Frugal Coupon Mom et al: Anyone else feel like this isn't really shopping?

[TheLittleRoo]

I was all psyched after seeing her on Dr. Phil the other day, and skimmed her website briefly enough to get really excited thinking she had hit on some method of getting coupons for almost everything.

Then I linked on her shopping lists, and it's a lot of processed food that my kids don't eat (I flat out don't buy it). Like Pop-Tarts, snack fruit chews, Warm Delights brownies, ready to bake cookies, etc. Plus, it isn't really like a weekly shopping list (granted she's buying at 4 places and I didn't consolidate the lists).

When I shop weekly, I sit down first and plan out what I'm making that week for dinners and check my pantry to be sure what I have vs what I need. A lot of times, I plan our meals around what's on sale at the stores to save more money. I only buy the things on my list that I need that aren't in my pantry, plus perishables, and replacing things that were consumed in the past week.

So it's hard for me to see that even though with a coupon, I get something for $0.75, if it's not something we eat (or it's not something I want to feed my kids) what's the point? Am I the only one who thinks it's silly to coupon for things that you don't ordinarily use? Am I missing something? Her list looks like she's taking advantage of sales and coupons (like pinball, jackpot!) but when she gets home, what is she cooking for dinner?!

I would love to save money. I'm willing to coupon and get organized to do it. I just don't see how this method is going to help me save on things most families are eating (things that are frugally made and not overly processed).

Anyone?

 

[donac]

I have the same problem. I have been trying to cut out processed food and that is all that they have coupons for. I am starting to cut out coupons for shampoo and stuff but food is another story.

 

[Ellisa]

I feel the same way. I'd like to see her meal plan for the week she purchased all that stuff.

I have been able to get our groceries down to $100 per week for our family of 4 (2 young kids). It's like what you do, plan meals with sides based on what's on sale and what we have in our pantry.

I do buy extras of things we use when they're on sale and I have a coupon though...but not everything just because it's $.75, only what we use.

 

[etoiles]

I completely agree as well! When I saw this special I looked in her cart that she was showcasing and she had a lot of items in boxes and cans that I do not buy that much of. I didn't see a lot of fresh produce which can be one of the cheapest things in the store!

We just keep our bill low by buying lots of fresh fruits and veggies that are in season or on sale, buying cheap dried items like beans (I cook them myself), dry pasta, rice, etc... We do not buy that much dairy and meat. (I am a vegetarian and DH just eats deli meat for lunch) This week (just groceries) was 'expensive' to me because it was $70 but we did buy some convenience foods like frozen pierogi.

 

[nunzia]

I agree..And it isn't even the processed items thing..but we don't buy much snack type stuff and we don't buy name brands if we can get a store brand, and very rarely do the coupons make up the difference between a store brand and name brand. (the new Yoplait yogurt flavors are the exception, so I'll use a coupon for those). We also get alot of our cereal and things like that at SAM's and they don't take coupons (is that right?, I heard that), plus we have 2 stores for groceries..Super WalMart and Lowes Pay and Save. Neither ever double coupon. We will occasionally use a coupon, but for the most part, they aren't helpful to us.

 

[MinnieMom]

I think it depends on what kinds of coupons you are using. I consider myself to eat very healthy . . . coworkers actually refer to me as the health nazi! LOL!

I try to cut out most processed foods as well, but I do allow the kids to have a poptart here and there or a packaged granola bar. I also make my own for other times.

I only recently started using coupons and this past weekend I had my best run ever. I shopped at one of my local chain grocery stores and my bill was $107 before coupons. After all my coupons, it came down to $31.XX. Yes, I did have some processed foods in my cart, but I also had the following:

2 packs of string cheese (the big packs - 24/pack)
2 quarts of strawberries
bananas
apples
milk
eggs
5 bags of frozen spinach
5 boxes of grilled tilapia/haddock
several containers of yogurt

Granted, there was some canned soup in there too and some bagel bites, but for the most part I had quite a few healthy options. I can't remember now everything that I had, but part of the reason that I thought it was my best trip was because, in addition to the huge savings, I was able to get a lot of healthy options.

I had a coupon for $5/50, some $2/5 produce purchase, a free box of fish when you purchase 4 others (and they were all on sale 50% off) and then a bunch of manufacturer coupons for the other items.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'm not positive if this is how it works because I've only recently started couponing but I think many people buy the processed stuff when it's on sale with a coupon and getting a catalina back, make it a moneymaker and apply the extra to their organic items or fruits etc.. I've heard of people donating the processed stuff and just keeping what they need.

I can give you an example from our supermarket. I purchased 10 cans of soup (when it was on sale for a dollar) used three dollar off coupons and our supermarket was giving back a catalina for $10.00 when you purchased the soup. Thus, I paid $7.00 for the soup. The next time I did the deal, I did the same thing and now had an overage of $3.00 to apply to fruit or veggies. I live close enough that I made a few trips that week and got soup to donate and my fruit for free.

It's a lot of work and takes time to learn. I haven't even shopped this week because the kids are keeping me too busy.

 

[delmar411]

there are coupons out there that no site is going to tell you about on national tv. Coupons for real food. If you read up on some of the hardcore couponing sites you'll figure out how ppl can shop and spend so little and still have actual food to eat.

You have to be willing to do the work to get the coupons though and that can be time consuming for either finding them or finding someone who's willing to trade them.

 

[TheLittleRoo]

What is a catalina? As in, "getting a catalina back"?

 

[pumpkinfish]

I'm not positive if this is how it works because I've only recently started couponing but I think many people buy the processed stuff when it's on sale with a coupon and getting a catalina back, make it a moneymaker and apply the extra to their organic items or fruits etc.. I've heard of people donating the processed stuff and just keeping what they need.

I can give you an example from our supermarket. I purchased 10 cans of soup (when it was on sale for a dollar) used three dollar off coupons and our supermarket was giving back a catalina for $10.00 when you purchased the soup. Thus, I paid $7.00 for the soup. The next time I did the deal, I did the same thing and now had an overage of $3.00 to apply to fruit or veggies. I live close enough that I made a few trips that week and got soup to donate and my fruit for free.

It's a lot of work and takes time to learn. I haven't even shopped this week because the kids are keeping me too busy.

there are coupons out there that no site is going to tell you about on national tv. Coupons for real food. If you read up on some of the hardcore couponing sites you'll figure out how ppl can shop and spend so little and still have actual food to eat.

You have to be willing to do the work to get the coupons though and that can be time consuming for either finding them or finding someone who's willing to trade them.

I think you are both on track with your responses. When i was feeling a lot better, I would use the moneymaker (mm) coupons to help pay for our produce and meats. Our Farm Fresh often does deals where you spend $30 in products you get $15 backs. Not all that great but if you include coupons (in which they double) you come out ahead. MM is tough and takes lots of time and patience. I use dual lists and shopping carts (DH takes one and I take one) when shopping this way. I haven't done it in many weeks due to health but plan on getting back into it now that I'm better .
I also donate to our church's food pantry or just plain stock up (DH takes 2-3granola bars to work..along with 2 chicken wraps, an apple, and a pb/j sandwich----he's in the fire academy and works it all off in 12 hours )

 

[etoiles]

What are moneymaker coupons and how do you find them??? Most of the time if I use a 'free item' coupon the coupon is only valid for the item's value.

 

[debdreamsofdis]

What is a catalina? As in, "getting a catalina back"?

A catalina is just the coupon that prints out at the register after you've made your purchase. (Catalina Marketing is the company that runs those machines, hence the name)

Now, I am not really a health nut and I do use coupons for the processed food-my kids are eating DiGiorno pizza tonight -hey, it's not delivery! But I have gotten loads of frozen veggies, whole grain pastas/breads, bagged salads, yogurt, Kashi bars, and occasionally organic juices and milk for free or very cheap using coupons. One time SuperTarget had a $1 coupon for carrots and then they put the carrots on sale for a dollar=FREE carrots. Many couponing sites have subforums devoted to healthier lifestyles where you can find more tips.

One way to help cut costs on fresh veggies/fruit is to join a produce co-op if there's one in your area. Also, when you're purchasing meats look for the ones close to their expiration date and you can usually get a substantial discount

 

[jcgonczi]

I am an avid coupon user and even teach classes on using them. I am also in the process of writing an ebook from my class. I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from using coupons. You are correct in that there are lots of coupons for processed items. However, there are also lots of coupons for great healthy things. For instance, today I bought 8 jars of Muir Glen organic Pasta Sauce, 12 cans of Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes, several packages of string cheese, 1 21 pack of coca cola (my vice), and Eggland's Best Organic Eggs. I had coupons for every one of these items.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the subject:

1. I myself use Coupon Mom because it saves me a lot of time. You have to remember that her lists consist of all items so that it appeals to the widest consumer base. Lots of people do eat the processed stuff or it wouldn't still be being sold.
2. The way to really save money with coupons is to combine sales with coupons. For instance, the Muir Glen Pasta sauce I bought today was on sale for $1 off and I had $1 off coupons. That is $2 off, or more than 50%.
3. The best way to maximize your long term saving is to "stockpile". This sounds very negative, but really isn't. Stockpiling simply means that when something you use is on sale and you have a coupon resulting in a great price, don't buy just the one you need for this week. Buy as many as you need to last until the next time the item is that cheap (obviously consider shelf life). This requires that you have multiples of the coupons you will use. Stockpiling is NOT buying more than you need or hoarding. With this method you generally only buy a few different items each week (you just buy multiples of them) - the ones that are great deals. When it comes time to plan your weekly menu, plan from your stockpile and just fil in what is missing.
4. In my experience, the only people who can not save HUGE on their grocery bill with coupons are those who only eat organic or whole foods. Even those of us who eat healthy and don't buy processed stuff can save big. Most people buy eggs, bread, cheese, milk, coffee, butter, fresh meat (fewer coupons for this, but they are out there), canned or frozen veggies or fruit, cereal(yes, even the healthy stuff).
5. Even if you don't find you get coupons for the foods you eat, you can still save really big on health and beauty and household items. I have not paid for toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, make up, hair stylers, cleaning products, and much more in years. And I am talking national brands of my preference - not store brands or off brands. And it is simply from combing sales with coupons.
6. If something has a decent shelf life, I will "buy" it if it ends up free or close to it, even if my family does not eat it. I donate this food to a local food pantry. They know be by sight and by car!

I hope that helps some of you to see how you can save big with coupons.

 

[debdreamsofdis]

What are moneymaker coupons and how do you find them??? Most of the time if I use a 'free item' coupon the coupon is only valid for the item's value.

In the PP's post, she was able to make money because her original out of pocket cost was less than the $10 catalina she received to use on her next order. The soup was $1 a can and when you bought 10 items(or $10 worth of items), you recieive $10 back. Had she not used coupons she would have just made her money back, but when she applied the coupons, her out of pocket cost was only $7, yet she still got the $10-she made $3 on her transaction.

Occasionally, you can get overage from using a manufacturers coupon and a store coupon together on the same item. Or if you shop CVS and take advantage of the Extra Care buck program (or Walgreens Easysaver) you will find moneymakers, since rebates/extra bucks are based on pre-coupon totals. For example, this week at Walgreens, Blink eyedrops are $7.99, with an instant register reward of $7.99. If you use the $2 coupon from the Sunday inserts, you will only pay $5.99, but get a coupon that allows you to spend $7.99 on your next visit-an instant $2 moneymaker.

Hopefully that makes sense!

 

[nunzia]

OK..but where do you get all the mulitple coupons? and how can you do this if, like I said, all you have is a Super walmart, which doesn't really do sales and a Lowes Pay and Save, which does sales, but has really high prices, so the sale price is not that great? I never find coupons for string cheese..that kind of thing. We do have a walgreens but it seems like the stuff on sale or in the catalog are not things I use. I'd love to be able to do some couponing, but in my corner of the world it doesn't seem to help much..any ideas welcomed!

 

[npmommie]

I agree, I was also all excited when I saw her on Dr. Phil, I even posted here about it, but then I looked closer at her site, and I just don't buy the processed stuff either,
I shop the "edge" of the store, but........I do find lots of coupons for things I do buy, so couponing is not a waste for me, I use coupons for

yogurt,
cheese,
fresh produce ( earthbound farms always has coupons going)
bread
pasta
sauces
canned veg and beans
toothpaste
shampoo
paper products
vegetarian products ( lots of coupons for these)
juice
frozen veg
frozen pizza
cereal
toothbrushes

anyway, did anyone even see what was in that cart on Dr. Phil? the bill was over $70 before coupons and $17 after the coupons.
I didn't actually see what all went in the cart.

I am trying to make everything scratch which is saving $$
it is just time consuming sometimes.

 

[Kycha]

I am an avid coupon user and even teach classes on using them. I am also in the process of writing an ebook from my class. I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from using coupons. You are correct in that there are lots of coupons for processed items. However, there are also lots of coupons for great healthy things. For instance, today I bought 8 jars of Muir Glen organic Pasta Sauce, 12 cans of Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes, several packages of string cheese, 1 21 pack of coca cola (my vice), and Eggland's Best Organic Eggs. I had coupons for every one of these items.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the subject:

1. I myself use Coupon Mom because it saves me a lot of time. You have to remember that her lists consist of all items so that it appeals to the widest consumer base. Lots of people do eat the processed stuff or it wouldn't still be being sold.
2. The way to really save money with coupons is to combine sales with coupons. For instance, the Muir Glen Pasta sauce I bought today was on sale for $1 off and I had $1 off coupons. That is $2 off, or more than 50%.
3. The best way to maximize your long term saving is to "stockpile". This sounds very negative, but really isn't. Stockpiling simply means that when something you use is on sale and you have a coupon resulting in a great price, don't buy just the one you need for this week. Buy as many as you need to last until the next time the item is that cheap (obviously consider shelf life). This requires that you have multiples of the coupons you will use. Stockpiling is NOT buying more than you need or hoarding. With this method you generally only buy a few different items each week (you just buy multiples of them) - the ones that are great deals. When it comes time to plan your weekly menu, plan from your stockpile and just fil in what is missing.
4. In my experience, the only people who can not save HUGE on their grocery bill with coupons are those who only eat organic or whole foods. Even those of us who eat healthy and don't buy processed stuff can save big. Most people buy eggs, bread, cheese, milk, coffee, butter, fresh meat (fewer coupons for this, but they are out there), canned or frozen veggies or fruit, cereal(yes, even the healthy stuff).
5. Even if you don't find you get coupons for the foods you eat, you can still save really big on health and beauty and household items. I have not paid for toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, make up, hair stylers, cleaning products, and much more in years. And I am talking national brands of my preference - not store brands or off brands. And it is simply from combing sales with coupons.
6. If something has a decent shelf life, I will "buy" it if it ends up free or close to it, even if my family does not eat it. I donate this food to a local food pantry. They know be by sight and by car!

I hope that helps some of you to see how you can save big with coupons.

Great post!! Thank you jcgonczi! I have to ask, at what store is the Glen Muir pasta sauce on sale? I have a bunch of the $1 coupons that I would like to use.

OK..but where do you get all the mulitple coupons? and how can you do this if, like I said, all you have is a Super walmart, which doesn't really do sales and a Lowes Pay and Save, which does sales, but has really high prices, so the sale price is not that great? I never find coupons for string cheese..that kind of thing. We do have a walgreens but it seems like the stuff on sale or in the catalog are not things I use. I'd love to be able to do some couponing, but in my corner of the world it doesn't seem to help much..any ideas welcomed!

Well, I get my coupons from the Sunday paper. Here is a money saving tip...buy your paper at the dollar store. My local Sunday News is $1.75 but I get them at the Dollar Tree for a buck. I usually buy 5 papers a week(sometimes more if it is a good coupon week). And sometimes I will buy coupons from a coupon clipping site like Dede's coupons and things, or Coupon clippers. You can even get coupons off ebay. Or you can ask your neighbors, friends and coworkers for their coupons.

Also, utilize a website like hotcouponworld.com or afullcup.com. They have forums for all the major grocery, drug and super stores. There are a lot of very nice and helpful people on there. Plus, they each have a coupon database. So, if you are looking for coupons for a specific product, just search through their database.

 

[LanaJae]

I'm not positive if this is how it works because I've only recently started couponing but I think many people buy the processed stuff when it's on sale with a coupon and getting a catalina back, make it a moneymaker and apply the extra to their organic items or fruits etc.. I've heard of people donating the processed stuff and just keeping what they need.

I can give you an example from our supermarket. I purchased 10 cans of soup (when it was on sale for a dollar) used three dollar off coupons and our supermarket was giving back a catalina for $10.00 when you purchased the soup. Thus, I paid $7.00 for the soup. The next time I did the deal, I did the same thing and now had an overage of $3.00 to apply to fruit or veggies. I live close enough that I made a few trips that week and got soup to donate and my fruit for free.

It's a lot of work and takes time to learn. I haven't even shopped this week because the kids are keeping me too busy.

You are right on target. This is the same concept for drug store shopping.

When you find a grocery sale that can be worked like this, it becomes a full time job for a few days, but the pay-off is fantastic. I did the last great one where I live in January and we're still benefiting from it.

The concept of coupon overage becoming store credit is very hard to get across on a TV show or in an article.

 

[WeRblam]

Also, utilize a website like hotcouponworld.com or afullcup.com. They have forums for all the major grocery, drug and super stores. There are a lot of very nice and helpful people on there. Plus, they each have a coupon database. So, if you are looking for coupons for a specific product, just search through their database.

I agree. I found www.hotcouponworld.com last year through this budget board and have been so thankful every since! I was laid off and this was extremely helpful to our budget. You will be amazed at how much you can save!

 

[Imzadi]

So it's hard for me to see that even though with a coupon, I get something for $0.75, if it's not something we eat (or it's not something I want to feed my kids) what's the point? Am I the only one who thinks it's silly to coupon for things that you don't ordinarily use? Am I missing something? Her list looks like she's taking advantage of sales and coupons (like pinball, jackpot!) but when she gets home, what is she cooking for dinner?!

I would love to save money. I'm willing to coupon and get organized to do it. I just don't see how this method is going to help me save on things most families are eating (things that are frugally made and not overly processed).

Anyone?

It isn't about using ONE coupon it is about getting multiple coupons and using them during a sale, so you can stock up enough to have until the next sale.

You also don't need to buy foods you wouldn't eat. If you only use coupons on cleaning supplies, toilet paper and health & beauty supplies, school supplies, you still will save so much. I post an example below, but it doesn't have to be for pumpkin pie, it can be for a product you actually USE. It's about learning the concept.

I've posted this on other threads in the past, that have gotten buried under. Using couponing within a budget, or to stretch a budget is fabulous!

I pride myself on being a coupon queen! That if there is a great deal to be had, and I have the money, I'm all for it. So, yes, I want those deal postings to continue, too.


Here are my Couponing Basics.

Couponing has gotten a bad rep. Many people think it means you're poor if you coupon. Or only "certain kinds of people" coupon. Other people complain that many of the coupons are for bad, unhealthy products they don't buy normally. True. There are a lot of coupons for bad products. However, there are also coupons for shampoo, toothpastes, cleaning products and other NON-food items and non-food stores, too!

How about, you just like to spend the money you do make on other things - like trips to Disney? I think of couponing as receiving free abundance from the Universe. Every Sunday, manufacturers give away free abundance in the form of coupons. Yes, there is a picture of a product with $1, instead of George Washington. But it equates to the same thing. Actually, if you live in the "Land of Doubles," (supermarkets that double the value of coupons,) it equates to $2. Whether you use a coupon or a dollar bill, you exchange that rectangle of paper for products to have and to use.

I never take the abundance I receive from couponing for granted. If you don't respect & honor the abundance that is given, why would you expect the Universe to send more? I could have been made to work for the money instead. I'm not saying couponing isn't work, but, to me, it is much more pleasant. And I've been able to make a game out of it - seeing how low I can go. I usually only buy the things I need or that can make my life more pleasant, that I may not have gotten otherwise. So I don't waste the abundance that is given. It's all in the attitude. I even use it for tithing: donating to charities from the abundance I receive. It's one of the greatest feelings to be able to move from lack to being able to give away extra.


The best couponing sites I've ever been to are:
MyCoupons.com: Tips of the Trade board
and Hotcouponworld.com/forums/.
They are free message boards with people posting threads for Local Supermarkets in Your Area that hopefully have double or triple coupons programs. They are always posting which coupons to use each week to get things free or nearly free each week from the combined savings of using coupons with the store's weekly sales!

There is so much stuff to get nearly free that they've had great threads on how to stockpile & what they've been able to do with those stockpiles like: stock you own cupboards, donating the free food & health & beauty aids (like toothbrushes, soaps & shampoos) to charities, or to make holiday gift baskets with the free, name brand goodies.

A couple of years ago, I was able to donate a dozen, free Mrs. Smith's frozen pumpkin pies & apple pies to a Battered Women's' Shelter for Thanksgiving. I called ahead of time, knowing they would accept unopened, unexpired, prepackaged boxes and had space to store them in their own freezers.

A quick couponing lesson using this example: Mrs. Smith's pies are normally $4 at So. Cal's Ralph's Supermarket. The week of Thanksgiving, they went on sale for $2. I had a $1 coupon for Mrs. Smith's Pies which came out in the Sunday newspaper 3 weeks prior. Ralph's has a coupon program which doubles the value on coupons. So the $1 coupon doubled = $2. I waited for a sale (alerted by a Ralph's thread on one of the Coupons websites,) and combined it with the coupon, making the final price for Mrs. Smith's Pies = FREE!!!

I knew where & how to get multiples of coupon inserts from the Sunday newspapers, so I was able to get 16 pie coupons. I gave a couple to the people managing the paper recycling center I got the coupons from, and kept a couple for me. We ALL had free pie for Thanksgiving.

Manufacturers give coupons away so that you will try & keep buying their products. They factor in the "loss" from couponers into their equation before they print a determined number up. It is also estimated that for every coupon that is redeemed, 30 are tossed away. So don't feel bad for using too many coupons. Supermarkets fully know what coupons are out in their region. The pie on sale at that price at Ralph's is called a "loss leader," meaning they accept the loss on that item if it will lead you into their store to buy other things. Plus, the stores get reimbursed the price of the coupon by the manufacturers anyway.

For myself, I save loads of money each month & got to experiment with new items that I normally wouldn't have bought if they hadn't been free, or nearly so. I got turned onto Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner & now have four full-sized bottles of it stocked up free. I never pay full price for kitty litter, cat food, toilet paper or coffee.

I make themed gift baskets by filling the pasta serving bowls I've made with Classico pasta sauce, Barilla pasta, Bertolli olive oil, assorted Pepperidge Farm cookies, Ghiradelli or Dove chocolate, all for nearly free. I also make a "Movie Time" popcorn bowl theme, filled with free boxes of popcorn & Movie Theatre box candies; and I also do a "coffee, tea & hot chocolate" theme for mugs.


Stockpile pictures 1 and Stockpile pics 2 by others, for those who can't believe it can be done until they see it.
Health & Beauty Stockpile Pic1, and Health & Beauty Stockpile Pic2 Health & Beauty Stockpile Pic3 are also great supplies for Battered Women & homeless shelters. Granted, these stockpiles by others may have gone overboard, and some my not be your own food choices, (one was by a college freshman,) but it shows you what is possible & how much free & nearly free abundance is out there!

Here's some old threads I have archived on couponing. It's a bit to read, but by the end, you will know how to coupon!

Weekly ads of stores that double: by state
Local Supermarkets in Your Area
CouponingTips for Newbies
Couponing Newbie2
Couponing Newbie3
Couponing Newbie4
Couponing newbies5
Do you actually leave the store with a $0 balance?
Getting Coupons from Recycling Bins
Turning your stockpile in to Gifts
The Art of the Rain check
Donating from stockpile
Teaching a coupon class


As I said earlier, it isn't just foods that are free or cheap. Coupons aren't only for supermarkets:
There's Rite Aid Free after Rebate. I get so many free shampoos, toothbrushes & toothpaste each month. I have five toothpaste tubes stockpiled. Walgreens has just started having an Internet rebate program too. CVS pharmacy also has a program. The DIS Budget Board has more info on that.

Also Staples Easy Rebates has their own program. I have more free Fuji & Kodak photo paper, printer paper, notebooks & office supplies to last me a lifetime. A couple years ago, I got $335 in rebates from Hewlett Packard & Office Depot combined for my new HP laptop computer that I wouldn't have been able to get without the rebates combined with a sale at Office Depot. From previous experience & experiences from people on various message boards, like Fatwallet.com, we know which companies will honor rebates & which ones won't. I love the power of the web!

The portable air conditioner I bought this summer, I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was selling for $399. (It's not on their website, only in the stores.) I used a 20% off coupon, found in the Sunday sales inserts, and that knocked off $99, so it was $300. The great thing about Bed, Bath and Beyond is they have an unlimited return policy! No return by date. Be reasonable with that policy, but it's not like if the AC breaks down on the 31st day, you're out of luck by one day with a 30 day return policy - especially on a $300 item.

Also Bed, Bath and Beyond's coupons really have no expiration date. Even though there is one listed, their real policy is they don't enforce it. They always ring them up.

Another time, I took my mom & DSis to BB&B. I was able to use 20% off coupons for each of us, making separate purchases. We must have saved about $40 on that trip.

I LOVE Couponing!!!