Sunday Shopping Trip 5/31/09

My mom and I made trips to CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertsons and Wal-Mart. Here is what I got:

CVS:
2 Chicken Noodle Soup 2/$1
-Used $1/2 printable HERE
COST = FREE

2 Arm & Hammer Detergent BOGO $6.99
-Used 2 $1/1 printable HERE
COST = $2.50/ea

2 Clairol Natural Instincts Loving Care $3.99/ea
-Used 2 $4 Q from the 4/19RP
COST = FREE

4 Schick Disposable Razors 2pk $.99/ea (travel size)
-Used 2 $2/1 Q from the 5/10SS
COST = FREE

3 St Ives Apricot Scrub $1.49/ea (travel size)
-Used 3 $1.50/1 Q from the 5/10SS
COST = FREE

Used $3 ECB
Total Cost: $2.13, paid with GC so $0 OOP
Total Saved: $35.40


WALGREENS:
2 Ecotrin $2.00/ea
-Used 2 $2.25/1 printable HERE (adjusted down)
COST = FREE
Received 2 $2 RR

Total Cost: $0.00
Total Profit: $4.00


KROGER:
Transaction #1
2 Country Time Lemonade $1.00/ea
-Used $1.50/1 printable HERE
COST = $.50
Received $1 OYNO (on your next order) CRT (cash register tape)

Total: $.54, used GC $0.00 OOP
Saved: $5.88

Transaction #2
1 Springdale Milk $1.99/ea

1 Hamburger Buns $1.00/ea

3 1 lb Ground Beef $1.39/ea

5 Hormel Pepperoni $1.00/ea

Used $1 CRT (cash register tape) from Transaction #1

Total: $12.16, used GC $0.00 OOP
Saved: $8.21


ALBERTSONS:
5 Diet Dr. Pepper (4 for $10.88, get the 5 for free)
-Used $1/1 coupon (I tore it from some random magazine)

Total: $10.70, used GC $0.00 OOP (this came out to $.18 per can)
Saved: $14.07


WAL-MART:
20 Blue Bunny Ice Cream Novelties $1.00/ea
-Used 20 $1/1 printable HERE
COST = ALL FREE


GRAND TOTAL FOR THE DAY: $25.53 for all this stuff!! (But I paid with a GC)

Frustrations with Target??

I know I've had my fair share of Target problems, but what about you? Any problems trying to use coupons? Please let me know!!

I do have an answer:
A copy of Target's coupon policy can be found HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. They all say the same thing.

I've had several awful experiences, but one in particular...I had coupons for all my items, my total was $.99 and I still had 1 $1.00 target coupon left. The cashier, another person of some importance and a manager all told me I couldn't use it because it's more than the item, and they cannot adjust the price of the coupon. (And then they gave me some lame excuse that I think they made up).

Here is my conclusion:
1) It's just a job, most employees don't know and don't care to know anything about coupons or Target's corporate coupon policy. If you are getting something for free, most people (cashier's) think they are doing something wrong.
2) Even the managers don't know what they are talking about...again, it's just a job.
3) Even if you are nice about it (like I was, and asked to be explained why), they are still rude. :)
4) They will tell you anything to get you to shut up and make you feel uncomfortable to where you cave in and end up not using the coupon.
5) Nobody is willing to find an answer for you. I called the store the very next day and spoke to the same manager that "tried" to help me. I told her I wanted to be honest when using coupons, and I just wanted to know their policy. Even SHE didn't know, took my name & number and said she would call me back when she finds out.
6) I hate to be persistent, but without people like me and all those avid couponers out there, none of the cashiers or even managers would learn anything.

So amongst all my frustrations, I decided to try calling the store I mostly shop at again, to ask about adjusting down coupons. I spoke to a customer service rep and here is how our conversation went:

Leah: I wanted to know if you can adjust coupons down. For example, if I have an item that is $.99 and I have a $1.00 coupon, can you adjust it down to the price of the item?
REP: No, we cannot do that. Our registers won't allow us to do that.
Leah: OK, is that your store policy because corporate policy says that you can.
REP: (5 second silence) Um...Um... (5 second silence) Hold on, please.
**she put me on hold, but rather set the phone down so I could hear everything she was saying to whoever she was talking to.**
REP: OK, yes we can adjust the coupon down, but with limitations.
Leah: OK great, now what exactly are the limitations.
**she couldn't really answer that question, so I asked to speak to who she was talking with earlier. She did tell me who his name was, and his position. Then all of a sudden the phone hung up on me. So I called back and specifically asked to speak to that person.

So, I spoke to an actual store manager who THANK GOD answered my questions.

YES, TARGET CAN ADJUST THE PRICE OF THE COUPON!!! He said if there is ever ANY problem to just ask for the LOD (Leader on Duty).

He apologized for all my troubles.

MY NEW CONCLUSIONS:
1) Persistence and Self-Control is a must when you coupon.
2) Try to find the right people to talk to and get their name, so next time you have a problem you know what to tell the cashier and who you talked to.
3) Chances are YOU know more than most people because you care about saving money and couponing and you are going to be persistent in finding an answer or finding a way to use that coupon and informing "uninformed" cashiers on WHY you CAN use that coupon.
4) Carry the Target Corporate Coupon Policy with you when you shop there.

I hope this was helpful. When I called and spoke to the store manager, I basically told him that I want to be an honest couponer, and I've been told several different stories from some very rude people at your store, and I wanted to hear it from a store manager's mouth about your coupon policy.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about Target and their policies, or just need to VENT, let me know. I can help!!

Our 4/3/09 Haul!!!

My mom and I headed to Target, Walgreens and CVS on Sunday and came back with a poop-load of stuff.

Target

Transaction #1
8 – Quaker Oats $1.00/ea
Used 8 $1/1 Target Printable HERE
Cost: FREE

2 – Kraft EZ Mac & Cheese Cups $.89/ea
Used 1 BOGO Q from the 5/3 Parade-page 13
PLUS the $1/2 Target Printable HERE
Cost: $.11 in overage

1.25 lbs of Apples $.99/lb
Used $1/1 lb Target Printable HERE
Cost: $.24

1 – Dry Idea Deodorant $2.00
Used $2/1 Pintable HERE
Cost: FREE

4 – Fiber One Chocolate Mocha Bars $2.39/ea
Used 4 $1.35/1 MFQ HERE
Cost: $4.16
Received $5.00 Target GC
PROFIT: $.84

Total OOP: $4.29
Total Saved: $18.29 (81%)
Received $5 Target GC

Transaction #2
8 – Quaker Oats $1.00/ea
Used 8 $1/1 Target Printable HERE
Cost: FREE

4 – Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese $1.50/ea
Used 4 $1.50/2 MFQ HERE
Cost: $.75/ea

4 – Kraft EZ Mac & Cheese Cups $.89/ea
Used 2 BOGO Printable
PLUS 2 $1/2 Target Printable HERE
Cost: $.22 in overage

1.28 lbs of Apples $.99/lb
Used $1/1 lb Target Printable HERE
Cost: $.27

Total OOP: $3.05
Total Saved: $14.78 (83%)


CVS
LEAH
1 – Adidas Deodorant $3.99, get $3.00 ECB
Used $1/1 MFQ
Cost: FREE after ECB

3 – Kelloggs Cereal 3/$10, get $5 ECB
Used 3 $1/1 MFQ HERE
Cost: $.67/ea after ECB

1 – Wheat Crackers $1.99

ECB Used:
$12.00

Total OOP: $0.00
Total Saved: $21.05
ECB Received: $3.00 & $5.00
So basically, I put $12 in and got back $8 in ECB. I bought all that stuff for $4 (in ECB)

My mom also got the Adidas Deodorant, but not the cereal or the crackers.


WALGREENS
LEAH
2 – Pert Plus $2.50/ea, buy 2 get $2 RR
Used $1.50 MFQ & $1.00 MFQ 5/3 SS
Cost: $.25/ea after RR
(I had 2 $1.50 and could have gotten them for free, but I let my mom use one of those coupons)

1 – Arizona Tea $.99/ea
Used WAGS in-ad Q
Cost: $.59

Used $2.50 RR (*Note: I had to have a filler item so I could use my RR because with RR, you can’t have more coupons than items)

Total OOP: $.59 (Put on Walgreens GC)
Total Saved: $8.38 (93%)
Received $2 in RR

Mom also got the 2 Pert Plus and an Arizona Tea.

1) I paid $7.34 total with my CC for the 2 Target transactions. Mom and I split the haul. My mom gave me a $5 because she’s a great mom. Basically I do all the research and printing and then we go shopping together. I hand her the coupons and tell her what to do, hehe. AND I got to keep the $5 GC, so I came out with a profit at Target.

2) I didn’t spend any money at CVS because I paid with ECBs.

3) I didn’t spend any money at Walgreens because I used my GC.

So for that stuff, I came out with a $2.66 profit.

As for my mom, she is still working on getting her RR and ECBs stocked up, so she paid a little more OOP for her half. But still came out great. Including the $5 she gave me for the Target haul, she probably spent less than $10 total for everything at all 3 stores.

Mom, you’re awesome!

Scored at Walgreens

4 – Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal – $2.50/ea
Coupon(s): 4 – $2.00/1 MFQ
Total: $.50/ea

2 – Paper Plates – $1.29/ea (I think)
Coupon(s): 2 – $.30/1 WAGS
Total: $.99/ea

Used $3 RR

Total: $.90 (Mom paid bc I used my $3 RR, so $0 OOP for me)

Total Saved: $19.00

Walgreens 3/22/09

Bought:
1 - Pledge Fabric Sweeper - $3.50
13 - Hunt's Tomato Sauce - $.80/ea

Coupons Used:
WAGS store coupon for Hunt's - $5.33
$2.00 Pledge
$6.00 Register Reward

Total - $.57, put on Gift Card, OOP - $0.00
Total Saved - $15.32
Will get back on Rebates - $6.60

Walgreens or CVS?

I haven’t decided which store I like better. I like the fact that I can buy things at CVS with ECBs, and pay little out of pocket, but I also like the fact that I can spend a little money to purchase free-after-rebate items at Walgreens, and make a little profit. Once I get my rebate giftcard from Walgreens, it makes that initial investment all worth it. I love both stores equally (for now).

If you want to start couponing, but aren’t sure how to start, and not sure if it’s worth the initial investment, let me share with you my results from last month, January.

#1 Orajel Cold Sore – $8.49 (I also submitted a manufacturer rebate, so I will make another $8 off this product)
#2 AutoExpression Air Freshener – $4.99 (I also submitted a manufacturer rebate, so I will make another $4.99 off this product)
#3 Revlon Matte Collection – $4.99
#9 Walgreens Allergy Cough Cold – $10.00
#24 Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Kit – $5.00
#25 Choice of Glade – $1.00
#25 Choice of Glade – $1.00
#29 Kraft Products – $5.00
#29 Kraft Products – $5.00
#29 Kraft Products – $5.00
#31 Electrasol Gelpacs – $1.50

Sub-Total Rebate – $51.97
Walgreens Gift Card Bonus – $5.20
Total Rebate – $57.17 (This will be added to my rechargeable GC)

What I actually bought these items for:
Orajel – $7.49
Air Freshener – $4.99
Revlon – $2.99
WAGS Medicine – $4.97
Shower Kit – $11.99
Glade – $0.00
Glade – $0.00
Kraft – $3.00 ($.50/box)
Electrasol – $.99

Total WAGS Investment – $36.42
Total WAGS Profit (after Rebate) – $20.75

I actually made more profit than $20.75, because I had 2 MF rebates totaling $12.99. I also had several WAGS Register Rewards that I used and some left over gift card money from Christmas. Overall, I think I profited MORE than I invested.

I got the email from Walgreens stating I will be receiving $57.17 yesterday and I told my husband. He was very excited. Patience definitely is the key!! If you can make an initial investment, wait about a month to receive your rebates, it’s definitely worth it.

What I plan to do is use that $57.17 to purchase February’s free-after-rebate items, wait a month and then I will hopefully have close to $100 on my giftcard by the end of February/beginning of March.

Kroger Mega Event, part 2

I’ve gone over my budget this month, but when I find a good deal on something, I like to stock up. Especially, because you never know when that item will go on sale again.

Here is what I bought for round 2 at Kroger, and the coupons I used.

5 12pk Diet DP
4/$12, get 5th free
(This came out to $.20/can)

6 Apple Chips
$.79/ea (Manager’s Special)
(I bought these to take to work. They are delicious.)

2 Mozzarella Cheese
$1.99/ea
-$.50/ea-Mega Event
=$1.49/ea

3 Chef Boyardee
$1/ea
-$.35/3 MFQ
=$.65/ea

Pizza Rolls 40ct
$2.99
-$.50-Mega Event
-$.35 MFQ that tripled
=$1.44 (This came out to $.036/pizza roll)

2 Pace Salsa
$1.76/ea (They were advertised $1.99, but rang up $1.76)
-$.50/ea-Mega Event
-$.50 MFQ that doubled x 2
=$.26/ea

Smokies-Kroger Brand
$2.50
-$.75 MFQ in Kroger Booklet that was mailed
=$1.75

2 Wheat Thins
$2.39/ea
-$.50/ea-Mega Event
-$2/2 MFQ
=$.89/ea

Sobe Lifewater
$1.00
-$.50-Mega Event
=$.50

2 Mustard
$1.49/ea
-$.50/ea-Mega Event
-$.50 MFQ that doubled x 2
=$-.02 OVERAGE

Cream of Chicken-Kroger Brand
$.75

Total OOP - $29.01
Total Saved - $31.30 (52%)

Patience Saves You Money!!

If you read my post about my husband and my goals for 2009, you know that we plan to not do any impromptu purchasing. In order to save together and avoid any interest by using credit cards, we plan to-

1) Name the item we want to purchase
2) Research and estimate a cost
3) Set a budget timeline

Each month we will put away a specific amount of money in an interest baring account until we have reached our goal. Once we have the cash saved up to buy the item...obviously we will make the purchase. Putting the designated money into an interest baring account can help account for taxes, and in some cases, if you are really patient, you can even save more money than you accounted for the purchase.

And if you're CRAZY like me, you will 1) go through Cashbaq or Ebates to get money back, and 2) Use the CC anyways for cash back, but pay it off in full each month. (I will definitely make money off purchases by doing it this way)

I'm saying all this because I read an article HERE from TheSimpleDollar on this very topic. It's a great post, go read it!

~LR

Kroger Mega Event

I just love the Kroger Mega Event. Here is what I got:

**5 Valley Fresh Steamers - $1.49/ea
-$.50 Kroger promo x 5
-$.50 Shortucts Q x 2
-$.50 MFQ that doubled x 5
= FREE ($1.05 overage)

**Bananas - $1.44

**Healthy Choice Steamer - $2.48/ea
-$1 MFQ
= $1.48

**2 40ct Tostinos Pizza Rolls - $2.99/ea
-$.50 Kroger promo x 2
-$.50 cellfire Q
-$.35 MFQ that tripled x 2
= $1.19/ea ($.03 per pizza roll)

**Blue Bonnet Butter - $.77 ($.19 per stick)

**Wacky Mac - $1.39
-$.50 MFQ that doubled
=$.39

**Beef Patties - $4.04 (Manager’s special; $.67 per patty)

**Steak - $2.93 (Manager’s special)

**2 Mac & Cheese - $.40/ea

**3 Beef Ravioli - $1.00/ea
-$.35/3 MFQ that tripled
= $.65/ea

**4 Tomato Sauce - $.25/ea

**2 Tomato Paste - $.85/ea

**Ken’s Salad Dressing - $1.99
-$.50 Kroger promo
-$1 MFQ
= $.49

**2 Pace Picante Salsa - $1.99/ea
-$.50 Kroger promo x 2
-$.50/2 MFQ that doubled
= $.99/ea

**Tomato - $1.00

**Onion - $.50

Total OOP - $22.68
Total Saved - $27.25 (54%)

We were on NBC!!

I was surprised to learn that Metroplex Savers was on NBC this morning. Pretty cool, huh?

Go HERE to watch the video.

All the praise & glory goes to you, Lord! Thank you!