tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58785061268214364672024-03-14T00:58:51.640-07:00The Coupon ProfCouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-66073232019011537902011-03-23T14:56:00.000-07:002011-03-23T14:56:35.417-07:00Super Ninja visits Walgreens........to do his regulary weekly shopping, as previously described, and sees Gillette Body Wash marked down to $2. Super Ninja remembers that the 2/27 P&G ad had a $2 off Gillette Body Wash coupon. So Super Ninja gets a bunch of coupons, and has this transaction:<br />
<br />
4 Gillette Body Wash @ $2 = $8.00<br />
1 Plackers Dental Floss Picks @ $2 = $2.00<br />
- 4 x $2.00 Body Wash coupons ($8.00)<br />
- B1G1 at half price surprise Gillette/Old Spice sale ($2.00)<br />
<br />
= tax only ($0.56) + receive a $2 RR for next time! I will do this every day until I run out of coupons (or until Walgreens runs out of patience, but they're trying to clearance this stuff out, so I think I'm doing them a favor). These coupons have a limit of 4 per shopping trip, so in the spirit of cooperation (and in the spirit of not clearing the shelves and giving some other folks a chance), I'll go easy. Super Ninja, signing off!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-69921960022318625452011-03-19T19:49:00.000-07:002011-03-19T19:49:41.050-07:00Next donation round....Here's what I'll drop off at Take 5 next week. There's a bunch of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, and deodorant, among some other things. Retail value is easily a couple hundred dollars. I didn't pay anywhere near that, of course, but I'm happy to be able to help in a small way!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cov6pXw3ZxMXGBZnlIwxvXreA6sOLJ9BANqfdCCCdyCpO34eXrtdmHIJFTUWEOqKC2R-YrdvrlSOBpzfQvwAcujR8I27-0IaoZoXB1RIKlqYYu-bdgocUXQXB3HitaZYc5yCKd9ZUXc9/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cov6pXw3ZxMXGBZnlIwxvXreA6sOLJ9BANqfdCCCdyCpO34eXrtdmHIJFTUWEOqKC2R-YrdvrlSOBpzfQvwAcujR8I27-0IaoZoXB1RIKlqYYu-bdgocUXQXB3HitaZYc5yCKd9ZUXc9/s320/195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, those are Tena pads in the middle. There is little that I won't buy if it's a good deal. No shame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-79682947007603377312011-03-19T19:40:00.000-07:002011-03-19T19:40:52.880-07:00CVS Plan 3/20-3/26Yet again, I got a $5 off $25 in my email! You have no idea how excited I get when I get these emails. It's completely irrational, but I start comparing this week's ad to next, to see where it's better to use. For this one, I'll use it on 3/20 (the last day I can use it, but the first week of the sale). Since I bought diapers last week, that wiped out my stash of ECBs, so the out of pocket will be a little higher than I'd like, but it'll do a great job of building my ECB stash back up!<br />
<br />
Allegra $6.99 (with $6.99 ECB)<br />
2 Crest Gum Protection $6.98 (with $5.00 ECB)<br />
Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons $7.99 (with $3.00 ECB)<br />
Head and Shoulders shampoo $4.99 (with $2.50 ECB)<br />
<br />
Total before coupons = $26.95<br />
- Allegra internet coupon ($2.00)<br />
- Crest coupons ($1.00 + $0.50 = $1.50)<br />
- Playtex coupon from 3/20 Smart Source insert ($2.50)<br />
- Head and Shoulders coupon from mailer ($2.00)<br />
- $5/25 coupon<br />
= $13.00 in coupons, so $13.95 + $1.89 tax<br />
- $7 ECB from last week<br />
<br />
= $8.84 OOP, get $17.49 ECB<br />
<br />
This is $26.95 of stuff for $8.84 OOP, which is a leverage factor of about 3. Not the greatest, but look what happens to my ECB. I go from $7 to 17.49, a gain of $10.49. So the way I look at it is that I pay $8.84 for a $10.49 gift certificate, and I get all the stuff for free! We'll keep the Allegra--it's allergy season. The rest will be donated. Speaking of donations, it's been awhile since I posted a picture. Let me get that ready for you....CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-70618553701949785682011-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:002011-03-19T19:31:12.207-07:00Back in the saddle.....and it's like I never left! Our little girl Aria made it home from the hospital this week after 63 days in the NICU. She has plenty of problems, and in the short term her life will not be easy, but we are so glad to finally have her home.<br />
<br />
Now, I get to continue my favorite hobby! Here's my plan for Walgreens next week (3/20-3/26)<br />
<br />
<u>Transaction 1</u><br />
<br />
4 Reach toothbrushes (3 at .99 with in-ad coupon, 1 at reg. price of 1.79) = $4.76<br />
Always Pads $2.99<br />
Stride Gum (with in-ad coupon) $0.79<br />
<br />
Total before mfr. coupons = $8.54 + $0.60 tax<br />
-4 $1 Reach coupons<br />
- $0.50 Always coupon<br />
- $4.00 from Irish Spring last week<br />
= $0.64 out-of-pocket, get $4 RR (Reach) and $2 RR (Always)<br />
<br />
<u>Transaction 2</u><br />
Plackers Floss Picks $2.00<br />
- $2.00 RR (Always)<br />
<br />
= Tax only OOP = $0.14, get $2 RR<br />
<br />
<u>Transaction 3</u><br />
Always Pads $2.99<br />
Almay Eye Liner ($7.99 at 30% off this week) = $5.24<br />
2 Kraft Mac n Cheese @ 0.69 ea. = $1.38<br />
<br />
Total before coupons = $9.61 + $0.67 tax<br />
<br />
- $1 Almay coupon<br />
- $0.50 Always coupon from 2/27 P&G<br />
- $4 RR (Reach) from Trans 1<br />
- $4 RR (Reach) from last week<br />
<br />
= $0.78 OOP, get $5 RR (Almay) and $2 RR (Always)<br />
<br />
<u>Transaction 4</u><br />
<br />
Always Liners $2.99<br />
4 Reach Floss $4.76 (same as Reach toothbrush in Trans. 1, except I have only 2 $1 coupons)<br />
= $7.75 + 0.37 tax<br />
<br />
- 2 $1 Reach coupons<br />
- $0.50 Always coupon (2/27 P&G)<br />
- $5 RR (Almay) from Trans. #3<br />
= $0.62 OOP, get $4 RR (Reach) and $2 RR (Always)<br />
<br />
<u>Transaction 5</u><br />
<br />
Always Liners $2.99 + $0.21 tax = $3.20<br />
- $0.50 coupon (2/27 P&G ad)<br />
- $2.00 RR (Plackers) from Trans. #2<br />
<br />
= $0.70 OOP, get $2 RR (Always)<br />
<br />
<u>Summary of Total Plan</u> <br />
End with $10 RR (started with $8 RR)<br />
Total cost OOP = $2.88<br />
Get $30.89 worth of stuff<br />
Leverage factor = 30.89 / 2.88 = 10.7 !!!!!<br />
<br />
NINJA!!!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-2677668086093215372011-03-16T19:54:00.000-07:002011-03-16T19:54:31.393-07:00Walgreens trip 3/15Irish Spring deodorant is on sale for 2/$6 with a $4 RR, and there are $1 internet coupons. Free deodorant! Plus, Right Guard deodorant is BOGO at Walgreens, and if you couple it with the BOGO coupon from the 3/13 Red Plum, you'll get 2 for free! (Well, not counting tax). Finally, I got 4 Reach toothbrushes for $1.79 each, a $1.00 coupon off each, and a $4 RR back! A great week!<br />
<br />
4 Irish Spring deodorant<br />
4 Reach toothbrushes<br />
2 Right Guard deodorant<br />
4 filler Royal Jello (.20 apiece--remember that you can't use more coupons than items at Walgreens)<br />
<br />
Total paid = $2.28 for over $25 worth of items! A great trip for charity!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-12269910829202006572011-03-16T19:50:00.000-07:002011-03-16T19:50:33.559-07:00My trips this week...At CVS, we needed diapers, and there was a good deal this week, because I had the good fortune to get a $5 off $25 email!<br />
<br />
Buy $25 in baby supplies, get 10 ECB ($20 for a Mega Box of Pampers and $5 for some Gerber snacks)<br />
<br />
- $2 Pampers coupon from 2/27 P&G ad<br />
- $5 off $25<br />
<br />
= $18<br />
<br />
- $17.57 ECB from before<br />
<br />
= $0.43 + tax, get $10 ECB<br />
<br />
Then, I bought 2 Crest toothpaste (3.49 each, get $2.50 back in ECB), an Irish Spring bodywash ($2.99 get $2 back), and 3 Starburst (okay, this was for me, but they were buy 2 get 1 free).<br />
<br />
Crest = $6.98<br />
Irish Spring = $2.99<br />
Starburst = $1.98<br />
<br />
= $11.95<br />
<br />
- (2) $0.75 Crest coupons from 2/27 P&G ad<br />
- $10 ECB from first transaction<br />
<br />
= $0.45 + tax<br />
<br />
Lots of stuff for me and to donate to charity in this trip, and very low out of pocket cost! Plus, I got $7 ECB for the next time ($5 from Crest, and $2 from Irish Spring)! Ninja!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-8865885068050204042011-03-13T09:23:00.001-07:002011-03-13T09:23:31.299-07:00Shampoo/Conditioner at Menards free after rebate!Menards is once again selling Physique Shampoo for $6, with a $6 mail-in rebate. The limit is 4. As long as you have things you can buy at Menards in the future, this is a great way to get some items to donate!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-48625547585125073262011-03-13T09:05:00.000-07:002011-03-13T09:05:38.194-07:00Walgreens 3/13-3/19This week at Walgreens has some good deodorant deals! In this Sunday's Red Plum (3/13), there's a coupon for buy one Right Guard deodorant/bodywash get one free. Walgreens has the same deal in store, so combining the store BOGO with the coupon BOGO means you'll get both free (just pay tax)! There is also a deal on Irish Spring deodorant--buy 2 for $6, get $4 Register Rewards. There are $1 internet printable coupons available, so if you have them, pay $4 for 2 and get $4 RR back! Free after RR!<br />
<br />
These make great donation items!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-85793007319900429542011-03-06T08:46:00.000-08:002011-03-06T08:46:22.099-08:00Menards 3/6-3/12Folks, this is the week to get ready to paint indoors! Menards has some great rebate deals!<br />
<br />
Designer's image paint has an $11 per gallon rebate, making the flat paint free after rebate (semi-gloss is $3 after rebate and satin is $2 after rebate). The ad only lists white colors, and there is a limit of 5 gallons, but still a great deal if you have a room or two to paint!<br />
<br />
They have 2-piece brush sets for $4 with a $4 rebate (limit 2) and roller tray/roller brush/roller combos for $7 with a $7 rebate (limit 2). They've also got edgers for $2 with $2 rebate (limit 4).<br />
<br />
Caulk tools are $5 with a $5 rebate (limit 2), there's a clamp that's free after rebate ($4), and there are garbage bags free after rebate ($2). Who knows, I might spring for the 9 cent (after rebate) lint rollers!<br />
<br />
Overall, an excellent week at Menards! I'm excited, because I know I can use all the rebate dollars on my garden later!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-87725668695361793732011-02-27T18:20:00.000-08:002011-02-27T18:20:19.082-08:00CVS 2/27-3/5...I like this week's promotions at CVS--you don't even need coupons to benefit!<br />
<br />
First, they have Crest toothpaste at $3.29 with $3.29 ECB--the limit is 2, and that goes a long way. In the P&G coupon insert this week, there is a $1.00 coupon and a $0.75 coupon you can use. Then, there's travel-size contact solution (Revitalens brand) for $5.99 with a $5.99 ECB. Finally, if you want a power toothbrush and have the P&G, you can get an Oral-B power toothbrush for $3.00 ($6 - $3 coupon) with a $3.00 ECB.<br />
<br />
Then, I got a $4 off $20 in my email this week, so I knew what I was going to do right away!<br />
<br />
2 Crest toothpaste = $6.58<br />
Revitalens = $5.99<br />
Oral B toothbrush $6.00<br />
Softsoap bodywash <u>$2.99</u><br />
<br />
Subtotal before coupons : $21.57<br />
Tax $ 1.51<br />
- $1.00 toothpaste coupon (1.00)<br />
- $0.75 toothpaste coupon (0.75)<br />
- $3.00 toothbrush coupon (3.00)<br />
- $4.00 off $20.00 (4.00)<br />
- $10.99 in prior ECB (10.99)<br />
<br />
= OOP of $3.34! Also, I got $17.57 in new ECB ($6.58 Crest, $3 Oral-B, $5.99 Revitalens, $2 Softsoap)<br />
<br />
Not bad! If you don't have coupons, I'd buy them in smaller transactions (Oral B, using the $3 ECB you'll get on it to buy Crest, using Crest's $3.29 ECB to buy another Crest, and then using the last one to buy Revitalens). That minimizes what you'll pay out of pocket, but it also minimizes the ECB you'll have at the end.CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-1266756790803088422011-02-20T18:37:00.000-08:002011-02-20T18:37:14.732-08:00This week (2/20-2/26).....I've got to be honest--I don't see much worth making a trip for. I realize I just ended my sentence with a preposition, because it seems preposterous to say "I don't see much for which it would be worth making a trip".<br />
<br />
BUT...and it's a big "but" (literally, because I used capital letters), next week looks fantabulous at both Walgreens and CVS. Stay tuned, and I will keep you posted as to why I believe this to be the case....CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-86081812770602036712011-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:002011-02-12T09:55:49.653-08:00CVS deal week of 2/13-2/19Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste is on sale for $3.79 with $3.79 back in ECB! The limit is 2, so if you need toothpaste, this is a good week!<br />
<br />
If you have access to a January 21, 2011 copy of All You magazine, there's a $1 coupon on page 108. making this deal a money maker!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-80478501338386111112011-02-12T09:42:00.000-08:002011-02-12T09:42:20.995-08:00Detergent deal from long ago...A while back, CVS had a deal where if you bought $25 of participating products, you could get $10 ECB back. One of the products was Wisk laundry detergent at $5, so if you bought 5, you could get them for a net cost of $15 ($25 - $10 ECB). There were also $2 coupons available, so if you had 5, the final cost would be $5 + tax for 5 bottles of Wisk. Not a bad deal at all! When I went to the store, they were out, so I got a rain check.<br />
<br />
Well, a few days ago I got an email for $4 off any $20 purchase. So I knew this was now going to be a GREAT deal!<br />
<br />
5 Wisk @ $5 each (raincheck) = $25<br />
- 5 $2 coupons ($10)<br />
- $4 off $20 ($4)<br />
- ECB from previous purchases ($11)<br />
<br />
Net price = Tax only = $1.75<br />
<br />
Received $10 ECB for next time<br />
<br />
So I have $1 less in ECB, and I paid $1.75 out of pocket, for a total "cost" of $2.75 for 5 bottles of laundry detergent. That'll go to Take 5 the next time I make a trip over. The regular price at CVS for Wisk is $8.99 a bottle, so it's over $40 in savings from this one purchase!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-77128041114208207262011-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:002011-02-12T09:07:02.230-08:00Absence explained......if you've been checking for updates, you've likely been disappointed. Our daughter was born 5 weeks prematurely, and is in the hospital an hour and a half away from where we live. Consequently, I haven't been doing much in the way of couponing. Honestly speaking, I have been monitoring deals, and I don't feel like I've missed much. I'll try to post more often.<br />
<br />
Our daughter Aria faces a number of challenges. If you're interested, I blog about her (and her sister Daisy) at <a href="http://www.daisyandariasdaddy.blogspot.com/">http://www.daisyandariasdaddy.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Keep an eye out! Deals are coming back!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-92111255891002971492011-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:002011-01-09T12:24:48.842-08:00Soda, soda, soda....The best deal on soda I've ever seen is happening right now at CVS (1/9-1/15)! Buy 6 12-packs for $20, and get $10 ECB! This deal is also good next week, so even if you started with nothing, you could do it once this week, use the $10 towards doing it again next week, and end up with another $10 back! Net cost is $20 + tax for twelve 12-packs! That's $1.67 apiece, and the best deal I've seen on soda since I started paying attention.<br />
<br />
If you're a caffeine addict like me, this is a pretty good deal!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-4525125024673394092011-01-05T08:52:00.000-08:002011-01-05T08:52:14.586-08:00So, does a Coupon Ninja outrank a Dollar General?It turns out the answer is "yes"! There are small (around 8 ounce) bottles of Olay body wash marked at $3, but ringing up at $2 after an unadvertised deal at Dollar General. There is a $2 Olay body wash coupon from the 12/26 P&G insert, so I was able to get five of them for just the cost of sales tax.<br />
<br />
Five small body washes for $0.70--yep, I'll do that. The sale lasts until Saturday, 1/8, so if you've got a Dollar General nearby, check it out!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-72265947771499678782011-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:002011-01-03T18:28:59.706-08:00CVS trip 1/3/11I finally got my third free Excedrin coupon in the mail, so I wanted to take advantage of this week's Excedrin deal at CVS (buy $20, get $10 ECB). Also, I am addicted to Extra gum (buy 3 packs for $2, get $1 ECB). Finally, on <a href="http://www.coupons.com/">http://www.coupons.com/</a>, there are $2 Listerine Zero coupons. Be sure to print two! My transaction looked like this:<br />
<br />
2 Excedrin @ $4.79 = $9.58<br />
2 Excedrin @ $5.49 = $10.98<br />
3 Gum @ $0.67 = $2.00<br />
2 Listerine @ $5.00 = $10.00<br />
<br />
Subtotal: $32.56<br />
<br />
- free Excedrin x 3 = $15.77<br />
- 2 Listerine $2 coupons = $4.00<br />
- $14 ECB from before<br />
<br />
Total spent =$1.21 + tax ($2.28) = $3.49, got $10(Excedrin) + $1(Extra) + $5(Listerine) = $16 ECB back<br />
<br />
Starting off 2011 with a CVS bang! Wait until next week at CVS--the deal is 6 Pepsi 12-packs for $20. By itself, that's not a bad deal, but there's a $10 ECB! It's like paying $10 for 6 12-packs! I've never seen such a good soda deal! Remember, that deal will start 1/9/11 and continue through 1/15/11.<br />
CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-62521737400091938412010-12-30T17:08:00.000-08:002010-12-30T17:08:53.056-08:00Year-end CVS wrap-up...So, how extreme do you have to be? Well, I go to CVS pretty much every week. Not always, I've missed a week here or there, but pretty much every week. It's on my way to and from work, so it doesn't cost me much in the way of time or gas to get there. And I'm a BIG fan of the drugstore deals, because they have their own sales, manufacturer coupons, and their own store coupons, and when you match all three, you can save a lot over time.<br />
<br />
How much? Here's my latest receipt showing year-to-date totals:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaOBhNMNT543RenQtUYgaApOrIWBNwOvFWS-4j5T4s4P01P4eWCHvM8zxt5eMMmTErbjC4l-gIdI6QwkFG6bGoeLmQFshbo9e2-Vz4GeeQm9DJEx41td83EGEnbDHLcsILRfM9GUcbwRh/s1600/DSC04576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaOBhNMNT543RenQtUYgaApOrIWBNwOvFWS-4j5T4s4P01P4eWCHvM8zxt5eMMmTErbjC4l-gIdI6QwkFG6bGoeLmQFshbo9e2-Vz4GeeQm9DJEx41td83EGEnbDHLcsILRfM9GUcbwRh/s320/DSC04576.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. You read it right. $1396.60 savings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, how could that be possible? Take a look at this week's transaction, a fairly typical one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-M36xIqKWwyakPaxboavwa4TeUXWFZzdr07cNiogqvhSZHr_rPI_DgD1s6tHZ5la-WHh2Ms-FAEwsJqbO0u3KQQwljYpb1l9rslFkrRvmRMQv9cZHMV3j6neDtTHcGdtNdYu6N18UJJE/s1600/DSC04577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-M36xIqKWwyakPaxboavwa4TeUXWFZzdr07cNiogqvhSZHr_rPI_DgD1s6tHZ5la-WHh2Ms-FAEwsJqbO0u3KQQwljYpb1l9rslFkrRvmRMQv9cZHMV3j6neDtTHcGdtNdYu6N18UJJE/s320/DSC04577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Maybe it's not so easy to read, but I spent $1.48 and saved $24.87. I got 2 shampoos, a toothpaste, and a bodywash (and some filler candy bars, because I miscalculated and needed to buy more). Oh, and I got $7 in ECB for the next time. That's how massive year-end savings are possible. Next week, with my $7 ECB coupon I'll buy something else that generates ECBs and I'll "roll" them from week to week, meaning that I get a fair amount and pay very little along the way.<br />
<br />
The best part? I've only been doing this since the middle of March. So I expect to beat this total next year. Along the way, I need to recruit some people to do the same thing. I'll make the scenarios, if you commit to shopping. Build yourself a reasonable (3 month supply) stockpile, and then give the rest away. It's fun, and there's a desperate need for these items in food pantries (since food stamps usually cannot be used to buy them).<br />
<br />
Ninja new year!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-87156516444770193792010-12-29T19:02:00.000-08:002010-12-30T17:43:32.223-08:00TLC's new Extreme Couponing series.......was pretty interesting, as someone who is more familiar than most with coupons (and couponers). I suppose you don't get to be on the show unless you're "extreme", so that might explain some of this, but I couldn't stop thinking about how much effort and stuff was ultimately being wasted.<br />
<br />
I'm a professor. Let me explain this academically. There's a concept in economics called "marginal utility". In a nutshell, it asks, "What is the value (to me) of one additional unit?" For example, I like ice cream, but I don't want a truckload. At some point, the marginal utility of additional "units" of ice cream is actually negative. Give me the truckload, and it's going to melt on my lawn and look like the morning after a high-school party. Or I'm going to have to buy a couple of additional freezers to store it all. Or I'm going to have to run around and post signs for all my neighbors and friends to come and get it while it lasts. Any way you slice it, a truckload of ice cream is a big problem. I'd rather just have a free gallon. More is not always better--sometimes it's worse. That's negative marginal utility.<br />
<br />
The extreme couponers on the show would likely disagree with the concept of negative marginal utility, but I think it's pretty easily proven mathematically. Given that you already have, as one of the couponers on the show did, 150 YEARS worth of deodorant, the value of accumulating more can't be positive. Even if it's free, it's taking time to purchase and store (and it's probably rotting in the container).<br />
<br />
What if you give it away? Then, it takes a huge number of "units" to reach the point of diminishing returns, and even longer to get to negative marginal utility. That's why couponing for charity is more attractive to me. Also, my wife threatened me.<br />
<br />
Well, she didn't directly threaten me, but I was under no illusions as to what she meant. What she SAID was "You know, all your stuff is cramping my style" but what I heard was "If you don't get this stuff out of the house, I will kill you in your sleep in such a way that I still qualify to receive your life insurance benefits." So the meaning was clear.<br />
<br />
Back to the TLC series: my thought when I see people who have way more than they need for the foreseeable future continue to accumulate for their own personal stockpiles is "missed opportunity". One woman on the show got more than $600 of products for less than $10. That's great from a savings standpoint, but if it goes from the store shelves to her basement, it's wasted. 40 jars of spaghetti sauce and 40 boxes of pasta would set a 3-person family up for a long time (an example of one of the items she bought). Pasta and sauce go on sale pretty frequently. It's hard to believe that those quantities are necessary to hold them over until the next sale.<br />
<br />
So, a challenge to the TLC folks (and those like them): give half your stockpile away. You know as well as I do that half will still keep you set up for a long time. Remember, the IRS counts "fair market value" as what you're allowed to deduct for a charitable contribution (I'm not an accountant. You need to talk to one before you take this as tax advice.) I was happy to see that at least one of the couponers did make a large purchase of cereal for the food bank, so he's on the way to meeting the challenge.<br />
<br />
Seriously, if you've got three months' worth, there's no reason for more. It'll be on sale again. So give it away. Your wife (or similarly murderously-inclined spouse) will thank you.<br />
<br />
EDIT: Upon reading the accounts of those who were portrayed on the show, it sounds like they all donate, some quite substantially, and that TLC chose to de-emphasize (or not emphasize at all) that aspect of their couponing. So, in the previous post, what I've done is criticize people who are doing exactly what I do. And some of them do it better than I do. They are due an apology from me, and I hope (should any of them read this) that they accept it. In addition, if any of them would prefer to respond directly, I promise to post unedited whatever they'd like to say as a response.CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-4113501811665839882010-12-25T12:35:00.000-08:002010-12-25T12:36:30.398-08:00Walgreens 12/26-1/1Here's my plan for Walgreens this week:<br />
<br />
Herbal Essences $2.99<br />
Colgate Total Max toothpaste $2.99<br />
Ban Deodorant $1.49 (with Walgreens in-ad coupon)<br />
Butterball Chicken Broth <u> $0.50</u><br />
<br />
Subtotal: $7.97 + $0.56 tax<br />
<br />
- $1 Herbal Essence coupon (from 11/26 P&G insert)<br />
- $0.75 Ban Deodorant printable (from a long, long time ago)<br />
- $3 Register Reward from before<br />
- $2 Register Reward from before<br />
<br />
= total OOP of $1.78, and receive a $2 RR (Colgate) and a $1 RR (Herbal Essences) for next time!<br />
<br />
Sounds good to me!<br />
<br />
I wish you a Merry Ninja, and a Ninja New Year!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-84224908480835442012010-12-25T12:27:00.000-08:002010-12-25T12:28:43.169-08:00CVS 12/26-1/1Merry Christmas! Here's what I'm planning on doing next week at CVS:<br />
<br />
Tone Bodywash $3.88 (get $3 ECB)<br />
Colgate Total $2.99 (get $2 ECB)<br />
Pantene Shampoo $6.97 for 2 (get $2 ECB)<br />
2 Reese's candy <u>$1.78</u><br />
<br />
Subtotal $15.62<br />
<br />
- $1 Tone coupon (printable)<br />
- $3.48 BOGO Pantene coupon (from 11/26 P&G insert)<br />
- $0.89 Reese's BOGO coupon <br />
<br />
Total after coupons = $10.25 + $1.09 tax<br />
<br />
And then, the secret weapon: A $10 ECB that's about to expire!<br />
<br />
So, all told, I'll pay $1.34 for all that and get $7 ECB for later!<br />
<br />
Merry Ninja!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-50711187274524842242010-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:002010-12-14T18:21:31.976-08:00Our Christmas Card/Letter combo...A couple weeks ago, if you were reading this blog, you probably were on the list to receive a Christmas card/letter from us in the mail. In case you did not, here's what you missed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIXs7FO9Md3A5z95VI-5ddFyMtySj03F2cPLpldRDskblRS29GCqG-OvvzUKtLqNUXNLxM6CGSmXT9ycthcBLGB1LqepBFlv1WaTbbAkksw_pIB-j85YgDd2IIQF4himyrAmQzUeJL7IQ/s1600/christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIXs7FO9Md3A5z95VI-5ddFyMtySj03F2cPLpldRDskblRS29GCqG-OvvzUKtLqNUXNLxM6CGSmXT9ycthcBLGB1LqepBFlv1WaTbbAkksw_pIB-j85YgDd2IIQF4himyrAmQzUeJL7IQ/s320/christmas+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>...and here is the letter that accompanied said Christmas Card. I think the letter is funny. Rachael thinks I overestimate how funny it is. You be the judge!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2010 Christmas Letter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Friends,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, as a change, Rachael has commanded Kevin to write the Christmas letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she still retains editorial control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if you feel like some of these events could have been described in a more humorous manner, be advised that they probably were in the first draft.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our lives were markedly different this past year, because of…wait...why was that again, Rachael?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, right, we have a baby, who is named…um....(Rachael punches Kevin)...Daisy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daisy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a little mischievous imp of a girl with a beautiful smile and an uncanny ability to consistently identify <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the most dangerous item in a given room, which she then tries to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned one on November 20, which, coincidentally, is also the number of times she has been bathed by Kevin in the past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the many blessings we have in our lives, she is surely the brightest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kevin loves his job at Ball State University, where he teaches Risk Management and Insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won the Miller College of Business teaching award, which he thinks is largely due to his jokes (actual joke sample:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He uses Titanic characters in one insurance example, asks if “Titanic” jokes are too old to be useful, and when told “yes”, responds “Well, I’ll never let go.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachael has begun to integrate herself in the “mommy” community of Muncie, filling her and Daisy’s time with play groups, library programs, mothering support groups, and art programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She enjoys her “mommy’s helper” twice a week, which allows her to maintain her sanity and her (entirely too rigorous) housekeeping standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our helper is arguably a better parent than either of us, and we are grateful that our paths crossed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We lost some important people in our lives this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin’s great-aunt Carol, who lived with his family for several years during Kevin’s adolescent years, passed away in October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol once made a deal that she would take Kevin and his sister to the junior high dance if they could go a week without fighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could not, and the junior high dance was spared Kevin’s dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol was right to be consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a parenting lesson Kevin has never forgotten, and one for which he’s now thankful (Daisy may not be so sure, however).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the trip back to Minnesota for Carol’s funeral, Daisy got to meet both of her great-grandmothers (on Kevin’s side) for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also spent some quality time with Kevin’s sisters (Kate and Kristin) and parents, as well as many of the relatives on his mother’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also toured Bruce and Jodi’s farm, where Rachael got a chance to name her first calf (Sneakers, formerly #168).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachael’s great-uncle Jim passed away in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She remembers working with him in the pharmacy, his zest for life, and the amazing parties he used to throw at his lake house featuring every type of watercraft imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our family journeyed to Oshkosh for the funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way, we stayed at a hotel that was located between 1) a fireworks store and 2) a gentlemen’s club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin swears this was a coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to spend some quality time with Rachael’s sister Autumn, and two of our nephews: Nick and Maddox.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were fortunate to be able to have both of Rachael's siblings in one place in January in Fort Myers, Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A highlight was driving to Naples (1 hour away) to watch Rachael’s brother Franco skateboard at a skate park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the positive side, it turns out that Naples has THE best TGI Friday’s. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In June, we decided it was high time Daisy went to Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And go to Vegas she did, ending up with a onesie that says “I drink until I pass out”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The occasion was the wedding of a friend we knew from Tallahassee, and it was great to be able to reconnect with several other Tallahassee friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Circus Circus, Kevin won two stuffed animals for Daisy, which, statistically, represents an infinity percent increase over the number Rachael won.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several times this year, Rachael’s parents came to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very grateful for their help in a number of household improvements, but specifically in painting and decorating the nursery—it looks beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During another visit, we all went to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raise your hand if you’ve ever fed a giraffe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you look closely, you’ll see Amy’s hand in the air!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also helped cook a wonderful Thanksgiving feast at our house.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In November, Kevin was scheduled to give a presentation at the Insurance Nerd Conference (OK, fine, technically the Southern Risk and Insurance Association) in Charleston, SC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachael and Daisy accompanied him, and while he was at the conference, shopped and bought many unnecessary items, such as two pounds of Gummi candy for $22.95.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Statistically, this represents an infinity percent increase over the amount of money that was spent on candy for Kevin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that he is bitter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For Christmas this year, Kevin’s entire immediate family is coming to Muncie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all excited and cannot wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tales from this encounter will likely be the start of next year’s Christmas letter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To close, we look forward to next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most significant event will be the birth of our second daughter, Aria, due in February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you already know that she will face serious challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was diagnosed in utero with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and agenesis of the corpus callosum (missing the structure that allows the right and left hemispheres of the brain to communicate).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has duodenal atresia (intestines that do not connect correctly) and a dilated kidney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these conditions will require surgical correction upon birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others raise the likelihood of developmental delays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no way to predict in advance what the outcome will be, and we can do nothing but wait, prepare, and pray for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she survives, we will give her the best life we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’ll have a big sister who loves her, parents who are ready and willing to accept responsibility for her, and a fabulous pink, green, and aqua bathroom.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime, we count our blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have our beautiful daughter Daisy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have our immediate and foreseeable needs met, while so many do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, we have all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are grateful, and wish for you a wonderful and blessed 2011.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kevin, Rachael, Daisy, and Aria</span></div>CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-48580170487607649142010-12-14T17:58:00.000-08:002010-12-14T17:58:21.906-08:00A Different Kind of Christmas...This year, we're trying something we've never done before. No presents.<br />
<br />
No, not a joke. We will not be exchanging presents with each other or our families. We started talking about how $25 per family member really adds up, but it makes little to no impact when these gifts go to people who already have enough things. We certainly don't have everything we could want or use--for example, I could use a vehicle with fewer than 5000 dents (thank you, Tallahassee drivers), or maybe some new clothes (true story: Rachael slept in my T-shirt last night, and I sarcastically asked her if it was comfortable, since I have only so many T-shirts with designs on them, and her response was, "Oh yes--probably because it was the first one ever made." Also, my students have mentioned that I appear to own two pairs of dress slacks, strategically rotated. I mean the schedule of the pants is strategically rotated. Not the pants themselves. I am not Kris Kross.)<br />
<br />
Anyhow, before I got sidetracked in parentheses, I was saying that while we could USE certain things, we don't really NEED anything. And that when we spend money on every relative in the same situation, we spend a lot of money but don't really improve anyone's life. Thus this year's experiment. No presents. We've told our families there won't be any from us, and we asked them not to buy us anything either.<br />
<br />
We adopted a local 12-year old boy through the Salvation Army instead. He said he wanted some shirts, pants, a winter coat, and some shoes. He also said he wanted video games and action figures. So, we went all-out. We got him a Nintendo DS with Super Mario Kart (saved about $50 by shrewd shopping at Meijer on 15% off day during a week it was on sale). We got him a $40 gift card at Game Stop (a used game shop), so that he can get a couple other games of his choice. Rachael went shopping at Aeropostale with a printable 20% off coupon, and bought a hoodie, a sweater, 2 T-shirts, and a zip-up thermal shirt. All these items were between 30%-70% off to begin with, so $130 worth of trendy clothes for $48. We didn't have a size for shoes, and a coat for someone else is difficult to buy, so we got him a $50 Kohl's gift card (which when used, will generate $10 in Kohl's cash). While at Kohl's, Rachael got him 2 pairs of pants, an Indianapolis Colts shirt (which is mandatory in Indiana), a sweater, and 2 T-shirts--about $150 worth of stuff for $70. We also included all the gift receipts, in case he'd rather have other clothes. <br />
<br />
All in all, it was really fun. We debated over spending so much on one child, but it's hard--I don't think kids consider clothes to be presents, and you can't really get "video games" without spending a lot of money, so in the end, we thought it was best to give one child a Christmas he'll never forget rather than spread it out and try to meet the clothing needs of 2 or 3 children. If the parents in this family disagree, well, they have the gift receipts. They can reconfigure how they see fit. We weren't told how many other children are in the family, if any, or what ages, so it's difficult to decide the best way to proceed.<br />
<br />
Next year, we'll try a shotgun approach based on buying toys as inexpensively as possible and donating to Toys for Tots. We did a little bit of that this year (maybe $200 worth of toys for $50 at Menards on Black Friday). There's also a gentleman in town that offers the opportunity to adopt entire families for $550--maybe next year we can convince someone to split the cost with us and do that. Anyway, I'm definitely willing to give up my presents to do it again, and we were glad to use coupon ninja skills to increase the power of the donation along the way!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-60052948188411771642010-12-11T07:36:00.000-08:002010-12-11T07:36:53.051-08:00This week (12/12-12/18) at CVS...Crest Pro Health toothpaste is on sale for $2.99 with a $2.00 ECB coupon back after purchase (limit 2). There are 75 cent Crest toothpaste coupons from the 11/28 Procter & Gamble insert, so in effect, it's $0.24 per toothpaste!<br />
<br />
Not free, but not too bad!CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878506126821436467.post-20138566910060710062010-12-02T17:10:00.000-08:002010-12-02T17:10:49.776-08:00If you can make it to CVS before Saturday Dec. 4......you can buy some Complete contact solution (with case) for $9.99, and receive $9.99 in ECB back! This makes a great donation item if you don't wear contacts (like me). Not because I have great eyesight, but because I have a shaved head and if I don't wear glasses, I am essentially featureless, like Voldemort.<br />
<br />
Hope you can make it there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8V2eSVNUWDQQ54xI-MtmcP-caDSkLp8XIcRyl8ILAYIstPaQ7TUfGAbXvCPVQPAF1fu_8WObj4ipB07uQoPIRs1JewQo9n8zzhOtVI12zS34L8Pv8BVBBWpucpb-P1UWINsu8uY2cF6b/s1600/Charleston90.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8V2eSVNUWDQQ54xI-MtmcP-caDSkLp8XIcRyl8ILAYIstPaQ7TUfGAbXvCPVQPAF1fu_8WObj4ipB07uQoPIRs1JewQo9n8zzhOtVI12zS34L8Pv8BVBBWpucpb-P1UWINsu8uY2cF6b/s320/Charleston90.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and I, excited about CVS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CouponProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03789853286063404972noreply@blogger.com1