As I've mentioned before, I'm the Atlanta Budget Grocery Examiner at Examiner.com. I cover both local and national deals and offer tips and tricks for using coupons. I wanted to let you know that this week I'm going to be covering a bunch of deals at Publix!
Check out what this week's Publix penny item is (good on August 3, 2009)
Learn about a new coupon booklet available at Publix (full of manufacturer coupons that you can use at stores like Kroger and CVS!)
Later this week I'll be covering a new contest that Publix is featuring.
In addition, I'm working on a series called "Coupons 101" that features basic information that can help you use coupons all across the country. Here are some of the articles in the series:
How to read coupon lingo
How to use coupons to save money on produce - fresh, frozen, and canned
How to use printable Internet coupons to save money
Writing for Examiner.com is a lot of fun, and I've made some money writing my articles too. If you're interested in learning more about becoming an Examiner in your area of expertise and getting paid to write about what you love, please let me know.
And if you sign up at Examiner.com, please use me (Marla Blair, the Atlanta Budget Grocery Examiner) as your referrer. I'd greatly appreciate it! Click here to view a video that shows you how.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I've joined Paperback Swap
I have far too many books, as you can see on my other blog, but I finally started adding books to my PB Swap bookshelf (I joined in 2005, actually, but then put off listing anything...). Please join, add me as a buddy, request my books, and so on! It's a great, thrifty way to get the books you really want to read and to clear out your house of the ones you don't!
CVS - Moneymaking Softsoap Bodywash, Free Blink Tears, Free School Supplies
Once again, I invite you to check out an Examiner article I wrote - it is a discussion of how to use printable coupons to save money.
Well, my store was out of a lot of the school supplies, but on the bright side, the limit on the Softsoap is at least three so I was able to get two!
Transaction one:
2 Stayfree pads - $10
1 bottle Softsoap Serum - $4.99
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
1 caramel - 33 cents
Used $2/Softsoap, BOGO Stayfree, $10.87 ECBs. Paid 59 cents OOP (all tax, and somehow my pre-tax total was negative 5 cents even though I handed everything over in my usual order). Got back $9 and a coupon for a free small mouthwash.
Transaction two:
1 pack of pens - 99 cents
2 one-subject notebooks - $1.98
1 scissors - $2.99
1 Softsoap Serum - $4.99
1 mouthwash - $2.59
Used free mouthwash ($2.59), $2/Softsoap, $8.91 ECBs. Got back $9.96.
Transaction three:
1 Blink tears - $7.99.
Used $3/Blink tears (pulled out of paper after I bought it), $5 ECBs (adjusted down to $4.99). Paid 56 cents tax, got back $7.99.
Then I went to the pharmacy and talked to the really nice pharmacist and scored the new coupon booklet that includes TWO $4/$20s good all month! (Plus a bunch of specific coupons.) And I got a raincheck for the glue sticks that are free after ECBs but decided I have enough of everything else to need other rainchecks. (I have a raincheck for the photo book too, and that may come in handy with this 4/20!)
So it was a nice moneymaking day, and I am considering going to another store to max out the Softsoap (my store had TONS).
UPDATE: I went to another CVS and got another Softsoap. I used $2.97 in ECBs and a $2 coupon, paid 30 cents OOP, got back $4 AND my receipt still doesn't say offer limit reached, which leads me to believe the limit is 5. I am going to print out one more coupon (and possibly use a different computer to get another as well) and go back tomorrow, I think. The list below is updated with the new amounts. :)
SECOND UPDATE: I went back to the CVS I went to in the morning, bought two more bottles, one at a time. Although both CVS stores are in the same county and the sales tax is the same percentage, I paid a few cents more in tax at this store and I have NO idea why. I was caught a penny short, but my awesome cashier spotted me and I ran to the car and gave it to him. So I maxed out this great deal - hooray!
Total OOP: $28.26 ($13.44 tax)
Total merchandise: 16 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 8 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 2 small CVS mouthwashes, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 3 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 6 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 3 scissors, 4 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers, 2 composition books, 2 packs of Pilot pens, 2 caramels, 2 packs of sticky notes, 3 boxes Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal, 1 Blink Tears, 5 bottles Softsoap Serum.
Current ECB status: $38.95
Well, my store was out of a lot of the school supplies, but on the bright side, the limit on the Softsoap is at least three so I was able to get two!
Transaction one:
2 Stayfree pads - $10
1 bottle Softsoap Serum - $4.99
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
1 caramel - 33 cents
Used $2/Softsoap, BOGO Stayfree, $10.87 ECBs. Paid 59 cents OOP (all tax, and somehow my pre-tax total was negative 5 cents even though I handed everything over in my usual order). Got back $9 and a coupon for a free small mouthwash.
Transaction two:
1 pack of pens - 99 cents
2 one-subject notebooks - $1.98
1 scissors - $2.99
1 Softsoap Serum - $4.99
1 mouthwash - $2.59
Used free mouthwash ($2.59), $2/Softsoap, $8.91 ECBs. Got back $9.96.
Transaction three:
1 Blink tears - $7.99.
Used $3/Blink tears (pulled out of paper after I bought it), $5 ECBs (adjusted down to $4.99). Paid 56 cents tax, got back $7.99.
Then I went to the pharmacy and talked to the really nice pharmacist and scored the new coupon booklet that includes TWO $4/$20s good all month! (Plus a bunch of specific coupons.) And I got a raincheck for the glue sticks that are free after ECBs but decided I have enough of everything else to need other rainchecks. (I have a raincheck for the photo book too, and that may come in handy with this 4/20!)
So it was a nice moneymaking day, and I am considering going to another store to max out the Softsoap (my store had TONS).
UPDATE: I went to another CVS and got another Softsoap. I used $2.97 in ECBs and a $2 coupon, paid 30 cents OOP, got back $4 AND my receipt still doesn't say offer limit reached, which leads me to believe the limit is 5. I am going to print out one more coupon (and possibly use a different computer to get another as well) and go back tomorrow, I think. The list below is updated with the new amounts. :)
SECOND UPDATE: I went back to the CVS I went to in the morning, bought two more bottles, one at a time. Although both CVS stores are in the same county and the sales tax is the same percentage, I paid a few cents more in tax at this store and I have NO idea why. I was caught a penny short, but my awesome cashier spotted me and I ran to the car and gave it to him. So I maxed out this great deal - hooray!
Total OOP: $28.26 ($13.44 tax)
Total merchandise: 16 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 8 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 2 small CVS mouthwashes, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 3 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 6 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 3 scissors, 4 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers, 2 composition books, 2 packs of Pilot pens, 2 caramels, 2 packs of sticky notes, 3 boxes Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal, 1 Blink Tears, 5 bottles Softsoap Serum.
Current ECB status: $38.95
Saturday, August 1, 2009
CVS - Scenario for August 2, 2009
I think either this week or next is the last of the fun freebie weeks. So far my favorite store has been good about having about 80-90% of the freebies in stock. It's tax-free weekend here in Georgia and all the school supplies I buy should be tax free (which won't matter MUCH but should keep my final total low). So here's what I plan on doing:
Transaction one (because I need a coupon from the paper for a later transaction):
2 packs of Stayfree - $10
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
1 SoftSoap - $4.99
Use BOGO Stayfree coupon and $2 Softsoap coupon. Pay $11.49 plus tax, get back $9.
[I just did the math and I can get to $11.87 with ECBs, so I'll have to find a 30-ish cent filler. A caramel, probably...]
Transaction two (only the tax-free stuff):
2 folders - 98 cents
2 notebooks - $1.98
2 packs of glue sticks - $1.98
2 pairs of scissors - $5.98
2 packs of pens or pencils - $1.98
MAYBE 2 rulers - $1.98 (I don't need these at all, but I could donate them I'm sure)
MAYBE one of each of the protractor/compass - $3
MAYBE 2 book covers - $1.98
All free and no tax, so pay with ECBs and should have no OOP.
Final transaction:
Blink Tears - $7.99
Use $3 coupon from Sunday paper, pay $4.99 get back $7.99.
I should wind up with 50 cents more than I started with. :)
Transaction one (because I need a coupon from the paper for a later transaction):
2 packs of Stayfree - $10
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
1 SoftSoap - $4.99
Use BOGO Stayfree coupon and $2 Softsoap coupon. Pay $11.49 plus tax, get back $9.
[I just did the math and I can get to $11.87 with ECBs, so I'll have to find a 30-ish cent filler. A caramel, probably...]
Transaction two (only the tax-free stuff):
2 folders - 98 cents
2 notebooks - $1.98
2 packs of glue sticks - $1.98
2 pairs of scissors - $5.98
2 packs of pens or pencils - $1.98
MAYBE 2 rulers - $1.98 (I don't need these at all, but I could donate them I'm sure)
MAYBE one of each of the protractor/compass - $3
MAYBE 2 book covers - $1.98
All free and no tax, so pay with ECBs and should have no OOP.
Final transaction:
Blink Tears - $7.99
Use $3 coupon from Sunday paper, pay $4.99 get back $7.99.
I should wind up with 50 cents more than I started with. :)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
CVS - Still more free school supplies, almost free cereal, moneymaking toothpaste
Before you go any further, I'd like to invite you to read my latest article for Examiner - it's a discussion of helpful websites for new and seasoned coupon users. I'd love your input in the comments on the article as to any I've forgotten! Thanks!
Another pretty good week at CVS!
1 double paper - $2.50
1 filler caramel - 33 cents (thrown in at the last minute)
2 packs of Pilot pens - $1.98
2 packs of sticky notes - $1.98
2 composition books - $1.98
1 tube of Colgate toothpaste - $2.88
3 boxes of Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal - $10
Used 3x$1.50/Kashi coupons (printables), $1/Colgate, $15.98 in ECBs. [My total was under $6 at the end and I had a $6 ECB so I threw in the caramel so my OOP would be lower.] Paid 99 cents - 83 cents tax (bah!). Got back $12.94 in ECBs ("spent" around $3 on the paper and the cereal - the few cents overage on the Colgate pretty much balanced out the caramel). I may go to another CVS for the index card/pencil case (I wanted that!) and the binder clips (they only had the erasers - and I don't use pencils very often so I don't need erasers).
Oh and I originally had the tampons in my basket. When I was done checking out, I checked my receipt because I've had issues in the past (not with the staff, with the computer) and I didn't get the ECBs for the tampons, so I went back. And we looked at my receipt and it turned out my cashier hadn't even scanned them! I just gave them back - if I'm going to play the CVS game, I have to be honest! And I don't have a good ECB to use for them anyway, so it's fine.
ETA: I walked to the other CVS in town and they didn't have the push pins or binder clips or pencil cases or card cases either. They did have the erasers...but I just left without getting anything.
Total OOP: $25.81 ($11.07 tax)
Total merchandise: 15 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 6 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 1 small CVS mouthwash, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 3 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 5 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 2 scissors, 2 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers, 2 composition books, 2 packs of Pilot pens, 1 caramel, 2 packs of sticky notes, 3 boxes Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal.
Current ECB status: $33.71
Another pretty good week at CVS!
1 double paper - $2.50
1 filler caramel - 33 cents (thrown in at the last minute)
2 packs of Pilot pens - $1.98
2 packs of sticky notes - $1.98
2 composition books - $1.98
1 tube of Colgate toothpaste - $2.88
3 boxes of Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal - $10
Used 3x$1.50/Kashi coupons (printables), $1/Colgate, $15.98 in ECBs. [My total was under $6 at the end and I had a $6 ECB so I threw in the caramel so my OOP would be lower.] Paid 99 cents - 83 cents tax (bah!). Got back $12.94 in ECBs ("spent" around $3 on the paper and the cereal - the few cents overage on the Colgate pretty much balanced out the caramel). I may go to another CVS for the index card/pencil case (I wanted that!) and the binder clips (they only had the erasers - and I don't use pencils very often so I don't need erasers).
Oh and I originally had the tampons in my basket. When I was done checking out, I checked my receipt because I've had issues in the past (not with the staff, with the computer) and I didn't get the ECBs for the tampons, so I went back. And we looked at my receipt and it turned out my cashier hadn't even scanned them! I just gave them back - if I'm going to play the CVS game, I have to be honest! And I don't have a good ECB to use for them anyway, so it's fine.
ETA: I walked to the other CVS in town and they didn't have the push pins or binder clips or pencil cases or card cases either. They did have the erasers...but I just left without getting anything.
Total OOP: $25.81 ($11.07 tax)
Total merchandise: 15 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 6 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 1 small CVS mouthwash, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 3 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 5 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 2 scissors, 2 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers, 2 composition books, 2 packs of Pilot pens, 1 caramel, 2 packs of sticky notes, 3 boxes Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal.
Current ECB status: $33.71
Monday, July 20, 2009
CVS - PIcture of the free binder!
I noticed a bunch of people in the blogosphere having a hard time finding the free-after-ECBs binder at CVS this week. Here's a picture - hopefully that will make things easier!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
CVS - Free school supplies, moneymaking deodorant and coupons!
Before you go any further, I'd like to invite you to check out my latest article at Examiner - it's about how to read coupon lingo! And I'd greatly appreciate any feedback over there as well - including other terms that you either don't understand or think a newbie would need to know!
So. Another really fun CVS trip!
My store was out of the pencils, but I still didn't need any filler (beyond what I was already getting) to hit $30 in order to use my $5/$30 that I got last week. Also NOTE that despite what some sites are saying, the limit on the photo DVD - at least FOR NOW - is just one. My receipt says offer limit reached. But the signage in the store says limit 5 so we'll see how the week goes. (I don't plan on getting more though.)
Transaction 1:
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
2 filler paper packs - $4
1 panty liner pack - 89 cents
1 movie DVD - $9.99
2 10-packs of pens - $1.98 (these were in the front of the store in a special display, not in the office section)
1 Speed Stick Pro deodorant - $2.99
2 vinyl binders (these were also in the front of the store in a special display, not in the office section) - $6
2 small memo pads - $1.98
2 small packs of almonds - $1.98
2 bubble mailers (that I need to mail the free photo books to family members!) - $4.38
Used $5/$30, $1.50/Speed Stick, $2/Gold Emblem Nuts, $27.97 in ECBs. Paid 32 cents OOP (10 cents tax). Got back $26.84.
Then I remembered I needed a third bubble mailer, so...
Transaction 2:
1 bubble mailer - $2.19
Used $2 ECB. Paid 34 cents OOP (15 cents tax) (notice that I paid more OOP for one bubble mailer than for alllllll the other stuff above, funny huh?).
Total OOP: $25.65 ($10.24 tax)
Total merchandise: 14 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 6 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 1 small CVS mouthwash, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 2 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 5 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 2 scissors, 2 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers.
Current ECB status: $36.76
So. Another really fun CVS trip!
My store was out of the pencils, but I still didn't need any filler (beyond what I was already getting) to hit $30 in order to use my $5/$30 that I got last week. Also NOTE that despite what some sites are saying, the limit on the photo DVD - at least FOR NOW - is just one. My receipt says offer limit reached. But the signage in the store says limit 5 so we'll see how the week goes. (I don't plan on getting more though.)
Transaction 1:
1 double Sunday paper - $2.50
2 filler paper packs - $4
1 panty liner pack - 89 cents
1 movie DVD - $9.99
2 10-packs of pens - $1.98 (these were in the front of the store in a special display, not in the office section)
1 Speed Stick Pro deodorant - $2.99
2 vinyl binders (these were also in the front of the store in a special display, not in the office section) - $6
2 small memo pads - $1.98
2 small packs of almonds - $1.98
2 bubble mailers (that I need to mail the free photo books to family members!) - $4.38
Used $5/$30, $1.50/Speed Stick, $2/Gold Emblem Nuts, $27.97 in ECBs. Paid 32 cents OOP (10 cents tax). Got back $26.84.
Then I remembered I needed a third bubble mailer, so...
Transaction 2:
1 bubble mailer - $2.19
Used $2 ECB. Paid 34 cents OOP (15 cents tax) (notice that I paid more OOP for one bubble mailer than for alllllll the other stuff above, funny huh?).
Total OOP: $25.65 ($10.24 tax)
Total merchandise: 14 double Sunday papers, 3 single Sunday papers, 4 boxes Throat Coolers, 1 Garnier 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, 6 packs of Stayfree maxi pads, 1 box of sheer Band Aids, 4 boxes of Soy Joy bars, 20 Soy Joy bars, 1 pack of Nutra Trim gum, 6 bottles Dawn, 4 travel packs of tissues, 7 greeting cards, 2 boxes 5 ct. allergy meds, 2 3-packs of CVS brand paper towels, 1 box of CVS cold medicine (Dayquil-ish), 1 Gillette shampoo, 1 Gillette conditioner, 1 Gillette shampoo+conditioner, 1 box of 30 Breathe Right strips, 4 Gillette Gamer razors, 2 L'Oreal towelettes, 1 KY product, 1 CVS toilet paper, 1 10-count Excedrin, 1 chewable aspirin, 2 Johnson's Buddies soaps, 1 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, 1 small CVS mouthwash, 10 25-count CVS cotton rounds, 4 small boxes of Wheat Thins, 1 Boost Kid Essentials, 2 Cascade Action Pacs, 2 bags of Halls cough drops, 2 Energy Shots 2 pack, 5 Colgate toothpastes, 1 small box Breathe Right strips, 5 bottles Suave body wash, 2 bottles Herbal Essences shampoo, 2 bottles Herbal Essences conditioner, 1 Snickers heart candy, 2 bottles Mylanta Mint, 1 Fruitopia shampoo, 2 Venus Spa Breeze razors, 1 Renuzit Tri-Scent starter kit, 1 box 10-count Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2 single-serving Pringles, 1 bottle Vaseline lotion, 1 tube Crest toothpaste, 1 bottle Irish Spring body wash, 5 Dry Idea roll on deodorants, 1 Colgate Max White, 2 Colgate Max Fresh, 1 Crest Pro-Health Enamel, 2 Hylands teething tablets, 2 Skintimate shave gels, 1 pack Juicyfruit gum, 1 Softsoap coconut scrub, 2 Colgate sensitive toothpastes, 1 Zantrex 2-pack, 1 Adidas deodorant, 3 Contour monitors, 1 Bayer quick-release aspirin, 1 tub CVS-brand baby wipes, 2 bags Purina dog treats, 1 box of Playtex tampons, 2 boxes of Hello Kitty bandaids, 1 Clearasil face wash, 3 Speed Stick pro deodorants, 1 diet Dr. Pepper, 2 Gillette Fusion razors, 3 Powerades, 2 Thermacare wraps, 2 packs CVS panty liners, 3 boxes Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal, 2 rolls CVS tape, 2 bottles school glue, 5 10-packs of pens, 2 rulers, 2 scissors, 2 1-subject notebooks, 3 Dove chocolate bars, 1 Bayer Breeze2 monitor, 5 photobooks, 1 photo DVD, 2 small packs of almonds, 2 packs of filler paper, 2 vinyl binders, 2 small memo pads, 3 bubble mailers.
Current ECB status: $36.76
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