Coupon Links

I've added the links to printable coupon Groups A, B, C, & Singles and the Alphabetical Coupon Index from GS website to my blog for you. If you haven't checked out the NEW Group C coupons be sure to click the link and take a look. If you haven't been on GS yet this week get on there and check out the deals Albertsons has going on for the next couple of days or see the NEW Vons or CVS lists.

New Lists Coming

Have you checked Grocery Smarts today? I know they have been hard at work to get more store lists up and today is the first time I've actually seen them on the drop down menu. There aren't full lists there yet...but they are coming. I'm soooo excited! I can't wait for the CVS & Sunflower Market lists. But for now I'm looking to shop at Smiths this week because they have better deals on what I need. The ConAgra promo at Albertsons is tempting but they had a similar sale not long ago and I'm pretty stocked up on most of those items. I'm still waiting for a "killer" grocery store sale. We are soooo overdue for one.

Some of My Shopping "Rules"

I have some funny "rules" when I shop. It's basically how much I'm willing to pay for items I want or need. I have put a price limit of what I'll spend on certain items and do so with the help of my Grocery Smarts lists, sales, & coupons. Here are a few:
I never pay more than $1.00 for:

toothpaste/toothbrushes, (usually $0.50 & under or FREE) soup, cake mixes/frosting, pasta, mustard, hand soap, Quaker Quakes, frozen veggies

I never pay more than $1.25 for:

cereal (usually it's under $1), granola bars, fruit snacks, Chex mix, cream cheese, dish soap, plastic food storage bags (Ziploc or Hefty), Goldfish crackers
I never pay more than $1.50 for:
household cleaners, applesauce, Q-tips, syrup, Electrosol, mac & cheese

I never pay more than $1.99lb for:

boneless skinless chicken breast, ground beef, pork chops, roast

I never pay more than $2.00 for:

shredded cheese, tortillas, chocolate chips, razors, deoderant, Cottonelle wipes, Excederin, NyQuil, Lean Pockets, Doritos

I never pay more than $3.00 for:

Diet Coke (12 pack), Tostitos

Do you have crazy shopping "rules" like me? I'd love to hear about them. Leave me a comment or send me an email and tell me what you are spending "limits" are.

Pinching Your Pennies

Want to share deals or post big savings tips? Pinching Your Pennies is an AWESOME forum for doing just that! There isn't a ton of participation yet in the Nevada Forum so I thought I'd do a post to get awareness out there so we can all start using it! Basically, you just register then can share info on extra deals you find as you are out shopping. The Grocery Smarts lists are great, but if you find something extra - this is where you can post it for everyone to see!

I'm always hearing about various deals and sometimes there is just too much info for me to post on this blog. If we all share our info and start using this forum it can be a great smart shopping tool for all of us! I'm excited to see how we can help each other.

Read the guidelines for joining HERE

Link to the NEVADA forum HERE

No Inserts This Week

I know, my paper and junk mail were empty too! There are no inserts scheduled for this week due to the Holiday. Those coupon making folks must need a 3 day weekend so they can rest then stock us up next week. I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get double inserts to make up for it. Hope you had a great Valentine's Day. If you're off with the kids on Monday, enjoy the 3 day weekend & take advantage of some good sales out there.

Smiths

So I ran to Smiths last night and they were out of many 4 & 5 star items on the Grocery Smarts list. I'm happy you guys are out there saving money but...I didn't get everything I had planned on. It's a good lesson for all of us to be prepared to adjust our shopping lists when we get to a store and they are out of the sale items. The main thing is DON'T get frustrated. Many times during sales stores sell out of sale items but will re-stock them during the course of the sale week. DO go back to the store if you are able or check with the manager to see if they will be getting more items in stock. ALWAYS ask for a rain check. I have never - ever had a hassle getting a rain check. Then, I can get that same item for that same price within a week or two when the store has plenty in stock. Here's how my trip went:
I bought these 31 items for $22.00! ($0.70 each!) The total value was $59.05. I saved $37.05. By using my digital coupons & manf coupons I was able to get the Gillette shampoo & Crest toothpaste for FREE!! It was still a good trip even though I didn't buy all of the items I had intended to...but I DID get rain checks!

Missing Papers

Today when I went outside to get my 4 Sunday papers only 3 were there waiting for me. O.K. this is the 3rd time it's happened. It hasn't been consistent...just every few Sundays. No pattern to it. The first time I called the R.J. and they sent another paper over within an hour or two. The 2nd time it happened I thought hmmmm did someone steal one of my papers? I called the R.J. and again they sent over the missing paper. When it happened today I was kinda embarrassed about calling the R.J. again but I did and they couldn't have been any nicer. Seriously they are so sweet and sent my missing paper right over. The woman I spoke to knew I was a subscriber through Grocery Smarts and understood just how darn important those coupons are to me. She said "I know that what your doing really works and that you need all 4 of your papers." Wow! She does KNOW! So if you ever have trouble with your delivery give the R.J. a call and they'll get it fixed for you right away.

2009 Coupon Insert Schedule

Jan 4, 2009 2 Smart Source & 2 Red Plum
Jan 11, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Jan 18, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Jan 25, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Feb 1, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P &G
Feb 8, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Feb 15, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - President's Day
Feb 22, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Mar 1, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P & G
Mar 8, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Mar 15, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Mar 22, 2009 Smart Source ONLY
Mar 29, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Apr 5, 2009 2 Smart source, Red Plum, P & G
Apr 5, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Apr 12, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - Easter
Apr 19, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Apr 26, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

May 3, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
May 10, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
May 17, 2009 2 Smart Source, Red Plum
May 24, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - Memorial Day
May 31, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Jun 7, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P & G
Jun 14, 2009 Smart Source ONLY
Jun 21, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Jun 28, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Jul 5, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - 4th of July (P&G ?)
Jul 12, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Jul 19, 2009 Smart Source ONLY
Jul 26, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Aug 2, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P & G
Aug 9, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Aug 16, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Aug 23, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Aug 30, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Sep 6, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - Labor Day
Sep 13, 2009 Smart Source & 2 Red plum
Sep 20, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Sep 27, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Oct 4, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P & G
Oct 11, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Oct 18, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Oct 25, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum

Nov 1, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum, P & G
Nov 8, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Nov 15, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Nov 22, 2009 Smart Source ONLY
Nov 29, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - Thanksgiving

Dec 6, 2009 Smart Source, Red Plum, P & G
Dec 13, 2009 Smart Source & Red Plum
Dec 20, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - Christmas
Dec 27, 2009 NO INSERTS SCHEDULED - New Years

No Insert Reminder & 2 Red Plums!

Just another reminder that there are no coupon inserts in the RJ Sunday paper 12/21/08 & 12/28/08. I guess Red Plum made up for their 2 weeks of no inserts. I got my junk mail today and lo and behold...2 Red Plum inserts! Actually my sister called and scooped me that she had just got 2 inserts in her mail. Now I'm wondering (& hoping) for 2 SmartSource inserts sometime soon. Guess we'll have to see about that. Even just one insert in the paper will be fine with me...I'm so ready to have inserts again! Be sure to check the Grocery Smarts lists tomorrow for the new store lists.

Expired Coupons

Ever wonder if there was something you could do with your expired coupons instead of throwing them away? Probably not. I've been doing a little research and found a good use for them. Did you know that Military families can use expired manufacturers coupons for up to 6 months after the expiration date? When they are stationed out of the U.S. they don't have access to coupons like we do and rely totally on donated coupons mailed to them. I'm still learning as much as I can because I'd love to mail mine to a family who really needs to save money. Imagine if we didn't have our inserts that are stuffed full of coupons. Sad! If you are interested in donating your expired coupons to Military families do a little searching on the Internet. One website with lots of info and worth a look is http://www.ocpnet.org/. It's another good way to use coupons and a great opportunity to support our Troops & their families.

Coupons Everywhere!

When I teach a Grocery Smarts class I tell everyone that the bulk of our coupons come in the Sunday paper, but that there are coupons everywhere. So in addition to your SmartSources and various (General Mills, Campbell's) inserts in the paper you may get Red Plums or Proctor & Gambles in your junk mail. On the Grocery Smart website there are links to printable coupons and links to different companies that have coupons available as well. But it doesn't stop there. Once your conscious of coupons you will notice them all over the place. I was at the front desk of the local Rec Center signing my daughter up for Romper Room and there was a stack of $1.50 off coupons for Clorox cleaning products. The receptionist told me to take as many as I wanted. WHHAAAA? Are you kidding me? In keeping with RULE #2 of my class (have enough coupons for each member of your family...) I took 4 then grabbed another one because I could and I use those products all the time. You can buy All You magazine at Wal-Mart and it's filled with great coupons. I like to give these to my hostesses as gifts. Here's what it looks like:
The little booklet on the right was near a display of baking items at Albertsons. They sometimes have booklets like these around the store. I always pick 'em up to check for coupons or good recipes and take 4 whenever possible. So keep your eyes open for coupons when you're flipping through magazines or see the blinking lights on the grocery isle. Just remember that they won't be listed on the Grocery Smarts website so you will have to keep track of them.

***Update on double coupons***

I was worrying about the whole double coupon thing so I emailed Kmart yesterday to clarify the policy. I wrote:

"I'm just trying to clarify your Double Coupon policy. I'm in Henderson, NV and the sale ad states that K-Mart will double coupons up to and including $2.00. But the management at the store said $2.00 coupons would not be doubled to $4.00 but to $3.99 then retracted and said $2.00 coupons would not be doubled at all. Could you please tell me which policy is correct. From my understandingof the K-Mart sale ad the $2.00 coupons were including in the doubling and should be worth $4.00. Thank you for your help and for having the double coupon event."

This is the email I got back today:

Dear Stacie,
Thank you for contacting Kmart regarding the Kmart Double Coupon Event. We appreciate your interest in this promotion.The current event is 11/30/08-12/06/08 and includes all Kmart stores.Up to and including $2.00 value. Amount of credit from doubling a couponcannot exceed the retail price of the item. Only one coupon can be doubled per item. A limit of up to and including 4 coupons on 4 identical items including varieties may be credited per customer per day. Other coupons for the same item will be redeemed at face value. No cash or in-store purchase credit will be awarded for double coupon amounts above the retail price of an item. Limit 75 total coupons per customer per day. Offer excludes products prohibited by law. Not valid toward previous purchase. In the event of a return, coupon savings may be deducted from refund may not be used in combination with any other offer. Not valid for online purchases. Prices effective only at select stores. Coupons will not be doubled for non-merchandise items, concessions, federal or state regulated items, and prior purchases. Kmart reserves the right to modify or cancel this program at any time.Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate your business and value you as a Sears Holdings customer. We certainly hope you will continue to make Sears Holdings your choice for quality and value.Sincerely, Brooke G. National Customer RelationsSears Holdings Corporation
Re: Double Coupons (KMM2289768I15977L0KM)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 12:52 PM
From: "Kmart Help" help@customerservice.kmart.com

Now we have official word from K-Mart! Whew.

Be Careful

Just a little buyer beware for you. The double coupon deals at K-Mart can be tricky. Some people are having trouble with them doubling the $2.00 coupons. Be very cautious when you go there. I have heard that management at one store said they will only double up to $2 so you would not get $4 off. Another scenario I heard about was that someone received $1.99 for their $2 coupon giving them a total of $3.99 off. I haven't been to K-Mart for a shopping trip yet but when I go I am going to make a list with a subtotal of what I expect to pay and if the total at checkout is not close to that amount, I will head on over to customer service. I generally don't shop at K-Mart because I find that they are a tad more expensive and I can get better deals somewhere else. I only listed deals that I thought were worth a trip- if you use those products and are near a store. Just remember to be careful!

Coupon Insert Schedule

After attending a Grocery Smarts class, many of you will become subscribers to the Review Journal. We all want those Sunday coupon inserts of course! This last week there was no Red Plum in the mail and I (being coupon obsessed) was so bumbed out. Thank goodness there is a Coupon Insert Schedule on the Grocery Smarts Nevada main page (where you select your store from the drop down bar.) Just scroll down a little and it's there on the right hand side. Now you'll be prepared for those tough no insert days. Here's the schedule for the rest of 2008.
November 23rd: SS
November 30th: No Issue
December 7th: SS, RP, PG
December 14th: SS, RP
December 21st: No Issue
December 28th: No Issue
NOT excited about those 3 no issue days, but hopefully we'll have some smokin' hot sales to make up for it.

Let Me Explain

Hi! I'm starting this blog to keep you up to date with the latest scoop on good deals, smart shopping, and ways you can save money. I'm a Certified Grocery Smarts Instructor and I'm excited to share info and tips with you. I can teach you how to lower your grocery bill and stock up the pantry without breaking your budget. It works for me, my family members, and lots of my friends. I'll have some "Show Off" posts where we can share our Smart Shopper savings. You'll be amazed at how much you can buy without spending a fortune. You can call or email me for more info or to schedule/attend a class.
If you are new to shopping smart, this is the best place to begin...How do I shop smart? It is so easy! I use a free website service that helps me plan my weekly shopping list. Then, I get coupon inserts from the Sunday paper (1 for each person in my family, I get 4). And, by combining the online shopping lists with the coupons, I save hundreds of dollars each month on my groceries! Four papers seems like a lot, but don't worry... at my classes I teach you how to cut your grocery bill in half AND can also hook you up with a sweet deal on the Review Journal! Continue reading or check out my "FAQ's" post to learn more. Did you already attend a class? So, you just attended my Coupon Class and you're pumped up to save and are excited to get started! This blog is a good way for me to stay connected with you, give ongoing support and post ideas to keep you as motivated next month as you are today.
Where do you go from here?First things first... you need to get over to the Grocery Smarts website and print off a shopping list! If you just started a newspaper subscription to get the coupons, you'll have to be patient for the first few weeks while your collection of coupons grows. Each Sunday you'll get more inserts and each week you'll find yourself saving more. Within about a month to six weeks, you will have a nice pile of inserts to pull coupons from and will start noticing a real difference on what you spend at the store.
Then, over the course of the next few months, you'll notice your panty will start filling up. Your drawers will start filling up and every spare spot you have on a shelf or in a cupboard will be filled with the food and products your family consumes each day. You will love how much you are saving and that you have a nice stash of family supplies and food storage that builds each week. It'll be so satisfying to know you did it for less, much less!
So, bookmark my blog and check back often for info, tips and to see what I buy each week from the lists. By seeing my scenerios, it'll help give you ideas on how you can better use the list to maximize your savings. Welcome aboard!