Publix vs. Kroger on Gas Deals

Since I called it quits with Kroger, several people have asked me how I'm doing it. A common question is... but what about the gas discount?

(For those of you who are new here, I have quit shopping at Kroger altogether because of their new coupon policy changes that are taking affect nationwide but appear to be wishy-washy at best. Either way, my store has never been coupon friendly and it wasn't worth the hassle.)

I've thought about it quite a bit and the $0.10 discount is probably the only marketing promotion that is really working for Kroger at the moment. But, I don't miss my $0.10 per gallon discount at all and here's why. It's really not as much as you think it is.

For example, lets say you have a 15 gallon tank.

Therefore, at Kroger, $0.10 times 15 gallons is only $1.50 saved. See, not NEARLY as much as you though it was, is it? Plus, you have to spend $100 in the store to get that discount.

Now, let's take a look at a Publix gas promotion scenario.

It's not uncommon to see a coupon in the weekly ad for $10 off a $50 gas card with a $25 purchase.

Kroger: Spend $100, save $1.50

Publix: Spend $25, save $10.00

When you put it side by side like that, Kroger just doesn't compare. Not even close.

Publix typically offers this gas card promotion once every 4-6 weeks so, no, I don't miss my measly $0.10 per gallon discount at Kroger. :)

$6 in baking coupons found at Kroger

Yesterday I came across this display at my Kroger (Donelson, TN). There were several tearpads attached to it totaling $6.00 in coupons. I also saw a few recipe cards too.

Simply Delicious Holiday - All expire 3/31/11

$1.00 WYB 3 Nestle Toll House Morsels

$1.00 WYB 2 Glad Food Storage

$1.00 WYB 2 Diamond of California Nuts (8+ 0z.)

Save from Baker's, Kraft & Jell-O - All expire 2/7/11

$1.00 WYB 2 Baker's Chocolate or Coconut

$1.00 WYB 2 Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

$0.60 WYB 3 Jell-O Pudding or Gelatin Boxes

Fleischmann's - Expires 12/31/10

$0.40 WYB any 3-strip yeast

Has anyone else seen this display? Which location?

FREEBIE: John Frieda Luxurious Volume

Kroger is offering free samples of John Frieda Luxurious Volume. Head over here to get yours. Kroger Plus Card # is optional, so this one is open to everybody.

Thanks Faithful Provisions!

New Kroger Instant Win Game

Kroger has a new instant win game, Kick Off To Savings, where you can win TWO of 13 different prizes available. You can play once per day until October 31st. When you win, an electronic coupon will automatically be added to your shopper's card.

You could win:

• Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• Kraft BBQ Sauce
• Jell-O Dry Pudding
• Kraft Mac & Cheese Cup
• Nabisco Go Cup
• Fuze
• Coke Zero
• Nestle Nesquik
• Juicy Juice
• Wonka Chocolate Bar
• DiGiorno Pizza
• Skinny Cow Cups

You can read the full details or go here to play.

Let us know what you win!

Kroger Shopping Updates

I just got home from Kroger and wanted to update you on some deals I found. I spent $26.23, saved $31.66, and earned $7.00. That's a savings of 67%!

Old El Paso Seasoning, MONEY MAKER!

At my store the packets were priced at $0.99 (rather than $1.09). You get a $3.00 Catalina when you purchase 6. Combine this with the $0.60 Shortcuts or Kroger E-coupon + printables (zip 90210) to get better-than-free taco seasoning.

Pizza Yeast, FREE

The Fleischmann's yeast strips are $1.50. There is a $0.55 coupon in 9/19 SS. Plus, you get a $0.50 Catalina for each one you purchase. Since that $0.50 Catalina will double the next time you use it, it's basically like getting a $1 Catalina. I did 4 in one order and a Catalina printed out for each of them. Nice!

Good Earth Dinner Kit, $1.50

These are on sale for $3.50. I used a $1.00 coupon from 8/15 SS or 9/12 GM. I paired that with a $1.00 Kroger E-coupon.

Naturally Preferred Milk, $2.50

This is an organic milk and $2.50 is a great price for a half gallon.

Did you find any good deals at Kroger this week? Share your finds in the comments.

MONEY MAKER on Taco Seasoning at Kroger

The Old El Paso coupon is back!! Better hurry because it went fast last time. You can use this coupon at Kroger to score better-than-free seasoning packets.

Buy 6 Old El Paso Seasoning Packets, $1.09 each

Use 6 Old El Paso $0.50 printables (will double)

Use Kroger E-Coupon $0.60 WYB 2 Old El Paso Products

Total: -$0.06 (you will need a filler product to absorb this overage)

PLUS, you will also get a $3.00 Catalina good on your next order! The Catalina deal expires on 10/3.

If you don't have access to 6 coupons, that's okay! The Catalina still makes this a great deal! You can also get a $1.00 Catalina WYB 3 Old El Paso Products.

*Note: Try zip code 90210 if it doesn't come up in your area.

Thanks Faithful Provisions!

Kroger Summer Clearance - 75% off

I've been stalking the summer aisle at Kroger for weeks now just waiting for it to go 75%. Today, it was! The big sign still says 50% off (in Donelson) but the prices are indeed 75% off. Whoo Hoo! Check out what I got for a mere $13. {Read: Hours of fun on the cheap!}

Topsy Turvy (Tomato & Strawberry): $2.00 each.

Bucket & Shovel: $0.25

Grill Liner (2 pk): $1.00

Water Balloons (250): $0.50

Beach Ball: $0.50

Bubble Refill: $0.75

Aqua Set (Mask, Snorkel, Googles): $3.00

Big Bubble Maker: $2.00

Every year I set a little bit of extra money aside and stock up on summer fun toys at the end of the season. Retail for these few things would have been $55. No thank you! The trick is getting them stored away before my little one sees them. The best part is seeing her face light up when we crack them open at the beginning of summer. Ok, I'm off to find a good hiding spot. :)

What summer clearance deals did you find?

Kraft Shredded Cheese - Stock Up At Kroger!

At first glace, the Kraft deal at Kroger didn't look too good this week. On second glance, it turns out to be a stock-up deal! Why? The size included in the Mega Event promo is the 1-lb bag (4 cups). It gets even better when you combine it with the Kraft Buy 5, Get $5 promo. My Kroger even had $1.00 off 2 blinkies right next to it. Score!

Here's how to work this deal for maximum savings.

Buy (5) Kraft Shredded Cheese 16 oz packages ($2.79 each) = $13.95

Use (2) $1.00 WYB 2 Blinkies = -$2.00

Load (1) Kroger Ecoupon for $1.00 WYB 2 = -$1.00

Total OOP: $10.95 + get back $5 Catalina at checkout.

Final Cost: $5.95 or $1.19 each!! (This is the equivalent of $0.60 for an 8 oz. bag)

I want to clarify that this is a part of the Mega Event, meaning that you have to buy 8 participating items to get the $2.79 price. My suggestion is to pair the 5 cheeses with 3 Sobe drinks ($0.49) and use this BOGO coupon (instant win game). My Kroger took off the full retail value of $1.59, which is enough to get all 3 drinks for FREE.

The Buy 5, Get $5 promo ends 8/15 so you'd better hurry.

Cheap Kraft Singles at Kroger

This morning at Kroger I noticed an advertisement for an awesome Kraft Promo.

Purhcase 5 Kraft Cheese or Dairy products and get a $5 Catalina. Exp. 8/15 (What is a Catalina?)

You can pair this promo with the Kraft Singles that are on sale to get a great deal!

Kraft Singles, $1.79 * 5 = 8.95
Earn $5 Catalina at checkout
Total is $3.95 or $0.79 each

Here is a list of the other items included in the promo:

* Kraft Parmesan cheese
* Kraft Natural cheese
* Kraft String-Ums cheese
* Kraft Cracker Cuts cheese
* Kraft Deli-Deluxe cheese slices
* Philadelphia Cream cheese
* Velveeta cheese product
* Cracker Barrel Cheese
* Cheez Whiz processed cheese
* Breakstone’s sour cream
* Breakstone’s cottage cheese
* Knudsen Sour Cream
* Knudsen Cottage Cheese

List is compliments of Common Sense with Money.

Weekly Deals 4/25-5/1

(Me with my crew and a peek of the dress from Kohl's)

My hubby's sister got married this weekend and there were festivities galore like moving furniture, decorating, dinners, lunches, pictures, un-decorating, more furniture moving, packing up, more eating - oh and the wedding itself of course! After all that fun, I'm pooped. Plus, as the official photographer, I have lots of pictures to edit.

I guess I'm trying to explain why I didn't get a chance to get this week's deals matched up for ya. However, I'm not gonna leave you hanging so I want to share some of my favorite blogs that you can go to for this week's matchups.

CVS

I Heart CVS

Couponing 101

Mommy Snacks

Walgreens

I Heart Walgreens

Thrifty Tiff

Wild For Wags

Kroger

Coupon Mom

Faithful Provisions

Mommies With Cents

Happy shopping!

Kroger Deals 4/18-4/24

These deals are matched for the Nashville, TN area or Louisville Region. Here are my favorites for this week. If you come across a good deal, please post it in the comments.

TIPS: Don't forget to load your Kroger Plus card with ecoupons from Cellfire, Shortcuts, Kroger & Upromise. Learn more about ecoupons.

WEEKLY DEALS:

Kroger Reusable Bag, $0.50

-$0.99 Kroger ecoupon

*FREE

Perdue Chicken Breasts, $1.99 lb.

Assorted Pork Chops, $1.99 lb.

Red or White Seedless Grapes, $0.99 lb.

Mini Peeled Carrots, $1.00/bag

Mangoes, $1.00 (Organic, $1.25)

Haas Avacados, $1.00 (Organic, $1.25)

Anjou Pears, $1.00 lb.

Dole Salad Mix or Fresh Selections, $1.00

Eggs, $0.79

Kroger Peanut Butter, $1.00

Kroger Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese, $1.00

Mt. Dew, 4/$11 (must buy 4 to get discount)

Doritos, $1.98

Mentos Gum, $1.00

-$0.55, 2/21 SS

*Total is $0.45

Kellogg's Pop Tarts, $1.66

-$1.25 WYB 3, 3/28 RP

*Total is $3.75 or $1.25 each.

Kellogg's Cereals, $1.97

-$1.50 WYB 2 Kellogg's printable

*Total is $2.44 or $1.22 each.

Scotch Brite Sponges, $1.88

-$1.00 WYB 2 Scotch printable or 4/11 SS

*Total is $2.76 or $1.38 each.

Purex Detergent, $2.50

-$0.35 (doubled), 4/18 RP

*Total is $1.80.

Green Giant Vegetables, $1.00

-$0.50 (doubled) Green Giant Steamers printable or printable (if inlcuded - print limit reached)

*FREE

>You can also use this $1.00 WYB 2

printable or printable to make them $0.50 each. Don't forget to load your card with Cellfire & Shortcuts ecoupons (makes them $0.25 each)

Soft Soap Hand Soap, $1.00

-$1.00 SoftSoap Ensembles printable or $0.50 (doubled) from March ALL YOU Mag

*FREE

Dial Hand Soap, $1.00

-$0.35 (doubled), 3/7 RP

*Total is $0.30

Angel Soft 4 pk, $1.00

-$1.00 Angel Soft printable

*FREE

Country Crock, $1.00

-$0.40 (doubled) Country Crock printable

*Total is $0.20

Bumble Bee Tuna Pouch, $1.00

-$0.55 off, 2/21 SS

*Total is $0.45

Sobe, $1.00

-BOGO Sobe Lifewater printable or printable

*Total is $1.00 or $0.50 each.

Knorr Rice or Pasta, $1.00

-$0.50 (doubled) WYB 2, 3/28 RP

*Total is $1.00 or $0.50 each.

Chef Boyardee Pasta, $1.00

-$1.50 WYB 4 ConAgra printable

*Total is $2.50 or $0.62 each.

Stouffer's Family Entrees, $3.99

-$2.50 Stouffer's printable

*Total is $1.49

KROGER CATALINA DEALS: What is a Catalina?

Ziploc: Buy any 3 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 4/28. Combine with the $0.40 Q from 3/21 SS for more savings! Also eligible for SC Johnson $5 Mail-In Rebate.

Totino's Pizza: Buy any 4 products and earn a $1.00 Catalina. Buy 6 and earn a $2 Catalina. Buy 8+ and earn a $3 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 5/16.

Kraft: Purchase $20 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires: 5/8

Our Dinner Tonight is FREE!

Dinner tonight is compliments of savvy couponing and Kroger. We are having rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes for FREE! Here's how.

Betty Crocker Potato pouches, $1.09

Earn $3 Catalina when you buy 3

-$0.40 Betty Crocker printable or printable (need 3)

-$0.40 Cellfire, Shortcuts & Kroger ecoupons (load 1 of each on your shopper's card)

*MONEY MAKER: $3.33

Deli Rotisserie Chicken, $4.99

-$2.00 Kroger ecoupon

*Total is $2.99

So, I bought 3 pouches of potatoes + 1 rotisserie chicken from the deli. The overage from the potatoes was enough to cover the cost of the chicken. Voila! FREE dinner & easy dinner!

The Catalina runs through 4/18 so there is still time to score FREE dinner for your family.

Free Reusable Bag from Kroger

It's back - The 3rd annual "Design A Bag" contest from Kroger. You can use their online design tools to create a shopping bag. Once you do that, you will earn a credit ($0.99) on your Kroger Plus Card to purchase a reusable bag from the store. However, they do offer an option to purchase your own design via Cafe Press. They are also having a contest for the best design. If your bag is chosen, you will get a $1,000 gift card!

Go here to see bag I designed last night. Feel free to vote for it. :) Then, go design one for yourself.

Kroger Deals 4/11-4/17

These deals are matched for the Nashville, TN area or Louisville Region. Here are my favorites for this week. If you come across a good deal, please post it in the comments.

TIPS: Don't forget to load your Kroger Plus card with ecoupons from Cellfire, Shortcuts, Kroger & Upromise. Learn more about ecoupons.

SPECIAL NOTES: Kroger is having it's 3rd annual Design A Bag contest. When you design a reusable bag, you will get a credit on your shopper's card for a FREE reusable Kroger shopping bag. If your bag wins, you will receive a $1000 shopping card.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PROMO:

Purchase 10 participating products and receive a coupon at checkout for your choice of 15 music downloads, 15 ringtones, or a movie ticket.

Smart Balance, 50% off

-$1.00 off Smart Balance printable or 3/21 RP

*Good deal.

Uncle Ben's Rice, $1.69

-$1.00 off 2/21 RP or 3/28 RP

*Total is $0.69

Sobe Life Water, $1.00

-BOGO Sobe printable

*Total is $0.50 or $0.25 each.

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies, $1.99

-$1.00 off Cheesecake Middles printable

*Total is $0.99

Maxwell House Coffee, $2.50

-$1.00 off 3/21 SS

*Total is $1.50

Pringles, $1.25

-$1.00 WYB 4, 3/7 or 4/4 PG

*Total is $4.00 or $1.00 each

Kraft Cheese, $1.99

-$1.00 off Deli Style (if included), 3/21 SS

*Total is $0.99

WEEKLY DEALS:

Amick Chicken Breasts, $1.99 lb.

Perdue Whole Chicken, $0.79

Organic Cameo Apples, $0.99 lb.

Strawberries, $1.50

Blackberries, $2.00

Organic Russet Potatoes 3 lb, $1.68

Dole Premium Salads, $1.66

Kroger Nutri-Grain Bars, $1.66

Nestle Pure Life Water 24 pk, $3.33

-$1.00 WYB 2, 4/11 RP

*Total is $5.67 or $2.84

Sun Chips, $2.48

>Use FREE Facebook coupon home mailer.

Betty Crocker Potato Pouches, $1.09

-$0.40 (doubled) Betty Crocker printable or printable

AND

-$0.40 Cellfire or Kroger ecoupon

*MONEY MAKER: $0.11

>Combine with Catalina deal below for even more savings.

KROGER CATALINA DEALS: What is a Catalina?

Betty Crocker Potatoes: Buy any 1 and earn a $0.50 Catalina. Buy 2 and earn a $1.50 Catalina. Buy 3 and earn a $3.00 Catalina. Expires: 4/18. Combine with $0.40 printable or printable or Q from 3/28 SS or Cellfire ecoupon to make this a MONEY MAKER!

Old El Paso: Buy any 3 and earn a $1 Catalina. Expires: 4/18

Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Buy any 3 and earn a $0.75 Catalina. Buy 4 and earn a $1 Catalina. Buy 5 and earn a $1.50 Catalina. Expires: 4/18. (8 oz or larger)

Ziploc: Buy any 3 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 4/28. Combine with the $0.40 Q from 3/21 SS for more savings! Also eligible for SC Johnson $5 Mail-In Rebate.

Velveeta: Buy 2 and earn a $0.50 Catalina. Buy 3 and earn a $1.00 Catalina. Buy 4 and earn a $1.50 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 4/18. (Shells & Cheese Cups only) Use the BOGO printable to save even more.

Totino's Pizza: Buy any 4 products and earn a $1.00 Catalina. Buy 6 and earn a $2 Catalina. Buy 8+ and earn a $3 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 5/16.

Kraft: Purchase $20 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires: 5/8

Kroger Deals 4/4-4/10

These deals are matched for the Nashville, TN area or Louisville Region. Here are my favorites for this week. If you come across a good deal, please post it in the comments.

WEEKLY DEALS:

Perdue Ground Turkey, $1.99 lb.

Amick Chicken Breasts, $1.99 lb.

Cantaloupe, $1.88

White Seedless Grapes, $1.28 lb.

Organic Cameo Apples, $0.99 lb.

Kroger Buns, $1.00

Gallon Milk, $2.39

Mt. Dew, 4/$11 (must buy 4)

Yoplait, $0.50

-$0.50 (doubled) WYB 6 Yoplait printable or printable

*Total is $2.00 or $0.33 each.

Smart Balance, 50% off

-$1.00 off Smart Balance printable or 3/21 RP

*Good deal.

Uncle Ben's Rice, $1.69

-$1.00 off 2/21 RP or 3/28 RP

*Total is $0.69

Sobe Life Water, $1.00

-BOGO Sobe printable

*Total is $0.50 or $0.25 each.

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies, $1.99

-$1.00 off Cheesecake Middles printable

*Total is $0.99

Maxwell House Coffee, $2.50

-$1.00 off 3/21 SS

*Total is $1.50

Betty Crocker Potato Pouches, $1.09

-$0.40 (doubled) Betty Crocker printable or printable

AND

-$0.40 Cellfire ecoupon

*MONEY MAKER: $0.11

>Combine with Catalina deal below for even more savings.

KROGER CATALINA DEALS: What is a Catalina?

Kraft: Purchase $20 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires: 5/8

Betty Crocker Potatoes: Buy any 1 and earn a $0.50 Catalina. Buy 2 and earn a $1.50 Catalina. Buy 3 and earn a $3.00 Catalina. Expires: 4/18. Combine with $0.40 printable or printable or Q from 3/28 SS or Cellfire ecoupon to make this a MONEY MAKER!

Old El Paso: Buy any 3 and earn a $1 Catalina. Expires: 4/18

Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Buy any 3 and earn a $0.75 Catalina. Buy 4 and earn a $1 Catalina. Buy 5 and earn a $1.50 Catalina. Expires: 4/18. (8 oz or larger)

Ziploc: Buy any 3 and earn a $2.00 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 4/28. Combine with the $0.40 Q from 3/21 SS for more savings! Also eligible for SC Johnson $5 Mail-In Rebate.

Velveeta: Buy 2 and earn a $0.50 Catalina. Buy 3 and earn a $1.00 Catalina. Buy 4 and earn a $1.50 Catalina to use on your next order. Expires 4/18. (Shells & Cheese Cups only)