Answers
First things first.... Please accept my apologies. I am just not going to be on here much this week. I am in the middle of the first of three huge projects. Oh and Christmas is in there too. I have yet to even clip the coupons from two Sundays ago. Gasp!
Second.... My favorite CVS. It's in Latham, next to the Lowes. I live closest to the ones in the Atrium but I don't like that one at all. The store and the employees are not exactly my favorites. But in general, I find CVS employees to be the most well versed on coupons and the stores to be well stocked.
Third... I will do a post about the details at some point, but I do not shop at Walgreens. I have had too many wretched experiences there and it just is not worth it in my book. I think their customer service, from the store on up to corporate, is hands down the worst. Worse than Walmart. I also don't like their rewards system. Or specifically the rules on coupons to items purchased. I don't want to have to buy junky crap to use a coupon. Not cool.
Fourth... So far this is the only deal I have done this week. I need to find a few at CVS though as I have ECB's expiring at the end of this week. Gah! I have no time. But I was happy to get this Lysol kit from Rite Aid today. The cashier was suspicious of the VV coupon though. I was like, it's from your own website! Ha. Anyway, I was happy. I wanted one of these to use in a Christmas gift and was hoping to find a deal this week. Yay!
Lysol Hand Soap Kit reg. $14.99, sale $7.99
- (1) $0.75/1 print coupon
- (1) $5/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon
= Paid Out Of Pocket $2.24
~ Earned $3 + up Reward
Today, come hell or high water, I will finish the one of the three projects. Or finish it enough to let me enjoy my holiday anyway. I hope!
I also have to...gulp...go to the mall. Every year, I try my hardest to never set foot in a mall to do holiday shopping. This year, because Lands End sent me the wrong item though, I have to break my mall fast. Sad sad sad. And scary. Scary that I have to set foot in a mall this close to Christmas. Wish me luck!
Second.... My favorite CVS. It's in Latham, next to the Lowes. I live closest to the ones in the Atrium but I don't like that one at all. The store and the employees are not exactly my favorites. But in general, I find CVS employees to be the most well versed on coupons and the stores to be well stocked.
Third... I will do a post about the details at some point, but I do not shop at Walgreens. I have had too many wretched experiences there and it just is not worth it in my book. I think their customer service, from the store on up to corporate, is hands down the worst. Worse than Walmart. I also don't like their rewards system. Or specifically the rules on coupons to items purchased. I don't want to have to buy junky crap to use a coupon. Not cool.
Fourth... So far this is the only deal I have done this week. I need to find a few at CVS though as I have ECB's expiring at the end of this week. Gah! I have no time. But I was happy to get this Lysol kit from Rite Aid today. The cashier was suspicious of the VV coupon though. I was like, it's from your own website! Ha. Anyway, I was happy. I wanted one of these to use in a Christmas gift and was hoping to find a deal this week. Yay!
Lysol Hand Soap Kit reg. $14.99, sale $7.99
- (1) $0.75/1 print coupon
- (1) $5/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon
= Paid Out Of Pocket $2.24
~ Earned $3 + up Reward
Today, come hell or high water, I will finish the one of the three projects. Or finish it enough to let me enjoy my holiday anyway. I hope!
I also have to...gulp...go to the mall. Every year, I try my hardest to never set foot in a mall to do holiday shopping. This year, because Lands End sent me the wrong item though, I have to break my mall fast. Sad sad sad. And scary. Scary that I have to set foot in a mall this close to Christmas. Wish me luck!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Endcap Sales At Walmart
I went yet again to see if Walmart had any of the elusive Scrubbing Bubbles (they did not and no one in any of the two stores I've been to has any idea what I am talking about). But I did spy a few items that might be of interest to some of you.
The big Finish Power ball contraptions that hang in your dishwasher (I own one but have never used it) are marked down to $4.25. I have a $1/1 coupon in my binder. That would make a fun addition to a holiday gift basket.
And the Windex Outdoor wash the windows contraption (to me it looks like a Swiffer but what do I know) as well as the refills is marked down to $4.97. I have a $1/1 coupon too but I think it's from a magazine and I have no idea which one it came from originally.
I just wanted to give y'all a head's up in case these were items you might be looking for. There were also a bunch of detergents, mostly powder Gain, on the same clearance endcaps.
Keep your eyes open for sales right now. Stores need to get rid of the old to make room for all the new new new that will be popping up for the holiday season. Even cleaning supplies put out special holiday packaged goods.
The big Finish Power ball contraptions that hang in your dishwasher (I own one but have never used it) are marked down to $4.25. I have a $1/1 coupon in my binder. That would make a fun addition to a holiday gift basket.
And the Windex Outdoor wash the windows contraption (to me it looks like a Swiffer but what do I know) as well as the refills is marked down to $4.97. I have a $1/1 coupon too but I think it's from a magazine and I have no idea which one it came from originally.
I just wanted to give y'all a head's up in case these were items you might be looking for. There were also a bunch of detergents, mostly powder Gain, on the same clearance endcaps.
Keep your eyes open for sales right now. Stores need to get rid of the old to make room for all the new new new that will be popping up for the holiday season. Even cleaning supplies put out special holiday packaged goods.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Babies Are Expensive But Coupons Make A Difference
So I ran into a sweet gal who was patiently waiting behind me and my coupon madness Saturday night in Walmart. Now for the record, I was super organized. But as we all know, sometimes things pan out and sometimes they don't. It all comes down to the cashier. And while the guy was very nice to me, he was sllllooooowww and not familiar with my coupons.
But in the end, I held fast and was rewarded with getting all of this baby formula for a $3.08 PROFIT! Seriously.
I have been saving these baby formula coupons for a while now. To the extend that sadly, four of them expired a few days before I thought to use them. Ugh I loathe when that happens! But my Junior League is collecting baby diapers, wipes and formula to support local Hurricane Irene victims. So I was cashing in all of my baby stuff coupons for our baby drive. I do not have a baby (salt...wound...sniff) but I signed up thinking I would give donations to my local food pantry. And I do usually. But my JLA drive takes priority at the moment.
So the sweet gal behind me asked me where I got all of the coupons. And actually, I wasn't entirely sure. I know I signed up for most of them (these were all mailed to me) when I first started couponing. I was not keeping notes on things back then (not that I really keep many notes now but at least I have a better point of reference these days). So I've done some digging. As I find more baby coupons, I will update this post.
Gerber coupons- sign up via email. See all those cans of Gerber formula? That's only a fraction of what I've been able to buy for cheap and sometimes FREE with the coupons they mail to me after you fill in your information online. A GREAT resource!
Similac coupons. Sign up here. See those big things of Similac formula? Those were actually better than FREE. I have others with a pink top that were @$0.50 after coupons. They've sent me a few samples too- though I am not sure if that was a special at the time or if they do it for everyone. Worth signing up either way.
Enfamil coupons. Sign up here. Like Gerber and Similac, Enfamil sends awesome coupons! These were the ones that were expired this shopping trip. Sadly. But they would have made for very inexpensive formula.
$5/$25 Pampers Diapers coupon.
Johnson's baby goods coupons.
Huggies. It looks like there is only a deal for those able to shop at a commissary. But perhaps they update with other coupons now and then? I'll have to check back and update is I see more deals on here.
Another resource for great, high value coupons is from all the freebies I post on here. Sign up to get a sample of various products like diapers and wipes and baby foods sent to you and they usually come with coupons too. This includes all the magazines. I only ever post magazines if they are truly free. But there are often lots of great coupons between those glossy pages.
The Sunday papers frequently have baby coupons. Ask your neighbors to save those for you if they don't have babies and you do. I can't imagine anyone refusing to give you coupons if they are not going to use them anyway.
Amazon often runs one day sales on things like diapers, wipes and baby foods such as those squeeze things. I will try to be better about posting those deals when I spot them. But keep your eyes open if you are looking for something specific. Amazon super sale prices are great but tend to end without warning after they sell a certain volume of product.
My mecca, Target, offers great coupons. Remember that at Target, you can use a Target store coupon AND a manufacturer coupon on the same item. Stack up those savings, baby! Ditto at Rite-Aid and Walgreens and CVS. Do note though that sometimes the coupons posted at store sites (such as Target), are actually manufacturer instead of store coupons. This is good because you can use them anywhere but it means you can't stack it with another manu coupon at Target.
And finally (for now...), make sure you're using Swagbucks instead of Google. Why? OMG if you have to ask why... No, I kid. But seriously, Swagbucks rocks my pink socks. Sign up following this link. Then download the toolbar. Instead of doing a google or other similar search, just use Swagbucks. You earn points when you do searches (and daily polls and use coupons and download the toolbar, etc). Then you can cash in those points for gift cards to places like Amazon.com. Use your gift cards to buy diapers or really anything you like.
I hope this was helpful. As I find more baby item coupons, I will be better about posting them here on this blog. But please always feel free to send me an email.
But in the end, I held fast and was rewarded with getting all of this baby formula for a $3.08 PROFIT! Seriously.
I have been saving these baby formula coupons for a while now. To the extend that sadly, four of them expired a few days before I thought to use them. Ugh I loathe when that happens! But my Junior League is collecting baby diapers, wipes and formula to support local Hurricane Irene victims. So I was cashing in all of my baby stuff coupons for our baby drive. I do not have a baby (salt...wound...sniff) but I signed up thinking I would give donations to my local food pantry. And I do usually. But my JLA drive takes priority at the moment.
So the sweet gal behind me asked me where I got all of the coupons. And actually, I wasn't entirely sure. I know I signed up for most of them (these were all mailed to me) when I first started couponing. I was not keeping notes on things back then (not that I really keep many notes now but at least I have a better point of reference these days). So I've done some digging. As I find more baby coupons, I will update this post.
Gerber coupons- sign up via email. See all those cans of Gerber formula? That's only a fraction of what I've been able to buy for cheap and sometimes FREE with the coupons they mail to me after you fill in your information online. A GREAT resource!
Similac coupons. Sign up here. See those big things of Similac formula? Those were actually better than FREE. I have others with a pink top that were @$0.50 after coupons. They've sent me a few samples too- though I am not sure if that was a special at the time or if they do it for everyone. Worth signing up either way.
Enfamil coupons. Sign up here. Like Gerber and Similac, Enfamil sends awesome coupons! These were the ones that were expired this shopping trip. Sadly. But they would have made for very inexpensive formula.
$5/$25 Pampers Diapers coupon.
Johnson's baby goods coupons.
Huggies. It looks like there is only a deal for those able to shop at a commissary. But perhaps they update with other coupons now and then? I'll have to check back and update is I see more deals on here.
Another resource for great, high value coupons is from all the freebies I post on here. Sign up to get a sample of various products like diapers and wipes and baby foods sent to you and they usually come with coupons too. This includes all the magazines. I only ever post magazines if they are truly free. But there are often lots of great coupons between those glossy pages.
The Sunday papers frequently have baby coupons. Ask your neighbors to save those for you if they don't have babies and you do. I can't imagine anyone refusing to give you coupons if they are not going to use them anyway.
Amazon often runs one day sales on things like diapers, wipes and baby foods such as those squeeze things. I will try to be better about posting those deals when I spot them. But keep your eyes open if you are looking for something specific. Amazon super sale prices are great but tend to end without warning after they sell a certain volume of product.
My mecca, Target, offers great coupons. Remember that at Target, you can use a Target store coupon AND a manufacturer coupon on the same item. Stack up those savings, baby! Ditto at Rite-Aid and Walgreens and CVS. Do note though that sometimes the coupons posted at store sites (such as Target), are actually manufacturer instead of store coupons. This is good because you can use them anywhere but it means you can't stack it with another manu coupon at Target.
And finally (for now...), make sure you're using Swagbucks instead of Google. Why? OMG if you have to ask why... No, I kid. But seriously, Swagbucks rocks my pink socks. Sign up following this link. Then download the toolbar. Instead of doing a google or other similar search, just use Swagbucks. You earn points when you do searches (and daily polls and use coupons and download the toolbar, etc). Then you can cash in those points for gift cards to places like Amazon.com. Use your gift cards to buy diapers or really anything you like.
I hope this was helpful. As I find more baby item coupons, I will be better about posting them here on this blog. But please always feel free to send me an email.
Monday, August 8, 2011
FREE Expo Washable Markers At Walgreens
This week you can score two FREE Expo Washable Markers at Walgreens.
*Buy two Expo Washable Markers 6 pack $3.99/each.
*Use one $2/2 coupon found here.
*And stack it with the $3/1 coupon in the Walgreens August savings book (will deduct $6).
*Out of pocket...just tax!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
5 Boxes Of Kelloggs Cereal FREE At Walgreens
If you are in need of cereal, this is an incredible deal happening this week at Walgreens. I'd be sure to ask for a rain check if your store is out of stock. Considering you need to buy five boxes to score the deal, most stores will likely run out quickly. So don't stress. Just get yourself a pretty rain check and score the deal in a week or two when the stores are back in stock.
Here's the deal...
Kelloggs cereals (select, so please see store signage), 12-18.5 oz, $2.50
-Buy (5) and make sure one of them is labled "Try Me Free!"
-Use $5/5 any flavor Kelloggs cereals coupon from 7/10 RP
-Out of pocket pay $7.50
-Receive $5 Register Reward when you buy (4) Kelloggs cereals
-Submit for $2.50 rebate on "Try Me Free" box (I did this months ago- it took a while but the check did come eventually!)
-Final price...FREE when you buy (5)!!
Here's the deal...
Kelloggs cereals (select, so please see store signage), 12-18.5 oz, $2.50
-Buy (5) and make sure one of them is labled "Try Me Free!"
-Use $5/5 any flavor Kelloggs cereals coupon from 7/10 RP
-Out of pocket pay $7.50
-Receive $5 Register Reward when you buy (4) Kelloggs cereals
-Submit for $2.50 rebate on "Try Me Free" box (I did this months ago- it took a while but the check did come eventually!)
-Final price...FREE when you buy (5)!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thanks To Couponing...
I've taken these photos over the last six months but never got around to blogging about the deal details. Clearly it's too late but I wanted to post a few of the photos to encourage others to get up the nerve to use those coupons.
Couponing has become far more than a method to save a few pennies for me. I began couponing as part of a my New Year's Resolution. It had long been a goal but I just couldn't seem to figure it all out. None of the websites that charge a small monthly fee cater to the NY Capital Region. And until the last few days of December, I had yet to discover any helpful coupon blogs.
But since discovering blogs and cracking the coupon code, it has become such a fun hobby. I treat it as a game each week. Beat the system. I play by the rules and still manage to come out ahead each week. And I just love it!
I do not hoard, as is often a criticism of couponers. I wouldn't have storage space to hoard even if I wanted to, actually. But I do pride myself in having what I use most often stored in multiples, as much as possible. Actually, I am not shopping at drug stores much these days. Not because there aren't great deals. But because I have plenty. I recently took count of my stock and realized that I am at my max on things such as razors, hair supplies, dish cleaning supplies, laundry supplies and more. Unless I find a deal of free laundry detergent, I have banned myself from buying more.
Like many new to couponing, I went a little overboard in the beginning. Thinking that I would never find such a great deal again. Little did I know that paying $0.50 for toothpaste was about $1 too much! Yup, now I would only ever buy it if it was a money maker. Funny how things change. But I think all of that is just part of the learning curve. I am sure I will be back with all new perspectives and lessons learned come January.
But here are a few bits of advice for those just starting out...
Always check the clearance end caps! I find the best, unexpected deals on the Rite Aid and Target clearance sections.
Don't overlook items you don't use if they are going to give you overage to use on other items you do use. My local food bank LOVES it when I deliver a box full of baby formula. It's very expensive and needed. And I buy it when it gives me overage. Win, win.
Warn both the cashier and the person behind you in line that you are using lots of coupons. But my best advice is to, after kindly warning the person behind you, refrain from making further eye contact. We all know those eye rolls and huffs and puffs. It works our last nerve and makes us feel so stinkin' guilty. And that's just silly. So a fair and honest warning should be enough for them to chose to remain in that line or not.
Be organized. Every single trip to a store using coupons means that I pull my cart into a quiet aisle to get my act together. I make sure I separate my coupons for separate transactions. I also separate those items in my cart so that each check out process is as quick as possible. At Walgreens, I triple count to make sure I have the ratios down. I would rather take 15 mins of quiet time to myself if necessary than in front of other customers and managers and beeping computers and cashiers accusing me of stealing.
And last, know your buy now price. For me, this is a constant fill in the blank. And on many food items, I still do not have one. I RARELY find gluten free items on sale. So I actually still by those (and I seriously buy very few) items at full (gasp!) price. But over time, as I figure things out, I lower many of my buy now prices. And that's just the coolest feeling!
 |
| The Finish was all FREE, and the cat food (donated) paid for part of the rest with overage. Also note my homemade marshmallows in the corner. Mmmm! |
Couponing has become far more than a method to save a few pennies for me. I began couponing as part of a my New Year's Resolution. It had long been a goal but I just couldn't seem to figure it all out. None of the websites that charge a small monthly fee cater to the NY Capital Region. And until the last few days of December, I had yet to discover any helpful coupon blogs.
 |
| This was when I decided that I could make my "buy" price for detergent $0.03 or less. |
But since discovering blogs and cracking the coupon code, it has become such a fun hobby. I treat it as a game each week. Beat the system. I play by the rules and still manage to come out ahead each week. And I just love it!
 |
| Always pay attention to hanging coupons. These were bundled as BOGO and then there was another hanging mail in rebate for shampoo. So in the end, both the Organics shampoo and conditioner were FREE. |
I do not hoard, as is often a criticism of couponers. I wouldn't have storage space to hoard even if I wanted to, actually. But I do pride myself in having what I use most often stored in multiples, as much as possible. Actually, I am not shopping at drug stores much these days. Not because there aren't great deals. But because I have plenty. I recently took count of my stock and realized that I am at my max on things such as razors, hair supplies, dish cleaning supplies, laundry supplies and more. Unless I find a deal of free laundry detergent, I have banned myself from buying more.
 |
| That Tide was found on a clearance end cap. I think I got them for @$0.50/bottle after the sale and coupons. Every single box of granola bars and Excedrin were FREE. Actually, the Excedrin was a money maker! |
Like many new to couponing, I went a little overboard in the beginning. Thinking that I would never find such a great deal again. Little did I know that paying $0.50 for toothpaste was about $1 too much! Yup, now I would only ever buy it if it was a money maker. Funny how things change. But I think all of that is just part of the learning curve. I am sure I will be back with all new perspectives and lessons learned come January.
But here are a few bits of advice for those just starting out...
Always check the clearance end caps! I find the best, unexpected deals on the Rite Aid and Target clearance sections.
 |
| My favorite brand and after my coupon, I paid all of $0.12/each. This was my first fun clearance end cap discovery in the winter. |
Don't overlook items you don't use if they are going to give you overage to use on other items you do use. My local food bank LOVES it when I deliver a box full of baby formula. It's very expensive and needed. And I buy it when it gives me overage. Win, win.
 |
| That Finish was FREE but I have yet to use it. I honestly can't believe how expensive it is before coupons - depending on the store it runs $12-14! |
Warn both the cashier and the person behind you in line that you are using lots of coupons. But my best advice is to, after kindly warning the person behind you, refrain from making further eye contact. We all know those eye rolls and huffs and puffs. It works our last nerve and makes us feel so stinkin' guilty. And that's just silly. So a fair and honest warning should be enough for them to chose to remain in that line or not.
 |
| Make sure you know when coupons are able to be used on travel size items. Remember your goal is to pay as little out of pocket as possible! |
Be organized. Every single trip to a store using coupons means that I pull my cart into a quiet aisle to get my act together. I make sure I separate my coupons for separate transactions. I also separate those items in my cart so that each check out process is as quick as possible. At Walgreens, I triple count to make sure I have the ratios down. I would rather take 15 mins of quiet time to myself if necessary than in front of other customers and managers and beeping computers and cashiers accusing me of stealing.
 |
| Most of this was donated. |
And last, know your buy now price. For me, this is a constant fill in the blank. And on many food items, I still do not have one. I RARELY find gluten free items on sale. So I actually still by those (and I seriously buy very few) items at full (gasp!) price. But over time, as I figure things out, I lower many of my buy now prices. And that's just the coolest feeling!
 |
| If I remember correctly, I believe the only thing I paid for here was that OJ and even then it was under $1! |
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Walgreens Managers Coming Around To Coupons
So I have mentioned on here many times that Walgreens is not my happy place. And how I have coupon drama every stinkin' time I am in there. And how the managers don't know their own coupon policies and don't like coupon users.
But in all fairness, I feel I should give some credit to my Walgreens store managers. I don't know if they have more coupon users and are in general more patient or if they just recognize me personally and know I am harmless but a whippersnapper when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of each store's coupon policy. Either way, the manager who used to give me the most trouble is actually really nice to me now. It's a very surprising shift in tides.
Now don't get the impression that I am not still totally struggling with coupons there. Those damn beeping cash registers! Oh and how annoying is it when the store Register Rewards don't scan? That happens to me at Rite Aid regularly too. Actually a few months ago when that happened at Rite Aid, the cashier told me that if it didn't scan she couldn't take it. I asked her to type in the numbers and she said no, it had to scan. So I said (after looking over my shoulder at the 4 angry customers in line behind me) that I had all day and would stand there until it scanned. As it was printed at that very store, there was no excuse for it not to scan. Girl typed in the numbers and what do you know...it worked!
Anyway, there are still always issues. AND the minute said issues pop up, there will suddenly be 30 people in line behind me. Seriously, how does that happen every time at Walgreens?
But I do want to credit the managers and even the regular cashiers at Wags. They have been so much nicer to and my stack of coupons lately.
But in all fairness, I feel I should give some credit to my Walgreens store managers. I don't know if they have more coupon users and are in general more patient or if they just recognize me personally and know I am harmless but a whippersnapper when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of each store's coupon policy. Either way, the manager who used to give me the most trouble is actually really nice to me now. It's a very surprising shift in tides.
Now don't get the impression that I am not still totally struggling with coupons there. Those damn beeping cash registers! Oh and how annoying is it when the store Register Rewards don't scan? That happens to me at Rite Aid regularly too. Actually a few months ago when that happened at Rite Aid, the cashier told me that if it didn't scan she couldn't take it. I asked her to type in the numbers and she said no, it had to scan. So I said (after looking over my shoulder at the 4 angry customers in line behind me) that I had all day and would stand there until it scanned. As it was printed at that very store, there was no excuse for it not to scan. Girl typed in the numbers and what do you know...it worked!
Anyway, there are still always issues. AND the minute said issues pop up, there will suddenly be 30 people in line behind me. Seriously, how does that happen every time at Walgreens?
But I do want to credit the managers and even the regular cashiers at Wags. They have been so much nicer to and my stack of coupons lately.
Friday, June 24, 2011
All For FREE At Walgreens
So I ran up to Walgreens ready to get four Suave lotions. But of course they were sold out already. I mean, do people get there at the crack of dawn on Sundays? The coupon I planned to use expired on Sunday so that deal was out. But I am headed out of town for a week and needed to use $8.99 in Register Rewards as they would expire before I got back to town.
So I wandered around without a plan. Really, the only thing I wanted was the lotion. But every the good couponer, I had my binder and a flexible attitude on hand. One can never go wrong with more toilet paper, right? And I was nearly out of baby wipes. I don't have a baby but I use them to remove my make-up nightly. My theory is that if they are good enough for a cute baby butt, they are good enough for my face!
I also still had a rain check from over a month ago for those sandwiches. The sale then was buy two for (I think) $3, and earn a $1 Register Reward. So the rain check was written as 2/$2. Ooooh I like rain checks! Because that meant that they were each to ring up as just $1. And I had a slew of coupons for $1/1. Making them absolutely FREE.
I also have a little Walgreen gift card because a $10 RR from a few weeks ago failed to print. So the manager just gave it to me in a gift card. Which worked out amazingly well for me because it meant that essentially a RR would be able to cover my tax. I know, this was so my lucky ducky Wags moment!
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Purchased ...
(2) Charmin Basic 6 ct toilet paper
(1) Huggies Natural baby wipes refill
(6) Oscar Mayer Sub Sandwich reg. $3-4?? , rain check sale $1
(1) caramel *filler* reg $0.39
Minus ...
-(1) $1/2 Charmin toilet paper
-(6) $1/1 Oscar Mayer sandwich
-$8.99 Register Rewards
Let this be a reminder not to sweat the small stuff when a deal is out of stock or a register reward neglects to print. Just get a rain check and (hopefully) a gift card and go back later. Both actually worked out much more in my favor this way!
So I wandered around without a plan. Really, the only thing I wanted was the lotion. But every the good couponer, I had my binder and a flexible attitude on hand. One can never go wrong with more toilet paper, right? And I was nearly out of baby wipes. I don't have a baby but I use them to remove my make-up nightly. My theory is that if they are good enough for a cute baby butt, they are good enough for my face!
I also still had a rain check from over a month ago for those sandwiches. The sale then was buy two for (I think) $3, and earn a $1 Register Reward. So the rain check was written as 2/$2. Ooooh I like rain checks! Because that meant that they were each to ring up as just $1. And I had a slew of coupons for $1/1. Making them absolutely FREE.
I also have a little Walgreen gift card because a $10 RR from a few weeks ago failed to print. So the manager just gave it to me in a gift card. Which worked out amazingly well for me because it meant that essentially a RR would be able to cover my tax. I know, this was so my lucky ducky Wags moment!
Purchased ...
(2) Charmin Basic 6 ct toilet paper
(1) Huggies Natural baby wipes refill
(6) Oscar Mayer Sub Sandwich reg. $3-4?? , rain check sale $1
(1) caramel *filler* reg $0.39
Minus ...
-(1) $1/2 Charmin toilet paper
-(6) $1/1 Oscar Mayer sandwich
-$8.99 Register Rewards
OK so I am out of town and forgot to fill in these numbers before I left. But the bottom line is that I didn't pay anything out of pocket. I did put about $4 on the Wags gift card (was actually a RR that never printed) though.
Let this be a reminder not to sweat the small stuff when a deal is out of stock or a register reward neglects to print. Just get a rain check and (hopefully) a gift card and go back later. Both actually worked out much more in my favor this way!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Long Checkout
At Walgreens, of course.
Oh the beeping that happens when a coupon is a penny more than the register value! We all know it and dread it. And no matter how many times I explain to both the sweet register girl and the manager how to fix the problem (just mark it down a penny), it is forever a fiasco. Oh the problems of a couponer!
I did this in SEVEN transactions. Why? Because I am insane. But also because the Icy Hot is on sale for $0.99/each. And produce a lovely $0.99 Register Reward. I had six $1/1 coupons. Making them FREE *plus* a $0.99 MONEY MAKER. But like all things at Wags, they are limit (1). And if you use the Icy Hot RR to pay for another Icy Hot, it will not produce another RR. So I had to purchase five of the six by themselves. The deodorant is Buy One, Get One FREE this week and my store had a TON in stock. In two locations too. I only planned to buy two but since they had so much, I figured I'd go ahead and buy a bunch and then give away the excess. As it is, on the way home I dropped off two at a friend's house who called me a few days ago asking for a deodorant deal. So the photo is missing those two. A few more are going to another friend tomorrow. None of my girlfriends will stink this summer- ha!
Also, I realized that I bought one too many deodorants. I knew my bill felt too high but at that point it was my last transaction and I wanted to not be the problem child any longer. I didn't figure it out until just now. So I will return one of the deodorants and my totals below will reflect it.
The Ecotrin was FREE so it's a donation. I don't use aspirin but can't pass up FREE medicine for donations to my local food pantry. I am forever struck by the realization that if someone can't afford food, they also can't afford such "luxuries" as feminine hygiene products, body wash or headache medicine. I think I will donate the triple calcium too- not even sure what it is. But it was a $5 MONEY MAKER so it came home with me! Though not knowing exactly what it was meant that it took me forever and a day to find it on the bottom shelf in my store. Also note that I didn't pay tax for several items. I don't know why exactly but it had to do with all the trouble the manager had figuring out how to mark down a coupon one penny. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and at that point there was no way for them to figure more out than what was actually being done.
Sadly, my store did not have any (I don't believe they even sell them) of the Ritz Crackerfuls. Disappointing as my dad loves them and they are a $1 Money Maker today and tomorrow. My store didn't have a few of the other things on my list but I'd say overall, I did pretty well. I'm most excited about the only thing I really paid more than tax for- the Off Clip Ons! I don't camp but there are definitely times when I am in the garden or at a backyard dinner when the bugs eat me and only me. I think these- if they really work- are brilliant. Now I have two!
Purchased (in seven transactions)...
(1) Applied Nutrition Triple Calcium reg. $?, sale $10
(2) Ecotrin reg. $3.49?, sale $0.99 (in ad Q)
(2) Off Clip On Starter Kit reg.?, sale $7.99
(6) Icy Hot Naturals reg. $1.99, sale $0.99
(10) Dry Idea deodorant reg. $4.49
Minus...
-(1) $5/1 Applied Nutrition from Walgreens June coupon booklet
-(2) $1.50/1 Ecotrin Aspirin product 5/1 RP (marked down to $0.99/1)
-(1) BOGO FREE Off Clip On print coupon
-(1) $2/1 Off Clip On 5/22 SS
-(1) $1/1 Off product from Walgreens June coupon booklet (take off $2)
-(6) $1/1 Icy Hot (marked down to $0.99/1) 5/1 SS
-(5) BOGO FREE Dry Idea or Right Guard 5/1 RP
-(1) $5 RR from two weeks ago
-(5) $0.99 RR from first five individual Icy Hot purchases on last trans w/ no Icy Hot
Oh the beeping that happens when a coupon is a penny more than the register value! We all know it and dread it. And no matter how many times I explain to both the sweet register girl and the manager how to fix the problem (just mark it down a penny), it is forever a fiasco. Oh the problems of a couponer!
I did this in SEVEN transactions. Why? Because I am insane. But also because the Icy Hot is on sale for $0.99/each. And produce a lovely $0.99 Register Reward. I had six $1/1 coupons. Making them FREE *plus* a $0.99 MONEY MAKER. But like all things at Wags, they are limit (1). And if you use the Icy Hot RR to pay for another Icy Hot, it will not produce another RR. So I had to purchase five of the six by themselves. The deodorant is Buy One, Get One FREE this week and my store had a TON in stock. In two locations too. I only planned to buy two but since they had so much, I figured I'd go ahead and buy a bunch and then give away the excess. As it is, on the way home I dropped off two at a friend's house who called me a few days ago asking for a deodorant deal. So the photo is missing those two. A few more are going to another friend tomorrow. None of my girlfriends will stink this summer- ha!
Also, I realized that I bought one too many deodorants. I knew my bill felt too high but at that point it was my last transaction and I wanted to not be the problem child any longer. I didn't figure it out until just now. So I will return one of the deodorants and my totals below will reflect it.
The Ecotrin was FREE so it's a donation. I don't use aspirin but can't pass up FREE medicine for donations to my local food pantry. I am forever struck by the realization that if someone can't afford food, they also can't afford such "luxuries" as feminine hygiene products, body wash or headache medicine. I think I will donate the triple calcium too- not even sure what it is. But it was a $5 MONEY MAKER so it came home with me! Though not knowing exactly what it was meant that it took me forever and a day to find it on the bottom shelf in my store. Also note that I didn't pay tax for several items. I don't know why exactly but it had to do with all the trouble the manager had figuring out how to mark down a coupon one penny. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and at that point there was no way for them to figure more out than what was actually being done.
Sadly, my store did not have any (I don't believe they even sell them) of the Ritz Crackerfuls. Disappointing as my dad loves them and they are a $1 Money Maker today and tomorrow. My store didn't have a few of the other things on my list but I'd say overall, I did pretty well. I'm most excited about the only thing I really paid more than tax for- the Off Clip Ons! I don't camp but there are definitely times when I am in the garden or at a backyard dinner when the bugs eat me and only me. I think these- if they really work- are brilliant. Now I have two!
Purchased (in seven transactions)...
(1) Applied Nutrition Triple Calcium reg. $?, sale $10
(2) Ecotrin reg. $3.49?, sale $0.99 (in ad Q)
(2) Off Clip On Starter Kit reg.?, sale $7.99
(6) Icy Hot Naturals reg. $1.99, sale $0.99
(10) Dry Idea deodorant reg. $4.49
Minus...
-(1) $5/1 Applied Nutrition from Walgreens June coupon booklet
-(2) $1.50/1 Ecotrin Aspirin product 5/1 RP (marked down to $0.99/1)
-(1) BOGO FREE Off Clip On print coupon
-(1) $2/1 Off Clip On 5/22 SS
-(1) $1/1 Off product from Walgreens June coupon booklet (take off $2)
-(6) $1/1 Icy Hot (marked down to $0.99/1) 5/1 SS
-(5) BOGO FREE Dry Idea or Right Guard 5/1 RP
-(1) $5 RR from two weeks ago
-(5) $0.99 RR from first five individual Icy Hot purchases on last trans w/ no Icy Hot
Total value purchased ... $96.50
Paid out of pocket ... $3.53
Percentage saved ... 96.3%
Earned and not yet spent ... (1) $0.99 RR from Icy Hot and (1) $10 RR from Calcium
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Great Quick Deals
In between torrential down pours on Monday, I was able to score a few items for a fraction of their original prices. Even better was that both of these transactions took but minutes. I happened to be near both stores so I ran in and took advantage.
Stop #1:
Pet Smart
Purchased five bags of Purina dog treats. I think the original price is around $3 or $3.50? They are on sale this week for $2.50. I used my $2.50 newspaper coupons and was left with just tax. Of $1. Or just $0.20/bag.
Stop #2:
Walgreens
Purchased four Oscar Mayer Sub Sandwiches (in two separate transactions). They are on sale this week 2/$3, plus earn a $1 RR when you buy two. I used the $1/1 coupons. Paid out of pocket just $1.24 for two and earned a $1 RR. I did this twice so that I earned two RR's.
I did so much shopping last week that I really don't need much of anything this week. I will pop into Price Chopper (hopefully) tomorrow to pick up some salad greens but really other than that, I think I am about done for the week. I re-organized my chest freezer last weekend and realized that I have a LOT of meat in there. Which is awesome! So I will be working from what I already have in stock for a bit to ensure nothing goes bad. That chest freezer has easily paid for itself in savings in under a year!
Be sure to enter this giveaway for a fantastic pair of Sperry Top-Siders!
Stop #1:
Pet Smart
Purchased five bags of Purina dog treats. I think the original price is around $3 or $3.50? They are on sale this week for $2.50. I used my $2.50 newspaper coupons and was left with just tax. Of $1. Or just $0.20/bag.
Stop #2:
Walgreens
Purchased four Oscar Mayer Sub Sandwiches (in two separate transactions). They are on sale this week 2/$3, plus earn a $1 RR when you buy two. I used the $1/1 coupons. Paid out of pocket just $1.24 for two and earned a $1 RR. I did this twice so that I earned two RR's.
I did so much shopping last week that I really don't need much of anything this week. I will pop into Price Chopper (hopefully) tomorrow to pick up some salad greens but really other than that, I think I am about done for the week. I re-organized my chest freezer last weekend and realized that I have a LOT of meat in there. Which is awesome! So I will be working from what I already have in stock for a bit to ensure nothing goes bad. That chest freezer has easily paid for itself in savings in under a year!
Be sure to enter this giveaway for a fantastic pair of Sperry Top-Siders!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Second Stop: Walgreens
So after my quick run to Rite-Aid, I ran up the road to Wags. There really isn't much I need or want from the sales at any of my stores this week, honestly. I think my house is very well stocked on most health and beauty items. I have more body wash than I could possibly use in the next year. I have a few months worth of shampoo and lotion (Though if I find a deal on lotion I would be happy as the older I get, the more I use lotion. Like a lot!). I've got a few months of all of my paper products, dish soap products and cleaning products. And I have oral products to last until Kingdom come. Ditto on deodorant. I am giving excess away like candy still. There really are only a few things I need to build up a better stock on right now.
I have so many razors right now. But I also realized after the last time I purchased this Gillette kit that I had a rare $5/1 coupon from that P&G mailed booklet. After the RR, it was a tiny bit of a money maker (well that doesn't factor in tax so really it was not a money maker but it was still a rock bottom deal). As these kits come with a razor, extra blade, shave cream, scrub and aftershave (the last two items I toss in my donate box), it's such a steal of a deal. I have no qualms about using a men's razor and shave cream on my legs. Who the heck cares?!
Purchased ...
Transaction #1:
(1) Finish Gel Packs reg. $6.99?, sale $3.49
(1) Dove Men's deodorant reg. $4.99?, sale $3.99
(1) Snickers w/ Almonds reg. $0.88, sale $0.39 *filler*
(3) Scotch Tape reg. $1.99, sale Buy One, Get Two FREE
Minus
-(1) $1.50/1 Finish peelie coupon from something I bought a while back
-(1) $1/1 Dove Men's deodorant mailed to me with sample
-(2) $1/1 Scotch Tape (I was not able to use three due to beeps)
-$5 Register Reward
Total value purchased ... $19.78
Paid out of pocket ... $1.20
Earned ... $1.50 RR from Finish and $3 RR from Dove
Transaction #2:
(1) Gillette Shave kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Snickers w/ Almonds reg. $0.88, sale $0.39 *filler*
Minus
-(1) $5/1 Gillette razor
-$1.50 RR from Finish in Transaction #1
-$3 RR from Dove in Transaction #1
Total value purchased ... $15.79
Paid out of pocket ... $2.02
Earned ... $5 RR from Gillette
I have so many razors right now. But I also realized after the last time I purchased this Gillette kit that I had a rare $5/1 coupon from that P&G mailed booklet. After the RR, it was a tiny bit of a money maker (well that doesn't factor in tax so really it was not a money maker but it was still a rock bottom deal). As these kits come with a razor, extra blade, shave cream, scrub and aftershave (the last two items I toss in my donate box), it's such a steal of a deal. I have no qualms about using a men's razor and shave cream on my legs. Who the heck cares?!
Purchased ...
Transaction #1:
(1) Finish Gel Packs reg. $6.99?, sale $3.49
(1) Dove Men's deodorant reg. $4.99?, sale $3.99
(1) Snickers w/ Almonds reg. $0.88, sale $0.39 *filler*
(3) Scotch Tape reg. $1.99, sale Buy One, Get Two FREE
Minus
-(1) $1.50/1 Finish peelie coupon from something I bought a while back
-(1) $1/1 Dove Men's deodorant mailed to me with sample
-(2) $1/1 Scotch Tape (I was not able to use three due to beeps)
-$5 Register Reward
Total value purchased ... $19.78
Paid out of pocket ... $1.20
Earned ... $1.50 RR from Finish and $3 RR from Dove
Transaction #2:
(1) Gillette Shave kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Snickers w/ Almonds reg. $0.88, sale $0.39 *filler*
Minus
-(1) $5/1 Gillette razor
-$1.50 RR from Finish in Transaction #1
-$3 RR from Dove in Transaction #1
Total value purchased ... $15.79
Paid out of pocket ... $2.02
Earned ... $5 RR from Gillette
So in total for both transactions...
Total value purchased ... $35.57
Paid out of pocket ... $3.22
Percentage saved ... 91%
Earned and left to spend ... $5 RR
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Breathe Right And Chips
Well this has been both a busy and deal strike out week for me. Trying to not dwell on the deals I am missing. But sort of bummed as I went out to try and snag them on Sunday and they still remain elusive.
I popped in Rite-Aid again to see if they had any of the Tylenol Precise patches left. Nope. Sniff. I don't actually need them (they would have been donated) but with the $5 off coupons they would be FREE. And as I have five of those print coupons, I would have qualified for the $5 +up RR.
I did get two boxes of the Breathe Right strips. The coupon states one coupon per customer so I did two transactions- the second was simply one box of the strips. And was totally FREE. The first order, she rang the coupon up at the max price listed of $5.99. So when I handed her my last coupon, the $2/2 Lays chips, she wasn't able to use it. Which is fine but it certainly confused me a bit until I got in the car and looked at my receipt.
Purchased...
(2) Breathe Right strips 10 count reg. $5.49, sale $3.99
(1) Sierra Mist Natural soda reg. $1.89
(2) Lays Kettle Chips reg. $3.49, sale $2.79
Minus...
(2) $1 +up RR
(1) Free Sierra Mist Natural soda wyb two Lays chips coupon
(2) Free Breathe Right strips up to $5.99
So not earth shattering by any stretch. I won't even keep the Breathe Right strips. Straight to donate box. I only bought them because they were a money maker. And I've never tasted Sierra Mist but I'm sure it's like Sprite and will be tasty on a hot summer day. The chips though, are my downfall in life. My favorite. I'm beyond well stocked now.
I popped in Rite-Aid again to see if they had any of the Tylenol Precise patches left. Nope. Sniff. I don't actually need them (they would have been donated) but with the $5 off coupons they would be FREE. And as I have five of those print coupons, I would have qualified for the $5 +up RR.
I did get two boxes of the Breathe Right strips. The coupon states one coupon per customer so I did two transactions- the second was simply one box of the strips. And was totally FREE. The first order, she rang the coupon up at the max price listed of $5.99. So when I handed her my last coupon, the $2/2 Lays chips, she wasn't able to use it. Which is fine but it certainly confused me a bit until I got in the car and looked at my receipt.
Purchased...
(2) Breathe Right strips 10 count reg. $5.49, sale $3.99
(1) Sierra Mist Natural soda reg. $1.89
(2) Lays Kettle Chips reg. $3.49, sale $2.79
Minus...
(2) $1 +up RR
(1) Free Sierra Mist Natural soda wyb two Lays chips coupon
(2) Free Breathe Right strips up to $5.99
Total value purchased ... $20.78
Paid out of pocket ... $0.78
Percentage saved ... 96%
Earned ... (2) $1 +up RR from the Breathe Right
So not earth shattering by any stretch. I won't even keep the Breathe Right strips. Straight to donate box. I only bought them because they were a money maker. And I've never tasted Sierra Mist but I'm sure it's like Sprite and will be tasty on a hot summer day. The chips though, are my downfall in life. My favorite. I'm beyond well stocked now.
When Friends Meet...
I popped into Walgreens for the third time this week to see if they by chance had more of the Clean and Clear body wash. They sadly did not. I got a rain check but seeing as how the coupon expires this Sunday, it doesn't look good. Win some, lose some, right?
But the BEST moment happened, even though I didn't get any free body wash. As I was waiting in line to get a rain check, the woman in front of me revealed herself to be a kindred spirit. A coupon cousin. A saves a lot sister.
She. Had. A. Coupon. Binder. Too!
We both got so tickled and talked up our love of couponing. We were so excited that a guy who was there with some contest from the Times Union was asking all sorts of questions regarding how we got things for free (I of course used the elusive Clean and Clear example.) I don't think I really explained it all well in the two minutes we spoke. But he was fascinated nonetheless.
My only regret is that I didn't exchange information with my newly discovered coupon cousin. I didn't tell her about my blog or offer up my email address.
So on the off chance my new sweet pal who has a rock star coupon binder that I met in line at Walgreens today is reading this... It's me, KK. Who had the pink bag and two coupon binders. I am always hoping to meet local shoppers. Please drop me a line, my cheerful friend!
I've received lots of judging glares, several rude comments, and exactly one compliment on my coupon binder system. But this was the very first time I ran into a fellow shopper doing the same thing. Sort of a big (and redeeming) moment for me!
But the BEST moment happened, even though I didn't get any free body wash. As I was waiting in line to get a rain check, the woman in front of me revealed herself to be a kindred spirit. A coupon cousin. A saves a lot sister.
She. Had. A. Coupon. Binder. Too!
We both got so tickled and talked up our love of couponing. We were so excited that a guy who was there with some contest from the Times Union was asking all sorts of questions regarding how we got things for free (I of course used the elusive Clean and Clear example.) I don't think I really explained it all well in the two minutes we spoke. But he was fascinated nonetheless.
My only regret is that I didn't exchange information with my newly discovered coupon cousin. I didn't tell her about my blog or offer up my email address.
So on the off chance my new sweet pal who has a rock star coupon binder that I met in line at Walgreens today is reading this... It's me, KK. Who had the pink bag and two coupon binders. I am always hoping to meet local shoppers. Please drop me a line, my cheerful friend!
I've received lots of judging glares, several rude comments, and exactly one compliment on my coupon binder system. But this was the very first time I ran into a fellow shopper doing the same thing. Sort of a big (and redeeming) moment for me!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
FREE Clean & Clear Bodywash At Walgreens Next Week!
Starting this Sunday May (OMG how is it May already??) 08, Walgreens will have a great Buy One Get One FREE sale on Clean & Clear body wash. Plus...you should have a BOGO Clean & Clear body wash coupon from the 3/27 SS insert. Which means you can buy TWO and pay only tax!!
I've seen lots of confusion lately on BOGO sales and coupons. So let me share what I do know for sure.
Coupon policies are our friends!
When I first started couponing, I read blogs that said as much over and over and nodded my head and then did not a darn thing about it. Until a particular Walgreens manager refused to follow the policy. Then I started printing off each store policy and adding it to my big coupon binder. It's always with me. I can reference it if I have a question. And I can reference it if a manager tries to not follow it. And I can reference it (this is when I ref it most often) when a cashier is unfamiliar with a store policy because they were never trained on the details. It is worth every last drop of ink (and you can totally print these in draft too) to have that security blanket with you at all times!
To a store, manufacturer coupons are like cash. Not all cashiers realize this. But every valid coupon has a remit address and also notes that the store will be reimbursed for the face value AND shipping and handling. A good store manager should welcome coupons as they are a win-win for both stores and customers.
So when a store runs a BOGO Free sale, you can (unless otherwise noted in a store's coupon policy) also use a BOGO Free coupon. The store is giving one to you for free. And the coupon is your cash tender to pay for the second item. To you, it's a piece of paper that you clipped from the Sunday paper. But to the store, it's sort of like a check. They will cash it in for $$.
So you are not stealing! Never let a store tell you otherwise. I've so been there and I know it's demoralizing. But that's why you have your printed coupon policies. They are your backbone in this coupon game.
Oh and you still have to pay tax on the PRE-COUPON PRICE. So if a non-food item is on regularly $7 but on sale for $5, you will pay tax on the store's sale price of $5. If you have a coupon for $5/1 and you live here in NY, your tax will be $0.40. So while yes, I am claiming that the body wash will be FREE, it's not exactly free as you will still have to pay tax on the pre-coupon price. So if it's not an item you actually need/use/like, free isn't always worth it. But in the case of body wash, something I love and seem to go through quickly, just tax is as good as it gets!
MORE Great Coupons
As I was putting away the Swiffer starter kit, I noticed that it says on the side that it includes $4 in coupons. Being a coupon-aholic, I peeked inside to find $9 in coupons! Score! I'm not sure I am motivated to go back to Walgreens for a third time this week. Honestly, it's pushing it for me to go there once in a week and by Monday afternoon I had already been twice. But they are good until 12/31/11 so a fun surprise to hang on to.
That's something I have learned. When it comes to coupons and sales, there will be another one. It's OK if you miss one or many in a given week. You can't win them all. And it's not a big deal. There will be another sale and more coupons in a few months.
Swiffer Deals At Walgreens
OK so there are some great deals that I noticed last night when looking through the Wags circular and other favorite blogs. In the middle of the Walgreens circular this week is an ad noting that if you spend $10 on select products (including Swiffer, Mr. Clean and more), you will receive a $3 Register Reward.
Of course, after planning and plotting last night, I got to the store to find that my prices were higher on some things, lower on other things and out of stock on some others. This is typical. As a couponaholic, you have to learn to go with the flow. My back up plan is always my giant coupon binder. And it actually worked out so well as I found a coupon I didn't realize I had for $5/1 Swiffer Starter Kit. I believe the coupon was from the P & G coupon book that was mailed to me months ago.
I had to do this in three transactions in order to keep my out of pocket costs as low as possible. I still hate the dumb Walgreens coupon to item ratio rule. It forces me to buy extra crap- such as those caramels. But even with the added items, I still did pretty great.
Transaction #1:
(1) Swiffer Starter Kit reg. $10.95, sale $8.99
(1) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 2 ct. reg. $2.59, sale $1.94
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $5 RR from Gillette yesterday
-(1) $5/1 Swiffer Starter Kit
-(1) $1.50/1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from 5/1
Out of pocket ... $1.15 ($0.94 of that was tax)
Earned ... $3 RR from Swiffer/Mr. Clean
Transaction #2:
(1) Noxzema Razor 4 ct. reg. $??, sale $3.99
(1) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $2 RR from Eez-Thru yesterday
-(1) $2/1 Noxzema print or from 5/1 paper (sadly I did not get that coupon)
Out of pocket ... $0.73 ($0.35 of that was tax)
Earned ... $3 RR from Noxzema Razor
Transaction #3:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide Kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $3 RR from Swiffer/Mr. Clean in Trans #1
-(1) $3 RR from Noxzema Razor in Trans #2
-(1) $4/1 Gillette Fusion from 5/1
Out of pocket ... $1.52 ($0.85 of that was tax)
Earned ... $5 RR from Gillette Fusion
So in total, here's what I did in just a few minutes at Wags today...
Of course, after planning and plotting last night, I got to the store to find that my prices were higher on some things, lower on other things and out of stock on some others. This is typical. As a couponaholic, you have to learn to go with the flow. My back up plan is always my giant coupon binder. And it actually worked out so well as I found a coupon I didn't realize I had for $5/1 Swiffer Starter Kit. I believe the coupon was from the P & G coupon book that was mailed to me months ago.
I had to do this in three transactions in order to keep my out of pocket costs as low as possible. I still hate the dumb Walgreens coupon to item ratio rule. It forces me to buy extra crap- such as those caramels. But even with the added items, I still did pretty great.
Transaction #1:
(1) Swiffer Starter Kit reg. $10.95, sale $8.99
(1) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 2 ct. reg. $2.59, sale $1.94
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $5 RR from Gillette yesterday
-(1) $5/1 Swiffer Starter Kit
-(1) $1.50/1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from 5/1
Out of pocket ... $1.15 ($0.94 of that was tax)
Earned ... $3 RR from Swiffer/Mr. Clean
Transaction #2:
(1) Noxzema Razor 4 ct. reg. $??, sale $3.99
(1) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $2 RR from Eez-Thru yesterday
-(1) $2/1 Noxzema print or from 5/1 paper (sadly I did not get that coupon)
Out of pocket ... $0.73 ($0.35 of that was tax)
Earned ... $3 RR from Noxzema Razor
Transaction #3:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide Kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39
-(1) $3 RR from Swiffer/Mr. Clean in Trans #1
-(1) $3 RR from Noxzema Razor in Trans #2
-(1) $4/1 Gillette Fusion from 5/1
Out of pocket ... $1.52 ($0.85 of that was tax)
Earned ... $5 RR from Gillette Fusion
So in total, here's what I did in just a few minutes at Wags today...
Total value purchased ... $34.91
Paid out of pocket ... $3.40
Percentage saved ... 90%
Earned and still unused ... $5 RR
Sunday, May 1, 2011
I Did Just OK At Walgreens...
I went to Walgreens with a plan. Then based on what was in stock and what I really wanted/needed, I changed my plan. About six times. I was in there for what felt like forever. Thankfully I was pretty much the only person in there most of the time. I never shop on Sundays because 1) I am rarely together enough to get out to shop and 2) I figured the stores would be swamped. But both stores were empty today. Perhaps I should shop on Sundays more often!
I made some mistakes too. I thought I had it all organized but then I got flustered and mixed up at the register. Usually I am a cool cucumber (on the outside anyway) but today for whatever reason, I was a hot mess. This was not my best shopping experience but I am now fully stocked on all of these items. Also, this is my favorite brand of toilet paper but not my favorite size. I prefer, given an option, the triple rolls. But when you coupon, you get the best deal possible. And this was definitely the best deal today.
In addition, please note the Gillette shaving kits. They regularly sell for $12.99, are on sale for $9.89. After coupons and earned RR's, they come to just $0.89! (That's factoring in earned Register Rewards mind you- which I can do in this case as I was able to pay with previously earned RR's.) They are the same price as just the razors but the kits include: 1 razor, 1 extra razor blade, 1 battery, 1 shave gel, 1 cooling lotion and 1 thermal scrub. My legs don't know the difference between a men's or women's razor or shave gel, by the way.
Lastly, note that the Noxzema razors are a Money Maker! They are on sale for $3.99 and produce a $3 Register Reward. If you use the $2/1 coupon, before tax but after the Reward is turns into a $1.01 Money Maker.
So I did this in three transactions to reduce my out of pocket expenses...
Transaction #1:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(1) Noxzema Razor 4 pk. reg. $??, sale $3.99
(1) Eez-Thru Flossers 90 ct. reg. $2
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **filler but I didn't need them- this is where I went from organized to totally flustered and unorganized and when the store went from empty to full...all in that one moment.**
-$4 Register Reward from last week
-(1) $4/1 Gillette manu from 05/01 PG
-(1) $2/1 Noxzema Razor manu Q or from 05/01 RP (my papers sadly did not get this coupon)
Paid out of pocket ... $7.99
Earned ... $5 RR (Gillette), $3 RR (Noxzema), $2 RR (Eez-Thru)
Transaction #2:
(2) Cottonelle Large 12 rolls reg. $??, sale $5
(1) Head & Shoulders Shampoo reg. $??, sale 2/$8
(1) Head & Shoulders Conditioner reg. $??, sale 2/$8
(1) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **filler**
-$5 RR from Gillette in Trans #1
-$3 RR from Noxzema in Trans #1
-(2) $0.50/1 Cottonelle manu Q
-(2) $1/1 Cottonelle from Walgreens May Coupon Book (in store and does not count against coupon ratio for order)
-(1) Buy One Get One FREE H&S Shampoo and Conditioner manu Q
Paid out of pocket ... $4.22
Earned ... $3 RR (Cottonelle), $2 RR (H&S)
Transaction #3:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **fillers**
-$3 RR from Cottonelle in Trans #2
-$2 RR from H&S in Trans #2
-$4/1 Gillette manu Q from 05/01 PG
Paid out of pocket ... $2.52
Earned ... $5 RR (Gillette)
I made some mistakes too. I thought I had it all organized but then I got flustered and mixed up at the register. Usually I am a cool cucumber (on the outside anyway) but today for whatever reason, I was a hot mess. This was not my best shopping experience but I am now fully stocked on all of these items. Also, this is my favorite brand of toilet paper but not my favorite size. I prefer, given an option, the triple rolls. But when you coupon, you get the best deal possible. And this was definitely the best deal today.
In addition, please note the Gillette shaving kits. They regularly sell for $12.99, are on sale for $9.89. After coupons and earned RR's, they come to just $0.89! (That's factoring in earned Register Rewards mind you- which I can do in this case as I was able to pay with previously earned RR's.) They are the same price as just the razors but the kits include: 1 razor, 1 extra razor blade, 1 battery, 1 shave gel, 1 cooling lotion and 1 thermal scrub. My legs don't know the difference between a men's or women's razor or shave gel, by the way.
Lastly, note that the Noxzema razors are a Money Maker! They are on sale for $3.99 and produce a $3 Register Reward. If you use the $2/1 coupon, before tax but after the Reward is turns into a $1.01 Money Maker.
So I did this in three transactions to reduce my out of pocket expenses...
Transaction #1:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(1) Noxzema Razor 4 pk. reg. $??, sale $3.99
(1) Eez-Thru Flossers 90 ct. reg. $2
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **filler but I didn't need them- this is where I went from organized to totally flustered and unorganized and when the store went from empty to full...all in that one moment.**
-$4 Register Reward from last week
-(1) $4/1 Gillette manu from 05/01 PG
-(1) $2/1 Noxzema Razor manu Q or from 05/01 RP (my papers sadly did not get this coupon)
Paid out of pocket ... $7.99
Earned ... $5 RR (Gillette), $3 RR (Noxzema), $2 RR (Eez-Thru)
Transaction #2:
(2) Cottonelle Large 12 rolls reg. $??, sale $5
(1) Head & Shoulders Shampoo reg. $??, sale 2/$8
(1) Head & Shoulders Conditioner reg. $??, sale 2/$8
(1) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **filler**
-$5 RR from Gillette in Trans #1
-$3 RR from Noxzema in Trans #1
-(2) $0.50/1 Cottonelle manu Q
-(2) $1/1 Cottonelle from Walgreens May Coupon Book (in store and does not count against coupon ratio for order)
-(1) Buy One Get One FREE H&S Shampoo and Conditioner manu Q
Paid out of pocket ... $4.22
Earned ... $3 RR (Cottonelle), $2 RR (H&S)
Transaction #3:
(1) Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor kit reg. $12.99, sale $9.89
(2) Caramel candy reg. $0.39 **fillers**
-$3 RR from Cottonelle in Trans #2
-$2 RR from H&S in Trans #2
-$4/1 Gillette manu Q from 05/01 PG
Paid out of pocket ... $2.52
Earned ... $5 RR (Gillette)
Total value purchased ... $55.91
Paid out of pocket ... $14.73
Percentage saved ... 74%
Earned and still unused ... $7 Register Rewards
Thursday, April 28, 2011
I Saved But Not Easily
Oh Walgreens...you are just so flippin' complicated! We are back on the "outs" and barely on speaking terms. Again because of manager Rob not wanting to do his job. Which includes but is not limited to: ringing up customers, marking down coupons, reading the cash register, and doing anything even remotely considered helpful. In fact, Rob's only answer is that he can't or won't do anything. He does love to stand around when cashiers need help or customers are 12 deep in line and instead shoot the breeze with his buddies. Every time I am there. Annoying.
Another annoying aspect to today's trip is that the store was out of everything I wanted. I went there specifically for about four items. And Rob refused to even write me Rain Checks! Calling corporate shortly on that. I mean, I get that I went on a Wednesday so I chance things being in stock. But I should be able to get a Rain Check, right? Not according to Rob.
Unfortunately I needed to buy something as my Register Rewards were expiring. And this is the only semi-close Walgreens so I had to make something work. Of what was purchased, the only thing on my list was the face medicine. I do not need the Oxi stuff but I will certainly use it eventually. The price after coupons though came to just $0.50/each. That's awesome. And I've decided I don't even really like that toothpaste but I wanted to roll my Rewards. When you use the manu coupon, it's actually a small profit. Oh and this was done in two transactions because one of my Rewards that I wanted to use was from the Luster toothpaste last week. As I planned to get the Reward again today, I needed to make sure NOT to pay for this toothpaste with the RR from last week's toothpaste.
OK I have somehow misplaced my first receipt. So I am just going to guess. I know what I paid within a nickle or two and will just guesstimate. Sorry.
Purchased...
(1) Luster White Toothpaste reg. $7.99, sale $4.99
(1) Clean and Clear face stuff reg. $6.99
(1) Caramel to bump up my pre-coupon total reg. $0.39
(2) Dove body wash reg. $4??, sale $2
(8) Oxi Clean Max Force reg. 2/$5
Minus...
(1) $1.50/1 Luster White Toothpaste manu Q
(1) $1/1 Clean and Clear manu Q
(1) $3/2 Dove bodywash print Q
(4) $1/2 Oxi Clean from in store April Walgreens Coupon Book Q (does not count against your coupon to item ratio)
(4) $3/2 Oxi Clean many Q
$15 Register Rewards (I only factor these in to my totals when I actually use them!)
(1) of the $3/1 Oxi Clean coupons had to be marked down to $2.45
(1) Clean and Clear coupon had to be marked down to $0.99
Another annoying aspect to today's trip is that the store was out of everything I wanted. I went there specifically for about four items. And Rob refused to even write me Rain Checks! Calling corporate shortly on that. I mean, I get that I went on a Wednesday so I chance things being in stock. But I should be able to get a Rain Check, right? Not according to Rob.
Unfortunately I needed to buy something as my Register Rewards were expiring. And this is the only semi-close Walgreens so I had to make something work. Of what was purchased, the only thing on my list was the face medicine. I do not need the Oxi stuff but I will certainly use it eventually. The price after coupons though came to just $0.50/each. That's awesome. And I've decided I don't even really like that toothpaste but I wanted to roll my Rewards. When you use the manu coupon, it's actually a small profit. Oh and this was done in two transactions because one of my Rewards that I wanted to use was from the Luster toothpaste last week. As I planned to get the Reward again today, I needed to make sure NOT to pay for this toothpaste with the RR from last week's toothpaste.
OK I have somehow misplaced my first receipt. So I am just going to guess. I know what I paid within a nickle or two and will just guesstimate. Sorry.
Purchased...
(1) Luster White Toothpaste reg. $7.99, sale $4.99
(1) Clean and Clear face stuff reg. $6.99
(1) Caramel to bump up my pre-coupon total reg. $0.39
(2) Dove body wash reg. $4??, sale $2
(8) Oxi Clean Max Force reg. 2/$5
Minus...
(1) $1.50/1 Luster White Toothpaste manu Q
(1) $1/1 Clean and Clear manu Q
(1) $3/2 Dove bodywash print Q
(4) $1/2 Oxi Clean from in store April Walgreens Coupon Book Q (does not count against your coupon to item ratio)
(4) $3/2 Oxi Clean many Q
$15 Register Rewards (I only factor these in to my totals when I actually use them!)
(1) of the $3/1 Oxi Clean coupons had to be marked down to $2.45
(1) Clean and Clear coupon had to be marked down to $0.99
Total (approx) value purchased ... $46
Paid out of pocket ... $3.50
Percentage saved ... 92%
Earned ... $4 RR from the Luster White
I think I actually should have saved more but it was a hot mess at checkout. You win some and lose some and I had already spent too much time and energy in this store. The only thing I had planned to buy was the Clean and Clear, which even after my coupon would have cost me $5.99.
Honestly, if my Rewards weren't expiring and I didn't have do many, I would have left. Walgreens is just too big of a headache. I'm all about Rite Aid and Target whenever possible!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tips For Walgreens
I get a lot of questions about couponing at Walgreens. I will be the first to tell you that their coupon policy is a bit more complicated than most stores. For months I refused to shop there. Too intimidating. But once you get the hang of it, there are some GREAT deals to be found.
So the tricky part is that you have to do math. In general, to coupon, you will do a heck of a lot of math. Couponing would make 3rd grade math teachers proud. It's all one giant math game. Not complicated but it does require you to use that noggin'. But Walgreens adds in ratios.
Walgreens, like Target, Price Chopper, Rite-Aid and CVS, will allow you to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon on a single item. Yay! And you can use your Register Rewards on top of that. Triple yay! But you cannot have more coupons than items in a single transaction. And Register Rewards count as coupons. So upon checkout, at a maximum you can have a 1 coupon to 1 item ratio.
Still with me?
This is where "filler" items come into play. And why I often come home with a piece of $0.39 candy. Let's pretend you want to buy shampoo. And you have a newspaper coupon for said shampoo. And a Register Reward that you earned last week from buying toothpaste. You may use both the coupon and the Register Reward. But you need a filler item. You need to fix that ratio so that you have at least one item per coupon.
Most of the time I would rather find coupons for $/1 item. But in the case of Walgreens, $/2 or more items becomes a great way to use a coupon on more than one item without needing to add in an unwanted filler item.
Another thing to note is that Register Reward deals at Walgreens, unless otherwise noted, are always a limit of one. So let's say that the shampoo you purchased above will produce a $2 Register Reward this week. And you would like to buy three bottles of shampoo because combined with the coupon and Register Reward, it's a rock bottom amazing price. If you want to earn that $2 Register Reward for each bottle of shampoo, you will need to make three separate purchases. And you cannot use the first $2 shampoo RR to buy the second bottle. You may use a RR earned from last week's toothpaste deal. But if you use RR from the first shampoo to pay for the second shampoo, it will not produce another Register Reward. The system knows where your Register Rewards come from. So when it states limit of one, it means it.
I really hope that helps a bit. Please feel free to ask me questions. I am still learning. And make mistakes all the time. And have transactions go wrong more often than not. But I am more than happy to share the little bits I do know with anyone. Don't hesitate to ask. Chances are, I've asked the same question not so long ago of another more experienced coupon bloggers.
Want to see what I purchased tonight at Wags?
Well first let me explain that I had $16 in Register Rewards that expired at midnight. I really didn't need much this week so I sort of had to scramble to use them. But not using them kills me- it's free money- so I had to figure something out. I had to do two separate transactions because one of the Register Rewards was for the Luster White toothpaste from a few weeks ago. As I wanted to again earn the RR this week, I had to take care to separate them.
Transaction #1:
Bought...
(2) Ellio's Pizza $3.99
(2) Biore Cleansing Strips $5.99 (normally $7.49 I think)
(1) Nexcare clear waterproof bandage $3.49
(1) Nexcare flex bandage $3.49
Minus...
-(1) $1/2 Ellio's Pizza coupon
-(1) Buy one Biore Strips, get one Cleanser for free $5.99 *my store was out of face scrub but as the Biore Strips are actually called Biore Cleansing Strips, my store let me use the coupon. it will be subject to your store though*
-(1) $1/2 Nexcare bandages
-$16 Register Rewards
Earned...
*(1) $5 Register Reward from the Biore (buy two and earn a $5 RR)
*(2) $3.49 Mail in rebates for the Nexcare bandages. There is a peelie on the boxes and you are able to send in for a full refund. You are allowed one refund for each type and there are three types.
Transaction #2:
Bought...
(1) G Fit Gatorade Recover $2.50 (normally ??)
(1) G Fit Gatorade Prime $1.50 (normally ??)
(1) G Fit Gatorade Perform $1 (normally ??)
(1) Luster White Sensitive Toothpaste $4.99 (normally ??)
Minus...
-(1) $1.50/1 Luster White Toothpaste newspaper coupon
-$8 Register Rewards
Earned...
(1) $5 Mail in rebate that prints after you purchase all three of the G Fit Gatorades
(1) $4 Register Reward from the Luster White Toothpaste
Even if you don't have a stack of Register Rewards about to expire, you can still totally go take advantage of some of these deals. The Luster White is producing a great $4 RR this week. If you have the $1.50/1 newspaper coupon, it becomes in the long run a $0.51 Money Maker (before tax). I have more toothpaste than I know what to do with. I give it away like Halloween candy. But as this was a Money Maker for me because I had to use up RR's, I justified it. The G Fit Gatorade becomes FREE after the mail in rebate. So that was just a no brainer for me. Of course I am going to try a new product if is going to be free at the end of the day.
Another note is that if your store is already out of the sales, just go ask for a rain check. The rain check will include the Register Reward deal so you can just pick it up next week or the next time it is back in stock.
So in review, I bought all of the above pictured, a total value of $46.64, for a total out of pocket cost of $5.08. A savings of 89%!
You should note that unlike many other bloggers, I do not count the Register Rewards earned into my total until I actually use them. I've had several occasions of foolishly letting them expire. So for me, you will see that I only include them in my total when I use them. But I like to note what I earned so that others can go purchase the same deals if you are so inclined.
So the tricky part is that you have to do math. In general, to coupon, you will do a heck of a lot of math. Couponing would make 3rd grade math teachers proud. It's all one giant math game. Not complicated but it does require you to use that noggin'. But Walgreens adds in ratios.
Walgreens, like Target, Price Chopper, Rite-Aid and CVS, will allow you to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon on a single item. Yay! And you can use your Register Rewards on top of that. Triple yay! But you cannot have more coupons than items in a single transaction. And Register Rewards count as coupons. So upon checkout, at a maximum you can have a 1 coupon to 1 item ratio.
Still with me?
This is where "filler" items come into play. And why I often come home with a piece of $0.39 candy. Let's pretend you want to buy shampoo. And you have a newspaper coupon for said shampoo. And a Register Reward that you earned last week from buying toothpaste. You may use both the coupon and the Register Reward. But you need a filler item. You need to fix that ratio so that you have at least one item per coupon.
Most of the time I would rather find coupons for $/1 item. But in the case of Walgreens, $/2 or more items becomes a great way to use a coupon on more than one item without needing to add in an unwanted filler item.
Another thing to note is that Register Reward deals at Walgreens, unless otherwise noted, are always a limit of one. So let's say that the shampoo you purchased above will produce a $2 Register Reward this week. And you would like to buy three bottles of shampoo because combined with the coupon and Register Reward, it's a rock bottom amazing price. If you want to earn that $2 Register Reward for each bottle of shampoo, you will need to make three separate purchases. And you cannot use the first $2 shampoo RR to buy the second bottle. You may use a RR earned from last week's toothpaste deal. But if you use RR from the first shampoo to pay for the second shampoo, it will not produce another Register Reward. The system knows where your Register Rewards come from. So when it states limit of one, it means it.
I really hope that helps a bit. Please feel free to ask me questions. I am still learning. And make mistakes all the time. And have transactions go wrong more often than not. But I am more than happy to share the little bits I do know with anyone. Don't hesitate to ask. Chances are, I've asked the same question not so long ago of another more experienced coupon bloggers.
Want to see what I purchased tonight at Wags?
Well first let me explain that I had $16 in Register Rewards that expired at midnight. I really didn't need much this week so I sort of had to scramble to use them. But not using them kills me- it's free money- so I had to figure something out. I had to do two separate transactions because one of the Register Rewards was for the Luster White toothpaste from a few weeks ago. As I wanted to again earn the RR this week, I had to take care to separate them.
Transaction #1:
Bought...
(2) Ellio's Pizza $3.99
(2) Biore Cleansing Strips $5.99 (normally $7.49 I think)
(1) Nexcare clear waterproof bandage $3.49
(1) Nexcare flex bandage $3.49
Minus...
-(1) $1/2 Ellio's Pizza coupon
-(1) Buy one Biore Strips, get one Cleanser for free $5.99 *my store was out of face scrub but as the Biore Strips are actually called Biore Cleansing Strips, my store let me use the coupon. it will be subject to your store though*
-(1) $1/2 Nexcare bandages
-$16 Register Rewards
Earned...
*(1) $5 Register Reward from the Biore (buy two and earn a $5 RR)
*(2) $3.49 Mail in rebates for the Nexcare bandages. There is a peelie on the boxes and you are able to send in for a full refund. You are allowed one refund for each type and there are three types.
Total value of items purchased including tax ... $30.90
Total paid out of pocket ... $3.91
Total saved ... 87.4%
Total earned including Register Rewards and Rebates ... $11.98
Transaction #2:
Bought...
(1) G Fit Gatorade Recover $2.50 (normally ??)
(1) G Fit Gatorade Prime $1.50 (normally ??)
(1) G Fit Gatorade Perform $1 (normally ??)
(1) Luster White Sensitive Toothpaste $4.99 (normally ??)
Minus...
-(1) $1.50/1 Luster White Toothpaste newspaper coupon
-$8 Register Rewards
Earned...
(1) $5 Mail in rebate that prints after you purchase all three of the G Fit Gatorades
(1) $4 Register Reward from the Luster White Toothpaste
Total value of items purchased before store sales ... $15.74
Total paid out of pocket ... $1.17
Total saved ... 93%
Total earned including Register Rewards and rebates ... $9
Even if you don't have a stack of Register Rewards about to expire, you can still totally go take advantage of some of these deals. The Luster White is producing a great $4 RR this week. If you have the $1.50/1 newspaper coupon, it becomes in the long run a $0.51 Money Maker (before tax). I have more toothpaste than I know what to do with. I give it away like Halloween candy. But as this was a Money Maker for me because I had to use up RR's, I justified it. The G Fit Gatorade becomes FREE after the mail in rebate. So that was just a no brainer for me. Of course I am going to try a new product if is going to be free at the end of the day.
Another note is that if your store is already out of the sales, just go ask for a rain check. The rain check will include the Register Reward deal so you can just pick it up next week or the next time it is back in stock.
So in review, I bought all of the above pictured, a total value of $46.64, for a total out of pocket cost of $5.08. A savings of 89%!
You should note that unlike many other bloggers, I do not count the Register Rewards earned into my total until I actually use them. I've had several occasions of foolishly letting them expire. So for me, you will see that I only include them in my total when I use them. But I like to note what I earned so that others can go purchase the same deals if you are so inclined.
I Heart Couponing!!
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