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.
When you leave a comment you’ll be able to choose whether you’d like to be emailed follow-up comments or not. Getting comments via email is a great way to stay connected without having to visit the site a bazillion times (although I don’t mind if you come a bazillion times).
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.
Two tips: 1) If you are reading this via email or an RSS feed, click on the title “Open Mic” to come back to the site and leave a comment and 2) If you are concerned about your privacy, just reference yourself by your initials and know that I will not share your email address with anyone else.
About Carrie Rocha
I am curious about the surveys at the bottom of most receipts these days. Has anybody actually won on one of them? Is it worth taking the time to do them frequently? Thanks!
Jill-
I take the Old Navy survey because it’s short and they always give you a 10% off code for your next purchase. I never fill out Kohl’s survey since they don’t give anything and sometimes I fill out Target’s survey (but I’ve never won).
JCPenney surveys will give you a 15% coupon. If you type in the name of the cashier (or anyone else who helped you), the associate gets a little perk too.
If you ever get a survey from Caribou, it’s worth filling out. You get a code for $1 off your next purchase at the end.
I’ve done the surveys on Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret receipts. The BBW one will give you a code for $10 off of a $30 purchase and the VS one will give you a code for $10 off $50. Both are phone surveys, and more than once, they’ve been only 2-3 questions. That’s awesome that that’s all I had to do to save $10! I’ve never done one where you could win anything, probably because I don’t think I will win…
I do the Arby’s and Burger King surveys on the back of the receipts. They give you a free sandwich. You can do the surveys once a month. I found out, like printing coupons, that means per computer and per phone.
I like to do the Arby’s one too….especially like doing it while I’m there just in case I’m still hungry :)
Children’s Place, Old Navy, and Gap are the surveys I always fill out for 10-20% off. I also like the Caribou ones since that is my guilty pleasure. :)
I do the Walgreens online….pretty simple…..but never had won.
Bike tune-up – Looking for suggestions/referrals in the Brooklyn Park/Maple Grove area. Looking for good service at a reasonable price. What is a reasonable price for a tune-up?
I am a SAHM and I found a few free things to do this summer but I am wondering what you are doing to keep the kids busy.
First – I joined MeetUp.com Then I found a mom’s group to join – this one gets together ALOT: http://www.meetup.com/sahm-114/ Then pick an event, and go. Today, we are going to Como, but with 3+ other mom’s and kids.
Carrie will also post things to do, here. :) other than that, asking around friends and family to know where there are things happening.
Here’s a few of my ideas for free stuff to do: checking out the free events/performers at the library, storytimes at the library (or Pottery Barn Kids, Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc.) going to the beach, taking long morning walks, free wading pool in Roseville (not sure where you live), puppet shows in the park (I know Roseville and Shoreview both do these), taking “park tours” (driving around to find new parks), picnics at the park, and Como Zoo (ok, it’s not free but close to it with the low donation amounts they suggest).
Check out this link too (from a PYD friend) http://www.minneapoless.com/
I found this really cool free website http://www.myjobchart.com
I set up tasks for the kids to complete during the day. You can set up recurring tasks like get dressed, brush teeth, read, etc. You can assign points to each task and as the kids accumulate points they can exchange them in the store you create (my kids get money). My kids totally thrive on this. They can use their ipod touch to check off their tasks during the day. I get e-mailed when tasks are completed and I can send them a post it note if I want to pat them on the back or assign an extra task. So much easier than writing out lists every morning before going to work.
I created an account, uploaded photos, and set up task lists in a matter of 15 minutes. I had to go back a tweek the point values, but it really works. When my husband logged on, he said I was lucky that I didn’t create a task list for him too ;)
I went to Rainbow’s DDaze last saturday, and after giving the cashier the coupons for doubling I handed him a second pile of DND coups. and this is what he did: for the $1 coup. he entered .50 and then doubled it, for the .75 coup. he entered .38 and then doubled it. Any idea why he would do that? And is it Chairman Bob approved??
They do that because the coupons will automatically double. The computer doesn’t know the difference. So he would either have to let them double and then take off the doubled value or just do what he did. I’ve had them do that for me before too.
I have never had a cashier manually not allow the coupon to double. My theory is if it doubles and its not supposed to, it’s the computers mistake. It is not up to me or the cashier to police the computer system. I have had coupons that say do DND, not double before, and some have. I would hope you watched to make sure you still got full value for your coupons, since some of my DND did not double.
“Is it Chairman Bob approved??” made me laugh, Lynn. Good stuff. :)
Seems odd, especially since your first 10 doubled, the computer shouldn’t have doubled any more anyway. Strange.
I had two trips to Rainbow yesterday. The first cashier let everything go…Mfg coupons from Cub, doubles, Wags RR, etc. The 2nd transaction I went to the fast lane (poor people behind me) and this lady wouldn’t take the Mfg from Cub, and put in 1/2 the amount for the Do Not Double coupon. Since I was in the fast lane, I just said – Take the Hidden Valley off and I’ll keep the Redi Whip even if it won’t double.
Depends on who you get. I’ll stick with the younger cashiers.
While younger hasn’t always worked for me, it is the best bet and I will wait in a longer line for a younger cashier.
Just a thought regarding printable coupons. A stack of them can be a bit like a stack of newly minted cash…they kinda stick together and are a bit difficult to separate. After I cut them out i slightly crinkle each one so that the cashier doesn’t miss any.
Good idea!
Thats a good idea, thanks!!
My 14 year old step daughter is with us for the summer. She lives out of the area during the school year, so she doesn’t have many friends here. So of course she’s bored. Any suggestions of things she could do or places we could take her to meet kids her age? We are in the Anoka/Ramsey area.
I totally hear where you are coming from. You want her to enjoy her time with you but it is hard when she doesn’t know many people her age and is not old enough to drive somewhere so is relying on rides. I guess it depends on the individual. Does she like: sports? art? crafts? drama? music? reading? volunteering?
To start, here are some links to local community ed classes (most of which you pay for)
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/catalog.asp
and
http://elkriver.registryinsight.com/ittrium/visit/A1x22ax1x78y1x577x1x67
Thank you SarahBeth! I was looking at the community eduction and YMCA stuff last night, but what I am running into is most of those programs end at 8th grade and she is going into 9th grade. I will keep looking!
Due to back and kneee issues, It’s hard for my husband and I to clean our house. We are looking to hire someone to clean twice a month.
Any recomendations?
Is a commercial company (Merry Maids, etc.) better than a private individual you can find on CraigsList or in the paper?
I can’t speak for the commercial companies but I can speak for Byrnes Cleaning ~ TJ (Teresa) & Bob run it. They did a fabulous job for us. And Carrie recommended them after they cleaned her home about 2 months ago. 612-812-4174 is TJ’s cell # (and you could ask her about commercial cleaning companies~I think she wouldn’t mind the asking)
Therese,
I have a great cleaning lady and she seems pretty reasonable. I don’t know if she’s taking new clients or not. what side of town are you on? I’m in Brooklyn Park. Email me if you’re interested in more information……. I have a 2200 sq feet townhouse, one level, it’s 90 dollars every 2 weeks.
Julie
madtownjules @ gmail dot com
care.com You can find someone to do just about anything on there.
If you haven’t had in-home help before, no matter how much you think you’ve anticipated all the issues, it will still be different than you expect, because there is no predicting the psychological impact of having someone in your space. People are quirky that way. I think you get the best results if you just resign yourself to trying several and then picking the one who feels best to you.
Not sure if you already have plans for the weekend or are searching for something to do, but Explore MN has a huge list and you can search by zip code. Have a safe and happy holiday friends!!! http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experience/94/directory/festivals-and-events?dt_from=07%2f01%2f2010&type=event&catid=67&strpg=21
We are expecting baby number 2 and we are starting to get nervous about all the financial responsibility that we have long passes with the first baby. Any ideas on saving on diapers, formula, clothes……anything baby?
Formula is terribly expensive!! Breastfeeding is free and much, much better for you and baby. There’s free help to get started if you need it. Just ask your Dr. or local hosp. Happy Pushing :)
We use cloth diapers. You can choose from a variety of styles of cloth diapers based on your financial situation and the method you want to choose.
I chose one size pocket diapers. One size, because they grow with the baby. My son has been wearing the same 17 diapers for 10 months now and still has plenty of room to grow.
Pocket diapers because the absorbent part comes out of the diaper so they dry faster. And you don’t have to deal with covers/pins/snappies.
Popular pocket cloth diaper brands are BumGenius and FuzziBunz. I chose to spend a few more dollars per diaper and go with RumpARooz. The double gusset is worth the extra money. And the quality seems far superior. My only complaint so far is that the elastic is wearing out around the legs, but I will be able to replace that myself for about $3 in elastic.
When I use disposables, I get annoyed with the wipes. Wipes are so chincy. So I actually like using cloth wipes better than disposable, and you can make those yourself. I like sweatshirt fleece the best for making wipes. It doesn’t fray and it has a different texture on each side for different messes.
If you have any questions about cloth diapering, e-mail me at lindseymeindl @ gmail.com. I have spent countless hours researching and will give you some insight however you may need it.
If you choose to go with formula (due to choice or problems breastfeeding), you can use the Parents Choice brand at Walmart (not sure if Target has a store brand). All formulas are required to provide the same amount of nutrients, so they are essentially the same. Also, go with powdered formula and mix it with water instead of using the pre-mixed stuff. Diapers – we chose to go with disposables, but if we had it to do over, we would have gone with the cloth ones (the new ones look really cool). As far as disposables go, I would start buying a package here and there, before the baby is born, as they go on sale. We had a lot of luck with Luvs, and I have heard that a lot of people like Target’s store brand. Clothes – ask friends if they would be willing to sell you clothes from their kids, check out garage sales and consignment sales, also end-of-season sales. I know it’s hard to guess how quickly your baby will grow and what size he/she will be in during what season, but it’s still better than paying full price. Furniture – I do not recommend buying a second-hand crib or car seat (recall issues), but rocking chairs, changing tables, etc can be found at garage sales or on craigslist. Good luck and congratulations!
I would second cloth diapers. Cloth diapers work as well as disposable and you can spend as much or as little as your budget allows depending on the type you get. It’s really not that much of an inconvenience. A few extra loads of laundry a week. It’s better for your baby’s bum and better for the environment.
I would second breastfeeding as well. It’s free and healthier for your baby. As I’m sure you’ve seen, recent research has shown yet again that it’s superior to formula and saves on heathcare costs for your baby.
FYI – Not all formula is created equal. I found this out the painful (on my pocket) way when I switched from breastfeeding to formula when my son was 9 months old. I did some quick research and found that it is suspected that Palm Oil (olein) blocks some of the absorbtion of fat & calcium. (It’s not something that is FOR SURE, but there is definite doubt about it) Similac was the only formula that I found that did not have Palm Oil in it. So I figured I would buy the store brand of Similac in order to save A LOT of money. No such luck…even though the off brand says it is comparable to Similac Advance, it has Palm Oil in it. So needless to say, I ended up using Similac at $20/jar.
We have saved a ton over the years by making our own wipes. I thought it sounded strange at first, but it’s easy and we think ours work better than the ones you can buy! Here’s what we do:
Cut 1 roll of paper towels in half, so you have two rolls the size of toilet paper. (We use Bounty, and definitely pick something soft for baby’s bottom!) Set one roll aside for the next batch, and remove the cardboard tube from the other and place it in a container with a lid. (The Rubbermaid “sugar” container is a good size.) Mix 2 c. water, 1 T. baby oil, and 2 T. liquid baby soap. Pour this mixture over the paper towels in the container. Pull your wipes out from the middle of the roll. Depending on the size of your paper towel roll, you may need to adjust the amount of water you use. Happy wiping!
I make my own wipes too–exactly the same recipe. Love it!
Made my own wipes also, best deal around! Didn’t bother with the baby oil though, just the water and baby soap. Also, I found Viva paper towels to work the best for us.
We did this for both of our kids. You cannot use generic paper towels.
SO TRUE! I really like Bounty, but I haven’t tried Viva as someone else mentioned. I also use distilled water in the summer so it doesn’t get moldy. Anyone else have this problem sometimes?
Breastfeeding is best for baby and is free, but if you choose to go with formula, ask at your pediatricians office for free samples and coupons, every time you go. I wasn’t able to breastfeed our youngest, and our nurse would always give us at least 4 of the sample sized cans of formula when I asked. If you feel comfortable doing this, you could even stop in when you don’t have a scheduled appointment to ask. You can also ask for additional samples before you leave the hospital. It never hurts to ask, right?
I used the Target store brand, at half the price, for the most part–thankfully my Bubby wasn’t too fussy, as long as he got fed :)
Does anyone know if there’s a list out there of newspapers that include the typical SS and RP coupon inserts on Sundays? We’re moving to NH and are wondering which paper to get. There’s a small, local paper in the town we’re moving to, but I doubt they’d have the inserts. We’re not far from Manchester or Boston, so I’d guess we could get one of those papers as well.
Nate ~ best wishes on your move to NH ~ hoping to still “hear” your comments from out there!
I second JaneJ’s wishes! When you get to NH you can check out these blogs for local store: http://becentsable.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-hampshire-grocery-deals.html
Thanks for the link. I hadn’t gotten around to searching for something like that and I think two of those grocery stores are in the town we’re moving to!
I third Jane and SarahBeth’s wishes. I’ve enjoyed your posts and questions. I wish you all the best. Check in with us all periodically!
nate, The Union Leader’s Sunday paper will have the coupon inserts. Best of luck!
Remember that beautiful brunette model for Vision World that graced every SmartSource insert for what seemed like years? I miss her.
What do you consider to be a good price on plain printer paper? And where/how would you suggest getting the best deal on it?
I can usually get it from Staples for $1 a ream after rebate. They have a rebate at least once a month.
There may be good deals coming up for back to school at all the office supply stores. Watch the ads.
We buy ours from WalMart. The regular price is $3.00 per ream and we’ve had great luck with it.
Kingsford Charcoal 16# BOGO @ Lowe’s for $8.48
Ok… embarrassing question. Does anyone have ideas / opinions on underwear. I prefer cotton and typically buy Jockey, but it has been a long time since I’ve bought any. Should I go to an outlet or is that a rip off? Any other tips?
Sign up for Victorias Secret email list or mailing list, they still send out a coupon for a free pair of cotton panties, no purchase required. Otherwise I usually buy from Kohls.
I agree – I get about 6 free panties a year from VS coupons.
We just moved to a new town. I was excited because both Sunday papers that I used to get (Fargo Forum and Star Tribune) were both available at the convenience store. Little did I know…NEITHER paper had ANY coupon inserts!! :( I’m going through coupon withdrawal!!! I have tried a subscription to the Star Tribune before and didn’t get any coupons with the subscription either. Any suggestions???
That is so weird. I have never heard of that. My Walmart sells the paper, along with my grocery store, pharmacy, and gas stations. So you could check around. Walmart also sells the AllYou magazine which includes coupons. Then as you probably know there are a lot of coupon websites available.
I don’t know about anyone else but I have not found any good deals on Laundry Soap lately. Have I been missing them?
Not sure if you are brand loyal, or if you have a CUB Foods by you, but here are the deals Carrie posted for CUB:
Era Laundry Detergent $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from 6/20 Red Plum insert (or there is an expired coupon in the 3/28RP)
Final price: $1.50 after coupon
All Laundry Detergent $3.99
Buy 2 and use $1/2 coupon from 5/16 Red Plum insert
Buy 1 and use $1/1 All Free and Clear printable
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vi&tqnm=ze1qcpl26223323&o=63936&c=SN&p=q6NjHtOz
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vi&tqnm=ze1qcpl26223323&o=63936&c=SN&p=q6NjHtOz
Final price: As low as $2.99 {or $3.50each} after coupon
Otherwise under Carrie’s Search Bar at the top right you can type “Laundry Open Mic” and some have posted recipes for making your own!!!
We’re gonna make our own next! I can’t wait to try it, and looking at the cost of ingredients, we’re def looking to save some money!
I just got the ingredients for make your own today. Excited! I have a friend who does it (the Duggar family recipe) and loves it.
Julie
must have just missed them -in early june I stocked up on green works for $6, gain for $5, tide stain release for $3
Does anybody know if there is any way to get a return on expired Walgreen’s register rewards? I have $32.00 worth & have ask several Assist. Managers about taking them;
they wouldn’t let me use them. Some were only a few days old. I had $48.00 I missed out on last year. (The closest W/G is 25 mins. & I find myself avoiding it because of one lady who seems to see me get a deal. :( The others are an hour away) Anyway I sure wish the RR had a longer exp. date) Happy Fun 4th everyone!!!!!!!
MC-
You can use expired RRs at some Cubs (I know you can at the EP location). The cashier called over the manager to verify that it was OK and the manager said it’s better to use them at Cub then Walgreens since Cub is better about accepting them than W is.
Cub Foods in Rogers also accepts expired Walgreen’s RR!
Amy,,,,,, I asked Rogers Cub if they take RR’s and the manager told me no….weird huh?
I spoke to either the store director or assistant store director ( I believe he was second in charge of the store) on the phone and he told me they would accept them. I wish they would get their ducks in a row!
HELP ~ what are your ideas to shine a magnifying glass on Carrie’s reality show entry for Oprah?
Of the entries we have viewed, very few are centered around financially impacting a huge number of people at the same time.
Given that Carrie would never toot her own horn, even to the benefit of others, how could we as a team create a BUZZ so that more people see & vote for her show tomorrow and Saturday????
twitter and facebook all your friends the link to voting for Carrie!
CVS was offering a free gift if I did the survey while I was in the store. When completed, I was asked to pick a number between 1 and 10. The number I chose netted me a $10 gift card, so definitely worth the three minutes to do the survey.
So the “trial” PYD Coupon Trains started on May 19th. How are they going? Will they be expanded soon to more PYD readers?
I recently heard of someone who has “coupon parties” – just like jewelry/stamping/candle parties – but everyone shares their coupon tricks, brings along their organizers to swap ideas, and brings a box of their unwanted coupons for a game (swaps/auction). This sounds like a fun concept too!! You could even have a coupon “raffle” box and the raffle winner could leave with the “grand prize.”
If anyone in the north metro (Shoreview, Roseville, Lino Lakes, Blaine) area is interested leave me a comment!
Even though I live in the West Metro….i’m very much interested in a “coupon party” anywhere in the Twin Cities.
I never use all my coupons and would like the idea to swap them with others….and share other coupon tips!
I’m in Forest Lake and love the idea. There are so many things I don’t need coupons for…baby items etc that go to waste. I’d love to be able to give them (or trade them) for things I would use. I have run into a couple of PYD’rs at Rainbow in F.Lake and have thought, after the fact, if we should try to do something even amongst us. Even just getting contact info and a general idea of who uses what. I’m pretty sure the few I’ve met have younger children, and I’d willingly give up those kind of coupons (diapers etc).
I live in Lino Lakes and am interested. Keep me posted!
I”m in the Champlin area and would definitely be interested in a coupon party!
It might be best if I left my email so we can get in contact with each other and get invites out!! If you are interested in a North-Metro Summer Coupon Party send me a note! Remove spaces from: sarah tim at usfamily dot net
Back to the survey replies on the bottom of receipts….I always do the Pappa Murphy ones…and they give you a code to use on $ off your next purchase…YUMMY PIZZA!
Oh and about those printable coupons sticking together…I have found that too…instead of crumpling them up I just put them every other one with ones that come in the Sunday paper….because I too felt that they may not get them apart.
Now I have noticed that some cashiers “seem” like they actually try to mess up the piles of coupons that have been rung up and those that have not…..if I have one or two that beep they will put them aside and then a done pile and then they will just look at some coupons and not swipe them and set them in another pile and some will even lay all the coupons down to begin with and sometimes they end up with four piles in front of them…..after 40 coupons they are not sure of what they did and didn’t do……I get really frustrated because I do not know why they do that. I just do not understand why they make it confusing for themselves; it really frustrates me since I spend so much time matching them up; and they go and mess them all up into unidentifiable piles.
Oh and also speaking of how much time it takes me to get my coupons organized………I hate to admit this but when I am really in the game of couponing….from start to finish before I get to the stores I know I spend 5 hours at least a week clipping (I have to clip them because I am outstate and we do not have Rainbow/Cub etc….we have a Hy-Vee or Wal-Mart) so I have to clip sort and look at my ads for my store and search for coupons etc…etc….I get giddy to save so much and look forward to the ads to come out to see what match ups I can do BUT sometimes I wonder how I can speed this up or if I should be spending so much of my family time on this and at times I do get frustrated and over whelmed with it all….just wondering if anyone else feels like that or that it takes them too long too?
Not sure what state you are in but you could look for your state in this list to see if there are any Hyvee blogs: http://becentsable.blogspot.com/2008/08/becentsables-original-grocery-gathering.html
SARAHBETH~ You are right!!! I just looked at the link you posted and low and behold is MY Hy-Vee ad with coupon match ups!!!! SWEET!~ I was just to Hy-Vee last night and I resigned myself to just getting what I needed and a few good deals because I just did not have the time yesterday to get through all the ads they put out….NOW I think I will really reap the benefits of the good deals….although if anyone is still reading this and can get to Hy-Vee today that deal on Bar S dogs is super….59 cents a pkg and I had coupons for a $1.00 off two….making my dogs 9 cents a package!!! They are not great dogs but work well in baked beans or cut up in eggs etc….so thanks for the link…..and Thanks Carrie for doing Open Mic I love to chat with others and I always learn something too!!!! Happy 4th Everyone!
V – LOL. I’ve been couponing for a long time and leveraging Carrie’s blog for over a year and thought I had gotten way better at quickening the process. However, I also spent about 5 hours last week clipping and getting organized! Honestly, sometimes it takes me way longer than it should because I fall back into the mode of “I have to get every deal”….Bright side…this week I spent very little time prepping.
I know I do that too of thinking I have to get every last deal at each store in my smaller town….HyVee, Walmart, shopko….it gets to be too much and I am learning to listen to the pros on here of “there is always another deal around the corner”…to relax and enjoy it more!~
This is the first time I will have to buy school supplies. My son is going in to Kindergarten. When do the sales for school supplies start?
Its to early for the good deals . My exp is the 2-3rd weeks in Aug have been best.Hint keep your receipts handy Price match at Target. Get more then one of the crayon , marker, glue type stuff you’ll get a note from the teacher around the holiday break saying the supplies need to be refreshed. I also like to give the teacher extras to help fill the gaps
Also keep an eye on supplies when they clearance (around the start of school). I always used that time to get crayons, paper, etc for the kids at home as well as keep a full box downstairs of misc supplies. Notebooks that are 10cents in Aug are $2 in Jan.
I believe we will actually start seeing sales toward the end of July if I remember correctly from last year.
I always pick up a couple extra plastic pencil boxes to store all of the smaller stuff in at home, they are usually .25 each and can be used for so many things!!!! Also, check your local thrift store, I found notebook paper and pencils 20 for $1 recently which is less expensive than the sales!!! Stock up for the whole year at the beginning of the year as everything is more expensive after November!!!! (remember the food shelves when you are out….they collect school supplies too)
Has anyone else had the problem for a coupon ringing up for less than its face value? I just went to Target (Northfield) and I had 2 of the pamper wipes coupons for $2 off so I bought 2 pkgs. The first Q rung up for $2 off the Second only took off $1. I also bought the Olay body wash which I had the $4 Q for and it only took of $2. The body wash was over $4. Plus I had to explain to the cashier that yes you can use a store Q and a Manufacturer Q . I only seem to have this problem at my local target. Last time they shorted me $6, so my husband went in there and they corrected the transaction. Thanks for letting me vent. And any insight would be greatly appreciated
P.S. keep voting for Carrie we need to get those votes up.
Yes, I’ve had that problem, too, so I always look at my receipts carefully to make sure everything came off OK (not easy to do with a 2 year old and two older kids home for the summer). I’ve never had a problem with CS correcting the issue.
What I’ve noticed that bothers me at Target is sometimes my manf coupons will get linked to the wrong item, and then when the coupon I have for the item comes up, it’ll beep because the computer thinks I already used a coupon for that. AND sometimes a coupon that’s linked to the wrong item will ring up for less because the face value is more than the price of the wrongly linked item. It only happens at Target.
I went to that same Target last week and they messed up my coupons so bad on the Old Spice deal that I just took all my coupons back and walked out. It would have been too frustrating to deal with at customer service. I went to Owatonna and it went through fine.
I am just wondering if anyone has used a coupon clipping service and if so what did you think of it?
If you shop at County Market in North Branch, MN or Hudson, WI, I’ve started a coupon match-ups blog for specials at those stores. Check it out, and please leave me a comment if you find it helpful–it’s a lot of work, so I need to be sure it’s worth it to continue–I don’t want to put all that work in if no one’s going to be using it. Thanks :)
http://hudsoncmcouponer.blogspot.com
Oh, and I’m taking a break this week, but I’ll be back at it next week (week of July 13), so feel free to bookmark it :)
Thanks for doing that TB. I actually shop at the County Market in Andover (Riverdale Area) Do you know if they have the same sales as the one in North Branch/Hudson?
Lindsey, I just looked at the online ad for Andover County Market, and it’s not exactly the same, but it has a lot of the same items on sale–some for different prices (usually lower than Hudson/North Branch), some the same prices. You can look at my list to get an idea of what coupons are out there for those sale items. Once my kids are back in school, I can think about highlighting Andover and St. Francis deals, too–for now I’ve got enough to do with just my local store :)
TB, thanks. I’ll just look at your deals as a starting point. Thanks so much!
Blog looks good!! Sadly, I don’t live in the North Branch area, but my parents do, and I’ll pass it along to them!
I have a question. Twice recently I have gone to Walmart (2 different ones) and neither one had the sale prices on the products that were listed in Carrie’s lists. Carrie, are you talking about a Super Walmart (these 2 are not)? But even so, for the same products they carry, shouldn’t the prices match? It’s not just one or two items…it’s the whole list I take in of stuff I need (probably 8-10 items). Anyone else find this?
Walmart’s prices vary widely, even in the same area. The prices at my local Walmart are usually different from those on Carrie’s list, too. I was very disappointed the other day to find one of the items I wanted to buy cost 150% what was listed *sigh*
Walmarts don’t always have the same prices. Even if you ask an associate, they will tell you prices vary between store. It’s super frustrating…..
I visit 3 different Walmart’s in WI. They are all with in 25 miles from each other, and there prices very greatly. I first noticed it after I had my baby and realized that the price on Parents Choice formula, diapers, and wipes differed sometimes up to three dollars per store. The prices differ on there every day prices, but I do believe when they have items posted on sale in a flier that those are all the same. I think that some times Carrie gets the prices for every day item from online.
I’ve seen that at Target as well (Apple Valley vs Eagan). Some of the food items seem to be on sale for less at AV (SuperTarget) vs Eagan (reg). However, Eagan is remodeling to include fresh produce in Sept so things may even out.
our walmarts around us vary a lot too. funny story though, one guy complained our walmart had something $3 more than the one 25 miles away FURTHER away from where he lived, he was annoyed so he drove there to get it. I’m not sure he realized he just spent the $3 on gas getting there…..
I have started my own blog also for Pick’n Save in Wisconsin. I admit I make use of the Pocket Your Dollars list for PIck’n Save and update it/add to it for Wisconsin. Our prices differ on the better deals, because of our minimum markup laws. Also trying to do Piggly Wiggly, Sentry and CVS and Walgreens (CVS and Walgreens is also based some on Pocket Your Dollars and some other blogs). I hope it can help serve those in the Waukesha/Milwaukee Wisconsin areas. http://skirnirh.wordpress.com/ Sorry for the info ad. :)
love this! my parents live in new berlin, I’ll pass it on!
Wow thanks friends for all the survey info, totally useful! Will definitely pay closer attention to what is at the bottom vs. blowing it off.
Also, FYI, since I have started PYD I have been going to the Rainbow in Shoreview…instead of getting to the check out and wondering if they will use Cub’s coupons or do 2 consecutive transactions (vs. going out to car and coming back in) I asked at the customer service desk and they were answered with yes and yes. They have been great to work with especially if I come in prepared and on my A game.
I shop there sometimes, too — especially when I’m really frustrated with the Forest Lake store. Shoreview has been awesome and typically very well stocked.
Where can I buy a small coupon organizer to carry shopping? I need to replace the one I have used from the dollar store for ages and it looks like Dollar Tree either is out of them or no longer carries them. It was just your basic organizer with a band around it.
Diane, the Dollar Tree near Lake and Hiawatha has coupon organizers. There might be one closer to you which also has them.
Or: Go to a thrift store, and look for a checkbook holder or cosmetics holder.
Goodwill stores in the north have been having great sales lately. I noticed some organizers by the office supplies so you could always give it a shot. Another place I’ve seen them is the Dollar Spot at Target stores.
I use pencil boxes for my small organizer…..because I can put my scissors, note cards and pen in there too. (I like to take notes when I shop….then run home and check my larger coupon file)
Anyone ever froze half and half?
I haven’t frozen half and half, but I have frozen heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream works just fine, I mainly use it for cooking anyways. I say, give it a shot.
i did and its perfectly fine but after u thaw it in the frig for about 2 days and then go to use it…it will pour out looking curdled even if u shake it up before pouring. i then tasted it plain and it was fine. just looked strange at first.
I know that somewhere on this site I read the recommendation to open an email account just for couponing purposes….always intended to, haven’t gotten around to it, 692 emails from the “Real Women of Philadelphia” later…ugh! I know I can open up the email, and unsubscribe, but I get my email during the day on a Blackberry, and don’t open up my emails on my computer all that often.
That being said, I will be making some tasty treats for the 4th of July using my 39 cent cream cheese :)
(*If you are new to this – open a free email account with yahoo, gmail, anything, and use it for the many sites that ask for your email before you can get their coupon, you’ll be glad you did)
((**My Cub was out of every flavor of the $2.50 Era today, that usually only happens to me at Rainbow, not Cub))
My friend and I do a girls night occasionally and one we did was a beer and pizza cruise on the Mississippi. Just google mississippi cruises and it should come up.
Or, you could do a pedicure and go for drinks at a local pub? Don’t forget her ‘party hat’ sometimes a nice waiter will give you free desserts if they know it’s a special party! Have fun!!!
OPPS! Meant to post this to the link below sorry!
yes! I am not interested from hearing from paula dean 14xs a day! lol
Any ideas for a bachelorette party in the twin cities for 3 to 4 people? I’m thinking dinner and drinks. It’s a second marriage and I’m the matron of honor. We’re not up for partying just a nice girl’s night out.
Mell’s Beauty Bar in Minneapolis is kinda fun for a girly night of drinks and a manicure!
You could do a spa/girls night out. I live in Maple Grove and the New Reflections Salon/Spa is always advertising this. Maybe you could make your own? Hit the spa (maybe manicures/pedicures) and do drinks/apps afterwards at a nice restaurant/bar.
Lisa-
You could go on a dinner cruise (Jonathan Paddleford). Or for a longer drive Treasure Island has dinner cruises, too. Congrats :)
You can also check out a comedy club. There is one in the mall of america, however if you want to save some bucks there is also one in the Ramada in front of the mall of america, it’s called Joke Joint, and they don’t have a minimum drink order.
Have you heard of “halfoffdeals”? You buy a gift certificate for half price – salons, theaters, restaurants, etc. Not sure when your party is (they usually mail it to you) but might be worth checking out. I’m on their email list and I get a list of available deals once a week: http://www.halfoffdeals.com/search-deals.php
Carrie often posts deals for Restaurant.com as well: http://www.restaurant.com/index.asp?prti=1647&aid=10435748&pid=3485409
When my baby had terrible reaction to a generic diaper, I made my own wipes. Same recipe as above. Worked great. Be careful with them sitting around though – I had a couple start to mold??? Not sure why.
Also – you can make up ahead of time and put in the freezer. I did that a few times too.
Great ideas guys. I like the idea of Mell’s Beauty bar, unfortunetly they closed. I will check out New Reflections. I love Restraunts.com, and I’ll check out halfoffdeals.com, A riverboat dinner cruise is a great idea, too. Thanks!
I’m not one to party or go clubbing.
My sisters brought me to Glamor Shots for my bachelorette party. My bridesmaids and other gals all had matching t-shirts and Glamor Shots took a group pic of everyone even though I was the only one with the makeover. The gals picked out my outfits for the photo shoot. Everyone pitched in what they could ($) for the Glamor Shots photo package.
Bonus: my husband to be got a cool gift… the photo of me. If someone you know is good at makeovers and another at photography, you could do something like this on your own for less money.
After that, we went to my place to drink cheap beer or pop and eat frozen pizza. I’m blessed to have 2 awesome sisters and great friends.
Karen- If you ever have a problem with Target accepting a Target Q and Manufactures Q for 1 item, look at the entrance of the check out line. There are long plastic signs attached by the coolers and one of them states this policy of accepting one Target Q and 1 manu Q per item!