BeCentsAble

Travel Tips to Save Money, Part One: Transportation

2009-07-14T12:24:00.001-05:00

Summer's not quite over and there's still plenty of time to take a family vacation, or even a weekend trip!

We have found ourselves out of town nearly every weekend for the past month and it's been a great way to disconnect from media and cell phones and reconnect with each other. These little excursions can be expensive though if we don't plan them centsably!

Before you finalize your own plans, we have some tips to share to help you save money and have a very memorable vacation doing all the things you want to do!

This is part one of a three-part series this week. Check in tomorrow for Part Two: Attractions and Events!

Pre-planning step: Get your maps and guidebooks - but don't pay for them!

AAA is my favorite place to get maps and guidebooks BUT, you have to be a member (whic is actually a really great investment). For a great FREE source, check this link.

Another great resource is paperbackswap.com (if you haven't tried this before you definitely should!). We'll be writing about this soon!

Transportation

Make sure you are getting the best deal you can getting to your destination. Whether you are flying, driving or taking the train there are ways to get smokin' deals even when it appears there aren't any.

For air travel, try bidding on Priceline.com. We've done this twice this year and cut the cost of our air travel by 40%! That's huge when you are working on a strict vacation budget. You do have to be flexible with your flight times. Priceline's policy is to bid on flights that depart/arrive between 6:30 am and 10:30pm local time.

In February, I was able to fly non-stop, R-T from Phoenix to Kansas City for just $150 on just a 5 day advance (phenomenal). This past Friday morning I was able to purchase tickets for two of my SIL's to come from Atlanta to Phoenix for just $250 round-trip with only a 12 day advance. The best price we could find anywhere else was $358 each!

Here's the trick: when you bid, bid really, really low, when your offer is rejected, see what counter-offer they make you in return, then go back and bid a bit under that offer (be sure to read their offer closely, sometimes they will include fees in it and sometimes they don't). For the deal I got on tickets this morning, their first counter-offer was for nearly $800, after three rounds of "negotiations" I got the tickets for $600 (fees included)! The whole process took me about 20 minutes.

For train travel check for discounts from AAA (if you are a member), your local craigslist site for unused tickets, and on Entertainment.com, and Travelocity for specials and last-minute deals. Train travel is NOT faster, but if you have the time in your schedule it can be a lot of fun, and is statistically safer than driving!

If you are driving I have three recommendations.

First, spend some time thinking about whether or not to take your own vehicle. Read this great post from The Simple Dollar that details Trent's decision and why he made it.

Second, If you make the decision to drive your own vehicle the best thing you can do is make sure you have it serviced before you leave (tires aired, rotated and balanced, oil changed, fluids checked, brakes checked - all the basic stuff). Find a repair shop you trust and tell them you are going on a road trip - they will know what to check for.

Third, get a AAA membership. As I've illustrated, there are numerous ways to save with AAA, they will provide motor-assist services, tow your vehicle, arrange for a rental and offer discounts on lodging, food and entertainment as well as travel loss coverage. The towing and discounts alone save more than your membership in a year's time.

Start planning your last summer getaway before school starts...just a few weeks left!

Leave a comment to share your money-saving transportation tips and come back tomorrow for tips to save on entertainment.

All You Grocery Challenge Menu Plan #1

2009-07-13T21:01:00.002-05:00

Today kicks off the beginning of the four week All You Grocery Challenge. Are you participating? I already can't wait to hear who wins! Although I'm not participating officially, I am playing along in spirit. I plan to share my weekly menus and shopping trips here on the blog as well as frugal recipes and tips for saving on groceries.

I appreciate that the All You Challenge allows you to use items from your pantry and freezer when creating meals for the week because that is the way I always plan our menus. First I consider what we have on hand and then I scan the sales flyers and I put our menu together based on what's on sale and what we purchased in past. This strategy combined with other savings tactics allows me to keep our grocery budget around $40 for our family of three and one on the way.

Here's what's on our menu this week:

Breakfast
Homemade granola and yogurt x 2
Fruit smoothies and cinnamon toast x 2
Cheerios with milk and fruit x 2
Homemade pancakes or waffles (a Saturday morning tradition)

Lunch
Leftover pasta from the weekend (enough to feed 3 adults and 1 child), edamame
Lunch at play date (we're bringing Keebler cookies--on sale at Target again this week--and grapes)
Asian chicken salad
Peanut butter and banana sandwiches, blueberries
Leftovers x 3

Snacks
Graham crackers and peanut butter
Pumpkin bars
Fruit salad
Carrot Sticks
Cheese and crackers

Dinner
Beef stroganoff with egg noddles, cauliflower popcorn
Taco salad
Pasta with ground buffalo and red sauce, broccoli
Pork fried rice, cantaloupe slices
Candy chicken, rice, mixed vegetables
Baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese
Grilled hamburgers, green salad, homemade fries

For more menu plan ideas, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Coupons.com Update

2009-07-13T20:04:00.002-05:00

Coupons.com has added lots of new coupons including coupons for Scotts paper towels and toilet paper, Pull-Ups, Goodnights, Buddig meats and more.

You can print two copies of each coupon by hitting the back button on your browser after your first set of coupons prints. The list below represents coupons available in all regions. The coupons available to you will vary based on the zip code you enter and the offers you have already printed.

Remember that the coupons do have a print limit so if you see one you like print it fast! The good coupons do not last long. A big thanks to Kim at STL Mommy for helping me put this list together each week.

Click here to print your coupons now.

Aleve, $1.00/1
Bacardi Mixers, $0.55/2
Bayer, Genuine Asprin, $1.00/1
Bayer Extra Strength or Back and Body, $1.00/1
Bayer Quick Release Crystals, $1.50/1
Betty Crocker, Fiber One Muffin Mix, $0.50/1
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, $0.50/2
Betty Crocker, Suddenly Salad, $0.40/1
Betty Crocker, Supreme Brownie Mix, $0.75/2
Betty Crocker Warm Delights, $0.50/1
Big G Cereals, Banana Nut Cheerios, $0.55/1
Big G Cereals, Cheerios, save $0.55/1
Big G Cereals, MultiGrain Cheerios, $0.75/1
*NEW* Big G Cereals, Total variety, $0.75/1
Blue Dog Bakery, $1.00/1
*NEW* Buddig Meats, $1.00/1
Brez, $2.00/1
Burger King, $1.00/2
Caribou Coffee, $1.00/1
CloSYS, $1.00/1
Chex, $0.50/1
Chex Mix Bars, $0.60/1
*NEW* Colgate Toothpaste and Brush, save $3.00/2
*NEW* DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $1.00/1
Energizer Hearing Aid, $1.00/1
FDS, $1.00/1
Filippo Berio, $1.00/1
*NEW* Goodnights, $2.00/1
Haagen-dazs, $1.00/3
*NEW* Huggies Overnights, $2.00/1
John Freida, $1.00/1
Keebler or Sunshine 100 Calorie Right Bites, $1.00/2
Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies, $1.00/2
Kerasol, $1.00/1
Lice MD, $1.00/1
Listerine for Kids, $1.00/1
Luzianne, $0.60/1
M5 Magnum Razor, $2.00/1
Nature Valley Granola Bars, $0.40/1
Nature Valley Nut Bars, $.50/1
One-A-Day, $1.00/1
Opti-Free, $1.00/1
Pillsbury Savorings, $1.00/1
Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough, $0.55/1
Ponds, $1.50/1
*NEW* Pull Ups, $2.00/1
Renu, $1.00/1
Reser's Fine Foods, $1.00/1
Rhodes Bake-N-Serve, $1.00/1
Romano's Macaroni Grill, $1.10/1
Scotch-Brite, $1.00/1
*NEW* Scott Tissue, $1.00/1
*NEW* Scott Towels, $1.00/1
Scotchgard, $1.00/1
*NEW* SoftSoap Body Wash, $2.00/1
*NEW* SoftSoap Hand Soap, $1.00/1
Special K Blueberry Cereal, $1.00/1
Special K Chocolatey Pretzel Bars, $0.75/1
Special K Crackers, $1.00/1
Special K Protein Shakes, $1.00/1
*NEW* True Lemon, $1.00/1
*NEW* Village Harvets Rice, $0.50
Wanchai Ferry, $1.50/1
Yoplait, $0.50/6
Yoplait, $0.55/1
Yoplait Fiber One Multipacks, $1.00/1
Yoplait Go-Gurt, $0.75/2
Yoplait, Go-Gurt & Trix, $0.40/1
Yoplait, Go-Gurt & Trix, $0.80/2

Non Food/Household Items:

CountryRxCard.com, 75% off
Dave and Busters Game Play with purchase, Free $10.00
Goody Ouchless Flex Headband, $1.00/1
Pharmaceutical, 25% off
Sears, 20% off
Womans Day, $0.50/1

Some of these offers will go fast! Click here to print your coupons now.

McDonalds: Free Mocha Monday Reminder

2009-07-13T09:19:00.001-05:00

Don't forget that today is the first Monday when you can receive a free iced mocha sample from McDonald's between 7am and 7pm. Go here to read more or to get a free coupon for a full-sized drink.

All You Grocery Challenge Begins Tomorrow!

2009-07-12T22:23:00.003-05:00

Just a quick reminder that the All You Grocery Challenge begins tomorrow! Since I helped spread the word about the contest, I am not officially participating, but I will be participating in spirit here on the blog by sharing our menu plans, sharing a few tips for saving on groceries and tracking our spending on food each week.

Also, congratulations to the two winners of the All You magazine giveaway. Amy and Patti each won a two-year subscription to All You. All You is packed with coupons and great tips on thrifty living to help you save. Best wishes to all of you participating in the challenge!

Picture People: Free Photo Package

2009-07-11T17:46:00.002-05:00

From now through July 25, 2009, you can redeem this printable coupon for a free portrait package at the Picture People portrait studios.

The package includes one 8 x 10, two 5 x 7 and eight wallet sized prints of a single image.

To locate a Picture People Portrait Studio near you click here. Call 1-800-341-HOUR to book your appointment. There is a limit of one coupon offer per family or group during the event period dates.

Thanks, More Than Cents!

Walgreens Highlights: July 12-18

2009-07-11T09:11:00.005-05:00

A big thanks to Lori at Moms By Heart for rounding up the best deals at Walgreens this week. Lori has a full list of all the deals available at Walgreens this week complete with coupon matches at her site but here are the highlights. Visit the Grocery Gathering homepage for all the best deals at other stores around the country.

Nature’s Bounty Supplements starting at $3.59 B1G1 free
(Papaya Enzyme Supplement 100 ct is $3.59)
Use two $2.00 printable coupons when you sign up for Healthy Rewards here
Final price: AS LOW AS FREE!

Blue Diamond Almonds $3.59 B1G1 free
Use 2 $0.50 printable coupons
Final price: 2/$2.59 or $1.30 each

Smart Water 5/$5
Use $1/2 coupon from 6/28 SS insert
Final price: $0.50 each

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese $.69 with in-ad coupon
Use B3G1 free coupon from 6/28 RP insert or printable coupon printable coupon
Final price: $0.52 each

Photo Deals
Order online here & pick up in-store to avoid shipping.
8x10 B1G1 free using code: GET1FREE
Buy 25 4x6 prints, get 25 free with code: JULYPRINTS

Coppertone Register Reward deal:
Buy any 2 get $10 RR
Coppertone Nutrashield $10.99
Use two $5.00 printable coupons
Receive $10 RR on two
Final price: 2/$1.98

Colgate Total Toothpaste $2.99
Receive $1.00 RR
Use $1.00 printable coupon or $1.50 coupon from March All You magazine
Final price: $0.49-$0.99

Walgreens Brand Blood Glucose Monitor $9.99
Receive $9.99 rebate in box
Final price: FREE

Register Rewards Deal: Spend $20 get $5 RR
Kotex Feminine Care 2/$6
Use $1.00 coupon from 6/14 SS or printable coupons here or here (Firefox)
Final price: $2 each

Huggies Jumbo Diapers or Training Pants $10
Use $1.50 from 6/21 SS, diapers
And/or use $3.00 printable coupon, training pants
Final price: $7.00-$8.50

Huggies Wipes 2/$5
Use $0.75 from 6/21 SS
Final price: $1.75 each

Scenarios:
(2) Pull-Ups = $20
Receive $5 RR
Use $6 in printable coupons mentioned above
Final price: 2/$9

OR

(5) Kotex Feminine Care = $15
(2) Huggies Wipes = $5
Use $6.50 coupons mentioned above
Receive $5 RR
Final Price: 7/$8.50 or $1.21 each

Cutter Advanced Insect Repellant (1oz) $2.00
Use $2.00 coupon from 7/12 SS
Final price: FREE

*July Monthly Deals*

Dove Body Mist and Deodorant
Receive $2 RR wyb two
Use the buy Deodorant get Body Mist Free coupon from 6/28 RP insert
Use $1.00 Deodorant or Body Mist from 6/07 RP insert

Scenario:
Buy (2) Dove Travel Size deodorants $.99 ea
Buy (2) Dove Body Mists at $4.49 and use above coupons (2 of each)
Receive $2 RR at checkout
Final price: $2 overage!

Goody Ouchless Head Band $3.99
Use $1/1 printable coupon
Get a mail in rebate from the Catalina machine (the same one that prints out the Register Rewards)
Pay $2.99 out of pocket
Get back a rebate of $3.99
Final price: $1.00 Moneymaker after coupon and rebate!
(According to Hollie at Happy Couponing the UPCs that work for this deal are: 4 1457 2334 5, 4 1457 0929 1 or 4 1457 0929 4)

Buy THREE select Listerine or Reach products (mix and match) @ 3/$9, Get $3 in Register Rewards

Participating products include:
Listerine Mouthwash Cool Mint 500 mL (16.9 oz)
Reach Advanced Design Toothbrush 2 pack soft and medium ONLY
Reach Ultraclean Floss 30 yard
Reach Ultraclean Toothbrushes single pack (NOT the double packs)
Use B1G1 Reach coupon from the 4/26 RP
Use $2/1 or $1/1 Reach coupons from the 6/14 SS (depending on which region you live in)
Use $1/1 Ultraclean floss coupon from the 6/14 SS
Use $2/1 Listerine printable coupons (some zip codes have them)
Use $2/1 Listerine coupons from the 3/15 SS or 4/26 RP

Scenario #1:

Buy 3 Listerine Cool Mint 500 mL $9
Use 3 $2/1 coupons
Pay $3 out of pocket
Get back $3 in RRs
Final price: FREE after coupons and RRs

Scenario #2:

Buy 2 Single Reach Ultraclean Toothbrushes (will ring up at $3.49 each)Buy 1 Reach Advanced Design 2 pack (will ring up at $2.02)
Use B1G1 Reach Toothbrush coupon (the cashier should take off $3.49)
Use 2 $2/1 or $1/1 Reach coupons
Pay $1.51 - $3.51 out of pocket
Final price: Moneymaker after coupons and RRs!

Scenario #3:

Buy 2 Single Reach Ultraclean Toothbrushes (will ring up at $3.49)
Buy 1 Listerine 500 mL (will ring up at $2.02)
Use B1G1 Reach Toothbrush coupon (the cashier should take off $3.49)
Use $2/1 Listerine coupon
Pay $1.51
Get back $3 in Register Rewards
Final price: $1.49 Moneymaker after coupons and RRs!

Scenario #4:

Buy 2 Single Reach Ultraclean Toothbrushes
Buy Reach Ultraclean Floss
Use B1G1 Reach Toothbrush coupon (the cashier should take off $3.49)
Use $1/1 Reach floss coupon
Pay $2.51 out of pocket
Get back $3 in Register Rewards
Final price: 49¢ Moneymaker after coupons and RRs

CVS Highlights: July 12-18

2009-07-11T09:10:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Rachel from Surviving the Stores for her help in rounding up the best deals at CVS this week. Visit the Grocery Gathering homepage for all the best deals at other stores around the country.

*Sunday, Monday and Tuesday ONLY*

Caliber or CVS/pharmacy 1 subject notebook 70-80 sheets 99c
Get 99¢ ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 2)

Paper Mate Grip pens 8ct. 99c
Get 99¢ ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 3)

Caliber or It's Academic 5" pointed or blunt tip scissors $2.99
Get $2.99 ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 2)

Caliber or CVS/pharmacy school glue 5oz 99¢
Get 99¢ ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 2)

Caliber or CVS/pharmacy 12" plastic or wood ruler 99¢
Get 99¢ ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 2)

Portfolio 2 pocket, assorted colors 5¢
(Limit 10)

Caliber or CVS/pharmacy 3-subject 120 sheets or 5-subject 180 sheets notebook $3.99
Get $3 ECBs
Final price: 99¢
(Limit 2)

*Weeklong Deals*

Tylenol Arthritis or 8 hour 20-24 ct. $3.99
Get $3 in ECBs
Use $2/1 coupon from the 5/17 RP or 6/21 SS
Use $1/1 printable coupon
Final price: FREE - $1 overage
(Limit 3)

Gillette Fusion manual or power razor $7.99
Get $4 ECBs
Use $4/1 coupon from the 6/7 P&G
Final price: FREE
(Limit 1)

Photo Book ten 6x8 pages $7.99
Get $7.99 ECBs
Final price: FREE
(Limit 1 – although Rachel reports hearing rumors that the limit will be at least 3!)

ANY Olay Products
Get $10 in ECBs when you spend $20
Use $1/1 Olay coupons from the 6/7 P&G, 7/5 P&G and 7/12 RP
Prices starting at $3.99
(Limit 1)
NOTE: There is also an Olay Rebate HERE, for a $20 rebate when you buy
$50 worth of Olay Facial Moisturizers or Facial Cleansers between
7/10/09 and 8/9/09.

Select Kellogg’s Products
Get $5 ECBs when you spend $15
Products include: Kellogg's Special K cereal 12-14 oz, Special K cereal
bars 5-8 ct, Special K20 protein water mix 7ct. 3/$10, Kellogg's
Special K Protein Shakes 4 pk. or bars 6 pk. 2/$10 Use $1/1 Kellogg’s
cereal coupons from the 6/7 RP
Use $1/1 Kellogg’s Special K Blueberry cereal printable coupon (**on coupons.com)
Final price: As low as $1.33 each
(Limit 1)

Electrasol Tabs $3.99
(You'll probably be able to find a lower price than this somewhere before the coupon expires)
Use $2.50/1 coupon from the 7/12 insert
Final price: $1.49 each

Kotex Lightdays 40-64 ct, pads 14-24 ct or tampons 18 ct 2/$7
Get $2 ECBs wyb 2
Use TWO $1/1 printable coupons
Final price: $1.50 each
(Limit 3)

Head and Shoulders Shampoo or 2in1 23.7 oz. - ? (price on CVS.com is $7.69)
Get $3 in ECBs
Use B1G1 FREE coupon from the 7/5 P&G
Final price: $2.35 each
(Limit 1)

Purex 3 in 1 – B1G1 FREE (price on CVS.com is $8.99)
Use TWO $2/1 coupons from the 6/14 SS
Final price: $2.50 each

Benefiber, Gas-X or Maalox (excludes children's)
Get $10 in ECBs when you spend $20
Prices starting at $4.99
Use $2/1 Benefiber coupons from the 4/5 and 5/10 SS
Use $1.50/1 or $3/2 Maalox coupons from the 6/14 SS
AND (if these printed at CVS for you) use the $3/1 Benefiber CRT
Or Buy Maalox 26oz get a 12 oz FREE CRT
Use $1/1 Gas X printable coupon
Final price: Varies, but more than 50% off
(Limit 1)

Brita pitcher filters 3pk. $14.99
Get $5 ECBs
Use $1/1 printable coupon (Register and take the pledge to get the coupon)
Final price: $8.99
(Limit 2)

$1.00 Keebler Printable Coupon

2009-07-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

There's a $1.00/1 Keebler cookie printable coupon here. You could use this coupon in conjunction with the Fuel for School rebate. In addition, some Targets are currently running a promotion where if you buy 5 Keebler products you will receive a $5 gift card.

Buy 5 packages of Keebler cookies $2.52
Use 5 $1.00/1 coupons
Receive $5 gift card
Final price: $0.52 each after coupon and gift card

If you bought 5 other participating products in the same transaction, you could then submit your receipt for the $10 Fuel for School rebate. Target will allow you to receive multiple gift cards for a single transaction.

Go here for more Target deals this week.

All You Giveaway Reminder

2009-07-10T15:53:00.004-05:00

You still have about eight hours to enter the All You giveaway for your chance to win one of two two-year subscriptions to All You magazine. With so few entrants, your chances of winning are great! I encourage you to consider participating in the All You Grocery Challenge--you never know, you might win it, too! Go here to enter the giveaway and here to read more about the Challenge.

Family Tip Friday: How to Survive Showing Your Home with Young Children

2009-07-10T15:32:00.000-05:00

Recently my husband and I decided to put our home up for sale. We spent about six weeks furiously cleaning, decluttering and updating. When our home was ready to sell, we contacted our real estate agent and put the sign in the yard. During the first two days our home was on the market we had eight showings, and by the end of the first week we'd had close to twenty and also two offers.

This was our first experience with selling a home, and we feel very blessed that it sold so quickly and that we survived that crazy week of coming and going due to showings. Although our home was on the market for a short time, we are confident that we could have continued to thrive despite our altered schedule had our home not sold so quickly. Leaving a spotless home at a minute's notice with a toddler in tow is not an easy task, but we discovered a few strategies that made our job easier.

1.Prepare to eat dinner away from home.

The majority of our showings took place during the dinner hour after people finished work for the day. We could count on showings starting at 4:30 or 5 pm and ending at 8 pm. Because we were unable to eat at home, we arranged to eat dinner with friends. We were also prepared to eat out. We kept our Entertainment Book in the car as well as other coupons to some of our favorite local restaurants. Although there was one evening when we were able to eat dinner at home due to a window between showings, every other evening was booked solid with showings.

2.Prepare meals that don't require much clean up.

I imagine the number of showings would have decreased after the first week or two, but we still had to be ready to leave the house without much warning. Crockpot or one skillet meals require much less clean up than most and the less clean up the better when you have to leave a spotless house every time you walk out the door!

3.Prepare the house to leave at a minute's notice.

We requested an hour's notice before a showing and most agents were respectful of that request, but even during the short week our home was on the market, two showings were called in with less than 10 minutes notice. One was called in so late that the scheduling service didn't have time to let the agent know that I couldn't accommodate the showing before the agent and her client were standing on my driveway wanting to come inside. However, even an hour's notice is not enough time to clean the house from top to bottom, especially with an enthusiastic toddler's “help.” We came up with a few strategies that helped us leave a clean house without much stress.

Clean out a top drawer or two in the areas that tend to accumulate clutter. For us, the areas that accumulate clutter are the kitchen and our bedroom. We kept a drawer in the kitchen relatively empty for putting mail or other stray papers in when we had to leave, and we put clean clothes that hadn't yet been folded or other random bits of clutter from upstairs in a laundry basket that we stowed at the top of the closet.

Keep an extra hand towel for daily use stowed under the counter in bathrooms and the kitchen so that the visible hand towel stays fresh and clean.

Deal with clean up tasks immediately. For me this meant that I had to get in the habit of unloading the dishwasher as soon as it had finished its cycle so that I could reload it with dirty dishes should I have to leave. I wiped down the table and cleaned up all the dishes as soon as lunch was over.

4. Declutter your home before listing it to sell.

Decluttering your home will not only make your home more appealing to buyers, but it will also save you a major headache during the period of time when you are showing your home. The less knick-knacks you have around, the less there will be to dust. The less toys with tiny parts available for the kids to play with, the less time-consuming clean up will be. We decided there were lots of items we could live without during the time our home was for sale. We put away our daughter's ball pit which takes her 15 seconds to mess up and us at least 5 minutes to clean up. We don't have an office area so our printer was set up on a side table in our living room, but we moved it downstairs to the storage area for the time being. We boxed up several other items around the house and removed a few pieces of furniture and our home was show-ready.

5.Prepare easy take-along activities for the kids.

To entertain my toddler daughter when away from home, we kept crayons and paper in the car as well as a sun hat and sunscreen for impromptu visits to the park, a few books and small toys and a pack n play in case we had to be away from home during nap time. We also keep a small, plastic storage box in our car at all times that has a sippy cup, place mat and bibs for eating away from home.

It was a busy, busy week, but we survived it and are looking forward to moving in to our new home.

If you have any tips to share regarding how you kept your sanity when selling a home, I'd love to hear them! Please leave a comment below.

Centsable Saving Stories (and Struggles)

2009-07-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Centsable Savings Stories and Struggles! This week, Becky from Bargain Becky who says she was "born frugal" is sharing her story.

If you'd like to share your story, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at centsable.katherine[at]gmail.com. More details are at the end of this post.

About Me

I think my story is a little bit different than most people. I was born being "cheap" and frugal! I'm an only child and my parents divorced when I was five. I always remember feeling like I wasn't "entitled" to gifts and whatnot. I felt guilty that people spent money on me. My parents treated me wonderfully, and I have zero idea where this mentality came from.

I got engaged and married at the age of 21, exactly one week after I graduated college with a degree in Economics. Since I was so young and clueless, my mother planned most of my wedding. My one wish was for it to not be a big deal or flashy. I found a dress on a clearance rack. We used flowers from my grandmother's yard. My engagement ring was small and simple. It's exactly what I wanted, but I also felt like I was getting the "you need to spend more money" vibe from everyone. I just didn't see the need.

Coupon Clipping

My husband was in the Marine Corps, so after we got married, we moved to Hawaii. I was introduced to the commissary. Shortly after we arrived I noticed a big banner hanging overhead that read: "We Accept Manufacturer's Coupons!" I thought, "Wow! The prices are so good here, if I had coupons, things would be dirt cheap!" So I started clipping some coupons and the commissary would have piles of coupons right at the front the door. It was great.

I was also in the military, and we both spent the next couple years moving and living military life of being separated and whatnot. It was finally my time to get out so we decided to move back to New England. We moved to a small apartment in Boston. I immediately subscribed to The Sunday Boston Globe. My justification was that if I used just $4 in coupons per week, it would more than pay for the Sunday paper. I re-discovered Shaw's and started clipping coupons. From the time I could remember, I have always shopped the sales even if I didn't have any coupons. Then I found out I was pregnant.

After my son was born in the spring of 2006, I was set on breastfeeding. It wasn't hard for me and my son took to it. But I just didn't like it. I told my husband I needed to switch him to formula. Then I saw how expensive formula was - wowzers! We lived one block from CVS, and I was there all the time. I was sort of getting into the ECBs at that time. My first real "Wow! This is great moment" for me came when I went to CVS, armed with a $4 off $20 purchase CVS coupon, a $5 Similac formula check, and my $2.50 in ECBs. I scored myself a can of formula for under $10 and it felt great!

From then on, I sort of made it a mission to use as many coupons as I possibly could. We decided the best thing for us was if I left work and stayed home with our child. So I had the time to sit around the house with a sleeping baby and look through the grocery circulars and do coupon match-ups. I still manage to find the time to plot out grocery trips with two toddlers running around driving me crazy!

My Grocery Goal

On January 1, 2009, I made a goal of spending $5,000 or less on groceries this year. Even though I am all gung ho saving, I had no idea what I was actually SPENDING on stuff. By blogging about my grocery trips, it has made me more aware of how much I was spending versus saving. I thought $5,000 was realistic, yet challenging at the same time. We're almost half way through the year and I'm at about $2,100 spent on groceries. I think we can do it!

Thank you for reading!

Becky

Each week I feature a different shopper's story. Centsable Savings Stories are the stories of people just like you who are working toward reducing their budgets, bargain hunting, living a more frugal lifestyle and constantly learning along the way. If you are interested in sharing your family's successes and struggles, please contact me at centsable.katherine[at]gmail [dot]com. Bloggers and non-bloggers are both welcome to participate. Click here to read the stories of shoppers featured in the past.

Keep tabs on all the best deals by subscribing to BeCentsAble's feed or get updates direct to your inbox!

Chik-Fil-A: Free Meal Today

2009-07-10T09:17:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to dress up like a cow and head over to Chik-Fil-A today for a free meal. Go here to read more.

Free Chocolate Friday

2009-07-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

It's Friday which means that you can request more free chocolate! Every Friday starting at 9:00 am and ending at 11:59 pm, Mars is giving away free chocolate when you fill out the registration form. The site may take a while to load so keep trying until you can fill out the form. The form takes less than a minute to fill out, and they are giving away 250, 000 coupons for a free single serving package of M&Ms, Milky Way, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix or Dove. You can request up to four coupons per household over the course of this promotion. I'm looking forward to picking up my free candy bars. You can't beat free chocolate!

Keep tabs on all the best deals by subscribing to BeCentsAble's feed or get updates direct to your inbox!

Hen House: July 8-14

2009-07-09T21:11:00.005-05:00

A huge thanks to Lisa from Treasures of Savings for volunteering to help me round up the best deals at Hen House each week! Click here to see the online circular for Hen House.

Visit the Grocery Gathering homepage for all the best deals at other stores around the country.

Broccoli Crowns 1-lb
Final price: $1.00

Dole Iceberg Salad Mix 12 oz
Final price: $1.00

Green Giant Mini Carrots 1-lb pkg
Final price: $1.00

Hot House Cucumbers 1-lb
Final price: $1.00

Celery
Final price: $1.00

Eggplant 1-lb
Final price: $1.00

Red Radishes 1-lb
Final price: $1.00

Sweet Red Onions 1-lb
Final price: $1.00

Hot or Lean pockets 6.5-9 oz $2.00 ea
Use $0.50/1 off 5/17 SS1 (exp 8/16/09) DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Final price $1.00 ea

Keebler Cups, Bowls or Cones 12-24 ct
Final price: $1.99

Cheez-Its, Town House Crackers, Right Bites, Pecan Sandies, Kellogg's Special K Snack Bars, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Bars, Fiber One Bars $2.00*
Buy 5, get $10.00 Hen House gift card via mail-in rebate (MIR)
Use $1.00/2 off Rite Bites printable coupon
Final price: FREE + overage, after coupons and MIR

*Several of these products also qualify for the Kellogg's Fuel for School rebate if you buy 10. However, you will likely have to pick to do the Fuel for School rebate or the Hen House gift card rebate because the Fuel for School rebate requires the original cash register receipt and UPCs.

Kellogg's Cereal selected varieties 11-14 oz $2.50*
Use $1.00/1 off 6/7 RP (exp 7/19/09)
Use $1.00/1 off printable coupon
Final price: $1.50

General Mills Cereal, selected varieties 11-12.8 oz $1.99
Use $1.00/2 off 6/14 S (exp 7/25/09)
Use $1.00/3 off 6/14 S (exp 7/21/09)
Use $1.00/2 off printable coupon
Final price: $1.49 - $1.66

Hunt's Ketchup 24 oz $0.88
Use $0.20/1 off 6/21 S (exp 8/31/09) DOUBLES to $0.40/1
Final price: $0.48

Cheetos of Fritos 7-10 oz
Final price: $1.98

American Beauty Pasta 16 oz
Final price: $0.99

Betty Crocker Warm Delights 2-3.6 oz
Use $0.50/1 off printable coupon DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Use $0.50/1 off 5/31 S (exp 7/25/09) DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Use $0.50/1 off 6/26 S (exp 8/22/09) DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Final price: $0.48

Nature's Pride Whole Wheat Bread 20 oz
Final price: $1.98

Sara Lee Whole Grain White Bread 20 oz
Use $1.00/1 off 6/14 S (exp 7/21/09)
Final price: $1.98

7-UP 2-liter
Final price: $0.98

Sobe Life Water 20 oz
Final price: $0.88

Dannon Activia 4 pk $1.99
Use $1.00/1 off 5/10 S (exp 7/31/09)
Final price: $0.99

Crest Toothpaste 6.4 oz $1.79
Use $0.50/1 off 6/7 PG (exp 7/31/09) DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Final price: $0.79

Oral-B Indicator or Kids Toothbrush $1.79
Use $0.50/1 off 6/7 PG (exp 7/31/09) DOUBLES to $1.00/1
Final price: $0.79

Oral-B Floss $1.79
Use $0.75/1 off 6/7 PG (exp 7/31/09)
Final price: $1.04

Price Chopper: July 8-14

2009-07-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

Visit the Grocery Gathering for all the best deals at other stores around the country. Since Heidi is unable to post the Price Chopper deals for the week on her blog, I thought I'd post them again this week. Click here to view the Price Chopper online circular to see if there are any I missed.

Kellogg's Cereal, selected varieties $1.75
Use $1.00 coupon from 6/7 RP insert
Final price: $0.75
(Limit 4)

Blueberries, 2-lb.
Final price: $3.75
(Limit 2)

Westpac Classic Vegetables
Final price: $0.75

Kraft Chunk or Shredded Cheese
Final price: $1.25
(This is a little higher than my target price of $1.00 for bagged cheese but not bad.)

Hot, Croissant or Lean Pockets $1.45
Use $0.50 coupon from 5/17 SS insert
Final price: $0.95
(Limit 6)

Gatorade 8 Pack
Final price: $3.95

Yoplait Yogurts 5/$3
Use $0.50/6 printable coupon
Final price: 5/$2.50

Klondike Bars $2.50
Use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final price: $2.00 each wyb 2

Zucchini or Yellow Squash
Final price: $0.99

*Kansas City area 3 day sale, July 9-11*

Jumbo Dark Red Sweet Bing Cherries
Final price: $1.77/lb

Best Choice Granulated Sugar $1.19
Use $2.00 off sugar coupon from 6/21 SS
Final price: free wyb 10 Kool Aid packets

Kool Aid Drink Mix Packets
Final price: $0.08
($0.80 for 10 packets of Kool Aid and free sugar)

Kraft Velveeta $3.99
Use $1.00 in-ad coupon
Final price: $2.99

Country Style Pork for BBQ
Final price: $1.29/lb

Eckrick Smoked Sausage $1.79
Use $1.00/2 from 6/28 SS insert
Final price: $1.29 each wyb 2

Rotel
Final price: $0.79

On the Border Tortilla Chips
Final price: $1.69

Walmart Highlights: Updated July 8

2009-07-08T22:47:00.000-05:00

There are lots of great deals at Walmart this week and several deals highlighted previously that may still be available. Check them out here. Thanks to Heather from NWA Deals for her help in compiling this list.

Please keep in mind that Walmart prices vary from region to region and store to store so the prices at your local store may not match the prices in this list. Deal Seeking Mom maintains a complete list of all deals available at Walmart.

You may also find it helpful to print out and carry a copy of the Walmart corporate coupon policy with you.

Visit the Grocery Gathering homepage for all the best deals at other stores around the country.

Food:

A1 Steak Sauce, $2.56
$2.00/1 A.1. Steak Sauce Or Marinade, Any Variety 6/14 SS (exp. 7-14-2009)
Final Price: $0.56

Ball Park Beef Franks $2.50
Use $1.00/2 Ball Park Franks, Any 6/28 RP (Exp. 7-25-2009)
Final Price: $2.00 Each WYB 2

Chiquita Fruit Bites, $0.97 - $3.98
$1.00/1 Chiquita Fruit Singles
Final Price: Free - $2.98

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise $2.00
Use $0.50/1 Hellmann’s Product, Any 18 Oz. 6/28 RP (Exp. 9-20-2009)
Final Price: $1.50

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing $2.00
Use $1.50/2 Hidden Valley Dressing
Final Price: $1.25

Kashi Cereal, $2.66
$1.50/1 Kashi Cereal or TLC Product
Final Price: $1.16

Nestle Pure Life Water 20 Pack, $3.00
$1.00/1 Nestle Pure Life Water Multipack
Final Price: $2.00

Pillsbury Simply Cookie Dough, $2.84
$0.55/1 Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Product
Final Price: $2.29

Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese $1.78
Use $1.00/2 Sargento Deli Style Sliced Cheeses, 6/21 SS (Exp. 7-24-2009)
Final Price: $1.28

Tony’s Pizza, Multi Serve, $2.50
$1.00/2 Tony’s Multi-Serve Pizza , Any 6/7 SS (exp. 9-15-2009)
Final Price: $2.00

Tyson Skillet Creations, $5.00
$1.00/1 Tyson Skillet Creations Meal Kit, Any 6/7 SS (exp. 9-7-2009)
Final Price: $4.00

Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt, $2.08
$1.00/1 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt
Final Price: $1.08

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce $2.00
Use $1.00/1 Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, Any 6/21 SS (Exp. 7-31-2009)
Final Price: $1.00

French’s Mustard $1.28
Use $0.50/1 French’s Mustard, Any 6/21 SS (Exp. 9-10-2009)
Final Price: $0.78

Bush’s Grillin Beans $1.66
Use $1.00/2 Bush’s Grillin’ Beans
Final Price: $1.16

Edy’s Dibs $2.50
Use $1.00/2 Edy’s Dibs Brand Frozen Snack, 6/14 SS (Exp. 8-14-2009)
Final Price: $2.00

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars $2.50
Use $1.00/2 Hershey’s Chocolate Bars Any 6-Packs 6/28 SS (Exp. 9-30-2009)
Final Price: $2.00

Nestle Pure Life Water $3.00
Use $1.00/1 Nestle Pure Life Water
Finale Price: $2.00

Capri Sun $1.97
Use $1.00/1 Capri Sun Sunrise Product, Any 4/19 SS (Exp. 7-31-2009)
Final Price: $0.97

Health and Beauty:

Coppertone Sunscreen $6.50
Use $5.00/1 Coppertone Nutra-Shield Defense
Final Price: $1.50

Excedrin, Any 24 ct., $2.50
$1.00/1 Excedrin Express Gels, 24 Ct.
Final Price: $1.50

FDS Feminine Wash, $2.84
$1.00/1 Feminine Wash by FDS
Final Price: $1.84

Goody Ouchless Headband, $3.00
$1.00/1 Goody Ouchless Headband
Final Price: $2.00

Kotex Light Days Pads, $1.00
$1.00/1 Kotex Pads, Any 6/14 SS (exp. 8-8-2009)
Final Price: Free after coupon

Olay Body Wash, $3.97
$2.00/1 Olay Body Wash or In-shower Body Lotion 7/5 PG (exp. 7-31-2009)
Final Price: $1.97

Pantene Full and Thick Shampoo and Conditioner, $3.76
$2.00/1 Pantene Full & Thick product - 7/5 PG (exp. 7-31-2009)
Final Price: $1.76

Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes (30 Ct.), $4.74
$1.50/1 Ponds Wet Clensing Cloths 30 Ct. Only
Final Price: $3.24

Renu Multipurpose Solution (Travel Size), $1.47
$1.00/1 Renu Multipurpose Solution
Final Price: $0.47

Baby:

Huggies Pull Ups, $9.97
$3.00/1 Huggies Pull Ups Printable Coupon (exp. 7-15-2009)
Final Price: $6.97

Cleaning and Household:

All Laundry Detergent, 32 Load, $4.00
$1.00/1 All Or Surf Laundry Detergent, Any 6/28 RP (exp. 8-23-2009)
Final Price: $3.00

Shout Wipes (4 Count), $0.97
$0.55/1 Shout Laundry Stain Remover, Any 6/7 SS (exp. 8-1-2009)
Final Price: $0.42

Sparkle Paper Towels 2 pk, and Angel Soft 4 Pk, $3.73
$2.00/2 Any 1 Sparkle and Any 1 Angel Soft
Final Price: $1.73 for both

Reynold’s Wrap $3.00
Use $1.00/1 Reynolds Wrap Foil, 6/28 SS (Exp. 7-26-2009)
Final Price: $2.00

Tide Landry Detergent (Travel Size), $0.97
$1.00/1 Tide Detergent, any 7/5 PG (exp. 7-31-2009)
Final Price: Free after coupon

Kellogg's Fuel for School Rebate

2009-07-08T21:55:00.004-05:00

Between July 6 and September 30, 2009 if you purchase 10 participating Kellogg's products in one transaction you will qualify for a $10 rebate check plus a $70 coupon code from Dell. To print out the rebate form, visit the Fuel for School page here. Click on the "$80 in Savings" link in the bottom right corner.

Participating products include:

Any Kellogg's cereal
Any Keebler or Austin product
Any Sunshine product
Any Eggo product
Any Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal bar
Any Special K cereal bar
Any Kellogg's pop tarts toaster pastries
Any Rice Krispie Treat squares
Any Kellogg's fruit flavored snack
Any MorningStar Farms veggie foods product
Any 100 Calorie Rite Bites

The sizes are specified on the rebate form, but it should be pretty easy to snag some great deals and even turn this rebate into a money-maker.

For example, this week at Target Eggo BakeShop items are $1.50 and at Walgreens Keebler cookies, crackers and Cheez-Its are on sale with Register Rewards. Remember you must buy 10 products in a single transaction to qualify for the rebate. Here's the details of those deals:

(Walgreens) Keebler Cookies, Crackers or Cheez-Its 4/$10
Receive $5 RR wyb four
Use $1/2 Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies printable coupon
Final price: $1 each wyb four

(Target) Eggo Bake Shop $1.50
Use $1.00 printable coupons.com coupon
Go here to print two RedPlum Eggo Bake Shop coupons.
Go here and here to print two more
Final price: $0.50

If you bought 10 boxes of Eggo Bake Shop items with 10 coupons you would spend $5 and be eligible for the $10 rebate. Doing the Walgreens deal using 5 coupons you'd spend $20 out of pocket, receive $5 in Register Rewards and a $10 rebate. Not bad either way if my math is correct. If you found any other great deals that qualify, please leave a comment and share.

All You Grocery Challenge Giveaway: Win a 2-Year Subscription

2009-07-08T11:59:00.002-05:00

In honor of the All You Grocery Challenge I decided to give away TWO two-year subscriptions to All You magazine.

To win the All You Challenge, you need to keep your food expenses under $25 per week per person for a month. I know you can do it and you could win some great prizes including a $1000! You can read more about the Challenge here. The contest begins July 13 and you must register by July 12. Go here to register now.

Even if you don't think you can win, I encourage you to participate. All You is offering a free tracking tool throughout the Challenge and there will be a community of people sharing tips on how to cut your grocery expenses. I'm sure we can all learn from each other.

To enter this giveaway you must do two things:

1. Click on this link to register for the All You Challenge.

2. Come back here to leave a comment with your approximate weekly food budget and family size. For my family of three with one on the way we spend about $40 a week on groceries and toiletries but that total doesn't count what we spend on eating out about three times a month.

This giveaway will remain open until Friday, July 10, 2009 11:59 pm CST.

Please make sure to include an email address so I can contact you if you win. A winner will be chosen by random number generator. One entry per person. Thanks and good luck!

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover: Free 30-Day Subscription

2009-07-08T11:39:00.005-05:00

Go here to download a printable coupon for a free 30-day subscription to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com. The website is designed to help you create a personalized plan for your money. You will have access to budget software, community forums, podcasts of The Dave Ramsey Show as well as a few other helpful resources. If you are struggling with debt, these resources could be the tools you need to help you find freedom from it. As Dave says, "Remember, debt is normal. Be weird!"

Free Ziploc Pack-n-Go Gift Pack

2009-07-08T10:49:00.002-05:00

If you are among the first 10,000 members of Right @ Home to respond you will receive a one free full pack of Ziploc Brand Sandwich Bags and one small Ziploc Fresh Shield Twist 'n Loc Container. Go here to request yours. You can also sign up with Right @ Home to have great deals and offers delivered right to your inbox.

Free Box of Lipton Iced Tea

2009-07-07T21:50:00.003-05:00

Lipton is giving away a free box of Lipton Iced Tea when you call 1-888-435-3639 and answer a few questions. It will take 6 - 8 weeks for your coupon to arrive.

Thanks, Kansas City Penny Pinchin' Mama!

Publix: $10 Gift Card with Kraft Purchase

2009-07-07T21:39:00.003-05:00

Right now you can earn up to $30 in Publix gift cards with qualified Kraft purchases. The full details of this deal are available at CookingwithKraft.com, but basically to receive a $10 gift card you need to purchase four different participating Kraft items (2 oz or larger) and then download the rebate form here and mail it in with Publix receipts totaling $50 or more. You can take advantage of this offer up to three times. All rebate forms must be received by Augsust 14, 2009.

Check out the list of qualifying products here. Thanks, Savvy Mom Finds!

Free Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet

2009-07-07T16:59:00.002-05:00

Go here to request a free Home Made Simple coupon booklet. This booklet is packed with coupons for a variety of products including a coupon for a free product.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom.

Free Fiber One Sample Plus $5 in Coupons

2009-07-07T16:30:00.003-05:00

Go here to request a free sample of Fiber One cereal and a Fiber One granola bar plus $5 in coupons. You may remember from this post here that we're big fans of Fiber One products around here.

Thanks, Freebies 4 Mom.