Thanksgiving on a Budget

Thanksgiving for a crowd can be expensive. That being said, I'm spending much less this year because of the Grocery Smarts coupon savings techniques I've been using the last six months. I was able to save 62% on this order at Smiths. By the way, some of the items are 'stock up' items, not even planning on using them for Thanksgiving dinner!

So what did I get for $43.52? A 17-pound Butterball turkey (my second turkey for stock up), 15 cans Swanson chicken broth (stock up!), 6 Heinz turkey gravy, 4 pkgs Turkey cooking bags (2 in each - stock up), 4 boxes Mrs. Cubbinson's stuffing, 3 can Princella yams, 4 Anderson heavy whipping cream, 2 cans Dole pineapple, 1 can french fried onions, 4 bunches celery, 2 boxes Triscuits, and 2 boxes Wheat Thins.

(Also, check out Walgreen's sale this week for olives, pumpkin, chicken broth, gravy and other items.) Maximize your savings by shopping the sales AND using a coupon!

To recap:

Spent $43.52 on groceries valued at $114.61,

& Saved $71.09 (62%)

Guess what? You can do it to. Call to schedule a class!

Albertson's Rocks

In reference to my previous posts concerning the recent Albertsons promotion and the problems with the catalina coupons: I received an email from Albertsons customer service department apologizing for my not receiving the $15 bonus when I had clearly followed the guidelines of the promo. They are sending me a $25 Albertsons gift card for the inconvenience and thanked me for bringing the matter to their attention.

Moral of this story: Most corporations want their customers to be happy. (At this point I want to emphasize that I was VERY cordial when relaying the details of the problem to both Albertsons and Catalina. I never disparaged their employees or threatened any action that would be detrimental to their business.) When a situation such as this is brought to their attention, they want to do all they can to: #1 resolve the issue and guarantee that it doesn't happen again, and #2 satisfy the customer.

Please do not be intimidated by big business. In most cases, they appreciate your contacting them if you are dissatisfied. How can they be expected to solve problems that will keep people from shopping their stores if they aren't aware of those problems? Please take the time to make your voice heard. In most cases, you have everything to gain!

Shop Smart, Save More (Free)!

Okay, here's your chance to get a free copy of "Shop Smart, Save More" (a $9.95 value) just for booking a Grocery Smarts class! The author of this book is the founder of TheGroceryGame.com which is very similar to Grocery Smarts. She addresses grocery store sales cycles, stockpiling, and the need for multiple coupons. It's an informative and easy read that I think you'll enjoy. I know I did. Did I mention this is in addition to the $20 in free groceries for inviting 8 of your friends who have never attended a class? So what are you waiting for? This offer is limited to the first four who book classes.

Now is the perfect time -- the holidays are here and everyone wants to save money at the grocery store because that leaves more money for those Christmas gifts, right? You may want to team up with a friend (especially if you've already attended a Couponing 101 class) to become eligible for the Advanced Couponing Class. Your first couponing class is just the tip of the iceberg. Become eligible for the advanced class by hosting 12 people who have never attended a class. Then I'll schedule a time to sit down with you and another person (see the benefit in teaming up with someone else to host a class?) and share ways to increase your savings even more!

Catalina Print Failure

After speaking to Albertsons corporate office concerning their current promo which promises a $15 bonus when purchasing $30 in participating items, I was given the number for the Catalina Coupon office. (See previous post) When I called the number (1-888-826-8766) an automated system informed that if you believe you did not receive a coupon print to which you where entitled, you could send the information via email. I sent the information this morning and am anticipating a response within 48 hours and will keep you posted as info is received.

I know that there are many others who should have received the bonus and did not. If you have your receipt, email ncsc@catalinamarketing.com. Include the store information, the purchase information (how much in participating items you purchased, amount of coupons deducted from the transaction, and your personal information - name, address, phone) and any other details you believe will help resolve the issue.

The purpose in being proactive in this matter is to help ensure these types of glitches do not occur in the future. Many I've spoken to, especially new couponers, believed they had miscalculated the amounts on the participating items they purchased. Please take the few minutes required and follow through. Whatever the response from Catalina, you will know you have done all you can to resolve the issue.

$30 Before or After Coupons?

This week's Albertsons General Mills promo has stirred some controversy with local couponers. On Wednesday morning (as posted earlier) I was able to generate three $15 bonuses at the Albertsons on E. Charleston and Sloan. Each of my multiple transactions totaled just over $30 BEFORE coupons were deducted. Each transaction generated the $15.00 catalina coupon. I've received calls and have been following the posts on the Pinching Your Pennies forum concerning shoppers who were not receiving the $15 when their orders were under $30 once coupons were deducted from their totals. I can't explain the difference in policy from my early transactions and those of other shoppers later in the week.

The ad states "Minimum purchase requirement excludes manufacturer and store coupons". I think I was fortunate early in the sale (Wednesday morning) to receive the deal I received. It's possible Albertsons corrected the glitch and is now following the policy stated on the coupon.

I understand the frustration in fine tuning your grocery list to hit the $30 mark before coupons and then not getting the bonus. Lesson learned. SO, for the remainder of this promotion (and in the future with similar coupon restrictions) we need to closely follow the store's requirements to receive bonuses. There is no benefit in our arguing with store personnel who are only doing their job; showing courtesy is always the best policy.

UPDATE!

Saturday afternoon I spoke with the store manager at my Albertsons. I had tested the current bonus promo by purchasing enough promo items to total over $30 after coupons had been deducted. The catalina did not print. The manager (who was so apologetic) said by using any coupon in your transaction, that triggers the catalina machine to not print the bonus. So it didn't matter that $30 in promo items had been purchased above the minimum purchase requirement. If buying promo items, she said, I should not use my coupons and receive the catalina bonus -- then go to the customer service counter and show my coupons and receive the coupon amount in cash. What a hassle!

When I returned home, I called the Albertsons corporate office because I am concerned this may be the new coupon policy at Albertsons. Corporate office said under their store policy, there was no reason the bonus should not have been given. They referred me to the catalina offices, which were closed on Saturday evening. I will be calling the catalina office on Monday morning. More later.

Sweet Savings

When I saw the weekly grocery ads Tuesday, I was so excited! I checked through the Grocery Smarts listings, decided what I needed, gathered my coupons and I was ready to shop. Fortunately, there were no glitches in my morning so I was able to get out early and accomplish quite a bit in a short period of time. Gathering everything together will help you be prepared for when you can find the time to shop.

At Albertsons, I spent $50.59, saved $106.55 on groceries valued at $157.14!

And I still have $15.00 in register rewards to use on my next trip. I was able to trip the General Mills promo three times! When you spend $30 on specific items, you receive three $5.00 register coupons to use on your next shopping trip.

On my CVS trip, I spent $29.87, saved $65.77 on an order totaling $95.64

That Ice Age DVD only cost me $2.99 after making qualifying purchases (Dasani water and M&M's) for a $15.00 discount. There is also an additional $2/1 coupon available here.

(this coupon no longer available)

And finally, My Vons trip: I spent $38.00, saved $42.58 on an order totaling $80.58

So altogether I spent $118.46, saved $214.90 on items totaling $333.36. If I were paying myself for my savings, I saved over $70 an hour on these three trips. Well worth the effort, I think!

Organizing Your Coupons

I'm often asked how I organize my coupons -- so here's a little peek into my coupon world. When I first began received multiple Sunday newspapers (I get 4 papers each Sunday but have recently added another subscription for 5 total) I kept them in sheet protectors in a three-ring binder. All the Smart Source inserts for one date were kept in one sleeve, all the Red Plum inserts were kept together in another and so on. The most recent inserts were placed at the front of the notebook.

As you might imagine, it wasn't too long before my notebook was bursting at the seams. The sheet protectors were sliding all over the place and it just wasn't working for me anymore. So I bought a plastic file box. All the Smart Source inserts for a particular date are clipped together and each packet is filed in a folder. I keep all the Smart Source inserts in one file, all the Red Plums in another. There is no need to label the files -- the Smart Sources are in the front, the Red Plums behind them and any miscellaneous inserts (P&G, Kelloggs, etc.) are kept behind those. These inserts are also filed by date so they're easy to pull when I'm ready to clip coupons.

Just for my convenience, I bought a filing box with a separate lift top with several small compartments. Everything I need is in one place. There are micro binder clips so I can keep my inserts together; these binder clips are also used for clipping my coupons to the back of my grocery shopping list. The scissors for clipping and the Sharpie for marking my inserts are also close at hand. This filebox sits under my computer desk for maximum convenience.

Keeping my coupons organized and having the tools at hand have saved an enormous amount of time! We need to remember - while trying to save money (which is important), time is also a valuable commodity. Hope this helps!

Last Taste of Summer?

Ribs are on sale at Smiths this week. It's not a fantastic price, but enough that I will still have a pretty decent savings. I'm planning some ribs for our family dinner tomorrow night. It's always been a family favorite -- especially for my boys. I thought I would make some cole slaw and maybe some baked potatoes, some corn. A splurge like this can be justified when I'm consistently saving so much on my groceries. And besides, it feels like the last days of summer. When the weather starts to change, my cooking habits seem to follow pretty closely behind. This will probably be my last 'summer dinner' this year. You might want to check out this easy bbq ribs recipe at kraftfoods.com

A Sale Is a Sale Is a Sale

A sale is a sale is a sale, right? Maybe not. The level of excitement I feel when using my Grocery Smarts coupons is dependent on what I need at the time. I'm happiest when I've purchased exactly what I needed and saved mega bucks at the same time. It may sound crazy, but I enjoy the shopping experience so much more since learning about and applying the Grocery Smarts concepts.

Here are a few tips that have helped me in the short time I've been Grocery Smarts shopping:

1. Know your needs in advance of the sales.
Keep a list on your refrigerator or somewhere convenient. When your stock is getting low, put that item on the list. Of course it's better if you can replenish before your completely out of something, it gives you more leeway when watching for a sale. If you must buy a necessity when you don't have a coupon or it is not on sale, buy only as much as you need to get you by until you can buy the item the right way -- on sale and with a coupon. Refer to your list as you're planning your shopping trip.

2. Be patient.
While I was building my coupon collection as a 'newbie', I was sometimes frustrated at the limited number of coupons I had on stock. Don't sweat it. In time, those coupons will accumlate. Slowly but surely, your shelves will fill with the items you need and you'll feel the satisfaction of saving money while meeting the needs of your family.

3. Stick to your list.

Once in the store, don't be swayed to make frivolous purchases. Know what you want, get what you need and only what you need, and the savings will happen.

4. Take the store ad with you.
I try to circle things on the ad that match up to the items on my list. If I ever have a question about the specifics, I don't have to waste time trying to find it on the circular. You know what it's like . . . sometimes there are so many items listed you're eyes get sore searching! But never fear! If you forget to take yours from home, you can usually pick one up at the front of the store.

5. If you can't find something . . . ASK a store employee!
There have been times when I have searched and searched and not found the sale item. Occasionally the store has not had the sale item in stock. Ask for help. Store personnel have even offered to make substitutions for me! You will never know what the possibilities are if you don't ask. Most importantly -- ask POLITELY. The grocery clerks at the stores in my neighborhood know I am a couponer. Because I make it a point to always treat them with respect, they have done the same for me.

And last of all, enjoy the experience! I hope you'll feel the sense of accomplishment as you recognize what little time you are spending in planning your shopping trips is paying off in huge savings.

Just a Quick Trip to Smiths!

Spent $46.16
Saved $72.10 (61%)

Okay, so you know I already made a grocery run to Albertsons this week and saved some big bucks, but I couldn't resist a trip to Smiths to pick up a few items I needed there, too. By far, my greatest savings came with the pork loin roasts. I bought three of them for about $5 each. Can't beat that price! I'm looking forward to putting them in the crock pot for some yummy pulled pork. I love crock pot cooking because I can get dinner done early in the day and not worry about it when my day is particularly busy. So I saved money buying the roasts and I'll save time cooking them. A good deal all around.

Albertsons Deals 10/14 thru 10/20

*****
STAR STRUCK
*****

Albertson's has come back this week with some more fantastic buys! There are some great five star deals you'll have to check out; but be sure you don't miss the General Mills promo. You'll save $10 on your next shopping trip when you buy $25 in participating products. So many five stars . . . too many to mention. You'll have to check it out for yourselves at the Grocery Smarts website. Okay, so I'll mention a few: Betty Crocker - snack items and potatoes; Chex mixes; General Mills cereals; Green Giant vegetables; Pillsbury biscuits, cookies and rolls; Progresso soups; and Yoplait yogurt and Go-gurts.

Of course the secret to maximizing your savings is in using the multiple coupons you're getting in your Sunday newspaper inserts. Not getting multiple Sunday newspapers? Call me for a great deal. You can also find extra printables thanks to our Grocery Smarts listmaker who searches out all the great coupons available for our convenience.
I'm headed to the store today. I'll update later and let you know how it goes!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Total value: $255.42, Total Out of Pocket: $79.28
Total Savings: $176.14

69% Savings Overall

Here's how it went:
1st order: 10 Go-gurts
Total: $37.90
Preferred savings: 6.00
Big Relief price cut savings: $6.90
Coupon savings: 6.20
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.03
Total OOP: 16.77
+ Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~~~
2nd order: 2 boxes Fiber One cereal
6 boxes Golden Grahams
5 boxes Betty Crocker specialty potatoes
1 can Green Giant corn
Total: $46.76
Preferred Savings: 13.67
Big Relief price cut savings: $8.00
Coupon savings: 16.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.51
Total OOP: $6.58
+Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~~~
3rd order: 4 Progressive Broth
4 cans Green Giant corn
4 cans Green Giant green beans
2 Pillsbury Orange Danish refrig. rolls
4 Green Giant frozen steamer vegetables
Total: $42.64
Preferred Savings: 16.03
Big Relief price cut savings: 1.65
Coupon savings: 14.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.50
Total OOP: $8.46
+ Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
~~~~~~~~
4th order: 3 Betty Crocker Warmers
6 Progressive Broth
2 Pillsbury Grand refrig. biscuits
2 Pillsbury crescent rolls
3 Go-gurt
Total: $41.37
Preferred Savings: 13.12
Big Relief price cut savings: 1.80
Coupon savings: $15.55
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 2.65
Total OOP: $8.25
+Plus received $10.00 to be used on future order
and $2.50 from the GoGurt purchases
~~~~~~~~~~
5th order: 2 loaves Orowheat Bread
Albertsons string cheese (24)
6 Marie Callendars frozen entrees
2 Crest toothpaste
2 Ground Turkey
1 Beef Roast
1 Iceberg lettuce
3.48 lbs Honeycrisp apples
Total: $86.75
Preferred Savings: 19.51
Big Relief Price cut savings: $5.30
Coupon Savings: 17.00
Albertsons 10% keytag savings: 5.72
Total OOP: 39.22
~~~~~~~~~~

I divided my cart into multiple orders to trip the General Mills $10 rebate when you purchase $25 in listed items. I shopped mid-morning when traffic at the store was light so I'm less of an intrusion for other shoppers -- although my savings almost always draws the attention of other shoppers in line behind me. I used each of my $10 credits on the order that followed (it shows up in the coupon total).
***********************************
To explain, in early September I received an Albertsons keytag in the mail. It was a random mailing, not associated with my Albertsons preferred card. The mailer was addressed to "Resident." Anytime I shop Albertsons I use the keytag for additional savings through October 31st!
***********************************
Sorry for the long post . . . but I just wanted to mention that my renewal for my multiple newspaper subscriptions is due this month. Can I just tell you that the savings realized on this shopping trip alone would have paid my renewal fee over . . and over . . .and over again!

Smokin' Albertson's Deals!

I Spent $110.82, Saved $152.00

I just got back from a VERY successful Albertson's trip. Sorry there's no picture. But you'll find some great Quaker deals and some other Mix and Match promos where you'll receive savings instantly on your order (no receipt vouchers to use on your next shopping trip) so you won't have to roll you orders. When you add your multiple coupons to the instant savings promos -- that equals amazing savings! Sale is on through next Tuesday night.

Walgreens Trip 9/29

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $6.99

2 Nyquil 2/$10.00

Gillette Fusion Razor Cartridges $12.99

Emergen-c Immune $3.49

Venus Razor $7.99

3 Pantene Mousse 3/$10.00

Sub-Total: $54.45

Coupons used:

vaseline lotion - 1.50

(2) nyquil 1.00ea - 2.00

venus razor - 2.00

Walgreens $5 off $25 order - 5.00

Total coupons: $10.50

~~~~~~

Sub-Total: $43.94

~~~~~

rr used: 2.50 Thermacare

6.00 SoftSheen Carson
(2) 1.00 Glade
(2) 2.00 P&G
Total rr: $14.50

Sub-Total: $29.44

Tax: 4.41

Total OOP: $33.85

~~~~~~

rr received:

3.00 Chapstick

7.00 Vaseline lotion

5.00 Nyquil

4.00 Venus razor

3.50 Emergen-c

Total rr received: $22.50

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then I bought:

64 oz. Softsoap $5.00

Bounce Dryer Bar $3.99

Oral B Advantage 1-2-3 toothbrush $3.00

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $6.99

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99

Nestle Crunch Bar .89

Total: $22.86

Tax: 1.78

Sub- Total $24.64

~~~~~~

Coupons used:

-1.50, Vaseline lotion

-1.00, Bounce dryer bar

Total coupons used: 2.50

~~~~~~

rr used:

-3.50 emergen-c

-3.00 chapstick

-4.00 venus

-5.00 nyquil

Total rr used: 15.50

Total OOP: 6.64

~~~~~~
rr received:
$7.00 Vaseline lotion
$3.00 Oral B Toothbrush
$3.00 Chapstick
Total rr received: $13.00

~~~~~~

Two order total: $83.50
OOP: $40.49
Remaining rr: $20.00
Savings: $43.01 + rr ($20.00) 75% SAVINGS!

SAVE NOW!!

$5 Off your $25 Walgreens Purchase
Valid Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 ONLY!
This in-store coupon is available at the following link:
http://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/5off25.jsp
To qualify for the savings, your order must total $25.00

before taxes &
after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons.
Get going ladies!

Weekly Shopping - 50% Savings Goal

This week, aside from my Smith's snack and cereal visit, I was able to save $65.57 on my weekly shopping at Albertsons. The total of my transactions was $119.94. I paid $54.37. While this isn't my best Albertsons shopping trip, I still saved 55% on my total order. If you spend $50, you should be able to realize at least $50 in savings. If you spend $40, you should be saving at least $40. If you aren't, please call me! Attend a Grocery Smarts class. Get your friends together (you know they want to save money, too!) and hold a class in your home. You can earn free groceries. Ask me how! If you've already been to a class, let me help refresh the shopping tips you learned there. With the economic times we're all facing, now is the time to work towards getting the greatest return on the money you spend.

Because I'm Grandma

Because I'm Grandma, I'm expected by certain younger, shorter people in my family to have my pantry fully stocked with the favorite snack items. Fruit by the Foot is the current favorite. My children (who pay the dental bills) have disallowed these items in their own homes (but I did mention I was the Grandma, right?). So as you can see, I am now prepared. Interestingly enough I'm finding the '3 month coupon rule' is very accurate. Coupons on most items will 'recycle' at least once approximately every three months. The last time I stocked this item was in June when I found a 'killer' sale on them at Vons. I was down to one box in the pantry when I caught this sale at Smith's this week. :) I was able to buy 12 boxes of cereal and 16 boxes of Fruit by the Foot for a total of $22.82.
Total value of sale: $83.72
Coupon & store savings: $60.90
Total OOP: $22.82

Albertsons Gas Rewards

"Albertsons Gas Rewards Program is being discontinued. 9/21/09 is the last day you may earn Gas Rewards. Gas Rewards issued on or before 9/21/09 will be honored until they expire." This is the notice printed on my Albertsons receipt today. Just be aware; don't let your gas savings expire before you can use them!

Walgreens continues to be one of my favorite places to shop! You'll see what I purchased today below and the savings are incredible. But while you're in the store, please look for he Walgreens "Children's Activity Book" at the camera or pharmacy department. Your kids will enjoy the activities, and you will love the coupons:

Neosporin, $2 off
Band-Aid Bandages, $2 off
Children's Benadryl, $1 off
Flavored Tylenol, $1 off
Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer, $5 off
Huggies diapers or training pants, $1 off
Gerber tooth & gum cleaner, $1 off
Zooth or Oral-B Stages toothbrushes, $1 off
Listerine, $1 off
L'il Critters Gummy Vites, $2 off
Walgreens Children's Allergy Relief, $.50 off
Walgreens Childrens's Ibuprofen 100, $.50 off
Crayola Color Explosion or Color Wonder, $1 off

Today's Shopping Trip:
2 Neosporin ointment, $3.99 each, $3 rr wyb 2
($2.00 coupon, childrens activity book, $.50 mfr coupon, SS 6/28)
3 Degree deodorant, $1.99 each on sale
2 Kleenex, $.89 each on sale
1 Glade soy candle, free with mfr coupon
2 Walgreens activity books, $.99 each
1 True North nut clusters, $3.00, $3 rr
2 Triaminic children's thin strips, 2/$10.00, $5 rr

Total value: $47.59
Coupons used: $29.50
Wag advertised savings: $9.26
OOP: $8.83

Register rewards received to be used on my next trip: $11.00
All together, a very rewarding trip!

General Mills Savings

Don't miss the General Mills coupons in today's paper. When you are receiving multiple Sunday newspapers, make sure you check closely through all the sales ads in that first newspaper. This booklet was an unexpected bonus for me. I didn't want you to miss these great coupons!

I'm So Excited!

I've been using Grocery Smarts since May, but I began tracking my savings in the middle of August. From August 15 through August 31, I bought $679.50 worth of groceries and household items. (Btw, this is unusually high for me, but I stocked up on some over-the-counter medications that I just couldn't pass up.) I saved $379.71 and spent $299.79 out of pocket. That's an average savings of 57%! By "household items" I mean things like toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Of course my individual sales receipts vary in their percentages saved, but having almost 60% savings overall on things I use everyday is exciting to me. I should probably mention that my husband is VERY happy with the savings. He always asks, "How much did you save today?" By taking the extra few minutes to search the Grocery Smarts website and organize my coupons before leaving my house, I am saving so much money! Let me show you how. Call me or email me and schedule a class. I would love to show you how you can do the very same thing . . . save money . . . every week!!