The Savvy Simple Savers Makeover

Over the last year and a half, The Savvy Simple Savers has given me the opportunity to create friendships, help others in our community, and learn a lot about saving money.  While I have enjoyed this journey, it is time for a change.  The time and effort I currently put in to organizing events, brainstorming ideas, planning coupon swaps, maintaining the coupon exchange box, and posting on both the blog and Facebook page is not justified for the level of interest in this group.  At this time, I believe my efforts will be put to better use through making some changes and focusing on the initial intentions and mission for this group:  SERVING OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY THROUGH SAVING MONEY.  By making these changes, I believe I will be able to help both my family and others who are interested in learning to save money as well as continue to support my community.  I encourage others who actively want to be a part of this mission to join me.

With that being said, here are the changes that you can expect.

Coupon Swaps
One last formal coupon swap will be organized and advertised for December 13th.  After this, it will be up to others in the group to decide if they want to get together to swap coupons.  The coupon exchange box will remain at the library, so anyone can still pick up and drop off coupons during regular library hours.  I personally will probably just invite my friends over to my house to have coffee, swap coupons and talk deals.  If you have questions about organizing a coupon swap, please don't hesitate to ask.  If you use the coupon exchange box, please consider doing your part to maintain it.

The Savvy Simple Savers Facebook Page
A new Group Page will be set up on Facebook.  The current Facebook Page will be deleted as of December 31, 2012.  The Group Page will be a closed group which means that only those that are truly interested and want to be involved in supporting this group and our community will be members.  All members of the Group Page will be able to post information, tips, deals and resources.  This will give everyone the opportunity to contribute and support each other.

The Savvy Simple Savers Blog
The blog will remain, however I will be putting a general statement on the Home Page, indicating that the blog will be for information/resource purposes only.  I will continue to add information as appropriate and welcome any additional resources and suggestions you may have for the blog.  I look forward to having a wealth of information at my fingertips and all in one place. 

Supporting Our Community
Supporting our community is one of the main reasons The Savvy Simple Savers began.  As my family continue to work with Yelm Community Services, I will share information as appropriate about their needs.  All members of the group are encouraged to provide details about other opportunities and events that support families in our community.


If you have any questions or would like to learn more about saving money, please join our new Group Page and/or send an email to savvysimplesavers@hotmail.com.

Money Saving Workshop

 

Albertsons Store Closing Sale

Many Albertsons stores in our area are closing soon.  This includes the Lacey store which reduced most of their items to 75% off beginning today.  The icing on the cake was using coupons to reduce the price even further.  Here are all the details including my final total spent and saved!

The line outside waiting for the doors to open

Done Shopping, time to get in line to check out.

 

 

 

2 hours later, finally at the front of the line

 

The retail price! 

236 items
I had to take 2 pictures because it wouldn't all fit on my table. 
And now for the final total spent..........

Retail $1,102.78
Spent $149.33

Saved $944.44, 87%

Many personal records were broken including most coupons used, highest amount saved, and most items in a single transaction. 



Kraft Foods Savings

When I saw the prices at Safeway for many of the Kraft Foods items that qualified to receive a $10 off your next shopping order coupon, I started making my list.  Below I describe in detail each transaction (pictured from left to right) and how I paid only $22.53 for everything you see!  I also still have a $10 and a $3 coupon to use on Friday for almost free toilet paper!

Transaction #14 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh lunch
$2.49 Just 4U price
4 $1.00 off printable coupons

6 Crystal Light
$2.77 Just 4U price

2 Lays Potato Chips
2 $3.00 off printable coupons

1 Tillamook sliced cheese
50% off on clearance
$1.00 off  printable coupon

Out of Pocket: $20.85
Received: (1) $10 and (1) $3 coupon for my next shopping trip

Transaction #2
10 Oscar Mayer hot dogs
$.99 Just 4U coupon

1 Half Gallon Milk
$.99 with in-ad coupon

Used $10 coupon from Transaction #1
Out of Pocket: $.89
Received (1) $10 coupon

Transaction #3
10 Kraft salad dressing
$2.08 Just 4U price and BOGO store sale
4 $1/2 printable coupons

1 Kraft Mac & Cheese (6 pk.)
$3.99 Store sale

Used $10 coupon from Transaction #2
Out of Pocket: $.39
Received: (1) $10 coupon

Transaction #4
10 Kraft salad dressing
$2.08 Just 4U price and BOGO store sale

Used $10 coupon from Transaction #3
Out of Pocket: $.40
Received: (1) $10 coupon

I will be using my last $10 and $3 coupon on Friday which will bring my total out of pocket to $25.84 for everything in the picture above plus (3) 12 pack of double roll toilet paper.  This was a great stockpile opportunity and added about $160 to our savings this month!  If you see salad dressing and/or hot dog coupons over the next months, you can be assured I won't be needing mine so just ask if you want them.  If you have questions or want help planning transactions like these, please email savvysimplesavers@hotmail.com

Sunday Shopping Savings Wrap-Up

 

With high gas prices, I took advantage of 3 stores while in Lacey today.  We stocked up on some great items and completed our shopping needs for the next few weeks.  See all the details below and don't miss the totals at the bottom.  If you have shopping trips to share, please send an email to savvysimplesavers@hotmail.com.


Albertsons

Spent: $24.15
Retail: $125.94
Saved: $101.79, 81%

*I couldn't have done this without extra doublers and coupons from Holly, thank you!









Franz Bread Outlet

We visit the outlet about once a month. This is a great place to stock up since you always get free items with your purchase.  We spent $6.00 for 5 items and got 2 free!  I estimate a savings of at least $10.00.

 

 

 

 

Fred Meyer

Spent: $12.58
Retail: $42.94

Saved: $30.36, 71%

 

*Great 50% off sales, clearance and some good coupons I have been waiting to use.

 

 

After shopping at all three stores, here are the totals:

 

Spent: $42.73
Retail: $184.88

Saved: $142.15, 77%

Donation Success

The Savvy Simple Savers donated over 80 back to school items to Yelm Community Services!   These supplies will help students and families right here in our community as YCS prepares to hand out kits on August 29th. 













We also donated 24 additional items which will go to the Food Bank and Thrift Shop to continue supporting the many programs Yelm Community Services offers.

Thank you to all those who donated and helped make our first Back to School Donation Drive a success!  A special thank you to Holly, Gabe and Kyzian for helping organize donations at Yelm Community Services. 





It is not too late to donate and help!
Yelm Community Services is still in need of donations.  In addition to school supplies, they offer used clothing.  Due to a drastic decrease in clothing donations over the past year, they are coming up short.  They will continue to take donations and welcome your help all the way through August 29th.


If you or someone you know, in the Yelm School District, needs back to school supplies or clothing, please contact Yelm Community Services for more information about their event on August 29, 2012.

No Coupons Required

One of the top questions I receive from fellow couponers or those wanting to learn, is how to save on products other than processed and junk food.  As you can see from my shopping trip today, I purchased none of that.  However, I did find some great deals on meat and produce at my local Safeway.  I saved a total of 50% without using any coupons.   I accumulate some of these savings through Safeway's Just for U program which gives me sale prices on items I buy often.  I also received an $3 off when I buy $10 worth of produce.  I bought meat from the clearance bin which was already on sale and then an additional 30% off. 

For just $30 here is what I came home with:
6 1/2 lbs. 93% lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs. chuck steak
1 1/2 lbs. pork chops
2 heads of iceberg lettuce
3 cucumbers
1 bag of spinach
1 bunch of celery
1 head of cauliflower

Here are a few additional tips to consider when looking for deals on meat and produce:

Check your store ads and shop the sales:  The savings can really add up if you focus on only the best deals of the week.  This requires knowing your prices and when to buy.
Know your store savings program:  Take the time to learn how the program works, how to get the best prices on your groceries and other offers too (gas rewards, deli items, gift cards, etc.)
Check markdown bins:  Know that there may be more than one and check them often.  Take a look around or ask where they are located.  I checked 3 today at Safeway (poultry, meat and seafood).
Mealplan:  When you mealplan based on what you have already purchased on sale and for the best prices, you can save a lot of money.  Find the best deals, then plan your meals!
Stockpile:  Buying meat can be very expensive so stocking up when you find a great deal will save money and make mealplanning easier.

There are very few coupons for meat and produce, but being a smart shopper is available to everyone.  Saving 50% on meat and produce is a very realistic and regular shopping experience for me.  Weather you clip coupons or not, anyone can accomplish these savings with a little knowledge and planning.