The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give. - Walt Whitman

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Saving and Storing Coupons

Saving weekly coupons will be important for scoring many of our deals. If you don't get the Sunday paper, I'd suggest buying one each Sunday or asking a friend for their coupons (if they don't use them) I thought I'd share with you my method for storing them.
I used to flip through the weekly coupon inserts and cut them all out! I'd then store them in a coupon file and keep it in my purse. Needless to say, it was time consuming and totally unnecessary. But, totally me. I always do things the hard way first! My good friend suggested I keep the inserts in clear sheet protectors inside of a 3 ring notebook. Genius! (Thanks, Erika!)
So this is how it looks today:



I'd recommend saving your Sunday coupon leaflets in whichever way you think will work best for you. This way works best for me and uses minimal space. Just don't forget to write the date on the outside of the booklet for easy reference. (Seems like a no-brainer, I know, but I forget often!)

 

$0.72 Dawn Dishwashing Detergent at Rite Aid

Week # 3 January 30- Feb. 5

Rite Aid has Dawn Dishwashing Detergent on sale this week for $.97

What you'll need: A coupon from the P&G brandSaver coupon booklet from 12/26/10. (Have I mentioned saving coupons each week from Sunday's paper? Post to come!) This will save you $.25, making the Dawn only $0.72!  Heads up: this coupon expires on 1/31 so you'll have to get to Rite Aid quickly!

Happy Shopping! Happy Giving!

Friday, January 21, 2011

"Free-ish" Crest Pro-Health Rinse at CVS

Week #2 January 23-29

This deal falls under the category of what I call,  free-ish. Basically, you will get back whatever money you spend, but it will be in the form of "store cash" that you can spend on your next transaction. Each of the three major drug stores have their own program. (I'll post more about the specific store programs soon.)

What you'll need:  No coupons are needed, but you will need a CVS Extra Care Card. (You can sign up easily at the regsiter)

What you'll buy:  Crest Pro-Health or Pro-Health Complete Rinse 16.9 oz. Pay $3.99 and receive $3.99 in Extra Care Bucks ( ECB). If you shop CVS regularly, like me, this is a great deal! If you don't shop here regularly, I understand that this may not be a deal for you. You'll have to make a subsequent trip to spend the ECB to make it worth your while.

Happy Shopping! Happy Giving!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Deal #1 Week of 1/16-1/22 $0.79 toothbrush or toothpaste

I promised this one was easy!

What you'll need: Walgreens weekly ad. If you tossed it, they are available in the front of the store. Find the in-ad coupon for Colgate Dental Care. (It is actually on the little half page surrounding the ad.)

What you'll buy: This coupon can get you Colgate toothpaste (4.6 oz) or an Extra Clean toothbrush for $0.79.  The limit is 2 per coupon.



Happy Shopping! Happy Giving!

Blog Launch!

This is happening!!
 The idea for this blog has been rolling around in my head for months. Today, I finally found the inspiration to get started.  I took a box of items I've been collecting for the past year down to Redlands Family Services. (See pic below) These were all purchased for very little or no money using coupons and savvy shopping. (One of my favorite hobbies!) As I dropped off these items, I thought to myself: What if each of my friends were doing the same? So...let's do it! I'll let you know how to snag the cheap deals and together we'll work towards helping those in need.

The Plan:  Each week, I'll be posting a great shopping deal (most likely at Walgreens, CVS, or Rite-Aid) The cost of this item will total no more than $1.  Pick and choose the deals that are convenient for you and put them aside in a donation box. Let's see how much we can collect and donate to those in need!


Not bad for maybe $5 out of pocket, right?
What you'll need: Coupons from your Sunday paper, a little shopping time, and a place to store your collection.

I'll be posting the first deal shortly, and it's an easy one!!