Today is the last day of the month which means it is time to print the coupons you want as they will be restocked on the first day of the month which is tomorrow. Some may still be available, but others will be gone.
I do not shop at Save-A-Lot often, but many of my readers do. As a result I have had many requests for coupon match-ups for their ads. Below is their newest 10/$10 deals and coupon match-ups. They do take manufacturers coupons as long as they have not expired. You can also stack them with store coupons when they are available. All items below are $1 each before coupons!
Many thanks to all the people who have served and our serving our country! Thank you for your bravery and patriotism in defending the Constitution of the United States of America! May God bless you and your families!
$0.55/1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage Product 5/15/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/25/2011)
As low as:$.34 each after $1/1 coupon
HUNGRY JACK PANCAKE MIX 28-32 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $2.00 Use: $1/1 Hungry Jack Pancake Mix or Syrup 5/22/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/30/2011) BOGO wyb (1) Hungry Jack Pancake Mix get (1) Hungry Jack Syrup FREE hangtag (exp 12/31/2011)
HUNGRY JACK SYRUP 27.6 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $2.50 Use: $1/1 Hungry Jack Pancake Mix or Syrup 5/22/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/30/2011) BOGO wyb (1) Hungry Jack Pancake Mix get (1) Hungry Jack Syrup FREE hangtag (exp 12/31/2011)
KRAFT BBQ SAUCE 18 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $.98
Use: $.25/1 Kraft BBQ Sauce, any tearpad (exp 12/31/2011) $1/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce 5/1/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/5/2011) $2.00 off Kool Aid or Country Time Lemonade wyb (2) Kraft BBQ Sauce 18oz+, any peelie (exp 10/31/2011) $1.00 off Fresh Beef wyb (1) A1 Steak Sauce 10oz and (1) Kraft BBQ Sauce 10oz+, any tearpad (exp 5/31/2011) $1/1 A1 Steak Sauce or Kraft BBQ Sauce, any tearpad (exp 6/30/2011) $.55/1 Bull’s Eye Barbecue or Kraft Barbecue Sauce Palmetto State Booklet (exp 12/31/2011) $.55/1 Bull’s Eye Barbecue or Kraft Barbecue Sauce, any ‘Kraft Food Taste’ booklet (exp 12/31/2011)
As low as:FREE after $1/1 coupon
BULL’S EYE BBQ SAUCE 17.5-18 Oz. Selected Varieties @ $.98 $.55/1 Bull’s Eye Barbecue or Kraft Barbecue Sauce Palmetto State Booklet (exp 12/31/2011) $.55/1 Bull’s Eye Barbecue or Kraft Barbecue Sauce, any ‘Kraft Food Taste’ booklet (exp 12/31/2011)
As low as:$.43 each after $.55/1 coupon
VELVEETA OR KRAFT CHEESE SHELLS DINNERS 9.4-14 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $1.78 Use: $.50/1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese Dinner, any tearpad (exp 10/31/2011)
As low as:$.78 each after $.50/1 coupon doubled!
JELL-O INSTANT PUDDING OR GELATIN .3-3.9 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $.67 Use: $.55/2 Jell-O Brand Pudding or Gelatin, any tearpad (exp 3/31/2012) $1.25 off Nilla Wafers wyb (1) Jell-O Box and (1) Baker’s Bar Product, any tearpad (exp 9/30/2011)
CRYSTAL LIGHT CANISTERS OR ON THE GO Selected Sizes & Varieties Price: $1.67 Use: B2G1 Free Crystal Light Drink Mix Product 4/3/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011) $1/2 Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, Country Time or Tang, any tearpad (exp 12/31/2011) $1/1 Crystal Light Drink Mix
As low as:$.44 each
GATORADE 12 OZ. DRINKS 6 Pack Selected Varieties Price: $3.33 $1/1 Gatorade Multipack, any tearpad (exp 5/31/2011)
As low as:$2.33 each after $1/1 coupon
RUFFLES CHIPS 8.5-10 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $1.98 Use: $1.00 off wyb (2) Smartfood Popcorn, Ruffles Potato Chips, Dorito’s Tortilla Chips or Lay’s Kettle Chips 9oz+, any tearpad (exp 5/29/2011)
As low as:$1.48 each after $1/2 coupon
KRAFT CHUNKS, CUTS, OR SHREDDED CHEESE 6.4-8 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $2.00 Use: $1/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese W/Philly, any blinkie (exp 12/31/2011) $1/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese W/Philly, any tearpad (exp 12/31/2011)
As low as:$1.00 each after $1/1 coupon
BREAKSTONE’S SOUR CREAM 16 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $1.25 Use: $1/1 Breakstone’s Zesty Blends Sour Cream $1.00 Off Bagged Potatoes WYB Breakstone’s Sour Cream any 16 oz hangtag (exp 5/31/2011) $1/2 Breakstone Sour Cream 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011)
As low as:$.25 each after $1/1 coupon
PHILADELPHIA COOKING CREME 10 Oz. Selected Varieties Price: $2.00 Use: $1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011) $1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme blinkie (exp 5/31/2011) $1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme tearpad (exp 5/31/2011) $1.50 off Fresh Chicken Breasts wyb (1) Philadelphis Cooking Creme peelie (exp 6/30/2011)
You can get FREE Renpure Organics Shampoo or Conditioner 8-12.5 oz. this week at Rite Aid after the +Up Reward!
This week Renpure Organics Shampoo or Conditioner 8-12.5 oz. is $4.99 PLUS you get back $4.99 =UP reward when you purchase 1! Making the item FREE! It is a limit of one per customer.
Also, there are some Renpure products with Try Me Free Rebate Forms on the bottles!
Buy any Renpure Organics Product and get back up to $6.99. Send the original form with an original store-identified receipt with the Renpure Organics product price circled. Submissions must be postmarked within 30 days of your purchase date. Renpure LLC Rebate Center Promo ID" Renpure Rebate 001 7120 Shady Oak Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
If you take advantage of the rebate, you will actually make $4.99 on this item! YAY!
Below is a list of things you can get for free or under $1 at all the drug stores this week. Check out Cheapest Mom Blog to find out which coupons you need for each deal! Remember ALL the prices below are AFTER the coupons! Most of the items are not organic, natural, or gluten free!
Dove Shampoo or Conditioner 12oz, Styling Products 3.3-9.25oz, Body Mist 3oz, Body wash 12-13.5oz, Active Clean Shower Tool, Deodorant 2.6-3oz or Degree Deodorant 2.6-3oz $0.25 each!
Celsius Green Tea 4pk 12oz FREE!
Listerine Pocketpaks 72ct or Smart Rinse 500m FREE!
Colgate Max Fresh, Max Clean or MaxWhite Toothpaste 6oz or Toothbrush 1ct $0.50 each!
I am not sure what Kroger’s definition of locally grown is, but they have several items of produce which are locally grown this week! Great time to support your local farmers!
Blueberries Pint 2/$5
Cabbage $0.39/pound
Cucumbers $0.50 each
Eggplant $1 each
Southern Peaches $1/pound
Vidalia Sweet Onions $1/pound
Yellow Squash $1/pound
Green Beans $1/pound
Organic/Natural/Gluten Free
Private Selection Organic Salad Blend Select Varieties 5-11 oz. 2/$7
Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips 2/$4
$1/1 Garden of Eatin Tortilla Chips 5/1/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/1/2011)
As low as:$1.00 each after $1/1 coupon
Met-RX Bar 3/$5
Use B1G1 Met-Rx Big 100 Bar 6/5/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2011) B1G1 Met-Rx Protein Plus Bars 6/5/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2011) $0.75/1 Met-Rx Bar $0.75/1 Met-RX Bar 5/22/2011 RP Insert (exp 7/2/2011) B1G1 Met-RX Bars 4/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/29/2011)
I am finally getting my garden pictures posted! I am sorry to be so late with them! I took beginning photos as well, but just never posted them! I am the world’s worst at posting photos! Below is a description of each picture going left to right top to bottom.
Picture 1- Tomatoes, yellow squash, and zucchini squash. We also have some tomatoes at our house growing in containers.
Picture 2- GREENS! Mustard, Kale, and Turnip as well as Swiss Chard and Spinach! You can tell we are behind on the tilling! You can also tell I am behind on the canning! Lots more greens!
Picture 3- Potatoes, Onions, green beans, peppers (red and green bell, jalapeno, and anaheim green chile) beets, radishes, carrots, and more turnips! To the right of the picture in the background near the clay bank are the black raspberries and blackberries.
Picture 4- Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Collard Greens, Onions. In the background is our orchard of apples and cherries. To the left of that (you cannot see in the picture) are black raspberries and blackberries. The raspberries are almost ripe! Yum!
Picture 5- On the hill in the background are planted watermelons and cucumbers. It is Chandler's (age 7) garden! In the back of the brown soil are tomatoes which we are gardening with our neighbors. In the foreground where the black soil is, there is nothing planted yet. Hopefully, soon there will be some spaghetti squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin. I think that is all we have left to plant other than blue corn which we are planting in another area. To the left of the picture a long the fence row is asparagus. There are also blackberries under the Willow trees.
The Sunday Coupon Preview is an awesome source to let me know if I want to purchase a Sunday paper or not as we do not subscribe to the local papers. Each week, there is a list of all the coupons in the upcoming Sunday paper! I love this resource. My tip is to only purchase the paper if there are enough coupons within it to pay for itself! This week there are no inserts in the newspaper. However, there is a list of how to get free coupons including coupons mailed to you!
Have you joined Swagbucks? If you haven’t you should! Swagbucks is a search engine where you earn points to redeem for prizes! Some of the prizes include store and restaurant gift cards as well as clothing, toys and much more. You can even get Pay Pal cash! I have been using Swagbucks for two years now, and I am hooked! If I am going to be searching the internet anyway, why should I not be rewarded? I have purchased many things including groceries, toys, apparel, and much more all for FREE using Swagbucks. It is FREE to sign up and very easy to use! You can either search from their Swagbucks page, or download the toolbar and search from there. Each search has the potential to win swagbucks. You use Swagbucks.com just like you would any other search engine to search for things. As you are searching occasionally you will get a banner that pops up and says you won a Swagbuck which are points. You keep earning them and then turn them in to get free stuff. The more you save them up the larger the stuff you can get. You can also get Swagbucks by reading the Swagbucks site on their blog, on their Twitter page, or on their Facebook page. Every Friday they give away more swagbucks, so your chances of winning are increased. Every time you search you have the chance to win 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 or 100 bucks. Remember, it is totally free to search and the prizes are great! You can also earn Swagbucks by watching videos, participating in offers, and even printing AND redeeming coupons from their website! Happy searching with Swagbucks!
It is Friday! YAY! Most people have a three day weekend this week too! YAY! Below are your freebies from Wendi at The Freebie Blogger. Remember she lists new freebies every day on her website! The list below is just a sample! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Have you joined Vocal Point? I have been a member for a couple of years now.When you complete your registration with Vocal Point you will receive coupons, samples, and discounts on many of your favorite products. You can take surveys and comment on message boards to let your opinion be heard!
If you are like me, you are always trying to stay organized with your coupons, homeschool papers, etc. Below are a couple of new coupons from Avery which may help you save on your organizational products for your home! Don’t forget to sign up to get FREE templates, software, and tips from Avery!
This week you can get a free pound of Ground Chuck at Earth fare WITH a $10 purchase! You must sign-up or sign-in to get the coupon. The ground chuck has no artificial hormones and no antibiotics. So, if you need something at Earth Fare for $10, pick up the Ground Chuck! Also, you can spend $10 on your food tonight when Kids Eat Free and get your ground chuck too! Coupon Expires on 5/29/2011
5% Discount for educators (Including Homeschoolers) with I.D. or other records to prove you are an educator
EBT is accepted at ALL Earth Fare stores! Even if you are struggling financially, you can still use your EBT to purchase healthy foods! Combine it with the Earth Fare coupons and sales for maximum use of your EBT dollars!
Thursday from 4-8pm Kids Eat Free! Minimum purchase of $5 for Adult. Also, maximum of 2 take home meals if children are not present!
I do not watch Television. However, as a coupon/deal blogger, I have been hearing about all the hype of TLC’s newest reality show “Extreme Couponing.” I have also been getting lots of comments asking if I am going to try to get a spot on the show. While it would be nice to have the possible extra income, it is not worth it to exploit my family at this time and be grouped with the people who are portrayed in this show. You may think I am being a little tough since I have never seen an entire episode. However, I am not. In the few clips I have watched, it is obvious to me these “Extreme Couponers” are not following the same ethics of couponing which I and most other coupon bloggers have chosen to follow. I am going to share with you some other articles and videos as well as some questions I have been asked with regards to couponing. Many people may disagree with me and the way I feel about what I am going to share. Therefore, you will have to decide what is right for you!
Can I use a paper coupon with a digital ecoupon?
Some stores were allowing you to use a paper coupon and an ecoupon together. However, in the case of Kroger, they are no longer allowing you to do this. The computer will not even allow the coupon to go through. I found out the other day when I thought I had removed ALL of my ecoupons before my trip. Apparently, I had not because she said I had already used the ecoupon. Thankfully, the ecoupon was the same amount as my paper coupon. You will have to check your stores coupon policy to find out for sure if they allow stacking paper and ecoupons.
There is also what is called stacking using a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. You will have to check each individual store coupon policy to see if you can stack coupons. Target DOES allow stacking. Earth Fare does NOT!
Can I trade coupons with others even if they are not in my area?
There is debate over this question too. Again, I think it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to trade coupons. There are often words in small print on coupons “Coupon may be void if copied, transferred, reproduced, sold or exchanged...".
These words are to protect the manufacturer so they can void the coupon offer if they find it is being distributed in a fraudulent manner. A manufacturer has a budget for that particular coupon. One way a coupon becomes fraudulent is if someone copies the coupon without permission and redistributes the coupon, then the company no longer has control over how the coupon is distributed and their budget is skewed. Also, a coupon becomes fraudulent if you decide to sell the coupon. It clearly states on the coupon you cannot sell the coupon. By selling the coupon, the value of the coupon becomes void, and you are selling something of NO value!
As a consumers we do not have the right to take over the distribution of a coupon. In other words, we have to make sure not to take control of the plans/budget the manufacturer had for his/her coupon. However, if you want to pass on a coupon you have not used make sure it is the ORIGINAL coupon and the coupon as NOT been redeemed! At no point has the manufacturer lost control of the coupon. Avoid accumulating coupons which clearly go against the manufacturer’s policies!
Is it okay to purchase coupons from coupon clipping sites?
Again, this question is another controversial topic. Most all manufacturer’s coupons clearly state that buying and selling coupons voids the value of the coupon. The coupon clipping services state that they are not selling the coupon, but are selling the service of clipping, grouping, managing, and mailing the coupons. What the FTC states is “Selling or transferring coupons to a third party violates most manufacturers’ coupon redemption policies – and usually voids the coupon." Therefore, selling the services or buying from the services does not appear to be illegal, but there is a catch! Based on the usage policy of the coupons, they are void and should not be used. Although a manufacturing company may not like the coupon clipping services, there is not much they can do to stop the process.
What about eBay?
Well, on eBay you are not permitted to sell the labor it takes to auction off a coupon. Therefore, it IS the coupon which is the item being sold on eBay. EBay does ask that if a coupon has a policy stating it cannot be resold, that the coupon NOT be put up for auction.
There are an abundance of coupons which you can find for FREE without the use of clipping services or eBay!
You can get a free sample of MojoMilk from Freeflys. I have not tried this milk and really do not know anything about it. It is Chocolate Milk with probiotics. It sounds interesting. Not sure whether the cows are given hormones are not.
Everyone is nearly finished with school for the summer. Beginning this week, I will have freebies listed for the summer. If you find any great freebies in your area or in the Knoxville area which involve children, please let me know, and I will post them! Thanks!
Knoxville Library Summer Reading Program (Check your local library to participate.) For children, teens, and adults. Great prizes for reading books! Also several different entertainers all for free. Check your local branch for details. I think they are calling it Summer Library Club Rewards this year instead of Summer Reading Program! Register online.
Kids Bowl Free- Register Children to bowl two free games every day all summer long. The closest to Knoxville is the Tri-City Lanes Bowling Alley in Harriman/Midtown (Roane County). There are alleys all over the US which are participating.
This week our menu will be mostly of things from the garden and farm. We have an abundant supply of fresh goat milk, eggs, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, greens, Swiss chard, cherries, and turnips. We should also have onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots, radishes, beets, cabbage, black raspberries, and new potatoes very soon! I am even going to try to make goat cheese this week as cheese is one of the main expenses of our food bill! IF I go to the store this week it will only be for things which are not food related or really good deals on things we do not typically grow ourselves or cannot buy or barter from locals.
Happy Saturday! Sorry to have the freebies post a day late! We were in late on Thursday evening, then were gone all day yesterday delivering beef. Below is a list of wonderful freebies from Wendi at The Freebie Blogger! Enjoy and have a great weekend!
You can save up to 70% off at Restaurant.com from now until May 23, 2011. These gift certificates make wonderful gifts or are great to have to get discounts when you are dining out on vacation or travelling!
The Sunday Coupon Preview is an awesome source to let me know if I want to purchase a Sunday paper or not as we do not subscribe to the local papers. Each week, there is a list of all the coupons in the upcoming Sunday paper! I love this resource. My tip is to only purchase the paper if there are enough coupons witin it to pay for itself!
My Favorites:
From Red Plum:
Marcal Small Steps Small Steps Towel 8roll or higher, Bath tissue 12 roll or higher or 2 napkins Save $1.00/1 (6/22)
From Smart Source:
Breakstone’s Save $0.75/3 cottage doubles (6/30)
Breakstone’s Save $1/1 any 4pk of cottage cheese (6/30)
General Mills Cereals Save $1/3 any boxes (many listed) (7/2) {Hopefully, Chex Gluten Free are listed!}
“Be sure to visit Mambo Sprouts this month for advice, information and tips on living a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. We've added new gluten-free recipes and gluten-free products from your favorite trusted brands! Tune in and join us to help spread the word on Celiac Awareness!”
May Is Celiac Awareness Month! Celiac disease affects 3 million Americans, yet 95% of sufferers don't know they have it. Do you know someone with celiac disease? Chances are, you will. This Celiac Awareness Month, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is on a mission to show the public just why celiac disease should be on their mind. Learn more today by visiting their website, www.CeliacCentral.org. About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of celiac disease among the general public and the healthcare community, and improves the quality of life for individuals maintaining a gluten-free diet. NFCA is a leading resource for celiac information and the NFCA website offers free, comprehensive information and support materials to patients with celiac disease, their families and healthcare professionals.
You can get a FREE 21 Day Guide to Diabetes Control. Simple daily tips created by a Certified Diabetes Educator. Systematically helps you establish healthy habits. Glucose log and food journal help you track progress. Low-carb recipes help you create a healthier meal plan. Free guide provided by Diabetic Connect. If you suffer from Diabetes or know someone who does, this guide will be a great resource for you and/or them.
Offer applies to resale clothing and shoes. Excludes Custom, New, Equipment and Toys please. Not valid with any other offer.
Offer Expires: May 28, 2011
The Adorable Child is a Children’s Boutique located in West Knoxville at Campbell Station and Kingston Pike in the shopping center with Domino’s Pizza. Right now you can purchase shoes or summer clothing and get 70% off your second item!
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned Whole Foods is coming to Knoxville. Now, it is official that COSTCO is coming to Knoxville too. I am excited as I often hear of wonderful ORGANIC deals at COSTCO. I have never shopped there before, but will begin posting their deals when it gets close to their opening in Knoxville. It will be near the intersection of Lovell Road and Kingston Pike. Check out The Property Scope for more information.
Mail in your new or used beauty item to the Choose to Live Beautifully Campaign! In return for your donated product, you will receive a coupon values up to $7.99 for a complimentary EcoTools Product! Limit two coupons per person!
The “Choose to Live Beautifully” campaign partner Recycle Bank will then recycle all donated products!
Instructions:
Mail in your products with your full name and mailing address to:
Choose to Live Beautifully Campaign c/o Skirt Public Relations 2320 North Damen Ave, Suite 2D Chicago, Illinois 60647
*Please allow up to six (6) weeks for us to process your request
Examples of products to donate:
Cosmetic Brushes
Body Washes and Scrubs
Body Lotions and Butters
Hand and Heel Creams
Body Mists
Bath Sponges
You can go to the Eco Tools “Where to Buy” Page to find out where you will be able to use this coupon. Looks like most of the common stores are included Target, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, etc.
Take the Boot Challenge and get a FREE Lip Balm Makeover at Earth Fare! Trade in your lip balm containing parabens or artificial ingredients and get ONE FREE tube of Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm!
5% Discount for educators (Including Homeschoolers) with I.D. or other records to prove you are an educator
EBT is accepted at ALL Earth Fare stores! Even if you are struggling financially, you can still use your EBT to purchase healthy foods! Combine it with the Earth Fare coupons and sales for maximum use of your EBT dollars!
Thursday from 4-8pm Kids Eat Free! Minimum purchase of $5 for Adult. Also, maximum of 2 take home meals if children are not present!
As I began writing this post, it became extremely long! I am going to break it up into a series! I am not sure how many posts in the series at this time. If you have questions about the ethics of couponing, please send them to me, so I can include them in my series of posts!
I do not watch Television. However, as a coupon/deal blogger, I have been hearing about all the hype of TLC’s newest reality show “Extreme Couponing.” I have also been getting lots of comments asking if I am going to try to get a spot on the show. While it would be nice to have the possible extra income, it is not worth it to exploit my family at this time and be grouped with the people who are portrayed in this show. You may think I am being a little tough since I have never seen an entire episode. However, I am not. In the few clips I have watched, it is obvious to me these “Extreme Couponers” are not following the same ethics of couponing which I and most other coupon bloggers have chosen to follow. I am going to share with you some other articles and videos as well as some questions I have been asked with regards to couponing. Many people may disagree with me and the way I feel about what I am going to share. Therefore, you will have to decide what is right for you!
Is it okay to use a coupon for a product for which it is not specified to use?
Scenario 1: So you get to the check out with a huge buggy (cart) full of groceries. You have 40 boxes of cereal consisting of Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Kix (3 General Mills cereals). You have 40 coupons for $0.75 off Fiber One Cereal to use for three different types of cereal you purchased. They ring up fine and the cashier never notices the difference! You get a great deal on cereal and no one knows you ever used any different coupons.
The scenario above is COUPON FRAUD! It is NOT okay to use a coupon for an item different than what you purchased! The manufacturer CAN AND WILL refuse to reimburse the store for the item! Thus, the store where you got “your great deal” will have to “eat” the cost of our great deal! The terms of the coupon were NOT followed!
Scenario 2: So you get to the check out with a huge buggy (cart) full of groceries. You have 40 boxes of cereal consisting of Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Kix (3 General Mills cereals). You have 40 coupons for $0.75 off ANY General Mills Cereal (with Fiber One pictured) to use for the 40 boxes of cereal you purchased. Everything rings up fine, and there are no questions asked. You got a great deal and are ready to go tell everyone you know!
Scenario 2 is much more acceptable. If a coupon states ANY, then it means ANY no matter what the picture displays. For most companies, it would not be possible to picture all of their items on ONE coupon even if it is good for all of their coupons!
Is it okay to clear the shelves with the coupons I have?
Scenario 1: You are in Kroger where Mahatma Rice is on sale for $1 per one pound bag. You have twenty coupons for $0.50 off each bag which will double to $1 off making the rice “FREE!” There are exactly 20 bags on the shelf. You get all of them and put them in your buggy! You checkout and have 20 FREE bags of rice. Another person comes along with two coupons for the rice, but there is no rice on the shelf.
Scenario 2: You are in Kroger and they have on closeout/clearance Mahatma Rice for $1 per bag. You have twenty coupons for $0.50 off each bag which will double to $1 off making the rice “FREE!” There are exactly 20 bags on the shelf. You get all of them and put them in your buggy! You checkout and have 20 FREE bags of rice. Another person comes along with two coupons for the rice, but there is no rice on the shelf.
Scenario 3: You are in Kroger on Saturday night near the end of a great sale on Mahatma Rice for $1 per one pound bag. Most Kroger sales go from Sunday to Saturday. You have twenty coupons for $0.50 off each bag which will double to $1 off making the rice “FREE!” There are exactly 20 bags on the shelf. You get all of them and put them in your buggy! You checkout and have 20 FREE bags of rice. Another person comes along with two coupons for the rice, but there is no rice on the shelf.
This question can be controversial in the world of couponing. However, there are a few standards most regular couponers hold. One of those being, you should always be considerate of your fellow couponers and shoppers. While, you should not always clear the shelf, there are a few instances when it is okay.
The first scenario, it is NOT okay to clear the shelf! Get what is reasonable for your family and leave some for the rest of us.
The second scenario regards clearanced items. Clearance is considered “fair game: for clearing shelves. It is the last of the products for whatever reason! It could be close to expiring, the packaging could be changing, the company will no longer be producing them, or the store may no longer be carrying them. Whatever the reason, it is all there is going to be.
The third scenario regards the last day of the sale. The only time you should clear the shelf is if it is the last day of the sale and getting close to the time for the store to close. Also, you should get permission from the store manager to use a lot of coupons. You do not have to be greedy or a hoarder! Sales and coupons go in cycles and they will more than likely both come around again!
Is it okay to copy my coupons?
NO! It is never okay to copy your coupons! It is illegal no matter the situation. Do not do it! It is coupon fraud! Each internet printable coupon have a set of security codes on them which are ALL different! It is possible you will get caught eventually! Remember some of the internet printable coupons sometimes have your name, email address and other information which can help them track you down!
Is it okay to use expired coupons?
There are some stores which do accept expired coupons. However, there is a certain time frame as to when they will accept them. Military commissaries do accept expired coupons, but most stores out side of the commissaries do not accept them. You should not purposely try to use an expired coupon! Have I ever used an expired coupon? Knowingly or without permission, no I have not. There have been times I thought it was not expired only to get to the checkout and the cashier point out the coupon expired the day before (there are some weeks number days are difficult to track!). I will kindly apologize and either ask to have the item deducted or just go ahead and purchase. This instance has happened only a few times! I have also asked if I can use a store coupon at different stores when it had expired the day before. Sometimes the manager gives permission other times he/she does not. I just say thank you and either go ahead and get the item, or just wait until another day! No big deal! The store was not at fault because I missed using the coupon in the allotted time. However, it never hurts to ask because some stores do have a grace period for their own coupons! Most of these stores are locally owned and NOT chain stores!
In Summary
READ! Read the coupon! Make sure you know what the rules are for using the coupons!
Check the expiration date!
If you have a question about the validity of the coupon, ask the store or if you have time before you go to the store, contact the manufacturer!
Please stick with the rules of the coupon! Those of us who are trying to follow the rules are being punished by the unlawful use of coupons! TLC’s show has caused many stores such as Kroger to change their coupon policies!
Be considerate of other consumers, the store, and the manufacturer!
Stay tuned to the next series where I will address the following:
Stacking coupons
Trading coupons
Buying and selling coupons
The following clip from ABC news demonstrates some of the things which I have discussed!
Below is information from the HSLDA on how you can help or get help if you know someone or are suffering yourself from the recent storms. Thank you, Homeschool Foundation for helping other homeschoolers!
The Home School Foundation is seeking to minister to homeschool families who have experienced a loss of their homes, livelihood or homeschool/curriculum libraries due to the recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the country.
A widow from Alabama recently wrote the Foundation:
There is total devastation all around our neighborhood—looks like a war zone. We are so blessed to have been spared. A neighbor saw twisters swirling directly above mine and my next door neighbors’ houses. Our house was flooded but it is so minor compared to the damage of others. The house will be uninhabitable for a while as flooring needs to all be ripped up and the molds and mildews have the place reeking. The kids are with relatives elsewhere. Life has been so interesting this past year! And yet, we have been so blessed through all of it.
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