general — Moms Need To Know ™

Sunday Coupon Insert Preview: February 5, 2012

By Mindi Cherry on February 4, 2012
in general

As a reminder, the value of the coupons that you find in your newspaper may vary from the value in the provided link! In addition, all of the stores in my area double coupons up to $.99 (so a $.75 coupon has a value of $1.50). If the stores in your area don’t double or your paper is more expensive, you may not find the coupons as valuable as I do!

Check out Sunday Coupon Preview for the complete listing of coupons. There should be 3 inserts this week:

Don’t understand the terms or abbreviations that I use? Be sure to read my Coupon Lingo post!

Coupons of Note

:: SmartSource Coupons

Campbell’s $.50/2 Healthy Request Chunky or Select Harvest soups: goes on sale for $1, making them just $0.50 each after doubled coupon

Infusium 23 $1/1 shampoo, conditioner or leave in treatment ets: they only put coupons out about every 3 months, so grab them while you can!

K-Y $5/1 Date Night pack, Intense Intrigue, Yours + Mine Couple Lubricants or Yours + Mine Kissable Sensations: the “Date Night Pack” is a newer products, so we should see some good deals!

Lysol coupons: we haven’t had any available Lysol coupons since before Christmas

Trojans coupons: they only come out about once a year….near Valentine’s Day.

UP2U $1/1 pack: goes on sale for $1 all the time making it FREE

:: General Mills Coupons

the standard coupons, but there are also several rebates available. The previews available say that it is for items purchased only at Safeway family of stores….we will have to see if the eligible store will vary by region

:: RedPlum Coupons

not listed in the preview, but in the copy of the insert that gets mailed to me are coupons for Quaker Granola Bars as well as Zatarains.

So how many copies of the paper would I buy?

If I were building a stockpile: 3-4
Now that I am in stockpile-maintenance mode: 3-4

It’s a “Meh!” week. Not horrible, but not that good either

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule

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Sunday Coupon Insert Preview: January 28, 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 28, 2012
in general

Check out Sunday Coupon Preview for the complete listing of coupons. There should be 4 inserts this week: a SmartSource, 2 Redplum inserts and a Proctor & Gamble insert.

Don’t understand the terms or abbreviations that I use? Be sure to read my Coupon Lingo post!

Coupons of Note

:: SmartSource Coupons

Biz $2/1 any size: Biz doesn’t put out many coupons and when they do, they are rarely this high-value

Dole $.75/1 Parfaits: Goes on sale for as low as $2, making them just $0.50 after doubled coupon

Hartz $1/1 Crunch’n Clean: goes on sale for as low as $1.50

Kleenex $.75/1 hand towels: goes on sale for $2.50 or less

Prevacid B1G1 free 42 count up to $29 MAIL IN REBATE: this should make for some sweet deals at the drug stores!

Speed Stick B1G1 free Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick antiperspirant/deodorant ets up to $3.99: this should make for some good deals at the drug stores.

:: RedPlum Coupons

Dove coupons: there haven’t been that many Dove coupons lately….nice to see them return!

Knorr $.50/2 Rice and Pasta Sides: goes on sale for $1 all the time, making them just $0.50 each after doubled coupon

Ragu $.50/1 pasta sauce: goes on sale as low as $1.25 (but more frequently at $1.67), making it super-cheap after doubled coupon

Wish-Bone $.50/1 dressing: goes on sale for $1.25 or less

:: RedPlum Coupons (Insert #2)

Dole $.50/2 cans of pineapple: these should go on sale for $1 or less as we get closer to Easter

:: Proctor & Gamble Coupons

most of these coupons are a lower-value than normal

So how many copies of the paper would I buy?

If I were building a stockpile: 4-7

Now that I am in stockpile-maintenance mode: 4-5

It’s a average week for coupons…but worthy of my “1 newspaper per family member” rule.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule

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Sunday Coupon Insert Preview: January 22, 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 21, 2012
in general

Check out Sunday Coupon Preview for the complete listing of coupons. There should be 2 inserts this week: a SmartSource and a Redplum

Don’t understand the terms or abbreviations that I use? Be sure to read my Coupon Lingo post!

Coupons of Note

:: SmartSource Coupons

Blistex $.35/1 lip care product: there have been plenty of good deal on Blistex lately.

Chock full o’ Nuts $.75/1 package: goes on sale as low as $4. If your store doubles coupons, this can make for some cheap coffee!

Franks $.75/1 Redhot sauce: we should see this on sale most weeks between now and the Super Bowl

Kraft $.75/2 dressing 14oz or 16oz: there haven’t been many Kraft dressing coupons lately.

Mt. Olive $1/1 pickles, peppers or relish product: the relish goes on sale for $1.25 or less

Pepsi $2/2 multi-pack plastic bottles or 7.5oz 8pk mini cans: soda coupons are rare

Yoplait $.50/2 Greek yogurt: goes on sale for $1, making them just $0.50 each after doubled coupon

:: RedPlum Coupons

Bounty & Charmin Target coupons: stack these with the manufacturers coupons in the 1/1/2012 P&G insert for even greater savings

Pup-Peroni $1/1 dog snacks 4.8oz+: goes on sale Buy 1 Get 1 Free all the time

Superpretzel $.50/1 soft pretzel product: goes on sale for $2 or less, making them just $1 after doubled coupon

So how many copies of the paper would I buy?

If I were building a stockpile: 3-4

Now that I am in stockpile-maintenance mode: 2-3

Great – we are back to boring weeks!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule

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Need Help With Heating Costs?

By Mindi Cherry on January 20, 2012
in general

With the economy the way it is, I know that many of you are struggling to pay your bills,especially heating bills. Luckily, we have had an extremely warm winter (so far) in the Philadelphia area, but I have friends all over the country who tell me that they have NOT been so blessed!

There are benefit programs in place to help people heat their homes. While some programs will be better than others (depending on your state), I hope that this list helps those who are struggling!

Simply click on your state below to be taken to the energy assistance program for your state:

Have you ever taken advantage of an Energy Assistance program? What is your experience?

Thanks A Proverbs Wife!

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Sunday Coupon Insert Preview: January 15, 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 14, 2012
in general

Check out Sunday Coupon Preview for the complete listing of coupons. There should be 1 insert this week: a SmartSource insert.

Don’t understand the terms or abbreviations that I use? Be sure to read my Coupon Lingo post!

Coupons of Note

:: SmartSource Coupons

ACT Save $1/1 16.9oz+ bottle: There are a few deals at the Drug Stores that start Sunday that include Act…this coupon should make those deals even better.

Dreamfields Save $.55/1 pasta: goes on sale for $2 or less, making it cheap after doubled coupon

Edge Save $.55/1 shave gel 7oz+: Goes on sale for $1.75 or less

Jolly Time Save $.50/1 microwave pop corn: Jolly Time is endorsed by Weight Watchers (at least, the reduced fat versions are), which means there are plenty of great sales this month. I have seen it as low as $1.67!

Ortega Save $.50/2 items: the spice packets go on sale for as low as $0.67, making them just $0.17 after doubled coupon

So how many copies of the paper would I buy?

If I were building a stockpile: 3-4

Now that I am in stockpile-maintenance mode: 2-3

Despite the large number of coupons in 1 insert this week, I am pretty much un-thrilled

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule

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Sunday Coupon Insert Preview: January 8, 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 7, 2012
in general

Check out Sunday Coupon Preview for the complete listing of coupons. There should be SIX inserts this week: 2 SmartSource, a General Mills, a Redplum, a Target and a Walmart insert

Don’t understand the terms or abbreviations that I use? Be sure to read my Coupon Lingo post!

I can’t even begin to list all the good coupons this week…not a good week for my carpal tunnel!

So how many copies of the paper would I buy?

If I were building a stockpile: 8-12
Now that I am in stockpile-maintenance mode: 6-10

It’s a fantabulous week for coupons!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule

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12 Items That Will Be Less Expensive in 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 5, 2012
in Budgeting, general

After the bad news about the 11 Items that will be more expensive in 2012, there IS some good news! From TVs to laptops, cash-strapped shoppers should keep an eye on prices for these items; even wine might see notable discounts next year!

Apple iPad 2

The iPad 3 will not feature a significant price drop (if any at all), but one thing is guaranteed — Cupertino’s forthcoming tablet will most certainly bring down the price of refurbished iPad 2s. (As the iPad 2 did for its predecessor.) The iPad 3 may even cause resellers to offer more deals on new iPad 2 models as they try to move yesterday’s tech to make room for Apple’s latest and greatest.

Android Tablets

The Kindle Fire has been Amazon‘s most successful product ever launched. The release of this groundbreaking tablet has, a-hem, ignited a fire among tablet manufacturers as they scramble to match Amazon‘s $199 price tag. For consumers, the competition translates to better tablet bargains in 2012.

Wine

Wine connoisseur extraordinaire, Robert Parker, predicts the coming year to be the “Age of the Buyer” — a prolonged period of time with stable or declining wine prices. With less disposable income, folks have left wines priced at $30 and above untouched on store shelves. So to move stock, retailers are expected to offer more sales and even flash deals on wines. Price is also affected by industry competition, as consumers note the quality-to-price ratio from wines originating in countries like Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Chile. Aficionados should check out sites like Lot 18 for their boozy offerings.

Home Prices

Despite record-low mortgage interest rates, United States home prices are expected to limp their way into the coming year. In 2011, average home prices across the country were down 3.4% (compared to the same period of August to October, 2010). And with unemployment expected to remain high, 2012 is looking like it will remain a buyer’s market.

Standalone GPS Units with Lifetime Maps

The smarter our phones get, the greater the number of gadgets they’re capable of replacing. And no gadget is as close to extinction as the GPS unit. So it comes as no surprise to see manufacturers slash prices on standalone GPS units with lifetime / live maps. dealnews data shows that in 2011, units that were once fetching around $160 reached price-lows of just $70.

You can find the complete list here.

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11 Items That Will Be More Expensive in 2012

By Mindi Cherry on January 4, 2012
in Budgeting, general

Prices rise all the time…it’s just an unfortunate fact of life. I just read an article about the things that are almost guaranteed to go up in price this year.

The worst thing? We aren’t talking about items like fur coats, trips to Bermuda and diamonds. We are talking about basics, such as food water and gas! From the article:

Food for Home Preparation

If your grocery bill seemed higher in 2011, you weren’t imagining things. Most retailers have reported that food prices are rising and those increases are being passed along to shoppers. Food costs rose 6% last year and will likely go up at least 2% more in 2012. Increases are likely to affect food eaten at home, rather than restaurants where those costs are easier to absorb when combined with sales of liquor, says Harry Balzer, Chief Industry Analyst for the NPD Group.

Water

Most communities in the United States will face water rate hikes this year, even places that are rich with the natural resource. Water rates in the greater Chicago area will increase by as much as 25% next year, while the parched high desert Denver market is set to rise an additional 5.5%. Like the above-mentioned fees, this increase is mostly a result of cities needing to increase revenue to balance their budgets.

Gas

Fuel prices began inching up just before the holidays, and 2012 is looking to be another budget-breaking year at the pump, with prices once again topping $4 per gallon.

Domestic and International Airfare

Greater demand and fewer available airline seats will likely lead to higher ticket prices for flights next year. American Express predicts prices within North America will increase up to 5% for economy seating, depending on the length of the flight, and up to 7% in business class. Things look more bleak for European travel. A new “green tax” implemented by the EU is aimed at reducing emissions, and it will levy a fee of roughly $15 per passenger, each way, for flights to the U.S. Fees on shorter flights within the EU will be taxed slightly less.

Shipping

Unfortunately for avid online shoppers, the U.S. Postal Service will raise rates by an average of 4.6% next year, while both FedEx and UPS are hiking small package rates by 4.9%. Personal shipping will certainly cost more and it’s anybody’s guess how long retailers can continue the ubiquitous free shipping offers as rates rise.

Mobile Device Data Plans

Data plans in the past have had a tendency to decline, but as carriers build out 4G services, and move away from unlimited plans, data is set to become more expensive in 2012, according to Ross Rubin, Executive Director of Connected Intelligence at the NPD Group.

You can find the complete list here.

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Why Should I Switch To Coconut Oil?

By Mindi Cherry on January 2, 2012
in general, Life As A Mom

About a year ago, a friend of mine convinced me on the wonderful properties of coconut oil. I was skeptical (especially since Brad still blamed her for that whole “organic salsa incident”), but after a year of using coconut oil, I am a HUGE fan!

So why should you use coconut oil?

The most amazing hand, foot and cuticle treatment you can ever imagine!
The winter have your lips chapped? Switch out the Blistex for coconut oil…you won’t be sorry!
and speaking of chapped lips in winter…there is the smell. The smell of coconut in winter is just awesomeness!
Stove top popcorn popped in coconut oil and then just a dab of melted butter? Pure Heaven!
Have problems with frizzy hair? Rub a little between your palms and run it through your hair (avoiding the roots) and watch the frizziness be tamed!
Waterproof eye makeup remover: use a tissue and a quick swipe and you can take it all off
Cooking: Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
Eggs fried in coconut oil is pure HEAVEN!
Shave Prep: rub coconut oil on the area to be shaved and enjoy a cleaner shave!

What are some of your uses for coconut oil?

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2012 Sunday Coupon Insert Schedule

By Mindi Cherry on December 16, 2011
in general

Here is the schedule for the Coupon Inserts in 2012.

This schedule is not set in stone and doesn’t include the periodic “Bonus Inserts” that we get (such as General Mills, Target, etc). As the schedule is updated and finalized in 2012, I will make sure to update this post!

Don’t forget to check out my regular Coupon Insert Sneak Peek posts which are posted every Thursday morning as well as my Saturday morning Coupon Insert Preview post, where I detail what I think the best coupons are each week and let you know how many papers I will be buying that week!

January

1 — (2) Redplum & (2) SmartSource & Procter and Gamble
8 — Redplum & SmartSource
15 — Smart Source
22 — Redplum & SmartSource
29 — Redplum & SmartSource

February

5 — Redplum & SmartSource & Procter and Gamble
12 — Redplum & (2) SmartSource
19 — Redplum
26 — (2) SmartSource

March

4 — Redplum & Smart Source & Procter and Gamble
11 — Redplum & SmartSource
18 — Redplum & SmartSource
25 — Redplum & SmartSource

April

1 — (2) Redplum & (2) Smart Source & Procter and Gamble
8 — No Inserts (Easter)
15 — Redplum & SmartSource
22 — SmartSource
29 — Redplum & SmartSource