Was printing some coupons this morning and realized that I haven't given you my tricks for saving ink and paper.
1. When a coupon prints on a single sheet of paper, cut the coupon portion off, the save the remainder of
the paper. You can put "short sheets" into the printer and they work just fine.
2. If you print lots of coupons from Coupons.com, try to print at least three coupons at a time. That will
fill one sheet of paper.
3. In the beginning of my coupon career, I printed EVERYTHING! As you get to know the coupon sites
and sales cycles, you'll know which coupons are rare and need to be printed quickly and which ones
are fairly routine and come around all the time.
Now, for the great tips - how to get more coupons!
1. When you click on a coupon, look at the address bar of your browser. If the address starts with the
word bricks, you're really in luck. This is a coupon that can be printed twice! You can go back to the
original link to print again, or just hit your browser's back button twice. Two coupons!
2. How many computers do you have in your house? Each one is treated as a different customer when
printing Internet coupons. For example, we have two computers. In the above example, I could print a
Bricks coupon 4 times, two from my computer and two from my son's comupter.
* Disclaimer: in order for the above example to work, my wonderful son would have to let me actually use his computer, which is doubtful.
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Saturday, February 23, 2013
This Sunday's Coupons
It's going to be a good week for coupons. Major newspapers will have one Smart Source and one Proctor and Gamble insert. If you live around two major areas like we do, I recommend buying one Baltimore paper and one Washington Post. A lot of times, they have different coupons, or coupons with different values.
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Please "Like" The Underground Couponer on Facebook. Don't miss exclusive deals and posts!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
SHHHH.....DON'T SHARE THIS SECRET!
In honor of the blog receiving its 3,000th view, I'm sharing a tip I was going to keep for myself! Yes, I'm sneaky like that, but I really can't believe that anyone is taking the time to read this blog. And then you've shared it with your friends...unbelievable! So, here's a real treat.
The most fun thing I do in the couponing world is called Bzz. Here's the link to get you started, then I'll explain.
www.bzzagent.com
When I was a kid, my Mom was part of a group called National Family Opinion. I remember her filling out surveys at the kitchen table, then receiving products in the mail to evaluate. Back then they came in plain black and white boxes so you didn't know what brands they were. Enter the age of the Internet and Bzz! Go to the website and create an account. Bzz will want to know lots of information about your demographics and buying habits. Under the Surveys tab, you'll let them know all kids of things about products you use. You can answer all the surveys at once, over a period of time, or not at all!
The more surveys you answer, the better the chance you have at being chosen for a "campaign". A campaign is sponsored by a particular product (I'm doing campaigns right now for Garnier, Glade and Cafe Express). You'll receive an invitation in your email box to join a campaign - make sure to respond right away as they fill up fast! I received an invitation yesterday at 4:00pm for a Quaker Cookie campaign and by the time I responded a few hours later, it was full. :(
Now the fun begins!! Your physical mailbox will be a treasure trove - you'll start to stalk the mailman! OK...maybe not stalk. Bzz will either send you full sized products to use, or send coupons that you take to any store and redeem for free products. Also included will be lots of high value coupons to share with your friends (and I do share, ask Michele and Brenda). Even after sharing Glade coupons, I was still able to stockpile 5 brand new Glade systems for free.
So now what? Well you have to create a buzz! The better buzzer you are, the more campaigns you'll get, the more free products you'll receive and the mailman will become your best friend! The website makes it incredibly easy to buzz. They have it all set up, you just press a button. And BTW, they want your honest opinion.
You'll start to develop a Bzz Score - mine is 6.8! It goes from 0-10. The higher your score, the more campaigns you'll be chosen to do. I had my first campaign within a week of signing up.
Give it a try - we can buzz together!
The most fun thing I do in the couponing world is called Bzz. Here's the link to get you started, then I'll explain.
www.bzzagent.com
When I was a kid, my Mom was part of a group called National Family Opinion. I remember her filling out surveys at the kitchen table, then receiving products in the mail to evaluate. Back then they came in plain black and white boxes so you didn't know what brands they were. Enter the age of the Internet and Bzz! Go to the website and create an account. Bzz will want to know lots of information about your demographics and buying habits. Under the Surveys tab, you'll let them know all kids of things about products you use. You can answer all the surveys at once, over a period of time, or not at all!
The more surveys you answer, the better the chance you have at being chosen for a "campaign". A campaign is sponsored by a particular product (I'm doing campaigns right now for Garnier, Glade and Cafe Express). You'll receive an invitation in your email box to join a campaign - make sure to respond right away as they fill up fast! I received an invitation yesterday at 4:00pm for a Quaker Cookie campaign and by the time I responded a few hours later, it was full. :(
Now the fun begins!! Your physical mailbox will be a treasure trove - you'll start to stalk the mailman! OK...maybe not stalk. Bzz will either send you full sized products to use, or send coupons that you take to any store and redeem for free products. Also included will be lots of high value coupons to share with your friends (and I do share, ask Michele and Brenda). Even after sharing Glade coupons, I was still able to stockpile 5 brand new Glade systems for free.
So now what? Well you have to create a buzz! The better buzzer you are, the more campaigns you'll get, the more free products you'll receive and the mailman will become your best friend! The website makes it incredibly easy to buzz. They have it all set up, you just press a button. And BTW, they want your honest opinion.
You'll start to develop a Bzz Score - mine is 6.8! It goes from 0-10. The higher your score, the more campaigns you'll be chosen to do. I had my first campaign within a week of signing up.
Give it a try - we can buzz together!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Why CVS is my favorite store!
I had so much fun today at CVS! The LaVale store is, by far, my favorite coupon stop. The deals are incredible, stock is almost always there, and the staff is helpful, friendly and very used to couponers! Shopping at CVS is similar to shopping at Rite Aid (see my older post). But, I've developed a few tips and tricks to make the experience even better.
First of all, sign up for an Extra Rewards Card. It's free and you can't do anything without it! I checked out today with a full cart for $20.00. The gentleman at the register beside me had two items, no rewards card and his total was $20.00. It pays to carry the card.
After you have your card, head over to the CVS website and register there. Today alone, I received a $10.00 coupon and a BOGO coupon via email. You can also sign up to receive their Deal of the Day. Today, it was BOGO Gain dishwashing liquid, which was also on sale!
This cute red machine is the CVS shopper's best friend. Also known as the "magic coupon machine", this is your first stop once inside the store. You scan your Extra Bucks card and coupons magically appear! Here's my super secret tip - don't just scan your card once! Keep scanning until the screen tells you there are no more coupons to be printed. I've received lots of free items and store cash from this magic machine.
Next, you want to see which items have Extra Care Bucks (ECB's) associated with them. These are like Rite Aid UP rewards with one major difference. ECB's are good right away, while UP rewards aren't good until the next day at 6:00am. Why is that so wonderful? Because you can split your order into different transactions and use the ECB's from one to pay for the other! Brilliant!
CVS is also one of the only stores that allows a BOGO coupon on a store BOGO offer. Confused? Let me explain, because you want to make sure you know this trick. Let's say that CVS is offering Tide as a store special Buy One Get One Free, and you are lucky enough to also have a BOGO coupon for Tide. You would purchase the first one and get the other two free! Don't try to do this in other stores...it won't work!
Remember talking about stacking coupons? CVS is one of the best places to stack. You can use a store coupon for an item, a manufacturers coupon on an item, a store transaction coupon (Get $3.00 off a $10.00 order) and pay for it all with ECB's. I get excited just thinking about it!
While you're shopping, make sure to look for these yellow tags. They aren't sale tags (which are bolder and in a different font), they're clearance tags. For example, the Biotene pictured was originally $9.49 but is on clearance for $2.37. But you know that's not the bottom line price - you have a coupon! I'm able to snag lots of good deals for my stockpile this way.
A few more thoughts about CVS - if an item isn't in stock, make sure to get a raincheck. If the item has ECB's attached to it, your friendly cashier will manually enter them also when you redeem the raincheck.
First of all, sign up for an Extra Rewards Card. It's free and you can't do anything without it! I checked out today with a full cart for $20.00. The gentleman at the register beside me had two items, no rewards card and his total was $20.00. It pays to carry the card.
After you have your card, head over to the CVS website and register there. Today alone, I received a $10.00 coupon and a BOGO coupon via email. You can also sign up to receive their Deal of the Day. Today, it was BOGO Gain dishwashing liquid, which was also on sale!
Next, you want to see which items have Extra Care Bucks (ECB's) associated with them. These are like Rite Aid UP rewards with one major difference. ECB's are good right away, while UP rewards aren't good until the next day at 6:00am. Why is that so wonderful? Because you can split your order into different transactions and use the ECB's from one to pay for the other! Brilliant!
CVS is also one of the only stores that allows a BOGO coupon on a store BOGO offer. Confused? Let me explain, because you want to make sure you know this trick. Let's say that CVS is offering Tide as a store special Buy One Get One Free, and you are lucky enough to also have a BOGO coupon for Tide. You would purchase the first one and get the other two free! Don't try to do this in other stores...it won't work!
Remember talking about stacking coupons? CVS is one of the best places to stack. You can use a store coupon for an item, a manufacturers coupon on an item, a store transaction coupon (Get $3.00 off a $10.00 order) and pay for it all with ECB's. I get excited just thinking about it!
While you're shopping, make sure to look for these yellow tags. They aren't sale tags (which are bolder and in a different font), they're clearance tags. For example, the Biotene pictured was originally $9.49 but is on clearance for $2.37. But you know that's not the bottom line price - you have a coupon! I'm able to snag lots of good deals for my stockpile this way.
A few more thoughts about CVS - if an item isn't in stock, make sure to get a raincheck. If the item has ECB's attached to it, your friendly cashier will manually enter them also when you redeem the raincheck.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
How to "Read" Sale Cycles
It's been a slow coupon week so I've been cleaning out my massive binder. I usually keep a separate envelope of expiring coupons so I can use them, but I've just been too busy lately to organize them! As I was sorting, I thought it would make a good post to talk about sales cycles.
There are TONS of coupons expiring at the end of February - more than a normal month. When I look ahead to Sunday coupon inserts, there isn't a big week coming for a while. What does that mean? It means that the sales cycle is about to change. Different products are on sale at different times of the year, so available coupons will reflect those sales.
When you think of these rotten winter months (can you tell I'm a beach girl) what products do you use? Soup, hot chocolate, lotion, cold medicine, cough drops, etc. These are also the products which are on sale and have the most coupons. You don't see coupons right now for suntan lotion, but you will!
February is National Hot Breakfast Month, and if you look in today's Martin's flyer, you'll see instant savings on Quaker Oatmeal products. Makes sense, right?
So what does that mean for us coupon queens? Two words my friends - STOCK UP! I have a nice little stockpile of soup, about 10 bottles of lotion, Halls cough drops and lots of lip balm. Think about the amount of product you will use in a month, then multiply it by 3. That's the amount of stockpile you should keep if you have good coupons. You don't need a garage full of stuff because the sales cycle will switch again (and again, and again).
If you see me in the stores this week, I'll have my smaller envelope of expiring coupons with me. I just hate to throw them away! I'll try Dollar Tree first and see how much I can get.
There are TONS of coupons expiring at the end of February - more than a normal month. When I look ahead to Sunday coupon inserts, there isn't a big week coming for a while. What does that mean? It means that the sales cycle is about to change. Different products are on sale at different times of the year, so available coupons will reflect those sales.
When you think of these rotten winter months (can you tell I'm a beach girl) what products do you use? Soup, hot chocolate, lotion, cold medicine, cough drops, etc. These are also the products which are on sale and have the most coupons. You don't see coupons right now for suntan lotion, but you will!
February is National Hot Breakfast Month, and if you look in today's Martin's flyer, you'll see instant savings on Quaker Oatmeal products. Makes sense, right?
So what does that mean for us coupon queens? Two words my friends - STOCK UP! I have a nice little stockpile of soup, about 10 bottles of lotion, Halls cough drops and lots of lip balm. Think about the amount of product you will use in a month, then multiply it by 3. That's the amount of stockpile you should keep if you have good coupons. You don't need a garage full of stuff because the sales cycle will switch again (and again, and again).
If you see me in the stores this week, I'll have my smaller envelope of expiring coupons with me. I just hate to throw them away! I'll try Dollar Tree first and see how much I can get.
Friday, February 15, 2013
This Sunday's Coupons
Kind of a slow coupon week. It's given me a chance to organize and USE my BOGO's and high value coupons. This Sunday, the major newspapers will have one Red Plum insert. That means there will be very few usable coupons in our local paper. Plan accordingly!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Your Secret Saving Weapon.....
Was clipping coupons from yesterday's inserts and found one that made me want to blog! It was for $3.00 off any 2 Nivea lip care products. My first thought - FREE Valentine's gifts for my daughter and niece! Then I realized that I haven't told you about my extra, secret couponing weapon - how to shop at the Dollar Tree!
The Dollar Tree started accepting coupons nationally about a year ago, and our local store a few months ago. They will accept at face value (no doubling) any "real" coupon - which they define as non-Internet coupons. One exception - they will take up to 2 Internet coupons in any one transaction. And yes, I have been known to walk into the parking lot, then walk back in and use 2 more Internet coupons! I have no shame when I'm saving.
Our local Dollar Tree requires the patience of a saint to use coupons, but I've found that a good attitude and some kindness toward the cashiers goes a long way. They have been asked to accept coupons, but have not been given the scanners to make that process easy. So, they have to enter each one manually. Now, when they see me coming with my binder, they will usually direct me to a particular cashier (or a manager) who can help me.
Now back to our Nivea coupon. Dollar Tree has Nivea Strawberry Lip Balm for $1.00. Since the coupon says buy 2, that would make my purchase $2.00. The coupon is for $3.00 - you can't make money at Dollar Tree (you can at other places) but you can walk out with a free purchase.
I've found Dollar Tree to be a true treasure hunt. They are stocking more and more name brands for just $1.00, which means lots and lots of free or close to free products. My rock bottom stock up price for most toiletries is $.50 and I can find lots of toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, hair products, pens and pencils, etc. for that price with coupons. Some of my recent scores were Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner for .50 and Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate for free.
In the past, Dollar Stores had the reputation for stocking expired products, but now they are really competing with major retailers. I've purchased soup, tuna, etc. there also.
If you go this week - save some lip balm for me!
The Dollar Tree started accepting coupons nationally about a year ago, and our local store a few months ago. They will accept at face value (no doubling) any "real" coupon - which they define as non-Internet coupons. One exception - they will take up to 2 Internet coupons in any one transaction. And yes, I have been known to walk into the parking lot, then walk back in and use 2 more Internet coupons! I have no shame when I'm saving.
Our local Dollar Tree requires the patience of a saint to use coupons, but I've found that a good attitude and some kindness toward the cashiers goes a long way. They have been asked to accept coupons, but have not been given the scanners to make that process easy. So, they have to enter each one manually. Now, when they see me coming with my binder, they will usually direct me to a particular cashier (or a manager) who can help me.
Now back to our Nivea coupon. Dollar Tree has Nivea Strawberry Lip Balm for $1.00. Since the coupon says buy 2, that would make my purchase $2.00. The coupon is for $3.00 - you can't make money at Dollar Tree (you can at other places) but you can walk out with a free purchase.
I've found Dollar Tree to be a true treasure hunt. They are stocking more and more name brands for just $1.00, which means lots and lots of free or close to free products. My rock bottom stock up price for most toiletries is $.50 and I can find lots of toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, hair products, pens and pencils, etc. for that price with coupons. Some of my recent scores were Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner for .50 and Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate for free.
In the past, Dollar Stores had the reputation for stocking expired products, but now they are really competing with major retailers. I've purchased soup, tuna, etc. there also.
If you go this week - save some lip balm for me!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Possibly Free Alexia Potato Product
I love, love, love, the Alexia Sweet Potato Fries, so I was thrilled to find this high value coupon good for $2.50 off any one Alexia item! They also have waffle and regular fries too.
coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=30INTZ2NUWCFI
coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=30INTZ2NUWCFI
What I'm Buying Next Week
My pantry and freezer are full and my stockpile is healthy. That means I'll take it easy on shopping next week, unless it's a fabulous deal! Looking at next week's sale flyers, Rite Aid will be my main stop. Here's what I"ll be buying,
Colgate Max Toothpaste 6oz. $3.50
Buy 1 Receive $3.00 UP reward, Limit 4
Use .50/1 Colgate Toothpaste from Smart Source 2/3. Limit of 4 like coupons.
or .50/1 from Smart Source 2/10. Limit of 4 like coupons.
Pay $3.00. Receive $3.00 UP reward.
Final Price: FREE
Buy 2 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste 4.6oz. $3.50
Buy 1 Receive $3.00 UP reward. Limit 4
Use two .50/1 Colgate Max Fresh coupons Smart Source 1/20.
or .50/1 Colgate Toothpaste from Smart Source 2/3. Limit of 4 like coupons.
or .50/1 from Smart Source 2/10. Limit of 4 like coupons.
Pay $3.00. Receive $3.00 UP reward.
Pay $6.00. Receive $6.00 UP rewards. (2 $3.00 rewards)
General Electric Light Bulbs .99
With in-ad coupon
Use 1.00/1 GE Lighting Products from Smart Source 1/6.
Final Price: FREE
Buy 2 Sucrets, 18 ct. $1.50 each, when you buy 2
Buy 2 receive $1.00 UP reward, Limit 4
Use two $1.00/1 Sucrets product from sucrets.com
Pay $1.00. Receive $1.00 UP reward.
Buy 1 Tresemme Shampoo $3.50
Buy 1 Tresemme Conditioner $3.50
Buy 2 receive $2.00 UP reward
Use one B1G1 Free Tresemme from Red Plum 1/27.
Pay $3.50. Receive $2.00 UP reward.
General Mills Cereal 10-13oz. $2.88
Buy 1 receive $1.00 UP reward. Limit 2
Use $1.00/1 Cheerios, Honey Nut from pillsbury.com
or $1.00/1 Cheerios, Honey Nut from eatbetteramerica.com
or $1.00//1 Peanut Butter Toast Crunch from pillsbury.com
or $1.00/1 Peanut Butter Toast Crunch from eatbetteramerica.com
Pay $1.88. Receive $1.00 UP reward. Final price $0.88!
Colgate Max Toothpaste 6oz. $3.50
Buy 1 Receive $3.00 UP reward, Limit 4
Use .50/1 Colgate Toothpaste from Smart Source 2/3. Limit of 4 like coupons.
or .50/1 from Smart Source 2/10. Limit of 4 like coupons.
Pay $3.00. Receive $3.00 UP reward.
Final Price: FREE
Buy 2 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste 4.6oz. $3.50
Buy 1 Receive $3.00 UP reward. Limit 4
Use two .50/1 Colgate Max Fresh coupons Smart Source 1/20.
or .50/1 Colgate Toothpaste from Smart Source 2/3. Limit of 4 like coupons.
or .50/1 from Smart Source 2/10. Limit of 4 like coupons.
Pay $3.00. Receive $3.00 UP reward.
Pay $6.00. Receive $6.00 UP rewards. (2 $3.00 rewards)
General Electric Light Bulbs .99
With in-ad coupon
Use 1.00/1 GE Lighting Products from Smart Source 1/6.
Final Price: FREE
Buy 2 Sucrets, 18 ct. $1.50 each, when you buy 2
Buy 2 receive $1.00 UP reward, Limit 4
Use two $1.00/1 Sucrets product from sucrets.com
Pay $1.00. Receive $1.00 UP reward.
Buy 1 Tresemme Shampoo $3.50
Buy 1 Tresemme Conditioner $3.50
Buy 2 receive $2.00 UP reward
Use one B1G1 Free Tresemme from Red Plum 1/27.
Pay $3.50. Receive $2.00 UP reward.
General Mills Cereal 10-13oz. $2.88
Buy 1 receive $1.00 UP reward. Limit 2
Use $1.00/1 Cheerios, Honey Nut from pillsbury.com
or $1.00/1 Cheerios, Honey Nut from eatbetteramerica.com
or $1.00//1 Peanut Butter Toast Crunch from pillsbury.com
or $1.00/1 Peanut Butter Toast Crunch from eatbetteramerica.com
Pay $1.88. Receive $1.00 UP reward. Final price $0.88!
Great Arby's Coupon
My Mom reminded me yesterday that Ash Wednesday is next week! YIKES! How did that happen so fast? Here is a great drive thru deal to snag. Arby's offers a Reel Big Filet sandwich and a small fry for only $2.99! It expires on 2/12.
Arby's Coupon
Arby's Coupon
FREE Bath and Body Works Today Only
Are you headed to the mall today? You can score some free stuff at Bath and Body Works. I've included a coupon like for a free full sized product (up to $14.00 in value) when you spend $10.00. That essentially makes it a BOGO!
bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryid=13357094
bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryid=13357094
Magazine Deals - Available Til Midnight
One of my greatest weaknesses and the thing that makes my grocery bill go way up is my addiction of magazines. I love them - their shiny covers call to me with promises of making me thin and feeding my family delicious, quick meals! But those suckers are expensive!
Til midnight this evening, Discount Magazines is offering a Valentine's Day Promotion. discountmags.com/promos
Here are some of the deals I found (I did get 3 for myself!)
Prevention $4.50 for 12 issues
Good Housekeeping $4.99 for 12 issues
Redbook $4.99 for 12 issues
ESPN $4.99 for 26 issues
Reader's Digest $3.99/12 issues
Til midnight this evening, Discount Magazines is offering a Valentine's Day Promotion. discountmags.com/promos
Here are some of the deals I found (I did get 3 for myself!)
Prevention $4.50 for 12 issues
Good Housekeeping $4.99 for 12 issues
Redbook $4.99 for 12 issues
ESPN $4.99 for 26 issues
Reader's Digest $3.99/12 issues
Friday, February 8, 2013
"Next Level" Tip! Don't Miss This One!
It's Friday (yay) so I thought I'd give you a super tip to get you through the weekend. This is how to take your couponing to the next level, with VERY little effort! Are you ready?
It's called savingstar.com! Go to their website, and register your Martin's Bonuscard, CVS card and Rite Aid Wellness Card. Then go to the list of offers. If you see a product you buy or have a coupon for, just press the I Want It button. This activates the deal in your "account".
Now, how does it work? That's the beauty of it! It works in the background, tracking purchases from your cards. If it sees a match, Savingstar will deposit that amount of money in your account. It takes one to two weeks for the purchase to clear, but before you know it, you'll have a tidy sum in the account.
When you have at least $5.00, you can receive your money in one of several ways. You can be paid through PayPal, receive an Amazon gift card, or get cold, hard cash right into your bank account! I'm letting mine build up to $50.00!
What makes this a super couponing tip, is that the money is deposited AFTER you use store coupons, and manufacturers coupons at the store. It's the third level of savings. Technically, if you use coupons to get an item for free and there is a Savingstar deal on the same item, you make money!
I also use two Android apps, but they're a little more complicated and I'll talk about them later. If you're an advanced couponer and want to know what they are, Facebook me at The Underground Couponer.
It's called savingstar.com! Go to their website, and register your Martin's Bonuscard, CVS card and Rite Aid Wellness Card. Then go to the list of offers. If you see a product you buy or have a coupon for, just press the I Want It button. This activates the deal in your "account".
Now, how does it work? That's the beauty of it! It works in the background, tracking purchases from your cards. If it sees a match, Savingstar will deposit that amount of money in your account. It takes one to two weeks for the purchase to clear, but before you know it, you'll have a tidy sum in the account.
When you have at least $5.00, you can receive your money in one of several ways. You can be paid through PayPal, receive an Amazon gift card, or get cold, hard cash right into your bank account! I'm letting mine build up to $50.00!
What makes this a super couponing tip, is that the money is deposited AFTER you use store coupons, and manufacturers coupons at the store. It's the third level of savings. Technically, if you use coupons to get an item for free and there is a Savingstar deal on the same item, you make money!
I also use two Android apps, but they're a little more complicated and I'll talk about them later. If you're an advanced couponer and want to know what they are, Facebook me at The Underground Couponer.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
A Quickie!
Here's a quick tip for tonight....when buying things that have refills (razors and air fresheners come to mind), it's often much cheaper to buy the introductory set instead of refills. Companies seem to have high value coupons for the original set, yet not for the refill. For example, I have a drawer full of Gillette Fusion Razor systems that I was able to get for no more than $1.00 each. Same for a few different Glade products.
This Sunday's Coupons
Hello couponers! Sorry if you missed the free Lindor truffles - they went very quickly! That's one example of "print it if you want it".
In this Sunday's papers (well, in real newspapers) there will be one Red Plum and one Smart Source insert.
Off to do my grocery shopping this morning!
In this Sunday's papers (well, in real newspapers) there will be one Red Plum and one Smart Source insert.
Off to do my grocery shopping this morning!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
FREE Lindor Truffles
Run, do not walk, over to the Lindor Facebook page. Like them, then grab a coupon good for $3.00 off any one bag of Lindor Truffles. That will make them totally free at several stores this week. I do love these truffles.......if you don't want them, give me the coupon!!!
Possibly FREE Nature Made Vitamins
There's a possibility that you can score FREE Nature Made Full Strength Mini-Vitamins at CVS. I say possible because I haven't been there yet to check out the price. Here's your deal:
Go to CVS.com. Click on the Extra Care tab then go to Diabetes. There's a coupon for $10.00 off the Nature Made Mini's. Since this is a store coupon, you can pair it with a manufacturers coupon. There just happens to be a $3.00 Nature Made Mini coupon available at coupons.com!
The CVS coupon doesn't expire until 2/28/13 so you have time. I'm going to go check out the prices, will update you!
Go to CVS.com. Click on the Extra Care tab then go to Diabetes. There's a coupon for $10.00 off the Nature Made Mini's. Since this is a store coupon, you can pair it with a manufacturers coupon. There just happens to be a $3.00 Nature Made Mini coupon available at coupons.com!
The CVS coupon doesn't expire until 2/28/13 so you have time. I'm going to go check out the prices, will update you!
My "Cabin Fever" Trip!
Do you ever have one of those days where you MUST get out of the house? I had one yesterday. After the kids left for school (2 hour delay) I was really at loose ends. I thought about a quick trip to the craft store for yarn, but there wasn't much in my wallet! So, I decided to turn to one of my favorite, low budget treat days - I call it Free Shopping!
I set a budget (yesterday was $25.00) then set out to see what I can score for that amount. I usually pick up lunch while I'm out, and that has to be included in the budget too. Here's what I did yesterday.
Stop 1: Rite Aid
Purchased:
1 Reach Total Care Dental Floss $1,79
1 Reach Ultra Care Floss $2.99
2 Rice Krispies Cereal $1.97 each
1 Clear Total Care Shampoo $4.99
1 Clear Total Care Conditioner $4.99
2 Stayfree $3.00 each
3 Yardley Body Wash $1.67 each
Used:
$10.00 Rite Aid UP rewards
BOGO coupon for Stay Free
BOGO coupon for Clear Shampoo
3 coupons $1.00 off Yardley Body Wash
1 coupon $1.00/2 Reach floss
Total out of pocket: $8.90
UP Rewards Received: $12.00
Coupon Received: $1.00 off your next shopping order
NET: $4.10 Money Maker
NOTE: I tried to get the free Keri Lotion, but the store was out of them. I asked for a rain check at checkout and the wonderful cashier gave me two - one for each scent! Now, I can pick them up at my leisure and I'll get two free instead of one. Don't forget those rainchecks!
Stop #2: CVS:
Purchased:
1 Speed Stick Deodorant $1.99
2 Filippo Berio Olive Oil $3.99 each (Non-sale price $9.00!)
1 Luster 7 Whitening Toothpaste $1.82 (75% clearance)
Used:
Speed Stick CVS coupon (Dela of the Day .99)
Coupon for $1.00/1 Speed Stick
2 coupons for $1.00/1 Filippo Berio Olive Oil
Total Out of Pocket: $4.02
NOTE: I also received a raincheck at CVS for the Edge Shave Gel. When I redeem it, the raincheck also guarantees that I will receive my Extra Care Bucks on the deal.
Stop #3: Martin's
Purchased:
1 Canister of Powedered Gatorade $4.29
8 Zatarain's Rice Mixes $1.00 each
Used:
$3.00 off your next shopping order coupon
1 coupon .50/1 Zatarain's
2 coupons 1.00/3 Zatarain's
Total Out of Pocket: $6.55
NOTE: I was a very bad girl and bought Gatorade without a coupon - for full price!!! But Brady needed it for wrestling. For the record, it pained me.
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $19.21
EARNED DOLLARS: $13.00
NET COST OF MY SHOPPING SPREE: $6.21
I set a budget (yesterday was $25.00) then set out to see what I can score for that amount. I usually pick up lunch while I'm out, and that has to be included in the budget too. Here's what I did yesterday.
Stop 1: Rite Aid
Purchased:
1 Reach Total Care Dental Floss $1,79
1 Reach Ultra Care Floss $2.99
2 Rice Krispies Cereal $1.97 each
1 Clear Total Care Shampoo $4.99
1 Clear Total Care Conditioner $4.99
2 Stayfree $3.00 each
3 Yardley Body Wash $1.67 each
Used:
$10.00 Rite Aid UP rewards
BOGO coupon for Stay Free
BOGO coupon for Clear Shampoo
3 coupons $1.00 off Yardley Body Wash
1 coupon $1.00/2 Reach floss
Total out of pocket: $8.90
UP Rewards Received: $12.00
Coupon Received: $1.00 off your next shopping order
NET: $4.10 Money Maker
NOTE: I tried to get the free Keri Lotion, but the store was out of them. I asked for a rain check at checkout and the wonderful cashier gave me two - one for each scent! Now, I can pick them up at my leisure and I'll get two free instead of one. Don't forget those rainchecks!
Stop #2: CVS:
Purchased:
1 Speed Stick Deodorant $1.99
2 Filippo Berio Olive Oil $3.99 each (Non-sale price $9.00!)
1 Luster 7 Whitening Toothpaste $1.82 (75% clearance)
Used:
Speed Stick CVS coupon (Dela of the Day .99)
Coupon for $1.00/1 Speed Stick
2 coupons for $1.00/1 Filippo Berio Olive Oil
Total Out of Pocket: $4.02
NOTE: I also received a raincheck at CVS for the Edge Shave Gel. When I redeem it, the raincheck also guarantees that I will receive my Extra Care Bucks on the deal.
Stop #3: Martin's
Purchased:
1 Canister of Powedered Gatorade $4.29
8 Zatarain's Rice Mixes $1.00 each
Used:
$3.00 off your next shopping order coupon
1 coupon .50/1 Zatarain's
2 coupons 1.00/3 Zatarain's
Total Out of Pocket: $6.55
NOTE: I was a very bad girl and bought Gatorade without a coupon - for full price!!! But Brady needed it for wrestling. For the record, it pained me.
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $19.21
EARNED DOLLARS: $13.00
NET COST OF MY SHOPPING SPREE: $6.21
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
General Mills Cereal High Value Coupons
Opened my email this morning to some high value cereal coupons. Always a great find! Go to Bettycrocker.com and hit the coupons tab. It will ask you to register, so that's up to you. Registering with brands is one way to get unique and high value coupons delivered straight to your inbox!
FREE SPEED STICK TODAY ONLY
Head over to CVS.com and go to the Deal of the Day tab. There's a coupon for Speed Stick deodorant for .99. Since this is a store coupon,you can pair it with a manufacturer's coupon. And it just so happens that there was one in yesterday's coupons for $1.00/1!!! FREE.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Martin's Coupon Match Ups 2/3 - 2/9
Dole Salad Blends - BOGO.
-possible $1.00/1 coupon "blinkie" in the store aisle.
Tyson Grilled Chicken, Breaded Strips, Bites or Fillets, or Tyson Any'Tizers - BOGO
-use $1.00/1 from Smart Source insert 1/20/13
-use $1.50/2 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13
Cooked Perfect Meatballs - BOGO
-use $1.00/1 from Smart Source 1/20/13.
Oscar Mayer Beef Franks - BOGO
-use $.55/1 from coupons.com
Cheerios - 3/$6.00. Must buy 3.
-use $1.00/2 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13.
-total cost $1.66 per box.
Freschetta Naturally Rising Pizza - 2/$7.00
-use $1.50/2 from Smart Source insert 1/13/13.
-use $1.00/1 Facebook coupon.
-as low as $2.75 per pizza.
Healthy Choice Frozen Dinners - 5/$10.00.
-use $1.00/3 from healthychoice.com
Sea Pak Family Pack Shrimp - $8.99
-use $.75/1 from coupons.com
Campbells Condensed Soup - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .50/3 from Smart Source insert 2/3/13.
-as low as .66 each.
La Choy Soy Sauce - $1.79
-use .50/1 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13
-as low as .79 each.
RoTel Tomatoes - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .40/2 from Smart Source 1/20/13
-use $1.00/3 from Smart Source 1/20/13
-as low as .60 each.
Zatarains Rice - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .50/1 from Red Plum 2/3/13.
-Final Cost FREE
Speed Stick - 2/$5.00
-use .50/1 from Smart Source 2/3/13
-as low as $1.50 each.
Halls Cough Drops - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use $1.00/2 from Smart Source 2/3/13.
-as low as .50 each.
Buy 1 Dove Bar Soap and 1 Dove Body Wash - Get $3.00 off instantly
-use $1.00/1 Dove bar from Red Plum 1/27/13
-use $1.00/1 Dove body wash from Red Plum 1/27/13
-possible $1.00/1 coupon "blinkie" in the store aisle.
Tyson Grilled Chicken, Breaded Strips, Bites or Fillets, or Tyson Any'Tizers - BOGO
-use $1.00/1 from Smart Source insert 1/20/13
-use $1.50/2 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13
Cooked Perfect Meatballs - BOGO
-use $1.00/1 from Smart Source 1/20/13.
Oscar Mayer Beef Franks - BOGO
-use $.55/1 from coupons.com
Cheerios - 3/$6.00. Must buy 3.
-use $1.00/2 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13.
-total cost $1.66 per box.
Freschetta Naturally Rising Pizza - 2/$7.00
-use $1.50/2 from Smart Source insert 1/13/13.
-use $1.00/1 Facebook coupon.
-as low as $2.75 per pizza.
Healthy Choice Frozen Dinners - 5/$10.00.
-use $1.00/3 from healthychoice.com
Sea Pak Family Pack Shrimp - $8.99
-use $.75/1 from coupons.com
Campbells Condensed Soup - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .50/3 from Smart Source insert 2/3/13.
-as low as .66 each.
La Choy Soy Sauce - $1.79
-use .50/1 from Smart Source insert 1/27/13
-as low as .79 each.
RoTel Tomatoes - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .40/2 from Smart Source 1/20/13
-use $1.00/3 from Smart Source 1/20/13
-as low as .60 each.
Zatarains Rice - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use .50/1 from Red Plum 2/3/13.
-Final Cost FREE
Speed Stick - 2/$5.00
-use .50/1 from Smart Source 2/3/13
-as low as $1.50 each.
Halls Cough Drops - 10/$10.00 or $1.00 each
-use $1.00/2 from Smart Source 2/3/13.
-as low as .50 each.
Buy 1 Dove Bar Soap and 1 Dove Body Wash - Get $3.00 off instantly
-use $1.00/1 Dove bar from Red Plum 1/27/13
-use $1.00/1 Dove body wash from Red Plum 1/27/13
What is a Coupon Match Up?
Getting ready to post my first Martin's coupon match ups tonight and thought I would take some time to explain what a match up is. It's actually pretty simple - I take the sales flyer and match it up to available coupons for the products listed in the flyer. Then I make a list of some of the best deals and post them for you. In most cases, I"ll even tell you where the coupon can be found.
Here's where it can get tricky and you need to know prices - not all items in the flyer are on sale, and not everything that is on sale is listed in the flyer! The only way to see everything on sale is to take your coupon binder to the store and look for deals as you shop.
But, a coupon match up goes a long way to getting your list started. I do Martin's because there isn't another source for it, but I go online to find CVS, Rite Aid and WalMart. The sites are all related:
iheartthemart.com
iheartcvs.com
iheartrideaid.com
Here's where it can get tricky and you need to know prices - not all items in the flyer are on sale, and not everything that is on sale is listed in the flyer! The only way to see everything on sale is to take your coupon binder to the store and look for deals as you shop.
But, a coupon match up goes a long way to getting your list started. I do Martin's because there isn't another source for it, but I go online to find CVS, Rite Aid and WalMart. The sites are all related:
iheartthemart.com
iheartcvs.com
iheartrideaid.com
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Facebook Posts
For those of you who like to know when I update the blog, I've been posting Facebook updates. In order to free up my personal page, I've created a fan page for The Underground Couponer. Please visit that page and Like it. I'll be posting all Facebook updates there.
Watch for Martins coupon match ups coming tomorrow! Go Ravens!
Watch for Martins coupon match ups coming tomorrow! Go Ravens!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Are You Ready for the Internet?
It's February 1st - a big day for Internet couponers! Actually, the first day of any month is a great day for Internet couponing because the major sites resest for the new month. Most online coupons can be printed twice each - if you print in January and they reset, you get two more copies!
Here are some of my favorites:
Coupons.com - the largest and most useful. Coupons change regularly and are for items that I use every week. Each coupon can be printed twice (or if you have more than one computer in the house, twice per computer). The site also has a feature called Savings Club which it will prompt you to join for a fee. Don't do it yet - they offer a promotion a few times a year to join the SC for free. Members get higher value coupons. I joined during a free offer and love it. I've been monitoring this site all day today and there are some fabulous deals posted now!!!!!!!!!
Redplum.com, - most of the same coupons that come in the Sunday insert. If there's one you really like, you can have the paper copies, then print it twice from here.
Smartsource.com - Same as above.
Allyou.com - the online version of the magazine sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. I just picked up the February issue today and it had tons of coupons. It's the only "coupon magazine" that I know about. This website also offers a daily free sample, and samples always arrive at your door bearing coupons!
Now comes the big question - to print or not to print. I'm a printer, but you need to make your own decision. Sometimes coupons have a limited print (10,000 or 20,000) and sometimes they stay up all month. There is no way to predict, so I print! As a result, I always throw some away which wastes printer ink. I also recommend printing them in color. Some stores won't accept black and white copies. More on that in a minute.
At the risk of sounding like a teacher (hey, I've done that before!) I do have to mention coupon fraud. It's a federal offense, punishable by jail time. Yikes! Ain't nobody got time for that! Coupon fraud occurs when you photocopy a coupon, try to change the value, try to "get one past the cashier", etc. You must have the intent to commit fraud. That being said, I make coupon mistakes all the time. I just apologize (profusely) to the cashier, make a lame excuse like the cat was sick, and move on. Believe me, they've all seen coupon fraud, even around here, and know what to look for. As a result of so much fraud being committed, you may also end up with a cashier who will deny a particular Internet coupon because of the way it looks. This is a fight you're not going to win - let it go and be gracious. After all, you're still saving tons on your bill.
All of the major retailers accept Internet coupons - CVS, RiteAid, Martin's, Food Lion, WalMart. Dollar Tree will only accept 2 Internet coupons per transaction and SavALot will not accept them at all.
OK - enough sharing for now. I've got to get back to coupons.com! Happy hunting!
Here are some of my favorites:
Coupons.com - the largest and most useful. Coupons change regularly and are for items that I use every week. Each coupon can be printed twice (or if you have more than one computer in the house, twice per computer). The site also has a feature called Savings Club which it will prompt you to join for a fee. Don't do it yet - they offer a promotion a few times a year to join the SC for free. Members get higher value coupons. I joined during a free offer and love it. I've been monitoring this site all day today and there are some fabulous deals posted now!!!!!!!!!
Redplum.com, - most of the same coupons that come in the Sunday insert. If there's one you really like, you can have the paper copies, then print it twice from here.
Smartsource.com - Same as above.
Allyou.com - the online version of the magazine sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. I just picked up the February issue today and it had tons of coupons. It's the only "coupon magazine" that I know about. This website also offers a daily free sample, and samples always arrive at your door bearing coupons!
Now comes the big question - to print or not to print. I'm a printer, but you need to make your own decision. Sometimes coupons have a limited print (10,000 or 20,000) and sometimes they stay up all month. There is no way to predict, so I print! As a result, I always throw some away which wastes printer ink. I also recommend printing them in color. Some stores won't accept black and white copies. More on that in a minute.
At the risk of sounding like a teacher (hey, I've done that before!) I do have to mention coupon fraud. It's a federal offense, punishable by jail time. Yikes! Ain't nobody got time for that! Coupon fraud occurs when you photocopy a coupon, try to change the value, try to "get one past the cashier", etc. You must have the intent to commit fraud. That being said, I make coupon mistakes all the time. I just apologize (profusely) to the cashier, make a lame excuse like the cat was sick, and move on. Believe me, they've all seen coupon fraud, even around here, and know what to look for. As a result of so much fraud being committed, you may also end up with a cashier who will deny a particular Internet coupon because of the way it looks. This is a fight you're not going to win - let it go and be gracious. After all, you're still saving tons on your bill.
All of the major retailers accept Internet coupons - CVS, RiteAid, Martin's, Food Lion, WalMart. Dollar Tree will only accept 2 Internet coupons per transaction and SavALot will not accept them at all.
OK - enough sharing for now. I've got to get back to coupons.com! Happy hunting!
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