Coupons that expire in September

As I was passing Sutter Wines display that has been put on an endcap at Walmart right next to dairy, I backed up to look at a sheet of coupons. All five coupons expire the first part of September. So, I got a sheet.

$1.00 off KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce
$2.00 Blue Rhino Propane
$1.00 Scripto Multi-purpose lighter
$1.00 off 2 King Hawaiian Hamburger buns
$1.00 off Bubba Hamburger Buns

I am not so sure which, if any of these coupons, I will use. A lot of the items go on sale during the summer, so I will probably hold on to them until I see a sale on something. After the Fourth of July, at least the lighters will be on sale.

There is no wine purchase required.

I am still so ill. The UTI is hanging on. This makes a month. I hope I last until the appointment May 1st. Today is a church lunch. I am going to drag myself up from here, wash my hair and go. I really need a meal instead of picking at things.

Have you noticed that coupons are having longer dates lately?

No More Sunday Papers!

I went to WM very late on Sunday night, actually on Monday morning because I forgot to get the Sunday paper during the day. The paper racks were empty. I was a little shocked, but then I remembered there were five coupon inserts in this Sunday paper. Maybe there had been a run on papers.

I commented to a clerk nearby. Two clerks responded, "There will be no more Sunday paper." Before I could faint, they went on to explain that we now have only a weekend edition--in the store on Saturday with coupon inserts in that edition. I had to go to the newspaper on Monday to get my coupon fix.

Furthermore, the local paper will not be delivered ever again. All subscriptions are delivered by the mail carriers. So, all the mail paper carriers lost their jobs just like that. One man who delivered papers had to move from the trailer he lived in because of no income or lowered income.

For quite a few years, there was no Monday paper so the paper people would not have to work on Sunday. I suppose demand led to a Sunday paper that we received until this past weekend. My friend said her father is fit to be tied because his morning paper will be delivered in the afternoon with his 3 pm mail delivery. Some people will have to wait until Tuesday to get their Weekend Edition.

Lots of us are not happy for a variety of reasons over this development. I just wonder how long it will be before we go back to a weekly paper. I think this latest development will result in less reading of the newspaper and cause a further decline in days it is published.

This week there were five coupon inserts, so that was fun. Plus, there were lots of coupons on things I purchase regularly. The best part was coupons that do not expire until Dec. 18! There were only a few and one that expires in June or July.

Someone on the news commented that our county has grown and we now have 80k population. Now, I am sure some of you are gasping at the small population. I did, too. So, we are not a huge, crowded area. Maybe this affected the newspaper situation.

More unemployed persons make me sad.

Instead of taking the Scrubby yarn to the car last night to get rid of its stench, I forgot and left it on a table near me. I awoke this morning to chest congestion that was so horrific. Now, with coughing, meds and an inhaler, I feel better. I cannot imagine having this in my house for long.

Your turn

Are you aware of any changes to the days of publication to any newspapers?  Have you noticed a few coupons with very long expiration dates? 

Bonanza in the Grocery Cart

five 12 packs for $1.00

These are practically free Cokes. I used the 3 coupons for $3 off, $9 off my total. Then, an employee in Walmart showed me the Target ad in the top right corner of the Target paper.

 

5 for $10

 

The employee was helping me by putting these in the electric cart, so you can barely see the two regular Cokes. See the red strip of the carton below the ad and above the three coupons?

 

The original price was 5 x $4.98=$24.90.

 

The 5 Cokes rang up at $10 per the Target ad after the WM Price Match, and then I  had the coupons applied. My total was $1.  I was so pleased and the employees were extremely happy for me.

 

 

I figured it up with my trusty calculator. I paid $0.0415 for each can. Let's make that a nickel per can.

 

4 cents for each can of Coke

 

I saved 96%. My personal best is 97%. But, I am not complaining. Since I could not afford anything else at the store Wednesday night, I could only get this. I did not buy only the Cokes to be able to report and high percentage of savings.

 

 

Savings= 96%

 



 

Lest you think I drink more Coke than I do, the last Cokes I bought are not gone. I called exbf and asked him what he wanted--Diet Coke. He hates my Caffeine Free Diet Cokes. I do not believe that he can tell there is no caffeine by taste. That's okay because he won't drink my Caffeine Free Diet Cokes. Oh, I would share.

 

So, that was my thrill for Wednesday night.

 

Your turn

Do you drink Coke products? They are cheap at Target. And, if you have coupons, now is the time to use them. Do you work the mycokerewards.com for Coke rewards? Have you gotten a 96% savings on anything at the grocery? 

Online Store Circulars and Coupon Information

 

Saving money? Let me introduce you to three online resources to increase your coupon savings and your efficiency. Maybe you have tried some of these resources.

1)
I found a feature in my online local newspaper  that interests me. I usually buy the Sunday paper from my hometown and from Birmingham. Our Walmart will "price match" all ads in about a 60-mile radius, even if I am not able to get my hands on a newspaper or choose not to purchase a newspaper. If there are no coupons in the paper, all the newspapers are sold, or I cannot get out, I can use this feature and still have access to ads and deals I might want to check out. Maybe you can find this feature in your local paper.

Refer to ad picture.I clicked on the small icon for CVS and got an ad. A viewer can turn the pages. Plus, the ad for each product can be enlarged to easily read. Blogger insists the picture be at the head of this post, not where I wanted it!

2) There are sites that inform readers which insert (P&G, Smart Source, Red Plum and others) are in the Sunday papers. Google "coupon inserts 2014" to get other sites that list coupon inserts. I chose this site at random. There are other features also--"How to save money without coupons."

Here is a sample of the format for coupon inserts:
January 5 — (2) Redplum, (2) Smart Source
12 — Redplum & Smart Source
19 — Smart Source
26 — (2) Redplum & Smart Source & Procter and Gamble

Yes, I did get four coupon inserts in the Birmingham News last Sunday. I use this feature before I go purchase a paper to know which inserts should be in the paper! Okay, some days I forget. That makes for a real hassle, going through multiple papers to determine the most common number of newspaper inserts for each insert..

3) Plus, there is one site with "Sunday coupon previews" that even lists the coupons  in the inserts and tells when the coupon expires. That was a "wow" moment for me. You cannot order coupons or print from this site. Here is a sample from the site with a partial list from Red Plum.


Sunday Coupon Preview
Regional coupon inserts & value differences are to be expected!
(x) before coupon = multiple of same coupon
ETS = excludes trial sizes

Emergen-C $1.50/1 vitamin supplement drink mix 10ct+ (2/28)
Gain $.50/1 detergent or fabric enhancer (2/28) ETS
Gain $1/2 detergents or fabric enhancer (2/28) ETS
Garnier $2/1 moisturizer (3/8)

If you can use any of these three sources, you can spend less time on the coupon search!  There are many sites that have the coupon information like the last two examples. Just google for other similar site. The first resource will possibly be in your copy of your local online newspaper. Or, look for ads on a site of a nearby city.

Have fun!

Your turn
Do you ever use any of these sites--local, insert sites, or coupon lists--to help you make decisions and save money? What sites do you use?

Conversations Over Time

just another cap to wear

On Friday I was out of milk and went to Walmart to save a bit of money and use a few coupons while I was there. The store was busy but I finally found a lane with only one customer who had about 10 items. Twenty minutes later, I was slipping into a coma as I sat waiting.

Consequently, I kept all coupons safely in my pocket until I had gotten my change!!!! sigh sigh sigh. I would have had to wait another thirty minutes to rectify the mistake at customer service with all the Christmas returns.. I was in no mood plus exbf was sitting on a bench somewhere wondering if I died (I suppose).

Later that night, I went back to cash in the coupons. Even later, I made a purchase and had lost one of the coupons, the one for toothpaste. The woman behind me and the one behind her both searched for a coupon to give me. They heard what I was doing and tried in vain to find a coupon for me. We struck up a conversation and soon the second woman in line said, "I know you." Trying to get my aging brain in order and not embarrass either the woman or me, I struggled to search her face for anything that I recognized. Nope, not there. "Your name is Linda?" She was certain, but still asked me.

Help me. What is your name?

"Linda"

Color me stunned. I am so sorry. How do we know each other. Sorry, I cannot place you,  just my age, you know."

"In the early 1980's we were in sewing class together. You taught me all about coupons."

I struggled to remember her. I do remember coupon conversations at school where I was the "expert" (I knew little, just a bit more than she) and most people never used coupons. Yes, this was a multi week conversation, sharing more of what I knew. Now, this woman was there with a dil who went beyond what Linda, her mil,  did.

We talked for way too long, but they had lots of groceries, up to the top of the cart. The other Linda must have been a very young woman because I took that class about techniques for making lingerie in 1982. Okay, I was a very young woman, but not that young. The class taught me nothing because it was a front for a sewing machine shop owned by the teacher's husband. At any rate, I switched from home sewing to commercial sewing and learned to use commercial machines, finally buying two. I learned to sew when I was four, so learning to sew was never the object of those classes. I digress.

A conversation over thirty-years ago led to a Friday night conversation.

Then, that led to a little mental math teaching from me; You know I cannot stop this?

And, we both wanted to exchange phone numbers and did.

I came home and cut coupons from 75 coupon inserts that exbf left me on Friday. Whew!

Your turn
Have you ever had such a stunning encounter where you had lasting influence over something seemingly inconsequential? Okay, I was stunned that she remembered my name, where we met, and something I showed her and still used coupons due to our conversation. Do these occasions cause you to realize that some moments are lasting?

Terre Haute, Donna, Mango Smoothies, Whacked in the Head, Ants

Terre Haute
The coupons are appreciated! They will be used.

Donna, whoever you are.
Thanks. I bought a roll of 50'x24", 1/4" holes to attach to the bottom of the chicken pen to thwart raccoon efforts to murder another of my sweet hens. It took me forever to find it locally.

Mango Smoothie
I love a smoothie. Mine always have yogurt and OJ. Not much of either. I never use ice cubes but have a thick, slushy, ice-cold drink/dessert. Banana is the constant fruit. Other fruits involved are strawberries, blueberries, mangoes (all usually frozen, so no ice cubes needed), pineapple, cherries, and peaches.  One night this week, I had a dying banana and wanted a smoothie. I have been resisting the notion of a mango-pineapple smoothie from McD, thinking mine would be better for me and lots cheaper. I think the McD one has fizz. Well, I have fizz in a strawberry soda that I bought, just because. ~sigh~ 

The top to my blender is cracked. I use it anyway. Then, the top to the little hole in the top...you know the little hole where you can throw things in? Well, the little top started falling through the big, cracked top, so I quit using a top. I just get a clean dishcloth and hold it over the blender to catch any upward spurts. NOT the other night.

The frozen mango and a banana went in the blender for a simple, really simple, smoothie. I had counted the pieces of mango--eight. I turned on the blender without allowing the frozen fruit to soften a bit. Yes, I was impatient. That blender blew the dishcloth I was not holding down higher than my head. In my befuddlement of trying to catch the dish cloth and turn off the blender, mango pieces were shooting everywhere like solid golden bottle rockets. Then..

One Whacked me in the Head.
That mango missile really hurt, hitting me on the forehead right above my eyebrow! It rather stunned me.

The Search
This is irritating. Where is the mango? I found two smaller pieces in the blender with the really smooth banana. Then, I found another piece camouflaged by the yellow floor. Another piece was under the edge of the counter. That is four pieces accounted for. Later, I found another piece all gooey, thoroughly melted, dripping on the little net umbrella that goes over food so flies won't land on it outside. That is five pieces. So, there are three pieces, nestled behind a curtain on the window sill, behind canisters, in the silk tree? Where?

My friend Donna (another Donna) was laughing at my tale. I was bemoaning the fact that they could be anywhere, that I would never find them. She reminded me that the fruit flies would. So, now I have to watch for swarms of fruit flies like one would watch vultures flying high above carrion. At least, in the movies, cowboys see vultures flying in a circle and know where to find the body.

That smoothie was not good at all, but I consumed it for the food value. I bought orange juice and yogurt the next day. Tonight, I have no bananas. Maybe I will make a pineapple-mango smoothie....and add a bit of fizz.

Ants
I was at the sink and looked out at the leaves of the tree touching the top of the window sill outside. Light bulb moment coming--I can take everything off the kitchen window sill, get on the sink, pull the top window down, and reach out and break off that branch. The only thing stopping me is the fact that I might fall off the counter. Theoretically, I have found a solution that does not involve a man with a ladder. I won't climb that high, even if my knee was not injured, without a spotter. And, I don't have to spray poison.

Your turn
Ever been hit in the head by frozen, flying mango?

Saving on Salad; Coupons for Nutritious Food

two Dole 10 oz salad blends

I can make two nutritious meals for $1. That is fifty cents apiece. Two people can dine for a total of $1. Got it? If you grow your own, never mind.

I had a coupon for $1.50 off two bags salad mixtures from Dole. This is cheap eating! Plus, I had a $3 check from doing a survey online. That $3 is above and beyond normal income. So, I treat it like a coupon or free money to play with.  I want the salad greens for Wednesday when exbf comes to help me with a few things around the house. He loves salads, as do I. Sooo, I was passing the store and went in.

Dole Italian Blend
2@ $2.92=
$5.84
- 1.50   coupon
$4.34
-3.00   Check for survey online
$1.34 Total for two bags of salad greens

$6.59 from July 3, 2011 post
$1.34 today
$3.49--pint  ice cream, $1 McDouble, Reeses cup It was the Fourth and I chose to stay home!
$11.42 Total through July 5, 2011


I can get six large salads from this and other vegetables I got free or really cheap a few days ago. Plus, I salvaged some items from the hen's produce. Without the cooked chicken in the salad, I see this costing me $.50/salad. I could boil the free eggs from my hens in the backyard, put in the salad,  and leave off the chicken expense. Yes, with eggs, this will definitely feed two for $1. By the way, I sliced the zucchini and squash really thin and used little of it on each salad. I have free squashes for tomorrow.

Yes, I see salads in my life for the next few days. These have to be eaten immediately. Plus, I still have one bag in the refrigerator, I think. No, it's two partial bags I will use tonight.

About coupons for nutritious items
I went into the store three days in a row and these coupons were almost intact. However, the coupons for chips and crackers and candy were all gone. These coupons were put out on the same day. I realize the store employees might have put out new coupon pads. The manager said the crackers and chip coupons go quickly.

So, for all the people who say there are not coupons for nutritious foods, have you looked. During the same time period, there were coupons in the little coupon booklets in the paper for: $1 Off Dole Blends. I sent one to my daughter and forgot to use mine. I was using these $1.50/2 that are of less value.

Your turn
Do you find coupons like I have used, ones for produce (I chose zucchini and squash), and then, specifically, Dole salad greens? Okay, if you grow your own salads, raise your hands proudly!

Free Food with Coupons: corrected figures

free spaghetti, zucchini and squash

I use coupons mostly for things I already buy. Yes, cheese, pasta, and vegetables are good things to buy. Salad dressing? Well, I do buy it. Saturday, I found two Kraft coupons on pads and got two of each. Sunday, I used them. I took the opportunity to shop when I went to purchase a Sunday paper for the coupons.

First coupon: Buy two Kraft salad dressings and get $1 worth of produce free. My $1 free produce was a zucchini and a yellow squash. They were $1.25, so I paid a quarter for them after the coupon. Both will go in a salad. I will use 1/3 of each, making this enough for three salads. Along with romaine, radicchio, endive, carrots, tomatoes, chicken, cheese, and dressing, there will be enough to stuff me.

Second coupon: Buy Kraft Grated Parmesan cheese and get $1.50 off pasta. I do use both. I could have gotten whole wheat pasta. I wanted spaghetti and cannot stand whole wheat spaghetti even though I like other whole wheat pasta.

Both coupons are on pads in the store.

The Ronco pasta $1.22 (free with $1.50 coupon)
zucchini $.75 (paid $.25 with $1 coupon)
squash $.50 (free same coupon as for zucchini)
Kraft Parmesan Cheese $2.98
Kraft dressings 2 x $1.68=$3.36
 Total value= $8.81
  Paid--$6.59
Savings=$2.22 = 20%

That's $2.22 in my pocket and food I would not have on hand. The pasta was $1.22, so the cash register is programmed so that no overage occurs, overage that usually just covers other food! RATS!

Two salad dressing go in the cupboard for another day. I use the zesty Italian on chicken when I cook. Zucchini and squash go in the crisper. Pasta package goes into a bug-proof Tupperware container. I just bought Parmesan cheese two days ago, so this one goes in cupboard.

Other free food
3 banana peppers

July so far
Cokes $5.98
1 tomato $1.00 (to see if I want to can that variety)

Above--$8.81 $6.59
pint of chocolate milk $1.59  Yikes, should not have done that.
Total for first three days of July $17.38 $15.16

When I made my salad tonight and got out the dressing, it was almost gone, so empty that I could not get any out. I was in no mood to shake the bottle or let it drain  upside down. The bottle of dressing is back in the refrigerator door, upside down. I opened the bottle of Ranch dressing I purchased today.

I am trying to only spend $100 on food in July. I now have $82.62  $84.84 left to spend. I will not be grocery shopping today. Tomorrow, I will go back to one store that has Dole Salad Blends 2/$5 and will use a coupon on that. Can anyone see salads in my future? LOL

Financial setbacks have led me to this goal. I had a $200 car repair (boot and stuff on front right axle) last Friday and will have a $400 one that I am delaying until the first of August--rack and pinion something.

For several reasons I am not going to a 4th of July block party in Birmingham where I would have a front row seat to fireworks on Red Mountain, good food and visits with friends. Stormy weather, cost of gas, car problems, extreme heat/humidity, long drive (50 miles) and my complete exhaustion caused me to decide I will stay home today and clean house and write this...lol. Okay, my exhaustion right now and the drive home are the real constraints.

There are two huge bunches of bananas in the refrigerator just waiting to go into the dehydrator. Maybe I will attend to those.

Your turn
Do you have goals with set amounts to spend? Are you successful at staying within self-imposed limits? Or, do you have limits on spending set from an outside source?

"Happy Frugal Birthday to You"

Last week, I discussed with my daughter the idea of reducing spending on my granddaughter's party this year. We were talking about all the ways she has cut spending, plus ways she can further reduce spending. She is facing financial problems. Well, still having financial problems is more like it. But, she is learning what is essential and what is not. Since her daughter may have broken the growth plate in her knee/leg, she was not really into discussing a May party. Plus, she is still worried about her own severe nosebleed and the things she cannot do now because the same thing might occur.

Last year, she invited 20 or so children. Parents and siblings came, also, and stayed. My daughter felt compelled to feed the whole crew pizza and spend an outrageous (for her) amount of money. Usually it is in her small apt, but last year she hoped for no rain and had it in the park with all the attendees not traipsing into her apartment.

She did not mind their being there except she would have felt compelled to clean beforehand...lol.

My Ideas--all eco-friendly and cheap!

Last year? She bought matching paper tablecloth, napkins, cups, loot bags, and a centerpiece. She bought cake, ice cream, candles, gifts for her daughter, pizzas for 30 people, and spent much of her valuable time. This year, the party should be simpler and less costly. With little to buy and less going to a landfill, the party can still be pretty and happy for the birthday girl.

Guests? My daughter quit giving large parties for her older son at about this age. She thinks this is the year that her daughter will not have a huge party. Good!

Tablecloth and napkins? I am willing to buy fabric if I cannot find anything in my stash or elsewhere and make a cloth tablecloth to reuse for her party each year. I might be induced to make reusable napkins!

Decorations? In my dumpster diving past, some days I just looked in a dumpster and found a treasure trove. Balloons for helium were in a neat, clean box behind the store, just waiting to be picked up by me. She can make a balloon flower like the one at the top of this page. This is on a Martha Stewart site, but the balloon flower I originally saw on the Internet had the balloon in the middle just a bit smaller. And, the center balloon will only be on one side of the flower since it will probably be hung on the wall. I think I have paper streamers, too.

Paper plates and cups? What to eat from other than paper? How about free paper that will not be reordered? While working online surveys about six years ago, I was given heavy, decorated paper plates to try that have pink and lavender flowers. Naturally, I did not use them all. After all, there is only one of me. So, I have offered to send them to her. Okay, it will be paper again! Yes, I will have to mail them, but I will mail gifts. The box can be planned so that the plates will fit! I even found the cups to match at a clearance place that is full of broken boxes of merchandise. I can stick them in a flat rate box with presents.

Candles? I have some clearance birthday candles!

Food? How about cake or cupcake and ice cream? She can go retro! (No serving a meal of pizzas.) Since there is always abundant food at children's parties in NYC, she can make it clear to the guests (maybe one or two) that she is only having cake and ice cream. I do get coupons for free food items, so I can always supply coupons to cut down on costs on cake mix or frosting. She works, so she does not have time to mix cakes from scratch anymore. She can use one of my Coke coupons from http://www.mycokerewards.com/ to supply something to drink. Now, I just need plenty of Coke codes. I find cake mixes and frosting for free with sales and coupons. Ooooh, I have some cherry Kool Aid, not my first choice for a drink, but it will be free. Oh, my, I just remembered I have a stash of cupcake papers. My mother gave them to me prior to 1980.

Loot bags? Whhhhhyyyy? If I have to bribe you to come to my party and stay, why bother?...lol. I probably have enough things for favors for her and her little neighbor IF it is really necessary.

Invitations--no need.

I think we can make a $200 party cost less than $10.

Gifts? Since I stock up on sale or thrift clothing in the fall for $1-$3 for spring, in March she gets most of what I have bought for her. Each year, I hold  back one outfit to send to be wrapped for her birthday. I can hold back one for daughter to wrap from her. I am sure my daughter will want to buy other gifts, but she can claim one of my outfits.

Now, daughter has said "no big party," so let's see how my alternate, green, money-saving plans work for her. "No big party" was not my idea! Okay, I just don't want you to think I was pressuring her. Okay, so I was nudging a little after she said, "No big party." What else is a mother to do but nudge when the daughter leans a bit?

I know it is a little too early to plan for a May birthday, but the sooner we start, the more frugal we can be. Besides, she is in NYC and I am in Alabama. Coordination is the key.

My daughter is too busy to engage in any crafts for decorating and is too tired to make crafts at the party, even for two children. I was thinking her 16-year-old son could make the flower or at least blow up the balloons.

Not green and frugal?
Considering I have most of the items, yes it is frugal. I rescued those balloons from a trip to the landfill. I will be buying new fabric only if I cannot find thrift fabric. Not using the paper products given to me--cupcake papers and paper plates--is my way of saving them for an occasion that really warrants paper products. This occasion warrants using my pretty paper plates.

Your turn
Have you cut back on children's parties in any way? Fewer guests? Less lavish food? No loot bags? How green and frugal have you been? Oh, I might even use some of the ideas you send my way.