HOT new coupon $2/1 Nestle and Wonka candy

here. Combine with the $5 ECB when you buy $20 in Halloween candy at CVS!!!

Freebies at Office Max

Beginning tomorrow, October 18, 2009, get the following items FREE after Max Perks Bonus Rewards:

2 pack black Sharpie pen, pay 1.99, get 2.00 (limit 3)

5 ream case OfficeMax MultiPurpose paper, pay 16.99, get 17.00 (limit 3)

10 pack Fellowes banker boxes, pay 9.99, get 10.00 (limit 3)

100 count InPlace letter sized Manila file folders, pay 6.99, get 7.00

What's the Deal: Pick and Save October 15-21, 2009

Fabulous deals this week at Pick and Save, even if you don't go on Double Daze!

Kellogg's Cereal, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Keebler Cookies and Crackers 8/20.00
-10.00 instantly when you buy 8
-1.50/2 Raisin Bran, Crispix, Corn Flakes insert coupon
Final Price: 1.25 each and lower when you buy eight

DiGiorno Ultimate, Stuffed Crust, and CPK Rising Crust Pizzas 2/11.00
-1.50/1 Digiorno Ultimate coupon here
Final Price: 2/8.00 PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy two

Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese 3/4.98
-1.00/2 coupon here
Final Price 2/1.32 on double daze, 2/2.32 any other day

Classico Pasta Sauce 2/3.00
-1.00/2 coupon in flyer
Final Price: 2/1.00 on Double Daze, 2/2.00 any other day

Bagel Bites 2/3.00
-1.00/1 coupon here
Final Price: FREE with overage on Double Daze, .50 each any other day

Campbells Soup 1.00 each
-1.00/2 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: 2 FREE on Double Daze, .50 each when you buy 2 any other day

ALSO! From 10/15/09 until 12/19/09, earn Pay Back Premiums when you buy 35 dollars worth of groceries; collect and redeem between 10/15/09 and 12/26/09.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Hang Your Laundry

I know, I know: you don't have time, you don't have the energy. I don't really either, but I do know that our utility bills took a major nosedive when I started hanging sheets and towels to dry. (Really, only sheets and towels). When I hang more, I save more. I have a clothesline in my basement. It rocks. I also have clothes racks for smaller items.

What's the Deal: Walgreens

There is one and only one deal worth doing, in my opinion, at Walgreens this week.

Go inside. Buy eight Skippy peanut butters or Ragu pasta sauces at 1.66 each for a total of 13.28. The register will spit out an eight dollar register reward. Your cost for Skippy and Ragu is .66 per jar after the register reward. You must buy eight total in the same transaction, but can buy any combo of Skippy or Ragu you want.

This is a stock up price for peanut butter. Go get 'em!!

What's the Deal: Pick and Save thru October 14, 2009

Pick and Save is rocking the house this Wednesday. Go getcher pasta, veggies, and tuna!

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest or Smart Taste Pasta buy one get one free (1.89)
-1.00/2 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: 2 FREE plus overage

Green Giant Steamfresh Veggies 1.66 each
-.50/1 coupons here
FINAL PRICE: .66 each

Buy Two Buitoni Pastas at 3.00 each, get a sauce FREE
-1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE: 2.00 for 2 pastas and a sauce

Dean's Dips 1.25 each
-1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE: .25 each when you buy two

Starkist Tuna Pouches 1.00
-.50/1 and 1.00/2 coupons here
FINAL PRICE: FREE

What's the Deal: Sentry October 12-18, 2009

It's a good week for doubles at Sentry!

Yoplait YoPlus and Fiber One Yogurts 1.99 each

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: FREE

Dean's Cottage Cheese 1.25 16 oz. container

-.55/1 insert coupon

FINAL PRICE: .15 each

Welch's Grape Juice 2.98

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .98 each

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters 2.50

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .50 each

General Mills Total Whole Grain 2.50

-.75/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: 1.00 each

Nestle Fun Size Candy Bar Bag 2.49

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .49 each

Green Giant Boil in Bag Veggies 1.00

-.50/2 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .50 each when you buy two

Target: How I Maximize My Money with Internet and Manufacturer Coupons

Very recently, a brand spanky-new Target opened up in my neck of the woods. It's not quite a SuperTarget, but the grocery section is greatly expanded to include fresh meats, produce, and bread. This makes me happy for a couple of reasons.

First, who doesn't like one stop shopping? If I happen to need a girls' size 8 leotard, a cutting board, and organic spring mix and bratwurst for dinner, I can now get that at one place. Sa-weet.

Second, I don't do Wal-Mart. I grew up in Arkansas, and I remember when Wal-Mart meant customer service. Around the year 1995, that ceased to be the case. So I don't do Wal-Mart. Besides, I once walked into a Hyper-Wal-Mart (no, I'm not kidding, there's one in Kansas City, Missouri) and after about ten seconds, walked back out. No thankee.

Third, did you know there are Target coupons that you can use in addition to manufacturer's coupons? It's true. For example, here's a deal I did today at the new Target:

Kellogg's Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts 8 count 1.85
-1.00/1 Target coupon here
-.55/1 manufacturer's coupon from a newspaper insert
FINAL PRICE: .30 per box

That's called "Stacking" in coupon vernacular, and obviously it will save you a ton of money. Here's another fabulous deal.

Chex Mix 8.5 oz bag 1.35
-1.00/1 coupon here
-.50/1 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: FREE plus overage

Check back at the wonderful Target coupon generator for many more deals. Happy shopping, y'all!!!

Raise Your Hand . . .

if you are sick of both Gosselin adults.

Mott's Apple Juice and Sauce for .75 each!

This week at Tar-jay, buy 5 Mott's apple juice 64 oz. bottles or Mott's sauce 6 packs at 1.75 each, get a $5.00 gift card. That's .75 for a half gallon of apple juice or a 6-pack of apple sauce. That's a screamin' deal. Do the deal as many times as you like (I did it twice, but likely will go back again).

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Tired Mommy Edition

Folks, I'm one tired mommy. And my tip for the day relates. Simply put, don't try to be a deal seeking diva when you are tired and cranky. Yesterday, I sent my dear sweet Baboo for a gallon of milk and fed my beloved children hot dogs for dinner because I was toooooo tired to do much of anything. Today isn't looking much better. Take it easy on yourself if you are tired, lonely, angry, hungry; don't think you can operate at warp speed when your body is telling you to rest.

I hope to be back in the swing of things shortly. Much love to you all who are still checking in.

Kyrie Eleison: Have Mercy on Me, Please

Y'all, I have had a tough week here; won't go into details but suffice it to say we are focusing on the basics right now. Please bear with me as I get back into the swing of things.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: What Would Granny Do?

Before you buy something, count to ten and ask yourself "what would my grandmother have done in this situation?" If you are standing in a grocery store, nine times out of ten you will answer with "she'd make it herself," from salad dressing to ketchup to laundry detergent to paper towels and napkins. If you're standing in a discount store like Tar-jay, nine times out of ten you will answer with "she'd do without or make what she had last," whether that's clothing or a new cd (that's what radio's for, child). It's always a good idea to ask yourself whether the need you are meeting is a real need (clean clothing, healthy food) or a created one (laundry detergent with fabric softener added, Yogos).

Winner of the BlueQ and Caribou Contest!

And the winner is . . .

#7 Laura said...
Unleaded...I'm nursing.

Laura, please email me at alittleloosechange@gmail.com with your mailing info! Congrats.

What's the Deal: Pick and Save Doubles Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Eggo Waffles 1.28/box
-1.00/2 coupon from insert
Final Price: .28 each when you buy two

Tide laundry detergent 4.99
-1/1 coupon in insert
Final Price: 2.99

Ball Park Franks 2/5.00
-1.00/2 insert coupon
Final Price: 1.50 each when you buy two

Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, Patties 4.99
-1/1 insert coupon
Final Price: 2.99

Yoplait Fiber One or Yo Plus Yogurt 2.00
-1/1 coupon insert
Final Price: FREE

Aunt Jemima French Toast and Pancakes 2/3.00
-1.00/2 coupon from insert
Final Price: .50 per box when you buy 2

Haagen Daz Ice Cream 3.00
-1/1 coupon here
Final Price: 1.00 per pint

Kelloggs Cereal/Pop-Tarts
-1.00/1 or 1.00/2 coupon inserts
Final Price: .75 or 1.75 each, PLUS a coupon for a free Pop-Tarts or Fruit Snacks when you buy four

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies 2.29
-1/1 or .55/1 coupon here
Final Price: .29 or 1.19

Aunt Jemima Syrup or Pancake Mix 2.00
-1.00/2 insert coupon
-3.00 when you buy five coupon in ad
Final Price: .60 each when you buy five

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars or Bites 2.00
-1/2 coupon here
-3.00 when you buy five coupon in ad
Final Price: .60 each when you buy five

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup .60
-.40/4 insert coupon
Final Price: .40 each when you buy four

Campbell's Chunky Soup Buy One Get One Free (2.69 each)
-.75/4 coupon insert
Final Price: .97 each when you buy four

Healthy Harvest Pasta Buy One Get One Free (1.89 each)
-1.00/2 coupon here
Final Price: free plus .11 overage when you buy two!

Dawn Detergent .88 with in-ad coupon
-.25/1 coupon insert
Final Price: .38 each

Also good non-coupon deals:

.98 4 lb sugar (this is a stock up price) limit one
.98 Oscar Meyer Lunchables
.99 California strawberries 1 lb.

happy shopping, folks!

What's the Deal Wednesday: I'm Still Alive Edition

Please forgive my absence for the last few days: life happened. I'm happy to report that I will have new posts up over the course of the morning, including the winner of the BlueQ purse and the Caribou Coffee gift card!! Stay tuned . . . .

Bath and Body Works: Free Travel Size With Any Purchase

Go here to print a coupon for a free travel size Bath and Body Works product with any purchase from Bath and Body Works. I love these coupons because you can buy any item (including items on clearance) to use the coupons!

This Week's Haul: Pick and Save

See all that? It took

four transactions at
one store in
one hour for a total of
60 dollars, saving
120 dollars and giving me
250 bonus box tops (worth $25.00 for my kids' school) AND
one coupon for a free gallon of milk on my next grocery order.

A quick rundown:
10 boxes Ziploc bags
2 boxes sausage patties
one donut (ahem)
6 boxes Betty Crocker potatoes
10 tubes Grands biscuits
4 boxes Chex Mix bars
2 boxes Cocoa Puffs
2 gallons milk
6 bags Nature Valley granola bites
2 cantaloupes
1 package cookie dough
4 4-paks diced pears and peaches
2 12 oz. bags chem free decaf coffee bseans
2 Betty Crocker frosting
2 Ritz crackerful snack boxes
5 Scotties tissues
1 6 lb. turkey breast
5 lunchables
1 quart half and half
1 4 pack yogurt

I love coupons. :D

Gettin' On My Soap Box: The Laundry Detergent Debacle

Over at Trent Hamm's excellent blog The Simple Dollar, Trent deals with a recurring, ongoing matter of great fiscal importance; it's the cause of many highly emotionally charged posts and comments, dividing good, kind, tax-paying, God-fearing people into snarling mobs.

No, it isn't health care reform. It's laundry detergent. Like many serious frugalistas, Trent home-brews his own laundry detergent. The recipe is here. It's very simple, and very cheap to make. Trent calculates his cost at about .0225 per load (that's two and a quarter cents per load). This is very inexpensive compared to, say, Tide with Bleach at regular price at the grocery store, which runs about .20 per load (twenty cents per load). With this one decision, Trent calculates that he saves about sixty five bucks a year (or six hundred fifty bucks over ten years, or . . . well, you do the math).

It is amazing to me -- simply amazing -- how much flack Trent gets for this one particular decision from his readers. And I think it is symptomatic of a couple of things that are currently plaguing American society.

For one thing it's interesting that for most people, laundry detergent is consistently on the "to buy" list. This is curious to me, as I don't buy it very often at all, and a 300 ounce jug (which is supposed to last 100 loads) lasts my family a good 4 to 5 months. Second, it's interesting how much brand loyalty is out there. Otherwise rational people appear to get totally incensed when someone insinuates Tide is overpriced and overmarketed -- you'll pry their Tide from their cold, dead hands, thanks very much. And it's wild to note how many people don't think they have the time or the energy to take the five minutes making a batch of laundry soap requires out of a 24 hour day, but seem to have lots of time to devote to snarking about other people's decisions on a personal finance blog.

All that said, I'm most bewildered by the people who seem . . . well, flabbergasted that someone knew how to do such a thing. It's as if they believed laundry detergent has just always existed and someone came along and tried to replace The Real Thing with a sad imitation.

Reality check, people: laundry detergent, like 98 percent of everything else at the grocery store and the drug store and the Wal-Marts (I know it's Wal-Mart, but that's what we called it down south, "the Wal-Marts"), is an artificially created need. Yep, that's right, you don't really NEED laundry detergent, at least not in the form it is presented at the store. Trent's stuff is the real deal -- actually, Trent's stuff is a little bit gussied up; all our forefathers used for "warsching" was boiling water, soap (usually lye soap they made themselves), and a rock to beat it on. All other manner of washing paraphernalia are just variations on a theme.

Y'all, there is a happy medium. We can all just get along on this issue of grave importance to the American people.

• If you want to make your own laundry detergent, knock yourself out. Keep a couple of things in mind, though. One, it does tend to gel up pretty well, so you won't be able to decant it into smaller jugs -- the big honking bucket is what you'll need to keep it in, and that may be risky if you have pets or toddlers. Also, I don't think it is approved for high efficiency washers, and I frankly ain't risking voiding the warranty on mine. Finally, I used to make this homebrew myself (GASP!! THE HORROR!!) and over time I noticed a soap buildup that made my clothes a little dingy and faded. I didn't like that. Your mileage may vary. God speed to ya.
• If you love that clean linen scent, I am not going to fault you one bit for loving your Tide. Hey, we all have our simple pleasures. If you are brand loyal, you can still work to get your cost per usage down to the lowest it can be and still have your Tide Simple Pleasures Lavendar and Lily Pad Scent With Bleach For Cold Water Machines. I explain how to do that here. Also, consider using less. Bump your usage down to the place where it's painful or doesn't work, then bump it back up a notch.
• If, like me, you prefer the convenience of premade laundry detergent but wish to minimize your cost per usage to very very low or none at all (!!) yes, it can be done, and yes, I do that on a regular basis. If you aren't brand loyal, laundry detergent can be had for cheap or free after coupons, sales, and rebates. I have at least 150 loads worth of laundry detergent down in my basement that cost me nothing. Nada. And in fact, I made a little money on some of it. If this kind of frugality rings your chimes, stick around. I can help.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be stepping off my soap box and rinsing out the inside to get the last bits out before I recycle the box.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Scrape your Jars with a Spatula

Another classic tightwad trick: last night I was making peanut butter sandwiches for school lunches and we were down to the dregs in the jar. I didn't want to haul my sick self down to the basement to get another jar, so I grabbed my narrow silicone spatula and scraped the inside of the jar. That rescued enough out of the jar for the two sandwiches I needed to make. It's not much, but it will add up over time.