DOUBLE MY COKE REWARDS ON SUNDAY

 My Coke Rewards is celebrating Cinco De Mayo in a big way. Sunday only, we will receive double points on all fridge pack codes that we enter. And according to the info on their site, there is no limit. I knew I was holding my codes for something good. If you are not yet a member of My Coke Rewards, go HERE to sign up.

2 GREAT PRINTER DEALS FOR PRINTING COUPONS

I have owned a Brother HL-2240 laser printer for a little over 2 years and I love it. Each toner cartridge will print 2500 sheets or more, so I've only had to change the cartridge 3 or 4 times. And with all of the great online deals, the cartridges don't cost any more than a regular ink cartridge.

This printer is on sale at Staples right now for just 59.99. You can order it online and get free shipping. It comes with a starter cartridge that will print about 700 pages.

If you prefer a wireless printer, you can get the Brother HL-2270DW on Amazon.com right now for just 77.99. This printer will print 27 pages per minute and uses the same toner as the HL-2240. It is also capable of duplexing.

Keep in mind that these printers only print in black. I use it for coupons and any kind of document that does not need color.

JOIN ENDORSE TO GET CASH BACK

Endorse is a new mobile app that is compatible with iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, iPad (3rd generation) and for Android (version 2.2 or higher, requires a rear-facing camera): Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Motorola Triumph, Motorola Droid, Motorola Asix, HTC. All you have to do is go HERE to sign up for the app. Once you have signed up and have the app on your smartphone, you will receive new offers each week. When you buy those items, you will have to upload a copy of your receipt on your phone and simply wait for the credit to show in your account. You could receive anywhere from 10% to 100% of the purchase price. You will be able to "Cash out" after you have accumulated $25 in your account and they will send you a check.

I have received $1.21 for buying Mt. Dew and candy. Offers change every week and each will state the percentage that you will earn.

MY APOLOGIES

As most of you probably know, I have not made many posts this year. It is my goal to change all that. I will soon be updating my coupon amount in my sidebar to reflect my correct coupon usage this year, as I have kept all receipts and am in the process of totaling them now. The numbers will not be as high as last year, but that does not mean that I have not been saving. It means that I have not been spending as much. Many weeks, I have spent less than $20 in the grocery stores, as compared to my average of $40 per week last year. I have lived largely from my stockpile the past few months. My pantry and freezers were full, and there is no point in spending when you have no where to store it. I also have not shopped the drug stores very much for the same reason. I simply have not needed to buy very much.

But now it's time to get things back on the right track here, and start passing on the deals. I am looking forward to that.

MYSTERY SHOPPING

I have recently started mystery shopping for several different companies. By scheduling multiple shops in area that I will already be, I have made almost $200 in January. I have had several fast food meals, several casual dining meals, an overnight stay in a motel, a movie night, over $75 worth of groceries and other merchandise, besides the meals. I have done phone shops, internet shops, photo audits, and mystery shops at different types of businesses.

I have received several requests for more information, so I decided to do this post. I am not going to post the names of the companies that I am working for, but I would be glad to provide information to those who are interested individually. Because some of these companies have a referral program, I would like to be able to refer you to those companies. If you would like more information, please contact me in one of the following ways:

Email me directly at savinsue@charter.net.
Contact me through my Contact button on the right sidebar.
Leave a comment below.

Be sure to give me your email address and let me know if you would like a referral. If you don't want to be a referral, I will still send you the names of some of the companies. This is one way that we can help each other.

AWESOME DEAL ON H & R BLOCK HOME EDITION

If you do your own taxes and have not gotten your program yet, I have an awesome deal for you. I have used the H & R Block Home Edition for many years, dating back to when it was known as Taxcut. Every year I get the disk in the mail, which I put in my computer and download the program. The last few years, the download has cost around $35, and did not include the state program, so I had to pay another $25 that.  Now, I know that each of these can be done for free online, but with the installed version, I could do other family members' taxes, and my files are on my computer, if I ever need another copy.

I ran across a truly awesome deal while at Office Depot yesterday, and just had to share. I was in the store to spend some Rewards that are expiring at the end of the month, when I noticed their tax prep display. Their H & R Block Home edition was regularly priced at 44.95, and included one state download. Well, already, this is less than I was going to spend. But, to make the deal even better, they had a $10 instant savings AND a mail-in rebate for a $15 Office Depot gift card. This brings the final cost down to 19.99. And, if you're like me. and have rewards to spend, it could be free! I didn't even have to pay tax.
 

"ALL" Detergent for $1 at Dollar General

There is a great deal to be had at Dollar General on ALL detergent. It is currently priced at 3.50 for the 28-load bottle. However, right now you can stack a manufacturer's coupon with a DG store coupon to bring the price down to $1.

Go HERE and click on the Fresh Start sweepstakes, then click on "Save Now". There is a 50¢ off one coupon that will become $1.50 off if you share it with 3 friends. After sharing, you will receive the coupon in your email.

Pair that with the $1 off coupon from the Jan. 1 Red Plum insert and you will be good to go. You can also print a $1 off coupon HERE.

Update: It appears that the $1 printable coupon is no longer available. But you can still get the deal if you have the $1 newspaper coupon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from Savinsource!

22% BELOW BUDGET THIS WEEK

I did not do much grocery shopping this week. As usual, my lists were pretty short. This is what I bought.

At Publix:

4 Boxes Hefty Freezer Bags (4/2.78)
2 Sundown Vitamins (2/Free + 2.02)
2 lbs Butter (2/$5)
1 Rotel Tomatoes ($1)
1 Adolph's Meat Tenderizer(1.99)

At Bi-Lo:

1 Lucky Charms Cereal Bars (FREE + 1¢)
2 Cat Treats (2/.50)
1 Can Treet (1.25)   

The total value of everything at both stores was 32.77.
The total that I spent was 9.49.
I saved 23.28 or 71%.

I also stopped at Aldi for a few things, which were 16.24. Aldi's prices on these items were at least 50% below regular grocery store prices. Then I stopped at Wal Mart and picked up a few things for a special dish that I plan to cook. I spent 9.04 there.

The total that I spent this week was 35.47, which is still below my budget of $45 per week.

GREAT DEAL ON FOODSAVER

 If you have been thinking of buying a vacuum sealer, you may want to check out this deal. Right now Foodsaver is offering a special deal of 60% off of their Starter Kit. The set includes

1 V2040 Vacuum Sealer
3 Snack & Sandwich Containers
3 Lunch & Leftover Containers
1 11" X 16' Roll
1 8" X 20' Roll

This set is regularly priced at 119.99.
The discount price is 47.99. This offer expires 10/30/11.
Go HERE to get the deal.

10/30 COUPON INSERT PREVIEW

This Sunday you can expect to find 3 coupon inserts in your newspaper. They are:
1 SmartSource
1 Red Plum
1 Procter & Gamble Brand Saver

Here is a preview of what is scheduled to be included. Please remember that coupons vary by region. You should always try to buy the biggest paper that is available in your area.

SmartSource 10/30

$3/2 Air Wick candles, 5.29 oz (exp 12/11)
B2G1 Air Wick candles, 3 oz (exp 12/11)
$1 off Aveeno Active Naturals product (exp 12/31)
$3/2 Aveeno Active Naturals product (exp 12/31)
.50/1 Bestlife buttery spread, spray or baking sticks (exp 1/8/12)
$1 off Cat’s Pride litter (exp 3/31/12)
.75/1 Chock Full O’ Nuts package (exp 12/15)
.50/1 Colgate kids toothbrush (exp 11/19)
.50/1 Colgate kids toothpaste (exp 11/19)
.50/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz + (exp 11/19)
$2 off Delimex item, 17 oz + (exp 2/15/12)
.35/1 House Foods organic tofu (exp 12/31)
.25/1 House Foods premium tofu (exp 12/31)
.35/1 House Foods Shirataki traditional or tofu (exp 12/31)
$1 off Revlon beauty tool (exp 12/31)
$2 off Schick Quattro for women razor, TrimStyle or refill (exp 12/11)
$2 off Schick Quattro Titanium razor or trimmer (exp 12/11)
$2 off Schick Quattro Titanium refill (exp 12/11)
$3 off Schiff Glucosamine (exp 1/31/12)
$2 off Schiff Mega-D3 (exp 1/31/12)
$2 off Schiff MegaRed (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Schiff vitamin or supplement (exp 1/31/12)
$1.50 off Similasan Cold & Mucus, Cough, Irritated Eye or Dry Eye (exp 1/7/12)
$1 off Splenda Essentials (exp 12/12)
$1 off Splenda sugar blend, brown sugar or sweetener (exp 12/12)
$1 off Traditional Medicinals tea (exp 1/31/12)
$1/3 Trident gum, single pk (exp 12/25)

RedPlum 10/30

$1 off Advil children’s product (exp 12/31)
$1 off Advil PM, 16 ct + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Advil product, 40 ct + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Carmex healing skin care (exp 1/31/12)
.30/1 Carmex lip balm (exp 1/31/12)
.50/1 Carnation chocolate cream pie kit, 29 oz (exp 1/31/12)
.50/2 Carnation Evaporated milk, 12 oz (exp 12/31)
.50/1 Carnation Famous Fudge kit, 1.95 lb (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Garnier Fructis hair care, excl trial size (exp 12/10)
$1 off Garnier Fructis stylant, excl trial size (exp 1/30/2021
.55/1 Idaho Spuds Signature Potato Bits, 13.7 oz (exp 12/31)
$2 off L’Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss color (exp 12/25)
.50/1 Libby’s Pumpkin Bread kit, 3.5 lb (exp 1/31/12)
.50/1 Nestle Coffee-Mate liquid creamer (exp 1/31/12)
.50/1 Nestle Coffee-Mate powder creamer (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Nivea men’s body wash (exp 11/13)
$1 off Nivea Women’s body wash (exp 11/13)
$1.50/10 Purina Alpo cans (exp 12/12)
$2 off Purina Alpo cans, 8 ct + or (12) singles (exp 1/23/12)
$1/2 Purina dog snacks (exp 1/30/12)
.50/1 Purina Friskies, 3.15 lb + (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off Purina Friskies cans, (2) 24 ct +, (3) 12 ct or (36) singles (exp 1/31/12)
$1/2 Friskies Natural Sensations, Indoor Adventures or hairball (exp 1/30/12)
$1/6 Purina Mighty Dog cans (exp 12/19)
$2 off Purina Mighty Dog cans, 12 ct or (12) singles (exp 12/19)
$1.50 off Scott’s Liquid Gold wood cleaner and preservative (exp 1/31/12)
$1 off ThermaCare product, 2 ct + (exp 12/31)

Procter & Gamble 10/30

$1 off Always Infinity product, 14 ct +
.50/1 Always pads or pantiliners, 30 ct +
.50/1 Bounce dryer sheets or bar refill
$1 off Bounce or Gain dryer bar
.50/1 Bounty towels, 6 ct +
.25/1 Cascade product
.25/1 Charmin product
$2 off Clairol hair color
Free CoverGirl Lip Perfection wyb select Olay facial products
$1 off CoverGirl product
$2.50/2 CoverGirl product
$10 off Crest 3D White Professional Effects or 2 Hr Express whitestrips
$5 off Crest 3D White Vivid, Advanced Vivid, Stain Shield or Gentle Routine
$2 off Crest rinse, 946 mL +
.50/1 Crest toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel
$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, excl Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar
.50/1 Dawn Power Clean, Bleach alternative or Oxi product
.50/1 Dawn product
.50/1 Downy liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets
$2 off Downy Unstopables
.50/1 Duracell Coppertop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or Specialty batteries
$1.50 off Duracell rechargeable batteries, charger or 6 pk + hearing aid batteries
$1 off Febreze Air Effects
$2 off Febreze candle
$1 off Febreze fabric refresher
$4/2 Febreze Home Collection diffusers or candles
$1 off Febreze Noticeables refill
$2 off Febreze Noticeables warmer pk
$3/3 Febreze product
Free Febreze Scented Shades refill wyb Flameless Luminary wooden lamp base
$1 off Febreze Set & Refresh
.50/1 Fixodent adhesive, 1.05 oz +
.75/1 Fixodent cleanser
$1 off Gillette bodywash, excl trial size
$1 off Gillette deodorant, excl trial size
$5 off Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor wyb ProGlide cartridge 4 ct +
$1 off Gillette Fusion shave prep
$2 off Gillette Fusion skin care
$2 off Gillette Venus Embrace, Breeze, ProSkin or Bikini razor, excl disposables
$4 off Gillette Venus refills, 6-8 ct or (2) 4 ct
$1/2 Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner, excl trial size
$1 off Herbal Essence or Aussie product, excl trial size
B3G1 Iams canned dog or cat food, max $1.50
$1 off Iams dry dog or cat food
.50/1 Olay bar, body wash, in shower body lotion or hand and body lotion
$1 off Olay Pro-X advanced cleaning system
B1G1 Old Spice body wash, max $5.99, excl trial size
$1/2 Old Spice product, 1.7 oz +
.75/1 Oral-B floss or floss picks, 30 ct +
.50/1 Oral-B Kid’s manual or Crest Zooth power toothbrush
.75/1 Oral-B select power toothbrush or (2) select manual toothbrush
.50/1 Oral-B Stages or Crest Kid’s toothpaste
$2 off Pampers diapers or pants box or (2) bags
$1 off Pantene hairspray, stylant or treatment, excl trial size
$3/2 Pantene product, excl trial size
$1 off Prilosec OTC
$1/2 Pringles fat free cans, 165 g +
.50/1 Pringles Snack Stacks or Stix
$1/4 Pringles Super Stack cans, 180 g +
.25/1 Puffs singles, 3 pk or (3) singles
.75/1 Scope mouthwash, 710 mL+
$1 off Secret Clinical Strength body spray, excl trial size
$1 off Tampax Pearl reg or compak, 18 ct +
.50/1 Tampax product, 18 ct +
$2 off Tide detergent
$1.50 off Tide stain release 26-50 oz powder, 15-34 ct duo pac or 36-68 oz liquid
$1 off Tide Stain Release product
$1.50 off Vicks Nature Fusion product
$1 off Vicks product

$79 KINDLE E-READER or FREE KINDLE FOR YOUR PC

Have you been wanting to buy a Kindle E-Reader, but just did not want to take the plunge? Well, Kindle has just released their new Kindle Fire, which retails for about $199. However, along with that release comes a reduced price on the original Kindle of just $79. So now is the time to buy! These are being sold on Amazon and at retail stores like Staples and Office Max.

If you don't want to buy the e-reader you can download the free Kindle app to your PC HERE.  Then check out all of the FREE books HERE on Amazon.

KEEPING WITHIN MY BUDGET W/E 7/23

This week, I did not have any problem staying within my $45 budget I only shopped Publix and Bi-Lo, and did not need very much This is what I bought.

2 packs Cube Steak (5.52)
1 Boneless Pork Loin, had sliced (8.99)
1 Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce (2.22)
1 Kikkoman S & S Sauce (1.99)
3 Dozen Eggs (3/80¢)
1 Nilla Wafers (1.24)
1 Zattaran's Jambalaya (54¢)
1 SH Snack Bags (FREE)
1 SH Loaf Bread, not pictured (1.45)
1 SH Hamburger Buns, not pictured (98¢)
10 Cans Chef Boyardee (4.50)
1 12pk Cottonelle (4.74)
3 Chex Mix (3/89¢)
3 Bugles (3/89¢)
2 Lipton To Go 10pks (2/1.39)
2 Splenda 80ct Boxes (2/35¢)
2 Loaves Bread ($2) c-store

The total value was 106.28.
The total that I spent was $37.28.
I saved 69.00 or 65%.
I used a total of 15.19 on groceries. So this was definitely one of those weeks when most of my savings came from store sales. My average grocery spending is still $38 per week.

FREE FAST FIXINS PRODUCT

I just printed a coupon for $1 off any Fast Fixins product, and this ad was printed on the bottom of the page.

GET FREE FAST FIXIN' AND FAST CLASSICS PRODUCTS
1) Clip the UPC codes from 10 Fast Fixin or Fast Classics products
2) Mail them to the address on the package.
3) Enclose your name and address.

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for the delivery of your coupon good a FREE package. This offer did not state an end date.

Bi-Lo has the Mini Angus Burgers and the Heat & Serve Chicken on BOGO right now, which would be a great start.

STAYING WITHIN MY BUDGET W/E 7/16

This week I was well within my budget again. The sales have not been that great for me, but considering that I am still very well stocked, I think that I did okay. I shopped Publix, Bi-Lo, and Wal Mart. This is what I bought this week.

2 Pizza Crust Pouches (2.30)
1 Fritos Corn Chips (1.74)
3 Chef Boyardee Can Pasta (2.00)
1 Lance Creative Creations Crackers (1.00)
1 SH Pizza Sauce (1.19)
1 SH Jambalaya Mix (FREE)
1 SH Hamburger Buns (98¢)
2 Lucks Beans (97¢)
1 SH Snack Bags (FREE)
1 Blue Belle Ice cream (2.49)
1 Oreo Cookies (1.75)
2 4lb Bags Kibbles & Bits (2.98) (not pictured)
4 Nissin Noodle Bowls (1.58)
3 Newman's Own Cat Food (27¢)
1 Wishbone Salad Dressing (30¢)
2 Sundown Vitamans (FREE + 2.02 overage)
2 Half-Gallons Cool Juice (98¢)
2 Tens Pads (19¢) (not pictured)
2 Reynolds Wrap 75 sq ft (2.79 w/raincheck)
10 lbs Potatoes (4.57)
2 Cans Hominy (1.50)
12pk Ramen Noodles (1.82)
1 Loaf Bread (1.18)
1 Head Lettuce (1.38)
1 Loaf Bread (1.30) From C-store
1 Gallon Milk (2.99) From CVS

The total value of everything was 101.07.
The total that I spent was 37.89.
I saved 63.18 or 63% for the week.

KEEPING WITHIN MY BUDGET W/E 7/2

This is a list of all of the grocery items that I bought this week. I bought more meat/non-coupon products than usual, but still did pretty good. In addition to what is pictured, I bought a few things at Walgreens and a local produce stand. This is everything I bought, staying within my budget of $45.

3 Cans Tuna
2 Boxes Freezer Bags
1 pt Blueberries
1 pt Blackberries
12 Whiskas Cat Food Trays
4 Betty Crocker Potatoes
2 Alexia Frozen Snacks
1 Post Banana Nut Crunch Cereal
2 Mt. Olive Pickles
2 Lg Chex Mix
1 Publix Sour Cream
4 12 oz. Steaks
1 Fast Fixins Chicken Nuggets
4 lbs Frozen Flounder
1 Smithfield Marinated Pork Tenderloin
1 lb Shrimp
1 Box Jambalaya Mix
1 Bag Carrots
2 KC Masterpiece Bar B Q Sauce
3 Hamburger Helper
2 Loaves Bread
1 8pk Hamburger Buns
3 lbs yellow onions
1 bunch green onions
5 lbs potatoes
Total value: 142.38
Total spent: 40.86
Total saved: 101.52 or 71%.
My average weekly spending this year is $38 per week.

KEEPING WITHIN MY BUDGET W/E 6/25

I decided to do a post containing a list of all of the grocery items I bought this week, regardless of where I bought them or how much they cost. I always include these in my budget spreadsheet but don't always post it here.  I shopped Publix, Ingles, Bi-Lo, Wal Mart, and a local convenience store. This is what I bought this week. Please forgive the fact that the numbers do not line up. The formatting on this site leaves a lot to be desired.

10 lbs Potatoes                                  4.57

3 Cans Hominy                                   2.25

5 lbs Flour                                         2.18
Banner Sausage                                 1.28
4 Duncan Hines Cake Mixes                  3.42
2 Duncan Hines Brownies                         0
2 Oscar Mayer Bologna                        .88
4 Whiskas Cat Food Trays                    0
1 Bag Maxwell House Coffee           1.99
3 Old El Paso Dinner Kits                2.59
1 Simply Potatoes Hashbrowns        1.29
1 4C Instant Tea 20 Qts clearance      .85
1 Snuckers Ice Cream Topping          .34¢
3 Limes                                        1.00
2 dozen eggs                                 1.98
1 Jello Mouse Temptations                     0
1 Galon Milk                                      3.38
2 DC 4lb Sugar                                  1.98
1 CV Paper Towels                                0
1 Carolina Pride Sausage                     .74
1 Fast Fixins Chicken Patties              2.49
3.13 lbs Ground Chuck                       7.73
1.16 lbs Red Grapes                        1.15
1 CV Apple Juice                            1.38
1 SH Hamburger Buns                       .98
1 SH Loaf Bread                              1.45
1 Cabbage                                         .82
6+ lbs bananas                                1.49
1 Dukes Mayo                                 2.50
4 lbs Bar S Hot Dogs                      1.56
3 Tomatoes                                     2.10
1 Loaf Bread (other)                       1.30

The total value of everything that I bought was 123.12 and the total that I spent was 51.85. I saved a total of 71.27 or 58% this week. This includes a total of 72¢ overages, 10¢ bag credit at Bi-Lo, and a $3 total purchase coupon at Bi-Lo. This is a little over my weekly budget of $45, but the past 6 weeks I have been below budget, so that's okay. It simply happens sometimes.

COPYING COUPONS IS ILLEGAL!!

I am often asked about copying coupons. While most people know it is illegal, there are still those who do not. There are also those who think that if 2 printed coupons have the same bar code, then one of them is copied. This is not necessarily true. This post is to point out the differences.  "Like" coupons always have the same bar code. It would be virtually impossible for insert coupons to have different bar codes, and the same is true for printed ones.

If you look closely at the dotted outline, you will see coupon value, expiration date, date and time it was printed, and maybe even an offer number embedded in the there. On most of these, the time is very significant. If a coupon is photocopied, the time will be exactly the same. If it is not, in most cases, the time will be different, even if it's just a few seconds. Some of this info is also embedded below the expiration date.

Most coupons.com coupons have a dot matrix code in the upper right section. The serial numbers on legitimately printed coupons are normally different.

Smartsource coupons normally have an offer number printed on them and a pin number. The pin number will be different on 2 legitimately printed coupons.

Make certain that you are aware of the differences on your duplicate coupons, so that you can nicely point them out to your cashier if you ever have a problem with this. Cashiers are trained to be careful, and many are afraid of losing their jobs.

Remember, always be considerate, and if you can not resolve your issue with the cashier, ask for a member of management or go to Customer Service after you finish your checkout.

Remember, most coupon & manufacturer's website allow you to print 2 coupons per computer. This is totally legitimate. It is illegal to photocopy coupons, and if you do so, you will be guilty of coupon fraud.

ESPN CUSTOM PHOTO

Are you looking for a special gift for that sports fan? Now you can create and print a free ESPN poster of that special person from the comfort of your own home. When I did this, I was able to save the up-close preview to my computer, in hopes of having it printed by an online service. This whole process took about 2 minutes. Go HERE to try it yourself. you will also have the opportunity to order posters from the site.

TRY SAMS CLUB FOR FREE

If you are not a member of Sam's Club, but have been wondering just what kind of deals they offer, now is the time to find out for free. This weekend only,  April 15-April 17, from 11a.m. til 6 p.m., they are having an open house, and the public is invited to attend. You can shop with no upcharge. Since I started couponing, I have let my membership expire, but there are still a few things that I like to buy there, so I may stop in. Go HERE for more details.