Week 42

The week before and of Christmas are being skipped. I did too much Christmas shopping in there, and with as busy as we've been, I have lost receipts. So, starting anew with week 42 December 27.

Walgreens:

Transaction 1:
3 Pepto-Bismol x 4.99 = 14.97
- 3 store coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
- 2 manu coupons x .50 = -1.00
= 10.97 (and earned 10 RR for buying 3)

2 Honey Nut Cheerios x 2.00 = 4.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.00

Milk 1.99 (and earned 2.00 in RR for getting 2 cereal and a milk)

- 5 off 20 my mother in law gave me
- 5 RR from last week

Out of pocket: 5.88
Savings: 19.90, and earned 12 RR

Transaction #2
2 Pampers x 10.00 = 20.00
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
2 tic tacs x 1.49 = 2.98
- 12 RR from first transaction
Out of pocket: 8.76
Savings: 19.98, and earned 3.50 RR for the diapers

Transaction #3 (not pictured)
Milk 1.99
2 cereal x 2.00 = 4.00
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 3.00
Tylenol for Libby = 6.00
- 1 coupon x 2.00 = -2.00
= 4.00
Popcorn = 2.99
- 3.50 RR

Out of pocket: 8.63
Savings: 11.29, and got 2 RR for the cereal

County Market

lots of ground beef = 15.99
4 bourbon marinated pork ribeyes = 4.00
lettuce, kiwi, yogurt all on sale cheap
Out of pocket: 23.31
Savings: 15.13

Meijer
Transaction #1

2 Jimmy Dean pre-cooked sausage x 2.19 = 4.38
- coupon x 2.00 = 2.00
= 2.38

2 boxes Instant Breakfast x 3.99 = 7.98
- store coupon = -1.00
- coupon = 3.00
= 3.98

Milk = FREE when you buy two Instant Breakfast

- 2.56 from a gift card

Out of pocket: 3.56
Savings: 14.81

Transaction #2
3 Beef Stew x 1.29 = 3.87
- 1 coupon x 2.00 = -2.00
= 1.87

2 Nestle fridged cookies x 1.99 = 3.98
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= .98

2 boxes Instant Breakfast x 3.99 = 7.98
- store coupon = -1.00
- coupon = 3.00
= 3.98

Milk = FREE when you buy two Instant Breakfast

1 DiGiorno flatbread melt x 1.99
- store coupon = -1.00
= .99

Out of pocket: 7.62
Savings: 16.24

Weekly spending total: 57.76
Weekly savings total: 97.35
YTD spending total: 2128.11
YTD savings total: 3154.40

Week 41

I waited too long to do this update, and I can't find my receipts anywhere. I didn't get any particularly great deals last week, but still did decently. I spent approximately 20 dollars at WalMart (mostly diapers), about 25 at Meijer (with about 15 in savings) and 2 at Walgreens (with about 10 in savings).

Weekly spending total: 37.00
Weekly savings total: 25.00
YTD spending total: 2078.98
YTD savings total: 3068.34

Week 40

Aldi's - about 18.00 out of pocket, so about 4.00 saved.

County Market-

Tons of store coupons. Best deals were 88 cent peanut butter, 69 cent canned pineapple, 1.79 for smoked sausage (that I also had 55 cent manufacturer coupons, making them only 1.24).
Out of pocket: 18.42
Savings: 19.89

Meijer

Really good stuff at Meijer's Super Saturday sale.
Dynamo detergent = 4.00
2 milk = 3.50
3 juice x 1.00 = 3.00
6 mac n cheese x .44 = 2.64

2 Quilted Northern x 2.13 (half price sale!) = 4.26
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.26

3 Kraft string cheese x 2.50 = 7.50
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 4.50 (and earned $3.00 off my next order)

Out of pocket: 16.94
Savings: 34.22

Walgreen's

2 Olay body wash x 2.99 = 5.98
2 Olay Quench lotion x 7.99 = 15.98
2 Olay in-shower lotion x 4.99 = 9.98
- 2 coupons for any lotion free when you buy a body wash x 7.99 = -15.98
- 2 free gifts from Walgreens of free in-shower lotion when you buy the Quench body wash = -9.98


6 Nivea lip care x .99 = 5.94
- 3 buy one get one coupons = -2.97
2 Nivea lotions x 7.49 = 14.98
- 2 coupons for free lotion when you buy 3 lip care = -14.98

- $5 in register rewards that I earned last week

Out of pocket: 6.91
Savings: 71.51

CVS

3 Gillette deodorant x 5.49 = 16.47
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 13.47
3 Gilette body wash x 4.99 = 14.97
- 3 coupons for free wash when you get deodorant = -14.97
= FREE
Hershey's kisses = 2.50
- coupon they emailed me = -1.00
- $4/$20 purchase they emailed me
- 10 ECBs

Out of pocket: 2.32
Savings: 34.83 (and I earned 10 ECBs for purchasing $25 in Gillette products)

Weekly spending total: 62.59
Weekly savings total: 164.45
YTD spending total: 2042.98
YTD savings total: 3043.34

Week 39

Walmart
Price matched canned corn to Shop n Save for 53 cents x 8 = 4.24
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.14

Price matched County Market for frozen veggies for .88 x 5 = 4.40
- 5 coupons x .35 = -1.75
= 2.65

Price matched canned pineapple to .88 x 3 = 2.64

Price matched some frozen dumplings to County Market x .99 = 1.97
- 3 coupons x .50 = -1.50
= 1.47

A few other random things
Out of pocket = 16.47
Savings = About 7.00 from price matching, and 5.25 in coupons for 12.25

CVS- black friday that started on thanksgiving
I wish that I had some Extra Care Bucks to pay for this stuff with, but their sales have not been that great recently, and I used my ready-to-expires on things like milk. So, I paid cash for my first transaction, but I got lots of EBCs back! I can start rolling them again!
transaction #1:
1 contact solution x 8.99 = 8.99 (earned 8.99)
2 Herbal Essences shampoo x 2.88 = 5.76 (earned 4.00)
2 Herbal Essences stylers x 4.29 = 8.58
- 2 coupons for free stylers when you buy a shampoo/conditioner = - 8.58
2 Colgate Total x 2.88 = 5.76 (earned 4.00)
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
1 Degree deodorant x 4.00 = 4.00
- $5/$30 coupon they emailed me
Out of pocket: 19.42
Savings: 21.99, and earned 20.99

Transaction #2:
1 Vaseline lotion x 7.99 = 7.99 (earned 7.99)
1 contact solution x 8.99 = 8.99 (earned 8.99)
- 8.99 and 4.00 and 4.00 ECBs earned above
$1 donation to whatever they were asking for...
Out of pocket: 1.70
Savings: 17.99, and earned 16.98!

So, my first trip to CVS in over a month, I spent a total of 21.12, saved 39.98 and have 20.98 to keep rolling! Yeah!!!!

Another trip to CVS....
2 energy shot things x 4.99 = 9.98 (earned 9.98)
earbuds x 6.99 = 6.998 (earned 6.99)
reece's cups (cause i love my husband, and they gave back ECBs!) = .89 (earned .89)
- 16.98 EBCs
= 1.59 out of pocket, 19.98 in savings, and earned 17.86 ECBs

Walgreens
black friday that started on thursday....
I did a total of 9 transactions at Walgreens this week. All in all, I got:
aquafresh 2 x 1.99 = 3.98 (earned 3.98)
infusium 2 x 4.99 = 9.98 - 2 coupons x 1.00 = 7.98 (earned 9.98)
body wash 4 x 5.99 = 23.96 (earned 23.96)
right guard 3 x 2.49 = 7.47 (earned 7.47)
dove 3 x 3.99 = 11.97 - 1 coupon x 1.00 = 10.97 (earned 11.97)
nivea 3 x 2.49 = 7.47 - 3 coupons x 1.00 = 4.47 (earned 7.47)
milk, pizzas, popcorn, crayons, cheap candy as fillers, etc, a few of which also gave a small amount of register rewards.
out of pocket: 23.95
register rewards earned: 63.50 (11 left for next time)
Total savings: 91.97

This is one of those weeks when I am over my budget, but it's really misleading. Several of the things I paid out of pocket for (like, crayons, energy drink, etc) shouldn't count in my 60. I try to keep myself to 60 for the "household" and "food" items. So, even though I show as over this week, I really don't think I am. But, I am willing to show the overage on my weekly budget, so that I can also show the crazy savings! :-)

Weekly spending total: 63.13
Weekly savings total: 164.18
YTD spending total: 1980.39
YTD savings total: 2878.89

Current ECB balance: 21.86
Current register rewards balance: 11.00

Week 38

Shop n Save
No picture. Sorry.

4 Heinz sausage gravy x .75 = 3.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 1.00

2 Maxwell House Coffee x 4.98 = 9.96
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 8.96

8 bags shredded cheese x 1.00 = 8.0

Milk, diapers, produce, bread, etc.

Out of pocket = 43.71
Savings = 47.60 (mostly just the sale prices!)

Meijer

A note about the cat food: I costs 6.19 a bag at Meijer. Meijer has a 5.00 off Purina One food on their website. It's good through the end of December. I print one out every time I am going shopping to get cheap cat food. The cost and savings don't count (because it's not people-stuff), but it does usually end up in the picture. This picture, for example. Because Phillip is usually the arranger of the groceries for the pictures.

3 Tide travel size x 0.99 = 2.97
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = FREE

2 Wishbone dressing x 1.39 = 2.78
- 1 store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.78

2 huge things of applesauce x 1.67 = 3.34
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 2.34

2 I can't belive.... x 1.69 = 3.38
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- 2 coupons x .75 = -1.50
= 0.88

2 Log Cabin syrup x 2.49 = 4.98
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- 2 coupons x 0.50 = -1.00
= 2.98

Pound Cake x 1.84 = 1.84
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 0.84

Out of pocket: 11.21
Savings: 17.63

Weekly spending total: 54.92 + 5.00 for milk at Walgreens = 59.92
Weekly savings total: 65.23
YTD spending total: 1917.26
YTD savings total: 2714.71

Week 37

Made a few small trips this week. There were no really particularly good sales anywhere. Diapers, milk, staples, etc.

Dollar General
Trash bags 4.97
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 3.97

4 boxes Nature Valley granola bars x 2.50 = 10.00
- clearanced down to 50 cents each = - 8.00
- lady gave us additional 50% off making them a QUARTER a box!!
= 1.00

Out of pocket = about 6.35
Savings = 10.00

WalMart
2 Snuggle fabric softener x 4.19 = 8.38
- 2 coupons x 3.00 = -6.00
= 2.38
Milk, diapers, soap, etc. A turkey that was only 40 cents a pound!

Out of pocket = about 23.00
Savings = 7.00

County Market
Out of pocket = 13.91
Savings = 13.92

Weekly spending total: 43.26
Weekly savings total: 30.92
YTD spending total: 1857.34
YTD savings total: 2649.48

Week 36

I think I need to take a break from shopping next week. My pantry is overflowing.

Meijer

Two trips, two transactions each trip. Combined here for ease.



4 Smart Balance butter blend sticks x 1.99 = 7.96
- 2 store coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
- 4 manu coupons x 1.00 = - 4.00
= 1.96

4 Egg Beaters x 1.99 = 7.96
- 1 store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- 4 manu coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= 2.96 (and earned 3.00 off my next order for purchasing 4)

2 Peter Pan peanut butter x 1.69 = 3.38
- 2 manu coupons x .50 = -1.00
= 2.38

1 Sargento shredded cheese x 1.79
- 1 manu coupon x .55 = -.55
= 1.24

3 I can't believe it's not butter baking sticks x 2.19 = 6.57
- 3 manu coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 3.57 (and i earned 2.00 off my next order for each of these, so earned 6.00 total!)

5 Tennessee Pride sausage rolls x 2.00 = 10.00
- 5 manu coupons x 2.00 = -10.00
= FREE!

snacks- random
I used the "off next orders" and rolled them several times this week. I ended up with 2.00 left over for next week.

Out of pocket = 9.20
Savings = 53.48

County Market

These were all prices because of store coupons.
2 Del Monte pinapple x .77 = 1.54
1 Flour x .99 = .99
Orange Juice = .99

1 pound deli ham = 3.49 (on sale 1/2 off)
- many coupn x .55 = -.55
=2.94

2 Nestle Morsels x 1.49 = 2.98
- manu coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.98

Out of pocket = 8.79
Savings = 11.41

Shop n Save



Shop n Save had one of those promotion where if you buy a certain dollars worth of products that you will get a coupon off your next order. It was buy 30 of certain stuff to get 15 back. That's a really good deal. I did it twice, then used the 15 the second time to buy a ton of fresh fruit, etc. 3 transactions total.

Transaction 1:
6 Ragu Sauce x 1.63 = 9.78
- 2 coupons x 1.25 = -3.00
= 6.78

8 Yoplait 4-pack specialty yogurt x 2.48 = 19.84
- 8 coupons x 1.00 = -8.00
= 11.84

2 kleenex x 1.00 = 2.00

Out of pocket = 21.44
Savings = 16.14, and earned 15 towards my next order.

Next order....
3 Yoplait x 2.48 = 7.44
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 4.44

8 boxes cereal x 1.98 = 15.84
- several different coupons = -3.10
= 12.74

3 scalloped potatoes x 1.67 = 5.01
- 3 coupons x .25 = -.75
= 4.26

- 15 dollars from first order

Out of pocket = 8.89
Savings = 33.64

Final transaction:
produce, bread, popcorn, etc
- 15 from previous order

Out of pocket = 4.71
Savings = 19.11

Total at Shop n Save:
Out of pocket: 35.04
Savings: 68.89

Also did a quick trip to Aldi for milk, etc, for about 8 dollars.

Weekly spending total: 53.03
Weekly savings total: 135.78
YTD spending total: 1814.08
YTD savings total: 2618.56

Week 35

Only big deal this week was Shop n Save's shredded and block cheese for 1.00, normally 2.48. I bought ten, so saved 14.80.
Other than that, we used this week to get some things at Aldi and Walmart we were low on, like non-stick spray, flour, breakfast bars, diapers, etc. Spent about 35 at Aldi, so saved about 8 off of normal retail, and spent 12.00 at Walmart, saved 2.00 with a coupon.

Weekly spending total: 57.00
Weekly savings total: 24.80
YTD spending total: 1761.05
YTD savings total: 2484.78

Week 34

Meijer

Ignore their dirty faces. They had chocolate cake mustaches from the sample lady at County Market.

2 Tyson nuggets x 3.99 = 7.98
- 2 store coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
- 2 manu coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 3.98

10 Stove Top stuffing x 1.09 = 10.90
(these earned me 8.00 off ground beef)

A little over 5 pounds ground beef = 10.46
- $8 coupon earned above
= 2.46

Miracle Whip x 1.99
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 0.99

6 Ziploc bags x 1.94 = 11.64
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
- 2 coupons x .40 = -.80
= 8.84 (and I can submit these for a $10 rebate from Ziploc! Awesome!)

4 Kraft dressings x 1.58 = 6.32
- 1 store coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= 2.32

lettuce, milk, bread, bags of apples for only 99 cents! yummy... homemade applesauce is on the way!), a few things Phillip talked me into.
(BONUS SPECIAL: I found coupons in-store for 1.00 of any produce when you buy 2 Kraft dressings. So basically, both bags of apples I got were free!)

Out of Pocket: 35.89
Savings: 40.94

County Market
No picture.
8 Knorr sides x 1.25 = 10.00

About 11 pounds of split chicken breasts x 0.99 = about 11.00
- coupon for $4 off chicken when you buy 8 Knorr sides = -4.00
= 7.00

2 Ketchup x 1.00 = 2.00
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.00

2 brown sugar x 1.72 = 3.44
- 2 store coupon x 0.73 = -1.46
= 1.98

Out of pocket = 20.07
Savings = 19.27

Also, got a gallon of milk and ice cream at CVS this week. Paid 2.50 in ECBs, and paid about 5 out of pocket.

Weekly spending total: 60.96
Weekly savings total: 62.71
YTD spending total: 1704.05
YTD savings total: 2459.98

Week 33

There are so many good sales this week, and we are out of, like, all groceries, so screw the budget! We also had to hit Aldi for some staples. Spent about 16 at Aldi.


County Market
bananas at 39 cents a pound, and a bag of apples at 1.88
Diapers at 9.99

2 12-double roll packs of Quilted Northern
- 2 store coupons making them 4.69 = 9.38
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 7.38 (that's 24 double rolls, at about 31 cents per roll. great price!)

3 Hormel refrigerated entrees x 6.99 = 20.97
- 3 store coupons making them 3.99 = - 9.00
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 8.97

6 4-packs of fruit cups x 1.89 = 11.34
- store coupons making them .99 = -5.40
= 5.94

2 16-oz cottage cheese x 1.99 = 3.98
- store coupons making them .99 = -2.00
= 1.98

1.5 pounds deli ham = 8.93
- store coupon making it 3.99.pound = -4.47
= 4.46

2 boxes saltines x .79 = 1.58

Sugar = .99

Out of pocket = 46.24
Savings = 38.72

Meijer



I made 3 trips to Meijer. I only got pictures of two of them. But, it was mostly more of the same. Below is all 3 trips combined into 1 list. I have a lot of soup now.

kiwi, lettuce, peppers, coffee, milk, etc
8 Chicken Voila x 2.99 = 23.92
- 4 store coupons for 1.00 off 2 = -4.00
= 19.92
4 Sara Lee cheesecake x 5.99 = 23.96
- 23.96 (free cheesecake when you buy 2 Voila!)
=FREE

3 Kraft shreds x 1.88 = 5.64 (and earned 1 on my next trip)

6 Pepperidge Farms fancy wheat bread x 2.49 = 14.94
20 cans Campbell's cream of chicken soup x .65 = 13.00
- 4 store coupons for 1.00 when you buy 4 = -4.00
10 cans Campbell's kids soups x .99 = 9.90
- 2 store coupons for 1.00 when you buy 4 = -2.00
= 31.84
Earned 30 dollars towards next purchases!
Meijer has a promotion this week where if you buy a P Farms bread and 5 cans of Campbell's condensed soup, you get 5.00 towards your next order. You are only allowed to do 1 deal per transaction, so I split my transactions up so that I paid for the next order with the 5 I just earned. So really, I paid about 7 dollars out of pocket for all of that- for the first purchase, then the tax on each subsequent one.)

4 Marie Callendar's Pasta al Dente x 1.99 = 7.96
- 1 store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 4.96 (these things are awesome, by the way. i highly recommend the pesto one.)

(also got a great deal on cat food, but that doesn't count towards the weekly spending or savings- budgeted differently).

Out of pocket = 42.70
Savings = 103.85


Weekly spending total: 104.24
Weekly savings total: 146.57
YTD spending total: 1643.09
YTD savings total: 2397.27

Week 32

Not a big week.
Spent about 15 on milk, pretzels, bread, etc. Didn't do any big shopping. 3.00 of that was paid for with a register rewards from last week that I earned at Walgreen's. Rounding up on the spending since I can't find the Aldi receipt.

Weekly spending total: 12.00
Weekly savings total: 3.00
YTD spending total: 1538.85
YTD savings total: 2250.70

Week 31

First, the boring stuff:
9.00 at Walmart for diapers, milk and bread.
10.51 at County Market for random produce, some ham, some eggs. Saved 5.70 there.

KMart

Double coupon week! Unfortunately, I didn't have many good coupons for the doubles this week. I still managed to get all of this for 35 cents. That's tax only.
Out of pocket = 0.35
Savings = 7.24

CVS

2 Bounty Basics x 6.00 = 12.00
- 2 coupons x 0.25 = -.50
= 11.50

1 Charmin = 10.00
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 9.00

2 Dawn x 1.00 = 2.00
- 2 coupons x .25 = -.50
= 1.50

1 Puffs = 1.00

4 8-packs Reese's x .88 = 3.52
- 4 coupons x .55 = -2.20
= 1.32

Summer clearance popsicle sticks = .50

- $5 off $25 purchase coupon they emailed me
- 14.99 in Extra Care Bucks
Out of pocket = 6.68
Saved 38.28, and earned 10 ECBs for the paper products.

Walgreen's

I am not usually a Walgreen's gal, but every now and they they have just a fabulous ad. This was one of those weeks. I spent a lot more out of pocket than I wanted to, but I also got milk, a few small filler items (at Walgreen's, you can't have more manufacturer coupons than you have items. and the register rewards program coupons count as manufacturer coupons. so in a few orders, i had to throw something small in there.) My total out-of-pocket for the week was 24.04. If I take out all the fillers and milk and things I didn't really need (Klondike bars) that I spent 12.51 on, I spent only 11.53 on all the "deals." When you see below all that I got, that's OUTRAGEOUS.

I ended up getting:
goldfish = 2.19 (for Sunday School)
klondike = 2.19 (for me, cause they're awesome and so am I)
2 highliters x 0.13 = 0.26
popcorn = 0.33
2 milk x 1.99 = 3.98
4 gum x 1.29 = 5.16
- 2 coupons for BOGO = -2.58
= 2.58

Now, the weekly deals....
3 flosser x 2.00 = 6.00 (earned 6.00)

7 shampoo x 2.99 = 20.93
- 7 coupons x 1.00 = 7.00
= 13.93 (earned 14.00)

2 razors x 8.99 = 17.98
- 2 coupons x 4.0 = -8.00
= 9.98 (earned 12.00)

3 lotion x 6.99 = 20.97 (earned 21.00)

4 halls x 1.00 = 4 (earned 4.00)

toothbrush = 3.00 (earned 3.00)

2 chapstick x 3.00 = 6.00 (earned 6.00)

Out of pocket = 24.04
Savings = 94.54 (All but 2.58 of that is from the weekly deals.)

Weekly spending total: 50.58
Weekly savings total: 145.76
YTD spending total: 1526.85
YTD savings total: 2247.70

Week 30

In looking at this list, it looks like I shopped all week because I went to so many different stores. I didn't! CVS, County Market and Shop n Save were all done in about an hour on Sunday night when the kids were asleep. Doug went to Aldi after work one night, and Meijer was Friday night, mostly because we ran out of cat food.

Aldi- staples- spent about 15, saved about 4
CVS - toothpaste, nuts- spent 0.52, saved 5.60, earned 2.00 ECB

Shop n Save
8 Kellogg's cereals x 2.48 = 19.84
2 Cinnabon snack bars x 2.48 = 4.96
- store coupon for $10 off if buy 10 Kellogg's products
- 2 coupons x 0.75 for the Cinnabon bars = -1.50
= 13.30
(AND - I have a rebate for for $10 back when you buy any 10 Kellogg's cereals or bars in a single transaction - whoo!)

4 Crunch n Munch x 1.0 = 4.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.00

2 Peter Pan peanut butter x 1.66 = 3.32
- 2 coupons x 0.50 = -1.0
= 2.32

2 Marie Callendar's homestyle meals x 2.48 = 4.96
- 2 coupons x 1.50 = -3.00
= 1.96

Out of Pocket = 21.70
Savings = 30.88 (and, I am earning $10 on a rebate)

County Market
2 Betty Crocker potatoes x 0.89 = 1.78
3 Progresso soups x 1.50 = 4.50
- store promotion $3 off when you 5 certain products
- 2 coupons x 0.40 for the potatoes = -.80
- 3 coupons x 0.25 for the soup = -.75
= 1.73

2 wacky mac noodles x 1.00 = 2.00
- BOGO coupon
= 1.00

split chicken breasts = 5.64
random produce

Out of pocket = 13.77
Savings = 16.18

Meijer
Quick trip to Meijer
2 boxes cereal x 2.00 = 4.00
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
= FREE

Syrup = 2.49
- 1 coupon x .50 = -.50
=1.99

Saltines = 1.12

- 1 store coupon I earned last time x 1.00

Out of pocket = 2.19
Savings = 9.32

Weekly spending total: 53.18
Weekly savings total: 65.98
YTD spending total: 1476.27
YTD savings total: 2101.94

Week 29

A quick trip to Aldi, and another to Walmart this week. No deal shopping. Still managed to use coupons and save, though!

About 15 at Aldi, with a savings of about $3 off regular retail.
Spent about 14 at Walmart, and saved 2 with coupons.
(remember that I do round UP when I am estimating costs and DOWN when estimating savings. it feels more fair that way.)

Weekly spending total: 29.00
Weekly savings total: 5.00
YTD spending total: 1423.09
YTD savings total: 2090.64

Week 28

The only store we went to this week was Meijer. Honestly, we didn't *have* to go, because we didn't *need* anything, but some of the deals were too good to pass up. So, Phillip and I ventured out Saturday night to get the good deals.


7 Green Giant steamers x 1.00 = 7.00
- 7 coupons x 0.50 = -3.50
= -3.50

6 Green Giant boxed veggies x 1.00 = 6.00
- 4 coupons x 0.50 = -2.00
= 4.00 (and I earned 2 dollars towards my next trip from these)

6 Hamburger Helper x 1.00 = 6.00
- 2 coupons x 0.75 = -1.50
= 4.50

5 pizza rolls x 1.00 = 5.00
- 1 coupon x 0.50 = -0.50
- 2 coupons x 0.40 = -0.80
= 3.70

9 Totinos pizzas x 1.00 = 9.00
= 3 coupons x 0.50 = -1.50
= 7.50

- 3.00 (buy 10 get 11th free promotion, and I got 33)

3 travel size Tide x 1.00 = 3.00
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = FREE

Van de Kamp's fish sticks x 4.49
- 1 coupon x 3.00 = -3.00
= 1.49

2 milk = 3.96
Random fruits and veggies (see! we do eat fresh food! it's not all packaged!)

Out of pocket = 37.11
Savings = 40.01

Weekly spending total: 37.11
Weekly savings total: 40.01
YTD spending total: 1394.09
YTD savings total: 2085.64

Week 28

CVS - batteries, snacks I didn't need, and a candle. Paid 3.68 and saved 40.66, and earned 12.99 in ECBs
Aldi- staples - spend approx 20, saved approx 4.


County Market
4 Kraft Singles x 2.29 = 9.16
- store coupon making them .99
= 3.96

4 Borden shredded cheese x 2.89
- store coupon making them 1.29
= 5.16

4 Oscar Mayer hot dogs x 3.19 = 12.76
- manufacturer coupon making them .66 (yes. sixty-six cents.)
= 2.64

sugar = 2.99
- store coupon making it 0.99
- manu coupon for .35
= .064

Prairie Farms 1/2 gallon OJ = 2.29
- store coupon making it .99
= .99

2 lbs carrots = 1.49
- store coupon making them .79
= 1.58

Out of pocket = 15.18
Savings = 26.77

Meijer


2 milk x 1.98 = 3.96
3 bread = 3.19
raspberries 0.99
grapes = 2.92
tomatoes = 2.50
lettuce = 1.19
diapers = 11.49

4 Eckrich smoked sausage x 1.67 = 6.68
- 4 coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= 2.68

2 Taco Bell dinner kits x 1.67 = 3.34
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= .34

2 Oscar Mayer lunch meat x 2.50 = 5.00
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 4.00

- $4 coupon I earned last week

Out of pocket = 30.19
Savings = 33.38

Weekly spending total: 69.05
Weekly savings total: 104.51
YTD spending total: 1356.98
YTD savings total: 2045.63

I have saved over 2,000 in 28 weeks. How cool is that?!
I spend an average of 49 dollars a week, and save about 73 a week. Which is why I don't feel too bad about going over some weeks. It's just unavoidable sometimes, because of diapers. But thankfully, we are very near not needing diapers anymore.

Week 27

about 12.00 at Walmart for milk, coffee, fruit, etc. No savings.
1.22 at CVS for razors and some candy, saving 12.26, and earned 2.00 EBCs back.

Meijer
Another great week at Meijer!
Transaction 1:
5 fruit snacks x 1.50 = 7.50
- 5 coupons x .40 = -2.00
= 5.50
Out of pocket = 5.58
Savings = 2.00 AND earned 3.50 good on next order.

Transaction 2:
2 milk = 3.96
eggs = .98
bread = 3.19 - .35 coupon = 2.84 (I grabbed a bread that I thought was on sale and it wasn't, and I didn't see that till just now. I hate paying this much for bread!!)
fruits and veggies = 5.87
- store coupon for 1 off 5 produce purchase = 4.87

4 Healthy Choice steamers x 1.89 = 7.56
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 5.56

2 DiGornio flatbread sandwiches x 2.00 = 4.00
- store coupon 2.00
= 2.00

3 pounds Naturewell ground beef = 6.48
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 3.48

2 packages chicken thighs (marked down) = 5.94
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 3.94

2 Sara Lee pound cake x 1.84 = 3.68
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = 1.68

2 Kraft singles x 2.00 = 4.00
- coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 3.00

2 Ziploc containers x 2.00 = 4.00
- store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
- coupon x 1.50 = -1.50
= 1.50

- $4 coupon I earned last week
- $3.50 I earned for the fruit snacks in the first transaction

Out of pocket = 26.89
Savings = 37.71


Weekly spending total: 45.69
Weekly savings total: 51.97
YTD spending total: 1287.93
YTD savings total: 1941.12

Week 26

CVS
Did a few small trips to CVS this week. Got some free school supplies, 2 gallons of milk, etc.
Total out of pocket for CVS: 5.72
Savings at CVS: 28.88, and earned 6.95 ECBs

Meijer
"You only spent how much for all this, Mom?!"


I'm telling you guys, the Meijer Mealbox program is one of the best ones out there. They have Meijer store coupons that you can print from their site. They are often for items that are on sale. And there are almost always manufacturer coupons out there for the products.
So... retail price - sale - store coupon - manufacturer coupon = groceries at rock bottom prices! I apologize in advance at all the !!!!s in my post. I am excited when I get good deals.

non-coupon items:
Milk 1.98
M&Ms .74 (to decorate Libby's birthday cake and cupcakes, I swear!)
fruits n veggies = 6.77
vegetable oil = 2.99
Meijer shredded cheese = 5.00 (1.25 each! that's crazy cheap.)
ice cream for Libby's party = 2.50

couponed items:
4 Tide travel size x .99 = 3.96
- 4 coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= -0.04

6 Malt o Meal cereal x 1.29 = 7.74
- 2 store coupons for buy2 get1 = -2.58
- 1 coupon x .50 = -.50 (I was very frustrated that I could not get more of these coupons to print off my computer. My printer was off when the print job was sent, and I couldn't retrieve it. This could have been a MUCH better deal if I could have gotten a few more of these 50 cent coupons to print!)
= 4.66

2 6-pack double roll Quilted Northern x 2.13 (half price!) = 4.26
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.26 (that's about 19 cents for a double roll of TP!)

2 Arm & Hammer 50 oz detergent x 2.49 = 4.98
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.98

2 Tyson nuggets x 3.99 = 7.98
- 1 coupon x 1.50 = -1.50
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 5.48

10 Dannon yogurt x .40 = 4.00
- 2 store coupons for 1.00 off 4 = -2.00
- 1 coupon x 1.00 off 10 = -1.00
= 1.00 (that's 10 cents per yogurt cup!!)

2 Betty Crocker 10-count fruit snacks x 1.50 = 3.00
- 2 coupons x .40 = -.8
= 2.40

Van de Kamp's fish sticks = 5.84
- 1 coupon x 3.00 = -3.00
= 2.84

Aunt Millie's bread x 1.25
- 1 coupon x 0.35 = -.35
= .90

Out of pocket = 40.73
Savings = 44.81, and I earned several coupons good off my next order. I hope next week is a good Meijer week, too!

Weekly spending total: 46.45
Weekly savings total: 73.69
YTD spending total: 1242.24
YTD savings total: 1889.15

Now, I did actually spend more than this 46.45 this week, because of Libby's birthday party. But, most of that is considered our "entertainment" funds, so they aren't on here. The items I got at Meijer I did include, because it was such a good trip and I wanted you to see all of it.

I have gotten a little feedback from some of you about starting to save, and I am so glad! I hope you find it as fun and as rewarding as I do, and that you remember to always share your abundance with those who need it.

Week 24

Wow. I didn't do ANY big shopping this week. There were some good deals that I missed out on, but we just didn't need anything, and I didn't have time to shop. I had 2 good lists made up for Shop n Save and County Market, but time just didn't allow for it.
We did get some milk, tortillas, and a few things this week. Totally spent maybe 15 dollars at Aldi. Not much in savings. But, not much out of pocket, either, which is nice.

Weekly spending total: 15.00
Weekly savings total: 4.00
YTD spending total: 1195.79
YTD savings total: 1815.46

Week 23

This is going to be a good week for groceries! Yay!

CVS

My receipt is taller than I am. LOL!!!
Got tons of school supplies that were free after ECBs.
Got some eye drops that were free after ECBs, that I had a coupon for (meaning THEY PAID ME to take them out of the store).
Used a $5 off $30 purchase coupon they emailed me, and paid with 21.78 in ECBs.
Out of pocket was 6.33 (which was less than the contact solution I was going to buy anyway because contacts like to be cleaned and kept in something wet.)
Savings was 50.73, and I earned 26.90 in ECBs

County Market

All these deals were from the Penny Pincher coupon booklet they mailed late last week. Didn't really do any deals other than those, so not going to go step by step because it wasn't really anything special.
Out of pocket = 13.63
Savings = 15.82

Meijer

11 Hormel pepperoni x 1.00= 11.00
- promotion get 1 free if you buy 10 = -1.00
- 10 coupons x 0.75 = -7.50
= 2.50 (that's the regular price of ONE of those packages!)

3 Lean Cuisine entrees x 1.44 (on sale for half price) = 4.32
- coupon for 1 free when you buy 2 = -1.44
= 2.88

10 Dannon yogurt = 4.00
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 3.00

4 Skippy PB x 1.25 = 5.00
- 2 store coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 3.00 (and earned a $1 coupon off next visit)

Random others = 1.88

- $1 coupon I earned last time

Out of pocket = 13.06
Savings = 35.46

Shop n Save

This is the best I've ever done on grocery stuffs.
They had a promotion where if you bought 30 in certain products, that you would get a $15 coupon towards your next purchase. I had lots of coupons for the cereal included in the promotion. AND- I got my $20 rebate from a few weeks ago.
4 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios x 2.00 = 8.00
- 4 coupons x .55 = -2.20
4 boxes Cookie Crisp x 2.00 = 8.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
4 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch x 2.00 = 8.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
6 Hamburger Helper x .90 = 5.40
- 2 coupons x 0.75 = -1.50
1 Totinos pizza
Total = 21.68
- $20 rebate money
= 1.68. ONE SIXTY-EIGHT!!!
And I earned 15 dollars towards my next purchase.

I did my next purchase right away, and got standard stuff that we always need- grapes, apples, milk, bread, popcorn, etc.
That transaction came to 1.90

Total out of pocket at Shop n Save = 3.58
Savings = 53.14

Weekly spending total: 43.90
Weekly savings total: 155.15
YTD spending total: 1180.79
YTD savings total: 1811.46

Week 22

Aldi - 16.73, savings of about 3.50
Shop n Save - 16.63, savings of about 8.00. everything i saved at SNS was just by buying the on-sale version of what i needed. i didn't use any coupons. it was a quick stop and i didn't have my coupon box with me.

CVS

Everything that I bought at CVS this week gave back as many ECBs as they cost. Hooray!
Feminine items, comp books, pencil cases, binder clips, stickies, pens.
Spent 1.11 out of pocket, saved 19.90, earned 10.80 in ECBs.

Meijer

Grapes, carrots, bananas = 4.44

2 Smucker's jam = 2.00

3 CoffeeMate creamer x 1.00 = 3.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
- 1 coupon x 0.50 = -.50
= 0.50 (and earned 1.00 towards next purchase)

8 Old Orchard frozen juice x 1.00 = 8.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 off 4 = -2.00
= 6.00

2 Chef Boyardee x 1.00 = 2.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
=FREE

2 Tide travel size x .99 = 1.98
- 2 coupons x 1.00 any size Tide = -2.00
=FREE

Out of pocket: 12.25
Savings = 19.99, and earned 1.00 towards next purchase.
I was sad at Meijer, because they were out of the pepperoni the kids love that were on sale for 1.00 that I have 0.75 coupons for. But, I got a rain check. I am sure they'll have them in again before the coupons expire.

Weekly spending total: 46.72
Weekly savings total: 51.39
YTD spending total: 1136.89
YTD savings total: 1656.31

Week 21

CVS trip 1:
milk 1.99
- 1 coupon x .55 = -.55
= 1.44
2 little memo books x .99 = 1.98 (earned 1.98 ECB)
2 papermate 10 pack pens x .99 = 1.98 (earned 1.98 ECB)
3 papermate 8 pack pens (rain check from last week) x .99 = 2.97 (earned 2.97 ECB)
2 filler papers x 2.00 = 4.00 (earned 4.00 ECB)
1 pantiliner x .89 = .89 (earned .89 ECB)
2 scissors x 2.99 = 5.98 (earned 5.98 ECB)
2 CVS brand nuts x .99 = 1.98 - coupon for free = FREE NUTS
1 pack M&Ms for Phillip (and me) = .89
-16.47 in ECBs
Out of pocket = 3.89
Savings = 26.00, and earned 17.80 in ECBs. :-)

CVS trip 2:
milk 1.99
1 speedstick deodorant x 2.99
- 1 store coupon for 1.50
= 1.49 (earned 2.00 ECB)
2 CVS brand nuts x .99 = 1.98 - coupon for free = FREE NUTS
- 2.87 in ECBs
Out of pocket = .59
Savings = 7.87, and earned 2.00 ECB

County Market
Random trip for salad, apples, bread, etc.
Out of pocket = 23.46
Savings = 2.70
I used NO COUPONS this trip. I wish there were more coupons for fresh fruits and veggies!

Meijer
4 Hillshire Farms smoked sausage x 2.00 = 8.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 6.00
1 package Tyson drumsticks = 2.54
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.54
- coupon x $1 off $10 of meat

milk = 1.98
Pampers 126 diaper pack for 23.19 from the clearance rack
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 22.19 (17.6 cents per diaper- a great price!)

- 2 coupons x 4.00 that I earned last trip = -8.00

Out of pocket = 22.71
Savings = 27.76

Weekly spending total: 50.65
Weekly savings total: 64.33
YTD spending total: 1090.17
YTD savings total: 1604.92

Week 20

I did pretty well this week, considering it was VBS week at church, and I didn't have time to manage my shopping. I am almost thinking that I need to do a few weeks where I don't shop like this... my freezer and pantry are bursting.

Shop n Save
10 SNS brand shredded cheese x 1.00 = 10.00
5 boxes Nutrigrain bars x 2.50 = 12.50
- store coupon for $5 off if you bought 5 products
= 7.50
bread, milk, bananas, salad
Out of pocket = 28.17
Savings = 32.78

CVS
1 pack diapers = 9.99
1 photo book = 7.99 (earned 7.99 back)
4 small bags nuts
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = FREE NUTS
1 altoids box
- $4 off $20 coupon they emailed me
- 15 ECBs
Out of pocket = .49
Savings = 31.96 and earned 7.99 for next time!
I don't like using ECBs that don't earn me the same number back (I spent 15 and only got 7.99 back). But, we needed the diapers, and I have 10 totally free ECBs coming to me this week. You can go to CVS.com and sign up for their advisory panel. Every now and then, you'll get a survey and get paid in ECBs! I signed up a couple of weeks ago, and got my first survey this past Sunday- it took about 5 minutes and paid 10 ECBs.

Meijer
The cashier and person behind me in line were impressed with my purchase at Meijer. That always makes me giddy. The lady behind me asked me how I did it, and I gave her the quick low-down on how to combine sales and store coupons and manufacturer coupons. I hope she starts saving her family money- we can all use the extra right now!

4 bags Tyson chicken nuggets x 4.50 = 18.00
- store promotion that if you bought 2 you got $1 off = -2.00
- 4 coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= 12.00 (that's $3 per bag, cheaper than Aldi for the same # of ounces!)

4 Kraft Dressing x 1.50 = 6.00
- 2 store coupons x 1.00 off 2 = -2.00
= 4.00 (and earned a $4 coupon for buying 4 of them!)

2 Electrasol dishwasher detergent x 3.50 = 7.00
- store coupon x 1.00 off 2 = -1.00
- 2 coupons x 2.50 = -5.00
= 1.00

2 Starkist tuna x 1.25 = 2.50
- 2 store coupon x 0.50 = -1.00
= 1.50

cottage cheese 2.39
- coupon for free cottage cheese = FREE

grapes, milk, cookies

- 4.00 coupon I earned last time

Out of pocket = 21.32
Savings = 31.99
EARNED: $4 coupon for the dressing, a $4 off a $40 purchase for next time, $1 off bread purchase of $4 or more, $1 off meat purchase of $10 or more.


Weekly spending total: 49.48
Weekly savings total: 96.73
YTD spending total: 1039.52
YTD savings total: 1540.59

Week 19

I am going to go ahead and post this stuff, and edit the post as I go shopping. This week is kind of disappointing, as far as grocery shopping goes. There are no good stock-up sales.
I think it's a non-bargain-shopping week at Aldi and Walmart.

CVS

3 Post Trail Mix Crunch = 10.00
- 3 coupons x 2.00 = -6.00
= 4.00 and earned 5 ECB

2 Febreeze fabric freshener x 5.00 = 10.00
2 Febreeze air effects x 3.00 = 6.00
- 2 coupons for free air effects with fabric freshener = -6.00
1 Febreeze noticeable air freshener = 6.50
- 1 coupon x 4.00 = -4.00
= 2.50
Total for Febreeze = 12.50, and I earned 10 ECBs, and have 2.50 towards another copy of this deal (buy $10 in Febreeze, get $5 back)

CVS pantiliner = 0.89
earned 0.99 ECBs (surprise! they're supposed to give 0.89 back)

CVS tape = 1.49
earned 1.49 ECB

4 Head and Shoulders x 4.99 = 19.96
- 2 coupons for BOGO x 4.99 = -9.98
= 9.98 earned 6 ECB

2 gallons milk x 1.99 = 3.98
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 2.98

- $4/$20 coupon they emailed me
- 20 ECBs from a few weeks ago
Out of pocket = 9.15 (I forgot to give her a 5 ECB, or it would have been less)
Savings = 66.00 and earned 23.48 in ECBs

Trip #2 - late Saturday evening. They had the next week's sale tags up, so they honored the prices! Yay!

1 Febreeze = 5.00
1 Febreeze air effects = 3.00
- coupon for free air effects = -3.00
= 5.00 earn 5.00 ECB (I still had 2.50 from the last time I did the deal, so getting to the next $10 got me the ECBs)

2 Tylenol Arthritis x 3.99 = 7.98
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
= 3.98 earned 6 ECBs! 3 for each of them. That's what I call a good money maker!

1 milk = 1.99
- free milk coupon
= FREE

1 Junior Mints = 1.00

- 10 ECBS

Out of pocket = 0.25
Savings = 25.77, and earned 11 ECBs!


Random
Walmart 14.78 on fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, bananas, etc) No sales.
County Market about 10.00 on oil, bread, cheese because I forgot them at Walmart. Saved 4.00 on sales.
25.98 in staple groceries at Shop n Save (cheese, flour, eggs, etc)- 25.00 gift card we got when we got Phillip's ear infection medication filled there, plus coupons and sales, saved an additional 4.50. So, out of pocket was 0.98 and I saved 29.50.

Weekly spending total: 35.16
Weekly savings total: 125.27
YTD spending total: 990.04
YTD savings total: 1443.86

Week 18

No pictures again this week. Next week, I promise.

CVS
CVS brand diapers 13.49
CVS brand diapers 6.74 (buy one get one 1/2 off)
- 1 ECB
- coupons for $2 off a $10 purchase
Out of pocket = 18.57
Savings = 9.75

County Market
1 Prairie Farms ice cream x 1.99 = 1.99
- 1 coupon x 0.50 = =0.50
= 1.49

a bunch of ground beef = 5.83
It was on sale for 1.59 a pound, but it rang up at 1.29 a pound!

Out of pocket = 7.40
Savings = 7.52

Shop n Save
5 12-packs of soda x 2.97 = 14.85
- coupon for free 12-pack if you buy 4 = -2.97
= 11.88

2 Hillshire Farm smoked sausage x 2.50 = 5.00
- coupon for free HF sausage if you buy 4 12-packs = -5.00
= FREE

2 Rice a Roni x 1.08 = 2.16
- 2 coupons for free 'Roni if you buy HF sausage = -2.16
=FREE

- 10.00 coupon I earned 2 weeks ago

Out of pocket = 1.33
Savings = 32.71

Meijer
Milk 1.98
5 Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta x 1.00 = 5.00
- 5 coupons x 1.00 = FREE
- 2 meijer coupons x 1.00 = 2.00 OVERAGE!

Pepperoni 1.00

Out of pocket = 1.04
Savings = 11.94

Walmart
garbage bags = 4.86
Saltines = 1.12
Eggs = 0.98
Donuts = 2.50
Mickey Mouse cheese = 1.78 (oh, the things the kids talk me into- cheese and donuts!)
2 bags Kingsford charcoal, price-matched to 5.99 = 11.98
2 bottles KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce x 1.42 = 2.84
- 2 coupons for free KC Masterpiece if you buy Kingsford = -2.48
= FREE
pork cutlets = 7.50
ground pork = 6.06
- 2 coupons for $6 off pork when you buy Kingsford and KC Masterpiece = -12.00
= 1.56
2 packages Shick disposable razors x 1.97 = 3.94
= 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
= -0.06 OVERAGE (cashier gave me the whole face value of the coupon)

Out of pocket = 26.56
Savings = 3.02 from price matching and 18.84 in coupons = 21.86

Weekly spending total: 54.90
Weekly savings total: 83.78
YTD spending total: 954.88
YTD savings total: 1318.59

And, with the meat and charcoal I bought this week, I have a form for a $20 mail in rebate! So, I'll get $20 dollars in 6-8 weeks that I can spend for that week's deals. Hooray!

Week 17

No huge deals this week. I still spent nearly all of my 60. I still did pretty well with my limit. Every time I think about all the years that I didn't shop like this, I get a little sick to my stomach. 8 years ago, we would have spent this at the store, and gotten just a little bit. I can't even imagine how much money I wasted. And I don't think I'll ever NOT shop like this. I am to the point where I don't like to buy anything at full price.
No pictures this week. It was so hot that by the time I got anything home, I wanted to get all the cold stuff put away as quickly as possible. I am looking forward to a good shopping week next week, since most stores will have good meat and fresh food specials because of the 4th.

CVS
Always Infinity x 4.99 = 4.99
- 1 coupon x 4.00 = -4.00
= 0.99

2 cans Folgers coffee x 5.99 = 11.98
= 2 coupons x .25 = -.50
= 11.48

20 Soy Joy bars x 1.00 = 20.00 (earned 20 in ECBs!)

3 2-liter Sierra Mist = 4.00 (earned 1 ECB)

milk 1.99 = coupon for free milk = FREE

and a few random things mom got, that took us over $50 total, so I could use my $10 off a $50 purchase coupon I had..
- 14 ECBs

out of pocket = 24.99
- the 11.00 of stuff mom had and paid me the cash for
= 13.99 out of my pocket
Savings = 63.86 (this is a little inflated... like, I'd never EVER pay their retail price for the coffee, but since I am counting savings "off retail" I will leave this as-is.)

Aldi
Chicken nuggets, breakfast bars, bread, eggs, milk, etc. Staples.
Out of pocket = 24.16
Savings = 6.04

Meijer
2 gallons milk x 1.98 = 3.96
bread = 0.75
40 packets of kool-aid x 0.10 = 4.00
(yes, 40 packets of kool-aid. we don't even DRINK kool-aid because of the artificial colors.... but.... for every 20 packs of kool-aid, you got a free 5-pack of Kraft mac n cheese.)
2 5-packs mac n cheese x 3.49 = 6.98
- store special = -6.98
= FREE
grapes, bananas, plums, etc... lots of fresh stuff for this week. Yummy!
Total out of pocket = 20.27
Savings = 12.86 It is actually higher, but I am not going to sit and calculate the savings on the kool-aid or the fruit. It'll make up for the inflation in the CVS savings up above!

Weekly spending total: 58.42
Weekly savings total: 82.76
YTD spending total: 899.98
YTD savings total: 1234.81

Week 16

CVS
I hate when I can't find my receipts.
Trip 1 (estimated):
1 Schick razor 7.99
- 1 coupon x 4.00 = -4.00
= 3.99 (earned 3 ECBs)
2 Mrs Fields Cookies x 2.50 = 5.00
Some other things that I can't recall.
Out of pocket was about 8.50
Savings was about 5.00, and earned 3 ECBs.


Trip 2 (this was a good one):
1 milk x 1.99 = 1.99
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 0.99

2 Venus Vibration razors x 1.19 = 2.38 (these razors run about 11 dollars at CVS, but I think they're being discontinued, so they were on the clearance table. I love the clearance table!)
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
= -1.62 (YES- NEGATIVE! CVS gives overage on coupons that are worth more than the product. They get reimbursed for the full face value of the coupon. So, as long as you have some other stuff to use up the overage in your order, you get it!)

1 Schick razor x 7.99 = 7.99
- 1 coupon x 4.00 = -4.00
= 3.99 (earned 3 ECBs)

1 Crest pro-heath toothpaste x 2.99 = 2.99
- 1 coupon x 0.50 = -.50
= 2.50 (earned 2 ECBs)

1 2-pack CVS toothbrushes x 2.99 = 2.99 (earned 2 ECBs)

1 Orbit gum

1 2-pack hair clips x 0.39 = 0.39 (love the clearance table!)

- 1 CVS coupon for $5 off a $15 purchase
- 5 ECBs

Out of pocket = 0.77
Savings off retail(ready for this?) = 50.40

Trip 3:

I was curious. The store I frequent is a 24 hour store. I thought to myself, "Surely they don't start their new sales right at midnight... I wonder if they're activated early?" Well, they are. And since I saw the ad online... I knew that these awesome feminine products were going to be on sale for 4.99, down from like 11.00! That I had FOUR DOLLAR coupons for! Which would make them 99 CENTS! Now, I know that won't get all of you excited, but it did me.
This was a fabulous trip.

4 boxes Always Infinity x 4.99 = 19.96
- 4 coupons x 4.00 = -16.00
= 3.96

2 boxes Excedrin Migraine x 4.49 = 8.98
- 2 coupons x 2.00 = -4.00
= 4.98 (and earned 4.00 ECBs)

- CVS coupon for $4 off a $20 purchase that they emailed me.
- 4 ECBs
Out of pocket = 1.15
Savings = 52.80!!!! And I got 4 ECBs back from the Excedrin.

Shop n Save

We needed nothing this week. We had enough milk, cheese, eggs, bread, etc, to last all week. So, I was only going to buy the really good deals at the stores this week. SNS was the only store with a really good deal.

Bread .86
Popcorn 1.38 (I really should just accept that we eat a lot of popcorn and get a giant bag of it at Sams.)

SNS had a special going, where if you bought $25 in certain products that you would get a coupon for $10 off your next order. I had a lot of good coupons for these items, so why not... I did it.
1 Alexia Waffle Fries x 2.50 = 2.50
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.50

3 Marie Callendar's Pasta Al Dente x 2.50 = 7.50
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 4.50

4 Healthy Choice Complete Selections x 2.00 = 8.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 6.00

2 Healthy Choice All Natural Selections x 2.00 = 4.00
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.00

3 Chef Boyardee x .86 = 2.58
- 1 coupon x 0.35 = -0.35
= 2.23

32 oz Dannon yogurt 2.00

Out of pocket = 20.67
Savings = 20.64, and I earned a $10 coupon towards my next purchase. Hooray!

Walgreens
I went into Walgreens this week to get a card for a lady at work. Walked around and looked for clearance items. They are usually still on the shelf, with an orange tag. I found some fabulous cough medicine thing that works great for the kids. It runs about 10 dollars, and it was marked down to 4.74. There was a $4 coupon on the box! So, I paid about 80 cents for something that is about 10.00.

Weekly spending total: 31.89
Weekly savings total: 138.04
YTD spending total: 841.56
YTD savings total: 1152.05

Week 15

Oh, joy! It's double coupon week at KMart!!

I made two trips to KMart this week.

Trip 1:
4 Oust air spray x 3.29 = 13.16
- 4 coupons x 2.00 x 2 = -16.00
= FREE

2 Hot Shot bug spray x 3.49 = 6.98
- 2 coupons x 1.50 x 2 = -6.00
= 0.98

2 French's mustard x 1.50 = 3.00
- 2 coupons x .75 x 2 = -3.00
=FREE

1 Mosquito repellant wipes = 5.39
- 1 coupon x 2.00 x 2 = -4.00
= 1.39

Out of pocket = 3.58
Savings = 26.16

Trip 2. On this trip, it cost more to let Libby ride the pony out front than my bag of stuff cost!!

1 Oust air freshener = 3.19
- 1 coupon x 2.00 x 2 = -4.00
= FREE

4 kitty treats x 1.89 = 7.56
- 4 coupons x 1.00 x 2 = -8.00
= FREE

2 boxes cereal x 1.99 = 3.98
- 2 coupons x 1.00 x 2 = -4.00
=FREE

Out of pocket = 0.49 (that's just tax!! everything i got this trip was FREE!)
Savings = 14.83

CVS

CVS had an online-advertised sale for Pampers diapers for 8.99, with 5 ECBs back. That's an awesome deal! However... it wasn't the deal. Whoever made the graphic messed up. But, because CVS is awesome like that, they honored the deal, as long as you purchased the diapers before they pulled the online ad. So, I only got 1 pack. I wish I had gotten more, but I only bought 1 because I thought "surely, this deal is too good to be true!"
So, my only CVS trip this week:
2 gallons milk x 2.49 = 4.98
- 1 coupon for .55, and 1 coupon for 1.00 = -1.55
= 3.43

1 Gillette razor = 7.99
- 1 coupon x 4.00 = -4.00
= 3.99 (and earn 4 ECBs)

1 Pampers x 8.99
- 1 coupons x 1.00 = -1.00
= 7.99 (and earn 5 ECBs)

- CVS coupon for 4 dollars of a 20 dollar purchase
- 9.98 in ECBs
= 1.71 out of pocket
savings = 26.03
earned 9 ECBs

Man, I love CVS.

Meijer

bananas = 1.13
salad = 0.98
grapes = 1.84
milk = 1.98

2 country crock x 1.00 = 2.00
- 1 store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.00

4 wishbone dressing x 1.00 = 4.00
- 2 store coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 2.00

2 meijer applesauce x 1.00 = 2.00
angel soft TP = 1.00
mango = 1.00
bread = 1.00
- 1.00 (meijer promotion of buy 10 of certain products at 1.00 each, get 1 free)

4 johnsonville breakfast sausage x 2.50 = 10.00
- 4 coupons x 1.00 = -4.00
= 6.00

1 land o frost lunch meat x 3.29
- 1 coupons x .55 = 2.74

out of pocket = 22.00
savings = 23.43

County Market

A lot of these were items that I got last week, and I am honestly tired of typing these out today. Good, special buys were:
Split chicken breasts for .89 a pound. I got about 9.25 pounds.
Bourbon marinated pork chops for .99 each. They had them on sample today, and they were so good! I got 4. That's why I am over my 60 for the week. Bah! Never stray from your list! I forget that when something sounds/looks/smells/tastes good.
Kraft mac n cheese for 50 cents.
Purex detergent for 1.69 and 5 lb potatoes for .99 (not pictured- they were still in the car).


Weekly spending total: 62.26
Weekly savings total: 135.19
YTD spending total: 809.67
YTD savings total: 1014.01

Week 14

There weren't a whole lot of deals this week, and we didn't really need anything but milk and bread.
The only great deal was V8 Fusion juice for 1.88 at Shop n Save, with a limit of 3. Between trips there and price matching at Walmart, we got 7 of them.

7 juice x 1.88 = 13.16
That seems like a lot just for juice, but a serving of this juice has a whole serving of fruits AND a service of vegetables. It's the easiest way to get veggie goodness into my kids. At a regular price of about 3.25 (average), I don't buy it very often.

2 gallons of milk x 1.98 = 3.98
4 SNS yogurts x .34 = 1.36
ice cream for Phillip = 1.24
bananas 1.10

out of pocket so far= 20.84
saved so far= 11.59

Meijer

2 Ritz crackers x 2.50 = 5.00
-2 store coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 3.00

2 Wheat Thin crackers x 2.99 = 5.98
- 2 coupons for free Wheat Thins if you buy Ritz = - 5.98
= FREE!

1 Bread x 3.19
+ 2 free breads (they had a deal buy ONE get TWO free!)
- 3 coupons x .35 = - 1.05
= 2.14

2 Kraft cheese x 1.59 = 3.18
- 1 store coupons x 1.00 = -1.00
= 2.18

2 great-looking whole chickens that were marked 40% off = 6.10

grapes .77 (should have bought more! they're delicious, and the kids have already eaten half of them! i just never know- sometimes they eat grapes like crazy, and other times the grapes just sit in the fridge.)

Out of Pocket = 14.40
Savings = 20.59

Walgreens and County Market

diapers x 5.99 = 5.99
- register rewards x 5.00 = -5.00
= 0.99 for diapers

Cheerios 3.59
- store coupon making them .99

2 Angel Soft TP x 1.29
- store coupon making them .77
= 1.54

Flour 1.69

2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs x 3.19
- store coupon making them .99
= 1.98

2 lb strawberries x 3.49
- store coupon buy-one-get-one-free
= 3.49

Blue Bunny ice cream 4.59
- store coupon making it 1.99
- manu coupon .75
= 1.24

Borden singles 2.29
- store coupon making .99
= 0.99

Borden Sensations .99
- coupons 1.00
= FREE

Out of pocket= 14.54
Savings = 24.76

random chocolate at a few stores:
about 4.00 out of pocket, savings of 3.00

Weekly spending total: 54.83
Weekly savings total: 64.94
YTD spending total: 747.41
YTD savings total: 878.82

Week 13

Hello everyone. Trying a new format this week. I am going to put all my trips in the same entry, so they may make more sense chronologically.

CVS

2 gallons milk x 1.99 = 3.98
- 1 coupon x 2.00 = 1.98

1 colgate advanced toothpaste x 2.99 = 2.99
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = 1.99 (and earn 2.00 ECB)

2 speedstick deodorant x 3.99 = 7.98 (and earn 7.98 ECBs)

1 feminine item x 3.99 = 3.99
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = 2.99 (earn 3 ECBs)

Paid with 12 ECBs and
Out of Pocket = 3.08
Savings = 18.20
Earned = 12.98 ECBs

County Market

non-coupon stuff
4 mac n cheese x .50 = 2.00
4 cans fruit x .99 = 3.96
1 applesauce x 1.49 = 1.49
1 orange juice x 1.69 = 1.69

coupon stuff
Many of their store coupons are good on multiple items. The coupons say "limit 1" or "limit 3" etc. I usually get the limit that the coupon is good for, if it's a good price.
1 apple juice = 1.99
- 1 store coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= .99

2 county market 3.5 lb frozen chicken breasts x 6.49 = 12.98
- 1 store coupon x 3.00 x limit 2 = -6.00
= 6.98

1 bag potatoes x 3.49 = 3.49
- store coupon x 2.50 = -2.50
= .99

2 bags carrots x 1.79 = 3.58
- 1 store coupon x 1.02 x limit 2 = -2.04
= 1.54

2 birds eye steam fresh veggies x 1.89 = 3.78
- 1 store coupon x 1.20 x limit 2 = -2.40
- 1 manufacturer coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 0.38

3 frozen pizza x 2.75 = 8.25
- 1 store coupon x .96 x limit 3 = -2.88
= 5.37

1 blue bunny ice cream = 4.59
- 1 store coupon x 2.60 = -2.60
- 1 manu coupon x .75 = -.75
= 1.24

1 borden singles x 2.19 = 2.00
- 1 store coupon x 1.01 = -1.01
= 0.99

Out of pocket = 25.09
Savings = 24.45

Meijer

1 lettuce = .99
1 bread = .98
1 milk = 1.98
1 rainbow salad = 1.25
1 bag of licorice snaps for my grandpa = .95

1 hot dog buns = .99
- 1 coupon x .35 = -.35
= 0.64

2 chi-chi's salsa x 1.00 = 2.00
- 2 coupons x .55 = -1.10
= 0.95

2 air wick motion sensor things x 2.99 = 5.98
- 2 coupons x 2.99 = -5.98
= FREE (when I saw I would get these for free, I said, "Yay! Free stuff!" Libby kept saying "Yay!" all through the store. Excellent. She also likes free stuff.)

2 farm rich mozzarella cheese sticks x 1.54 = 3.08
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 1.08

Out of pocket = 9.35
Savings= 24.46

Walmart
Diapers, roughly 14.00

Weekly spending total: 51.52
Weekly savings total: 67.11
YTD spending total: 692.58
YTD savings total: 813.88

3 month averages

YTD spending total: 641.06 / 12 weeks = 53.42
YTD savings total: 746.77 / 12 weeks = 62.23

Week 12 - Aldi

puffed popcorn 1.19
2 fruit and grain bars x 1.859 = 3.78
ice cream = 1.98
saltines = .89
eggs = .79
tortilla chips = .99
ketchup = 1.15
cottage cheese = 1.99
milk = 1.78

out of pocket = 14.70
savings = 4.90

Weekly spending total: 61.16
Weekly savings total: 54.59
YTD spending total: 641.06
YTD savings total: 746.77

Week 12 - County Market

9.93 pounds of ground beef x 1.59 a pound = 15.79
(With that, I made 5 small meatloaves, 3 dinners worth of meatballs, and a ton of ground beef for lasagna, tacos, etc. yay for the freezer!)

1 bag of marshmallows 1.76
- store coupon - 1.09
= .67

Ritz crackers 2.50
Wheat thins 1.88
- coupon for free wheat thins when you buy ritz = -1.88
= 2.50

cream cheese 1.66
- store coupon - .89
= .77

out of pocket = 19.95
saved = 14.61

Weekly spending total: 46.46
Weekly savings total: 49.69
YTD spending total: 626.36
YTD savings total: 741.87

Week 12 - Meijer

I don't know why the kids insist on being in the pictures. But I think they're cute so I'll let them get away with it.
They are now so used to me unloading everything to take a picture of it, that they helped unload the bags and set everything up for pictures tonight. I bet when they get older, they'll find out that not everyone takes pictures of their groceries, and they'll realize what a weird house they grew up in. I bought the juice and sunflower seeds even though they weren't on my list because Phillip had been so good in the store, and that's what he wanted as a treat. I was hoping for brownies.

non-coupon items:
bananas 1.12
2 bags of lettuce x .98 = 1.96
2 frozen juice x .99 = 1.98
sunflower seeds 1.99
2 pasta = 2.10
milk 1.98
hot dog buns .79

coupon items:
4 eckrich hot dogs x 1.25 = 5.00
- 2 coupons for 1.00 off when you buy 2 = -2.00
= 3.00

2 aunt millie's bread x 1.19 = 2.38
- 2 coupons x .35 = -.70
= 1.68

2 Kraft singles x 1.59 = 3.18
- 1 coupon for 1.00 = 2.18

2 Eggo waffles x 1.59 = 3.18
- 2 coupons x .75 = 1.50
= 1.68

4 Sweet Baby Ray's sauce x .99 = 3.96
- 4 coupons x 1.00 = -1.00
= 0.00

2 Kraft dressing x 1.58 = 3.16
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 1.16

5 Kellogg's cereals x 2.50 = 12.50
- 3 Meijer promotion, if you bought 5 you got $3 off
- 5 coupons x 1.00 = -5.00
= 4.50

Out of pocket = 26.51
Savings = 35.08

Weekly spending total: 26.51
Weekly savings total: 35.08
YTD spending total: 606.41
YTD savings total: 727.26

Week 11 - CVS

1 crest mouthwash x 3.49
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 2.49 (and earn 2.00 ECB)

4 CVS brand candies x .99 = 3.96 (not all pictured)
= 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 1.96

2 CVS brand batteries x 6.49 = 12.98
- 6.49 buy one get one free
= 6.49

CVS brand crackers (to feed the ducks, so not pictured) = 1.99

Wow... I had lots of store coupons I know I used a 3 dollars off a 10 dollar purchase, and a few others... I think I missed one up there... and I used some ECBs that were close to expiration... so...

out of pocket = 0.98
saved = 23.39, and earned another 2 ECBs


Weekly spending total: 54.39
Weekly savings total: 102.51
YTD spending total: 579.90
YTD savings total: 692.18

Yay! A week where I did not go over my limit! And just look at the savings!! I paid 54.39 for 156.90 of merchandise, a savings of 102.51. That's awesome!

Week 11 - Shop N Save

Hello, Shop n Save. It's been a while.

We went to SNS 3 different times this week. I sent Doug early in the week, I went on Coupon Thursday, and we stopped by again on Saturday. They had some good deals that had limits of 2.
Also, I am thrilled that SNS has a new scanner system. Their new checkouts print the "suggested retail price" on the receipt now, so I get a better picture of how much I am saving.

So... trip 1:
1 24-pack double rolls cottonelle x 4.88
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 3.88 (that made these 32 cents per double roll. that is a GREAT price on TP!)

2 SNS brand shred cheese x .88 = 1.76

Out of Pocket = 5.90
Saved = 10.19


This is a picture just of the 2nd trip.
Trip 2:
Coupon Thursday at SNS is when they will automatically take $10 off any order $50 or over.
5 Quaker rice snacks x 1.00 = 5.00
- 5 coupons x 1.00 = -5.00
=0.00!!

2 Quilted Northern 24-pack regular rolls x 6.47 = 12.94
- 2 coupons x 1.00 = -2.00
= 10.94 (that's about 23 cents for a single roll of the TP that I like. good deal!)

1 Banquet homestyle bake = 3.50
- 1 coupon x 0.50 = -.50
= 3.00

Pizza kit = 2.23
Bananas = 1.08
Carrots = 1.88
butter = 2.00
2 bread x .86 = 1.72
2 SNS brand corn flakes x .88 = 1.76
SNS black olives = 1.46
2 Kraft singles x 1.88 = 3.76
2 SNS shred cheese x .88 = 1.76
Gallon milk = 1.98
Pepperoni = 1.79
1 Juice Juice = 1.98

3 Eggo waffles x 2.17 = 6.51
- 3 coupons x .75 = -2.25
= 4.26

Out of pocket = 33.87
Saved = 43.84

Trip 3:
Pizza kit = 2.23
2 SNS shred cheese x .88 = 1.76
2 SNS cereal x .88 = 1.76
Gallon milk = 1.98

Out of pocket = 7.81
Saved = 11.20

Weekly spending total: 53.41
Weekly savings total: 79.12
YTD spending total: 578.92
YTD savings total: 668.79

Week 11 - Walgreens

Walgreen's has their brand of diapers on sale buy one get one free. They aren't the best diapers, but for as cheap as it made them, I am happy to use them.
A pack of their size 4 diapers has 34 diapers, for 9.49.
So, I got 68 diapers for 9.49. That's a pretty good deal. (14 cents a diaper, roughly, and that's pretty darn cheap. My standard diapers at Walmart is 10.74 for 48 size 4 diapers, or 22 cents a diaper.)
I paid 4.40 on a gift card from my rebates from last month, so I spent 5.83 out of pocket, and saved 9.49 + 4.40 = 13.89.

Weekly spending total: 5.83
Weekly savings total: 13.89
YTD spending total: 531.34
YTD savings total: 603.56

Week 10 - Aldi

Already over for the week, and had some things we needed at Aldi. Some weeks, it doesn't matter how I plan, I am going to go over. It's just one of those weeks. ALso, if I had not messed up at CVS on Sunday, we would have been fine. Oh well. That's why I don't spend all 60 on weeks that I don't need to. So there's a little buffer room.

At Aldi, spent 21.64 on peanut butter, eggs, breakfast bars, bread, oatmeal, etc. With the standard being that they are 25% cheaper than other stores, that's a savings of 5.41.

Weekly spending total: 80.13
Weekly savings total: 58.60
YTD spending total: 525.51
YTD savings total: 589.67

Week 10 - County Market

I actually made 2 trips to County Market this week. I am starting to love County Market.

3 x Store brand au gratin potatoes 1.39 =4.17
- store coupon making them .77 = -2.31
= 1.87

4 packages dirty cookies x 2.25 = 9.00
- store coupon making them .99 = -5.04
= 3.96

1 load bread = 1.29

bananas = 1.47

deli ham = 7.69
- 3.85 (buy 1/2 pound, get 1/2 pound free promotion)
= 3.84

10 banquet microwave dinners x .77 = 7.70

2 dozen eggs x 1.19 = 2.38
= store coupon making them .69 = -1.00
= 1.38

cream cheese = 1.66
- store coupon making it .88 = - .78
= .88

cottage cheese = 3.29
- store coupon making it 1.39 = -1.90
= 1.39

= 24.41 paid, saved 20.71

second trip (can't find the receipt, of course):
more ham, bananas, stuff for mother's day, etc. foodstuffs came to approx 8 dollars, saved 3.50 on the ham.

Weekly spending total: 58.49
Weekly savings total: 53.19
YTD spending total: 503.87
YTD savings total: 584.26

Week 10 - CVS

I messed up at CVS!
I had meant to buy, using ECBs, the items that earned ECBs. Then turn around and use my new ECBs for the diapers. I forgot. So, my out of pocket is WAY more than I intended. Oh well, at least I have lots of ECBs for next week! And we HAD to go out to get toilet paper and diapers tonight, or I'd have to hunt down the cloth diapers that are around here somewhere and wash them up tonight. So, no matter where I went, I was looking at 18-20 dollars, anyway.

3 Kellogg's cereals x 3.34 = 10.00
- 1 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 7.00, earn 5 ECBs

3 Adidas deoderant x 3.99 = 11.97 (I cannot believe people actually pay this much for deoderant)
- 3 coupons x 1.00 = -3.00
= 8.97, earn 9 ECBs

1 Colgate Max White x 2.99 = 2.99
- 1 coupon x 1.00 = -1.00
= 1.99, earn 2 ECBs

1 Charmin x 5.88 = 5.88
= 5.88, earn 1.00 ECB

CVS brand diapers 13.49
- 1 coupon for 2 dollars off CVS product = -2.00
= 11.49

- 11 ECBs
= 26.08 out of pocket. Receipt says I saved 28.98. And I earned 17 ECBs.

Weekly spending total: 26.08
Weekly savings total: 28.98
YTD spending total: 471.46
YTD savings total: 560.05