Adjustments keep us on our toes

I know I have been out of touch for a while, but I am back. With the school starting back and regular routines rolling around, things are calming down around my house. Where have I been? I started back to work after months of recovering from a shoulder injury. I don't remember having this much trouble juggling things before I went out. I am having more trouble adjusting than my kiddos, to say the least. This evening I wanted to make sure that everyone picked up a paper today. Proctor and Gamble had over $100 worth of coupons with a good smart source. The September All You Magazine is out at Walmart and stores are putting out their monthly coupon books.

Just remember to stay organized. I let things pile up recently and it took me all day to get it back in order. Lots of cleaning out, clipping and organizing. Adjusting to the everyday changing of lifestyles, keep us on our toes and makes us appreciate what we have. Don't take things for granted because you just might not have it tomorrow.

Recycle and Helping Out

Yeah, I know its been awhile.  Has everyone adjusted to the school schedule yet?  I haven't.  And as soon as I do, my youngest will start as her first day is not until after Labor Day.  I am looking forward to the three hours I will have to myself though.

I am not a pack rat and I do not like having clutter in my house.  Much to my husband's dismay, I throw things away almost prematurely.  But I do have an issue with trashing things that could be reused by someone else.  Especially, clothes and shoes my kids barely wear.  Thankfully, I have friends that I can pass these on to.  The other thing I have an issue with are expired coupons.  But after some research, I found that we can pass these on to a military base because they are allowed to use them.  I went to southernsavers.com and found a ton of information on how to do this.  I adopted a military base in Okinawa, Japan and simply mailed them today for just $4.95.  The website listed step by step instructions and the clerk at the post office was very helpful.

Here are the basics:

Adopt a Base.  Go to the link on the website and it will lead you to a list of bases available for adoption.  Or you can just use the following base that I have already adopted under the organization of Coupon Connectionz.
Okinawa, Japan (USAF)
Family Services Program
18 MSS/DPF
Unit 5134, Box 80
APO AP 96368-5134
*There was not a particular reason I chose this one, except that I had a cousin who was born in Okinawa.

Two months max on expired coupons on the date of shipment.  They can use them for 6 months after but since volunteers at the base must process the coupons once they arrive and get them out to be used we have to leave enough time for the families to sort through them as well.

Use Priority Mail Supplies.  I used a Flat Rate Envelope.  You will also need an address label and USPS Customs Declaration Form 2976-A (This you will have to get from the mail clerk).  On the address label, I addressed it from Coupon Connectionz with my home address.  On the Form 2976-A fill it out as follows:  1=Manufacturers Coupons 2=Pkg 4=$0.00 5=Gift

Then take to the post office and mail it out.  As I said, it only cost me $4.95.  I also got supplies for the next round of expired coupons while I was there.

Let me know how it goes.  It actually felt good to send these off in the hope that maybe someone else could use them.

Where Have I Been?

Oh my, it has been a while since I posted.  And I am so sorry about that.  This has been a crazy summer for us.  Between ballparks and fun, then we have all been sick.  But I'm back and I have so much to tell you here. So, hang in there.
 
The first thing is some exciting news.  As I have mentioned before, I tried to shop my major groceries bi-monthly when my husband gets paid.  This past pay day, instead of the old days of paying over $300, I only spent $48 and I got $1.05 off of my fuel.  So cool.  It was a very successful month of June for the Wales family. And it can and will be for you as well.  I have only been couponing for a month now as we started in May.  I mentioned before that my husband said that we are not "Extreme Couponers, we are Smart Shoppers."  That is so true.  We shop according to what is on sale and use our coupons.  We do not buy something just because it is on sale if we do not use it.  That is wasting money to me.  But if it is a product that we use often, I try to stock up on it.  The second cool thing that happened is that CVS sent me via email $2.00 in ECBs for my spring savings and $2.00 for purchasing OFF products.  I already had $2.00 in ECBs from an earlier purchase.  So off to CVS I went to get some Huggies wipes, (yes I still use wipes even though I do not have babies, because of those little emergencies in the car to clean faces and hands before public appearances).  The wipes were on sale for $5.99, the ECBs totaled $6.00 and so you guessed it, I only paid taxes on the wipes. I just love it when I get free stuff.

So here is what I really want to get in to.  You may have already done this or are planning this as we speak.  But I will mention it anyway.  If you are planning a vacation, stock up now for your trip or shop from your stock pile and you will save some big time money.  Make a list of things you will need for your trip and start putting those things together.  Of course, it is more to pack, but think of the money and time you will save once you get to your destination.  Sunscreen, snacks, laundry detergent, plastic cups, paper towels, paper plates, etc.  There are so many other things to mention.  Of course, save the food and cold stuff to purchase there.  Bring your coupons with you on your trip as well, you may run in to a place that actually doubles coupons as well.  One thing I did not mention on the list, this just may be my OCD kicking in, I always bring bathroom cleaning products, just cannot stand the thought of my kids getting into a bath tub that I have not cleaned.  I know you all get me on that!

When you get back, guess what?  It will be time to get ready for school.  I know, I'm not ready to deal with that either.  I know that Academy has uniforms out now and have seen emails from Old Navy and The Children's Place.  Let's help each other out with the sales on uniforms and schools supplies to try and make this as painless as possible.

Miss you guys and I know we need to get together soon.  I have been asked to have another meeting soon and would love to do that.  What I need is for you guys to get with your friends and ask them if they would like to come.  I need a headcount and a date.  We will find a location and let you know as soon as we can.

Now for a personal favor.  My family puts on a memorial softball tournament in honor of my father-in-law. His name is Johnny Wales.  The tournament will be held on July 16th at the Zachary Youth Park.  We will need volunteers to work in the concession stand.  It is air conditioned and we will only work you in 2 hour shifts or whatever you can do.  If you are interested, please let me know.  You can go to "The Johnny Wales Scholarship" page on facebook and like it, and let us know.  Thank you so much.  We truly appreciate it.

Look at your sale ads...

Look at your sale ads this week:

Winn-Dixie has several products with bonus fuelperks and lots of b1g1 offers. On the back of the ad is buy 1 Gain 2x liquid laundry detergent and get 4 items free. They include Clorox Oxi Magic spray, Winn-Dixie ultra bleach, 64 oz Gain liquid fabric softener, and 40 ct Gain fabric softener sheets.

If you shop at LeBlanc's Food Stores...They are having a mix or match 8 for $8. Tons of products available. Use your coupons with the great sale and you could get some very inexpensive items.

CVS has 4 12 pack Cokes for $13. You receive $3 extra care bucks to use at a later purchase. All laundry detergent $3.99 with card and with a manufacture coupon of $1, you pay $2.99. Feminine products are on sale and there are always lots of coupons available. Ban deodorant is $2.99. There was a coupon in the Sunday paper for $.75 off and they have $2.00 in extra care bucks to use at a later purchase. It is great to go to a store and have them pay you money to shop.

And last but not least, Walgreens. B1G1 on several personal care products. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor System $9.89, $4 coupon that was in the Sunday paper, and $5 register rewards to use at a later purchase.

Get yourself organized and try. You never know how you will do if you don't just step out there and try.

Have you started saving?

I'm back after a much needed "mini" vacation with my husband.  I promised him that I would not use the phone, internet or anything while we were away.  Wow, I have had so much to do since we got home and have been on the computer all afternoon.

I'm interested to know how many have started saving and what did you score while I was gone.  A very good friend of mine actually started using some of the coupon techniques we discussed on Monday night and saved $41 at the drugstores and $68 at the grocery store.  She also saved $21 at the gas station.  Good job, Mrs. Patti.  I knew you could do it.

So, it is easy to undertake this task.  Just do your research and plan, plan, plan.  Then get started.  If any of you feel like you want to get together again or know of others who would be interested in a coupon workshop, please let me know.  We had such a great turn out on Monday, I look forward to meeting new faces.

I have to thank some special people for their help.  Jennifer - you did an awesome job and thank you for my special treat.  Wendy - Thank you for setting up the location and then setting up the room.  Your input was and is greatly appreciated.  Tina - Thanks for being there to support me and for keeping the humor going.  Monique - Loved the bread, thanks so much.  You guys are the best.

Will update again soon.  I have some great information on a playgroup that a good friend of mine set up.  Do not forget to check your coupon websites for printables.

Thank you!!

I just wanted to put a quick thank you to all who came to the couponing class/swap. We both appreciate your support and we love helping others. Especially helping others save money. I am very busy this week with vacation bible school, but I promise I will make a point to post a few good deals this week.

Why the title?

It has been such a crazy weekend already.  Ball parks all day yesterday, practice today and laundry always.

I actually have been wanting to let you all in on why this blog is titled the way it is.  Really, is it that hard, is a question that I ask myself on a daily basis.  I worked for one company for 15+ years as a Benefits Administrator and I can promise that this career as a mom is far more challenging.  I have self declared myself as the Chief Family Officer of the Wales Family and it is a title I wear proudly.  Everything is handled by me and I run this family's life as a business.  There are schedules, routines, rules and procedures.  And the best part about it, is that my family is not affected by it adversely.  They do not know what goes on behind the organization that it takes to "get things done."  But what they do know is that Momma's got it.  Just ask Momma.  And you know what, that is the best feeling ever.  So when a challenge arises, I ask, Really, Is it that hard?  And the answer is no, I will figure it out.  I accepted the challenge to save money, therefore I started couponing and watching sales.  Anything our kids want or that will benefit them in some way, we always find a way to make it happen.  So we push up are sleeves and we get busy.  I do second guess myself and wonder if it can be done, thats human nature.  But I accepted this job and I give it my all at all times.  This is the best job ever!  There is no vacation, no sick days, no days off with pay, and well, no pay.  But it is my job and I love it.  I get paid with hugs and kisses, I love you and thanks.  I know it is all worth it.

I challenge you to face your challenges head on.  Ask yourself the question and then accomplish the task.  You will do it.  You have to, your family is depending on you.  I heard this on the radio and thought it was so good that I have to share it.  Ask yourself, what is bigger:  my storm or My God.  I thank God everyday because I prayed for this family life and I got it by His grace.

That is what the blog is for.  We are currently on the task of coupons.  But feel free to comment on anything regarding the joys and difficulties of being a mom.  We all need each other and any tips that would help.

Enjoy your Sunday and I hope to see you at the Coupon meeting tomorrow night.

Meeting

After such an awesome response to the blogs, Jennifer and I have put together a meeting/coupon swap.  We will get together on Monday June 6th at 6:00 pm at Zachary Fellowship Church.  Please enter on the far left side of the building.  This is an excellent opportunity for us all to meet, educate and swap coupons.  Bring pen and paper and we will be happy to give you all our money saving tips.  I hope to see you there.

What to expect.

Just to let you know that blogs will usually be updated late at night or early in the morning.  Jennifer and I both have to wait until the kids are in bed or not up yet just to get our minds right and keep focused.

I am very pleased with the response we are getting about this blog.  Not only are people wanting to get involved and educated but they are also offering some great tips.  I am more than happy to repost those tips as it will help everyone.  This is an email that one of my friends sent to me via facebook.  She saves money by buying in bulk:


Sorry I haven't read your blog yet but I love coupons myself... I also go to SAMs and buy some things in bulk (rice, sugar, dry goods) way cheaper (50lb bag of rice about $20, 25lb bag of sugar about $20 and I seal it in food sealer bags (dry goods last about 2 yrs if stored right) I cut my bags to the size I want... Like a 5lb bag of sugar (that's what I would buy when I shop) I store it away...I have enough sugar rice etc..to last a year or so..that way I don't have to buy it every time I go shopping even when there's a sale or coupon for something u can seal it and it last longer...I just saw ur thing about coupons and thought I'd tell u what I do maybe can save some $ and time with ur mad skills of couponing also!!!!! :)


Thanks Amy.


Today in the mail there was a Red Plum insert.  If you did not receive it, you probably should go to redplum.com and register to receive mail outs.  I also printed many coupons off of the internet.  Cereal is very common right now and insect repellant.  Winn Dixie also sent out their weekly ad and I saw many good sales.  I am now planning my next shopping trip.  If you like Kelloggs cereals, sign up at their website.  There are many coupons there.  




Lastly, Jennifer and I would like to plan a meeting for people who are interested in saving money, getting educated and sharing coupons.  As of right now the meeting will be Monday, June 6th.  The location and time has not been set yet, but it will be in the evening.  We will update you as soon as we get that information.  Get your Sunday paper this weekend and cut coupons.  Keep what you like and save the rest to bring Monday.  We are going to show you how to organize and get the most out of your savings.  Leave a comment here and let me know if you are interested.  You can also inbox either myself or Jennifer on facebook.  

Know your store policies

Know each of your store policies concerning coupons. Every store is generally different and policies change frequently. These are a few I found for stores frequented by shoppers. A tip is to keep a current copy of the policies for stores you shop in your binder.


Walmart Coupon Policy

We gladly accept the following types of coupons*
•Print-at-home internet coupons◦Must be legible
◦Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
◦Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
◦Must have a valid expiration date
◦Must have a scannable bar code
◦Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons with a specified price
◦Are acceptable in black and white or color
◦May not be duplicated

•Manufacturers' coupons◦For dollar/cents off
◦For free items (except those printed off the Internet)
◦Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons
◦Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
◦Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
◦Must have a valid expiration date
◦Must have a scannable bar code
◦May not be duplicated

•Competitors' coupons
◦A specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99
◦Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons for items with a specified price
◦Have a valid expiration date
◦Are acceptable in black and white

•Soft drink container caps
•Checkout coupons ("Catalinas")◦Printed at our competitors' registers for dollar/cents off on a specific item
◦Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" with specific item requirements printed on them
◦Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
◦Must have a valid expiration date
◦Must have a scannable bar code
◦Are acceptable in black and white
◦May not be duplicated


We DO NOT accept the following coupons:
•Checkout coupons◦Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase
◦Percentage off the entire basket purchase

•Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase
•Competitors' coupons ◦Dollars/cents off at a specific retailer
◦Percentage off
◦Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified price
◦Double- or triple-value coupons


*The following are guidelines and limitations:
•We only accepts coupons for merchandise that we sell.
•Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase.
•Only one coupon per item.
•Item purchased must be identical to the coupon (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc).
•There is no limit on the number of coupons per transaction.
•Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration.
•If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied toward the basket purchase.
•SNAP items purchased in a SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back.
•WIC items purchased in a WIC transaction are applied to the basket purchase and may not be eligible for cash back. Refer to state-specific WIC guidelines.
•Great Value, Marketside, Equate, Parents Choice, and World Table coupons have no cash value and are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
•The system will prompt for supervisor verification for:◦40 coupons per transaction.
◦A coupon of $20 or greater on one item.
◦$50 or more in coupons in one transaction.



Target Stores Coupon Policy

Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it's easy to use them at our stores.

• Target accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item (unless prohibited)
• Super Target coupons can be used in any Target store if the store carries the item
• We gladly accept valid internet coupons

Because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target.

When accepting coupons, we use the following guidelines:

• We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer-issued.
• We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
• Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.
• We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
• We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
• All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you're checking out.



Walgreens coupon policy

As a customer-focused retailer, Walgreens encourages the use of coupons by our customers in our retail stores, in accordance with the following guidelines.

Guidelines:
General
*All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of checkout.
*Walgreens does not accept expired coupons.
*Coupons and their face value cannot be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
*Competitor coupons are not accepted at Walgreens.
*Walgreens cannot accept coupons for items not carried in our stores.
*The number of manufacturer coupons, including Register RewardsTM manufacturer coupons, may not exceed the number of items in the transaction. The total value of the coupons may not exceed the value of the transaction. Sales tax must be paid, if required by state law.
*Any coupon offer not covered in these guidelines will be accepted at the discretion of Walgreens management.
*Sale Items
*Walgreens will accept manufacturer coupons for an item that is on sale.
*In the event that any item's selling price is less than the value of the coupon, Walgreens will only accept the coupon in exchange for the selling price of the item. Coupon redemption can never exceed the selling price of an item and no cash back is ever provided in exchange for any coupons.
*Multiple Coupons
*When purchasing a single item, Walgreens accepts one manufacturer coupon and applicable *Walgreens coupon(s) for the purchase of a single item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.
*The coupon amount must be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon value).
*When purchasing multiple items, Walgreens accepts multiple identical coupons for multiple qualifying items as long as there is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers, unless a limit is specified. Management reserves the right to limit the quantity of items purchased.
*Buy One, Get One Free Coupons
*When items are featured in a Buy One, Get One Free promotion, up to two coupons can be used against the items being purchased, as long as the net price does not go below zero for the items being purchased.
*Sales tax must be paid for any Buy One, Get One Free coupon offers, if required by applicable state laws.
*Internet/Print at Home Coupons
*Walgreens accepts valid internet/print at home coupons.
*Register RewardsTM coupons
*Earning Register RewardsTM

Register RewardsTM will only print for in-stock merchandise during the promotional period.
Register RewardsTM can only be earned for eligible items. No substitutions.
There is a limit of one Register RewardsTM (RR) printed per offer per customer per transaction.
Customers redeeming a Register RewardsTM against the same offer may not receive another RR.
Redeeming Register RewardsTM

Customers redeeming a Register RewardsTM against the same offer may not receive another RR.
Refer to Register RewardsTM coupon for expiration date.
The RR coupon value cannot exceed the total purchase amount. No cash back and no cash value for RR coupon.
The number of manufacturer coupons, including RR manufacturer coupons, must not exceed the number of items in the transaction.
Register RewardsTM must be forfeited if the qualifying merchandise is returned.
Register RewardsTM cannot be used toward the purchase of gift cards and pre-paid cards.
Register RewardsTM can be redeemed for eligible items only. Ineligible items include but are not limited to:

Prescriptions
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Dairy products
Lottery tickets
Money orders/transfers
Transportation passes
Special event/entertainment tickets or passes
Postage stamps
Gift cards/phone cards/prepaid/Green DotTM cards
Prescription Savings Club" memberships
Health care services, including immunizations
Any items prohibited by law

Stocking Up and Self Control

If you have not read Jennifer's blog on this, you really should.  She definitely hit this subject right on target.  My thoughts are the same but I would like to add a few things.  This is a touchy subject to some and it should be.  Many may think that if the product is there why not get all of it and I will not have to purchase for a long time.  I get that.  I have used that excuse.  But we have to remember that a lot of people are trying to save money too and if we wipe the shelves, they would not reap the benefits also.  I have tried to keep the mindset that I will only get what I need to last me until the next sale period.  Which is probably around 6 weeks.  Also, if you keep purchasing items that are not truly necessary, then you will end up spending the same as you were before coupons.  So what is the use?  I do not want you or even myself to become discourage when there are no obvious changes in savings.  But remember when you do stock up on items,  the next time you "have" to grocery shop, that is less you will spend because you already have it.

Now for some basic information.  Unfortunately, there was not an insert this week for coupons.  I know I was disappointed as well.  But, there are some great savings at Walgreens, CVS, and the Dollar Store.  Just pay attention to the prices of your favorite things so you will know what is and is not a good price.  Okay, call me the example queen, but here I go again.  Dollar Store had Capris for $2.00.  So does Winn Dixie but you get money toward fuel perks.  So I chose to buy them at Winn Dixie.

To get updates on whether we will be honored with coupons in the paper,  sign up with previewsundaycoupons.com.  That way you will know what is coming and not be surprised when you purchase a paper.  Just remember that the weekly ads are there as well.  So it is not wasted money as you can plan your drugstore trips.   Also check your websites for printable coupons.  redplum.com, coupons.com, and smartsource.com.

Do not forget to purge your coupons for expirations.  Another great idea on coupons you do not need:  cut them anyway because someone you know may use them.  Just save them in a separate place.  My sister-in-law went through mine and she found coupons on things she uses.  Knowing this, I can cut coupons her favorites.  By the way she did great at Walgreens by getting 4/12 packs of drinks for only $5.

Don't discount the dollar stores

Don't forget about your dollar stores. Family Dollar and Dollar General offer great sale items at times. Both stores take MF coupons, but Family Dollar has store coupons too. They both sell name brand products in smaller quantities. For instance, I went to Family Dollar yesterday just to look. I found Cascade Action Pacs that were normally $4.75 for a pack of 20. This is cheaper than most places anyway, but they were on sale for $3.50. I had a store coupon for $.50 off and a MF coupon for $1.50 off. In the end I walked out with a pack of 20 for $1.50. It is not extreme, but a few dollars here and a few dollars there can add up quickly.

Some people coupon not necessarily to save money. It is the thrill of the game to see how much you can get for much less. It can be both. Just remember moderation. Most of us do not have extra rooms in our houses for the next big deal. If you get something for free that you do not need/use don't forget about local shelters or food pantries.

"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" Proverbs 21:20

(A proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy. The desire to keep up and to accumulate more pushes them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for when he/she may have less. God approves of foresight and restraint.)

My Stores

This has been one crazy day. But I did score some items very cheap. As I have mentioned before about the kids, I did have mine and ended up buying some extra unneeded things just to keep them happy.
There are three stores that I shop at. I know you are thinking it is crazy to drive around and use your gas. But it is not that bad because I go to Walgreens, Winn Dixie, and CVS.  Plus I will tell you how to get your money back on gas later in this blog.

Walgreens: This is great place to shop. There are weekly ads and also a booklet in the store with their store coupons. You can stack these with manufacturer coupons (MF) on items that are already on sale. Plus, if you purchase indicated items with register rewards (RR) you get paid for shopping. You can use these RR on your next purchase. It prints on a register receipt and looks similar to a coupon. Also, these do expire so make sure you use them as soon as you can. Don't throw away this opportunity. The best way to explain this is to give an example. This actually happened with me. I bought a new razor for my husband.  It was 9.89 with a $5 RR.  I also had a $4 off coupon from the Sunday paper, so I only paid $4.89 for the razor.  I then purchased Tide Liquid detergent that was on sale for $5.99, used a MF coupon for .35 and the RR for $5 and only paid .64. Pretty great deal if I should say so myself. You do not have to fill out any paperwork to receive this benefit and there are no cards to carry.

CVS: Basically, the same concept as Walgreens. The difference being you do have to sign up to reap the benefits. My advice to you is to go into the store and fill out the paperwork there. You can start using the card immediately. After getting your card, go and scan it at the coupon center to receive some in store coupons. Oh and scan it twice. That is the max it will let you scan. Shop for items with Extra Care Bucks (ECB) to use on your next purchase. This prints at the bottom of the receipt in a bar code. You also get a summary of everything on the receipt of past purchases or ECB totals. And yes, I have a great example. I purchased toilet paper and received $5 in ECBs. I then bought my husband's shampoo that so happened to be on sale 2 for $4.99. So I used my ECBs and paid for sale tax only. I call that free and an awesome score.

The best tip when using either of these stores is to make sure you separate your transactions.  I purchase my items with RR or ECBs first and then use those RRs or ECBs on the next transaction.  And the next tip is to plan ahead.  It is better to go in knowing how to use these benefits to their fullest potential.

And last and certainly not least, Winn Dixie.  Yes I know that Winn Dixie costs a little bit more, but, and this is a very big but,  I want to shop at a store that is willing to pay me back for shopping with them.  And if you do not already know, it is with fuel perks.  Love those fuel perks.  You have to fill out paperwork here too.  If you have a Winn Dixie Rewards Card already, check and make sure there is a fuel perk on the card (it is yellow at the bottom right side of the card).  If you do not have that, go and sign up again to make sure you have the correct card.  I cannot really explain how the fuel perks thing works except to say, you get a discount per gallon up to 20 gallons for every $50 you spend.  You can get additional fuel perks on certain items in the store.  So, here I go again with another scenario.  I am a show me kind of person and the best way for me to learn is to do it myself.  The Shell stations in town accept the Winn Dixie Card.  Swipe the card first and it automatically indicates your discounted price per gallon.  Then swipe your method of payment.  Quick tip:  it does not work as debit card purchase.  So run it as a credit card.  You also have to get all twenty gallons at one time.  (Thanks Wendy for all of this info).  I paid $2.15 per gallon instead of the $3.85 regular price.  Winn Dixie also has a book inside the store with store coupons.  As you walk in, it is on the right on a table by the registers.  Keep in mind you have to cut these yourself.  Cashiers will not do it for you.  So pack those scissors in that binder.

So that is how I roll.  Additional information for you:  all of these places have Apps for your smartphone.  You can view your weekly ads and actually make a grocery list by it.  Love this as I am such an electronic geek.  Plus, it is beyond convenient.  Also check out their websites as you can do the same thing there and it updates your phone.  Lastly, there is an App that you can scan all your cards, even Library cards.  No more digging around in your purse.  It is called key ring.  I actually had a little problem with the scan part so I manually input my information.  It worked at Winn Dixie, but I have not tried it at CVS yet.

I bet you noticed I did not mention Wal-Mart.  The truth is I only go in there if I absolutely have to.  Wal-Mart does not offer any incentives for me shopping there.  They match competitors advertisements and take manufacturer coupons.  To me, it is too much of a hassle to bring in my weekly ads and match up each item.  I have bought things such as air filters and thats because they had the best price.

So all of this being said, please note that this works for me.  It may not be ideal for you and you may even have some suggestions.  These are sincerely welcome.  Please post in the comment section and I will be happy to blog it.    

A Few Tips

Today I went shopping without kids in tow and without a time crunch (very rare). I learned a few lessons with the stores here in Zachary, LA that I would like to share.

1. If you shop at LeBlancs Grocery, be prepared to be a while at the check out counter. They are very particular about the coupons used. They read every word on each one. Lesson is to follow the instructions on the coupons you use. One per purchase, one per customer, one per transaction. Just pay attention.

2. You only need one store coupon for items at Walgreens. If you buy 3 of the same item and have a store coupon, one scanned coupon will apply for all 3 items. Remember you can use multiple manufacturer coupons with multiple items. Stack them together for maximum savings.

3. Take your time and organize before heading out to minimize the stress.

The challenge of finding the good deals can be fun. Any savings is good. It is money in your pocket.

Fwd: CVS

Shera Wales

Begin forwarded message:

From: Shera Wales <sherawales@cox.net>
Date: May 28, 2011 12:13:32 PM CDT
To: Blog <sherawales.3prayersanswered@blogger.com>
Subject: CVS

So I went to CVS this am. At the coupon center it prints a coupon on a green tag for free. I'll take it if it is free. I had no idea what it was so I asked. This tag cost $.99 but with the coupon it is free. Every time you go into CVS you scan the card and for every 4th visit you get $1 extra care bucks. So check it out. I personally think it is worth it.

Shera Wales

How I do it.

The kids are fed, bathed and in bed.  Still have laundry to fold, but I thought it will wait.  I do not know about others but laundry does not stop here.  So there will be plenty to do tomorrow.

So I started to coupon just this month.  My husband and I were extremely frustrated with spending over half of his check on groceries.  Then we watched a TV show on TLC called Extreme Couponing.  I'm sure many have seen it and probably think as I do, "Who needs 97 bags of croutons.  Not me."  But what I do need is to save as much as possible on the things we do need.  Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc.  So I got to work.  I like research and believed I could figure it all out.  It also helps that my husband is totally involved with it.  So, I will list some things I did to get started.  I'm not saying my way is the best, it just happens to work for me.

1.  Check out coupon websites.  I mean the ones that educate you on how to.  Some of my favorites are couponing101.com, and southernsavers.com.  I really like southern savers the best because the author tells you exactly where to go for printable coupons.  She has stores in the south listed and their weekly ads.  Also, you can make a grocery list and it will tell you exactly what coupons to use and where to find them.  She also posts tutorial videos.  I receive updates via email to let me know when there are new coupons.

2.  Get organized.  However you feel most organized do it.  I chose the binder method, because I like to know what I have and be able to see it.  It does take some time to set up but in the end it is worth it.  Definitely get one that is a zipper.  You do not want your coupons falling out.  If you go to the websites listed above they will explain how to do it.

3. Get coupons.  Sunday papers and friends or family are the best sources.  I have printed some online as well.  Good sites to go to are redplum.com and coupons.com.  There are more I am sure but if the site wants to know your mother's maiden name, well that's a little too much information for me.

4.  Check your weekly ads.  I cannot believe I used to throw these things away.  Match weekly sales with coupons and store coupons to get your best deals.  You need to know your prices but that comes with practice.  I do know that sales in the South run about every 6 weeks.  So if your family uses one box of cereal a week, buy six boxes to last you to the next sale.

5. Shop.  Best advice here is to go without the kids.  I know sometimes this is not possible but if you can do so.  It helps to not be distracted.  Choose your favorite store and shop there.  I have found that if I buy toiletries and paper products at a drugstore I save more money.  I will post more later of the stores I use and how to maximize your savings.  When you check out, make sure to watch the register if you can.  I have missed several things because I did not do this.  Thankfully, the store has been forgiving as well as my husband who says its just because I am still learning.

Well that is pretty much it.  I will keep sending tips and answer your questions.  Remember that I am new at this too and maybe we could figure it all out together.  A little bit of bad news that I must add, in Louisiana there aren't any stores that double coupons.  So forget about getting 97 croutons for free.  But you can still save tons of money.  My last shopping trip I saved over 54%.  I call that a success.  

Most Important Job

I guess this is my introduction.  I do not, for the life of me, know why I am doing this.  I guess it is more or less to pass on information and/or support to my fellow moms.  I have noticed that as soon as I get any information or tips, I have to let my friends in on it (not gossip, people).  All of which takes several phone calls and/or texts.  So we will see if this makes it any easier.  Along with my many tasks as chief family officer, I have really jumped in to coupons.  Yes, I am hooked on Extreme Couponing, too.  Anything that will save my family money, I am up for.  So that is why I am here.  And as I type, beds need to be made and laundry needs to be put in the dryer, and dinner is in the oven.
I will post as soon as I can, and I hope that I can get my friends to follow me and post their own advice and questions.