dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Nov 29, 2012 16:23:59 GMT -5
Absolutely. A lot of people fool themselves into thinking that they're saving more than they are because they combine both methods!! It seems to be a common mistake for newbies. The other thing that I see, is that people are TOO dependent on coupons. I use a variety of methods to keep my costs down, and I know many of you do the same. I've been using the Price Book method since 2003. Coupons are just one tool in my arsenal for saving money. Other ideas that I know many of you use is buying the lowest price produce, buying meat on sale, etc. I actually didn't even know there was clearance meat until I heard you all talking about it! And, one other thing is weighing the cost-benefit of going out to get something "free" if it's going to cost you in gas. Don't get me wrong - I'm not perfect. Couponing is something I enjoy, so there are times I do it for the fun of it. But I suspect a lot of the fallout from EC is that people are just randomly buying stuff cause it's "free" without thought of how they will roll/flip the rewards and whether or not they will truly use the free items. EXACTLY!! When I was the WAGs Dancin' Queen, most of the time I would not do a RR deal before I had outlined a plan for how I was going to use it/them. I "preached" that quite a bit here because I did not want the gals buying another toothbrush or "whatever" that they probably already had plenty of just because it was a MM and then find that there was nothing available that they really needed to spend the RR on....which equals a total waste of time and money. In my WAGs days, sometimes when a product was giving a RR, I was actually buying the product; most of the time, I was buying the RR. We used to talk about "bundling errands" pretty regularly on the GC. I am very fortunate because where I pick up my coupons, the bank, Safeway, Nob Hill, CVS, and WAGs are all within a couple of blocks of each other and all no more than three minutes from my home. I only have to give pause if I am driving across town to do Rite Aid, WalMart, or Target deals. I don't want to make the trip without getting the most out of it. Monday I wanted to do the creamer deal at Target, so I stopped at about 1/2 a dozen other stores on that side of town while I was over there, but since I hate to shop, it was painful.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Nov 29, 2012 16:30:53 GMT -5
My one card seems to be giving a 10/50 every time I use it. I used a 10/50 yesterday and got another one. I did a smallish transaction on a different card today and don't think I got one on that card. I honestly didn't really look yet though... I only have the one 10/50 and will try to cobble something together next week. I saw a few gift items I can get, and may do the toy deal (spend $25, get $5 EB) if they have some of the games there are coupons out for, again for gifts. I have a couple small EB items on rain check from BF I can throw in to get some EB's back, but I don't mind burning a bunch. 3 cards is too much to keep up with... I'm only juggling two cards these days and I'm constantly getting them on both. One is my registered card and the other is a generic card with no email or registration whatsoever. To date between the two cards, I've redeemed (24) of them. There are several CVS shoppers that really want to get them and aren't getting any.
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Nov 29, 2012 20:03:12 GMT -5
emhalf, i got your envelope today. thank you so much! great timing too becuase I was hoping to go to the store tomorrow night after work. I appreciate it!
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leanna
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Post by leanna on Nov 29, 2012 20:57:06 GMT -5
I added up my purchases for the $15 P&G rebate and I'm about $0.85 short! Oh well, will have to buy a cheap CG eye shadow or shampoo. I'm open to suggestions. Skubikky, Since the rebate is open until 12/31, I'd recommend you wait for another freebie P&G item. I'm presuming you did all the "free's" you could this week already at the stores you have. Seems like P&G is being good to us again, like they were a few years ago. So I have a feeling if you wait, you'll be able to get another P&G item for free that will throw you over the $50 threshhold. Or, there might be someone who has an extra receipt you can have.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Nov 30, 2012 7:14:47 GMT -5
I, too, do a bunch of things to save beyond coupons & store rewards programs (EB, RR, BR). Shop where the BEST prices for my weekly/stockpile/fresh needs are available. This generally means hitting multiple stores (all on my routine travel path): 1-3 produce markets, 1-2 national chain grocers, 2 local independent grocers, WAG, & CVS. I happen to have a VERY good memory for the cost of most things I buy regularly. Irregular items are generally in the ‘treat’ category.
I NEVER buy a FREE item unless I know I or family will use it or it is something that is easily donated. Honestly, our sales tax is WAAAY too high to buy just for the sake of FREE. Right now I am building a nail care kit for DGD's bday come July.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Nov 30, 2012 7:40:35 GMT -5
I added up my purchases for the $15 P&G rebate and I'm about $0.85 short! Oh well, will have to buy a cheap CG eye shadow or shampoo. I'm open to suggestions. Skubikky, Since the rebate is open until 12/31, I'd recommend you wait for another freebie P&G item. I'm presuming you did all the "free's" you could this week already at the stores you have. Seems like P&G is being good to us again, like they were a few years ago. So I have a feeling if you wait, you'll be able to get another P&G item for free that will throw you over the $50 threshhold. Or, there might be someone who has an extra receipt you can have. Thanks for the suggestion. HOUND ALERT P&G deal: Would very much appreciate anyone out there who might have an extra receipt for the P&G $50 deal?
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Nov 30, 2012 7:42:56 GMT -5
My one card seems to be giving a 10/50 every time I use it. I used a 10/50 yesterday and got another one. I did a smallish transaction on a different card today and don't think I got one on that card. I honestly didn't really look yet though... I only have the one 10/50 and will try to cobble something together next week. I saw a few gift items I can get, and may do the toy deal (spend $25, get $5 EB) if they have some of the games there are coupons out for, again for gifts. I have a couple small EB items on rain check from BF I can throw in to get some EB's back, but I don't mind burning a bunch. 3 cards is too much to keep up with... I'm only juggling two cards these days and I'm constantly getting them on both. One is my registered card and the other is a generic card with no email or registration whatsoever. To date between the two cards, I've redeemed (24) of them. There are several CVS shoppers that really want to get them and aren't getting any. I would have like to try a $10/$50 but never received any. But, I've still been able to do a few good deals at CVS. Got a $2 off Charmin this past Sunday. Used it on the $5.99 Basic Charmin....that was cool. I've never seen a CRT like that. Anyone else get one?
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p8nt
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Post by p8nt on Nov 30, 2012 9:01:59 GMT -5
I got the $2 off Charmin on both my cards last week. I only got them once for each. I haven't ever got a $10/$50 either. I regularly get the $4/$20 on my SO's card, but never on my own card. I don't understand the "method" to who gets it and who doesn't. I did get quite a few of the $5EB back on the iTunes cards. The nieces and nephews are getting those.
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p8nt
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Post by p8nt on Nov 30, 2012 9:04:26 GMT -5
Oh I almost forgot!!
My Raley's had Tillamook Farms Shredded Colby Jack clearanced out for $.99 a bag. Some of it expires 12/3 and some 12/9. I put quite a few bags in my freezer. I'm assuming it's specific to my store and is a result of the low sales during the strike. I plan to go back and peruse the shelves for more clearance this weekend.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Nov 30, 2012 9:30:29 GMT -5
Oh I almost forgot!! My Raley's had Tillamook Farms Shredded Colby Jack clearanced out for $.99 a bag. Some of it expires 12/3 and some 12/9. I put quite a few bags in my freezer. I'm assuming it's specific to my store and is a result of the low sales during the strike. I plan to go back and peruse the shelves for more clearance this weekend. I love those kind of deals.
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Nov 30, 2012 11:18:01 GMT -5
I checked and I DID get a 10/50 yesterday, on a card I have not been getting them on. I had to stop back in today to buy another C r a c k e r Barrel gift card, cuz I made an oops yesterday and thought the $5 EB was on one, it's on 2, but, no big deal, will use them for gifts. Well, that was ALL I bought today and ANOTHER 10/50 printed on this card. So, now I have 2 on this card, and $20ish EB's, so, hopefully a decent deal will come up in the next couple weeks so I can use them!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2012 11:21:56 GMT -5
Kohl's has a comforter set on sale for their Flash Friday sale. It is only $39.99 (all sizes, no King though) and there are coupons out there for 15-20% off, there is also a code for free shipping. I got mine for $8.33 (full/queen size). I used $30 Kohl's cash from last week, 20% off and free shipping. Below is the link. www.kohls.com/catalog.jsp?N=3000010652&cid=12flash1020% off code is WREATH20 and free shipping code is FBFLASH4.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2012 11:24:55 GMT -5
"I would have like to try a $10/$50 but never received any. But, I've still been able to do a few good deals at CVS. Got a $2 off Charmin this past Sunday. Used it on the $5.99 Basic Charmin....that was cool. I've never seen a CRT like that. Anyone else get one?"
I got it too. I also had a $1/2 mfg coupon.
skubikky: I will be adding up my receipts for the P&G deal this weekend. I was short a few bucks but I just got some Cover Girl which should give me enough I will look through my receipts and see if there is anything extra I can send you for yours.
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Nov 30, 2012 12:41:08 GMT -5
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murphath
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Post by murphath on Nov 30, 2012 13:29:08 GMT -5
skubikky: You can buy a box of Puffs at CVS this week for .99. That will give you enough for the P&G rebate. That's what I did as I was $1.90 shy of $50.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Nov 30, 2012 14:47:21 GMT -5
skubikky: You can buy a box of Puffs at CVS this week for .99. That will give you enough for the P&G rebate. That's what I did as I was $1.90 shy of $50. Ah, great....whoop, there it is!
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rubyslippers
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Post by rubyslippers on Nov 30, 2012 15:49:49 GMT -5
I had a great day getting groceries and a few Christmas gifts.
Meijer: I bought 2 rotisserie chickens, 1 lb. butter, 1 lb. sour cream, 1 bunch bananas, 2 zucchini, 1 bread, 1 lg. jar Lawry's seasoning and 8 lbs. bacon for $.61 OOP after using catalinas earned last week.
Kroger: 10 packs Hormel pepperoni for $3.00 OOP after IPQ's and store coupon $2/10.00 in meat.
Mall: I bought 2 pairs of earrings and 2 pairs of dress socks and paid $4.57 OOP after using 4 $5/5.00 coupons. Three of these will be used as Christmas gifts.
Total: Spent $8.18 OOP and saved $67.00 using coupons and catalinas.
Pubbler, what are you getting with all your catalinas?
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on Nov 30, 2012 15:57:15 GMT -5
Thank you dancinmama & rubyslippers. I must have missed it last week. Since we don't have doubles anymore at any of our stores, I have not been following the ads closely. Have any of you long-time CVS shoppers gone through periods of "boredom"? I'm not talking burnout....just boredom. I am loving some of the recent deals with the CRTs (the Mentos Curvy Bottle gum and the GE chips), but I seem to be getting bored with the same shampoo and razor deals over and over and over and over. Even the MM razor deal that I did this week was like....another deal, a profit of $13 in EBs. YAWN. You're funny...yawning at $13 profit!! I didn't have enough coupons for that one but I did do one razor deal. I got a CRT on one of my three cards that was $3 off any razors, shaving cream, and some other related thing. I bought the $6.99 single Venus razor and got back $5 ECB = $1 profit. I read that somewhere that there was a CRT for that so see if you all get it too. I don't know if there was a limit but it seems that they're all limit 1 these days. What was the Mentos curvy bottle deal? Is it still on? I got a CRT for that this week too. Oh, and I got a $5/15!!!!
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on Nov 30, 2012 16:00:33 GMT -5
I also find that I don't have nearly as many Freebies or MM's as most people do. I only use the cash basis for figuring out my savings and almost never get things for free which to me is zero OOP. It makes me wonder if most people use the accrual method because I almost never get things for free and using the cash method I can't remember the last time I actually made money. I've been using a GC to pay the extra 30-50 c and/or the tax at CVS. If I walk out with more ECB than I went in with, I consider that money made. I haven't made any cash in about two years.
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on Nov 30, 2012 16:19:40 GMT -5
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pubbler
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Post by pubbler on Nov 30, 2012 18:22:18 GMT -5
Ruby - that's a great shopping trip!
I have $280 CATS to use next week & $30 the following week. Next week I'm stockpiling Jennie O ground turkey (I'm completely out) and chicken. Meijer also has 5lb sweet onions for $2.99 (that's 60c/lb) so I'm getting a few bags & will dice & freeze them. And will use the rest to finish up xmas gifts and get some kitchen towels & other household items. Am hoping they have a good one day sale on 12/8 (when my CATS expire).
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Nov 30, 2012 19:38:13 GMT -5
Have any of you long-time CVS shoppers gone through periods of "boredom"? I'm not talking burnout....just boredom. I am loving some of the recent deals with the CRTs (the Mentos Curvy Bottle gum and the GE chips), but I seem to be getting bored with the same shampoo and razor deals over and over and over and over. Even the MM razor deal that I did this week was like....another deal, a profit of $13 in EBs. YAWN. You're funny...yawning at $13 profit!! I didn't have enough coupons for that one but I did do one razor deal. I got a CRT on one of my three cards that was $3 off any razors, shaving cream, and some other related thing. I bought the $6.99 single Venus razor and got back $5 ECB = $1 profit. I read that somewhere that there was a CRT for that so see if you all get it too. I don't know if there was a limit but it seems that they're all limit 1 these days. What was the Mentos curvy bottle deal? Is it still on? I got a CRT for that this week too. Oh, and I got a $5/15!!!! The one I did was a few weeks back. The CRTs that printed was $2/1 Mentos Curvy Bottle. The next week or week after (I can't remember now) they were on sale for $2.50 which made them $.50/bottle (free if paying with EBs). Geez, the regular price of a bottle of gum is OVER $4!! That is just ridiculous. We always keep a bottle in each glove box.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Nov 30, 2012 19:46:11 GMT -5
Have any of you long-time CVS shoppers gone through periods of "boredom"? I'm not talking burnout....just boredom. I am loving some of the recent deals with the CRTs (the Mentos Curvy Bottle gum and the GE chips), but I seem to be getting bored with the same shampoo and razor deals over and over and over and over. Even the MM razor deal that I did this week was like....another deal, a profit of $13 in EBs. YAWN. You're funny...yawning at $13 profit!! The profit is awesome, it's the product on sale that I am REALLY bored with. We all know that sales/MMs on products go in cycles. We seem to be in a cycle where we've been deluged by shampoo/razor deals and I'm BEYOND READY to move on to something else!!
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Dec 1, 2012 8:13:04 GMT -5
The December Grocery Challenge is up!! See ya over there!!
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suziq38
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Post by suziq38 on Dec 2, 2012 9:37:17 GMT -5
I am so sad about Frugal suz's decision to stop blogging about deals. She simply is "the best." I will miss her. Thank you, Frugalsuz, for all the deals you have posted for the last 4 years. I enjoyed each and every post. Yes, the deals are just not there as much. I hate that. On the other hand, our frugal ways will never "die" unless we allow it to. I still scrutinize every grocery tab. Have a Happy Holiday and check in with us from time to time. Your blog was an example of how to best do what we do. I will miss it.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Dec 2, 2012 11:23:17 GMT -5
skubikky: You can buy a box of Puffs at CVS this week for .99. That will give you enough for the P&G rebate. That's what I did as I was $1.90 shy of $50. Did just that yesterday and mailed out the rebate. Thanks for the remimder that the Puffs was part of that rebate.
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