dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 25, 2013 15:04:09 GMT -5
If it's something that you use regularly and is non-perishable, I'd hang onto it. Anything with a date stamp that you're not thrilled about, get rid of. I used to donate any toothpaste that was within 6 months of expiration. I haven't donated toothpaste since 2011 and found (by experiment) that it is "still good" (3) years after the date stamped on the box. I knew when EC first aired and then when P&G started printing quantity restrictions on their coupons shortly thereafter, we were seeing the beginning of the end. And even though not much had really changed yet at any of the retailers, I could sense that my coupons were less and less welcomed. I went from being a hero to being "a bum", particularly at CVS; but I could sense a change at WAGs and Safeway too. Another thing that I've noticed is that coupons are becoming more regional than ever before. For example, I used to get the Yakisoba coupons every time that they came out in the inserts. I did get it last Sunday; but the time before that when it came out, it was MIA in my inserts. I also got a $4/$20 in my email and was going to use it to do the Excedrin deal and then roll that EB into the peanut butter, but guess what? I had planned to print it off on Sunday and totally forgot!! I am soooo thankful for all the drug chain deals over the past several years. Imagine the collective coupon savings by the Grocery Hounds during that time!! I'm sure it totals in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. For some reason I can't highlight today. I think sales are a direct link to a company's stock. When we were able to stockpile the sales appeared to be over the top. I wonder what they are now? The stores and manufacturers and us were making money. It appears they didn't want us in that equation.The manufacturers are the element in the equation that actually might make very little (if any) money from couponers when we stockpile the "freebies". The cost of most (if not all) of the drug chain rewards are paid for by them AND they absorb the cost of the MCs that we use. This week I spent $2.97 OOP for (3) boxes of Splenda using (3) $2/1 MCs, but then received a $5CAT. The deal was subsidized 100% by the manufacturer. The retailer (WAGs) probably made a little money, but the manufacturer gave me $11 total in the deal (x2 because I've done it twice). Now, multiply that by the number of couponers who will be doing this deal one, two, or more times and the cost to the manufacturer can EASILY go into the thousands of dollars. What do manufacturers have to gain in producing and shipping product only to turn around and give consumers the money to stockpile their products for free? That is why after EC first aired, the manufacturers were the first to pull back - because they were the biggest losers in the deals. Then retailers, even though they had less to lose, started to pull back too - some discontinued doubled coupons, some like CVS stopped carpet bombing everyone with in-store promotions ($/$$), some like Rite Aid started restricting their rewards deals, etc.....and here we are. The bottom line is that consumers being able to stockpile for free is "all bad" especially for the manufacturers, but also for the retailers. It means that neither will get our business for a particular product (or several products) for an extended period of time. The biggest winners in the game are the stockpilers, so ya - they are trying to figure out a way to dial us out, but still attract the "regular consumer" that might want to save a couple of bucks.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 25, 2013 16:34:17 GMT -5
WOW What an education!!! ( Not said snarky)
I'm just wondering why manufacturers would create a product that makes no to little money?
Take TIDE as an example. Lets say it's 2 times the cost of other detergents. I'm not sure, I only know it's quite a bit more. So it costs P and G more to make it than the other manufacturers to make theirs? Plus they raise prices when their costs increase. I guess I'm not following you.
Someone is making money, otherwise there would not have been so many deals. Do you think it was the chains? Or maybe lost leaders?
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on May 26, 2013 5:49:36 GMT -5
Ruby I LOVE smoked brisket but DD2 prefers my standard family oven braised. Do have to adjust the recipe since her son has MAJOR corm allergy & standard recipe has 1 item in it w/cornstarch (will use beef broth 7 a TON of dry minced onion).
Staying home today-dishwasher is running, will do a couple chores, watch the political talk shows and give myself a manicure.
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murphath
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Post by murphath on May 26, 2013 12:00:07 GMT -5
I had a feeling that there would be good soft drink deals this weekend so I hung onto my free Coke 12 pk q's (from collecting MyCokeRewards points). Sure enough, Safeway has the B2G3 free and it is mix/max. The graduation party is Saturday so this was perfect timing. I got 5 12 pks (root beer, coke, diet coke, diet pepsi) on Friday and also picked up 4 Kraft sliced swiss cheese which are also B1G1F this week. I had some $1/2 q's and received a $3 CAT for buying 4. I turned around and used the cat and two more Coke 12 pk free q's to get 5 more 12 pks. My total OOP for the 10 12 pks was @ $3.40 plus tax. The coke q's are max $4.99 & price was $6.59 so $1.60 x 4=$6.40 minus the $3 CAT =$3.40. We recycle so I'll get the .05 per can back and didn't include that cost above. The best part is I don't even drink coke products. All the points I collect are from caps I find on the ground while hiking/walking, from my neighbors who are coke addicts and don't want to bother with the rewards program, and from DH who collects them from catering gigs. In any event, at $6.59 per 12 pk, I saved $62.50. The lady in front of me had 2 12pks in her cart. I started chatting with her while in line and just mentioned that she was entitled to 3 more 12 pks free. She hadn't noticed the promo sign. I held her place while she got 3 more. Needless to say, she didn't use any coupons either. She did buy some Kraft cheese so I gave her a $1/2 for that & told her she would be getting a $1 CAT back so not to throw her receipt away. She thanked me and said using coupons was just too hard. I laughed and said, spending real money was too hard for me so I try to use as many coupons as I can instead because the little piece of paper I just handed her was actually a $1 bill. I'm amazed how many folks don't make that connection--you can see it in their eyes. Her response: You're right!
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rubyslippers
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Post by rubyslippers on May 26, 2013 19:21:54 GMT -5
Murpath, you did great! I'd love to be able to get pop for $.34 a 12 pack. And yes, I look at coupons as being money not spent on things I need and/or want. Today I stopped at Rite Aid and got free toothpaste and at Walmart I price matched my pop to Kroger's deal, but nowhere near as good as yours. The next possible good deals will be around the 4th of July or maybe Father's Day.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 26, 2013 19:58:47 GMT -5
WOW What an education!!! ( Not said snarky) I'm just wondering why manufacturers would create a product that makes no to little money? Take TIDE as an example. Lets say it's 2 times the cost of other detergents. I'm not sure, I only know it's quite a bit more. So it costs P and G more to make it than the other manufacturers to make theirs? Plus they raise prices when their costs increase. I guess I'm not following you. Someone is making money, otherwise there would not have been so many deals. Do you think it was the chains? Or maybe lost leaders? "Someone" certainly was - it was us!! Most products on the market obviously make money for the manufacturer. When they don't, the manufacturer stops making them. When you see an EB promotion in a CVS ad, for example, you are given a sales price and you are offered a reward in exchange for buying the product. The manufacturer is willing to offer you "a deal " in the hopes that they will gain market share - that you will love the product, become brand loyal, and will eventually buy the product when no promotion is offered, at which time they will "make up for" the discounted price you got in the past. Unfortunately for the manufacturer, however, that time rarely comes regarding the couponer because they tend not to be brand loyal and even when they are, they stockpile so that they do not put themselves in the position of having to ever pay regular retail. I don't know when you started couponing, but pre-Extreme Couponing it was not unusual for there to be straight MMs regularly. A product would be on sale for $2, there would be a $2 MC (subsidized by the manufacturer) making the product free, AND you'd receive a $1 reward for buying it which was also subsidized by the manufacturer. The bottom line was that the manufacturer was PAYING US $1 to take the product out of the store. Where is the profit for them in that? There wasn't any!! Did they intend for the deal to work that way? I doubt it.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on May 27, 2013 6:21:29 GMT -5
Murpath quote: I'm amazed how many folks don't make that connection--you can see it in their eyes. I see this ALL the time, espo w/loyalty cards. People do not want to be 'bothered.'
Dancin quote: I don't know when you started couponing, but pre-Extreme Couponing it was not unusual for there to be straight MMs regularly. A product would be on sale for $2, there would be a $2 MC (subsidized by the manufacturer) making the product free, AND you'd receive a $1 reward for buying it which was also subsidized by the manufacturer. The bottom line was that the manufacturer was PAYING US $1 to take the product out of the store. Where is the profit for them in that? There wasn't any!! Did they intend for the deal to work that way? I doubt it.
boy do I remember and miss those days and I am somewhat/very slightly brand loyal on a couple items.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 27, 2013 8:24:39 GMT -5
Murpath quote: I'm amazed how many folks don't make that connection--you can see it in their eyes. I see this ALL the time, espo w/loyalty cards. People do not want to be 'bothered.' Dancin quote: I don't know when you started couponing, but pre-Extreme Couponing it was not unusual for there to be straight MMs regularly. A product would be on sale for $2, there would be a $2 MC (subsidized by the manufacturer) making the product free, AND you'd receive a $1 reward for buying it which was also subsidized by the manufacturer. The bottom line was that the manufacturer was PAYING US $1 to take the product out of the store. Where is the profit for them in that? There wasn't any!! Did they intend for the deal to work that way? I doubt it. boy do I remember and miss those days and I am somewhat/very slightly brand loyal on a couple items. It was quite common at WAGs. A lot of times I was more interested in getting and using the RR (usually to buy pantry staples) than I was in the product that was being promoted. For example, no one in our household is diabetic, but I purchased many, many diabetic meters in my day (sale price $10, used a $10 coupon, and received a $10RR!!). Unfortunately, the meter manufacturers caught on.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 27, 2013 10:38:02 GMT -5
WOW What an education!!! ( Not said snarky) I'm just wondering why manufacturers would create a product that makes no to little money? Take TIDE as an example. Lets say it's 2 times the cost of other detergents. I'm not sure, I only know it's quite a bit more. So it costs P and G more to make it than the other manufacturers to make theirs? Plus they raise prices when their costs increase. I guess I'm not following you. Someone is making money, otherwise there would not have been so many deals. Do you think it was the chains? Or maybe lost leaders? "Someone" certainly was - it was us!! Most products on the market obviously make money for the manufacturer. When they don't, the manufacturer stops making them. When you see an EB promotion in a CVS ad, for example, you are given a sales price and you are offered a reward in exchange for buying the product. The manufacturer is willing to offer you "a deal " in the hopes that they will gain market share - that you will love the product, become brand loyal, and will eventually buy the product when no promotion is offered, at which time they will "make up for" the discounted price you got in the past. Unfortunately for the manufacturer, however, that time rarely comes regarding the couponer because they tend not to be brand loyal and even when they are, they stockpile so that they do not put themselves in the position of having to ever pay regular retail. I don't know when you started couponing, but pre-Extreme Couponing it was not unusual for there to be straight MMs regularly. A product would be on sale for $2, there would be a $2 MC (subsidized by the manufacturer) making the product free, AND you'd receive a $1 reward for buying it which was also subsidized by the manufacturer. The bottom line was that the manufacturer was PAYING US $1 to take the product out of the store. Where is the profit for them in that? There wasn't any!! Did they intend for the deal to work that way? I doubt it. It looks like you're talking about msrp. I'm thinking an item sells for 1.00, but costs .10 cent to make and deliver. That's where the money is made for the manufacturer as well as us - in the good old days. We took advantage of the 'game' whereby most poeple didn't. Their numbers were up and they made good profits on the majority of people. Because we hang around each other we think everyone is like us. (Me included) The reality is most people are not. ( I started in 2008) I quietly shake my head at the people I see wasting money, even now. Not my problem. We all stocked up and are still living off of the stock. And don't forget the store made .15 for every coupon it turned in. So evryone made money.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 27, 2013 17:09:28 GMT -5
"Someone" certainly was - it was us!! Most products on the market obviously make money for the manufacturer. When they don't, the manufacturer stops making them. When you see an EB promotion in a CVS ad, for example, you are given a sales price and you are offered a reward in exchange for buying the product. The manufacturer is willing to offer you "a deal " in the hopes that they will gain market share - that you will love the product, become brand loyal, and will eventually buy the product when no promotion is offered, at which time they will "make up for" the discounted price you got in the past. Unfortunately for the manufacturer, however, that time rarely comes regarding the couponer because they tend not to be brand loyal and even when they are, they stockpile so that they do not put themselves in the position of having to ever pay regular retail. I don't know when you started couponing, but pre-Extreme Couponing it was not unusual for there to be straight MMs regularly. A product would be on sale for $2, there would be a $2 MC (subsidized by the manufacturer) making the product free, AND you'd receive a $1 reward for buying it which was also subsidized by the manufacturer. The bottom line was that the manufacturer was PAYING US $1 to take the product out of the store. Where is the profit for them in that? There wasn't any!! Did they intend for the deal to work that way? I doubt it. It looks like you're talking about msrp. I'm thinking an item sells for 1.00, but costs .10 cent to make and deliver. That's where the money is made for the manufacturer as well as us - in the good old days. We took advantage of the 'game' whereby most poeple didn't. Their numbers were up and they made good profits on the majority of people. Because we hang around each other we think everyone is like us. (Me included) The reality is most people are not. ( I started in 2008) I quietly shake my head at the people I see wasting money, even now. Not my problem. We all stocked up and are still living off of the stock. And don't forget the store made .15 for every coupon it turned in. So evryone made money. Using a similar example, Dawn retails for $1.19, but let's guess that it costs P&G $.25/bottle to manufacture and deliver. Let say CVS has it on sale for $.88/bottle when there is a $.75/1 MC available AND with an additional promotion of Spend $25 P&G/Get a $10EB (a typical example from the old days). Here's my scenario: $24.64 (28) Dawn @ $.88/bottle - 4.00 $4/$20 (a $4 loss to CVS) -21.00 (28) $.75/1 MCs (pre-P&G limits - a loss of $.12/bottle to P&G because I'm only paying $.13/bottle after coupon) $0 OOP --> $10EB (an additional loss of $10 to P&G) CVS cuts into their profit by $4. P&G loses $13.36. Basically, I make a profit of $10 to stockpile (28) Dawn - regular retail value of $33.32. I waited very patiently for these kinds of deals and that is when I would stockpile any product that we use regularly. But you're absolutely right, most people are not like the couponer; when they buy, the manufacturer and retailer make big profits.
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hopetoberich
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Post by hopetoberich on May 28, 2013 0:20:18 GMT -5
I am so low on coupons right now does many one have anything extra? I have Paypal. I am looking for dates in to June so I have time'to'use the coupons. I need things like Blue Diamond Almond milk respected Tea Party members Cheese Eggs Feminine pads Crystal light I don't usually ask here as i'm'not'on all the time but my mq supply is low low low and some of you may have extra's Thanks
Apart from that I went to CVS today. I found Dove chocolate raspberry swirl yummy it was 75% off. I grabbed the last 4 and paid 59 c I think.I also got a couple of Pepsi @ 99c and a milky way free after ecb. Then I used my green bag tag on my final card for a $2 ecb. No coupons used but I got good deals. I spent 30 minutes taking a slow walk around looking for anything 50-75% off. Only the chocolate made it in my cart but it was good.
I did a return with no receipt on a very hard memory foam pillow I got there a while ago that was sitting in its box collecting dust. It was the worst memory foam pillow I have ever seen' hard as a rock so it went back.
Emhalf I tried to pm you did you get it?
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on May 28, 2013 6:34:20 GMT -5
Dancin What I LOVED at WAG was those rebates I got on sale items bought w/high value mfg coupons. Got mine on the gift card (you did too as I recall) for the extra 10%. Then bought fun stuff (nail polish), treats (ice cream, cookies, salties) when on sale (preferably w/a coupon too), some gift type items and even some needs (deoter, shampoo, toothpaste. I remember buying a LOT of room fragrance stuff. Still have a bunch of it.
My fav CVS mgr laughs at me if I buy ANYTHING not on sale and/or w/o a coupon. However, I get the last laugh because his wife is the same & we BOTH know it.
lynn It is amazing when I am in a store (grocery or drug) and pepole do NOT have/use the loyalty cards which often have special savings. Also, both my DDs saw me check ads, cut coupons, comparison shop yet they are TOTALLY different. DD1 hits 1 place, doies nearly all her shopping (may do grocery + fruit veg market), never uses coupons. DD2 shops multiple places (just on different days on her way home so little family time infringed), ALWAYS comparison shops, seeks out deals & coupons and I KNOW DD2's HHI is about quite a bit higher even after subtracting daycare expenses. NOTE: I am STILL drowning in Daen Hand Renewel.
I done good in my shopping on Mon. Bagged a NEW medium weight robe, a light weight robe and the grey, wool blazer I have been seeking for several years. I spent: TA DUM: $7.
Also got both ground meats on my list, a bag of spinach, a 2L bottle of sprite and 3 other items for $9.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 28, 2013 11:23:45 GMT -5
Dancin What I LOVED at WAG was those rebates I got on sale items bought w/high value mfg coupons. Got mine on the gift card (you did too as I recall) for the extra 10%. Then bought fun stuff (nail polish), treats (ice cream, cookies, salties) when on sale (preferably w/a coupon too), some gift type items and even some needs (deoter, shampoo, toothpaste. I remember buying a LOT of room fragrance stuff. Still have a bunch of it. The ESR/RR days were the absolute best days at WAGs. I shopped 100% free (including sales tax) and stockpiled sooooo many non-perishables that we use regularly. I am STILL working through several of the stockpiles I created back in those days. Remember MM Reynolds foil? I still have over 40 rolls in my stockpile!! I haven't seen a straight free foil deal since then.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on May 29, 2013 6:26:25 GMT -5
Dancin Don't remember that specific foil deal but I DO still have several rolls on hand.
I am planning on this week’s bigger shopping trip on thur. I live & shop in areas that have a big senior, section 8 housing, on food stamps population. Since the first is on Sat the debit cards are auto loaded on Fri. Do NBOT need that craziness/HUGE check out lines (very few of our stores have self check).
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 29, 2013 11:07:43 GMT -5
Back in the day, WAGs would sell the 20 sq. ft. rolls for $.89 with an in-ad coupon. Reynolds put out $1/1 coupons (both insert and IPs) regularly that excluded the 25 sq. ft. rolls, but not the 20 sq. ft. rolls. It didn't make sense, but it worked for a $.11 MM per roll....until Alcoa caught on to the fact that couponers were using Alcoa's money (the MCs) to get it for free and started excluding the 20 sq. ft. roll on their coupons.
The first element in the manufacturer + retailer + couponer = free equation who attempted to decrease couponer activity was the manufacturer - quantity restrictions on coupons, lower coupon values, accelerated expiration dates on coupons, etc. I can only assume it has something to do with profits or lack thereof when we use coupons (the manufacturers' money) to get products for free. Not only did Alcoa probably lose money when I bought the foil, but they lose whatever profit they would have made on selling a replacement roll every time I grab one out of my stockpile.
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rubyslippers
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Post by rubyslippers on May 29, 2013 15:17:46 GMT -5
I have been noticing that some stores are slowly trying to entice customers. For instance, when you all were talking about getting money off CRTs and/or emails at CVS, I wasn't getting anything. Now I'm getting a "ton" of offers. But since I burned my ECB's last week, it's not enough to get me back in. Meijer has been giving out $5/50.00 gift card catalinas, which they haven't done in awhile. I have been shopping at WAGs this week since I got a $25.00 gift card from transferring my prescription. Today I got a $2/10 and a $5/20 catalinas. And I guess I have enough points earned to equal $5.00. With what I have left on my gift card, I'm planning on doing 3 more transactions there if they have enough of the items in stock. I'm getting things that we will actually use and have been having fun doing some transactions. I like their grocery selection way better than both CVS and Rite Aid.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 29, 2013 17:49:02 GMT -5
I had some good luck at the Grocery Outlet today. You never know what you're going to find, so shopping there is like going on a little treasure hunt.
I was able to get (8) 8-9.5 oz packages of deli meats for $.75/ea. after SC discount. The brands were Oscar Mayer and Hillshire Farms.
I also got (12) 64 oz. bottles of Welch's juice (cherry and mango) that cost $.94 after in-store coupon and SC discount. The juice has a date of July 2014, so no worries about expiration before it is used. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DH's last day of work (FOREVER) is this Friday. We debated on how we wanted to celebrate on Friday night. Since our town is a little short on fine dining, we decided to prepare lobster tails at home, so I picked them up today at Costco. I also picked up some pre-made creme brulee for dessert. I can't believe that "the day" is almost here.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on May 29, 2013 17:55:14 GMT -5
I have been noticing that some stores are slowly trying to entice customers. For instance, when you all were talking about getting money off CRTs and/or emails at CVS, I wasn't getting anything. Now I'm getting a "ton" of offers. But since I burned my ECB's last week, it's not enough to get me back in. Meijer has been giving out $5/50.00 gift card catalinas, which they haven't done in awhile. I have been shopping at WAGs this week since I got a $25.00 gift card from transferring my prescription. Today I got a $2/10 and a $5/20 catalinas. And I guess I have enough points earned to equal $5.00. With what I have left on my gift card, I'm planning on doing 3 more transactions there if they have enough of the items in stock. I'm getting things that we will actually use and have been having fun doing some transactions. I like their grocery selection way better than both CVS and Rite Aid. I have been reading on other message boards that CVS is being a little more generous with the $/$$. I've gotten $4/$20s in my emails the last couple of weeks, but didn't use them. I'm on an indefinite CVS hiatus and have been thoroughly enjoying it.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on May 29, 2013 19:53:46 GMT -5
DH's last day of work (FOREVER) is this Friday. We debated on how we wanted to celebrate on Friday night. Since our town is a little short on fine dining, we decided to prepare lobster tails at home, so I picked them up today at Costco. I also picked up some pre-made creme brulee for dessert. I can't believe that "the day" is almost here. Congrats dancinmama. I know you have been waiting for a long time for this. Hope you guys have lots of fun during his retirement.
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on May 29, 2013 21:42:34 GMT -5
Sprouts Amy's organic burrito 25-35% off $2.09 ea. - $1.50 IP = $.59 (the cashier and customer behind me were cheering for me on that one.) Saved approx. 75% Muir Glen organic Italian tomatoes 25-35% off $1.29 ea. - $1/2 peelie = $.79 ea. Saved approx. 55% Muir Glen organic Italian tomato paste 25-35% off $.96 ea. - $1/2 peelie = $.46 ea. Saved approx. 65% Applegate Farms natural beef hot dogs 25-35% off $4.49 - $1 IP = $3.49 ea. Saved approx. 35% Applegate Farms natural turkey hot dogs 25-35% off $3.74 - $.50 IP = $3.24 ea. Saved approx. 35% Organic yams $.88/lb. Saved approx. 35% Cherries $1.88/lb. Saved approx. 35%
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on May 29, 2013 22:03:00 GMT -5
Freesalsa, I bought the Amy's last week and a couple of weeks before when they were free. My DH just ate the organic watermelon that we got at Sprouts last week and he loves the taste so much that he wants to eat only organic fruits .
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on May 30, 2013 0:09:51 GMT -5
I had some good luck at the Grocery Outlet today. You never know what you're going to find, so shopping there is like going on a little treasure hunt. I was able to get (8) 8-9.5 oz packages of deli meats for $.75/ea. after SC discount. The brands were Oscar Mayer and Hillshire Farms. I also got (12) 64 oz. bottles of Welch's juice (cherry and mango) that cost $.94 after in-store coupon and SC discount. The juice has a date of July 2014, so no worries about expiration before it is used. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DH's last day of work (FOREVER) is this Friday. We debated on how we wanted to celebrate on Friday night. Since our town is a little short on fine dining, we decided to prepare lobster tails at home, so I picked them up today at Costco. I also picked up some pre-made creme brulee for dessert. I can't believe that "the day" is almost here. Congratulations, indeed!!! Woo hooo!!!!! I'm sure he's retiring years early because you did so well saving money. Where's that dancin' banana?
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on May 30, 2013 0:12:27 GMT -5
Freesalsa, I bought the Amy's last week and a couple of weeks before when they were free. My DH just ate the organic watermelon that we got at Sprouts last week and he loves the taste so much that he wants to eat only organic fruits . Oh, I missed the free ones. I've been out of town here and there a lot in the last month. They do taste really good, don't they? (organic fruits)
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marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
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Post by marvholly on May 30, 2013 6:49:45 GMT -5
Dancin We generally are NOT allowed MM (except Walmart). Coupons beep if value is ove cost of item and cashier has to adjust value. I have had several tell they cannot which is when I send for the store mgr; worst case I leave the entire order & go to a different store in the area. I WILL get my deals.
Congrats to your DH (and you for surviving). Now you need to plan how to survive him being underfoot 24/7.
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skubikky
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 7:37:12 GMT -5
Posts: 3,044
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Post by skubikky on May 30, 2013 6:57:33 GMT -5
dancin' Congratulations to you both. A goal 30 plus years in the making and you've done it! All our best to your DH.
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skubikky
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 7:37:12 GMT -5
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Post by skubikky on May 30, 2013 7:03:49 GMT -5
Tops deals last night:
Smart Balance butter $2.99 each were on BOGO. I had $1/2 CRT and $1/2 MC = $0.99 for 2 tubs!
4C Ice Tea tubs being discontinued from the store usually $4.99 marked down to $2.29 each I had $1/1 MCs, making them $1.29 each.
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dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
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Post by dancinmama on May 30, 2013 10:42:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the well wishes regarding DH's retirement. It's been a team effort over the last 3+ decades. From very early on, specifially at age 24, our ultimate financial goal was having the option of early retirement. For the most part, DH made the money. I saved the money and made that money make money. When we were young, every time we had the opportunity to pick the brains of those who were older and wiser and willing to tell us their success stories, we were "all ears" and we learned some basics that have served us well over the years. Ben Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned". Over the years by being a wise consumer in every way possible, I have saved a boatload of pennies. I'm sure a lot of DH's co-workers are scratching their heads - they know that he worked at a field site over the majority of his career (not the place to make the big bucks, but a good place to raise a family) and they know that we have been a single income household for more than two and a half decades. In the last couple of months several people have commented to DH about how "lucky" he is to be able to retire.
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dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
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Post by dancinmama on May 30, 2013 10:55:38 GMT -5
Dancin We generally are NOT allowed MM (except Walmart). Coupons beep if value is ove cost of item and cashier has to adjust value. I have had several tell they cannot which is when I send for the store mgr; worst case I leave the entire order & go to a different store in the area. I WILL get my deals. Congrats to your DH (and you for surviving). Now you need to plan how to survive him being underfoot 24/7.LOL!! I'm not tooo concerned, but if he starts "bugging" me, I'm going to banish him to the nearby community golf course about 1/4 mile from our home. He went to college on a partial golf scholarship and played regularly before we relocated 7 years ago, so he will be happy to be "kicked out of the house". In the old days, you were able to get overage at WAGs when combining MCs with an in-ad coupon IF you gave the MCs first and then the in-ad. The overage would be applied to other items in your transaction. I'm not sure if that is the case these days with the new registers at WAGs; I haven't shopped there enough since the switch-over to know.
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marvholly
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
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Post by marvholly on May 31, 2013 7:10:53 GMT -5
dancin "banishing" him to the local golf course-even a less expensive community one, is going to cost some $$. Does your budget allow this 3 ish times/week? How long is your 'honey do" list. Can you put more on it?
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dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
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Post by dancinmama on May 31, 2013 9:04:53 GMT -5
dancin "banishing" him to the local golf course-even a less expensive community one, is going to cost some $$. Does your budget allow this 3 ish times/week? How long is your 'honey do" list. Can you put more on it? I'm hoping that I won't want to banish him (3) times a week, but you never know. Being a good golfer takes a lot of practice which means he isn't always playing. One of his favorite things to do is to take his shag bag (a bag full of balls) and practice his chipping and putting. You chip a few balls to a practice green, putt, pick them up (throwing them back in your shag bag) and do it again, and again and again. Cost = $0.
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