CVS 9-27-14

Retail $129.94 ... Saved $112.41 ... Paid $17.53 ... 86.51% Saved

California and Rite Aid

I really prefer certain websites when it comes to couponing... They offer great information and they put together the deals with lots of clarity and instructions ... Perfect for a beginners or someone that's been doing this a long time ... Why reinvent the wheel.

I realize that prices can vary from state to state but it always seems that California prices tend to be higher than posted on the websites ( sometimes significantly higher). The source of the web site's information tends to be in the Midwest.

Today at Rite Aid was a perfect example. I was not able to take advantage of the Palmolive deal because my store here in Southern California had the item priced at $1.99 not the website list price of $0.99. I would not have saved enough to make the deal worth it so unfortunately I had to pass. It was the same situation with the Lysol wipes... They were listed to be on sale for $2.50 ea ... But my store had them for $3.59 ea. When you buy 3 you receive $7.00 in UpRewards ... At my price point it was like paying just over $1 each which is still a great price ... I would have liked to get them almost free but we have to take our deals when we can get them.

I have found that Rite Aid seems to have the most discrepancies ... But I have also found price differences from other similar stores in my neighborhood. 1 item might be priced $3.59 at one store and $3.99 at another just a mile away ... I have noticed that the stores closest to the freeway tend to be just a few cents higher. So the lesson is - To maximize your savings ... Do your homework!

Rite Aid 9-26-14

Retail $47.42 ... Saved $46.06 ... Paid $1.36 ... 97.13% Savings

It was a great week to stock up on Lysol wipes... Although we donate some of the beginning of each year you can never have too many ... Soon enough I'm sure they will run out and need to resupply ... Anything to help keep my little ones healthy at school!

Host a Couponing 101 Class!

Hi ... I am in the South Orange County area but I come to you. The class is kind of like a tupperware party. We can pick a few dates ... choose one that works best for most people ... you get friends together and host at your location. I am available evenings and I usually start at 6 or 630 (I can be available days and weekends too if needed) Please allow 2 to 2 1/2 hrs from start to finish. The hostess is FREE and receives a gift!  Contact me for more information and to schedule a class!!!

Ralphs 9-9-14

Back to school shopping!

Retail $326.64 ... Saved $198.82 ... Paid $127.82 ... 60.86% Savings

CVS 9-9-14

Retail $64.72 ... Saved $51.28 ... Paid $13.44 ... 79.23% Savings

CVS 9-5-14

Retail $41.10 ... Saved $31.84 ... Paid $9.26 ... 77.46% Saved

Walgreens 9-5-14

Walgreens tends to have a good clearance section ... especially after a holiday. Usually located on end caps at the opposite end of the entrance ... I have found some awesome things. School supplies have been marked down ... Everything pictured was clearance except for the Scope, All, Colgate & Crunch.

Retail $121.03 ... Saved $90.60 ... Paid $30.43 ... 74.85 Saved!

Rite Aid 8-31-14

Rite Aid can be an awesome place to find savings! ... For me ... not usually ... for the simple reason of geography.  The way I coupon & teach couponing ... it's for busy people who are looking to achieve maximum savings with minimal time spent. If I have to drive too far it's not worth it for me to make that trip (2 Rite Aids are located 10+ miles in opposite directions from me). 

This week I met up with another couponing mom at a Rite Aid ... convenient location for both. Had a few minutes to spare and decided to see if I could get my shopping done. Success ... 12 min in & out!

Retail $116.34 ... Saved $98.85 ... Paid 17.49 ... 84.96% Savings

Host a class!
www.OCCouponCafe.blogspot.com
OCCouponCafe@gmail.com

Are you ready???

Summer is coming to a close:(

It was a welcomed relief after a busy school year!  This mommy was happy for a few months off.

I tend to consistently coupon during the school year ... mostly because it offers the alone time to focus on what you are doing.  We all know how difficult it can be to coupon with kids in tow.

When the kiddos are on vacation ... summer ... Spring Break ... Thanksgiving ...  Christmas ... I also take a break. Couponing can become overwhelming ... and when you take time off ... it helps you refocus. Yes  ... while taking a break ... you will miss deals ... Relax ... It's ok ...  all deals will come back around ... PROMISE!!!

I don't stop completely during these breaks ... I just pick and choose more carefully.  Our days are full so the time isn't there. I might take the kids with me if I know I only need a few things or maybe shop at night or on the weekends.

I am excited to get back in the swing of things.

I am pondering the idea of finding a space to host a large group to teach a class instead of trying to schedule a bunch of small groups. A weekday evening or maybe even a weekend. Any suggestions would be helpful:-) I spoke to the city about using one of their community rooms but since they are in transition they are not available to do that until Spring. I will revisit that idea.