It Was a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood...

So, as many of you know, Tuesday is my awesome shopping day for Walgreen's since they give 15% off for military.  That means that everything in the circular that is free after RR's is actually a money maker!  Well, walking around in the store, I noticed that the Schick Titanium was on sale for $4.99 after RR.  Andy grabbed a BUNCH of $4 Q's at the barber about a month ago, so we jumped at the opportunity!  It looked like this:

$8.99 - 15% = $7.64 - $4 Q = $3.64 + tax = $4.02

Then we got $5 RR printed!  So we actually made $.98 with every AWESOME razor we bought!  We then took these RR's ($60 total!) and went to Walmart.  Wags RRs use a universal bar code, not like Rite Aid or CVS rewards, which are linked to your card.  This means that you can use Wags RRs at a number of different retailers, including Walmart.  We got $64.41 worth of stuff, used some more coupons, and had a subtotal of $1.41 + tax = $3.59 out of pocket at Walmart.

Here's the day in summary (including my original trip to Wags during which I found out about the Schick deal):

 Transaction 1:

Zantac 150 Cool Mint 24 tablets 

$7.99 - 15% = $6.79

-$2 in-store Q 

(This was in the Oct. coupon booklet at the front of the store)

-$5 Q

FREE

Remington King of Shaves 5 Blade Razor System

$4.99 - 15% = $4.24 OOP

Get $5 RR

$.76 MM

Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Contact Solution

$5.97 after 15% off

-$2 IP = $3.97 OOP

Get $5 RR

$1.03 MM

Total OOP (out of pocket, including tax) = $8.48

RRs Received = $10

So, we went home, got our stack of Schick Q's and did this 12 times:

(We would have done more, but you have to do each transaction separately since there is a limit of 1 RR coupon printed per transaction)

This deal worked for the Schick razor, the razor with the trimmer on the other end, and the refill cartridges.  These retail for over $10 each!

Schick assorted $8.99 - 15% = $7.64

-$4 Q 

$3.64 + tax = $4.02 

$5 RR printed

$.98 MM per razor!

As I said we did this 12 times, so the total OOP was $48.24 for merchandise that retails at roughly $120 (Walmart's price, which is cheaper than the drugstores).

We then got $60 back in RR's that we took to Walmart and got all this stuff:

For $3.59!

(Retail $64.41)

So, this is the day in total:

Approx. $213.89 worth of stuff for $60.31, a 72% savings!  Not what you'd see on TLC, but still a great buy.  We were planning on going to Walmart anyway, so instead we are now set on razors for Andy for a loooong time (one LESS thing to worry about!) and made money for the stuff we needed.  Hopefully this post will help you newbies understand the possibilities out there and to be a smart shopper simply by knowing the options available to you.  If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or contact me.  Blessings to you all in your endeavors!!!

PS - You should know that we had to get a manager override at Walmart to use the RRs.  There was a minute there where we thought they weren't going to take them, but after the override everything was fine.  I would recommend trying this out on a smaller level first to get comfortable.  KNOW YOUR CASHIERS!  A lazy one who just pushes them through is better than a fine-print scrutinizer any day!  Because you've already read the fine print and done your homework, right?  :)  You will hear all kinds of crazy things like, "This coupon is only for what's pictured."  No, the coupon is good for whatever the text says.  The manufacturer will usually provide a picture of whatever they're trying to market or whatever is their most expensive product, but if the text says 'any' that is a great coupon that can literally be used for any item of that brand.  Be sure to read your coupons to see if you have to buy more than one of an item, or any size requirements. 

I have learned that it's a lot easier to plan out my trips beforehand instead of taking my huge binder to the store and trying to matchup on the spot.  You can usually find prices of items on the store website.  If it's a grocery store, look for services like Express Lane at Harris Teeter that let you shop from home and pick up your order at a designated time.  We use this solely for pricing.  Also, be sure to visit afullcup.com which is full of all sorts of savvy couponers who post matchups every day for free.  I usually just copy and paste the deals I'm interested in to a Word document and plan my trips from there.

Ok, so first things first.  What does triples actually mean?  Well, I will start by saying that every store is different and the first thing you want to do when planning out your shopping trip is to get a copy of your store's coupon policy.  You will generally find it on their website, or just do a google search for "'insert store name here' coupon policy" and it should come up.

Now, for Harris Teeter, triples week means that they will triple all coupons with a face value up to $.99.  So, for instance, if I have a coupon (I will refer to coupons as Qs from here on out) for $.75, it will triple in value to $2.25 ($.75 + $.75 + $.75 = $2.25)!  $.55 will triple to $1.65, $.50 will triple to $1.50, etc.

If you have a Q for a $1 or more, though, it will not double and it definitely won't triple... You will just get $1 off.

This is how it will look on your receipt (for my store, HT):  Manufacturer's coupon $.75
                                                                                                Multiplied coupon $1.50
You will not see three separate $.75, you will see the one line for your Q and the second for the multiplied amount.  Usually it just says $.75 but for triples they have programmed the computers to triple the Q, thus the $1.50 amount.

I will also give another tip to you newbies - look for a store that doubles regularly.  You will usually find this information on their weekly circular.  These are found in the Sunday and Wednesday newspapers, as well as at the front of the store.  For instance, my HT doubles to $.99 every day!

If you are new to a store the first thing you are going to want to do is get a membership card.  Some stores don't carry them, but for the ones that do (Rite Aid, CVS, Harris Teeter, etc.) you will not get the sale prices and you will not be able to double, triple, whatever, without a card.  Also, the faster you get your card the faster you get in the system so that you can load e-coupons onto your card.  These are coupons you will find on the stores website.  These are coupons that you can stack with paper manufacturer's coupons.  As you will see, I used several of these e-coupons (called eVIC or ZVRs for my store) to get the sweetest deals in this purchase.

This is my breakdown of the purchase:

Brach's Candy Corn on sale for $2.50 - $.50 Q from Aug. All You magazine (This is a magazine that can only be found at Wal Mart, be sure to pick one up whenever you're there!) = $1 after tripling (This was supposed to be free.  I believe the sign said $1.19 when I picked it up... Uuugh, now I have to go to customer service!!)

Fiber One 90 calorie brownie bars on sale for $2.50 - $.75 Q 8/7 GM, 9/11 GM (There is a note on how to read these to know which circulars the Q is in and where to get them at the bottom) - $.50 ZVR (this is the e-coupon, remember?) = 2 free

Notice that I had to use 2 paper Qs for this...  This is the breakdown of the math:
$2.50 - $.75 - $.75 - $.75 - $.50 = $.25 Money Maker (MM)
Now, I had to make a decision here.  Should I just take the $.25 or use the overage to get another box free?  As you can see, I chose the latter.
$2.50 - $.75 - $.75 - $.75 = $.25 - $.25 from previous = FREE

I hope this makes sense.  You should know that a lot of stores will round down the amount of a paper coupon to match the sale price.  So, if you have a Q that exceeds the price of an item, you will not get cashback, overage, or anything for it, you will just get the item free.  This does NOT apply to the ecoupons, though.  That is why I was able to get the overage.

(Note - This is simply how my store works.  YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) depending on your store and how your cash registers are set up.  I suggest choosing a store and sticking to learning it for a while until you learn all of its little intricacies.)  A good resource for this is afullcup.com.  These are discussion boards full of people who have been doing it for a while and chances are they have your store.  Check it out!

Now that you get the basics, we're going to go a little faster:

(2) Dole Mandarin Oranges jar $2.89 - $.75 (tripling is understood) = $.64 each

Haribo gummy bears $.99 - $.30 = $.09

Cliff Bar black cherry almond $1.00 - $1.00 (I had a free Q for this) = FREE

(2) Pure Protein bar $1.50 - $.50 = FREE

(2) GoGo Squeeze Applesauce $2.79 - $.75 = $.54 each

(2) Edge Shaving Gel $2.50 - $.75 = $.25 each

Skintimate Shaving Gel $2.50 - $.75 = $.25

Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread  $2.45 - $.75 = $.20

(2) Yoplait Greek yogurt 6 oz. $1 - $.50/2 - $.50/2 ZVR = 2 FREE

Silk Almond milk half gal. $3.69 - $.75 = $1.44 (<-- probably the most expensive thing I bought, but we needed milk!)


What do the 'codes' mean?!
Ok, if you are wondering what '7/31 SS' means, have no fear!  I'm going to walk you through it right now.
There are three different inserts that come either in the newspaper or mail, they are:
Smart Source
Red Plum
P&G Brand Saver

The Smart Source and Red Plum come out on a weekly basis, and the P&G Brand Saver comes out once a month.  You should sign up for one newspaper per member of your household.  This will ensure that you have enough Q's to get the amount of goods you need when the deals come around.  Keep an eye out for Groupons for newspaper subscriptions (I have seen them!) or good deals from your local newspaper at grocery stores.  If you can't wait, head on over to discountednewspapers.com.  This is what I did when I was first getting started.
Once you get your inserts, look at the outside spine in the very small print and you will find the date of the insert.  It will be the Sunday of that week.  So, when you see someone put a coupon is from the 7/31 SS you now know that that means it was in the July 31st edition of the Smart Source insert!  8/28 RP would be the August 28th edition of the Red Plum insert, etc.
I noted a GM insert in my breakdown.  This was a special insert that General Mills put out on 9/11.  If you want a preview of what Q's you have to look forward to, or if you want to decide ahead of time how many newspapers to buy, go to sundaycouponpreview.com for an idea of what to expect!  You should know that coupons vary by region, so some regions may get different value coupons or different coups altogether!  If you need a coupon but can't find it, eBay is a great resource as well as clipping services like thecouponclippers.com.  Just be sure that you get them with enough time to ensure that they get to you before the sale ends/coupons expire!

Harris Teeter triples 9/14-9/20!!!

This is simply a copy and paste of my list for Harris Teeter triples this week!   My next post will show what I got day 1 and break it down on how I did it for all you newbies!

HT Triples

(2) Check Nature Valley Granola Thins ~ $2.50/1
- $ .75/1 SS 8/7

$.50 ZVR
= 2 FREE

French’s Worcestershire Sauce 10 oz ~ $1.75/1
$ -.75/1 SS 8/2
= FREE

Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs 8 oz ~ $2.19/1
- $ .55/1 SS 5/15
=$ .54/1

(1) Check Skintimate Shave Gel 2.75 oz. ~ $1.50/1
- $ .75/1 IP
= FREE

Balance Bar single ~ $1.45/1 Sale continues $1.00/1
- $ .50/1 SS 9/11
= FREE

(1) Check Dial Liquid Soap 7.5oz. ~ $ .99/1 (unadvertised price, but not showing up on my EL) ?
-$ .35/1 IP (no longer available, but you may have printed it)
= FREE

Barilla Pasta Sauce Marinara w/ Olive Oil 24oz. ~ $2.89/1 Sale price BOGO $1.44/1
- $ .55/1 SS 8/28
= FREE

Old El Paso Seasoning Packet ~ $1.00/1 ~ Refried beans $1.65/1 ~ Taco shells 4.6oz $2.29/1 ~ Tortilla shells $2.39/1
- $ .60/1 IP
= FREE & Up

(1) Check Tetley iced tea family size BOGO $1.19-$.50= Free

Colgate Full Head Soft Toothbrush 1 ct. ~ $1.29/1
- $ .40/1 SS 8/28
=$0.09/1

(2) Check French’s mustard Dijon $2.79 - $.75 = $.29

French’s Worcestershire 10 oz. $1.75 - $.50 = $.25

(1) Check Dixie Crystals extra fine granulated sugar 36 oz.  $2.15 - $.50 IP = $.65

(1) Check Smart Balance Omega Plus Light Mayonnaise, 16 oz. ~ $2.50/1
- $ .75/1 IP (any product)
=$ .25/1

Planters Nutrition Bars 6 - 6.5oz ~ $2.50/1
- $ .75/1 SS 7/24 & 9/18
=$ .25/1

Noxzema Shave Cream $2.55
- $ .75/1 SS 7/17
=$ .30/1

Dole Fruit Bowls 17.2oz. ~ $ 2.59/1
- $ .75/1 SS 8/21 (regional)
=$ .34/1

Dole Fruit Bowls, Parfaits, or Fruit in Gel 16-17.2 oz. ~ $2.59/1
- $ .75/1 SS 8/28
=$ .34/1

French’s honey mustard

(2) Check Dole Tropical Fruit $1.79 - $.50 = $.29

(1) Check Stonyfield Farm YOBABY 16oz. 4 pack ~ $2.69/1
- $ .75/1 IP
=$ .44/1

Thinkthin bars $1.67 - $.50 = $.17

Johnson’s Safety Swabs 55ct ~ $1.99/1
- $ .50/1 SS 9/11
=$ .49/1

Xtra Laundry Detergent 75.00oz. ~ $1.99/1
- $ .50/1 SS 8/28 (regional)
=$ .49/1

Check Wasa Crackerbread 10 ct. ~ $2.79/1
- $ 1.00 - $1 ZVR
=$ .79/1

Ivory Soap, 3 pk. ~ $1.69/1
- $ .35/1 PG 8/28
=$ .64/1

Truvia 40 ct.

$4.29 - $.75 - $.50 ZVR - $.75 SS = $.81

(1) Check Washer Magic Washer Cleaner & Deodorizer 24oz. ~ Sale price $2.99/1
- $ .75/1 IP or $ .55/1 SS 6/26
=$ .74/1 & up

(2) Check All Free & Clear -$.75 = ?

Krunchers Potato Chips 9.63oz. ~ $3.00/1
- $ .75/1 SS 6/26 & 9/11
=$ .75/1

Pillsbury Grands ~ $1.69/1
- $ .30/1 IP
=$ .79/1

(2) Check Roman Meal Bread ~ $3.19/1
$ .75/1 IP zip 53213
$ .89/1

(2) Check Fiber One Cereal Honey Clusters 14.25oz. ~ $3.00/1
- $ .75/1 IP zip 30303

-$1/2 ZVR
=$2/1

(1) Check Smart Balance milk ~ $3.99/1
- $ .75/1 IP (any product) or Milk Q ~OR~ coupons.com
=$ 1.74/1

Hillshire Farm Deli Selects ~ $3.33/1
- $ .50/1 RP 9/18
=$2.28/1

Haribo Candy ~ $ .99/1
- $ .30/1 IP
=$ .39/1
= FREE

Kashi Frozen entree $2.17
- $ .75/1 IP
= FREE

Morningstarm Farms ~ $3.33/1
- $ .75/1 RP 8/28
=$1.08/1

Mariani Banana Chips 6 oz. ~ $1.99/1
-.75/1 SS 8/07
= FREE

Mt. Olive Relish ~ $1.89/1 Now: $1.95/1
-$ .75 SS 8/28
= FREE

Twizzlers 16 oz ~ 2.00/1 (confirmed sale continues)
$.75/1 SS 8/7
= FREE

Kikkoman Soy Sauce 5.00 fl oz ~ $1.59/1
- $ .55/1 SS 5/15
= FREE

(1) Check Gold Peak Tea 59oz. ~ $2.00/1
- $ .75/1 IP zip 30303
= FREE

Morton Season-All Seasoned Salt 3.25oz. ~ $1.29/1 Now: $1.49/1
- $ .55/1 SS 8/21
= FREE

BestLife Buttery Spread 15oz. BOGO Price $1.29/1
- $ .50/1 SS 7/31 & 8/28
= FREE

Mathama Rice 16 oz. ~ $1.55/1
- $ .50/1 RP 9/11
=$0.05

Clorox Green Works Glass & Surface Cleaner 32oz. ~ $1.84/1
- $ .50/1 Clorox Green Works product, SS 8/14
=$ .34/1

Stove Top Stuffing ~ $1.99/1
- $ .50/1 SS 9/11
=$ .49/1

Heinz Ketchup 20 oz. ~ $2.19/1 Now: $1.99/1
- $ .50/1 SS 8/21
=$ .49/1

Chex Mix ~ $2.00/1
- $ .50/1 GM 8/7 & 9/11
=$ .50/1

Minute Steamers ~ $2.00/1
- $ .50 RP 9/11
=$ .50/1

KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce 18oz. ~ $2.25/1
- $ .50/1 SS 8/21
=$ .75/1

(1) Check Fleischmann's Fleishman Pizza Yeast 3pack ~ $1.99/1
- $ .40/1 IP
=$ .79/1

Eckrich Smoked Sausage, Turkey Sausage or Kielbasa ~ $2.50/1
- $ .55/1 SS 8/28
=$ .85/1

Sargento Cheese Slices ~ $2.50/1 or $3.45/1
- $ .55/1 Blinkie DND 5 exp9/20
=$ .85/1 or $1.80/1

Wheaties Cereal ~ $3.49/1
- $ .75/1 IP

-$.75 ZVR
=$1.24/1

Yoplait frozen smoothie $3.99 - $.75 8/7 GM, 9/11 GM - $.75 ZVR = $.99

Pepsi Max 12 pack $2.77 - $.55 DND5 at Bloom = $1.10

Pepsi Max 2 liter $1.50 - $.55 DND5 at Bloom = Free

Golfish Grahams 6.6 oz.  $2.15-$.35=$1.10

Jimmy D’s Frozen Breakfast $4.99 - $.75 = $2.74