The Sweet Life On A Budget

  Walgreens February 14-20  Revlon Kiss Balm (BOGO 50%) Cost:  Buy 2- ($4.99 + $2.50 x 2 = $7.49)   OOP: $7.49 Register Rewards: $4.00 IBOTTA: $3.00x 2 = $6.00  Final Cost: FREE + $2.51 MM Crest Mouthwash (Scope- 1 liter) Cost: $3.99 x 2 = $7.98 Coupon: $3/2   (Walgreens Digital) OOP: $4.98 Register Rewards: $4.50 IBOTTA: $1.00 x 2 = $2.00 Final Cost: FREE + $0.02 MM Crest Mouthwash (Pro-Health Clean Mint 500 ml) Cost: $3.99 x 2 = $7.98 Coupon: $3/2  (Digital Coupon- Walgreens)  OOP: $4.98 Register Rewards: $4.50 IBOTTA: $0.50 x 2 = $1.00 Final Cost: FREE + $2.02 MM NOTE: Crest Mouthwash deals total is 1, so pick the mouthwash you like best.  Scott Paper Products (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Kleenex Tissues - 3 ct) Cost: $5.00 Coupons:      - $1.25 Digital Store Manufacturer Coupon (WIll come off each time.)     - $1.00 Scott Toilet Paper (Walgreens Digital)     - $1.00 Kleenex Tissues  (Walgreens Digital) OOP/Final:      - Scott

    Making small changes that have big results.  On Friday’s I share the weekly deals that cost less than $1.00.   These deals help to keep us in our budget and living The Sweet Life.  Although I do not advocate shopping at a large number of stores during this health crisis, if you are going to a particular store that has a deal- just pick it up too.       CVS Deals (February 7-13) Colgate Toothpaste (Select Total and Opti White) Cost: $3.29 X 2 = $6.58 Coupon: $1.00 (1/31SS) X 2 = $2.00            OOP: $4.58 ECB: $4.00/2 Final Cost: $0.58/2 or $0.29 each  All Detergent and Snuggle Fabric Softener Cost: $2.99 Coupon: $1.00 (2/7 RMN)             OOP: $1.99 Final Cost: $1.99  ** If you have $1.00/CRT then your cost will be $0.99  (February 14-20) Colgate Toothpaste (Max - 6oz or 2 in 1 - 4.6oz) Cost: $3.49 X 2 = $6.98 Coupon: $0.50 (2/7 SS) X 2 = $1.00            OOP: $5.98 ECB: $5.00/2 Final Cost: $0.98/2 or $0.48 each  Kroger Deals (February 10-23, 2021) ** Check

  So far this year we were able to pick up 13 free items.  With our current health crisis the deals are very limited and hard to come.   We are grateful for everything we are able to pick up especially because we are only going to the store when we need a list of items.       As always, I am able to secure these items though Kroger incentives, Giant Eagle Advantage Program, Drug Store (Walgreens/CVS)  Rewards programs, sales, Pinch Me, Smart Source, Meijer’s Buy 10 get the 11th free sale, and Rebates Programs (IBOTTA/Coupon.com).    January  Here is my January 2021 list of Free-Bees!   January (13)  Bolt 24- IBOTTA Pro Bar Peanut Butter and Chocolate- Free Product Coupon True Made Vegetable Ketchup- Mega Sale, Coupon, Kroger Cash Back and IBOTTA Crest Pro- Health Toothpaste (3.5 oz)- Mega Sale, Coupon Super Pretzel (6 ct)- Meijer’s Store Coupon  2 GFB Bars- Kroger Cash and IBOTTA 2- Nivea Breathable Lotion (13.5 oz)- Coupon and IBOTTA Lara Bar- Coupon.com Kroger Italian Sausage (1 lb)

  Our meals need to be nutritious, clean, flexible, quick and cost effective. Between our work schedules and after school activities, we need to carefully plan our meals so that we do not end up ordering out.   Instead of guessing regarding our food budget, I looked up the Official USDA Food Plans as of December 2020 which was enlightening.    Since, we have 3 members in our household and use the thrifty plan, the food only weekly budget would be $123.40.  However the monthly SNAP benefits average $125 per person or about $260.00 per household.    Goal: $400.00  What did we spend?  Week 1- $76.36 Kroger: $36.74 Aldi:$39.62 Rebates- $2.60 IBOTTA: $2.60 Kroger Cash: $1.75 Week 2- Kroger: Rebates:  IBOTTA:  Kroger Cash:  Week 3:  Meijer: Kroger:  Aldi” Rebates:  IBOTTA:  Coupon.com:  Week 4- Kroger:  Aldi:  Total: $76.36 Rebate Total: $2.60 Final Total: $73.76 NOTE: Rebate total DOESN’T include Kroger Cash or Refunds because they will come off of the Kroger Bill au