marvholly
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
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Post by marvholly on Sept 6, 2013 6:32:27 GMT -5
windsong I cannot tell you how many times I have had to 'teach' baggers how to pack. Either they put eggs on the bottom & cans on top or just about every item goes in a separate bag (eggs/pineapple/couple cans = 3 bags).
In the past 10 days I have used a large & a small can of diced tomatoes. They had to be drained. Had a BUNCH of juice. Poured it all into a pan and set it to cooking. Wanted sauce consistancy but got busy and ended up w/tomato paste.
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Sept 11, 2013 13:25:46 GMT -5
Well it is now over! I signed the paperwork on my re-finance last night. I really like how they now give you 3 days to change your mind and cancel everything. Woo-hoo for being able to save quite a bit on interest.
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Iggy aka IG
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Sept 14, 2013 16:44:45 GMT -5
Among the winners during my monthly shopping last night: Breakfast on the Go: Free Bogo vitamins w/ $2 and $3 off coupons Kraft mayo $1.99 instead of the usual $4.99 BOGO pork roast Produce (who says eating fresh produce is expensive?) oranges 4/$2 mini carrots $1.99 Russet potatoes $1.69 bell peppers $1.25 each broc crown $1.69 radishes .99 cauliflower on sale for .99 lb corn 3/$1 bananas $1.15 cucumber $.89 romaine $2.99 apples 4/$2 avocado $1.25 strawberries $2.50 raspberries $1.50 blackberries $2.00 Wally World today: $15 in razors for $9 $4 off allergy eye drops 50% off hair color Total spent between the two (again, this is for the month): $327.87 and saved $125.79 in sales, coupons, and managers specials. Back before the economy tanked, I used to spend an average of $550/mo. Other achievements: I paid off three small debts since July, and another will be gone by the end of the year. I started a life insurance policy at the beginning of the year. I now have medical insurance thanks to DH's work. I continue to pay my auto insurance renewal twice a year for the paid in full discount. Keeping up with other monthly bills saves me in late fees, including the $5/month cell phone charge. Moving my office to a space with less overhead has made a world of difference. I called the office land line carrier last month to reduce that bill by $25. I also did not renew the Yellow Pages ad to save $35/mo. Like I told DH at the beginning of the year: Since 13 is his lucky number, this is going to be OUR year. And it has been. He's also been making superior progress financially. Next up: Home refinance to save 50% in interest.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Sept 14, 2013 17:30:50 GMT -5
I've been thinking a lot lately about saving money and improving my life. DH and I have a pretty minimal budget and we are huge fans of KISS (keep it simple stupid). So here are some changes we've made over the last few months: - see a shrink. This doesn't save money, but my mental health is important, and it has been doing wonders for me! - make family a priority. I attend my nephew's sporting events and try to be available when family needs me. I love my family! - relax and avoid people/situations that cause me stress. Life is good, don't mess with it! - picked up two extra hours at my p-t job. It equals an extra $1000/year and it's minimal work! - applied for my winter p-t job. I was considering not doing it this year, but decided that as long as we have debt, I need to go back. - cancelled my personal property insurance policy on my engagement ring. I don't wear it. So at this point I am merely insuring someone's inheritance. Meh. If we lose it, we lose it! And future changes planned: - drop full coverage on our "summer car". It's only worth a few thousand dollars so it's silly to have full coverage on it. This will be done in October when we put it away for the winter. - drop full coverage on our "winter car". It's worth maybe $6000 and again, it is silly. This will be done in April, when the summer car comes out again. (FTR, we have a third car). - stop buying unneeded insurance/warranties. We can afford to self-insure. - pay off all debt and live a cash only lifestyle. If we cannot pay cash, we cannot afford it! We are a work in progress, but that's all for now! Thanks for letting me play in your sandbox!! Wow. You and DH are really busy. KISS is the way to have a good life. Welcome to the thread. It's very satisfying to see young couples get on the frugal band wagon. Your life will be so much easier in the long term. IGGY: Dang I can't find potatoes around here for less than 2.00 for a 5 lb. bag. Ever since a friend told me she gets them for .99 a bag quite often, I confess, I've been envious. I went to Rite Aid and got 2 mouthwash for 6.99 with coupons. I have a 4.00 UPs to buy Special K this week @ BOGO. I also have a 1.00 coupon. So 2 boxes should be free. I won't be back there for quite a while because they charge tax on coupons now. Talk about cheating people.
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Sept 15, 2013 20:47:55 GMT -5
I had nearly half of my grocery bill taken off with the store coupons and 2 free items. This is for me:
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Sept 16, 2013 10:49:07 GMT -5
Iggy - that is really good news!
Lucy - It sounds like you and your DH are completely "working on it!"
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Iggy aka IG
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Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Sept 17, 2013 10:54:50 GMT -5
Impromptu second WW visit for the month this morning: 3 foil pie tins for a pot luck tomorrow: $1.24 Pre-made sugar free Jello 4 pack, regularly $4, on sale for $1 Oberto jerky: Buy one get one free coupon, redeemable at WW only, saved $7.98 Hormel canned chicken, 2 cans/$1 off coupon. They are $2.28 each before the coupon. The grocery store charges approx $3.50 for just one can. Ibuprofen $12.97 for 2 a two pack. One bottle was $10.97! Peaches for the pie: Free from DH's harvest. ETA: Bought a large heavy whipping cream for $4.63. The grocery store charges just under $4 for a pint!
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Sept 20, 2013 18:30:48 GMT -5
This one hurt. The $3 extra bucks cash back at CVS coupon I had expired YESTERDAY . On my way home I rethought and should have relooked at that coupon. I just printed it Wed. It wouldn't be the first time someone scammed one of those from me. It's like palming a dollar.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Sept 22, 2013 12:46:33 GMT -5
I went to Hancock with DD3 and found a foot stool for 5.00 and change. The original price was 39.99. With 80% off and the senior discount I got a good bargain.
The Special K deal did not work out. I left Rite Aid and sent a letter to corporate. I think I'm done with them.
Not much else going on.
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MonicaLee5186
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Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:04:30 GMT -5
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Sept 22, 2013 20:27:59 GMT -5
ohhh YAY it's wood splitting season again! ) Today we moved 2 truckloads of wood split last year that we didn't use from the storage pile to our front porch, where it stays to remain dry and easy to bring inside all winter long. It will take at least 2 more truckloads to fill the porch, maybe a 3rd. We'll see. We are in the middle of building a 1 car garage with wood storage. Although there are plenty of expenses that go along with this adventure, we are saving money in many ways. We purchased a brand new, shrink wrapped window at a yard sale for 1/2 the price at the hardware store. We cleared the land ourselves and will use the trees we took down for heat. We are using cement masons and contractors that are friends and assisting them with the work. We paid the mason in cash to save $300. We put the rest of the supplies on our rewards CC to get the miles (the money to pay it off is set aside in savings). We bought the supplies using our contractor's discount. It all ads up! When this is finished (fingers crossed for next weekend!) we will begin the joyous task of splitting the new wood to heat the house this season and give us a jump start on next season. We are fortunate that our woodstove heats our entire 2 story home so all of this work is well worth the savings in heating oil. We will use the woodstove as long as we are physically able!
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Sept 22, 2013 23:00:02 GMT -5
I got free rent and utilities for life today or until my boyfriend dies, then I will inherit his house and boat.
He is getting a new house on a river and I am buying him a boat as a housewarming gift. Since I am spending so much on him he won't charge me rent. I insisted he have a will leaving me the boat so it doesn't go to his half sister so he offered to leave me the house too.
My cost of living will be about $500 a month in retirement but income over $2,400 plus investment income.
The frugal lifestyle is really paying off now.
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Iggy aka IG
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Sept 23, 2013 11:21:30 GMT -5
Lucy, I have one of those and they are FANTASTIC!! Congratulations!
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rubyslippers
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Joined: Jan 2, 2011 19:32:42 GMT -5
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Post by rubyslippers on Sept 23, 2013 19:49:01 GMT -5
I got a 5 gallon bucket of tomatoes and a crate of apples yesterday from some friends. I canned 7 jars of pizza sauce, made fresh salsa and roasted two pans of tomatoes for tomato basil soup. I still have 1/3 of the bucket to go. I shared half of the apples with my sister and I'm going to make pies and apple sauce and freeze some for later.
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mrsdutt
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Joined: Mar 12, 2012 7:39:38 GMT -5
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Post by mrsdutt on Sept 23, 2013 20:21:33 GMT -5
I got 90% ground beef at Sam's for 3.19 a pound. It's 3.99 around here at the grocery. I divided it up for a family dinner meat loaf, chili, porqupine meat balls, and meatballs for a future family dinner.
Two spinach plants have broken the dirt already. Happy day!
My DD has 2 pieces of small furniture that was my mom's. I'm grabbing them and painting them black for the guest room.
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Sept 24, 2013 13:51:51 GMT -5
From the stockpile so far this week: Caress bar soap and a bottle of lotion. Had to buy new brassieres (don't ask! ): They are having an online special of Buy One, Get One Half Off. So, using that special, and a discount code, I basically got two for the price of one, including shipping and tax. Cheaper than driving an hour to the store!
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Sept 26, 2013 10:47:13 GMT -5
I made a charitable donation and used my Discover card to get the one percent back.
The process of deciding was more involved. I was hungry and could not decide whether to have bill pay send a check, write a check, or what. I ended up with or what after a good meal!
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Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 1, 2013 13:41:49 GMT -5
Last week at the grocery store I scored a free Ragu sauce (paper coupon) and free Hillshire Farms (downloaded coupon) lunch meat. I received $$ off my office land line bill for calling in for an account review. Last night I made zucchini bread from a large zucc given to me from a friend's garden. I also attempted to use a free Red Box movie rental, but they still want a CC/DC just in case it's late. No thanks! Calculated how I can pay my student loan off by Dec 2014. Still exploring ways to use homemade household cleaners instead of shelling out an arm and a leg.
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Peace77
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Joined: Dec 29, 2010 1:42:40 GMT -5
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Post by Peace77 on Oct 2, 2013 17:22:16 GMT -5
Iggy, You can do a lot of cleaning with baking soda, vinegar or hot water mixed with a little dish soap. (Don't mix them all together!) One great help are the purple rags sold by Flylady. With these special cloths, you can clean glass, mirrors and much more with just water. No "Windex" needed. See shop.flylady.net/pages/FlyShop_rag.asp
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,320
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Oct 3, 2013 16:22:58 GMT -5
I made sure what my Applebees $5 coupon would cover. I asked the order taker before I ordered. I did the same with two coupons $5.50 at CVS. I saved $10.50 spending a little over $14.
So there. You can't tell me at the register when I'm distracted fumbling with my reading glasses then by give me your shopping card and it's scanned, and scanning credit cards then tell me my coupon expired. Excuse me. Next time I did ask before I shop. The next, it expired, I'm taking my coupon back.
Last time it was $3. I should have fought harder to keep it.
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Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 3, 2013 16:35:15 GMT -5
Iggy, You can do a lot of cleaning with baking soda, vinegar or hot water mixed with a little dish soap. (Don't mix them all together!) One great help are the purple rags sold by Flylady. With these special cloths, you can clean glass, mirrors and much more with just water. No "Windex" needed. See shop.flylady.net/pages/FlyShop_rag.aspThank you very much, Peace!
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Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 4, 2013 11:24:18 GMT -5
Impromptu grocery store trip last night: Angus ground beef was on sale as part of the buy 4 get $4 off special. I bought 3 packages plus a shaved parm container which was part of the deal to get the $4 off. A current Personal Price on my value card is pistachios for $2.69 instead of $4.99 so I stocked up. Kraft string cheese reg 4.99 on sale for 3.49 and then I used a $1 coupon. Strawberries $2.50 each. I bought one to eat, and one to freeze. Russets .99/lb Eggs on sale $1.25 dozen Bananas .56 lb Roma .97 lb Disappointments: I splurged on some diet A & W Root Beer and I don't think the shelf tag said $4.99, which is what my receipt says. Hmmm... That plus the checker rang my apples up as Galas at 1.69/lb vs Granny Smith's at .50 each and I was charged an extra .61 cents. Overall I saved 28% off my order.
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pepperdoo
Established Member
Joined: Sept 23, 2012 11:50:29 GMT -5
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Post by pepperdoo on Oct 4, 2013 11:58:37 GMT -5
I changed places to get my car smog inspection so I can get my tags. $12.00 difference. Ha, more money to spend at Grocery Outlet. It's right on the next block from the Harley shop and the mechanic where I'm taking my car today
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MonicaLee5186
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Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:04:30 GMT -5
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Oct 6, 2013 12:04:36 GMT -5
Yesterday at ShopRite I spent $22 for a full cart of groceries and saved $62. We will be doing a eat out of the freezer thing coming up pretty soon because I'm stockpiling like crazy! It seems to me though that I have several weeks in a row that I'm getting good deals at the store, and then 2 or 3 weeks in a row with nothing.
We have resolved to eat entirely at home for the time being -- we certainly have enough on hand to made it work! Yesterday I made turkey pot pie for the crew working on our new garage for lunch. We had friends over for dinner which was homemade stuffed peppers and mashed potatoes.
Last night I made homemade apple crisp with apples from DH's grandfather's tree. They are ugly looking apples but the crisp was DELICIOUS! I made the topping from oatmeal, brown sugar, and flour. We have leftovers tonight, just enough for the both of us. Topped with some vanilla ice cream and monicalee is a happy girl!
Friday night we went to Kohls with my 30% off coupon, bought DH a desperately needed watch as a birthday present. Paid $84 for the watch and 3 tops for me to wear to work. The watch would have cost $99 without the coupon, so I was happy. The lady who rang up our purchases was impressed!
After Kohls we hit BJs for a few things. I had a BOGO store coupon for Dove shampoo/conditioner and then 2 $1.50/1 coupons. I got both huge bottles for $2 total. I passed some coupons on to a lady in the aisle looking at the store brand shampoo and explained to her that the Dove was cheaper with the BOGO coupon. She was thrilled!
Today is a gloomy hang out around the house and get stuff done kind of day. I have laundry going and have already done the dishes and swept the house. Next up is cleaning the bathroom and sorting through some clothes. I love lazy days at home!
All in all it has been a frugal weekend here at our house!
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Oct 8, 2013 13:43:36 GMT -5
I did not go out for lunch.
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ambellamy
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Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
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Post by ambellamy on Oct 14, 2013 8:53:49 GMT -5
I'm nice to my neighbors.
My neighbor a few doors down and up from me locks himself out of the house... a lot. We have helped him break in so many times we have a key to his place, so we chat when we bump into each other.
He works in a vetenarian and animal grooming care office. His sister moved out and took her dog with her... but he still gets free flee/heart worm meds for the dog still...
He decided to give them to me for free because were nice people and my dog has been heart worm tested, is in the same weight class & was already on the medication...
Saved me $310.00 for a year supply.
Pays to be a good neighbor, eh?
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nativetxn
New Member
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Post by nativetxn on Oct 14, 2013 9:44:54 GMT -5
It does pay to be a good neighbor in so many ways-for instance, an elderly woman in our neighborhood has us as well as several other neighbors checking on her-her daughter who is somewhat unstable lives with her-if things seem not right somehow we can call another family member and tell them what we see.
From doing things like being friendly, sharing garden produce, etc. we have been blessed with homemade tamales, pizole, and other Mexican kitchen delights from another neighbor.
Another neighbor who is a licensed electrician has done some electrical work for us-we paid him with a tool one time; the next time he said he just wanted to be a good neighbor.
So I'd say neighborliness is catching!
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Iggy aka IG
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 14, 2013 11:35:32 GMT -5
This weekend: At the pump I saved 40 cents a gallon using my value card and paid $3.09/gallon! I recycled 10 ink cartridges at Office Max. The $20 "perk" will take 3 weeks to show up in my account. DH took a load of aluminum in for recycling. Not sure how much $$ he received. We saved on my sister's birthday party: I bought soda on sale and we went to Chili's for appetizers at happy hour. Finally broke down and bought a new pair of hiking boots after 12 years. My old ones had holes in the sides-wet feet isn't healthy at 10K feet. It was a delight to find out at the register they were $10 off. I got new tires put on the front of my truck. I've used Big O for years because they offer free balancing, rotating, etc. for the lifetime of the tire. Preparing tomorrow's monthly grocery trip using coupons and sales.
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nativetxn
New Member
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Post by nativetxn on Oct 15, 2013 14:15:46 GMT -5
CVS trip- dry eye eyedrops 6.99 toe bandages 4.99 Mitchum deodorant two pack of the large size 6.99
Had 15 dollars in ECBs so paid oop 4.06- best shopping trip in a long time!
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ambellamy
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Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
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Post by ambellamy on Oct 16, 2013 7:53:12 GMT -5
We decided to pass along our good fortune and save someone else money.
I was given a really nice wood table with 4 chairs and a bench seat a few years ago. My hubby and I have been talking about getting a chest freezer, but with the table in the kitchen there just wasn't much space in our one bedroom condo.
We passed the table off to a family at our church that could use it and bought a smaller one from Ikea that folds down so we can pop it open when we have more people over, but keep it half size when its just the two of us.
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Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
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Location: Good ol' USA
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 16, 2013 12:05:32 GMT -5
Grocery store winners: Pantene, BOGO and $2.00 off coupon=$1.49 for both shampoo AND conditioner Chex snacks: On sale w/ coupon: 2 bags for $2 Green Giant frozen veggies: 4 boxes at $1 each Pantry stock up! Buy 10 get 5 free special = Cans of veggies, tomatoes, tuna, Snack Pack pudding, and a muffin mix pouch at .67 each. Ground turkey: Originally $3.69/lb minus an $1 each ecoupon and paper coupon = $1.69 3 cans refried beans $2 My "Personal Price" Challenge butter $2.39, reg $3.99 My "Personal Price" pistachios $2.69, reg $4.99 Kraft dressing, on sale w/ a coupon 2 for $3, reg $2.99 each Hillshire beef sausage: On sale w/ coupon $2, reg $3.49 Produce: $2 raspberries $.49 cucumber my "Personal Price" Bell peppers .99 each Cabbage .59/lb Russet .99/lb bananas .56/lb Granny Smith apples 5/$2 Saved 30% off my order or $82.88 Wally World winners: 2 cans Hormel canned chicken $3.56 w/ coupon .50 off toilet cleaner $2 off 2 deodorants I've decided using coupons at WW basically pays for the tax. I love pairing coupons with sales! What a HUGE difference!
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