Here is something I have been wondering

**MJsLady** · 10-06-2002, 01:41 PM

These are the stores I have close by (with in 20 miles)
How do I go about finding and taking advantage of the best they have to offer.
Walgreens
Eckerds
Big Lots
Albertsons (Love their .99c 5lbs banana bags and usually day old bakery)
Food Basket (Iga) Will only double /triple 2 of each coupon. since we get so few coupons I do not use them much
HEB (best but high produce)
Wal mart and super
Dollar General (just do not like them much)
Family Dollar
Dollar Tree (new, so far love it!)
Target
Lowes
Hobby Lobby
Hancock Fabrics
and 1 Ace related hardware store.
And several small stores called venture stores, they are individually owned stores. Generall their prices are really high but they have better meat than any of the rest.
Ok I know there are amongst us several shopping savy ladies. I used to be but over the last year have gotten out of practice. I do have a price book started. I would like to do coupons but need to get them other than my paper, it rarely offers coupons. I do most of my baking from scratch. The only pre made meal I usually do is pasta and sauce, it runs.... $1.95 to feed me and my 2 sons, buying the Hunts sauce, pasta and a .50 can of mushrooms.
I do not get baby stuff, name brand pet stuff or cosmetics.
I am also not just interested in food savings, but for crafts and home fixer stuff too. I am sure there are others interested too, maybe we can start a thread for this.
I am curious how you guys do the great stuff you do!
Oh my thrift stores are
Salavation army ( usually kind of high prices)
Goodwill ( can find bargains if you really look but they do not like to negotiate on prices)
Christians in Action, I am not sure but think they are just local. Good prices but very messy stores!
Edited to add, shopping for a family of 4 basicaly adults (sons are 15 and 17) 2 dogs 1 gold fish and 16 cats (includes a stray that shares supper with ours!)

**mustang80** · 10-06-2002, 02:16 PM

Okay, here's my two cents!

The Sunday paper not only gives you coupons, but also the ads for all the regular stores. This is one way to compare prices. You have a price book, so you're already half way there.

The best way to acquire more coupons, is to post an ISO message on the coupon trading board. There are plenty of ladies over there that will trade coupons with you for a song. I go there when I need multiples. They can often provide me with 10 or more coupons of one thing if I want. Also, if you need coupons, just post a message that you want potlucks. We can send you a whole envelope of coupons (minus pet and baby) for a few postage stamps. This is a quick way to build up your stash of coupons.

Dollar Tree is the best, isn't it??!! Their stuff changes frequently, so you have to go there alot, same as Big Lots. But you can get great deals. I got Musselman's applesauce at Big Lots the other night for .74. CHEAP!

I hope this was helpful and not a ramble....If you have any more questions, ask away!

As far as crafts/home, AC Moore generally has a 40% coupon usually every week or two weeks. Check you Sunday supplement or if you get sale papers in the mail during the week (grocery, etc.) sometimes the AC Moore ad is in there. Check it over. I usually buy something expensive and get it CHEAP! Every once in a while, they have a 50% off coupon. Michael's also has these coupons, but not as frequently as AC Moore. They also have a birthday club, if you have kids, sign them up, and on their birthday, they get a $5.00 gift certificate in the mail.

Joanns.com is also a great place to get craft/home stuff cheap. They run specials all the time. If you have a brick and mortar store nearby, get on their mailing list. They send a 50% off coupon frequently, but you must use the coupons to remain on their list. They have great craft stuff, decorations, as well as fabric. They have an online "newsletter" that gives you online sales alerts and coupon codes as well.

**debbiepete** · 10-06-2002, 02:24 PM

Ace has a frequent shopper card. The more you spend the more you save. It helps when they have there 1.00 sales.

**MJsLady** · 10-06-2002, 02:28 PM

Danielle, I love JoAn's but they closed our store! Since I only use a web certificate i can rarely order online. I fill uyp my web cert with rewards site points. I am hoping to hit some really good on line sales after the holidays, it will take that long to get it filled again. The only craft type stores I have is Hobby Lobby, and Hancock fabrics. I went in ther once and got a very cold feeling! Like it was too advanced for me! LOL
Thanks for the ideas on getting more coupons! I read some of the adds, but i do not do paypal, i have no accounts or ccs.

**Mom23boys** · 10-06-2002, 03:56 PM

I take advantage of these weekly:

HEB...love their meal deal coupons! I always take advantage of them!
Walgreens.. like being able to use their coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item, plus I do the rebates. If you do all the rebates 1 month, then the next month your rebate check or gift card will pay for all the next month's rebates, etc. making you get free items without spending anything up front after that.
Eckerds...also do their rebates!
Albertsons...ours has a club card and with the card and coupons is the only way I get any good deals from them.
Super Wal mart ... I use alot of coupons here!!.. view their circular at http://www.walmart.com/ecircular/ca_...larfinder.gsp?
Dollar General..They also take manufacturer coupons. I only go their to get the Crest, Colgate, Butler products, etc. Most H&B items are FREE there with coupons.
Dollar Tree... love going each week to see what is new. They are always changing their merchandise. I have bought alot to put up for Christmas!

Visit these on occassion:
Target (it isn't real close to me is the reason) View weekly ad at http://targetweeklyad.target.com/wee...lyad/index.asp

Hobby Lobby (when I see something in their ad that I need, I run and get it.) There is also a coupon that is weekly on the internet.
http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/weekly/weekly.cfm

You can click here for Super Targets weekly coupons. http://target.com/common/page.jhtml;...questid=750976

Happy shopping!!!

**Mom23boys** · 10-06-2002, 04:00 PM

Also Walgreens has their rebate book online. If you don't have one, check it out!
http://www.walgreens.com/store/sundayad/default.jhtml

You can check your local ad and click on the left side for rebates.

This week the Hall's Fruit Breezers are a FREE AFTER REBATE item, but there was a coupon in the paper today that was .75 off 1 package. I will pocket .75 when I buy this product!!!

**MANDERS** · 10-06-2002, 09:21 PM

Also Joann's will have in there circular a 50% off coupon each week until christmas.And if your like me and get a double paper then that means you get 2.I combine my rebates from walgreens and eckards with coupons.I get a lot of things free and some money back,so thats a good thing.I absolutely love the $tree,was there tonight.If i run out of cleaning products that's where i'll go.Got great deals tonight.Ours is moving to a new location which it will be 3 times as bigger,can't wait for that one.

**captclearance** · 10-06-2002, 09:32 PM

Always check the ads before you shop, find out if they have a price match policy or a price accuracy guarantee. (Wal-Mart has a price guarantee policy.. if it rings up wrong.... you get $3.00 off or if the item is less than $3.00 you get it free... but you have to ask for it !!! I get stuff free all of the time !!!) Always check the end caps and clearance aisles... I have got so I know where all the clearance aisles are in the store I shop in..... My kids say I can smell a good deal... That's why they call me Capt. Clearance ....... LOL

**Patchworkgirl** · 10-07-2002, 05:32 AM

I think a price book will be your best tool in deciding if something is a good deal or not. Target has the best clearance items- but you have to check the end caps, and especially the endcaps on the inside isles. They have a schedule on markdowns, every day a different dept gets items marked down, so it's to your benefit to check back often. After a holiday,they will put all the holiday items on sale starting at 50%, then it goes to 75%, then finally 90%. Generally a Super Walmart has your best prices overall on groceries, and they will price match as explained. Boy, you are lacking in craft stores though! I hope this has helped a little. Lori, I love your name!!!

**dz_blonde_girl** · 10-07-2002, 06:45 AM

I have been searching for the Walgreens weekly as online for ..... well, I'd given up finding it. Thanks mom23boys for posting it. They have Drypers on sale again this week, and I have coupons!!!

**Mom23boys** · 10-07-2002, 08:03 AM

You are welcome Karen!

Also wanted to add, if you shop HEB, remember they have a "FRESH OR FREE" policy. If you find something on the shelf that is outdated, take it and one just like it that is a good date and tell them this one is expired and they will give you the good one free! I have received cereal, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, juice, soda, etc. free just by looking while walking through the aisles.

**heaven** · 10-07-2002, 08:30 AM

get the preferred customer cards where ever you can. I have one from albertsons and i am telling you i save so much extra with that thing. I just started using coupons and the card saves me about 5 times what the coupons do.