THE DRINKS ALONE WOULD HAVE COST WHAT I PAID

Everything cost only $8.76, for a savings of over 76% from the regular price of $36.75.

97% DISCOUNT

I 'splurged' and spent $1.45 on everything!

Yes, one dollar and forty-five cents. I paid 47c for the pancake mix and 49c for each detergent. The regular price was $43.28 before sales and coupons.

'ONLY' 60% SAVINGS

'Only' is how I automatically view any savings less than 75%! I typically buy at 80-90% discounts, but getting $213 in free clothing is a good deal. These nine items were $355 regularly priced; I paid $142. The ties and one pair of jeans alone would have totaled that amount.

DONATION SUGGESTIONS

Earthquake or hurricane victims, overseas military troops, local missions and food banks would welcome any of the pictured items.

I saved 94% when I paid only $2.39 for $38 worth of supplies.

DONATION IDEAS

Other suggestions that are always welcomed are any non-perishables. One way to contribute is by buying these for pennies (if not getting free) with sale prices and your coupons, especially if you are not in a position to donate cash. You may also discover that extra funds are available to help others in need when you save money within your own household budget.

An 88% savings here was made possible, when I paid $3.34 for items regularly priced at $26.82.

PAYING $8.10 = AN 81% DISCOUNT

At regular prices, I would have paid more than $8.10 for the yogurt drinks and one package of cheese.

Why pay almost $42.00?!?

THE AFTER-CHRISTMAS CLEARANCES

Within the last two weeks, I have purchased numerous gifts for birthdays and Christmas 2010. Obviously I cannot give details ... yet.

The deals are better than ever this year, which greatly benefit the frugal and savvy consumer .

I found this tiny ornament in a drugstore 28 years ago. It had been reduced numerous times. Even though it is barely 3", it was one of my children's favorite when they were small.

You never know what you will find. I paid pennies for this detailed miniature, which gave us priceless memories.

$3 MEAL

I found a store's unadvertised special and paid only $3 for this entire package of boneless chicken breasts. Since I had free pasta and sauce in my pantry from coupon/sale shopping, I knew immediately that I would prepare my mother-in-law's chicken mozzarella. I was able to triple her delicious recipe for leftovers. This always reminds us of her memory.