Frugal Addicts Anonymous

Walgreens for the Week of 10/6/08

2008-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

By the time I got to Walgreens this week, they were out of the "teaser" Crest. I'll use my raincheck next week for free toothpaste.

Shout Wipes $2.50 (sale)
Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner $2.50 (sale)
Fantastik $2.50 (sale)
Windex $2.50 (sale)
Total: $10.00
Less $1.50 Shout coupon
Less $2 Scrubbing Bubbles coupon
Less $1.50 Fantastik coupon
Less $2 Windex coupon
Less $1 Walgreens RR coupon
Less $4 Rebate for SC Johnson products in Easy Saver Book
Total After Coupons: $2 PROFIT

You can find the SC Johnson coupons here.

CVS for the Week of 10/6/08

2008-10-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy lately that I can't believe how time is flying by. On to the CVS deals this week.

Transaction 1
Bic Soleil Razor $5.99 (sale)
Vitamin Water $2.29
Total: $8.28
Less $2 Bic Coupon
Less $5.79 ECB
Total After Coupons: $0.49, received $4 ECB & $2.29 ECB

Transaction 2
Bic Soleil Razor Refill Cartridges $5.99 (sale)
Less $2 Bic coupon
Less $2.29 ECB
Less $1.50 ECB
Total After Coupons: $0.20, received $4 ECB

$16.27 worth of items
$15.58 in savings (96% savings!)
$0.69 OOP with $8 ECBs for next time

Walgreens & CVS 10/1/08

2008-10-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't post last week because I was really sick and couldn't leave the house for work, let alone go couponing. I made up for it this week.

Walgreens

Transaction 1
Always Infinity Pads 18 ct. $4.99 (sale)
Cascade 60 oz. $3.49 (sale)
Oral-B Crossaction Vitalizer Toothbrush $4.49 (sale)
Swanson Chicken Broth $1.39
Swanson Chicken Broth $1.39
Swanson Chicken Broth $0.72
Total: $16.47
Use Free Always Infinity Pad coupon ($4.99)
Use $1.43 Walgreens/Swanson coupon ($0.69 each)
Use $0.75 Oral-B coupon
Use $1.50 Cascade coupon
Total After Coupons: $7.80 with $4.50 RR (toothbrush) and $1 RR (Always Pads) earned to use next time

Transaction 2
Softsoap Bodywash $3.49 (sale)
Softsoap Bodywash $3.49 (sale)
Softsoap Bodywash $3.49 (sale)
Oral-B Crossaction Vitalizer Toothbrush $4.49 (sale)
Total: $14.96
Use $0.75 Oral-B coupon
Use $1 Softsoap coupon
Use $0.35 Softsoap coupon
Use $4.50 RR from Transaction 1
Total After Coupons: $8.36 with $5 RR for next time
(There was supposed to be another $3 off for a Walgreens coupon on the Softsoap, but there was issues with the transaction and I didn't realize the coupon was left off until I got home. Grr)

CVS
Covergirl Liquid Foundation $5.49
Covergirl Powder $5.49
Total: $10.98
Use $1 Covergirl coupon
Use Free face product with Covergirl foundation purchase coupon ($5.49)
Use $3.99 ECB
Total After Coupons: $0.50 with $5.79 ECBs earned

Grand Total
$67.18 worth of products
$50.52 in savings
$16.66 OOP
$6 RR & $5.79 ECBs for next time!

Walgreens 9/15/08

2008-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

I ♥ Walgreens more and more every week!

Glade Candle $1.99 (sale)
Glade Plugin Scented Gel Warmer $1.99 (sale)
Glade Plugin Scented Gel Warmer $1.99 (sale)
Pert Plus Shampoo $3.99
Excedrin Gelcaps 20 ct. $3.99 (sale)
Total: $13.95
Use $1 Glade Candle coupon
Use B1G1 Glade Plugin Scented Gel Warmer coupon
Use $1 Pert Plus Shampoo coupon
Use $2 Excedrin coupon
Less $1 Glade Candle Rebate
Less $2 Glade Plugin Scented Gel Warmer Rebate (for purchase of 2)
Less $3.99 Pert Plus Shampoo Rebate
Less $3.99 Excedrin Gelcaps Rebate
Total After Coupons & Rebates: $3.02 PROFIT!!!

$17.35 worth of items
$20.37 in savings (117%)
Total OOP: Nothing, I'm getting $3.02 back. :0)

These savings made me thirsty, so I headed over to Starbucks to redeem a Free Vivanno Drink coupon that I had. Life is sweet.

Best.Thing.Ever.

2008-09-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

I know, that could be many things, but I think this will go down in the hall of fame. Upromise is offering eCoupons that can be used at many different stores (not just one, like those Shortcut coupons). Instead of receiving a lower bill, that coupon amount is transferred into your Upromise account. It seems like this is a great way to grow money.

Upromise eCoupons

More Drugstore Deals 9/2/08

2008-09-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

I think the combination of a week of great deals and people having a 3-day weekend has caused products to fly off the shelves. Today I went to different locations to see what little I could find.

Walgreens
Nivea for Men Body Wash $4.99 (sale)
Use $1 Nivea for Men coupon
Use $1 RR
Less $4.99 Walgreens Rebate
Total After Coupons: $2 profit!

CVS
Transaction 1
Roc Correxion Night Cream $21.99
Use $2/$10 CVS coupon
Use $5 Roc coupon
Use $1.49 ECB
Total After Coupons: $13.50

Transaction 2
Roc Correxion Night Cream $21.99
Use $2/$10 CVS coupon
Use $5 Roc coupon
Use $5.99 ECB
Total After Coupons: $9.00
*Earned $10 ECBs for spending $30 on Roc products!*

Transaction 3
Acne Free Skin Kit $19.99 ($2 off with CVS card)
Use $2/$20 CVS coupon
Use $3 Acne Free coupon
Use $10 ECB
Total After Coupons: $4.99

Grand Total
$71.46 worth of items
$45.97 in savings (64%)
Total OOP: $25.49 with $5 ECBs to use next time!

I had a better time at this CVS today, but what's up with the new coupon policy? They only take 3 coupons (with no distinction between manufacturer, CVS or ECBs) per transaction. This is really lame considering that we "earn" those ECBs with our previous purchases, honestly and fairly. It seems to me like CVS is catching on to super frugal shoppers and is forcing us to spend more of our money on purchases.

Vons 8/31/08

2008-09-01T01:18:00.000-07:00

I stopped shopping at Vons a long time ago because it's a little bit further away from us than Ralphs, and I thought that they had about the same prices. Since Ralphs raised their prices with their new "rewards" program, I have been looking for an alternative and Vons had a great sale for me this weekend.

My husband came with me, so naturally the bill was higher than usual. We also were stocking up since I go back to work on Tuesday and would appreciate filled cabinets. There are too many items to list here, but I'll mention my favorites.

Total
$235.85 worth of items
$111.69 in savings
Total OOP: $124.16

It was a FULL grocery cart!

Highlights
Coke/Pepsi products Buy 2, Get 3 Free ($11.98 for 5)-$3 in Coke Rewards coupons=$8.98 for 5
Plus we got 2 free SoBe Life Waters for buying Pepsi products with coupons
Wishbone Salad Dressing $.99 (3)-$1/2 coupon-$1/1 Bountifuls coupon=3/$.97
Softsoap $1-$1 coupon=FREE
Dozen Eggs $.88

Look at the Vons ad for more great deals that I didn't mention.

Drugstore Deals 8/31/08

2008-09-01T00:26:00.000-07:00

This week I ♥ Walgreens and you'll see why.

Walgreens
Transaction 1
Tide $5.50 (sale)
Tide $5.50 (sale)
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser $2.50 (sale)
Downy $3.99 (sale)
Downy $3.99 (sale)
Total: $21.48
Use $.50 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Coupon
Use $1 Tide Coupon
Use $1 Tide Coupon
Use $1 Downy Coupon
Use $4 Register Rewards
Total After Coupons: $13.98
*Earned $2 RR for the Downy & Mr. Clean products, earned $1 RR for the Tide!*

Transaction 2
CG Foundation $7.99
CG Foundation $7.99
CG Powder $5.79
CG Powder $5.79
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste $2.99
Lypsyl $1.99
Swiffer Refill $3.50
Total: $36.04
Less $7.99 for CG B1G1
Less $5.79 for CG B1G1
Use "Buy a CG foundation get a face product free" coupon ($5.79)
Use $1 CG coupon
Use $1 CG coupon
Use $1 Crest coupon
Use $1 Swiffer refill coupon
Use $2 RR from previous transaction
Less $1.99 Lypsyl/Walgreens rebate
Less $2.99 Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste rebate
Total After Coupons: $5.49

Rite-Aid
Pantene Expressions Conditioner $4.99
Crest Pro-Health $2.49
Total: $7.48
Use RA/Pantene in-ad $1 coupon
Use $2 Pantene coupon
Use $.75 Crest coupon
Less $1.99 RA/Pantene rebate
Less $1.74 RA/Crest rebate
Total After Coupons: FREE!

CVS
Transaction 1
CG Wetslicks Amazemint $5.99
CG Wetslicks $5.99
Total: $11.98
Use $2/$10 CVS coupon
Use B1G1 CG coupon ($5.99)
Use $3 ECB
Total After Coupons: $.99
*Earned $5.99 ECBs!*

Transaction 2
Zyrtec $18.99 (sale)
Use $2/$10 CVS coupon
Use $5.00 Zyrtec coupon
Use $2 CVS/Zyrtec coupon
Total After Coupons: $9.99

I know I got super great deals at CVS, but let me explain why the ECBs earned from Transaction 1 were not used for Transaction 2. The cashier I got was very rude to me from the start (I asked a question to clarify an ECB item and she replied to me like I was stupid). All I wanted to do was finish my transactions and get out. I had other items to purchase with me and ended up leaving them at the counter because she was telling me "coupon policies" that I had never heard before. Knowing that I had other items to buy later this week, I just left it as it was. I know that everyone on the frugal blogs swear up and down about how great CVS is, but the rude cashiers I have encountered really put a damper on the situation.

On the other hand, every cashier I have encountered at Walgreens is friendly, helpful, and even roots me on when I bring in my stacks of coupons. "Do you have the rebate book? Good girl!", I get from my favorite cashier there. I love shopping at Walgreens!

Grand Total
$118.23 worth of items
$87.78 in savings
Total OOP: $30.45 with $5.99 ECBs for the next CVS trip and $1RR for the next Walgreens trip!

Why I Pay for Everything on a Credit Card

2008-08-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have read many posts in frugal blog world about how people save money, and many times one of the steps is to never use credit cards. I definitely believe in "to each their own", and I have read each one of those blogs to see if that technique would work for me. Perhaps it's because my husband and I already try to live below our means (okay, I've slipped on it in August, but I plan to get back on track this September. But boy was it fun.), but I feel like the benefits of the credit card outweigh the bad.

1. First things first, which should be the mantra of everyone in the world: Do not charge something that you can't pay for on the spot. Every time I use my credit card, I treat it as if it were cash. I log onto my credit card account once a week to track spending and see if I need to tighten the belt. My credit card bill has always been paid in full every month since I first got it at 18-years-old.

2. I limit my spending to the categories of need: Shelter, Food, Clothing, Utilities and Transportation, always using bargain shopping to lead the way. I limit my purchased meals to once a week for lunch and once or twice a week for dinner (since I started going to grad school at night, but that will end when I'm done in Spring!!). I do not buy anything unless it is reasonable (or free!) and is in the basic categories of necessity.

3. Convenience of use. When I don't have to constantly think if I have enough cash in my wallet for a purchase, it helps me to have one less thing on my already frantic, overworked mind. This also means less gas used for running to the bank.

4. I get rewarded for it! I use a credit card that gives me cash back on all purchases. Every time the reward reaches $100, I apply it to that month's bill. By using a credit card, I also don't have to keep all of my money in a checking account or in an envelope at home. Instead I transfer it immediately after every paycheck to a high-yield online savings account. So while my purchases earn money back on the credit card, my real money is creating interest while it's waiting to pay my bill each month. It's like double earning power!

5. I'm also lucky enough to not be in dire need of money. I have some flexibility in my savings which I can use to purchase items that will receive a full rebate in 6-8 weeks. I really feel for the people who don't have that flexibility in their spending, but I feel that I should use it to my advantage to get paid back for using products.

I feel like my self-control (except for the fun August) and naturally frugal ways allow me to effectively use my credit card for my benefit. I hope that this helps myself, my family, and everyone who reads this.

Win $125 in Coupons!

2008-08-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Frugal in Virginia is doing another giveaway.

Enter for $125 in coupons here!

Drugstore Deals 8/26/08

2008-08-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Walgreens
Glade Scented Oil Refill $1.99 (Sale)
Glade Scented Oil Refill $1.99 (Sale)
Glade Scented Oil Refill $1.99 (Sale)
Glade Scented Oil Refill $1.99 (Sale)
Total: $7.96
Use $4 Glade Scented Oil coupon
Use B1G1 Glade Scented Oil coupon
Use $1 Glade Scented Oil refill coupon
Total After Coupons: $0.97
*The cashier was very proud of me and she kept scanning coupons until the register wouldn't let her anymore!*

Rite-Aid
Pert Plus $2.99 (sale)
Zyrtec-D $18.99 (sale)
Total: $21.98
Use $4 Zyrtec coupon
Use $1 Pert Plus coupon that came with my Pert Plus rebate!
Less $2 Pert Plus Rite Aid Rebate
Total After Coupons: $14.98

CVS
Kotex Liners 16 ct. $1.49
Playtex Tampons 18 ct. $4.99
CVS Foaming Hand Wash $1.99
Total: $8.47
Use $2 CVS Skin Care coupon
Use $1 Kotex coupon
Use $1 Playtex coupon
Use $1 ECB
Total After Coupons: $3.47
*Earned $4.49 ECBs!*
CVS deals were not up my alley this week, so I didn't get to use the $2/$10 coupon.

Grand Totals
$51.61 worth of items
$32.19 in savings
Total OOP: $19.42 with $4.49 ECBs for the next CVS trip!
(Total would be lower if it weren't for my darn allergies, but Zyrtec is wonderful. Plus it's great to think the total OOP for everything was actually less than full price Zyrtec!)

Win a Coupon Management System and 4 weeks of coupons!

2008-08-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, yet another contest for a coupon management system and this time there are coupons too!

Momma's Blog

Lucky us!

Win a Coupon Organizer & Uncut All You!

2008-08-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

This time from The Coupon Coup.

I will be posting my deals of the week tomorrow after my big shopping trip. Looks like there will be lots of savings if they stores aren't sold out!

Win a $25 CVS Gift Card!

2008-08-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

from Newlyweds.

Coupon Giveaway from Frugal In Virginia

2008-08-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Enter Here!

Drugstore (and Grocery) Deals of the Week 8/18/08

2008-08-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

Considering everything in life is getting exponentially expensive by what seems like the day, there is some comfort to be had in CVS, Walgreens and the like.

CVS
Transaction 1
Oral-B Toothbrush $1.77 (Sale)
5 12-pk. Pepsi/Dr. Pepper Products $11 (Sale)
SoBe Life Water $1.59
Total: $14.36
Use $2/$10 purchase CVS coupon
Use $1 Oral-B coupon from inserts
Use "Free SoBe Life Water wyb a Pepsi product" coupon my husband found
Use $5 ECB
Total After Coupons: $7.82
*Earned $1 ECB!*

Transaction 2
CVS antibacterial Foaming Cleanser $1.99
Use $2 Skin Care coupon
Total After Coupons: FREE!

Transaction 3
CVS antibacterial Foaming Cleanser $1.99
Use $2 Skin Care coupon
Total After Coupons: FREE!

Walgreens
6 Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter 16.3 oz $10
Swiffer Starter Kit $11.99
Walgreens Toothbrush $.79
Total: $22.78
Use $1 Skippy coupon
Use $5 Swiffer coupon
Use $.40 Walgreens Toothbrush coupon
Less Swiffer Rebate
Total After Coupons: $4.39
*Earned $4 off of next transaction!*

Rite Aid
Crest Extra Whitening with Scope $2.99 (sale)
Less $2.99 Rite Aid Rebate
Total: FREE

Totals for the day's drug store shopping:
$65.94 worth of items
$53.73 in savings
Total OOP: $12.21 with $1 ECB for the next CVS trip and $4 off the next Walgreens trip

Ralphs
Since Ralphs went to this new Rewards program, it has been my goal to save even more with the increased prices. No itemized list since it's too long, but here's the bottom line.

Total $27.37
Saved: $22.32
Not bad for groceries.

I Married a Couponaholic

2008-08-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

This is a guest post at Frugal in Virginia by her husband. I got a good laugh and forwarded it to my poor husband who I thought could really relate to it. He got a good laugh as well. I think these guys should form a support group.

I Married a Couponaholic: 5 Ways Life Has Changed

Oh no!

2008-08-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

The whole reason why I started this blog is going away. I'm very sad to be losing Longs Drugs monthly "free after rebate" deals.

CVS Buys Longs Drug Stores

Drugstore Diva!

2008-08-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Rite-Aid was blah for me this week. But CVS and Walgreens pulled through. I believe in only getting items I'll actually use, so if you want a more detailed list of goodies, look at the "Cent"sible Sawyer for the CVS scenarios.

CVS
The flyer this week was advertising 12-pk. Coke products 3/$8 with $2 ECBs when you buy 3, limit 6 12-pks. I was excited but arrived to find a sign at the store saying that it was a misprint. ARGHH! Lame.

Transaction 1
Imodium Chewable 18 ct. $7.99
Imodium Chewable 18 ct. $7.99
Total: $15.98
Use $2/$10 purchase CVS coupon
Use $5 Imodium coupon here
Use $5 Imodium coupon here
Use $1 ECB
Total After Coupons: $2.98
*Earned $4 ECBs!*

Transaction 2
CVS Brand Vitamins $4.99
CVS Brand Vitamins $4.99
Skin Effects Foaming Cleanser $6.99
Total: $16.97
Less $4.99 for B1G1 Vitamins
Use $2/$10 purchase CVS coupon
Use $2 Skin Effects coupon
Use $4 ECB from Transaction 1
Total After Coupons: $3.98
*Earned $5 ECBs!*

Transaction 3
CVS antibacterial Foaming Cleanser $1.99
Use $2 Skin Care coupon
Total After Coupons: FREE!

Transaction 4
CVS antibacterial Foaming Cleanser $1.99
Use $2 Skin Care coupon
Total After Coupons: FREE!

CVS TOTAL: $6.96 with $5 ECB for next time.

Walgreens
Nature Made Multi For Her, 90 ct. $10.99
Nature Made Multi For Her, 90 ct. $10.99
Pert Shampoo $3.79
Total: $25.77
Use Nature Made coupon $1.50
Use Nature Made coupon $1.50
Use Pert coupon $1.00
Less $10.99 for B1G1 on vitamins
Less $3.79 for Pert/Walgreens Rebate
Total After Coupons: $6.99

Totals for the day's shopping:
$62.70 worth of items
$48.75 in savings
Total OOP: $13.95 with $5 ECB for the next CVS trip

Not bad considering I needed to get vitamins this week. Am I the only that loves when the savings are way more than the OOP?

Skin MD

2008-08-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not posted lately, I have been taking an intensive summer program for my Master's degree and the classes have left me little time to be with my husband, let alone time to blog.

But I am here today to tell you about a great product called Skin MD Shielding Lotion. I have really sensitive skin, especially on my legs, and this is a great lotion for my skin. Instead of just providing moisture to your skin like other lotions, Skin MD Shielding Lotion actually hydrates and creates a shield to prevent that moisture from evaporating. I no longer have dry, itchy skin. It's a great product and I would highly suggest it if you are also looking for an effective skin lotion. For more information, follow this link www.SkinMDNatural.com

Walgreens for 07/31/08

2008-07-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is a great week (and day) at Walgreens. Thank goodness I had to wait until today to shop so I could use my $5/20 coupon!

Biofusion Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner $5.99 - $5.99 Rebate = FREE (Limit 2)
Living Solutions Vacuum Bag Extra Large $9.99 - $9.99 Rebate = FREE (Limit 1)
Living Solutions Vacuum Bag Large $5.99 - $5.99 Rebate = FREE (Limit 1)
Swiffer Floor Refills $3.99 - $.50 coupon = $3.49
Skintimate Shaving Gel $2.19 - $1.20 Walgreens coupon - $.55 MFG coupon = $.44
MINUS $5 off of $20 purchase Walgreens coupon

TOTAL
Purchased $40.14 worth of items
After sales, MFG coupons, Walgreens coupons and rebates = $1.07 OVERAGE

Woo-hoo! That's a good feeling. I would have added on the Pert deal which is $3.79 Sale - $3.79 rebate-$1 coupon = $1 Overage, but Walgreens was sold out. I'll just have to go back for that deal.

Starbucks Rocks

2008-07-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

It's funny how only a couple years ago, I was starting to perceive Starbucks as this over-priced, "they're taking over every street corner" sort of company. But recently, the local Starbucks has participated in our town's Relay for Life (fundraiser for the American Cancer Society) and given away FREE coffee throughout the 24-hour event. YUMMY! This past year we were right next to their campsite.

Now it's gotten even better. A month ago I signed up for the Starbucks Card Rewards, by registering a $5 Starbucks gift card that they had sent me for FREE for buying some ground coffee. I STILL haven't used the $5 balance on that card because of all of the freebies they send me through this program! Just for signing up, Starbucks sent me a postcard for a free Starbucks drink in any size. The promotion running today through tomorrow (July 25-26), is that if you present your registered Starbucks card, you can get a free Vivanno Drink. This new creation is like a smoothie. Not that a free drink was enough, when my husband and I ordered ours, the barista gave us two coupons for free Vivanno drinks. The coupons expire Sept. 30, 2008. SWEET!

If you haven't done so, register your Starbucks card and get your free Vivanno smoothie (or maybe two of them)!

Amen, Sista!

2008-07-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

This blogger has learned another way to save at the grocery store; something which I have learned as well over the years.

Another Way To Save At the Grocery Store

Freebies for 7/22

2008-07-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste
Gillette Shampoo

Freebies for 7/21/08

2008-07-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Glad Forceflex Trash Bags
Schick Quatro Titanium Trimmer
Sample of McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Tide TotalCare Detergent
Ear Plugs
Benefiber Stick Packs
Cuisinart Coffee
Steri-X
Neutrel Heartburn Bar

CVS for the Week of 7/20

2008-07-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Coupon Cravings has the scoop.

CVS Deals

Redbox

2008-07-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is a great little DVD rental service with many machines set-up inside or outside of grocery stores. I finally got a chance to use my first free code today.

Use only Monday, July 21 - TW87WR

To sign up for you own account, see movies available, and find a Redbox near you: Redbox

How to Use Redbox Free Rentals
1. First sign up at Redbox (you'll get a free rental for signing up).
2. Find a machine and title you like using the website.
3. At the Redbox machine, in the bottom-left corner you will see "Use a Redbox code". Press that button to avoid being charged.
4. After entering your promo code, you'll select your DVD title and enter your email for a receipt (I came home to find the receipt in my inbox already).
5. You'll then need to swipe your credit card. Your card will not be charged unless the DVD is returned late. You can confirm this with the balance equaling $0.

I am very excited to watch "Vantage Point" tonight! Great selection of DVDs for rent and a great price (FREE!!). I will be using this every time a code comes out.

Making Money With Surveys

2008-07-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have been a faithful panel member of survey companies since 1999. It started as something to do in my spare time as a college student to make a little extra spending money. Now, it's still something I do on the side, but I have had such great experiences that I have started to share this information with my friends and family. I only stay with reputable companies that PAY or give me great opportunities for at-home product testing (more on that below). If a company only gives out sweepstakes entries for one or two prizes a month, I don't stay. Why? Because as everyone is these days, I am busy. I work full-time, go to grad school part-time, have a husband and attempt to have a social life. I have found that these "sweeps only" surveys not only waste my time but also cause me to get behind on the actual "for pay" surveys, which then causes me to lose that opportunity since those quotas fill up fast. Here is everything I know about surveys/research studies.

Types of Studies
***LOWER PAYING***
1. Online Surveys - You get an email when one is available and fill it out completely online. These can be complete surveys within themselves or a "screener" for another type of study below.
2. Paper Surveys - You get a survey delivered in your mail box. Usually the company is also an online survey company and you have opted in for paper surveys. These can be complete surveys within themselves or a "screener" for another type of study below.
3. Phone Survey - You get a phone call when one is available. Usually the company is also an online survey company and you have opted in for phone surveys, or you have taken an online "screener" and opted to continue the study by phone. Phone surveys can be complete surveys within themselves or a "screener" for another type of study below.
***HIGHER PAYING***
4. At-home Product Test - These I LOVE. After completing a "screener" survey to make sure that you match that type of product (ie: you like 2-ply toilet paper, you drink alcoholic beverages), you will be sent the free product to use at home. After using the product for a certain length of time, you will be sent an email notifying you that the follow-up survey is ready. You will receive your incentive after completing the final survey. Note: You probably will not finish using the product by the time the email is sent to you and usually the company lets you keep the rest.
5. Long-term studies - These surveys are on the same topic and are sent to you periodically over a long period of time. I am currently involved in a year-long study like this now.
6. Online Forums - You log into the forum community usually once a week to provide feedback on the topics listed.
7. On-location Research Studies - After qualifying, you drive to a site to look at products in person and provide feedback. I have used handheld computers, pen & paper, and face-to-face interviews to give my feedback in the past.
8. Focus Groups - These could be online or in person. Participants meet together at a certain time and place to give feedback on a product. There is a moderator who asks questions and directs discussion. The in-person focus groups I've been to have always been taped (so you can't be camera shy).

Important Information to Know About the World of Survey Taking
1. NEVER pay to join a survey company. People are on the internet to scam you out of your money. This is a red flag for me.
2. Always look through the survey site before you sign up to find out what options are available for payment and if the company is reputable (they won't have dead links on pages). If you don't like what you see, don't sign up.
3. Once you do sign up, provide every bit of information they ask for on the profile surveys. These profiles are used to match you up with up-coming surveys and you don't want to miss a great paying one because you didn't provide the needed information.
4. ALWAYS take EVERY survey the same day you receive it. This builds trust between you and the company. This will allow you to have more opportunities for paying surveys and be able to do more of the higher paying opportunities from the list above.
5. It's okay to be in many panels and do multiple studies at once. As long as you keep everything straight, you're good to go.
6. Every once in a while I'll check the survey company site for cashing out my earned money and updating my profile. Many things have changed in my life in the past 9 years, and the types of surveys I receive have changed along with me.
7. DON'T expect this to be your full-time job. I deposit my money into my savings account towards buying a house. I don't rely on it for day-to-day needs.
8. Incentives are different for each company. Options are usually cash (check or Paypal), gift cards/certificates, prizes, and charity donations.

Survey Companies That I Use
Lightspeed Panel
My Survey
Viewpoint Forum
Greenfield Online
Zoompanel
Global Test Market
Global Opinion Panels
Mindfield Online
Survey Savvy

CVS for the Week of 7/13

2008-07-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Coupon Cravings has it all laid out for you.
CVS Deals

AND to sweeten the deal, get a $3/$15 CVS coupon!
Go to The Valley Breeze Newspaper
Click on the right side bar where it says "Search the Breeze" (an orange and white box)
Under "Search this Week's Ads" type CVS and click "Search"
It will pull up the PDF File (This means you can use it more than once)
Thanks BeCentsAble!

New Samples for 7/10/08

2008-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Stayfree free sample and a $1 coupon (Thanks BeCentsAble)
Free food at Quiznos (Thanks Frugal, Freebies and Deals)
Free Slurpee on 7/11
Garnier UltraLift Pro-X Free Sample (Thanks Frugal, Freebies and Deals)
Eucerin Redness Relief Free Sample (Thanks Frugal, Freebies and Deals)
San Antonio Coffee Roaster's Sample (Thanks Frugal, Freebies and Deals)
Download your free copy of Coupon Mom's Advance Grocery Saving Strategies (Thanks Money Saving Mom)
Free Aveeno sample and coupon (Thanks Money Saving Mom)
True Lemon/True Lime/True Orange Sample (Thanks Money Saving Mom)
Pantene Color Expressions sample
Tide with Dawn Stainscrubbers (Thanks Money Saving Mom)
Kotex Sample (Thanks Money Saving Mom)

Look What Came In the Mail Today!

2008-07-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Samples, Coupons, Rebates and Checks, oh my!

Quaker Simple Harvest Cereal with a $1 off coupon. Sorry, offer expired. :0(

Dove Pro Age Body Lotion with a $1.50 off coupon. Find it here.

Multigrain Cheerios, find it here.

Escada Moon Sparkle Perfume, find it here.

Covet Perfume, find it here.

Home Depot Garden Club Coupons (perfect for the patio garden I'll be creating!). Signup for the club and you receive biweekly emails on promotions and these coupons in the mail. Find it here.

2 Longs Rebate Gift Cards totaling $25 from a Kotex and Covergirl promotion in May. The Kotex ended up being free and the Covergirl make-up was VERY cheap after the gift cards and coupons.

Procter & Gamble coupon book which is awesome! Savings on Swiffer, Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Mr. Clean and Iams products. I didn't realize how may P&G products I used until last weekend's P&G insert in the newspaper. Now even more coupons from P&G. Score! Find it here.

A $13 check from Viewpoint Forum, a reputable survey company I belong to.

Even though it was a bill, I had a pleasant surprise at a greatly reduced electric bill. We recently moved and our old apartment had appliances from the 70s that sucked up electricity like crazy. Our new apartment has brand new appliances, and even though we've added a washer and dryer to the list, the bill was still way lower than the old apartment!

The Media Is Catching On

2008-07-08T22:04:00.001-07:00

NPR did a report on the online culture of coupon/frugal blogs. I can just imagine this catching on to larger media outlets. LOL, hope this doesn't blow our cover!

Click here to listen

Longs Drugs July Rebate Catalog

2008-07-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

I'll be focusing on Longs Drugs a lot since the blogs I frequent don't really cover this gem of a store. For the first time I've seen, there are rebates according to week of purchase.

Free after rebates

7/4-7/10

Garnier Fructis Hydra-Curls or Curl & Shine Haircare (limit 1)

Gillette Hair Care for Men (limit 1)

*add $1/1 coupon from P&G insert and it's a money maker!

7/11-7/17

Nivea for Men Body Wash (limit 1)

7/18-7/24

Joint Juice Glucosamine Supplement, 6 pk. (limit 2)

*add $1/1 coupon from newspaper insert and/or from here and it's a money maker!

7/25-7/31

Just for Men Touch of Gray (limit 1)

Other Deals

Always Maxi Pads $1 rebate on 2 + B1G1 coupon from P&G insert (limit 1)

John Frieda Volume Hair Care $6.49-$4 rebate-$1/1 coupon from newspaper insert = $1.49 (limit 3)

Jergens Naturals Moisturizers $6.99-$4 rebate-$1/1 coupon from newspaper insert = $1.99

Oral-B Advantage $1.99 (sale)-$1 rebate-$1/1 coupon from P&G insert = FREE

Crest Glide Floss $2.99 (sale)-$1 rebate-$1 coupon = $.99 (limit 2)

Blog Lists

2008-07-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

You can find the blogs that I have found most helpful on the right column of this page. This way you can access them at anytime and not have to search for this post. My hubby (the tech genius he is), helped me set up an RSS feed in my Mail application on my Mac for each blog. All I have to do is open up my mail and all of the new unread posts are there waiting for me. I also find it helpful for saving any posts for future use. If you need help doing this, contact me!

My First Post!

2008-07-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Anne (hi, Anne!). I've been addicted to sales, coupons and freebies since becoming an adult and having to pay for stuff on my own. Recently I stumbled upon some wonderful blogs that feed my addiction, in a healthy way, and I've been laughing all the way to the bank. These blogs do such a great job that I will post links to them in my next blog. I am not trying to replace those blogs at all. What I found is that many of the people writing those blogs don't live on the West Coast (which I do) and are mothers (which I am not...yet). So this blog is to create a forum for sushi eating, latte sipping 20-somethings who only do that stuff when there's sale and a coupon involved. This blog will also focus on stores that are in this region of the country, which I feel have been entirely overlooked by other blogs because, well, they don't know that the stores exist!

As much as this will be a great way to get steals and deals out to other people, I unfortunately can't promise regular posts. I work full-time as a teacher and I'm going to grad school part-time for a Master's degree. I am happily married and have a needy cat. Yes, all of these demands at the same time. So I will probably be able to post more during summer than fall, but I'll do the best I can. Here we go!