Sow Little... Reap Much!

My last class I asked everyone to bring 5 items or $5 to donate to a local food pantry. It is amazing what only ten people, time, and quite a few coupons can get you! With the money donated I was able to get a grocery cart full of things for the pantry, and I was so blessed to get 2 FREE Snack Packs!!! (For more information on why I am so grateful for these little pudding cups read Holiday On a Budget: Part #3). Thanks to all those that came and gave. I pray that the information you learned will not only benefit you but all of those around you.  

These are the items that were donated- 21 items from 4 people.



With $25 from 5 people I was able to get 40 items!
This trip was spent with my 7 year old and she got the
"important" things and "neat" stuff for kids.

Those that are interested in the next class: it will be on March 4th at 6:30pm. If interested please contact me immediately and I will give you more information.  For many that are interested but are not able to make it that night, keep your eyes open to a class that I will be doing later in the month with Amanda from "Osage County Clippers." ("Like" them on Facebook!)

My endeavor in doing this blog is not just to bombard you with information about coupons and cool tricks- my goal is to help you keep as much of your hard earned money in your pocket as I can. (And make my time not spent in vain!) If you are struggling with getting started or stuck in a rut, I am here to help. I am going to offer a specific class/tutoring session for current couponers to help iron out those wrinkles and really press toward that goal of saving money with coupons! (The response for this need will determine the date.)

I am looking forward to this spring and all the grand things to come. I hope after reading this post, it will find each one of you encouraged. Thanks for reading!

Less is More- How We Walk that Out

Many people are looking for ways to saving money and many have now turned to coupons.  Many people hear me say that we are able to keep our grocery/toiletry budget under $200/month with an average of $165 and think coupons are definately the answer. They also know that to survive on one teacher's salary that we must use coupons everywhere (Walgreens, WalMart, Target, Kohl's, etc), use many different saving sites (like Groupon, LivingSocial, Deal Garden, etc.), and spend lots of time looking for ways to save. But really that's not true at all.

I really only go to two MAYBE three stores on a regular basis, those being Dillon's and Aldi (and maybe HyVee).  I do stay at home but I also homeschool, so my time is very valuable. I honestly try not to spend more than an hour a week on my "saving planning" and about an hour blogging/price match ups.  I would suggest this rule for everyone- even if you are starting out! Truth is I let a majority of my coupons expire, do not use any "deal" sites, only go to two stores, but mostly we just choose to do with less. Many people talk about being smart "consumers," but we choose not to consume. By making wise choices and doing without, we are really able to save money and use our time they way we want!

One of the biggest ways we save money is with our health. We try to eat as healthy as we can (keeping in mind our diets aren't picture perfect) all while staying within our budget. We choose physical activity for outings and entertainment as much as possible and getting the rest our bodies need. Also, we do not spend any money on prescriptions or medicines. We avoid the doctor as much as we can and choose to put our faith in the Great Physician. I understand this is not possible for everyone all the time but I do believe this is one of our best saving plans!

About getting coupons to restaurants and retail stores- it saves us even more money by not spending any money at all on them (even if they are 50% off). On days that we know we will be going to town or somewhere during meal time, we pack a meal. This might seem drastic to many but its usually healthier and MORE convenient. We don't have to worry about fat, sodium, calories, waiting in line, having coupons, or the effect it will have on our pockets. 

I am also able to stay at home and homeschool so our closets can be minimal and flexible. My children wear hand-me-downs and my attire isn't the most stylish but we are okay with that. We mend things (mostly my husband clothing) and wear them until there is no more use in them. By not shopping online or going into retail stores we save even more money.

We don't have the largest house, or a nice TV, new cars, or full closets. Our date nights are not spent at the newest movie or at a nice sit down resturant. We do not have a large selection of movies or toys. Choosing not to drive to every event offered or chasing down the greatest deal saves us gas and time! We take the time to hang dry our laundry, mend the broke items, or cook at home. We do this not in pursuit of having more money but of having a better life. Our family spends more time together, working together, entertaining and supporting each other with less. Sometimes the answer is not being active in saving, sometimes it being passive and getting back to the basics. 

We choose to live our lives the way we were called, not comparing them to the Jones. Sometimes its not easy to do without those things we really want. However want to teach our children (and learn ourselves) that no matter what your circumstances in life you can have true joy. Things and events bring us temporary happiness but a life rich in love and full of contentment bring lasting joy and peace.

What are You Really Saving with Coupons?

Okay you got your receipt and it says you saved $66.32 and only spent $15.11 (yes this is one of my Dillon's receipts).  Now did I really save 83%?? No probably not. What about that Kohl's receipt that said we saved $279 but actually only spent $31? Did I really save 90% on the on clothes we needed? Pretty sure I haven't even spent that much on clothes in 5 years!

Keep in mind when I shop, I always keep in mind if it is beating Aldi price then I have gotten a good deal. I buy most of my groceries there and I used to by our tolietery items at Wal-Mart (until I go them free/cheaper at Dillon's).  If I know I can buy my kids cereal for $1.59 a box at Aldi all the time why would I go to Dillon's to buy it for $2.49?? After coupons and sales I paid .79 for that box of cereal.  So did I save a $1.70 like my receipts suggest. Well yes and no.

Truly I only saved .80 on that box of cereal.  I would never pay more than Aldi price so I know that my saving is really only under what I would normally pay. If I were to normally shop at Dillon's (or other chain store) and always pay their prices yes, I would have saved a lot of money on that box of cereal.

CEREAL SENARIO:
What Dillon's said I saved after sale and coupons: 1.70
If I would have bought it at Aldi instead of Dillon's: .90
Savings on Aldi price vs the Dillon's sale/coupon price: .80

Depending on what kind of spender you are depends on what kind of savings you truly get. Another thing to think about is did you really "save" money on something you got for free, even though you wouldn't have gotten if it wasn't? One more question: would you have spent the .34 on each tube of toothpaste if it wouldn't have been so cheap?

I guess I am saying don't look at the receipts, look at your checkbook and your cabinets to see how you are actually doing.  This helps you keep your couponing habit and your budget in check! Stores like you to think that you are "saving" so you will continue to shop there.  Because I am pretty sure that I would not have paid $310 for five pairs of my husbands jeans that we only paid a total of $31 for! Be a smart consumer, and a smart saver!

For a great book to read about saving money and being frugal in all ways get The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn.

Thriftway Match (2/23-3/1)

Sorry this is coming out a little bit late, when there is a holiday on Monday the Thriftway flyers come a day late. There is a great 10/$10 sale going on right now, but remember that just because its a $1 doesn't mean its a "good deal"! For those of you new to "good deals" check out iheartcoupondeals.blogspot.com to see how to start a price book. I'll admit though I do not have one, I do have Aldi prices commited to memory!

If you need help with couponing and need questions answered I can help! Don't let the thought of couponing become too overwhelming or you won't do it. I'm starting Coupons and Coffee for those that need to talk coupons and we can chat over a cup of coffee (or whatever you drink but expect mine to be Starbucks- yuuummm). So let me know when you need to chat and I we can set a date.

New coupon class March 8th at 6:30pm, location to be announced (just expect it to be local :).  Please sign up as quick as possible if interest so I can get a head count. Thanks to those who came to the last class! I will post pictures soon of all of the food that will be donated to the local food bank.

These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!]  (If you want to know exactly where the coupon comes from- look on moneysavingmom.com coupon database). The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally.  There are many other deals every week that do not require coupons however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
PANTRY

Gatorade - $1.00
Get 32oz free wyb 1 Gatorade Prime and 1 Gatorade Recover All*you coupon
Final Price: $2.00/3

Bertolli Pasta Sauce - $1.99
$1.50/2 or .60/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.24each wyb2 or $2.48/2

Ragu Pasta Sauce- $1.99
.75/2, .30/1, or $1/2 coupons
Final Price: Varies

New York Texas Style Croutons - $1.00
$1/2, .55/1, .50/1 coupon
Final Price: $0.50 each

DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIGERATED ITEMS

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (10.2 oz) - $1.00
.40/3 or .30/2 coupon
Doubles to .50/3 or .50/2
Final Price: $0.75 each wyb2 or .84each wyb3

Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits (12 oz)- $1.00
.40/3 or .30/2 coupon
Doubles to .50/3 or .50/2
Final Price: .75 each wyb2 or .84each wyb3

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (4oz) - $1.00
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: .75each wyb2

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (7.3oz) - $1.00
40/2 or .30/1 coupon
Doubles to .50/2 or .50/1
Final Price: .50 to .75 each!!

Tony's Pizza for One - $1.00
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: .75each wyb2

Tony's Crispy Crust Pizza - $1.00
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: .75each wyb2

Totino's Pizza Rolls - $1.00
.40/2 coupon
Doubles to .50/2
Final Price: .75each wyb2

Tornados - $2.00
.75/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.25

Yoplait Kids Yogurt- $2.00
.75/2 or .50/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.50/1 to $3.25/2

Pillsbury Cookie Dough- $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.00each wyb2

New York Texas Toast - $3.79
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $3.29

Tyson Chicken - $4.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $3.99

HOUSEHOLD

Bounty Paper Towels (6 rolls) - $10.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50/1
Final Price: $10.49

Gain 2x Laundry Detergent - $10.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $9.99

Cheer 2x Laundry Detergent - $10.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $9.99

PRODUCE

Red or Green Seedless Grapes - $1/lb
Washington Apples- $1/lb
Northwest Anjou Pears - $1/lb

Thriftway Coupon Match (2/16-2/22)

Remember if you are attending this week's coupon class! Let me know if you cannot make it and we can let someone else fill your spot. As for the next class I am going to schedule it for Friday, March 4 at 6:30. Let me know if you can make it, this will possibly be my last "free" class (might have to donate to a food bank) without charging fees.

If you are on Facebook- which I know you are since I get most of my blog traffic from there- check out Osage County Clippers. "Like" them to get local notices about deals in the area. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Rumor has it Dillon's is doing away with "overage" on coupons.  If the product was only .75 and your doubled coupon equalled 1.00 then they would let you have the .25 off your total still. Well, those day are numbered if not gone already :(

These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!]  The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally.  There are many other deals every week that do not require coupons however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
PANTRY

Folgers Coffee (23-33.9oz) - $1/2
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $5.97wyb2 or $11.94/2

General Mills Cereal- $2.00
$1/3 coupon
Final Price: $1.66each wyb3 or $4.98/3

Lipton Tea- $3.00
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.50

Dole Fruit Bowls - $2.50
.75/2 or 50/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.13-2.25each wyb2

HOUSHOLD

Charmin Basic (12 rolls) - $4.97
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $4.47

Bounty Basic Paper Towels (8 rolls) - $5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $5.49

Brawny Paper Towels - $6.99
.50/1 coupon (exclusive in areas)
Final Price: $6.49

Finish Dish Detergent- $5.49
.75/1 coupon
Final Price: $4.74

Cascade Complete- $4.49
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $3.99

Dawn Dishwashing Detergent- $2.50
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $2.00

Tide Detergent (20-32 Use?)- $6.99
.35/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $6.49

Bounce Dryer Sheets - $6.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $6.40

DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIGERATED ITEMS

Oscar Mayer Carving Board Meats - $2.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.99

Yoplait 4-pks - $2.00
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: $1.75each wyb2 or $3.50/2

Pillsbury Cookies - $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.00each or $4.00/2

Totinos Party Pizza - $1.25
$1/5 coupon
Final Price: $1.05

Reames Noodles- $2.50
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.00

HEALTH

Not sure what is going on here... Pictures don't go with the items listed. Misprint??

PRODUCE
Oranges 5/$1!!!
Grapefruit 5/$1!!!
Green Giant Baby Carrots - .99/lb
Green Cabbage .49/lb
Green

Thriftway Match (2/9-2-15)

The February 19th coupon class is full, however there will be another coming up next month. If you are wanting to host a coupon class or need tutoring please let me know. 

These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!]  The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally.  There are many other deals every week that do not require coupons however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
PANTRY

Kellogg's Cereal - $2.50
$1/3 coupon
Final Price: $2.17each wyb 3 or $6.50/3

Ragu Pasta Sauce - $1.79
.30/1, $1/2 or .75/2
Final Price: $1.29

Campbell's Select Harvest Soup- $1.25
.50/2 or .40/2 coupons
Final Price: $1.00 each wyb2

Old El Paso Taco Shells or Refried Beans- $1.25
.50/2 Old El Paso Products coupon
Final Price: $1.00 each wyb2

Old El Paso Taco or Enchilada Kits - $2.50
.50/2 Old El Paso Products coupon
Final Price: $2.25 wyb2

Pringles - $1.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $1.00each wyb2

Hamburger Helper - .97
.75/3 coupon
Final Price: .72each wyb3

DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIGERATED ITEMS
Marie Callender's Dinners or Steamers - $2.50
$1/2 All*you coupon
Final Price: $2.00each wyb2

Reames Noodles - $2.99
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.49

Yoplait Smoothies - $2.50
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.50

HEALTH

Old Spice Deodorant- $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.00each wyb2

Degree Deodorant- $2.99
.75/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.24

Dove Deodrant- $2.99
$2/1 coupon!!
Final Price: .99!!

Huggies Baby Wipes- $2.50
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.00

Sister Schubert's Rolls- $3.00
.50/1 coupon
Final Price: $2.50

PRODUCE

Red Seedless Grapes - $1.37/lb
Washington Red Apples- .99/lb

Coupon Class! And my Dillon's Deal

The coupon class for February 19 at 2pm is half full! I have four slots remaining.  The fee is 5 items or $5 that will be donated to a local food bank.  Everyone will walk away with a few grocery items of their own and a outline of everything we talked about.  Here are some things that we will discuss:

- Why use coupons and is it worth it?
- Perks of using coupons, its not just about saving $$
- Resources to help you use coupons
- Using coupons ethically!
- Types and sources of coupons
- Using your time wisely
- Organizing coupons
- Store guidelines
- Important tips every couponer should know.

If you are a practicing couponer please feel free to come, you might learn something new or teach us something! If you are passionate about the subject of couponing, come share your enthusiasm!

Here is a testimony of how couponing can really help lower your budget. I went to Dillon's after church on Sunday and would have spent $65 for all these items without coupons. My total out of pocket (OPP) was $27.31 and I have a $1.00 catalina ($1 off any purchase) to spend next time.  It was only 63% savings but there were some BIG splurges.

Here's the breakdown of this deal after coupons (and Dillon's Mega Event):

Free items: FiberOne bars, Tombstone Pizza, Miracle Whip, Crest toothpaste

Ken's Dressing: $0.99

Jell-O Pudding (3 large boxes): $1.37 or .45each

Wheat Thins: $1.45

Ritz: $1.59

Krusteaz Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix: $0.59

Colgate toothpaste: $0.34 (my husband's dentist reccommended)

Kraft cups: $1.36 or .34 each

CoffeeMate (2): $0.95 each

JollyTime Popcorn: $0.79

Tostitos Whole Grain Scoops: $1.49

Rotel with lime and cilantro (2): $.49 each

Delmonte Veggies (4): $.49each

Starbucks Coffee: $6.49 (I never thought I would be able to buy GOOD coffee!!)- my splurge

Velveeta: $3.49 (We have not had this in our house for over 3 yrs, my husband is so excited!) -his splurge

If you have any great deals you want to share please do! I'd love to hear them.

Thriftway Match (2/2-2/8)

Coupon Class: February 19 at 2pm Most people charge for coupon classes but all I ask is that you pay it forward! The charge for this class will be $5 or 5 non-perishable items to donate to local food banks. There is a limit of 8 people for this class, space is limited. Please send me an email or comment below if would like more information. (Don't forget you never leave these classes/parties empty handed either!)

Special Coupons in this Post! When I go shopping I always try to keep on the lookout for manufacturer's coupons since Thriftway's don't accept printables. I might find them in those neat blinkie machines or on tearpads, and this time- in booklets! There is a booklet at Dillon's (on top of the huge display of Kroger Mixed Nuts at 21st and Fairlawn) called Guy Fieri's Game Day Playbook that has some wonderful coupons (best used during Dillon's Mega Sale!). 


This was a run to the store because my son really
wanted tacos and I really wanted ice cream!
Taco Shells $1.00each, Cheese $2.49, Ice Cream $2.89
Total: $6.07 after coupons (tearpad coupon and All*you coupon)

These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!]  The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally.  There are many other deals every week that do not require coupons however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
GAME DAY SAVINGS- 4 Day Sale

Hormel Chili w/Beans - $1.00
$1.50/3 All*you coupon
Final Price: .50 each wyb3 or $1.50/3

Gatorade- $1.00
B2G1 coupon
Final Price: $.66each wyb3 or $2.00/3

PANTRY

Chunky Soup- $1.25
$1/4 or .50/2 coupon (KC Star)
Final Price: $1.00each

General Mills Cereal- $2.00
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $1.50

Wheat Thins or Triscuts- $2.00
$1/2 Game Day Play Book Coupon
Final Price $1.50each wyb2 or $3.00/2

Ritz Crackers- $2.00
$1/2 Game Day Play Book Coupon
Final Price: $1.50 each wyb2 or $1.00

French's Mustard- $1.50
.30/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $1.00

Pace Picante Sauce - $1.99
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: $1.74each wyb2 or $3.48/2

ORTEGA Deals- by any 2 Ortega products get .50 off w/coupon

Ortega Taco Shells or Tortillas- $1.99
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: $1.74each wyb2 products

Ortega Spongebob Corn Taco Kit - $2.49
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.24each wyb2 products

Ortega Taco Seasoning -.79
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: .54each wyb2 products

Ortega Black Beans- .89
.50/2 coupon
Final Price: .64each wyb2 products

Post Cereals- $3.00
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.50each wyb2 or $5.00/2

Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn- $2.00
$1/2 or $1/3 coupon
Final Price: $1.50 wyb2 or $1.66 wyb3

Lipton Teas- $1.50
.60/1 or .75/2 coupon
Final Price: .90 or $1.13each wyb2

M & M Valentine Candy- $3.00
$1.50/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.25 each wyb2 or $4.50/2

Russell Stover Candy Samplers - $9.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $8.99

Tostitos Corn Chips- $2.99
$1.50 off chips wyb 1 Velveeta and 2 RoTel (off Tear Pads by Rotel at Dillon's)
Deal Idea
Tostitos $2.99 use $1.50 coupon= $1.49
RoTel .99each and Velveeta $4.47
Use $1.00 Velveeta wyb 1 RoTel from Game Day Play Book= $5.45
Total Price for Tostitos, Velveeta, 2 RoTel: $6.94!!

DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIGERATED ITEMS
Philadelphia Cream Cheese- $1.29
$1/2 Game Day Play Book Coupon
Final Price: .79each wyb2

Coffee-mate Creamer 32 oz - $2.99
.55/1 or $1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.44 or $2.49 wyb2

Stouffer's Lasagna or Enchiladas - $10.49
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $9.49

Pillsbury Crescent or Sweet Rolls - $1.66
.40/2 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $1.41 each wyb2

Kraft Cheese - $1.99
$1/2 Game Day Play Book Coupon
Final Price: $1.49each wyb2 or $2.98/2

New York Bread - $2.50
.40/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price: $2.00

Healthy Choice Entrees - $2.50
B5G1 coupon
Final Price: $12.50/6 or $2.08 each

MEAT

Oscar Meyer Deli Fresh Lunchmeat - $2.99
$1/2 Game Day Play Book Coupon
Final Price: $2.49each wyb2 or $4.98/2

El Monterey Entrees - $4.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $3.99

Tyson Breaded Chicken: $2.50
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $1.50

Johnsonville Smoked Sausage - $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $2.00 wyb2

Johnsonville Summer Sausage- $6.99
$1/2 coupon
Final Price: $6.49 wyb2

HOUSEHOLD

Charmin Bath Tissue - $10.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50/1
Final Price: $10.49

Hefty Bags- $5.99
.55/1 coupon
Final Price: $5.44

HEALTH

Head and Shoulders- $4.79
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: $3.79

Colgate Toothpaste- $1.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price: .99