Saturday, September 27, 2014

CVS 9-27-14

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

Friday, September 26, 2014

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!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Ralphs 9-9-14

Back to school shopping!
Retail $326.64 ... Saved $198.82 ... Paid $127.82 ... 60.86% Savings

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

CVS 9-9-14

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

Friday, September 5, 2014

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!

Monday, September 1, 2014

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

Sunday, August 31, 2014

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.

CVS 8-30-14

Maximum savings at CVS happens by strategically using and rolling over Extra Bucks and multiple transactions.
Retail $79.00 ... Saved 84.51 ... Paid $0 ... +$5.51 ... 106.97% Saved
Notice the "Bonus" attached to the Tide bottles ... When available ... choose items that come with a free gift (free Tide pod), an additional percentage free or a larger amount option for the same price as a smaller amount both with the same price (Scott bathroom tissue was $6.88 for 12 to 18 rolls - The choice was 12 regular rolls or 18 double rolls) ... a no brainer!

Target 8-30-14

Target can be a great place to save money! There are so many opportunities for savings ... Target text messages, Cartwheel, Target coupons, manufacturer coupons, Gift Cards from my last shopping trip ... and don't forget to use your Red Card. I used all of them for this trip !
Retail $67.90 ... Saved $36.53 ... Paid $36.62 ... 53.79% Savings

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Scholastic Book Warehouse 8-23-14

Did you know you can coupon for books too ... I have a major book worm ... expensive to keep up!
One great way is to take advantage of the Scholastic Warehouse Sales ... Everything is 50%-80% off ... plus when you register you receive a coupon for $10 off $50 or $25 off $100!
Retail $128 ... Paid $48 ... Saved $80 ... 62.5% Savings.
Should hold her for a bit:-)
Twice a year we splurge for some new ones (most not yet available at the library or $1 book stores). It's been 2 days and she's already on #3 ... LOL!

Ralphs 8-16-14

Retail $246.27 ... Saved $129.52 ... Paid $116.75 ... 52.59% Savings

Target 8-2-14

What a deal on Head & Shoulders!
9 Shampoos and 3 Conditioners
Retail $63.04 ... Saved $50.50 ... Paid $12.54 ... 80.1% Saved!
- $.78 a bottle before tax -
2 transactions - 6 each:
I used 3-$5.00/2 coupons ... and received 2-$5.00 Target Gift Cards. (Deal= Get $5 GC when you purchased 3 Head & Shoulders products ... I got 2 because I purchased 6 bottles.) And used my Red Card.
Then did it again!
When you can find an awesome deal on something your family uses ... and it doesn't expire ... STOCK UP!
I think we are good for a while:-)
***If a "freebie/sample size" or "% more for free" is a choice ... go for it!***

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Ralphs 3-25-14

Ralphs 3-25-14

Ralphs 2-4-14

Ralphs 2-4-14

Ralphs 12-13-13

CVS 12-6-13

CVS & Walgreens 11-29-13

BLACK FRIDAY - PART 2

Walmart 11-28-13

CVS & Walgreens 11-24-13

BLACK FRIDAY - Part 1

CVS 11-22-13

CVS 10-30-13

Ralphs 10-20-13

Ralphs 10-5-13

CVS 9-14-13

Ralphs 9-9-13

Walgreens 8-19-13

Ralphs 7-21-13

Ralphs 6-21-13

Walgreens 5-29-13

Target 5-24-13

CVS 5-24-13

CVS 4-22-13

Rite Aid 4-19-13

Ralphs 1-28-13

Ralphs 1-13-13

Ralphs 12-31-12