Archive for March 14th, 2008
Super Savings: Bargaining, CVS, Krogers and Bulk Food
March 14th, 2008 | 
Author: CVS: I did one transaction and paid cash since I only had $8 ECBs and really wanted to save those for items that would give me ECBs in return. The transaction consisted of (4) 12 packs Diet Coke for $11, (2) Chex Mix for $4, (2) Dove Chocolate Eggs for $6 with $2 ECB. I used 50 cent coupons for each of the Chex Mix bags and a $1.50 off coupon for the Dove Eggs. Not the greatest deal, but it wasn’t the greatest week for the deals either. (For a simple explanation of how CVS works, click here. Posts from previous weeks are here.)
Kroger: I didn’t score any free items but did purchase a couple of bags of Dole Salad for 99 cents and bread for 95 cents. Last week, I received a catalina coupon for Dole mandarin oranges – 75 cents off 4 cans. The cans are on sale for $1/piece, so I used the catalina and paid 81 cents each. Then when checking out today, I scored another catalina for the same deal. Thankfully, the coupon is good until the end of June! 
All total, with coupons and sales, we saved 38 percent on our groceries.
Amish Bulk Food Store: Since we were in the area, we stopped at the bulk food store today. For lack of storage space, I really don’t buy much in bulk. However, today I did purchase a few items – mainly ones that I can’t find in the regular store. Plus I saw a few items I want to price compare to the regular grocery store. My total cost was $15.xx and I purchased 1.9 lbs organic quick oats ($2.26), 1.08 lb of Hormel pepperoni ($5.71), .63 oz dry Ranch dressing mix ($3.58), .8 oz of taco seasoning mix ($2.17), and .4 oz dry sour cream and onion mix ($1.68). Having not purchased a lot in bulk or from this store, I don’t know if I really did all that great as far as cost, but I think I did. I know the pepperoni was a great deal and so was the ranch dressing mix. What about the rest? Those of you who buy in bulk or from Amish stores, were these good deals?
Even though we shopped at CVS and Krogers this week, our best deal came from bargaining with the ATV dealer. For about 4 months my DH has been anticipating the day he could purchase his new 4-wheeler. While some would consider an ATV a luxury, our life on a farm in the mountains makes one an absolute must. The “old” ATV still runs; however every couple of weeks something falls off and paying for the upkeep was getting frustrating. But what can you expect from a 2001 ATV with well over 100,000 miles on it? We waited patiently to purchase the new bike until we were able to pay cash and avoid all finance / interest charges.
Four months ago, when we first started looking at ATVs, the 2008 models were out of our price range, and we decided we would purchase a 2007 model. Because of poor sales (who wants to buy something that’s going to use gas at $3.40/gallon?), dealers have started lowering prices to make the sale. So, by waiting 4 months, we were able to purchase a 2008 model for the same price as the 2007 model. Then we learned that we could purchase a 4-year extended warranty for $550 (an incentive price since normal cost is $750). Is the warranty worth $550? YES! It covers just about everything that could break (minus things like spark plugs and oil filters) and after replacing a couple of axles or bearings on an ATV, the value of the warranty is obvious. However, the total cost with delivery and extended warranty was over the top amount we wanted to spend. Here’s where a little bit of bargaining paid off…
My DH told the financial lady that we really wanted to stay under a certain figure – we had passed that amount by at least $100. Did that tactic work? Yep! Without questioning, she took off the delivery charge (yay!) and gave us the warranty for $500!!! (The warranty works out to $125/yr and I know we’ve spent more than that on parts for the old ATV!) DH admitted later that he was a little nervous after saying that because he didn’t really think and just blurted it out, but his ‘bargaining’ paid off. (I’m wondering if he should’ve said a lower amount especially if they were truly desperate for the sale!) Now, I have a happy husband with a new toy!
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How-To Help for Every Gardener
Earlier this week, Meshellyn asked about help (books and/or websites) for first-time gardeners in response to Gardening: A Gift from God. I had the opportunity to be in a real bookstore today – a rare occasion in our neck of the woods! While the gardening section wasn’t horribly large, only one shelf, I did find some very reasonably priced books (all under $10) for beginners or those wanting to do a re-design. Remember to check your local library to save money!
2. New City Gardener: Natural Techniques and Necessary Skills for a Successful Urban Garden (Judith Adam, copyright 1999, ISBN: 1552093131, 224 pages, Note: While I found this book in the bookstore, a quick look at Amazon reveals that this book may be out of print.) The purpose of this book is to illustrate what can be done in a “city” garden or an area where a lot of space isn’t available. Loads of illustrations will spark ideas of how to hide the unsightly fence or creative ways to arrange a container garden. While I think this book is beneficial for ideas, it didn’t contain a lot of information how to create or implement the ideas in the photos.
3. Gardening in Small Spaces (Lance Hattatt, copyright 2003, 256 pages, $5.99) This compact book is jammed with information and ideas on how to create the garden you dream about. The table of contents covers different garden types such as cottage gardens, container gardens, etc. Again, there are a ton of illustrations as well as explanation of color combinations and plant locations.
4. New Gardener (copyright 2002, $5.99) If you are interested in adding walkways, building a retaining wall, or adding some other element to an existing garden or one in the planning stages, the New Gardener contains step-by-step construction steps. The number of projects detailed will give every gardener, beginning and experienced, ideas on how to add visual interest to their flower beds. The book also covers other garden basics, such as soil preparation.
Another idea that I suggested to Meshellyn was a subscription to the magazine “Backyard Living.” The contents are well worth the cost of the subscription (1 yr: $14.98, 2 yr: $24.98, 3 yr: $33.98). The topics are seasonal and practical, and the reader Q&A section often answers everyday garden dilemmas. Personally, while I love the whole magazine, I enjoy the “yard sale find” section that shows how to implement cheap (or free) pieces into your garden. For example, instead of using regular pots as planters, use boots, old chairs, discarded barrels, or even old tires.
My mom taught me most of what I know about gardening, however the one topic that eludes me is the actual design part. I have great ideas, beautiful plants, but no clue how to make them work together for the most drama. Anticipating our new home this summer, I need to figure out the best way to show off my gorgeous lilies, gladiolas and irises. I did find one website that looks promising: The Landscape Design Site. Check it out when you have a chance. Do you know of any other resourceful garden design sites?