Saving Money vs. Spending

I am a shopping addict.

Corporate America knows exactly how to lure me in to buying their products.

It is so easy to get whatever you want without thinking about the cost.

It is hard not to fall into the trap of "keeping up with the Jones's".

However, I am trying to avoid unnecessary spending. One way that I do this is obviously through bargain shopping. I have cut my grocery bills dramatically. I used to spend $400/month. I have cut that in half at least, usually spending $30-$50/week (depends on the deals...).

I was recently complaining to my husband that I hated our carpet. To me it looked dirty, and I have always wanted wood floors. So, I have been determined, even looking around, that we would be able to install these within the next few months (or when we do our 08 tax returns).

I got to thinking that this is really taking me away from my goals of becoming debt free. So, I thought about why I wanted the new floors so bad. Mainly because the carpets were dirty. Especially with the storms we have been having, our dog Bella has been having more accidents at night. She is too scared to go out when it is thundering.

Here was my solution (although, one day, when we are out of debt, I still want to upgrade our flooring):

I needed to figure out how to get my carpets clean.

• I did a 30/70 solution of peroxide to water. Then I added 1/2 tsp of baking soda. I sprayed this on the pet stains. Then I soaked it up with a towel. (This was to get rid of the odor)
• Then I cleaned my carpets with my steam cleaner using a water and vinegar solution.
• I went over them again with clean, warm water.
  

They are really clean and the smell is out! Amazing!

I think I may add a couple of bar stools, and refinish my dining room table.

Cost: about $150.

Savings: thousands...

Feeling of being in more control: priceless :)

Do you have any great ideas for easy cleaning without harsh chemical products? I think it is crazy that there are so many products for cleaning. I would really like to get back to the basics in that area.

Here's to feeding the pig and being happy with what you have!

Walgreen's September FREE after rebate

Get the following items FREE after rebate. Use coupons to make money on these deals.

• Excedrin Express Gels, 20 pack: $3.99
• Nivea for Men Body Wash, 16.9 oz: $4.99 $1/1 from 7/20 SS
• L'Oreal RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate, 1 oz: $16.49 $3/1 from 7/20 SS
• Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, 4.2 oz: $3.79 $.75/1 from 8/3 P&G
• Chemistry Hair Care: $7.99
• LypSyl Lip Moisturizer: $1.99
• Revlon Nail Color: $4.79 $2/1 from 8/24 SS
• Walgreens Acid Controller Complete, 25 ct: $7.99

Here's the math:

Total: $52.02

Total-Coupons: $45.27

10% Bonus when added to gift card:

Total Rebate: $57.22

Money Made: $11.95

Use current gift cards and register rewards for less OOP.

The gift card you receive never expires and you can use it for future FREE after rebate monthly items.

If you go today, use a $10/$40 coupon here to make $21.95 on this month's offers!

Best Prices List

I have started compiling a list of the best prices on things we get regularly on sale with coupons. This will help everyone know what the "best" price is. I know when I first started couponing, I would buy something that I thought was a "good" deal, and then the next week it would be free or almost free. It is sometimes like a gamble.

So, I thought it would be a good idea to compile a list that will help everyone.

This will allow everyone to collaborate and comparison shop. Sometimes Costco and Wal-Mart are still the better deals. There are also coupons that many people know are a great deal at certain stores (like the Huggies Clean Team wipes and FREE Johnson's Buddies Bars).

I have started a Google Doc that anyone who wants to work on is free to. If you would like to help with this ongoing project, please e-mail me at livingprovidently@gmail.com and I will give you access.

I am also hoping to have a fall coupon class/workshop here in Queen Creek, so this may be a useful tool for that class. Please let me know if you are interested in that, or helping out!

Happy shopping!

Coupon Organizing When You Don't Have Time to Clip!

I have had to take a step back from my binder. I simply don't have time to clip each and every coupon I use. Here is the method to my coupon madness:

1. Get a file folder bin.
2. Put in some hanging file folders.
3. Disperse about 26-30 file folders throughout the hanging ones.
4. Don't label anything just yet...
5. When you get your coupons on Sunday, take the inserts out.
6. Collate the inserts.
7. Place the inserts in the first available file folder.
8. Label the folder with the date (i.e. 8/24)
9. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

Walla! Your coupons are all organized.

Now, how do you find them, you ask? Click here to view the best deals brought to you by the amazing people at Pinching Your Pennies and contributors. If the coupon says 8/24 SS, go to the file you have labeled 8/24. Find the Smart Source insert and clip the coupon.

Less clipping, more organization...

Now, if you want to search for a coupon, simply go to the PYP Sortable Coupon Link.

Here is how to find your coupons by label (thanks, PYP!):

The date in parentheses is the expiration date.

The information at the end is where the coupon can be found, and the date it was issued:

SS=Smartsource

V=Valassis/RedPlum

P&G=Proctor&Gamble

K=Kraft

LV= La Voz

PH= Presna Hispana

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions! If I don't use a coupon that I clipped, I keep it in a small purse sized coupon organizer (which I got at the Target Dollar Spot). I also do CLIP coupons that I KNOW I will use (i.e. the FREE Sara Lee Bread).

8/27 Basha's and Albertson's

I don't usually go to more than one grocery store. The deals usually cycle through the stores, plus I am a hardcore Fry's/CVS junkie... But, there are a few great deals to be had at the "other" stores this week. If you are in the area, stop by, but I wouldn't personally make a special trip. I don't usually have the time to shop multiple stores just to score every deal. I think I might make an exception this week! Basha's and Alberton's are both tripling coupons this week!

Happy shopping!

Basha's

Minute Maid Fruit Punch or Pink Lemonade 5 for $5
USE: Minute Maid Lemonade 64oz cartons or 2-Liters, any variety $1/2 (8-31-08) SS-6/29
Final Price: .50
This would be a good one to ad match at Wal-Mart since you don't have to worry about the coupon doubling! :)

Egg-Land’s Best Large Eggs $2.29
USE: Eggland's Best Eggs, any size .35/1 (9-30-08) LV-5/7 Eggland's Best Eggs, any size .35/1 (9-30-08) SS-5/4
Final Price: $1.29

McCormick Taco or Grill Mates Seasoning 2 for $1
USE: McCormick Grill Mates Blend, Marinade or Spice Rub, any .25/1 (8-31-08) RP-5/4 McCormick Seasoning Blend, Spice or Herb, any .25/1 (8-31-08) RP-5/4
Final Price: FREE

Skippy Peanut Butter 15-16.3oz $1.99
USE: Skippy Peanut Butter any .55/1 DND (10-31-08) LV-7/30 Skippy Peanut Butter Products, any 15 oz. or larger $1/2 (11-9-08) RP-8/17
Final Price: .99 - $1.49
This would be a good one to ad match at Wal-Mart since you don't have to worry about the coupon doubling! :)

Motts Apple Sauce 23-24oz .99
USE: Mott's Apple Sauce Products .55/2 (10-10-08) SS1-8/10
Final Price: .49

Albertson's

Corn on the Cob- Sweet .20ea *good to ad-match at Wal-Mart

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad $1.00
Use: Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Mix, any flavor .50/2 (10-4-08) lv2-8/10 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Mix, any flavor .50/2 (10-4-08) SS2-8/10Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad .40/1 printable @ BettyCrocker.com
FINAL PRICE: .20-.50ea

French's Mustard $1.00
Use: French's Mustard any .30/1 (8-31-08) SS-6/22
FINAL PRICE: .10ea

Nursery Water gallon $1.00
Use: 55¢ on two one-gallon bottles printable @ NurseryWater.com
FINAL PRICE: $.73ea

Hefty Foam Plates $1.00
Use: Hefty, Hefty Hearty Meals, or Hefty Elegantware plates or bowls .55/1 (11-30-08) RP-5/18
FINAL PRICE: FREE

Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap B1G1F (save up to $1.99)
Use: Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, any 7.5 oz. or 12 oz. .35/1 (9-13-08) SS-8/24
FINAL PRICE: Varies
Since this is a store B1G1 you can use 2 manufacture's coupons. If they are each $1.99 you can use 2 coupons. The .35 q will triple to $1.00 off. So here's the math $1.99-$1-$1=0. So you should be able to get both FREE!

Thanks, Pinching Your Pennies for some information!

To take advantage of double/triple coupons, check out PYP's sortable AZ coupon list! You can easily search for a coupon! Let me know if you see any GREAT deals out there. Click here for the list.

Fry's Deal: Week of 8/27

Dole Salad Kits: $1.00

Keebler Cookies: $1.88
Use: $1/2 from 8/3
Final: $1.38

Pepsi: Buy 4 get 1 Free
Final: $2.40

Kroger Cheese: 50% off
Final: Price Varies

French's Mustard: $1.00
Use: $.30/1 from 6/22 SS
Final: $.40

Pringles: $.97

Holsum Bread: $1.99
Use: $.55/1 from 8/24
Final: $.99

Sara Lee Bread: Free after q from 8/17

Cottonelle 4 Pack: $.99-$1.39
Use: $.50/1 from 8/24
Final: FREE-$.39

Not a great week, but these are what I thought were the best deals!

CVS Deals: Week of 8/24

All Revlon Cosmetics are B1G1.
Prices start at $3.49
Use 2 $2/1 Q's to get $3.49 items FREE.
(this is probably nail polish)
CVS.COM has Revlon Nail Polish for $4.59. If you buy 2, you get $4 off with qs, so $.59 for 2 nail polish. Price may vary by location.

Kotex Liners: $1.49, get $1.49 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 from August All You
Final: FREE + overage

There's not a whole lot this week! Hopefully CVS will pick up... :)

*There is a $25 gift card coupon in today's ad when you transfer a prescription. It does not expire until October. Keep in mind Fry's accepts competitors coupons so hold onto it if you have prescriptions.*

30 day water supply

I found this website that has used water barrels for $20. They are in Glendale. It says they will deliver, but I don't know how much.

http://www.arizonabarrels.com/

Fry's Deals (thru 8-26)

Since school started, I haven't had a whole lot of time to post. Here are the best deals I found for the week:

Cheerios: $1.77
Use: $1/1 q from cheerios challenge
Final: $.77
*There is also a $.55/1 coupon on www.shortcuts.com

Nature Valley, Fiber One, Curves Bars: $1.00 wyb 2 (limit 2 per transaction)
Use: various coupons on www.bettycrocker.com and recent inserts)
Final: FREE

Cottonelle 4 pack: $.99 (at Combs and Gantzel)
Use: $.50/1 from 8/24
Final: FREE

Hot Pockets Panini: $2.00 ($5 off your order WYB $20 Nestle products)
Use: $.50/1 from 8/24
Final: $.50 each after promo

Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat: $2.50
Use: $.50/1
Final: $1.50 + free Sara Lee Bread wyb 2 lunchmeats

Trident Gum: $1
Use. $.75/1 from August All You Magazine
Final: FREE

Glade Scented Oil Plugins: $3.99
Use: $4.00/1 from recent insert or B1G1 from 8/24 insert
Final: FREE

Peaches: $.88/lb

Grapes: $.77/lb

Don't forget to use your FREE bread coupon for Sara Lee from last weeks insert.

Fry's Deals:Week of 8/6

Prices are valid at Combs/Gantzel. May vary at other Fry's locations.

*Shamrock 1/2 gallons are $.75 at Combs and Gantzel.*

Strawberries: $.97/lb/

Coke 12 packs: 3/$9 + 2 free snacks (see ad)

Nature Valley, Fiber One and Curves Bars: 4/$4 (limit 2 rewards per transaction, i.e. 8 total)
Use: various coupons from 7/13 SS, http://www.bettycrocker.com/, http://www.boodle.com/.
Final Price: FREE-$.40.

Pillsbury Pizza Crust: $1.00
Use: .35/1 from 7/13 SS
Final: $.30

Starkist Tuna: $1.00
Use: $1/2 q
Final: $.50

Sara Lee Bread: B1G1

Zucchini: $1.25/lb

Emergency Essentials August Group Specials

Potato Slices are $6.00/#10 can when wyb 12 or more. These are regularly $8.75.

Celery pieces are $12.00/#10 can wyb 12 or more. These are regularly $22.95.

Butter powder is $16.00/#10 can wyb 6 or more. These are regularly $22.95.

Click here to see all group specials.

We get FREE shipping when we meet any one of the group special minimums for the entire order.

Click here to see all products offered by Emergency Essentials.

I will be placing the order towards the end of the month. Please e-mail me at livingprovidently@gmail.com if you are interested in ordering.