a good

CLICK HERE for a great $1 Cheerios coupon

Rite Aid

Rite Aid continues to promote their newest $5/$25 coupon CLICK HERE to print your coupon.  This coupon can be printed as many times as you want, but will likely be pulled soon.  It does not expire until mid December, so I suggest printing MANY and holding onto them.

 

Here Are my favorite deals for this week:

• Gillette Fusion Razor $9 – $5 SCR – $4 manufacturer coupon (from the 9/27/09 inserts) = FREE!
• Crest White Plus Scope Toothpaste, Oral-B Advantage or Artica Toothbrushes $2.69 – $2.69 SCR – $1 manufacturer coupon (from the 9/27/09 P&G inserts) = FREE! (actually make $1)
• ProFoot Miracle, Triad Insoles, Synovium™ Pain, Heel Rescue Cream or Flex-Tastic 3/$15 – $10/3 SCR – (3) $1 Heel Rescue or $2 Synovium™ Printables = Free to 3/$2(I also found a $1 peel off on the Synovium and a $1 hand tag coupon on the Heel Rescue)
• Nivea Lip Care $2.99 – $2 SCR – $1 manufacturer coupon (from the 8/30/09 RP insert) = FREE
• Aveeno Bath, Facial, Hair Care, Men’s Grooming, Baby Care 20% off

Purchase two (2) Receive $3 SCR
Purchase three (3), Receive $5 SCR
Purchase four (4), Receive $7 SCR
These are the items I found at my local store, YMMV as to your prices.

 

Baby

 

• Aveeno Baby $5.69 – 20% off = $4.55

 

• Aveeno Diaper Rash Soothing Relief $6.99 – 20% off = $5.59

 

Bath

 

• Aveeno Active Materials Foaming Bath $7.49 – 20% off = $5.99

 

• Aveeno Body Washes (assorted) $6.99 – 20% off = $5.59

 

• Aveeno Soothing Bath $7.99 – 20% off = $6.39

 

• Aveeno Shower & Bath Oil $8.99 – 20% off = $7.19

 

 

Facial

 

• Aveeno Cleanser $7.99 – 20% off = $6.39

 

• Aveeno Daily Scrub $7.99 – 20% off = $6.39

 

• Aveeno Positively Ageless Cleansing Pads (28ct) $8.99 – 20% off = $7.19

 

• Aveeno Positively Ageless Serum $19.99 – 20% off = $15.99

 

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads (28ct) $7.99 – 20% off = $6.39

 

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer $16.99 – 20% off = $13.59

 

Hair

 

• Aveeno Conditioner $7.49 – 20% off = $5.99

 

• Aveeno Shampoo $7.49 – 20% off = $5.99

 

Men’s Grooming

 

• Aveeno Shave Cream $4.99 – 20% off = $3.99

 

adperks: (Rite Aid Coupon for Video Watching- you can only print once, but can print many)
$2 off hair care (RA coupon)
$3 off facial care (RA coupon)
$2 lotion printable
Aveeno $1 manufacturer coupon (from the 9/27/09 RP inserts)
Aveeno $1.50/2 manufacturer coupon (from the 9/27/09 RP inserts)

 

 

Deal #1

 

(1)Aveeno Shave Cream $4.99 – 20% off = $3.99
(1) Crest White Plus Scope Toothpaste, Oral-B Advantage or Artica Toothbrushes $2.69
(1) Gillette Fusion Razor $9
(1) ProFoot Synovium™ Pain or Heel Rescue Cream $5
= $20.68 total
- $5/$20 RA adperks coupon
= $15.68
- $3 adperk aveeno facial coupon
= $12.68
- $8 manufacturer coupons
= $4.68 total out of pocket
- $7.69 SCR- and have $20.68 towards Fall Extra Savings
= $3.01 profit
plus carry over to deal #2 (1) aveeno and (1) profoot

 

Deal #2
1) Nivea Lip Care $2.99

 

(2) ProFoot Synovium™ Pain or Heel Rescue Cream $10
(3)Aveeno Shave Cream $4.99 – 20% off = $3.99
= $24.96 total
- $5/$20 adperks coupon
= $19.96
- (3) $3 adperks aveeno coupons
= $10.96
- $8 manufacturer coupons
= $2.96 out of pocket total
- $2.99 SCR
+ carry forward (1) aveeno and (1) profoot
- $17 SCR These 2 transactions will qualify you for both the Aveeno and Profoot rebates
= $17.03 profit!

 

Deal #1 + Deal $2 = $20.04 profit, plus you get $45.64 worth of merchandise!  You will spend less than $8 out of pocket, earn credit for $45.64 in purchases and you will get back  $27.68 with SCR.  If you rack up $100 worth of merchandise before 10/3 you will get an extra $20 Fall Saving rebate, you will be just $4.40 away from the $10 level now!!

Other Great Deals:

• In Ad Soft Soap Serum Body Wash coupon $2 off ($3.99), pair with $1 smart source coupon from 9/13= .99c
• MANY BOGO deals!!  Kleenex, Werther's Candy 

100% Off Clearance Sale- Printable Coupons

This topic is covered in many of my posts, but today I am going to link you to my favorite sources of coupons and talk about how to max. out your savings with them.

Coupons are a wonderful thing and locally we have 3 (soon 4- Walgreen's cannot open fast enoug) coupons friendly stores.  Target, Rite Aid, and Price Chopper are very good at allowing customers to max. savings with coupons.  Walmart is good too, but I hate everything about Walmart, so the potential savings high is ruined by my own negative feelings about the place.  I do go in, but maybe 4 times a year AT MOST.  If you love Walmart there are deals to be had, but for the most part I will not be sharing Walmart shopping tips.

Coupons alone will only get you so far.  The secret to getting free product involves three things;

1. Finding a Sale
2. Locating a Coupon for the Sale Item
3. Setting a Max. Out of Pocket price for items you use.

I have #1 covered for you.  If there is a good deal on something I will tell you about it.  I also post links that will help you accomplish #2.

My favorite places to find printable coupons:

• http://www.afullcup.com/ (choose printable in the drop down menu. scroll through the alpha/numeric list and find a coupon for what YOU WANT TO BUY.  Print and enjoy!)
• http://www.pricechopper.com/ (coupons from the coupon page can be used anywhere.  Check every Thursday for their new Three Day sale promotion coupons)
• http://www.coupons.com/
• http://www.couponbug.com/
• http://www.allyou.com/ (choose coupon link)
• http://www.smartsource.com/
• http://www.redplum.com/

If the above source asks for a zip code, dont hesitate to change the zip code to search for deals.  You can search different areas of the country.  High cost of living areas have better, more, and higher value coupons (90210- Beverly Hills, 14362, 33986- and many others often have great coupons that 12901 does not). 

#3 is very subjective and everyone needs to set their own "to buy or not to buy" price.  I will not pay more than:

• 99c for a box of cereal
• 25c for spaghetti sauce
• 50c for any kind of cleaner
• $1 a bottle for name brand laundry soap (All or Tide)
• 50c cake mix
• 25c brownie mixes

I refuse to pay anything for:

• Pasta
• Envelopes
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Condiments

How can I get away with this?

•  Buy Items when the price is rock bottom and buy lots of it.  ( I have been known to bring home 32 boxes of cereal in a week when it is free.  I have been known to buy 20 boxes of pasta when it is free.)
• I organize my lists and coupons before shopping.
• I avoid shopping right after work.  When I am tired and stressed I do not save as much.  I throw things like full priced cookies and junk food in the cart and I buy too many things that do not have a coupon).
• I rarely buy generic or store brands unless they are on sale.  I can get name brand, high end for much cheaper with a coupon.  This was not as easy before the advent of the internet coupon, but now it is reality!

Explore the world of Internet coupons and you will be happy that you took the small amount of time it requires. 

Coupon Roundup

CLICK HERE to visit Pillsbury's promotion website.  If you sign up for their yummy recipe emails they will let you print $26 worth of coupons (Twice).  There are lots of great coupons in this batch.  If you click on "Get More Coupons" after printing they link to a different coupon page with some great deals (Tuna in The bags, Chips, Produce).  These go fast, so don't delay!.

CLICK HERE to print the great $1 off Wheat Thins coupon (Twice).  If you take these to Rite Aid this week you can score two boxes of crackers for free and earn $1 SCR!!

CLICK HERE to visit Little Debbie- There are some HOT 75c coupons for cupcakes!  Perfect for lunch boxes.

Jean Chatzy Guest Post: Raising A Deal Seeking-Kid

Deal Seeking mom has a great post today that features many great tips from Jean Chatzky (NBC Today Show).  CLICK HERE to read all of her practical tips.

P&G Insert Preview Sunday 9/27

Procter & Gamble (P&G 9/27/09) **Troy Record or Albany Times Union feature these great inserts**

• $5/1 Align Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Always Infinity, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Always Pad, Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloth, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Always Pantiliners, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.25/1 Bounty Napkins, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.25/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.25/1 Cascade, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Cascade Rinse Aid, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.25/1 Charmin Bathroom Tissue, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Crest Kids Toothpaste, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Crest Premium Paste, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Crest Rinse, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/2 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 10-31-09
• $10/1 Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, exp. 10-31-09 (P&G 9/27/09 )
• $0.25/1 Dawn, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Dawn Direct Foam or Dawn Simple Pleasure, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Dawn Plus Hand Renewal, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.75/1 Duracell CopperTop, PowerPix, Ultra Digital, Ultra Advanced , exp. 10-31-09
• $1.50/1 Duracell Hearing Aid Batteries with EasyTab, exp. 10-31-09
• FREE Febreze Air Effects wyb any Febreze Candle, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Febreze Fabric Refresher, exp. 10-31-09
• $4/1 Febreze Noticeables Starter Kit, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Fixodent Adhesive, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Gillette Body Wash, exp. 10-31-09
• $2/1 Gillette Clinical Strength, exp. 10-31-09
• $4/1 Gillette Fusion Razor, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Gillette Fusion Shave Gel, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Gillette Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Luvs Diapers, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Metamucil Product, exp. 10-31-09
• B1G1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, exp. 10-31-09
• FREE Mr. Clean Spray wyb Any Mr. Clean Liquid, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Nice ‘n Easy Hair Color Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Olay Bar Pack, Body Wash or In-Shower Body Lotion, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Olay Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Olay Hand & Body Lotion, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/2 Old Spice Body Wash or Antiperspirant/Deodorant, exp. 10-31-09
• $4/2 Old Spice Pro Strength, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Oral-B Floss Pick, Satin Floss or Glide Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction or Advantage, exp. 10-31-09
• $3/1 Oral-B Refill Brush Head, exp. 10-31-09
• $5/1 Oral-B Vitality Toothbrush or Rechargeable Toothbrush, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Pantene Styler, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Pepto-Bismol Product, exp. 10-31-
• $1/1 Prilosec OTC Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/4 Pringles Cans, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/2 Pringles Fat Free Cans, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Pringles Snack Stack, Stix, Minis or Bold Bites Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.25/3 Puffs Singles, exp. 10-31-09
• $3/1 PUR or PUR Flavor Options System, Pitcher or Faucet Mount, exp. 10-31-09
• $3/1 PUR Pitcher or Faucet Mount Multipack Replacement Filters or PUR Refrigerator Filter, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.35/1 Scope Breath Mist or Breath Drops, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.75/1 Scope Mouthwash, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Secret Flawless, exp. 10-31-09
• $2/2 Secret Flawless, Fresh Effects, Scent Expressions or Smooth Effects, exp. 11-30-09
• B1G1 Swiffer Dust & Shine, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Swiffer Dust & Shine or Swiffer Refills, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Swiffer Dusters Starter Kit, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit, exp. 10-31-09
• $5/1 Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit or Swiffer SweepVac Starter Kit, exp. 10-31-09
• B1G1 Tag Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.50/1 Tampax, exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Tide Product, exp. 10-31-09
• $0.35/1 Tide To Go, exp. 10-31-09
• $2/1 Venus Embrace or Breeze Family Cartridges, exp. 10-31-09
• $2/1 Venus Embrace or Breeze Family Systems Razor , exp. 10-31-09
• $1/1 Vicks Product, exp. 10-31-09

Uncrustables

Here is a freebie that will require a bit of planning.  Put a big star on Monday 9/28 in your day planner or on your calendar.  Smucker's will be mailing a coupon to the first 80,000 people who log in, sign up and share a school themed time saving/organizational tip. (Quick lunch packing/making ideas.  Frugal School snack recipes, etc.)  Have you tried these?  I LOVE them, but am not willing to pay $3 a box, for 4 PB&J.  As Martha would say this is a very GOOD thing!  CLICK HERE to visit http://www.uncrustables.com/  Remember this will start 9/28- This coming Monday.  Enjoy! (Thank you couponcravings!)

Savings & Samples

Welcome to the Samples & Savings Page! There are some great products and companies featured in these new ads. Many of these companies I know, trust, and love. If you see something that interests you, feel free to explore. These ads can lead you directly to some of the coupons I talk about. Feel free to look around but,please do not feel pressure to click, and always read the fine print for the offers. I have taken advantage of several of these company offers and promotions and have been happy with the ones that were of interest to me. The offers and ads displayed will change often, please check back from time to time.

Enjoy. Please leave comments and feedback to let me know how you like these ads and programs. While I want to lead you to some of the best freebies available on a national level, some do come with strings (may require you to complete a survey, may want to offer you a trial (Samples are 100% free, Trials are not).

FreezCube- A Neat Concept (My 2 Cents)

Tonight I actually read my Bed, Bath & Beyond monthly email.  They are featuring products to make your freezers more efficient and safe.  Most of it looks great, but is not practical.  I belong to the school of "Pack it in, Shove It In" and have no interest in organizing my freezer in a neater fashion that my sock drawer.  However this dandy caught my attention and I have a feeling I will be buying a few as soon as I can get my hands on more $5 off coupons.  Since they no longer honor them past the expiration date, my supply has dwindled.  Does anyone own a FreezCube?  Apparently the liquids melt at different temps and the thing will set off an alarm if the freezer temp drops.  I have often worried about my freezer stockpiles.  The last time my mother in law came over (Hello Cathy- I love you! You can do it again anytime!) she did some ironing.  Anyone who knows me, knows this is the only way anyone in my house is getting anything neatly pressed.  I dont do it! I refuse.  My grandmother is flopping in her grave as I type this.  She ironed everything (bedsheets, Levi's Jeans, Washcloths-EVERYTHING).  I think I was too mortified to go to high school one day with creases running up the legs of my rolled up at the ankle Levi's.  Thus I boycott the whole thing.  Anyway's back to the point of this whole Product Highlight.  Cathy unplugged my freezer to plug in my iron and never plugged it back in, luckily Randy caught the whole disaster waiting to happen when he ran down to fetch me something.  We have a freezer in the garage and basement and I don't venture near them everyday.  A "disaster alarm" is a great idea and will make me feel a little better about never having to worry about freezer failure or power outage temp drops.  Now the neighbors might wonder what is going on if the freezer in the garage sets of a loud blare, but my food will be safe, and hopefully crisis will be averted.  These Retail for $19.99.  I am giving you my 2 cents tonight, but I am going to inquire about a product sample! 

Fun Rite Aid Tid Bit

Earlier in the week I posted about the great Rite Aid Deals- One just got even better.  If you were lucky enought to snag a Wheat Thins coupon ($1 off), printed 2, and made a gross profit of 2c for taking the small boxes home, this is your lucky week!  They qualify for a $1 Nabisco Rebate.  A Profit of 2c is great, but $1.02 is even better!!

VIP Pass To Club "Take Me I'm FREE!"

Freebies are everywhere.  I have often been asked "Do you really get lots of stuff for free?". YES! YES! YES!  Free from local stores, free online, and free delivered to my front door.  The last option is my favorite!  How do I find things for free?  Mommy bloggers are pretty honest.  Most of us share our tips freely.  And this mommy blogger will always tell you when I am being paid to represent a source of Freebies -vs- finding Freebies on my own.  Over the next two-three days there will be two new topics to explore in my top menu; "Samples&Savings" and "Reviews".  Most of the information in "Samples&Savings" will be in the form of color ads and links.  I will approve the ads that are posted there.  Most of them will be for products I am already talking about or linking to (coupons.com, betty crocker, amazon.com, and the like.).  I am the first to say that I am jumping into a big ocean.  While I intend to test every link and approve all content, please make sure you read about the offers you click on.  In order to get some of the free things and samples you may have to sign up for email or coupons via mail.  Some of the magazines may be free 1-3 month trials.  Each company has it's own set of rules, but they are good about posting all of the details.  I have no problem getting a full in-box if my printer spits out high value coupons and UPS is delivering packages on a regular basis.

What has arrived at my house in the last 2 weeks:
11 Free diapers
23 Coupons or Coupon Packs
3 Reusable Shopping Bags
2 Cases of Nescafe
1 tote bag
3 tooth paste samples
8 Shampoo and Conditioner Samples
6 Full Size Product Coupons (Kashi Cereal, Granola Bars, Shampoo, Candles, Kleenex)
11 Coupons to Share with friends
3 Pens
2 Tubs of Baby Wipes
1 Baby Blanket
2 Cat Treats
1 "Greenies" Pill Pocket Treats for dogs
1 high end aluminum coffee mug
2- $10 Gift Cards
2 Tea Bags
1 Carmex lip balm
4 Lotion/Body Product Samples

How can you find these deals?  It is simple- the early bird catched the worm.  Samples go fast, so knowing they are out there is key.  Follow along with my blogging adventures with RSS feeds, email alerts, and (coming next week- TWITTER).  Check out the new blog topics in the coming days for my greatest deal finding secrets and links. 

The only thing better than getting a bunch of stuff for free is watching someone else do the same!  The smiles and laughter are worth all of the work that goes into this!

100% off Clearance SALE!

Considering the current state of the ecomomy and our never ending "recession", I am going to spend the next 10 days exploring ways to shave 100% off of your out of pocket expenses on high use items.  Get ready to sharpen your super sleuth deal finding skills.

Can I afford toothpaste, envelopes, noodles, and rice? Yes, but why would I want to pay for those things when I can take them home for free?  Today I want to talk about the "stigma" of coupons.  Growing up I felt like a leper when my mom would use coupons.  Why?  The same reason people like "Concession Stand Chris" torment coupon shoppers at Target; I saw them as a sign of not being able to afford something.

To combat this in my own household I bring my daughter shopping with me.  We talk about saving money and outsmarting the stores.  It becomes a math game instead of a cheap game.  Budgeting does not have to be "gloom and doom" or negative.  I try to avoid saying "We can't afford." "It's not in the budget." "Don't touch.".  I try to say "Ah-Ha this is free, Let's try it!", "Wow look at this one.", "If we get this one, we can get this one too.".  While most of these things are way above her level of understanding now, they will be familiar concepts as she grows.  We use coupons because we are smart.  We save lots of money and bring home more because we used our thinking skills to win the game.  We follow directions to find coupon policies and match coupons up to save the most.

These are all great life skills that we can teach out children now.  Right now the economy says this is practical.  While cashiers may relate coupons to welfare benefits today, we can work to replace these feelings in the next generation.  Cheap, Free, Frugal, Conservative, Persistent, and Fair are principles I am working to instill NOW.  These are not negative things.  The coupon game can be won by anyone who has just a little bit of time and a touch of creativity.  Will you join me?

To Come Later Tonight: 100% Clearance Lesson One- Free Samples and Promotions

Sara Lee Coupon via Facebook

CLICK HERE  to become a fan of Sara Lee Deli Meat on Facebook. 
This coupon went very quickly last week and will not be around for long.  Reports say that it emails to you within 48 hours and can be printed twice.  Each coupon has a $3 value (=Free at Walmart).  Become a fan, click on the coupon Tab in the menu, enter your info and wait for your coupon to arrive.  A weeks worth of lunch meat for 60 seconds of work.  Enjoy!

All You Magazine

Today I stumbled onto a new All You magazing program "Reality Checkers".  All You will send you new products to try in exchange for feedback and your opinion. 

Calling All Vocalpoint members: Great Freebie today!

Vocalpoint is giving away a free 28 Day supply of Olay ProX Wrinkle Cream.  CLICK HERE to submit your product request.

Vocalpoint is a wonderful branch of Proctor & Gamble.  They have the best samples and coupons!  I am hooked!  Head on over to http://www.vocalpoint.com/ to register.

Rite Aid Coupons

Rite Aid has a new $5/$25 coupon (CLICK HERE).  This can be printed many times.  Stock up while you can!

Tag books at Target

If you are lucky enough to still have $3 & $5 Leapfrog coupons for Tag Books, this is your week to score a great deal at Target.  They are all maked down to $9.99 from $15.99.  Paying $4.99-6.99 after coupon is an exceptional deal.