T-BONES, TURKEY BREAST, ROAST + MORE

The turkey and steaks would have normally cost in excess of $55. Instead, I spent $51. on my entire order which included:

• 4 - T-bone steaks
• turkey breast (8 lbs.)
• roast (1.5 lbs. b'less)
  
• 4 - yogurts
• 2 - pasta sauce
• almonds
• white grape juice
• 24 - soft drinks
• oatmeal
  

2-DAY BOOK SIGNING SATURDAY & SUNDAY

October 2nd ~and~ 3rd
10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Swinging Bridge Restaurant, Paint Bank, VA

A COMPLETE MEAL FOR ONLY $2.49

The only expense was one pound of organic beef, which we purchased in bulk last winter. Our garden produced the fresh peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and squash. The remaining items were at no cost, from previous shopping trips. Combining sale prices with manufacturer coupons allowed my recipe ingredients (macaroni, milk, cheese, butter, rice, tomato sauce and cornmeal) to be free.

QUICK SAVINGS

I saved money even though my intended stop was for only one item. The olive oil was BOGO, so I paid half of the regular price. Everything else was either a weekly sales promotion or an unadvertised special, a result of store remodeling. I spent only $3.95 simply because I had my trusty (and very well-worn) coupon binder.

GROCERY SAVINGS WORKSHOP-Mt JACKSON, Va

LEARN TO PERMANENTLY REDUCE YOUR GROCERY BILL

A MINIMUM OF 50%

***ROUTINELY 75-90%***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, September 18

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2-hour seminars will be offered morning & afternoon session:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10:00 am - 12 noon

~or~

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

cost: $20.00 per person

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shenandoah Meeting Room

Mt. Jackson, Virginia

FREEBIES

Yes, everything was free. Unadvertised specials and sale prices were good deals. Matching these with coupons made for an excellent shopping experience.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE/SLASH GROCERY BILL

Learn how to save *at least 50%*
**routinely 75-95%**
on groceries from this day forward at one of the workshops below!

FEE: $10 each person

-------------------------
August 26, 2010 ~ 6:30pm ~ Pembroke, VA
-------------------------

August 20, 2010 ~ 10 am-12noon
Bearspring, Va United Methodist Church
-----------------
August 19, 2010 ~ 10 am-12 noon
Private Workshop ~ White Gate, VA

************
"I need this because I am losing money every day."
************

AVOID PAYING HIGH $$$ FOR CONVENIENCE

I paid $5.79, less than the cost of one fast-food combo meal. Yet I have convenient staple foods to use in a hurry for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Additional reductions on the lowest prices allowed me to save between 60-90%. I felt purchasing $385 in gifts was a great idea~provided I spent only $95.

$142. for only $19.

Taking advantage of the weekly sales ad paid off with an 86% savings. I had coupons for everything except the Gatorade. The majority of purchases on that deal's shop are included in the photo.
I also received register coupons for a free movie rental, 75c off a child's snack, and a $2. discount off my next order.

2-DAY BOOK SIGNING

July 17 & 18
11:30 am ~ 8pm

Swinging Bridge Restaurant
Paint Bank, Virginia

click here

WILL YOU DO MY SHOPPING?

This is one of the frequent questions I receive when teaching the coupon workshops. I joke that no one could afford me if I charged ~ but that I will teach you how to save as much (or more!) than I do. I did a favor for someone special, matching her diaper rain checks with soon-to-expire coupons. I added surprises, most of which were free with coupons. The most 'expensive' additional purchase (milk) cost 99 cents. Three catalina coupons from the register were a bonus. Less than $44. was spent on this shopping extravaganza, so her personal shopping consultant saved over $100.
I just love spending other people's money.

STOCK YOUR PANTRY

A well-stocked pantry will save money, in addition to time. Time savings will translate to fewer headaches and less stress.

Food that can be prepared quickly will eliminate the convenience (and high cost) of takeout. Some of these snacks may not be the healthiest but are acceptable in moderation, preventing money spent at a fast food drive thru. A backup bottle of laundry detergent is worth its weight in gold if you do not have your favorite. I stock all brands when I find a good price for gifts and donations. I use this one as an ingredient for my pretreatment spray. Fast dessert treats will be welcomed by a busy mom or your new neighbor.

I spent less than $8. here. So stock your pantry when you find a deal or two.
Here's to less headaches and stress everyone!

LITERARY MAGAZINE ARTICLE

MAKE SACRIFICES WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG

I have had the advantage of gleaning wisdom from others. 'Everything in life is a tradeoff', 'choose your battles', and 'how you manage your money is more important than how much money you have' are just a few of those jewels. One of the best that I heard, and thankfully practiced, was to make sacrifices while you are young.

Now that I am middle aged, I am grateful for simple comforts that I did not enjoy in earlier years. I drove a car without air conditioning, while pregnant and living in a humid coastal area. I used old-school cloth diapers while working outside the home. Back in the day, diaper pins and rubber pants accompanied this chore.

When you are young, there is more energy for all tasks. Thinking on your feet comes naturally. Multitasking is a given. Each day may bring unexpected challenges but no problem, that is just a minor bump in the road. But those days pass quickly and before you know it, the next phase of life is upon you.

Thank goodness I made sacrifices along the way. Budgeting for a baby's repeated ear infection was hard, but necessary. I remember rocking crying infants during the night, knowing the routine once the pediatrician's office opened. Call for the earliest available appointment. Be thankful there was enough money in the checking account to pay the full office visit. Be even more thankful that enough was left to pay the drugstore's dispensing. Self file both out-of-pocket expenses with my insurance company. Wait for weeks and weeks to be reimbursed. Celebrate the occasional correct amount!

Predicting an out-of-town funeral was not possible, but this happened to me at least eight times. The emotional upheaval was hard enough. Additional stress of no travel money would have been almost unbearable. There were numerous other emergencies that required immediate attention. While they were difficult, they were at least manageable since I was a former younger and more energetic version of myself.

My emergencies still occur, but with one huge difference. I do not have the same amount of energy that I once enjoyed. I also have less functioning brain cells to think clearly with. The number is fast approaching the level where my children are fearful that I will forget my full legal name. Thankfully I can somewhat manage because I made sacrifices when I was younger. I might be able today to do those things I managed 30 years ago. Sure I could. They just could not be done all at once, such as on the same day. I doubt I could accomplish in a week what I used to routinely finish in one day.

There is not an outlined manual or prescription for an easy life. There is, however, a simple formula to make one's life easier in later years. It is not rocket science or brain surgery. It is a combination of common sense and a strong work ethic. Prepare for the inevitable because it will happen. Not if, but when. Memorize the previous two sentences, especially the shorter one. Don't forget to make those sacrifices while you are young.

Did I mention disposable diaper advancements? When my oldest child was being potty trained, companies advertised their latest and greatest improvement. Gathered pleats at the baby's legs would prevent leaks! I grow tired at the thought of those long-ago years. Once again, I am thankful I made sacrifices when I was young.

......article by Wendi Meredith

The Bluestone Review 2010 edition
Bluefield College's Literary Magazine

HARRIS TEETER SUPER DOUBLE COUPONS THROUGH TUESDAY

If you are within driving distance of a Harris Teeter grocery store, they are offering a great deal until June 29, 2010.

Super Double is for any manufacturer coupon up to $1.98. Limit of 20 per day.

click here for full disclosure on their store policy

STOCK YOUR FRIDGE

Each cold item was either on sale or BOGO. I used matching coupons for even more savings. Surprising, I know! Less than $7 was spent on everything.

BOOK SIGNING

Saturday ~ June 12, 2010
11a - 1p
&
3p - 5p

Book Warehouse
North Myrtle Beach, SC

click here for more info

GENERIC BRANDS

I find that I can easily buy name-brand items cheaper than a generic substitute with my coupon system. This general rule tends to be true at least 99% of the time. There is, however, the occasional exception.
Due to the current economy, more retailers are promoting their individual brand. Some stores offer additional savings as an incentive for joining their rewards-card program. Several national chains have recently implemented such systems.

Each store-brand item shown had a corresponding coupon on the company website. Printable coupons included cents-off, buy one/get one free, and $5. off any $25. purchase.

INEXPENSIVE HOMEMADE LASAGNA

People have often complained to me that lasagna is an expensive dish. I do not experience that because as always, I buy when ingredients are on sale. Each recipe served 6-8 people and cost approximately $3.98. The meat and cottage cheese were both on sale. Pasta and remaining cheeses were pennies when I combined a sale with my coupons, while the canned tomato products were free. I was able to prepare four pans at one time, freezing three for future enjoyment.

COMPLETE WILLOW TREE NATIVITY FOR $100.

I have been admiring this set for a very long time, wanting to add it to my numerous nativity collection. Everyone knows how pricey these figurines are. Many people assured me that it would be impossible to get a bargain because Willow Tree never goes on sale. Really? I managed to pay only $100. for this 23-piece set. The creche retails for $95!

No, I did not buy at a garage sale...although that is fine. All were new and in their original boxes. I found part of the set half off, and later stumbled upon others marked down 50% with an additional 15% discount. I paid for the few remaining pieces with 'free' money by unloading clutter via Ebay.

HALF PRICE @ STARBUCKS

Save 50% on your favorite Starbucks Frappuccino^{®
through May 16.}

^{This promotion is good between}
3 - 5 pm daily.

Only one per customer.

Details on Starbucks Website

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This weekend only:
Champps Restaurants is offering an excellent deal. A printable coupon from their site entitles Mom to a free entree ~AND~ a card for a free meal up to $15 (with $25 purchase) each month through April 2011. Click here for details and coupon.

$1 PER SERVING

I prepared this quick and healthy meal from everything conveniently stored in my freezer and pantry. Much of it was free, with very little paid for the remaining items and ingredients. You can easily do the same with savvy shopping. I consider this one of the more 'expensive' servings that I prepare.

'MAKE SACRIFICES WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG'

My nonfiction article of this title was chosen for Bluefield College's annual literary magazine. I will offer a reading presentation at their reception with other featured artists.

This event is open to the public on April 29, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

OUTLET STORES

Outlets may be overrated but must be considered. While some are not a good deal, these purchases were very worthwhile at an outlet and surrounding stores. If you have shopped Old Navy and Gap, you recognize the quality and price. This spending spree was only $36.

MILITARY CARE PACKAGES

Nonperishable items are a welcome treat for our overseas military personnel. The most economical way to mail is via the Postal Service's Large Flat Rate Box. The sturdy box is free and the postage is discounted $2.00 when sent to an APO/FPO/DPO address. The large flat rate is normally $14.50, but will cost only $12.50 in these circumstances.

I recently mailed this box to a wonderful man who is far from his wife, family and home. I love using my coupon skills to share with others. Incidentally, I paid only $1.49 for everything.

COUPON CODE ~ ENDS 4/2/10 @ MIDNIGHT (EST)

A good deal I wanted to share:
Use promo coupon code of SHIP1 for $1.00 shipping on any $25 or more Bath & Body order. Several good deals are on their site bathandbodyworks.com for Buy3/Get 3 Free, two candles for $20, etc.

LET IT SNOW

Stocking your pantry, freezer and fridge with foods that cost very little is a wise habit to form. I continue this practice when any item is a good deal. This will save money and reduce much stress. How many times have you been forced to pay an exorbitant amount of money out of necessity?

I have watched more snow fall this winter than I have in decades. It has snowed twice this week. I was saddened for the frantic people all winter, scrambling to the store. They grabbed the first thing, paying whatever it cost.

PLAN ACCORDINGLY

For the busiest of days, an inexpensive and hot meal is possible. I froze leftover chicken and broth because I knew it was not a matter of if, but when, I would need a fast and and simple dinner idea. The most expensive ingredients in my homemade chicken noodle soup were onions, celery and carrots. The noodles and canned milk were free, so the 12 quarts cost approximately 50 cents.

IT'S NOT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE~RATHER HOW YOU MANAGE WHAT YOU HAVE

I quoted my precious grandmother numerous times in my book. She was wise beyond measure. I was blessed to be one of her many grandchildren. She often said 'you know that you are old when your grandchildren are middle aged'! Grandmother never seemed old to us. I miss her especially today, on what would have been her 100th birthday.

I FEEL ALMOST GUILTY

I served shrimp originally priced at $25.35, yet I paid only $6.75. I combined a store's buy-one-get-one-free promotion with my coupons.

COUPONING 101

I visited a sweet friend who has not routinely used coupons. Her view was one that I often hear...the coupons are not for things that her family would use. Within minutes of her private grocery-savings field trip, she was convinced! I do not routinely have access to her grocery store and took advantage of this time. We returned each day for quick shops, as this store allowed a maximum of 20 coupons. My reward was getting $421. for only $68, a portion of which is pictured.

My friend spent $33. for $111. on her first trip! She is a couponer now!!

UNADVERTISED SPECIALS

These kinds of deals are frequently available and taking advantage of them is second nature to me. Anyone who routinely shops knows the regular price of a 48-oz. bottle of oil is at least $4.99.
Combining my coupons with the unadvertised specials, I saved at least 90%. I paid $2.49 for all of this!

TEA AND MUFFINS

I was grateful to pay 48 cents for everything. Yes, everything! I 'just happened' to have a coupon for every item. Seven packages of English Muffins and eight boxes of spiced tea cost less than 50 cents.

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.

CHRISTMAS GIFT DEALS

On an earlier post, I mentioned the savings I found on Christmas gifts. Now that the big day has been celebrated, I can show some of the deals.
A few are shown here and below. A 60% savings made this gift only $44 from the original $110 price tag. The person did not have a coat of his favorite team...that is, until our gift exchange yesterday.

I RECEIVE FRUGAL GIFTS

I benefited from frugal Christmas shopping as well. This set was regularly $120, but my husband saved 75% and paid only $30. The savings went toward some beautiful jewelry!

:-)

I TAUGHT HER WELL

I am reaping the benefits in many ways. My daughter did her online research, found coupon codes that negated shipping/tax, and saved over 66% for this beautiful sweater for me.

SAVED 91% ON THIS CHRISTMAS GIFT

The recipient of this fleece jacket said that $42 was a good price.

Suuuuuure ~~~ I paid $3.97.

$34.99 SHORTS FOR BASKETBALL PRACTICE

Here is another great deal. I saved over 71% when I paid $9.99.

ANOTHER FRUGAL GIFT FOR THE SPORTS FAN

This licensed-apparel shirt was discounted 70% to only $7.50 from its regular $25 price tag.

SUPER DEAL

My son-in-law loved all his official sportswear and immediately used his new $60 hoodie. Being frugal also, he was glad we saved 70% and paid only $18. He was particularly grateful that all our savings resulted in him receiving many additional gifts!

LAST-MINUTE FRUGAL GIFT IDEA

I shared the easy-to-assemble 'Hearty Soup Mix' recipe in my book. This makes a perfect gift for practically anyone including teachers and neighbors. The cost is 50c or less per individual mix.