THE MARCH 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[kathyattraverse]

Mar 1, 2011 17:12:47 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Mar 1, 2011 16:44:45 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Going to K-Mart. Will let you know how I make out.

Kathy, Don't forget you Shopyourway rewards card. Scan that first and then scan everything else.

I don't have one of those. Didn't make it to Kmart after work, maybe tomorrow.

[leanna]

That's a good story. Aluminum foil is SO expensive these days.

[constanz22]

Mar 1, 2011 19:40:42 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Mar 1, 2011 17:12:47 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Kathy, Don't forget you Shopyourway rewards card. Scan that first and then scan everything else.

I don't have one of those. Didn't make it to Kmart after work, maybe tomorrow.

You have to have a rewards card in order to do the doubles. They usually have them at the customer service desk.

[dancinmama]

Mar 1, 2011 20:05:08 GMT -5 family legacy said:

I knew you guys existed back on the old YM boards, but the hundreds of pages of posts sortof intimidated me, so I stayed away. When the new boards started here I thought I would get in the ground floor and try to follow what's going on. It wasn't until I started actually following that I realized the posts start over every week and there was nothing to be intimidated about. I was drawn to the fact that everyone here seems so friendly and helpful, and my willingness to try couponing was solidified by learning about money back for purchases. Who knew? That was under my nose all along, but I didn't even bother to pay attention. The handbook on this website was also very helpful. I read it many times.

Add to that that a I just got hooked on Dave Ramsey and am now on an aggressive debt repayment plan. I think I would be couponing regardless, but my motivation is very high right now to get out of consumer debt (October, 2011!). I now get 4 coupon inserts each week (I buy 2 and get the others from my MIL and DH's grandmother, less the coupons they want). Once in a while someone from work will bring me in a stack too.

I'm actually enjoy pouring over the coupons, surfing the web, and putting together organized lists and such, so this is a very rewarding pasttime for me.

deepindebt: I am so glad to hear that you could tell how friendly the GC is . Some of the other forums/threads "seem" kind of cliquish and I never want the GC to have that kind of rep.

Thanks for your story. I love hearing how people find us!!

[suziq38]

Mar 1, 2011 16:19:17 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

Welcome Leanna!

I don't think of myself as a hoarder. I have a reasonable stockpile-I have 6 months of perishable food items (canned, cereals, etc) and maybe about a year for all HBA items for 2 people. I use my leftover "free pharmacies dollars" no matter which one it is on food items like milk/eggs/bread if they are going to expire so they are not wasted. The nice thing is I was able to help my sister all through college she didn't have to buy a single HBA item because I got them all for free she would "shop in my stockpile" instead of walmart. Now she does deals as well because she's fresh out of college, newly married and she's a teacher also working to finish her masters up so she's too busy for a second job. But the savings she gets from coupon is almost like an extra paycheck for them. This community has always been great for me for moral support and helping you find a good deal on a particular item you may need.

I do think of myself as a hoarder, LOL.
Not in the sense of what I have seen on TV, because everything is neatly on shelves in my garage and closet. In other words, when I need it, I can find it easily.
I can see for me it is a very fine line, though. On the positive side, I get 90% of what I need (non-perishibles) for FREE.
This leaves more money for meats, veggies, and whatever else I want.
The whatever else has been college tuition, room and board, and GC's for the student, home repairs, new appliances, an occasional massage, vacation, etc.
Or just a "rough patch." My present "rough patch" is staying home after my surgery. There will be some income, but once my sick leave for my part-time job is exhausted, I will be "short" a little money for that month's check.
My stockpile and savings compiled by being frugal and hounding will get us through.

[ohiositter]

jdnstl....... I didn't get the Uncle Ben's Q

[bluecluessubtlety]

Mar 1, 2011 15:25:50 GMT -5 jdnstl said:

HOUND ALERT - uncle ben's ready rice $1/1 coupons from the 2/20 RP!!

there isn't a sale but these were pretty high value & DH loves these. so if you have extras to spare please send a PM & i can send my addy. i'm in the google docs as well!

TIA!!

No access to google docs right now. PM me your addy. I have 4 of these. Let me know what else I can put in the envelope.

[saveinla]

SuziQ,
Thanks for reminding me about the Ralphs daytona mega. Went and bought 10 items today for 4.37 and got back 3$ in CAT to use for next time. Stocking up on junk food for the teenagers for spring break. Now onto the SW frozen food items sale this week.
SW hounds, looks like there are good deals to be had on cereal, Quaker oatmeal, Marie's dressings etc.

jdnstl,
We in the LOCC, did not get the 1$ Q - we got the 1$/2 and I already used it at RA last week. I will keep an eye out for Uncle Ben's blinkies and post if I find them.

[missourimommy]

Good evening:)

If anyone of ya'll remember the TLC Show "Extreme Couponing" that was on back in December, they are looking for "hard-core" couponers. If you go to www.thecoupongoddess.com, she has the info at the top of her blog post.

[ooty1234]

I had a few minutes at work to kill so I looked up closest Meijer and Kroger to me. There is ONE of each in Sandusky, about 30 mins from me. I am thinking of going on Saturday. Know of any good deals I should get?

[dragonfly7]

Hello,
I have been considering doing more couponing for quite a while since I'm now close to so many different stores (CVS, Walgreen's, Albertson's, Kroger). However, I'm having trouble locating the handbook. Help, please?

[ooty1234]

Mar 2, 2011 0:28:32 GMT -5 @dragonfly7 said:

Hello,
I have been considering doing more couponing for quite a while since I'm now close to so many different stores (CVS, Walgreen's, Albertson's, Kroger). However, I'm having trouble locating the handbook. Help, please?

Dragonfly: the handbook link is suppose to be a link in the opening post of this thread but I did not see it.
I don't know where it is?

I have attached my copy. Hope it helps!

Attachments:

THE GROCERY CHALLENGERS HANDBOOK1.doc.jpg (86 KB)

[kathyattraverse]

Mar 1, 2011 22:56:04 GMT -5 missourimommy said:

Good evening:)

If anyone of ya'll remember the TLC Show "Extreme Couponing" that was on back in December, they are looking for "hard-core" couponers. If you go to www.thecoupongoddess.com, she has the info at the top of her blog post.

FRUGALSUZ - you need to apply

[dragonfly7]

Thanks so much, Ooty!

[marvholly]

Whoo. I got VERY lucky. With the craziness of my Dad being in the hospital for the 3rd time in 61/2 months I TOTALLY forgot to file my unemployment certification due on 2/23.

Last time this happened (when he was in the hospital before) I had to go into my local UE office to reactivate. However, they closed my local (3 mi away) office. I was SOOO NOT looking forward to going either into the city or to the closest suburban office that is about a 40 mi rt.

I tried and was able to file online this morning in spite of being a week late. It is SOOO much easier & faster to do online; not to mention the time & gas savings.

I had the McD fruit & oatmeal for breakfast this morning (FREE w/coupon from the 2/20? Insert). That is NOT something I will even think about getting again. WAAAY too sweet for me and I eat the instant packet stuff.

[jandjrake]

I just want to say thanks for all the great deals everyone has posted about. I have to agree that this is the friendliest message board that I have found since I started looking. I do not have many stores close to me (45 miles)- but my husband works in a larger town and he has been awesome about getting deals for me. I do have to say though that it has been difficult for me to let some of my coupons just expire. I have to keep reminding myself that unless it is free or low oop that I don't need to but it. This has been a very difficult concept for me.

I have started Dave Ramsey financial peace university- it is a great concept-- I just have to have the willpower to do it.

[ohmomto2boys]

I have to keep reminding myself that unless it is free or low oop that I don't need to but it. This has been a very difficult concept for me.

This was hard for me in the beginning too. But just keep reminding yourself you are not saving $ if you are still paying $1, $2 or $3 for an item that will most likely be free or close to it.

[mandyms]

Mar 1, 2011 11:35:27 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

GIANT EAGLE hounders.....

Load the new e-offers for Bounty, Charmin, Old Spice body wash and Old Spice deodorant.

Scenario:
1 - Charmin 6 pack (mega) = 6.50
1 - Bounty 8 pack = 6.50
$13
Use:
$3 Charmin e-offer
$1 Charmin (P&G Booklet)
$2 Bounty e-offer
$1 Bounty (P&G Booklet)
Pay $6 - receive $3 Catalina off your next order

Scenario - Old Spice - 2/$6
Use:
Buy 1 deodorant get 1 body wash free - 2/27 P&G
$1 Deodorant e-offer
$1 body Wash e-offer
$1 Old Spice Deodorant (P&G booklet)
= FREE
Wish I could do this multiple times, but the e-offers are 1 time only.

These deals are good today and tomorrow ONLY.

P&G booklet? Meaning NOT insert, right?

Also for GE (at least in NW Ohio) they are double coupons up to $2. The Sundown vitamins are BOGO....I'm hoping they have more than one bottle of the vitamin D; even with the raincheck I still could only get 2 bottles b4 my coupons expired. Not really liking my GE, but there's only two stores in a 20 mile radius, so I guess they can get away w/stuff like that.

[ooty1234]

Mar 2, 2011 10:49:20 GMT -5 mandyms said:

Mar 1, 2011 11:35:27 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

GIANT EAGLE hounders.....

Load the new e-offers for Bounty, Charmin, Old Spice body wash and Old Spice deodorant.

Scenario:
1 - Charmin 6 pack (mega) = 6.50
1 - Bounty 8 pack = 6.50
$13
Use:
$3 Charmin e-offer
$1 Charmin (P&G Booklet)
$2 Bounty e-offer
$1 Bounty (P&G Booklet)
Pay $6 - receive $3 Catalina off your next order

Scenario - Old Spice - 2/$6
Use:
Buy 1 deodorant get 1 body wash free - 2/27 P&G
$1 Deodorant e-offer
$1 body Wash e-offer
$1 Old Spice Deodorant (P&G booklet)
= FREE
Wish I could do this multiple times, but the e-offers are 1 time only.

These deals are good today and tomorrow ONLY.

P&G booklet? Meaning NOT insert, right?
Also for GE (at least in NW Ohio) they are double coupons up to $2. The Sundown vitamins are BOGO....I'm hoping they have more than one bottle of the vitamin D; even with the raincheck I still could only get 2 bottles b4 my coupons expired. Not really liking my GE, but there's only two stores in a 20 mile radius, so I guess they can get away w/stuff like that.

My NW Cleveland GE doubles up to .99 but I am still not impressed. Everything is sooooo much more expensive compared to Kroger and Meijer sales.
I did the above deal yesterday and added the 3.00 Tide release e-Q and 3.00 insert coupon to get it for FREE! I broke the cardinal rule of not looking at my receipt before leaving the store. One of my 3.00 paper Q's did not scan and my 2.00 Bounty e-Q did not come off, so I over paid by 5 bucks! I don't want to take it up with CS because of using BOTH, but I was PO'd!

Can the Tide stain release be used as the detergent? I don't see why not, but anybody have an opinion?

And the P&G booklets were a rebate offer then P&G offered the books up on FACEBOOK. I was able to get 2 from FB, one for me and for DH.

[suziq38]

Mar 1, 2011 22:22:30 GMT -5 saveinla said:

SuziQ,
Thanks for reminding me about the Ralphs daytona mega. Went and bought 10 items today for 4.37 and got back 3$ in CAT to use for next time. Stocking up on junk food for the teenagers for spring break. Now onto the SW frozen food items sale this week.
SW hounds, looks like there are good deals to be had on cereal, Quaker oatmeal, Marie's dressings etc.

jdnstl,
We in the LOCC, did not get the 1$ Q - we got the 1$/2 and I already used it at RA last week. I will keep an eye out for Uncle Ben's blinkies and post if I find them.

You're welcome, saveinla.

[suziq38]

Mar 2, 2011 8:35:03 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Mar 1, 2011 22:56:04 GMT -5 missourimommy said:

Good evening:)

If anyone of ya'll remember the TLC Show "Extreme Couponing" that was on back in December, they are looking for "hard-core" couponers. If you go to www.thecoupongoddess.com, she has the info at the top of her blog post.

FRUGALSUZ - you need to apply

I agree, I think Frugalsuz is so much more skilled than the others that I saw on T.V.
in that first episode.
The problem is that she doesn't have a huge garage spilling over with free stuff.
She has a moderate amount of stuff that she has and uses.

That guy Nathan is an example. They want people like that, who are over the top.
Granted what he does is something that I would aspire to, but I do other things besides hounding. I wonder if he does, LOL.

[dancinmama]

Mar 2, 2011 10:19:40 GMT -5 jandjrake said:

I just want to say thanks for all the great deals everyone has posted about. I have to agree that this is the friendliest message board that I have found since I started looking. I do not have many stores close to me (45 miles)- but my husband works in a larger town and he has been awesome about getting deals for me. I do have to say though that it has been difficult for me to let some of my coupons just expire. I have to keep reminding myself that unless it is free or low oop that I don't need to but it. This has been a very difficult concept for me.

I have started Dave Ramsey financial peace university- it is a great concept-- I just have to have the willpower to do it.

jandjrake: It's so good to see you post again. Don't worry about letting your coupons expire. There are a few coupons that are exceptional (in value); but just like sales go in cycles, so do the coupons and their values. When a REALLY GOOD coupon comes out (the $2.25/1 Finish or the $3/1 Gain Fabric Softener) I pay attention and look for a great deal knowing that the value of the Q is high; but if I can't find it free or close to free after Q, I will let them go.

[dancinmama]

Mar 2, 2011 0:38:42 GMT -5 ooty1234 said:

Mar 2, 2011 0:28:32 GMT -5 @dragonfly7 said:

Hello,
I have been considering doing more couponing for quite a while since I'm now close to so many different stores (CVS, Walgreen's, Albertson's, Kroger). However, I'm having trouble locating the handbook. Help, please?

Dragonfly: the handbook link is suppose to be a link in the opening post of this thread but I did not see it.
I don't know where it is?

I have attached my copy. Hope it helps!

Thanks ooty. I'm not sure how to post the handbook as an attachment. I know that I SHOULD know and feel like a total idiot that I don't, but that's the way it is.

I would appreciate it if SOMEONE would either teach suzi or me how to do it or post it themselves on the first page of the new thread each month. TIA

[ooty1234]

Mar 2, 2011 11:22:46 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 2, 2011 0:38:42 GMT -5 ooty1234 said:

Dragonfly: the handbook link is suppose to be a link in the opening post of this thread but I did not see it.
I don't know where it is?

I have attached my copy. Hope it helps!

Thanks ooty. I'm not sure how to post the handbook as an attachment. I know that I SHOULD know and feel like a total idiot that I don't, but that's the way it is.

I would appreciate it if SOMEONE would either teach suzi or me how to do it or post it themselves on the first page of the new thread each month. TIA

Dancin: in the reply box you are using, the second line is Attachment, and Browse your computer for the doc you have saved. I am sure you have made revisions to the original to include Ups, but I don't have that version saved.

[jdnstl]

Mar 1, 2011 23:40:04 GMT -5 ooty1234 said:

I had a few minutes at work to kill so I looked up closest Meijer and Kroger to me. There is ONE of each in Sandusky, about 30 mins from me. I am thinking of going on Saturday. Know of any good deals I should get?

ooty - nothing great at kroger this week. it's the "cartbuster" lull between the daytona & march madness sales. but now that you know where they are, you can prepare for the march madness sale! ;D

[jdnstl]

RE - uncle ben's hound alert - thanks everyone who looked but didn't have this one. i appreciate your willingness to share!

[dancinmama]

And the P&G booklets were a rebate offer then P&G offered the books up on FACEBOOK. I was able to get 2 from FB, one for me and for DH.

ooty: Did you get the P&G booklets both ways: sending in $50 worth of receipts AND through Facebook? I did sent in receipts to get them and then saw the offer on Facebook, so I requested them there too. I got the "rebate" ones, but have not received the Facebook ones yet, have you? There is a Q in there that I am DESPERATE to get my hands on.

[jdnstl]

CVS question - HELP PLEASE - i saw the thread for this week's sale on HCW, and someone was using a $1/1 charmin q from "P&G everyday solutions." the P&G everyday solutions is the home mailer booklet that was offered for sending in receipts & from the facebook thing right? the only charmin q i saw in that was for the "mega" packs. the packs on sale this week aren't "mega" so what q could they be talking about? or do you think they are using that q when they shouldn't?

[jandjrake]

Do most of you have a "price book" so that you know what the rock bottom price is? I know the lowest price for some of the items that I buy frequently but on other items I have no idea. SO I am not always sure ift he "sale price" is a good price.

[jdnstl]

Mar 2, 2011 11:31:57 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

And the P&G booklets were a rebate offer then P&G offered the books up on FACEBOOK. I was able to get 2 from FB, one for me and for DH.

ooty: Did you get the P&G booklets both ways: sending in $50 worth of receipts AND through Facebook? I did sent in receipts to get them and then saw the offer on Facebook, so I requested them there too. I got the "rebate" ones, but have not received the Facebook ones yet, have you? There is a Q in there that I am DESPERATE to get my hands on.

dancin - i did both & received both. i just got the one from the facebook offer last friday. so you should be getting yours soon!