SavingStar Friday Freebie - Trident Gum 18-piece pack

This week's Friday Freebie is a chewy one! Get 100% back on any flavor of Trident Gum (18 ct. pack) when you use SavingStar. Expires 11/2/14.

Save 100% when you buy ONE (1) any flavor 18 stick pack of Trident® gum.

If you have any questions about SavingStar, go here for your answers!

Finding Coupons

I write a guest opinion column for the Standard Journal. The following was published October 14, 2014:

Finding Coupons

Coupons are CASH.  When you hand them to the cashier your total goes down, just like cash.  Think of coupons as currency and you will be much more motivated to find them and use them. 

Here are 9 places to find coupons:

      1.     The newspaper. This is the most traditional method of coupon acquisition.  Almost every Sunday of the year (or Saturday for us Standard Journal-ers) you can find at least one coupon booklet in the newspaper. There are three main types of inserts; Smart Source, Red Plum, and Proctor & Gamble.  On coupon blogs these will be referred to as SS, RP, and P&G.

      2.       Online. There are several websites that offer printable coupons, with the most popular being coupons.com.  I strongly suggest investing in a simple printer. I found mine for $5 on Craigslist and it has served me very well.  The first time you print a coupon you will be prompted to install coupon-printing software.  It is a one-time install and is perfectly safe. 

      3.       Tear Pads.  Walking through the store you may notice little tear pads or coupon dispensers that blink at you. If I like the product, then I grab a one or two coupons to use right then if the deal is good, or to save for future use. 

      4.       Peelies.  These are found sticking right to the product and are always a nice surprise.  You can peel them off at checkout and use them right away; no need to wait until your next purchase.

      5.       Magazines.  Some magazines will include coupons. When you are sitting in the doctor’s waiting room, skim the magazines and see if you find any hidden gems.

      6.       Free samples.  Often free samples that you request online will arrive in the mailbox with coupons for a future purchase.  Even if you know the sample will be small and seemingly worthless, remember that there is a good chance that a high value coupon will be included.

      7.       Email companies.  Often if you email a company directly and compliment its product, they will send you a “thank you” coupon. 

      8.       Register for company newsletters (via email) or loyalty clubs and you will often find special access to printable coupons. 

      9.       Coupon Groups.  Join a local coupon group where people can share any coupons they are not using.  Our local Facebook group is “The Rexburg Coupon Shuffle”.

Remember: coupons are like cash, so getting as many as you can (for the products you need and want) will help you save, save, save!

The Coupon Equation

I write a guest opinion column for the StandardJournal. The following was published October 14, 2014:

The Coupon Equation

When talking about saving money by using coupons, I like to refer to what I call “the coupon equation.”

I know it sounds algebraic, but don’t worry; it isn’t hard. The last time I did any complicated math was over 10 years ago, so I am not about to drop any craziness on you. Someday, my kids will have to re-teach me a lot.

The equation is thus: Sale + Coupon = YES (as in “yes, you can buy it.”).

This basically means the best way to use a coupon is paired with a sale. It sounds incredibly obvious, but I didn’t grasp this until just a few years ago. 

Before my epiphany, I thought that coupons were kind of silly. I didn’t think that throwing a 40¢ coupon at a full-priced item was doing anything all that great. What I didn’t understand was that the greatness came by waiting for a sale and then using the coupon.

Most of you probably already understand this concept. But, because it is the foundation of couponing, it is vital for those just starting out.

When you are armed with your basic coupon equation, you can take on the entire shopping world. With several ways to access coupons and new money-saving apps for your phone or tablet, what started as simply “sale + coupon = YES” can turn into a super deal — “sale + manufacturer coupon + store coupon + app-savings = YES!!!” (Please notice and appreciate the overzealous exclamation points).

These super deals are not as rare as you may think, and I have good news for you: finding them is not hard.

One of a savvy shopper’s greatest tools is a coupon blog. There are tons. Just google it and see how many hits you get. These blogs focus on finding the deals for you, so all you have to do is go get them.

I suggest finding a blog that you like, getting to know your way around it and then using it as you plan your shopping lists. 

Another resource is through social media. Search for a local coupon group on Facebook where people share deals they have found around town.

Fortunately, Rexburg has both a blog (www.rexburgroundup.blogspot.com) and a Facebook group (The Rexburg Coupon Shuffle). These resources help you save money by focusing on deals found in our local grocery stores, and giving you a forum to share your finds with others.

Check them out and join the fun!

Couponing: Getting Started

I write a guest opinion column for the Standard Journal. The following was published October 14, 2014:

“Couponing” is a deceiving term. It brings to mind memories of your grandmother sitting at the kitchen table and cutting out weekly coupons. What used to be strictly about clipping the newspaper and skimming the grocery circulars has grown into something much bigger.

In this world of technology, couponing has expanded to include online coupons, printable coupons, special money-saving apps for you smartphone, and online blogs that can tell you almost anything about any store. 

All of this can seem very complicated, and you may be tempted to throw the newspaper down in disgust. You have a busy life already. Is it really worth it?

YES. Believe me. It isn’t as complicated as it sounds. There are so many helpful resources out there, and they are ultra-accessible. There are people out there (like me!) that can help. It is so doable.

The way I see it, there are three types of couponing people.

          1)      Those who do it for the fun

          2)      Those who do it for the money

          3)      Those who do it for both

My goal is to help you join group #3. That is where I am, and I have found a lot of satisfaction in it. Finding something you enjoy that can also help you make ends meet is like having a job that you love. In fact, many people describe couponing as a part-time job. Like a job, it takes some time and “makes” you money (by keeping more of it in the bank).

Couponing can be super exciting. During checkout I often have to bite my lip to keep from smiling too big as I watch my total due drop after handing over my stack of precious coupons. I have been couponing for a while, but it never gets old and I often have to force myself to “play it cool.” Then I go home and talk my husband’s ear off.

It is important to know that there are different levels of couponing. There is the extreme couponer that will take several hours a week to prepare coupons and shopping lists, then go to multiple stores and stockpile several months’ worth of products. On the other side there is the casual couponer that spends only a couple of hours a week on his or her deal finding. Both are great. You decide what fits best in your life. Either way, stay tuned because this column is for YOU!

Broulim's Weekly Roundup (10/29-11/4)

Here are the Broulim’s deals for the week of 10/29-11/4.

Because of illness, I am only picking the best of the best to share this week.  See the full ad here.

I will say that if you had to choose one store to go to this week, it should be Albertsons, especially for baking needs.  Just by skimming the ad I see that Albertsons beats most of Broulim’s sale prices by 30¢ - 50¢.

My favorites are in RED.

Produce

Red Potatoes, 5 lbs. - $2.00

Mandarin Oranges, 3 lb. bag - $4.99

*It is that time of year again! I love those little oranges, and so do my kids. This price is about a dollar more than I would want to spend, but right now I am craving them.*

Broccoli - 99¢ lb.

Grocery

Halloween 2-Day Sale

Thursday and Friday (30^th and 31^st)

La Victoria Thick N Chunky Salsa, 67 oz. - $4.99

Act II Popcorn, 3 pk. - 77¢

Nabisco Snack Crackers (like Triscuits and such) - $1.50

Keebler Cookies - $1.67

Meat

Ground Beef, 80% lean, family pack - $2.99 lb.

Albertsons Weekly Roundup (10/29-11/4)

I apologize for the lateness of this blog post. I came down with what I hope is just a 24-hour bug, so my day has not turned out like I was planning.

Because I am so behind now, I have only included the very best the deals and coupon matchups for Albertsons from 10/29 thru 11/4. 

My favorite deals are in RED.




Grocery

Essential Everyday Peanut Butter, 18 oz. - 99¢ (limit 2, while supplies last - meaning no rainchecks)


Shoppers Value Granulated Sugar, 4 lb. bag - $1.50


Lay's Potato Chips, 9.5-10 oz. - $2.00

Ristorante Frozen Pizza - $4.50
Coupon: $1/1 Ristorante Pizza (SS 10/26, exp. 12/31)
Makes it: $3.50
*If you can go tonight (Tuesday, 10/28) you can get it for $2.99)

Essential Everyday French Fries or Potato Rounds, 26-32 oz. - $1.67

MIX and MATCH
Buy in multiples of 10 and get a discounted price (reflected in prices below)

Quaker - $1.48 (when you buy in multiples of 2, w/coupon at register)
Life, 18 oz. (large size)
Cap N Crunch, 18-20 oz. (large size)
Quick or Old Fashioned Oats, 42 oz. 
Oatmeal Squares Cereal, 14.5 oz.
Instant Oatmeal, 11.5-15 oz.
Real Medleys Cereal, 15-17 oz.
Real Medleys Bar, 6.7 oz.

Muller Greek Yogurt, 5.3 oz. single serve - 49¢ 

Oscar Mayer Wieners, 14-16 oz. - $1.99 (beef included? I hope so)

Essential Everyday Powdered or Brown Sugar, 32 oz. - $1.00

Nestle Toll House Morsels, 10-12 oz. - $1.99
Coupon: A couple of weeks ago a catalina was printing for these. If you still have it, now is a great time to use it!

Carnation Evaporated Milk, 12 oz. - 75¢ 

Pillsbury Cake or Brownie Mix - 89¢ 

Shoppers Value Ice Cream, 59 oz. - $1.99
Ibotta Offer: 25¢ back on any brand ice cream, 1.5 qt or larger
Makes it: $1.74

Candy!!

Ibotta Offer: 25¢ back on any brand of bagged Halloween candy, 11 oz. or larger
SNAP Offer: $1.00 back on any brand of bagged Halloween candy. Learn more about SNAP, here. 

Meat

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - $1.99 lb.

FREE TURKEY - w/coupon and a $100 or more purchase

Other

P&G Sale (thru 11/11)
Spend $35 on participating products and get a coupon for $15 off your next shopping trip
Spend $30 on participating products and get a coupon for $10 off your next shopping trip
Spend $25 on participating products and get a coupon for $7 off your next shopping trip

Some good grabs:
Tide Liquid Detergent, 92-100 oz. - $9.99
Coupon: $2/1 Tide Detergent (PG 10/26, exp. 11/30)
Makes it: $7.99

Luvs Diapers, 66-92 ct. - $15.99
Coupon: $1.00 off ONE Luvs Diapers printable here
Makes it: $14.99 (how does this compare to Walmart?)

New Barilla Pasta Coupon - only 66¢ each at Broulim's

Coupons.com just released a new $1/3 Barilla Blue Box Pasta. 


$1.00 off THREE (3) boxes of Barilla Blue Box

Currently Broulim's has Barilla Blue Box pasta (12-16 oz.) on sale for 99¢ per box. So buy 3 and get them for 66¢ each!!

Hurry, because the sale is only thru 10/28!

SavingStar Friday Freebie - Cadbury Screme Egg

Treat yourself to a free Cadbury Screme Egg this weekend, compliments of SavingStar.

Activate here. 

Mmmmm. Looks yummy.

Also, check out the updated SavingStar and Albertsons policy, here.

Broulim's Weekly Roundup (10/22-10/28)

Here are the Broulim’s deals from 10/22-10/28.

To see the full ad go here.

My favorite deals are in RED.

Produce

Idaho Russet Potatoes, 5 lb. bag - 99¢ each

Gala, Red, or Golden Delicious Apples - 99¢ lb.

Bartlett Pears - 99¢ lb.

Yellow Onions - 49¢ lb.

Celery - 99¢ each

Red or Green Bell Peppers - 79¢ each

Baker Potatoes - 39¢ lb.

Red or Green Leaf Lettuce - 99¢ each

Brocolli - $1.19 lb.

Fresh Pineapple - 99¢ lb.

Cucumbers - 79¢ each

Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti Squash - 79¢ lb.

Candy or Caramel Apples - 99¢ each

Grocery

BUY 10 and Get It for 79¢

Purchase 10 of the participating products and pay only 79¢ each

Kraft BBQ Sauce, 17-18 oz.

Kraft Mac and Cheese

Kool-Aid Bursts, 6 pk.

Corn Nuts, 4 oz.

Taco Bell Refried Beans, 16 oz.

Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows, 10 oz. (such a good price for these, I might just buy 10 of these to get the deal!)

Western Family Medium Eggs, dozen - 99¢

Silk Almond or Coconut Milk, 64 oz. - $2.50

Coupon: $1/1 Silk Half Gallon printable here or here

Makes it: only $1.50

Western Family Cottage Cheese, 16 oz. - $1.49

Western Family Apple Juice, 96 oz. - $1.88

*Albertsons has the Essential Everyday Apple Juice on sale for 99¢ (it is a 64 oz., but still comes out cheaper per ounce)*

Capri Sun Pouch Drinks, 10 ct. - $1.67

Pepsi, 7 Up, and A&W Products, 2-liter - 89¢

PIZZA SALE

Tony’s Pizza - $2.00

Coupon: .75/2 Tony's Pizzeria Style Pizzas printable here

Makes it: $1.63 each when you buy 2

Red Baron Pizza - $3.00

Coupon: $1/2 Red Baron Pizza Products printable here or from the 10/5 SS insert, exp. 11/15

Makes it: $2.50 each when you buy 2

Freschetta Pizza - $4.00

Coupon: .75/1 Freschetta Pizza printable here

Makes it: $3.25 

Banquet Pot Pies, 7 oz. - 79¢

Western Family Flour, 5 lb. all purpose - $1.79

Geisha Canned Pineapple, 20 oz. varieties - 99¢

Barilla Pasta, 12-16 oz. - 99¢

Coupon: $1/2 Barilla Pastas printable here (play the game, if you win coupon will be emailed. it isn't hard)

Makes it: 49¢ each when you buy 2

John Morrell Hot Dogs, 16 oz. - 89¢

Halloween Deals

Meat

Pork Sirloin Roast, bone-in - $1.79 lb.

Sirloin Chops, bone-in family pack - $1.79 lb.

Beef London Broil - $3.99 lb.

Other

Bakeware and Utensils (Handi-Foil, Good Cook, Pyrex & More) - 40% or more off retail (possible good deals)

Buy 4 Save $2

Buy 4 Participating Products and Get $2 off (price below reflects savings)

Coupons: can't find any :(

Albertsons Weekly Roundup (10/22-10/28)

Here are the Albertsons deals from 10/22 thru 10/28. Is it just me, or does October seem like a really long month?

The CA$H IN YOUR QUARTERS sale is back, and there are some good stock up prices.

See the full ad here.

My favorite deals are in RED.

First of all... FREE Water!! (with your $25 purchase)

Produce

Bananas - 49¢ lb.

Gala or Fuji Apples - 99¢ lb.

Butternut, Acorn, or Spaghetti Squash - 69¢ lb.

Hass Avocados, medium size - $1.25 each

Red, Green or Romaine Leaf Lettuce - 99¢ per bunch

See the rest by clicking "Read More"

SavingStar and the New Albertsons Policy

It isn't new news that Albertsons no longer requires shopper cards for weekly grocery deals. But now, as of October 31st, they will no longer offer their gas program. So in order to get an Albertsons card that can be linked to your SavingStar account, you must do the following:

- Call Albertsons Customer Service at 877-932-7948.

- Request a Upromise Albertsons Card that can be linked to your SavingStar account.

- Tell the representative that the Albertsons Preferred Card is no longer accepted in your area because the gas program has been phased out.

- You should receive a Upromise Albertsons card in 7-10 days.

- Link your new Upromise card to SavingStar account by signing in and clicking "My Account" and then "Stores". Then register the card under Albertsons.

(The sooner you request a card the better because the 31st is only 10 business days away and it will take about that long to receive the card)

SavingStar Friday Freebie - Ortega Taco Seasoning

This week's Friday Freebie from SavingStar is a spicy one!
Through Sunday, October 19th, you can get 100% back on one packet of Ortega Taco Seasoning (1.25 oz. packet). 
Taco seasoning is something we use a lot in my house, so I will definitely be getting this freebie.

Activate here

Have you ever made taco soup? It is delicious!

With the weather getting colder and soup on the brain, this freebie could also help you try out a new recipe!

(If you want the recipe, just let me know!)

REMEMBER: You don't have to be an Albertsons shopper to use SavingStar! You can use it at several different stores in the area. At Albertsons you link your loyalty card to your account (I am still waiting on hearing back from SavingStar customer service on how the upcoming (Oct. 31st) Albertsons card change will affect SavingStar). At Walmart, Walgreens, Winco and Target you just upload a picture of your receipt with your phone or computer. If using a computer just look for the buttons like this:

Hit "Submit Receipt" and then upload the picture off your computer. 

Broulim's Weekly Roundup (10/15-10/21)

Here are the deals for Broulim’s from 10/15-10/21.

To see the full ad go here.

My favorites are in RED.

Produce

Granny Smith, Red Delicious, or Gala Apples, large - 99¢ lb.

Avocados - 99¢ each

Broccoli or Cauliflower - 99¢ lb.

Red Potatoes - 49¢ lb.

Red or Green Leaf Lettuce - 99¢ each

Pumpkins - 18¢ lb. (I have no idea what a good price is for a pumpkin. Any thoughts?)
*UPDATE: pumpkins were recently seen for 20¢ lb. at Winco so this is good!*

Grocery

Buy 5 Participating General Mills Items and Get 1 Gallon of Milk Free (ShurSaving, excluding whole milk)

General Mills Cereals, 8-12 oz. select varieties - $1.99

Coupon: $1/2 General Mills Big G Cereals (from SS insert 9/21, exp. 11/1)

Various General Mills Cereal coupons here, here, and here

Makes it: varies depending on cereals included and coupons available

Nature Valley Granola Bars, 4-8 oz. select varieties - $2.49

Coupon:.50/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars (from SS insert 9/28, exp. 11/22)

or .50/2 Nature Valley Granola Bars printable here, here, and here

Makes it: as low as $1.99

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels, 6 ct. - $1.99

Coupon: .50/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudels (from SS 9/14, exp. 12/6)

Makes it: $1.74 each when you buy 2

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls 12-13 oz. - $1.99

Coupon: .40/2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls printable here, here, and here

Makes it: $1.79 each when you buy 2

Yoplait Gogurt, 16 ct. - $3.99

Coupon: .75/2 Yoplait Gogurt printable here, here, and here

Makes it: $3.62 each when you buy 2

*Remember you must buy 5 (mix and match) to get the free milk! 

Kellogg’s Cereal, select varieties - $3.00

PLUS, get a FREE box of Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (12 ct.) when you buy 3 boxes of the above listed cereal.

*Albertsons is running this EXACT deal this week, but for $1.00 cheaper*

Western Family Sour Cream, 16 oz. - $1.19

Tillamook Yogurt, 6 oz. - 50¢

Bar S Hot Dogs, 1 lb. - 99¢

Western Family Bacon, 12 oz. - $2.50

Western Family Shredded Cheese, 8 oz. - $1.99

Sunbelt Granola Bars, 8 oz. varieties - $2.00

Coupon: .55/1 Sunbelt Product printable here

Makes it: $1.45

Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 13 oz. – BOGO Free

Fritos, 8-9 oz. - $1.67

Cheetos, 8-9 oz. - $1.67

Nestle Hot Cocoa, 6 pk. - 79¢

Western Family Pasta, 13-16 oz. - 99¢

Kraft Buy 5 Save 5

Save $5 when you buy 5 participating products (price listed reflects savings)

- Kraft Mayo, 22-30 oz. - $2.49

Coupon: .75/1 Kraft Mayo printable here

Makes it: $1.74

- Kraft Miracle Whip, 22-30 oz. - $2.49

- Mio Water Enhancers - $1.99

- Kraft Mac and Cheese, 11-14 oz. - $1.99

- Planters Peanuts, 16 oz. select varieties - $1.99

- Kraft Salad Dressings, 15-16 oz. - $1.49

Western Family Baking Chips, 11-12 oz. select varieties - $1.67

Cutie Pie Mini Fruit Pies, 2 oz. - 25¢ each

Freschetta Frozen Pizza, 12 inch - $4.00

Coupon: .75/1 Freschetta Pizza printable here

Makes it: $3.25

Crazy Cuisine Frozen Entrée (Chinese Food), 20-22 oz. - $5.00

Coupon: $2/1 Crazy Cuisine Entrée printable here

Makes it: $3.00

PLUS, if you buy two Crazy Cuisine Frozen Entrees then you get a FREE Crazy Cuisine Chicken or Pork Potstickers (20 oz.)

Deal:

Buy (2) Crazy Cuisine Frozen Entrees

Subtotal: $10.00

Use (2) $2/1 Crazy Cuisine Entrée printable here

Get a FREE Crazy Cuisine Chicken or Pork Potstickers (20 oz.)

Total: $6.00 total, or $2.00 each

Meat

Fresh Ground Beef, 85% lean - $3.69 lb.

Gold N Plump Whole Chicken, seasoned, 52 oz. - $4.99 each

Other

Western Family Ibuprofen, 2-pks of 100 ct (200 total) - $2.49