Last night I saved over $30, by being in the right place at the right time, essentially. I went to Giant Eagle's Getgo since I was about running on fumes after the 25 minutes of sitting in crawling traffic on Polaris (I should start a blog just to vent about my commute). Anyway, I was about to use my 40¢ off per gallon when a woman at the next pump asked if I'd started pumping gas yet. I said no, I'd started the process, but wasn't that far. So she offered me FREE GAS! She'd racked up enough fuel perks to get gas free and was filling both her car and what seemed to be her daughter's as well. But they weren't going to use the full 30 gallons maximum, so she offered me the rest.
It ended up being close to 9 gallons, so I saved $3.37x about 9...right around $30!
And, part two: Erin was not feeling well (migraine it seems) so I offered to get her food as I was coming home from Clayspace studio time (love it!). I went to Chipotle and expected to pay full price for her burrito bowl, but they gave me the $2 Boorito price even though I wasn't dressed up per the event's advertising online...BONUS! (And an additional savings of about $4.50!)
So, the moral? Share your savings with others and the karma might come back to you, AND, look around you, be aware of promotions and simply be present enough to acknowledge strangers who seem to be more kindly than creepy, especially on Halloween!
On a side note, I saved $13.98 last Friday getting donuts for work, since we often take turns bringing breakfast on Fridays. I used two BOGO coupons from 2011 and 2012 Entertainment books for Krispy Kreme and got two FREE dozen glazed donuts. Get your books soon and start taking advantage sooner rather than later! I've already saved $6.99 with the 2012 book...$23.01 left until I start making money on it!
Happy Saving,
Jenn
November 1, 2011
September 29, 2011
FREE Bertolli Soups and more!
Great news! I received a package from Bertolli® that I will give away to one lucky reader! You have a chance to win this giveaway package in honor of the launch of the NEW Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two!
The SOUPerb kit giveaway will include:
· One Stainless Steel Ladle
· Four Tasting Certificates to learn more about Bertolli® soups in a fun way.
The soups are packed-full of fresh vegetables, perfectly-cooked chicken or beef, and hearty pasta. These restaurant-quality meals can be conveniently prepared at home.
The meal, ready in minutes, comes in four delicious varieties: Chicken and Rotini Pasta, Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken, Chicken Minestrone and Tuscan Beef & Vegetables. They can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store
Bertolli® offers authentic Italian meals and was founded more than 150 years ago.
For more information:
www.villabertolli.com
Facebook.com/Bertolli
Twitter.com/Bertolli
Alright readers, who's interested in trying these...for FREE? Post a comment and you'll be entered!
July 9, 2011
FREE Pizza...and more!
So, I don't always check my grocery store receipt, but I should (and so should you) especially if you haven't done a self-scan and been able to see the prices as they came up. Recently, 'Deal' and I were shopping and the total was pretty high, so I had one of those, "Did I really spend that much?" moments and looked over the receipt to see how our total could possibly be that high. Things added up. Almost. A pizza I bought, because it was on sale, rang up regular price, $1.49 more than the sale price.
Erin says she wouldn't have gone back in about that. I did, because I know Giant Eagle's policy: If it rings up wrong (or was posted as on sale but no longer is) they give you the product FREE.
I was sure I saw the sign/tag for the sale price, and was relieved when the service desk guy came back with a handful of them for all that brand's pizzas varieties. Voila, $7.49 credit to me and FREE pizza!
Moral of the story: check your receipt: a) if you didn't scan it yourself and see the price that came up b) it's the day after a sale ended (GE ends on Weds) c) the amount just doesn't feel right!
Pizza anyone?
Erin says she wouldn't have gone back in about that. I did, because I know Giant Eagle's policy: If it rings up wrong (or was posted as on sale but no longer is) they give you the product FREE.
I was sure I saw the sign/tag for the sale price, and was relieved when the service desk guy came back with a handful of them for all that brand's pizzas varieties. Voila, $7.49 credit to me and FREE pizza!
Moral of the story: check your receipt: a) if you didn't scan it yourself and see the price that came up b) it's the day after a sale ended (GE ends on Weds) c) the amount just doesn't feel right!
Pizza anyone?
February 25, 2011
Chipotle BOGO offer
Hey, strangers! I know neither of us have posted in a big fat long time...so here's a handsome deal for you: Love Chipotle? BOGO Free!
Chipotle Buy One Get One Free Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Taco, or Salad via Printable Coupon
http://coupon.fanappz.net:8180/promotionappz/watchVideo/coupon <http://coupon.fanappz.net:8180/promotionappz/watchVideo/coupon >
You have to watch the 90 second video and then the coupon will pop up.
Totally worth watching the video, eh? :o)
I'll start posting more often, promise!
Chipotle Buy One Get One Free Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Taco, or Salad via Printable Coupon
http://coupon.fanappz.net:
You have to watch the 90 second video and then the coupon will pop up.
Totally worth watching the video, eh? :o)
I'll start posting more often, promise!
November 8, 2009
Starting over
So, I got a new 13-pocket tabbed organizer from The Container Store (woot, 40% discount!) and have now managed to fill it fat with new coupons. (Do I need a second one?) I'm still getting used to new categories, which are–in some cases–combinations of old ones, since i have at least three fewer pockets. It's weird but nice to have a simpler system.
My old green bag has been replaced by a more olive green bag I'd purchased in Amsterdam for ('dree' :) 3 Euro, and which Loz kindly mailed to me from London...with some sweets, bonus!
Is all well that ends well? maybe.
It's a short post, but I was due for one, wasn't I? :)
As promised, a shout-out to our second confirmed reader, yo Brandy! (a la Rocky)
I've got a pile of coupons I'm not going to use; I'm considering the best way to exchange...suggestions welcome.
X
Jenn
My old green bag has been replaced by a more olive green bag I'd purchased in Amsterdam for ('dree' :) 3 Euro, and which Loz kindly mailed to me from London...with some sweets, bonus!
Is all well that ends well? maybe.
It's a short post, but I was due for one, wasn't I? :)
As promised, a shout-out to our second confirmed reader, yo Brandy! (a la Rocky)
I've got a pile of coupons I'm not going to use; I'm considering the best way to exchange...suggestions welcome.
X
Jenn
September 20, 2009
Stolen! Don't know whatcha got til it's gone...
So, I seem to have forgotten to lock my car once this past week; this was obvious the next morning as I approached the car, clicked the unlock button on the keyless remote, heard nothing and simply opened the door to find some of my random car clutter spilling out from the middle console, and the glove box gaping open.
After looking through a number of things and checking the hatchback area, nothing seemed to be missing. I called Erin and told her what had happened, distraught but happy there'd been nothing valuable (at least to the thief/thieves) taken from my car. Or so I thought at the time. I was very pleased they hadn't taken my Entertainment book, which was in between the front seats, and clearly visible.
A few days passed and I started to look for my green bag as I was planning a trip to the store and wanted to look through coupons for some of what I needed. I couldn't find it, but didn't complete an exhaustive search, figuring it would surface when I needed it, as it usually did. I looked pretty much everywhere today (Sunday morning) as I had new coupons I'd want to add, and still needed some things from the store. Not to be found.
I knew then that the burglar(s) had taken my green bag, probably assuming it might be some type of purse. And I knew as well, that once they'd rifled through this bag, only finding my coupon accordions, some tissues and a pen, they'd most likely have tossed the bag in the nearest dumpster or yard–like a purse Erin found over the summer that had also been taken out of a car parked in the neighborhood, as she was informed after contacting the owner of the car, whose registration was still in the purse.
I felt bereft, angry...sullen, even. How dare they? And now, I've lost money I'd have saved, but also my bag (sentimental attachment after 10+ years) and my feeling of security, shaky though it was after our cars were vandalized earlier this year (another story, obviously).
To cheer myself up, I cut some remaining double coupons (from 'the bag' we receive on Saturdays, see TIP below) and the ones from today's paper. Afterwards, they just lay there in the three piles I normally separate them into, and I had to choose just a few to take and slip into my wallet for the grocery trip tonight. Throughout this trip I annoyed Erin by citing various examples of products I wanted to buy that we'd had a coupon for...or probably did, but no longer had. Eventually I'll forget, and it seems petty to be so sad about it, but this unknown thug took away something from my life that was relatively organized (somewhat rare of late), definitely routine, and dependable.
I'll admit it: my green bag, coupons and accordion files–one with built in grocery list pad and pen holder–were my adult (financial) security blanket. And I feel like my savings world has been turned upside down. I'm also more concerned about our neighborhood's safety, when at least four different things have happened to my car, from the destruction of a side mirror and other stupid pranks, to this opportunistic theft.
Anyway, the plan is to rebuild, reorganize and move on...once my memory fades and I find suitable replacements. We keep saying it's a good chance to start over, to start fresh. But, as Erin sometimes says: Your silver lining sucks. The world could use fewer thoughtless petty thefts, and more respect for others' property.
Related TIP: The bag we receive on Saturdays is an excellent source of extra coupons. Sometimes they are exactly the same as some of what is in Sunday's paper, but other times there are slight variations. If you have neighbors who don't collect theirs after a few days, maybe it's worth inquiring if you can have theirs!
After looking through a number of things and checking the hatchback area, nothing seemed to be missing. I called Erin and told her what had happened, distraught but happy there'd been nothing valuable (at least to the thief/thieves) taken from my car. Or so I thought at the time. I was very pleased they hadn't taken my Entertainment book, which was in between the front seats, and clearly visible.
A few days passed and I started to look for my green bag as I was planning a trip to the store and wanted to look through coupons for some of what I needed. I couldn't find it, but didn't complete an exhaustive search, figuring it would surface when I needed it, as it usually did. I looked pretty much everywhere today (Sunday morning) as I had new coupons I'd want to add, and still needed some things from the store. Not to be found.
I knew then that the burglar(s) had taken my green bag, probably assuming it might be some type of purse. And I knew as well, that once they'd rifled through this bag, only finding my coupon accordions, some tissues and a pen, they'd most likely have tossed the bag in the nearest dumpster or yard–like a purse Erin found over the summer that had also been taken out of a car parked in the neighborhood, as she was informed after contacting the owner of the car, whose registration was still in the purse.
I felt bereft, angry...sullen, even. How dare they? And now, I've lost money I'd have saved, but also my bag (sentimental attachment after 10+ years) and my feeling of security, shaky though it was after our cars were vandalized earlier this year (another story, obviously).
To cheer myself up, I cut some remaining double coupons (from 'the bag' we receive on Saturdays, see TIP below) and the ones from today's paper. Afterwards, they just lay there in the three piles I normally separate them into, and I had to choose just a few to take and slip into my wallet for the grocery trip tonight. Throughout this trip I annoyed Erin by citing various examples of products I wanted to buy that we'd had a coupon for...or probably did, but no longer had. Eventually I'll forget, and it seems petty to be so sad about it, but this unknown thug took away something from my life that was relatively organized (somewhat rare of late), definitely routine, and dependable.
I'll admit it: my green bag, coupons and accordion files–one with built in grocery list pad and pen holder–were my adult (financial) security blanket. And I feel like my savings world has been turned upside down. I'm also more concerned about our neighborhood's safety, when at least four different things have happened to my car, from the destruction of a side mirror and other stupid pranks, to this opportunistic theft.
Anyway, the plan is to rebuild, reorganize and move on...once my memory fades and I find suitable replacements. We keep saying it's a good chance to start over, to start fresh. But, as Erin sometimes says: Your silver lining sucks. The world could use fewer thoughtless petty thefts, and more respect for others' property.
Related TIP: The bag we receive on Saturdays is an excellent source of extra coupons. Sometimes they are exactly the same as some of what is in Sunday's paper, but other times there are slight variations. If you have neighbors who don't collect theirs after a few days, maybe it's worth inquiring if you can have theirs!
May 14, 2009
The System
So, it's long overdue, and I feel it's also anti-climactic, but I'm going to explain my system of coupon organization. I try to stay on top of cutting coupons we receive in the Sunday paper (mainly), so that the whole process is more manageable. I also find it therapeutic, as well as good 'busy work' for when I'm watching TV.
Here's how I separate the coupons:
I have 3 accordion-style holders—1: fresh and frozen foods/items; 2: dry foods (canned, boxed, condiments, etc); and 3: non-foods, such as meds, cleaners, and paper products.
Here are the categories:
(1)
produce (salad, dried fruits), eggs, cold juices
meats and sides, such as country crock, bob evans, etc
dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk, pillsbury, etc)
frozen meals, vegetables, pizza, meats, sides
frozen desserts, baked items (rolls, garlic bread), ice cream, etc
(2)
breakfast (cereals, oatmeal, etc)
baking and sweets (sugar, olive oil, chocolate, etc)
snacks and shelved drinks (chips, granola bars, nuts, bottled drinks, etc)
canned (soups, sauces, peanut butter, tuna, etc)
condiments and spices
boxed and bagged (carbs!: pasta, dried potatoes, helper meals, etc)
(3)
hygiene (razors, dental, feminine, deo, etc)
hair
body wash/soaps and lotion
medicines (vitamins, band-aids, etc)
cleaning (including laundry)
paper, pet, potpourri (batteries, clothing, household items, etc)
I keep each of these sections organized, so all soups are together, all snack bars, etc. Each of the three files also has one empty section at the front; I use these for soon-to-expire coupons, ones I don't have time to file, and/or ones I intend to use during my next shopping trip.
It's a good idea to check these for expired coupons when filing new ones, ideally every week, so you don't miss out on a coupon you really want to take advantage of. I try not to cut things we don't tend to use, unless I plan to pass on those coupons to someone I know who does. If you're not sure of something, you're bound to start noticing want expires over and over without being used. I also endeavor to let our needs dictate the coupons, rather than the opposite.
I think that's enough for now, but I'd welcome any questions as to where I put any particular type of coupon, or suggestions for improvement. It's not perfect, but it tends to work rather well for me. The good thing about having separate accordions is that I can bring whichever one(s) are appropriate for the trip, but I also have a small bag that holds them nicely, in addition to our entertainment book!
That's all for now deal-seekers, stay tuned!
Here's how I separate the coupons:
I have 3 accordion-style holders—1: fresh and frozen foods/items; 2: dry foods (canned, boxed, condiments, etc); and 3: non-foods, such as meds, cleaners, and paper products.
Here are the categories:
(1)
produce (salad, dried fruits), eggs, cold juices
meats and sides, such as country crock, bob evans, etc
dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk, pillsbury, etc)
frozen meals, vegetables, pizza, meats, sides
frozen desserts, baked items (rolls, garlic bread), ice cream, etc
(2)
breakfast (cereals, oatmeal, etc)
baking and sweets (sugar, olive oil, chocolate, etc)
snacks and shelved drinks (chips, granola bars, nuts, bottled drinks, etc)
canned (soups, sauces, peanut butter, tuna, etc)
condiments and spices
boxed and bagged (carbs!: pasta, dried potatoes, helper meals, etc)
(3)
hygiene (razors, dental, feminine, deo, etc)
hair
body wash/soaps and lotion
medicines (vitamins, band-aids, etc)
cleaning (including laundry)
paper, pet, potpourri (batteries, clothing, household items, etc)
I keep each of these sections organized, so all soups are together, all snack bars, etc. Each of the three files also has one empty section at the front; I use these for soon-to-expire coupons, ones I don't have time to file, and/or ones I intend to use during my next shopping trip.
It's a good idea to check these for expired coupons when filing new ones, ideally every week, so you don't miss out on a coupon you really want to take advantage of. I try not to cut things we don't tend to use, unless I plan to pass on those coupons to someone I know who does. If you're not sure of something, you're bound to start noticing want expires over and over without being used. I also endeavor to let our needs dictate the coupons, rather than the opposite.
I think that's enough for now, but I'd welcome any questions as to where I put any particular type of coupon, or suggestions for improvement. It's not perfect, but it tends to work rather well for me. The good thing about having separate accordions is that I can bring whichever one(s) are appropriate for the trip, but I also have a small bag that holds them nicely, in addition to our entertainment book!
That's all for now deal-seekers, stay tuned!
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