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Printable Coupon Policies

I make it a point to carry coupon policies for the stores I shop at with me at all times.  I vary rarely have to use them, but, I always have them there just in case!!!  Read these and become very familiar with them.

Go here to print the Wal-Mart Coupon Policy

Go here to print the Wal-Mart Price Match Policy

Go here to print the Walgreens Coupon Policy

Go here to print the response I received from Kroger regarding the Kroger Delta Coupon Policy

Go here to print the Family Dollar Coupon Policy (scroll down to the bottom under "help" and click on coupon policy, a pdf will pull up for you to print)

Go here to print the Dollar General Coupon Policy

Coupon Etiquette

Recently, I've noticed that there are more coupon users in my little rural town.  I think this is FABULOUS!!!  Each and every time I check out at Kroger someone asks me where I get all my coupons, and how much I normally save, and if I've watched the new TLC Show "Extreme Couponing".  With the economy and gas prices, everyone is trying to find a way to save money, and certainly using coupons is a great way to not only provide for your family but also it gives you a path to provide for others.

As my stock pile has grown, and the needs of others has become more aware to me, I've focused my shopping on trying to get free things to donate.  However, it has become harder and harder for me to find anything on the shelves.  When I go shop, the shelves are cleared!  I've had to think outside the box and get up earlier on Sunday mornings, just to get one item of something that is on sale.

When I began using coupons, I did tons of research, in order to make sure that I was using coupons correctly, and legally.  I'm not saying I'm a perfect coupon user, however; I am a courteous coupon user, and my hopes are that I can educate and teach others on the proper, and courteous usage of coupons.

Sometimes, I know that there is such a great deal, you think that you have to have it all!!!  But remember, every items goes on sale in a cycle, and it will be on sale again.  Be courteous and don't clear the shelves, leave some for others.  If you want 100 of a particular item, talk to the store manager and see if they can special order that item for you.  I have made it my goal to make friends with my Kroger manager.  My Walgreens mangers have told me if there is anything I want to order, just let them know.  They are willing to help you out, because you are helping their store out.  The more they sell, no matter if its purchased with coupons or not, the better their stores look.

Make sure that when you are using a coupon,  you are using it for the item the coupon intended it for.  For example, if the coupon specifies or excludes a certain size of an item, don't try to use the coupon anyway, just to see if it will work.  Be mindful of the coupon wording and only use the coupons for the items its intended for.  Just because the register will not beep, and let you use the wrong coupon does not make it right.

On the Proctor & Gamble Coupons, it clearly states in red writing, only 4 like coupons allowed per shopping trip.  Just because the register does not beep if you use 5 of the same coupons does not make it right.  Be a courteous and educated coupon user, and only use 4 at a time.

Why am I ranting like this?  As I search the boards and read more blogs, I've noticed a trend in stores putting stricter limits on the amount of coupons that can be used during shopping.  I personally do not want my coupon usage to be restricted, do you?

One last thought...I encourage you all to use your coupons to help your community.  Donate your free items to those in need.

Weekly Blessings

I am a little late about posting this, and I am also a little late about updating my blog.  The month of November has flown by for me, and I have little time to do anything besides support my boys in their basketball, and for that I am thankful.  I am thankful that I have healthy boys.  Regardless if they played basketball, or played the tuba, I would still support them in whatever they chose.

Recently, my oldest son had his first "high school" scrimmage in a town a couple hours away.  My youngest son was in a tournament at the same time, so, I had to make a choice on which game I would watch, and since my youngest had already had several games, I chose my oldest sons scrimmage.  I went by myself, and my sister and brother-in-law took care of my youngest (along with Brandy and Cody  :-) ), so, I had a two hour drive all by myself.  Its close to Christmas, and money is a little tight around here, and I was talking to God, and just told Him, You know my needs, and I'm giving it to You.  At the time, I didn't know how I was going to get all the things my boys wanted for Christmas, along with the things they needed. (I'm still not sure, but, it's worked itself out so far...)

As I'm sitting at the game, beside a friend of mine, and a lady whose son plays for the varsity team (I'd never really talked to her before), we began talking about clothes.  This lady asked me if I knew anyone who needed a size 29 x 30 pair of mens jeans, and I said, well, that's what size my oldest wears, and she told me she had a brand new pair of name brand jeans in her car with the tags still on them, and I could have them.  I offered to pay her for them, and she wouldn't hear it.  She told me she would be tickled to just get the bag out of her car, it had been in there for a year.  So, my friend was going to her car anyway, and brought in this bag with a pair of jeans in them.  She didn't know how desperately bad my oldest needed new jeans, however, my Lord did!!!  And He provided!!!

I know that God knows my needs, and I know that He always provides, but, I am still amazed at all He does for my family and I, especially when we don't deserve it.  Those jeans, as simple as it sounds, were a blessing.

Two days later, a friend of mine gave my boys a bag full of name brand polo shirts...God is so good!!!

I'm not sure where all this blogging is going to lead, but, if it helps someone, whether it be by finding a great deal, or finding a blessing in the small things in life, I'm sure that God is here, guiding me every step of the way.

Weekly Blessings

After my computer crashed a couple weeks ago, I have been struggling to get back to posting on my blog, I am just so busy with my boys, it's really hard for me, so for that, I apologize to you all.

When I post a blessing that I've experienced each week, it's hard for me to choose just one blessing, because God has blessed me with so much.  Great kids, an awesome family, a super church, a good job, and much much more. 

The past few weeks, my kids have been running me to death with basketball.  However; I am so blessed to have my boys, I just don't know what I would do without them, and, if you are a parent you know what I mean when I say that I want for my boys, what they want.  And they both want nothing more than to play basketball, and to be honest, God blessed them with an athletic ability that I sure never had!!!

So, today, I am thankful that both of my boys made their basketball teams, my youngest made the 8th grade team, and my oldest is now playing high school basketball.  This may seem a little silly to be thankful that I am blessed with this, however, this makes my boys happy, and I love to see my boys happy!!!

I am also thankful that my oldest son got a good report at the doctor today.  I took him to the doctor on Friday, afraid that he had a fracture in his hand.  We were told that if he did have a fracture, he would be out at least 6 weeks, and 6 weeks to a 14 year old is a lifetime.  And, God answered my prayer!!!  He does not have a fracture and is good to go!!!  Praise the Lord!!!

Tuesday Tips!!!

Last week, I asked my readers to submit something they would like me to post a tip about...and I received a great question.  How do I justify the cost of the coupons verses the savings....(thanks Alyson!!!)

When I first began using coupons, I actually created a spreadsheet, and I kept track of how much I spent on coupons, and how much I saved by using my coupons.  I can tell you, that first month alone, I saved $153.00 OVER what I had spent on coupons.  I wish I still had that spreadsheet, but...my computer has crashed twice since then, so....

However, this question has got my interest sparked, so, I am going to create a new spreadsheet, and track my coupon "costs" to see just how much I am saving or spending.  I know that this past Sunday, I spent $10.00 purchasing five (5) papers to get my inserts, and then found out that I did not get my P&G insert, so, I had to find some on ebay to purchase...so, actually this would be a great thing for everyone to do.

Keep track of the ways you purchase coupons, like in  your papers, or if you purchase a magazine for the coupons inside, or if you use a coupon clipping service, then, when you go shopping and you use your coupons, keep track of how much you saved on each shopping trip.  I think you will be pleasantly suprised.

At the end of this month, I will post a complete breakdown of my coupon spending and my coupon savings, just to see how much I am saving!!!

Make Extra Money Shopping with Ebates

I already posted this once, however, the closer it gets to Christmas, the more I seem to be trying to find extra ways to make a little extra money here and there.  This is easy and FREE!!!  All you have to do, is do the shopping you were already going to do....

With Christmas fast approaching, you are probably already looking for great buys online.  Last year, I purchased 90% of my Christmas gifts online, not just for convenience, but, also because some of the deals I found were better priced online than in the stores.

With Ebates, you get actual cash back for the items you purchase online.  Simply, go through their website, and purchase the items you were already going to purchase, and you get cash back!!!  What could be better than making money while shopping?

If you sign up today,  you get a $5.00 sign up bonus.  Check it out!!!