Saving on Sunday: Walgreens 5/31-6/2

Here are some great deals going on at Walgreens this week:

Bic Soleil Disposable Razor $4.99, Earn a $1 RR when you buy one
-$3/1 from 5/17 SS insert
=$0.99 per pack after coupon and RR!

Ban deodorant 2/$3, Earn $1 RR when you buy two
-$0.75/1 from 4/5 SS insert
=$0.25 each after coupons and RR!

Duracell Batteries $2.99
Use $1/1 from 5-17 P&G Insert
= $1.99 each

L’Oreal Vive Shampoo or Conditioner Buy 1 Get 1 Free @ $4.99
Use (2) $1/1 from 5-17 Red Plum Insert or $1/1 Vive Glossy Pro (if included in sale) printable
= $1.49/each

Saving on Sunday: CVS 5/31-6/6

Its a new week and a new month at CVS! Here are some of the best deals going on this week:

Dean’s 2% Gallon Milk $1.99
Earn $1 Extra Bucks (limit 2)
Final Price after Extra Bucks: 99¢

L’Oreal Lip Care $5.99 Buy 1 Get 1 Free (limit 6)
Use (2) $1/1 from 4-26 Red Plum Insert
Final Price: $2/each

Maxwell House Coffee 11-11.5 oz. Buy 1 Get 1 Free @ $4.89 (Limit 4)
Use $2/2 printable
Final Price: $1.45/each

Campbell’s Tomato or Chicken noodle soup 10.75 oz. 2/$1

Axe Products $4.99
Use $2/1 Axe printable
Final Price: $2.99

Energizer Max AA, AAA 4 pk., C or D 2 pk, or 9v 1 pk $2.99
Use $1/1 from 5-3 Smart Source Insert
Final Price: $1.99

Nature Valley Granola Bars - $2.50/ea
Use $0.75/2 here
Final Price = $2.13/ea when you buy 2

Let me know if you see any other deals worth snagging at CVS this week! And remember to check out your local ad for more sales!

Saving on Sunday: Meijer 5/31-6/6

Here are the best deals I see for Meijer this week:

• Strawberries 1.20
• General Mills Cereal 2.00 (select varieties)
• various Qs available
• final= varies
  
• Meijer Cheese- Shredded 1.50
• Yoplait Yogurt .50-- use .40/6 Q. Final price= .33 each
  

• Blueberries 1.50
• Grape Tomatoes 1.50
• Idaho Russet or Red Potatoes 2.00 (5lb bag)
• Jeanie O Turkey 3.50
• use 1.00 off Q
• final= 2.50
• Barilla Pasta .79
  
• Meijer Grated Parmesan Cheese 2.50

remember to check your local ad for more deals and sales!

Saving on Sunday: Kroger 5/31-6/6

It's a brand new week and a brand new month! What a great time to go through those coupons and check for expiration, as well as printing off new ones on coupons.com!

Here are some of the best deals this week at Kroger:

• Milk, 1.75 gal
• Bananas, .29 LB
• Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Veggies 1.77
• Country Crock Margarine Spread 1.99 (30-40oz.)
• Tropicana Orange Juice 2.49
• use Kroger Catalina Q for 1.00 off
• final= 1.49
  
• Yoplait Yogurt . 50
• Use Q for .40/6
• final= 2.00 for six, or .33 each
  
• Tombstone Pizza 2.77
• Jumbo Cantelope 1.48
• Lettuce Head .77
• Sweet Peppers 1.20
• Dole Classic Salad Mix .98
• Honeysuckle Ground Turkey (1 lb roll) 1.79

remember to check your local ad for more deals and sales!

Budget Right: Getting Help with Debt

For those of you who read my last post on debt management here, I figured I should leave you with some places where you can get debt help if you really truly don't know where to start.

If you are struggling or unsure about your college loans (or if you just recently graduated, like me, and are dumbfounded at that huge financial commitment you made about four years ago when all you wanted to do was move into the dorms with your friends), check out this site, called You Can Deal With It. This is a great site full of resources to help your manage and get help in paying back your student loans. For example, you can learn about the different repayment options available for your loans and find out who to call if you are about to default. It also discusses loan consolidation, and gives you tips on how to practically manage your money.

If you need debt help with credit cards, this site also provides some valuable information on step by step actions you can take now to help eliminate it.

With the Obama Administration's new financial stimulus plan, there is real help for those of us (in the USA) who've found themselves unable to pay the mortgage. Click here to visit the government's website to determine if you are eligible for refinancing.

I hope this helped steer you in the right direction if you are having trouble getting debt help.

Click here to read my review of Dave Ramsey's bestselling book, Total Money Makeover. I really encourage anyone who's trying to get control of their finances to read his book. You can buy it here.

Stay tuned for more on budgeting right as well as more principles from Dave Ramsey!

Budget Right: Debt Managementt

Debt is a familiar term for most of us. Whether it be student loans, a mortgage or maxed out credit cards, debt is a real and vibrating force in many of our financial lives. Some of us like to sweep it under the rug, and put on the persona that everything is fine and dandy. But in reality, its not so fine and dandy when those statements come in. So how does a normal person deal with this? Do you pay the minimum? Do you ignore it? Is it even something that can be managed? I'm here to answer all those questions in this post about debt management.

Types of Debt

1. Student Loans-- This is referred to as 'good debt' because it really is an investment in your furture. So don't get down on the fact that you still owe over 40 grand. However, it is VERY important to not ignore this debt. If you do, you risk defaulting, causing your credit to not only plumment, but your loan will automatically be due in FULL. If you are having trouble paying your monthly payments, contact your lender. They can usually help you out by offering a lower monthly payment depending on your situation.
   
2. Mortgage-- This is your house. Believe it or not, most people don't own the homes they live in- the bank does! Right now there are tons of government programs in the works to help people who are having trouble paying their mortgage due to variable interests rates and recent layoffs. However, do not simply view your home as an investment-- it a place to live, a roof over your head. You are paying for shelter. Having a mortgage may increase your credit, but be careful not to default on these or you could have trouble taking out another one in the future.
3. Credit Cards-- Credit cards are either your friend or your enemy depending on how you use them. They can be an excellent way to consolidate finances, providing you pay the amount you owe in FULL each month. DO NOT pay the minimal amount due if you can help it. Interest rates, especially now, are jumping at unbelievable heights. If you pay the minimum, you risk getting yourself sucked into a whirlwind of debt that may take years to get out of.

There are other types of debt out there, but I am just covering the basics. So, what do you do when you find yourself with all this debt each month? Here is what I recommend you do in beginning debt management:

• Pay the minimum due each month for student loans. The bigger the payment the better, but only pay extra if you don't have any other debt.
  

• Pay the minimum due each month for your mortgage, but double up on one month each year. This will get your ahead in your payments and help you own that house sooner. It also saves you money that you could otherwise have lost due to interest.

• Pay your credit card bill in FULL each month. If you are a victim of whirlwind debt, I suggest you pay off the smallest amount first. For example, if you own 100$ to credit card #1 and 5000$ to credit card#2, pay the most you can on credit card #1 until it is paid off, but just pay the minimum on #2. Do this with each card until you have no more debt.

In my next post of Budget Right, I will cover how to get control of your finances to avoid incurring any additional debt by creating a budget.

Coupon Alert: NO inserts Sunday 5/24!

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, there will be no inserts in today's Sunday paper. However, if you still want your coupon fix, there are plenty of printable coupons available! Visit coupons.com, coolsavings.com, or smartsource.com for printables.

Budget Wednesday: Affording New Clothes

Being a woman, one of my favorite pastimes is hitting up the local mall and shopping my brains out. However, this has not agreed with my budget in the past, and I have found myself- more than once- in terrible regret after a splurge. To prevent this from happening too much, I shop strategically now.

For example, it is pointless to assume that I can go without new clothing for a year- or even a season. I needed to figure out a way that it could work for me (and my budget). The solution? Shopping the sales racks. You would think that this is common sense, but the temptation of new and in season clothing is often given in to. The way I like to go about this is to go into a store for a particular item of clothing (say, a new dress) and look ONLY for that item, preferably in the sales racks. I also keep a close eye on the Sunday ads, checking for closeout sales to see where I might get the best deal. This has worked very well for me over the past year, and I have managed to get my fix of new clothes in a much more budget friendly way.

Going to the mall without a plan is a sure path to overspending. I don't frequent the malls anymore, except when I am on the hunt for a particular item. When I do, it makes the event much more exciting and special, and I'm able to make a fun day out of it. At the end of the day, there is always a good feeling in my heart when I've not given in to impulse buys. I consider it good stewardship. Every now and then, I think its fine to get something that's not on sale- but only if you can truly afford it.

Here are some tips to finding the best deals on clothing.

1. Only pay with cash. Go to the bank and take out a certain amount you are alloting yourself to spend (say, 50 dollars). Leave your credit cards at home to avoid impulse buys and to force yourself to stick to your budget.
   
2. Make a Game Plan. Like I said before, going into a mall without a plan is a sure way to break your budget. You'll spend more on things your don't need, because in reality you aren't sure what it is you need.
   
3. Clean out Your Closet. Sometimes we forget about the things we have in our closet. Perhaps its been tucked away out of sight for the past couple of months, and you've forgotten about its existence. You might go out and buy the very same item over again, because you forgot you had one. Make inventory of the clothing you do have, and a list of things you need, followed by a wish list. You can then easily organize your shopping trips based on those lists and your budget.
   
4. Bring a Camera. I've found out that many times I am tempted to buy things simply because I like the way it looks. Color and patterns catch my eye like nothing else. To avoid buying things you don't need or have money for (or actual use for in my case), take a camera and snap some photos of it. You could then frame the colors and patterns and unique shapes in a collage of some sort. Now you have the item in your memory forever, and your wallet it happy.

I hope this helps you as you contemplate hitting the stores this season for new clothing. If you really are tight on money, I would suggest clothing swaps (such as the one Emily mentions over at Life in Cincinnati), rummaging through secondhand shops and garage sales or even making your own.

Saving on Sunday: Walgreens week of 5/17

Here are the best deals at Walgreens this week:

Band-Aid Bandages: buy 4 for $10
Use 4 $1/1 coupons from 4/26 Red Plum insert
Receive $4 Register Rewards
Final Price = $.50 each

Bayer Quick Release Crystals (4 ct): $2.49
Receive $2.49 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE

Carefree Pantiliners: $.99 (with in-ad coupon)
Use $.50/1 printable coupon
Final Price = $.49

Colgate Visible White Toothpaste: $4.49
Use $1/1 printable coupon
Receive $4.49 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE plus possible overage
--> This would make a good rolling deal

Edge Shave Gel: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/17 Smart Source insert
Receive $1 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE

Skintimate Shave Gel: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/26 Smart Source insert
Receive $1 Register Rewards
Final Price = FREE

remember to check your local ad for more deals!

Saving on Sunday: CVS week of 5/17

Here are some of the best deals this week at CVS :

Dial Soap (3-pk): $1.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 5/17 Smart Source insert
Receive $1 ECB
Final Price = $.64

Dry Idea Deodorant: buy 2 for $5
Use 2 $2/1 printable coupons
Receive $2 ECBs
Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage

Edge Shave Gel (travel size): $1.20
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/17 Source insert
Final Price = $.20

Right Guard Sport or Xtreme Deodorant: buy 2 for $5
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from 4/19 SS insert
Receive $2 ECBs
Final Price = $.50 each

Skintimate Shave Gel (travel size): $1.20
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/26 Smart Source insert
Final Price = $.20

Remember to check your local ad for more deals!!

Friday Fun: Cook Up Something New!

One of my favorite new things to do is try out new recipes. I just love looking in magazines for inspiration, since they usually come with gorgeous photos taken to make my mouth water. The key to cooking new recipes is to read the ingredient list and find out what you need. There are tons of delicious recipes out there, but sometimes they might turn out to be more than what your wallet bargained for! Finding the recipes that list ingredients you regularly have on hand will save you money and time at the grocery store.

Last night, I made Summer Chicken and Vegetable Hash from my Martha Stewart Living magazine, and I have to say it was one of the funnest things I've ever made. Perhaps it was the joy of making a dinner entirely from scratch, or maybe it was the excitement of a new recipe-- I was hooked! My husband and his brother thoroughly enjoyed it, so I plan on adding it to the rotation of meals from now on. Although it took longer to prepare than most meals I usually make, it was well worth it for the fun!

This Friday, consider trying out a new recipe this week. We all get stuck in a rut with our meals sometimes, and trying out new versions or takes on old staples are a great way to break out of it. To search for recipes by ingredients, visit Super Cook. Or try All Recipes.

*Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

Hot Deals: Walgreens 5/10-5/16

Below are some free or nearly free items at Walgreens this week!

Buy (1) Colgate Max Fresh or Max White toothpaste at $2.99, receive $2 in Register Rewards

- $1/1 from the 4/26/09 Smart Source insert

- Final price - Free after coupon and Register Rewards

Reach Prevent toothbrush - $0.99 with in-ad coupon

- $1/1 from the 4/26/09 Red Plum insert

- Final price - Free

Sure for Men - $1.99

- $1.50/1 from the 5/3/09 Smart Source insert

- Final price - $0.49

Be sure to check your local ad for more deals!

Hot Deals: CVS 5/10-5/16

Here are some hot deals available at CVS this week!!

Buy (1) Bayer Quick Release Crystals (4-ct.) at $2, receive $2 in ECBs (limit 1)

- Final price - Free after ECBs

Buy (1) Schick Quattro for Women razor at $8.99, receive $4 in ECBs (limit 5)

- $4/1 from the 4/26/09 Smart Source insert

- Final price - $0.99 after coupon and ECBs

Kellogg's cereal (Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, Corn Pops, Rice Krispies, Apple Jacks, or Froot Loops) - 2/$4 (limit 4)

- $1/1 printable coupon here

- $1/1 from the 4/5/09 Red Plum insert

- Final price - $1.00

St. Ives Apricot Scrub (1 oz. trial size)--$1.49
Use $1.50/1 Q from 5/10 insert
Free after coupon
Remember to check your local ad for more deals!

Don't Throw Away Expired Coupons!!

If you use coupons, chances are you have a few expired ones laying around. If you're like me, then you tend to have billions of them at the end of every month. I always feel a tad sad that I didn't get to use them- most of the time they were forgotten about or didn't line up with any sales.

Here's a great reason to keep those expired coupons- overseas military families! When I found out that the Overseas Coupon Program existed, I instantly jumped at the chance to help. For many struggling families, these coupons are little pieces of blessing we can send their way. So the next time you shuffle through your coupons, ship off the ones that are expired and support those fighting and upholding what America stands for.

To find a base where you can send yours, click here.

Saving on Sunday: Meijer 5/10-5/16

Be sure to hit up Meijer this week if you can- there are some great deals going on- including 80 cents for cereal and 50 cents for bread!

Aunt Millie's Bread Bread
On sale 1.19
Use .35/1 Q from 4/26 or 5/10 RP
= .50 each!

Select Kellogg Cereal (double check your coupon for sizes)
On sale 5/9$
Use printable 1$/1 Q here and here
= .80 each!

Nestle refrigerated cookie dough - 2/$4

Use $1/1 from 3/29/09 RP OR $1/1 printable here and here

Use $1.10/2 Meijer Mealbox Q here

=0.45 each

Oscar Mayer wieners - 4/$5

Ues $1/2 from 5/10/09 SS

Use $1/2 Meijer Mealbox Q here

=0.25

Chiquita bananas
On sale for 0.27/lb.
(this would be a great week to make some banana bread!)

DiGirono 8" pizza - 3/$9.99

Use $1/1 Meijer Mealbox Q here

=2.33 each

Be sure to check your local ad for more deals!

Comments Problem

--> Update<-- Comments are now working!! Hooray!

If you have been trying to leave comments on Wallet Wise, you may have realized that it is not working. I have no idea how or why this is happening, but I am working on resolving the issue. If you would like to reach me in the meantime, feel free to send me an email at sugarloaf10-at-gmail-dot-com.

Friday Fun: The Library isn't just for Nerds

I love libraries, and anyone who knows me can ascertain the fact that I consider it quite a fun trip to visit one. Before you stop and label me a nerd (even though it may be partially true), here's why libraries are so great in my book!

1. They are FREE. When you are living on a budget, you have to remind yourself sometimes that no, you cannot buy everything you heart desires. That's where the library comes in. As long as you return your items when they are due, you can check out zillions of books, movies (and yes, there are some good ones there!), magazines and even paintings! (The latter part is definitely true- I once checked out a lovely painting for my bedroom for 3 months)

2. They are CLOSE. Just about every city has a local library nearby, or at least a branch. If not, there is probably something known as the book-mobile that comes by once a week. I grew up in the country suburbs, so visiting the local branch was quite a drive. However, the book mobile came once a week and parked right in front of our grocery, which allowed me access to books. You can reserve a book online to come through to you on your bookmobile just like you can request a book from another branch to be sent to your local one.

3. Activities and Groups. Libraries are great places to visit for their many scheduled activities and reading groups. For kids and teens, there are usually quite a bit of programs going on (especially in the summer months) that are free. I remember attending a craft event at my local library while I was in high school, and we learned how to make personalized stationary and envelopes, which I thought was pretty cool in those days (ok, I still do!). For adults, believe it or not, I have seen a free belly-dance class offered at my library. It was pretty awesome to peek in and see so many ages of ladies shaking their hips to upbeat music.

4. A Wealth of Knowledge. I have to admit, I get quite obsessive about things sometimes. When there is something that I am interested in, such as the writing syndicate that created Nancy Drew, I research the brains out of it. From backpacking and camping to cooking and housekeeping, the library is the perfect place to fill up with more knowledge. Because sometimes, the good old internet doesn't quite cut it and you need a book or two to show you the how or why.

All this talk about libraries is certainly making me want to get some books! I hope this post finds you well this, um, Saturday (I do seem to be getting behind on my days of the week posts!), and that you and your family found a new way to have fun this week without breaking the bank!

To find a local library near you, visit www.publiclibraries.com!

Budget Wednesday: When Time is Money

Some of you may have noticed the lack of updates recently. This is due to the fact that I will be graduating from college in a week and a half and thereby have been swept with busyness! On Sunday, my husband and I also ran our very first half-marathon (click here to read all about it), so we have been extra tired as well. So please bear with me as I try to update these next few weeks! Guest posts are always welcome- please send me an email if you are interested (sugarloaf10-at-gmail-dot-com). Ok, on to this week's post!

Many times couponing can take more time than it is worth. For example, this week has been extremely busy for me, so I decided not to travel to the 3 different stores I usually do for grocery shopping. Instead, I paid a little more and shopped in one place. Taking the extra time to go to the other stores would have saved me money, of course, but it wouldn't have saved me any time! And at this point in my life, time really is money.

I think it is important to realize that we can't always be the super couponer we aspire to emulate. Life takes over, family takes over, obligations take over. Sometimes, you have to make to decision to spend that extra 10 dollars in exchange for being with your family. After all, what is a dollar saved if a relationship/job/obligation/friendship crumbles? I guess it's all about setting your priorities straight and realizing that sometimes things just aren't going to work out the way you expected.

It's important to have this attitude towards your budget as well. Don't be so rigid that you have absolutely no elbow room. Allow for some leeway during times of stress, emergencies and special events. This can be particularly difficult if you have friends with a much larger budget than you, since saying 'no' to every dinner out is likely to put a strain on the relationship. Give your budget some slack so that once in a while you can 'yes'.

What times do you find it hardest to stick to your budget and/or couponing ambitions? How do you handle it?

Hot Deals: FREE KFC entree! Hurry!

Thanks to my awesome aunt, I can share this wonderful deal with my readers!

Click here to get a coupon for two pieces of grilled chicken, two individual sides and a biscuit!

Limited Time Download
Coupon download available from 9 a.m. CDT on May 5, 2009, to 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 6, 2009. Coupon is redeemable at participating KFC® locations in the United States from May 5, 2009 to May 19, 2009—excluding Mother's Day, May 10, 20099.

You can print up to 4 coupons, so share the love!