Friday Finals - 9/2

We did good this week overall on our total spending along with our totals on groceries and household items!  The goal is to keep it up to continue to spend less, save more, and pay more toward credit cards!  So overall, we spent $86.76 and saved $135.50 last week!  We went a total of $109 after including fast food and a few other odds and ends, but overall it appears my discount shopping is getting back underway!

Walgreens
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $62.42
Total Spent: $25.44
Total Saved:$48.14 or 77%

 

 
Kroger
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $67.64
Total Spent: $42.35
Total Saved:$25.29 or 37%

Target - I had purchased composition notebooks during the summer for school because in the past have had to let kids have them, but this year many students have brought them allowing me to return mine to the store.  We also had a $25.00 gift card that we received as a gift which helped too!

CVS

Total Before Savings and Coupons: $7.66
Total Spent: $0.49 on FREE $25 SwagBucks Giftcard
Total Saved:$7. 17 or 94%

Visiting the Public Library and Weekend Coupon Shopping

Jakob and I went to the Public Library Saturday morning to get him more Level 1 and Level 2 books to read.  I am trying really hard to make sure we read a minimum of one book a day which is about fifteen to twenty minutes for him to get through those levels.

After the library, we went to Kroger to pick up the weekly groceries to work with our menu planned and turn in our pennies into the Coinstar.  We had $12.17 worth of pennies collected and our change jar is much lighter now.  I recently learned you can turn in change to the Coinstar locations and receive e-gift certificates toward specific locations depending on the location of the Coinstar.  I thought the one I went to would let me put it toward Kroger, but it was not an option.  I decided it was not a big issue and selected for the Amazon.com e-gift card.

At Kroger, I spent $42.35 and saved $25.29 or 37%.  Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

Spent $42.35 and saved $25.29 or 37%

Mega Event:
2 - Nutri-Grain Bars $2.49

-$1/2 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal bars, 6 ct +, RP 8/07

2 - Cheetos $1.99
Fritos $1.99
Jimmy Dean Sandwiches $3.99

-.75/1 Jimmy Dean Jimmy D's product, RP 7/31

2 - Sunny D $0.99

-.25/1 SunnyD product, SS 8/07

-.25/1 SunnyD product, SS 8/07 
2 - Neslte Pure Life Water $2.99

-$1 off Nestle Pure Life water, 5 gal or (2) .5 L 24 pk printable

-$1 off Nestle Pure Life water, 5 gal or (2) .5 L 24 pk printable

Produce:
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.43
Apples $1.69/lb - $4.23
Grapes 0.99/lb - $3.24
Potatoes $2.48

Fridge or Frozen:
3 - Oscar Mayer Lunchables $1.00
2 - Silk Milk $3.22

-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10

-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10

Groceries:
Tortillas $1.50
Campbell Cheddar Cheese Soup $1.50
Skinner Spiral Pasta $1.59
Kroger Pretzels $1.25

After church on Sunday, I went to Walgreen's for a few specific items and ended up doing good overall but it took some work this week.  I really should just bring my coupon book with me to Walgreen's, but luckily I live nearby and made it work where I was able to use all of my leftover Register Rewards.  There was a pretty good deal on P&G products and we were running low on the items.  If you spent $30.00 (pre-coupons), you would get $10 back in RR.  I then was able to turn around and purchase the other items below.  Overall, I spent $26.45 and saved $52.34 or 66% today at Walgreen's.  I spent more out of pocket today than I normally do, but I decided before buying everything it was still a really good price.

Spent $26.45 and Saved $52.34 or 66%

Transaction #1 - Buy $30 of P&G, Get $10 RR
4 - Cascade $4.00

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 7/31 (exp 08/31)

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 7/31 (exp 08/31)

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 8/28

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 8/28  
2 - Downy $4.00
-$1.50/2 Tide detergent or stain release or Downy product, PG 8/28
1 - Tide $6.00
-$1 off Tide detergent, PG 7/31 (exp 08/31)
Total Due: $25.44
Get Back: $10.00 RR

Transaction #2
2 - Vitamin C $6.99 (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)

-$1 off Nature Made products, SS 8/14

-$1 off Nature Made products, SS 8/14 

2 - Crest Complete Toothpaste $2.50 (Get $3.00 RR WYB 2)

-$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, excl Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar, PG 8/28

-$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, excl Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar, PG 8/28 

1 - Carmex Lip Gloss $1.50 (Get $1.50 RR WYB 1)
1 - Chicken Noodle Soup $0.59 w/in-ad coupon
-$10.00 RR
Total Due: $0.08
Get Back: $4.50 RR

Transaction #3
1 - Cottonelle Toilet Paper $5.00
-.75/1 Cottonelle toilet paper, 12 pk + or (2) 4 pk, SS 8/14
2- Chicken Noodle Soup $0.59 w/in-ad coupon

-$3.00 RR

-$1.50 RR

Total Due: $0.93

Friday Finals - 8/26

We did good this week overall on our total spending along with our totals on groceries and household items!  The goal is to keep it up to continue to spend less, save more, and pay more toward credit cards!

Walgreens
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $62.42
Total Spent: $14.28
Total Saved:$48.14 or 77%

Kroger
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $71.68
Total Spent: $36.03
Total Saved:$35.65 or 49%

Staples
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $13.30
Total Spent: $7.30
Total Saved:$6.00 or 45%

So overall, we spent $57.60 and saved $92.07 last week!  We stayed within our new $100 spending goal including other expenses that we had planned.

Busy Monday! Jakob started 1st Grade and Saving at the Stores!

Ashlyn and I had a busy day after dropping Jakob off for his first day of First Grade!  It seems really odd to still be off of work, but I am still enjoying my time off with her of course.  :) We went to the bank, Staples, Target, and Kroger.  I used a $6.00 reward from turning in empty print cartridges at Staples and picked up paper for my students along with cord cover so my students or I do not trip over the cords running from my projector to my computer.  Using my $6.00 reward, I spent $7.30 and saved approximately 45% off my purchase!

At Target, I returned an item and then quickly before getting the Kids SpinBrush Toothbrush for Jakob.  They are normally $5.79 and were on sale for $4.63 and I had a $1.00 coupon!  Between all the savings including my Target card, I spent $3.26 and saved $2.78!

Kroger did not have everything I was looking for today, but next week's ad is the same to my knowledge according to Southern Savers.  I spent $36.03 and saved $35.65 or 49% today!  I might check back next week for the items they were out of stock on with next week's purchases.  Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.  No pictures this week...Ashlyn was hungry about halfway through my trip - had to stop and let her have a bottle!  So overall, I was pretty exhausted after all the trips.  We are on track of our weekly spending goal of no more than $100 counting everything from groceries, household, fast food, etc!  This should really help with our budget especially with Ashlyn starting school soon too!

Fridge or Frozen:
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Skillets or Sandwiches, 14.8 -18 oz, $3.79
-.75/1 Jimmy Dean product (Facebook) printable

Groceries:
2 - Old El Paso Re-fried Beans 99¢
1 - Old El Paso Seasoning

-FREE Old El Paso Seasoning WYB 2 Old El Paso Product

2 - Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, 99¢

-.50/2 Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, excl buds and pouch printable

5 - SpaghettiOs, 14-15 oz, 49¢

-.50/5 Campbell’s Spaghettio’s pasta printable

2 - Del Monte Fruit Cup, 4-8 ct., $1.49
2 - Kellogg’s Cereal Frosted Mini Wheats, 17-25.5 oz, $2.49
-$1/2 Kellogg’s cereals, 8.7 oz +, RP 8/07
 3 - Pop Tarts, 8 ct., $1.59
-$1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts or Mini Crisps, 6 ct +, RP 7/24
2 - Heinz Ketchup $1.99

-.50/1 Heinz Ketchup 8/21 Insert

-.50/1 Heinz Ketchup 8/21 Insert

2 - Nature's Own 100% Wheat Bread $2.99 (B1G1)
King Hawaiian Snacker Rolls

-FREE King Hawaiin Snack Rolls

2 - Wolf Chili $1.67

-.50/2 Wolf Chili (Kroger Catalina Coupon)

Kroger Relish $1.00

Produce: 
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.62
Red Potatoes $1.29/lb - $1.92
Red Apples 5/$2.00 - $2.00

Meat:
2 - Oscar Mayer Bologna or Wieners, 16 oz, $1.99

Personal Care:
Desitin Cream, 2 oz, $2.99

-$1 off Desitin Rapid Relief Cream printable

Kroger and Target Coupon Shopping

This last week, we went to Target and Kroger.  At Target, we purchased lots of great school supplies and two more containers of Similac Soy Milk with coupons and rebate checks!  That puts us at six containers this month at an $11.00 cost rather than paying full price at $23.49 each!  We had huge savings at Target with spending $62.18 and saving $60.44 or 49%!

Total Before sales and coupons: $245.75
Total spent: $141.89
Total saved: $103.86 or 42%

At Kroger, we were stocking up on sale items.  Here's the break down of everything Jeff and I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.  No pictures this week...since Ashlyn was born we have been a little busy!

Fridge or Frozen:
10 - Smart One Varieties (Price ranging between $2.00~$2.18)

-$3/10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones printable

16 - Yoplait Yogurt $0.60
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
Milk $2.39
Eggs $1.69

Groceries:
2 - Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1.25
-.50/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls or grands sweet rolls printable
2 - Pillsbury Biscuits $1.25
-.40/2 Pillsbury Grands! or Grands! Jr. biscuits printable
2 - Pillsbury Breads $1.50
-.40/2 Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads printable
2 - Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.25
-.50/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls printable
6 - Chef Boyardee $1.00
-.35/1 Chef Boyardee cans or microwave pastas, SS 8/07
-.35/1 Chef Boyardee cans or microwave pastas, SS 8/07 
6 - Hunt's Snack Pack $1.00

-$0.45/3 Hunt's Snack Pack (8/7 insert)

-$0.45/3 Hunt's Snack Pack (8/7 insert)

3 - Hamburger Helper $1.00
-.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper, SS 7/17

Produce:
Granny Smith Apples $1.69/lb - $5.04
Red Apples $1.35/lb - $3.75
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.30

Meat:
5 - Hillshire Lunch Meat $3.00
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)

Household:
Cottonelle Toilet Paper - $5.99
-.75/1 Cottonelle bathroom tissue, 12 pk + or (2) 4 pk, SS 7/17

Morning Shopping Trip between Feeding Ashlyn!

Ashlyn had a bottle at 8:00AM this morning and shortly after she finished I got around so we could quickly run to CVS, Post Office, and Kroger.  We did well and made it home before she was hungry!  We did not need much from these stores, but the main goal was purchasing the newborn diapers from CVS since we were almost out!  She is much smaller than Jakob was at birth.  I picked up Centrum vitamins, 2 Dawn soaps, and Pampers newborn diapers.  I used a FREE $20 gift card that I received from ordering my newspapers.  Overall, I only spent $6.40 on the card.

Transaction #1
$2 ECB WYB Caltrate, 60 ct., or Centrum, 100-110 ct., or Kids Chewable, 80 ct., $8.99 Limit 1

-$2 off Centrum Reg or Silver Women’s or Men’s product, 100 ct, RP 5/15

2 - Dawn Dish Liquid Soap $0.99
-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 7/31

-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 7/31

-$2.00 ECB

-$3.00 ECB

-$1.99 ECB

Total Due: $1.00

Transaction #2
$1 ECB WYB Pampers Jumbo Pack Swaddlers, Cruisers, Baby Dry or Easy Ups $8.99 Limit 1

-$2 off Pampers Swaddlers Reg or Sensitive, or Cruisers Diapers PG 7/31

-$2.00 ECB

Total Due: $5.40

At Kroger, I spent $21.22 and saved $15.67 or 42%.  Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

4 - Silk Chocolate Soy Milk $2.79
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10   
2 - Cheetos $1.99
2 - Fritos $1.99
Lays Chips $2.50
6 - Yoplait Yogurt $0.70
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups, SS 7/10

Saturday and Sunday Shopping

Saturday evening, Jeff and I went to the mall to JcPenney's and Bath & Body Works.  We did excellent with coupons at both locations.

At JcPenney's, Ashlyn got four new outfits for $6.99 out of pocket!  We had a coupon for $10 off of $25 and a $10 reward coupon from the previous month when we bought the curtains for our bedroom.  Her outfits were also all from the clearance racks making it an even better deal!  JcPenney's also sent us another $10 off $10 coupon and Jeff picked up a clearanced shirt for $15 that he got for $5 plus taxes.

Bath & Body Works was running their soaps on sale.  The special was either 5 for $15 or 7 for $20.  They sent me an email for $10 off $30 so I was able to purchase another item that I put back for a gift.  My mom started buying us these soaps after we moved to our house and we have really started liking them.  Regular price is $5.50 each if they are not on sale, so it was a great time to stock up.  Since I was already thinking about spending $20, I loved the idea of getting something for around $10 free due to the $10 off $30 coupon!

Today, Jeff and I went to Staples, Target, and Kroger after church.  We were primarily shopping the sales with coupons.  At Target, they had Similac Soy Formula on sale for $21.00 each for a 1.37 lb container.  These are normally $23.49 each.  We bought four with $5.00 off coupons making each one $16.  Similac recently sent a sample in the mail containing four $5.00 off checks toward the purchase of Similac.  There were no restrictions regarding using them with other discounts.  The only listed fine print was the item had to cost more than the check, which they did.  Overall, we paid $11.00 each before the Target 5% discount.

At Kroger, we went for a few sale items.  A few items were not listed the same as the ad and they were either incorrect or due to the ad being marked for a different store.  We decided not to worry about it and check possibly the other store based on the discount.  We spent $30.63 today and saved $23.00 or 42%.

Here's the break down of everything Jeff and I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

Fridge or Frozen:
6 - Yoplait Yogurts $0.70
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups, SS 6/12 (exp 08/06)
2 - 2% Milk
-2 FREE 2% WYB FOUR General Mills Cereals/Granola Bars
2 - Silk Soymilk $2.79 (on sale through 8/7 - plan to purchase a few more)
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
5 - Smart One Meals $2.18

Grocery:
2 - Honey Nut Cheerios $2.79

-$1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios (Internet Coupon)

-$1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios (Internet Coupon)

2 - Cheerios $2.79
-$1/2 General Mills Cheerios cereal printable
Pillsbury Brownie $1.00
-.40/1 Pillsbury Frosting or Brownie mix, RP 6/12
2 - Baby Ruth $0.50

Produce:
Cucumbers $0.67 each - $1.34
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.17
Roma Tomatoes $1.00/lb - $0.80

$34 Saved or 42% - Spent $46

Our last stop today was Kroger and consisted of Jeff, Jakob, and myself.  We pretty much went for a few basic supplies and to pick up the specials.  Overall, we spent $46.08 and saved $33.69.  I really like how now that we have gotten back into shopping at Kroger, our totals are getting closer and closer to $40/week toward groceries.  This helps especially since today at Target, we spent money toward decorating the babies' room.  We purchased curtains, wall art, and a flower rug for her room since they were on sale too!

Here's the break down of everything we purchased today at Kroger.  Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Mega Event (Buy 10 participating products, get $3 off instantly. Prices listed are after instant savings):
2 - Capri Sun or Kool-Aid Jammers, 10 ct., $1.81
Country Time Canister, 99¢
-$1 off Country Time Drink Mix Kroger eCoupon
Kool-Aid, 99¢
6 - Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, 6-10 ct., $1.99

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

2 - Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, 8 ct., 99¢
-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17
2 - Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix, $1.69
2 - Country Crock, 45 oz, $2.39

-.40/1 Country Crock spread (Facebook) printable

-.40/1 Country Crock spread (Facebook) printable

2 - Fritos $1.69
2 - Cheetos $1.69

Fridge or Frozen:
2% Milk - $2.39

Grocery:
2 - Lay's Potatoe Chips $1.99
2 - Baird's Bread B1G1 - $2.99
Kroger Hot Dog Buns - $1.19
Kroger Hamburger Buns - $1.00

Produce:
Apples - $1.31¢/lb - $3.62
Bananas - 49¢/lb - $1.67
1 - Cucumber 88¢

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $79.77
Total Spent: $46.08
Total Saved:$33.69
************************************************

$64 Saved or 49% at Kroger - Great Specials on Meat

Jeff, Jakob, and I went to Kroger after all of our stops today to pick up a few items that were on sale and thought we did pretty good since half of what I bought was in meat.  The last time I purchased meat was on June 5th and we still have a decent amount of it all, but the chicken breast and ground beef was cheaper today than the last time.  My soy milk was also on sale and it has not been this low in quite some time, so I bought as many as I could with the coupons I was able to get to print!

I spent $67 today and saved $64 or 49%!  So even though I went over the $40/week goal, I am excited about finally getting my percentage at 50%!  Half of purchases today were related to meat which will be vacuumed sealed and should last easily through July if not longer!  Kellogg's is also doing a promotion with the cereal and other specifically marked items stating 4 codes is equivalent to a $5.00 prepaid debit card.  

Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger.  Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Cars 2 Mega Event (Buy (5) Participating Items, Save $5 instantly. Prices listed are after discount. Limit 3 per transaction.):

4 - Kellogg's Cereal, Frosted Flakes $1.99

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal printable or printable

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal printable or printable

Eggo Waffles, 24 ct, $2.99

Fridge or Frozen:
5 - Soy Milk $2.50

-.75/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.75/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.75/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.55/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.55/1 Silk Soymilk printable 
2% Milk $1.39 (Manager Special Price)
3 - Kroger Vegetables - Peas $0.88
3 - Kroger Vegetables - Carrots $0.88

Grocery:
6 - Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-8 oz, $1

-.75/2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-7.2 oz printable

-.55/2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-7.2 oz printable

-.55/2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-7.2 oz printable

Meat:
Kroger Ground Beef $1.99/lb - $5.97
Kroger Ground Beef $1.99/lb - $5.97
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $5.02
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $5.02
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $4.62
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $4.53
4 - Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat (Ham) - $1.00
4 - Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat (Turkey) - $1.00

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $130.51
Total Spent: $66.95
Total Saved:$63.56 or 49%
************************************************

$67 Saved or 51% at Kroger

I went to Kroger after my CVS trip today.  Some great purchases were the diaper wipes at 50 cents each, mustard at 50 cents, brownie mixes for a quarter, and Kellogg's cereal for $1 each!  I spent $66 today and saved $67 or 51%!  So even though I went over the $40/week goal, I am excited about finally getting my percentage at 50%!  Kellogg's is also doing a promotion with the cereal and other specifically marked items stating 4 codes is equivalent to a $5.00 prepaid debit card. 

As I look at the ad each week, I am trying to get back into buying the items when they are on sale.  According to Jenny at Southern Savers, all items have a cycle and go on a low price every six to eight weeks.  Kroger's ad is good for our area until Tuesday and beginning on Wednesday it changes.  However, it appears many of the same items will be on sale next week which might mean not buying much next week if it is a similar ad.

Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger.  Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Cars 2 Mega Event (Buy (5) Participating Items, Save $5 instantly. Prices listed are after discount. Limit 3 per transaction.): 

2 - Fiber Plus Bars, 5 ct., $1.99 

-$1/2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus chewy bars printable

Cottonelle Toilet Paper, 12 double rolls, $5.49
-.50/1 Cottonelle bathroom tissue printable
3 - Huggies Baby Wipes 64-72 ct., $1.49

-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct +, SS 6/12 

-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct +, SS 6/12

-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct +, SS 6/12
4 - Kellogg’s Cereals, Frosted Mini Wheats, $1.99

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats or Raisin Bran cereals, 14 oz +, RP 5/15

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats or Raisin Bran cereals, 14 oz +, RP 5/15

-$1/3 Kellogg’s cereals, 8.7 oz +, RP 5/15

Produce: 

Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.38 

-$1 off Fresh Fruit WYB (2) Kellogg’s cereals 10 oz +, Kellogg’s $5 in Breakfast Savings on product booklet

Red Apples $1.31/lb - $3.42

-$1 off Fresh Fruit WYB (2) Kellogg’s cereals 10 oz +, Kellogg’s $5 in Breakfast Savings on product booklet 

Sweet Corn 3/$1.00

Fridge or Frozen:
2% Milk - $2.39
Country Crock Butter - $2.91

-.40/1 Shedd's Country Crock spread printable

2 - Starbucks Ice Cream, 1 pint, $2.79
-$1 off Starbucks ice cream, RP 5/22

-$1 off Starbucks ice cream, RP 5/22

Grocery:
Kroger Buns, 8 ct., $1
Kroger Hot Dog Buns, $8 ct., $1
Sara Lee Wheat Bread $2.00
3 - Fritos $1.77 (cheaper than last week!)
Kroger Pickle Relish $1.00
6 - Wolf Chili 3/$5.00
2 - A.1. Steak Sauce, 10 oz, $2.99

-$1 off A.1. steak sauce or marinade, 10 oz +, SS 6/05

-$1 off A.1. steak sauce or marinade, 10 oz +, SS 6/05

2 - Lipton Ice Tea $1.00

-Free Lipton Natural Iced Tea (Facebook), 20 oz printable

-Free Lipton Natural Iced Tea (Facebook), 20 oz printable

2 - French Mustard $1.49

-.50/1 French's mustard printable

-.50/1 French's mustard printable

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix $1.25
-.50/1 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownies or Dessert bar mix, SS 5/01 (exp 06/25)
-.50/1 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownies or Dessert bar mix, SS 5/01 (exp 06/25)
3 - Nestle Crunch 99¢

-FREE Nestle Crunch Bar WYB 3

-.35/1 Nestle Crunch Bar

Meat:
2 - Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage, roll, patties or links, 12-16 oz, $3

-.55/1 Jimmy Dean roll sausage printable

-.55/1 Jimmy Dean roll sausage printable

4 - Oscar Mayer Wieners, 16 oz, $1.79
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs, SS 5/15

-$1/2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs, SS 5/15

Value Bacon $3.59

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $134.28
Total Spent: $66.31
Total Saved:$67.97 or 51%
************************************************

Trip to Kroger with Kids - Right at $40 Weekly Budget

We got everything pictured above (Except the Fritos, they were ringing up almost twice the amount and cashier said they were the wrong item.  It works out okay, since once we got home I saw they will be less beginning tomorrow!) in the shopping cart at Kroger on Tuesday.  I had my kids with me during the shopping trip and I lost count of how many times I said, "No, not buying that.  If it is not on the list, we are not getting it!"  Yoplait Yogurts were on sale for 50 cents again and I have not bought them since May 22.  Overall, my percentage was only 23% today, but was right at the $40 spending mark which many people budget for groceries.  Plus, my last visit was June 5th so I figure that is good too.

Produce:
Cucumbers 88¢
Roma Tomatoes $1.00/lb - 72¢
Potatoes $2.32
Strawberries $1.97
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.33


Fridge or Frozen:
2 - Trop 50 Pure Premium Orange Juice $2.88
-$1/2 Tropicana Pure premium or 59 oz. Trop50, eCoupon
Silk Soy Milk $3.54
2 - 2% Milk $2.39
25 - Yoplait Yogurt 50¢
-$0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable

-FREE Yoplait Yogurt (from mail)

Grocery:
4 - Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides $1

-.50/2 Knorr rice and pasta sides, RP 5/22

-.50/2 Knorr rice and pasta sides, RP 5/22 
4 - Skinner Spaghetti $1.00
Nature's Own Wheat Bread $2.25
Apple Juice - $1.77
French Bread $1.99

Meat:
Bacon $3.59

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $58.29
Total Spent: $44.70
Total Saved:$13.59 or 23%
************************************************

$38 or 37% Saved at Kroger (Includes Meat!)

We did not need too much this week from Kroger, but we were low on meat and the prices seemed pretty good so I went ahead and restocked our freezer for the month.  The bulk of what I spent was on the meat (appox. hamburger $9, pork $15, chicken $17).

Produce
Lettuce $1.18
Cucumber 88¢
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.41 

Fridge or Frozen
4 - Hot or Lean Pockets 2-4 oz, $1.78

-B1G1 Lean Pockets printable (limit reached)

-B1G1 Lean Pockets printable (limit reached)

Milk - $2.39
4 - Oscar Mayer Lunchables, 9.7-11.7 oz, $2
-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables lunch combos w/ fruit, SS 5/15

-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables lunch combos w/ fruit, SS 5/15

-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit (Facebook) printable
-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit (Facebook) printable 

Grocery
Brown sugar - $1.99
Hot dog buns - $1.00
Kroger Olive Oil - $6.49

Meat
3 - Hamburger Meat $3.01
Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb - $5.95
Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb - $5.97
Skinless Chicken Tenderloins $1.99/lb - $4.68
Pork Chops $2.69/lb - $8.02
Pork Chops $2.69/lb - $7.26

Household
all Laundry Detergent, 38-32 loads $2.99

-$1 off all laundry detergent, 28 loads + printable

-$1 off All Oxi-Active Laundry Detergent, SavingStar eCoupon

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $103.64
Total Spent: $65.21
Total Saved:$38.43 or 37%
************************************************

Only 21% - Kroger Shopping Trip

My transaction at Kroger today focused primarily on produce and meat making my percentage saved much lower than normal.  I was quite disappointed, but for the month we have done much better since I started back up on coupons.  We spent $229 this last month at Kroger and saved $135 or 37%.  I know mentally I will continue to save money since I am watching the ads again and using my coupons better like I used too.  I think I'll set the Kroger goal at $200 for June and go from there.  I plan to continue to blog my shopping trips to keep me focused on saving money for our family.

Kroger Shopping Trip 47% - May 7th

Kroger Shopping Trip 29% - May 15th

Kroger Shopping Trip 42% - May 22nd

Produce
Russet Potatoes - $2.19
Cucumber - 88¢
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.68
Apples $1.31/lb - $3.56
Strawberries $2.00
Lemons 4/$1.00 - $0.75

Fridge or Frozen
Kroger Sour Cream - 49¢ 
2 - Silk Soy Milk $2.99

-$0.55/1 Silk Soy Milk

-$0.55/1 Silk Soy Milk

2% Milk - $2.39 

Grocery
4 - Dole Peaches $2.10 (Buy 4, Get 75¢ for Next Transaction)
-.50/1 Dole fruit bowls printable
-.50/1 Dole fruit bowls printable
2 - Kroger Applesauce $1.61
Heinz Vinegar $1.69
-.50/1 Heinz Distilled White or Apple Cider vinegar printable
Apple Juice $1.77
Tortillas $1.89


Meat
Pork Baby Back Ribs $2.99/lb - $11.24
Round Steak $7.06

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $60.01
Total Spent: $47.20
Total Saved:$12.81 or 21%
Remaining Catalina: $0.75 (from Dole Fruit)
************************************************

42% or $29 Saved at Kroger

I loaded everything on the check out lane and the cashier was still finishing with the previous customer and realized this showed almost all the items!  I laughed and wondered if the cashier realized what I had done or not, but figured I really did not care!  I stocked up on Yoplait Yogurts for Jeff since the expiration dates were good through late June and they are not normally as low as 44¢ each.  Jeff had also mentioned before I left for Kroger about possibly buying two gallons of milk since Roland is here and then here next weekend.  I was shocked to find milk clearanced to $1.39 with expiration dates of June 2nd.  I had to double check my phone for the current date because I figured it was on sale due to a quick expiration, but that was not the case!

Since beginning to track our savings at the beginning of May, we have spent $440.55 and saved $326.55 or 43% at Costco, CVS, Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's.  I really like the gift card challenges and think I will continue doing it at CVS and Walgreen's once I have depleted them to start the challenge over again.  Since I was not really coupon shopping like I used too until this month, I have had to start almost from scratch on many of my coupons.  I know as I continue, our out of pocket expenses will continue to go down since I will be buying items when they are on sale and with my coupons.

Starting today, Kroger changed their gasoline deals too.  For every 100 points, you can save 10¢ per gallon at the pump.  Our car was almost out of gas and Jeff debated about filling it up at Costco yesterday for $3.65, but there was a line and he did not want to wait.  At Kroger today, I filled it up for $3.58 due to the additional 10¢ off.  Every little bit helps.  Read more about Kroger's Fuel Reward changes here at Southern Savers.

Produce
Strawberries $1.77
Bananas $1.41 (49¢/lb)
Roma Tomatoes $1.56 ($1.88/lb)
Lettuce 88¢

Fridge
28 - Yoplait Yogurt cup, 4-6 oz, 44¢

-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups

-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups

-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups

-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups

4 - Pillsbury Grands Biscuits 8 ct., $1

-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17

-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17

2 - Silk Soy Milk $2.99

-$1.00/1 Silk Soy Milk

-$1.00/1 Silk Soy Milk

2 - 2% Milk - $1.39 (Manager Special)
Country Crock Butter/Margarine $2.71

-0.40/1 Country Crock Butter/Margarine

Eggs $1.69

Grocery
2 - Mahatma Rice $1.19

-0.50/1 Mahatma Rice

-0.50/1 Mahatma Rice

Kool Aid Packets 6/$1.00

-B2G1 Kool-Aid envelopes, max .25, SS 3/13

-B2G1 Kool-Aid envelopes, max .25, SS 3/13

2 - Heinz Ketchup 40 oz, $1.99

-0.50/1 Heinz Ketchup, 5/22

-0.50/1 Heinz Ketchup, 5/22

Kroger Beef Broth $1.49
Kroger Vegetable Oil $2.58
Nature Made Honey Wheat Bread $2.29

Meat
Eckrich Smoked Sausage 2/$5.00

-$1.00/2 Eckrich Smoked Sausage

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $68.99
Total Spent: $39.94
Total Saved:$29.05 or 42%
Remaining Catalina: $2.00 (from General Mills)
************************************************

Sunday Shopping 42% Saved - Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger

Wow, what a morning at Walgreens.  My mom was visiting for Saturday and was still here Sunday morning.  We went to the store to get my transactions and she commented how the attitude of the employees this morning were like the ones in her town.  I told her normally they are much nicer and we joked about maybe they had worked all night.  However, comically I just looked up the store and they are not a 24-hour store so they were just cranky!  I was purchasing my double pack newspaper and the Dove Men's Deoderant.  After it all finished, it did not print my Register Reward as advertised.  The manager on duty was called and claimed it was due to my previous RR that was used since it was a P&G RR.  The Dove product is made by Unilever, not P&G, so in reality it should have worked in the first place.

Looking at last week's transaction, I rolled plenty on different P&G items and it worked just fine.  I think my error was I accidentally handed him the manufacture coupon and then my $3 RR coupon.  I ended up just having him refund my transaction which he proceeded to give me all my coupons (RR and manufacturer) and a $1.07 back.  I then decided, okay since it made my newspaper only $3.92 based on how he decided to the return.  I decided to just come home and head out later to another location since I needed to go to Kroger today too.

After my mom headed home, I went ahead and finished eating some breakfast.  I decided to go to the other Walgreens near the CVS on the way to Kroger.  Wow, what a difference between the two stores and employees.  The manager was super friendly and talkative and the cashier was all smiles!  I even asked about the Infant Care books and found out the pharmacy had them and was able to pick one up!

Walgreens 5/15

Transaction #1
Dallas Morning Newspaper 2 for $5.00 ($3.92 due to error...)

Transaction #2
2 - Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes $1

-$1/2 Betty Crocker potatoes printable

3 - Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper $1

-.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper, SS 4/17 or SS 5/01

-$3 RR

Transaction #3
$3 RR WYB Dove Men+Care Deodorant, 2.7-3 oz, at $3.99

-$1 off Dove Men+Care deodorant printable

Transaction #4
$1 RR WYB (2) Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylant, 5.1-12.6 oz, at $3.50 ea.

-$3/2 Pantene product, excl trial size, PG 5/01

-$3 RR

This is WEEK 1 of using a $40 gift card that I purchased with rebate money that Jeff received.  He gave them to me to use since they were going to expire.  Now the question is how long will it last?  I have $31.51 remaining on the gift card after today.

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $31.58
Total Spent: $8.49
Total Saved:$23.09 or 73%
Remaining RR: $1.00
************************************************

After finishing at Walgreens, I decided to go to CVS for the sunscreen.  It was an okay deal, but decided with my ECB that I had from two weeks before that I could use them today.  This is WEEK 3 of using a $25 gift card I purchased.  I ended up spending $9.68 but received $11 back in ECB between the weekly special and a $1 from the Green Bag Tag.  I have $11.28 remaining on the gift card, but should be in pretty good shape next week since if they have good deals since I have $11 to start with in ECB.

CVS 5/15

$10 ECB WYB (2) Neutrogena Sun Care or Sunless Tanning, .47-6.7 oz, starting at $7.99 Limit 1
-$2 off Neutrogena suncare or sunless tanner printable, or printable

-$1.50 ECB

-$5.54 ECB

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $20.72
Total Spent: $9.68
Total Saved:$11.04 or 53%
Remaining RR: $11.00
************************************************

I went to Kroger and bought the sale items.  However, since I have been accumulating coupons really for only the last few weeks, I am still low on coupons than I will be in the future.  I wanted to pick up the items while they were at their low price since it still adds up later.  I even picked up the Baby Back Ribs that were on sale for $2.97/lb and we will eat those sometime this week.

I also was able to save 3¢ at the Kroger gas station too which made it $3.80 instead of $3.83.  The Toyota was low on gas and this was the cheapest I could find today.

Kroger 5/15

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $93.07
Total Spent: $65.42
Total Saved:$27.45 or 29%
************************************************

We are halfway done with the month and so far we have spent about $280 and saved approximately 47% or $250 between coupons and store discounts.  This should continue to get better as I continue to collect coupons.  As always, thank you Jenny at Southern Savers for helping me save money!!

47% Savings at Kroger

Jeff, Jakob, and I had to run a few errands and then go to Kroger to pick up groceries.  Since we had a few stops to make, we brought Jakob's DS for the car which he quickly figured out he could still play even with the cast on his right arm!  He was quite happy and content as you can tell!

For Kroger, I pulled the weekly ad using Southern Savers and had my coupons ready. We had a variety of items and most of the items are shown below.  It's hard to see we had 12 Smart One entrees and 5 Michelina's entree from the picture.  Jeff's yogurts were already placed in the fridge and the bread is not pictured either.  Check out this week's Kroger ad here on Southern Savers.  For Texas, our ad does not expire until next Tuesday.

Kroger Trip 5/7/11

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $141.67
Total Spent: $75.79
Total Saved:$65.88 or 47%
************************************************

I'm happy to report that we are doing much better on our savings for May since I started tracking our spending.  We now currently have spent $104.95 and have saved $90.34 or 46%.  Thanks Southern Savers!

Trip to Kroger with Jakob

Jakob and I went to Kroger on Monday after eating at KFC for lunch.  We had to re-buy some items due to our refrigerator breaking.  However, we did well overall and the details are below. As always, I have to thank Southern Savers!!

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $170.96
Total Spent: $103.35
Total Saved:$67.61 or 40%
************************************************ 


Meat:
Hormel Marinated Pork Tenderloin 1.15 lb or Loin Filet 1.7 lb $9.99 ea
-$1 off Hormel Always Tender Product SS 5/02 and printable
Hillshire Ham
-$0.55/1 Hillshire Thick Cut Sliced
Hillshire Turkey
-$0.55/1 Hillshire Thick Cut Sliced

Produce:

Bananas 44¢ lb

Kroger Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag at $2.59 ea

Green Apples $1.46 lb 

Red Apples $1.09 lb

Green Seedless Grapes $1.59 lb
Lettuce 92¢
Strawberries $1.38
Lemons 25¢ each

Cold Stuff:
4 - Silk Soy Milk $2.99
-B1G1 FREE Silk Soymilk, Any Half Gallons - 04-11-10 SS

-B1G1 FREE Silk Soymilk, Any Half Gallons - 04-11-10 SS

-0.75/1 Silk Soymilk, Any Half Gallon - 04-11-10 SS

-0.75/1 Silk Soymilk, Any Half Gallon - 04-11-10 SS

Kroger Large Eggs dozen at $1.29 ea

Green Giant Frozen Vegetables at $1 ea
-.55/2 Green Giant Frozen boxed vegetables printable
-.55/2 Green Giant Frozen boxed vegetables printable
4 - SunnyD 48-64 oz at $1 ea
-.25/1 off Sunny D any product SS 4/11, 4/18, 5/09
-.25/1 off Sunny D any product SS 4/11, 4/18, 5/09
-.25/1 off Sunny D any product SS 4/11, 4/18, 5/09
-.25/1 off Sunny D any product SS 4/11, 4/18, 5/09
4 - Kraft Shredded Cheese $1.99
4 - Kraft Sliced Cheese $1.99
Kraft Parmesan Cheese $2.19
3 - Cinnamon Rolls $1.59
-0.75/3 Pillsbury Product
Country Crock Butter $2.29
20 - Yoplait Yogurt $0.50
-0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt
-0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt
-0.50/8 Yoplait Yogurt
2 - Yoplait Yogurt Kids $2.35
-0.75/2 Yoplait Yogurt Kids

-0.75/2 Yoplait Yogurt Kids

Grocery:
Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread
Hot Dog Buns
Hamburger Buns
Tortillas $2.49
2 - Hunt’s Pasta Sauce 26-26.5 oz at $1 ea
Quaker Oatmeal $4.49
2 - Jiffy Blueberry Muffin Mix 65¢
Raisins $2.39
3 - 1L Bottled Water 59¢

Personal or Household:
2 - Nature Made or Sundown Vitamins B1G1
-$1 off Nature Made Vitamin C printable
-$1 off Nature Made Vitamin C printable
6 - Dial or Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap 7.5 oz at $1 ea
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)
-.35/1 Dial Bar Pack or Liquid Hand Soap, RP 6/13 (makes it FREE)