Betsy's Price is Right

I'm still alive!

2011-11-13T12:46:00.000-06:00

Greetings all!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and kicking.
Unfortunately, I just haven't had the time to work on this blog.

I have been busy on my other blog Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling.

In fact, it's been nominated for Funniest and Best Variety for the Homeschool Blog Awards! I'd love it if you voted!

So, if you miss me, please feel free to check out my other blog until I have more time to play here too!

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Get a head start on your Christmas Cards.

2011-11-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Get a head start on your Christmas Cards.: Vistaprint is offering a great deal and I thought I'd pass it on. For only $4.99, you can get 20 Cards, 140 Labels and 1 Engraved Pen! Us...

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Assessment Tests Available

2011-11-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Assessment Tests Available: Just in case you wanted a source for state assessments which are free, here you are. Texas releases their previous assessment tests and a...

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Sunday Coupon Preview

2011-11-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Sunday Coupon Preview

Sunday Coupon Preview

2011-10-27T08:36:00.003-05:00

CVS on Saturday

2011-10-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Becentsable.net was my sorce.
Prevacid 28 ct $18.99
Submint Free Mail in Rebate Prevacid 24HR from 9/18 SS (coupon amount will be deducted)
$4 off from 9/18 SS insert
Final Price: Free

Dawn Dish Detergent $.97
Use $.50 Dawn Plus from 10/2 P&G
Final Price: $.47

Now the retail was $26.33 and I paid $13.93 which is only a savings of 47%. I will recieve a rebate for $14.99 (cost - coupon) which means I will have actually earned $1.06 on this purchase.

Walgreens on the way to 4H

2011-10-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

Kansascitymamas.com was my starting place, but the razor deal was made sweeter from the FB promotion.
Schick Hydro Razor $8.49
One Free coupon from FB promotion
$4.50 RR
Betsy's Price: Free+

•Bayer Aspirin - $0.99
With in-ad coupon
$1/1 Bayer Aspirin Product, exp. 12/31/11 (RP 09/11/11)
Betsy's Price: FREE

I ended up having to purchase a $0.59 candy bar because my coupons would take me over zero.

So my retail was $15.96, but I paid $0.57. That's a savings of 96%. Then I received $4.50 in RR which means I was paid $3.93.

HyVee after 4H

2011-10-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

I used kansascitymamas.com as my source for deals.

•Musselman's Apple Sauce - $1.39
$.75/2 Musselman's Apple Sauce printable
Betsy's Price $1.02 each

•Jack's Frozen Pizza - $2.50
$0.75/1 Jack's Frozen Pizza printable
Betsy's Price $1.50

•Betty Crocker Helper - $0.88 (2-day sale)
$0.75/3 Hamburger Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meal, exp. 11/5/11 (GM 09/11/11)$0.75/3 Hamburger Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals, exp. 11/26/11 (GM 10/02/11) Pay $.63 each after coupon

I actually remembered to check for the retail prices knowing that HyVee doesn't do that on their receipts. My retail total would have been $22.30, but I paid $10.33. That's a savings of 54%.
PLUS
My HyVee does $0.10 off per gallon with today's HyVee receipt, so we scored that, too!

Price's Trip to Price is Right

2011-10-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Found my deals form Kansas City Mamas.

Best Choice Flour $0.98

Red Gold Tomato Promotion: Buy 10, Get $5 off instantly at checkout
•Red Gold Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies - $0.66
$0.75/1 Red Gold Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies printable
Purchase (10) Red Gold Tomatoes with Chili's at $.66 each
Use (2) $.75/1 printables
Get $5 off at checkout
Then I found $0.55/3 blinkie coupons and I used 2.
Betsy's Price: FREE plus $1.00

•Dannon Activia Multipack - $2.00
$1 off Activia Selects or Multipack, exp. 11/27/11 (SS 10/02/11)
Betsy's Price $1.00 after coupon

•Tyson Frozen Grilled and Ready Product - $2.50
$1/1 Tyson Frozen Grilled and Ready Product, exp. 10/31/11 (SS 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price $1.50 after coupon

My retail total would have been $21.96. I paid $3.48 OOP which is a savings of 84%

Sunday Coupon Preview

2011-10-20T09:31:00.002-05:00

Apple Market vs. Aldi's

2011-10-19T21:47:00.000-05:00

I figured out what I was going to purchase myself. I couldn't get any great deals with coupons, but I still got good deals.

Best Choice Chili beans $0.39
(Aldi's is $0.55 the last I checked.)

Best Choice Sugar $1.69
(Aldi's is $2.39.)

Pilgrim's Boneless Skinless Chicken $1.99/lb.
(Same brand on sale at Price Chopper for $2.49 which is about the same at Aldi's)

I would have paid $25.07 at Aldi's and not been able to use coupons, so even paying $19.41 without coupons is a savings. I ended up saving 23% over Aldi's.

Bzzing about Scrubbing Bubbles

2011-10-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

I'm as special agent. A BzzzAgent in fact. I get to try things and bzz about them!

See my pretty
blue toe nails!

Today the bzz is about Scrubbing Bubbles^® One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner!

Now get this, one step doesn't just mean there is only one thing to do, but it means you only take ONE STEP with your foot!

I wanted to blog about this earlier, but I was waiting for my landlord to fix my toilet. I didn't want to put it on and then have to take it off only to put to back on. But it really wasn't an issue because it's so easy to attach. You just clip it over the toilet rim!

So simple to attach and too use!

You just place it where it's easy for you to step on twice a day. For me, I had to place towards the rear of the bowl because Mija was finding ways to "accidentally" step on it when she went potty.

A very willing toilet bowl cleaner!

I have coupons! I have coupons for both the actual One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner and for refills. If you see me around, ask me about them!

Tips on Keeping the Food Budget

2011-10-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

Smockity Frocks and the 4Moms have posted articles about saving money on the food budget. I definitely thought them worth sharing here.

I know I need constant reminding and encouragement to do the right thing in serving my family this way while this world tells me that I "deserve a break today." So, it is beneficially convicting to have Smockity remind me, "Become a grocery steward."

Anyway, here is Smockity's link: Tips on Keeping the Food Budget. Her article has the links to the other 4Moms.

Micheal's Deals--costumes?

2011-10-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Michael's is having a special sales promotion this month for decorations and costumes. We don't do Halloween, BUT I have a birthday party coming up for mija (I can't believe she'll be 7!) in which she wants a Tangled birthday. She even wants to dress up like Repunzel from the movie.

With that in mind, I'll definitely be checking this out and thought you might want to as well!

Free Aerospace and Denfense Calendar

2011-10-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

A cool looking 2012 calendar for free!

Click HERE to request yours!

Sunday Insert Preview

2011-10-13T02:43:00.002-05:00

Check out the coupons for this Sunday

2011-10-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was a coupon windfall. Let's see what this week holds...

10 Secrets of Debt Collectors

2011-10-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

I know the goal is not to deal with debt collectors, BUT sometimes it just happens. It seem to happen even more these days with unemployment and forclosure rates at all time highs.

Did you know that before they even call, they assume you are a liar? Read more HERE.

Price Chopper--chopped off 70%

2011-09-30T15:38:00.000-05:00

I got my deals from Kansas City Mamas.

•Welch's Grape Jelly - $1.50
$0.75/1 Welch's Sparkling Juice Beverage, Juice, Jelly, or 100% Grape Juice printable
Betsy's Price $.75 after coupon

•Old Orchard Juice - $2.29
$2/1 Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals printable
$1/1 Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals Product printable
Betsy's Price: $0.29 and $1.29
•Nabisco Wheat Thins - $1.99
$1/1 Nabisco Wheat Thins printable
Betsy's Price $.99 after coupon

•Ragu Pasta Sauce - $1.69
Buy Two, Get FREE American Beauty Pasta
$0.75/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce, exp. 10/9/11 (RP 09/11/11)
Betsy's price: $2.64 for all three or $0.86 each

•Johnsonville Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage - $2.50
$0.75/1 Johnsville Smoked Chicken Sausage, exp. 1/31/12 (RP 09/11/11)
Betsy's price $1.75

•KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce - $0.79
$0.50/1 KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce or Marinade, exp. 11/30/11 (SS 08/21/11)$0.50/1 KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce or Marinade, exp. 12/31/11 (SS 09/25/11 R)
Betsy's Price: $.29

•Pillsbury Egg Scrambles or Biscuit Sandwich - $2.00
$1/1 Pillsbury Egg Scrambles or Biscuit Sandwich printable
$1/1 Pillsbury Frozen Egg Scrambles or Biscuit Sandwich, exp. 12/3/11 (GM 09/11/11)Betsy's Price: $1.00

Kraft Foods Promotion
Save $5 When You Buy 5 Products
Prices show after the $5 is taken off.
•Planters Peanut Butter - $0.99
$0.75/1 Planters Peanut Butter, exp. 10/2/11 (SS 08/21/11)
Betsy's Price: $.24 after coupon
(I got 5 to get the deal.)

Then while there, there was a sample person who was passing out $1/1 coupons for Velvetta Queso Blanco.

Velvetta Queso Blanco on sale $1.99

$1/1 coupon

Betsy's Price: $0.99 each

I also had a coupon for a free bottle of Pantene. That was $3.99.

Here are the facts. I purchased $79.59 for only $24.15. That's a savings of 70% which isn't bad considering I had no double coupons.

Sunday Insert Preview

2011-09-29T06:58:00.002-05:00

Some Health Deals

2011-09-26T16:07:00.001-05:00

I've come across some health deals that might be beneficial for some. I thought I'd share in case you may be one of them.

EYES:

How about a $10.00 coupon when you purchase 2 pair of glasses for $99.

Locally, we have EyeMasters:

If you have VisionWorks, you can use this one:

DENTIST:

Need to find a dentist. Our challenge is finding one that works with you if you don't have insurance!
Find the right dentist in your area. Any budget. Any insurance. Fill out the form & promptly receive a call from 1-800-DENTIST who will match you to the dentist who best meets your needs.

ARTHRITIS:

Receive an Arthritis Guide booklet FREE! This exclusive guide is our gift to you for joining the Arthritis Connect online support community. Learn about:

Knee Pain Relief
Healthy Eating Tips for Arthritic Inflammation
Exercise Management Tips
Symptoms and Treatments
And more…

Restaurants.com 80% off

2011-09-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

This 80% off offer is good until next Friday, September 30.

How Whole Foods "Primes" You to Shop

2011-09-23T07:22:00.002-05:00

I'm posting this because, while I'm sure Whole Foods is the master, many stores use these same practices to woo us into buying. Something good to consider.

How Whole Foods "Primes" You to Shop

by Martin Lindstrom
Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Have you ever been primed? I mean has anyone ever deliberately influenced your subconscious mind and altered your perception of reality without your knowing it? Whole Foods Market, and others, are doing it to you right now.

Find out how they are doing it by reading the rest of the article here.

TIme to check Sunday Insert Preview

2011-09-21T21:33:00.002-05:00

Super Schick and Quattro Coupons

2011-09-21T15:57:00.002-05:00

Coupons.com has posted some high amount coupons for razors. I think there will be some great deals coming up with CVS and/or Walgreens.

People in my class had asked me if I print every coupon. My answer was no. High value ones like these that are likely to go with RR or ECB, however, I do.

Print yours, too!

•$1.00 off any one Schick Hydro or shave gel

•$5.00 off any one Schick Intuition Refill 6 ct.

•$0.75 off one Edge or Skintimate shave gel

•$6.00 off two Schick Disposable Razors

•$5.00 off one Schick Hydro Razor

•$5.00 off one Quattro for Men Razor

•$5.00 off one Quattro for Women Razor or Refill

Cities on the Cheap--Free Field Trips & Activities

2011-09-21T06:42:00.001-05:00

I know I've talked about Kansas City on the Cheap. I've gotten discounts at various places and have ended up with several free field trips for mija just by checking it out! It even keeps track of Groupon, Living Social and more for you.

Well, I did a little research for you and found that there are several cities that have their own versions of "on the Cheap". Just go to Cities on the Cheap and see if your city is listed!

Vistaprint - 6 Free Fall Products

2011-09-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

You know I like Vistaprint. I get free things from them all the time!

This week they are offering 6 free fall products. These deals are only available through this Friday, Sept. 23. All you do is pay shipping.

Think Christmas gifts. Planning a party for the holidays? Get the invitations. All kinds of possibilites!

Here's the special deals:

1 Free Photo Wall Calendar
Impress family, friends or customers with customized wall calendars. Choose icons, add captions and highlight individual dates. Upload your own photos from your computer, Facebook, Picasa, or Flicker or select from hundreds of designs. (Shipping starts at $5.67).

1 Free Photo Flip Book
Create a special keepsake with our handy 4" x 6" flip books. Upload your photos and customize with captions. Includes 10 pages with 1 photo per page. (Shipping starts at $6.01)

1 Free Tote Bag
Perfect for everyday use, our 100% canvas tote bags can be customized with your name and message. Choose from 24 designs. (Shipping starts at $5.67)

250 Free Business Cards
Perfect for networking, interviews, mommy cards and more! Choose from 45 professional designs and customize with your text. (Shipping starts at $5.67)

10 Free Invitations
Have an upcoming event? Take it up a notch by sending your guests premium invitations. With over 1,000 designs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect cards to suite your event. You can even send them in matching envelopes. (Shipping starts at $4.52)

1 Free T-Shirt
Choose from a variety of designs and personalize with your own text or photos! Great for cheering for sports teams, team events, family photos and more! (Shipping starts at $4.41)

More Birthday Gifts--kind of

2011-09-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

I've been attempting to report on my "gifts" for my birthday month. The totally free meals are still yet to come!

Aveda mailed me a postcard. I get "a free Personal Blends Pure-Fume Spirit or body care product (worth up to $25) custom-blended with the aroma of my choice." Now that's a present!

Compare that to Walgreens where I received:

That's right. I get 500 of the points I don't like!

But that's still better than Dove which sent me a link for a chance to win a prize. It's my birthday! All I get is a chance? I means at least send me a high amount coupon no one else gets!

Sunday Insert Preview

2011-09-15T07:29:00.001-05:00

Free Money & Free Field Trip at the Federal Reserv...

2011-09-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Money & Free Field Trip at the Federal Reserv...: Yup, you read correctly. You can have a free field trip AND get free money at the Federal Reserve's Money Museum ! We went to the one in K...

Museum Day, Sept. 24 = Free Field Trip!

2011-09-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Museum Day, Sept. 24 = Free Field Trip!

September Deals: What to Buy Now

2011-09-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

It was great to see this. We're thinking about getting mija a bicycle for birthday or Christmas. (Ssh. Don't tell her!) We're going to KMart to check for sales and use the lay-a-way!

Sunday Coupon Inserts

2011-09-08T08:02:00.001-05:00

How to Save on Family Passes.

2011-09-08T07:34:00.003-05:00

This post is from SavingsLifestyle.com. It had an interesting idea on how to save money about family passes. Make sure to check how many people are covered by the pass in which you are interested. Not all are so generous with coverage. Also check if there is an expiration date. For instance, the Kansas City Zoo's passes all run from March 31 to March 31, so purchasing a pass in January that will only last 3 months isn't such a great deal.

How to Save on Family Passes

My best friend and I love to take our kids on fun outings but it can be super expensive if we don’t have passes for the places we like to go. Getting a season pass is a great way to save money, we like to visit the Museum, the Zoo and Kings Island, but to get a pass for all three is about $600 (depending on your family size and which level of pass you get).

Read what she did HERE.

One Income Living in a Two Income World

2011-09-07T07:25:00.001-05:00

I came across anarticle entitled, "One Income Living in a Two Income World." I love how she deals with the misconceptions and realities of being a one income family. Some of her tricks are long term goals, but definitely worth the effort!

One Income Living in a Two Income World

by Deborah Taylor-Hough

I hear it all the time: “It must be nice making so much money you can be home with your kids. We could never afford to do that.”

Excuse me?! Our family of five lives on an income which could easily qualify for several low-income programs. We make so much money, huh? Where is it?!

Now please don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. My husband and I have voluntarily, and quite happily, chosen this frugal lifestyle. But it’s funny to hear the misconceptions others have about our finances.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

The assumption seems to be, if you’re home with your children full-time you must be rolling in piles of money. Common urban folk-lore unsettles us with the “fact” that it will cost over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to raise each child to adulthood.

According to those figures, it would cost over half a million dollars to raise our three children! Gulp. . . .

Maybe the numbers are accurate if I bought my children’s clothing exclusively at up-scale specialty stores, sent “Buffy” and “Skip” to ultra-expensive private schools, and outfitted their rooms with the latest audio/visual equipment and top-of-the-line designer crib ensembles.

REALITY

But the reality in our neighborhood is drastically different. Nearly every family on our block has consciously made the choice, at least for a time, to make the necessary sacrifices so one can parent can be home with their young children.

I hope you won’t think we’ve all dropped out of life and taken up an existence of soap operas and bon-bons. Far from it. Many of the women have cottage industries or attend college. Some do consulting work to stay abreast of their professions. A neighbor stays home with her children, actively pursuing a writing career.

But even with additional part-time incomes, the families on our street don’t make the money that statistics claim we’ll need to adequately raise our kids. But raise them successfully, we will!

THE SECRET

So, what’s the secret to “one income living in a two income world?”

Read her tricks HERE in the article.

Happy Birthday to me this month!!!

2011-09-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

I already mentioned that CVS gave me $2 ECB because it's my birthday month. Other birthday goodies are starting to roll in.

TGIF--Free Dessert (with purchase of an entree)
and a
Starbucks Ice Cream--$1/2 coupon

The free meals will come closer to the actual date!
I'll keep you updated on my birthday gifts.

WomanFreebies---another source of freebies

2011-09-05T18:08:00.001-05:00

You know me and finding freebie sites! I LOVE it!! It's fun seeing what I get in the mail everyday.

Well, here's another freebie site I'm frequenting. It's WomanFreebies.com. The hardest part was giving the year I was born! You can answer the additional questionaires for more freebie opportunities if you choose.

This is a great time to sign up because tomorrow a Clorox 2 coupon will be offered as part of the launch of "Mom Will Never Know" which premiers exclusively on WomanFreebies.com.

So, sign up with me, and let's see how many freebies we can get!!

Labor Day Weekend at CVS

2011-09-04T23:01:00.000-05:00

Went to CVS tonight. Got a couple of deals from BeCentsAble.net.
Free Milky Way or Dove Bar $1.19
Extra Care Coupon from scanning
Betsy's Price: Free

Kashi Cereal or TLC Bars 2/$6
$1.50/1 off package
Betsy's Price: $1.50

Suave Body Wash $2
Use B2G1 from 8/14 RP
Final Price: $1.33 each (Willing to pay this much since we need body wash.)

I also picked up a pack of gum for Mike.

I paid $1.08 OOP for $16.56 in items which is a savings of 92%. I actually earned $3 in RR. $1 was for using my green bag tag. $2 was just because it's my birthday month. I don't care how I earn them; they all spend the same!!! That means I made a $1.92 profit which is a savings of 112%.

Coupons Restocked at Coupons.com

2011-09-01T21:12:00.000-05:00

First of the month. Time for coupons to restock.

Here are some of the coupons at Coupons.com. Notice the ones for games...time to start thinking about Christmas!

Pillsbury

•$1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments desserts

•$0.40 off TWO Pillsbury or Grands! Sweet Rolls

•$1.00 off Frozen Pillsbury Egg Scrambles

•$0.50 off TWO Pillsbury Toaster Strudel pastries

Cereal

•$0.75 off Fiber One cereal

•$0.50 off Cereal Treat Bars

•$1.00 off 3 General Mills divisional cereals

Yogurt

•$0.75 off any two Yoplait products

•$0.50 off 2 Yoplait Greek Yogurts

•$0.40 off six Yoplait Yogurts

Pizza/Snacks

•$0.40 off TWO Totino's Rolls Snacks

•$1.00 off FOUR Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza

•$1.00 off Totino's Pizza Stuffers

•$0.75 off 1 Kashi Frozen Entree or Pizza Product

•$0.40 off 1 Fleischmann's Pizza Crust Yeast

•$0.50 off any 5OZ. OR LARGER Bugles Corn Snacks

•$1.00 off off any box of Kashi TLC Snack Cracker

•$0.50 off any Chex Mix 4.5 oz. or larger

•$1.50 off any 2 boxes of Kashi TLC bars

•$0.75 off (2) Nature Valley Granola Bars

Misc Food and Household
•$1.00 off 2 Any Spic and Span Product

•$0.55 off any Chore Boy Product

•$0.75 off one (1) Solo Cups, Plates or Bowls

•$0.50 off Fun da-middles Cupcake Mix

•$1.00 off 3 can/bowl Campbell's Healthy Request

•$1.00 off ONE (1) CAN OF 3-IN-1 MULTI-PURPOSE OIL

Health & Beauty

•$1.00 off any JOHNSON'S Baby Powder

•$0.30 off Original Carmex Lip Balm

•$1.00 off on one (1) 4 oz. or greater Carmex Skin

•$1.00 off MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT ME PRESSED POWDE

•$1.00 off MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT ME FOUNDATION

•$3.00 off on any Flex-a-min product

•$2.00 off on any Ester-C The Better Vitamin C

•$4.00 off ON ONE BOTTLE OF FOCUSfactor

•$4.00 off ON ONE BOTTLE OF OMEGA DHA 900 Redeem at

•$4.00 off ON ONE BOTTLE OF OMEGA FACTOR 3

Games

•$5.00 off one SIMON FLASH, SCRABBLE FLASH, YAHTZEE

•$4.00 off the purchase of one MONOPOLY game

•$4.00 off the purchase of one CONNECT 4 game

Check out this Sunday's inserts!

2011-09-01T07:32:00.001-05:00

Nothing much to look at, however, since there are no coupon inserts this Sunday.

Labor Day, bah humbug!

Free 8x10 Canvas from photo!

2011-08-31T21:42:00.000-05:00

Canvas People takes your photo and makes it into a canvas! I just made one from a family photo we recently took. It's not often you can get your siblings and their families all together at one time! I thought it was worthy of a canvas!

Here's all you need to do. It only takes a couple minutes, literally!

1) Choose and upload the photo you would like printed
2) Choose what size. (8x10 is free + shipping/handling after $50 credit)
3) Chose any "extras" (this cost extra)
4) Enter shipping information
5) Pay the $14.95 shipping/handling (this is still a GREAT deal for one of these)

SwagBucks...come join me!

2011-08-31T12:38:00.000-05:00

Come join me at SwagBucks!

I mentioned at my couponing class how I use SwagBucks to earn free things. I've gotten Kindle accesories, curriculum, and clothing all from what I've earned from SwagBucks.

And it's so easy!!

Just click one of the links or the picture to the right and sign up. No credit card or anything to required. All you will have to do is acknowledge the email confirmation they will send you. (Check your junk mail if you don't notice it. Sometimes it ends up there at first.)

There are many ways to earn SwagBucks. I regularly use the Swag Bar for my searches in order to have the chance to earn SwagBucks. The search bar is powered by Google and Ask.com.

You can also earn through daily deals (Groupon, Living Social, Tippr), and answering polls and surveys.

Find out for yourself! Just go to SwagBucks and sign up. Remember to confirm when you get your email and TaDa! start saving!

A lot of coupons

2011-08-29T20:30:00.000-05:00

Coupons.com has a lot of coupons. Don't forget to grab them before the end of the month! Here are some of them handy for you!

•$5.00 off 1 gallon of Benjamin Moore paint

•$1.00 off BISSELL Stomp & Go

•$1.50 off any 2 boxes of Kashi TLC bars

•$1.00 off 3 Kashi GOLEAN Bars

•$1.00 off off any box of Kashi TLC Snack Cracker

•2 for $79.99 Kids' Eyeglasses at JCPenney Optical

•$99.99 off with No-Line Bifocals only $34 more per

•$0.75 off any Efferdent or Effergrip product

•$3.00 off 2 Glidden Paint Testers

•$3.00 off 1 gallon of Glidden Paint

•$1.00 off 1 Renuzit Pearl Scents

•$1.00 off One (1) Renuzit Super Odor Neutralizer

•$1.00 off on any 1 Dove VisibleCare Body Wash

•$5.00 off 1 PHILIPS NORELCO BG2020, BG2030, BG2040

•$5.00 off 1 PHILIPS NORELCO REPLACEMENT SHAVER

•$10.00 off ON ONE (1) PHILIPS NORELCO SPEED XL

•$30.00 off ON ONE (1) PHILIPS NORELCO SENSOTOUCH

•$3.00 off 1 BOTTLE OF 16 oz. BreathRx Mouth Rinse

•$1.00 off the September Issue of InStyle

•$0.55 off on any Bagel-fuls (4ct)

•$1.00 off 1 Minute Maid Juice Box 10-pk

•$3.00 off any Non-Drowsy Claritin-D Allergy

•$4.00 off Non-Drowsy Claritin Allergy Product

•$10.00 off any Comfort Zone diffuser or spray

•$2.00 off People Specials: Kate's Style Secrets!

Kashi Coupons!!!

2011-08-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

We love Kashi products, so I had to share these coupons with you! I'm keeping on the lookout for a cereal coupon, too!

$1.50 of any 2 boxes of Kashi TLC Bars

$1 of 3 Kashi GOLEAN Bars

$1 off any box of Kashi TLC Snack Crackers

Remedy Life--Free Magazine & More

2011-08-27T11:51:00.001-05:00

When you sign up for a free subscription of Remedy Life, you not only get the magazine. You'll also receive valuable offers, free samples, and the opportunity to participate in health surveys and polls.
I'm signing up because I'm always looking for more information dealing with my diabetes and high blood pressure. And the possibility of free samples is a plus, too!

Just click the picture or click HERE!

HyVee Ho-Hum....

2011-08-26T18:50:00.000-05:00

I get frustrated with HyVee. Their receipts don't provide your total savings. You have to do all the math. AND when you don't take notes of how much the original retail prices were, then you can't figure your total savings. That's where I am. My percentages will be down because it's only the savings from using coupons. :-(

Kansas City Mamas was my source.

•Earthbound Farm Organic Celery - $1.18
$1/1 Earthbound Farm Organic Product printable
(Be prepared to take a quiz!)
Betsy's Price: $.18

•Buddig Thin Sliced Lunchmeat - $0.59
$0.55/2 Buddig Original, exp. 11/30/11 (SS 08/21/11 R)

Betsy's Price $.32 each

•Planters Peanut Butter - $1.48
$1/1 Planters Peanut Butter

Betsy's Price $.48

•Spin Blend Salad Dressing - $1.99

Buy One, Get One FREE with in-ad coupon
Betsy's Price: $.99

•Hunt's Snack Packs - $.80 (It's $1 at Price Chopper.)
$0.45/3 Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding 8/7/2011 SS Insert (exp 9/18/2011)
Pay $.65 each after coupon

•Bob Evans Refrigerated Side Dish - $2.99

B1G1 Bob Evans Side Dish printable

Betsy's Price: $1.50 each

•Dole Pineapple - $0.79

$0.50/2 Dole Pineapple printable

Betsy's Price: $.54 each

I paid $19.85 for $33.32 worth of items on sale. I don't have the total retail, but it would be more than that if I had remembered to make notes of original prices!

OK, I'm over it. {NOT!} So, my savings were 40%. Adequate, but it's frustrating.

Oh, and we filled up at $0.10 off per gallon. Remember, I only paid about $20, not the $100 I would have needed in order to get the same deal at Price Chopper.

Price Chopper

2011-08-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

Made a trip to Price Chopper. I was happy the store took my printed coupons for free items without any issues. Some stores aren't taking them anymore.

Dannon OIKOS yogurt

Free coupons from Parade Magazine 8/21 and FB
Betsy's Price: FREE

Activia Selects
Free coupon from FB
Betsy's Price: FREE

Del Monte Fruit Naturals or SuperFruit cup $1.00
Free Coupon from cereal box
Betsy's Price: FREE

The rest I got from Kansas City Mamas

•Oxy Clinical Product - $4.99
Buy One, Get One FREE
Use (2) $3/1 Oxy Clinical Product, exp. 10/1/11 (RP 07/31/11 #2 R)
Betsy's Price: $1 Money Maker (I'll donate these.)

•Totino's Party Pizzas - $1.00
$1/4 Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza, exp. 10/29/11 (GM 08/07/11)
Betsy's Price: $0.75 each

Dial Hand Soap - $1.00
$0.35/1 Dial Bar or Liquid Hand Soap, exp. 8/30/11 (RP 08/07/11)
Betsy's Price: $0.65 each

•Tyson Grilled & Ready Strips (6 oz) - $2.59

$1/1 Tyson Frozen Grilled and Ready Product, exp. 10/31/11 (SS 07/31/11)

Betsy's Price: $1.59

•French's Worcestershire Sauce - $1.00

$0.75/1 French's Worcestershire Sauce 8/21/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Betsy's Price $0.25

I also needed milk, so
Roberts Milk $3.75
$0.50/1 on Roberts Milk coupon (Exp. 8/31/11)
Betsy's Price: $3.25

Mike was with me, so he was impressed as he watched the register total go down to $13.46. My retail total would have been $55.40 which means I had a savings of 76%. I paid $0.24 on a dollar using only coupons and sales. Not bad if I say so myself!

How Wasteful the Older Generation Was

2011-08-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

Tawra at www.LivingOnADime.com had a great piece back on the Aug. 9 which I didn't want to forget to share! Make sure to read the whole thing!

How Wasteful the Older Generation Was

One of the big pet peeves for mom and I is the big "Green" movement. Frankly, we think it’s a bunch a bologna! I received this email from a reader and just loved it!! Mom has been saying this for years!!!
-Tawra

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bag, because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. The former generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right. That generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled so the company could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the green thing back in that customer's day.

In her day they walked up stairs, because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.

But she was right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby's diaper, because they didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a clothesline, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts - wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But that old lady is right, they didn't have the green thing back in her day.

Read the rest HERE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just purchased $75 worth of food for $6!

2011-08-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Yup! $75 for only $6 That's a 92% savings.

How? I found out from Kansas City on the Cheap that Restaurants.com was offering 80% your purchase when you use the code TASTY.

I purchased three $25 gift certificates for only $6!

You will not see the discount until after you enter the code at check out. The code is supposed to be good until August 31, 2011.

Also, I know this is available for the KC Metro area. I'm not sure about other areas, so check it out before you check out all the way!

Check this Sunday's Coupon Inserts

2011-08-25T06:21:00.002-05:00

Start making your plans now.

ThredUp--I'm going to try it. UPDATED

2011-08-24T14:41:00.004-05:00

I just had to share this because I'm going to try it.

ThredUp is a kids clothing swap. People post boxes of "pre-loved" clothing, books or toys. You select a box. Each box only costs $5 plus shipping which is $10.95, so basically, you're paying $16 for a box full of stuff.

A lot of people pay $16 for one item! This is for a whole priority box of stuff. You might get things cheaper at the thrift store or a garage sale, but think of the time and gas you'll save.

You can also sign up to post boxes which cost you nothing besides the time to pack and list the items. ThredUp even sends you the boxes! Posting boxes is optional.

As you can see from the box above, when you join, you get your first box for free which means you only have to pay the shipping.

BUT GET THIS

Right now, they are also having a sale. They are also offering 30% off each box through August 25, 11:59 pm PST. That 30% is off the whole $16 price, so each box would only be only $10.62ish

So, go for the sale, but even if you don't make it in time, you can still score your first box for FREE!

Just click the box above or any of the links to join the fun!

UPDATED--I just placed my first order and this rocks!!!!! First, my first order only $6.12!!!!! I got the first box free and the 30% off!! I'm doing my cha-ching dance.
Here's what I'm getting in my box:

4 long sleeved tops, peace signs, tie dye; 1 pair winter, spongebob pajamas, yellow and pink; 2 pairs of skinny jeans by Squeeze, adjustable waists, size 7, dark wash; lilac flowered dress, size 8 ( I cut out the tags but It's from either Land's End or LLBean. The reversable (sic) down vest is kelly green on one side and green/navy argyle on the other with pockets. Fur vest is super girly and white! Also included is a pair of hot pink long johns, size 6, ran a little big.

This would have been a good deal for $16 but IT'S INCREDIBLE for only $6!!!

Extreme Couponing brings on Couponing Persecution

2011-08-23T21:39:00.000-05:00

You know I'm all into couponing. And I'm not opposed to purchasing a large number of items at one time if you have a larger family. But really? Telling someone they can't use coupons because they are "a habitual couponer"?

Shopper: Kroger Refuses to Take Coupons: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Earthquakes Everywhere! Learning Opportunities Ev...

2011-08-23T19:53:00.000-05:00

Tons of free stuff on earthquakes!

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Earthquakes Everywhere! Learning Opportunities Ev...: Wow! Colorado yesterday. Virginia/Washington D.C. today. Thankfully, there doesn't seem to any major damage at this point. But, leave i...

Organized Ramblings---a review and GIVE A WAY!!!

2011-08-23T00:03:00.000-05:00

Check out my review and chance to win a free book! Just click below.

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Organized Ramblings---a review and GIVE A WAY!!!: Do you remember Catherine Jaime ? I reviewed her Math Facts Fun game back in July. Catherine has spent 30 years homeschooling her 12...

Free Personalized Photo Calendar---think Christmas Gift

2011-08-22T15:15:00.000-05:00

I've been making a personalized calendar for my MIL for Christmas for a few years now. My sister makes one for my mom (much easier with only 3 kids and 5 grandkids on our side of the family!)

Anyway, Vistaprint is offering a FREE photo wall calendar this week only. The deal ends Friday, Aug. 26. The only thing you have to pay is $5.67 for shipping which makes a very inexpensive Christmas gift someone will appreciate all next year.

So hit the link above or the banner below to get your calendar deal.

Price Chopper 8/21

2011-08-22T08:19:00.002-05:00

Kansas City Mamas was my source for deals.

•Peter Pan Peanut Butter - $1.49
$.50/1 Printable Coupon Code 63829897
Betsy's Price $.99

•Old Orchard Juice Product - $0.99
$0.50/1 Old Orchard Juice Product printable
Betsy's Price $.49

•Wishbone Salad Dressing - $1.66
Buy 3, Get a FREE Dole Salad Mix
$1.50/2 Wish-Bone or Western Dressings, exp. 8/28/11 (RP 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price $2 for 4 Salad Dressings and a bag of Salad Mix or $0.40 each

•Michelina's Entree - $0.99
$1/5 Michelina's Entree printable
Betsy's Price $.79

Matador Beef Stick $1.29
Coupon for free one from Kid's Club
Betsy's Price FREE

The retail would have been $29.05, but I paid $10.06. That's a savings of 65%. I paid $0.35 for every dollar!

New Printable Coupons available

2011-08-22T07:15:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the newest coupons.com. Clorox, Brita, and Ziploc are the big ones.

Here are the Brita coupons:

$4 off Brita Pour Through and Faucet Mount

$1 off Brita Bottle System

Now some Clorox:

$0.25 of any Clorox Liquid Bleach

$0.25 of any Clorox Disenfecting Wipes

Ziploc Coupons:

$1.50 off any two (2) Ziploc Containers

$1.00 of any two (2) Ziploc brand bags

And it's still grill season...

$1.00 off an Kingsford Matchlight Chocoal

$0.50 of any KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce

Newspaper Coupon Inserts: Steals and Deals

2011-08-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

This has been reported several places, but there has been an increasing number of newspapers being stolen. The deviant behavior causing this? Extreme Couponing. You read correctly. Couponing!

Here's an example from Christian Post.com.

"A 34-year-old woman was charged with a misdemeanor theft last week in Arkansas when she stole 185 unsold copies of the local newspaper. She told police that she was a coupon club member, and felt that she had not committed a crime, reported the Huffington Post."

Since when is stealing not a crime?!?

I had heard the story above reported on my local Fox station this week and then today, I heard about this phenomenon first-hand.

You see, this was my first time going to Dollar Tree for my Sunday paper. I don't know about across the nation, but locally, Dollar Tree offers the Sunday paper for half price! Cha Ching!

But get this, half price is not good enough for some people. The store is making a rule that you can't go any farther than the check outs with the papers any more. When walking through the store, the employees often find newspapers lying around with just the coupons gone! They had already found five of them today!

So, all this to say, "DON'T STEAL NEWSPAPERS!!", but if you want a good DEAL on your newspaper, go to Dollar Tree.

Freebie Site & Free audio Chronicles of Narnia

2011-08-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Freebie Site & Free audio Chronicles of Narnia: First, have I mentioned Homeschool Freebie of the Day ? If not, shame on me. You sign up and they send you a list of items they will make ...

Skittles Coupon is back!! And one for Maybelline Mascara

2011-08-19T22:27:00.000-05:00

I was all set to tell you about a candy coupon and then it was gone. But now it's back, so hurry before it's gone again. Pair it with a sale and you've got some free or very cheap candy!

$1/1 Skittles, Startburst, or Lifesavers

There's also a coupon for Maybelline Mascara. Just go to:

$1/1 Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara

CafeMom--an interesting site

2011-08-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

I just found this interesting site. It's called CafeMom. It's a social network just for moms of all ranks and kinds. There are many different groups you can join including ones on coupons, frugal living, freebies, and homeschooling. And in case that's not enough, there are games.

You friend people, have "thought bubbles" instead of statuses, and did I mention play games?

I just signed up, so I'm still exploring. I think the groups might be great sources of deals and steals. I'll share them if I find some, but you can always click above and join yourself. It's FREE. You know how I feel about Free! Then we can become BFFs in CafeMom world!

Sunday Insert Preview

2011-08-18T06:25:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to check on what's in the Sunday inserts. Early bird gets the worm and all that!

Some new coupons on Coupon.com

2011-08-17T13:01:00.000-05:00

There are some new coupons at Coupons.com so I thought I'd share them.

I'm especially interested in the Claritin D coupon. Allergy season is coming up again along with allergy product sales.

$3 off any Claritin D Allergy

$1/1 Minute Maid Juice Box 10 pack

$1.50/3 Glade 4oz. Jar Candles

$0.55 off any Bagel-fuls 4 count

And several for various Land O Lakes products.

Not-Extreme Couponing Resource Links

2011-08-15T21:40:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to make things easier, I've but all the links I've mentioned (and more) from my first Couponing Class. This way, all you have to do is click the link and you're there!

I would also love it if everyone post comments about sites they use. I definitely do not know all there is and everywhere to go. What a great resource we can be to each other!

BLOGS and SITES

(Match-Ups and more)

COUPON SOURCES

Add coupons right to the store's grocery savings card. Currently only Dillions in KC Metro area.

Coupons.com

Red Plum

Smart Souce

Ziploc Right@Home (SC Johsnson Company products)

Kellogg Brands

Home Made Simple
(Proctor and Gamble Products)

FREEBIES

POINT EARNING PROGRAMS

My Points

I earn "points" by clicking emails, printing coupons, sometimes purchasing.

(If you comment below and leave your email, I can send you a personal invite and score some extra points. If you can't wait, go ahead and click and no worries!)

Swag Bucks

I earn "bucks" mostly by using the search bar but sometimes polls and such.

OTHER SOURCES

Vocalpoint

Slickdeals

Paper Back Swap

Kansas City on the Cheap

(Local activities and deals as well as Living Social, Muncharoo, MamaSource.)

Groupon

1 Sale a Day

A Quiznos Deal

2011-08-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

While I've been finishing up preparing for my first coupon class tonight, I came across a Quiznos coupon deal. There are four different coupons and you can print all four!

- Free Sub of equal or less value with the purchase of any sub and a regular fountain drink

- Free chip or cookie and regular fountain drink with purcahse of regular salad or sub
- 2 Meals for $9.99 - Two small subs, chips/cookies, and regular drinks for $9.99
- $1 Off Regular Sub or $2 Off Large Sub

Just click the picture below!

PhysicsCentral giving away FREE Science Posters

2011-08-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: PhysicsCentral giving away FREE Science Posters: "PhysicsCentral Is giving away free science posters. Just click the link to order yours!"

That Freebie Site---another source for freebies

2011-08-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

I recently found another site for freebies. I like the fact that while some offers are the same, others are different. Nothing like more than one source for freebies.

Here's the site or just click the picture below.

Sign Up 4 JC Penney Savings Newsletter

2011-08-11T21:54:00.000-05:00

I just found out about the JC Penney Savings Newsletter. Get great store/online offers including new brand launches and coupons delivered directly to your inbox. Click the picture above or HERE to sign up!

Sunday Insert Preview

2011-08-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

Ready to plan your couponing for the weekend? Just click below and get a head start!

Only Walgreens this week.

2011-08-10T20:41:00.002-05:00

There just wasn't much that impressed me with CVS this week, so I'm only going to do Walgreens. Last week, if you remember, I made 3 different transactions which saved my OOP but left me with no RR to start this week.

BTW, have I mentioned how much I DON'T LIKE the Wags points program. (Walgreen Rewards (points) are only being tried out in certain areas.) I'd save so much more money without points. At CVS, you score points and earn ECB. At Wags, it either points or RR, and the good deals end up being points! It takes 2000 points to earn a $5 gift certificate. I probably would have earned about $100 in RR for the same deals that earned me 2000 points. I'm not exagerating. :-(

Savings Lifestyle is what hooked me up with me deals.

Expo markers $0.99 for a 2 pk.
There were $2/2 coupons at coupons.com but they are gone the last time I checked.
Betsy's Price: FREE

Keri Lotion, 15 oz - $5.99 There were out of stock! Even the warehouse was out of stock!
$5 RR WYB (1) It definitely messed up my whole plan! :-(
•$2/1 Keri Lotion 07/17/11 SS Insert (exp 10/31/11)

Betsy's Price FREE + $1.01

Progresso Soup, 18.5 -19 oz - $1.25

With Walgreen's Weekly Ad Coupon ~ Limit 4

•$1/4 Progresso Soups 08/07/11 GM Insert (exp 10/01/11)

Betsy's Price $1 each

Purex 2x Laundry Detergent, 32 Loads - $1.99

•$0.50/1 Purex Laundry Detergent, 50 oz+ 08/07/11 RP Insert (exp 08/20/11)

Betsy's Price $1.49 each

Crayola Crayons 24 ct--$1

$1 RR WYB 1

Betsy's Price FREE

I also picked up some Crayola markers for $0.99 and my free 8x10 enlargement from Sunday.

I spent $8.91 OOP for $49.29 in retail. That's a savings of 82%. After the $1 RR for the crayons, my savings were 84%. Didn't get paid, but still not too shabby. I paid $0.16 for what most would have paid $1.00. It helps me to think about it that way!

Vistaprint deal for Wed. 8/10...PERSONALIZED NOTEBOOKS

2011-08-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Back $2 School deal for today is soooo coooool especially for this time of year with school starting!

It's a personalized notebook! There are all kinds of designs OR you can personalize them with your own photos like these!

There is no way you could get this notebook mixed up with another. Besides school, I think this would be awesome personal journals.

So it's $2 plus shipping which starts at $4.53. I ordered the tote from yesterday for a gift for mija, but I might order one of these for myself!

Here's the link to get your own personalized notebook for $2. Remember the deal is only good today, Wednesday, August 10.

Vistaprint $2 Tote bag TODAY 8/9 ONLY

2011-08-09T12:03:00.000-05:00

Vistaprint has been running a Back $2 School deal this week. Thankfully, I've only missed day one! I've used Vistaprint before and have always really liked what I got and the prices I've gotten them for! Remember this cute shirt I got Mike for Father's Day a couple of years ago?

Today's deal is a cute tote back. I use them all the time for lugging around homeschool stuff when we're on the road.

They have many designs. In fact, I think I'm going to make one for mija for her ballet stuff and hide it until her birthday! If you can't use it right now, think about future gifts!

You will need to pay shipping which starts at $4.41, but that's still cheap for a personalized tote bag!

Just click the link above or HERE.

Free Expo Markers, anyone?

2011-08-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Free Expo Markers, anyone?: "I don't know about you, but I use Expo/dry erase markers quite frequently while homeschooling. Well, there's a great deal right now. ..."

See you at CVS, Finally

2011-08-06T18:44:00.001-05:00

I didn't get to CVS until yesterday (Friday), but I did get all three items!

Two were from SavingsLifestyle.com

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power or Manual Razor, 1 ct - $9.99
$5 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor 07/31/11 P & G Insert (exp 08/31/11)
Betsy's Price $0.99

Skinny Cow Single Crisp or Clusters Candy, 0.77 - 1 oz - $0.99
$0.99 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
•B1G1 Skinny Cow Chocolate Candy Singles, .77-1 oz 07/31/11 RP Insert (exp 10/31/11)
•B1G1 Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters or Heavenly Crisp, 1 oz Bag, 0.77 oz Bar, up to $0.99
Betsy's Price FREE
One from Kansas City Mamas

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothbrush - $4.99
Buy One, Get $3.00 ECB (limit 2)
$1.50/1 Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste, exp. 8/31/11 (SS 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price $.49

I paid $3.48 for $21.86 worth of items. That's an 84% savings. I received $8.99 in ECB which means I was actually paid $5.51 which is a savings of about 125%.

Walgreens Work Out

2011-08-04T16:18:00.001-05:00

Did you score your $1.50 for a 12 pack of TP on Sunday? It was only a Sunday deal because it involved a IVC that started for August and a RR that was for July. Combine the two along with a coupon and TaDa! That was $10 in TP for $3.00 which is a savings of 70%.

Now, on to the weekly stuff.

First I went to the SavingsLifestyle.com
Dawn, 10.3 oz - $0.99
$0.50/1 Dawn Dish Detergent 07/31/11 P & G Insert (exp 08/31/11)
Betsy's Price $0.49

Goody Color Collection - $2
$2 RR WYB (1)
Betsy's Price FREE

U by Kotex 18 pk Tampons, 50 or 60 pk Liners, 14 or 18 pk Pa - $3.50
$2 RR WYB (2)
•$1/1 U by Kotex Pads 07/24/11 SS Insert (exp 09/03/11)
•$1/1 U by Kotex Tampons 07/24/11 SS Insert (exp 09/03/11)
•$2/2 U by Kotex 18 pk Tampons, 50 or 60 pk Liners, 14 or 18 pk Pa (exp 08/27/11) Walgreens IVC
Betsy's Price: $0.50 each

And one from Becentsable.net

Complete Multi-Purpose Solution $8
Get $8 RR
Use $1 off from 7/31 SS insert
Betsy's Price: Free +

And a one of my own.

Pantene Expressions Hair Care 2/$7
Get $2 RR wyb 2
Get one free from a FB promotion
Final Price: $0.75 each

Plus I stocked up on Paper Mate Highlighters for $0.49 each.

I actually made this three different transactions. It was pain especially when something I planned for was out of stock. It seemed to have made a difference in my initial OOP, so I ended up with more cash saved but less RR in the end. So basically, The amounts were the same, but the difference was cash spent vs. Register Rewards earned and taken away.

Retail                  OOP                 % Saved             RR earned            Earned
$12.67                $0.51                  96%                        $4                  $3.49
$15.47                $3.78                  76%                          $8                  $4.22
$16.16                $0.88                  95%                           0
So a total of        $5.17 OOP but no RR

If I had purchased it all together, it would have been something like this.
$44.30                $17.17                  61%                       $12
So, OOP would be $17.17, but I would have $12 in RR meaning I paid only $5.17.

See what I mean. $5.17 OOP/ $0 RR   vs $17.17 OOP/ $12 RR

Hoarding it HyVee-style

2011-08-04T15:36:00.000-05:00

I am not a hoarder. Eleven boxes of frosted shredded wheat cereal is a stockpile not a hoard! Trust me. The way my husband and daughter go through it, I'll be blessed to have it last through the weekend.

I got my deals from Kansas City Mamas .

•BIC Round Stic Pens - $0.49
$1/2 BIC Stationery Product, exp. 9/30/11 (SS 07/31/11)

$1/2 BIC Stationary Printable Coupon

Betsy's Price FREE (I got 6 packs.)

•Post Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts or Great Grains Cereals - $2.33
$1/1 Post Shredded Wheat Cereal, exp. 8/7/11 (RP 06/26/11 R)
$1/1 Post Shredded Wheat Cereal printable
Betsy's Price $1.33

•Farmland Meat Franks - $0.98
$0.55/1 Farmland Product printable
Betsy's Price $.43

Kellogg's Promotion
•Buy 10, Get $5 off at checkout
Betsy's Prices include $.50 per item savings
•Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal - $2.49
$1/2 Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal, exp. 9/4/11 (RP 07/24/11)
$2.25/3 Kellogg's Special K Multigrain Oats & Honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats Touch of Fruit in the Middle, Rice Krispies Gluten Free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg's Fiber Plus Caramel Pecan Crunch Cereal, exp. 8/21/11 (RP 07/10/11)
$1.50/2 Kellogg's Special K Multigrain Oats & Honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats Touch of Fruit in the Middle, Rice Krispies Gluten Free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg's Fiber Plus Caramel Pecan Crunch Cereal, exp. 8/21/11 (RP 07/10/11)
$0.70/1 Kellogg's Special K Multigrain Oats & Honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats Touch of Fruit in the Middle, Rice Krispies Gluten Free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg's Fiber Plus Caramel Pecan Crunch Cereal, exp. 8/21/11 (RP 07/10/11)

Betsy's Price $1.24 & $1.49 each after coupon (Aldi's price is $1.79)
•Sunshine Cheez-It - $2.49
$0.70/1 Sunshine Cheez-It Colby Baked Cracker or Keebler Club Minis printable
Pay $1.29 after coupon

The retail on all this would have been $53.60. I paid $16.87 which is a savings of 69%. Then, of course, we went to get $0.10 off each gallon of gas which is what our HyVee does.

Kids and Chores

2011-08-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this link to my other blog. It's about Kids and chores, but she also deals with the possible financial problems arising from not teaching your children to do chores.

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Kids and Chores: "Can enough ever be said about kids and chaores? I'm a firm supporter in child labor! The cutie in the picture is mija (my daughter). T..."

Tax Free Weekends for School Supplies

2011-07-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Tax Free Weekends for School Supplies: "Becentsable.net compiled this list of various states' tax-free weekends. Missouri's is next weekend. Below the list is what qualifies as ..."

CVS on Saturday.

2011-07-30T15:13:00.000-05:00

Well, only got two things this week. Everything else was already gone. Not surprised since it is Saturday.
Paper Mate Grip Pens 8ct - $1.99
Buy One, Get $1.99 ECB (limit 1)
Betsy's Price: FREE

U by Kotex liners, pads or tampons - $3.49
$2 ECB WYB 1
$1/1 in 7/24 SS
Betsy's Price: $0.49

We paid $0.48 which is a savings of 91%. I then recieved $3.99 in ECB meaning I was paid $3.51!

Walgreens off the clearance shelf

2011-07-29T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I had a couple of things planned for Walgreens, but they were out of both. I was a little concerned because I had $9 in Register Rewards that expired today.

I happened to look over the clearance which was in abundance. My Walgreens recently revamped their shelves and layout. Before you say anything, yeah, there were probably coupons out on some of these, but with this being my first time out while recovering from the stomach flu, I just went for the deals.

Bigelow Green Tea -box of 24

$2.95 box on the Bigelow Website/about the same at the store

Betsy's Price: $0.74 each box (purchased 3)

Approx. savings 75%

Ricola Cough Drops--Big Bag of 50

$4.49 on Drugstore.com
Betsy's Price: $1.12 a bag (purchased 4)
Approx. savings 75%

Burt's Bees Bee Keeper (Four Balms & a Tin)
$13.99 on Amazon
Betsy's Price: $2.49
82% savings

Scotch Paper Cutter
Regular Price $5.99 (In fact, there was a display of them right beside the clearance rack in which I found it.)
Betsy's Price: $1.74
71% savings

Well, there are my deals. No coupons, but still great deals because I used my RR meaning my final price was FREE. That's a 100% savings! :-)

Memoria Press July 2011 puzzle!

2011-07-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Memoria Press July 2011 puzzle!: "This puzzle is about Roman history and you can win the Famous Men of Rome set. 1. Print & solve the puzzle. 2.Submit your final answer i..."

Back in my Walgreens saddle again.

2011-07-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

Well, actually, I fell out of the saddle because I FORGOT MY REGISTER REWARDS!!! AHHHHH!!!
But I was there, and it's so hot, that I just buckled down and did it anyway.

I got my deals from Becentsable.net

Carefree Pantiliners 20-22pk $0.99 (with insert coupon)
Use with $0.50 off from 6/26 SS insert
Betsy's Price: $0.49 each

Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/Deodorant 2/$6
Get $4 RR
Use $0.75 off from 6/26 SS insert, use 2
Final Price: $0.25 each

Schick Disposable Razors Slim Twin 12 pk. or Xtreme3 4 pk. $5.99
Get $2 RR
Use $3 off printable HERE
Betsy's Price: $0.99

Penway #2 Pencils 10 pack $0.19
PaperMate Mechanical Pencils 5 pack $0.19

So, I paid $8.85 out of pocket. OUCH!! The retail would have been $21.35 which make it a savings of 59%. Thankfully, however, I did earn another $6 in RR making my final price $2.85 which makes the final savings 87%. Not too bad, but not enough to make me happy! :-(

HyVee...where there's a helpful smile in every aisle!

2011-07-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Well, that's what the commercial states.

Went to PennyPinchinMom.com for some deals. This will include some deals from the 3 day which ends today.

Hormel Always Tender Whole Boneless Pork Loin, $1.98/lb Limit 2
Use $1/1 Hormel Always Tender Product (Print 2)
Betsy's Price: Still expensive, but cheaper than normal. Each pork loin still cost over $13, but look how much meat I'm talking about here...
One fills up my big crock pot, and it's lean so there won't be much shrinkage.

Old Spice Deodorant, 2/$3 or $1.50 each

B1G1 Old Spice Body Spray WYB Red Zone Product 7/3/2011 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2011)

B1G1 Old Spice Body Wash WYB Old Spice Deodorant 6/5/2011 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
Betsy's Price: 2 Deodorant, Body Wash and body spray $3 or $0.75 each
This was an excellent deal considering the body wash was $3.98 and the body spray was $4.48. That makes my savings on these Old Spice items around 78% off of retail on these four items.

It's not much, but since I knew I wanted the pork anyway, it was worth the effort to see if there was anything else. That's when I thankfully, ran into the coupons for the meat, too!

We also filled up since our HyVee offers $0.10 off per gallon on today's receipt. At Price Chopper, you have to buy $100.00 worth of stuff in order to earn $0.10 off per gallon. At our HyVee, you can purchase a candy bar and get it! Can you tell why I've been going to HyVee more than Price Chopper?

CVS slagging behind in School Supplies

2011-07-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

What is with CVS this week? They sure do seem to be slagging behind the school supply parade. Only 5-6 things listed? Perhaps they lost the memo that school supplies are starting now. I know there will be more, but it's just the thought.

BeCentsAble.net posted the Back to School Deals from this week, so you can compare.

I looked at BeCentsAble.net & Savingslifestyle.com

Crest Toothpaste $1.99 (Limit 2)
Get $1 ECB
Use $.75 off from 6/5 P& or 7/3 P&G insert
Betsy's Price: $.24

Xtra Laundry Detergent $1.49 (Limit 5)
Use $1 off 2 from 5/1 SS insert
Final Price: $.99 each

Zantac 150 24 ct or Zantac 75 30 ct $8.99 (Limit 1)
Get $3 ECB
Use $5 off printable HERE
Betsy's Price: $.99

Pantene Pro-V - $3.49
Get $2 ECB WYB (2) ~ Limit 1
$3/2 Pantene Products 06/19/11 SS Insert (exp 07/31/11)

$2/1 CVS Coupon from Scanner

Yup, I stacked them.
Betsy's Price: 2 for FREE

It ended up being one of those times when I had to purchase more in order to save less, so a pack of gum and a 2-liter of Pepsi for $0.88.

I paid $0.20 for $36.90 in products. 99.5% savings PLUS $7 in ECB means I was paid $6.80!

Walgreens

2011-07-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't done Wags for quite awhile. It's been so easy with CVS just a few blocks away! Well, I'm dusting off my Wags. Of course, I don't have any RR to use, so I we'll see how well I can do.

I went to savingslifestyle.com and becentsable.net for my deals.

W Women's 6 Blade Razor System, 1 ct - $3.99

$3.99 RR WYB (1)

Betsy's Price FREE

They were out, but I got a rain check.

Hyland's Teething Gel, 0.5 oz - $5

$5 RR WYB (1)

$1/1 printable coupon HERE

Betsy Price FREE+

Evenflo SimplyAbsorbent Disposable Nursing Pads, 40 pack - $4.99

$4 RR WYB (1)

Betsy Price $0.99 each

So, for my first time back in awhile, here's my stats. I purchased $12.48 for $8.99. Yeah, not that great at only 23%, but I earned $9 Register Rewards which means I got it for FREE. Now, that's more like it!

Oh, and no, I don't need those items, but I'll donate them.

Late on CVS but things were still left!

2011-07-14T21:11:00.000-05:00

Got my deals Savingslivestyle.com.

Bic Soleil Shimmer Razor Starter Kit or Cartridges 4 ct - $6.99
$3 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
•$3/1 Bic Soleil Disposable or Soleil System Razor 07/10/11 SS Insert (exp 08/21/11)
Betsy's Price $0.99 each

Balance Bar, 1.76 oz - $1.69
$1.69 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
Betsy's Price FREE!

Complete Multi-Purpose Solution, 12 oz - $7.99
$7.99 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
Net Price FREE!

Ultra Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, 25-33 oz - $2.99
•$1/1 Purex Complete with Zout
(May not work if you already received a free sample/coupon in the mail.)
Betsy's Price $1.99 each

Colgate Total Whitening 4.2 oz, Cavity, Baking Soda & Peroxide, Triple Action 6.4 oz or Kids Toothpaste 4.6 oz - $1.67
•$0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz+ 06/26/11 SS Insert (exp 07/16/11)
Betsy's Price $0.92 each

Here's the final numbers. I purchased $35.63 for $10.41 OOP after sales, coupons & ECB which was a savings of 71%. I earned $12.68 in ECB meaning it was FREE, and I was actually paid $2.27

Class Ideas part 2

2011-07-13T23:51:00.001-05:00

So. No comments concerning the things I posted previously about teaching a couponing class, so I'm going to assume that my thought process about what to teach was spot on. :-)

I had included:

my couponing testimony
reasons to coupon
sources for coupons and freebies (I added this last part. It would include sites like freebieshark.com, vocalpoint.com, swagbucks.com and mention coupon codes for online shopping.)
storage
terms (don't want to forget "rain checks")

So, now I think it might be time to discuss how I coupon. This would bring out couponing websites and tie in storage and terms.

As part of this, I would actually demonstrate how to do this by compiling a CVS list right in front of their eyes!!! Isn't that exciting. Actually, that's why I planned it on a Monday, so I could wait and do my list on Monday night!

Now, what they really want. Information about grocery stores. Here are some of my thoughts:

A realistic goal is going to be 50% saving--Briana Carter of Bargain Briana
To really score, you have to use sales, coupons, double coupons and stacking.
Store policy. Same store can have different policy. Different doubling amounts.
Keep track of Aldi prices to make sure you're really getting a deal.
Extra ways to earn--bags, gas discounts, etc
What else am I missing?

How about some things to watch out for or not to do? This would be the "negative" section. Things like expirations (coupons and products), decoding, making copies, brand loyalty, checking receipts, etc. Oh, and give a heads up that it's school supply season.

Well, maybe I should end with some of my "victories". So, I need to go through my posts and find some really good ones.

So, how does that sound? It might work.

A couple of free curricula

2011-07-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: A couple of free curricula: "I've come across a couple of free curricula that I want to share. One is for music and the other is for radio which would include science a..."

Free Salad, anyone?

2011-07-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

Fresh Express® salads washed in Fresh Rinse™ are ready to eat...not ready to wash.

We're giving away coupons so you can try them for FREE, so let your blog readers know about this exclusive offer.* Then, when you receive your package in the mail, use your coupon and post your refreshing take on your blog.

Click here to go to Vocalpoint and find out more!

*Must be a Vocalpoint member; limited quantities available. Only one package will be mailed per member. Please allow 5-7 weeks for delivery. Offer only available in certain areas.

I'm going to teach a class...AHHHHH!!!!

2011-07-10T23:48:00.000-05:00

What was I thinking!!!

I'm not afraid of teaching. I'm afraid I'm not going to have that much too say to people about couponing in the world of "extreme" couponing!!

I've never been extreme, and now that I'm working hard on eating for my health, my grocery store couponing is really challenging.

But since the principles for couponing are basic, I figure I can give the basics and they can go as extreme as they want.

I'm thinking out loud here...well, typing out loud. Here's what I'm planning so far.

I'm going to start by sharing my testimony on how I got into couponing.

Then, I'm thinking about mentioning some reasons why you should coupon.

To save money, duh.
To give to charity or those in need
To help in hospitality
For the thrill of the deal!

Next, I was going to mention where to find coupons.

Newspaper inserts
Internet--coupon sites like coupons.com, company websites, FB
Calling/contacting companies
Ebay, coupon clippers, Coupon wizard
Neighbors, family, friends
Yes, dumpster diving

I would follow with ways of storing your coupons. I would love some input on this

I use a note with dated inserts and sheets for individual coupons
I have cut them all out and stored them in envelopes alphabetically and by date. (like the photo)
I know some cut them all and store them alphabetically in baseball card pages.
What are some other ways you keep track of your coupons???

How about some coupon terms next?

Mfg vs store
OOP
Insert abbreviations...why is abbreviation such a long word?
Stacking
Store policy
ECB
What else would be useful?

I know I've barely have gotten started, but I need to stop for now. My battery is running low...computerwise and physically!

I really would love input and ideas on what I have so far!! Please comment!
I'll finish some more brainstorming tomorrow, hopefully! July 25th is closer than it seems!

CVS with Mom

2011-07-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Had fun this week taking my mom with me to CVS. In fact, with my help, she ended up getting $10 worth of stuff for FREE!! She loved the feeling of walking out literally paying nothing!

I didn't do too badly. I picked up most of my deals from SavingsLifestyle.com. Of course, I scanned my card when I walked in the door. I ended up with a FREE Hershey Air Delight candy bar. Not on my healthy eating agenda, but it'll be a sweet treat for my daughter.

Tampax Pearl or Always Infinity Tampons, 18-20 ct or Pads 14-18 ct - $3.99
$2 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
•$1/1 Always Infinity, 14 ct+ 07/03/11 P&G Insert (exp 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price: $0.99

Oral-B Advantage or Cross Action Toothbrush - $3
$1 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 2 Earned $2 ECB for purchasing 2
•B1G1 Oral B CrossAction Manual Toothbrush 06/05/11 P&G Insert (exp 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price: $0.50 each (Could have gotten one for free with the above $2/1 coupon from 7/3 P&G.)

Gillette Fusion ProGlide, Venus, ProSkin Embrace or Spa Breeze - $9.99
$4 ECB WYB (1) ~ Limit 1
•$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor 06/05/11 P&G Insert (exp 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price: $1.99

So, here's the scoop. I purchased $27.15 worth of items for $5.48 OOP. That's a savings of 80% initially, but then I received $8 in ECB making it FREE and earning me $2.52!

Mardel Education Sale---Thurs., July 21

2011-07-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: Mardel Education Sale---Thurs., July 21

Eat Cereal And Get a Free $10 Gas Card

2011-07-02T14:33:00.000-05:00

We've cut back on eating cereal, but this is still a good deal!! Found out about it from Kansas City on the Cheap.

Eat Cereal And Get a Free $10 Gas Card

I don’t eat enough cereal to get in on this deal, but if you have a big family (or if you just like cereal), this may be a good deal for you.

Kellogg’s is giving away $10 gas cards (in the form of a debit Mastercard) for every 10 UPCs you send in from participating cereal brands.

To see which brands are participating and to download the form to send in with the UPCs, click here.

Oh, and before you go shopping for cereal, make sure you look for grocery coupons on our Coupons and Free Stuff page.

5 Ways to Afford Whole Foods on a Budget

2011-06-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

5 Ways to Afford Whole Foods on a Budget
Posted By Dr. Mercola

June 30 2011

Whole food -- that is to say, unprocessed and unrefined food -- has the reputation of being expensive. But there are many ways to add whole food to your diet while sticking to your budget. Seattle PI suggests a few:

1.Buy seasonal: Fruits and vegetables are both cheaper and tastier when purchased in season.

2.Use the bulk bins: You won't pay for packaging, labeling and advertising.

3.Grow your own: A sunny yard or even a window box can add cheap, fresh food to your plate.

4.Use your freezer: Stock up and freeze when whole food is on sale.

5.Reduce waste: Don't let leftovers go to waste.

To read more about their suggestions, you can click on the link below.

Sources:

Seattle PI June 14, 2011

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Purchasing healthy whole foods to feed your family is one of the best investments you can make. The nutrients wholesome food provides will allow your family members to maintain their good health, and even in some cases heal from disease, and this is a gift that is truly priceless.

So while you may be able to get a hamburger for $1 at a fast-food drive through – and this may seem like a budget-savvy option – that money is being essentially wasted because the food is doing absolutely nothing beneficial for your health. You're better off spending that dollar on a pound of string beans or zucchini, or putting it toward a pound of grass-fed meat, than you are throwing it away on processed junk food.

Still, readers have regularly posted that one of the leading obstacles to achieving health is having too limited a budget to maintain a healthy lifestyle ... so I want to share some practical tips you can use to help you save money on groceries and still get healthy food.

First, Trim Your Food Waste

Seattle PI has listed five starter tips above, which are well worth noting, but I want to expand on #5: reducing food waste. Any food you purchase and throw away is, quite literally, akin to throwing your money in the trash. This is actually a major problem, as one-third of the food produced in the world is lost or wasted, according to a new report commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This massive number equates to 1.3 billion tons of food annually.

In 2008, the New York Times featured a graphic that shows one U.S. family's share of food waste for one month, which is really eye opening. Using statistics from a 1995 federal study that found over 96 billion edible pounds of food were wasted by U.S. retailers, food service businesses and consumers that year, they figured that a family of four throws out about 122 pounds of food each month.

This adds up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year wasted, which is why it's so important to be sure your family is eating all of the food you purchase.

The solution to waste is NOT to load up on more processed or canned foods simply because you can store them until the end of time. Their extreme shelf life comes at a high price, as they are often loaded with chemical preservatives. Remember, the fresher your foods are to start with, the longer they'll be safe to eat, so choose small amounts of the freshest foods you can find and eat them as soon as possible.

Recently I detailed more tips to prevent food waste in your home. For instance, if you have a refrigerator drawer full of veggies that are starting to wilt, making vegetable juice is an easy, and incredibly nutritious, way to use them up.

Should You Bother Buying Organic?

Once you've nixed food waste, the next step is to learn how to stretch your food budget to the max without sacrificing quality. One of the simplest ways to do this is to prioritize your spending on higher priced foods, such as organics (these tend to be pricier than conventionally grown foods, but this is not always the case). If you're on a tight budget but want to improve your diet by shopping organic, animal products like meat, raw dairy, poultry and eggs is the place to start.

Since animal products tend to bioaccumulate toxins from their pesticide-laced feed, concentrating them to far higher concentrations than are typically present in vegetables, I strongly recommend you buy only organically raised animal foods.

When it comes to produce, if you can't find the best of both worlds, which is locally grown organics, then buying fresh, vibrant locally grown conventional produce may actually be better than wilted organics. However, it can be tricky, since some conventionally grown produce simply LOOKS fresher due to all the chemicals they've been treated with. Perhaps your best bet, if you can't find locally grown organics, is to opt for USDA certified organic, but not imported organic, over the conventionally grown variety.

For more specifics, here are 10 organic foods that are worth the money.

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

When planning out a healthy, price-conscious grocery list, be sure you are not throwing money away on processed foods. These tend to be among the most costly items in the grocery store, and they are virtually always close to worthless for your health, as they consist mainly of fillers and additives, and very few actual nutrients.

A classic example of this is breakfast cereal, most of which are very expensive yet frightfully high in sugar, and any nutrients they boast are in the form of suboptimal synthetic additives, or worse.

For example, iron-fortified cereals can contain actual iron filings, which is a far cry from the bioavailable iron you get from iron-rich vegetables like spinach. If you haven't seen this eye-opening demonstration of what's really in that fortified breakfast cereal, take a look now—you'll probably never buy another box of cereal again, and rightfully so.

So ditch the old processed standbys and instead set your grocery radar on finding the foods that will give you the most "health bang for your buck." With a little creative use of your dollar, you can enjoy nutrient-packed food choices that are around $1 per serving, such as:

•Cage-free organic eggs

•Raw organic milk

•Raw nuts and seeds

•Coconut milk

•Spinach

15 Cost-Saving Grocery Tips

When it comes to the price of food, it's extremely important to remember that a food cannot be judged by its sticker price alone. Believe me, a diet consisting of daily $1.99 hamburgers and other fast foods, while appearing to be frugal, is far from it when you consider what these foods are doing—or not doing—to your health.

With that in mind, here are 15 tips that are the best of the best to get high-quality food on a limited budget:

1.Choose local foods over organic foods. Often, locally grown foods are raised according to organic standards at a more affordable price.

2.If all that's available or affordable is fresh, conventionally grown produce, buy it, wash it well at home, and eat it.

3.Look for local farms, farmer's markets and food coops offering raw dairy products, eggs, produce, and grass-fed meat. This will allow you to cut out the middleman and save money. Buying in large quantities, such as a side of grass-fed beef, can also save you money in the long run as long as you have room to freeze it (and you consume it before it goes bad).

4.Skip ready-made meals and prepared or pre-cut foods, which can cost up to double the amount as the unprepared versions.

5.Plan your meals ahead of time (including cooking large batches and freezing some for later) so you don't splurge on expensive, unhealthy fast-food at the last minute.

6.Pass on processed junk foods like potato chips, soda, cookies, candy, and other snacks. These are a complete waste of money, even if they're "organic."

7.Buy plenty of fresh veggies, they're usually less expensive than canned versions (just make sure you use them before they go bad).

8.Only buy what you need. Keep track of what's in your pantry so you don't double-up on foods unnecessarily.

9.Clip coupons and use them when you can (but don't buy something unhealthy just because it's on sale).

10.Watch the register when you check out of the grocery store. They often ring up wrong prices, at your expense.

11.Shop with a calculator so you can determine if it's really a better deal to buy something in bulk or in a larger size.

12.Watch weekly specials, and be aware of what's really a good price. You can often find organic produce on sale for less than conventional produce if you know what prices to watch for.

13.If you have the space, consider starting your own vegetable garden. When factoring in startup and maintenance costs, a well-maintained food garden yields a $500 average return each year compared to the market price of produce, according to the National Gardening Association (NGA). So there is a definite financial incentive there.

14.Remember this rule of thumb: Fresh food is always better than frozen, but frozen is better than canned.

15.Make the most of your food purchases by focusing on those that are right for your nutritional type. The nutritional typing assessment is now absolutely free, and will give you an idea of which foods you should eat for optimal health and nutrition.

CVS--2 transactions

2011-06-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I blew it. I was going to do a two transaction deal, but I forgot to hand in my ECB on the first transaction. It's ok, just not how I wanted it to be.

Deals from www.bargainbriana.com except my free Zyrtec.

RepHresh Brilliant pH Tampons (18 ct) - $6.79

Earn $6.79 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)

Betsy's Price FREE

Band-Aid Brand Bandages-$2.99
Earn $1.00 in ECB
$1/1 in 6/5 P&G
Betsy's Price: $0.99

Prilosec OTC (42 ct) - $24.99
Earn $5 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$1/1 Prilosec Product 06/05/11 P&G Insert (exp 07/31/11)
Betsy's Price $18.99

Zyrtec 5 count $6.99
FREE coupon from snail mail
Betsy's Price FREE

First, I purchased the RePhresh and Bandaids. Retail was $11.18, and I paid $8.28. Not pretty, but I earned $7.69. That made my final price $0.59. Final savings is 95%. Not too bad concerning I didn't use my ECB on this one.

But, that gave me the $7.69 ECB from that transaction and the $6.59 I had originally.

So, then I purchased the Prilosec and Zyrtec. My retail total was $34.98. I paid $9.71 after coupons and the $14.28 in ECB. That alone is a savings of 72%. I received $5 in ECB making my final cost $4.71. Final savings 87%.

Think about it. For only $5.30, I purchased a 42-count of Prilosec, 5-count of Zyrtec, 18-count RepHresh Tampons, and a box of Hello Kitty Bandaids!

CVS, finally

2011-06-20T22:35:00.001-05:00

In case you missed my previous post, couponing has come to a slight stand still as we reorganize our life around my husband's unemployment and my newly diagnosed diabetes.

But CVS is still around, and thankfully, I still had $5 in ECB. They were expired, but my CVS takes expired ECB!

I'm still not doing a lot of stockpiling for things we don't absolutely need, since we don't know when the next $$ are coming from.

I just stopped by Becentsable.net to see what was available.

Colgate Toothpaste varieties or 360 Surround Toothbrush $2.79 (Limit 2)
Get $2 ECB
Use $1 off from 6/12 SS insert
Betsy's Price: FREE

PowerBar Energy or Protein Bites $2.49 (Limit 1)
Get $2.49 ECB
Betsy's Price: FREE

Kashi Go Lean, Heart to Heart Cereal or TLC Bars 6 ct 2/$6 (Limit 1)
Get $1 ECB wyb 2 (no coupon for this but it's cheaper than the grocery store and the same as Aldi)
Betsy's Price: 2/$5

Some of these I figured out myself:

Gain Dish Liquid $0.97
$1/1 coupon from P&G Snailmail
Betsy's Price: FREE

Suave Professional
One Free coupon --don't remember source
Betsy's Price: FREE
My retail total was $23.60, but I paid $5.39 out of pocket. That's a 77% savings. Not bad considering that I didn't have any coupons for the Kashi. However, I earned $6.49 in ECB which means they ended up paying me $1.10!!

Missing but not forgotten

2011-06-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

I haven't been posting for awhile. Life has been hectic, and God's given new challenges. Last Wednesday, I found out I had Type II diabetes. The next day my husband lost his job of 10 years.

Right now, the biggest challenge between the two is the diabetes. This is because a lot of the wonderful deals I've gotten couponing in the past are things that I really shouldn't be eating now. (Actually, I probably haven't ever, but that's another story.)

Think about it, even on Extreme Couponing, most of the coupons they use are for convenience and sugary food. 600 boxes of Fruity Pebbles and 400 containers of ramen noodles.

White sugar and flour....bad.

Loss of job means less money. Eating healthy costs more money. See the dilemma?

I haven't given up. Just have to work harder to score some deals. I'll take you on the learning adventure with me.

And if you know of great ways to score coupons on the more healthy stuff, please, post it!

More later!

I'm a guest over at Many Hats Mommy!

2011-05-20T06:52:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Price is Right about Homeschooling: I'm a guest over at Many Hats Mommy!: "I'm so excited! Last month, my friend Jenny from Many Hats Mommy did that awesome Autism Awarenss Month. This month she is doing a serie..."

CVS Sunday

2011-05-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

I went to CVS tonight before it closed. Didn't have much, but just wanted one less thing to do this week. Checked out bargainbriana.com and becentsable.net.

Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant - $2.99
Earn $2 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
$0.50/1 Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick Antiperspirant or Deodorant 05/01/11 SS Insert (exp 05/21/11)
Betsy's Price $0.49

Band-Aid Brand Bandages ($4.69) or Neosporin ($5.79)

Spend $7, Get $3 Extra Bucks (Limit 1)
PLUS Spend $10 in medicine, Get $3 ECB from kiosk
$1.50/1 Neosporin AND Band-Aid Product 04/17/11 SS Insert (exp 06/30/11)
Betsy's Price: $1.49 each

Hidden Valley Ranch or Kraft Salad Dressing $1.99

Use $1 off from 5/15 SS insert, Hidden Valley
Betsy's Price: $.99

Retail price was $18.86. I paid $7.46 OOP which is a 60% savings. After receiving my ECB, I paid $2.46 which is a savings of 87%.

Stop Eating Your Way Into Debt!

2011-05-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Living On A Dime Newsletter - Stop Eating Your Way Into Debt!

May 10, 2011

At this time of year, there are usually three things people are panicking about: how to lose weight, how to save money, and how tget organized. We have already touched on losing weight so this week I would like to touch on saving money.

Hopefully most of you realize that you can get into deep debt if you buy a house or a car you can't afford. That seems to be pretty obvious, although a lot of people do it anyway. But that is not what I want to deal with today. The Bible talks about the little foxes that spoil the vine. What that is talking about is the little
things that sneak into our lives without us realizing it. They start picking away at the vines in our lives until it destroys us. One of those "little foxes" is eating out. Eating out is among the of the top causes of personal debt. Most of us hunt for the best interest rates on our mortgages and we complain about the terrible price of gas the whole time we are pumping it.

Interestingly enough though, I have yet to hear one person groan about the awful prices they had to pay for lunch today or tell how they were "duped" into having to pay such high prices at their favorite restaurant. I mean really, the government should step in and make all restaurants take steak off of their menus so I won't
be tempted to order it. Then there are those fast food places. They shouldn't be allowed to build so close to the road and make it so convenient for me to drive in there each day. They have a lot of nerve expecting me to be a responsible adult who knows what I can or can't afford and should or shouldn't do.

Tut, tut. I had better behave or I will have to fire myself. HA! HA! But I do feel so much better for getting that off of my chest. Anyway where was I? Oh, yes -- saving money and eating out. I know most of the excuses we use to justify eating out when it doesn't really fit in the budget: "I don't have time", "I'm too busy", "I don't know how to cook", and last but not least, "it's so much easier to eat out".

I totally understand. I too don't have time to do things. I don't have time to take care of my yard, so I will hire a crew of gardeners to do it. I too don't have time to clean my house so I will have a housekeeper come in every day and do it for me. I don't know how to cook so I need a chef (the best French one, of course)and it is so much easier to hit my garage sales if I am chauffeur driven.

Obviously my examples are tongue in cheek but, as ridiculous as that all sounds, that really is what a lot of us are doing. In the same way that I can't afford a gardener, housekeeper or chauffeur and I would be pretty foolish to go hire them, many of us can't afford to go out to eat but do it anyway. I don't think most people
really realize how much they spend eating out each month and would be shocked to find that they could probably hire a housekeeper or a gardener for that same amount.

Take one week and write down how much you spend eating out. That includes all those coffees, soft drinks, things from the vending machines and snacks you buy throughout the day. Be sure to write down the amount of anything that goes into you and your family's mouths for an average week. I'm afraid you may be unpleasantly surprised. Multiply it by 4 to get a monthly estimate and I think you would be just plain shocked.

I'm beginning to wonder if another reason we eat out so much is that it has just become a habit. Like many bad habits, we get so comfortable with them that we don't want to change them. Even when we know that a habit is destructive to us (physically, financially and even emotionally), we still do it.

Some of us look down our noses at other people with "bad habits" like drug addicts and alcoholics and can't understand why they don't just kick their habits. "Don't they see what they are doing to their families????"

What is the difference between other people's destructive habits and our repeatedly going out to eat and charging it? We know the food isn't as good for our families, we know we don't have the money to pay for it, and we know on bill paying day we will be so stressed that we will take it out on everyone around us. We so
proudly display our bumper stickers that say "Say no to drugs." but how many of us could proudly display a bumper sticker that says "Say no to debt, I'm debt free".

(Please do not e-mail me about drug addicts and alcoholics. If you do, you are missing the point of the article and are only making it more clear to me that you are not willing to own up to or face the real issue --your debt.)

I know those words may sound harsh to some, but if you have seen and dealt with as many families as I have, whose homes have been or are being destroyed because of financial irresponsibility, you would understand why I can't always sugar coat things. We sink into a fog of apathy, hopelessness and discouragement and just give up trying. I really want you to understand you can fix your finances, but it will take a little bit of work and effort on your part. Don't just throw up your hands and give up.

There is a story in the Bible (John 5) that tells about a man who couldn't walk. He had laid by a healing pool for 38 years. If he could dip in the pool when the water stirred, he would be healed. Jesus asks him what he is doing there and he says "Well, I just don't have anyone who will carry me and put me in the pool" (Poor
little old me.) Jesus then asks him, "Do you really want to get healed?" This might seem to us a strange question but, as I once heard a woman speaker point out, if he really wanted to get healed wouldn't he have tried some way to inch his way over to that pool even if he could only make it a half an inch a day no matter how hard it was?

Maybe Jesus asked this question because He too thought here is a man, like so many do these days, making excuses, being a victim and waiting for someone else to fix his problem for him. What did Jesus tell him to do? GET UP! (stand on your own two feet), TAKE UP YOUR BED (start being responsible for your own things), and WALK (become active in solving your own problems which may mean physical labor,or doing without some things).

You need to be like the lame man and GET UP, TAKE UP YOUR BED and WALK. If you know you are going out to eat too much then stop saying you're a victim of "these hard economic times". Be responsible for the "bed" (or the debts that you have now) and actively start doing something about it today. It isn't as hard as you think. I can take every excuse for eating out that I mentioned above and prove that they're not really valid.

"I don't have time." For the amount of time it takes you to drive to some place, wait for them to take your order and then wait for them to prepare your order, I can give you 10 menus or more thatwould take less time for you to prepare at home.

"I'm too busy." If you are too busy to take time to feed your family, something that is a necessity of life, then you are too busy. I have very rarely heard anyone say that they are too busy to get their hair done, go shopping, go to sports activities, talk on the phone or spend time on the computer. You really can find the time.

If I sound like I don't have patience with that excuse, it's because I don't. I was a single mom with 2 teens, working 60 -70 hours a week, doing all my own yard work, home repairs, and on and on and guess what? Except when I was ill, I always found time tomake breakfast and dinner.

"I don't know how to cook." So learn. Start simple. Even my 9 year old grandson can boil himself a hot dog. You don't have to produce a gourmet meal to make your family happy and in most cases they would prefer you didn't. There are simple enough instructions on the back of a package of spaghetti noodles that, once again, even a child can read and follow. Warm up a jar of sauce and dinner is served. You now have two main dishes that take less than 10 minutes to prepare.

I understand that man can't live on hot dogs alone (although I think kids can), but don't worry -- after a week or two of simple dishes, you can move on to more complicated things like frozen French fries and frying hamburgers ;-) Plus if you really get stuck, I just happen to know of this really good cookbook called
Dining on A Dime that can help you. ;-) (Read about it at http://www.livingonadime.com/store/dining-dime-cookbook )

"It's so much easier." I guess that depends on your definition of easy. To me, going to a restaurant, sitting and listening to loud music for 30 minutes with fussy, hungry, complaining kids is not my idea of fun. Going to a drive-thru is, at times, not much better. Lately it seems as if the line of cars wraps around the whole
building at every fast food joint that I drive by. I was amazed to see every restaurant's parking lot jam packed two days after Christmas. (Must be that all those people who couldn't afford Christmas had gotten a windfall.) Sorry, once again I digress.

You may say "The restaurant where I go isn't that bad." but my point is that everything has it's drawbacks, whether you stay at home to eat or go out to eat. It's just a matter of what you make up your mind to put up with. Do you want the pain of cooking or the pain of not knowing how to pay your bills.

If you are in debt, it would be wise to start putting up with a few of the drawbacks that come with eating at home. Besides, if you are really serious about saving money, there are ways to make cooking at home much easier.

1. You can use convenience foods. There is nothing wrong with buying things like French bread, canned biscuits or bagged salad. Line the pans you use with foil, or use disposable pans. It's
cheaper in the long run to use these than going out to eat.

2. Clean up as you cook. This is very important because I notice a lot of people make a bigger mess than necessary when they cook.

* Instead of messing up the whole stove by repeatedly laying a sticky spoon on it, use a spoon holder or cup. It is a simple thing that makes clean up so much easier.

* Keep some hot soapy water in the sink while you are cooking and wash things as you finish with them.

* Don't set that carton of milk down on the counter after you pour it. While it's still in your hand, put it back in the fridge.

* Keep the number of utensils you use to a minimum. You don't need to put a lid on a pot every time you cook something.

3. Don't always think gourmet. Most families are so excited to get a homemade meal that they don't care what you serve them. Besides, almost any meal can be made to look "gourmet". Fruit sliced and arranged nicely on a plate, muffins keeping warm and nestled in a napkin inside a basket or mashed potatoes piled high with a chunk of golden butter melting down the sides all have eye appeal. All right -- I made myself hungry! Maybe it's time to quit for lunch.

4. Clean up is one of the main reasons people hate to eat at home, but if you clean as you go like I mentioned earlier and everyone pitches in to help clean up after dinner, it should only take about 15 minutes to get it all put away.* It would take longer than that to drive to a fast food place and return home.

* See our article, "Dirty Dishes Cause Debt" at http://www.livingonadime.com/dirty-dishes-debt

5. Pull out those crockpots. It takes about 5 minutes to throw in a roast, potatoes and carrots. It takes the same amount of time to throw in the ingredients for chili, stew or vegetable soup.

6. If you are dragging the kids to an after school game: Instead of going to a fast food drive in, throw some hot dogs in a thermos and cover with boiling water. They will be cooked and ready to eat by the time you get there. How long does it really take to grab a few pieces of fruit, a bag of cleaned veggies and some chips to go with them? Maybe 2 minutes? How hard is that to cook?

You could also have Sloppy Joes simmering in a crockpot and pour those into the thermos for an on the run meal. To make it even easier, heat it up from a jar and then pour it in the thermos.

I don't know who set the standard that cooking a meal in 30 minutes is fast. If I took that long to cook a meal every night I would never get anything done. There are tons of meals out there that require 15 minutes or less prep time.

If you don't know where to start, then drag out your Dining On A Dime cookbook or check out the Grocery Shopping On A Budget e-books. We share lots of ideas there to get you started. Sometimes we like to make things more complicated than they really are because that gives us a good excuse not to do them. Where there is a will there is a way.

Do you really want to get out of debt? Then GET UP, STOP CHARGING, and GET COOKING!

If you have something to say about this newsletter, comment on it at http://www.livingonadime.com/stop-eating-debt#comment