Coupon "Harvesting"....Time to start!

Attention New Members!
If you haven't started yet, it's time to begin collecting coupons
NOW!

In order to maximize your stockpiling efforts, it's important to have a nice supply of coupons ready when a sale begins. In this blog, I'll quickly share with you a few ideas that have helped me greatly in this new journey.


WHERE TO GET COUPONS

Clearly, we all know that most Sunday newspapers have at least 2 coupon inserts included inside each week. These are a must-have! Purchase as many newspapers each Sunday as you can justify spending the money on. Here in my area, my local city paper is actually quite lame in the way of coupon inserts- most of the time there is a flimsy little "few page" insert that usually contains more "Fingerhut-ish" type item ads than actual coupons. This is a waste of my time and I've learned not to buy them. We have the Joplin Globe (next largest town) which has more in the way of coupons- and they have the store circulars (Walgreen's & Target) that I need each week, so I purchase 1 (one) copy of the Globe. Better still is the Kansas City Star. This paper has more coupons, better coupons- and I've never purchased one that had missing inserts. They are more costly than my other options, but I MORE THAN make up the money in my weekly savings. I always buy 5 Kansas City papers which cost me $10.00. I bring them home, quickly retrieve the inserts, MAYBE glance at a section or two of the news (not local, so I don't spend much time on it) then stack the papers aside. These will be donated later to the humane society who is always needing newspapers for the kennels.

It's so important to have multiple sets of the weekly coupon inserts- that way, when a teriffic deal comes around, you'll have several coupons to use and can buy more than one of that item. If you're planning on starting a stockpile, this is just a FACT. Analyze your situation. Ask yourself how serious you are about buying in bulk. Decide how many newspapers you can afford to buy. Commit to it.

The next step is to get creative! I recently read an article that stated only 6% of all printed coupons from newspaper inserts are actually redeemed! Now that I've been doing this, I just can't imagine the percentage being so low! That means 94% of all of those lovely (and extremely valuable!) coupons are filling our landfills- and wasted. Now, this article was dated a few months ago, and I wouldn't be surprised to find the percentage of redeemed coupons is on the upswing- but still! There are SO MANY out there just begging to be rescued and used! What to do? Ask friends who don't use them if you can have theirs, ask neighbors, ask people from church! People are usually more than glad to pass them on to someone who will take the time to use them. If you have a recycling center nearby, the chances are excellent that you'd be able to grab quite a few. I was lucky enough to find a convenience store in my town (Casey's in Carthage- all you locals better back off!!! :) whose manager and I have struck up a friendly relationship. I go in on Monday afternoon and he allows me to have all of the inserts from the unsold Sunday papers. (In order for the store to get credit for the unsold issues, all he has to do is tear off the front page and turn them in to the newspaper carrier.) This week, I was given 45 inserts from the left-over KC and Joplin papers! I was positively giddy! Combined with the 5 papers I'd bought the day before, I now have 50 full sets of coupons. Plenty to share! With a little "digging", you can find your source, too.


WHICH COUPONS TO CLIP

Honestly- my recommendation is to save every coupon you can get your hands on! You never know when one of our "savings stores" is going to run something on special for a week that includes the register rewards. You may be like me and have tons of coupons for Robitussin cough syrup or Maalox, see an opportunity where utilizing your manufacturer's coupon along with store coupons and sales will result in a profit for you in the end! Even if it's not necessarily a product you or your family use or would regularly purchase, you could always donate the item(s) or save it back to have a big garage sale in the spring- all the while, pocketing the excess money the store GAVE you for taking the item off their hands!

Here's a little tip I've found out: the coupons you get from your newspaper most generally will not match up with a sale for about 3 or 4 weeks later. The psychology behind this (especially for brand-new products just released on the market) is that the manufacturer releases a coupon hoping to generate interest in their product to get the consumer to run out and buy it because it's: A. a new product you may have been noticing advertised on TV commercials, now you have a coupon and you're just DYING to try it; and B. it's seasonally-timed just right and it's a type of product you may be needing during that particular time of the year. Usually, about 3 or 4 weeks after the release of the coupon in which the manufacturer hopes you've already used, the item goes on sale. SINCE you've supposedly already bought it, tried it, loved it....they are hoping that now you see it's on sale, you'll buy it a second time. It's proven that once a consumer buys twice, they're more than likely to then be "hooked" on the product and will then be a loyal, repeat buyer. Moral of this story? Get your coupons, hold on to them for a few weeks to wait for a coordinating sale, THEN use the coupons! Any time you can match coupons with a sale, you're going to come out ahead of the game!

ORGANIZATION

This whole couponing experience can easily turn into a huge mess! You may wonder: what's the best way to keep organized, how do I keep it all straight, and how do I match coupons with weekly sales? Simple answer- GET ORGANIZED! The best way I've found is by using what others have referred to as the Binder Method. At first I was using a 1" 3-ring binder and after the first or second week, I realized it wasn't big enough. I've switched to a 3" 3-ring binder, and that's working out a lot better. I bought a package of the plastic pages used by baseball/trading card collectors that are 9 pockets per page. Then I bought some self-stick tabs to be able to easily flip to the page in my binder I'm looking for. This works out nicely, as I'm not having to flip through a small accordion-type organizer typically used for coupons, because it allows me to view 9 coupons at a time instead of only one, and keeps all "like" coupons together. Some coupons need to be folded to fit into the pockets, but I just fold it so that I either see the product name or a picture of the product while flipping through the book. This method of organization is also nice, because binders have pockets to keep my sale ads (circulars) or other items I may need while out shopping. My sister-in-law, Nicki, uses a zippered binder, and has reported how much she likes it. Some people keep a pencil case inside that attaches to the rings of the binder to keep pens, a small pair of scissors, a notepad and maybe a calculator.

I'm hoping this blog helps you discover the best way (that works for YOU!) to accumulate multiple sets of weekly coupons as well as provide assistance in helping you get organized! Please, if you have other ideas that could help someone else, please leave a comment we can all read!

Next blog: a "Diaper Update" and a few links to some free (or really cheap) goodies you can take advantage of NOW! I'll post again later this afternoon......

Diapers: What you need to know!

This weekend, I took advantage of the Walgreen's diaper sale on Saturday evening and a couple of times Sunday (yesterday). Just wanted to post a quick blog to let everyone know what to expect when you go in to get you own supply!

There was speculation as to exactly how this would all play out and whether or not an advertised discount would apply to this particular transaction. So, I've done some diaper shopping myself and have the following to report....

The most important thing to remember is YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE COUPON FROM THE PHARMACY!! This lowers your total amount due by $4.00, so be sure to get your hands on one of these! You should be able to keep the coupon to use repeatedly. They've never taken mine, so I've been working with the same coupon for ALL of the packages I've purchased. So, I cannot stress this point enough: get the coupon booklet from the pharmacy before anything else! And another thing: leave the coupon booklet intact. Don't remove the diaper coupon, just fold the booklet over to the page the coupon is on to show the cashier.

IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE GETTING THE BOOKLET, PLEASE CONTACT ME, AND I'LL HELP YOU! I DO HAVE SOME EXTRAS, AND IF YOU NEED ME TO, I'LL GET ONE TO YOU- EVEN IF YOU'RE IN ANOTHER AREA!

After you have that coupon in your hot little hands, go to the diaper aisle. Buy 4 packages. These are the Walgreen's brand of diapers- usually found around here in Missouri in red packages. Sometimes you'll find a white package and sometimes a light green package. ANY Walgreen's diapers will work. They ring up $7.99 for the first, $1.00 for the second. They are advertised as being on sale at $8.99- BOGO free.

After your cashier scans the 4 packages, show him/her your coupon from the pharmacy. They can either scan the coupon with their little scanner gun, or they can type in the last four digits of the coupon from the barcode. This is a Walgreen's STORE coupon, the register will deduct $2.00 off for EACH package you have- even the FREE ones. And since it's a store coupon, it doesn't need to be collected and put into the register like manufacturer's coupons. You should be able to keep it. If they insist, hand it over. Just go get another one from the pharmacy for your next transaction.

So, after the diapers have been rung up, your coupon has been scanned, the cashier will tell you your total. With tax, it's been $10.72 at my store. I've had register rewards to use, as well as a rebate card from last month, so I've used those to pay, and have spent nothing out of pocket thus far. After each trip, I come home and enter my receipts into the Walgreen's website for the "W" card (Prescription Savings plan) which gives 10% back for all Walgreen's HOUSE brand items. This is giving me .90 cents back for every 2 packages.

Bottom line: $20.45 (plus tax) will get you 10 packages of diapers!!!

There are 2 more points to consider....the first: as I mentioned in the previous post, there's a possibility there will be a $5.00 of $20.00 purchase coupon come out for this upcoming weekend. If it does, it will probably be on Thursday late afternoon. (I will immediately post this information as soon as I find out, if it happens!) If so, you will be able to purchase 10 packs of diapers for $15.45. This would be in effect for Friday and Saturday only. Sweet!

Second: If you don't have any of your family's prescriptions filled at Walgreen's, you could transfer a prescription and get diapers for free. Here's how: Walgreen's is offering (through January sometime) a $25.00 gift card for a transferred script. I've found they will do this once for every person in the household. We've done two. That was an easy $50 bucks- which I used toward diapers, of course!

So far, I've come home with 28 packages, and not a penny has come out of my wallet!

Get out there and buy some diapers! Even if they are currently out of the size you need...get whatever size you can and exchange them later for the correct size. You just can't go wrong with these prices!

Happy hunting!

Oh, baby baby!!! GREAT diaper sale next week!

It's time to stock up on diapers!!!
Amazing sale begins 11/2 through 11/8
You WILL NOT get them any cheaper than this!!!

If you have a little one in diapers or know someone who could benefit by knowing about this sale, please read the following information! This will be a great opportunity to plan ahead and buy what you think you'll use until your child is out of diapers, if you have the room to store them! If you don't have a diaper-aged child to buy for, you should still take advantage of this opportunity! How many baby showers do you go to? Could your church or favorite charity use a nice donation? Read on.....

This sale is for all sizes of diapers and training pants!!

Here's how the deal will work:

Walgreen's will have the jumbo packs of diapers/training pants on sale next week for $8.99/BOGO (buy one, get one free) so....

2 packs x $8.99 = $17.97
BOGO offer -8.99
Total = $8.99/2 packages
Or $4.49 per package

This, in itself, is a pretty good buy.

BUT WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!!!

This is the KEY to make these diapers a STEAL:

There's a "secret" little coupon that you can find in the pharmacy at Walgreen's. You have to ask for it. Details are: Go to the pharmacy. Ask an associate to explain the new prescription savings plan to you. You don't have to participate in the plan. Once they tell you about it....it just takes a minute...they will give you a coupon tri-fold leaflet that is mostly red, white lettering, has a pic of Walgreen's on the cover, and has a big $50 Savings on the top. This is free. They are obligated to give you one when you listen to their spiel about the new prescription program. (Which isn't a bad program, by the way. It costs $20, you get a savings card called a "W" card, and then you earn 10% back on every Walgreen's brand product you buy- which by the way would apply to this diaper deal, since the diapers are Walgreen's diapers. You can do it if you want, but just keep in mind, you don't have to in order to get the coupons!)

The great thing about Walgreen's coupons (their OWN coupons, not the kind you get out of the Sunday paper), is that since they are STORE coupons, they don't have to keep them and put them into their registers. All they have to do is scan the barcode on the coupon or type in the last four digits of the coupon, and you get the savings AND get to keep the coupon for future use. These don't expire until 12/31/08.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT TEAR THE COUPON OUT OF THE BOOK!

So, in the middle of this coupon booklet, towards the bottom, there's a coupon for $2.00 Walgreen's diapers or training pants. The registers are programmed to accept the coupon for as many packages of diapers you buy, not just one package. So, here's the way the deal looks now:

2 packs x $8.99 = $17.97
BOGO offer -8.99
Use Rx coupon -4.00
Total = $4.99/2 packages
Or $2.49 per package


If (and remember this is YOUR choice) you decide to sign up for the "W" card when you listen to their prescription savings plan, you will earn 10% back for all of your diapers you purchase....and that's the PRE coupon price. It's not instant savings, but it works like this: you register as a user on Walgreens.com and enter your receipt numbers after you get home. You earn 10% for every purchase of Walgreen's items.

THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THE DEAL COULD BE EVEN SWEETER THAN THIS!

At least a couple of times per month, Walgreen's puts out a coupon (online) that states $5.00 of a $20.00 purchase. Next week (probably Thursday) would be about the right time of the month for them to do this, but they may not. If they do, the packs of diapers will be about $1.88 each! I'll keep my eyes open for the coupon and let you know...and I'll do the math on my end so you can see exactly how that would work.

If you've read my other posting on stockpiling, you may remember that there are other deals you can take advantage of (they're different each week) that actually earn "store credit", aka: Register Rewards to be used toward your next purchase. If you are interested in doing any of these, let me know, and I'll help you. If you DO decide to take advantage of the register reward program, you can use the register rewards (RR's) earned from another item to pay for your diapers. Then you would be bringing home free diapers and say, free shampoo- or something like that.

If you're serious about wanting to stockpile a SERIOUS amount of diapers, the above mentioned RR way of shopping is the way to go. You could literally take home 100 plus packages........

FOR FREE!!!

So who wants to save a bundle of money?!?

As promised, this blog is my story about something new I started just 6 short weeks ago. I will update regularly, post many photos, and gladly answer any question you may have! I mentioned in my previous "teaser post" that this is not a sales pitch! It's just a new way of looking at shopping. I paid nothing for this information, I just learned how to do it by lots of research and by trial and error. This is just my way of sharing with my family and friends how you can save money, too! If you're interested in learning the tricks of the trade, I'm more than willing to help!! It's FREE!! You don't have to buy anything, there is no book, nothing to order- just information- from me....because I love ya....and want you to have a big fat bank account!

Background- Purex Laundry Detergent!

I've always loved finding a bargain...I think everyone does! There's a certain thrill attached to paying less-than-retail prices for items you use and need in your home. I remember back in the early '90's, I was shopping at a grocery store and noticed a display for laundry detergent (if I remember correctly, it was Purex powder- and before it was all the rage to buy liquid detergent) that had a large sign announcing the sale price as .99 cents each. As I walked past the display, my eyes quickly focused on a little yellow "peelie" (a sticker attached to each box which was actually a coupon) that said .50 cents off. It didn't take but a second or two to remember that the grocery store I was in doubled their coupons.

Before I could think twice, I placed several boxes in my shopping cart and went to the register to pay. The cashier rang them up, scanned the coupons (which doubled at the register) and I made a penny for each box! All I had to pay for was tax, which I think was around .05 cents each. I practically skipped out to my car...not believing the marvelous deal I'd just stumbled upon! But before I left the parking lot, I thought to myself, "You'd better go back in and get some more! Laundry detergent doesn't go bad! When are you going to find another deal like this?" So, back into the store I went- grabbed another 10 boxes or so, just paid the tax, put them in my car...and went back in AGAIN! I can't tell you how many times I did that over the course of the next several days. All I remember is how I ended up with a gigantic stash of Purex powder and didn't have to buy more for at least a year...and the best part was it was practically FREE!

That Purex experience has stayed with me all these years, and I've often found myself looking for a bargain that could compare. I don't think I've come across such a sweet deal since then. That is, until now.

Our economy today

Let's see a show of hands. Who's worried about finances? How many of you are facing tough times and trying to figure out just how you're going to make it? Anybody worried about not having enough money to even cover the basics to care for your family? As I'm writing this, I just heard the heat kick on. Every single time I feel the cozy goodness of warmth on my skin, I begin to wonder how high will the price of natural gas be this winter...and can I afford to have my thermostat set at 70 degrees or should I scale it back to 65 and put on some extra clothes?

We're all worried. I've had stuff like this on my mind for several months now, but just didn't have many ideas as to what to do about it. Thank God we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, cars to drive, a steady paycheck, a retirement account (at least what's left of it after recent turmoil on Wall Street, right?).....but it's scary to think that none of these things are "a sure thing". All it takes is the loss of a job and most of us are sunk. I recently read that the majority of middle class Americans are just a paycheck away from being homeless. Does this scare you as much as it does me?

What I "accidentally" decided to do about it.

In September, I was browsing the internet for a recipe I'd once seen on how to make apple butter in your crockpot and then can it in jars. You know how it goes....you're looking for something in particular, but something else catches your attention and the next thing you know, you're off in left-field somewhere reading about something completely unrelated! That's what happened to me that day, and I found myself reading stories and looking at photographs of "stockpiles" of groceries and household products that people were claiming to have paid just pennies on the dollar for or in some cases, the items were free! This interested me so much, and I poured over all of the information I could find. I thought to myself, "Jodie, you can do this. You NEED to be doing this." So I started by writing everything down in a notebook. Armed with all the information I felt I could absorb, I headed off to the store. This was my first "purchase".





Here's how it breaks down:

2 Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash
2 bottles laundry detergent
3 bags of Chex Mix
6 bottles of Robitussin cough syrup
2 packages of razors
2 tubes of Colgate toothpaste

My original subtotal for all products: $58.96
After discounts I paid out-of-pocket: $8.15
$ earned back at end of transaction: $14.50 (to use as cash)

Subtract $8.15 from $14.50: $6.35 profit

I WAS PAID $6.35 TO TAKE THESE ITEMS FROM THE STORE!

Here's a photo taken a few days later. (Notice how the pile is growing)



Now there's body wash, dishwasher tablets, Kashi granola bars, Oust spray, shower cleaners, several bottles of Windex, more toothpaste, mouthwash and razors...and probably more I can't see in the photo...all this IN ADDITION to the first photo. See how the "stash" is growing? Looking back at my notes from my first few shopping excursions, I wanted to mention that at this point I was out of pocket (total for all trips) $11.57. The merchandise total was $133.48 and I had a stack of "to be used as cash" slips that were given to me by the store amounting to $44.00 that I could spend on anything I wanted/needed to spend them on. The reason my out-of-pocket expense is so low is because these "cash slips" were used to "buy" more items. I focused on picking up items that would PAY me more "cash slips". So in essence, I was rolling this store cash from one purchase to the next, paying with their money instead of my own- and earning more store money with each purchase....so the "cash slip" value was accumulating, even when I was coming home with more and more merchandise. Clear as mud? I know it's a concept that takes a bit to wrap your mind around. Just trust me...it works.

Let's take a minute to answer a few questions I know you must have after reading this blog thus far. I anticipate being asked the following:

1. Jodie, what in the world are you going to do with so much "excess"?

When I first started, I wondered, "How much is enough?". After giving it a lot of thought and consideration, I decided it would be great if I could "purchase" enough of the products to last a year. The key point to remember is that WE don't have any control whatsoever over what the stores choose to place on sale on any given week. The important thing to keep in mind is, no matter what the product is, if it's something you and your family will use, buy enough of it to last through YOUR predetermined time. (As mentioned earlier, I chose to buy for a year, if possible. You may only want to do 6 months, or you may choose to look ahead for TWO years. Whatever the case, the choice is yours.)
Since we have no control over what's on sale from week to week, sometimes you're going to come home with the oddest-looking "haul". My husband looked at me as if I were insane when I kept bringing home bottle after bottle of Robitussin. When all was said and done, I had over 30 bottles! Now before you think I'm insane, too....let me tell you why I had that many. One of the sales of the week was Robitussin for $3.99 per bottle. I found a coupon online that I could print off over and over as many times as I wanted to- for $3 off any Robitussin product. Yay! This made each bottle .99 cents. The store I shopped at had a little "bonus" going on during that particular week. For every 3 bottles of Robitussin you buy, receive $10 "cash slip" to be used on your next purchase. So, 3 bottles @ .99 ea. = $2.97. The store GAVE ME $10.00 at the end of the transaction which was a profit of $7.03! I would have been crazy not to have purchased as many as I did! We kept what we felt we could use and then made a donation to The Carthage Crisis Center who were delighted to receive them since the cold and flu season will be here before we realize it.
I was able to take the $10 from the Robitussin transaction and "roll" it into one of the OTHER store's bonus deals which also gave me "cash" back at the end of the transaction. (So, use the Robitussin money to pay for, say, mouthwash- get the mouthwash free plus "bonus money" for buying the mouthwash. Use the mouthwash money to buy more Robitussin, get more free money, buy more mouthwash...you get the idea. It can go on forever!)
In summary, sometimes I buy MORE than I need in order to cash in on the "free money" the store gives me for buying a particular product. In the end, we keep what we think we need for a year and donate the rest.


2. Is this legal? Are you cheating the system?


YES!! This is absolutely legal! NO!! You're not cheating the system, just being a smart shopper! As you know, all major chains have a marketing division. This marketing division within a company decides (based on lots of consumer data) what they're going to place on sale from week to week. Then they create the sale ad/circular that you generally get in your Sunday paper. These marketing agents/reps are very smart people! They work hand-in-hand with manufacturer's of the products we all buy to decide what KIND of sales and discounts will be offered on their products.
When the ads come out- you'll usually find the best buys strategically placed where your eye is naturally drawn to them. Photo enhancements, special lettering, attention-grabbing wording...all these are used to get you to notice that THIS particular product is on sale- and a really good sale at that. Stores expect there will be great turn-out from customers to purchase mass volumes of these super advertised sales. They have studied consumer spending habits and know that in most cases, all they have to do is get you to walk in the store...the rest will happen automatically. If they can get you to walk into their store to buy the current "hot" item, they think they've got you hooked! They think you'll see other things you need or want- and spend more money in the store. And they LOVE it when you bring children into the store!! Nothing screams "impulsive buyer" like a mom dragging 2 or 3 sleepy/cranky/whiney little ones in the store who "want" everything they see. Especially when you're waiting in line for the cashier. It's no mystery why so many items are placed in the check-out line that appeal to children!
If you can discipline yourself to purchase ONLY the items that are going to be free, almost free, or items they PAY you to take....you'll be well on the way to building your wealth!
By stacking the store's sale items along with a manufacturer's coupon, you save more. Additionally, many stores offer their OWN coupons that can be used ALONG WITH the sale, AND a manufacturer's coupon. I've had instances where I can use 4 coupons on one item! In most cases, it doesn't get any sweeter than that! Usually you end up with an overage where they OWE YOU!!!
Yep, it's legal! The manufacturers and stores wouldn't run the specials they do if they didn't want you to take advantage of the deal they're offering. They just count on you purchasing LOTS more other things while you're in there- not just "cherry-picking" the best they have to offer- are you getting it?


3. Since you are concerned about your family's finances and the downward spiral of our nation's economy, why so much in the way of "cleaners" and not very much in the way of food?


Like I mentioned earlier... you've got to take advantage of the specials the stores have advertised from week to week. Sometimes buying cleaners is all you'll be able to do during a particular week. The next week may be a big "grocery" week where you'll hit the jackpot on canned veggies or pop! Like I said, in the beginning you may be bringing home bags of rather unusual items- but in the long run, you'll be glad you took advantage of the Ziploc freezer bag sale, because you're now stocked up for months and won't even have to THINK about buying more for a long time! Buy enough for a year (or more if you have someone/someplace to donate to) and wait for the next sale to see what you're going to bring home next week! In the short time I've been doing this, I've brought home everything from stacks of Quilted Northern bathroom tissue to loads of shampoos and conditioners to a year's supply of Hamburger Helper. I've noticed a CONSIDERABLE decrease in the amount I spend weekly during my normal grocery trips- because I'm not having to purchase the types of items I've already began to stockpile. As time goes on, I'll notice more and more savings weekly. I know I'll always have to buy fresh produce, milk, bread....you know, the perishable items that need replenished on a regular basis.

4. How much time does it take to do this?

At first, it seemed to take me a LONG time to get it figured out and to get my game-plan down on paper before even making it to the store! I wondered if it was really even worth it. But, I quickly figured out how to cut the time spent on "preparing" for the shopping, and now spend more time in the stores. Some weeks are more complicated than others to be truthful. The good thing is, I will help you!! If you want, I could email a list to you when I figure out what I'm going to focus on for the week...a list you can duplicate where you don't have to spend the time figuring it all out! Just let me know! If you live in another area- it doesn't matter. If you have a Walgreen's, Target, or Wal-Mart nearby- you can make this work for you!! Even better, but sadly I cannot take advantage of it, if you have a CVS pharmacy- you've got it made in the shade. Unfortunately we don't have CVS here.


5. How do you know what deals to take advantage of that make your out-of-pocket so low?


Research! I have a "contact" (Oooohhhh that sounds kinds scary, doesn't it?!) that provides me with ads well in advance of the sales. Now I find I can prepare several days before a sale begins and be ready when the doors open! I've subscribed to a few message boards which have members who give great tips on upcoming bargains, sales and bonuses. Some are store employees in other areas who don't mind sharing their "secret information"!!

6. We've been friends for years! Will you teach me how to do this for my family?


YES, of COURSE I will!!! Nothing would make me happier! Just ask me!



I cannot tell you what a sense of satisfaction I have received regarding taking these steps to do something this positive to provide plenty for my family. The savings has been GINORMOUS!!

Here are a few photos I took yesterday of my "pantry". At first I wondered what to do with all of the stuff...where I was going to put it. But then I decided to just use a spare bedroom that was only being used for storage anyway. My husband didn't mind letting me use some shelving from the garage that wasn't really being utilized, and I've purchased another large shelving unit. I can see that I'm going to have to buy even more shelves as time goes on, because the stockpile is growing by leaps and bounds! Remember when looking at these pics, I've only been doing this for about 6 weeks! At the end of the photos, I'll tell you how much I've spent and how much I've saved.

Peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Hamburger/Tuna Helper, potatoes, Easy Mac, cereal,
canned items, cake/brownie mixes, chocolate chips, etc.
The two bins on the bottom right are full of FREE Halloween candy for the
Trick-or-Treaters!

These Gillette Fusion Razors (for men) regularly rang up $10.49
I ended up paying .49 cents each! But paid with "free" store money!
I brought home 29 of them.
I've given several away to family members, and most of the rest are going to be donated.

This is the shampoo, body wash, soap, facial cleansers, make-up shelf, which seems to be
the most popular with my daughter, Emilee. She likes to "shop" here regularly!

Various drinks, drink mixes, etc. I actually brought more 12 packs home yesterday, so add 5 more to the count!

Toothbrushes/Mouthwash
I had more of the mouthwash- have given a lot away
This is probably a lifetime supply of toothbrushes for 1 person, right?!
There's someone who can use them, I know. I was paid .75 cents for each toothbrush I took out of the store!

Hard to tell, but there are actually 14 tubes of toothpaste- just have some stacked behind.
And the Maalox! Geez, I know that's a lot- and BJ doesn't even have heartburn anymore!
For every 3 bottles I brought home, I made money- couldn't refuse!
It'll be another good item to donate.

Ahhh- Dove bars! Free, of course!

Paper towels & trash bags

Candles & Chocolate!

Laundry detergent, disinfecting sprays

Lots of dishwasher tablets

And this isn't even all of the T.P! It's a good feeling to know we won't
run out anytime soon!

T.P. & various cleaners

So there are the pictures...I'll update from time to time for the whole room- but more often, I'll just snap a pic of the weekly items I'm adding to the stockpile, and how to do them yourself. I'm in the market for a deep freeze, as there are a lot of frozen items I haven't been able to max out on yet, because I just don't have the freezer space. I've been kinda picky about the freezer I buy, so it's taking longer than I would like to get one home and installed!

On a side note, I've read where a lot of people who do this kind of shopping have a couple of "garage sales" per year and rather than donate their excess items, they sell them. I was recently reading about a woman who just had a sale, and she MADE $4,900.00 on items she brought home for nothing. Sound unreal? I believe it, knowing what I know now!

For everything I've shown you I've brought home, here are the numbers:

Total Out-of-Pocket expense:

$78.22

Total saved (at sale prices, not even full retail!!):

$2,768.58

I hope you've enjoyed this information and give some consideration to starting your own stockpile for you and your family. You won't be sorry you did, especially when you begin to see the savings add up. The numbers above show I saved 97.17 % on all of the products...in my wildest dreams I never imagined this would be possible.

Have a great day!