The Cheapskate Mom

I'm going to start by saying I really need to double check the CVS coupon policy on competitor coupons. As I mentioned in my previous post it seems a lot of stores that used to accept them do not. I am not sure whether it's regional or not, but this cashier has been at CVS for a long time and knows her stuff, so I know she was telling me the truth!

Here's what I got today:

Transaction #1

Excedrin Extra Strength 124 Ct $9.99
CVS Ibuprofen 100 Ct $4.99

-$1 Excedrin Coupon

Total (On FSA Card): $13.98
Got Back $3 ECBs

(Note: I got the wrong Ibuprofen, and didn't get back my $1 ECB :()

Transaction #2

Campbell's Condensed Soup (2) 2/$1
Dawn Dish Liquid $.97
Downy Softener Sheets $3.99
Gillete Deodorant $5.49
Gillette Body Wash $3.99
Pamper's Cruisers $8.88
Crest Glide Dental Floss $3.97
Pantene Hairspray Trial Size $1.29

- $5 Total ECBs
-$12.94 Mfr. Coupons

Total OOP: $13.37
Got back $3.50 ECBs

This month's P & G insert has a coupon for any Pantene hairspray or styling product that DOES NOT specify size, so that is how I got the trial size for free. I have seen this happen a lot, but I want to say I THINK it is an oversight, as they did this with Tide for a while which allowed you to get the single load packet for free at WalMart and Target. A lot of people must have done this because WalMart pulled them from the shelf and shortly after P&G started putting the specified size on the coupon. I am curious to know why they do this from time to time, though, so if anybody knows I'd be interested to hear about that :)

Weis is usually not my primary store, however, when there is a good deal I do my primary weekly shopping there. This store is much different from the one I was used to, and for some reason, it feels like everything was put on a merry-go-round and flung throughout the store! However, this week, I feel like I did pretty well for myself, and learned a few lessons on the way.

Weis used to accept all competitor coupons but I have noticed most stores who used to hold this policy are tightening the reigns. Coupon policies seem to be changing, and not in our favor, so we have to find new ways to adjust.

Here is a recap of my trip today:

Items purchased:

San Gorgio Quick Cook Pasta (2) 10/$10
Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta (2) 4/$5
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta (2) 4/$5
Bisquick 20oz $1.85
Weis Quality Raisins $2.50
Marcal Small Steps Single Roll (4) $.89
Gerber Graduates Lil Crunchies (2) $1.99
Weis BBQ Sauce $1.29
Chi Chi's Flour Tortillas (2) $1
Pamper's Easy Ups $9.99
Yoplait Single Cups (8) 20/$10
Breyers Yo Crunch 100 Calorie $2.50
Egg Beaters Egg Whites $2.50
Weis Turkey Franks (5) $.99
Mt Dew 6 Pack (Small Cans) $2.59
Weis Broc/Calif. $1.35
Herb Chicken Bullion $1.24 (Clearance)
Sobe Lifewater (4) 10/$10
Weis Pancake Syrup $2.50
Coke Zero Mini $3.50
Minute Maid Water Falls $2.00
Gain Dish Liquid $1.00

Total Before Savings: $97.01
Total OOP: $52.26
Savings Percentage: 40%

One big downer today was that I NEEDED training pants for my son, and the store brand was $8.99. Using a $1.50 coupon for the Easy Ups would have made them $8.49, but I completely forgot to use the coupon. I was really ticked about this for a while until I checked my receipt and realize that the Ronzoni Garden Delight Pastas were $1.25, but the coupons doubled to $1.50. Plus, for the Sobes, I had two BOGO coupons and the cashier put the free ones in for $1.39 instead of $1.00. Between these two, I gained back $1.38, so I felt a lot better realizing I really only lost 12 cents. I do want to point out that if I had noticed these mistakes, I would have brought it to the cashier's attention. She was very patient with my large stack of coupons and I give her much credit for that!

Some tips I want to bring up from my shopping trip today:

1. Hot dogs freeze very well. We are really picky about hot dogs here, they MUST be turkey and the cheapo ones won't do! I can't usually get them at such a low price, so I cleaned out their stock of turkey dogs and stuck most of them in the freezer.

2. Make sure you check your stack of coupons BEFORE you even get in line. Today, I decided to "pull over" and go through and put the coupons that ought to double at the top, those that wouldn't in the middle, and the "FREE" coupons at the bottom. This way, I can watch to make sure the doubles go through, and the cashier doesn't have to set aside the "FREE" ones for the end. It saves time, and prevents the "oh crap" moment when you're already home and notice a coupon that should've doubled didn't.

3. Warn your cashier that you have a lot of coupons, and thank her for her patience with you. My cashier was minutes from getting off work and had had a long day. She was very appreciative that I was nice to her, since the person right behind me had started badgering her with special requests before I had even paid. It really stinks when people are rude, so try not to be one of them!

Forgive my lack of a picture, the battery is dead and I had to get some stuff in the fridge :( I swore I wasn't shopping this week since we spent the grocery budget going out to eat, and since I hit Aldi last week I am stocked up. I have to admit I'm really bad at tracking what's spent on what, since the $30 budget is strictly food. But we are potty training now so with any luck the Baby budget is going to slim down soon. But this week, I had a ton of good coupons I couldn't waste and there was nothing that couldn't be frozen or had a long shelf life. Here's what I got:


4 bags Eight O' Clock Coffee BOGO @ $4.49
Used 3 $.75/1 Coupons, Doubled and 1 $1/1 coupon
Final Price: $.87 per bag

4 packs Dentyne Gum 10/$10*

2 Better Bowl Instant Pudding 10/$10*

2 boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 2/$4
Used $.50/2 Coupon, DND
Final Price: $1.75 per box

2 pouches Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes $.83
Used $.50/2 Coupon, DND
Final Price: $.58 per pouch

6 Betty Crocker Warm Delights 2/$3
Used 6 $.75/1 Coupons, Doubled
Final Price: FREE

1 box Minute Brown Rice $1.85
Used $1/1 Coupon
Final Price: $.85

1 pack Minute Ready Rice $1.94
Used $.50/1, Doubled
Final Price: $.94

3 bags Rold Gold pretzels 2/$5*
Used 3$.55/1, Doubled
Final price: $.140 per bag

2 Knorr Lipton Sides 10/$10
Used $1/3 Coupon
Final Price: $.66 each

2 Ocello Scrub Sponges @ $1.23
Used $.75/2 Doubled
Final Price: $.48 per sponge

Pillsbury Cookie Mix, Clearance for $.90

Cracker Crumbs, Clearance for $.75

5 Bags Nestle' Flipz @ $1.89
Used 5 $.50/1 Coupons, Doubled
Final Price: $.89 per bag

2 16oz packages Kunzler bacon, BOGO @ $4.99
Used $1/2 Coupon
Final Price: about $1.99/lb

2 3oz Philadelphia cream cheese $.99*
Used $1/2 Coupon
Final Price: $.49 each

2 Danimals yogurt packages $2.00
Used 2 $1/1 Coupons
Final Price: $1.00 each

1 Breyers Yo Crunch 100 calorie 4 pack $2.29
Used $.75/1 Coupon, Doubled
Final Price: $.79

Total Before All Savings: $91.52
Total OOP: $40.98

On the Dentyne and the pudding cups, Martin's is running a deal this week where if you buy 6 you get $.20 off gas. I needed gum and figured we'd eat the pudding. We have a 13 gallon tank in our car, and in adding the $.20 to the $.20 we already had, we're going to save $5.20 on our gas and we only paid $6 for items we're going to use. In this case I make an exception for the lack of coupons because gas is a necessary expense anyway, so I consider it a grocery savings when it happens like this.

The Rold Gold Pretzels were an exceptional deal. We really only eat pretzels, crackers, or tortilla chips as snacks mostly because we're just not big potato chip eaters, and they're a completely unnecesary expense. At Aldi, the pretzels are $1.29, however, the Rold Gold were cheddar, honey mustard, and honey wheat twists which are treats we don't usually get. I was willing to pay the extra $.11 for some variety. Considering the regular grocery store price on these is $2.99, I saved over 50%.

Last thing I want to touch on is the Cream Cheese. I recieved a promotional pamplet for dairy month from my mother in law that had a lot of $1/2 coupons. I really don't like these, because they just plain don't save. But we have a ton of Lender's bagels I got for $.25/each and I needed the cream cheese. I was trying to hunt down the cheapest ones, but they STILL were more expensive than generic. As I was caving in and grabbing the store brand, I noticed the 3oz packages of Philadelphia were only $.99! The best part is that this coupon didn't indicate a size, which made this a killer deal. No, it wasn't much cream cheese, but it will make do. At least I'm not making a cheesecake!

I am extremely late on posting this, it's been busy around here! But regardless of the fact that the sale week is over I wanted to make an example of this trip in particular. Here's what I got:

Approx 17lbs Tysons Boneless Chicken Breasts (3pkgs) @ $1.69/lb (Reg. Price 3.89/lb)
2 Marcal Small Step TP 4 pack @ $1.39*
1 pack Spiderman tattoos $1.00
4 O-Celo Scrub Sponges @ $1.29
1 2 pack Women's Socks $1.00
1 pair Men's socks $1.00
1 Value Time Corn Muffin Mix $.50
3 Onion Soup Mix packets 3/$1.00
1 Stress Candle $1.00
2.24lbs Bananas @ $.69/lb
4 Breyers yogurts 4/$3.00*
3 Campbells Pork & Beans 3/$1.00
2 Campbells Cooking Soups @$1.35
2 Cans DelMonte No Sugar Added Fruit @ $1.59
2 Gallons Turkey Hill Tea

Total Before Savings & Coupons: $82.64
Total OOP: $46.98

Coupons Used:

2 $.75/2 O-Celo Sponges Doubled
2 $1.00/1 Marcal Small Steps TP
$1.00/2 Turkey Hill Teas
$1.00/2 Campbell's Cooking Soups
2 $.40/1 Del Monte No Sugar Added Fruit

I had the "FREE" Marcal Coupons to use and they didn't have the single rolls. The 4 pack is actually a softer toilet paper even though it's a smaller roll. This made it less than 10 cents per roll and the comparable packaged at the dollar store is of course $.25 per roll. I am here to tell you, short of getting the free rolls (which isn't the best toilet paper but free's free) IT DOES NOT GET CHEAPER! If you prefer a softer more quilted type toilet paper, and want to get a cheap deal, use these FREE or $1 off any coupons on the Marcal 4 packs. Best deal other than the Dollar Tree's "Softelle".

If you only count what I spent on food items this week, I stayed pretty close to budget (including my $8 Martin's trip) but, I was stocking up on chicken for future weeks. I plan to better track my budget starting on the 1st. But anyway, the chicken. I have mentioned before that Memorial Week IS the week to buy chicken. Never have I ever seen chicken go lower. Other grill meats go pretty cheap, but chicken doesn't usually dip down this low at other times of the year. If you have seen it happen at other times, PLEASE let me know. I apologize that I'm writing this too late, but watch the chicken prices and try to stock up when it gets at LEAST 50% off it's regular price. This was a little more than half off but it's to late for that math!

I opened one package already and baked two breasts for dinner. Usually, I freeze two breasts in small freezer bags. I try to make all my meats a component of a meal, not the main part of the meal in order to make it stretch. This means that we don't have a lot of meat centered meals. I make chicken chilli, chicken taco salad, chicken quesadillas, chicken casseroles, chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, chicken and dumplings, chicken sandwiches, chicken BBQ, chicken fried rice. All these things don't require too much chicken per person and are combined with ingredients that are inexpensive, that really help stretch your budget.

No picture due to the fact that both memory cards are full and I'm still trying to hit up my husband to clear them off for me. However this is a week I really wish I COULD post a picture of because I'm extremely proud of myself.

This week, I used the list of CVS deals at Money Saving Mom which really cut down some time on my planning. Usually, I figure it out on my own but this made it easier for me to go early this week! Here's what I got:


1 Aussie Shampoo @ $2.99
1 Herbal Essences 2 in 1 @ $2.99
1 Dial Soap 3-pack @ $1.88
1 Lady Speed Stick Stain Guard @ $2.99
2 Cover Girl WetSlick Lip Gloss BOGO @ $5.99
2 Maxwell House Coffe B1G1 for $.01 @$4.79
1 .5oz Dove Deodorant @ $1.00
1 pack CVS Brand 50 ct Swabs @ $.99
1 CVS Shampoo @ $.99

Total: $24.61

Coupons Used:
$1/1 Aussie Product (From a Home Mailer)
$1/1 Herbal Essences (5/16 RP)
$.35/1 Dial Soap (Ordered From Coupon DeDe)
1 BOGO Cover Girl Product (Unsure)
2 $1/1 Maxwell House (SS don't know the week, sorry!)
$1.50/1 Dove printable (Adjusted to $1.00)*
$.75/Lady Speed Stick Stain Guard printable
$1/ any CVS Haircare Product*
$8.50 in ECBs

Total OOP + Tax: $3.17

NOTE for those starting out this week: Without ECBs, you would have spent $11.67 and gotten $7 ECBs for a total initial investment of $4.67.

I just want to hit on a couple of things I experienced this week. After last week, I decided to stay faithful to my regular CVS UNLESS they happen to be out of something. This is also avoided by trying to hit CVS early in the week.

Last week, I was told I couldn't get the shampoo with the CVS coupon. Most people do, so don't ask first, just use it. The register didn't even beep for it which usually means it's the correct item.

I also used the $1.50/1 Dove coupon on a $1 deodorant. When I asked the cashier to adjust it she said she would've gotten a bigger one, and I just stated that it wasn't on sale nor would it be free. To "lose" $.50 was actually worth it because I would have paid over $2 to keep that $.50. This way I have a travel size deodorant for vacation that I didn't pay a penny for.

She also asked if I usually get things I need and I said yes, but they are things I will use and I pay so little that it pays to stock up. I couldn't get in real deep with her about it, I was just surprised that CVS employees don't all take advantage of the deals!

I am also sending my husband back this afternoon with coupons, 1 ECB and our flex spending card to buy $7 in bandaids and neosporin to get $3 in ECBs! This will be his first time doing CVS on his own, so wish him luck!

This week, I had planned to get the Schick Hydro, as many probably did since there was a $5/1 SS coupon. But I went to a different CVS than my usual store, and they were completely out. I was actually very disappointed that nothing was properly labelled for the sales and the store was a complete wreck. To boot, the cashier was very unpleasant when I let her know (politely). Even though I wasn't able to get the razor, here's how I made out:

2 CVS 40ct Sheer Bandaids $1.00
2 Right Guard Deodorants $2.49 ea.
1 Crest Pro Health Rinse $3.50
1 Mitchum Women's Deodorant $2.99

Coupons Used:

$1/2 CVS brand First Aid Products (from the kiosk)
$3/2 Right Guard Printable (from last week)
$.75/1 Mitchum deodorant from 5/9 Smart Source
$6.00 ECBs

Total OOP: $3.17
Received $8.50 in ECBs

I could have done better if I had a coupon for the mouthwash, but the ECBs I had covered a portion of that so I still felt it was a pretty sweet deal as I made $5.33 on this deal.

One tip I learned this week is that even if you have planned your trip in advance, make sure you carry your sale flyer with you. This isn't the first time where the sales and ECB deals haven't been properly marked, and the mess people make can make it easy to grab the wrong thing. I have had to do a return before with a toothbrush that was placed in the wrong slot. Even if it seems obvious you are trying to do and ECB deal, the cashier just plain does not care and isn't going to let you know it's the wrong item, it's your responsibility to make sure you have the correct items. And, have your sale flyer with you at the front and watch the prices to make sure it's done correctly. Don't feel bad double-checking your receipt before you leave, either.

I've been meaning to post about this trip for a while, but lately, my time to work on my blog has been limited. I'm finally getting to it a week later but at least I'm doing it!

I've posted before that my weekly grocery budget is $30. One of the ways I make that possible is by shopping at Aldi, which is a store with all private label brands that are lower in price but not in quality compared to brand name stores. They do however have brand name items occasionally, but they don't accept coupons. Usually, these are the types of items I'll purchase there:

1. Items that never or rarely have coupons like meat, dairy, or breads
2. Items that even when coupons are available or generic is purchased are still too pricey
3. Items I need this week, but I have no coupons and the sale isn't very good

If I didn't recieve WIC, I would always and only buy dairy, bread, and cereal at Aldi for the low price. I don't have specifics on those prices, but here is what I did buy at my last trip:

1 12" Frozen Cheese pizza $2.29
2 1lb Frozen 85% Lean Ground Beef Rolls $2.29 ea.
2 1lb Frozen 85% Lean Ground Turkey $1.19 ea.
32oz Fat Free French Vanilla Coffee Creamer $1.99
1 Chewy Granola Bars 10ct $1.69
13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags 30ct $2.49
1 18 oz Peanut Butter $1.39
1 box Hawaiin Punch Fruit Snacks 24ct $3.49
1 Large Aldi Green Bag $1.99

Total + Tax: $22.77

Since my "price book" is in my head I can't give a great guess of the prices of these items in the grocery store, but I can tell you that I know I would've paid almost double. The lowest price I've ever found for fresh ground turkey is $2.50 and that's for 73% lean. That right there more than doubles the price. Not to mention that I find it to be the best quality I have ever tried. I am not real sure how good of a deal I got on the beef as it seems to average around $3/lb for the same thing at my regular grocery store, so the savings isn't as drastic, but I still find the quality to be much better.

Fruit snacks are my son's favorite treat, and I used to be able to find them in an all natural version at Aldi. However, these have vitamin C which is more than I can say for the store brand which winds up costing around $1.50 for a 6 pouch package, and this box has 24. $1.50 x 4=$6.00. I saved $2.50 this way.

I purchased a green bag, and if you know me, you know how I really feel about "going green". However, each time I go, I wind up buying 3 paper bags at 6 cents apiece. I figured that after 12 trips the bag would pay for itself (3 x .16= .18 12 x .18= 1.98) short of a penny. But, it holds more and it's a lot easier to haul your items to the car.

Lastly (Had to save this for last!) the LOWEST price I have ever seen for a frozen pizza that will feed four is $3.75 with a sale + coupon. Sometimes, the size I purchased would go on sale 2/$6 in the store brand, but again, I rarely see this. $2.29 is just an unbeatable price to pay to have a quick meal in the freezer.

Make sure you go to Aldi's website and see where the nearest location is to you. The only downside is that I have trouble taking both my kids since you have to walk to the door to put a quarter in the cart for it to release. This is another way they cut down on costs and pass the savings to their customers, and you also have to remember a quarter!

I am actually very proud of how well I did this week and how far I am making things stretch. As far as my weekly budget goes between the two stores I've spend a little more than $42, however, last week I considered myself to be $10 under as what I bought was spent on a gift card and we used $20 to go out to lunch. I will talk more about the budget in my next post about my Aldi trip.

Here's the breakdown for Martin's this week:
(Items with * are discussed)

1 50ft roll of Reynolds Wrap Foil* $2.00
4 Gerber 1st Foods $.99 ea.
2 Gerber Organic 1st Foods $1.13 ea.
2 GIANT 2nd foods $.85 ea.
2 80ct Guaranteed Value Wipes $1.49 ea.
5 Betty Crocker Warm Deights $1.59 ea.
3 Furmano diced Tomatoes $1.00 ea.
1 Package GIANT Hamburger Rolls* (12ct) $1.58
1 Rally Cola 2 liter* $.89
1 Choc Full O Nuts Coffee $2.50
1 Festingo Tortilla Chips* $2.99
2 28oz cans of GIANT baked beans* $1.49 ea.
1 package Nestle Flips Pretzels $1.89
2 Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage $3.99 BOGO
1 Lloyd's Pork BBQ* $4.99
2 4 pack Yo Crunch Yogurts $2.29 ea.

Martin's was running a deal this week where if you buy any Lloyd's BBQ for $4.99 you would get rolls, chips, and soda for free. I am not sure if there's a limit, but if not, I plan to go back.

Total Before Bonus Buy Savings: $58.76
Total After Savings: $47.09

Coupons Used:

$.75/1 Reynolds Doubled
$1/4 Gerber 1st Foods
$.75/1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights x 5 Doubled
$1/3 Furmano's Tomatoes
$.75/1 Choc Full O Nuts Doubled
$.50/1 Nestle Flips Doubled
$1/2 Hillshire Farms
$.75/1 YoCrunch x 2 Doubled

Total after coupons: $27.43

Used $7.34 remaining on gift card and paid a total of $20.09 OOP. My total savings was $39.01 (I didn't use my calculator because a certain 2 1/2 ft tall person keeps using it as a cell phone).

There was a roll of Reynolds foil that was on clearance for $1.34 and I could have gotten it for free. However, the last time I tried it with the same coupon, they didn't double it at all and it cost me $.59. This way I saved the hassle and possibly 9 cents.

I was also needing baked beans for a picnic at my sister's on Sunday. I had a coupon for $1/2 Bush's Grillin Beans, but they weren't on sale and were still WAY more expensive than the store brand. I can't remember the exact price but I know it would have been over $1 more to buy name brand even with a coupon. If I didn't need baked beans for something specific, in this case, I would avoid buying them or rearrange my meal plans for the week.

I also want to point out that while my purchases may not seem very healthy or even form complete meals, keep in mind that I buy my staples and produce with WIC, and that I keep a running stockpile in my pantry and freezer and stock up on good deals. I figured I would mention this in case you're new to my blog and haven't seem this in any of my other posts.

I realized that I didn't post last week's Martin's trip, but it wasn't a big week, either, nothing impressive. I also don't have a picture this week but I had to put everything away because my kitchen was a wreck! Anyway, here is this week's trip to Martin's!

(Only sale prices are listed this time)
Note: Items with ** are discussed at the bottom of the post!

1 Gerber Cereal with DHA @ $2.51
7 Gerber 1st foods 2 packs @ $1.13 ea.
4 Beech Nut 1st foods @ $.45 ea.
3 Puffs Plus Lotion @ $1.00 ea
1 Luvs size 5 27ct @ $7.49
3 Snuggle Fabric Softener @ $2.99
2 Guaranteed Value 80 ct Wipes @ $1.49**
1 GIANT brand grated cheese @ $2.49
1 2 liter Diet Cola @ $.89**
1 Gerber Nursing Pads 60ct @ $6.49
1 Nuk 2 pack pacifiers @ $4.29
2.5lbs Bananas @ $.69/lb= $1.73
1.07lbs Grapes @ $1.99/lb=$2.13
2 Grapefruits @ $1.00 ea
2 Del Monte Fruit Naturals @ $1.00 ea
Chicken Thighs @ $1.00/lb=$1.78**
Drumsticks @ $1.00/lb=$4.01**
4 pack Whoopie Pies @ $5.49**
2 Celeste Pizzas @ $1.00ea
2 Olivio Butter Spreads @ $1.00 ea
1 Tampax Pearl 18ct @ $2.99
2 Tylenol Infant Drops @ $5.39 ea

Total + tax= $98.42

Coupons Used:

3 $3/1 Snuggle(adjusted to $2.99 for the third)
1 $1/3 Gerber Organic 1st Foods
1 $.75/1 Gerber Nursing Pads (doubled)
1 $.75/1 Nuk Pacifiers (doubled)
3 $.50/1 Puffs plus Lotion (doubled)
1 $2/1 Luvs
1 $3/2 Infant Tylenol
1 $1/2 Olivio Products
1 $2/1 Tampax
Total Coupon + Sales Savings: $38.06 Total OOP: $61.96

I did the math and about $25.02 of my purchases do not fall under my $30/week budget, which brings my total down to $36.94. That means that without my impulse purchase of the whoopie pies @ $5.49, I would have gone less than $2 over budget since last week, I only spent $27. The reason why I bought the whoopie pies was simply a moment of weakness. I was forced to detour through the bakery and just couldn't help myself. It's unlike me! My advice is to stay strong and avoid these impulse purchases. Keep checking back as I am working on a post about items frequently purchased that should be AVOIDED except for occasional treats :)

I used to only buy wipes at Wal-Mart since the Parent's Choice brand is always cheapest, regardless of coupons and no matter how you slice it! My husband bought some last night in an emergency, and they are tougher, thicker wipes but the 88ct package is $1.96. The price for the 80ct package of Guaranteed Value (an exclusive generic at Martin's) is $1.49. Here is the cost breakdown:

Parent's Choice: $.022 per wipe
Guaranteed Value: $.018 per wipe

This is just to show you, in case you don't live near a Martin's, what price you're looking for. If your kids have allergies (mine don't) this can make it difficult, however, Parent's Choice has a sensitive version that I find to be even higher quality than name brands.

Also, I wanted to touch on the chicken. I don't buy much of it, only when I personally find the price reasonable. However, if you can make the switch to dark meat, you will see significant savings. If you really must have chicken breasts, at least try buying it bone in. You're paying an awful lot of extra money for the convenience of having the bones removed. Also, a bonus to buying bone-in chicken is that you can use the bones to make stock. This time, I bought a bunch of legs, made 6 for dinner and froze two bags of four. Last time I did this, I cooked 4 legs in the crockpot all day long, used the meat from two of them to make a soup (which stretched to leftovers for at least 3 meals), and of the other 2 to make quesadillas.

Hopefully next week I'll be more on top of my game and be able to stay within my $30 budget.

I went late this week, as usual, since the beginning of the week is so busy for me. I was bummed because it's not the greatest ECB week, but I still got a pretty good deal. Here's what I got:

1 Colgate Total for $2.99
Used $.75/1 printable

2 Dove Deodorants BOGO @ $3.29
Used $3/2 printable from Coupons.com

1 CVS brand Saline Nasal Spray 2 pack @ $3.40

1 CVS brand 3oz hand lotion @ $1.49
Used $1/1 Coupon

1 CVS brand paper towels @ $1.29
Used $1/1 Coupon

Total Before Coupons and ECBs: $12.55
Total OOP: $2.77
ECBs: $2 for Colgate, $2 for the nasal spray=$4.00 for next week.

I considered buying a few other things but decided against it. I would have gotten toilet paper but I have quite a stockpile and needed paper towels more. It's not as good as last week's runs but at least I got paid $1.23 for the items I got. Hopefully next week will be better!

I can't figure out why the image keeps flipping like that so I just left it alone! Anyway, today's trip to CVS was even better than the other day, and I think I'm going to go back a second time.


1 Dial Nutri Skin Body Wash $5.49
1 CVS brand 3oz lotion $1.49
2 CVS brand toilet paper 2/$1.00

Total Before Coupons: $7.98

Coupons Used:

$.35/1 Dial Body Wash or Multi-bar pack
$1/1 CVS Paper Product
$1/1 CVS Skin Care Product
$6.00 ECBs adjusted to $5.63

Total OOP: $.36 for tax

I originally planned on buying 2 boxes of Puff tissues for $.99 and using 2 $.50/1 coupons, which would have added $.61 to my total and maybe a little more for tax. But they didn't have them, and if I had realized the ECBs would be adjusted, I could've gotten another roll of toilet paper. But still, it's not a huge loss considering everything was FREE plus I got $4.50 in ECBs so in total I made $4.14.

I plan to go back and buy Dove Shampoo or Conditioner, hopefully I can find a coupon, and probably try again for the Puff's, toilet paper, and lotion. Hoping if I can find the coupon I'm looking for, I'll only spend $1-$2 OOP. Wish me luck!

I haven't shopped at WalMart with coupons in a long time but I ventured out just to see what I could do. We bought clothes in the same trip, so my breakdown won't include tax. That's math I don't feel like doing today.

1 Snuggle 70ct Dryer Sheets $3.48
Used $3/1 Coupon, Down to $.48
1 Scotch Brite Natural Sponge $1.52
Used $1/1 printable, Down to $.52
4 Gerber 1st Foods 2 Packs $.96 ea
Used $1/4, Down to $.71 ea
1 Softsoap Body Wash $3.00
Used $1/1, Down to $2.00
1 12 pack Schick Disposables $1.97
Used $3/1, Cashier Did Not adjust, so free plus $1.03 overage
1 Puffs Plus Lotion 60ct $1.47
Used $1/1, Down to $.47

Total Before Coupons: $12.28
Total Coupons: $9.00
Total OOP: $3.28

I am not sure why the cashier didn't seem to care about the Schick coupon being a higher value than the razors themselves, BUT I have no idea what their policy is on this, I just figured if they didn't let me I wouldn't get them. I heard elsewhere that the Scotch Brite coupon is working to make the $.84 sponges free, but I played it safe because I've also heard the printables weren't being accepted, and I think trying to use them this way might be why. It makes it seem like fraud when a printable coupon makes an item completely free, even when legitimate. I still think paying $.52 for a sponge was a good deal and avoided a lot of hassle.

(Cold Items aren't pictured)

I've been going at the end of the week lately and I know that's probably frustrating to read about a good deal it's too late to get, BUT hopefully some of the strategies I used will be helpful since the most deeply discounted items I bought this time weren't on sale but were at considerably low prices. I also learned a few new coupon lessons this week that are somewhat helpful. Here's the breakdown of my trip to Martin's:

(Prices Regular/Sale/Price After Coupons)
3 Tuna/Hamburger Helper's $1.89/$1/$.50 ea.
Used $.75/3 doubled
1 Betty Crocker Warm Delight $1.59/$.09
Used $.75/1 doubled
2 Dial 3 bar packs $2.39/$1.69
Used 2 $.35/1 doubled
2 Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce $1.39/$1
1 Pampers size 5 @ $6.74 (clearance)/$4.74
Used $2/1
2 Snuggle Exhilarations 32 load $3.75/ $.75
Used 2 $3/1
11 boxes Barilla Whole Wheat Pasta $1.39/$.29 ea
Used 11 $.55/1 doubled
1 Giant brand Spaghetti $1.15/$1.00/FREE WYB 2 Hunt's sauce
1 Guaranteed Value 80ct baby wipes $1.49
1 Gualtney Turkey Franks $1.89/$1.50
1 Land O Lakes Spread $1.99/Would have been $.99 but I realized later I forgot to hand the coupon to the cashier!
1 Yoplait Yo Crunch 4 pack $2.59/$2.29/$.79
Used 1 $.75/1 doubled
1 Pure Power Latex Glovs $4.15/$1.00
1 Chapstick $1.49/$1.00

Total Before Savings: $61.35
Total Sales Savings: $8.93
Total Coupon Savings: $27.15
Total OOP: $25.72

I ran into a few issues. For one thing, I forgot to hand in my Land O Lakes coupon, so my total would have been down to $24.72. The only reason I bought that when not on sale was because of my husband's repeated complaints about Olivio. So that was really in my opinon $2 completely wasted, but at least I won't have to go hunting down more butter coupons anytime soon.

The second issue was that I originally grabbed the wrong Pampers pack, and paid $8.99. The only reason they were on clearance is because of the packaging change. The only ones that are VERY DEEPLY discounted are size 6, and premies, due to the fact that these aren't popular sizes. However, I have just started noticing them on clearance so you may still be able to catch a good deal on diapers.

Another issue I have been in debate about, that I will talk about more in my WalMart post, is using coupons that have a higher value than the price of the item, or, that double past the value. Policies in different stores vary and I need to do some research on that one.

At any rate, I still felt like this trip was a great deal. I now have a fantastic stockpile of pasta, and whole wheat at that!

I know that "moneymaker" is technically a term for a specific item that costs less than you get back in ECBs, but this was the first time I actually made money at CVS and that word expresses my excitement. I only made $.67 cents but when I realized it I celebrated. Here's what I got:

2 Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Shampoo $4.99 ea.
1 Pantene Shampoo $2.99
1 Pantene Conditioner $2.99
2 Dawn Dish Soaps $.96
1 4 pack GE Reveal light bulbs $1.99
1 Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $5.99

Coupons Used:
$1/1 Head and Shoulders
BOGO Head and Shoulders (-$4.99) (2 for $3.99)
$3/2 Pantene (2 for $2.98)
$1/2 Dawn ($.46 ea)
$3/1 Clairol Natural Instincts
$1/1 pack of GE Reveal Light bulbs
$8 ECB from last week

Total Coupon Savings: $21.99
Total OOP: $5.43
Got $6 in ECBs, which means I made $.67. Woohoo!

I will try to post my scenerios for next week ahead of time. This week was really busy so I forgot, but, I realized that it was pretty easy to put together from the ad, so I am thinking a lot of people had a good week.

I went grocery shopping late in the week last week, so that's why I'm just now posting about this trip. They had 4 $1 coupon doublers in the circular that came in the paper. I had to kinda scrape together coupons that were worth it, but having to get a few items for Easter too was worth the extra $4 savings. Here is what I bought (with retail prices/sale price):


1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.59
2 Betty Crocker Frosting $1.49/$1.25 ($.48 savings)
1 Endust Free Dusting Polish $3.79
1 French's Fried Onions 6oz Can $3.79
2 French's Fried Onions 2oz Cans $1.84 ea
1 Toasted Marshmallow Creme $1.09/$.99
3 2 Liters of Coke Products @ $1.69 ea
3 Cans Giant Cream Of Mushroom Soup @ $.89/$.75 ea
1 packet Chilli Seasoning $.55/$.49
2 Guaranteed Value Brand 80ct Baby Wipes @ $1.49 ea
2 Purevia Sweetener 40 ct $.3.39/$1.99
2 1lb packages Oscar Mayer Bacon $5.99ea/BOGO
2 Mrs T's Pierogies $2.39/$2.00
1 Children's Advil $5.59
1 Care One 24ct Allergy Medicine $4.23

Total Before Coupons and Sales: $ 57.46


Coupons Used

$.75/1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights
$.50/1 Betty Crocker Frosting
$2/1 Endust Free
$1/1 French's Fried Onions x3
$1/3 Coke Products
$2/1 Purevia x2
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Bacon
$1/2 Mrs T's Pierogies
$2/1 Children's Advil

Coupon Savings: $21.50
Bonus Card Savings: $10.38
Total OOP: $26.29

The first Purevia coupon scanned and it was free, and the second didn't work. The cashier tried to do a second transaction. She eventually had to get a manager to adjust it down to $1.99, and that's when I realized why the first one worked--because the total value of both was over the coupon value. Remember this when buying an item that's on sale for less than the value of your coupon, because it can either be used to your advantage or save some hassle.

I orignally started this post on Wednesday and didn't get to finish it until today, forgive me it's been a LONG week!

Last week, I took a break from the regular grocery store. Other than some needs for Easter, and after my experience at CVS today I think I'm skipping it this week, too!
I had an original plan, but that didn't pan out, and I lucked out on finding a toothpaste on clearance along with animal crackers that my toddler screamed bloody murder for. I started with $3 ECBs and grabbed the wrong Oral B toothbrush. It was mistakenly placed behind the ad and I thought I grabbed the right one. It was very sticky dealing with the return of that item after using my coupon + ECBs and asking several times of the cashier whether I was supposed to get cash back in their place. I am ASSUMING the reason why she gave me the cash is because I was turning around and buying more items, and would have used the ECBs. I did ask her twice, so now, in the future, I am going to double check my items and NOT bring my toddler with me! Anyway, here is how my trip panned out:

1 Crest Toothpaste $.75
1 box Animal Crackers for $1.00
1 Cover Girl True Blend MicroMinerals Foundation ($12.99)
1 Cover Girl True Blend MicroMinerals Brozer ($12.99)
1 Cover Girl Professional Mascara ($4.99)

Used $.75/1 Crest Coupon
Used BOGO CG Face Product Coupon (-$12.99)
Used $1/1 Cover Girl Product
Total OOP: $21.18

Technically, my OOP was $18.18 if you count my original $3 ECBs, plus I now have $8 ECBs for next week which should be even better. I will be sure to update on that trip as well!

I got nervous today when I went to CVS and found that the Colgate's that matched my coupon were sold out. But, I asked the cashier and she said she would try to put it through anyway on one that wasn't listed on the Q, and lo and behold, it worked! I basically followed the Scenerio listed in my matchups section, but my numbers guesses were a little bit off.
Transaction 1:

Colgate Toothpaste $3.99
Used $1/1 Coupon
Total Including tax: $3.23
Got back $3.99 ECBs

Transaction 2:

Vo5 Conditioner ($.77)
Vo5 Shampoo ($.77)
Pampers Cruisers ($8.97)
Used $2/$10 purchase Used $3.99 Colgate ECBs Used $2/any Pampers

Total OOP: $3.03
Got back $3.00 ECBs for next week

I also got two $1 coupons for CVS skincare and shampoo items from the kiosk. I was excited because last time I scanned my card, I didn't get anything. But for a total of $6.26 OOP, I feel like I did pretty good. I realized I could've bought other filler items for a lower total, but shampoo is more useful than a pack of gum or something like that and the price was pretty low. I am starting to learn that I will have to do a few runs that are so-so before I start getting enough ECBs to roll from week to week.

It was my first time CVSing. Yes, I have been to CVS before, but I just recently signed up for my Extra Care Card. I originally planned on using the CVS Scenerio at Feeding Four for this week, but I was unable to get the coupons for Right Guard to print, and had given away my StayFree coupons not expecting to need them anytime soon. So, I had to modify the deal because I still saved money, however, it may not blow you away. Hopefully as time goes on, I will get better and better at it. But as they say, you have to start somewhere! Here is my trip:

Transaction #1:

1 Herbal Essences Shampoo ($2.99)
1 Herbal Essences Hair Spray($2.99)
Used $1/1 Herbal Essences Coupon
Used Buy One Herbal Essence Product Get a Free Styling Product Coupon (-$.299)
Total OOP Including Tax: $2.35
Got back $1 ECB plus $2/$10

Transaction #2:

2 Right Guard Deodorants 2/$5
1 Twin Pack Suave 24/7 Deodorant ($2.30 on CLEARANCE)
Used $1 ECB
Total OOP: $6.74
Got back $2 ECBs

Transaction #3 (Different store!)

2 Colgate Toothpastes BOGO @ $4.39
Used 2 $1/1 Colgate
Used $2 ECBs
Total OOP: $.66

TOTAL Spent overall: $9.75
Total SAVED Overall: $18.86
Cost Per Item: $1.21 including tax (I am counting the Suave separately)

I am honestly feeling a little disappointed with myself. I would have spent $2 less if I could have gotten the coupons to print, although I did feel very proud when I purchased two large tubes of toothpaste for $.66! I have been pretty faithful to certain stores for quite some time, and I had not realized that branching out a little bit could provide more opportunities to save. Wish me luck next week as I'm hanging onto my coupon and going to try to do even better!

Here is the breakdown of my recent deal at Weis that provided a 76% savings on my total.

Items:

3 Rolls of Marcal Small Steps Toilet Paper ($.89)
1 Box Finish Power Tabs ($4.65)
1 Jumo Pkg Weis Bear Essentials Diapers ($7.99)
4 Boxes Keebler 100 Calorie Right Bites ($2.50 ea)
1 Bottle Xtra Laundry Detergent ($6.99)
2 CG Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer ($8.19 ea)
1 Bounce Dryer Bar (2 month size)($4.39)
2 Glade Soy Candles-Fragrance Collection ($2.79 ea)
1 Excedrin Migraine 24 ct ($3.59)
1 St Ives Apricot Scrub Trial Size ($.99)
1 Calendar for Meal Planning ($1.00)

Sub-total before Discounts & Coupons: $64.23

Coupons Used:

1 $10/$50 purchase (Store Coupon)
1 FREE Jumbo pack of Bear Essentials Diapers
1 FREE Excedrin up to $5.99 Value
3 FREE Marcal Small Steps up to $1.00 value
$3.50 OYNO Catalina
1 $1.50 off Any Bounce Dryer Bar
1 $1/1 Cover Girl Product
1 Buy One Cover Girl Face Product Get a Face Product FREE
1 $1/1 Finish Dishwashing Product
$3/2 Glade Fragrance Collection
4 $1/1 Right Bites

Total Savings: $49.18
Tax: $2.40
Total OOP: $17.45
Total Cost Per Item: $.96

My husband is the one who said the true test of savings is to calculate the total cost per item. The goal is to keep this amount under $1. We don't always succeed in this but when this happens, even with items that lack coupons, it's a true victory.