Ok here is my first video for Save At Home Mommy! I hope this helps you jump start your New Years resolution and help you save money!

Today someone asked what I think is a good “stock” up prices. While there is no “price” rule I do have some guidelines for myself that I use to know a good “stock up” price!
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Here are some examples:
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-Toothbrush: Free
-Floss: Free
-Mouthwash: $0.50
-Deodorant: Free
-Body Wash: $0.50
-Soap: $0.25
-Lotion: $0.50
-Shampoo/Conditioner: $0.50
-Feminine Hygine Products: Free – $50 tops + there are a ton… of samples for these
-Shaving Cream: $0.50
-Disposable Razors: Free
-Razors, (ex. Gillette Fusion or Venus): $1
-Detergent: $1.50
-Dish Washer Tabs or Liquid: $0.50
-Toilet Paper: $0.25 per roll
-Cleaning Supplies: $0.50 or less
-Baby Wipes: $1.00 or less per box
-Diapers: $0.11 per diaper
-Candles: $1.00 or less (high quality)
-Aluminum Foil: $0.50
-Fruit: $1.00/lb
-Meat: $2/lb, $4/lb Steaks (high quality)
-Potatoes: $3/10 lb bag
-Soda: $2.50/12 pk
-Cereal: $$0.50 per box
-Canned veggies: $0.35
-Frozen veggies: Free
-Pasta: $0.25
-Pasta Sauce: $.50
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My rule of thumb is if I am saving 90% or more off of the retail price I have most likely found a rock bottom priced deal and it’s time to stock up. I also use the $1 and Under Drug Store Deals list posted on Tuesday Evenings as a guide to stock up for the week.
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So what are your stock up prices?

I have gotten several FREE item coupons this week and I thought I would share some ideas on how you can maximize these great coupons.  I know it is so easy to want to run to the store and pick up your free item right away but check out the ideas below on how you can stretch that one free item into more.

• Use your FREE item coupon along with a BOGO FREE sale at the store or store coupon.  This gets you 2 items for free instead of one.
• Use your FREE item coupon along with a BOGO 50% off sale to get one free and the second at half price.
• Use your FREE item coupon along with a store promotion that requires you to spend a certain amount or buy a certain amount of items in order to get a reward or discount.  The price of the item should count toward the spending limit and still get you your reward. 
  *Make sure to note if the requirements for the promotion are before or after coupons to be sure this will work.
• If the store coupon policy allows, use your FREE item coupon with a BOGO FREE manufacturer coupon to get 2 for free.

I want to share with you guys some tips to help you save and make using coupons as easy as possible.  One super easy trick is to have a spam email account.  Many of the online coupons require registration.  You may or may not want to hear from that company again.  If you don’t, set up a free email account from www.hotmail.com, www.yahoo.com or www.gmail.com.  This way, you can use this account when you register and you don’t fill up your personal email account with offers you are not interested in.

Here is a great new resource you will want to check out.  I get questions all the time about how long to keep coupons and now there is a resource to answer just that!  Originally started as an excel spreadsheet, Coupon Cleanout lets you search by state to see what inserts are safe to discard. There is even information on what to do with your expired coupons.  Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

WalMart in East Bakersfield has Combo packs of Axe Dry Deodorant with a free body spray for $3.44. These were available in 2 scents- Excite and Dark Temptation.

Try This:

Buy 4 combo packs- $13.76 total
Use (2) BOGO FREE from 5/22 RP
Final Price= $6.88 or $.86 each for 4 deodorant and 4 body sprays!

Thanks Save At Home Mommy Kristi!

Let us know if you spot these in your store as well so others can be on the lookout!

Check out the guest post that I did over on BakersfieldMom.com yesterday.  I sold the site to the Bakersfield.com network but I will be working with them as a guest blogger.  They are really working to get the site off the ground and make it an awesome place for moms in Bakersfield.  Check out my article and let me know what you think!

OK, so for some time now, I have been going bonkers each week doing the Vons and Albertsons lists and trying to get them formatted into a printable list for you to be able to use.  I think having the function is great but wait till you take a look at the new one!  It is soooooo much easier on my end for sure and you will love all the features for you.  There are still a few little changes to be made but overall, I love it.  Here is how to best use this option:

1. Scroll through the Vons or Albertsons list, clicking any items that you want to add to your shopping list.  As you do, you will see them added to the list in the small box in the bottom right of your screen.  The ones you have chosen will also go grey. 
2. At any time, you can click the “My List” tab to see what you have added.
3. Consider adding items to your list in the order they are in your store.  This will save you even more time in the store.
4. After you have selected all of the items on the list that you want to purchase, click the Print button.  It will bring up a new screen just like the one pictured below.
5. You will then be able to add your own items to the list!  I think this is an awesome feature.  This way, you can have everything all on one list.  There is even a section to put notes to yourself like “watch for coupon booklet near dairy section”.
6. Make sure to print your list before moving on to another store or page so you don’t lose everything!

So what do you think?  Have you tried it yet?