Target - Ripping Off Consumers

8/29/2010 09:26:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

These articles explain it better then I can:
http://wcco.com/consumer/target.coupon.problems.2.1877267.html

Follow-up to article:
http://wcco.com/local/target.still.shortchanging.2.1879428.html

Target Deals - what I got for $57.50

8/29/2010 09:17:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

So I've been shopping mostly Target lately...because they accept both a MQ and TQ for the same item (Manufacturer coupon and Target coupon). They are currently changing their computer systems (please read other post about their scam) so I'm not sure how much longer they will be allowing both qs. However, in the last 18 days this is what I have bought:

2 Dora DVD -- $2 ea
1 Whole Mushrooms -- $.49 ea
2 Celery -- $0.49 ea
5 Bread -- $0.35 ea
1 Lettuce -- $0.99 ea
2 Dole Lettuce bags -- $0.39 ea
2 Strawberries 1lb -- $0.20 ea
3 Green grapes 2lb -- $0.98 ea
2 Carrots -- $0 ea
2 Kid Cuisine -- $0.75 ea
5 Juicy Juice 8pk -- $0.50 ea
3 Market Pantry 50pk Fruit Snacks -- $0 ea
10 Nature Valley Bars -- $0.89 ea
24 Chef Boyardee -- $0 ea
2 Campbell Soups -- $0
1 Bagel Bites -- $0.24 ea
8 Bandaids -- $0.19 ea
11 Colgate toothbrush -- $0.02 ea
12 Bic 10pk pens -- $0 ea
2 Bic 8pk pencils -- $0.20 ea
2 Papermate 10pk pens -- $0.50 ea
2 Mens Shirt -- $0.58 ea
2 Mens Shirt -- $1.98 ea
1 Womens 2pk tshirts -- $0.58 ea
1 Womens Shirt -- $3 ea
1 Womens 4pk socks -- $0.99 ea
1 Flip Flops -- $0.24
1 Mens Sneakers -- $2.48
3 Air Wick Motion -- $1.48 ea
1 Glade Motion -- $1.12 ea
2 Glade Candles -- $1.48 ea
2 PUR filter pitchers -- $3.98 ea

Grand Total for all trips was $57.50

Walgreens "How To"

8/29/2010 08:24:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

I was reading SlickDeals one day and came across this "How To" Manual someone created for Wags. Thought I'd share it since it is everything I know about Wags...and how to get the most for your money.

Please Read Here.

Bargain Hunting - The 411

8/15/2010 09:43:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

So I've been asked a few times this week on how to Bargain Hunt and how do I do it all! You can also check out an earlier post HERE on Bargain Hunting 101.

The first rule is you can't do it all. Pick a few areas that you are most interested in and work those deals. So if you want to cut your grocery costs work on those deals and less on the "home goods" area...or vice versa. I like to rotate...so I'll work solely on groceries (particularly Shaws, for their double coupons, or Market Basket, for their low prices) and then switch. Right now I am doing items for the home...so the toys for Christmas deal, toothpaste, bandaids, etc.

The second rule is really just have fun. Once you start Bargain Hunting you will become addicted and soon find that you REFUSE to pay full price for things...and will often wait something out until it goes on sale.

Coupons Broken Down:

Say you have a coupon from the Sunday paper for $1 off 1 package of toliet paper. Well you could go use it right away and save the $1 or you can check your flyers and see if that toliet paper is on sale. If it is on sale for say 2 for $5 you can either wait for the "rock bottom" price of say $1.99 or use this "mid sale".

Next you can check the store's website to see if they have store coupons that can only be used in the store and "stacked" on top of that $1/1 coupon from the paper. Shaws and Target do this.

Next you buy the product:

$1.99 for 4 pack of TP (Rock Bottom Price)
- $1/1 coupon from paper (called MQ of Manufacturer Coupon)
- $0.50/1 coupon from the store
= $0.49 Out of Pocket (oop)

It's that simple.

Now there are TONS of Blogs and sites available that will do all the work for you...list what coupons to use and when. Some are free and some are a monthly fee. I list on this site about 15% of the deals I find...so that tells you how many more are out there.

Most people will say "I don't have time to do this" and I honestly can say "Neither do I" but we decided as a family that saving money in this economy was important so I spend time each night researching and reading posts to find ways to save some money. By doing this I have been able to not buy any toothbrushes or body soap in 3 years...and I still have another 3 years worth of supplies left. Now if I find a really good deal with little OOP I will buy more to add to my stock...but right now I am living off what I collected for 2 years.

Another essential is having a system for your coupons. Some people use envelopes (I do for my actual shopping trips...pull what coupons for each store and put them in different envelopes and bring my binder as backup), some people use accordin type organizers and some use binders. These 3 ring binders (which I use) have baseball holder inserts (3x3 on each sheet front and back) and the coupons are placed in the holders. Then you can organize by products so all toothpaste together, etc. Here are a few examples of the binders I found online (too much work to take a picture of mine and upload). Please contact me if you have any questions or need help beginning the process of saving money...and having FUN!

My Deals Lately

8/15/2010 09:14:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

Things have been hectic with work and life so I haven't been posting as often but I have been bargain hunting in any spare moment I have and collecting cheap or free items!

Some of the items were:

Ultimate Ears 700 Earphones. Priced $200 - I paid NOTHING! Yep I got them for FREE! I was on SlickDeals at the right night one night and scored big! Link to Thread HERE.
Amazon is running a special on diapers and groceries. Save 30% if you sign up for a monthly, weekly, etc delivery schedule (which you can cancel). Plus in both August and September's issues of Parent magazine there were 20% off coupons for Amazon diaper purchase. So I got this box of diapers for $11.xx after 30%+20%+20% off. Not bad for 176 diapers! Since I have a stock pile of dsiapers for the baby until she reaches size 3 I bought size 4. See Thread HERE.

Lately I've been shopping Target and all their deals. Since they allow you one Target coupon and one Manufacturer coupon PER item I've been getting a lot of deals. I also scored on their Toys Clearance and bought $150 of toys for 15 kids for Christmas and 7-8 Birthdays from now until January. You can get information at Totally Target HERE or SlickDeals HERE.

Lands End: Womens long sleeve, short sleeve tees and tanks at 4.99 with free shipping

8/05/2010 08:23:00 AM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

Women's Regular Long Sleeve Solid 1x1 Rib Deep V-neck Layering T-shirt 4.99, Womens V Neck Top $4.99, Layering Scoop Tee $4.99, Low scoop tee $4.99, Shirred Scoop Tank $4.99, Shadow Stripe Scoop Layering Tank Top 4.99,

http://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSl...igin=indexhttp://www.landsend.com/pp/LongSleeveSolid1x1RibDeepVneckLayeringTee~193421_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::CSH&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000001972&origin=index

Free shipping code: BTSAFF2 pin: 8180 expires 9/7/10

Train Depot Playset 50% off Amazon.com

8/04/2010 07:47:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

ZipBin Softie Train Depot Playset

$12.99 eligible for FSSS and Prime

Comes with track and 3 train cars. Nice travel pack for visits to other people's houses or to grandma's house.

http://www.amazon.com/ZipBin-Softie-Train-Depot-Playset/dp/B000W9KBWQ/ref=sr_1_1?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1280961452&sr=8-1&prv=slickdeals&cur=forums&ses=

Description:
* Features durable, wipe-clean surfaces, heavy-duty zippers and a form that collapses flat for storage
* Soft-sided set opens up to reveal a world of possibilities
* Portable roundhouse opens to become a small village surrounded by train tracks
* Measures 10.5" x 9" x 9.5"

** Today Only (8/4/10)** 1 Year PARENTS Magazine for $3.73

8/04/2010 07:41:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

** Today Only (8/4/10)** 1 Year PARENTS Magazine for $3.73
TODAY ONLY!
  • Great deal on Parents mag for 1 year!
  • Hopefully the mag will continue with the monthly 20% off Amazon coupon!!
  • Go to: http://www.bestdealmagazines.com
  • It will be listed on front page as Deal of the Day (for $4.39)
  • Use code at checkout: PXCJ88
  • Will take the 1 year subscription to $3.73

JC Penney $10 off $10, may be used on Clearance. Free shipping on all Shoes today only.

8/04/2010 06:59:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

JC Penney offers $10 off $10 when you enter code TEN2YOU at checkout. The coupon may be used on Clearance items as well as regularly-priced items. All Shoes qualify for free shipping. If you are not purchasing shoes, shipping starts at $4.50 (ship to store) or $5.95 (ship to home).

Lego Duplo Tanker Truck was 24.99, now 5.98

8/04/2010 06:55:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

Lego Duplo Tanker Truck was 24.99, now 5.98 at shop.lego.com
Lego Duplo Tanker Truck - Item #: 5605
Ages: 2-5
Pieces: 17

Shipping starts at $4.98

Fuel up with the Tanker Truck!

From fire engines to airplanes, every vehicle in LEGO® Ville needs fuel to go! Help the busy driver fill them up with the Tanker Truck. Push the button to hear the gas flowing through the hose! LEGO DUPLO® pieces are colorful, safe and sturdy for younger hands.

Craftsman 10 pc. Air Tool Set: $49.99

8/04/2010 06:53:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

Craftsman 10 pc. Air Tool Set: $49.99

Product Description

10 pc. kit includes 3/8 in. ratchet wrench, 1/2 in. impact wrench, air hammer and 3/8 in. 25 ft. air hose - plus accessories.

Ratchet wrench features:

# 160 RPM free speed
# 45 ft./lbs. of torque
# 1-1/8 in. ratchet head lets users get into tight places
# Front end exhaust directs air away from user

Impact wrench features:

# 1300 impacts per minute/7000 RPM free speed
# 230 ft./lbs. torque
# Built-in power regulator
# Pin type clutch and ring type socket

Air hammer features:

# Uses standard .401 shank chisels
# Alloy treated barrel and heat treated piston for smooth, fluid motion, longer life

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916852000P?sid=I0084400010000100383&aff=Y

$5 off $50 or more
Online: Use Sears Coupon Code SEARS5OFF50
In-store: In-store Printable Sears Coupon [Exp. 08/07]
10% off parts at searspartsdirect.com with coupon code 70062 or PARTS or 90055 or 90065

Ruby Tuesday Deal

8/04/2010 06:50:00 PM Posted by Mackenzie

From SlickDeals

Ruby Tuesday B1G1 Free entree max value $10.

Then click on the "SO CONNECTED" icon near the top of the page.
After a very very brief questionaire, put in your email address.
And withing 15 mins you will get a B1G1 Free coupon for free entree max $10.00 - via email, to your email that you registered above.