Back To School Deals and Steals

It's that time of year, when the summer is winding down and preparation for back to school is in full swing.  A time when Mom or Dad goes crazy trying to get everyone ready for the first day of school.  It's exciting because Mom and Dad, you will soon have the kids out of the house for a few hours to get some long overdue R&R from the summer activities, lol. There are lots of stores offering some tremendous specials. Here are this week's Deals and Steals for back to School.

Staples

Zebra Cadoozles .7mm Mechanical Pencils (10 pk) - $4.00
$4.00 Easy Rebate (limit 1) - Final Price-  FREE
2 Pocket Paper Folders - $0.01 (Thru Wednesday Only, limit 10)
Staples Pink Cap Erasers (12 pk) - $0.10 (limit 2)
Sharpie Permanent Black Fine Markers (2 pk) - $0.25
Slider Pencil Case - $0.50
Bic White-Out (2 pk) - $0.50 (limit 2)
HP everyday 4"x6" Photo Paper (100 pk) - $9.99
$9.49 Easy Rebate (limit 2) - Final Price - $0.50
Plastic 12" Ruler - $0.25 (limit 2)
Staples Striped Paper Clips (100 pk) - $0.25
Staples Poly Covered Subject Notebook Wide Ruled - $0.50  (limit 3)
Westcott Preferred 7" Scissors - $0.50 (limit 1)
Avery 5 Tab Insert able Dividers - $0.50  (limit 2)

Go to Staples.com to find out when your store has Teacher's Appreciation Day, for many items marked down to from $1.00 to $10.00


Office Depot

Free Backpack and lunch tote w/$15.00 purchase
Paper Pocket Folders - $0.05
Pencil Pouch - $0.05
Protractor - $0.05
Office Depot 3 Subject Composition Book - $1.00
Metal and Plastic Storage Bins - $1.00
PaperMate Erasable Pens (5 pk) - $1.00
Papermate Gel Pens (5 pk) - $2.00
SchoolWorks kids 5" Stainless Steel Scissors (2 pk) - $0.99
Office Depot Branch Scissors 8" - $2.00
One Hole Punch - $2.00
Paper Pro Evo-Compact Stapler - $4.00
Foray Erasable Highlighters (3 pk) - $1.59
Sharpie Highlighters (4 pk) - $4.00 
Office Depot Multipurpose Paper (625 sheets) - $3.99
plus 10% back in Rewards

Office Max

Wooden 12" Inch Ruler - $0.01 (limit 2)
Schoolio Crayons (24 pk) - $0.01 (limit 2)
Dixon #2 Pencils (10 pk) - $0.10 (limit 2)
Schoolio Marbled Composition Book (100 sheets) - $0.50 (limit 4)
Office Max Glue Stick Bonus Pack (4) - $0.50 (limit 3)


Walmart

One Subject Notebooks - $0.20
Cra-Z-Art Crayons (24 pk) - $0.25
Crayola Colored Pencils (12 ct.) - $0.97
Pencil Top Erasers (40 ct) - $0.97
2 hole Pencil Sharpener - $0.97
Solid Color Binder Pouch - $0.97
Fiskar's Flexible 12" Ruler - $0.97 
School Box - $0.97
Crayola Fine and Broad Markers (10 ct.) - $0.97
Fiskars 5" Scissors with Bonus (cover and stickers) - $1.47 ($1.00 at Target)
Elmer's Glue Sticks (6 pk) - $1.97
2 Pocket Paper Folders (with or without prongs) - $0.15
Dixon No. 2 Pencils (24 ct) - $0.94
Composition Notebooks (100 sheets) - $0.40
Sharpie Pocket or Tank Style Highlighters  - $1.47
Bic Cristal Pens (10 pk) - $0.97
Filler Paper (150 sheets) - $0.75
Economy Binders 1" - $0.92


Target

Bic Cristal Pens (10 pk) - $1.00
use $1.00/2 (7/31 SS)
Final Price:  $0.50 ea.  w/y/b 2
Ziploc Space Snak Bags (50 ct) - $1.69
use $1.00/2 (7/24 SS)
Final Price:  $1.19 w/y/b 2
Ziploc Snack Bags (100 ct) or 120 Sandwich Bags - $2.50
use $1.00/2 (7/24 SS) and $1.00 (Target)
Fina Price:  $1.50 w/y/b 2
Bic Mechanical Pencils (8 pk) - $1.19
use $1.00/2 (7/31 SS)
Final Price:  $0.69

Couponers Wanted

Don't be shy, sign up and become a member.  You will receive every update (NO SPAM) and coupons offers when they are posted.  Some coupons are only available the same day they are released.  You are also encouraged to share your Deals and Steals.  Members from different areas of the Country may find different Deals and Steals and this give you the ability to share it with your friends.  Be sure to share this site with your family and friends.  After all, EVERYONE LOVES A GREAT DEAL!

Back to School Deals and Steals

Deals and Steals are starting to ramp up for Back to School.  Sales are starting and hopefully you've been clipping coupons to get ever greater savings.  Here are some of the deals I found for this week:

Target
$1.00 deals

Dry erase board - Wide ruled to practice writing skills
Pens
Dry Markers
Lesson Books for all ages
Beginner reading books - Classics like Black Beauty
Crayola Colored Pencils
Mead notebooks
Bugle Snacks
Cotton Candy
Pepperage Farm Milano Cookies


Other Steals:

Herbal Essensce Shampoo 23.7 oz.  $4.99
use $1.00 off Herbal Essence coupon (Target)
use $1.00/2 Herbal Essence coupon (Target College Coupon Booklet-Mailer)
use $3/2 Herbal Essence Manufacturer Coupon (7/13 P&G)
or $1.00 off Herbal Essence Manufacturer Coupon (6/12 RP)
Final Price:  $0.99

Secret Deodorant  $1.99
use $2.00/2 Secret Coupon (Target College Coupon Booklet-Mailer)
use  $1.00/2 Secret Manufacturer Coupon (7/3 P&G)
Final Price:  $.049

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese  Sale $.087
use $0.75 coupon (Kraft.com)
Final Price:  $0.12

 Kraft American Chesse Singles   $2.49
use  $0.75 Kraft manufacturer coupon (Target coupon)
Final Price:  $1.94

BenGay (I'm old I use this, lol)  $4.89      
use $5.00 coupon (BenGay.com)
Final:  Money Maker  $0.19
Note: CVS - BenGay is a $2.31 money maker ($2.00 ECB)

Sally Hansen Pedicure Tools - varies - approx. $2.99
use $2.00 coupon (SallyHansen.com)
 Final:  $0.99

Suave - price varies
Enter Suave Sweepstakes on Facebook - Free Suave product Coupon

PopTarts - $1.99
use $1.00 manufacturuers coupon
Final Price:  $0.99

Benadryl Itch Stick - $2.29
use $2.00 manufacturers coupon (6/19 RP)
Final Price $0.29

Loreal Eye Shadow Single Color - $2.94
use $2.00 manufacturers coupon (7/24 RP)
Final Price:  $0.94

Walmart

Reach Floss 55 yards - Sale $0.88
use $1.00 manufacturer coupon (4/17 SS)
Final Price:  Money Maker $0.12

Advil 10 Ct. - Sales $1.84
use $4.00/2 manufacturer coupons (5/22 SS)
Final Price:  money maker $0.19

Sensodyne Pronamel - Sale $0.97
use $1.00 manuafacturer coupon (5/15 RP)
Final Price:  money maker $0.03

Black Flag Fly Paper 4 ct. - Sale $0.98
use $1.00 manuafacturer coupon (6/26 RP)
Final price:  money maker $0.02

KMart

Air Wick Freshmatic StarterKit - Sale $5.00
use $4.00 manuafacturer coupon (7/10 SS)
Final price: $1.00

CVS

Bausch & Lomb Renu Sensitive Solution 12 oz. - $7.89
use $2.00  manuafacturer coupon (6/12 SS)
receive $6.00 ECB
Final Price:  money maker  $0.11

PaperMate Grip Pens 8 ct - $1.99
receive $1.99 ECB
Final Price:  FREE

Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Razor - $7.99
use $4.00 manuafacturer coupon (6/12 SS)
SkinMate Shave Cream $2.19
use $1.00 manuafacturer coupon (7/24 SS)
Buy 2 of each receive $10 ECB
Final Price: $0.09 each

Crest Multi-protection Rinse 8.4 oz. - $2.99
use $0.75 manuafacturer coupon (7/3 P&G)
receive $2.00 ECB
Final Price: $0.24

Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste 4.2 oz. or Scope Outlast or 3D White 4 oz - $2.99
use $0.75 manufacturer coupon (7/3 P&G)
receive $2.00 ECB
Final Price: $0.24

Kotex U Liners 40-60 Ct. , Pads 14-18 Ct. or Tampons 18 Ct. $3.49
use $1.00 manufacturer coupon (7/24 SS)
receive $2.00 ECB
Final Price:  $0.49

SoftSoap Liquid or Foaming Hand Soap 8-8.5 oz. $2.00
use $0.35 manufacturer coupon (7/24 SS)
Receive $3.00 ECB WYB 3
Final Price:  $0.65

Walgreens

Carefree Liners 20-22 Ct.  $1.59
use $3.00/2 July booklet coupon
use $0.50 manufacturer coupon (6/26 SS)
Final Price:  money maker $0.41

Scunci No Damage Hair Elastics 18 ct. $1.50 (WYB 2)
receive $1.50 RR
Final Price:  FREE

Irish Spring Deodorant 2.7-3.3 oz.  $3.00
use $1.00 manufacturer coupon (7/24 SS)
Receive $2.00 RR
Final Price:  FREE

Walgreens Perfection Tampons 8 pk. - $1.50
Receive $1.50 RR
Final Price:  FREE
Crayola Crayons 24 Ct. - $1.00
Receive $1.00 RR
Final Price:  FREE

Oral B Indicator Toothbursh - $2.49
use $2.00 manufacturer coupon (7/3 P&G)
Receive $3.00 RR WYB 2
Final Price: money maker $0.01

Bayer Low Dose Aspirin 32 ct. BOGO 50% - $2.24
use  $1.00 July Booklet coupon
use $1.00 manufacturer coupon (5/01 SS)
Final Price: $0.24

Crest 3D or Pro Health Toothpaste 4-4.2 oz - $2.49
use $0.75 manuafacturer coupon  (7/3 P&G)
Receive $3.00 RR with purchase of 2
Final Price:  $0.24

Loreal Eversleek, Everstrong or Everpure Hair
Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment  - $5.99
use $2.00 manufacturer coupon (7/24 RP)
Receive $3.00 RR (reward may vary by store)
Final Price:  $0.99

I had added a tool to help you understand the abbreviations in case you are unfamiliar with them.  Just click on the upper left hand side of this blog and a list will explain all the common ones used in this blog.  I will continue to try to add additional tools for your use that will make couponing easier.  I should soon have Smart Source, Proctor and Gamble and Rep Plum buttons to take you directly to their site so you may print your coupons directly from this site. 

Please leave comments or suggestions on what you would like to see on this blog.  Remember, this is a work in progress, we've only just begun to build this forum  and with your help we will make this a great resource for couponers to visit.  'Til next time......DREAM BIG!

Coupon Sunday Preview

Time to get geared up for Sunday couponing.  This week's paper only had a Red Plum insert.  There is not a P&G or Red Plum insert in this weeks paper.  They will return next week in time for all the back to school specials.  Here's a preview of the best of this week's steals and deals:

CVS


Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler 5.7-11.5 oz.- $3,49
Buy 2 receive $2.00 ECB (Extra Care Bucks)
Use $1.00/2 Pantene Product Coupon (7/3 P&G)
Final Price:  .99 each when you buy 2

Oral B Indicator Toothbrush- $1.99
Buy 1 receive $1.00 ECB
Use $2.00 Oral B coupon (7/3 P&G)
Final Price:  Free when you buy 2


Crest Cavity, Tartar Control, Cool Gel, or Scope Toothpaste 4-6 oz.-$1.99 
Buy 1 receive $1.00 ECB
Use .75 coupon (7/3 P&G)
Final Price:  .24 each


Gillette Fusion Pro Glider Razor- Retail $9.99
Buy 1 receive $4 ECB
Use $4.00 Gillette coupon (6/5 P&G)
Final Price:  $1.99 each


Target

Bic Crystal Ballpoint Pens 10 ct. -Sale $.50
Use $1.00/2 (Target Coupon)
Final Price: Free


Dove Men-Care Deodorant-$2.49
use $2.00/2 Coupon (6-21 RP)
Final Price:  $.49

Sharpie Permanent Marker-$1.57
Use $1.00 coupon (7-14 Target)
Final price: $.57

Up & Up Hydrogen Peroxide- $.52
Use $.75 coupon (7-14 Target)
Final Price:  Free


Zantac, 24 ct.-$7.74 (price may vary per store)
Use $2.00 Coupon (7-14 Target)
use $5.00 coupon (Zyrtec.com)
Final Price:  $.74

Scotch Tape Bonus Pak
use $2.00 coupon (3m)
use $.75 coupon (Target)
Final Price: Free

Walgreens


Cover Girl Cosmetics
Buy 1 get 50% off 2nd
Use $2.50 coupon (7/3 P&G)
Final Price:  $1.37

John Frieda Hair Care .5-12 oz. -$4,87
Buy 1 get 50% off 2nd
Use 2 $5.00 coupon (6/5 SS)
Final Price:  Free


Maalox 90 ct. or 12 oz.-$6.24
Use $2.00 coupon (July Walgreens Coupon Book)
Use $2.50 coupon (7/17 SS)
Final Price:  $1.74

Pampers Jumbo Pack
Sale price $9.99, Buy 3, use 3 newspaper coupons and $2 Walgreens Infant Care Coupon Book coupon, pay $19.47 at register, qualifies for Buy $25 
Final Price: $4.89

Walmart


Bayer Aspirin 20 ct. 
Use $2.00 Coupon (6/12 SS)
Mail in Rebate (6/12 SS)
Final Price:  Free


Benadryl Itch Relief Stick .24 oz - $2.28
Use $2.00 coupon (6/19 SS)
Final Price: $.28


Reach Floss 55 yards- $.88
Use $1.00 coupon (4/17 SS)
Final Price:  Make $.32


There are many more deals to be had, depending on how long you have been clipping coupons.  I only posted those items that require recent coupons that can still be obtained.  I really wanted to give you a feel for the kind of savings that can be realized through Couponing.  If you find that you do not have a coupon that may still be available, check out Coupon Databases.  There are many available that direct you to the link to print your coupons directly from your computer.  Remember:  Buying with Coupons is like the stock market, buy low!  Stock up when you can get these great deals and avoid paying full retail.  Don't wait until you absolutely must have a product, plan ahead.  When you see items that your family generally uses, stock up, even if you don't need it right this moment.

This blog will only grow through participation.  Send in the deals that you have found and  I will share them with everyone.  I look forward to building more useful tools on this site to help you get the best deals possible for your family.  Happy Shopping and DREAM BIG!

Couponing for Back to School

It's never to early to start searching for deals on school supplies.  The key to getting in on the deals early is to be prepared by cutting out coupons every week and savings them until the deals begin, of course being mindful of expiration dates (those damn things!).  Sorry, I get so upset when I have 20 million coupons for an item and it doesn't go on sale until the day after my coupons expire....AAARRRGGGHHH!  I digress...anyhoo, the deals are starting.  Today I purchased the following for 33 cents using manufacturer and Target coupons.  Full retail $24.42, that a savings of 87%.  

4 pkgs. of Highlighters
4 Permanent Markers
5 pkgs of 10 ball points
5 Scotch Magic tape

I buy several Sunday newspapers on Saturday evenings, since they only cost .75 and a couple more on Sunday at full price.  My CVS orders extra papers for me knowing I would clean them out if they didn't, lol.  The funny thing is, I usually have ECB (Extra Care Bucks) to use to pay for them.  Oh, BTW, the CVS manager from my store is one of my biggest fans and subscribes to this blog.  He is always amazed how we walk out paying pennies on the dollar.  We have kinda become celebrities in the stores that we frequent 'cause they cannot believe how we save with our coupon methods.  AND NO, I don't dumpster dive....I leave that to the other EXTREME COUPONERS.
I promise, once I get my Weight Loss and On-line Money Generation websites fully functional, I will post steal deals for the coming week on Saturdays.  I am eager to get this information out to everyone, so you too can realize the amazing savings that I do.

My best advice for now is the following:
Buy several  Sunday papers (on Saturday night). You want the Red Plum, Smart Source and P&G inserts.  Make sure the papers you purchase contain these inserts (sometimes they are missing.....hmmmm, I wonder how that happens!  Only buy items when they are on sale and you have coupons for that item and then stockpile .  This alleviates the necessity to buy an item at full price.
Start a coupon exchange program in your neighborhood or with friends and family.
*  swap coupons you don't use...i.e., Diaper coupons for Hair Color coupons, young women have babies, not gray hair, lol, seems like a fair trade to me.
*  Join the Facebook page of your favorite products.  They often post specials and coupons to their subscribers.  Don't forget to register on their official site and you will receive e-mails whenever there is a special or a new coupon available.
*  Looking for a specific coupons?  Use a database to find if any printable coupons are available and where to find them.  Try using http://WeUseCoupons.com. for an up to date database.
*  Don't have time to clip coupons?  Use a Coupon Clipping Service!  just click on one of the sites on this page....Coupon Clippers or Coupons by DeeDee.  You can buy your favorite coupons for a discounted price and have them sent to you already clipped and ready for use. 

Remember, NEVER throw out your expired coupons!  Send them to Coups for Troops (see my archived post "Coup for Troops" for information on donating your expired coupons.

This Saturday, I'll give you a heads up on the upcoming deals next week.  'Til then...DREAM BIG!

Coupon for Our Troops

I hope everyone had a Great Fourth of July.  In keeping with the spirit of all that is AMERICAN, there is nothing more American than supporting our TROOPS!

Did you know that Expired Coupons can be forwarded to our troops and their families abroad?  This simple act can help so many of our Service Men and Women.  There are are certain guidelines to donating your expired coupons, i.e. not more than 2 months past the expiration date at time of donation, must be manufacturer coupons only, and should be neatly clipped (this will also save you on postage costs by reducing the weight). 
     I have found three programs with different approaches of providing this service to our troops.  Pick the avenue that is most appealing to you.  Share this with your friends and family even if your not interested in participating in any of these programs.  There are many  people that want to support our troops and just don't know how easy it can be to make a difference.
    
 The First program that attracted me was Toni @ www.TheHappyHousewife.com.  She is a military wife that has a unique way of sending coupons to our troops.  She actually pairs you with an Adopted family abroad.  Simply click on her sight above and complete your "Adoption Papers".  She will then match you up with a family or families.  She may have a waiting list right now, so if you personally know of a military family abroad that should be added to this list, please contact her via her website.
 

The Second program I really liked was Coups for Troops, North Carolina.  You can print the flyer (shown here), attach it to a box or large envelope and leave it at the library, your break room at work, local grocery store, etc., to collect coupons to be forwarded to:

 Coups for Troops

P.O. Box 147

 Winnabow, N.C. 28479. 

If you don't have the time to collect coupons from different sources you can post a Take-away flier with the address to send coupons and people can send in coupons themselves.        

Coupon Coupe at CVS

I had a spectacular week at CVS!  I saved 87%.  I paid $48.65 for $370.88 worth off product.  An example of my savings include:

Trip 1 - Total Spent= $3.17                Trip 2 - Total Spent= $2.19     
Mrs. Butterworth Syrup                       4 Pantene Conditioner            
McArthur Milk                                     3 Dove Body Wash                
2 dozen eggs                                         2 Tums (96 count)
3 Dove Body Wash                              2 boxes Wheat Thins
Lumene Moisturizing Cream               2 Sunday (Sat) newspapers
4 Pantene Shampoo                              4 Lumene Vitamin Moisturizer
2 Lays Potato Chips                              3 Hershey Chocolate Bars
2 loaves Nature's Own Bread               

I won't post every trip I made, you get the idea.  The purpose for multiple trips is, if you puchase certain items,  you earn ECBs (ExtraCare Bucks) for your next trip.  ECBs coupled with store coupons and manufacturer coupons result in a substantial savings and in many cases items for free.  I always plan my shopping trips in advance and use ECBs to make purchases that give me more ECBs.  Sounds confusing but really is not.  You just have to get the hang of it.  This week as I plan my trips I will give you a breakdown of exactly what I'm purchasing and how I am structuring my trips to maximize my savings.

Again, as you can see from the above example, I do stockpile items that I frequently use.  I only purchase them when they are on Sale and I have coupons to further discount the price.  This prevents me from ever having to pay retail price.  I have also learned that I never pay for certain items, i.e. Toothbrushes and toothpaste.  I ALWAYS GET THESE FREE!  Certain items I know I will never pay over a dollar, so even if they are on sale and I have coupons, I will not buy them, i.e. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, should never be more than 44 cents a box. 

Depnding on your family favorites you will learn what the rock bottom price you can purchase these items for and what the sale cycle is for each item. 

Coupon Coupe at Publix

Another Great Week!  Publix this week I used $39.35 in coupons.  I saved 57% off my entire bill. Example of savings per item:

Banquet Meals - paid $.50 ea
Knorr Rice/Pasta mix - paid $.29 ea
Uncle Ben's Broccoli, cheese Rice- paid $ .49 ea
Hillshire Farms Sausage - paid $1.25 ea
Duncan Hines Fudge Brownie Mix - Free
Kraft Salad Dressing - Free
Zataran Rice - $.49

The use of a store coupon, coupled with a manufacturer's coupon and competitor's coupon allowed me to realize these savings.  Tip:  Combine your manufacturer's coupons, store coupons, and competitors coupons (check your store policy) on the same purchase to maximize savings.  Use these in conjunction with Sales items, i.e. BOGO (buy one get, one free) and you can purchase items for pennies on the dollar if not FREE.  This is the time to stock up on those items.