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Open Mic 1/10/13

January 10, 2013 by 105 Comments

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 on this post, 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.

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About Carrie Rocha

I am passionate about helping people live within their means so they can get out and stay out of debt. I live in Minneapolis, MN with my husband and two little girls.

  • Sue

    My elderly parents thought they were purchasing pre-paid cell phone minutes for my Trac-Fone. Unfortunately, what they purchased is Two – $20 Walgreens Phone Card plus. I am not even sure what it is or what it would be used for.

    I realize that these cards cannot be returned or exchanged. But I am hoping that someone can help me decide what can be done with them. Is there some type of organization that they could be donated to?

    TIA

    • JoAnna

      Have you tried speaking to a manager, emailing or calling corporate to see if they are willing to go above and beyond their return policy? Otherwise when I Googled "phone cards for soldiers" there were many choices.

      • Sue

        I did talk to the manager and he wouldn't budge on exchanging it for the right minutes. Maybe I should contact corporate. I feel bad because it clearly states "No Refunds" on the front of the card. I just wish my parents had asked first. They are in a financial position that they shouldn't have purchased them and were just trying to be thoughtful.

        I do like the idea of donating to military and my parents would be pleased to know that someone is able to use them.

  • bonnie

    First – Love this website. Thanks gals for all you do for us, and thanks to all the participants who help us stay on top of the latest deals they find!! on to business – Right now I am trying to figure out the best deal on hair dye, either root touch up or full head. Anybody know a good deal going on now?

    • Therese S.

      Bonnie,

      I go to Fantastic Sams and have an all over color about every 3-4 months (I wait to for their color sale…about $30)

      For root touch-ups I use: Root Touch-Up by Nice ‘n Easy. I always use a coupon (normally $1 off) and buy it at Rainbow during double days…ends up costing about $5

      VERY EASY to use…love the brush applicator and covers my gray and blends well with my hair color.

      GOOD LUCK!!!

    • JoAnna

      I don't attempt at home hair coloring though I know many people who do. It would cost more for me to do it myself and then have someone fix it for me ;) I trust Kelli at:

      The Hair Shoppe on Lyndale

      8736 Lyndale Avenue South

      Bloomington, MN 55420

      (952) 884-3233

  • Deb

    Just checking on the Cashwise shopping list for the week (or the absence of it). Did I miss something? I so hope it is going to be continued. Anyone know anything about it? Thanks

    • Susan

      Deb, I was thinking the same thing and you bet me to it! I really hope it continues too! It really helps a lot when we don't have too much variety in the St. Cloud area!

    • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

      It is going to be continued, but I just didn't get to it this week with the crazy media schedule I've had since the book launch.

      • Sarah

        I'm sorry but your rely that you JUST didn't get to it this week because of your crazy media schedule, doesn't not sit well with me.

  • http://Pocketyourdollars.com Mandy

    What is a good dishwasher and place to buy one? Mine was full of water this morning and wouldnt restart it is over 12 yrs old so time for a new one. TIA

    • Penny

      we bought ours about a year ago…..cant think of the brand right now……but we loved the service at Home Depot. I believe it was free delivery. Ours was around $300, not the cheapest one, but not high end either. We haven't had any problems. I plan to buy more appliances at Home Depot in the future.

    • Crystal

      We have a Maytag higher end one that I think we paid $600 for and it was like an $800 one I think. But we wanted stainless steel outside and tub and for the controls to be integrated. After living in a different rental apt for the past 6 years and having to prewash everything I wanted a dishwasher that would do a great job! We found that we had discounts with Sears and Whirlpool via our employers. Both of those were better than any store or warehouse we found.

  • Sally

    Has anyone noticed that the Target site has only around $147 in coupons lately? They used to have $250-$350 in coupons available to print.

  • Christine

    If you have a Kindle, Amazon has a pretty good variety of free books. Today they have Stiletto Safari by Kate Metz listed for free.

    • JoAnna

      Love my Kindle (though it is the old 3G Kindle keyboard and cost as much as the Fire does now). http://www.pixelof ink.com (also on Facebook) is my fave site for Kindle freebies.

      • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

        JoAnna – Do you get the daily email of freebies directly from Amazon too? Wondering how you like that.

        • JoAnna

          I get so many Kindle book emails I had to check to see if that is one of them and it isn't. I also receive emails from Kindle Nation Daily (I enter their weekly sweeps to win a Kindle Fire–last year I won a $50 Amazon gift card) and I also get emails from eReader.com.

      • bonnie

        booksontheknob.org is the blog I link to for finding LOTS of free kindle download books!

  • Katie

    We are looking at replacing some carpet in our house soon. Does anyone have any carpet store recommendations in the northwest metro?

    • Mary

      If you don't mind the drive, check out Hennen Floor Covering in Freeport ( on 94 past St. Cloud). The prices will make up for the drive and they deliver and install all over the state.

    • Sue

      I don't have a favorable recommendation, but I recommend NOT using Lowe's. I bought from the Maple Grove store and was not satisfied with the installation.

    • Amber

      We used Town & Country Carpet & Floor Covering in Maple Grove a few summers ago. Love the service we received there. Have plans on using them again this coming year.

  • ella

    We have some ancient wiring that needs to be changed out before we insulate our attic. Can anyone recommend an electrician in the East Metro? Has anyone used Angie's List to find trades people and if so were you happy with the choice and do you think it was worth the membership fee?

    • David

      We've had Angie's list for about a year and used it only once to find a house painter. It was good, in that it provided a starting point and you could see SOME feedback on a contractor. The downside is that there aren't always a lot of reviews and some are pretty dated. This is probably because to create a review requires a good bit of time, and Angie doesn't provide any incentive (reduced subscription fee, etc) for users to do so. What we found was that the contractors with the most positive reviews didn't need the work. I don't know if they are really that much better than the dozens of others listed, but they tended to came in with long lead times and extremely high estimates; 2-3x what others had provided. I'm sure they figured that if we were willing to pay that, then they'd take the job.

      Bottom line, if you don't have other personal recommendations, we found Angie's ok to start narrowing down the field, but you still need to get several estimates, check insurance, etc.

      Regarding value, the introductory 1st year price was good, but the full price on subsequent years is pretty high.

      • JoAnna

        The downside to Angie's list is that only the comments of members show up on the site. My hubby's business is listed and he can see all the comments he has received but regular consumers can only see a comment if it was made by a member.

      • Rene S

        We're on our second year with an Angie's list membership. We've used two contractors based on reviews. An electrician was so-so. His work was fine, but he had other comments and suggestions that weren't helpful. A plumber was also good and quick to come to our house. I agree with David above; use it as a starting point (or to learn where to avoid).

        One bummer about the list if you only get access to businesses in your metro area. DH was going to make a trip out of state, and was looking for a car mechanic to repair something minor at his destination. To his surprise he could not use the list for anything out of area.

    • Deb B.

      I would highly recommend checking ratings in the Consumer Checkbook publication at your local library (in the reference section). Each issue rates local service professions according to price and overall satisfaction. We have been very pleased with every professional (plumber, heating and air conditioning, electricion and even our vet) that we have used through these ratings.

  • Lisa

    Hi folks! Curious what people's experiences have been using fare for all express. I have to drive a distance to be able to try and it and am wondering if it is worth it. Thanks!

    • Debbie C in Blooming

      It's a great deal for meat-eaters. The price is really fantastic for the amount of meat that you get. Also, you don't actually know what you will be getting. Which can be really fun or frustrating. We cut back on meat in our family and I found it's not that great a deal for just the veggies especially during the summer when I can get great stuff at the farmers' market. Also, the pick-up location was really close to my house so that was a plus for me. But for meat-eaters, I recommend Fare for All.

      • Terri G

        I also recommend Fare for All, I go to the warehouse in New Hope to buy alacarte items and it is mostly meat that I purchase. I have gotten Hormel pork tenderloins for $3.50 each, Goldnplump chicken for around $2.50 a pack, Jennie O ground turkey for $3.00 a pack etc. I suggest signing up for their newsletter and you will received coupons, dates and what they anticipate to be on sale for the New Hope facility. Also if you purchase $12.00 in items the New Hope facility gives away "free items", I have gotten school supplies, artisan bread, candles, scotch tape, a box of banana's, etc it is worth checking out.

    • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

      Lisa – You can read a few comments people have left about Fare for All in these posts, too: http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2010/02/local-de…

      http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2011/04/4-ways-t…

      • Terri

        I just received my email today on upcoming sale for Fare for All…see below for more info.

        Warehouse Sales-New Hope

        Monday, January 14

        Emergency Foodshelf Network

        West Entrance

        9:30 am – 7:00 pm

        Special Offers

        Lloyd's Pork Ribs: $6.00

        (limit of 2 per purchase)

        Sweet BBQ Whole Chicken: $5.00

        Bacon: $2.50

        Chicken Drumsticks: $2.00

        Lettuce: $.75

        Packs for Sale

        Mega Meat Pack: $25

        Regular Pack: $20

        Meat Only Pack: $11

        Produce Pack: $10

        Warehouse Sales E-Club Special

        Our special Warehouse Sales E-Club special is:

        Buy 3 cans of 10.75 oz soup,

        get 1 can of soup free.

        To receive your discount, simply tell your cashier that you'd like the E-Club special for your soup.

        (limit of 1 discount per customer)

  • Angela

    Hello! We have a pipe that needs to repaired. Dies anyone have recommendations for a reputable plumber in the Minneapolis/NW Metro area? I also have a leaky bathtub that I would like to have checked out–hopefully the same person could check out both in the same trip! Thanks!

    • Joey

      Gabe Herman from Gabes On Time Plumbing. 612-209-7619 or 763-286-9975. He has done several jobs including a bath drain, installed a new laundry tub, fixed some pipes, fixed a leaky outside faucet over the course of 10 years. He's good and he's fast and he is reasonable. Rotor Router bids on the projects he has done have been double the price he does it for. He does not accept credit cards though, only cash or check. He is an excellent plumber and i highly recommend him!

      • Angela

        Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Anna

    Anyone know what happened to the coupon code database? I was just on it a few days ago but don't see it today.

    • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

      Sad to say, Anna, but it is gone for now :( Long story short, but it was provided by a third party who has discontinued the service. I'm on the hunt for another one that we can use.

      • Anna

        ok, Thanks :)

        • j.m.

          FYI just do a internet search for a coupon database. I thought the HotCouponWorld one was O.K. I did like the PYD linked one the best. Thank you for all you do Carrie!

  • http://mmdz3810@msn.com melinda

    Does anyone know what happened to the Bridal Spot in Plymouth. A friend of mine purchased a dress there, and we cannot get a hold of them. Any info would be greatly appreciated!, thanks

    • Lisa

      Are you looking for a Bridal Consignment store for a wedding dress? I was just at Sixpence in St. Paul, and I was very happy with the selection and prices.

  • Janna

    I enjoyed this discussion of saving money by buying differently marketed versions of the same product (i.e. food grade mineral oil marketed as a laxative is way cheaper than food grade mineral oil marketed for maintaining wood cutting boards), thought Pocketeers might like it too: http://ask.metafilter.com/232782/Stepping-around-…

    • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

      Thanks, Janna!

    • AsUntoTheLord

      Awesome resource! I'm always trying to think about these types of "work arounds", usually in the organization of stuff, but usually forget to think about these type of things. My husband always wonders why I love just browsing around various stores and I tell him it is because I always seem to be finding things intended for a specific use that I realize can be used for something totally different for WAY less.

  • Love to Save $

    If your looking for used childrens clothes check out this out….

    I was at Once Upon a Child (Bursville) today and they are having a $1.oo sale.

    All clearance items are marked $1.oo- I think sale runs today – Sunday.

  • Tasha

    I called rainbow foods northtown yesterday and they said they are doing the unlimited double coupon day again Jan 26th , im soooo excited did anyone else here this also?

  • Dawn N

    I missed getting the book for the freezer meals for free kindle version. Did anyone get it and is it worth buying?

  • Pam

    My daughter just brought home a bday invitation for a 13 year old friend. Any last minute gift ideas? My stockpile is depleted. Thought about a magazine subscription but havent seen any good titles for that age currently available. The party is Sunday! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

  • AsUntoTheLord

    I know I'm a bit late for this thread but our anniversary is coming up and we're looking to head the MN possibly. Does anyone know of any good (i.e. REALLY good :-) deals on a nice hotel? We don't need much in the entertainment area, just looking for a nice place with scenic views (i.e. nature, not city). Any ideas where to look???

  • RHONDA

    SOCKS AND ITUNES GIFT CARD

  • RHONDA

    watch Groupons, Living Social, they have lots of deals for up north this time of year

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

    Sarah – Sorry that you are disappointed that I didn't make time for this week's Cash Wise list. I plan for it to be back next week.

    I understand we all have demands on our time, but I'll share with you a little bit of what my week has been like so you can see why the one thing I decided to let go was the Cash Wise list. (And hey, we've provided it, for free, each week for almost 2 years and this is the first week I just couldn't get to it. We do get 11 other shopping lists completed though.)

    Saturday night and all day Sunday morning (9 am to 2 pm) I had book signings. Sunday was also my daughter's 4th birthday so I spent the day with family instead of on the computer. I also had a 4:30 am wakeup on Sunday to do 2 TV segments that morning. In addition to those two, I've done 11 other media segments this week; each one requires some prep time, plus the actual time to do it and follow-up, both with the host (always send a thank you!) and with people who emailed me questions as a result of something I said on air. Besides Sunday, two other times I've had to get around 4:30 to make early morning appearances – which has impacted my productivity later in the day.

    On the personal side – my week's been a little off since it is our first week back to school and homework after 2 weeks off for Christmas. Plus, I'm traveling to a conference tomorrow for 4 days and trying to make ahead some meals for my husband to serve while I'm gone. And, we're working to adjust some things in my house/family since my husband starts a part-time job next week for 3 days each week after having been home full-time for 4 years. Lots of adjusting around home too.

    Again, I do hear your frustration that the list isn't available like it usually is. I ask for grace this week as, like I just shared, my family and I have had a lot going on both professionally and personally. My plan is to do next week's Cash Wise list from my hotel room after the conference on Sunday night. But this week it's just not going to happen. I apologize for the inconvenience.

    • Sarah

      you created a business and as you stated for the last 2 years created a following for people to go to your website to help them with their shopping lists. so to not post one or let those people who have become accustom to usig your website know not to expect one just seems unprofessional.

      • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

        I can understand why you'd say that. I appreciate you sharing your opinion.

    • mary c

      @Sarah, Um, you are completely out of line speaking to Carrie this way! You sound like you want someone to do all the work for you instead of putting in a little effort yourself, and then to berate Carrie for it…….@Carrie, THANK YOU for all the work you and your team have put in to assist perfect strangers with managing their finances. You deserve all the accolades you are receiving with your new book and best of luck to you as you have worked very hard for this!! and it shows :)

    • AsUntoTheLord

      I'm blessed that I ALWAYS get more than I PAY for on this site…and trust Carrie to do her best. If you don't like how she prioritizes her life, you don't have to follow her blog. That said, yes a notice that the list wouldn't be up would have been nice and I'm sure that though your attitude is way off, if Carrie thinks that is a good idea in the future, she'll do what she can. I've found her to be very open to suggestions and helpful beyond a strict 'business' sense. She's NOT just trying to build a business (as so many bloggers are) she really does care about people's lives. If you doubt that, you probably haven't been here long.

      my 2+ cents…

    • Lisa

      WOW Sarah! Are you always this rude or are you just having a bad day? I think an apology to Carrrie is due.

    • RuthAnn

      Wow! You are one busy lady. And I don't think you need to justify your use of time to anyone! I think Sarah is just being rude and acting very entitled.

      You are great, Carrie. I can't stop talking about your book, by the way. I love it and I know the principles are going to get my husband and me out of debt in the next year and a half! THANK YOU!

      • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

        RuthAnn – I'm glad you enjoyed the book. It would mean the world to me if you'd take 5 minutes and leave a review on Amazon about it. Even if you got the book elsewhere you can still review it on Amazon.

  • Carol M

    Anyone have any of the Tyson frozen chicken $1 coupons that they are not going to be using? I would love to do a trade. mulleranncarol@gmail.com

  • Jen

    Janna, that reminds me of my friend who is a nail tech at a salon. I walked into her bedroom when she was doing her nails and instead of buying acetone from the beauty section, she had a large can of acetone from the painting section, exact same thing but cheaper!

  • Jon

    Never took time to add them up – don't see why unless you plan to buy one of everything

    • Mary

      On the side of the Target coupon page where it shows how many coupons you have clipped, it also tells you "available savings". I don't think Sally went and added all of the coupon values.

      • Sally

        Mary, yes I did go to the side where the total is. When I printed on SUNDAY it was $147+ and today it was $198+. It's usuall way over $200 and I have never seen it that low.

  • Mary

    It's not as if we pay Carrie as an employee and she failed to accomplish her job description. The book pays her money. We don't. Carrie uses this blog to help people and provide information. If she doesn't manage to do one list, it's not a huge deal.

    I just put together my own Cash Wise list using the ad this week. Takes a little bit longer, but it can be done.

    • jennifer

      Carrie we appreciate all that you and your staff do to help us save money in these tought times. You shouldn't have to explain yourself as to why you had troubles getting to the list this week. I am so thankful for all the work you and your staff you. THANK YOU!!! ANd your comment sat just fine with me. Your a mom, working woman, wife and more…..take a deep breath. YOUR AMAZING!!

    • Terri G

      I agree…Carrie and her team is doing us a favor by keeping the PYD followers informed of great deals so sometimes it may take awhile to get the list together but by far the lists are usually within a day or two. Carrie and the team keep up the great work, I appreciate all that is done with this website.

    • Sally

      Sarah, You need an attitude adjustment. Carrie does this for FREE. You also owe Carrie & her staff an apology. Jeeez. What part of FREE don't you get?

  • Mary

    basket of candy, microwave popcorn and movie theater gift card.

    • Pam

      Thanks Rhonda and Mary for the ideas! Love, love, love this site!

  • jennifer

    REALLY??????? Feelin a bit giddy about the possiblity. Keep us posted.

    • Amanda

      Yes, it is definitely unlimited doubles on the 26th, heard it at my store today

  • Heather

    Has anyone heard about the issue of Java plug in security on web-browswers? I heard that they are recommending people should turn off their Java plug in to reduce the likelyhood of identity theft. A lot of great coupons need the Java plug in. Any thoughts or solutions?

    • Pam

      Yes I heard that too! Other feedback???

  • Julie

    What's the best deal for a cell phone and with what company? Are there any deals out there?

  • AmberG

    Sarah-Unprofessional is how your entitledment has spewed onto this site. Professional, is the way Carrie handled your entitled attitude. I can only hope that this behavior does not spill into your professional/personal life.

    Thank you Carrie for all that you do and the sacrifices that you and your family make to make this site possible.

  • Melissa

    I'm not sure where you are located but we've always used Shaw in Brooklyn Park. They are very nice, honest (if we're looking for the most economical option for say, a kids bedroom), and seem reasonable to us. I'm not big on going big box for carpet for some reason.

  • AP

    Bought a Bosch and cannot say enough good about it! A little bit more money, but the machine is oh so quiet. It is worth every penny!!!

  • Brian

    Heather; if you are concerned about identity theft via Java or coupon printers I would advise using a virtualization solution such as VirtualBox (http://virtualbox.org). Run your web browser and Java plugin within this environment when printing coupons, and use your normal browser for doing secure tasks such as inputting credit card and social security numbers. Don't enable Java and DON'T install any coupon printers on computers that you print coupons from. Instead, use a virtual machine.

  • Katie

    I LOVED my Lowe's experience. After Home Depot strung me along for months (with my money in their pocket) I went to Lowe's. Not only did they accept Home Depot's coupon, they notified me every step of the way and the contractors who did the install were GREAT. Blame the installers, NOT Lowe's. They just contract the jobs out. I'd contact the store if you were dissatisfied.

  • kris t.

    I can't seem to find past threads, but MATTRESS SHOPPING! :)

    Doesn't have to be top of the line. Any places to hit or avoid? Thanks fellow pocketeers (I love that word :)

    • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Carrie Rocha

      I bought 2 twin-sized mattresses on Amazon in 2011 and they have been great for my daughters' bunk beds.

  • mary

    I'm a city girl…there are some beautiful city views in both Minneapolis and St. Paul over the Mississippi River!

  • Shelly

    Carrie, thank you for using this opportunity to model restraint and humility in a difficult situation. You probably have no idea how that will impact so many people that might think twice about how they react to a personal attack. You are a wonderful role model for many.

    Amazon delivered your book to our front step on Christmas Eve day. I was happy to give it as a gift to my daughter and will certainly leave a review when I get it back and read it myself.

  • kris t.

    Thanks for the response Carrie, I appreciate it!

  • Jackie

    My husband and I stayed at Hotel Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis recently for something like $78 I think. I was going to use something like expedia but when I called to reserve they were able to give me the same price anyways….I was very pleased. Super comfy bed…awesome rain shower head and the hotel itself was beautiful. Very romantic:) and I'm sure you can find good eats down there. We went bar hopping but I know there are some good happy hours:)

  • scat

    Sarah is way out of line to call anyone else names. Carrie has no obligation to do any of what she does here and most of us are just amazed at what she accomplishes. In addition, very little is gained by getting snarky with others. Much more is accomplished through cooperation. I wonder if Sarah has considered offering to help in some way to keep this site as complete as it is.

    Sometimes when someone like Carrie does so much to help others, it becomes an expectation and taken for granted.

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

    Thanks, Terri!

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

    Echoing Rhonda – keep an eye on the daily deals post as we try to post good deals for hotels/getaways there: http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/category/deals-f…

    The latest:

    – Minneapolis Marriott West for $55/night: http://bit.ly/10tTRyY
    – Cascade Lodge in Lutsen for $119-$139/2 nights: http://bit.ly/UjzK0s

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

    Heather and Pam – Jill Cataldo wrote a post about this issue last week: http://www.jillcataldo.com/node/25637

    Since then, it appears as though Java has released a new version to patch the issue.

  • AP

    Just an FYI, the Cub in Shakopee now only takes the $5 off a $50 purchase coupon (from mail) once all of your Cub Coupons have been taken off first. They used to take off the $5 first and then the rest of your coupons, now they take off the Cub coupons and if your total is $50+ then you can use your $5 coupon. I have to say that Cub has really developed strict coupon rules lately and I used to shop there quite a bit. I have now been going to Aldi (which I love), every week and can actually find better deals at Target. I only go to Cub for their best deals and things that I cannot find at Aldi and Target, like Parsnips:)! I am a bit bummed and disappointed at Cub, especially the way Rainbow has been adding great coupon days, I just dont have one close by.

  • AP

    PS not sure if this is for all Cubs or if this new rule is just at mine since it is privately owned?

  • Amber

    On the news, it said that it went out of business! It was a pretty sad story as many brides are without their dresses and have little they can do to get refunds, etc! This happened around Christmas.

  • Chrissy Carlson

    I agree that HotCouponWorld is a decent site. You can also search for expired coupons on this site–helpful when shopping Cub Foods.

  • Chrissy Carlson

    Thank y0u for the GREAT news!!!! My store in Forest Lake has been closed and now I am driving to the Shoreview one. As I live in NW Wisconsin, this adds 15 more miles to my trip and I can not justify the drive UNLESS it's a great sale. I've been waiting ever so patiently for my shopping fix!!!

  • Barb

    Regarding mattresses. We bought 2 sets from Menard's when they had free box springs. So far, so good. They are fine.

    I used to go to Fare for All, but I noticed that if you don't go early in the morning, they run out of stuff. With my work schedule, I can't go early so I just gave up. Most of the time shopping specials at the grocery stores gets you deals as good or better. Just my experience.

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

    AP – It appears that this is the case at all Cub stores.

    Did your manufacturer's coupons still dip the total below $50, though, and the $5 came off? That's the part that we're not 100% certain about yet.

    • AP

      Laura, in my experience, they take off all of the Cub in-store coupons and then if your amount is $50 they take off the (mail coupon) $5. Then they take off the manufacture coupons. I have been there twice and both cashier's have done it this way. I did ask why they started to do this and they said that they had too many customers leaving with $35 or less worth of groceries. Each cashier has a large note tapped to their cashier station, so I am assuming it is a policy change then. I did see a customer in front of me use the Cub coupons and did not meet the $50 so the cashier gave her the $5 coupon back then took off manufacture coupons, so I am thinking this is the new process? This is a bummer to me and I wish when they changed the policy they would have made note on the coupon:(! Thanks for checking into it!!!

  • Mary

    Just echoing the love for Carrie and all things PYD! Thanks for all you guys do to keep this site running! Can't imagine all the work that goes into providing the lists every.single.week! I especially was amazed by your consistancy throughout the holidays! Thanks so much-you all are appreciated more than you will ever know.

  • http://www.pocketyourdollars.com Laura Wales

    AP – Thanks for clarifying. I very rarely spend that much at Cub so I haven't been able to try it myself. The last time I went I actually spent quite a bit more and my total didn't dip below $50 even after manufacturer's coupons so I wasn't able to test it for myself.

  • Mona Anderson

    Great Deals Website http://www.sharingspree.com/Deals/Seattle
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    Been hearing more about these in the news lately so thought I would share will you.