The Coupon Academy

Check out how I made a $22+ profit!

2010-06-06T23:13:00.005-04:00

I'm a bad blogger. No, actually, I'm a lazy shopper. I go through spurts where I snap up deals left and right, build up a stockpile of goodies and then I avoid shopping like the plague.

I'm a hard-core couponer, don't get me wrong, but every now and then a girl needs to prioritize. Lately my regular job has needed more of my attention, so I took a shopping break. But now I'm back!

I visited two stores today, CVS and Target, and here's the low-down on how I did...

My awesome Grama scored a great coupon for me, FREE $25 gift card from Publix when you transfer a prescription. Unfortunately the nearest Publix pharmacy is the next town over, so I took the coupon over to CVS instead. CVS may not take all competitor coupons, but their pharmacy will honor ANY other pharmacy coupons, so SCORE!

In my first transaction I bought 2-Glade candle holders, 2-Glade scented oil refills and 4-Glade candles. CVS is offering $5 ECB WYB $10 in Glade products-limit of 2 per household.

Total before coupons: $20
Total after coupons and tax: $8.19
Out of pocket expense: $0 (I used the $25 gift card I received for filling my prescription)
ECB earned: $10

In my second transaction I bought 6-Dove deodorants. They are on sale 2/$5, and CVS is offering $5 ECB WYB $15 in Dove products-limit of 1 per household.

Total before coupons: $20
Total after coupons: $7.40
Out of pocket expense: $0 (remember that gift card?)
ECB earned: $5

Then I headed over to Target to use some coupons that were expiring today.
I bought 1-Scrubbing Bubble power sprayer, 1-Scrubbing Bubble power foam cleaner, and 4-Glade room sprays.

Total before coupons: $21.77
Total after coupons: $7.77
Out of pocket expense: $2.77 (I used a $5 gift card from a previous deal)
Gift card earned: $5 (I had a coupon for a $5 gift card WYB the SB power sprayer)

Not bad for only $2.77 out of pocket, plus I've got a $5 Target gift card, over $10 left on my CVS card AND $15 in ECB to spend. That's a $22+ profit...I'm back baby!

Go Super Saver!

2010-05-01T19:57:00.001-04:00

A horse named 'Super Saver' just won the Kentucky Derby! Now that's a name a couponer can love! Coincidence??? I think not.

Look what I bought for $2.75!!!

2010-04-28T23:10:00.002-04:00

I'm so disappointed in myself, I totally could have bought it all for $.75 but I forgot to hand the cashier two $1 coupons!

Here's what I bought:

Coke Zero 2L x 2
Gallon of Milk
Hallmark cards x 4
Fig Newtons x 2
Nivea body wash x 2
Nivea lip balm x 2
CVS Sport sunblock x 2
Rimmel lipstick

There were some great ECB deals at CVS this week: buy $15 worth of Nivea products to earn $5 ECB, and buy 2 CVS sunblock products to earn $5 ECB.
The Fig Newtons were free after my coupons, and I turned a profit on the CVS sunblock deal by purchasing two trial sized items. I had some great BOGO Nivea coupons from the May issue of All You magazine that made the Nivea deals too good to resist!

My total before coupons was $48.08, after coupons my total was $3.75 and I walked out with $1 ECB.

I love it when the deals fall like rain!

FREE Fig Newtons @ CVS

2010-04-25T20:41:00.002-04:00

Oooooh and the freebies just keep rolling in!

CVS has the small packages of Fig Newtons on sale 5/$5 (which means each package is only $1 each). Go here to print a $1/1 coupon (remember to hit your back button to print 2) then head on over to CVS to score two packages for FREE!

FREE sample of Maxim Feminine Products

2010-04-25T20:39:00.002-04:00

You know I love my freebies!

Go here to request a FREE sample of Maxim feminine products.
I've never seen this particular brand on the shelves, but free is free and new products are always worth trying out.

The best deals I see this week....

2010-04-18T20:28:00.005-04:00

After scanning the weekly ads for CVS, Walgreens and Target, these are the best deals I see this week (by store).

CVS

Milk-1 gal, $3.19 with $3 ECB = $.19 milk!!!

Spend $10 on Smuckers, Jif, Folgers or Dunkin Donuts coffee, earn $3 ECB.
(if you need to stock up on PB&J, now's the time!)

CVS Green Bag Tag $.99 with $.99 ECB = FREE!

Halle Orchid or Halle (perfume) purchase earns $5 ECB, the ad states that prices start at $4.99 so you could score it for FREE!

BOGO on all NYC and Rimmel cosmetics (these lines of make-up is already inexpensive, pair it with coupons to score some great deals!)

CoverGirl Volume Extract or Lash Extract mascara, $5.99 - $4 ECB = $1.99, pair that with the $1/1 MQ from the last P&G insert to score it for $1!

Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength toothpaste, $2.99 - $2 ECB = $.99, pair that with the $.75/1 MQ found here to snag it for less than a quarter!

ThermaCare neck to arm heat wrap, $2.49 - $2.49 ECB = FREE!, it's already a great deal but pair it with the $1/1 MQ found here to turn it into a MONEYMAKER!

Walgreens:

Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength toothpaste, $2.99 - $2 RR = $.99, pair that with the $.75/1 MQ found here to snag a tube of toothpaste for $.24!

Dawn dish liquid, $.99, use the $.50/1 MQ from the P&G insert from 4/4 to score some $.49 dish detergent

Walgreen's brand wax paper, $.89 each (even with any other coupons, this is a great price for wax paper!)

Walgreen's reusable shopping bags 3/$1 (you won't find these cheaper anywhere else!)

Nature's Bounty Vitamin D-1000 IU 120 ct vitamins, $5 - $5 RR = FREE!, pair this great deal with the $2/1 MQ found here to make this deal a $2 MONEYMAKER!

Aleve pain relief 24 ct on sale for $1.99, pair the sale price with the $1/1 MQ found here to score these for $.99 each!

Kotex U feminine care products, $3.49 - $2.50 RR = $.99, pair that with the $1/1 MQ found here to score it for FREE!

Target:

Charmin 18 pk or 9 pk mega-roll on sale for $9.99 (if your family has a Charmin-only policy, this is a great price!)

Doritos 12 oz on sale for $1.99, that's half price!

Kraft cheese on sale 3/$6, pair that with the $1/2 blinkies to score some cheap cheese!

Check out the clearance section to see if there are any Meroni purses...if you find one match it up with the $5/1 Target Q found here to score a guilt-free splurge!

Cheap & FREE board games @ ToysRUs!

2010-04-01T21:57:00.001-04:00

Follow the link for scenarios on how you can score cheap or FREE games at ToysRUs this week.

Check it out here.

Think about stocking up for Christmas, birthdays, and family game nights!

Gotta love it!

You buy groceries at the drug store????

2010-03-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

Yep, sure do. And it saves me tons!

It's not always the easiest to figure out though, which is why I was stoked when Collin over at Hip2Save posted a GREAT beginner's transaction strategy that you can try at Walgreen's.

Check it out here.

While you're there check out the rest of her site, it's awesome!

Ill informed cashiers.

2010-03-28T15:20:00.006-04:00

So, I made my normal Sunday outing to Publix today to pick up my newspapers and a few other items. Easy trip, right... WRONG! I was in the checkout line when suddenly I heard words from the cashier that I had never heard before, "Ma'am, you cannot use a coupon on the free item on a B1G1 sale." Well, this did not please me and being an educated couponer I knew this was not true. So, after a long wait for a busy manager to resolve the situation. I prevailed, and educated a cashier about her own store's coupon policy. Which is sad considering she has worked at that store for over two years. Savings I would have lost... $9.50. Imagine how many coupons she has turned away over those two years that have caused frustrated customers and lost sales for her store. Moral of the story is if you get a cashier that refuses your coupons and you feel you are right ask for the manager, that is why they are there. No Publix manager wants a customer to go away angry, and worse no manager can fix a problem they are unaware of.

Meal Deal @ Winn-Dixie

2010-03-25T17:27:00.002-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a huge Winn-Dixie shopper, but these Meal Deals are one of the few things that will get me in the door!

Here's the deal:

With the purchase of a Hormel or Smithfield Fully Cooked Half Spiral Sliced Ham*, customers will receive the following items FREE:
· Country Crock Deluxe Mac & Cheese
· King’s Hawaiian Original Dinner Rolls
· 2-liter Coca-Cola product
· Breyers Ice Cream

Now the ham will set you back $2.79/lb (which is a good price) so the total out of pocket is totally dependent on the size of the ham you purchase. This is great for Easter, but hams freeze really well too so don't limit yourself.

I've also heard that Winn-Dixie is infamous for running out of the free products, and even though you can get a rain-check for them I'd recommend going sooner rather than later to avoid the hassle.

Trista's Publix Trip: Saved $229.50, spent $68.47

2010-03-21T16:37:00.003-04:00

Check this out! My coupon buddy Trista had a GREAT shopping trip at Publix this week. She walked out with a CART-LOAD of groceries for next to nothing!

Her total OOP was $68.47, her savings was $229.50! That included over $94 in MQs, $57 in Publix store Qs and $78 in 'special price' savings (think BOGOs + Advantage prices)!

CVS Deals

2010-03-09T21:33:00.005-05:00

Sorry this is so late...but I'm lazy. I warned you weeks ago, so don't be surprised. :)

Here's the best of CVS this week:

Nivea Lip Care $2.99 get $2.99 eb limit 1

-Nivea Lip Care Product, .17 oz or 0.35 fl bogo (exp 3-7-10) V 2/7/10

Oral B cross Action toothbrush $4 get $4 eb limit 2

-$.75 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage Toothbrush or two Indicators P&G 2/7/10 or 2/21/10

Baby Momma Deal...FREE Huggies Sample

2010-03-09T21:27:00.002-05:00

Go here to request your FREE Huggies sample!

You don't have to be a Costco member to register.

FREE Spring Cleaning Kit...HURRY!

2010-03-09T21:21:00.002-05:00

Go HERE to register for a FREE Spring Cleaning gift pack from Right at Home.

Each pack includes Ziploc bags, Scrubbing Bubbles and Pledge wipes!

Gift packs are for the first 10,000 only, so HURRY!

Guess what I bought for NOTHING!

2010-03-09T20:55:00.003-05:00

OK, so maybe not NOTHING, but I didn't spend a dime out of pocket!

Remember a few weeks ago when I had more credit from my coupons than I had groceries to spend it on? (if not, check it out here) Well I finally got a chance to use it!

My total after coupons & BOGO sales was $35.98, after my gift card...NOTHING!

WOO-HOO!

$5 in cash, 3 stores and A LOT OF SAVINGS!

2010-03-03T22:07:00.009-05:00

3 stops, too many coupons to count, 2 awesome cashier's (Walgreen's not one of them) and all in one night!

So I set out with a $5 bill, a lengthy shopping list and my coupon binder.

First stop: Publix

I went to the Publix on Garden St, which was stupid because I have no idea where anything is! Once you get used to one store, let me just say it's pretty challenging trying to shop in another.

I'm not going to bother with the lengthy breakdown on what I bought and what coupons I used because, well, I'm too tired. I'm lazy, can't help it. :)

Here's the loot:

And the proof:

Spent $.59, saved $167.22.
So far I've spent $.59 of my $5, $4.41 left to go!

Second stop: Walgreens

The cashier totally gave me a hard time about using a BOGO coupon on a BOGO sale (both items end up being free). Little did she know I knew to expect her 'tude, and had Walgreen's Corporate on speed dial! It didn't even ring twice before she buckled under my coupon prowess!

The loot:

The proof:

Spent $1.95, saved $41.23, earned $7 in RRs.
This stop I spent $1.95, still $2.46 in my pocket! I earned $7 in RRs on this trip, so technically I've already made a profit. :)

Third & LAST stop: CVS

My cashier was one of my faves and he told me some weird/sweet story about how his grandma ate ice cream all the time...like I said it was weird.

The loot:

The proof:

Spent $2.19, saved $1.20, earned $1 ECB and register printed a $4/$20 purcahse Q.

I almost didn't make it under the $5 target, but walked away with $.27 in change!

If you take the RRs and ECB into consideration, I actually made A PROFIT of $3.27!

$2 OFF $10 gas purcahse at Murphy's

2010-03-02T20:53:00.002-05:00

OMG, these are so rare! Right now you can go here to print a $2 off $10 gas purchase coupon for Murhpy's.

Most of the Super WalMart locations around here have these gas stations...so pump away!

I printed the whole page, and I don't really see why you couldn't print several to take advantage of this great deal! Coupon states that it is valid until 3/16, so let's see how many $10 gas trips I can make until then...

Walgreens $3 off $15 purchase Q!

2010-03-02T20:46:00.002-05:00

The next time you're in Walgreen's, donate $1 to help fight Muscular Dystrophy and score a $3/$15 purchase coupon!

Thanks Laura at Sharpen Your Scissors!

FREE Skittles!

2010-03-02T20:34:00.003-05:00

I heart facebook, I really do. Especially when they offer me the ability to print coupons!

If you go here and become a fan of Skittles, they will allow you to fill out a brief form that will allow you access to a BOGO Skittles coupon.

Just a reminder: Hint your BACK button after it's printed once, resend the info to print TWO coupons!

Thanks Hip2Save!

FREE Beneful dog food sample!

2010-03-02T20:32:00.003-05:00

Go here to request a free sample of Beneful dog food from WalMart.

NEW Publix Coupon books!

2010-03-02T20:24:00.003-05:00

Check it out guys, these are some coupon booklets that you need to be on the look-out for the next time you swing by Publix!

The first one is titled 'Healthy Meals: Healthy Kids'.

The second is titled 'Multiply your Meals & Savings'.

Both of these books are filled with Publix store coupons, which means they can all be stacked with MQs for some sweet deals!

I'm planning a trip to Publix tomorrow night, so expect to hear more about these coupons in my shopping recap post tomorrow night. :)

BTW, thank you to my coupon buddy TRISTA for hookin' a girl up!

In the most unusual places...

2010-03-02T20:07:00.006-05:00

I finished off a package of lunch meat today. I almost tossed it, but then, wait!

Oh could it be?

Yes! Yes it is!

A hidden little coupon just waiting for me!

Then in my mailbox I found even more goodies...

A 20% off ANY ITEM coupon from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I signed up for their mailing list ages ago and get these coupons on a regular basis. What's awesome about BB&B is that they accept their own expired coupons, so don't be in a hurry with this one!

I also received a sale flier from Joann's Fabrics. No, I don't sew. Not a stitch! (hehehe, couldn't help myself!) I signed up for Joann's mailing list because while I may not shop there, I DO shop at Michael's. Michael's considered Joann's to be a direct competitor and gladly accepts their coupons! Yippee for me!

What? MORE SAVINGS???

I also received a mailer from CVS (thank you ExtraCare Card!) for 20% off my entire purchase (excluding sale prices) March 6 & 7.

And I got a coupon for a FREE reusable shopping bag at WinnDixie for being on their Baby Club mailing list. For those of you who don't know me, I don't have a baby. Not even one on the way. I do, however, sign up for any mailing list that might earn me coupons!

Baby Momma Deal: Free child ID kit!

2010-03-01T20:00:00.002-05:00

You can go here to request a FREE Gerber child ID kit.

These are always a good idea; one of those things that you hope you never have to use but if you're ever in that situation it can SAVE YOUR CHILD'S LIFE.

RSVP for Sat. 3/13 Coupon Classes NOW!

2010-03-01T19:26:00.003-05:00

Due to the overwhelming response that I've had to these classes, I'm hosting THREE classes on Saturday, March 13.

The classes will be at my home in Titusville. Available times are 9am, 1pm and 5pm. Due to limited space (aka my tiny little house) each class is limited to 8 people.

Classes are $10 per person. Each class will have give-aways and freebies, so no one will empty handed!

Each class covers the following:

* Where to find coupons
* How to organize your coupons
* Coupon Strategies
* How to Power-Shop at Publix, Target, CVS and Walgreens
* Meal Planning

If you are interested in attending, please leave a comment on this post or on my Facebook page (Ashley Smith) including your name, total number of people, email address and which class you would like to attend (9, 1 or 5).

You will then receive a confirmation email from me that will include my address.

These classes are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a time slot fills up the class is considered fully-booked and you will be offered a seat in the next available class.

If you would like to book a class of your own, please contact me for available times and dates. Booked classes do require a minimum of five attendees.

As always, contact me if you have any questions! Happy Couponing! :)

Cheap Milk!

2010-02-28T09:36:00.003-05:00

At CVS this week TG Lee milk is on sale for $3.19 with $1 ECB. As if milk under three bucks weren't already good enough, use the $1 OFF MQ found here to score a gallon of milk for $1.19!

Limited to 2 deals per card.