2011 Savings Total!!!

2011 is the first year that I have tracked my savings for a whole year. It is fun to see how much you save each trip, month and now for a whole year using coupons and watching for sales. Before I couponed, Jason and I alone would spend anywhere from $300-$400 a month on groceries. We would just throw anything we wanted in our cart without even paying attention. That's $3600-$4800 a year we would spend. I was below that this year, and I have a stockpile as well. Here is how I did this year:

Subtotal (after clearance/sales): $13,401.28
Manufacturer Coupons: $5,238.58
Store Coupons (includes RRs/ECBs/GCs): $5,240.96
Mail-In-Rebates: $379.87
Tax: $421.79
Out of Pocket: $2967.45

Our monthly budget changed in the middle of the year due to taking in a foster child. For the whole year, our budget was $2700 which means we were over budget by $267.45. Most of that came in those later months (when it was $275 a month) Because we are also having another baby, I am going to have to up the budget for 2012.

My new goal will be $300 a month which is low for 5 people, at least I think so. One of those will be on formula and two in diapers. We'll see how it goes early on and I can adjust it then.

However, back to 2011.....I saved over $10,000 using coupons!!!! Add that to my salary as a teacher and I am doing pretty good :) This ended up being a savings of 81.03% on the year, which is amazing!

I also think it's crazy to see that of the money spent this last year 14.21% of it was tax!

December Savings Total!

Wow, I did a lot of shopping this month and still managed to stay under budget! (about double of what I normally do!) I am so excited about how well I did :) My pantry, fridge, freezer and shelves are all very well stocked right now too!

Subtotal (after sale/clearance prices): $1993.82
Manufacturer Coupons: $783.65
Store Coupons (includes ECBs/RRs/Gift Cards): $908.35
Mail-In-Rebates: $79.28
Tax: $40
Out-Of-Pocket: $262.54

This means that I was $12.46 below budget and I had a savings percentage of 88.84%. My last few months were lacking and December was anything but that.

Savemart 12/29....Cheap Sour Cream!

I really only wanted to stock up on the cheap sour cream, but as you can tell, I picked up some other things while I was there! Here is what I got:

Ruffles (2) $4.58
-No coupons, but on sale and they're my favorite so I am allowed :)

Coke Zero 1.25 L (2) $2
-(2) $.99/1 MQs
-$.02 or $.01 each

Sunny D $1.09
-$.70/1 in-ad Q
-$.39

Roberts Chocolate Milk $2.19
-$.30/1 MQs (doubled to $.60/1)
-$1.59

Roberts Dip/Sour Cream (6) $5.94
-(2) $.35/1 MQs (doubled to $.70 each)
-(4) $.30/1 MQs (doubled to $.60 each)
-$2.14 or $.36 each

Rotellas Bread $1.49
-Jason's favorite bread

Theraflu $4.97
-$2/1 MQ
-$5 MIR (I am trying it although I used a coupon...we'll see)
-$2.03 MM....if it goes through!

Subtotal: $22.24
Manufacturer Qs: $6.18
Store Qs/Doubles: $2.90
Tax: $.35
OOP:$13.51 - $5 MIR = $8.51 or savings of 61.7%

Target Christmas Clearance Junk Food Haul!

Oh my, Target was packed at 9 this morning! I managed to pick up a lot of good deals. However, it was all junk food...except some yogurt! Here is what I got:

Lifesaver/Starburst Books (4) $11.96
-$5.98 (50% off clearance)
-(2) $1.50/2 MQs
-$2.96 or $.74 each

Spree/Sweetart Candy Canes (4) $9.96
-$5 (50% off clearance)
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$2.96 or $.74 each

Ghirardelli Squares (3) $10.47
-$3.15 (30% off clearance)
-$1/2 TQ
-$1/1 MQ
-$1/2 MQ
-$4.32 or $1.44 each

Pop-Tarts (6) $14.94
-$7.50 (50% off clearance)
-(2) $1/3 MQs
-$5.44 or $.91 each

Keebler Cookies (8) $20
-$10 (50% off clearance)
-(4) $1/2 TQs
-(2) $1/3 MQs
-(2) $1/2 MQ
-$2 or $.25 each

Betty Crocker Cookies (2) $3.44
-$1.72 (50% off clearance)
-$1/2 MQ
-$.72 or $.36 each

Betty Crocker Cake Mix (5) $6.25
Betty Crocker Frosting (5) $8.95
-$7.65 (50% off clearance)
-(5) $.75/2 MQs
-$3.90 or $.39 each

Kraft Marshmallows $1.19
-$.60 (50% off clearance)
-$.59

Pillsbury Refridgerated Cookies (4) $10
-$5 (50% off clearance)
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$3 or $.75 each

Activia Yogurt (4) $8.76
-(2) $2/2 TQs
-(4) $1/1 MQs
-$.76 or $.19 each

Pre-Clearance Subtotal: $105.92
Post-Clearance Subtotal: $59.43
Manufacturer Coupons: $23.75
Target Coupons: $9.10
Tax: $.24
Total OOP: $27.69 on Gift Cards from Glade Deal!

74% Savings from Pre-Clearance Prices, but 100% Savings after Gift Cards :)

Walgreens 12/18.....Trying to use up Jingle Cash

I had two $5 Jingle Cash to use this week and decided to do that early this week. I actually let two $5 JC expire last week because I just didn't have any more to get. I did three transactions and can do plenty more with all of the Bayer coupons I have. I bought 20 of the Bayer Advanced coupons on Ebay in preparation for the CVS Black Friday sale. Needless to say, that didn't work out so well and I have a crazy amount of coupons! Here is what I got in three transactions (listed as one):

Ritz Crackers (6) $15
-(2) B2G1 MQs (took off $2.50 each)
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$1/2 WQ (took off $3)
-$5 or $.83 each

Pampers $9.99
-$1.50/1 MQ
-$2/1 WQ
-$1 RR Earned
-$5.49 (coupon book inside!)

Bayer Advanced (6) $20.16
-(6) $2/1 MQs
-$9 RR Earned
-$.84 MM!

Hershey's/Kisses (6) $15
-(2) B2G1 MQs (took off $2.50 each)
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$8 or $1.33 each
-I also got a MQ for $5 off next Hershey's product that I will use at Walmart for OVERAGE!!! I expect at least $4 in overage, so if I take that off, these cost me $4 or $.67 each!

Yes to Lip Balm (6) $18.14
-(5) $3/1 MQs
-BOGO 1/2 Sale (took off $4.15)
-$1.01 MM!

Puzzles/Activity Books (10) $3.34
-$3.34 or $.33 each (going in gifts to Hay's daycare!)

All together, my subtotal was $81.63. I used $42.50 in MQs, $19.15 in WQs/Sale and $23 in RRs/Gift Card. This brought my total down to $-3.02. plus $2.62 tax for a total of $.40 MM! It's like this because I forgot to use the Ritz WQ so was able to use more RRs than I should have. I don't remember what I started with for RRs, but I ended with $19. I may go back and get more Hershey's candy, but it won't be as good because I don't have the $1/2 MQs. We'll see?!?!?

CVS 12/17.....AWESOME Coke Deal!

I had $20+ towards the gift card deal and had to go back to finish that off. I also read that some really good coupons were printing on Saturday only. I used two of those (Zhu Zhu Pet and Coke) I was planning on getting the Coke and the Zhu Zhu pet helped me get to $20 so I could use the $5/$20 coupon that was found in a number of papers. I actually printed off 4 of each of those coupons and did 4 different transactions. They are listed here together to make it more simple.

Coke/Dr. Pepper (12) $48
-$4/3 CVS CRT (printed Saturday only)
-(3) $3/3 CVS Q (from various papers)
-$35 or $2.92 each

Huggies $11.99 (not pictured-needed one more to get next pack free)
-$3/1 CVS Q
-$1.50/1 MQ
-$7.49

American Greetings Card (3) $2.97
-$2/3 CVS Q
-$3 ECB Earned
-$2.03 MM!

Zhu Zhu Pet $9.88
-$8.99 CVS CRT (printing Saturday only)
-$.99 (these are BOGO this week, so I may take it back and get 2 for $.99)

Riccola (2) $3
-$1/1 MQ (couldn't find my other two :(
-$1 ECB Earned
-$1 or $.50 each

Bandaid $2.99
-$2 ECB Earned
-$.99

Welch's Grape Jelly $2.77
-$2.77 (no coupons, but needed it and helped to get to $20)

Bayer Advanced (2) $1.98 (raincheck)
-$2/1 MQ (adjusted to $1.98)
-FREE!

Dulcolax $4.99
-$5/1 CRT
-$.01 MM!

All together, my subtotal was $88.57. I started paid with $4.48 in MQs, $51.89 in CVS Qs, $7 ECBs and $22.20 on gift cards. This brought my total down to $3 plus $1.50 tax for a total of $4.50 OOP. I started with $12.20 on gift cards and ended with $14.22 for a gain of $2.02. I started with $3 ECBs and ended with $3 ECBs. This means that all of this really cost me $2.48 after tax or a savings of 97%

Kohl's, Target, Walgreens and CVS with Haylee....AWESOME Trips ALL Around :)

First, Haylee and I stopped at Kohl's to use a $10 of $10 coupon my mom gave me. It was expiring today and I had to use it! I am short a present for one of my nephews so went on the search for something for him. My theme for gifts for my sister's kids is pajamas and that is just what I got.


Carter's Sleepwear $32
-65% off Sale (took off $20.80)
-$10 "Gift" Coupon
-20% off Coupon (took off $.24)
-$.96

I would NEVER pay $32 for pajamas, but it's fun to put the retail price in there. I paid $.96 plus $.07 tax for a total of $1.03 OOP. Can't beat that :)


I didn't really need to go to CVS, but I had $6 towards a gift card and decided to plan a trip. I spent quite a bit, but it was on something that Jason always needs, allergy pills! Here is what I got:

Zyrtec (3) $56.97
-(2) $4/$20 Allergy CRTs
-(3) $3.25/1 MQs
-(2) $10 Gift Cards Earned
-$19.22 or $6.41 each (he really likes these ones too)

Kleenex 3-Pack $2.99
-$2 CRT
-$.50/1 MQ
-$.49 or $.16 a box

Raisin Bran (3) $6
-NO Coupons
-Needed 3 more to send in for $10 gas card
-$3 or $1 each

American Greetings Cards (3) $2.97
-$3 ECB Earned
-$.03 MM!

Crystal Light (8) $4
-(4) $1/2 MQs
-FREE!

My subtotal was $72.93. I used $14.25 in MQs, $10 in CVS Qs and $26.87 in ECBs. This brought my total down to $21.81 plus $4.28 tax for a total of $26.09. I paid with $.21 on my last gift card and $25.88 OOP. I now have $3 ECBs and $20 in CVS gift cards!

I did three painless transactions at Target. The last one is pictured above, and because it is for my dad I am not including it in my totals. However, it was too good to not post on here :)

Cars 2 McMissile R/C Vehicle (2) $89.98
-BOGO 1/2 off sale (took off $22.50)
-25% off TQ (took off $11.25)
-25% off TQ (took off $5.63)
-$50.60 or $25.30 each (regularly $44.99 each!)

I also used a $10 gift card coupon that I am keeping for myself as payment for doing dad's Christmas shopping for him ;) After tax, the total was $53.44. I hope dad and the boys are happy!

Here are my two transactions at Target. Everything went smoothly! I got cheaper Olay and I wish I wouldn't have as now I am worried about not getting my rebate, but hopefully it all works out. Here is how I did all together.

Aveeno Baby Gift Sets (2) $8.98
-$3/2 MQ
-$5.98 or $2.99 each (regularly $9.99 each!)

Olay Regenerist Facial Peel $22.49
Olay Regenerist Face Wash $5.99
Olay Ribbons Body Wash $5
-Face Wash Free with purchase of Facial Peel (took off $5.99)
-$3/1 MQ
-$1/1 MQ
-Free Body Wash wyb Regenerist MQ (took off $5)
-$10 Olay MIR wyb $30 Olay
-$8.49 or $2.83 each

Coke (12) $17.88
-(12) FREE MQs (from mycokerewards.com)
-FREE!

Kashi Granola Bars (4) $11.96
-(4) $2/1 MQs (from recyclebank.com)
-$3.96 or $.99 each

Beggin Strips (4) $10
-(4) $1/1 TQs
-$4/4 MQ (beeped?)
-$2 or $.50 each

TGI Friday's Meal for One $1.99
-$1/1 TQ
-$.50/1 MQ
-$.49

Curel Hand Therapy (2) $7.18
-$1/1 MQ
-$5 Gift Card Earned
-$1.18 or $.59 each

Glade Candles (5) $12.50
-$2/1 MQ
-(2) $1.50/2 MQs
-$5 Gift Card Earned
-$2.50 or $.50 each

Twix $.79 (needed filler)
-$.79

Funyuns (2) $2.78 (needed filler)
-$2.78 or $1.39 each

My combined subtotal was $107.54. I used $48.38 in MQs, $11.09 in TQs and Special Purchase Deals and $40 on gift cards. This brought my OOP down to $8.07 plus $2.24 tax for a total of $10.31. I am also submitting for a $10 MIR, so it all actually costs me $.31! I started with $20 in Gift Cards and ended with the same amount!

Last but not least, I stopped at Walgreens to get more Crunch Bars. I had to go to a different store as I cleared out the one close to me. Here is what I got:

Crunch (70) $35
-(35) $1/2 MQs
-$.75/3 WQ (took off $17.50)
-$17.50 MM!

Walgreens Diapers (2) $13.98
-$2/1 WQ (took off $4)
-$2 RR Earned
-$8 or $4 each

Milk $2.99
-Haylee needed it and it was cheap here too :)

Woolite (2) $11.98
-BOGO Sale (took off $5.99)
-$5.99 or $3 each (didn't have the try me free ones here either)

Revlon Nail Polish $3.99
-$1/1 WQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$.01 MM!

Schick Intuition $8.99
-$2/1 MQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$3.99 ( I am going to trade this one out for one that has the iTunes promo in it) then,
-$1.01 MM!

All together, my subtotal was $76.95. I paid with $37 in MQs, $28.49 in WQs and sales and $10 RR. This brought my total down to $1.44 plus $2.03 tax for a total of $3.47 OOP. I will also be getting another $10 iTunes gift card with this Intuition purchase!

Walgreens 12/8....Great week for me!

This is my 3rd trip to Walgreens this week, but only the first time I am posting. I was put on a mission by the other teachers at my school to get candy bars to give out to kids. I sought out this deal on Crunch and bought a ton of coupons on Ebay. I just used a bunch of them and still have alot left. I had the perfect transaction planned out, but had to change it a bit because the Woolites' I wanted have a try me free mail in rebate on them and it just so happens they were out of both kinds! Oh well, I settled for what I got and hope when I go back tomorrow or Saturday to a different store, they will have them! Here is how I did tonight though:



Crunch (40) $20
Baby Ruth (19) $9.50
Butterfinger (3) $1.50
SweeTarts (12) $6
-(34) $1/2 MQs
-$.75/3 WQ (took off $18.50)
-$1/6 MQ
-$16.50 MM!

Schick Intuition $8.99
-$2/1 MQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$5 iTunes gift card Earned (1/2 of $10 gift card wyb 2 marked packages)
-$1.01 MM!

Revlon Nail Polish $3.99
-$1/1 WQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$.01 MM!

Dove Men+ Care Deoderant $3.99
-$1/1 MQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$.01 MM!

Woolite Carpet Cleaner (2) $11.98
-BOGO Sale (took off $5.99)
-$5.99 or $3 each

Holiday Bag $.25
-8/$1 WQ (took off $.12)
-$.13

My subtotal was $66.20. I paid with $38 MQs and $27.11 WQs/BOGO Sale/RRs. This brought my total down to $1.59 plus $1.62 tax for a total of $3.21 OOP. I used $2 RR, but earned $9. I also am half way to another $5 iTunes gift card! Quite a big moneymaker for me! Now, it's just too bad they didn't have the Woolite in stock for me that I could send in the mail in rebate for... I may take them back and exchange them at a later date so I can still send it in!

Target $10 Gift Card Again!

I love these coupons! Kind of bummed I only have two this time around, but I did get four last time and only used two....so who knows if I would even use the others if I got them. Here is what I got last night.


Coffeemate Creamer (3) $5.49 (not on pricecut?)
-(3) $.55/1 MQs
-$1/3 TQ
-$2.84 or $.95 each (still a good deal)

Starbucks Coffee (3) $23.97
-$3/2 MQ
-$1/1 MQ
-$5 Target Gift Card Earned
-$5 Starbucks Gift Card Earned
-$9.97 or $3.23 each

Curel Foot Therapy (2) $7.18 (marked at $4.49 each not the $3.59 they were!)
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$5 Target Gift Card Earned
-$.18 or $.09 each

Yoplait Whips $.34
-$.34 (last one on pricecut from $.69)
-$.34

Barilla $1.16
-No coupon (needed to get to $50)
-$1.16

Kashi Bars (2) $5.98
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$1.98 or $.99 each

Band-Aids (2) $4.30
-(2) $1/1 MQs (beeped)
-$2.30 or $1.15 each

Slim Jim Beef Jerky $1.76
-Had to add something because the Curel was cheaper than marked
-$1.76

My subtotal was $50.21. I used $13.65 in MQs, $1.05 in TQs and a $10 gift card to pay. This means I paid $25.51 OOP, but got back $20 in Target gift cards and a $5 Starbucks gift card.

I look at it as gaining $15 in gift cards which means that this all cost me $10.51. Not bad for the three bags of Starbucks Coffee alone :)

CVS 12/7/11...It's been a long time!

I only had 25 minutes to do some speed shopping. Here is what I got:


Progresso (4) $6
-$1/4 MQ
-$5 or $1.25 each (part of gift card deal)

Candy Canes $1.27
-$2 ECB Earned (manually printed)
-$.73 MM!

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush (2) $11.98
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$4 ECB Earned
-$10 MIR Earned (I already have the other items, not sure if they can be separate receipts though)
-$6.02 MM!

Glade Sense and Spray (3) $15
-(3) $3/1 MQs
-$2/2 CVS Q (manually entered as it is a MQ, but says CVS Q on it)
-$4 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Huggies Diapers $9.49
-$3/1 CVS Q
-$3/1 MQ
-$1 ECB Earned
-$2.49 (only one more until a free one too!)

Revlon Files $3.39
Revlon Clippers $2.87
-$6 ECB Earned
-$.26 or $.13 each

Reinventing Beauty Magazine $.99 (needed the Huggies coupon)
-$.99

My subtotal was $44.99. I paid with $17 in MQs, $5 in CVS Qs and $28.95 in ECBs. This brought my total down to $.04 plus $2.76 tax for a total of $2.80 which went on a gift card!

I did lose ECBs, but I will be getting a free pack of Huggies after the next one and a $10 MIR for the Spinbrushes!

(2) $10 Target Gift Card Transactions = FUN!

I was able to print 4 of the $10 Target gift card coupons when you spend $50. I used two of them last night and am praying I have time to use the other 2 when we get back from Omaha tomorrow. The high value clothing coupons made this pretty easy and fun! Here is what I got with my two coupons:

Transaction 1:
Gilligan and O'Malley Cami (2) $5.96 (clearance)
-(2) $3/1 Sleepwear TQ (beeped)
-$.04 MM!

Plus Size T-Shirt $5 (clearance)
-$5/1 Plus Size Clothing TQ
-FREE!

Plus Size Cardigan $5.06 (clearance)
-$5/1 Plus Size Clothing TQ
-$.06

Liz Lange Hoodie Shirt $4.98 (clearance)
-$3/1 Liz Lange TQ
-$1.98

Liz Lange Trench Coat $12.48 (clearance)
-$3/1 Liz Lange TQ
-$9.48 (originally $50!)

Good Start Formula (2) $12.48
-$14 Formula Checks
-$1.52 MM!

Maybeline Lipbalm (2) $5.98
-(2) $2/1 TQs
-$1.98 or $.99 each

Subtotal: $51.94 - $10 Gift Card TQ - $14 Formula Checks - $26.05 TQs = $1.89 for all of this!

Transaction 2:
Rice Krispies $2.74
-$2.74 (just needed these for Scotharoos!)

MP Butterscotch Chips $2.06
-$2.06 (again, Scotcharoos!)

Milk (2) $6.08
-$6.08 or $3.04 each

Eggs (2) $3.78
-$.55/2 MQ
-$.50/1 TQ
-$2.73 or $1.37 each

Coffeemate (3) $4.86
-$1/3 TQ
-(2) $.75/1 MQs
-$.55/1 MQ
-$1.81 or $.60 each

NYC Nail Color (4) $3.76
-(4) $1/1 TQs (beeped)
-$.24 MM!

Sally Hansen Nail Color (2) $4.08
-(2) $1/1 TQs
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$.08 or $.04 each

Maybeline Lip Balm (2) $5.98
-(2) $2/1 TQs
-$1.98 or $.99 each

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate (4) $4.76
-(2) $.50/2 TQs
-(2) $.50/2 MQs (beeped?)
-$2.76 or $.69 each

Butterfinger/Crunch Jingles (4) $10.76
-(2) $1.50/2 TQs
-(2) $1.25/2 MQs (beeped?)
-$5.26 or $1.31 each

Green Giant Steamers (6) $9
-(2) $.75/3 TQs
-(2) $1/3 MQs (beeped?)
-$5.50 or $.92 each

Ghirardelli (2) $4
-$1/2 TQ
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$1 or $.50 each

Subtotal $61.86 - $10 Gift Card TQ - $12.10 MQs - $18 TQs = $21.76 for this!

Total
Subtotal $113.80
-(2) $10 Target Gift Cards Earned
-$26.10 MQs
-$44.05 TQs
-$23.65 or a saving of 79%

November Savings Totals!

It was an exciting month with all of the holiday sales. I look forward to more in December. I went over slightly this month as well, but am okay with it. Again, I will need to adjust for our foster child and new one coming in the near future! Here is how I did:

Shelf Cost: $1075.75
Manufacturer Coupons: $339.34
Store Coupons/ RRs/ ECBs: $446.75
Mail-In Rebates: $4.54
Tax Paid: $26.93

All of this shows that had a savings of 73.54% for the month. This is up a lot from last month, but it should be as we had the Walgreens and CVS Black Friday shopping in there where I "bought" $300 worth of stuff! Not too bad :)

Black Friday (Thursday) at CVS!

I was the 3rd one in the door Thursday morning with many more people coming in within the first 15 minutes of being open. I did four transactions and they only thing they didn't have were the Energy Strips, which I was okay with :) Here is everything I got though:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch (2) $5.74
-$1/2 MQ
-$4 ECB Earned
-$.74 or $.37 each

Colgate Total Gum Defense (2) $5.74
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$5.74 ECB Earned
-$2 MM!

Wet & Wild Nail Kit (2) $5.76
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$4 ECB Earned
-$.24 MM!

Cepacol $4.99
-$1/1 MQ
-$4.99 ECB Earned
-$1 MM!

Breathe Right Strips $5.99
-$1.50/1 CVS Q
-$5.99 ECB Earned
-$1.50 MM!

Finish Quantum $2.99
-$1/1 MQ
-$2.99 ECB Earned
-$1 MM!

Listerine PocketPaks (2) $5.98
-(2) $.50/1 MQs
-$5.98 ECB Earned
-$1 MM!

Fiber One Brownie Bars $3.99
-$.75/1 MQ
-$3.99 ECB Earned
-$.75 MM!

Carmex $1
-$.30/1 MQ
-$1 ECB Earned
-$.30 MM!

Benefiber Sticks $1.49
-$2/1 MQ (adjusted to $1.35??)
-$1.49 ECB Earned
-$1.35 MM!

Theraflu Caplets $1.87
Theraflu Travle Size $.99
-$3/2 MQ
-$2.86 ECB Earned
-$3 MM!

Revlon Nail Polish (6) $27.94 (2 rang up at $3.99 each and still got the full $4 for each)
-(6) $1/1 MQs (beeped)
-$24 ECB Earned
-$2.06 MM!

Excedrin Bonus Pack $.99
-$.99 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Advil PM Travel $.99
-$.99 ECB Earned
-FREE!

York Patties (2) $1.98
-$1.98 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Be Koool $4.49
-$4.49 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Advil 10 ct $2.99
-$2.99 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Pepto Bismol $2.99
-$2.99 ECB Earned
-FREE!

iChill Shots $5.29
-$5.29 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Starbucks DoubleShot $1.69
-$1.69 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Balance Bar $1.69
-$1.69 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Soft Lips $2
-$2 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Kleenex Cool $1.50
-$1.50 ECB Earned
-FREE!

L.A. Looks Gel $2.49
-$2.49 ECB Earned
-FREE!

GUM Toothbrush (2) $5.98
-$1 SavingStar Credit Earned
-$5.98 ECB Earned
-$1 MM!

CVS Batteries $3.65
-$3.99 ECB Earned
-$.34 MM!

Candy Bars (4) $3
-$3 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Universal Remote $6.99
-$6.99 ECB Earned
-FREE!

Philips Ear Buds $6.99
-$6 ECB Earned
-$.99

Newspaper $2
-$2

The subtotal of all of this was $132.17. I used $19.40 in MQs, $111.75 in CVS Qs and ECBs. This brought my total down to $1.02 plus $6.86 tax for a total of $7.88 OOP which I paid with a gift card! I also get $1 in my SavingStar account!

I also started with $19 ECBs and ended with $33.82. This means after tax, this trip was a $7.94 MM!

Walgreens Black Friday Outcome!

I posted my plan on here for my Walgreens Black Friday trip. It went that well, plus some. Here is what I got in 8 transactions with a WONDERFUL cashier! Keep in mind I started with $20 RR.


Culturelle (2) $19
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$19 RR Earned
-$4 MM!

Preparation H (6) $16.50
-(6) $2/1 MQs
-$16.50 RR Earned
-$12 MM!

Tuf Paper Towels (2) $1.98
-$.39 WQ (took off $1.20)
-$.78 or $.39 each

Edge Shave Gel (2) $4
-(2) $.55/1 MQs
-$2 RR Earned
-$.90 or $.45 each

Gillette Fusion After Shave (4) $15
-(4) $2/1 MQs
-$11 RR Earned
-$4 MM!

Colgate Total Toothpaste $3
-$1/1 MQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$1 MM!

Crest 3D Vivid Toothpaste (5) $12.50
-(4) $1/1 MQs
-$.75/1 MQ
-$12.50 RR Earned
-$4.75 MM!

Old Spice Body Spray (6) $22.50
-(3) $1/2 MQs
-$16.50 RR Earned
-$3 or $.50 each

Revlon Lip Gloss (2) $9.98
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-(2) $1/1 WQs
-$8 RR Earned
-$2.02 MM!

Bic Flex 4 Razors (2) $6
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$4 RR Earned
-$2 MM!

Children's Advil (2) $9.98
-(2) $1.10/1 MQs
-(2) $2/1 WQ
-$3 RR Earned
-$.78 or $.39 each

Secret Body Spray (4) $15
-(4) $1/1 MQs
-$11 RR Earned
-FREE!

Dentex Flossers $2
-$.75/1 MQ
-$2 RR Earned
-$.75 MM!

Scunci Elastics (4) $6
-$6 RR Earned
-FREE!

Oral B Toothbrush $1.50
-$1.50 RR Earned
-FREE!

Advil PM (5) $4.95
-$4.95 RR Earned
-FREE!

Gift Bags (25) $6.25 (fillers)
-8/$1 WQ (took off $3.15)
-$3.10 or $.13 each

Photo Collage $3.99 (not pictured)
-Free Code
-FREE!

Redbox Rentals (4) $4.80
-(4) Free Codes from Checkout
-FREE!

The subtotal of all 8 combined was $164.93. I used $46.80 in MQs, $19.14 in WQs and $97.15 in RRs. This brought my total down to $1.84 plus $9.40 tax for a total of $11.24 OOP. I also now have $43.75 in RRs which is a gain of $23.75. Subtract my OOP and it was a $12.51 MM after tax!

I have to take my Redbox movies back tonight and I will see if there is anything I can roll my RRs on tonight. I know I want to get in on some Kleenex if they have any left!

Younkers Black Friday Trips! $230 for only....$11.71!

I had went to the diner and picked up four $10/$10 Younkers coupons. I also had one of my own and my grandmas and my dads. I also got another one from another shopper who only bought door busters. I had 8 all together and I used all 8 on items that retail for $230. I am so excited about what I was able to get! Here its is:

Men's Fleece Sweatpants $30 (Gift for Jason)
-Marked down to $21.99 clearance
-Extra 50% off clearance took off $11
-$10/$10 Coupon
-$.99 plus $.07 tax for a total of $1.06 OOP

(2) Notations Cover-Up Shirts $80 (Gifts for mother in-law)
-Marked down to $18.99 clearance each
-Extra % Off clearance took of $6 each
-(2) $10/$10 Coupons
-$5.98 plus $.42 tax for a total of $6.40 OOP or $3.20 each

(5) Vitamin Baby 4-Piece Sets $120 (I am keeping 3 and gifting 2)
-Marked down to $17.99 clearance each
-Extra 40% off clearance took off $7.20 each
-(5) $10/$10 Coupons
-$3.95 plus $.30 tax for a total of $4.25 OOP or $.85 each

Including tax, this all cost me $11.71 which is a savings of 95%

Small Walmart Trip 11/22...Savings of 65%

The new ads come out tomorrow, so this was my last chance to price match the current deals which included Thanksgiving Day dinner rolls. Here is what else I got:

Sister Schubert's Rolls (3) $7.50
-$1.98 Price Match (took off $1.56)
-(3) $1/1 MQs
-$2.94 or $.98 each

ICBINB (2) $5.36
-$1.99 Price Match (took off $1.38)
-$1.50/2 MQ
-$2.48 or $1.24 each

Ocean Spray Blueberry Juice (4) $7.88
-$1.95 Price Match (took off $.08)
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$5.80 or $1.45 each

Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice (2) $5.96
-(2) FREE MQ wyb 2 Ocean Spray Juice (took off $7.91 accidentally)
-$1.95 MM!

My subtotal was $26.70. By price matching I saved $3.02. I also redeemed $14.41 in MQs which brought my total down to $9.27 which is a savings of 65%.

I also wanted to get the $.94 Softsoap, but they were all out. I had enough coupons to get 8 of them for $.19 each after the coupons :(

Target 11/20....Savings of 71%

We had to be out of the house so an agent could show it today. I had the perfect plan to go to Target to "waste" time and to get BOGO Starbucks! Here is what I got:

Smuckers Jelly $2.19
-$.75/1 TQ
-$.35/1 MQ
-$1.09 (decent price for something Jason uses regulary)

Lawry's Season Salt $2.44
-NO coupons!
-$2.44 (why I don't like taking Jason shopping with me!)

Huggies Slip-Ons (3) $26.97
-(2) $2/1 TQs
-(3) $2/1 MQs
-$5 GC TQ wyb $25 in Kimberly Clark items
-$5 GC wyb 3 Huggies
-$6.97 or $2.32 each (nothing beeped either!)

Neutrogena Make-Up Removers $5.89
-$2/1 TQ (beeped)
-$3/1 MQ
-$.89

Glade Candles (5) $12.50
-(4) $2/1 MQs
-$.75/1 MQ
-$5 GC wyb 5 items
-$1.25 MM!

Air Wick Candles (3) $7.50
-(2) $1/1 MQs (these didn't come off either :(
-(2) $1/1 TQs
-Should have been a $2.50 MQ that didn't come off, so a little upset about that!
-$3.50 or $1.17 each, but should have been $1 or $.33 each

Aveeno Bar Soap (6) $17.34
-(2) $3/2 MQs (beeped)
-(2) $1/1 MQs (beeped)
-(2) $5 GC Earned wyb 3
-$.66 MM!

Gilligan Cami (2) $5.96 (clearance)

-(2) $3/1 TQs (beeped)
-$.04 MM!

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers (3) $4.11 (clearance)
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-B2G1 TQ (took off $1.37)
-$.74 or $.25 each

Milk (2) $6.08 (just needed this!)

Heinz Dip and Squeeze $1.79
-$.75/1 TQ

-$1/1 MQ

-$.04

Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs $1.99 (Jason again)

Bananas $1.67

Bagged Veggies (2) $2.19

Coffeemate (3) $5.82
-$1.32 (price match to Walgreens)
-(3) $.55/1 MQs
-$2.85 or $.95 each

Breyers Ice Cream (4) $13.96
-$2 (price match to Walgreens)
-(2) $1.50/2 MQs
-$8.96 or $2.24 each

All together, my subtotal was $118.40. I used $33.75 (should have been another $4.50 for Air Wick), $16.87 in TQs, $3.32 price matching and I earned $25 in Target gift cards. This means that this all cost me $39.46. When I take back my Air Wick candles, I will get back $5.50 which means this all cost me $33.96. That is a savings of 71%.

Hy-Vee 11/17....Savings of 60%

I had some good coupon match-ups to go with the buy $10 in Kraft get a $5 catalina. I did three small $10 Kraft transactions and used those three $5 catalinas on a final bigger transaction. Here is what I got all together:

Cream of Mushroom/Chicken (10) $6.67
-(2) $1/5 MQs
-$4.67 or $.467 each

Ritz Crackers (4) $8
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$6 or $1.50 each

Cool Whip (2) $1.98
-$1.98 or $.99 each

Jell-o $.67
-$.67

Pepperidge Farm Crackers $2.99
-$2.99

Hershey's Chocolate Chips (4) $7.52
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$5.52 or $1.38 each

Hy-Vee Turkey $13.88
-$13.88 Hy-Vee coupon for buying $25 worth of participating items

-FREE!

Coke (4) $14
-$3 Hy-Vee coupon
-$2/4 MQ from Sunmart ad
-$9 or $2.25 each

Swanson Chicken Broth (4) $7.96
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$5.96 or $1.49 each

Kraft Ranch Dressing (2) $4.36
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$2.36 or $1.18 each

Kraft Miracle Whip (2) $4.98
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$2.98 or $1.49 each

Kraft Cheese (4) $10.76
-(2) $1/2 MQs
-$8.76 or $2.19 each

Kraft Cheese Grater $.99
-FREE with purchase of two Kraft block cheese
-FREE!

Old Orchard Naturals Juice (2) $3.54
-(2) $2/1 MQs (adjusted down to $1.77 each)
-FREE!

V8 VFusion (2) $5.36
-$1/2 MQ
-$4.36 or $2.18 each

V8 Smoothie $2.28
-$1/1 MQ
-$1.28

The subtotal combined was $95.94. I used $24.54 in MQs, $33.02 in SQs which brought my total OOP down to $38.38. I think she accidentally scanned a couple of my coupons a couple of times, because I think my total should be $3 higher. Anyways, $38 for aall of these groceries is really good....at least in my opinion! This was a savings of 60%.

Walgreens Black Friday Plan!

I plan on getting to Walgreens before midnight on Wednesday and having everything in my cart and ready to go. I have sketched out 4 transactions that will profit me over $10. Who knows, I may go back for more later in the day. Here is what I am thinking:

Transaction 1: $20 RR Starting, $31.74 RR Ending
Colgate Total Toothpaste $3-$1/1 MQ
Crest 3D Vivid Toothpaste $2.50-$1/1 MQ
Dentex Floss $2-$.75/1 MQ
Preparation H Wipes $2.75-$2/1 MQ
Culturelle $9.50-$2/1 MQ
Gillette ProSeries (2) $7.50-(2) $2/1 MQs
Bic Flex 4 Razors (2) $6-(2) $2/1 MQs
Advil PM $.99
Oral-B Indicator $1.50

Subtotal: $35.74
After Coupons: $20.99
Tax: $2.50
RR Using: $20
OOP: $3.49

Transaction 2: $31.74 RR Starting, $35.98 RR Ending
Crest 3D Vivid Toothpaster $2.50-$1/1 MQ
Preparation H Wipes $2.75-$2/1 MQ
Gillette ProSeries (2) $7.50-(2) $2/1 MQs
Edge Shave Gel (2) $4-(2) $.55/1 MQs
Advil PM $.99

Subtotal: $17.74
After Coupons: $9.64
Tax: $1.24
RR Using: $9.50 (Culturelle)
OOP: $1.38

Transaction 3: $35.98 RR Starting, $38.22 RR Ending
Preparation H Wipes $2.75-$2/1 MQ
Crest 3D Vivid Toothpaste $2.50-$1/1 MQ
Secret Body Spray (2) $7.50-(2) $1/1 MQs
Scunci Hair Bands (2) $3
Advil $.99
Tuf Towels (2) $.78 with in-ad coupon

Subtotal: $17.52
After Coupons: $12.52
Tax: $1.23
RR Using: $12.50 (Colgate, Bic, Dentek, Edge and Oral-B)
OOP: $1.25

Transaction 4: $38.22 RR Starting, $37.97 RR Ending
Crest 3D Vivid Toothpaste $2.50-$1/1 MQ
Secret Body Spray (2) $7.50-(2) $1/1 MQs
Tuf Towels (4) $1.56 with in-ad coupon

Subtotal: $11.56
After Coupons: $8.56
Tax: $1.23
RR Using: $8.25 (Preparation H x3)
OOP: $1.12

So, I start with $20 in RR from the Estroven this week and end with $37.97 after these four transactions. This is a difference of +$17.97. However, I do pay $7.24 OOP which is mainly tax for $82.56 worth of stuff and increase my RRs tremendously!

I don't want to plan past 4 transactions, because I have done all of this planning and I may get hung up on something like my store not having enough items or the store limiting to one per customer or something like that.

Small Trip at Local Store 11/12/11

The main thing I wanted to get at Village Market were the Reames Egg Noddles. However, I picked up a couple of other things also. Here is what I got:

Reames Egg Noodles (4) $10.36
-$1.50 sale price (took off $4.36)
-(4) $.50/1 MQs (doubled- took off $4)
-$2 or $.50 each

Roberts Egg Nog (2) $4.18
-$1.77 sale price (took off $.64)
-(2) $.30/1 MQs (took off $.60)
-$2.94 or $1.47 each

Hungry Jack Potatoes (2) $4.58
-$.88 sale price (took off $2.82)
-$1/2 MQ
-$.76 or $.38 each

My subtotal was $19.12 and I paid $5.70 which is a savings of 70%!!!

CVS Gift Card Deal 11/6-11/12

Although I don't have a picture, I wanted post my gift card deal for this week at CVS. I went at two different times because I didn't have all of my coupons with me the first time. Anyways, here is what I got:

Kashi Granola Bars (6) $18
-(6) $2/1 MQs (from Recyclebank)
-$1.50 SavingStar Credit

Jimmy Dean Sandwiches (2) $6
-(2) $1/1 MQs (printables)

Maybeline Eye Shadow (2) $8.58
-BOGO 1/2 sale (took off $2.15)
-(2) $2/1 MQs (printables)

Subtotal: $32.58 (only $30.43 counted towards gift card)
Coupons: $18 + $1.50 SavingStar Credit
Sale: $2.15
OOP (ECBs/GC): $10.93 - $10 Gift Card Earned = $.93 for all of this or $.093 per item!

Walgreens 11/6....Not too Exciting....

I had to go get Haylee milk and pick up my 50 free pictures I ordered. I also had a $2 RR I wanted to roll, so here is what I got:

Milk $3.79 (yikes!)
-$.55/1 MQ
-$3.24

Blistex $1.99
-$2 RR Earned
-$.01 MM!

Jello-O (3) $4.47
-$.59 in-ad coupon (took off $2.70)
-$.60/3 WQ (from today's paper)
-$1.25/3 MQ
-$.08 MM!

50 Photo Prints $9.50
-(2) online codes for 25 free!
-FREE!

All together the subtotal was $19.75. I used $1.80 in MQs, $12.80 in WQs and a $2 RR to bring my total down to $3.15 plus $.14 tax for a total of $3.29 OOP. Not bad when after the coupon, my milk was $3.24! This is a savings of 84%!

October Savings Totals

I went way over budget again this month. This is for two reasons. One, I have less time to devote to couponing and therefore more money out of pocket. Also, we have been feeding an extra mouth for the past few months with our foster child. I did adjust the budget for him, but apparently not by enough. Well, enough excuses....here it is:

Shelf Cost: $959.59
Manufacturer Coupons: $278.48
Store Coupons/ RRs/ ECBs: $291.66
Mail-In Rebates: $26.98
Tax Paid: $18.18

All of this shows that had a savings of 62.23% for the month. I miss the months when that number was higher =( Oh well, it's the start of a new month!

CVS 10/30.....Enough to send in for P&G Rebate!

I had a scenario planned out that would get me the $30 I needed for the gas card and for the rest of my P&G Rebate that has to have all items bought by today 10/31/11. I am so excited on this trip! I started with $7 ECBs and $7.91 on a gift card. I earned $7 ECBs and a $10 gift card, so a big moneymaker! Here is the breakdown:

Olay Regenerist $20.99
-$3/1 MQ
-$5/$20 Facial Care CRT
-$12.99

Covergirl Lipstick $7.99
-FREE MQ wyb Olay Regenerist (max $7.50)
-$.49

Covergirl Eye Shadow $3.89
-BOGO 1/2 sale (took off $1.95)
-$1/1 MQ
-$.94

Aveeno Travel Lotions (2) $2.98
-$7 ECB Earned (force printed)
-$4.02 MM!
-I was going to see if it would print and when it didn't I just asked and was very willing to hear no, however the cashier says that it should because the ad says .5-18 oz.

All together, my subtotal was $35.85. I used $11.50 in MQs, $10.95 in CVS Qs and sales, and $7 ECBS. This brought my total down to $6.40 plus $1.53 tax for a total of $7.93. Because I only had $7.91 on my gift card left, I did pay $.02 OOP.

Factor in that I will be getting a $10 MIR and I earned an extra $2.07 on a gift card, I made $12.07 on this trip :)

CVS 10/29....Last Trip This Week was Fun!

I special ordered 60 Seattle's Best and had to go get a raincheck for them. I also had $7.02 left to spend to get a $10 gift card. Without a child by my side grabbing at everything, I took my time and did three transactions. I started with $7 ECBs and $10.22 on gift cards. I ended with $7 ECBs and $7.91 on a gift card. So this means, this all cost me $2.31 on a gift card!

Here is the breakdown:

Tresemme (4) $15.96
-(2) BOGO MQs (took off $12- $6 each coupon...this threw my calculations off too)
-$3.96 or $.99 each

Dove Men+Care Bodywash $5.49
-$1/1 MQ
-$2 ECB Earned
-$2.49

Listernine Total Care Zero $3.99 (raincheck)
-$2/1 MQ
-$2 ECB Earned
-$.01 MM!

Nivea Lotion $10.49
-$2/1 MQ
-$5 ECB Earned
-$3.49

Arm & Hammer Sheets (2) $7
-$1/2 MQ
-$6 or $3 each (this got me my $10 gift card)

Cheerios $1
-$1/1 MQ (from Pampers package)
-FREE!

Dry Idea Deoderant (2) $2.28 (clearance)

-$2 ECB Earned ($1 each)
-$.28 or $.14 each

Covergirl Eyeliner (2) $10.58
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$3 ECBs Earned
-$5.58 or $2.79 each

Excedrin $.99
-$1 ECB Earned (raincheck)
-$.01 MM!

Allegra $6.99
-$7 MQ (took off $5.97 because last to scan and would not cover tax :(
-$1.02

Skittles (5) $3.09
-$3.09 or $.62 each (used as fillers to use coupons and ECBs and Blenders will be going back because they were $1.19, not $.50)

All together, my subtotal was $67.96. I used $26.97 in MQs, $12 in CVS Qs ($4/$20) and $2o in ECBs. This brought my total down to $8.99 plus $3.32 tax for a total of $12.31 OOP, which was all on a gift card. It felt a lot better than it looks here.

I will also be shopping tomorrow to finish off the P&G Rebate that I have $20 towards now. I also did get $5 Beauty Club ECBs today that I didn't calculate in, but also earned over $42 towards my next $5 today!

CVS 10/26......Savings of 93.9%

In an attempt to use up my coupons, I had three transactions tonight at two stores. I tried to special order my Seattle's Best at the second store I went to, but they didn't know anything about it. They guy that helped me last time was more than happy to try to help me again. We will see though :) I have used up a lot of those coupons already, but they need to be gone by the end of the week! Here is what I got in all three transactions!

Seattle's Best (13) $13
-(13) $1/1 MQs
-FREE!

Special K Crackers (2) $3.98
-$1/2 MQ
-$2.98 or $1.49 each (counts towards gift card)

Arm & Hammer Detergent (2) $7
-$1/2 MQ
-$6 or $3 each (counts towards gift card)

Glade Sense & Spray (3) $15
-(3) $3/1 MQs
-$4 ECB Earned
-$2 or $.67 each

Snickers (2) $5
-$1/2 MQ
-$3 ECB Earned (bought other two yesterday)
-$1 or $.50 each

Physician's Formula Eye Booster $10.99
-$7 ECB Earbed
-$3.99

Suave Dry Shampoo (2) $6.78
-(2) FREE MQs (took off $6- $3 each)
-$.78 or $.39 each

All together my subtotal was $61.75. I used $31 in MQs, $12 in CVS Qs (3- $4/$20) and $15 in ECBs. This brought my total down to $3.75 plus $2.19 tax for a total OOP of $5.94. However, this was all on a gift card, so I didn't really send anything OOP :) If I didn't have the gift card, it would be a savings of 93.9%.

I also started with $6 ECBs and ended with $7 and and $7.02 away from earning a $10 gift card!

CVS 10/25...Savings of 99.97%....actually Moneymaking :)

I have to get to CVS this week and use all of the 110 Seattle's Best coupons I bought as well as all of the twenty $4/$20 CVS coupons I bought. I had never bought them before and was a bit nervous about it, but the do scan just fine. However, I hate usong multiple in one store, because I don't want the cashier to get suspicious. Anyways, I had a really nice cashier yesterday, so I did use two and left it at that. It is posted here as one though : )

Seattle's Best Drinks (12) $12
-(12) $1/1 MQs
-FREE!

Progresso Soup (4) $5
-$1/4 MQ
-$1 ECB Earned
-$1.25 MIR
-$1.75 or $.44 each

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent (2) $7
-$1/2 MQ
-$6 or $3 each (counts towards gift card)

Snickers (2) $5 (Jason took one bag with him on the road)
-$1.50/2 MQ
-$3.50 or $1.75 each ($5 more to get $3 ECB)

M&Ms (2) $5
-(2) $1/1 CRTs
-$1.50/2 MQ
-$1 SavingStar Credit
-$.50 or $.25 each

Starburst $.50
-$1 ECB Earned (already purchased other 3)
-$.50 MM!

Allegra $6.99
-$7/1 MQ (catalina on ANY size from Walgreens!)
-FREE!

All together, my subtotal was $41.49. I used $23.99 in MQs, $10 CVS Qs (includes two $4/$20), and $7.49 in ECBs. This brought my total down to $.01 plus $.79 tax for a total of $.80 OOP. So, an overall savings of 99.97%

Here is a picture of Haylee at JK's Pumpkin Patch. It's been a while since I have posted one, so she may look huge.....well, she is. Her 18 month check-up, she was 98% in height and 90% in weight :)

Breakdown of 2 CVS Gift Cards

This picture is of the 3rd transaction that earned me my second $10 CVS gift card this week. I will list the whole break down of both though, so you can see how good of a deal it all was!

Wisk (4) $19.96
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$13.96

Pampers (3) $26.97
-$1.50/2 MQ
-$1.50/1 MQ
-$3/$15 CRT
-$20.97

Coke $1.50
-$1/1 MQ
-$.50

Nature's Bounty Prenatal Vitamins (2) $24.98
-BOGO Sale (took off $12.49)
-$2/1 MQ
-$1/1 MQ
-$9.49

The subtotal for all three transactions was $73.41 (only $60.92 counted towards deal...that's why I didn't finish off the third gift card deal). After the coupons, my total was down to $44.92. I earned 2 $10 gift cards, which means all of this cost me $24.92! A savings of 66%. This may not sound great for CVS, but I really need the vitamins and laundry detergent. I am also 3 Pampers packs away from a free one :)

CVS 10/19....Moneymaking Theraflu!

I went to CVS to see what coupons would print out and got quite a few good ones. I also looked at the clearance shelf and wanted to grab some things off of it. Here is how I did:

Pampers (2) $17.98
-$1.50/2 MQ
-$3/$15
-$13.48 or $6.74 each (not great, but counts towards gift card!)

Folders (15) $1.80 (clearance)
-$.12 each (good prizes to give at school)

Erasers (3) $.30 (clearance)
-$.10 each (always need these being a math teacher :)

Toddler Shoes $.99 (clearance)
-$.99 (just found out we're having a boy!)

Lumene Wipes $2.87
-$5/1 CRT (adjusted down to $2.87)
-FREE!

Covergirl Lipstick (2) $2.18 (clearance)
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-$.18 or $.09 each

Theraflu (2) $11
-BOGO CVS CRT (took off $5.50)
-$3/1 CRT (printed last week?)
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$3 ECBs Earned
-$4.50 MM! (made my night ;)

All together, my subtotal was $37.12. I used $7.50 in MQs, $14.37 in CVS Qs and $8 in ECBs. This brought my total to $7.25 plus $2.05 tax for a total of $9.30 OOP. Although I "lost" $5 ECBs, I will be getting a $10 gift card when I spend another $2.04 on participating items! $9 for two packs of Pampers alone is awesome :)

Walgreens 10/16....Savings of

I wanted to get a couple of freebies at Walgreens and was hoping to get the Cottonelle deal. As you can see from the picture, I was successful, but it was a strange trip. The first store I went to was remodeling everything and their catalina machine was down. The manager found me while I was shopping and told me to keep track of my RRs so he could give me a gift card instead. Because of this, I decided to do my second transaction (Cottonelle) at the Walgreens close to my house. It is all combined here to make it easier though. Also, because I got my RRs back on a gift card, I earned an extra $.60 that was the tax!

Cottonelle (2) $10
-(2) $.50/1 MQs
-$1/1 WQ (took off $2)
-$3 RR Earned
-$4 or $2 each...this is $.22 a roll!

Walgreens Pads (2) $4
-$.50/1 WQ (took off $.50, forgot to use code at first store)
-$2 RR Earned
-$2.14 on GC Earned
-$.64 MM!

Schick Hydro Razor $8.49
-$5/1 MQ
-$4.50 RR Earned ($4.82 on GC)
-$1.33 MM!

Oral B Toothbrush Heads (2) $6 (clearance)
-(2) $3/1 MQs
-FREE!

Reach Total Care Toothbrush $1 (clearance)
-$1/1 MQ
-$2 RR Earned ($2.14 on GC)
-$2.14 MM!

Foil $1.59
-$.69 WQ (took off $.90)
-$.69

My subtotal was $31.08. I used $13 in MQs, $3.40 in WQs, $11.70 in RRs/GC. This brought my total to $2.98 plus $2.08 in tax for a total of $5.06 OOP! This is a savings of 90%.

CVS 10/16....Savings of 97%

I had to go to CVS to take back a wrong prescription for Jason. It was a pretty successful trip. I wish I had more Wisk coupons to finish the gift card deal. Hopefully I can come across some more before the week is over. Anyways, here is how I did:

Wisk Laundry Detergent (2) $9.98
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$5.98 or $2.99 each (part of gift card deal too)

Dial Soap $1.88
-$2/1 CVS Q (beeped not for card)
-$1 ECB Earned
-$1.12 MM!

Dawn Soap (2) $1.94
-(2) $.50/1 MQs
-$.94 or $.47 each

Revlon Eye Shadow (2) $9.98
-$5/2 CRT
-$5 ECB Earned
-$.02 MM!

Orbit Gum (2) $2.74
-BOGO Sale (took off $1.37)
-BOGO CRT (took off $1.37)
-FREE!

My subtotal was $26.52. I attempted to use a 30% off CVS Q that beeped not for card, but I only have one card and it printed at the end of my last receipt. The cashier took off $4 for this! So, it looked like this. I used $3 in MQs, $13.74 in CVS Qs and BOGO Sale and $9 ECBs. This brought my total to $.78 plus $1.66 tax for a total of $2.44 OOP! This was a savings of 97%.

CVS 10/12....Savings of 95%

I had to go to CVS to drop off/pick up prescriptions. Since I had to wait, I had to do a little shopping. There wasn't much for me this week so I used a raincheck from last week on the Dove. I had it planned out to pay with ECBs first so it would pay some of the tax. However, when they scanned my last coupon for $3 and my total was $3.44 at the time, they said they would have to adjust it down to $1.97. For me, it is hit or miss if the ECBs can be used on tax and if a coupons can give overage. Anyways...here is how I did:

Dove Shampoo/Conditioner (6) $18 (raincheck for $3 each)

-(3) BOGO MQs (took off $9)

-$5 ECB Earned

-$4 or $.67 each (shampoo is something I don't have alot of, so happy to get it at this price!)

American Greetings Cards (3) $2.97

-$3 ECB Earned

-$.03 MM!

My subtotal was $20.97. I used $9 in MQs and $11 ECBs. This brought my total to $.97 plus $1.47 tax for a total of $2.44 OOP. I lost $3 ECBs as well, but that is okay. I think I have about $20 or so now for next week! This was a savings of 95% :)

Walmart 10/6...They "confiscated" my coupons!

So, I was going to have a great trip. I went in to return the CoverGirl blush because I forgot to use my $8/2 MQ when I got them. I also used that coupon and another at CVS a few days later. Anyways, I got that $8 back and went shopping for the Schick Razors (moneymaker) and the Scrubbing Bubbles. I had a Cheetos and Pepsi in my order to make my total above the price of the Stomp 'N Go which I am submitting the mail in rebate for.

Anyways, the coupons that I printed off for those had a different bar code and they said they couldn't take them. And, not only that, they were instructed by their managers to keep them! Apparently last week they were accepting high value coupons for I-Pods and PS3s. That's just them being dumb if you ask me, but oh well. I said if it were a better coupon I would have caused more of a stink. I had more Cheetos and Pepsi coupons in my car from last weeks insert anyways!

Here is how I did though:

Schick Razors (4) $7.88
-(2) $6/2 MQs
-$4.12 MM!

Scrubbing Bubbles (2) $7.94
-(2) $4/1 MQs
-$.06 MM!

Bissell Stomp 'N Go $4.97
-$1/1 MQ
-$4.97 MIR
-$1 MM!

Star Wars Popcorn Tin $4.98 (supposed to be $2 on clearance so will be going back for my $2.98!)
-$2---when I go back!

My subtotal was $22.79. I used $21 in MQs and will be getting back $4.97 for the Bissell. This means I made $3.18 not including the $1.46 tax that I paid :)

CVS 10/5.....A great trip with MM Seattle's Best!

Well, I used my moms card and I wanted to do two transactions so I could use the ECBs I earned right away since it wasn't my card. I alos put my moms Beauty Club Spending above the $50, so she will be getting $5 ECBs when she scans her card next. Here is what I got and how I did:

Seattle's Best Drinks (15) $15
-(15) $1/1 MQs (from tearpad previously at Walgreens)

-$5 ECB Earned

-$5 MM!

Lance Cookies $.49 (clearance)

Goldfish Singles (3) $1.47 (clearance)

-$1.47 or $.49 each

Nexus Brush $3.62 (clearance- down from $14.49!)

-So glad I found this on clearance as I needed it- can usually only find round brushes!

Conair Hair Ties $.49 (clearance)

Covergirl Blush (4) $19.16

-BOGO 1/2 sale (took off $4.80)
-(2) $8/2 MQs

-$1.64 MM!

All together, my subtotal was $40.23. I used $31 in MQs and $5 in ECBs and $4.80 off for the sale. This brought my total to -$.57. The tax was $1.15 for a total OOP of $.58. This is amazing to me! I REALLY did need a new hair brush and I was able to get a $15 one for free ;)

BzzAgent Package Today!

I got an e-mail saying that I should be getting my Burts Bees BzzAgent package soon if I hadn't already received it. Well, it came today and I was so excited when I opened it because I forgot what I even signed up for. It came with a full-size face wash and facial moisturizer for sensitive skin. My face tends to get dry after I wash it, so I am interested to see what this does for me. I will do an update after I use it for a while :)

CVS 10/2....Dead Camera, so no pic, but AWESOME trip!

I knew I would be getting a free Huggies coupon at the machine, so this week was perfect week to use it! I was going to use a MQ as well, but left it at home. Oh well, I know some people don't approve of this anyways. (using a MQ on an item made free by a store coupon) Anywho, here is what I got. Sorry I don't have a picture....

Huggies Diapers $8.99
-FREE CVS Q for buy 6 (took off $11.99)
-$1 ECB Earned
-$4 MM!

Seattle's Best Coffee Drinks (2) $2
-(2) $1/1 MQs
-FREE! (I have enough coupons to get 13 more for free and get $5 ECB back too ;)

Schick Hydro $8.29
-$5/1 MQ
-$3 ECB Earned
-$.29

Reach 2-pk Toothbrush (2) $7.98
-(2) $2/1 MQs
-$4 ECB earned ($2 each pack)
-$.02 MM!

5 Gum (2) $2.57 (one rang up more expensive :(
-BOGO CVS Q (took off $1.57)
-$1 or $.50 each

All together, my subtotal was $29.83. I used $11 in MQs, $15.56 in CVS Qs, and $3.50 in ECBs. This brought my total to $-.23. $1.62 tax had me pay $1.39 OOP and I earned $8 in ECBs, so a gain of $4.50. Woohoo....almost a $5 MM!

September's Savings Totals...Yes, I am still alive!

I have wanted to do post about my trips, but I have lost the charger for my camera and it officially died. I ordered a new one on Ebay and am just waiting for it to arrive. I have also been very busy with little time to coupon. Therefore, I have let some deals go because there just wasn't enough hours in the day for me to cash in on them. Here is how we did though:

Shelf Cost: $1037.52
Manufacturer Coupons: $309.71
Store Coupons/ RRs/ ECBs: $387.28
Mail-In Rebates: $28
Tax Paid: $32.41

I paid $312.53 after rebates plus $32.40 tax for a total of $344.94. I should mention that our budget is up to $275 now after we have taken in our first foster child. (a 13 year old boy) So, yes we were still over by alot, nearly $70 to be exact! My savings was back down to 69.88% this month too....tear....

Coborn's in South Dakota Shopping Trip!

We were in Mitchell, South Dakota for the weekend for a wedding. Because Jason was the best man, he had to be to the church 3 hours before us. So, we went to grab something to eat. I noticed as we were driving there was a store that said it doubles coupons up to $.50! I just wanted to check out their ad to see if there was any good match-ups. However, I noticed when I got inside that Saturday's was there day to double 10 coupons up to $1. This made me very excited as you can imagine! Here is what I got....and my foster child did one transaction as well :)

Nutella Hazelnut Spread (2) $5.98
-(2) $1/1 MQs (doubled to $2 each)
-$1.98 or $.99 each (I've been wanting to try this, but it's expensive!)

WhoNu? Cookies $3.49
-$1/1 MQ (doubled to $2)
-$1.49 (I've have heard these aren't good, but for this price wanted to try myself)

Degree Trial Size Deodorant $8.05
-(7) $.75/1 MQs (doubled to $1.15 each...was hoping to get overage, but no go)
-FREE!

Meow Mix Cat Food (10) $53.90
-(10) $1/1 MQs (doubled to $2 each)
-BOGO Sale (took off $26.95)
-$6.95 or $.70 each or less than $.20/lb

All together, my subtotal was $71.42. I used $18.25 in MQs which "doubled" to take off another $15.80. I also saved $26.95 for the BOGO sale which brought my total down to $10.42 plus $2.39 tax for a total of $12.81 OOP. Not including tax, I saved 85.4%.

This was just fun because I have never got to double coupons that were more than $.50 before :)