Where have I been?

Well, it's no mystery that the economy isn't doing very well. I think we're all feeling the pinch. So, why haven't I been posting all the great deals? Well, I have a couple of reasons.
1- my favorite store Albertson's was bought out and my grocery world fell apart. The deals I love are gone and they quit honoring certain coupons or even honor their own sales. Not all the stores were bought out, but the one closest to me was, so check out you store before you take your ad in planning to get the killer deals.
2- I have been trying to save money. I realized that now would be a perfect time to eat up that food storage that I've been so carefully building over the months/years. The food needed to be recycled and I need to save money. It's been a win/win situation.

I have been keeping my shopping bill under $50.00 a week. And that's to feed a family of 6 and 2 dogs. All I really need each week is the basics and a few odds and ends here and there. The worst part about the basics is they're not always on sale, but you still need them. I have been getting a little creative and am starting to see results.

First, Smith's. I am starting to be ok with them. The prices are a little higher than I like, but their sales have gotten better. I recieved my first cash back check. It was for $6. Not a lot, but better than nothing. The best part is that the check came with about 12 other coupons that were based upon the type of things I purchased. And they were general. For example: $1.00 off canned vegitables. ANY canned vegies. Love those coupons. Also, take advantage of their mix and match. Buy 10 items get $5 off.

Next, the new Winco. They have some great deals and in-store coupons. A problem I have is they only take cash or debit. In my world that's not always possible. Secondly, there deli meat is nasty in my opinion. The kids ate it with out a complaint, but I couldn't finish a sandwich. The only good part about it was that it was $1.59/lb. You get what you pay for.

Remember Thanksgiving is coming up. Start buying things that are on sale now that will last.

Smith's: 10lb potatoes $.99

tutorial!

I am doing a little tutorial for a couple of friends tomorrow on how this whole shopping thing works. If you'd like to join us send me an email.

Smith's new rewards card

I am loving Smith's new rewards card. They will actually send you money back for shopping with them.

I've never been a great fan of Smith's. There prices can be high, and they are sneakier about the sales than other places. I consider myself a vetran of coupon shopping and they even trick me sometimes. But, that being said, they also have some of the best deals, if you're willing to sniff them out like a hound dog....All I can say is RUFF!

With Smith's new rewards card you earn points for the dollars you spend there. Some items will be a double or even triple point value. You earn $5 for the first 500 points then $1 for every 100 points there after. It's much easier to get to than it seems. I've spent about $150 there and have over 300 points, just take advantage of the triple point items.

But, this isn't my favorite part.

Once, you've gotten your new card log on to Smith's web site (click on post title for a link). Click on the rewards card logo at the top of the screen and register. You'll need you rewards card. After you register, it will bring you to a page with online coupons. Click on the links and register with your rewards card. Then select the coupons you want and they AUTOMATICALLY download to your card. When you go shopping and buy those items it takes the coupons off. How cool!

Disneyland trip

I am soooo excited to share this great news I just learned about.

Are you wondering how you could ever get to California and to Disneyland? Well, this year "go free on your Birthday" was a great way, but only one person got in free. You still had to pay for the rest of your family. Well, Disney is mixing it up next year.

Their new program is, Give a day get a Disney Day. How it works. Give a day of service, recieve a one day Disneyland/world pass. Everyone 6 and up can do it, and you can all do the service together and use the pass together.

What a great way to teach your kids about service and reward them for a job well done.

Those guys over at Disney are some smart people.

There are rules and restrictions. Click on the header and it will take you to their site. It doesn't start until January and they are only giving out 1 million tikets. (it sounds like a lot, but it's not considering this is Disney we're talking about)

Betty Crocker savings

Look to Albertson's for some great Betty Crocker savings.

Cake mix is 10 for $10. Frosting 2 for $3. General Mills cereals 2 for $4(check varieties). Frozen Green Giant Vegies 10 for $10. Plus more great deals (see add @ albertsons.com)

Plus get $5.00 off your next purchase coupon with a total purchase of $20.00.

Click on the title above or on link on my side notes for Betty Crocker online copouns.

Combine it with last weeks $5 off next purchase coupons and you could walk away owing mere pennies!

My receipt was:
purchases = 21.50
manufacture coupons = 6.75
store coupons = 12.50

Total = $2.25

I purchased: 4 cake mixes, 5 frostings, 3 progresso soups, and 3 boxes of Cocoa Puffs. Plus I recieved the coupon for $5 off next purchase.

Did you notice?

Did you notice that the Redplum coupon booklet is now being delivered in the mail? Now you don't have to subscribe to the paper to recieve the coupons. The only draw back is you can only get 1 set, instead of the 2 or 3 if you get that many papers delivered.

box top 4 education: UPDATE

So, yes it's true. The box top 4 education products are on sale. Not just at Albertson's, but at Smith's as well. I wanted to let you know the difference between the 2 stores sales. They both of pros and cons.

SALE
Albertson's: Spend $20.00 on selected bos top products recieve $5.00 off.

Smith's: Buy 10 of the same product get $0.50 off each on of those items.

PROS
Albertson's: You can mix and match products to get to the $20.00

Smith's: A lot more products to get the deals on

CONS
Albertson's: Limited products available on their sale

Smith's: You must buy 10 of the SAME thing to get the sale price, no mix and matching.

The products that are on sale at Albertson's are on sale at Smith's for the same price, if you factor in the .50 off or the $5.00 off.

Either way go to the link and print off your coupons and get the deals.

Happy shopping!