THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[missourimommy]

I have to agree.. Wives don't let their husbands shop alone. It just doesn't work. I'm jealous of those who have their husbands "trained" how to shop.

JKScott, I apologize if I have offended you. You and the other "trained men" are the exception to the "norm."

[p8nt]

Yeah! I found you coupon queens/kings. I mainly lurked on MSN but asked a few questions now and then.

I believe I had my first moneymaker shopping trip today. Maybe someone would be willing to make suggestions. I am also curious how everyone organizes their coupons. I currently have all mine in an envelope but that is getting harder to sort through as I accumulate more of a collection.

Today's trip at CVS:
Herbal Essences Sham/Cond 2/$5.97 -$1.00 cpn and got $2.00 EB
1 375 ct Qtips $1.99 - $.30 cpn
2 bags Lays chips BOGO $3.99
2 boxes Sweetarts @ $.75 each
less $12 in EBs

OOP $.32 Then I got $2.00 EBs so I believe I made $1.68??? Did I figure that right?

[debinwa]

Feb 5, 2011 23:23:40 GMT -5 p8nt said:

Yeah! I found you coupon queens/kings. I mainly lurked on MSN but asked a few questions now and then.

I believe I had my first moneymaker shopping trip today. Maybe someone would be willing to make suggestions. I am also curious how everyone organizes their coupons. I currently have all mine in an envelope but that is getting harder to sort through as I accumulate more of a collection.

Today's trip at CVS:
Herbal Essences Sham/Cond 2/$5.97 -$1.00 cpn and got $2.00 EB
1 375 ct Qtips $1.99 - $.30 cpn
2 bags Lays chips BOGO $3.99
2 boxes Sweetarts @ $.75 each
less $12 in EBs

OOP $.32 Then I got $2.00 EBs so I believe I made $1.68??? Did I figure that right?

P8nt: Welcome to the board!

When you consider the cost of your shopping trip, you should also take into account the reward dollars (EBs in this case) that you spent. I think you did a great job for just starting out, but you will definitely be able to bring down the cost of the items you bought as you go along. Most of us find that we don't have to pay for shampoo, body wash, etc. because of coupons and great store sales and promotions. Hang in here with us, and you'll be shopping like a pro in no time.

I can't comment on specific CVS deals because, sadly, I don't have a CVS near me , but others here will be able to.

[dancinmama]

Feb 5, 2011 23:23:40 GMT -5 p8nt said:

Yeah! I found you coupon queens/kings. I mainly lurked on MSN but asked a few questions now and then.

I believe I had my first moneymaker shopping trip today. Maybe someone would be willing to make suggestions. I am also curious how everyone organizes their coupons. I currently have all mine in an envelope but that is getting harder to sort through as I accumulate more of a collection.

Today's trip at CVS:
Herbal Essences Sham/Cond 2/$5.97 -$1.00 cpn and got $2.00 EB
1 375 ct Qtips $1.99 - $.30 cpn
2 bags Lays chips BOGO $3.99
2 boxes Sweetarts @ $.75 each
less $12 in EBs

OOP $.32 Then I got $2.00 EBs so I believe I made $1.68??? Did I figure that right?

p8nt: WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge from me - dancinmama!! We are soooo glad that you found us.

Regarding organization of coupons: Everyone has to find what works best for them. Most of us get multiple sets of the Sunday coupon inserts each week, so clipping, filing, and later purging expireds is just too time consuming. Many of us keep our inserts in tact and only clip when we know we are going to use something. If you do not get multiple inserts, you can use a container like a recipe box that has separators for various categories: dairy, cleaning, medicines, etc. and clip and file each week. I have had of people who filed all their coupons in a binder using baseball card holders or something similar for holding all the coupons. I know that we used to have some gals that used the binder system, but I don't think anyone here does currently.

As far as your transaction at CVS: I have to admit that the deals at CVS have not been too wonderful lately so all in all I don't think you did too badly. Hang with us and in the future when things pick up at CVS, you will be absolutely amazed at what you will be able to get for little or no OOP simply by using coupons and rolling your EBs from one week to the next.

The key to what we do, however, is having several sets of Sunday inserts. If you are only getting one set, use the lull at CVS to find people who might be willing to give you their Sunday coupons (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.). Then when the great deals come around you'll have most of the coupons you will need.

If you have any questions or if there is ANYTHING that we can do to help you, please let us know.

[dancinmama]

Feb 5, 2011 22:46:42 GMT -5 missourimommy said:

I have to agree.. Wives don't let their husbands shop alone. It just doesn't work. I'm jealous of those who have their husbands "trained" how to shop.

JKScott, I apologize if I have offended you. You and the other "trained men" are the exception to the "norm."

jkscott: Ooops, I forgot that we have a coupon-savvy man in our presence.

<<dancinmama smacks herself on the forhead>>

You are a very rare breed. Anyway, just pay no attention when we ramble on about our DHes cuz, although some are coming along, most have little or no clue when it comes to coupons. While we're working out our scenarios our DHs are .

[p8nt]

Thanks Debinwa and Dancinmama. I am excited to get better and better at couponing.
We don't have a RA nearby, so I am going to have to focus my efforts on CVS and Wags.
The only inserts we get in our local paper is the Smartsource and it seems more like advertisements than coupons. I do pick up a Sacramento Bee (I'm in CA) on Sunday mornings. I think it has 3 different inserts but I have never looked at the names. I will tomorrow morning. Would it be better to wait on buying multiple papers just for the inserts until I get better at it? Is it better to get two large city papers instead of 2 of the same city? (In my case it would be the San Francisco Chronicle and the Sac Bee) Do you get different coupons that way?

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am excited to be here. I can't wait to get a feel for what is a good deal on TP, Papertowels, cereal, etc.

[p8nt]

Oh, I also wanted to ask - I have an idea for easily purging expireds and I wanted to ask if anyone thought it would cause a problem. My thought is to put a different colored stripe of hi-lighter on the coupons as I clip them. For example, all coupons that expire sometime in February may have a yellow stripe, then March I may put a green stripe. Then when I wanted to purge I could just look for the color. Does anyone think this would void the coupon?

[missourimommy]

Dancin,....
Glad yours is . Mine tends to or sit back and watch while the kids ......JUST KIDDING!!!

He really prefers not to even get involved in any part of it, which is just fine. My 6-yr old on the other hand prefers to go with me. I get to the point where I tell her "My name isn't mommy anymore." Then I get "Hey Grandma!"

She went with me last night and I did splurge on here a little bit. I bought she and he brother a hunk of watermelon for $1.75. I figured I'd rather spend $1.75 on something healthy than the same amount on candy or something they really don't need. She thought that was the best thing and they have plans to eat if for breakfast.

[dancinmama]

Feb 6, 2011 5:09:15 GMT -5 missourimommy said:

Dancin,....
Glad yours is . Mine tends to or sit back and watch while the kids ......JUST KIDDING!!!

Very creative use of emoticons!!

He really prefers not to even get involved in any part of it, which is just fine. My 6-yr old on the other hand prefers to go with me. I get to the point where I tell her "My name isn't mommy anymore." Then I get "Hey Grandma!"

Sounds like you've got a little comedian there.

[dancinmama]

Feb 6, 2011 1:49:33 GMT -5 p8nt said:

Thanks Debinwa and Dancinmama. I am excited to get better and better at couponing.
We don't have a RA nearby, so I am going to have to focus my efforts on CVS and Wags.
The only inserts we get in our local paper is the Smartsource and it seems more like advertisements than coupons. I do pick up a Sacramento Bee (I'm in CA) on Sunday mornings. I think it has 3 different inserts but I have never looked at the names. I will tomorrow morning. Would it be better to wait on buying multiple papers just for the inserts until I get better at it? Is it better to get two large city papers instead of 2 of the same city? (In my case it would be the San Francisco Chronicle and the Sac Bee) Do you get different coupons that way?

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am excited to be here. I can't wait to get a feel for what is a good deal on TP, Papertowels, cereal, etc.

p8nt: I'm in CA too (South SF Bay Area).

The problem with waiting "until you get good at it" to get extra inserts is that you can't hone your skills without them. Most of the best deals require multiple coupons.

The Chronicle does tend to have different coupons than the local papers, but it costs $3/pop and thus I feel is cost prohibitive. I do not know how much the Bee costs. Some of the gals order inserts weekly from a clipping service called Mad Coupons. I do not use it, so someone else is going to have to chime in to give you more details.

As for color coding your coupons. Hopefully you won't be clipping and filing for long; but as long as the coupon scans, I don't think whether it has some green or pink on it will make any difference.

[missourimommy]

Dancin,
Yes she is. She keeps me jumping, that's for sure!

[dancinmama]

NOR CA RITE AID (today's ad): I don't get the paper so I don't have the ad. Is anyone online who can confirm whether we are getting the Chestal (SCR) deal at Rite Aid this week? It is NOT in the So CA ad and it would be MOST EXCELLENT to know before I walk in the door this morning.

[family legacy]

I did it! My first couponing transaction, and it was a success!

Wags:
$20 in RR from earlier transaction on 2 Neurogen

Then bought:
6 jars Ragu
4 Skippy Peanut butter
1 Armicare
1 Veripure hand sanitizer
4 bags Reese's minis

Used:
$20 RR
3 - $.75/2 Ragu q
3 - $.50/1 Skippy q
$2/1 Arnicare MC
$2/2 Reese's minis in-store q (Feb. coupon booklet)
$2/2 Reese's minis MC
$3.99 Veripure sale

OOP = $1.83; Received $15 RR ($5 from Ragu/Skippy; $6 from Arnicare; $4 Veripure)

You guys are sooo awesome! Thank you so much!

[ooty1234]

Feb 6, 2011 9:55:05 GMT -5 family legacy said:

I did it! My first couponing transaction, and it was a success!

Wags:
$20 in RR from earlier transaction on 2 Neurogen

Then bought:
6 jars Ragu
4 Skippy Peanut butter
1 Armicare
1 Veripure hand sanitizer
4 bags Reese's minis

Used:
$20 RR
3 - $.75/2 Ragu q
3 - $.50/1 Skippy q
$2/1 Arnicare MC
$2/2 Reese's minis in-store q (Feb. coupon booklet)
$2/2 Reese's minis MC
$3.99 Veripure sale

OOP = $1.83; Received $15 RR ($5 from Ragu/Skippy; $6 from Arnicare; $4 Veripure)

You guys are sooo awesome! Thank you so much!

WOW...Great Job!!! I think you got the idea now, use the stores money to shop with week to week! Dontcha just love it?? Best kept secret around! Although it seems to not be such a big secret anymore....

[Frugal Nurse]

About DHs and shopping- I guess I'm lucky. My DH is psyched about couponing. He says it confuses him to do it himself, but he does help me clip my Q's, and he even watches some of the Rite Aid videos for me! He also has learned to try and get the best deals on the things he does buy (like flowers for me ). He's a good man.

[dancinmama]

deepindebt: If that was your FIRST couponing transactions, you amaze me. Most newbies don't catch on so quickly to rolling AND getting their OOP really low. MOST EXCELLENT job!!

[Frugal Nurse]

RE: Guilty Pleasures

I don't feel guilty about my pleasures! I save money on the things that don't matter (food, toiletries, etc.) so that I can spend on the things that do matter (theater tickets for me, concerts for DH, good clothes, SHOES, massages, hair cuts, things that enrich my life). Nobody should feel guilty for indulging, as long as you can afford it and it makes your life better! We only get one go-round in this world, we should make the best of it!

[Frugal Nurse]

Ok ladies (and gentleman) I'm ready to go rob Rite Aid blind! Have a good sunday everyone!

[BabyBear19]

Hello, everyone! I am really trying to save money this year! I "joined" over on the MSN boards, but never posted past my initial sign-in post on the grocery boards. I think I was over-whelmed with it all!

I live in Southern Indiana and usually shop at Wal-Mart and Save-A-Lot. There are 3 CVS's in the area, 1 Wal-Greens (that I don't really care for), one Family Dollar and 3 Dollar General. My main focus this year money-wise is to SAVE money (no debt, other than the mortgage), and the best way to do that is saving money at the grocery stores, etc!

Looking forward to learning a lot from you ladies (and gents!)

[family legacy]

Feb 6, 2011 10:41:53 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

deepindebt: If that was your FIRST couponing transactions, you amaze me. Most newbies don't catch on so quickly to rolling AND getting their OOP really low. MOST EXCELLENT job!!

Everyone's advice to be patient was right on! I've been reading and collecting coupons for a few weeks now just waiting until the time was right. I'm completely hooked. I can't believe I haven't been doing this all along. It is, indeed, the best kept secret around!

[ooty1234]

****HOUND ALERT****

OMG, I can't believe I am down to my last can of mousse!

I need a deal on hair stylers and Q's to go with it! I know I won't be able to get free, but I am just at the thought of paying full price

[rubyslippers]

p8nt: When I first started using coupons, I got a cheapie photo book that held about 40 photos, 4 per page. I filed my coupon in that for a long time until it got too full. I then graduated to a binder with baseball card sleeves. I find that that works better for me than filing all the inserts. I like to be able to see what I have. I take a small accordian file with me to Rite Aid with all my coupons, UP rewards, video values and rainchecks. I do the most shopping at Rite Aid so that has worked for me. I also keep a small scissors in it to cut and file my rewards in the store. You will find what works best for you.

[suziq38]

Looking forward to learning a lot from you ladies (and gents!)

Welcome, Baby Bear!
I am glad that you have decided to save money this year!

If you have any questions, just ask.
My question to you is: Do you have any EB's for CVS?

[suziq38]

At CVS:
Trident 99 cents
4 bottles of Nivea @2.99 markdown
1 bottle of Gillette men's BW $2.74 (50% off)
Total: $15.69

Minus $5.00 off of $15.00 (Your manager may vary).
2 MQ $2.00 Nivea tearpad
1 MQ $2.00 Gillette P and G

Balance 69 cents OOP plus tax. Paid with my GC.

Received 2 EB's: $5.00 for the Nivea and 99 cents for the Trident gum.

I was "blown away" that I received an EB for the markdown Nivea. Maybe I bought some Nivea previously, not sure.

[jdnstl]

Feb 5, 2011 17:24:57 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 5, 2011 13:03:51 GMT -5 gardenergirl said:

Any tips for getting your DH on board with couponing/looking for sales? DH decided to do some shopping of his own yesterday (he does this from time to time) and I thought I had taught him well, to look for sale items and such, but he bought quite a few things at full price, no coupons and I'm just a little bit at him right now. Before I approach him about it, any tips??

gardengirl: I agree with dogmom, don't let him shop - and I'm NOT kidding. I FINALLY have DH trained, but it took a loooong time. He doesn't do the actual buying, but he will look for sales when he wants something, ask if I have coupons, etc. He teases me telling me that if I let him go to the store on his own, I do so at my own risk. ha ha ha

HAHAHA! i came home this morning from a trip to WAGS & started to share my great deal & he stopped me after the 3rd item & said "you can stop now. post it online for your friends who care to read." such a sourpuss!!

[suziq38]

HAHAHA! i came home this morning from a trip to WAGS & started to share my great deal & he said stopped me after the 3rd item & said "you can stop now. post it online for your friends who care to read." [image] such a sourpuss!!

[suziq38]

Feb 6, 2011 13:37:13 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

HAHAHA! i came home this morning from a trip to WAGS & started to share my great deal & he said stopped me after the 3rd item & said "you can stop now. post it online for your friends who care to read." [image] such a sourpuss!!

Your DH is way too funny!
Yes, we want to hear about your scenarios.
I haven't been to WAGS yet, as the one I go to is on the other side of town.

[kathyattraverse]

NAG - just chit chat. Good afternoon to all. Getting ready for Superbowl. Not that I like football, but I do have some numbers so I hope I win something ($50 quarter). am in the process of baking two loaves of homemade bread (no machine). However, this particular bread is a long process. Mix it up and then it rests for 18 hours, then you knead it a couple times and put it a ball for two hours and then you bake it in a pre=heated oven 2 qt. casserole covered. My friend's husband makes it and she had it at a Pampered Chef party. It is delicious. If anyone wants the recipe, e-mail me at krichter at shrr dot com and I'll scan it to you. Now on the other hand, the latest Taste of Home magazine has a Dilled Wheat Bread that I'm going to make that only takes 25 min. prep time, rising and 30 minutes bake time. Also made a homemade Texas Sheet Cake. I haven't baked in a long time as H and I don't need to eat it but I love to bake (not so keen on cooking though).

Went to RA yesterday to get two more packages of Dixie plates (BOGO with $3/2 Q) but had to get a raincheck. Didn't really cash in on the chips and ice cream deals last week. Not sure what hounding I'll do this week. I see WAGS has Right Guard BW $3.99 with $3 RR. Are there any Q's out there for this? I checked Hot Coupon but didn't see any. Any other good deals I should know about?

[suziq38]

The coupons in today's La Times just weren't s good as last weeks.
I will only buy two sets.

[suziq38]

At CVS:
3 boxes of Herbashine hair dye. $7.00 each.
Total: $21.00
Minus $5.00 off of $15.00
Minus 3 $3.00 off MQ
Balance:
$7.00 paid for with EB's and GC
Received $10.00 EB