Open Mic is a post every Thursday that is a mini-version of a discussion board. You can leave a comment with whatever coupon, money-saving or debt reduction tips or questions you have and other readers chime in and answer.
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As always, I look forward to hearing the voice of the Pocket Your Dollars community. Read through the Open Mic archives here.
Your turn: Leave a comment with your money-saving, coupon or debt reduction question, thought or suggestion.
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a week or so ago someone was looking for a Cool Whip deal: Lunds and Bylerys have it on sale for $1.00.
I’m currently on a medically-necessary diet that pretty much cuts out every processed food, including sugar, wheat, eggs, dairy, etc. I’ve spent wayyyy too much on food and it’s only been a week! Anyone have great ideas on where/how to shop for whole/natural foods AND save money?!
Sorry Cath – thought I replied to YOUR POST but it came in as a new topic below!
I’d second Trader Joe’s and Aldi if they are close to you. In my limited experience, Aldi’s produce is not the greatest, but is cheap. Once farmer’s markets start to open up this summer, I’d suggest those. The natural food co-op nearest us has a great bulk section with lots of different grains, bean, etc. They were all pretty reasonable prices too. You can always start a garden and grow your own!
Hi Cath, not sure where you live but I think the Produce Exchange located in the Midtown Global Market has some good deals each week, especially on organic produce. Here’s a link, click on the “download these specials in PDF format” located in the lower right hand corner: http://midtownproduceexchange.com/
Oops sorry I did the same thing and left it as a new topic. Here is what I posted :
From the April 17, 2010 issue of Family Circle page 120
“Organic on a Budget”
I read this article and I couldn’t help but think WOW we were just talking about that here. It discussed how to buy organic food without blowing the budget.
“Family Circle readers often tell me they love buying organic but hate the high prices. While it does cost more to produce food without using stuff like pesticides, antibiotics, and synthetic hormones, these days no one can afford to ignore the bottom lines. I’ve found quite a few ways to get what I want without emptying my wallet. ”
- Buy a share in community-supported agriculture programs (CSA)
You pay part of a local farm’s operating expenses, in return you receive a box of fruits and vegetables weekly for the duration of the growing season, which usually lasts 24 to 36 weeks. A share usually costs somewhere around $400 which may seem like a lot, but if you do the math it’s less than $20 a week. Some CSA’s even allow you to buy half shares (or you could split one with a family member/friend/neighbor). Don’t forget to ask if your CSA is certified organic. To learn more or find a CSA in your area go to http://www.localharvest.org
- Join a food co-op : This member owned business provides groceries at a discount. Many products are organic and much of the produce comes from local family farms. All you have to do is sign up and pay modest dues although some co-ops require volunteering. For one in your area check http://www.coopdirectory.org
-Try frozen or canned. Organic food doesn’t always have to be fresh. I especially like frozen corn, peaches, and berries in the winter when they’re out of season. Except in summer, tomatoes are almost always better canned or jarred.
-Shop online : The Web offers lots of great ways to save. At mambosprouts.com you can sign up to receive coupons by mail or just download them as you need them. Amazon.com also has good deals on organic items.
-Find a buying club : Maybe you already know about it, but I’ve only recently learned about this money saver. Basically a group of people get together to buy in bulk from wholesalers, which can yield up to 40% discounts. Members share the work and expenses involved in acquiring and distributing the food to their group. To find out how to join an existing club go to http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com
So many great ideas, so I won’t add anything other than to say that I also have to keep to a special diet (no salt, low sugar, good fats only). I’ve found the only way to get by is to make most things from scratch. I highly recommend incorporating fresh seasonings into your foods, if you haven’t already. I make my own pasta sauce by using no-salt canned tomatoes and fresh basil. Now when I have a taste of regular sauce, I’m shocked at how sugar-y and salty it is!
http://www.ploughsharefarm.com/
I just signed up for a CSA membership. I’m splitting a Summer & Fall membership with my parents. It is 100% organic and locally grown (well, local enough for me to think so anyway!). I think it’s a great deal and I’m excited to get to try lots of new veggies.
We eat a mostly plant based diet, and I can’t imagine doing it without our Costco membership. We buy a huge thing of organic fresh spinach each Saturday for $3.99, a 6 pack of Romaine Hearts for $3.79 and a big pack of Baby Bella Mushrooms for $3.99(or so). We also buy their big packs of fresh brussel sprouts, asparagus and little sweet peppers. Then we supplement with their fantastic big bags of frozen veggies and fruits – many of which are organic. We also get stuff at Trader Joe’s. They have a great price on Tofu that is really good, we buy their quinoa, and their canned beans are often the cheapest over the grocery stores. And like several people said, Farmer’s Market time is finally coming : ) Hope this helps.
I haven’t seen anything on the website regarding the Meet&Greet Waiting List. The event is coming up quick. Did anyone else see a post??
Sarah Beth…I haven’t seen anything lately either BUT I rec’d an invite on Monday and I needed to RSVP by today, so I must have won a spot on the waiting list!
Sounds like you will be eating a lot of fruits and veggies!!! I would try Trader Joe’s if you have one near you. Otherwise for even cheaper options on produce try thier “brother” store ALDI (I love their pears and bagged spinach. They also have low prices on peppers, carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, onions, potatoes etc) If neither of those are close you can check out Carrie’s post on Organic Coupons to get deals at the stores you have already tried. Hope that helps!
Anyone have any suggestions for fun thing to do in the west side of the Twin Cities with a toddler? We want to make an effort to get out of the house more often now that the weather is nicer. Obviously cheap or free is best. Or it could be somewhere we could get a membership to and would be entertaining enough for repeat visits over the year. We’re probably going to get a membership to the MN Zoo as my family always had when when I was growing up and I loved going there. Any other suggestions?
We live in Maple Grove and are planning to use the Nature Center at the Elm Creek Park Reserve a lot this summer. They have free lessons/session-type things, but they also have short little courses kids can take. They are reasonably priced.
If Stillwater is not too far, try Teddy Bear park (just a few blocks from the downtown area). You can search for it online, that’s how we found it. It’s a great park, geared towards kids 8 and younger, with sections for toddlers. Our twins had a great time there last year, and we plan repeat trips this year. We also really like the Children’s Museum – their dinosaur exhibit was great!
Sorry, I just re-read your post and saw that you were asking for things on the WEST side of the cities. Obviously, my sense of direction is off this morning, as Stillwater is east of the cities (but in my defense, west of me since I am in Wisconsin).
The MN Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is beautuful. You can purchase a membership or pay for each visit. They do have activities for kids. Previous summers they have had concerts and free admission on Thursday nights–not sure if that is happening again this summer.
I was thinking about the Arboretum. My wife and I had a membership there a couple years ago. It’s only a few miles down the road from us. Our son is very visual at this point, so bright flowers and plants would be great for him.
Nate-
Do you have a library card? If so, they have zoo and museum passes available for free there. There are a couple of catches. One, you’re not guaranteed to find availability for the place that you’re looking for and the MN Zoo pass is in high demand. Two, most of the passes are for two, so in order to get completely free admission for a family of more than two, you would need two library cards to check out one on each and have two passes available to check out. They stay on there for a week, so if you can’t make it on the day you’re planning, you can always go a different day within the week. We just took a trip to the zoo for free (with just the cost of parking) earlier this week.
Just an FYI on the library museum passes and the Arboretum. To get into the arboretum, there is a “per car” fee. So when you get the museum pass at the library for the arboretum, it’s good for your whole car load. We’ve used the museum pass for the arboretum many times (family of 5) with no problem. It is a great deal.
We bought the Minnesota Historical Society membership on Groupon a few weeks ago and are planning on using that to visit lots of places this summer. We have a zoo membership and love it. We bring lunch, so we don’t spend any money other than the once a year membership fee.
I am planning on keeping my eyes open for more memberships through Groupon. I would really like to get a Minnesota Children’s Museum membership and maybe Underwater World. My husband is a teacher, so he has lots of time in the summer to do things with our son.
Also, Target has sponsored free days to many museums throughout the metro and has sponsored 2-for-1 tickets to the Children’s Theater on opening weekend, but they sell out fast, so be sure to check back often to see when the tickets are on sale.
Another idea is to get a bike trailer for your toddler and go on long bike rides. We usually bike to a fun new playground, bring lunch and then play for a few hours. Our son usually falls asleep on the way home. We have a Burley double trailer that is great. It is a little on the expensive side, but we think it is well worth the price – light weight, very durable, and high safety ratings.
Megan,
You mentioned that your husband is a teacher and you guys were thinking of getting a memebership to Underwater World. My husband and I are both teachers and if you go to the Underwater World site (I believe under education), there is a coupon that you can print out for a free year member ship for a teacher-they will take that amount off of a family membership, so we were able to get a one year family membership there for $44.00, which is less than it would cost the five of us to go once!!! Thought it might be something you guys would want to look into as well.
That is a great idea! Thanks, we are looking into that.
Nate there are tons of FREE parks. Elm Creek is free, but you pay to use the swimming pond. If you go before noon it’s less crowded (no life guard) but there are not the school/camp groups there either.
French lake park is a great park in Plmyouth too – my kids love it. I love that there is stuff for little ones and big one’s so it’s a nice place for our whole family.
There are tons of parks in Plymouth and Maple grove — we also do Camp Arbor at Arbor Lakes it’s free and a fun time for the kids. There are story times…. St. Micheal has a few things (or did last year) art in the park and a park story-time.
The Arboretum has Thursday nights free and there is so much to explore and see there — so worth the time.
Look for your local community education booklet, they will list the free things in your area.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Great ideas! I sometimes wonder if it’s worth spending any money at all entertaining our son. Yesterday he spend 20 minutes playing with a stick and a couple of rocks and cried when we took them away. Unfortunatey, Mom and Dad are less entertained by random objects. :)
Nate,
Check out the kids concerts at noon at Edinborough Park in Edina on Thursdays. In he summer they move outside to Centennial Lakes. Was just there today and the kids love it. Pack a lunch and bring it along.
Nate – You might take a look at http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks.aspx I’m familiar with Hyland Lake Park (they have a huge play area, lake, trails, etc), but the other areas look nice too. I took a quick look at the website and didn’t see $, but from what I remember they sell season passes.
French Park in Plymouth is great, too.
Nate,
I believe it is Lake Minnewashta regional park. You can get a family pass for about $25-$30 I think. They give you wrist bands for each member and when you wear them you get in free and can use their man built “lake” or go to their park or picnic areas. It’s off of Hwy 7 by Mound. My friends family did it last year and they loved it. We plan on doing it this year now that my daughter is old enough to go in the water and really enjoy it.
Parks have always been a part of summer for me. I used to work in daycare (first at a center, then in-home, and finally as a nanny!) now I have my own 3 kids. A fun adventure has always been taking a local map and marking all the “small” local parks on it, then just picking a new place to try out each week. This way we found parks that were local, fun, and often not overrun with older kids. I’ve been amazed at the gems we’ve found located in less traveled neighborhoods.
@ Cath…. I was just talking to a friend of mine who does tax returns… did you know that you can claim a portion of your grocery bill on taxes for having to buy certain groceries for a medical necessity? I don’t know the “in’s and out’s” of it all, so check with your tax person. I have a candida issue I’m dealing with, and my diet needs to change, too, so I’m with ya on the no sugar, etc. Good luck!
Nancy, I’d be curious about your candida issue- if you ever wanted to share anything. I have been looking at the concept of yeast affecting your health and would be interested in hearing your experience/story (of course it’s personal I totally understand and respect your privacy if you don’t want to share).
You can email me if you want!
madtownjules @ gmail .com
Julie
Has anyone gotten their first issue of All You yet – still have not received one….
Thanks
Got mine on Monday. I know others were saying last week that they had just received theirs.
I got mine on Tuesday. I was getting worried as well.
Just received mine two days ago and I was one of the first to order (when the links were first posted, I mean).
I received mine this week. Its the April issue.
I have not received mine…I ordered in the middle of Feb., I think…
Got my 1st issue last week.
I received my issue on Wednesday….SCORE!!!
Love this magazine…not just for the coupons, but the have very relevant articles…and most of them are quick to read…..they also have FAB recipies.
Has anyone found the Dial Nutriskin soap (for .02 after coupons) at their Target? I have found the body wash at both the Otsego and downtown Minneapolis Target, but can’t find the soap?? At least not one that is clearly labeled as “Nutriskin”?
Wanted to say “THANKS!” to PYD friend Christine for mentioning http://www.coupontom.com for an expired coupon database. I used to only use couponmom but was sad that I coudn’t find a way to look for expired coupons. CouponTom is the best of both worlds – Thanks Christine!!!
Sara Beth,
Thanks for the tip…I just checked out the site and it is AWESOME! Great for those things I have to purchase…know I have seen a coupon and can’t remember which insert it is in!
I love using it for my Cub list because if you register (free) you can change your settings to show expired coupons – think you can choose 30, 60, 90 or 180 days. I keep mine at 90 to find coupons that will work at Cub. Otherwise if you don’t want to register it is still a free database of active coupons – just type the things you need to buy that week and presto!
I have been reading this blog for about 3 months, EVERY DAY! I have also been collecting coupons and organizing them and using them more since then! I have been very successful getting a stock of personal products and other odds and ends. However, I feel that I am still having to buy a lot of food. I have noticed a BIG difference in my “target” type run (toiletries, cleaning supplies, personal products) but not my groceries. I follow your lists on here and only go to the stores when their are things I need to stock up on or need now or really good deals. Then I go to Aldi to get all of the things I need for my meals for the week and then I sometimes have to go to Cub, Hyvee, or Super Walmart to get ingredients that aren’t at Aldi. Am I missing something??? I spend about $75-$100 and that lasts us about a week and a half maybe two weeks. Help, I would still like to cut it down in the food department! Thanks!
Angie, I try to use what I have on hand to make dinner and lunches instead of starting with recipes that need extra ingredients….that has cut down on our grocery bills a lot!! Sometimes I may not have the exact ingredient called for in a recipe, but I either wing it or adjust my meal plan to what I do have on hand. My family thinks it’s fun to open the fridge, freezer or pantry when they are hungry and find surprise items that I have gotten on sale or for free – with a few “favorite” exceptions, nobody is brand loyal or stuck on specific foods, so the flexibility and unpredictability works for us. Good Luck!
Angie- It would be pretty natural that you can really cut down those “target-type” runs, but still have some higher expenses on food. Depending on how many you’re feeding 75-100 for a week and a half to two weeks really isn’t all that bad. That’s around 200 to 250 a month. For a family of four, I would say that’s doing pretty good, if you break it down to 50 a week. You have to remember with food, we need fruits and veggies and other staples. While you can shop in season, the cost of those still adds up. I’ve found the key for me is to buy everything else that I can at rock bottom prices and stockpile, so when I have to entertain or meal plan I know what I should make with what I’ve got stockpiled. I recently did this with lasagna and figured out that I fed 8 people with a little bit leftover for about 6 dollars. Also, I keep an eye out every grocery aisle I walk down for display coupons. These have helped me get coupons for some items (1/1 Kraft parmesan cheese is my most recent favorite, doubled at Rainbow makes for a pretty good deal) that I wouldn’t normally see coupons for and sometimes they are higher value than anywhere else. I know Carrie also suggests figuring out everyday prices for your most frequently purchased items so that you know where to get it for the lowest price when you have to have it and it’s not on sale. If you shop a lot of places, keep a master list and check out those items next time your shopping at each.
Angie, I have been using PYD for almost a year now…for me it has been all about learning how to plan my meals around the lists. I usually plan next weeks meals around what I got this week. I shop almost exclusivly at Rainbow…because of doubling and fuel perks. I spend a max of 50 a week to feed a family of 5. Normally 40-45. I use the fruits/veggie and meat as my filler items to hit the 25, and do 2 trips.
Nikki,
We are a family of 5, using PYD for about a year, and also shopping mostly at RB– but I probably still spend $80/week– so kudos to you and yr superior shopping skills! Menu planning is definitely my downfall!
As Nikki said, it’s really about planning your meals around what’s on sale. I’ve always found that if I look in a cookbook, find a recipe I want to make and go to the grocery store to get the things I need that I always end up spending $10+ for a meal for two. It’s so much better to buy the things that you can get a great deal on and make your meals from that stuff.
Another option as Carrie suggested a few weeks ago is using allrecipes.com. You can input the ingrediants you have onhand, and get recipes that use just those items. I try to menu plan around what is on sale. Then I get my base ingrediants in bulk at Sams club, such as chicken broth and canned tomatoes. I also do a lot of stir frys, I will buy my seasonings and sauces at United Noodle in Minneapolis.
Thank for the advice everyone! Forgot to tell you, it’s a family of 3- so it’s still a little high. But, I have been planning based on what sounds good or a recipe and not what’s on sale…..I will do that, sometimes it takes another prospective to realize things like that, haha! Also, I am in the Mankato area, we do not have a Rainbow but we NEED one!
Also, check out a prior post on this site regarding e-mealz.com. It does cost but only $5 a month and helps by planning menus around the sales.
Do you have an extra freezer? We just got one and I’m so excited to be able to stock up on good deals like B1G1 meat sales and low cost turkey and ham. This way you can buy in bulk when it is cheap and there is always something “in the reserve” And I say be proud of the money you have saved on home/cleaning and beauty/health items!!! That is one huge chuck of your budget that you have been able to cut. Now that you have it mastered you can start focusing on finding great deals on food (Cub and Aldi). I also get all my bread from the Wonder/Hostess store and have cut that budget in half. Check out this site for a location by you: http://www.bakeryoutlets.com/storelocator.asp
One thing I do for meal planning.. It is a tiny bit of work but it seems to work great for me. I always keep a list of the meals I can make in which I have everything on hand (ie- I don’t have to go to the store for anything). Then I have another list of “partial” meals. On that list I also write any items or ingredients I need to complete each meal- normal produce or a salad.
I keep the two lists taped inside my pantry door so when it comes time to think about dinner I can go to my “full” meal list and pull something out of the freezer or start prepping. If it is time to go to the store I look at my “partial” list to see the items I need and then cross check the ads and PYD to see if anything is on sale to complete those meals.
Here is a great site: http://monthlymenuplanner.com/
If you register (free), you can change the menu by searching for different meals. Then you can print the grocery list based on the menu you selected. I tried e-mealz and was not happy with the menus (last week we didn’t like anything on the menu), so I am excited to try this site. I wish I would have found this before paying for e-mealz.
Angie ~ I know that Carrie also puts in plugs for BeCentsable on her shopping lists. This is a website you can go to that lists other stores that she doesn’t cover (like HyVee). Looks like there are a few who put together lists for HyVee that you may want to check out for extra deals that you can’t find here. http://www.becentsable.net/Default.aspx?pageId=331690
The link didn’t go to Minnesota like I thought – so click on Store Deals at the top then choose Minnesota and you will find 2 for HyVee – the second looks to be updated more often.
Hello we are trying to do something for the kids for spring break and have decided to go to Duluth and we do not want to spend much money at all. anyone have any ideas or know where to get some great coupons for the zoo or meals there??
The official travel site for Duluth is: http://visitduluth.com/home.php. Depending on when you are going there is the rose garden along the lake on 61 N of Canel Park. It is free, and very beautiful in the spring. I usually stay at the Edgewater resort or the Travellodge on 35.
I have 2 siblings that live in the duluth area, os we are there all the time. One thing that we have learned to do is that if you go to the Maritime museum in canal park, visitors center in superior or duluth, or a few other places, they have all sorts of free brochures, pamplets etc. There is one that we get in canal park every time we go(upstairs at the museum) that is pretty thick and is full of coupons and discounts for anything and everythng you could want to do while you are there!!!! We always stop in in grab a few when we go to visit! I haven’t been there for a few months, but the last one I used had coupons for the zoo!
Some of the individual brochures for specific places have coupons on them as well. Take 5 minutes and just go through the racks to check them all out. You never know what you might find!
We are going to Duluth this spring it is one of our getaways. My daughters are 10 and eleven. We stay at the Edgewater look for deals on their website. We got $100. gift cards for $75 and they email us with deals like 2room suite with pizza and pop wrist bands for 4, $89. If you can take your bikes they have a crossover to the bike path that takes you down to the the bridge and the museums. Look in the happenings book for 2fers. The train ride is fun. If you have a Children’s Museum or Min Zoo Membership check for partnership deals.
Okay since we are all in to saving money…do many of you Garage sale? I am sooo excited for the “GS” season to start :). Where are your favorite places to garage sale. I now live in lakeville and have never garage saled in this area. I am hoping to find some great ones since I need new clothes and can always get stuff for the girls for next year :)
So where are your fav spots? And fav city wide sales? Thanks :)
Woodbury Lions club has a city wide garage sale in May. My friends went last year, and got a lot of baby stuff that was almost new. http://www.woodburylions.org/GarageSale.php
thanks christine!!!
I love GS season as well. I am actually trying to find out when the HUGE 200+ sale in Blaine is. It is usually Mothers Day weekend/Open Fishing Weekend but this year this events fall on different weekends. Anyone know for sure when it is??
Thanks.
I love that one as well :) not sure when it is…hmmm
I used to live in that neighborhood. It is always Mother’s day weekend.
I love garage sales. I get all of my toddler’s clothes there and usually can find some things for myself too. I’m in the Northeast Metro and my favorite sales to hit are the Woodbury garage sales in May, the Hammond, WI ones in August and the Hudson, WI ones in September. Also Craigslist is a great spot to find sales.
I am just dying for garage sale season to start. I live in the west metro but my favorites to hit are Jonathan (Chaska) in the end of April. Deer Run (Victoria) in May and Carver Steamboat days in September. The other thing I found last year was to check out craigslist because they will post there and many times you can figure out if there’s anything at it that you really need to go for rather than going and not needing anything that’s there.
FYI- regarding Garage Sales, Woodbury has a huge Garage Sale Mother’s Day weekend- May 7 & 8, I think. A group of ladies from my church are getting together and going!
It’s good to find neighborhoods who do it at the same time since you can basically park and walk from house to house!
I’m pretty sure the Woodbury sales are May 14th and 15th.
The Woodbury sales are not Mother’s Day weekend this year. They are the following weekend. The only reason I can figure is because fishing opener isn’t Mother’s Day weekend this year.
The city of Champlin (right next to Maple Grove) has a city wide garage sale weekend April 22-24. You can pick up a map of the sales at gas stations in the area starting April 16th. There are usually over 100 sales listed and another 100 that didn’t file listings. It’s a great weekend to garage sale shop and there are lots of families, so tons of kids stuff!
Nate, don’t know if you have tried the Eagle’s Nest in New Brighton? Huge indoor playground. It’s $5 per child, but I believe memberships are available. If not, there is always a BOGO coupon in the Happenings Book.
I do second the Teddy Bear park idea, even though it’s on the far East side!
Tamyra, my kids love the Maritime Museum and feeding the gulls in Canal Park. All free. We usually bring stale bread with us or buy a huge bag of popcorn at Target before we go. The Twin Cities Happenings book quite often has deals for restaurants in Duluth. We also like to go to the playground near the aquarium for some free entertainment. If you have a Children’s Museum pass with reciprocity, you can get into the Depot/Children’s Museum free. In fact, I buy our membership through the Children’s Museum in Duluth and get the reciprocity since it’s cheaper than buying it in St. Paul.
I love this site–I’ve been addicted for the last few months, constantly checking my feed catcher to see if there are new posts. One thing that would be really awesome for me would be a coupon roundup for Coburn’s Delivers. I despise grocery shopping and find the $5 delivery fee (no tips allowed!) totally worth it for me. I love the breakdown of deals at Rainbow/Cub/etc. and would like to get a few examples on how I can lower my grocery bills with my online shopping. I do find that shopping online has cut down on unnecessary spending: I can compare prices easily and I’m not tempted to splurge as much. I also listen to the Manic Mommies podcast and they announced they’d be doing an interview soon with a woman who is a coupon queen and frequently pays just a few dollars for groceries, so I’m keeping my ears open for that episode!
Carrie-
Thanks for all you do!
Cath – Just remember to always ask what chemicals, if any, farmers & CSAs use on their produce. Just because they are directly from a farm, doesn’t always make them organic :) And a number of CSA are essentially organic, but haven’t gone through the expense of getting certified.
Here’s something I’ve been pondering a while…on double coupon days, does the mfg or the store bear the responsibility of the double? I’ve heard varying answers, but most recently have heard the Mfg pays the double value (which is why the stores don’t want to double a DND coupon). If it is the mfg, then why limit double coupons to a certain day, impose a spending threshold, and limit the number of coupons that can be doubled? I get the fact about $1 or under, and I can see a Mfg might not want to double a $2, $3 or $5 coupon… Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks!
Here is my understanding of the whole “Do Not Double” coupons
There are two types of DND Q
1. The UPC starts with a 9 – these will automatically be rejected from doubling in any cash register system
2. The UPC starts with a 5 – these will still double when scanned
When Rainbow runs a double coupon promotion – they (Rainbow) are absorbing the cost of the extra “double” value over the coupon face value and they are NOT getting this extra reimbursed from the manufacturer. If you look at your receipt you will see “MC” next to the manufacturer coupons and a “coupon Multiplied coupon” next to the extra double amounts.
But even though Rainbow is offering the double value on the coupons, they are still legally bound to the wording the Manufacturer has on a coupon (as are we, the consumer). So for whatever reason, the Manufacturer does not want the coupon to be doubled. (Possible explanations – the manufacturer does not want their product sold at too large of a discount devaluing the brand causing consumers to view their product as cheap or – it may result in unwanted distortions in sales data or coupon redemptions, only the manufacturer truly knows)
I need some advice…
I have been reading this site for a while now and have inspired many of my co-workers to read it as well. We all LOVE coupons and the money we save. Because of this, we decided to start a coupon exchange here at work. Everyone who wants to exchange, brings their coupons in and we put them in a basket for all to peruse and take as needed (as long as they donate some as well so we can keep the idea going). The problem has been managing the coupons in the basket. I donated a lot of the coupons that my family does not use, but have no idea when someone adds new coupons! Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do to better organize our coupon exchange? Do any of you do this?
Thanks so much! I love this site…all of the suggestions from Carrie and Laura and all of the comments! Thanks for your help!
What I would do is have two baskets a **new coupon basket and **old coupon basket and have everyone put the coupon in the new basket and then every friday dump them into the ** old basket then maybe have an expired basket or envelope or something for those that can use these or something….hope this helps!!! What a GREAT idea of exchanging coupons at work I love it :) I have been thinking of having a coupon party….like tupper wear or jewlery but excahnge coupons instead…lol :) great for networking!
Have a great day!
What about having the people who bring in coupons paperclip them with some sort of a routing slip. The routing slip could list the names of everyone who is participating, and once a person has looked through that set they put a check mark by their name. That way everyone will know what they have looked through (and once everyone has looked through them, you’ll know it is “safe” to toss/recycle old coupons).
I love those ideas! Thanks so much!! I think that I am going to try out a combo of each…have people sign up for the routing slip and put the rest into a “New” basket! I am a teacher and I have parents who are really into couponing as well so maybe I could get them involved as well. Thanks so much ladies!!
I have been waiting for a open mic question to ask on here and finnaly have one! I am in need a new self propelled lawn mower with a bagger. Looking for the best place in the west metro and st. Cloud areas to find one. I am not interested in a used one from Craigslist. Any ideas on finding the best price on one?
I live in the Twin cities and I am wondering if there are any good flea markets around. I’ve searched the Web and came up short.
Not sure where you’re looking for in the Cities, but there’s one Saturday mornings in Annandale called the Swapper’s Meet and there used to be one at the Medina on Sunday monings.
there is also one in monticello
The Lions put together a HUGE flea market at the Medina Ballroom on Sunday mornings. I think it runs from 6:00am – 11:00am
LOTS of stuff….ranging from antiques to new stuff.
they have a website: http://www.hamellions.org/04_flea_market.html
It opens May 16th.
Wendy…
Here’s a flea market listing I found, it’s one we go to every year and it’s a great, fun one. This is the listing to be a vendor, but it gives the info so you can just browse and shop too.:Spots fill quickly, so let us hear from you now if you’d like to reserve your place at this event. The first one for 2010 is set for Saturday, May 15, and the second one is set for Saturday, June 19th. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Only $10 includes a generous 10 to 12 feet of lawn space at this outdoor event (rain or shine)…vendor provides their own tables/chairs. This is only $10 for one date, or $20 if you’d like to participate both dates! This is a fun event that this year we’re hoping to include a farmers market! For more information and an application form, please contact Judy at (763) 757-2468. Coon Rapids VFW at 1919 Coon Rapids Boulevard NW.
Also in the north metro, there is one on 3rd and Monroe Street in Anoka on the lawn of an antique store the second Saturday of each month. The antique store is the Artique if you need to call for more info (hours and such). And I know that there is a flea market on either 15th or 18th and Central Ave NE as part of the “Art-A-Whirl” the weekend of May 15/16. You can contact Julie at Antiqified for hours,etc. on that one. They are all fun to shop at. Hope this helps.
I purchased a few baby/toddler items at Target and got a coupon for BOGO on Enfamil RestFull powdered formula- up to $13.85. If there is anyone who could use it, I would be happy to mail it out to them. Just respond with your email address and I’ll contact the first person to respond for snail mail address. I remember how much of an expense formula was, and can’t bring myself to throw a coupon of this value away. I imagine you could combine it with formula checks for a really good deal. :-)
Does anyone know if Office Max (or other stores) still takes empty ink cartridges and takes a certain amount off the purchase of new cartridges? I’ve looked at all of the office supply store websites and can’t find the information. Thanks.
Office Max used to give me a $3.00 reward for each ink cartridge I brought in, but last time I tried they said their program changed (on 1/1/10 I think) and they no longer paid a reward for my type of ink cartridge, and they had other requirements, too. I’ve heard Staples has this type of program, but haven’t tried there yet. Does anyone know?
Last I heard, Office Max will give you $3 in MaxPerks rewards on your next monthly MaxPerks statment.
See: https://www.officemaxperks.com/RecyclingProgram.aspx
Office Depot does still give a reward for recycling cartridges, limited brands. But what they do now is you get a $3 credit and once you spend that amount in the store, then they issue it to you quarterly, I think. They seem to not want people buying nothing but what they get in ink rewards money. Annoying to me, but I still do it on behalf of my church.
I just bought a laser printer there last night. Here’s what their site says about recycling:
“MaxPerks members can earn $3 in rewards for each qualifying† visibly undamaged HP, Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, Samsung, Kodak, Sharp or Canon ink or toner cartridges dropped off in an OfficeMax store location. Simply present your MaxPerks ID when submitting cartridges to ensure you receive credit and your rewards will be issued in the next statement cycle along with any other MaxPerks rewards you may have earned during the same period. You can earn up to $60 in rewards per calendar month per member (from 20 ink or toner cartridges). While there is no limit to the number or brand of ink/toner cartridges you may recycle, you will only receive rewards for the qualifying† items and limited quantity noted, and the total amount of your recycling rewards issued cannot exceed your total qualified* purchase amount in your MaxPerks account.”
That’s right. Unfortunately mine aren’t a “qualifying” kind.
It says:
“Excludes ink tanks and remanufactured cartridges of any brand. Qualified items are determined by OfficeMax at its sole discretion. Total recycling reward dollars issued for recycling may not exceed your total MaxPerks program qualified purchase balance.”
I guess mine are ink tanks (HP02).
So I guess I’ll go to Staples. This is what it says on their website.
*Recycle any ink or toner cartridge, up to 10 per calendar month per customer, and receive $3 back in Staples Rewards per cartridge. Limit one Staples Rewards account per address. We will recycle additional cartridges but rewards will only be issued for 10 per calendar month per customer. Your ink recycling reward will arrive each month, separately from your standard Staples Rewards statement. Visit StaplesRewards.com for full program details.
Donna – Even with the rewards at the office supply stores I’m not sure they are the best price (although you may have reasons besides price that you want to shop there). I found Carrot Ink a few months back and shared about it here: http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2010/02/carrot-ink-10-off-and-free-shipping-on-toner-and-printer-ink/
Hello, I recently asked this Q on my fb but wanted to throw it out here and see what y’all do. I am fairly new to the world of coupons… So I have been doing the double coupon thing at Rainbow and It’s hard to know when I get to $25. I am always worried that I wont have $25 worth of groceries and then I wont get my double coupons so I end up buying things I don’t necessarily need and spend over what I would like to. How do you do it?
Thanks in advance!!
~Cari
I know the feeling, but I literally write down the price of each item on my list (a lot of times you can get this from the sales flyer.) So when I go to the store, I only fill in the missing prices (I often guess and am pretty close – think of it as spending the $25 before you even go to the store). When I’m done shopping, I add it all up to verify. It sounds painful, but I’ve been doing this since January and I’m close to not having to write down all the prices.
I usually do this:
I plan based upon the sale. example:
Kellogg’s deal — I knew I had items I wanted so that was my ‘base’ I figured it they went by $1.88 then my total would be 15.04 so I would need $10 in other items to make up the difference.
Then what I do is find things I need/use and want and add them in. I take a mini calculator with me since sometimes the shelf price is different then what is listed.
This day I did the 8 Kellogs and then some razors at $5 each with a $4/1 coupon. This brought me up to $25.04 if they go by the sale price. Other times I use that for meat or veggies to bring things up to the $25.
I shop with a calculator in hand and add up each transaction as I go. I put my transactions together on the fly at the store now with Carrie’s list in hand along with all coupons at the ready. I have been doing this for a few months now and it is easier than sitting down and figuring out each transaction before hand, but early on I needed to make detailed lists so as not to be overwhelmed. The calculator is key to nailing that $25 mark as close as possible. I always shot for right around $26 just in case something rings different than I read on the shelf.
I also shop with a calculator – I just use the one in my cell phone. I go with a list of the “coupon items” that I want and I get those items first. Then if the calculator does not show $25 I also have a “backup list” of things that I saw on sale in the ad that I am might need or will always use (like napkins, produce, soda, laundry soap). When you say you “end up buying things you don’t necessarily need” I would start looking in each ad for things that you might actually use in the next month and add these to a back-up list. Do you have a party, potluck, or event coming up and maybe something is on sale this week that you could put away? Is there a good deal/sale on items you could freeze for summer grilling? I never seem to have trouble hitting the $25 but these are just some of my suggestions.
I write down both the shelf price and the sale price of each item on my list I am buying. At my RB the coupons double based on shelf price of $25 but I keep track of sale price as well so I am not surprised if my cashier goes by sale price (which is their stated policy). I write my prices down on paper in pencil that way if I am doing multiple transactions and I need to “juggle” my transactions to get each up to $25 I can just erase the prices from one transaction and move it to another.
I have been trying to save money and give my daughter the best food possible by making baby food. Fruits and veggies have worked great for me, but now we are ready to try some meat. Anyone have any suggestions on where to buy reasonable turkey or chicken that is not processed? All the ones I’ve seen at the grocery store have added salt. I’ve heard of buying beef directly from farmers in the area, but I’m wondering if anyone has a source for poultry(west metro preferred)? Thanks!
Karyn – I looked up this comment left months ago by a Pocket Your Dollars’ reader whose dad is a farmer. I bought a chicken from him and it was really good. “For those that eat free range meat I thought I’d share this… due to order changes, my Dad has a few quarters of free range, natural beef for sale. The beef is grass fed along with some oats (no corn). It sells for $3.00/lb & ready for pickup on November 7th. Please call 763-425-9516 or send an email to janejensen2@hotmail.com for more details.” Granted, I don’t know what all he has, but it’s worth a shot. Oh, I also had some eggs of his too. Yum, yum!
As I was putting away my two free sample size tubes of toothpaste, guilt struck. If everybody used sample size containers on lotion, tooth paste and the such, then think of all the waste. That’s a lot more packaging going into the landfill than if I used one larger tube that didn’t have to be replaced so often. I think I’ll be spending a couple bucks a year and looking for deals on larger tubes rather than going with the free sample size.
I am the same way. I learned quick that if I used all my coupons on the travel size, by the time the large size went on sale my coupons were already gone! I prefer to buy the large size and almost always get them for free as well. You just have to wait for the right sale and stock up. A few weeks ago Crest was a money-maker on the 6.4oz package so now I don’t use my coupons for travel size toothpaste.
Sarah Beth, I am right there with you! I usually just take note of expiration dates on coupons that I could use to match up with travel-size items (like at Target or Walmart) and only buy them right before the expiration date. This way I keep them available for deals on the regular-size products that often become moneymakers.
I am with you guys- but my priority is more eliminating the waste. I don’t like the travel sizes because of all the waste it creates. So I’d rather get bigger volumes even if it means I pay a tad bit more. but usually the deals are pretty good.
Julie W
Hello everyone,
Those of you who want to know when the big garage sale is in may send me your e-mail addresses to olanwatters@msn.com and I will let you know I live in the area and will see the signs when they go up. It is usually Mothers day weekend making it the second weekend in may.
I live in Maple Grove and we go through about 80lbs of salt in our water softner each month. That usually costs me $10 a month. Where is the best deal on salt- I don’t care if it is rock or pellets.
If you can get to Rainbow by Saturday Morton pellets are on sale 5 for $20 (limit 5 so bring a friend if you want more). There are also coupons available for $1/2 which can be doubled on Saturday: http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14803&nid=10&zid=rd17 Otherwise I never pay more than $4 for a 40lb bag because that is the everyday price at ALDI.
I haven’t bought salt or priced it out for a while but Fleet Farm use to be the best deals for softner salt.
Thanks for all your input! I got about the same concensus on fb… I guess I’ll have to get myself a calculator!!
Oh, I keep a separate batch of coupons to increase my total to $25 which wouldn’t cost me much if anything out of pocket. Some of the coupons in there now are: Free Frank’s Red Hot sauce, my bogo free coupons, $2 q for 57 Sauce (sm bottle), and a few other coupons of items I’ll need in the future…
I found the “Try Me Free” bamboo Physician’s Formula compact at the Chaska Target yesterday (there were a couple more).
Has anyone been to the Just Between Friends childrens consignment sales? Either as a shopper or consigner?
Lynn – I went in October just as a shopper (I don’t have anything to consign yet, as I only have my 11-month-old so far) and LOVED it. It was a little chaotic, but I found so much great stuff for really cheap.
What is a just between friends sale?? Is it a store? Are they everywhere?
check out their website here!
http://www.jbfsale.com/default.cfm
Lynn~Yes, I have been to a JBF sale. I think they are great! It’s nice because there are so many consignors (and items) and many times you’ll see a toy (for instance) that you’d like. What’s so great is that there is the same toy or one that’s similar for several different prices so you can choose which one/price you want to pay! :) I got a few things for pretty reasonable prices I thought. Every consignor prices their own items so if you don’t like the price, just move on to the next rack/table… :)
Sarah Beth~
I guess what happened to me last Saturday was I had the whole family with me & I am also new to shopping at Rainbow and I have not gotten the hang of the flow of the store yet. So by the time I found most of my coupon items (some were not there or out of stock, etc..) Baby was stretching his patience and I had to split my cart into two transactions of approx $25/each with 5 of my coupons per transaction and it was enough to make me feel like I wanted to run out of the store and leave my cart right there. So I did buy a bag of coffee… on sale but not the best price so I went over… There are plenty of items I could buy-no doubt on that but just things that aren’t the “best” price…. I also bought a gift card which the cashier said didn’t count toward my $25 requirement…. but a gal on my fb said she did that a time or two so that leaves me a little befuddled…..
Thanks for your help! :)
~Cari
Oh my! Sounds like a chaotic experience. In a situation like that I would totally grab a gift card quick instead of searching the store for something. I have used them as my filler and it has worked every time. My favorites are BP Gas and Subway because I know I will use them up. I used to get Rainbow gift cards but had trouble once so stopped.
Official Rainbow policy states that gift cards don’t count toward the $25 purchase but some cashiers either don’t know it or let it slide.
I went to my first Just Between Friends sale last week. I thought it was very well organized. The price range was great due to so many sellers, overall I thought the prices were a little expensive.
The MN Valley Mothers of Multiples Sale is Sat. April 10th from 11am – 2pm. Tickets to get in are $1.00 and go on sale at 9:00am. It is at the Eagan Community Center. There are 100 plus sellers. Great prices!
I am so excited to check out the first Just between friends sale in St. Cloud next week at the Armory! Sounds like there will be some great deals, In April I will also be hitting the Munchkin Markets sale at the Anoka county Fair grounds. I try to go through my kids stuff to make sure I know what I really need for clothes. I have a tendency to overbuy
PRINTER CARTRIDGES- The best deal I’ve found is Walgreens. Bring in your cartridge and they’ll refill for $12 (AND there is always a 50% off coupon in the store!). So- for 6 bucks, VOILA!
It does take them a while though….so plan 30 min. They “soak” your cartridge, whatever tat means!
What I’ve been doing lately to determine my $25 price at Rainbow is to simply pull up an Xcel spread sheet, put in all of the prices and then just add from there. If I am able to buy all of those items (I have my shopping list in hand that I just copy/paste onto a word doc from Carrie’s lists) on my determined list, then I know that I’ll hit that mark. For me, if I was stopping and punching in numbers for everything I was buying…well I’d be there just too long. This way, I can really make the most of my time by being a very focused shopper/buyer. It works for me!
BTW: This is a great forum to host every week.
I use an Excel spreadsheet, too. I use one column for sale price, another for after coupon price, so I have an idea what my total should be. I print my lists on recycled envelopes and then use them to carry my coupons, too!
Menu Planning: I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it before, but I use http://www.allrecipes.com all the time to help plan meals with what I have on hand using their ingredient look up. Say you want to make something with chicken and broccoli, you put that in the ingredient look up and see what pops up and uses other ingredients that I have on hand.
I too was still spending a more than I thought I should every week, but I decided to use my stockpile for awhile and now haven’t been shopping since the 3rd week in January except to get milk, bread and some fresh produce now and then – and it made a HUGE difference on my checkbook. I’m going to have to start shopping again now before Easter, but it was a nice break that I’ve never been able to do before, and we tried alot of new recipes and found some new favorites this way too.
Just saw a coupon on http://www.ncaa.com/ for $1/1 Ritz munchables. Not sure how long it will be on the site.
great thread here! two additions to share for the reader looking for deals on healthy eating: http://www.morewithlesstoday.com/organic-food-coupons-and-gluten-free-food coupons. This post has links to many organic food companies where you can sign up to get coupons.
For the reader looking for more fun free activities: http://www.morewithlesstoday.com/16-free-fun-activities-to-do-with-kids. I list the Home Depot and Lowe’s free kid’s workshops, Michaels craft clubs, Pottery Barn free reading days and free museum passes from Target and B of A with the info you need to sign up.
you have a great site with generous readers!
I wanted to throw out there something I hadn’t thought about before. I drive quite a distance to do my shopping. I wanted to utilize the Target kid’s clothing coupon ($5/$30 purchase), so I painstakingly found a ton of clothes that our family could utilize on the clearance racks that met the requirements. I also shared the deal with quite a few other parents who were shopping. When it came time to check out, I couldn’t find my Target coupons! I retraced my steps in the store, but couldn’t find them anywhere. Rather than let all that time go to waste, I thought why not swing into their local library and print new ones? I’m so glad I did. Granted, I had to pay 15 cents for printing them, but in the end I wound up with nearly $90 worth of clothing and toys and only paid $28 oop. Long story short, if you’re in a pinch for a coupon while you’re out…maybe a trip to the local library is worth it. :)
Way to stay calm and not panic! I haven’t tried this, but I do know you can print the web coupons at the baby/wedding registry kiosks at Target go under “New at Target” (Not sure if it’s still available or not, but worth checking out).
My sister does not have a computer and so she has to use the library. She has tried to print coupons before from the PYD lists but they never work because the coupon printer needs to be installed and the Library computer stops her. Maybe this varies by library – but a great idea if it works!
My library told me the same thing, that you needed the printer software installed.
Julie W
Speaking of Consignment Stores…..does anyone know of a good consignment store for plus sizes, that has a good selection of business attire “pant suits, jackets, blouses”
Turnstyle is an EXCELLENT consignment store for Plus sizes and up-to-date styles.
I agree, turnstyle is awesome. They have many locations, and a website if you just google it. They’re a little more expensive than thrift stores, but it’s good quality.
Julie W
Does anyone know of a good framer? We are finishing our basement and need it framed for a fireplace and the bathroom.
Nick Pavelka – 651.431.1602. I got his name from a friend and hired him to build a custom garden shed last fall. He did such a nice job that I just hired him a few months ago to do some interior work that included framing, sheet rocking, hanging a drop ceiling, fixing a structural issue, etc. He does excellent QUALITY work, and I think he’s reasonably priced. Two different friends have hired him on our recommendation and have been happy with his work too. He also does more than just framing…he did some concrete work for us too…
Thanks Kimm! I called Nick and he is coming out on Mon. night to give us a estimate.
Thanks again!! :)
At the Lunds in St. Anthony/Downtown (the one below Cobalt condos) they had enfamil 1 quart lipil ready to feed (the yellow container) on clearance for 2.99/quart. I don’t buy formula but compared to online prices this seemed like a good deal to me.
I have just recently found this website and LOVE IT! I am learning so much. I have a long way to go but the few trips I have made to Target and the grocery stores have been well worth the time I have had to spend on the site! One thing that has really cut down our grocery bill over the past 6 months is joining/forming a freezer meal swap group. There are 6 of us. We choose 2 main entrees (usually a chicken and beef or pork) and a side dish. So I end up making a total of 6 chickens meals of 4-6 servings each and 6 beef or pork meals of 4-6 servings each and 6 side dishes. Everyone else does the same. We get together ever 4-6 weeks and have appetizers some wine and then break out the coolers and swap. I end up with 12 different meals and 6 side dishes (this includes me keeping 1 of each that I made). We try to keep our total bill between $100-$120. After I pick what I am going to make I wait for the meat to go on sale. There are lots of books out there specifically for freezer meals and a ton of recipes on the web too. It has been wonderful to go to the freezer and pull out a meal. A time and money saver for sure! With the wealth of knowledge I have learned from PYD I will be able to save even more!!!