This Week's Purchases (Week of April 10, 2011)

Today, I completed my shopping at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.  Below is the complete list of the things that I ended up with.  I thought about separating the items according to store, but decided against it since in the whole scheme of things, it only matters that I saved money.  In front of each item is the quantity that I purchased of that particular item.

1 - Gatorade G-Fit Series

4 - Finish Gelpacs (20 count box)

2 - Finish Jet Dry

2 - Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizing Spray

4 - Air Wick Freshmatic  Ultra Automatic Spray Refill

2 - Wet and Wild Lipstick

2 - Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme Hair Color

2 - Garnier Fructis Style Body Boost Volumizing Gel

2 - Old Spice Body Wash

1 - L'oreal Vive Pro Shampoo

1 - L'oreal Vive Pro Conditioner

1 - Essence of Beauty Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

1 - Visine Original (with bonus of 30% more)

3 - Betty Crocker Cornbread and Muffin Mix

6 - Nestle Butterfinger Eggs

1 - Russell Stover Caramel Egg

The total cost of these items were $94.65 (without sales tax), but I did not pay that much.  Based on rebates, coupons, store rewards cards, and cash-equivalent register certificates, I ended up paying only $28.95 (without sales tax).  That is a savings of 69%!  Granted, it is a far cry from the individuals on the Extreme Couponing show, but I am very happy with the savings that I managed to snag this week.  The one thing that I really need to emphasize is that the 69% savings is based on the sale prices of the items.  If I looked at the regular price, the savings would be so very much greater!

One of the other great things about this week's haul is that I am going to put the two containers of Old Spice Body Wash (which ended up being free) into the donate box that will soon go to the local organization that assists area senior citizens.  Always be generous!

Walgreens - Gotta Luv Free Stuff!

Walgreens was my favorite store this week!  That store had a blood glucose monitor that was $14.99 with a $14.99 mail in rebate in the box.  Added to that, I received a $5.00 register reward for purchasing it!  I was $5.01 ahead!  Colgate toothpaste was on sale for $2.99, and I ended up with a $3.00 register reward!  OK, so that makes $5.01 (less sales tax) that I made just for purchasing those two items!  I did not even need any coupons!   

Okay, so what am I going to do with the items?  The toothpaste is going into my stockpile, and the blood glucose monitor will probably go to a local organization that provides services to seniors citizens.  I am sure there is a senior in the county who needs a monitor.  :-)

As far as my stockpile in concerned, I have decided that I am going to determine the maximum quantity that I will stockpile for each item that I have obtained for free.  After that number is reached, I am going to donate the items.  I always create gift bags for at Christmas and give the bags to social workers to distribute to needy seniors, but the obtaining of free things will enable me to give things to seniors throughout the year.  Always be generous.