Debbi's Frugal Forum June 24, 2012

What stores in the area have the best deals in town? That question can have many answers. I went to three local grocery stores to get the retail price of some products that I use monthly. It was an interesting adventure because some of the prices are substantially different. If you are never going to use coupons or look at a sales flyer I would recommend going to Walmart to shop. I hope in this economy we are willing to look for ways to reduce our family spending. There are many ways to save on your monthly grocery bill. One way is tracking products that you use monthly by creating a product price book. A price book is a tool that allows you to record prices over a period of time at different stores, often over twelve weeks time. The price book helps identify the lowest price for that specific item. Once you know that price, you will be able to know when the time to buy is. Start with five or ten of your most purchased items to track in your price book. You will also be able to see that sales and coupons usually run in a twelve week cycle.

Item                                                                      Size        Kroger -                Price        Meijer                - Price    Walmart   -Price

Kraft  Macaroni and Cheese                        5.5oz                     $1.49                     $1.30                     .98

Starkist Tune                                                      5oz.                        .99                          .88                          .88

Tropicana OJ                                                      59oz.                     $3.59                     $3.29                     $3.48

Milk 1%                                                                                1 gallon                 $2.79                     $2.79                     $2.48

County Crock Butter                                       45 oz.                    $3.28                     $3.29                     $2.98

Green Giant Vegetables                                               10oz.                     $2.59                     $1.62                     $1.48

Eggo                                                                      box                        $2.49                     $2.38                     $2.38

Colgate                                                                 6.4 oz                    $1.99                     $1.94                     $1.88

Dial                                                                         3 pack                   $2.29                     $2.29                     $2.24

Old Spice Deodorant                                                                      $2.47                     $2.74                     $2.34

Gillette Shaving Crème                                  7oz                         $2.37                     $2.24                     $2.24

Pantene Shampoo                                          12.6oz                   $3.99                     $3.33                     $3.33

Pantene Conditioner                                      12.6oz                   $3.99                     $3.33                     $3.33

Yoplait yogurt                                                    4 pack                   $2.49                     $2.19                     $2.00

Kraft Singles                                                       16 slices                $2.79                     $3.39                     $2.88

Charmin                                                               12 double rolls   $7.73                     $6.65                     $6.97

Jiff Peanut Butter                                            18oz.                     $3.89                     $3.99                     $3.68

Kellogg Raisin Bran                                          23.5oz.                  $3.89                     $3.29                     $3.68

Kellogg Special K                                               12.4 oz                  $3.27                     $3.29                     $2.98

Oscar Meyer Beef Franks                             16 oz.                    $4.59                     $3.98                     $2.98

Kraft BBQ Sauce                                               17.5 oz.                 $1.29                     $1.32                     $1.00

Barilla Spaghetti                                                1 lb.                        $1.38                     $1.34                     $1.28

French Classic Yellow                                      14oz.                     $1.95                     $1.55                     $1.37

Heinz Ketchup                                                   40 oz.                    $2.18                     $2.79                     $1.98

Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise                        30oz.                     $4.38                     $4.17                     $3.98

Ritz Crackers                                                      14 oz.                    $2.77                     $2.98                     $2.50

 What I want to point out is that when you use coupons along with a sale price you can dramatically reduce the retail price on the above items. Walmart does not double coupons but does accept manufacturers and internet coupons. Meijers doubles 50 cent coupons or less. There is a limit of two identical coupons being doubled any additional identical coupons will be redeemed at face value. Meijer also allows store coupons that can be printed at www.meijer.com (under tab Meijer Meal Box) to be used with a matching manufacturer coupon. Kroger will double 50 cents coupon or less. They accept manufacturer coupons, internet coupons plus have digital coupons that can be loaded to your loyalty card at www.kroger.com. One exception is you cannot use a digital coupon with a manufacturer paper coupon for an item.

Now through August 31 up to two kids get in free at Newport Aquarium, Newport KY with each adult ticket purchased online. The tickets are good during Summer Family Hours Sunday through Friday 4pm. – 7pm. http://store.newportaquarium.com/tickets/buy-tickets.aspx

NTB is offering a $10 rebate on a $19.99 oil change this includes up to 6 quarts of multi-grade motor oil, change filter and 4-tire rotation at participating locations. http://www.ntb.com/Discounts-Coupons-Detail/12

Get $10 back by mail when you purchase $20 worth of qualifying CoverGirl & Olay cosmetics. http://www.covergirl.com/images/en-US/pdf/Rebate_Form.pdf

Blue Star Museums are offering free admission to all active duty military and their families now through Labor Day, September 3, 2012. Locate a Blue Star Museum near you. http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2012.php

Sign up for free Thumb Socks- Give People the Thumb to Stop Texting and Driving. You do have to provide your cell number for this freebie. http://www.dosomething.org/thumbwars

If you have a loved one serving in the armed forces, you can send them a free personalized folded card letting them know you’re thinking of them. http://www.snapio.com/uso/cardselection.aspx

Earn 100 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus enter to win up to 100,000 AAdvantage miles when you join the challenge to give more miles and smiles to the American Airlines Miles for Kids in Need program. https://www.facebook.com/aadvantage/app_292705677490552

Lane Bryant is having a buy two bras get two bras free sale.  Use promotional code SHOPNSAVELB to save an additional 30% off plus score FREE Shipping http://www.lanebryant.com/

Coupon Matchup:

Mitchum or Lady Mitchum on sale for $1.99 at CVS use $1 Sunday paper coupon making the final price 99 cents.

Buy two Pantene conditioners or shampoos at CVS for $6.97 use $3 Sunday paper coupon making the final price $3.97 for two.