THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[dancinmama]

Feb 6, 2011 13:50:43 GMT -5 dogmom said:

Don't know about anyone else, but the coupons in the inserts are beginning to look like rinse and repeat. Do you think so too? I don't think I'm burned out, but, same Lysol, same Glade, same Nivea, same Vitamins...Nothing exciting. I guess it's time to do some scouting around. I think the only thing I'm going to get will be at Wags for the $2.00 RR on cranberry juice. (It's something I buy all the time anyway)

dogmom: I got the same Glade, but NO Lysol. If you have any extras (HOUND ALERT above), I would really appreciate them.

The coupons we get always go in cycles and yes, you see the same ones over and over with a new one or one with a higher denomination than usual (like the recent $2/1 Wisk or the $2.25/1 Finish/Electrosol) sprinkled in here and there.

[ineedaplan]

This message has been deleted.

[misspt]

dancin: I got the Lysol $1/2 toilet bowl cleaner coupon, do you want it? Just PM me and lemme know if there are any other coupons you are looking for....

[mizbear]

Dancin- I have one of the $1 off 2 lysol qs- got every other lysol q in the SS today too.

[mizbear]

I caught something about a wisk and all bogo at one of the stores while reading DGMs paper (and snitching her coupon insert). I have a save $2 on wisk left and a save $1 on all left and a save $1.50 on 84 load or larger all left.

[dancinmama]

Feb 6, 2011 23:12:29 GMT -5 misspt said:

dancin: I got the Lysol $1/2 toilet bowl cleaner coupon, do you want it? Just PM me and lemme know if there are any other coupons you are looking for....

misspt: You've got a PM from me.

[misspt]

Right back atcha! Will see you ladies in the morning! Nighty-nite.

[shelly527in]

Feb 6, 2011 11:09:08 GMT -5 BabyBear19 said:

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!)

WELCOME! I'm from southern Indiana too!

[ummboutthat]

today it hit me! I did this before but it didn't stick. to lower the cost of my food spending at the grocery store. I will put all the food items first, then put the bar to separate the other items in my cart.

[marvholly]

I sent this to Safeway corp early this am.

I am having several issues at my local Safeway (Dominicks):

1. Joy of Football coupon book
We did NOT get until several weeks after friends & family on both coasts got.
The coupons do not scan neither Safeway nor manufacturer at Dominicks
They are not readily available. I have to go to the service desk and beg for it and then the CSR sighs, goes into the office and gives me one. This has happened in 3 stores in the last 2 weeks.
2. Yesterday the cashier took forever to ring my 3 item order because:
She had to ‘examine’ my meat package to be sure it qualified for the $2 football coupon
She could not figure out which coupon did NOT scan when I called it to her attention and did NOT believe me when I showed her (Safeway salsa).

Let me point out that I do NOT need Dominicks. I have many choices of where to shop:
Target, Walmart, Jewel, Shop n Save, Jerry’s, Tony’s, Village Market, Oakton Market….. to name just a few of my choices,

I do NOT need to be treated like I am a scam artist and will NOT tolerate it.
By the way, I am also posting this complaint on several money saving during grocery shopping boards I belong to. There have also been numerous other complaints posted already.

I got the usual auto reply that they will ‘research’ and get back to me. From previous experience I know it will be about Easter & as a call from the store mgr. NOTHING in writing. I will insist on a written (email) response to share w/you.

I have had issues w/this particular cashier before and usually avoid her but I had NO choice as her’s was the only lane open at 9:30 am on Super Bowl Sun (?). FYI: I used the $2 ranchers reserve coupon on a just over 1 lb of skirt steak so the pkg = 3 servings cost me 0.17.

Anyone else notice:
Last week I reviewed all the free sample offers I had sent for between 8/1/10 and 1/31/10. I received <1/2 – more like 35%.

[frugalsuz]

The Prilosec deal is going on again at RiteAid next week (2/13)! I'm so excited b/c I didn't get my coupons in time to do this deal more than once and now I'll have another shot. Here's the info:

Prilosec OTC (42 ct) on sale for $24.99 (reg price $28.99). If you have 20% discount, you'll pay $23.19 (you either get your % off discount or the sale price, whichever is cheaper). You'll buy two, use the $8/2 coupon from the 1/30 P&G, pay $38.38, get back two $7 UPs and submit for the $25 rebate here: www.prilosecotc.com/en_US/consumer/PromotionsDiscounts/Documents/Rebate_Form.pdf Makes it free and a great way to turn UP's into cash.

[freemen10]

I'm getting ready for my first trip out with coupons and starting my collection of rr/UPs today! I have decided that the binder with photo sleeves works best for me so that I can readily see everything that I have. I have also printed out the coupon policy for each of my stores and have my fliers inside as well. After arranging this yesterday (with the last months worth of coupons) , I have poured through the fliers for Wags and RA to find the best deals for what I need. I see that RA has the better deals on my items and will start there.

I do have a question for one transaction that I would like to to at Wags. There was a Wags coupon in their flier for $10 off Crest White Strips and there was a $10 MF coupon in the paper. I should be able to use both in my transaction, shouldn't I?

[BabyBear19]

Feb 6, 2011 13:25:36 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

My question to you is: Do you have any EB's for CVS?

No, Suziq. I have no EB's. I haven't shopped there in quite awhile, honestly. I used to go a lot and used up my EB's on new transactions. Then, I just quit.

[redwagon]

HOUND ALERT

I am so annoyed! We didn't get a Sunday paper delivered yesterday! I emailed the paper and they credited our account but GRRRRR. It seems there is a coupon for 24ct or higher Zyrtec, which makes it one of the few I can use on Zyrtec D. Can someone confirm this? And if anyone isn't using it, I would very much appreciate it and will gladly send you coupons when you need them (obviously not from this week, sorry!).

Thanks!

And thanks to the two of you who sent me the fancy feast coupons!! So appreciated!!

[mercee]

WAGS Deal Alert I found Colgate toothpaste that was $2.19 & was included in the buy 2 Colgate & get $3 RR! I had two $0.75 off coupons, so it was $2.88 (tax excluded) & I got $3RR! Total money maker!! Ok, so it's only $0.12 but STILL!

I'll be hitting that WAGS another time this week for that deal for sure!

Though, I again didn't get my papers from the gas station. *sigh* I stopped & talked to the Sun worker right AFTER she went to the dumpster - she was walking back from it as we pulled up. *grrrr* But we had a nice chat - I introduced myself & brought her some Avon samples that I had as a "offering". I stopped this morning & gave similar samples to the Mon morning worker so I think we're now good & they'll be saving the papers. Apparently the Sun night worker thought I just wanted them that one time.

So I just bought two papers at WAGS this morning & will hit up my coworker for her coups later today (will bribe her with a tube of Veripur - haha).

[saveinla]

Feb 7, 2011 8:43:07 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

The Prilosec deal is going on again at RiteAid next week (2/13)! I'm so excited b/c I didn't get my coupons in time to do this deal more than once and now I'll have another shot. Here's the info:

Prilosec OTC (42 ct) on sale for $24.99 (reg price $28.99). If you have 20% discount, you'll pay $23.19 (you either get your % off discount or the sale price, whichever is cheaper). You'll buy two, use the $8/2 coupon from the 1/30 P&G, pay $38.38, get back two $7 UPs and submit for the $25 rebate here: www.prilosecotc.com/en_US/consumer/PromotionsDiscounts/Documents/Rebate_Form.pdf Makes it free and a great way to turn UP's into cash.

Thanks a lot frugalsuz. I need to turn my winter rewards to cash and this should help. I may have to venture far away from my regular store to do this deal, since I doubt they will get any stock before next week.

[dancinmama]

Feb 7, 2011 8:51:19 GMT -5 @freemen10 said:

I do have a question for one transaction that I would like to to at Wags. There was a Wags coupon in their flier for $10 off Crest White Strips and there was a $10 MF coupon in the paper. I should be able to use both in my transaction, shouldn't I?

freemen10: Yes, you can combine a WAGs in-ad coupon and a manufacturer's coupon to get extra savings. As a rule of thumb, give the manufacturer's coupon first. AND the WAGs coupon does not count as a coupon when you are trying to make sure you don't have more coupons than items in your transaction.

It sounds like you're all ready to go. Let us know how it goes for you.

[dancinmama]

LYSOL TOILET BOWL CLEANER COUPON HOUND ALERT ANSWERED

Thanks to suzi, dogmom, and mercee; misspt has me covered. Thanks misspt!!

[dancinmama]

Feb 7, 2011 10:04:28 GMT -5 mercee said:

Though, I again didn't get my papers from the gas station. *sigh* I stopped & talked to the Sun worker right AFTER she went to the dumpster - she was walking back from it as we pulled up. *grrrr* But we had a nice chat - I introduced myself & brought her some Avon samples that I had as a "offering". I stopped this morning & gave similar samples to the Mon morning worker so I think we're now good & they'll be saving the papers. Apparently the Sun night worker thought I just wanted them that one time.

mercee: It sounds like you're good to go now. And giving them some Avon samples is PERFECT!!

[GirlGreen]

I got some free cookie & cake mix yesterday and plan to pick up more this week. I'm only $3 away from my Winter Reward or whatever they call it so I should get the $20 RR next transaction.

I'm also only $8 or so from the Healthy Heart reward (if my math is correct). Are there any good deals now/coming up for that? I don't have a ton of coupons yet...

[dancinmama]

Feb 7, 2011 10:27:49 GMT -5 GirlGreen said:

I got some free cookie & cake mix yesterday and plan to pick up more this week. I'm only $3 away from my Winter Reward or whatever they call it so I should get the $20 RR next transaction.

I'm also only $8 or so from the Healthy Heart reward (if my math is correct). Are there any good deals now/coming up for that? I don't have a ton of coupons yet...

GirlGreen: Next week Colgate toothpaste (5.8 oz) will be $3.50 and giving a $3.50 UP. The limit is (2) so it will count $7 toward your Heart Healthy total. If you buy the Total Advanced Clean it will count toward your Heart Healthy reward. Just remember that the Heart Healthy promo runs into March so you have plenty of time.

[dancinmama]

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THE DEALS YOURSELF BEFORE YOU PROCEED!

Yesterday I ran into a couponer at RA (she was behind me in line). She said that the Extreme Couponing show got her started. She put the Chestal on the counter for purchase. I asked, "Did you know that is not on sale in our ad?" She said that she had gotten the deal off of Joanie's blog and that Joanie lived in Nor CA. I told her that Joanie was probably getting her info from the national ad preview, but that the items were not included in the ad for the WEST region. She promptly removed them from her order.

She was very nice asking me what I thought about the SCR program etc. I'm sure that I'll see her again. I just wish she hadn't started at RA because in the past (not the last couple of weeks though) the stock in the store has been less than desirable. I already checked the stock on the Dove deodorant for this Sunday and they had less than 15 on the shelf. Maybe they'll get more in, but I doubt it.

Just remember when you see an ad preview that you may not have all the deals in your ad so make sure to check it out before you buy; it will save you money or the hassle of having to do a return.

[mawmawandlovingit]

Coke Rewards Question: Did anyone that got in on the Free 12 pack coupon for 30 points back in December get their coupons yet? I received an e-mail WEEKS ago saying that they shipped but I have not received them. I called CS and she could not give me a ship date, nor is it available online.....she said they could credit me back my points but could not re-send the coupons. I really wanted those coupons!!

[GirlGreen]

Thanks dancinmama! I'll add that Colgate to next week's list.

[dancinmama]

RITE AID BUY & SAVE (2/13 AD)

These are the best deals that I've found so far.

Maalox will be $4.99 and giving a $1 UP. Use a $5/1 Maalox (1/9 SS). Get a small profit and $4.99 toward your reward for each that you buy.

Dove will be 2/$4 and giving a $2 for each two purchased. Use a $2/1 Dove Deodorant (1/30 RP). Total profit (except for sales tax) and get $4 toward your reward for each (2) that you buy.

Colgate Total Advanced Clean will be $3.50 and giving a $3.50 UP. The limit is (2). Use a $.75/1 Colgate (1/9 SS - EXPIRES 2/17). Make a small profit and get $7 toward your reward for each that you buy. The Advanced Clean also qualifies for the Hearth Healthy Promo (Buy $30/Get a $10UP; Buy $50/Get a $20UP).

[frugalsuz]

Feb 7, 2011 10:04:28 GMT -5 mercee said:

WAGS Deal Alert I found Colgate toothpaste that was $2.19 & was included in the buy 2 Colgate & get $3 RR! I had two $0.75 off coupons, so it was $2.88 (tax excluded) & I got $3RR! Total money maker!! Ok, so it's only $0.12 but STILL!

I'll be hitting that WAGS another time this week for that deal for sure!

mercee - do you have a CVS or RiteAid in your area? If so, you might want to hold onto those coupons for next week. Colgate toothpaste will be free after Register Rewards/EB's at each store (Limit 2) so your $0.75 coupons will make it a $0.75 profit for each!

[AJ CouponGG]

Feb 6, 2011 23:35:14 GMT -5 mizbear said:

I caught something about a wisk and all bogo at one of the stores while reading DGMs paper (and snitching her coupon insert). I have a save $2 on wisk left and a save $1 on all left and a save $1.50 on 84 load or larger all left.

Good morning MizBear-the bogo deal is at CVS and it is ALL or Wisk. My store allowed me to do 1 of each and use 2 Qs. Hope that helps

[AJ CouponGG]

Feb 7, 2011 11:04:06 GMT -5 @mawmawandlovingit said:

Coke Rewards Question: Did anyone that got in on the Free 12 pack coupon for 30 points back in December get their coupons yet? I received an e-mail WEEKS ago saying that they shipped but I have not received them. I called CS and she could not give me a ship date, nor is it available online.....she said they could credit me back my points but could not re-send the coupons. I really wanted those coupons!!

MawMaw- I had the same issue I called and was told they had shipped. Mine turned up at the post office. I called to see if they had anything for me.....I live in condo and my envelope had gotten wet so part of address was smudged and they couldn't read it so they didn't know which condo unit to deliver it to. Mine was postmarked January 24th (much later than I expected it to ship).

[weaselfer]

Feb 7, 2011 9:55:29 GMT -5 redwagon said:

HOUND ALERT

It seems there is a coupon for 24ct or higher Zyrtec, which makes it one of the few I can use on Zyrtec D. Can someone confirm this? And if anyone isn't using it, I would very much appreciate it and will gladly send you coupons when you need them (obviously not from this week, sorry!).

Thanks!

The RedPlum has two Q in it. One is $6 off until Sunday and the other is $4 off exp 4/30. I have two each in my hands right now and could probably get 2 more tonight. You want them?

[redwagon]

weaselfer - and those are for 24ct not 25ct? I always can't use the 25ct and it frustrates me so much! i'd love them if you're willing to send them! Anything you need from last week or week before?