The Grocery Game: Pros and Cons

Have you ever heard of The Grocery Game?  I had heard mention of it, but didn't think it would be of benefit to me.  Those on my bargain forums mentioned how they would never spend money when they get the same information through the forums.  A few friends mentioned that they used the Grocery Game and loved it.

Well, call me curious.

I had to give it a try.  I saw they had a free trial, so I decided to hop on board.  I made sure to register under a friend so she'd get credit and potential free weeks.  I started playing The Game.

What is it?

• The Grocery Game is a paid service to help you save money on groceries at various stores.
• A list is issued weekly with the items which are at their rock bottom prices plus the coupon match-ups for those items.
• There are many stores with a list - check your area to see what stores are listed for you. I can get Kroger, Rite Aid, Target, CVS, and Giant Eagle.

 Why use it?

• The list helps you purchase items at their lowest price. 
• By stocking up at the lowest price, you save hundreds per year.
• The hard work is done for you already.

 How much does it cost?

The cost for a 1 store membership is $10 every 8 weeks. That works out to about $1.25 per week. A 2 store membership is $15 every 8 weeks, a 3 store membership is $20 every 8 weeks and so on.

 So, did I like it?  What are the pros and cons?

 Pros:

• The legwork is done for me
• Saves me precious time when hunting deals
• Does help to save money
• Is a remedy for "mommy brain"
• Has a nifty print feature so you can print just the items you intend to purchase
• Has a coupon printing links

Cons:

• Must sign in to access list - not emailed to me (I actually forgot I had signed up for several weeks)
• Is an auto-renew service so you must cancel before the next renew date (more on that later)
• Prices are not 100% accurate for every area - my area tends to run $.10 - $.50 higher on just about all items on any list service, not just the Grocery Game.
• Costs money
• Works best if you have several weeks worth of coupon inserts saved already

Any Problems? Will I keep using it?  Do I recommend it?

I made one very deliberate shopping trip using my list.  If I hadn't made a mistake (user error!) by not counting my mega sale items accurately, I would have saved close to 75% on that trip by buying just the things on the list (not other essentials).  The list works.

I did have a problem.  I was using the free trial.  I increased my stores to just about all.  If it were a paid subscription, it would be $25 per cycle.  I marked the end date on my calendar.  We lost power.  We lost cable. We lost internet.  I forgot.  I didn't see my reminder and didn't cancel in time.  I was charged the $25.  When I finally remembered, I emailed Terri to try to get a refund.  Refunds are not possible, however, she downgraded my service to just one store and extended my time through December to  make up for my mistake.  I appreciated her willingness to work with me.

I will keep using the Grocery Game - it's paid through December!  I have a few months to find out exactly how much I can save using the game to see if I will pay for another cycle. 

As a busy mom, I no longer have the time to scour blogs and forums for every great deal.  The Grocery Game puts everything right at my fingertips.

If you would like to try the free 30-day trial, just click here.  You will need to enter credit card information.  I would greatly appreciate if you enter my email as your referral: penguinelk at yahoo.com (just format it like a normal email address).

Have you used the Grocery Game?  What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.

I am not an affiliate for the Grocery Game.  The opinions in the review are entirely mine.  I was not paid in any way to write this post.

Anatomy of a Coupon - Circular Coupon

It's time for an anatomy lesson.  Don't worry - it's not that gory.

It is very important to understand all that is on a coupon in order to use it effectively.  I have found that knowing what it all means helps with disputes!  Many cashiers have no idea that the store gets reimbursed for the coupon's face value PLUS an extra $.05 - $.10! (This information is very helpful when confronted with "You're saving too much." or "You can't get things for free - it's not fair to the store." or "You're putting us out of business!")

Today's focus is on a circular coupon - one that you would clip from the paper.  I have included a handy graphic to help with the lesson!

Every coupon has the same basic parts:

• Type
• Expiration
• Product
• Savings
• Redemption Info
• Stipulations
• Barcode

Let's break each part down.

Type
There are two main types of coupons - Manufacturer coupons and Store coupons.  Manufacturer coupons are issued by the manufacturer.  Stores get reimbursed 100% for these coupons.  Store coupons are issued by the stores themselves and do not get reimbursed.  Think of store coupons as a type of sale.  The type is almost always noted at the top of the coupon in this spot.  Occasionally it will be noted at the bottom.  There is one exception, however.  Rite Aid coupons found in the Rite Aid circular WILL say "Manufacturer Coupon" at the top, but they are actually store coupons.  In the barcode of a Rite Aid store coupon, you will see the letters RC or RA indicating that it is indeed a store coupon.

Knowing the type of coupon is essential in maximizing savings.  In most stores, shoppers are able to use BOTH a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon on one item!  This practice is called coupon stacking.  For the best deals, use coupon stacking in conjunction with sale prices.

Expiration Date
Coupons will note the latest possible date for use in this space.  Some coupons may say "No Expiration Date" and those are legitimate coupons.  Be wary of coupons that have no mention of expiration date - some people have created fraudulent coupons without this information.

Product
Simple.  This is the product(s) which the coupon may be used for.  Note that I did not highlight the PHOTO of the product.  The wording is what is important. Often a coupon will be printed for multiple items and have only one item pictured.  If you are confronted by an uninformed cashier, politely point out that the coupon clearly states in the wording what it may be used for.  Make sure you are abiding by any exclusions.

Savings
Here is where the coupon states how much is to be saved.  Be aware that coupons which state "save $1 off of 2 products" (or something similar) will attach to BOTH products.  You are not able to use two of these coupons with two products.  Also, be aware of your stores' policy regarding doubling coupons.  Sometimes you can save more using a $.50 coupon that doubles rather than a $.75 coupon that does not double.  Lastly, be aware that many store computers will automatically adjust a coupon down if the value of the coupon exceeds the cost of the item (thus negating any possible overage).

Redemption Info
As shopper, this information isn't very important.  It simply shows the store what address to send the coupon to for reimbursement as well as the extra compensation (usually $.08 per coupon).  It can, though, help in a challenge situation.  It is helpful to point to this information when a cashier won't accept a coupon because you are saving too much or because he or she feels the management will get in trouble for taking too many coupons.  It is reassuring to these cashiers to know that the store actually makes a few pennies on each coupon accepted (some managers need to be taught about this as well).

Stipulations
Be sure to check this small type before using a coupon. This will further clarify how the coupon may be used (and knowing this information can save some embarrassment at checkout).  Some common stipulations: one per transaction, one per purchase, and one per customer.  Click on my Coupon Basics on the right sidebar (part of my Penny Pinching 101) for more explanations on what these mean.

Barcode
Make sure you don't accidentally tear or cut off part of the barcode when you are clipping coupons!  Make sure all the little numbers are intact as well.  There is one very important number in the barcode (the main barcode indicated in the picture above): the very last number.  That last number is almost always a 5 or a 9.  Why is this important? It all comes down to doubling.  When shopping at stores that double coupons, it is important to know that barcodes that end with a 9 will NOT double in almost all cases. Cashiers must manually double the coupon.  barcodes that end with a 5 WILL automatically double - even if the coupon states "Do Not Double or Triple."  That wording is present to protect stores.  The doubled or tripled amount of the coupon is not reimbursed by the manufacturer.  It is simply a courtesy from the store.  Manufacturers print "Do Not Double or Triple" on coupons to protect stores.  Stores have the option to NOT honor a double of these coupons, though most do.


Come back next week to learn the anatomy of a printed coupon.  Arm yourself with knowledge so you can have the most successful bargain hunting possible!  Do you have any questions about circular coupons?  Ask them in the comments or email me (click the envelope icon in the right sidebar).

Coupon Basics

Vocabulary:

• One Per Customer - one coupon per paying customer
• One Per Purchase - one coupon per item purchased. Example - purchase 3 boxes of cereal and use 3 coupons.
• One Per Transaction - one coupon per time through checkout.  Example - purchase 3 boxes of cereal and use only 1 coupon unless you purchase each box as a separate transaction.
• Manufacturer coupon (MFR) - coupon issued by the manufacturer.  One coupon per item unless otherwise noted.  The store is fully reimbursed for this coupon PLUS they get a small handling fee.
• Store coupon - coupon issued by individual store.  Often, store coupons may be stacked with manufacturer coupons.  Stores are not reimbursed for this coupon, rather, it is like an in-store sale.
• Stacking - Using a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon on the same item.  Nearly all stores allow coupon stacking.  
• Rolling - The practice of using one reward to pay for all or part of the next deal that will produce a reward.  Common ways to roll deals - use Extra Bucks at CVS to pay for items that will yield more Extra Bucks,  use a Target gift card to pay for items that will yield another Target gift card.
• YMMV - Your Mileage/Market May Vary - not all stores put items on sale/clearance at the same time, so depending on where you live, you may have a different experience compared to others
• Purchase - one item
• Transaction - entire order you are paying for
• BOGO - Buy One Get One
• OYNO - On Your Next Order
• FAR - Free After Rebate
• Q - coupon
• Blinkie - the little machines in the store with a blinking red light that shoots out coupons
• Peelie - the coupons found on products in the store that can be peeled off
• MIR - Mail In Rebate
• IP - Internet Printable coupon

Coupon Ethics

This topic is very important to me.  I hear stories every week of stores who have altered coupon policies (and have become less coupon friendly) because of an incidence of coupon fraud.  It makes me sad that the actions of a few people seriously hinder the savings ability of all of us who use coupons correctly.

My goal on this blog is to only pass along deals and information that are completely legit - no grey area and no hint of fraud.  If there is ever a deal posted that you question, please don't hesitate to contact me so I can investigate further!

Basic Coupon Rules:

• One manufacturer coupon per item (unless otherwise stated on coupon).
• Internet coupons may NOT be photocopied.
• For coupon printing sites, you may use your back button to print usually 2 copies per computer.  Manufacturers have built in a print limit for each computer and a maximum amount of prints per campaign. IP's have unique codes to prevent fraud.
• Coupons are to be used on items written on coupon.  There are some programs out there that explain in detail how some companies have less-specific coupons where a coupon intended for a specific item can be used on a list of items due to how the coupon is coded.  Using coupons this way is fraud.  The manufacturer has clearly stated what item the coupon is intended for and the coupon should not be used on anything else.

Some stores just are not very knowledgeable about coupon use and try to deny coupons that are legitimate.  Some stores have altered their policy to decline certain coupons (such as for free items or internet coupons).  Arm yourself with information about proper coupon use plus with the store's coupon policy.  I have found that in most cases, either a manager or customer service can remedy any coupon issues.

Common Confusions by Stores: (don't let these deter you - get help from customer service or a manager either while checking out or after - if they can't/won't help, contact the corporate office via phone or email - stores want to keep customers and keep them happy)

• You are saving too much.  I can't let you get these items so cheaply.
• You can only use one coupon in this order. (some stores limit how many "like" coupons they will accept - my Kroger only takes 3 "like" coupons in an order - most of the time, the checker is confused between purchase and transaction)
• You didn't purchase the item in the picture.  (sometimes the coupon won't scan right - it happens.  If you have purchased the item that is WRITTEN on the coupon, you may use that coupon - it does not NEED to match the picture since often coupons can be for multiple items and only one picture is used)

Now for a little controversy.  I read over and over how it is fine to stack an electronic coupon with a paper coupon.  I've done it.  It works.  Well, the electronic coupon companies often do not endorse this practice.  P&G had an ecoupon service that shut down because of coupon stacking.  Shortcuts.com has been very vocal about how they do not permit coupon stacking.  Check with the individual ecoupon site for their policy regarding this.  From time to time, I honestly have no idea what is on my card (I know, shame on me!) and end up unintentionally stacking.

As I get more information from the various ecoupon sites, I will pass it along to you.  I would love to see a simple change in coding on ecoupons to enforce any policies to help us stay on the up-and-up.

Great Printable Coupons

Here are some great printables - get them while you can!  (thanks FreeCouponAlerts)
I just signed up for this awesome service - get coupon updates right in your inbox!  Lots more coupons are listed!

• $1.00 /1 V8 V-Fusion^® juices in any 6-pack of slim cans or 46-oz. bottle.
  $1.00 off NESTLÉ RAISINETS 6-Pack
  $1/1 TRESemme Fresh Start Product 
• $2/1 Aveeno Suncare Product *ETS

P&G eSaver

Fantastic news!  P&G eSaver coupons are back!  I got a fantastic email explaining that these coupons are once again available to load on our shopper cards!  Be sure to create an account if you haven't already and load these coupons today!

Dear Audra,

Beginning June 25, P&GeSAVER coupons can be downloaded to shopper cards for your favorite retailers.

Redeem the current coupons by June 30. Then, look for the next set of P&GeSAVER coupons, available July 1 through August 31.

We value your loyalty to P&GeSAVER, and we are excited to keep delivering the savings you deserve!

Thank you, The P&GeSAVER Team

Offers: JCPenney Coupons, $7 Scotch Coupons, Free Photo Book, Freebies

Sign up for JCPenney's newsletter and get coupons and savings codes sent right to your inbox.





Sign up to get $7 in Scotch coupons.

Upcoming Coupons - 6/27/10

There should be one SmartSource and one RedPlum insert this weekend.  Here's what is listed (thank you WeUseCoupons!).  Remember that some coupons are regional  - you may not get all coupons listed.  I have listed some coupons of note.  Click the icon above for a full list.  Start planning what coupons to order! (new coupons are posted by Saturday)
Key:
x9/6 = expires 9/6
DND = do not double
DNT = do not triple
the numbers 9 or 5 after dnd or dnt signify if these will actually double or triple - it is the last number of the bar code.  5 means it will automatically double or triple. 9 means it will not.

6/27 Smartsource
Banana Boat Suncare product, 4oz+ - $1.00 off any 1 (x9/6) *Excludes lip balm
Breyers Ice Cream 48oz - 75 cents off any 2 (x7/25)
Colgate Toothpaste, 4oz+ - 75 cents off any 1 (x7/17)
Edge Shave Gel - 75 cents off any 1 (x7/25) *Excludes 2.75oz items
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner - 40 cents off any 1 (x8/22)
Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent or Turbo Dry - 40 cents off any 1 (x8/22)
Hawaiian Tropic Suncare Product, 4oz+ - $1.00 off any 1 (x9/6) *Excludes lip balm
Hershey's Milk Chocolate 6pk AND Honey Maid Grahams 14oz+ AND Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows 19oz+ - $1.00 off wyb ALL THREE (x9/30) *DND5 *DNT5
Hershey's Syrup Bottles, 17oz+ or Hershey's, Reese's or Heath Toppings, 4oz+ - $1.00 off any 3 (x7/25)
MacuTrition Eye Vitamin for Vision & Health, available at CVS stores - $7.00 off any 1 (x9/30) *This is a MQ *ETS
Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats Thin Rolls - 60 cents off any 1 (x9/19)
Schick Disposable Razor - $2.00 off any 1 (x7/25) *excludes trial or travel sized items
Schick Quattro for Women or Intuition Plus Razor or Refill - $2.00 off any 1 (x7/25) *excludes trial or travel sized items
Schick Quattro Titanium Razor, trimmer or Refill - $4.00 off any 1 (x7/25) *excludes trial or travel sized items
Skintimate Shave Gel or Cream Shave - 75 cents off any 1 (x7/25) *Excludes 2.75oz items
TARGET COUPON - Free $5.00 T GC wyb FOUR Scrubbing Bubbles Products (x7/20)
TARGET COUPON - Free $5.00 T GC wyb ONE Pledge Fabric Sweeper AND TWO Pledge Cleaning Items (x7/20)

Pittsburgh Area Parade Magazine 6/27/10
Pantene Restoratives or Restore Beautiful Lengths - BOGO up to $4.99 value (x7/31)
Pantene Styler, Treatment, or Hairspray - $2.00 off any 1 (x7/31)

6/27 RedPlum
Any Rimmel product - Save $1.00 on any 1
Ball Park Jumbo Beef Franks - Save $0.75 on any 1
Ball Park products - Save $0.75 on any 2
BIC Comfort 3 Advance 4 Pack, BIC Flex4 3-Pack or any BIC Soleil Disposable Shaver, ETS - Save $2.00 on any 1
Crest Paste, 4oz or larger - Save $0.75 on any 1
Crest Rinse - Save $1.00 on any 1
Crest Toothpaste, 4oz or larger or liquid Gel - Save $0.75 on any 1
Dove Beauty Bar, 6 Bar pack or larger - Save $0.75 on any 1
Dove Body Wash - Save $1.25 on any 1
Dove Hair Care product, ETS - Save $1.00 on any 1
Dove Hair Daily Treatment Conditioner - Save $1.25 on any 1
Dove Men-Care Body Bar-6pk or lgr, Body Wash-1.35oz or larger, or Active Clean Shower Tool - Save $1.00 on any 1
Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant or Body Mist, ETS - Save $0.75 on any 1
Hellman’s product - Save $0.75 on any 1
Kellogg’s Cereals - 10oz or larger Mix or Match - Save $1.25 on any 3
Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bars, 6ct or larger Mix or Match (packages) - Save $1.00 on any 2
Luvs Diapers - Save $2.00 on any 1
M&Ms (Buy 1 bag of M&M’s and get 1 bag of M&M’s Pretzel Choc Candies) - BOG1 M&M Pretzel
Minute Maid Frozen Novelty - Save $0.75 on any 1
Scope Mouthwash, 770ml or larger - Save $1.00 on any 1
Smart Balance Milk - Free with MIR
Whole Fruit Fruit Bars - Save $0.50 on any 1
Whole Fruit Sorbet - Save $0.50 on any 1

Reminder Post

Just a few reminders for the day!

Make sure to play the SoBe game daily!  The way the coupons are set up right now, you can print 4 coupons per link, but once those are printed, you can print no more from that computer no matter if you win again (I am not positive the link will work on another computer).  SoBe has said that we should be able to print coupons each time we win and that they are working on resolving the problem.  Free item coupons are sent in the mail for each win - takes 4-6 weeks.

Where to use these coupons?  Target is a great place this week!  SoBe is on sale for 10 for $10 and triggers a $5 gift card when you buy 10.  Be aware that two flavors are not included!  Check the tag to be sure you get the right ones. 

Kroger is another great place to use these SoBe BOGO Free coupons.  Select SoBe is on sale for $.88 each!

Kroger (and affiliate stores) has their Summer of Savings instant win game!  I won a free Bob Evans side dish - you know, the kind that is refrigerated and then heated in the microwave.  Yum! I can play again on July 4th when a new prize pool starts.  What have YOU won?

Make sure you add electronic coupons to your card while you are there.

Check out the Daily Deals tab at the top of the page - there are some sweet deals offered today!  I bought a Cars pillow and 3 books for $2.99 from 1 Sale a Day today.

Lastly, check your YouData accounts for ads today so you get paid tomorrow!  Click here for more information.

Shortcuts Coupons

Shortcuts has new coupons to download to your card.  Load them today!  Here are a few examples.

Coupons!

Get ready for a great diaper deal at CVS next week!  Print the $3/1 Huggies Snug and Dry coupon.  Use it to buy a box of diapers at CVS for $19.99.  Pay $16.99 out of pocket.  Get $10 extra bucks back!  Also, the magic machine has been printing $2/1 Huggies boxed diapers!  I got one!  That would make a box of diapers $4.99 after all discounts!




Make sure to check out the coupon preview to decide what coupons to order!  Place your order Saturday or early Sunday to ensure shipping Monday morning.  While checking out the preview, take a gander at the forums by store - plan some great deal hunting trips!

Lastly, check out this post that is chock full of instant win games (including Kroger and SoBe) and sweepstakes!

Coupon Preview for week of 6.20.10

Woot!  Coupon previews are up!  Click the banner above to see what's coming!  Please be aware that some coupons are just regional and your area may not get them (my area NEVER gets the good coupons!).

Why do I love previews?  I can start looking for deal previews and plan what HOT coupons I will order in multiples.  I can scan the list and find coupons for the few items I am trying to stockpile (for example, right now I am seeking out deals on: garbage bags, dishwasher detergent, ziplock bags, and toilet paper) so I can order multiples.  At times, there are so many good coupons coming that I will just order multiples of entire inserts.

How do you use coupon previews?

New Coupons, Kroger Game, Schick Rebate, SoBe Game, Swiffer Rebate

Just a reminder to check out the Facebook fan page - get deals posted that aren't on the blog! Also, sign up for email updates - get just one email each day with all the posts combined. Don't miss a deal! Both the email sign up and Facebook page link are in the right sidebar.




Woot!  There are new coupons to print!  Make sure to get yours before the limits are reached!

Check at Target for a great deal on Littlest Pet Shop.  Also, Walmart has great prices on EPT - cheap or free with coupon!

eCoupons:

• cellfire.com
• shortcuts.com
• upromise.com
• Kroger

Other reminders:

• Kroger Spin and Win game - play daily for 88 more days!  Let me know if you win.
• Schick rebate  - get a Hydro 3 or Hydro 5 razor for free after rebate! Do this alone or in conjunction with the deal at CVS this week.
• SoBe Game - Try to win a free drink.  I have had a hard time getting this to work, though others I know have won.
• Swiffer Rebte - Wait for a sale and send in the receipt.  Last time this rebate was out, I used it in conjunction with a gift card deal plus coupons at Target to get a years worth of refills!
• FREE DIAPERS - Heads up - Arquest will be running a size 4 girls and boys diaper study starting this week!  Check out the Diaper tab above for details on how Arquest works!  I called and left a message today.  The extension for the boys study wasn't working so I called back and just pressed "9" for "Diaper Study."  I've done 2 studies with Arquest and loved them.  The first study had 2 packs of diapers, the second had just one.  Both paid $10 (each) for my time and trouble.  Easy peasy!
• Free Sample of Propel Fitness Water - "Like" Propel on Facebook and get a free sample!

Order Your Coupons

It's that time again - time to order coupons from this week's inserts!  Here are a few upcoming deals to consider:

Rite Aid (see more previews here)

• 6/13 - Gillette or Old Spice body wash - on sale for $2.99 with $2.99 rebate.  Pair with some of the various coupons from the 6/6 P&G (including BOGO free Gillette body wash) which you can order here.  (3 days only limit 1 rebate)
•  6/13 - Old Spice High Endurance Deo on sale for $2.49 with $1.50 rebate (limit 2 rebates). Pair with $1/2 Old Spice body wash or deo q from 6/6 P&G which you can order here.
• 6/13 - Fusion Proglide or Proglide Power razor $9 with $5 rebate.  Pair with $4 q from 6/6 P&G.
• 6/13 - Schick Hydro 3 or 5 blade razor $6.99. Pair with $1 video values coupon AND $4 coupon coming in most papers on Sunday.  Pre-order coupon here (these will go fast and may be restocked at times - email seller for info).

 CVS (see more previews here)

•  6/13 - Gillette or Old Spice body wash - on sale for $4 with $4 extra bucks.  Pair with some of the various coupons from the 6/6 P&G (including BOGO free Gillette body wash) which you can order here.
• 6/13 - Schick Hydro 3 or 5 blade razor $8.97. Pair with $4 coupon coming in most papers on Sunday.  Pre-order coupon here (these will go fast and may be restocked at times - email seller for info)
• 6/13 - B1G1  $.01 Russel Stover or Whitman's box candy.  Pair with $1/1 Russel Stover or $1/1 or $2/1 Whitman's Sampler which you can order here.  Use one coupon per item (full priced item and $.01 item) for most savings.
• 6/20 - Powerbar Pure & Simple energy bar $.99 get $.99 extra bucks limit 2 Limit 3 
•  6/20 - Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength tooothpaste 4 oz $2.99 Get $2 extra bucks Limit 2.  Pair with $1/1 coupon which you can order here.
• 6/20 - Huggies boxed diapers $19.99 with $10 extra bucks - print high value coupons from links below!  Print before max prints is reached!

Don't forget to check for printable coupons you will use!

• coupons
• redplum
• smartsource
• shopathome (earn cash back for each coupon redeemed plus $5 for just signing up)

Here are some other deal scenarios that could help when ordering coupons:

• Target
• Walmart
• CVS
• Rite Aid
• Grocery stores

Huggies Coupon Reset, Arby's Coupon, Old Navy Sale, Free Downloads

Here is a plethora of randomness for your Wednesday evening enjoyment!  Remember to check out the Facebook fan page to get exclusive deals and updates!




The $3 Huggies coupon has reset!  I was able to print 2 more!  These are great to use at Rite Aid this week!

Arby's:  Free roast beef sandwich with drink purchase coupon.

Old Navy:  One Day Wonder - Tanks for $2 this Saturday (June 12) only.






Free downloadable crochet book.

Free download of Healthy Muffin Cookbook eBook.

Order Your Coupons

So, this week is promising three great inserts!  Make sure to click through to the icon above to check out all the coupons you can expect.  Take some time to peruse the site - it's  a great coupon forum with lots of store match-ups and such.  You may want to order some for the month - get the good ones before they are gone!




I have ordered coupons many times through MyCouponHunter.  I love this service - emails are returned super quick, there are many ordering options including a new subscription service, and shipping is fast.  I will probably order some coupons this week through this service.

However, I decided to try a new service.  I found MadCoupons on Facebook and talked with several friends who have used this clipping service and who have been happy.  I will let you know how things work out.  Why did I try this new service?  I wanted several of the coveted $2/1 Pampers Wipes coupon.  There are also so many good coupons that I wanted multiples of many so I decided it would be more cost effective to purchase full inserts rather than clipped coupons.

What is the difference between these services?  MyCouponHunter has so many options - my favorite is to just choose the coupons I'll use and order multiples (I am considering trying one of her new subscription packages as well).  MadCoupons has one offering - 10 each of the week's inserts for $10.50 shipped.

Do you order coupons?  What clipping service do you use?

Coupons, Freebies, Swagbucks, Rebate

What a busy day already!  Hang on for the ride!

Happy National Doughnut Day!  Most doughnut shops are offering free doughnuts today.  Here are some specifics. I'd love to hear what stores local to your area are participating (thank you Melissa's Bargain Blog!)

*Dunkin's Donuts ~ Get a free donut with any beverage purchase (valid all day on 6/4 at participating Dunkin' Donuts nationwide)


*Krispy Kreme - Get a free doughnut today (6/4) only at participating locations (no purchase required)


*Shipley Do-Nuts - Get a free donut with any purchase (valid 6/4 only at participating locations)

I'll add my own - Tim Hortons!  Print a coupon for a free doughnut - valid 6/4 only






Remember that today is Mega Swagbucks Friday!  Check out this past post to learn more!

There is a fantastic deal at Medco Health store online for a short time.  I posted about it yesterday and have one more code to add!  If you have never ordered before, you can use the code FIRST10 to get $10 off your first order.  It isn't clear if the other two codes posted yesterday will both work - rumor is that they will though.  The new code will only work on your very first order.  Hurry and order before these codes expire!  Let me know what you score!  I got 2 refill packs of Huggies wipes and 2 tubes of Bordeaux Butt Paste for a total of $3.54 shipped!




I just started using a different coupon forum called We Use Coupons.  You can find links in my sidebars to access it any time you'd like.  I love that I can preview the coupons  for the upcoming week.  I can use this list to decide what coupons I want to order!

Speaking of coupons, don't forget to print and load coupons to your shopper card!

• coupons
• redplum
• sobe lifewater bogo
• cellfire.com
• shortcuts.com
• upromise.com

 Lastly, if you have saved receipts from purchasing P&G products, here is a link for the coupon rebate.  Remember - the total is BEFORE coupons are taken off!