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Category Archive: Getting Started

Jan
17

Top 8 Money Saving Tips Using Print and Online Coupons

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January 17, 2012

Using Coupons to Save Money

We’re being told that inflation is in check, even though prices seem to be going up steadily, particularly at the gas pump and the grocery store. However, it’s “core inflation” that remains low, the economists tell us, which reflects the price of goods minus food and energy. After all, who buys food and energy? Oh, that’s right, we all do, and it’s often our two biggest expenditures.

There is a way to save on food, and perhaps gas as well, by doing something people have been doing for over one hundred years – using coupons. With a little planning, clipping, and clicking, you can put quite a dent in your next grocery bill. You may even be able to get a break at the pump while you’re at it.

  • Pick up the Sunday paper
    • That’s where you’ll find the coupons, as well as the grocery store circulars. You’ll need both. Grab the scissors and start clipping those coupons. Obviously you’ll be concentrating on the type of products you regularly buy, but brand loyalty may have to take a backseat.[1]
  • Online coupons
    • For a while, many grocery stores would not accept online coupons printed from websites or mobile coupons available on smartphones, but that’s changing. Stores can validate legitimate coupons, and the coupon sites themselves require you to sign up. This helps reduce the possibility of multiple print-outs.[2] Some of the more reputable sites are RedPlum.com (who also do the hard copy newspaper inserts), Coupons.com, Couponsavings.com, and Grocerysmarts.com.
  • Make that double
    • Check area supermarkets’ coupon policy. Some double coupons up to a certain value, while others occasionally triple coupons. There are a few that will even match prices from a competitor’s circular.[3]
  • Brand websites and social coupons
    • Brands sometimes offer online coupons on their websites, and increasingly offer social coupons through their Twitter and Facebook accounts. If it’s a product you use often, like and follow them through their social media sites, and keep an eye out for special offers.[4]
  • Organize
    • Get yourself a coupon binder or wallet to organize your clippings. There are several categories you can use, but the most logical is by product types, such as dairy, frozen, or breakfast. If you favor a particular store, you might arrange then by your favorite location’s layout.[4]
  • Cross reference
    • Now grab those store circulars and match up the coupons with items that the supermarket has on sale. If you’re in market with competing grocery chains, it may be worth your while to split your shopping between the competitors. Include all types of stores that sell groceries in your area. Drugstores like Rite-Aid, CVS, and Walgreen’s have sale circulars and accept both print and online coupons. Large retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and K-Mart do the same.[4]
  • Store loyalty programs
    • Many local supermarkets now ask you to join a “shopper’s club” in order to take advantage of their advertised specials. Getting the card will also allow you to obtain online coupons from the store’s website.[5] These can be loaded onto your card and redeemed automatically. Be careful though; you can’t use a manufacturer’s coupon and the store’s online coupon together. The online version usually takes precedent.[2]
  • Food that gives you gas—discounts
    • In many cities, grocery stores are either installing gas pumps or teaming up with a gas station chain to offer discounts that are tied to how much you spend on groceries. The programs vary. Some offer 10 cents per gallon off for every $100 spent in a given month, for example. Others offer a percent discount that increases as you hit certain levels, say $50, or $100. Usually the gas is competitively priced, but occasionally it’s a few cents more, which of course eats into your discount.[6]

Coupons can help cut your grocery bill in half, and give you a break at the pump. All it takes is a little effort, and a bit of planning.

About The Author – Check ‘n Go
Check ‘n Go has been a leader in payday loans online and check cashing services for more than 15 years, helping to build trust and legitimacy to the consumer lending industry through its work with the Consumer Financial Services Association (CFSA). Check ‘n Go sets high standards for responsible and ethical lending in a rapidly expanding cash advance, installment loan and payday loan business. Check ‘n Go works hard to provide consumers with check cashing, auto title loans, payday loans, and other financial needs.
References
[1] Nelson, Stephanie, MSNBC “How to get $100 worth of groceries for 25 cents” MSNBC.com. Web. 10 August 2011
[2]Reinhart, Jessica “Printable Coupons 101, How, Where, and When they work.” RedPlum.com Web. 10 August 11 <http://www.redplum.com/pages/viewarticle.aspx?id=30064771061>
[3] Toothman, Jessika “5 Extreme Coupon Tips for Novice Couponers.” TLC.com Web. 10 August 2011
[4] “Seven secrets of coupon pros” Consumer Reports. Web. 10 August 2011 <http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/august/shopping/coupon-savings/overview/index.htm>
[5] Grant, Kelli B., “5 new ways to clip coupons” Smart Money Web. 10 August 2011 <http://www.smartmoney.com/spend/family-money/5-new-ways-to-clip-coupons-23197/>
[6] Save $1 Gallon on Gasoline with Grocery Cards. FinanceGourmet.com. Web. 10 August 2011

 

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Jun
10

What Do I Need to Invest to Get Started Using Coupons to Build a Stockpile???

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June 10, 2011

stockpile

So I wanted to give you an idea of what a month of couponing looks like.  Of course it won’t give you the full spectrum of it but it should help you decide what changes you could be making yourself and how you could fit this rewarding hobby into your life.  I actually documented tasks I completed during the week and the amount of time spent per task so this is an accurate depiction of time spent, money spent and what is leftover for future weeks.

Time Spent:

So for a one week snapshot of my time invested into coupons it is showing to be 31 hours.  Now this is slightly skewed because it does include the time to research and create the ad match ups that I post.  So theoretically you could cut out about 10 of those hours because you don’t have to do any research.  All you have to do it pull up what I have already put together.  So for this snapshot of time I would say you could invest 20 hours a week.

I am pretty happy that my numbers matched what I tell people.  I usually tell people who are interested in getting all geeked about couponing hardcore that they should invest 20 hours initially each week.  Do they have to?  No not at all but for the multiple paper, stockpile builder, hardcore couponer you do have to invest about 20 hours a week.

The way it broke down for me was about 7.1 hours of shopping, 10.5 hours of printing and clipping, 13.4 researching and/or posting the shopping deals.  So hopefully that gives you a better idea of how the 30 hours that I spent this one week broke down.

Money Spent:

So what could a budget look like for the first month of starting a stockpile?  This is where people can misunderstand the whole concept of couponing because they know that couponing is supposed to save them money.  Your first month will end up inflated due to the fact you are building your stockpile so you can save down the road.

So how can I explain it?  I will use the Ragu deal as a great example.  I could have just spent $1.67 this week on pasta sauce and be fine for one week but I bought 10 at .67 each (after coupon) so I saved $1 on each jar and spent a total of $6.70.  So in for the next 10 weeks I will not need to buy the sauce because I ‘stocked up’ while it was a great price.

So just how much money am I talking about?  I am not talking about a ton of extra your first month by any means!  In our household we budget $50 a week for health and beauty items, food, diapers and the pets.  My initial month was sitting at $66 per week so it was inflated $16 compared to what we like to see.

So does it pay off?  Of course!  The first week in June I came in well under our $50 budget, spending $34.  But outside of the money I have been able to give my family  a ton of items that I paid little to nothing for.  For example I gave my Great Grandma: 5 boxes of Fixodent, 4 boxes of Ecotrin, body washes, deodorants, BBQ sauce etc.  I have given my Mother countless razors, body wash, food, deodorant etc.

Month 1 Stockplie:

After giving away some of my hauls I still have plenty left over to get my stockpile started.  Here are some pictures of things in our stockpile from 1 month that we have yet to consume or open for our own use.  Keep in mind I didn’t take a picture of our freezer or fridge but there is obviously stuff in there along with a few more cases of water.

So as you can see from just 3 pictures there is plenty to feed my family that will prevent spending in future months.  We have eaten a lot already too because we started over when we moved food wise.  I am not done giving things to people either because whenever anyone comes over to the house they are invited to go ‘shopping’ so I can always keep my stuff rotated and it doesn’t take over my house.

This is our upstairs closet that isn’t open to public ‘shopping’ .  Michael loves choices and if very particular about have variety.  I always keep one of everything in this closet for us.  I realized that I have two packages of toilet paper in my downstairs stockpile and I should move it because there is no way I am giving it away right now.  I have never peed so much in my life but this little one sort of forces the whole urination thing :)

Conclusion:

I really hope that this really detailed post helps you get a look into what you can expect to really get the stockpile going.  But you don’t have to do it this larger or as large as others do because all families are different.  I just like to be able to give my family and friends lots of items whenever I see them.  Make it work for your family and don’t compare yourself to any other coupon user ever.  You don’t know what sort of time they are investing, do they have a printer, how many papers are they buying, do friends keep papers for them etc.  There are a lot of factors involved.

If you have ANY questions please ask away!

 

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May
12

#CVS Shopping 101

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May 12, 2011

ExtraCare Card

CVS is probably my favorite pharmacy to shop at because their loyalty program, Extra Care Card, is simple to use.  In case you are new to shopping here or just need a refresher I wanted to outline some points to help you maximize your cash flow at CVS.

CVS Extra Care Card:

The Extra Care Card is the loyalty card for CVS, much like the card you scan while at Kroger.  You will want to use this card EVERY TIME you shop at CVS and if you forget it then you can look up your account via phone number.  Once you see the rewards you won’t ever want to forget to use it!  If you look at their weekly ads it will say the sale price ‘with card’ and you must scan your card to get it!  You will also earn ECBs for some purchases, 2% back on all purchases and $1 ECB for every two prescriptions you get filled at CVS.  I recommend you register your card online if you already have one or you can sign up for one online and you will already be registered online.

CVS Extra Care Bucks (ECBs):

Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) are the equivalent to money good only at CVS stores.  DON’T LOSE THESE!  The name of the game is to go in and pay little and make your money back plus some with these delightful dollars!  When you purchase something that will earn you ECBs on they will then print out at the bottom of your receipt.  I recommend leaving the store and tearing off the bottom of the receipt where the coupons and ECBS have printed and leaving them in your wallet.  If you think you will forget then do it in the car while you are in the parking lot still!  ECBs can be used to pay for anything in the store but you will maximize you money by using the to ‘roll’ (see below) into another ECB deal.  These will expire so don’t tuck them away where you will forget them or you will kick yourself like I have when you find a $10 ECB in your wallet!!  :(

Extra Care Coupons:

You can get coupons from CVS just by walking into the store and scanning your card at the machine.  I have gotten plenty of free item coupons just by taking the moment to scan my card.   You can never have enough freebies!

‘Rolling’ ECBs:

When we talk about ‘rolling’ that just means that you are taking the ECBs from a previous transaction and using them to purchase another transaction.  This is great because ECBs help lower your bottom line or money spent at the store.

Weekly VS Monthly Deals:

Sometimes CVS will run a deal all month and it might be unadvertised or it could be something you see in the store.  In addition to the monthly deals they will also run weekly deals that are advertised in the flyer you get in the newspaper.

Coupon Order:

I like to hand over any $/$$ coupons first.  I do this at any store really because I want my total to be the lowest it can be.  So if you have a $3/15 coupon and I spend $15.06 I give them that coupon prior to any other coupons I am redeeming in that transaction.  After my other coupons I will hand over the ECBs I am using on this purchase.  ECBs are the equivalent of money at CVS so it is just like pulling cash out of your wallet!

Green Bag Tag:

If you don’t have a green bag tag, get one!  Every time you bring a bag into the store versus using their plastic bag they will scan your green bag tag.  For every 4 times you use your tag you will get $1 ECB that prints out for you!  That is an EASY way to earn $1!

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May
09

Coupon Shopping Tips & Coupon Policies

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May 9, 2011

You can see the coupon preview each week through this link. I plan on getting 5 papers each Sunday so I can build up my stockpile again and help out 2 other households occasionally.

You can get more papers many different ways.  I will look into recycling bins in my neighborhood, family and friends.  You may also be interested in dumpster diving for inserts but this pregnant lady won’t be climbing into any dumpsters right now!  You could also hit up any diners after lunch and see if any of their patrons left their papers after their meals.

Store Coupon Policies to Print

Rite Aid Tip

Be sure if you are shopping at Rite Aid to watch your videos for the extra video value coupons.  These are coupons that are stackable with other manufacturer coupons while shopping at Rite Aid.  You can create or log into your account through this link.

Rite Aid also has their own rebate program called Single Check Rebates, SCR.  Rebates are a great way to score some fabulous deals!  Make sure you also sign up for their loyalty card, Wellness Program.  If you haven’t already signed up yet you can through this link.

VGs Tip

If you are shopping at VG’s then you will want to make sure you have signed up for their Yes card which is their loyalty card.  You can sign up for a card in store and register yours online through this link to start earning points.  You can earn up to 150 points per week and you can redeem these points for free grocery items at their store.  When you register your Yes card you can also pick 2 schools that would benefit from your purchases.   There weren’t any schools in my area that participate though.

VGs is also doubling $1 coupons at all of their locations!  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Meijer Tip

If you are shopping at Meijer you should know about the mPerks electronic coupon program as well as their mealbox coupon program.  You can find mealbox coupons through this link.  Mealbox coupons can be stacked with regular manufacturer coupons and there isn’t a limit on how many you can use per transaction.  Mealbox coupons are printable and can’t be combined with the mPerks coupons.

You can sign up for Meijer’s digital coupons, mPerks, through this link.  These will be connected to your mobile phone and you just input your number at checkout.  You do have a limit of 80 digital coupons that you can load so I wouldn’t go through and add every coupon they are offering.  They even offer coupons on produce so you can get some fresh veggies at a discount!  Be sure to check in every Monday because they refresh coupons weekly to remove the expired ones and add new ones.

Meijer will double 2 of the same coupons up to .50.

Kroger Tip

Make sure to sign up for the Kroger card in store at the customer service desk.  When you get your card you can go home and load digital coupons to it through Cellfire or right on Kroger’s site.  These digital coupons may prevent you from using a paper coupon on an item because you are only allowed one coupon per item.

You can also set up your Kroger card to donate to a charity!  For example: I have my card connected to donate to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  You will also earn fuel points on your card that you can redeem at Shell stations to save money on gas.

My Kroger will double coupons up to $1 but the stores in Oakland County DO NOT.  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Target Tip

Target allows you to stack a Target coupon with a manufacturer coupon on an item.  You can print Target coupons straight from their website or using their mobile coupons right from your phone.  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Don’t forget that you can also earn 5% off your purchase by using your Target card.  This is NOT a good idea if you don’t make a habit out of paying your balance before the bill comes.  The small savings isn’t worth digging yourself into a hole of credit card debt.

Walgreens Tip

Walgreens has a program called Register Rewards, RR.  These rewards print out at the end of your transaction and can be used on future purchases.  RRs are viewed as a coupon to the register and you are only allowed one coupon per item in your transaction.  You will want to add a small item to your purchase to prevent the beeping of the register.  You can always find .33 candies at the register if need be.

You are not able to ‘roll’ RRs from one deal into another of the same.  For example: if I get $4 RR for buying a razor I would not want to use that RR coupon on another purchase of a razor.  If I do that another RR coupon for $4 WILL NOT print out.  It is always beneficial to stagger transactions if you want multiple items (buy a razor in the first then buy another RR deal in the second and so on)

You are allowed to stack Walgreen’s coupons with manufacturer coupons.  You also will only need to give them one Walgreen’s coupon per transaction and it will take of the coupon value for each of the items in your transaction.  So if I am buying 4 packs of diapers and I have a $2 coupon it would deduct $8 on this order.

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Apr
30

Shopping Tips & Coupon Policies

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April 30, 2011

As I get things together to start my getting started coupon series I thought you would like to get an idea of what to expect while shopping at these stores.  This is to serve as an outline to help aid your shopping trips but I highly recommend printing out their coupon policies and carrying them with you.  You will look more educated if you are familiar with the rules of each store and you will have the actual corporate policy that they are to honor.

Store Coupon Policies to Print

Rite Aid Tip

Be sure if you are shopping at Rite Aid to watch your videos for the extra video value coupons.  These are coupons that are stackable with other manufacturer coupons while shopping at Rite Aid.  You can create or log into your account through this link.

Rite Aid also has their own rebate program called Single Check Rebates, SCR.  Rebates are a great way to score some fabulous deals!  Make sure you also sign up for their loyalty card, Wellness Program.  If you haven’t already signed up yet you can through this link.

VGs Tip

If you are shopping at VG’s then you will want to make sure you have signed up for their Yes card which is their loyalty card.  You can sign up for a card in store and register yours online through this link to start earning points.  You can earn up to 150 points per week and you can redeem these points for free grocery items at their store.  When you register your Yes card you can also pick 2 schools that would benefit from your purchases.   There weren’t any schools in my area that participate though.

VGs is also doubling $1 coupons at all of their locations!  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Meijer Tip

If you are shopping at Meijer you should know about the mPerks electronic coupon program as well as their mealbox coupon program.  You can find mealbox coupons through this link.  Mealbox coupons can be stacked with regular manufacturer coupons and there isn’t a limit on how many you can use per transaction.  Mealbox coupons are printable and can’t be combined with the mPerks coupons.

You can sign up for Meijer’s digital coupons, mPerks, through this link.  These will be connected to your mobile phone and you just input your number at checkout.  You do have a limit of 80 digital coupons that you can load so I wouldn’t go through and add every coupon they are offering.  They even offer coupons on produce so you can get some fresh veggies at a discount!  Be sure to check in every Monday because they refresh coupons weekly to remove the expired ones and add new ones.

Meijer will double 2 of the same coupons up to .50.

Kroger Tip

Make sure to sign up for the Kroger card in store at the customer service desk.  When you get your card you can go home and load digital coupons to it through Cellfire or right on Kroger’s site.  These digital coupons may prevent you from using a paper coupon on an item because you are only allowed one coupon per item.

You can also set up your Kroger card to donate to a charity!  For example: I have my card connected to donate to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  You will also earn fuel points on your card that you can redeem at Shell stations to save money on gas.

My Kroger will double coupons up to $1 but the stores in Oakland County DO NOT.  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Target Tip

Target allows you to stack a Target coupon with a manufacturer coupon on an item.  You can print Target coupons straight from their website or using their mobile coupons right from your phone.  The also have a .05 bag credit so bring in your bags!

Don’t forget that you can also earn 5% off your purchase by using your Target card.  This is NOT a good idea if you don’t make a habit out of paying your balance before the bill comes.  The small savings isn’t worth digging yourself into a hole of credit card debt.

Walgreens Tip

Walgreens has a program called Register Rewards, RR.  These rewards print out at the end of your transaction and can be used on future purchases.  RRs are viewed as a coupon to the register and you are only allowed one coupon per item in your transaction.  You will want to add a small item to your purchase to prevent the beeping of the register.  You can always find .33 candies at the register if need be.

You are not able to ‘roll’ RRs from one deal into another of the same.  For example: if I get $4 RR for buying a razor I would not want to use that RR coupon on another purchase of a razor.  If I do that another RR coupon for $4 WILL NOT print out.  It is always beneficial to stagger transactions if you want multiple items (buy a razor in the first then buy another RR deal in the second and so on)

You are allowed to stack Walgreen’s coupons with manufacturer coupons.  You also will only need to give them one Walgreen’s coupon per transaction and it will take of the coupon value for each of the items in your transaction.  So if I am buying 4 packs of diapers and I have a $2 coupon it would deduct $8 on this order.

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Oct
10

Guest Post: How to Keep Your Coupons From Expiring

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October 10, 2010

I recently ask readers on our Facebook page what their biggest hangup was about using coupons.  One of the hangups was that coupons expire before they could use them.  I was offered a guest post from another frugal blogger that would help with that problem!

Cheryl is a blogger and creator over at Swap Savers.  She is a stay-at-home mom who used to be a counselor for children and their families. She enjoys writing, watching movies, reading, working out and saving money!  She created this web-site so that she could save more money by learning from other people and swapping coupons/sales information.

Swap Savers

Nothing pains me more than to realize my coupon is expired or forgotten at home. If you forgot your coupon or have an expired coupon, here are some tips to prevent or correct this situation.

Preventive Tips:

Mark your Calendar If you have a great coupon or rewards coupon (such as CVS Extra Bucks or Best Buy Rewards) mark the expiration date on your calendar. You can also make a notation to use the coupon at least a week or two before it expires.

Use the Coupon Immediately If you use the coupon as soon as possible you decrease your chance of forgetting or losing it. Also if you wait until the last minute to use the coupon you may be unable to make it to the store (if you get sick, etc.)

Coupon Organizer If you use a coupon organizer you can identify coupons which may expire soon by placing them in a certain location or using a sticky tab on the soon to expire coupons.

Coupon=Wallet Treat your coupons like dollar bills and bring them wherever you would bring your wallet. Using a coupon organizer makes it easier to transport your coupons in the car or store similar to a wallet holding your dollar bills.

Corrective Tips

Ask if Store Accepts Expired Coupons Some stores will accept expired coupons, especially if it is a store coupon such as Bed and Bath. If a manufactures coupon is only a day or two expired, some stores will also accept the coupon.

Ask about Coupon Reimbursement If you forget your coupons, ask if the store will reimburse you the next time you shop. Most stores will reimburse you the coupons amount if you bring the coupon and receipt to customer service the next time you shop.

Call Customer Service If you let a rewards coupon expire (such as CVS Extra Bucks or Best Buy Rewards) and the store will not accept the coupon trying calling customer service. One time my Best Buy Rewards coupon expired and the store would not accept it. After calling customer service, I was sent a “one time re-issue” of the rewards coupon.

Other Suggestions

Donate Expired Coupons U.S. military families stationed overseas are able to use expired coupons on base for up to six months after the manufacturer’s expiration date. You can adopt a base. Here is a link Ocpnet.org

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Oct
07

All You Magazine $1.25 an Issue!!

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October 7, 2010

All You (1-year auto-renewal)

All You magazine is every frugal couponer’s dream magazine!  The only problem is that it is only sold at Walmart or by subscription and if you are like me you don’t shop there.  I get excited when my magazine comes because of the high value coupons it includes along with an endless amount of saving money tips.  I actually signed up to be an All You insider because I can ‘pay it forward’ since I have benefited from the magazine so much.

It usually runs $2+ at Walmart stores and $1.67 through a subscription.  So what if I told you that you can get it for $1.25 an issue!!  Well you can now when you shop for it through Amazon!  You will want to pick the 1 year with the auto renewal option.  If you don’t want it after a year all you have to do is write cancel on it and send it right on back or it’s 1.67 an issue.

I am going to get some of my family members this subscription at this price!  I appreciate you clicking through the link and purchasing yours too!

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Sep
27

Guest Post: Getting Ready to Grocery Shop

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September 27, 2010

Every coupon person has their own system that works for them when they shop with coupons.  Here is a good article to help you get an idea of another way to get yourself organized if you are just starting out!  I would love for other ideas to share with everyone who visits the site!

Getting Ready To Grocery Shop

When you leave the house to grocery shop, do you just run out of the house? Or do you meticulously check the ad for sales, match to coupons, write a list, load your binder into the car “just in case” there is a clearance sale, and plot your route on your GPS before you leave the house?

It isn’t difficult to figure out which tactic will get you better saving and a smoother check-up. In general, the more prepared you are when you leave the house, the more likely you will hand over all the coupons that matched what you are purchasing. Better preparation prior to getting into the check-out line usually leads to a smoother check-up transaction.

These are the steps I do when I shop:

• Check the ads – I write down everything I may want to purchase along with the coupons that match the sale

• Decide which stores have the best deals, and plot my course accordingly.

• Pull all the coupons I might use on the trip. I no longer sport a binder, but when I did I not only put it in my car but I faithfully carried it into the store and clipped it to the cart (so no one would walk off with it) every shopping trip.

• Check my list in the store. It really does not do me any good to write everything up that I want to buy if I am not going to refer to the list.

• Go through my coupon envelope before I get in line. That way, I can not only make certain I have the coupons for the products I am buying, but it is a double-check to make certain I actually got everything I went shopping to purchase! For me, this step is essential. You have no idea how many times I slip coupons into my envelope “just to check the price” and completely forget while I am in the store.

• And finally, make certain I give all my coupons to the cashier and check to see that not only do they scan off, but that the register is giving me the correct credit for my coupons.

Ann has been couponing for over 25 years. She writes Coupons, Deals and More.

Coupons Deals and More

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Jul
11

Getting Started Without Breaking the Bank (Office Depot)

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July 11, 2010

officedepotlogo-200x200

Here are the back to school deals for Office Depot.  You can use the $10/$25 coupon to save even more! 

  • Mr. Sketch Markers 12-PK ITEM # 203-034
    • FREE after $7.99 Mail in Savings Visa Prepaid card (limit 1)
  • Swingline® LightTouch Reduced Effort Stapler ITEM # 579-785
    • FREE after $2.00 instant savings and $13.99 MIR (limit 1)
  • Office Depot® Brand Multipurpose Paper Ream ITEM # 112-860
    • Pay $1.00 after $5.29 Mail in Savings Visa Prepaid card (limit 2)
  • Office Depot® Brand Color-Coded Heavyweight Sheet Protectors 25-Pk ITEM # 233-240
    • Pay $1.00 after $6.59 Mail in Savings Visa Prepaid card (limit 3)
  • Wilson Jones® 1″ Round-Ring Impact Binders ITEM # 322-520
    • Pay $1.00 after $2.99 instant savings (limit 3)
  • Pentel® Quicker Clicker™ Mechanical Pencils 2-PK ITEM # 320-231
    • Pay $1.00 after $6.49 Mail in Savings Visa Prepaid card (limit 3)
  • B2G1 Storage Boxes (Misc Prices)
  • Misc Software FREE after rebate on page 10 of ad

Scenario #1

(2) Reams of Paper @ $12.58

(2) Packs of Sheet Protectors @ $15.18

Final Total = $27.76

- $10/25 coupon = $17.76 out of pocket price

- $23.76 in rebates = $6 money maker!!

 

Scenario #2

Mr Sketch Markers $7.99

Stapler $13.99

(3) Binders $3

Some random filler to cover the .02!!  Gum anything!!

Final Total = $24.98 + filler item

- $10/25 coupon = $15.50 (using hypothetical gum as filler)

- $21.98 in rebates = $6.48 money maker!!

 

Don’t forget to be practical.  I will use or donate everything I just outlined for you!  I will keep the paper, sheet protectors and binders.  I will use the markers and stapler for my school donation pile. 

What are your scenarios for Office Depot??

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Jul
11

Get Started without Breaking the Bank Series (Staples)

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July 11, 2010

staple rewards

This week is a fabulous week to start your couponing journey or maybe revamp your current couponing set up.  I am going to cover what I feel is helpful and get some other couponers opinions on how they stay organized and tips on getting started. 

With the back to school season kicking off this weekend I wanted to start with how to stay organized and highlight different couponing ‘systems’.  There is something out there for everyone at every stage of couponing.  Just because I don’t list it doesn’t mean it doesn’t work!  I would love to see pictures and write about your couponing set up! 

I am going to highlight each store’s ad this week and show you how you don’t have to break the bank to get started.  Staples has a perfect ad so I will start there!  You will want to invest in their free rewards program called Staple Rewards.  You earn a percentage back on your ink and paper purchases which are two things we go through a lot of!  You will want to start off your trip my grabbing an ad because it contains a $5 off $30 purchase coupon.  Since I am also wanting readers to take a minute and think about their local schools I am going to include in the $30 challenge free supplies to donate to the school of your choice. 

 The Staples Multi purpose paper is on sale for $4.99 with a $4.98 rebate which would end up making it cost .01 AFTER the rebate and you are allowed 2 rebates.  So if you purchased 2 reams your total would be $9.98 meaning we need $20.02 more to get to use our coupon.  Westcott scissors are on sale for $1 and are very handy to take along with you to use  in your coupon set up if you choose to not cut all of your inserts before hand.      So our total is now $10.98 with $9.97 in rebates coming back.  

To send out our mail in rebates we must have envelopes and they too are on sale for $1 so we are now at $11.98 with $9.97 in rebates.  Their Avery 1 inch binders are on sale for $1.50 so our total would now be $13.48 with $9.97 in rebates.    So I am going to grab 2 8 packs of .01 pencils and 10 .01 folders bringing my total to a whopping $13.60 with $9.97 in rebates. 

For this method of coupon organization we will use sheet protectors to store whole pages of inserts in the binder.  I use this method because I purchase an average of 4-7 papers a weekend.  So they will cost $6.29 for a 25 pack bringing our total to $19.89 with $9.97 in rebates. 

If you throw in one ink you are done with your purchase.  My ink is the 02 Hp kind so black is $19.99 and a color is $10.99.  If I choose a color it would make my total look like $30.88 – $5 coupon = $25.88 out of pocket – $9.97 in rebates = Total cost $15.91 for $39.40 in product.  Don’t forget you do earn 10% back on your ink and toner purchases too. 

 

Now if you want to take out the sheet protectors and ink for this trip here is a scenario.  Our total is at $13.60 with $9.97 in rebates before we added the sheet protectors and ink.  Now we will purchase 1 Staples photo surpreme pack 50 pack for $14.99 with a $13.99 rebate which brings us to $28.59 with $23.96 in rebates. 

I will fill it with 2 more $1 school deals to bring the total to $30.59 with $23.96 in rebates.  Spend $30.59 – $5 coupon = $25.59 out of pocket – $23.59 in rebates makes your final total $2 for it all!! 

So if you are a beginner and you need to do the first scenario to start your couponing organization $16 is a great price to purchase everything we listed at.  Do keep in mind both scenarios have you spending the SAME AMOUNT out of pocket but the rebates differ.  Don’t break the bank on something you won’t use if you are just starting out.  Couponing is about being practical and frugal all at the sametime. 

I would love to post your scenarios so send them my way!!

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