Sunday Newspaper Coupons

Updated: Earlier some of the dollar amounts I stated were wrong, Below are the correct amounts and what I spent on my trip to CVS today.

Some people think using coupons is too time consuming but it doesn't need to be. If you flip through the circulars to see if there are any for products that you use you may be able to save some money. In many cases, certain stores will run sales on products that correspond with the coupons in that week's newspaper.

In some of the store flyers the coupons in the newspaper will be noted next to the item, showing the end price you will pay. In our area newspaper three of the stores that had sales corresponding to the coupon items were Walgreens, CVS and Family Dollar.

In the coupon inserts I received there were four coupons for hair products that were buy 1 shampoo and 1 conditioner and get 1 free styling product. These were for Suave Professionals, Tresemme', Degree for Men and Dove. At CVS, with an Extra Care card and the coupon you could get 2 bottles of Tresemme for $7.00 (Regular price is $4-5 per bottle)and get a free styling product (the coupon took off $6.00) or 2 bottles of Suave for $2 (Regular price over $2 per bottle) and get a free styling product (the coupon took off $4.00). If you don't have an Extra Care card you can apply for one at the register and receive a percentage of what you spend back quarterly. If you don't want to apply for one, they may have a card you can use to get the sale price.

Another insert had coupons for Pepsi, Lays, Tostitos and other products.

A dollar here and there may not seem like a lot but the savings can add up quickly.

After writing the original post I stopped at CVS.

After sale prices and coupons I paid $13.35 and got $1 ECB to use on a future purchase. I purchased

1/2 gallon of milk
1 Tresemmee shampoo and 1 conditioner (got free mousse)
1 Suave Professional shampoo and 1 conditioner (got 1 free mousee)
1 Crest Pro Heath rinse (regular price $6.49, on sale for $4.45 - $1.00 ECB - $1.45 coupon in today's paper= final price $1.99.

My receipt shows I saved $20.14 today and spent $13.35.

Dollar Store Groceries

When you think about groceries at a dollar or discount store you may think of expired items and dented cans.  This is not the case in most instances.  There are various reasons that items end up at dollar or discount stores such as changing of packaging or discontinued items.

The above photo shows 10 items I recently purchased at a dollar store to show what can be found.  There are a variety of other items available.  Some stores are adding dairy and frozen food items.  Many of the frozen food items are processed items but some have frozen vegetables and other items.  Some also carry fresh bread and buns at certain times.

The items in the photo were each a dollar, I figured you could save more than $5 on these items compared to the prices at grocery stores.  Savings per item is between $0.30 to almost $1.00.  The sell by dates were between 2013 and 2015.  The tomato soup was 16 ounces instead of the 10.75 ounce can that is usually close to a dollar in the grocery store.

You will not have the selection that you have at a grocery store, but you may be able to save some money on items you need.

101 Crockpot Recipes

As I have posted previously, one way to save time and money is to use a crockpot to cook meals.
Here is a link to a blog post with 101 crockpot recipes.  The recipes cover main dishes & soups, side dishs, desserts and beverages.

Some people use crockpots in the summer so they don't heat up their kitchens.  I tend to use it more in the winter months for soups and other comfort foods.

The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life

This evening I attended an event based on the book, The 7 Mindsets To Live Your Ultimate Life by Scott Shickler and Jeff Waller.  The event was advertised for parents and teens but it was informative for everyone.  Scott Shickler was the presenter and he is spending a few days in the area speaking to over 3,000 students.

The 7 Mindsets are based on a 10-year multi-million dollar research effort.  The book is a result of this effort, a comprehensive blueprint for happiness, meaning and success.

The 7 Mindsets in the book include Everything is Possible, Passion First, We are Connected, 100% Accountability, Attitude of Gratitude, Live to Give and The Time is Now.

I have not read the book yet but am looking forward to reading it. 

Groceries without Coupons EBook

I have written an E-book about saving on groceries without using coupons, it is for sale on Amazon.  Even if you don't own a Kindle you can download a program to read Kindle books on your computer, IPad or mobile phone.

Some of the topics covered in the book are what to look for in the store, menu planning, freezer cooking and more.  It is $0.99 and currently can be borrowed for free if you have an Amazon Prime Membership.

My upcoming classes are based on this ebook.  The classes also include information for the Fargo Moorhead area stores.

Mummy Treat Jars

If you have been hooked by Pinterest, you know it is much easier to pin things than getting around to trying the ideas.  Tonight I made a mummy from this posting.  I used an empty peanut jar, but you could use any kind of jar or can.  I found the gauze at the dollar store, so I got two jars out of a dollar package.  I had the eyes on hand, so it was an inexpensive and easy project.

Here are some other Halloween ideas I have pinned.

 

Grocery Budget Class

With the current economy, people are looking for ways to make their money go further.  There are small changes you can make in the way you shop to save money instead of clipping coupons. 

I am offering classes on how to save money on groceries without needing to clip coupons.  $10 fee, Thursday, September 27 from 6:00-7:00 pm  or Saturday, October 6, from 11:00 to noon.  The classes will be held at 1100 32^nd Ave S, Moorhead.  Please RSVP to nancy@in-theblack.net or (701) 293-8808.  I also have other upcoming classes planned, let me know what days and times work for you if these dates don’t work for you.  The fee includes a workbook and doorprizes.

                

Topics covered in the class are shopping tips, where to shop, making the most of your grocery budget, using what you already have and more.

 

 

 

Free Kid's Haircuts

JCPenney salons offered free kid haircuts during the month of August.  Nationwide they gave 1.6 million free haircuts.

Starting November 4th they are offering free cuts for kids every Sunday.  It is advised to call ahead to make an appointment.

Also, they are offering free haircuts for breast cancer survivors during October since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Organizing Your Important Documents

Crystal from Money Saving Mom recently profiled a series on organizing your important documents.  It will take some time to organize your documents and information but it will most likely save you time and maybe money in the long run.

 It was a 5 part series. Part1  was an introduction to the series.  Part 2  was on Family and Personal Information. Part 3 was on Finances and Other Accounts.  Part 4

was on Property information. Part 5 was on some final suggestions and tips.

 

As with other organization it is important to find a system that works for you so you will continue with it.  The same goes for budgeting and personal finance

Saving on Fall Wardrobe

With fall on its way it, does your wardrobe need refreshing?  One way to save money of clothes is to shop at resale stores. 

Clothes Mentor at 2551 45^th St S in Fargo has recently expanded their location.  This Friday and Saturday, Sept 14 & 15 they are having a storewide sale of 20% off.  I was recently there and saw a number of items that still had the original store tags on them.  Some items were jackets originally marked $99 and they have them marked at about $20-$30.

Another resale store in the area is MyBest Friend’s Closet at 11 9^th St S, Moorhead.

Both stores have a wide selection of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Layaway Wars

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about

Holiday layaway programs.  Since then some stores have either lowered layaway fees.  Here is an article with the updated fees and information.

Tips to Retire Rich

There is an article in the latest issue of Kiplinger magazine on how to retire rich.

Some of the ideas in the article are to participate in your company's 401k plan or invest in a Roth IRA, pay off student loans and don't cash out your 401k.

You may not think you can save much but just by starting by saving some you will have more than if you don't start at all.  Start with a small amount if you need to and gradually increase as you can.