Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 39,593
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Dec 26, 2010 16:23:38 GMT -5
I can't get out today to shop or do anything because of snow. No papers even. I may have to try to order some Qs. I went out briefly this morning. I discovered the local quickie mart Sunday papers do not have coupons. Now I'm watching it snow.
|
|
|
Post by babyjay on Dec 26, 2010 17:44:51 GMT -5
Hello board, I am an old lurker... who loved coming by to read what you ladies were up to especially if I needed coupon inspiration! (thanks for all that!) I am an employee of CVS , so If anyone has any questions about CVS and coupons I am happy to help the best I can. I am a wife and a mother to three kids. I have been coupon shopping for almost 2 years and it really changed my life. I had a coupon blog that helped me more than any readers when I first started out! Anyway CVS made me sign a waiver as well as every other employee not to post about CVS online.... BOO! so I didn't find as much enjoyment in my blog as before. I rarely shop at Walgreen's because the once close to me is NOT very coupon friendly, or their cashiers aren't as knowledgeable as they should be I guess.... anyway I hope to do more no spending and less stock piling because I have a nice stock pile going ON that we need to use up! So I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and I like the new board so far......... =)
|
|
suziq38
Well-Known Member
I love to save
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 21:11:27 GMT -5
Posts: 1,160
|
Post by suziq38 on Dec 27, 2010 2:52:34 GMT -5
Hi babyjay, Welcome to the Grocery Challenge Thread. One of my favorite stores is CVS!
I went there today. I had a rough time because I had quite a few EB's that expired yesterday. Luckily, the manager said that she would manually cash them in for me.
I bought fragrance kits that were marked 50% off.
|
|
|
Post by suzwantstobefree on Dec 27, 2010 6:48:21 GMT -5
I like CVS a lot too. They are so patient with me I like to buy each item separately and use the EB's on the next item, so needless to say, they work a little more with me!!! Each time I go in they are amazed by the amount I spend and the last time I went in to my local store the cashier was asking me how much I spent in total for all the stuff I got. As I was telling her and explaining how I did it, my favorite cashier came by and said - is that MY couponing lady??? I wondered where you were (I was a little later than usual). It is nice when they enjoy helping you and go out of the way to make you feel good about saving money. Today I went to another store and was really happy to see that the cashier helped someone while I was gathering my coupons for the second order. Sometimes the people behind you get impatient and he had a good way of dealing with it.
|
|
|
Post by mtshastawriter on Dec 27, 2010 11:47:20 GMT -5
This thread always makes me wish that I didn't live in the middle of nowhere without most stores... We have a Rite Aid but it is typically out of stock on anything that is for sale or has a good coupon...
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on Dec 27, 2010 12:51:53 GMT -5
SWIFFER HOUND ALERT UPDATE: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU if you were willing to send me a couple of Swiffer Refill Qs, but I was able to get enough to stockpile a few. I went to CVS right after my coupon roundup to get some and they had a total of ONE BOX on the shelf. Thank goodness the AZO can still be used to roll EBs. I was able to get a rain check for the Swiffer.
I am still looking toward MAYBE retiring a couple of my CVS cards, but dang it's hard to do. On the one hand, rolling on (5) cards is a huge PITA; on the other hand, having extra cards really comes in handy when they have really great deals on something that we DO need where there is a limit. I think I'm going to whittle two of them down holding only about $10 in EBs just in case.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on Dec 27, 2010 12:55:54 GMT -5
I'm thinking about all of you back east and hoping that you are safe and are staying warm.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on Dec 27, 2010 12:59:21 GMT -5
Hello board, I am an old lurker... who loved coming by to read what you ladies were up to especially if I needed coupon inspiration! (thanks for all that!) I am an employee of CVS , so If anyone has any questions about CVS and coupons I am happy to help the best I can. I am a wife and a mother to three kids. I have been coupon shopping for almost 2 years and it really changed my life. I had a coupon blog that helped me more than any readers when I first started out! Anyway CVS made me sign a waiver as well as every other employee not to post about CVS online.... BOO! so I didn't find as much enjoyment in my blog as before. I rarely shop at Walgreen's because the once close to me is NOT very coupon friendly, or their cashiers aren't as knowledgeable as they should be I guess.... anyway I hope to do more no spending and less stock piling because I have a nice stock pile going ON that we need to use up! So I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and I like the new board so far......... =) babyjay: WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge from me - dancinmama!! Thanks you so much for your post. It would be awesome if you would become an active/regular poster. A lot of us shop at CVS and your insight and expertise would be invaluable.
|
|
|
Post by mom22alcorns on Dec 27, 2010 14:22:21 GMT -5
Good afternoon everyone! I am new here and was enjoying reading some of the bazillion threads on the other site. I liked the ideas and insights so much I came on over and joined up! I am a coupon and deal finding junkie. My hubby says I have but one addiction in my life, and that is saving us money...hehe I got started with saving with coupons and such after a major downsizing of our income. I subscribe to several blogs on saving money and regularly network with others in my area to find the best deals. It has saved our home and our family. One problem I have finding consistent deals on is fresh fruits and veggies. I have been using frozen whenever I can since it has the most nutrients and such, but the mark down fruits and veggies are usually past the fresh eating prime and I end up cooking them or something else. Any suggestions? TY in advance for you help and wisdom!
|
|
pudgybunny
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 22:10:56 GMT -5
Posts: 157
|
Post by pudgybunny on Dec 27, 2010 14:34:43 GMT -5
I need some help finding good ways to use up my $1.50 RR from WAGS. I stocked up on toothpaste and made money doing it, but now I need to figure out how best to use them! I'm still quite new so if anyone has good ideas please share! I am good on shampoo and toothpaste for a bit I guess should use some up vs rolling them as I have been lucky enough to keep rolling and they are building! Any good wags deals for spending them so I don't have to compair prices at all local stores? any items that don't really ever go on sale that are worth buying with rr?
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Dec 27, 2010 15:47:47 GMT -5
I need some help finding good ways to use up my $1.50 RR from WAGS. I stocked up on toothpaste and made money doing it, but now I need to figure out how best to use them! I'm still quite new so if anyone has good ideas please share! I am good on shampoo and toothpaste for a bit I guess should use some up vs rolling them as I have been lucky enough to keep rolling and they are building! Any good wags deals for spending them so I don't have to compair prices at all local stores? any items that don't really ever go on sale that are worth buying with rr? There's a RR deal on Chex mix. It's .99 this week and there was $1/2 MC in the 12/5 GM, or there is a printable .50/1 and .50/2. When you buy 3, you get 1.50 RR, 4 a 2.50 RR and 5 or more a 3.50 RR. I always get the dark chocolate! They are to die for!
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Dec 27, 2010 15:53:49 GMT -5
Went to Wags today. Their Christmas stuff was pretty much GONE! They didn't have one piece of wrapping paper, tags, bows, etc. There is NO WAY in h.ell that they sold out yesterday. I really think they must pack it up and keep it for next year!! CVS had some stuff, didn't even have 50% off signs up and I didn't feel like running back and forth to the scanner, so, bought one roll of holographic wrapping paper (great for wrapping gift baskets) with EB's. Kmart had a ton of wrapping stuff left and had really pretty paper. Will definitely go back and look for 75% off, even though I don't NEED paper! Stopped at Rite Aid and they were pretty much wiped out too... I have to go back to Target sometime this week. I will probably wait until Wednesday to see if they have gone 75% yet, but, from the looks of people's carts yesterday morning, there won't be much, if anything, left. I got overcharged AGAIN at Target. This is four out of my last four trips there. I have discussed it with customer service and haven't gotten anywhere. I emailed corporate last night but just got a standard reply. I am getting really disgusted shopping there.
|
|
shelly527in
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 1:10:18 GMT -5
Posts: 349
|
Post by shelly527in on Dec 27, 2010 16:46:27 GMT -5
I got 5 P&G inserts from ebay yesterday for $4.50 which is only .75 more than I spend for my usual 2 papers.
Went to Wal-mart today and didn't do too bad. Some wrapping paper, bows, 3 boxes of cards, 2 Glade candles, 1 Glade spray, M&Ms and a bunch of other stuff for about $24.00. I also spent $6.XX on Christmas goodies (pencils, toys) for my students for next year. I wanted gift sets and zip-locs, kleenexes, but none for me.
|
|
saveinla
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 2:00:29 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
|
Post by saveinla on Dec 27, 2010 18:39:49 GMT -5
Hi Shelly, If you have a Rite Aid nearby, they have great deals on some pencils, erasers, rulers, pens etc. Most of them are small MM and details are posted on Hip2save. Christmas themed kleenex is also on sale for 50% off, but I did not check the price.
|
|
FreeSalsa
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 18:43:26 GMT -5
Posts: 1,013
|
Post by FreeSalsa on Dec 27, 2010 18:51:11 GMT -5
I am here!
Mom22alcorns: we have lots of ways of buying fresh fruits and veggies. There are coupons for Mann's, Fresh Express, Dole, and the like. Sometimes you get a Catalina coupon for $2 off your next meat or veggie purchase. Or you can use Catalinas like $5 off your next order to buy fruits and veggies.
If you're lucky, you can do what I did, and ask your local mom-and-pop grocer to let you take home (for free) the stuff they can't sell. I've been getting 25-40 lb. a week of free organic fruit, and sometimes a veg.
Shop around for cheap veggies. Lately I've been shopping at Henry's which has great prices on produce with their weekly sales, but Jons and Food4Less in my area also have cheap produce.
You can also try farmer's markets at the end of the day and see if you can buy what's left for cheaper. Sometimes they'd rather sell it cheaply than pack it up and take it home. I'm sure the other ladies here have some more advice.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on Dec 27, 2010 22:59:31 GMT -5
Good afternoon everyone! I am new here and was enjoying reading some of the bazillion threads on the other site. I liked the ideas and insights so much I came on over and joined up! I am a coupon and deal finding junkie. My hubby says I have but one addiction in my life, and that is saving us money...hehe I got started with saving with coupons and such after a major downsizing of our income. I subscribe to several blogs on saving money and regularly network with others in my area to find the best deals. It has saved our home and our family. One problem I have finding consistent deals on is fresh fruits and veggies. I have been using frozen whenever I can since it has the most nutrients and such, but the mark down fruits and veggies are usually past the fresh eating prime and I end up cooking them or something else. Any suggestions? TY in advance for you help and wisdom! mom22alcorns: WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge from me - dancinmama!! We are so glad that you decided to take the leap and join us!! We too are addicted to saving money, so you've come to the right place. Please share any of the REALLY good blogs that you have found with us. I check into MFA (myfrugaladventures) and centsableshoppin almost every day. I would never have known that they even existed if it were not for the gals on the GC who mentioned them. I am looking forward to your posts.
|
|
dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
|
Post by dancinmama on Dec 27, 2010 23:01:28 GMT -5
I am here! Mom22alcorns: we have lots of ways of buying fresh fruits and veggies. There are coupons for Mann's, Fresh Express, Dole, and the like. Sometimes you get a Catalina coupon for $2 off your next meat or veggie purchase. Or you can use Catalinas like $5 off your next order to buy fruits and veggies. If you're lucky, you can do what I did, and ask your local mom-and-pop grocer to let you take home (for free) the stuff they can't sell. I've been getting 25-40 lb. a week of free organic fruit, and sometimes a veg. Shop around for cheap veggies. Lately I've been shopping at Henry's which has great prices on produce with their weekly sales, but Jons and Food4Less in my area also have cheap produce. You can also try farmer's markets at the end of the day and see if you can buy what's left for cheaper. Sometimes they'd rather sell it cheaply than pack it up and take it home. I'm sure the other ladies here have some more advice. FreeSalsa: YEAH!! You are here!! Geez, this is soooo fun!!
|
|
herekittykitty
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:17:25 GMT -5
Posts: 319
|
Post by herekittykitty on Dec 28, 2010 2:07:50 GMT -5
I need some help finding good ways to use up my $1.50 RR from WAGS. I stocked up on toothpaste and made money doing it, but now I need to figure out how best to use them! I'm still quite new so if anyone has good ideas please share! I am good on shampoo and toothpaste for a bit I guess should use some up vs rolling them as I have been lucky enough to keep rolling and they are building! Any good wags deals for spending them so I don't have to compair prices at all local stores? any items that don't really ever go on sale that are worth buying with rr? All right, I didn't think you could top the screen name, now I see your icon...love it!! ;D
|
|
herekittykitty
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:17:25 GMT -5
Posts: 319
|
Post by herekittykitty on Dec 28, 2010 2:11:54 GMT -5
Re: Target...it was a madhouse today, despite the slim clearance pickings. Usually the people in line and the cashier are none too happy about my numerous q's, but today was my lucky day. The lady behind me said "you're awesome...I want to be like you", and the cashier was quite impressed with my total savings. Sometimes I feel like printing up cards with this thread and frugalsuz' blog address on them to hand out! ;-)
|
|
twinkle
New Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 2:44:02 GMT -5
Posts: 16
|
Post by twinkle on Dec 28, 2010 3:34:48 GMT -5
DOES ANYONE HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR A WEEKLY TARGET AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PERSON- MY LOCATION IS IN THE MIDWEST?
|
|
marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
|
Post by marvholly on Dec 28, 2010 6:16:48 GMT -5
Twinkle I am also a single & live in metro Chicago. I spend about $25/week on all grocery, household, personal care and cat stuff. This is even though I live in the LOND (land of NO doubles EVER).
I believe suziq is in the sameish bracket but a for household of 2 adults.
|
|
ohmomto2boys
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 9:25:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,008
|
Post by ohmomto2boys on Dec 28, 2010 6:37:36 GMT -5
What are some sites that people use to get more coupon inserts? I know about Mad Coupons, but I'm not sure I really want 10 sets every week. I'm the only girl in the house with my DH and 2 little boys. I already donate quite a bit of stuff (not that it wouldn't be fun to donate more). I was really looking for about 5 inserts - that would be managable for me to use. TIA
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Dec 28, 2010 7:36:56 GMT -5
What are some sites that people use to get more coupon inserts? I know about Mad Coupons, but I'm not sure I really want 10 sets every week. I'm the only girl in the house with my DH and 2 little boys. I already donate quite a bit of stuff (not that it wouldn't be fun to donate more). I was really looking for about 5 inserts - that would be managable for me to use. TIA Some of the coupong clipping sites sell full inserts. Couponedede and couponclippers come to mind. But, before you pay for them, have you looked into ways to get free ones? Have you asked any family and friends to save theirs for you? Do you have any local gas stations or convenience stores? Some of us have been lucky enough to be able to go in late Sunday evening a pull any coupon inserts left over from unsold papers. Some people hit McD's, Starbucks, etc later in the afternoon and see if anyone left papers. Some areas have recycling centers where you can get them. Some people "dumpster dive" for them. I did have a gas station that let me pull them Sunday night's for a long time, but then they stopped letting me. I put out the word at work and now get 1-2 inserts a week from coworkers (although it's never definite so hard to count on). I get one paper delivered and if the coupons are good, I will buy 1-2 more papers. Sure, I had tons of great stockpiling opportunities when I was getting 20+ inserts a week, but now that I have a good stockpile, really, most weeks 2-3 copies is fine. Welcome and good luck!
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Dec 28, 2010 7:41:39 GMT -5
DOES ANYONE HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR A WEEKLY TARGET AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PERSON- MY LOCATION IS IN THE MIDWEST? twinke- Welcome! Are you already a couponer/stockpiler? I am single and in the Northeast. I budget between $80-100 a month, so, $20-25 a week, but, can get by with much less because I have been doing this for a couple years now and have a huge stockpile. This includes everything. Food, pet food, HBA, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.
|
|
ohmomto2boys
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 9:25:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,008
|
Post by ohmomto2boys on Dec 28, 2010 10:33:10 GMT -5
Constanz - my mom & dad give me their q's, but they are in Florida for 3 mths - they will save me the q's from there but I won't see them until April. I occassionally buy an extra paper or 2, but sometimes I don't get out on a Sunday to do so. I think investing $5 a week for 3-4 inserts is definitely worth it - especially if they are delivered to my house!! My paper is $1.75 x 4 = $7. And - it really wouldn't be every single week that I would get extra inserts. I'm not sure what to do. I have gotten my family into couponing - so no extra's there. Which I'm glad they are all saving $ too!
|
|
pudgybunny
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 22:10:56 GMT -5
Posts: 157
|
Post by pudgybunny on Dec 28, 2010 10:38:49 GMT -5
I need some help finding good ways to use up my $1.50 RR from WAGS. I stocked up on toothpaste and made money doing it, but now I need to figure out how best to use them! I'm still quite new so if anyone has good ideas please share! I am good on shampoo and toothpaste for a bit I guess should use some up vs rolling them as I have been lucky enough to keep rolling and they are building! Any good wags deals for spending them so I don't have to compair prices at all local stores? any items that don't really ever go on sale that are worth buying with rr? All right, I didn't think you could top the screen name, now I see your icon...love it!! ;D Here kitty, glad you like it! I had another one I liked but I think I'll go with this one for now!
|
|
pudgybunny
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 22:10:56 GMT -5
Posts: 157
|
Post by pudgybunny on Dec 28, 2010 10:42:51 GMT -5
holy cow! you guys spend about $25 a week for two people? Dang... I need to learn more how you guys work the couponing/stockpiling! I know DH and I spend more on food then we should (don't fall over now, between $100-150 a week but that should be dropping with the couponing on shampoo and other household things), but seriously how do you get it THAT low?? You can't get fresh produce at wags so that is out for me.
|
|
|
Post by alphayankee on Dec 28, 2010 12:00:24 GMT -5
It takes a while to get to that level. The $25 per week represents what someone has to spend when they already have a good stockpile of basics. I actually spent more than my normal budget for the first few months I was couponing, due to having to buy all my normal groceries, stockpiling basics, and making mistakes. Don't expect to jump in and have your budget suddenly plummet to this level.
In my situation, I was spending upwards of $1000 per month for two adults, an infant, and a small dog. When I started couponing, this went up to more than $1200 per month. Then, it slowly started coming down by about $100 per month until it plateaued around $400-$500 per month (almost a year later). I still buy mainly local and organic, so I will never get to the extreme savings of some of these ladies. But, I will never pay for HBA or cleaning products again and many of my kitchen staples are free or close to it, which frees up my $$ to buy better quality proteins and produce.
So, my advice is to start slow. Buy what you need for this week, and hold out for better deals on items that you don't need right now. You will get a feel for how often things go on sale and use the blogs and coupon sites to match coupons with sales. When something is at a rock bottom price with sale and coupon, buy as much as you think you need or will use before the next sale comes along. I tend to buy as many as I have coupons for. Sometimes I will even order extra coupons from a clipping service if I think I need more.
|
|
|
Post by bluecluessubtlety on Dec 28, 2010 12:24:02 GMT -5
NAG - Hambone - I have a ham from Christmas dinner and want to do something with it. Can I make something using the bone? There's a bunch of meat and some fat left that I couldn't cut off. Crockpot or soup of some kind?
|
|
|
Post by suziq39 on Dec 28, 2010 12:52:50 GMT -5
I went to Von's yesterday and looked at the meat markdowns. I wanted to make our family Italian pork cutlets. I found a small package of cutlets for about $3.65. There was another interesting full breast of chicken, sliced in half, with a piece of provolone, spinach, and red bell pepper strips. They called it "Chicken Florentine." The cost of that one was $3.00. Both had 50% off stickers, so I paid $1.83 for the pork cutlets, and $1.50 for the breast of chicken. I figured that DD would not eat the pork cutlets, only DH and DS. DD and I would eat the chicken. When it came time to make the food, DD wanted the cutlets! I made enough to serve the 3 of them, and I ate the Chicken Florentine. YUM! I loved the total cost of our meal: $3.33 total for the meats. What was good was that the cashier made a huge error. I paid with a $5.00 bill. I got my $1.67 change, and then she said that I had to punch in my club number. I did, and she said that I was due more money back: $3.33. I took the additional $3.33 so as not to confuse and /or embarrass her. I waited until she got done with the customer after me, then I spoke to her softly: "I think you made a mistake. I do not think I should be getting this much back." She was so sure that she was correct, that she dismissed me with a wave of her hand. "You are the one that doesn't understand. Your club card gave you that money back." I guess she is the boss, LOL. I had food for my family, used a $5.00 bill to pay for the meats, wanted just $1.67 or so back, but received $5.00 (the full amount) back in return. In other words, the meats were FREE yesterday. I made the meats cost= 0 10 small potatoes cost 25 cents (the 10 lb bag was $1.00) lettuce for the salad cost: $1.00 dressing 50 cents Progresso bread crumbs for the meat 50 cents olive oil $1.00 Total cost for 4: $3.25 or 81 cents each. Lucky me.
|
|