Rain checks...Are they worth the time?

Have you ever wondering if getting a rain check was worth the time standing at the CS desk?  If you have, the answer is ABSOLUTELY!! There have been several occasions where I didn't feel like waiting for a RC and completely missed the great low price, but not anymore!   If your store is out of the sale item you want, see the customer service desk for a rain check.  I "cashed in" 3 rain check from Publix today and Spent $5.30 and saved $45.35!  You have 30 days from the day you get the rain check to use it.

My order:

• 4 Crest Toothpastes -- $1.00 each (reg $2.93) and used 4 $.75/1 MQ and 1 $1/1 SQ
• 4 Noxzema Razors -- $4.99 B1G1 and used 4 $2/1 MQ
• 4 2000 Flushes --  $3.49 B1G1 and used 4 $1/1 MQ

I also bought:

• Mayfield Ice Cream -- $1.99
• Coke Zero 20 oz -- $1.59

and used a $5/$25 purchase Save-A-Lot coupon!

I love shopping and not even breaking a $10!!

New Printable Publix Coupons!

Head over to the link below for new printable Publix store coupons!
Publix Coupons

Trying a New Goal!

My Goal for the year is to spend no more than $50/week on groceries.  I plan to set aside $100 each week for groceries, just in case I go over the $50.  Whatever is left over I plan to use to pay off debt.  Our family's goal is to be debt-free!  I know we can do it!  After that, it is saving for a road trip to Maine in 2013!

Trying Publix

I never really shopped at Publix before using coupons.  I always thought it was too high!  But once I learned to coupon, I began to LOVE Publix!  I get free stuff there ALL the time!  Yes, Free!  My most recent trip, I bought 2 Right Guard Body Washes and 2 Right Guard Deodorant.  Publix has a Green Advantage Flyer out with a Buy 1 Deodorant and get 1 Body Wash Free.  I also had a couple of coupons from a Sunday paper for B1G1 Right Guard.  So all 4 items were free!  This week (Apr 6-12) with coupons, you can get Crest Toothpaste and Oral B toothbrushes for free.  There are many other items free or very cheap!

Coupon Policy at Publix:  There is a Corporate policy for Publix, but the store managers will sometime tweak the policy so be sure to ask Customer Service if you have questions. 

• Publix will take Manufactor coupons, Publix store coupons, and competitor GROCERY store coupons (Target, Winn Dixie, etc) as long as you don't have to use a customer reward card along with the coupon.  
• You can also stack coupons, use a Manufacture and Publix or Competitor Coupon.  This is a great way to maximize your savings.
• Publix will double manufacture coupons up to $.50.  They do NOT double competitor or store coupons.
• You can use one Manufacture coupon per item.  If it's on sale B1G1 and you get two, then you can use 2 coupons.  You can stack coupons with the sale items too!  
• With B1G1 at Publix, you don't have to buy 2.  They mark their items half price.  So if it's a box of cereal B1G1 for $3.99, you can get 1 for $1.99.
• Pay attention to shelf prices and the price the item rings up for at the register.  Publix has a Price Right Guarantee.  If the item don't ring up the right price, you will get one of that item for free and get the lower price for the rest!
• Don't be afraid to use the Rain Check Policy.  If an item is out of stock, see the Customer Service desk and they will write you a Rain Check which is good for 30 days from the date written.  You can use your coupons with the rain check!
• Check the Sales AD rack at Publix on your trips for new coupon booklets and sign up for their programs:  Pet Program, Greenwise, Family Style, Baby Club, Preschool Pals, and Upromise.

Trying something new

I've never Blogged or anything, so this may be a bit sloppy!  :)

I began couponing in August 2010.  I took a class taught by Tara Whitaker of www.southernsavingsanddeals.blogspot.com and it was great!  I usually save about 50-60% of my grocery bill!  And I have a decent stockpile!  I'm glad I started couponing and trying to save money! I hope to get better.  I've been helping my mom, grandmother, and mother-in-law.

Coupon Tips:

• I suggest/strongly recommend taking a class.  Tara teaches classes regularly, just check her site.
• Shop the Sales!  Match your coupons with what is on sale for the week.
• Don't think "I don't need this right now."  If it is a really low price (I say less than $.50 per item) get it if you'll use it.
• Don't buy things you won't use just because it is on sale.
• If it's FREE, get it.  If it's something you won't use then donate it!
• Try not to be brand loyal.  Don't be afraid to try something new or different!
• Compare prices and sales at other stores. For ex:  If Bounty Paper Towels 8pk are on sale for $10.99 at Publix, check Target and the drug stores before purchasing.  Sometimes the drug stores will give you Rewards Dollars or something similar for purchasing a certain amount some items and you can use your coupons on top of that!
• Check savings websites, such as www.iheartpublix.com  www.Iheartcvs.com  www.southernsavers.com and there are many others!  If you use Facebook or Twitter, you can like and follow many of these sites!

That's about it for now.  I will post later!  :)  Please leave comments or email me!