Pay It Forward Update

I want to thank everyone that voted for me in the Pay it Forward Challenge sponsored by Summit Credit Union. (click here to see my video)

Unfortunately, I did not win. Either way, it was a great experience and I was blown away by the amount of groceries and toiletries that I was able to donate to the Portage Food Pantry. I was so proud of my kids for their understanding and helping me get everything collected and organized. The most important part of completing this challenge was being able to help others in my community.

I'd like to encourage all of you to find a way to give back to your community. Buy one extra food item to donate each shopping trip, help a neighbor, or volunteer for an organization. It can be different for each person, but we make the world a better place when we get involved.

Have a great day everyone!

My Walgreen's deals for the week

Wow, that's a lot of food for a Walgreen's run. There were good deals to be had so here is the breakdown:

• 12 boxes Velveeta shells/cheese 3/$5, used 6 $1.50/2 IP (got a $5 RR for buying these which made the per item cost $0.50 each!)
• 2 Pringles sale 0.99 each, $1/2 MQ
• Ritz crackers $2, used MQ to get 1 box Wheat thins free when you buy ritz
• 2 Folgers coffee $4.49 with ad coupon, 0.25 MQ each
• 3 Kellogg's cereal $1.99 each, $1 MQ for each.
• Popcorn 0.39 (filler item)

My 'before' total was $49 and change. After coupons and register rewards I paid $20.54 and got a $5 register rewards back! My coupon savings was $55.92. Sorry the picture isn't so good. I'm still trying to find the best place to take these pictures!

Kmart doubles?

Hey all! I read on a blog yesterday that Kmart will be starting double coupons on Sunday. I don't have confirmation yet if the Portage Kmart is included, but I'll let you know as soon as I find out! Start thinking about it!

Weekend shopping

I made two separate trips this week to take advantage of some deals, and use a few expiring coupons. The above trip is from Walmart. Here's the breakdown:

• 2 Mini Wheat cereal $2.33, $1 MQ each
• 2 Quaker granola bars $2 each, $1 MQ
• 1 Stuffing mix $1
• 2 box Fruit bars $1.98 each
• 2 Knorr Rice sides $1.18 each, 0.75 MQ
• Apples $3.21, $2 MQ when you buy 2 Kelloggs cereal
• 1 doz eggs $1
• Country Crock butter $1.62, 0.50 MQ
• 2 8th continent soymilk $2.38, $2 IP each
• 2 Juicy juice bottles $2.38 each, $1/2 IP
• pair of swimming goggles $2

My subtotal was $37.01, but after coupons I paid $25.62. That is a savings of $11.39. I know the swimming goggles don't count as food, but we were in need of another pair around here

Here is my trip to Pierce's, where I was not real impressed with their sale this week. I was able to find a few things to buy.

• 2 Old Orchard juice $1.50 each, $1/2 IP
• 2 Surefine baked beans $0.88
• Frosted Flakes $2.58 each, $1 MQ on each
• 2 Hefty trash bags $2.83 each, $1 MQ each
• Bananas 0.97
• peaches 1.48/lb $2.86, $2 off produce MQ when you buy 2 Kellogg's
• Tomato 1.29/lb $2.12
• 2 bags Dole Lettuce 0.99 each
• 3 packs of Hormel pork chops $1.50, $2.86, $3.21; $1 MQ on each
• 3 Bagels Forever $1.15 each
• Sour cream $1.50
• Milk gallon $1.68

My total out of pocket was $27.94 with a coupon/sale savings of $32.43! Once again, I save more than I spent. Yippee!

I did make one more run to Kwik Trip to buy some more bread before the sale ends. Each loaf of bread and/or bag of buns is only 0.79! I bought 5 more for a total of $3.85

My overall grocery spending for the week stands at $57.41, well below my budget of $70 for the week. We got a refund check in the mail for our cable so we decided to also go strawberry picking yesterday. Our total there was $17 for approx 12 pounds of berries. They are all cut up and in the freezer to enjoy all winter long!

On a personal note, we had a glimpse today of what feeding 3 boys might look like when they are bigger. Hubby made french toast for dinner tonight (his specialty) and here was the breakdown:

1. Sam: 4 pieces
2. Andrew: 5 pieces
3. Nathan: 4 pieces

Keep in mind these kids are all age 5 and under! They usually are pretty light eaters, but again this was a glimpse at the teenage years to come!

Second run to Pierce's

Just call me the Koolaid queen I guess. Did you all see the coupon this past weekend? Buy 10 packs of Koolaid and get $2 off any sugar? Yeah, I found a few of those.

• 170 packs of Koolaid 9/0.99 (a very good sale price)
• 17 bags of sugar $1.68 each, free after MQ
• 3 Fisher cheese curls $0.98 each, $1 MQ
• 1 Fisher Fusions $2.19, $1 MQ
• 1 M &M 0.73, free after MQ
• 1 Cascade rinse agent $3.23, free after coupon from mailer

My total out of pocket was only $15.70 after all the coupons. My total savings of coupons and sales was $79.36. I even got the 'overage' on the sugar applied to my total of the groceries. And yes, we won't need Koolaid or sugar for a very long time. Since we went to a 'soda free' house about 4 months ago, the hubby likes to drink koolaid instead. This way, I'll have plenty on hand!

Walmart 6-23-09

I haven't been to Walmart in quite awhile, so I thought I'd head over to see what they had. Then I remembered that I needed printer ink soon.

• Peanuts $1.38
• 2 Fibercon $2.12 each, $2 MQ that I found at Walgreen's today
• Printer ink $15.97

Total was $18.70, bt saved $4 at least. It's something! Wishing I had bought a laser printer......

Walgreen's run

Seems like a slow week for deals at Walgreen's. I still managed to find a couple things to buy before my rewards expire....

• Lysol toilet cleaner 2/$5, $1/2 MQ also got a $1 RR back
• 1 pack Fibercon $2.49, $2 MQ found in front of the shelf
• 1 pack of 6 kids toothbrushes $2
• some photos I needed to pick up.

Total was $4.61 after coupons (including used a $3 RR). I saved $6.58 in coupons.

Be sure to keep track of the expiration date on those Register Rewards! One of mine was almost expired. I would hate to forfeit that money.

Also, on another note. My coupons were intensely scrutinized on this visit. Could this be from my earlier incident? I'm not sure, but each one was checked and they made sure I had purchased each item before the clerk would run it through.

The Pierce's run from the weekend

I didn't take a picture of this one, so bear with me while I go through the review. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies again this week, and I found some great coupons in the store too!

• 2 small Bernatello Pizza $1 each
• 2 Totino' pizza $1.25 each
• 2 Surefresh Mild cheddar 16 oz $2.00 each
• 2 Country Time lemonade $2 each, $1 MQ each from coupon attached to display
• 10 Kool aid 9/0.99 each
• 1 Surefine sugar $1.68, got FREE after coupon for buying 10 koolaid
• Beer $5.49 (father's day splurge)
• Wine coolers $3.99 (another splurge, sounded good on such a hot day)
• 1/2 gallon milk $1.49
• 3 Bagel's 4 packs $1.15 each
• 1 Coconut 0.99 (we are on a kick to try something new each week, this time it is coconut)
• approx 9 lbs of ground chuck $2.00 per lb.
• Spreadable cheese $2.99
• Avocado $1.99 (rip off, but I soooo wanted one)
• 4 Kiwi for $1
• 10 ears Sweet corn for $3
• 1 pint blueberries $1.66
• 2 pints raspberries $1.66 each

Total out of pocket was $62.79, and total in coupon/ad savings was $33.83. I feel like I really slipped into some old habits with this trip, buying several impulse items not on my list. Overall, we have been eating good this weekend with all the fruit and veggies! Let me know if you see any other deals out there this week.

A Rockin' Target Deal...personal best

This picture just doesn't even do justice to the MAJOR deals I got today. Frankly, even I was surprise how low my total went once I looked at my overflowing cart. And to think, I only thought I was picking up a few things......

• 5 Glade tin candles $1.67, $1.50 MQ from inside the tin = 0.17 each
• 1 Swiffer wet cloths $3.50, $1 MQ = 2.50
• 1 Dawn direct foam $2.29, $2 MQ = 0.29
• 6 Dawn Pure Essentials $2.09 ea, $1.50 MQ = 0.59 each
• 9 Soft soft pumps $2.04 each, $2 target Q = 0.04 each
• 1 Softsoft refill bottle $3.99, $2 IP and $2 target Q = -0.01
• 2 Oil of Olay bars $0.97 each, $1 MQ = -0.03 each
• 4 Mentos gum clearance $0.46 ea, 0.55 MQ = -0.09 ea
• 6 bags Target tortilla chips $2.33 each, $1 target Q = $1.33 ea
• 3 target salsa= 1 jar free for each 2 bags of tortilla chips (above)
• 2 bx True Delight bars $2.89 ea, $1 MQ = $1.89 ea
• 1 South Beach fiber bars $1.48 clearance, $2 IP = -0.52
• 8 A1 sauce $2.09 each, $2 MQ each = 0.09 ea
• 2 Pace Specialty salsa #2.09 each, $2 MQ and $0.50 target Q = -0.41 ea
• 2 Quaker oatmeal bars $2.69 (no coupons)
• 2 4pk dole fruit cups $2.04 each, $1/2 IP = 1.54 each
• 2 cans Dole mandarin oranges $0.79 ea, $0.50/2 IP = 0.54 ea
• 3 Nexcare bandaids $0.99 each, $1 IP = -0.01 ea
• 1 small Dixie paper plates $1, $0.35 MQ = 0.65
• 1 Nestle chocolate chips $2.29 (no coupons)
• 2 Ziplock containers $2.49 each, $1.50/2 MQ and $1 target Q = 0.75 each
• 6 1lb Strawberry containers $1.99 each, $1 target Q = 0.99 ea
• 4 1.25lb packs Gold 'N Plump chicken breasts $1.99 ea, $2 MQ = -.01 ea
• 3 more Gold 'N Plump chicken breasts $1.99 ea, $1 MQ = 0.99 each
• 4 pk Gold 'N Plump chicken drumsticks $2.49 each, $1.50 MQ = 0.99 each

I highlighted the free and negative amounts above since I did receive the coupon 'overage' which was applied to my other purchases. I really cleaned house on the chicken!

My out of pocket total was $45.79, my coupon savings was.....$167.36!!! Whoot whoot! This trip was definitely my personal best so far. It is possible because Target allows you to stack their coupons with a manufacture coupon.

I don't make trips down to Target too often. I have to factor in the gas cost and the time. I certainly couldn't do this with the 3 kids in tow, so I have to arrange my time wisely between all their activities. This trip was worth my time. I find that I am going down there once every month or two which seems to be working out good for my family. I don't post all of my savings just to brag or make you feel bad, I want everyone to see what is possible! You can do it too. It isn't that hard if you can keep up with clipping and organizing your coupons!

Need help getting started? Or do you have any questions? Please leave me a comment and I'll do my best.

2 Walgreen's trips this week

Here's a deal at Walgreen's that I couldn't resist. Buy 3 John Frieda Root Awakening products price at 4/$15. Use 3-$3 off coupons to make your out of pocket $6. But wait. When you buy 3 you also get a $5 RR to use on your next purchase at the store. All told, factoring in the reward, they are costing 3/$1!




Here is the picture of my other trip this week.

• 2 Oreo cakesters $2/5, use 2 $1 off MQ and get $3 in RR making it free!
• Tums $3.99
• 4 Cottonelle wipes $1.99 with ad coupon, 0.50/2 MQ
• Kleenex tissues $0.89 with ad coupon
• Lunch bag for hubby $3

Total was $16.71, but I had a $10 gift card to use. My coupon and ad savings came to $15.40. I need to go back before Saturday and get more cakesters! They are almost gone already! How did your Walgreen's week go?

Weekly groceries at Pierce's

It was a slow week for the deals at Pierce's, except in the produce aisle! I had to take 2 kids with me, so it took me awhile to finish everything. We had extra money in the budget, so there are several 'just because' items. You need to splurge and do that every once in awhile to be sane!

• Pork steaks $1.37/lb (so yummy! they cook up great in the crock pot)
• Doritos $2.50
• Popsicles 0.88
• M & M's 0.79- free with free chocolate fridays coupon
• Canola oil $2.99
• Soymilk $3.23, 0.55 IP
• Blueberry fruit bars $2.93
• Popcorn $1.69
• 2 Surefine sugar $1.68 each
• Oscar mayer lunch meat $2.79 each, $1/2 MQ
• Green leaf lettuce 0.99/lb
• green and red grapes $0.98/lb
• Mango 0.78
• Quaker oatmeal bars $3.53
• Chicken breast 3lb bag $4.68
• Meatloaf seasoning $1.49
• Kraft cheese singles $1.98 each, $1/2
• Honeydew melon $2.50
• Roma Tomato $0.99/lb
• Dill pickles $1.95

I was able to use some in house coupons as well. My total out of pocket amount was $47.45, with a coupon and ad savings of $27.84!

Looking forward to a Walgreen's run tomorrow. I'll get that post up as soon as I can! Our meals this week are mostly pre-made (we grilled up a ton of stuff on Sunday), or easy like sandwiches. Swim lessons started today and are at 4pm. Many of you may know that we are 'early eaters', meaning we usually eat supper by 4:30 or 5. So once swimming starts, it is easy meals for 2 weeks. Anything I can pre-make or make fast will qualify this week. Plus we will eat out one night because the kids all got a "free one topping personal pan pizza" card at a festival we attended on Saturday. Cheap eats!

Bread...Kwik Trip

Kwik Trip has a deal going all this month. All of their bread products are priced at only $0.79! Remember you can freeze the bread! I picked up the above for only $3.95! If you need any bread or buns, be sure to check it out!

Walgreen's "The Incident"

I knew it was a matter of time before an incident like this occurred. I have been going along with this couponing without problems for quite awhile, so I guess the odds were against me. I am letting you in on all the details because I want all of you to be empowered consumers! Coupons are like paying in cash and we should not have to endure the stares, the sighs and the tone! Stick up for yourself, remain calm, and all will work out! I would like to note that I remained calm throughout this transaction, and it was the Assistant Manager who got all worked up!

The purchases above look benign enough. Only two product, five items total. But such a great deal! Here's how it was supposed to be...

• 3 All detergent $4.49 each, $1 MQ or IP for each. All 3 bottles would total $10.47 and then you get a $5 register reward (meaning all 3 for $5.47 awesome)
• 2 Playtex tampons $3 each, $1 MQ on each, and you receive a $2 register reward when you buy two. Ends up at two boxes for $4.

We ring it up, I pay and only the Playtex register reward prints, not the All reward. I bring this to the attention of the cashier, she calls the assistant manager for help, and here's what happened. (paraphrased of course)

Her: What's wrong?

Me: I didn't get the $5 RR that was supposed to print for the All detergent

Her: (picking up the playtex RR) That's because you paid with a register reward, if you do that another one won't print

me: Actually the reward you're holding is the one that did print. I didn't pay with a RR

her: You used too many coupons so it wouldn't print.

me: No, I bought 5 items and used 5 coupons

her: (voids prior receipts and re-rings the items and rewards still don't print) What about this gift card?

me: I used up a gift card that had $2 on it, but that counts as cash not as a coupon

her: Well, you can't use a coupon on an item that will print a register reward

me: Is this a new policy? I have always used coupons to do that

her: This isn't new, it's always been this way. You are never allowed to use a coupon on any item that will give you a register reward, that's the way the policy is.

me: Then why did it print a register reward for me on the Playtex? I did the same thing on that purchase.

her (really getting mad now) That is wrong, I'm going to have to fix that, you shouldn't be getting that.

me: I have shopped this way here for almost 9 months along with many friends and this has never happened before. Can you clarify your coupon policy again so I am understanding you right?

her: (getting $5 cash from the register) look, I'm giving you your $5 does that make you happy? It shouldn't ever accept coupons on the RR. I'm trying to be nice to you here and refunding your money. I will make a note to fix the problem of the other RR's printing with a coupon.

me: could you please give the number to your corporate headquarters so I can be clear on the policy?

her: (tossing receipt at me) It's on the receipt.

And she walks away. Like I'm supposed to just go away because she gave me the money. I spend a lot of time and money in that store and I wasn't satisfied.

Well, I went home and called Walgreen's headquarters. They were sooooo nice on the phone, apologizing for my inconvenience and promising to have someone call within 48 hours. Not even 15 minutes later the phone rings and it is the Manager of the Portage store wondering how he can help me. I asked for clarification on the coupon policy with register rewards. He was familiar with my transactions because the Asst manager had just given him the receipts to look at. I explained what she told me and he actually said "I wish she wouldn't say it like that" with a big sigh. Sounds like trouble in paradise right?

He filled me in on the details. Yes, you can use coupons on a register reward deal (which I knew) unless the deal states "must spend $20 to get $5 RR". In that case, your coupon brings your total down and you wouldn't necessarily qualify for the deal. (DUH, I wanted to say). He was very apologetic, wanting to know if I was satisfied with the answer. I told him that all I wanted was clarity. She has already refunded the amount to me that I should have gotten on a reward. Turns out it was a computer glitch, but the woman would not admit it. She was determined to prove I did something wrong. Maybe she was waiting for me to give up, that it wasn't worth me time to wait for it to get figured out.

But that is MY money they have. I spend my time finding deals and driving to their store when I have plenty of other places I could shop. Using coupons is like using cash. The store gets reimbursed and they make a little extra change to account for their time. They accept coupons because they know people also buy a lot of things that aren't on sale when they are in the store too. It is a marketing tool for them! Be an informed consumer. If the store makes a mistake, wait for them to correct it. That is their job! You wouldn't just throw your money away would you? You have just as much right to shop their as someone that doesn't use coupons.

Remember, keep your cool and the truth will prevail. Be informed, and make better choices as well. Be empowered, as the customer you do have the power to make the decisions to buy or not to buy.

How are your Walgreen's deals this week? Be sure to check the blogs that I follow for a full list of deals....that's what I do!

Round two...Kmart

Well, I knew immediately after my Sunday trip to Kmart that I would need to make another one! I got lucky on Monday and got to run there child free! Here's the lowdown....

• 2 Cutter bug spray $5.39, $2 MQ- $1.39 after coupon (I warned you about my mosquito spray excitement on the last post)
• 2 Lysol toilet cleaner $2.29 each , $1/2 MQ- $1.29 each after coupon
• 3 Chinet plates $3.49, $2 MQ- free after coupons
• 3 Oust spray either $3.29 or $3.79 each, $2 MQ- free after coupons
• 4 Chef boyardee cans $1 each, $1/4 MQ- 0.50 each after coupon

My before total was $41 something, my out of pocket after doubled coupons was $8.59. Really awesome! Keep me posted on the deals you are getting.

I also ran to Walgreen's on Monday and will get to that post later. I got some good deals but also ran into a very rude/mean cashier. I even ended up calling Corporate headquarters for Walgreen's after the visit. I'm still pretty riled up, so I'm taking a little extra time to post it accurately. You'll probably be able to see it online Wednesday night. Until then......

Round one....Kmart

Here's the first of two trips (so far) I made to Kmart to 'do' their double coupons. Let me run it all down for you.....Keep in mind I am writing the coupon value before it is doubled, and that it will not fully double the coupon if the item is less than that amount. Also for the record, the cashier did not make me separate my transactions to be able to use more than 10 coupons...no hassle at all!

• 2 Hawaiin Tropic sun lotion $5 each, $2 IP coupon- $1 each after Q
• 2 Suave body wash $2 each, $1/2 MQ- $1 each after Q
• 1 Secret Deodorant $2.49, $1 MQ- 0.49 after Q
• 3 Johnson's Buddies soap 0.99 each, $3/3 IP- free after coupon (not doubled)
• 2 Miracle grow fertilizer $1.61 each, no coupon
• 1 pair swimming goggles $2.39, no coupon but was 20% off
• 2 Cutter mosquito spray $5.39 each, $2 MQ- $1.39 each after Q
• 1 Deep woods Off! $5.79, $1 MQ, $3.79 after Q
• 2 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner $2.29 each, $1/2 MQ- $1.29 each after Q
• 5 boxes Ziplock bags $1.99 each, $1 MQ- free after coupon
• 1 Cottonelle wipes $3.29, $0.50 MQ- $2.29 after coupon
• 3 General mills cereal $2 each, $1/3 MQ- $4 total for 3 boxes after Q
• 4 boxes Saltines crackers $2.69 each, $1 IP, 0.69 each after Q
• 2 Coffeemate creamer $2.99 each, $1.50/2 IP, $1.49 each after Q
• 4 Chef Boyardee cans $1 each, $1/4 MQ, 0.50 each after Q
• 4 Hidden Valley Ranch dressing $2.99 each, $1.50/2 IP, $1.49 each after Q
• Chinet plates $3.49, $2 MQ- free after Q
• 1 Folgers coffee $5.49, 0.25 MQ- $4.99 after Q

Quite a bit of stuff, I'm probably most excited about the mosquito spray. Can you say LOSER? But we go through quite a bit of it here in mosquito haven where we live. My grand total was over $100 (I wish these receipts would list the before total), I remember glancing up at it and it was over that amount. My final out of pocket was $41.46 for this trip. I was very excited because we sure brought home a lot of stuff. Plus I had hubby and all 3 kids with us- that alone is an accomplishment!

Leave me a comment and highlight your Kmart trip this week to share with everyone! Stay tuned for the next trip. I'm working on that post next!

Abbreviation roundup

It was brought to my attention last week that I use a lot of abbreviations when I am posting. I intend to keep doing so, so I will let you into the loop!

• IP- internet printable coupon from my computer
• MQ- manufacture coupon from either the insert or from the company in the mail
• WAGS: Walgreen's
• RR- Register reward. This is a program that Walgreen's uses where you get a coupon after you purchase the item in question for money good on your next visit. These are treated as a manufacture coupon good on any item and has an expiration date as well.
• OYNO- On your next order. This refers to getting a 'coupon' of sorts to be used on your next transaction at the store. Similar to the register reward, Kmart often has these deals.
• $1/2= means $1 off when you buy two items
• B1G1 or BOGO: Buy one get one item free
• SS: Smart source, one of the main coupon flyers on the weekend
• RP: Red plum, another coupon flyer on the weekend
• P&G: Proctor and Gamble, another company putting out flyers

That's all I can think of for now. Please leave me a comment if you have any questions or if I missed any!

Some Walmart deals I found

Hey all. I ran to Walmart the other day and found a few deals, plus many things I didn't need of course!

• 2 Free chocolate bars - received in the mail from free chocolate Fridays
• free Oscar Mayer hot dogs- received coupon in mail from free offer online
• 5 packs of Koolaid 0.88, 0.50 IP
• Jack's Pizza $2.98 each, $1/2 IP
• Country Time lemonade $2.28- $1/2 IP
• Minute rice instant cups $1.78, 0.50 IP
• Seapak shrimp poppers $1.58, $1/2 IP
• Graham crackers $2.50, $1 IP
• Velveeta singles cups 0.98, $1/2 IP
• Caprisun sunrise pouches $1.97, $1 MQ

My subtotal was $52.72 and the final out of pocket was $37.73 which means I saved a total of $15 in coupons. Some of my Kraft coupons are expiring this week, so I wanted to be sure to use some of them for things I would buy anyways in the next week or two.

How did you do this week? Next up will be some of my Kmart double deals!!!

Pierce's highlights

Here are the good deals as I see them this week.

• Peaches or Nectarines $1.48/lb
• Jumbo Cantaloupe $1.48 each
• Cauliflower $0.89/lb
• 2lb Baby carrots $1.99
• Watermelon $0.49/lb
• Blueberries pint $2.79 (still kind of high price, but I love them!)
• Earthbound farm organic salad $2.29, But there is a $1 MQ out there
• Kemps white milk gallon $1.78
• Surefine chunk cheese 16oz $1.88
• Crystal Farms Butter $1.48/1lb
• Kraft Philly cream cheese soft 4/$5 (use $1 coupons IP if you still have them)
• Surefresh Large eggs $0.88
• Surefresh english muffins $0.79
• Farmland pork sausage links or rolls $0.99 (stock up for homemade pizza!)
• Jif peanut butter $1.88
• Surefine Ice cream cones $0.79
• Old Orchard frozen Lemonade concentrate 4/$3 (I think there may be coupons out for this)

That is all I see for good deals. I'm not very impressed at the price of their meat this week. Luckily I've got a stockpile in the freezer. Good luck!

Don't forget about their 3 day sale this weekend. You can preview it here.

Kmart doubles are back!

Yes folks, Kmart doubles are finally back! I was waiting for official confirmation and the ad preview is available today. The down side is that you are limited to 10 coupons per day doubles which just means we will have to be creative with our deals! Sounds like a perfect time for my 4 year old to do his own transactions...And I know a couple of the cashiers as well.

I will see you there on Sunday; the day the sale starts. Check out hip2save.com as she does Kmart coupon match ups, that is what I use!

Happy shopping.

Vote for me!

If you've been following my blog, you have heard me talk about my Pay It Forward challenge. Summit Credit Union asked "What would you do with $10"? I took that $10 and turned it into $160.64 worth of food and HBA items by using my skills with coupons. I took that stash (6 grocery bags worth!) and dropped it off at the Food Pantry here in Portage.

This challenge has inspired me to continue collecting items to donate to the food pantry, and gave me a wonderful opportunity to teach me kids a valuable lesson about helping others.

The "winner" of the challenge wins $500 and $500 goes to their charity as well. My obvious pick is the Portage Food Pantry.

Please vote for me if you have the time. Use the following link to view my page:

http://payitforward.summitcreditunion.com/page.php?page=3&pid=179&sf=p

Voting will continue for a couple weeks. I may remind you again, thanks in advance. You can view the video of my stash via this link or here.