Gearing up for 2011

Okay, I know we're already 2 weeks in. But the past two weeks have been full of packing and driving. We're now safely in Boise, Idaho (where they DO have Rite Aid!!) and it's time to start thinking about coupons again. I brought most of my pantry with me... and while I really don't need toothpaste or shampoo, soup is sounding really good right now! We're in much colder weather up north, and I need to think ahead a bit.

I'm already missing Kroger, 'cause as far as I know of there aren't any grocery stores here that automatically double coupons $0.50 or less. But I'm looking forward to experiencing Albertson's doublers... and of course, Rite Aid and Walgreens.

I'm tracking our coupon savings using this tracking sheet and will be sharing the savings via the "thermometer" on the right. Looking forward to seeing if I can hit my goal of saving over $200 a month!

Rite Aid Trip 11/17

I'm trying to get in on all the Rite Aid goodness, because apparently we're moving next month to a town with no Rite Aid... *sniff. I'm going to have to learn Walgreens and CVS it looks like! Anyway, yesterday was another awesome trip to Rite Aid with a LOT of free stuff. Free toothpaste, free toothbrush, free dish detergent, & free heat wraps! I'd made an error in my first transaction, but the manager was kind enough to help me figure it all out so I still got my +UP rewards. And I had a Rebate Check from last month that I was able to use to pay for most of it. So my out-of-pocket (before tax) was a measly $2.01! Actual "price paid" (since I've already "used" the savings from the rebate and last weeks +UPs) was still less than $30 for over $100 worth of product!

Rite Aid 11/10

If you remember, I had $12 in +UPs from my last trip. Since they expire next Saturday, I wanted to be sure to use them. So this trip wasn't amazing, but I did save just over 70% and my out-of-pocket was less than $1 before tax. The big deals this week were for items that I'd just purchased and so not only did I have enough, but I no longer had the good coupons for them. So I just grabbed a few things that were on sale, used a couple coupons, and LOTS of +UPs!