The Challenge of Coupons

Do you coupon?  I did. Then I didn't. Now I do. Couponing can be a challenge if you really want to make a difference but if you put a little time in, the savings will be substantial.  I don't do multiple stores anymore. I stick with Target, Harris Teeter, and go couponless at Aldi for other items.   Here are a few hard fast rules for making the most of your grocery dollar.

1- Stores often put items on sale to coordinate with a current coupon.  I know it sounds too good to be true but it's the case.  So while the 2 for $4 sale on Eggo Waffles at Harris Teeter is good.  You would also want to pair that with the $1 off 2 coupon in last weeks paper.  Since HT is doing super doubles this week that means you can get boxes of Eggo Waffles for $1 each. Always look for coupons to pair with ads.

2- Buy when it is on sale, not when you need it.  No I didn't need 10 cans of black beans this week but they are on sale for .50 so why not stock up now instead of paying .90 a can later?  Same thing with meat- stock up on what is on sale and keep your freezer stocked.

3- Use the internet for resources. There are many (many) sites out there that lay the whole thing out for you.  Do a search and find a site that focuses on your store of choice.  Let someone else put in the time while you also reap the benefits.

4- Don't blow your savings with impulse buys! The grocery store people LOVE it when you do this.  Don't overpay on one item when you are there to save on something else.

5- Keep a list of your "goal prices."  I have this saved in my phone.  It helps me to know if a sale price is really a good deal or not.  I just add to the list as I find a great deal. It's helpful if you list it as a price per ounce or per roll of toilet paper etc to make sure you compare apples to apples.

Now, go clip some coupons!

Its That Time of Year Again



I hope everyone remembers my little spiel about the Happy Day shoppers vs the Sad Day shoppers from last year.  If you would like to be a Happy Shopper, it is now time to start checking BF ads for the latest ad releases.  Wal-Mart claims they are holding their ad until 11/21 but they also claim that they won't start the sale until 5am and we all know the end to that story. I'm still annoyed by the way. 

As ads are trickling in I have already circled a couple things in Walgreens ad and just this morning I snagged the early Itunes gift card deal ($50 gift card for $35 at Walmart).  Please don't tell my children.

So as much as I love summer- and I do love summer. Black Friday excitement will keep me warm for a little while.

BF- It IS a Good Thing

I love love love Black Friday. I also love love love preparing for Black Friday. If you are still preparing the night before, you are way behind the times. Sites like Black Friday Ads begin posting weeks ahead of time. You can also sign up for email updates. The email updates let you know about the before BF sales as well. Brad and I caught a *major* deal last week for the kids! Another feautre is the list creation option. As you scan the ads, simply click to save the items you are interested in. Items are sorted by store and when you print it out the night before you are given a handy dandy organized list.

Additional points of interest- Toys R Us opens at 12:01 this year. Old Navy opens at 3am. Target is at 5am. Best Buy is 7am. No news yet on Wal-Mart. So....the possibility of shopping all night is looking pretty good. Old Navy will have jeans for $15 and kids jeans for $10. They are also offering Lego RockBand game FREE with any $20 purchase--while supplies last.

See how fun it is? Look at these people....don't they look like they are having fun? Clearly these are prepared shoppers. They are taking advantage of the day to the fullest possible potential.

See these people...rummaging through the paper while they wait in line. They don't look happy. They look unprepared. Sad day for them. They will likely miss out on some of the best deals.

Learn from their ignorance. (Bless their hearts.) Do your homework and have a fabulous Black Friday!

$12.48

See that huge clock? (Like you could miss it!) It was on clearance at Target for $12.48! Check those endcaps girlies. Check those endcaps. You never know when a treasure will be back there hiding. Now the story won't be complete without adding that originally the hands were a bit "floppy" but my daddy fixed them!

Deal!

I hit the motherload of sales today- 90% off all fall stuff at Hobby Lobby. Yes, 90%. AND because I am a teacher I got an additional 10% off the total sale. I gotta tell you, AnneMarie and I were downright GIDDY as we checked out. Here are a few of my finds....the most expensive item purchased was $4~




Now you do realize I will be stalking the Hobby Lobby people until they put the Christmas stuff on sale, don't you. Oh yeah...stalking like a crazy person.