Deals...

Back by popular demand (a.k.a. by Katie's request)...my favorite deals for the week.

If you're confused about the whole couponing thing, well, you'll have to wait for a full tutorial. I haven't found a good one on-line so I might have to create my own. In the meantime, here are a few tips:

* INSERTS I always keep the inserts from my Sunday papers and put the date on the front page of each insert (a.k.a. the date of the Sunday paper they came in).

* DON'T BOTHER CUTTING ANYTHING OUT...yet. Keep on reading to see why.

* ORGANIZE I keep them organized in a binder, but you could organize them in hanging file folders, or just keep them in a stack.

* FIND THEM...THE LAZY WAY Ross once told me that IT people are in IT because they're lazy...they don't see the point of doing extra work so they like to automate things. Well, I don't know if it's lazy, but I don't like doing extra work, so I take advantage of other people's work whenever possible. Databases (don't be scared by the word) are a great way to do this. Check out this great Coupon Database. When I'm going to the store for a specific item I always check first to see if I can find a coupon for it.

* ABBREVIATIONS Couponers can't live without 'em. Here are a few that will be helpful to know.
SS = Smart Source (coupon insert in the Sunday paper)
RP = Red Plum (coupon insert in the Sunday paper)
PG = Proctor & Gamble (coupon insert in the Sunday paper)
Q = coupon

* STACKING At Target you can use 1 manufacturer's coupon & 1 store coupon per item to make for some really great deals. Sometimes people refer to this as stacking coupons on their website. Beware, however, because different stores have different policies on this. Wal-mart, for example, will only accept one coupon per item.

* DON'T GET TOO EXCITED It's possible to go overboard with deals & couponing & spend more money than you intended. How do I know this you ask? A 'friend' told me it's possible. This 'friend' also says to wait for the best deals instead of being compelled to use all your coupons. It's better to throw a few coupons away than lots of $$$.

Without further ado, here are the deals.



Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs $2.79
- $1/1 Printable Coupon
- $1/1 Target Coupon
= 79¢

Kraft Dressing $1.59
- (2) $1.50/1 Q (5/10 SS) OR $1/1 Printable Coupon
- $1/2 Target Coupon
= Free + 82¢ overage OR 9¢ each

Kraft BBQ Sauce $1.54
- $1/1 Printable Coupon
= 54¢

Kraft Mayo $1.99
- (2) $1/1 Qs (4/26 SS) OR $1/1 Printable Coupons
- (1) $1/2 Target Coupon
= 49¢ ea.

Wheat Thins Artisan Crackers $2.99
- B1G1Free Q (3/15 SS)
- $1/1 Printable Coupon
- $1/2 Target Q
= 49¢ ea. (use all 3 coupons on 2 boxes of crackers)

Ritz Crackers $2.54
- $1/1 Printable Coupon
- $1/1 Target Coupon
= 54¢

A1 Steaksauce (small bottle) $2.09
- $2/1 Q (5/10 SS) OR $1/1 Printable Coupon
= 9¢ OR $1.09

For a full list check out The Good Deal Gal. (Note: the Kraft coupons look like they're gone, but you can get the same ones at Coupons.com.

Also, there are some great on-going deals at Wal-mart. You can find the full list at Deal Seeking Mom.

Happy shopping. I'm off to get some onion rings.