Backwards part 2

It drives me so crazy when I run out of something that I absolutely need, and I can’t find a coupon or a deal. Cat litter. Yeah, not negotiable. If you’re out, that’s just it. So, the day after I made an emergency litter run (that sounds creepy) to Market Basket, I noticed a decent deal on Arm & Hammer (2) 14 lb. boxes for $12 at Rite Aid for the following week. Grrrr. Well, I cashed in on that decent deal anyway, and turned it into a great deal. It goes like this.

My daughter is coming down with a cold ALREADY!!

First transaction:

Zicam, (usually $12.99) on sale at Rite Aid for $8.99. - Used $2Q and $1 previous reward. Gained $4 in Up+ Rewards. Total OOP =$5.99

Second transaction:

Max Freeze Pain Relief, sale $6.99, and 2 Rite Aid 8oz. hand sanitizer sale $1ea. All had equal rewards. - Used $4 in rewards. Total OOP was $4.99. Earned $8.99 in rewards.

Third Transaction:

(2) 14 lb. boxes Arm & Hammer Cat Litter, sale $12. - After $3 in coupons ($1.50 ea.) and $8.99 in previous rewards, I paid one penny. And I have $2 in new rewards.

The moral is, my total OOP was $10.99. That is $1 less than the sale price of the cat litter and everything else was FREE!! That is well over $20 in free stuff for the cat litter I needed anyway, and Jacqueline can have some top notch Zicam instead of “low budget taste like garbage whatever.” I love couponing.

Coupon Addicts

Since I have been couponing, I admit, I have a bit of a stockpile of certain things. For those of you who think couponing to this extreme leads to hoarding, I won’t even argue with you. Some people do hoard. They are not satisfied until they can get 20 units of a certain product for next to nothing. That is overkill for sure, and selfish in my humble opinion. There is a line between the thrill of getting a few things free, and being outright addicted to it. This is where I think that line is drawn. Ask yourself...

Do you find it easier to be altruistic when you have more than you need, or do you want to keep it all for yourself and accumulate more? If you have more than 10 of any given non-grocery product, do you make a donation box to give to the church? Do you get upset an excursion does not go your way? In other words, if you only save 75% percent vs. 90% retail, is your day ruined?

Some of you newbies may be laughing. No joke, there are those that get really upset when a store changes their coupon policy. I found myself becoming one of them. It is unattractive. Then I had to reflect on when I shopped differently. The amount of money I spent on almost NOTHING! It puts things into perspective. 

Market Basket best deals 8/21-8/27

Not in love with either grocery store this week, but I suppose we still have to eat. Best deals below.


*Vast array of Hood products on sale, including half gallons of milk $1.69, whipped cream $2, sour cream $1.50, Simply Smart milk $2.50, Country Creamer $.99; Mix and match the $1/2 Hood Products Q in SS


*Olde Cape Cod dressing 2/$4, use printable $1/2 Q

http://www.cainsfoods.com/cainscoupon/coupon.php

*Chicken of the sea solid white albacore- 5/$5

*Dole Fruit Bowls 4 pack 2/$4 use $.75/2 in SS

*Fage Greek yogurt 17.6oz $2.99 use $2/2 printable Q on their site

http://www.fageusa.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=Yogurt&gclid=CNXaxoiS46oCFasQNAodHmNP9w

*Fresh Express Salad mix 2/$3 (still going)

*Hoffman Super Sharp Cheddar $3.59 lb (usually $4.99)

*Cantaloupes 2/$3

*Cindy’s Kitchen Seafood Marinades 9oz jar $2

*Pure Protein bars 7 pack  $5.99 Use $1 email Q on their site

http://www.pureprotein.net/pages/newslettersignup.aspx

*P.S. Bagel Bites pizza mini's 2/$3 (coupon at desk for free pack WYB 2)