Just want to say that I did well on my goal in the routine stores this past week. Between Publix, Bi-Lo, Kroger, and CVS I spent a total of $39 and change, which makes it two weeks in a row that I've kept my total below the improbable $50 for 10 to 12 people. Expenditures included meat, lots of fresh produce, milk and other dairy items.

My stockpile would have increased, even at that rate, except that I sent lots of groceries, both fresh and packaged, home with someone whose budget can use the support, gifted another family with part of our abundant supply of ice cream :-) (something we used to have only on special occasions), and gave away some personal care items to another.

ALSO spent only $16 on gas the past week. That will go up next week because both tanks will need to be filled. Still, the two weeks should average less than my $30 goal. (HUGE smile here)

Even though those savings are wonderful, we came out negative for the week because there was an unanticipated expense for ~$500 for household repairs. That didn't come to anywhere near the amounts spent the previous two months for major auto repairs and medical expenses.

LOL! It's a good thing I'm "saving" because we've been spending more than ever. Ack!

Jenny,

I'm curious, what bread do you buy at Kroger, name brand or house brand? Do they mark down name brand bread on Sunday? I do not like Kroger house brand bread, but I do like Publix house brand bread. I've been buying the Publix brand ever since I started shopping there 2 months ago. But if Kroger marks down name brand it may be worth a short Sunday trip for me.

They mark down all types, mostly their housebrand but many weeks I can also get Gold Medal? I think that's the name. They will also mark down their fancier Activ Lifestyle breads. My kids don't care what they eat and I can get a loaf of any type for 49 cents!

First Timer on Rolling ECB's:

I started w/ $17 ECB's:

Deal#1:
(3) pencil sharpeners
(1) Cvs Pantiliners
(2) Dawn Dish Detergents
(1) Febreeze Air Effects
(1) Febreeze Noticeables
(1) Febreeze Fabric Spray
(2) Head and Shoulder shampoos
Total before sales and coupons: $39.09
OOP: $1.75
Savings: $37.34
ECB's Earned: $13.46
(Tried to do Post deal but they were sold out- Got a raincheck w/ $5 ECB's)

Deal # 2:
(1) Venus disposable
(1) Gillette Shampoo
(2) Dove Shampoos
(1) Shick Titanium Quattro
(1) Schick Titanium 4pk cartridges
Total before Sales & Coupons: $46.82
OOP: $0.98
Savings: $45.84
ECB's Earned: $4

Deal # 3:
(2) Oil of Olay body washes
Total before sales & Coupons: $17.02
OOP: $4.54
Savings: $12.48
ECB's Earned: $5

Summary (Before sales and coupons): $102.93
Total Out of Pocket: $7.27
ECB's to roll forward: $5.00
Net: $2.27!


Also went to food lion:

(1) Double roll 12pk angel soft tp
(1) Chinet plates
(2) Hefty trash bags
(1) hand soap
(1) Facial tissue
(2) dannon yogurts cups
(2) Ken's dressings
Total (before sales & coupons) $23.78
OOP $11.64

Combined total (CVS AND FOOD LION):
Bought $126.71
OOP $18.91 and $5 ECB to carry forward

Thank you to all of your comments and scenarios. We are a family of 4. Both my husband and I are employed full-time. If it weren't for all of your posts and HCW website this would not be possible!! Thank you and God Bless !!

Wow! Great savings this week.

CVS Savings

#1
1 Febreeze Fabric Freshener
1 Febreeze Noticbles
1 Febreeze Candle
1 Febreeze Air Freshener

Total Before: $21
Total After coupons and $8 ECB: $5.47
Got Back $12 ECB and $4.00/$20 coupon ($2 was spring savings ECB)

#2
2 pencil sharpeners

Total Before: $2.14
Total After ECB: 0
Got Back $1.98 ECB and another $4.00/$20 coupon


#3
2 Dove Shampoo
1 Gillette Shampoo
2 Dawn
3 Post Cereals

Total Before: $34.61
Total After coupons and ECB: $.56 (.29 was tax!)
Got Back $8.00 ECB

Total: $57.75
OOP: $6.03 (or 10.45%!!!)