We all know the economy sucks and everyone is looking for ways to cut back and save a few bucks. My family is no different. I save a ton of money each month with coupons and other deals. I will be tracking my coupon savings weekly so you can see how I save and maybe find a deal or 2 you can use too! Be sure to check out the links on the right side of the page for more great savings inspiration. Happy Saving!



Thursday, May 19, 2011

May 2011 Week 3

The fridge, freezer, pantry, and most cabinets throughout the house are stocked so I am just looking for the deals and a little produce this week. Can't wait to hit up the farmers markets that open this weekend!

Walgreens (spent $3.32 saved $34.93) 
14 bottles Right Guard Body Wash (had a raincheck from when these were bogo and used 7 bogo MQ)
WalMart (spent $14.66 saved $23.12) 
8 bottles Purex detergent (price match from Rite Aid to $1.97 used seven $3 MQ and $1 MQ)
2 bunches bananas
1 (3 lb) bag Clementines
1 bag brussel sprouts
2 bottles Sams Cola
2 bottles Sams Lemon Lime Soda
1 lb bag Bobs Red Mill Soy Flour
1 lb bag Bobs Red Mill Rice Flour
1 lb bag Bobs Red Mill Corn Meal

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 76.03
Total Savings $ 58.05
Total Out of Pocket $ 17.98
Percent Saved 76%

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

May 2011 Week 2

Not a lot of coupon deals to take advantage of this week so I hit up Aldi for some great buys on produce!

Kroger (spent $60.96 saved $5.68) 
2.42 lb grapes
2 heads lettuce
1 bunch bananas
1 pkg Kroger wheat tortillas
2 boxes Kroger pudding
1 bottle Kroger Vanilla
2.5 lb Swai Fillets
3 lb Salmon Fillets
10 lb Chicken Leg/thigh
2 Whole Roasting Chickens
4 Bacardi Peach Cocktail Mixes
Walgreens (spent $14.87 saved $12.32) 
2 boxes Walgreens Sundae Cones
2 caramels
2 bags Walgreens Orange Slices
1 bag Giant Twizzlers
3 rolls Scotch Magic tape (used B1G2 in ad Q and two $1 MQ)
3 cards (used three $1 off cards when you buy tape MQ)
5 boxes Royal gelatin (used 5/$1 in ad Q)
1 bunch bananas

Aldi (spent $37.40 saved $0) They don't take coupons at Aldi, but their priceson produce are often 1/2 of the regular grocery stores
6 Yellow Squash
6 Zuchinni
1 bunch bananas
1 pkg tri color peppers
3 pkg grape tomatoes
4 (8 oz) pkg mushrooms
1 pineapple
1 cantaloupe
1 cabbage
1 dozen eggs
1 bag powdered sugar
2 bags sugar
1 bag flour
2 bags marshmallows
8 cans tuna

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 131.23
Total Savings $ 18.00
Total Out of Pocket $ 113.23
Percent Saved 14%

May 2011 Week 1

I sure am excited about WalMart's new price matching policy! It definitely helpedmake light of another sad week of couponing.
Kroger (spent $44.29 saved $47.62) 
2 pkg Grape Tomaotes 
2.3 lb Yellow Squash
2.1 lb Zuchinni
2.8 lb Bananas
1 bag Onions
1 Green Pepper
1 Red Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
1 Cantaloupe
24 oz Fresh Mushrooms
1 head lettuce
10 Ears Corn
2.9 lb Grapes
1.5 lb Pork Chops
6 lb chicken drumsticks
4 bottles Brut Deodorant (used four $1 MQ)
16 (3 bar pkg) Ivory Soap (used sixteen $1 MQ)
2 Reach Toothbrushes and
4 Reach Floss (used two $3/3 MQ)


Walgreens (spent $13.37 saved $3.99) 
2 bottles Lady Speed Stick Deodorant (they were BOGO)
1 bottle Pedia Care 
2 bottle Lemon Lime Soda

WalMart (spent $12.56 saved $20.25) 
18 tubes Crest Kids (used eighteen $1 MQ)
2 bags Pretzal Crisps (used BOGO MQ and $1 MQ)
2 Dozen Eggs
1 bottle Big Red (used Buy 2 Eggs Get Big Red Free MQ)
1 (3 lb) bag Clementines
2.8 lb Roma Tomatoes

Sams (spent $42.62 saved $0) 
2 Bags On the Border Tortilla Chips
1 (24 ct) pkg Kellogg's Fruit Snacks
1 bag Craisins
1 (3 lb) tub Sour Cream
1 (7 lb) pkg Chicken Breasts 

Publix (spent $12.81 saved $17.88) 
1 pkg flax seeds
4 Jose Ole Taquitos (used four $1 MQ)
12 ears corn


Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 215.39
Total Savings $ 89.74
Total Out of Pocket $ 125.65
Percent Saved 42%

April 2011 Totals

April was a sad story with multiple "quick trips" to the store  that resulted in overspending on products I couldhave used coupons for or that I could have purchased cheaper somewhere else.

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 685.04
Total Savings $ 392.01
Total Out of Pocket $ 354.95
Percent Saved 57%

April 2011 Week 4

 No shopping this week. I am waiting for great couponing in May!!

April 2011 Week 3

Another sad week :(

Kroger (spent $3.72 saved $7.26) 
2 pkg Starburst (used $1/2 MQ)
2 bottles Purex Detergent (used two $2 MQ)

Walgreens (spent $15.08 saved $40.45) 
4 cans Green Giant Peas (used 4/$2 in ad Q and $1/4 MQ)
4 can Green Giant Green Beans (used 4/$2 in ad Q and $1/4 MQ)
2 (5 lb) bags Gold Medal Flour (used 2/$3 in ad Q and two 0.50 Wags Q))
2 Chocolate Covered Peeps (used $1/2 MQ)
3 Rolls Scotch Magic Tape (used B1G2 in ad Q and two $1 MQ)
1 Card (used buy tape get $1 off card MQ)
1 pkg of 2 Goody Flexible Headbands (got back $3 RR)
5 Crayola Color Wonder Kits (used five $1 MQ)
12 Dove Chocolate Bars (used 0.39 in ad Q and four 0.75/2 MQ and four B2G1 free MQ)
2 Doz Eggs (got back 2 free RedBox Rentals)

Target (spent $1.26 saved $5.00) 
2 (4 ct) pkg Reveal lightbulbs (used two $1.50 TQ and two $1 MQ)


Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 72.78
Total Savings $ 52.72
Total Out of Pocket $ 20.06
Percent Saved 73%

April 2011 Week 2

Pretty disappointed in the deals this week. Thankfully Kroger had a few good buys with their megaevent!

Kroger (spent $43.23 saved $49.70) 
2 bag grapes
1 bunch bananas
2 heads Lettuce
4 containers Grape Tomatoes
1 Green Pepper
2 Cucumbers
3 Yellow Squash
1 (5 lb) bag Clementines
4 bottle Big K Cola
1 bottle Big K Lemon Lime
1 bag Kroger Jelly Beans
4 Airwick Oil Warmers
4 bottles Lysol Neutra Air
1 pkg mini baking cups
1 bar Kroger Cream Cheese
2 pkg Almond Bark
2 boxes pasta



Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 92.93
Total Savings $ 49.70
Total Out of Pocket $ 43.23
Percent Saved 54%

Sunday, April 03, 2011

April 2011 Week 1

 Because I was over my $400 budget for March, April 1 &2 shopping had to come out of my April budget so you this is included below.

April 1 & 2

Kroger (spent $56.38 saved $20.74)
1 bag Frozen Salmon
1 bag Frozen Tilapia
1 bag Frozen Swai
2 lbs fresh shrimp
4 tubs Athenos Hummus (used 2 BOGO MQs)
1 (5 lb) bag potatoes
7 bottles Dial hand soap (used seven $0.35 MQs)

Target (spent $58.49 saved $70.46) got back three $5 giftcards
6 (20 lb) bags Pedigree dog food (used six $3 MQs)
4 tubes Colgate Total (used four $1 TQs and four $1.50 MQs)
5 Revlon Beauty Tools (used $2 and $5 catalinas and two $2 MQs)
1 jar Planters sunflower seeds (used 0.75 TQ)
3 single serve bags Peanut Butter M&Ms (used B2G1 MQ)
3 single serve Dove Chocolate bars (used B2G1 MQ and $0.75/2 MQ)
4 pkg Trident Layers Gum (used two BOGO MQs and two $1/2 TQs)

Adding it all up April 1 & 2:
Total Grocery Bill $ 206.07
Total Savings $ 91.20
Total Out of Pocket $ 114.87
Percent Saved 44%


April Week 1

Kroger (spent $16.13 saved $88.17)
1 head lettuce
9 (3 bar pkg) Ivory Soap (used nine $1 MQ)
2 jars Vlassic Relish (used two 0.55 MQ)
4 Nivea Womens Body Wash (used four $3 MQ)
4 Nivea Mens Body Wash (used four $3 MQ)
1 jar Kroger Peanut Butter
1 jar Kraft Mayo
1 jar Miracle Whip (used $1/2 Kraft MQ)
4 cans Libby Peas (used $1/4 MQ)
4 can Libby Green Beans (used $1/4 MQ)
1 bag Kroger Marshmallows
1 Mirra Pouf (used $1 EQ)
4 bottles Silk Soymilk (used four $1 MQ)

Walgreens (spent $1.02 saved $12.32) also used $3 RR
4 cans Mandarin Oranges (used 2/$1 in ad Q)
1 can Lindsay Olives (used 2/$1 in ad Q)
4 cans Comet Cleaner (used  0.50 in ad Q and four 0.35 MQ)
Sams (spent $43.46 saved $0)
1 (6 ct) bag Wheat Hoagie Rolls
1 bag Craisins
2 bags On the Border Chips
1 bag Bacon Bits
1 can Peanuts
1 box Oats & Honey Granola Bars 

GFS (spent $72.31saved $0)
1 bottle Cole Slaw Dressing
1 (5 lb) block sliced American Cheese
11.3 lb Deli Ham
5 lb Pepperoni
2 pkg Flour Tortillas
1 box Trash Bags
1 bottle Grenadine
1 bag French Fries

Commissary (spent $43.87 saved $97.90)
10 pkg Weber Grill Mates Marinades (used  five $1/2 MQ)
2 boxes Nilla Wafers (used $1/2 MQ)
1 jar Skippy Peanut Butter (used $1 MQ)
2 bottles Wish Bone Italian Dressing (used two $1 MQ)
1 bottle Vanilla Extract
1 box McCormick Food Coloring (used $1 MQ)
1 bag Coconut Flakes
1 bag Confectioners Sugar
1 bottle Vegetable Oil
2 boxes Hefty bags (used $1/2 MQ)
1 dozen eggs
2 bunches bananas (used two 0.55 off bananas when you buy Nilla Wafers MQ)
1.5 lb fresh green beans
1 16 oz container mushrooms
1 bunch celery
1 (5 lb) bag carrots
1 block Cooper Cheddar (used 0.40 MQ)
5 (4 pks) containers Danimals Yogurt (used five $1 MQ)
2 (8 ct) bags El Monterey Burritos (used two $1 MQ)
4 boxes Idaho Hashbrowns (used two $1./2 MQ)
2 (16 oz) bags peas
1 (16 oz) bag corn
1 (2 lb) bag mixed veggies
1 (2 lb) bag green beans
1 (2 lb) bag broccoli & cauliflower
6 lb roast
1.5 lb pkg steaks
8 Cans Similac (used eight $5 MQ)
16  (2 bar pks) Olay Soap (used sixteen $1.50 MQ)


Adding it all up April Week 1 totals:
Total Grocery Bill $ 313.26
Total Savings $ 198.39
Total Out of Pocket $ 176.79
Percent Saved 63%

Adding it all up April Week 1 totals (includes April 1&2:
Total Grocery Bill $ 519.33
Total Savings $ 289.59
Total Out of Pocket $ 291.66
Percent Saved 56%

March 2011 Totals

Overall, March was a good month. I was able to stock up even more! Here's what I spent and what I saved: This includes $20 spent on newspapers.

Adding it all up for March:
Total Grocery Bill $ 1152.91
Total Savings $ 732.88
Total Out of Pocket $ 419.83
Percent Saved 64%

YTD Totals:
Total Grocery Bill $ 2304.55
Total Savings $ 1220.25
Total Out of Pocket $ 1084.10
Percent Saved 53%

March 2011 Week 5

I totally blew it in week 5 with a bbq splurge and deals i couldn't pass up...Hopefully April will allow me to keep under budget to make up for the 5 weeks of March!

Kroger (spent $24.89 saved $0)
1 lg yellow onion
3 yellow squash
3 zuchinni
1 box mushrooms
2 green peppers
1 bag cherry tomatoes
2 pounds fresh green beans
2 bags potato chips

Walgreens (spent $1.94 saved $29.41) used $4 RR from Reach Toothbrushes 
1 bottle honey (used $3.99 in-ad Q)

12 Snickers Eggs (used three $1/2 MQ)
6 Russel Stover Coconut Nests
2 bags Jelly Beans (used $1/2 in-ad Q)
2 bottles Gain dish soap (used $0.89 in-ad q and two $1.00 MQ from P&G savings book)
2 Rimmel Eyeliner Pencils (used $2 MQ)

Food Lion (spent $5.92 saved $31.48)
8 half gallons Silk Almond Milk (used eight $2 printables)
3 tubs Bestlife Spread (used three $1 MQ)
1 bottle Bestlife Spray (used $1 MQ)

Sav-A-Lot (spent $14.03 saved $1.00)
2 canisters Maxwell House Coffee (used $1/2 MQ)

10 lb bag frozen ck leg/thighs

Commissary (spent $13.43 saved $0.55) 
1 bag Sunsweet dried pineapples
 

Roma tomatoes
2 heads lettuce
2 boxes mushrooms
1 (3 lb) bag clementines

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 122.65
Total Savings $ 62.44
Total Out of Pocket $ 60.21
Percent Saved 51%


Thursday, March 24, 2011

March 2011 Week 4

Going into Week 4 I was already close to using up all of my budget! Love this week's Deals and Freebies to help keep me on track!

Kroger (spent $4.89 saved $4.82)
2 half gallons Silk Almond Milk (used two $2 printables)
1 bunch bananas
1 jar peanut butter

Commissary (spent $3.28 saved $0)
1 head of lettuce
1 pound of tomatoes

Walgreens (spent $2.53 saved $10.30)
1 Sinful Nail Color (used $1 Walgreens MQ)
5 Reach Toothbrushes (used 0.99 in ad-q and $1 printable and $3/3 MQ)
 


 Target (spent $7.28 saved $25.48) 
2 bottles Soft Scrub 
(used two $1 TQ and two $1.50 printables)
1 bottle Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (used $1 catalina)
2 bottles Suave Shampoo (used two 0.75 TQ)
1 Jar Planter's Sunflower Seeds (used 0.75 TQ)
4 boxes Jello (used $1/4 TQ and B3G1 TQ)
2 boxes Triscuits & 2 boxes Wheat Thins (used B3G1 TQ and two $1/2 MQ)
1 NYC Lipgloss (used $1 catalina)
2 Revlon Clippers (used $2 printable)




Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 57.76
Total Savings $ 40.60
Total Out of Pocket $ 17.16
Percent Saved 70%

March 2011 Week 3

Sadly, my Walgreens did not have all of the deals that were available in other parts of the country :( I also learned that you cannot use a RR when purchasing that manufacturer's product hoping to get a second RR :( I usually don't do the RR deals, but they seemed to good to pass up this week, and well they weren't, but ya win some ya lose some and I still got some good deals!

Kroger (spent $9.57 saved $68.02) I love when Kroger has their Mega Sales!
1 cantaloupe
12 boxes Ronzoni Pasta (used six $1/2 printables)
2 boxes Annie's Organic Mac & Cheese
2 tubs Philly Cooking Cream (used two $1.50 peelies)
5 Yakisoba Noodles (used five 0.50 MQ)
2 Helluva Good French Onion Dips (used two 0.55 MQ)
1 Box Tyson Anytizer Wings (used $1 MQ)
1 (2 liter) bottle Sprite
1 Pull Ups Big Bag (used Free MQ)

Wal Mart (spent $12.32 saved $0) I know I know! This was a quick last minute trip to pick up some things for a BBQ. I ran out of time to make it myself and it cost me :( 
1 (3 lb) bag Cuties
2 lb Amish Macaroni Salad
2 lb Cole Slaw
2 lb Amish Potato Salad

Walgreens (spent $8.58 saved $40.41) 
Transaction #1
2 bottles Irish Spring Body Wash (used two 0.50 MQ)
Got back $4 RR

Transaction #2
2 bottle Irish Spring Body Wash (used two 0.50 MQ)
6 bottles Right Guard Deodorant (used three BOGO MQ)
4 boxes Cream of Wheat (used four $1 MQ, but because they were on clearance for 0.50, they adjusted the coupon down to 0.50)


Amazon (spent $17.54 saved $142.46) I love finding good deals online!!
10 (16 ct) boxes Larabars


Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 298.90
Total Savings $ 250.89
Total Out of Pocket $ 48.01
Percent Saved 84%

March 2011 Week 2

Not a great Week, but there were definitely some deals out there to be found...

Kmart (spent $5.06 saved $20.00) I did 2 transactions here so that I could use those 2 $10 coupons from last week. After getting home, I realized that the Coke rang up .30 higher than they were supposed to, which was an additional $3.00 out of pocket, but I hate Kmart with passion and decided that it was not worth the $3 to go back in there! Both transactions were identical.
6 Diet Coke 2 Liters
1 bottle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

PetSmart (spent $20.26 saved $9.00)
2 (20 lb) bags Pedigree
 
Kroger (spent $14.17 saved $24.62) also had $3 Cellfire bonus coupon!
1 canister Kroger Shortening
1 (2 lb) bag Kroger Powdered Sugar
4 pkg Butterfinger Snackers (used two $1/2 MQ and $1/2 Kroger EQ)
2 boxes Corn Chex (used two 0.50 MQ)
2 boxes Rice Chex (used two 0.50 MQ)
1 (12 Roll) pkg Charmin (used $1 MQ and $3 Kroger EQ)
2 bottles Silk Soy Milk (used two $1 MQ)


Amazon (spent $22.34 saved $9.57) On Amazon, if you sign up for Amazon Mom, you get free 2-day shipping and and extra 15% off diapers and wipes.
Right now they are also running a deal when you sign up for subscribe and save, you get an additional 15% off (I selected the 6 month shipment, that way when my diapers come in a couple days I can cancel the subscription and not be billed again.)
There is often a 20% off coupon code for the diapers in the American Baby or Parenting magazine, which I did not have this time :(
1 (156 ct) box Huggies Diapers

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 125.02
Total Savings $ 63.19
Total Out of Pocket $ 61.83
Percent Saved 51%

Saturday, March 05, 2011

March 2011 Week 1 Commissary Trip

For all the military folk, the commissary is a great place to find deals. You do have to be careful when purchasing because on a lot of items I can use double coupons at other stores and that just doesn't happen at the commissary, but they have lower prices on a lot of name brand items and I can use coupons there. There are even military only coupons that I can take advantage of. This week, I found a lot of items that I normally buy at Sam's that were on sale or cheaper with coupons than anything I could have imagined at Sam's for the same product. Purchasing these bulk items definitely sent my savings percentage plummeting, but, overall, I saved more than I would have if purchasing at Sam's. So after gallavanting through the aisles with all the other irritated kids for 2-1/2 hours, 114 items, 76 coupons, and a dozen cookies later (thank God I remembered to put the in the backpack!), this is what we came home with:

Commissary (spent $168.11 saved $92.21)
8 bottles Old Spice Deodorant (used two $1 MQ from Everyday Solutions Book and three $1/2 MQ)
8 bottle Old Spice Body Wash (used B1 deodorant G1 body wash free)
2 bottles Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner in 1 (used $1 off conditioner when you buy shampoo MQ and $1 MQ)
1 bottle Pantene styling cream (used Buy 2 Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner Get 1 Free Styling Product P&G Military Coupon)
1 bottle Johnson's Baby Wash (used $1 MQ)
4 boxes Marcal Tissues (used four $1 MQ)
2 Playtex Sippy Cups (used two $1 military MQ)
1 bottle Cascade Dishwasher Drying Agent (used $1 MQ from Everyday Solutions Book)
2 bottle Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner (used $1/2 MQ)
1 refill pkg Cottonelle flushable wipes (used Free MQ- promotion from FB)
4 pkgs Reynold's baking cups (used four 0.50 MQ)
1 box (50 bags) Lays Chips (used $1 peelie)
4 pkg Ritz Cheese & Crackers (used two $1/2 military MQ)
1 bag marshmallows
1 bottle Mrs Dash (used .50 MQ)
1 bag coconut flakes
1 bottle Pompeiian Balsamic vinegar
1 bottle Heinz red wine vinegar (used .50 MQ)
2 bottles Hoisin Sauce
1 package Chi-Chi's tortillas (used .50 MQ)
1 big can Chef Boyardee Ravioli (used Free MQ- from WalMart.com promotion)
6 bags Hinode Rice (used six .55 MQ)
2 canisters oatmeal
2 bottles pancake syrup
1 (34 oz) canister Maxwell House Coffee (used $1 printable)
1 (20 ct) box Taster;s Choice Vanilla Coffee singles (used $1 MQ from FB promotion)
2 boxes Honey Nut Chex (used two .85 MQ)
1 box Kix (used .50 MQ)
4 cartons Hungry Jack Instant Hash Browns (used two $1/2 MQ)
2 (family size) pkgs Tyson fresh Chicken Breast ($1.50 lb!!)
2 (3 ct) pkg Steaks
1 Beef Roast
2 pkg Bar-S Hotdogs (used $1/2 MQ)
4 (1 lb) rolls Louis Rich ground turkey
2 bags Popcorn Fish (used two $1 MQ)
2 (44 ct) bags Gorton's Fish Sticks (used two $1 MQ)
2 (8 ct) bags El Monterey Burritos (used BOGO printable and $1 MQ)
2 (8 ct) bags El Monterey Chimichangas (used BOGO printable and $1 MQ)
1 (1 lb) bag frozen corn
2 (2 lb) bags frozen broc,cauli,carrot mix
1 (2 lb) bag frozen mixed veggies
2 (6 ct) pkg Danonino Yogurt cups (used two $1 MQ)
4 (4 ct) pkg Danimals Yogurt cups (used four $1 MQ)
4 blocks Cooper cheese (used four .40 military printable)
2 dozen eggs (used .55/2 printable)
1 carton Egg Beaters (used Free MQ from WalMart.com promotion.
2 (32 oz) bottles Simply Orange Juice (used two $1 printables)
1 bunch celery
1 (8 lb) bag Oranges
1 bunch cilantro
2-1/2 lb red grapes
1 (3 lb) bag onions
1 (8 oz) pkg mushrooms
1 (3 lb) bag Cuties (used .55 MQ)
1 (10 lb) bag Idaho potatoes
1 (3 lb) bag red delicious apples


Adding it all up March Week 1 Totals:
Total Grocery Bill $ 528.58
Total Savings $ 315.76
Total Out of Pocket $ 212.82
Percent Saved 60%

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

March 2011 Week 1


It is shaping up to be a great month of savings so far! Saved $223.55 and it is only March 1! I haven't even been to the commissary yet! There were too many deals this week that I just couldn't pass up! Kmart is having double coupons up to $2 in health and beauty and if you buy $35 in P&G products, you get a $10 coupon to use next week! Here are the deals:

Kroger (spent $8.43 saved $26.14)
20 Banquet Brown n Serve Sausage 10 pks (had rain check from last week's Daytona Deals)
2 bags Gardetto's Snack Mix (used two .50 MQ and .50 Kroger EQ)
4 boxes Zatarain's rice (used two .50/2 coupons and $1 Kroger EQ)
1 bottle Tide Stain Release liquid (used $3 MQ and $3 Kroger EQ)
1 Old Spice Deodorant (used $1 MQ from Everyday Solutions Book)
1 bottle Old Spice Body Wash (used B1 deodorant G1 body wash free and $1 Kroger EQ)

Walgreens (spent $4.15 saved $64.16) I was really going to Walgreens for the Baby Magic items that were $3 with a $3 RR, but my store was sold out! :( I ended up having to do 3 transactions see below for the breakdown)
Transaction #1
2 bottles Motrin PM (used $6/2 MQ - and got back $3 RR)
Transaction #2
2 bottles Motrin PM (used $6/2 MQ - and got back $3 RR)
Transaction #3
4 bottles Tylenol Precise Pain Relief Cream (used two $6/2 MQ)
2 boxes Splenda (used two $2 MQ)
1 box Nestle Cocoa (had to get a filler so I could use the $6 in RR from the first 2 transactions)


Target (spent $2.41 saved $35.28)
1 bottles Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner (used $1 catalina)
1 bottles Up & Up Mouthwash (use $1 catalina)
2 bottles Excedrin (use $3 Target Printable and .75 MQ)

2 packages Orbit Gum (use .75 Target Printable)
2 packages Reeses Peanut Butter Cups Singles (used $1 Target Printable)
1 jar Planters Sunflower seeds (used .50 Target Printable)
4 bottles Maalox Chewables (used $5 MQ)
2 tubes Blistex (used $1/2 MQ)
1 bottle Purex Detergent (used $3 MQ)

Walmart (spent $6.40 saved $11.55)
8 packages PictSweet Frozen Veggie Singles (used .75/2 MQ)
4 bags Millstone Coffee Singles (used $2 MQ)

2 dozen eggs (used .55/2 printable coupon)

Kmart (spent $23.32 saved $86.42) I did 2 transactions here so that I could get 2 $10 coupons. Also the double coupon event is good for 5 coupons per customer per day when you spend $25 in health and beauty so I did 1 transaction and my son did the second!
Transaction #1

4 bottles Olay Face Wash (used four $1 MQ)
4 bottles (18 oz!) Olay Ribbons Body Wash (used four Buy 1 Face wash Get 1 Body wash Free MQ)
4 bottles Olay Complete Moisturizer (used four Buy 1 Body wash Get 1 Moisturizer Free MQ)

Transaction #2
4 bottles Olay Face Wash (used four $1 MQ)
4 bottles (18 oz!) Olay Ribbons Body Wash (used four Buy 1 Facewash Get 1 Bodywash Free MQ)
4 bottles Secret Deodorant (used four Buy 1 Bodywash Get 1 Deodorant Free MQ)


Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 268.26
Total Savings $ 223.55
Total Out of Pocket $ 44.71 (and $26 of that was tax!)
Percent Saved 83%

Monday, February 21, 2011

February 2011 Totals

Overall, February was a good month. I was able to stock up and reestablish my 3 month food storage. Here's what I spent and what I saved: This includes $21 spent on newspapers.

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 652.95
Total Savings $ 320.66
Total Out of Pocket $ 332.29
Percent Saved 49%

YTD Totals:
Total Grocery Bill $ 1151.64
Total Savings $ 487.37
Total Out of Pocket $ 664.27
Percent Saved 42%

February 2011 Week 4

I didn't really need anything this week so I just went out to get some stockpile items. I was bummed today when I went to Kroger to stock up during the last week of the Daytona Deals sale. My Kroger was out of everything on my list- No worries I got rainchecks for everything and will definitely be cashing them in over the next couple of weeks when the shelves have been restocked. So here's what I came home with:

Kroger (spent $1.01 saved $19.34)
9 cups Yoplait Yogurt (used $3 daytona coupona and used .50/8 MQ and buy 2 get 1 free MQ-this was the free cup Facebook promo for my state)
2 pkg Starkist Tuna (used two .50 printables)
4 pkg Carefree Liners (used four 0.50 MQ)
4 Colgate Toothpast (used four 0.50 MQ)

Walgreens (spent $1.48 saved $3.33)
5 boxes Royal gelatin (used 5 for $1 in ad Q)
1 bag Ruffles Molten Hot Wings Chips (used Ruffles FB promo coupon)

Target (spent $8.28 saved $48.62)
3 bottles Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner (use $1 Target Printable)
3 bottles Up & Up Mouthwash (use $1 Target Printable)
2 bottles Up & Up Ibuprofen (use $1 Target Printable)

2 bags Halls cough drops (use .50 Target Printable and .50 printable)
2 (3 pks) packages Dentyne Gum (use $1 Target Printable and 0.75 MQ)
2 boxes Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal (use $1 Target Printable and $1 printable)
6 pkgs Eveready batteries (use $1 MQ- Energizer makes eveready so you can use their coupons!)
7 boxes (20 ct) Finish Powerball Dish Detergent (use $2.25 MQ or use $1.50 Target Printable and 0.75 MQ)

**I also scored 2 pairs of jeans on clearance for $4.98 and used the $5 Target printable to get some free jeans (not included in the above total).


Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 82.06
Total Savings $ 71.29
Total Out of Pocket $ 10.77
Percent Saved 87%

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

February 2011 Week 3

It was another sad week in the coupon world, but with the sales this week at Kroger, I was able to stock up on a few things that I don't normally purchase. Here's what I got this week:

Kroger (spent $13.86 saved $30.83)- Also got a coupon for $3 off my next Kroger purchase because of the Daytona Deals
2 boxes Totinos Pizza Rolls (use 0.40/2 MQ)
4 boxes El Monterey Tornadoes (use four 0.75 MQ)
1 box General Mills Milk and Cereal Bars (use 0.50 MQ)
3 boxes (1 gallon 2 quart) Hefty Freezer bags (use three 0.15 peelies)
4 Dove deodorants (these were 2 for $4 last week and I had to get a raincheck) (use four $2 MQ)
2-1/2 lb red grapes
1 lb bananas

Dollar General (spent $1.14 saved $12)
6 (40 ct) boxes Gain Fabric Sheets (use four $3 MQ)

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 57.83
Total Savings $ 42.83
Total Out of Pocket $ 15.00
Percent Saved 74%

Thursday, February 10, 2011

February 2011 Week 2 Diaper Deal

I did this deal last month too and it is by far the best price on diapers I have ever paid! My grocery budget includes diapers so finding this savings is awesome. I usually pay $38 for 204 diapers at Sam's :(

On Amazon, if you sign up for Amazon Mom, you get free 2-day shipping and and extra 15% off diapers and wipes.
Right now they are also running a deal when you sign up for subscribe and save, you get an additional 15% off (I selected the 6 month shipment, that way when my diapers come in a couple days I can cancel the subscription and not be billed again.)
I also found a 20% off coupon code for the diapers in the American Baby magazine.
So for a 156 ct box of Huggies Snug and Fit Size 3 diapers, I paid $15.96 (0.10 per diaper!)

For the wipes, I didn't have an additional promo code so I was only able to use the subscribe and save discount for an additional 30% off, which is still a good deal. I got 3 (216 ct) refill packages of Huggies Natural Care Wipes for  $14.22 (0.02 per wipe!)

Here is the breakdown of savings:
____________Diapers     Wipes     Total     
Original Price   $31.91       $20.31   $52.22   
Saved                $15.95       $  6.09   $22.04
Total Paid          $15.96       $14.22   $30.18
% Saved              50%             30%        42%

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

February 2011 Week 2

I was so bummed when I got the coupon ads in Sunday's paper. I didn't even clip 25 coupons! I usually clip enough to cover almost all of my kitchen table (it's huge-seats 8), but even with the handful of coupons I clipped, it was worth the time spent. When I went to Kroger, I had to get a few rain checks, but I did score some free candy for the kids. We are definitely stocked up on candy! I like to have a little on hand to set out when we have guests, and at these prices, I couldn't pass it up! Here's what I got this week:

Kroger (spent $0 saved $11.09- This never happens here. I think there was something wrong with the register, and it was taking off the tax with the coupons so it actually said they owed me $0.41!, and the cashier was really puzzled so he just handed me my bag and told me to have a good night!)
2 single serve packs Starburst (use .50/2 coupon)
2 single serve packs Skittles (use .50/2 coupon)
4 single serve packs Mentos (use four .50 coupons)
4 bags (6 packs) Airheads (use four .50 coupons)

Walgreens (spent $10.14 saved $30.32)
1 (32 oz) bottle Walgreens Pure Honey (use in-ad coupon for $3.99 price)
2 (10 oz) bags Almond Joy Pieces (use $2/2 MQ and $2/2 WQ from February playbook)
2 (10 oz) bags Reese's Pieces (use $2/2 MQ and $2/2 WQ from February playbook)
2 (10 oz) bags York Peppermint Patty Pieces (use $2/2 MQ and $2/2 WQ from February playbook)
2 (10 oz) bags Hershey's Cookies and Cream Drops (use $2/2 MQ and $2/2 WQ from February playbook)

Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 51.55
Total Savings $ 41.41
Total Out of Pocket $ 10.14
Percent Saved 80%

Thursday, February 03, 2011

February 2011 Week 1

I have successfully reestablished my 3-month food supply thanks to all the stores with great sales this week and to all the manufacturers and your awesome coupons! If I wanted to, I could sit back and relax the rest of the month without visiting 1 more store, but we all know that won't happen!

Here is the breakdown of what I got by store

Target (Spent 7.45 Saved 12.71)
If you buy 2 bags chips at 2/$5 the salsa is free
4 bags Tostitos Chips (use four 0.55 coupons)
2 Jars Tostitos Salsa (use two 0.55 coupons)

GFS (Spent 8.62 Saved 3.00)
Meatballs
Flour Tortillas

Sam's (Spent 55.83)
Box of 28 bags of ACT II Popcorn
2 bags On the Border Tortilla Chips
1 bag Craisins (actually had to return to Sam's and buy a 2nd bag of these because the first didn't make it home with me- not really sure what happened. I think a vampire swooped down while I was loading my car and decided the kids were too whiny so they settled for Craisins-Both bags are included in the total.)
1 bunch Bananas
1 bag Hormel Bacon Bits
6 1/2 pounds fresh chicken breasts
8 lb bag oranges

ALDI (Spent 18.16) For those not familiar with ALDI, it is a discount grocer with great produce!
1 bunch Bananas
1 bunch Celery
4 Avocados
4 Cucumbers
2 cans Baking Powder
2 (5 lb) bags granulated Sugar
4 (5 lb) bags White Flour

Walgreens (Spent 20.96 Saved 9.84)
5 (12 roll) packages Cottonelle toilet paper (use $1 Walgreens playbook coupon and five 0.50 coupons)
5 boxes Royal Gelatin (5/$1 with in-ad coupon)

Publix (Spent 18.91 Saved 50.24) Publix has great BOGO items and they double coupons up to 0.50- I can't wait until the one in Clarksville opens this fall! Until then, Mimi will enjoy spending some extra time with the grandkids while I visit the Publix in Franklin!
2 tubs Lloyd's BBQ Pork (use two $1 coupons)
12 jars Pace Picante Sauce (use six 0.50/2 coupons)
4 jars Mt Olive Pickles (use four 0.50 coupons)
8 packets Knorr side dishes (use four 0.50/2 coupons)
1 box Publix crackers (Wednesday is penny item day. If you spend $10 you can get that weeks item for only a penny- love cheap crackers!)

Kroger (Spent 55.09 Saved 44.00) Kroger doubles coupons up to 0.50 as well, and this week they are having their Mega Event which means if you buy any 10 of the Mega Event items, you get an extra $5 off.
5 bottles French's Spicy Mustard (use five 0.50 coupons)
4 Reach toothbrushes (use four 0.50 coupons)
6 packages Bar-S Hot dogs (use three 0.50/2 coupons)
2 Boxes Sea Pak Shrimp Poppers (use two $1 coupons)
3 bags Nestle Chocolate Morsels (use $1/3 coupon)
4 packages Knorr Veggie Dip Mix (use four 0.50 coupons)
1 box Knorr Onion Soup Mix (use 0.50 coupon)
1 (3 lb) bag Kroger frozen Salmon fillets
1 (3 lb) bag Kroger frozen Swai fillets
1 (3 lb) bag Kroger frozen Cod fillets
1 (10 lb) bag Kroger frozen Chicken Legs
3 (2 cup) bags Kroger shredded cheese

Commissary (Spent 60.18 Saved 23.30) The commissary is a great place to save. Not only are a lot of their prices cheaper than other stores, there is NO TAX (which in TN saves about 9.5%- not included in my savings total), and you can use coupons!
2 Playtex Sippy Cups
2 (25 count) boxes Glad Storage bags (use $1/2 coupon)
6 boxes Marcal Tissues (use six $1 coupons)
4 Old Spice deodorant (use two $1/2 coupons)
1 LA Looks Hair Gel
1 (4 lb) box Baking Soda
2 bags Diamond chopped Walnuts (use $1/2 coupon)
1 (5 lb) bag fresh Carrots
1 (3 lb) bag McIntosh Apples
1 (1 lb) bag Kidney Beans
1 (1 lb) bag Great Northern Beans
4 (12 count) boxes Ortega Taco Shells (use two $1/2 coupons)
4 bottles Wishbone Italian Dressing (use four $1 coupons)
2 boxes Rice Chex (use $1/2 coupon)
2 bottles pancake syrup
2 canisters Oatmeal
1 bottle Kikoman Teriyaki Sauce (use $1 coupon)
1 bottle Kikoman Ponzu Sauce (use $1 coupon)
2 dozen eggs (use two 0.55 if you buy 1 Kikoman product coupons)
1 bottle Vanilla Extract
1 (2 lb) bag frozen Peas
1 (2 lb) bag frozen Mixed Veggies
1 (2 lb) bag frozen Green Beans
1 (2 lb) bag Baby Carrots
1 (1 lb) bag frozen corn
2 (1 lb) bag frozen broccoli
6 (1 lb) pkg Ground Turkey
4 (1 lb) pkg Eckrich Smoked Sausage (use four 0.55 coupons)
2 (8 count) pkg Hamburger Buns




Adding it all up:
Total Grocery Bill $ 388.29
Total Savings $ 143.09
Total Out of Pocket $ 245.20
Percent Saved 37%

Sunday, January 30, 2011

January 2011

January was a rough month for the coupon/out of pocket percentage.
TOTAL GROCERY BILL: $498.69
TOTAL SAVED: $166.71
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $331.98
PERCENT SAVED: 34%

This includes $25 that I spent purchasing newspapers.
$185 of that was spent at Sam's and GFS (which don't accept coupons). So if you subtract those 2 stores from my above total it brings my percentage saved up to 59%

Also, TN has a 9.5% sales tax rate which is included in the above totals so even if I have coupons making an item free, I still have to pay the high tax rate.