Your weekly Bath & Body Works coupon has arrived! Use the coupon HERE to get a free pocketbac with any $10 purchase. This coupon expires 3/28.

(Thanks Saving Cents with Sense!)

Become a fan of Ritz on Facebook and you’ll receive a free sample of Ritz Munchable Pretzel Crisps.

(Thanks Common Sense With Money!)

You’ve probably noticed I haven’t been posting as much the past couple of days. We’ve had a pretty rough couple of days and since family comes first, the blog had to take a backseat to everything else that’s been going on.

Normally I don’t share much about our lives but I thought I’d give you a glimpse into our rough week – not as a “poor me” but hopefully to inspire those of you who aren’t already saving to begin working on an emergency fund.

Wednesday I got home from work to find Stan cleaning out the freezer in the garage. It died and took all my stockpiles of meat and veggies with it. I was really sad that I lost some of my hard earned meat stock pile! I was sadder about that than the fridge. Why? Well, because we have a 4.5 month emergency fund and spending $400 on a new fridge is really not a big deal. Sure, it sets us back a little and we’ve got a little further to go to get to my goal of 6 months but the fact is we don’t have to go into debt to replace the appliance.

Thursday I had to skip work to drive to Nacogdoches for a funeral. It was already a pretty sad day. Stan wasn’t able to come with me because of work obligations. I called him when we arrived in Nac to let him know that we were there safe and sound. Then he dropped the big bomb. His truck had been stolen while he was eating lunch. I thought he was kidding at first. But no, he was meeting with the police officer right then. So now our 4.5 month emergency fund is going to take a HUGE hit.

We have to buy Stan a new truck. I doubt the insurance company will give him exactly what it was worth. Plus we have to pay the deductible. Then to make matters even more complicated, all his tools and everything in the truck is covered on our home owners insurance policy. So that means another deductible and a lot more haggling.

Stan’s rocking a rental car for a while and we dropped a big chunk of change at Home Depot this weekend replacing the essential tools he needs for work. Since he works in construction he can’t wait 2-3 weeks for the insurance settlement to replace his drill.

This whole situation makes me so very thankful that we have an emergency fund. It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t quite up to six months yet. It doesn’t matter that after this mess it will be down to three months. What matters is that the stress of these situations isn’t further complicated by the fact that we have to go into debt to replace these things. Knowing that money isn’t yet another problem is a big relief.

So yeah, it stinks. I lost a lot of food. Stan lost a lot of his belongings but the main thing is we are both safe and sound. Plus, we’re not in debt and another bomb could drop and we’d still be okay.

If you haven’t started an emergency fund yet or have thought about it but just aren’t sure how to get going, I encourage you to check out Dave Ramsey. On April 5th he’s even offering a free class just to get you started. Find out more details HERE. Dave has helped thousands and thousands of people get out of debt with his Financial Peace University and if they can do it, so can you.

You don’t even have to be in debt to get started. Stan and I had already done Steps 1, 2 and 4 so we plunged in at Step 3. It doesn’t matter when you start as long as you have a path. It doesn’t even have to be Dave’s path but I encourage you to start with something.

I’d love to hear, how many of you use Dave Ramsey’s method? What step are you on?

Kraft and P&G released a new coupon booklet that’s got $20 in savings. However, you have to qualify by zip code. Go HERE to see if a store in your area is participating. If so, you can have this booklet mailed to you.

(Thanks Cha Ching On A Shoestring!)

I knew we couldn’t go a week without a freebie at CVS. Looks like I did miss something in my weekly matchups. Get a $1.50/1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 coupon and pair it with the CVS has Right Guard deal this week. Here’s the breakdown:

Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorants – 2/$5
-Use $1.50/1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 coupon
-Get $2 ECBs WYB 2 (Limit 1)
Final Price = FREE

This is part of the Right Guard/Dry Idea ECB Deal I posted about on Saturday so if you’ve already done that you won’t be eligible for the $2 ECBs from this deal. See more CVS deals HERE.

Even if you don’t have a CVS you should still print the coupon before it disappears. Maybe it will be free at Walgreens or Kroger in a few weeks.!

(Thanks Common Sense with Money!)

One way to get coupons is by receiving them in the mail. Companies often put out coupon offers and right now there are three different $10 coupon books available.

1. Eat Better America Newsletter
2. Betty Crocker Newsletter (search by “Entertainment”)
3. Pillsbury Newsletter (search by “Entertainment”)

Enjoy!

When you become a fan of Redbox on Facebook you’ll get a code for a free DVD rental on St. Patrick’s Day (3/17).

(Thanks Thrifty Northwest Mom!)

There are a bunch of great printable coupons to kick start your week. I’m excited about the Wisk coupon because I noticed over the weekend that they make HE detergent now and I can sometimes find it BOGO.

• $.75/1 Mission Flour Tortillas coupon
• $.75/1 Mom’s Best Oatmeal coupon (reset?)
• $1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide coupon
• $1/1 Rayovac coupon
• $.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste coupon
• $1/2 Scotch-Brite coupon
• $1/1 Wisk coupon

Happy Printing!

There are a bunch of great office supplies that are free at Office Max this week for Max Perks members. Keep in mind that you will pay out of pocket but you’ll receive 100% back in Max Perks. Also, you can get free shipping when you spend $50.

Here are the items that are free after Perks:

• Ascend Recycled #10 Envelopes (50ct) – $3.99 (Limit 5)
• Boise X-9 Copy Paper (10 reams) – $34.99 (Limit 1)
• Fellowes Bankers Box (6pk) – $12.99 (Limit 5)
• [In]Place Manila File Folders (12pk) – $8.99 (Limit 5)
• [In]Place 1 1/2″ Binder – $8.99 (Limit 5)
• Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers – $8.29 (Limit 5)

If you don’t already have an Office Max Rewards card, go HERE to register. You’ll get a reward card number instantly. Then just shop and your Max Rewards will credit to your account automatically without filling out any rebate forms.

It isn’t instantaneous though. The rewards will post to your account by the 20th day of the following month. Then you’ll be able to print them out and use them on future Office Max purchases.

Happy Saving!

This Sunday, there will be two inserts in the paper: Smartsource and Red Plum. Go HERE to see the preview.

If you’re getting tired of clipping coupons and want to try a new method go HERE to learn about my clip-free organization method.

Happy Couponing!

Looks like there are quite a few freebies you can score at Walgreens this week. A big thanks to Heather at Passion for Savings for rounding up the deals.

FREEBIES
Bic Brightliner Highlighters – $.49 (with in-ad coupon)
-Use $1/2 Bic coupon (SS 8/9)
Final Price = FREE

Colgate Total – $3.99
-Use $1/1 Colgate Total coupon (SS 3/7)
-Get $3.99 RRs
Final Price = FREE (+ $1 possible overage)

Excedrin - $3.99
-Use $2/1 Excedrin coupon AND
-Use $2/1 Excedrin Menstrual Complete coupon (March Coupon Book)
Final Price = FREE

Reese’s Dark Peanut Butter Cups – $.89
-Use $.55/1 Reese’s Dark coupon (SS 3/14)
-Use in-ad coupon for $.49 (give this 2nd!)
Final Price = FREE

GOOD DEALS
Coppertone Sun Care – $9.99
-Use $1/1 Coppertone coupon
-Get $2 RRs
Final Price = $6.99

Crest Dental Care & Scope Mouthwash – 2/$7
-Use $1/1 Crest coupon (PG 2/21)
-Use $1/1 Scope coupon (PG 2/21)
-Get $2 RRs WYB 2
Final Price = $3 for 2

Hawaiian Tropic Suncare Products – $6.99
-Use $1/1 Hawaiian Tropic coupon
-Get $8 RRs WYB $20 OR
-Get $5 RRs WYB $15
Final Price = $9.97 for 3

Revlon Cosmetics or Implements – 40% off
-Use $1/1 Revlon Beauty Tool coupon (SS 2/21) OR
-Use $2/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic coupon (SS 2/21/) OR
-Use $2/1 Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick coupon
-Get $5 RRs WYB $10
Final Price = Varies

Rimmel Cosmetics – 50% Off
-Use $3/1 Rimmel Mascara coupon (March All You) OR
-Use $1/1 Rimmel coupon (RP 3/14)
Final Price = Varies

Soft Scrub Total Products – $2.99
-Use $1.50/1 Soft Scrub Total coupon
Final Price = $1.50

Stayfree Pads – $6.49
-Use BOGO Stayfree coupon (RP 1/3) AND
-Use $1/1 Stayfree coupon (IE) or HERE (FF)
-Use in-ad coupon for $3.99 (Will Deduct $5 WYB 2)
Final Price = $.50 for 2

Happy Saving!

There are quite a few good deals at CVS this week. I don’t see any freebies. Feel free to leave a comment if I missed something.

Aussie Hair Products – $2.99
-Use $1/1 Aussie coupon (RP 2/14)
-Get $1 ECB
Final Price = $.99

Select CoverGirl Lip Color Products – $8
-Use $1/1 CoverGirl coupon (PG 3/7) AND
-Use BOGO Cover Girl coupon (PG 2/7)
-Get $3 ECBs (Limit 2)
Final Price = $1 for 2

Dove, Degree, Caress or Lever Products
-Use the Dove & Degree coupons I posted about HERE
-Get $5 ECBs WYB $15
Final Price = Varies

Scenario Idea
(6) Degree Deodorant – $2.50
-Use (3) $3/2 Degree coupon
-Get $5 ECBs
Final Price = $1 for 6

Gillette Disposable Razors – $6.49
-Use $3/1 Gillette razor coupon (PG 3/7)
Final Price = $1.49

Gillette Razor Cartridges – $9.99
-Use Get Free Razor coupon WYB Cartidges (PG 3/7)
-Get $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
Final Price = $6.99 for razor and cartridges

Glade Sense & Spray and Lasting Impressions – $6
-Use $3/1 Sense & Spray coupon
-Get $4 ECBs WYB $10
Final Price = $2 for 4

Right Guard Sport, Xtreme or Dry Idea – $2.50
-Use $2/2 Right Guard coupon
-Get $2 ECBs WYB 2 (Limit 1)
Final Price = $1 for 2

Schick Quattro Titanium – $8.99
-Get $5 ECBs (Limit 1)
Final Price – $3.99

Happy Saving!

Get 30% off your purchase at Borders when you use the coupon HERE.  It’s valid though 3/15.

You do have to be a Border’s Reward member to use it.  But the Border’s Rewards program is free. You can get all the details and sign up HERE.

Enjoy!

Are you a student? Do you have any students? Use the coupon HERE at Bath & Body Works to get a free lip care item with any purchase. You will need to present you student ID with the coupon. This offer is valid through 3/21.

(Thanks Saving Cents with Sense!)

Baja Fresh released 3 new coupons to help you save on lunch:

• $5/$15
• Buy 1 Primo Taco get one for $2.99
• $2 off any $6+ entree

Go HERE to print these coupons. They expire 3/22.

(Thanks Saving Cents with Sense!)

Here are the expiring deals for the week. Not too many of them.

Expiring Saturday (3/13)

• 50% off at Jo Ann’s

Expiring Sunday (3/14)

• $10/$30 at World Market
• FREE Body Care Item from Bath & Body Works

Expires Sunday (3/15)

• FREE Biscuit & Gravy at Waffle House

Happy Saving!

Save $10 off the Princess and the Frog Blu-ray combo pack. These combo packs are great because you have a Blu-ray for your player at home and a DVD for you to take in the car. Get the coupon HERE.

You can also get a $5 mail-in rebate when you buy the Princess and the Frog plus two participating Band-Aid products. But wait until Sunday to make your purchase because this deal is valid 3/14 to 6/30. Get the rebate form HERE

(Thanks Coupon Geek)

If you love Jamba Juice, you’ll be excited about their new coupon. Get $1/1 Fruit Smoothies through 4/10.

(Thanks Good Deal Mama!)

Remember all those great Johnson’s coupons I mentioned? Well, if you have too many Buddies Bars here’s another alternative for using those coupons to get a great deal.

Johnson’s Safety Swabs are roughly $1.38 at Walmart. Since prices vary by region yours may be a little higher but it should be by too much. Use the $1/1 Johnson’s coupons to get them for only a few cents.

(Thanks Passion for Savings!)

There’s not much going on at Kroger this week but Stephanie at Couponing 101 has rounded up the best deals for you. Here are my favorites from her list:

Betty Crocker Pouch Potatoes – $.67
-Use $.40/1 Betty Crocker coupon
Final Price = FREE

Betty Crocker Warm Delights – $1.50
-Use $.50/1 Warm Delights coupon (or SS 2/7)
Final Price = $.50

Chex Mix – $1.50
-?Use $.50/1 Chocolate Chex Mix coupon
Final Price = $.50

Gatorade – $1
-Use $.50/1 Gatorade coupon (RP 1/10)
Final Price = FREE

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers – $1.28
-Use $.50/1 Green Giant Steamers coupon
Final Price = $.28

Toaster Strudel – $2
-Use $1/1 Toaster Strudel coupon
Final Price = $1

Happy Saving!

Some zip codes were lucky enough to get a $1/1 McCormick spice coupon. These are always great because they can help you get normally expensive spices for a much more reasonable price. Some of the cheaper spices or smaller sizes you may be able to get for pennies.

I know Walmart prices vary by region so I’m hesitant to post deals but feel free to leave a comment sharing the deals you scored with this coupon.

Happy Printing!

Get a free sample of Downy fabric softener from Sams Club. You don’t have to be a Sam’s Club member to get this one.

(Thanks Smart Couponing!)

I mentioned yesterday about the Reef shoes that you could get on deep discount from 6pm.com, well today they are having a great sale on Nine West and Bandolino shoes! Most of them are 60+% but you’ll find a few for 80-85%.

They have some really cute sandals, flip flops and dressy shoes. I told Stan I wouldn’t buy any more shoes after my Reef splurge yesterday but I may have to anyway and hope he doesn’t notice!

These are Thursday only offers and I’m sure sizes will go quickly so you’ll want to shop sooner rather than later.

Happy Shopping!

Pinkberry has a new yogurt flavor and they want to let you try it for free! Tomorrow (3/12) from 5-9pm, you can try Mango Pinkberry free. You can even get free toppings.

Get more details HERE and find a location near you HERE.

(Thanks Mommy Snacks!)

Here are some great printables for you. The Starkist coupon should get you some free tuna and the Sargento coupon should double at most stores to get you a good deal on cheese.

• B2G1 Free Banquet Fruit Pies
• $1/1 Blue Bunny coupon
• $.75/1 Red Gold Tomatoes coupon
• $.40/1 Sargento Cheese coupon
• $1/1 Smucker’s Uncrustables coupon
• $1/1 Starkist Tuna Pouch coupon

Happy Printing!