I had quite an adventure at Rite Aid this weekend. I clipped hundreds – I’m serious, hundreds! – of coupons from the Sunday newspapers from the past few weeks then cross-referenced my coupons with what was listed on sale in the weekly flyer. Made a list and headed to the store. I was worried that one of three terrible things would happen:
1. The prices would be higher than advertised.
2. They would be sold out of the products I had coupons for.
3. The cashier would be upset I was using so many coupons!
Turns out none of these things happened. I ended up getting $40.52 worth of stuff for $16.41 including tax. That’s a 60 percent discount! And yes, I bought stuff I wanted/needed.
Here’s what I bought (shown above) and with what coupons:
2 boxes of Quakers Chewy Granola bars, normally $3.59 on sale for 2/$4 + $1 off coupon = final price $1.50/box
2 Peanut M&M bags with 8 mini-packs, normally $1.89 on sale for $.88 each + $1 off coupon = final price $.38 each
1 bottle Vaseline Sheer Infusion mosturizer, normally $6.99 on sale for $4.99 + a $4 mail-in rebate and a $1 off coupon = FREE
1 stick Sure for men deodorant, normally $3.29 on sale for $1.99 + a $1.50 off coupon = final price $.49
1 CoverGirl Professional all-in-one mascara, $5.30 + $1 off coupon = $4.30 (not the best deal but I really needed new mascara, unfortunately)
2 Revlon ColorStay 12-hour eye shadow, normally $6.99 each on sale buy one get one free + a $1 off coupon = $3 each
Total: $18.53 + $1.88 in tax – $4 mail-in rebate = $16.41
I’m going to be blogging a lot more about coupons as part of an exciting new development on BargainBabe.com. More details about this announcement soon!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Was at Albertson’s and picked up $0.75 off coupons for Farmer John Hot Dogs from the Smart Source dispenser. Took those coupons to Stater Bros. this past weekend where they were selling the same hot dogs for $0.79. $0.04 for a package of hot dogs, I bought 10 packs for $0.40. Always a favorite for the kids. Will throw some in the freezer and throw some on the grill!
Great score, Sturman!
You did so great!!
a lot of stores like walgreens will allow you to use their coupons combined with the manufacturers coupons.
also, have you ever looked on couponmom.com? they were on oprah last year. their site details how to use coupons effectively. the best support they have is their page that allows you to type in what you are looking for and it will tell you if there is a available coupon and when it was published. check it out.
Fab finds, BargainBabe! I love that RiteAid takes their own coupons and manufacturers’ coupons, too. Triple bonus if you can also get a rebate through their rebate program. However, I just got a rebate check (probably from buying Pull-Ups for my daughter – rebates are frequently offered for them), and it appears that rebate checks cannot be cashed at one’s personal bank – they can only be used/cashed at Rite Aid towards a store purchase. Which is okay, too.
To Arlene~ The single check rebate program at rite aid does allow you to cash the check at your bank! I have done it a few times, the check is deceiving though because it says on it that you can “use towards future rite aid purchases” but thats just their way of trying to get you to come back and spend the money there! I bank with Wells Fargo and have had no issues with them cashing the checks so far!
I am a 2nd generation extreme couponer teaching my kids to do the same.
Let’s remember that stretching our dollars can be used to maximize our giving to those in need. I try to spend an average of $2 per week on food or toiletries. With coupons & sales, I can sometimes fill up a bag. Even if all you can afford is one extra item per shopping trip, it still helps.
For more about how demand on pantries is growing while supplies are declining, see http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/28/local/me-valecon28.
To find out the most needed donations see http://www.jfsla.org/sova/DonateProducts.php
@Katie:
Thanks for the update – in the past, my bank (a federal credit union) did cash/deposit the Rite Aid checks. But most recently (within the past month), the bank returned the Rite Aid check to me, stating that it must be cashed at Rite Aid. I suppose it depends on the bank.