Savings at Kroger and CVS and a little lesson

CVS (3 transactions)

J&J baby wash, J&J baby lotion, 96 ct box of diapers, 2 hydo shave gels, 2 hydro razors, 4 packs of gum, 1 caramel (because I went negative), 2 Zegrid OTC, 4 SoBe lifewaters, 10 clearance items= $0.48 out of pocket and $1.49 on a gift card. I used 8 ECB to buy the clearance items that were 75% and 90% off. Total saved $145.17 and I have lots of ECB left to spend.

Kroger (2 transactions)

4 pkg Reach floss, 2 pure protein bars, 4 Dial handsoaps, 2 deoderants, 4 pkg rice = $0.36
Now I did also pick up 21 packages (yes, that is twenty-one!) of Ian's Gluten Free Chicken nuggets at $3.00 each. I know that sounds super expensive, but in actuality it is over 1/2 off the regular price. (still expensive, but when your GF and you need some convenience...) Total savings $113.91 at Kroger.


So why do I coupon?

• The money saved can be spent on more worthwhile things, ie. college fund, adoption fund.
• I like a challenge.
• It is my way of relieving stress.
• The stuff that we don't use I giveaway, tax deduction and/or blessing to others.
• I enjoy getting bargains!

I had some coupons spread out at church the other evening while waiting for Mr. Incredible and the kids during AWANA. A gentleman approached me and asked what I was doing, my system and how it worked, a couple of ladies inquired as well wanting to know the same things. I gladly shared the information that I have learned, because I want others to find the savings that I have. As I was trying to clean up and child pick up started I then observed the eyes of those who hadn't heard how much I save. They saw me (I was in shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops), saw my coupons and passed judgement. (I'm not kidding, they looked at me like I had a plague or at least was in a much lower caste than them.) I could have been offended, but I chose to forgive. I don't coupon to win a popularity contest and so I'm not going to worry about what others think about me. Don't get me wrong, it's great when people think what you're doing is super cool. But in the end when Jesus says, "Well done good and faithful servant", is it really going to matter that the doctor or the young mom didn't like me cutting coupons?!

Spending Spree

Apparently today is the day for spending money. $725 for our van and $14 at Walgreens. I would have made it to another store to spend more money, but it took too long at Walgreens. lol!

So why did we drop 3/4 of a grand on our 8 year old van? Well, it's been shifting "hard". (this is my description of it) Apparently, the front and side mounts for the engine were broken. I wanted to know what would cause a breakage such as this (thinking they were made of steel). I was duly informed that they were made of rubber and sometimes it just wears out! (I really wanted to say some offhand, lewd comment like "You sure do sell expensive r^bbers!". But I couldn't do it.) Isn't it great when God keeps you from opening your mouth!?

I actually did "make" money at Walgreens, but I'm rather upset that they didn't take 12 of my coupons so I'm not going to detail my trip right now. Trying to work through the frustration. AAAHHHHHH!!! (didn't really help :-)) LOL!!!

I think today could easily be summed up by the open, almost consumed container of Cool Whip that I found in the fridge with the lid completely missing from the fridge and finger sweeps through the visible remains. When you see that on a Monday morning, you just know, it's going to one of THOSE days.

Savings Galore

At CVS- Zegrid $9.99 each, got back $9.99 ECB each, used 2 $4 manufacturer coupons. Blink $7.99, got back $7.99 ECB, used $4 manufacturer coupon. Dulcolax $9.99 each, got back $9.99 in EBC each, used 2 $5 manufacturer coupons. YOU do the math. ---- Not to shabby! Do I intend to use these products- nope, probably going to donate them to a local charity and then I can claim the tax deduction as well!

I was able to snag all of this at CVS and Walgreens for $1.18 out of pocket (oop).
At Walgreens used 11 in RR, rainchecks, $7.98 in coupons at Wags and got back $2.50 in RR and spent $1.18 oop, wouldn't have even had to do that if I had remembered to bring a coupon. Total savings $101.73.
At CVS nothing oop because I had a gift card, would have been $1.56 after coupons and ECB if I didn't have the gift card. Used $18.98 in coupons and $8.50 in ECB. Got back $8 in ECB. Total savings $30.90.

I got these at our local S1 for $0.53 oop and $9 worth of coupons!

My point is that there are deals out there and it doesn't take all that long to get them.