Broke - not - Broken

Moving to Canada

2009-02-04T02:40:00.002-05:00

OH! Canada...

I have gone through a roller coaster of changes this last year... but the biggest change is yet to come. Some of you know that I am originally from Canada... I moved to the US after marrying my husband who is in the US Army 5 years ago. (What a mistake that was!) Well, after years of cheating, lies and abuse I finally left him last year and ran away to NC. Well.. NC just isnt working for me (not to mention there is NO work here period) and I've decided to move back to Canada. Unfortunately... that also means I have to learn a whole new couponing system, figure out where to get my hands on the type of Q's that got me so much for free here in the states, and scope out the new stores. I probably wont be posting for awhile.. and my deal posts probably wont even interest you lucky Americans.. so if you decide to take me off of your viewers list, I understand. If you're a fellow Canadian visitor.. welcome! Leave comments and tips on how you do it up there! Until Im moved and settled.. its been fun! See you soon!

Christmas Score!

2008-12-03T09:20:00.005-05:00

FREE Nintendo DS + Games!

Micahla (DD) wants a pink Nintendo DS for Christmas, and with that she obviously needs games to play on it. Well, we've only budgeted $200 per child this year and since I've already splurged on xmas jammies, perfumes and other teenager type stocking stuffers, I had no idea how we were going to afford $129.00 for the 'machine' and $20-$40 for each game! Until... I saw an advertisement at gamestop that marked the machine down to $89.99 if you brought in your old gameboy advance for trade. Well now.. we just so happened to have one that no one uses. I just saved $30.00! Then.. Jon started rummaging around and found a PSP that he used in Iraq and a bunch of movies/games to also trade in. We made our way to Gamestop just to see how much credit they would give us for everything combined, and the total came to $178.00!! We jumped all over that like a chubby on cookies! We ended up getting the Nintendo DS AND 5 games that were even cheaper because we bought them 'used'. I was on cloud 9 walking out of that store, DS in hand and money STILL in our pockets. I hope she likes what 'santa' brings her this year!

Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup

2008-10-06T02:46:00.005-04:00

Soup-er Cheap Dinner!

Its getting cold here in Upstate NY, and I have been on a cooking/baking kick. I decided after catching the great deal on Green Giant Broccoli Steamers @ Walmart, to make some Cream of Broccoli Soup & Homemade Buns for dinner last night. My husband always compliments me on my cooking (so does my teenager, which must mean Im not all that bad) but last night Jake said this has been the absolute best soup I have ever made. Oh... and it was CHEAP!

Here's my Recipe:

3 cups water
3 cups chicken stock (used $1/1 Swanson insert Q and paid less than $1.00)
3 Bags GG Broccoli Steamers (used $1/1 (x3) Q and paid .23 cents each)
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 Package Kraft American cheese clices (FREE Kraft Q out a few months ago)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup milk
1 cup light cream
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup all-purpose white flour

In a large saucepan, bring the water/stock to a boil. Add the broccoli and onion; boil for 10 to 12 minutes. Add the cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts. Add the milk, cream, and butter. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.

Add the water to the flour and mix until smooth. Add slowly to the hot soup, stirring rapidly. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the soup is the consistency of heavy cream. Serve hot.

________________________________

I figure since I had most items on hand or were free/cheap.. I spent less than $2.00 total, which made enough for dinner, left over lunch and enough to be frozen for another day.

Target, Walgreens & Commissary

2008-09-09T22:20:00.007-04:00

Made a quick stop in each store tonight.. here's the run down:

Walgreens

Trans 1:
3 Robitussin $3.99 = $11.97
- (3) $3/1 IP
2 Chex Mix .99 = $1.98
-(2) $1/1 IP Q
= $2.95 on GC
+ $10RR Robitussin

Trans 2:
3 Robitussin $3.99 = $11.97
- (3) $3/1 IP
1 Chex Mix .99
- (1)$1/1 IP Q
= $2.97 on GC
+ $10RR Robitussin

Trans 3:
Cleaning Products x7 = $20.03
- (5) $1/1 Q's
- (2) $2.75 Q's
+ Filler .49
= $10.02
- $10RR Robitussin
= .02 on GC
+ $10RR Cleaners

Trans 4:
Cleaning Products x7 = $20.03
- (5) $1/1 Q's
- (2) $2.75 Q's
+ Filler .49
= $10.02
- $10RR Robitussin
= .02 on GC
+ $10RR Cleaners

Trans 5:
Magic Bullet Clearance $15.48
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash (500 ml) $4.49
= 20.47
- $10RR Robitussin
- $10RR Cleaners RR
+ Filler .49
= .46 on GC
+ $4.49RR Crest

Grand Total: $87.92
Total Paid after Q's & RR's = $1.92

Target

Trans 1:
4 Kashi Waffles $6.32
2 Febreeze noticeables $11.98
= $18.30
- $2/1 Kashi IP x4
- $5 Febreeze Q P&G x2
= .30 cents OOP
+ $5.00 Target GC (Kashi Deal)

Trans 2:
4 Kashi Waffles $6.32
2 Febreeze noticeables $11.98
3 Glade Oil Warmers $11.82
4 Ziploc Bags $4.00
15 Zone Bars $14.55
= $48.67
- $2/1 Kashi IP x4
- $5 Febreeze Q P&G x2
- $4/1 Glade x3
- $0.75/1 Ziploc x4
- $1/1 Zone Bar x15
= .67 cents on GC
+ $5.00 Target GC (Kashi Deal)

Grand Total: $66.97
Total after Q's and GC's: $9.03 PROFIT!

Military Commissary

4 Toaster Strudel $5.00 - (4) $1/1 Q
6 Muir Glen $5.34 - (6) $1/1 Q
2 Ore-Ida French Fries $1.00 - (1) $1/2 Q
3 Pace Salsa $4.08 - (3) $1/1 Q
1 Hefty Ziploc $1.09 - (1) 0.20/1 Q
5 Glade Oil Warmers $17.20 - (5) $4/1 Q
Total Before Q's: $33.71
Total after Q's: -.49 cents
+ Surcharge = .69 cents OOP

Military Commissary

2008-09-07T19:29:00.012-04:00

Back to doing what I do Best!

(4) Kids Yoplait $1.75 - $1.50 IP = .25 each

(4) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.39 - $1/1 Q = .39 each
(2) Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1.89- $1/1 Q = .89 each
(4) Kraft Cheese Slices - $3.16 - FREE!
(1) Reddi Whip $1.75 - $1/1 = .75 each
(8) Pillsbury Toaster Strudel 4/$5 ($1.25 each) - $1/1 IP Q = .25 each
(14) Ore-Ida Fries .50 - $1/2 Q = FREE!
(2) Eskimo Pies $1.99 - $1/1 Q = .99 each
(6) South Beach Diet Individual Pizza $2 - $2/1 Q = FREE!
(5) Oscar M Hot Dogs $2.00 - Kraft FREE Q = FREE!
(2) T.G.I.F Frozen Snack $2.20 - $3.00 Q = $1.60 Overage
(14) Marcal Paper Towel .99 - $1/1 Q = FREE!
(10) Mighty Dog Food - Free Q = FREE!
(4) Kotex Liners $.84 - $1/1 Q = FREE + .64 Overage
(6) Glade Oil Warmer $3.44 - $4/1 = $3.36 Overage
(4) Muir Glen Tomato's $.50 - $1/1 Q = FREE + $2.00 Overage
(4) Ronzoni Smart Taste Spaghetti - $1.09 - $1/1 Q = .09 each
(4) Crystal Lite $2.50 - Kraft FREE Q = FREE!
(1) V8 Fusion 46 oz. $3.10 - $1/1 = $2.10
(14) Starkist Tuna Creations $.99 - $1Q = FREE + .14 Overage
(8) Kraft Easy Mac Cups .60 - $1/2 Q = .10 each
(12) Old El paso Taco Seasoning $.20 - $1/2 = FREE + $3.60 Overage
(10) Nabisco Oreo 8oz Snack bag $1.00 - $1/1 Q = FREE!
(4) Jolly Time Popcorn $.89 - $1/1 Q = FREE + .44 Overage
(4) Jolly Time Popcorn $1.09 - $1.50/1 Q = FREE + $1.64 Overage!
(4) Wheat Thins $3.37 - Kraft Free Q = FREE!
(2) Pillsbury Brownie Mix $1.00 - $1/2 = $1.00
(4) Kraft Dressing $1.69 - Kraft Free Q = FREE!
(3) Vlassik Pickles $1.50 - $1/1 = $1.00

Total Before Q's = $215.97
Total After Q's = $7.33

Special Delivery

2008-09-06T02:57:00.000-04:00

Fun Mail Day!

This was my first package since signing up for a new product testing site.. Ore-Ida has a new product called Steam & Mash (no Im not getting paid to advertise). Just for offering to try the product, I was sent a FREE Potato Masher, 1 FREE Steam & Mash coupon and 10 - $1/1 Coupons!

I don't have to throw a party (like houseparty), I dont have to tell a million people about it (like buzzagent)... all I do is enjoy (or not). The little booklet that came along with the package even says; "Here's 10 - $1.00 Coupons to either share with your friends, or keep for yourself". Oh you can bet I probably will.. you know, incase there's a promotional sale or something. haha

I will link the site as soon as i can figure out where to find the referral codes.

Todays Total Profit: $19.67!!

2008-08-16T21:11:00.011-04:00

AMAZING Shopping Day!

Headed out to 4 stores this afternoon and came home with money IN my pocket! Now, thats how to shop! Total Spent OOP @ all 4 stores: $10.33! Total Profit Made: $19.67!! Had to treat the family to Taco Bell for dinner, simply because I was on a major Coupon High, and because I could afford it after a day like this!

Target

Broke up into 4 Transactions:
2 Chex Mix - 2.29 each (Minus 50¢ Target Q & $1.00/1 Man. Q)
1 AMP Energy Drink - $1.99 - Not pictured
12 Pantene - $5.00 each (Minus $6.00/1 - x12)
4 Loose Leaf Paper - 50¢ each
2 Tic-Tac - 97¢ each - Not pictured
2 Hello Kitty Notebooks - $1.50 each
1 Hello Kitty Binder - $4.24

Total Before Q's: $75.75
Total After Q's: $2.25 PLUS $20 GC's back!
Profit: $17.75!!

Price Chopper

2 Tyson Chicken Nuggets - $6.59 each (Minus $6.00/1 - x2)
2 Pasta Roni - $1.00 each (Minus .50¢ doubled - x2)
3Ltr Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice - $4.59 (Minus $4.00/1)
8 Crystal Light - $3.99 each (Minus Kraft FREE x4 + BOGO Sale)
8 Kool-aid - .25¢ each

Total Before Q's: $56.38
Total OOP: $4.02

Military Commissary

2 Fruit Loops - $1.69 each (Minus $1/2)
2 Corn Pops - $1.69 each (Minus $1/2)
4 Pop-Tarts - $1.25 each (Minus $1/2 - x2)
2 Rice Krispies $2.00 each (Minus $1/2)
Cheez-Its - $2.98 each (Minus $4/1)
4 Bagel Bites - $1.00 each (Minus $3/1 - x4)

Total Before Q's: $22.74
Total OOP: $1.74
PLUS $10 Kelloggs MIR
Profit: $8.26

Kmart

2 TruBlend Liquid Foundation - $7.99 each (BOGO Sale & BOGO Q)
2 TruBlend Mouse Foundation - $7.99 each (BOGO Sale & BOGO Q)
2 Concealers - $6.99 each (BOGO Sale & BOGO Q)
2 Mascara - $6.99 each (BOGO Sale & BOGO Q)

Total Before Q's: $59.92
Total After Q's: $2.32 (tax)

Military Commissary PROFIT!

2008-08-14T13:15:00.002-04:00

Total Savings: 91%

6 (30 CT) Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs - $3.50 each
6 Family Size Wheat Thins - $2.29 each
6 Kelloggs Eggo Waffles - $1.09 each
6 Muir Glen Organic Tomato's - .50¢ each
4 Kelloggs Pop-Tarts - $1.25 each
1 Planters Cashews - $3.00
25 Koolaid - .15¢ each

Subtotal: $56.03

Coupons Used:

6 FREE WYB 3 Kraft (Hot Dogs)
6 FREE WYB 3 Kraft (Wheat Thins)
3 $1/2 Eggo's
6 $1/1 Muir Glen Product
2 $1/2 Pop-Tarts
1 $3 Planters WYB 3 Kraft
2 B10G2 Koolaid

Total: $6.69 OOP
PLUS $10.00 Kelloggs M.I.R
Profit: $3.31

Military Commissary - 11¢ OOP

2008-08-13T00:08:00.002-04:00

Total Savings: 99%

Made it to the Commissary with coupons in one hand a list in the other. Here's what I got:

8 Marcal Paper Towel $1.00 each
18 Old El Paso Seasoning .20 cents each
4 Totino Pizza Rolls .99 cents each
4 Juicy Juice Boxes $1.76 each
1 V-8 Fusion $3.10 each
2 Fudge Brownies $1.00 each
5 Kotex .84 cents each
5 Muir Glen Tomato's .50 cents each
20 Mighty Dog .55 cents each
5 Pickles $1.19 each
2 Relish .75 cents each
6 Koolaid .15 cents each
2 Planters $2.21 each
4 Ground Turkey $2.00 each
1 Weber Seasoning .98 cents each

Coupons Used:
8 Marcal Paper Towel FREE
9 Old El Paso Seasoning $1/2
4 Totino Pizza Rolls $1/1 IP
4 Juicy Juice Boxes $1/1 IP
1 V-8 Fusion $1/1
1 Fudge Brownies $1/2
5 Kotex $1/1
5 Muir Glen Tomato's $1/1
10 Mighty Dog FREE Q
10 Mighty Dog Military BOGO Tearpad
5 Pickles $1/1
2 Relish $1/1
2 Planters $3 WYB 3 Kraft
4 Ground Turkey $1/1 IP
1 Weber Seasoning $1/1

Subtotal: $0.11 (no tax on base)

Walgreens .84 cents OOP

2008-06-13T08:17:00.002-04:00

Got my Tin Foil & Ziploc Bags (and an Orange Soda that I drank) for .84 cents OOP last night!

Tin foil was .89 cents each with IVC (x2) = $1.78
Ziploc Bags were 2/$5.00
Orange Soda was $1.39
Total: $8.17

Q's used:
$1.50/2 Tin Foil
$1.50/2 Ziploc
$5.00 RR
Total OOP: .17 cents + Tax

Unfortunately they only had 2 rolls of the tin foil, otherwise I would have totally stocked up. I am going to check back again tomorrow once the truck comes in and maybe get lucky!

SunBuddy loves me!

2008-06-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

I love getting gifts in the mail!
I signed up for the SunBuddy exchange on AFullCup.com and these are the summer time goodies BoPeep sent me! Thanks sooo much! I can't wait to use the nail polish!

My head is spinning..

2008-06-08T06:28:00.000-04:00

Note to self: Start planning weekly menu's and create a monthly spending budget!

Its getting a lil' hairy in here!

2008-06-06T03:32:00.002-04:00

Walgreens:
8 Satin Care shave Gels - $2.00 each ($16.00)
2 Gillette Shave Gels - $2.00 each ($4.00)
Total before Coupons: $20.00

Coupons Used:
- $1/1 Satin Care Shave Gel (x10) = $10.00
- $1/1 Easy Saver Q's (x10) = $10.00
Savings: $20.00

Total OOP: $1.55 in tax
Total Profit: $5 in Register Rewards

My Walgreens only had 8 of the Satin Care Gel's but I had 10 SC Q's. I explained the deal I was seeking to the cosmetics cashier and she grabbed the manager who suggested she just scan 2 extra of the SC Gel's (so I could use my Q's) and ring the Gillette Gels in as $0.00. My receipt actually shows 12 purchases, but I only walked out with 10. I love my Walgreens staff! I just hope it didnt throw them off @ the end of the day.

Target:
8 Mens Fusion Razors - $7.99 each ($63.92)
4 Clean & Clear - $0.99 each ($3.96)
Total before Coupons: $67.88

Coupons Used: Savings: $82.00
- $4/1 Razors (x8) = $32.00
- $2/1 C&C (x5) = $10.00
+ $40 in Target GC's ($10 per 2 Fusion Purchases)
Profit on Target Gift Card: $14.12

I actually made 4 different transactions to receive all of the above.

First Transaction:
2 Razors + C&C's for a total of $19.94
Used 2 - $4/1 Razor Q's & 5 - $2/1 C&C Q's for a total of $18.00
Paid $3.90 (including tax) OOP and received $10 Target Gift Card

Kept rolling the $10 GC onto the next purchase:
2 Razors = $15.98 minus (x2) $4/1 Q's = $7.98 on GC

Note: Yes, I realize I only bought 4 C&C's and used 5 Q's. I thought I handed her 4 Q's but they must have stuck together and I didnt catch her scanning the 5th one. She was quick at pushing them through!

Chex Mix

2008-06-05T12:44:00.001-04:00

Last week Walgreens had Chex Mix on sale for .99 and I managed to pick up a few bags for FREE using an IP $1/1 Q.

I was able to print a couple extra Q's after the WAGs sale, so I picked up a couple more bags (since we eat it like its going out of style) at Dollar General this week for .25 cents a bag.

4 Bags of Chex Mix @ WAGs = FREE!
2 Bags of Chex Mix @ DG = .50 cents OOP

6 full size Bags for .50 cents Total

Slave to Debt

2008-06-05T12:09:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't have an arm and leg full of debt anymore? Seriously, with the rise in price of almost everything essential to daily living (gas, food etc.) how can you not be?

I used to think that couponing was a waste of time. I mean really.. how could .20 cents here and .35 cents there REALLY save me that much money over time? Little did I know! I stumbled onto a coupon forum or two one day when I was searching for an online discount code. I had no idea such communities existed! I started to read each post and was amazed by how much people were saving and totally blown away by how much they were getting for FREE!

I mentioned it to Jake (DH) and he told me that we actually have a coupon exchange here on base. We decided to go check it out, grabbed what I could match up to the deals posted on the forum and hit the store like a bat out of hell! I havent looked back since!

This was my first score! Everything but the Dog Food, Mustard and Toilet Scrubber kits had atleast a couple cents overage, some of them giving me more than $1 overage.

Total Retail = $125.00 PLUS!
Total Overage = approx. $30.00

So, not only did I walk out with $125 worth of product for FREE by using coupons, but the store actually owed ME $30.00 which I used to cover some items I didnt have coupons for. In actuality, I walked out of the store with $155.00 worth of product and didnt pay a cent!

How could you NOT become addicted after a haul like that? It's been almost 2 months now.. I have quite a stockpile built up.. Ive even had huge garage sales selling alot of my FREE's, bringing in even more savings!

So.. this is where my journey out of debt begins! I can still buy the essentials we need (I even shop where we receive a gas credit) all the while saving money to pull us out of debt and perhaps one day.. take that dream honeymoon we hoped for!