Monday, February 28, 2011

Does Couponing REALLY make that big a difference...


We get that question/attitude a lot...that couponing, while saving money, really doesn't make THAT big a difference, PLUS if you factor in TIME spent, expenses to coupon, and hassle to do so...well, it doesn't really make THAT big a difference, right?

Well, I will let you be the judge.  I kept up (as best I could) with as many items during one week's time that our family of 5 consumes (ages 1 year to 40 years) that I would have bought under normal non-couponing circumstances.  I kept up with the regular retail price of the item, the price per item that I spent/saved, and I also calculated how much time, utilities, and gas that I use during a week to generate these savings...although if you think about it, you still use those utilties and gas regardless to go buy/live/store those groceries anyways, BUT I have had neysayers say that is a factor, so here goes.

In a weeks time taking into account the following categories-clothing, food (including groceries and eating out), health and beauty, baby items, OTC meds, automotive and reading material, and entertainment.  If paying full retail price, we would have spent $670.00 out of pocket.  My savings, not taking into account any rebates, coupons such as $5/$30.00, or try me free rebates was $406.11.  If you factor in expenses (I included utilities, my time (which i valued high!), and used high monthly utilitiy averages, including electric, water, gas, internet, ink costs, and printer cost (cause I had to buy a new one) but don't pay for paper!) then the savings is $264.42 a week.  Times that by 52 weeks a year...$13749.84 a year!

What????  $13,749.84 a year?????  And honestly folks, I think that is a super low-ball figure.  One, I can't possibily keep up with all the savings/items we use a week, so I am sure I missed quite a few, two...I didn't factor in any rebates or additional savings, so the figure MUST be higher. 

Here is just a FEW of the items we consumed in a week that we paid ZERO dollars for...kid's clothing, hamburger buns, sloppy joe mix, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, fruit, mustard, headband, leggings, paper (for printing all those coupons), yogurt, kids meal at chili's, coffee creamer,
allergy meds, ibuprofen, cleaning products, hair gel, deoderant, mouthwash, lipstick, teething gel, sippy cups, and magazines.   JUST to name a few! 

So how about it...want to add 13k to your families take-home income this year?  If so, contact us about online class, arrange a person to person couponing trip, host a coupon party at you home, work, or church.  We speak at class parties, small group get-togethers, ect.  We would love to save you family thousands of dollars a year!

Publix weekly ad starting Wednesday 3/2

Go HERE to get your preview of this week's Publix sale ad.  I am excited about the Crystal Light as we drink a TON at my house!  :) 

TIPS:  What I like to do is copy and paste the items I plan to buy onto a Word document, then print it out.  Next, I gather my coupons together and paperclip them to that list.  This eliminates fumbling with them in the store.  Then, I calculate my out-of-pocket expense after coupon savings and write it beside the listed item.  (This is super important to me so I know if something has rang up wrong- which makes it free- or a coupon has been skipped.)  Remember, when doing your calculating, the BOGO listed price is the price for TWO.  They ring up half-price if you would like to buy only one.  :)  Happy shopping!!! 

New Publix coupon booklet

On March 3rd, go HERE to sign up for a Publix coupon booklet with over $50 in coupons!!!  It's their "Stocking Spree" sale time.  YIPPEE!!  :)  God bless everyone!

Target printable coupons

Go HERE to print Target Q's!
Wow-Target has some awesome printable coupons right now...so many I can't begin to tell you about all of them...but there is huggies, benefiber, excedrin, and so many more and they are all Target web coupons which means you can pair them with manufacturer q at both Target and Publix for some awesome deals! Also, there is still a printable q for 20% off of merona accessory, and I was able to use mine to get a pair of clearanced merona sunglasses marked down to $3.48, for $2.78 after the coupon. Glasses had been $19.99 orginally! You can use that q on sunglasses, jewlery, purses, belts, ect! Look for clearance red tags!

free tylenol precise cream or patches!

Free Tylenol Patches & Tylenol Precise Cream at Walgreens
Our blogger friend amy over at "Who said nothing in life is free" has a great Coupon matchup. If you still have the 6.00/2 tylenol q's, then you can score free tylenol pain precise pain patches or cream with the bogo deal at walgreens this week. Yea! I think I could use some of those today!
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Do you have any prayer requests?

Sitting in a traffic jam this morning and was wondering about our followers and if any of you have any prayer requests. Brandi and I want all of you to know that we are here if you have questions, concerns, prayer requests, or just need someone to talk to. We want all of you to have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. And we encourage you to not miss an opportunity to go about Gods work sharing the gospel with others! This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Spent $2.15 and saved $106.44! Praise God!


So, this was a Publix trip.  I was lucky enough to grab two more $5 off $30 Publix coupons from Wednesday's Daily News Journal and I HAD to put them to good use!  :)  Seeing is how TN rarely gets these awesome coupons, I put together 2 scenarios equaling $30 BEFORE any other coupons made up of mostly freebies and money-makers.  I like to grab my produce, milk, and as you can see, my cat litter with my money-makers.  :)   Our online course is going great so send us an email if you'd like to take it at couponingforchrist@gmail.com.  God bless everyone!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!
I challenge all of you stockpilers to share your bounty this weeek. There is so many people in need. Our church is taking up cans for the children's baptist home, so I shared two bags full of my bounty from my publix's italian days run! Whatever you do for these, I will do unto you!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

store coupon vs. manufacturers coupon with logo

Reader sent a question about difference in store coupon and manufacturers coupon with store logo on it. See the picture. Top q says publix coupon and can only be used at publix. The bottom q is manufacturers q with publix logo that technically should be able to be used anywhere. However some cashiers refuse to take them, especially at drug stores cause they don't understand that they are manufacturers q. Email us if you are still confused!
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Personalized Tote Bags $7.99 including FREE shipping!

THESE are too cute!!  I love reusable bags, and this one could make for a great gift! 
These bags are:  
•100% cotton canvas

•Machine washable
•Size: 19" x 14" x 4.5"


Choose the $11.99 tote style, design it, and get a flat rate price of $7.99 including free international shipping no matter how many you order!


Enter this coupon code at checkout to drop the price to $7.99:  FEB11TOTES

Expiry Date: 3/6/2011

Coinstar iTunes bonus!


Currently through March 6th, you can grab your change and head to a Coinstar kiosk for a $10 iTunes bonus!!!

How It Works:


1. Go to the Coinstar® machine locator to find the nearest participating machine.

2. Bring your coins to the nearest Coinstar machine and cash in a minimum of $40.

3. Choose an eCertificate from iTunes (which gives you full value for your coins).

You can spend your coin pour right away for iTunes in an Apple store or online.

4. Your $10 promo code will be at the bottom of your Coinstar/iTunes receipt.

5. Come back to this PAGE, enter your promo code and the rest of the information.

6. Your $10 gift card will be mailed to you.

The best part is.....there is NO FEE when you turn your loose change into gift cards/ecertificates!!!!  I love turning a little something into little more!!!  God bless!!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

New freebie sample site for women!

Click on the picture to go sign up for a new women's free sample site!

zantac coupon is back-super cheap/free at walmart

Zantac coupon is back, you should be able to print two more copies. Can pair this.with 3/1 publix coupon or I found it for $5.49 at walmart a few weeks ago when this coupon was out the last time!
click the box to print yours today.
Zantac

Dockers-sale, free shipping, and cool contest

Click on the picture and head over to the dockers site to check out their sale, free shipping, and a cool contest. You enter an idea and encourage people to vote for your idea!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tax Tip Tuesday

If you jumped on the ball quickly, then you might be getting a tax refund in the near future. If you are, then you might consider using some of your refund to purchase a Lowes giftcard. You can purchase any amount 500.00-4000.00 from.now until March 14th and on March 18th, Lowes will add 10% of the original purchase price to the card. I am hoping to add a storm door this year which will count as a energy tax credit in itself. If you add new windows, or storm doors in 2011, you can take a 10% credit on the purchase price up to 500.00 max.

kroger clearance spotted

My kroger had old spice deoderant on clearance for $2.39. Also still had tons of valentines stuff on 70-75% off clearance...I snagged a set of two hair bows for 44 cents for them together! Also saw advil, vitamins, and eye solution on clearance too!

CVS magic machine...

Remember that this could vary by store, but the magic machine is reportedly spitting out 10/50 coupon. I got one this morning along with three other high dollar coupons for huggies, reeses, and starbucks coffee. Also.saw lots of loreal hair color on clearance, so check your binders before going.

Gap promo thru 3/22

Gap is running promo where if you buy a pair of pants, you get a shirt free. Does not apply to clearance items. See their facebook page for details!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Great Target Freebies and Cheapies!

Here is a some items that you can score for cheap or FREE at Target this week!

Up Brand dryer sheets-$1.67-$1.00 (Target coupons found HERE) = 67 cents a box!

Up Brand Pain reliever-$.99 cents-$1.00 (Target coupon, will adjust down a penny)=FREE!!!

Finish Dishwashing detergent on sale 2/$5.00-$1.50 Target q-$1.00 off Manu. q HERE = FREE!!!

Jr size jeans on Clearance for $4.95-$5.00 Target q (will adjust down)=FREE JEANS!  Whoo-hoo!

Weight watcher meals are on sale for $1.80.  Buy 10, use Target q that is $5/10 and stacked with peelies on the boxes that is $3/10 (and yes...i checked they still have peelies!) making them $1.00 a meal...NOT too shabby for weight watcher meals!

Everything else pictured here I stacked manufacturer coupons that were mailed to me or found in boxed diapers with baby coupons from the most recent Target Baby Mailer. 

Total Savings today was $94.65!  Most of my out of pocket was on the diapers and wipes which was $35.00 for 2 huge boxes of diapers, one bag of diapers, two tubs of wipes with total savings on those items of $15.00 after stacked coupons.

FREE DOG FOOD!!!!

OH my gosh..if you have a dog and you live anywhere near a Petsmart (check locations HERE) then first go to this site HERE) and sign up to get the $5.00 off coupon.  Petsmart has the 5 lb bags of Science Diet Dog food on sale for $5.00..so FREE!!! 

***ONLY GOOD THRU TODAY-MONDAY!!!!****
sorry for the late notice, just read about it over at Savingwithamy.com's facebook page.
Thanks Amy!

publix pic #3

In this pic I got the following free...5lb bag of grapefruit, 2 bags of the sweet moments (oh so yummy!!!), 25 cent yogurt ( yes...I occasionally pay for yogurt...gasp....but the family likes this kind best!) Everything else was at least 50% off retail price.
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pic of my receipt...

Look hard...hanging on the door in the middle of the two doors is my receipt....notice it is the length of my entire door!!!
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2nd Publix pic

Canned food items....everything ranged from 29 cents to no more than 67 cents each for everything pictured except for truevia. ;)
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Publix savings this week!

So if you have been reading any of the Publix blogs, then you know they are having a yearly event called Italian savings! I have not been to the grocery store in over three weeks, so this was a huge trip for me! I had to break it down into three pics/posts. Just going to give some highlights...
Cheerios-64 cents
Publix bread chips-94 cent money maker
Advil-free
Buns-75 cent money maker
Wipes-64 cents
Bertoli sauce-1.00 each

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Friday, February 18, 2011

Frugal Friday!

So in an effort to be more green, make things last longer, or to get the best value, I am going to try to occasionally list frugal tips and ideas. Please feel free to share your own ideas too!
1. Add a cup of water to your bottle of juice. (My kids have never noticed!)
2. Wash out sandwich baggies after use, hang on faucet or over a bottle to dry

Anyone have tips to share???

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Bucket list of places to travel...

On our bucket list of places to go is Alaska. The state of Alaska is offering a free travel guide. I can't wait to get mine in and start dreaming! This year is our 10th anniversary...maybe we will spend it in Alaska!!!
Travel Alaska

starbucks rewards program


Have you signed up for the Starbucks reward program? You earn free coffee and they sent me a free coffee of my choice (no size limit) on my birthday!!! Yea for free coffee! Click on the picture to go sign up today!

coupons.com- high dollar coupons!

Coupons.com
Click the picture to go to coupons.com and print high dollar coupons for benefiber. A 3.00 and 7.00/2 will score free product!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tax tip Tuesday!

Do you donate clothing, toys, other items to local charities? How do you decide the worth of the items? I used to jog down what I donated and valued the items at the price that I would sell them for at a yard sale. A friend told me about itemizing software that is offered by most online filing sites. This year I kept a list of the items I donated and the shape that they were in. I used the itemizing software and wowza...the value it places on the items was so much higher than what I had calculated in the past! Leather jacket was worth $20, sweater was worth $20, and baby equipment was of good value too! All in all, my tax impact was so much more than previous years! Don't "leave money on the table"!!!!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Free e-FILE with turbo tax!

We love free at C4C...and if you have a simple taxes to file, then give turbo tax a try! It walks you step by step and is very easy to use!

zantac coupon=cheap zantac at cvs this week!

Don't forget to print your zantac coupon to snag 99 cent zantac at cvs this week after coupon and ecb savings! Click on the picture to go to the link!
Zantac

won't be available long...

Just checked and there is a limited amount of prints left for this quizno sandwhich!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

yellow advantage find...

Bailey's coffee creamer is on sale for 2/$3.00 which is already a great price...but my publix has a blinkie machine in front of it with $1.00 off one, making them 50 cents each! My store.also had $1.00 off one on the coffeemate creamer! Yeah for cheap creamer....and it has a long shelf life!

Friday, February 4, 2011

IT'S COMPLETED!!! OUR ONLINE BEGINNER COURSE IS LIVE!!!

We are proud to announce that we have completed the online Beginner Coupon course!!  The details are located on the left side of the page!!  Thank you for your patience as we know this has been highly anticipated.  Happy learning and God bless!