TOO extreme couponing?

OK, I will admit I have bought coupons from eBay. Excuse me, I mean I have paid someone for their services in finding and clipping the free coupons they sent me. I get out my calculator and tap in the total cost, including shipping, factor in the cost of the items after coupons and figure exactly how much said items are going to cost me. Sometimes, it just isn't worth it. On the other hand, when I can get 20 bottles of body wash for a grand total of $5.65 (28¼¢ each!)... OR when I buy 20 items I don't even use and end up with a $25.57 profit... oh, yeah!!! (Not to worry, I donate those).

I don't know if TLC's new UN-reality show, Extreme Couponing, has anything to do with it, but there seems to be a real boom going on in coupon auctions. I can't help but wonder what some of those bidders are thinking. Do they get caught up in the excitement? Are they so competitive that they just have to WIN (the auction) and hang the cost? Here's the most recent example I found... Publix has, in their BOGO deals next week, an item that normally costs 89¢. There are some 50¢ coupons out there. I just watched an auction for these coupons tick down to the last second. OK, check it out. The winning bidder is paying 90¢ per coupon!

Ok, my Flardafied brain just figured it out. In SOME states, there are stores that double coupons, up to a certain amount - usually 50¢ - so maybe each coupon, to her, is worth $1.00. Much as I love FL, things like this are very frustrating. Not only do we NOT get doubles, but prices are generally a bit higher to start with. AND, when the other bidders have twice the incentive, it makes it that much harder to win that auction! >:\

So, are YOU an extreme couponer? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to save more? Just how far will you go to save a buck $5.00? 8-}

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Or***. org*** (just can't bring myself to say it)

I was leaving a comment for The Not So Perfect Housewife - re her how do you o........ or..... keep your coupons handy? query - and realized it was getting pretty windy, so figgered I'd just make it a post. 8-]


Well, I'd like to say that I faithfully keep up my binder and have all my coupons sorted and filed away in it, ready to whip out at a moment's notice. But I can't. 'Org*n*iz*tion' is a near-dirty word in this house. I just know - mostly - which pile to dig through to find the coupons I need for the current list. I stick the list and coupons in a recycled envelope and write out detailed instructions for Duller or DS, who usually do the actual shopping, coz they're already in the big city, which saves us an extra 2-3 gallons of gas.

I also have a plastic check file thingy that I sometimes remember to take along when I have several stores to hit. It's pretty handy for keeping each store's coupons separated and there are extra slots to stick in any coupons I find in the aisles.

I reckon I've progressed to a higher level. My last few shops have included two $0 OOP (out of pocket) and one 95% savings. I just love hyper-couponing! And I've started accumulating a tiny stockpile. It's so nice, when we need more ketchup or juice, to just open up the 'pantry' and grab a new bottle. We probably have enough cereal to last 4-5 months... maybe longer. Our cereal consumption tends to ebb and flow. We're working on the last pack of paper towels now. Last time I bought those was probably 5-6 months ago. Time to start looking for another sale.

Well, that's my story - and 'm sticking to it. Oh, and if any of y'all happened to see the Extreme Couponing show on TLC, we're not all crazy, honest. 8-]

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Saving on organics

I'm all about saving money, but how do we do that AND eat healthy? In my never-ending quest for the lowest price, I have come across a few hopeful sources for saving a little on foods and household products. While there aren't nearly as many coupons as for processed foods and chemical-laden cleaners, it's a pretty good start. Start with Mambo Sprouts, where you'll find prntable coupons, recipes, product reviews, and more. Several natural/organic producers offer coupons on their websites. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cascadian Farm
• Seventh Generation
• Whole Foods Market
• Stoneyfield Farms
• Coleman Natural
• Horizon - caveat: some products are natural, not organic; know the difference!
• R.W. Knudsen
• Earthbound Farms
• Organic Valley
• MOM's Organic Market
• Organic Prairie
• Newman's Own

Look around the couponing blogs and you're sure to find even more. 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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40 Heathy Snacks... and I got free chocolate!

Download this ebook, 40 Healthy Snack Recipes, FREE!

Kim, I know the free chocolate will get your attention,LOL! I scanned my CVS card at the door and got a coupon for a free Dove bar, or $2 off a larger size. I opted for the free bar. The register gave me the whole $2 off, anyway, so they actually paid me $1.11 to take it! WOOT!!!

PS - They don't actually give you the overage. You can use it toward another item in the same transaction. See an example here.

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Saving doesn't have to be unhealthy

DAWG! I had a whole long post typed out and half of it just vanished! I hate it when that happens! It was pretty good, too, if I say so myownself... and I do. 8-} Oh, well, here's the other half. Maybe another time, another place...

Why are there so many coupons for junk and so few for healthy, organic food?! In my quest to get out of a deep financial pit, I'm still buying things I'd rather forego. And I actually buy things I don't want or need... when the coupon is for more than the item, the overage helps pay for something else.

Kim got me thinking... not like I hadn't heard it, and thought it myownself, before, but she kinda nudged me over the proverbial edge. 8-}

(missing monologue)

Here are a few links that might help balance your wholesome budget:
Fiddledee: Organic Savings
Mark's Daily Apple: How to Eat Healthy and Save Money
Your Green Helper
Kiwi Mag Online
Affluent Pauper: Organic Coupons - Where to Get Them Right Now (old post, but still some good links)

Not much, but it's a start. I'm sure I've come across others. I'll post them as soon as I re-find them.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Habits, good and bad

It's incredible how quickly I got OUT of the puter habit... which I thought would be more painful than cutting caffeine cold turkey. I re-discovered the real world out there and just can't seem to sit still at this desk as long as I used to.

Anyhow... not that I'm obsessed with coupons or anything... check out this done deal! I used to think that kinda thing would never work for me, but I'm getting deals just like that every week now! It's downright inspiring! I have a short end-of-sale list tomorrow that should be, if there are any tearpad coupons left, 75-100% off the already rock bottom sale price!

Right now, I'm all about the savings. Debt-free in three (except the mortgage, which will take a while longer) is my goal. After years of coasting and squeaking by and always struggling to get that belt just one notch tighter, I'm becoming ruthless. Some people, whose names I'll not mention, have a habit of turning on lights all over the house and forgetting the switch goes down, as well. No more of that! You're not reading or cooking, so the one lamp is sufficient. Sleeping in front of the tv? Turn that watt wolfer OFF! I'm even trying to get in the habit of unplugging things that aren't in use. And handing over the Publix list to someone who's going to be in that area, anyway. Much as I enjoy doing it, it's silly to drive 40-50 miles when Duller drives right past the store every day. Once in a while, I just have to do it, coz gas is - so far - still cheaper than a rubber room. KnowwhutImeanVern?

So, what are your best money-saving tips? What little things do you do that add up to big benefits?

Have a JESUS-filled day!

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Clip joint

What a week! The daily thunderstorms are keeping my DSL sporadic, which means precious little computer time. I've been using that to catch up on my coupons and deals. If y'all aren't clipping already, you need to start! In case you missed it, I've cut our grocery bill by about 75-80%! And we're actually eating better! I can afford things I never would've put on my list before.

If you're thinking it'll take too much time to work out all the deals, someone else has already done the leg work for you. There are countless couponing blogs that not only tell you where to find the coupons, but spell out exactly what you need to save - and sometimes MAKE - money on specific deals.

My favourites include, but are definitely not limited to:
Duchess of Discount
I Heart Publix
I Heart Saving Money
Fiddledeedee!
Faithfully Frugal and Free
Big Fat Piggy Bank
Cha-Ching on a Shoestring
Money Saving Mom
Common Sense With Money

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Living in a black hole

For the handful who are still checking in... love y'all! 8-]

OK, I need a favour. If anybody got the $2 Complete Multi-Purpose Solution coupon in LAST weekend's (the 16th) Sunday paper, I could sure use it before next weekend. (I'll happily reimburse the postage.) It was in the Red Plum insert. Only those things are regional and, as usual, we didn't get all the ones I really want. It's an embarrassment. I get the newspaper from the state capital, for Pete's sake! Wouldn't ya think they'd have all the best stuff? Not EVEN! I'm putting myownself on an even stricter budget till I squirrel away enough for a down payment on a house down home. If I eat once a day, three times a week... 8-}

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Upromise Guest Shopping

Have you registered with Upromise? Don't really want to? Then feel free to click on my link and get all the benefits without having to join. Oh, yeah, and I'll get credit whenever tou shop online with the great Upromise coupons and money-saving deals. Win/win! 8-]
Upromise Guest Shopping for Sophie

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Chicken for a BAWK?!

If you haven't heard, Boston Market has a super coupon deal going on this week. You get a quarter white or three pieces of dark with mashed potatoes (here, they let you choose a different side) and cornbread for a buck. This one expires on 1 November. There are other coupons here, as well. You might want to get there early in the day. Duller tried around noon and after work and both times there were unbelievable crowds waiting in line. He said about 60 people in front of him and by the time he got to the counter, as many behind and more coming. Just as he got up to second in line, they announced they were out of dark meat, cornbread and most sides. Wonder if it's that way all over.

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Free Fazoli's

I have a printable coupon good for a free small spaghetti entree w/meat or marinara sauce with purchase of a drink. It's good Monday, the 26th, only. Our Fazoli's closed and has been replaced by a bank. (How ironic is that?!) Nearly all my favourite places have closed in this area, which is just another reason I SO want to move back to a more civilized part of Flarda. OK, but that's beside the point. If anyone wants this coupon, let me know and I'll e you the link.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Ain't God good?!!

The check I've been waiting for finally arrived, so I headed straight for the big city to buy groceries. And, as if that wasn't blessing enough, I got my MyPoints reward today... a $25 GC for Applebee's. DS volunteered to go with me and we got the 2/$20 deal. What a treat!

After we ate, we decided to go check out HHGregg... to give us a little time to recover before shopping... ever grocery shop right after a big meal? ( * ; * ) Another blessing was about to hit me. We looked at stoves and I found the one I want. Now I need to research, coz if I find a lower price, they'll beat it. As we were leaving the store, I grabbed a sale flyer. Now usually, we'd take off and I'd look at the flyer at home, but I decided to take just a couple minutes there in the parking lot. Hold and below, the pay-as-you-go phones we use (Net10) were on sale for HALF PRICE! (I had run out of time over the weekend and was going to wait till the end of the month to get a new one!) I called Duller right away (it was 5PM by now & he has an HHGregg card) and had him meet us there. We bought the last 4 they had.

DS decided he'd just as soon take off, so Duller went with me to Publix. Between BOGOs and super coupons, we ended up spending $35.xx for about $70 worth of groceries. He was in a REALLY good mood over that. 8-]

OK, I don't do coffee, so Idano if Eight O'clock brand is any good, but Publix has it BOGO right now AND there's a printable coupon for $2 off here, making it $2.99 for 2 bags. That's pretty good for coffee, ain't it? They had several flavours from which to choose.

For more sale/coupon match-ups, check out A Full Cup.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Thrifty Thursday, adden-duh

For lots of great sales, deals and coupon links, visit the Coupon Saving Game.

And if you love TGI Fridays, click here for 2 coupons.
One is for a free appetizer with any drink purchase from 4-closing.
You have to order at the bar, but you don't have to order an alcoholic drink.
The other is for a $5 sandwich or salad during lunch hours.
Call first to make sure your local restaurant is a 'participating location'.

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Thrifty Thursday

Times are tough all over and we're all doing our part to fight fiscal frustration.

I NEVER shop at WD here. They have been accused - and I believe it - of taking items out of the dumpster and reshelving them. I have taken back things that had been opened - no phfff when I removed the lid - and later found the same items back on the shelf. UGH! The place is disgusting!

Admittedly, Publix is, as a rule, a bit more expensive. But with a little planning, we can save a ton. The thing I love most about Publix - well, second to its obviously superior environment - is the plethora of BOGO deals. Last week, between the BOGOs and coupons, I paid app. $66 for $111 worth of groceries! (And that was without really thoroughly scouring all the coupon sources available!) Keep your eyes peeled for coupons on those sale items. They had a BOGO offer on Old El Paso dinner kits. I had a coupon for $1 off 3 OEP items AND a coupon for a free OEP taco seasoning package. Bottom line: I got 2 dinner kits and the seasoning pack for under $2. And I later found out I could have gotten a free shopping bag with that purchase. Yep, I'm still learning.

Today's lesson: When you think you've found all the coupons you can use, go back and look again. 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Upside down?

If you're in a Publix state, check out the Freedom sour cream. It's on sale for 99¢ AND there are 55¢ coupons on the shelf. As an added bonus, we get 15¢ back every time we use our ATM card, so I got it for 29¢! WOOHOO! I wish I could buy a bunch and freeze it all. Unfortunately, sour cream doesn't do well after freezing. However, I've heard that storing it upside down in the fridge is supposed to make it last longer. Has anyone tried this?

Publix also has the best BOGO sales. This week, I'm struggling to resist filling my freezer with Smart Ones desserts. 8-]

One little trick I use in deciding what to buy now and what to put off till next week. In some areas, Publix sales start on Wednesday, and in others (including mine) on Thursday. So I check the online ads, then switch to an area that starts a day earlier. That way I don't get annoyed that I bought chicken yesterday and it went on sale today. (Clear as mud?)

Love y'all bunches!
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Sign up for freebies - updated

*Update - got the Boston Market coupon and added it to the list.
Also, I wanted to mention... make sure to check the expiration dates. Most are only good for about 2 weeks. Arby's, 1 week.

Got coupons?!

It all started with Applebee's. I was checking out their online menu, deciding whether to go there or Chili's. On the site was a 'get our emails' link. Hmmm, years ago, I signed up for Red Lobster emails and got birthday coupons. Maybe...

Well, next thing I knew, I was enjoying a free appetizer. LOVE that spinach artichoke dip! The only catch was, the coupon was only good at the one location I had entered as 'my favourite'. I called their toll-free #, but got a 'shrug - that's the way it is' response. Oh, well, free is still good.

Here's a list of the free - more often than not 'with purchase...' - comestibles I've collected so far:

Applebee's - free appetizer
Chili's - free queso & chips
Ruby Tuesday - BOGO entree
Ryan's - BOGO adult buffet meal*
Longhorn Steakhouse - free appetizer
Denny's - 20% off your next visit
Fazoli's - $2 off purchase of $5 or more
Wendy's - $1 off any premium hamburger
Arby's - free fruit tea with sandwich purchase
Dairy Queen - BOGO Blizzard
Boston Market - $3 off next purchase
TGI Friday's - now these people do it right... I got several coupons, including:
. - one-time jump the line pass
. - free appetizer or dessert
. - 1¢ appetizer w/beverage purchase at the bar (did not say alcoholic was
.....required, just that you sit at the bar)
. - AND they send you a (plastic) card that you present each visit...
.....for every $100 you spend, you get an $8 coupon (double points on Cinco de Mayo)

I also signed up, but have not yet heard from:
- Carrabbas' Italian Grill
- Picadilly

* Ryan's coupon is good at any of their restaurants - Old Country Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, Country Buffet, Ryan's, or Fire Mountain

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