CVS Coupon Policy

CVS has FINALLY released their coupon policy! I really encourage you to go here and print a copy of this policy.

A few highlights from the policy:

-CVS won't accept expired coupons
-CVS will not give overage for your coupons, but they will adjust the coupon down to the price of the item you are purchasing.
-CVS will combine a man. coupon and CVS coupon for the purchase of a single item.
-CVS will accept valid internet coupons.

The coupon policy does not address Buy one Get one FREE sales. It seems like this will be left up to individual stores (or even cashiers) as to how they will handle those. Some CVS stores will allow you to use a BOGO coupon on a BOGO sale allowing you to get 2 items completely free. Some CVS stores will allow you to use 2 money off coupons during a BOGO sale.

Thanks Hip2Save!

High Value Coupon for Skittles

Go here to print a coupon for $1.00 off 2 bags of Skittles. This coupon is good on the individual sized bags.

Even though this coupon is found on the target website, it is a manufacturer's coupon that can be used at any store that accepts printable coupons.

Many stores regularly put individual candy on sale for $0.50 a bag, so with the right sale we might be able to get FREE candy.

It might not seem like it, but it's never too early to start stocking up on candy for Halloween or Christmas stockings.

Thanks Totally Target!

Unadvertised Deals at HEB

I found a few unadvertised deals at HEB today that I thought you might be interested in.

Nivea Women's or Men's Body Wash/Shower Gel $3.97
-use HEB coupon for $1.00 off Nivea Body Wash/Shower Gel (yellow in store "B" coupon...expires 9/13)
-AND use coupon for $2.00 off Nivea Women's Body Wash (found in 7/31 RedPlum insert)
-OR use coupon for $1.00 off Nivea Men's Body Wash (found in 7/31 RedPlum insert)
Final Price: As low as $0.97

BUY:
Fresh Express Crisp Lettuce Blend Salad
GET FREE:
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
(Expires 9/20)
When I was at HEB there were several bags of Fresh Express Salad that were price reduced to $0.99, so $0.99 for salad and dressing...a pretty great deal. Some of you may have coupons for $1.00 off Fresh Express Salad from Vocalpoint. If you have those coupons, then you might be able to get both items completely FREE!

BUY:
Philly Cooking Cream
GET FREE:
Kraft Sour Cream
(Expires 9/20)
The Philly Cooking Cream was on sale for $1.50. It seems like there was a coupon for $0.75 off the Cooking Cream on www.coupons.com last month. I don't see it there anymore, but if you happened to print it when it was available, you'll be able to get both items for $0.75.

Please let me know if you find any great unadvertised deals at HEB.

CVS Shopping Trip (September 8)

I had $2.00 Extra Care Bucks that were about to expire at CVS, so I decided to make my weekly trip to CVS and see if I could find a way to roll my ECBs. I purchased everything above and spent $0.62 and I earned $1.99 Extra Care Bucks.

2 Ritz Munchables $1.00 each (These were included in the summer clearance. They are going to expire soon, so they marked them down)
-used 2 coupons for $1.00 off Ritz Munchables (found here)
Final Price: FREE

1 Milky Way Candy Bar $0.79
-used CVS coupon for FREE Milky Way or Dove Candy Bar (received when I scanned my Extra Care Card at the price scanner)
Final Price: FREE

1 Carefree $1.00
-used coupon for $0.50 off Carefree product (found in 8/21 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: $0.50 and I received a $1.00 ECB

1 Hershey's Air Delight Candy Bar $0.99
Final Price: $0.99 and I received a $0.99 ECB

1 M&M Candy $1.00 (Found in summer clearance. Did you know that these are regularly priced at $3.99...WHAT? My youngest son loves playing with these whenever we go to the store, but I always tell him that they are too expensive. I thought I'd surprise him with one today.)
Final Price: $1.00

I paid with $2.00 ECB, bringing my total down to $0.62, and I received $1.99 in ECBs.

ShoppingTrip for Weekly NEEDS

I went to the store this morning to pick up everything that I will NEED for my family's meals/snacks for the week. I bought everything pictured below and spent...

$18.82.

This isn't your regular, look how much I saved post because these were items that we needed for the week. I will now be able to take the remainder of our weekly grocery budget to stock up on items that are on sale this week.

Fresh produce can really take a chunk out of your grocery budget. I suggest looking through the ads and finding produce that is on sale. This might mean that some weeks you eat a lot of grapes and kiwi, and on other weeks you eat a lot of apples and oranges. When buying produce, focus on what is in season and what is on sale. I generally try to stick to buying produce that is under $0.99/lb.

Produce I purchased this week:

Roma Tomatoes $0.50/lb.
Iceberg Lettuce $0.50
Pears $0.77/lb.
Red Delicious Apples $0.99/lb.
Cantaloupe $0.97
Bananas $0.48/lb.

Do you have any advice on saving money when buying fresh produce?

Albertsons--Inexpensive Old El Paso Products

I mentioned a coupon for $0.50 off one Old El Paso product that was available to print a couple of days ago. I found it here using zip code 12345. This coupon tends to go quickly, so I am not sure if it is still available, but if you didn't print it when I first mentioned it then it never hurts to check for it.

I ran to Albertsons yesterday, and noticed several different prices for Old El Paso products that I thought were worth sharing:

Old El Paso Taco Seasoning $0.99
FREE after $0.50 coupon doubles

Old El Paso Refried Beans $1.25
$0.25 after $0.50 coupon doubles

Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce $1.25
$0.25 after $0.50 coupon doubles

Hot Pockets Coupon--$1.09 a box at Albertsons

Go here to print a coupon for $1.00 off 2 Hot Pockets.

You can use this coupon this week at Albertsons:

Hot Pockets $1.59 (with in ad coupon) (limit 5)
-use $1.00 off 2 coupon
Final Price: $1.09 each wyb 2

Meal Planning

Can you believe that it is already the second week of September? That means that it is time for a new weekly meal plan. Remember to really see your grocery bill go down, you need to have a plan. I encourage you to sit down and make a weekly meal plan. This will allow you to use food you already have on hand and make the most of store specials for the week. After you have shopped for the items your family NEEDS for the week, you can then spend any money you have left over from your budget to stock up on items that are at rock bottom prices. If you are just starting out, then you might not have more than a few dollars to use to stock up on items. Don't get discouraged. After you have been doing this for a few weeks, you should really start to see a big difference in the amount you are spending on needs versus stock up items.

My weekly meal plan:

Thursday (September 8):
Chicken Strips, Potatoes, Salad

Friday (September 9):
BLT Sandwiches, Soup, Carrot Sticks

Saturday (September 10):
Eat at In Laws' House

Sunday (September 11):
Leftovers/Sandwiches

Monday (September 12):
Tacos, Rice and Beans (I didn't cook the tacos that were on the schedule for this past week, so I already have all the ingredients)

Tuesday (September 13):
Bacon Cheeseburger Calzone, Salad

Wednesday (September 14):
Leftovers/Sandwiches

My grocery list for items I NEED for all snacks/meals for the week:
-Milk (2 gallons)
-Lettuce ($0.50--price match Lowe's ad)
-Tomatoes ($0.50/lb.--price match Lowe's ad)
-Pizza Crust
-Sliced Cheese
-Fruit (Bananas, Apples, Pears...any other fruit that is on sale this week)

I should be able to buy all of the items on my list for under $20.00...freeing up the remainder of my budget to stock up on items that are on sale.

What about you? How are you doing with meal planning and shrinking your grocery budget?

Skippy Peanut Butter coupon

Go here to print a coupon for $1.00 off 2 Skippy Peanut Butter.

Now we just need a good sale to go along with the coupon.

Thanks Deal Seeking Mom!

Walgreens--Chex and Bugles only $0.49

Starting on Sunday, September 11th, Walgreens is supposed to have select snacks on sale for $0.99. With the right coupons, we'll be able to snag a bag for under $0.50!

Chex Mix $0.99
-use coupon for $0.50 off Chex Mix (found here, here and here)
Final Price: $0.49

Bugles $0.99
-use coupon for $0.50 off Bugles (found here and here)
Final Price: $0.49

You should be able to print each of these coupons twice per computer...so a total of 6 $0.50 coupons for Chex (2 from each link), and 4 $0.50 coupons for Bugles (2 from each link).

Remember this sale is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 11th, and make sure and double check your Walgreens ad when it comes out to make sure our area is participating in the sale.

If you go to Walgreens and find that your store is out of stock, you can always request a raincheck or price match at Wal-Mart.

The last time I priced these at Wal-Mart, they were regularly priced at $2.18, so $0.49 is a GREAT deal!

Thanks My Litter!

Target--Inexpensive Spaghetti Dinner!

Go here to print a coupon for $1.00 off the purchase of both Market Pantry Pasta Sauce and Dry Pasta.

Market Pantry Pasta Sauce on sale for $1.00
Market Pantry Spaghetti Noodles on sale for $0.99
-use coupon for $1.00 off two
Final Price: $0.99 for both items (around $0.50 each)

This will make for a VERY inexpensive meal for your family. You will be able to print this coupon off twice per computer.

While you are printing off this coupon, you might also want to print a coupon for $0.50 off any Target Cafe item. I love having these coupons on hand when I am shopping with my kids.

Thanks Totally Target!

Albertsons Ad/Coupon Match Up (September 7 - 13)

Albertsons will:
-double coupons up to and including $0.50
-triple coupons up to and including $0.39
-only double/triple up to 4 like coupons per DAY
-accept TWO coupons during a Buy one Get one Free sale (as long as the coupon states $X.XX off ONE product)
-allow you to combine a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon

It looks like it is going to be a pretty good week to shop at Albertsons. Below are the BEST deals this week:

Oscar Mayer Bacon $2.99 (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.55 off Oscar Mayer Bacon (found in Kraft Food and Family Make Today Delicious Booklet...this booklet was available at various stores several months ago)
Final Price: $2.44

Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese $1.99 (when you buy 2) (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.55 off Kraft Shredded Cheese (found in Kraft Food and Family Make Today Delicious Booklet)
Final Price: $1.44

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh or Carving Board $1.99 (when you buy 2) (limit 2)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Oscar Mayer Carving Board Meat (found in 8/7 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: $0.99 (STOCK UP PRICE!)

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets $0.99 (limit 4)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Velveeta Cheesy Skillets (found in 8/21 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: FREE (STOCK UP PRICE!)

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip $2.49 (limit 2)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Kraft Mayo (found in 8/21 SmartSource insert)(I believe this was a regional coupon)
-use coupon for $0.55 off Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip (found in Kraft Food and Family Make Today Delicious Booklet)
Final Price: As low as $1.49

Nabisco Snack Crackers (Triscuits and Wheat Thins pictured) $1.49 (when you buy 2) (limit 4)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Wheat Thins (was available through Facebook a few days ago. If you have this coupon then now is the time to use it.)
Final Price: $0.49 (STOCK UP PRICE!)

Nabisco Ritz Crackers $1.99 (when you buy 2) (limit 2)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Ritz Munchables (if included in sale) (found here)
Final Price: $0.99 (IF Ritz Munchables are included in sale) (STOCK UP PRICE!)

Kraft Salad Dressing $1.98 (limit 4)
-use coupon for $0.55 off 1 Kraft Dressing (found here)
-use coupon for $1.00 off 2 Kraft Dressings (found in 8/28 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: As low as $1.43

A-1 Steak Sauce $2.69 (limit 3)
-use coupon for $1.00 off A-1 Steak Sauce (found in 8/14 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: $1.69

Taco Bell Home Originals Bold & Creamy Sauces $0.69 (limit 2)

Campbell's Chunky Soup $1.50
-use coupon for $0.50 off 2 Campbell's Chunky Soup (found here and in 8/14 SmartSource insert) (will double) (Click on Savings Center Tab to go to coupon)
Final Price: $1.00 each wyb 2

Campbell's Spaghettios $0.59
-use coupon for $0.50 off 5 Campbell's Spaghettios (found here) (will double) (Click on Savings Center Tab to go to coupon)
Final Price: $0.39 each wyb 5

Ocean Spray Sugar Free on the Go Drink Mixes $0.39 with in store man. coupon
Final Price: $0.39 (STOCK UP PRICE!)

IN AD COUPONS:

Campbell's Select Soup $0.99 with in ad coupon (limit 3)
-use coupon for $0.50 off 2 Campbell's Chunky or Select Harvest Soups (found here) (will double) (Click on Savings Center Tab to go to coupon)
Final Price: $0.49 each wyb 2 (ONLY if Select Harvest Soup is included in sale price)

Budget Gourmet Entrees $0.50 with in ad coupon (limit 10)

Propel Enhanced Water $0.49 with in ad coupon (limit 12)

Albertsons Ice Cream $2.49 with in ad coupon (limit 2)

Hot Pockets $1.59 with in ad coupon (limit 5)
-use coupon for $1.00 off 3 Hot Pockets (no longer available to print)
Final Price: $1.26 each wyb 3

Tropicana Orange Juice or Trop50 $2.49 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $1.00 off 2 Tropicana Premium Juice (found in 8/28 RedPlum insert)
Final Price: $1.99 each wyb 2

Fresh Express Salad Blends $1.99 with in ad coupon (limit 3)
-use coupon for $1.00 off Fresh Express Salad Blend (coupon mailed to Vocalpoint members)
Final Price: $0.99

New York Texas Garlic Cheese Toast $1.99 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.55 off New York Brand Frozen Product (found in 8/28 SmartSource insert)
Final Price: $1.44

Rice or Pasta Roni $0.99 with in ad coupon (limit 10)

Frito Lay Cheetos or Fritos $1.88 with in ad coupon (limit 4)

Libby's Canned Fruit $0.99 with in ad coupon (limit 5)
-use coupon for $1.00 off 2 Libby's Fruit Products (found in 8/28 RedPlum insert)
Final Price: $0.49 each wyb 2

Peter Pan Peanut Butter $1.49 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.50 off Peter Pan (found in September All You magazine)(will double)
Final Price: $0.49 (STOCK UP PRICE!)

Hershey's Snack Size Candy $1.88 with in ad coupon (limit 4)

Family Chicken Dinner (8 Pieces Fried or Rotisserie Chicken, 6 Tenders or 12 Hot Wings) $8.99 with in ad coupon (limit 1)

Single Layer Snickers Cake, Carrot, Fudge or German Chocolate $4.99 with in ad coupon (limit 2)

Gain 2x Laundry Detergent $4.99 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $1.00 off 1 Gain Detergent (found in 8/14 RedPlum insert)
Final Price: $3.99

Charmin 9 Roll Bath Tissue $4.99 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.25 off Charmin (found in 8/28 Proctor and Gamble insert) (will triple)
Final Price: $4.24

Bounty Giant Paper Towels (8 roll) $8.99 with in ad coupon (limit 2)
-use coupon for $0.25 off Bounty Paper Towels or Napkins (found in 8/28 Proctor and Gamble insert) (will triple)
Final Price: $8.24

MEAT:

Fresh 80% Lean Ground Chuck $1.98/lb.

Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast $1.98/lb.

Fresh Pork Loin Chops (bone-in) $1.98/lb.

Fresh Pork Loin or Rib Chops (bone-in) Buy one Get one FREE

Premium USDA Choice Beef Bottom Round or Chuck Tender Steaks) Buy one Get one FREE

Premium USDA Choice Beef Boneless Beef Short Ribs Buy one Get one FREE

Fresh Petite Sirloin Steak Buy one Get TWO FREE (with in ad coupon)

Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops (pre-seasoned) Buy one Get TWO FREE (with in ad coupon)

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (pre-seasoned) Buy one Get TWO FREE (with in ad coupon)

Best Deals At Lowe's This Week

I don't know if many of you shop at Lowe's. I have to admit that I have never even been to Lowe's, but I usually find a couple of items in their ad each week that I price match at Wal-Mart.

Below are the best deals I see for the week:

Bone-In Split Chicken Breast $0.99/lb.

Boneless Bottom Round Steak $2.49/lb.

Wrapped Iceberg Lettuce $0.50

Red Ripe Roma Tomatoes $0.50/lb.

Hot 'N Spicy Jalapeno Peppers $0.50/lb.

Lowe's White Bread $0.46

HEB Ad/Coupon Match Up (September 7 - 13)

MEAL DEAL:

BUY:
HEB Fully Cooked Burgers
GET FREE:
HEB American Singles
HEB Corn Chips
HEB Soft Drink (2 liter)
Brainy Baby or Glitter Bugs Book

COMBO LOCOS:

BUY:
Gatorade or G2 (6 pack)
GET FREE:
HEB Quench or Quench Fit (6 pack)

BUY:
Guerroro Fresqui-Ricas Tortillas (16 ct.)
-use coupon for $1.00 off any Guerrero Product (found here)
GET FREE:
HEB Par-Baked Tortillas (10 ct.)

BUY:
1 lb. of HEB New Harvest Wild Gulf Shrimp
GET FREE:
Good Cook Plastic Shrimp Tool

BUY:
Gain 2x or Cheer 2x Liquid or Gain or Cheer Powder Laundry Detergent
-use coupon for $1.00 off any Gain Detergent (found in 8/14 RedPlum insert)
-use coupon for $0.50 off any Cheer Detergent (found in 8/14 RedPlum insert)
GET FREE:
Clorox Liquid Bleach

BUY:
HEB Intensely Sweet Corn (4 pack)
GET FREE:
Shedd's Spread Country Crock

BUY:
Gorton's Skillet Crisp Tilapia Fillets, Premium Tilapia Flounder, or Shrimp Temptations
-use coupon for $1.00 off 2 Gorton's Products (found here)
GET FREE:
Heinz Premium Tartar Sauce
Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

BUY:
HEB Premium Quality Pre-Sliced Turkey or Roast Beef
GET FREE:
HEB Premium Quality Deli Flats

BUY:
Orchid Professional Nail Lacquer
GET FREE:
HEB Beauty Tool Implement ($3.00 or less)

BUY:
Playtex Sippy Cup
GET FREE:
HEB Baby Juice

BUY:
2 Enfamil Premium Infant Powder Formulas
-If you have a young child, you might have received a $5.00 check good towards Enfamil Powder.
GET FREE:
HEB $5.00 Gift Card

BUY:
Depend Value Pack Underwear
-use coupon for $2.00 off Depend Underwear (found here)
GET FREE:
Kleenex Facial Tissue

BUY:
Beneful Dry Dog Food (3.5 to 34.2 lbs.)
-use coupon for $2.00 off Purina Beneful Healthy Fiesta (found in 8/7 SmartSource insert)
GET FREE:
2 Beneful Prepared Meals Wet Dog Food

BUY:
3 Nestle or Wonka Peg Bags, Theater Boxes, or 8 pack Fun Size Candy
GET 4th FREE

BUY:
Healthy Ones Lunchmeat
GET FREE:
Disney Pixar Ratatouille Book

BUY:
Hill Country Fare Mac 'N Cheese (4 pack cups)
GET FREE:
Children's Die Cut Book

BUY:
2 HEB Honey Nut Toasted Oats Cereal
GET FREE:
1, 2, 3 Si! Book

BUY:
HEB Orange Juice
GET FREE:
Children's Book from the Richard Scarry's Collection

BUY:
HEBuddy Smoothies (8 pack)
GET FREE:
Shimmer Fairy Board Books

BUY:
Suave Professionals Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler
-use coupon for $1.00 off 2 Suave Professionals Hair Product (found in 8/14 RedPlum insert)
-use coupon for Buy one Suave Professionals Shampoo/Conditioner Get Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo or Styling Product FREE (found in 8/14 RedPlum insert)
GET FREE:
Kyla & Carlos Children's Book

BUY:
Dr. Seuss's Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? Book
GET FREE:
HEB MooTopia Lactose Free Milk

BUY:
Dr. Seuss One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Book
GET FREE:
Fisher Boy Qwik Stix (16 ct.)

OTHER DEALS:

Large Cantaloupe $0.97

California Bartlett Pears $0.77/lb.

Sweet Onions $0.98/lb.

Green Cabbage $0.39/lb.