I coupon. I LOVE coupons! Who doesn't like to save money on things we buy every day?!
Now, I am a big supporter of the Commissary. Best meat prices, decent selection, and hey, it's cheaper than Wal-Mart. I did some quick math and last trip to the Commissary I saved over $100 from Wal-Mart. (I also saved $115 in coupons!)
But is it always cheaper? Nope. Not when you play the Pharmacy game! It took me a few tries, but I think I am getting the hang of it. We're going to be here two years, so when things are a good price, I'll stock up and all extras go to Iraq in care packages.
Plus, the more money I save in our every day expenses, the more we have to enjoy the City!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Commissary Coupon Policy
Do commissaries accept coupons?
Yes. Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon.
Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.
Patrons who wish to use coupons as part of a purchase transaction must buy the item(s) indicated on a coupon, and-except in foreign overseas areas-must use a coupon prior to or on the expiration date stated on a coupon.
Commissaries located in foreign overseas areas accept coupons up to six months after the expiration date stated on a coupon.
Do commissaries ever have "double coupon" or "triple coupon" promotions like those offered by commercial stores?
No. The "double" or "triple" coupon promotions offered by commercial stores involve doubling, tripling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon. Commercial stores who offer these types of promotions get paid by the coupon issuer only for the face value of a coupon, and have to absorb the costs of "doubling" or "tripling" coupon face value in their pricing and profit structure.
Because commissaries are required by law to sell goods at prices set only high enough to cover the cost of those goods, commissaries make no profit from which to pay the costs associated with "double" coupon promotions.
Additionally, DeCA cannot use funds provided for the operation of commissaries to support such promotions, because law strictly prescribes the uses of these funds, and "promotional support" is not among the allowable uses of these funds.
Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of "double coupon" promotion than described above. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These "double coupon" promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.
May I use coupons in combination on the purchase of an item in a commissary?
"No, customers may use only one coupon per item in DeCA commissaries. Even coupons without "exclusionary language," such as "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER COUPON, " "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER," "ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE," etc. , may not be used in combination on the purchase of an item. This policy is in line with the policies of other DoD resale activities and our commercial counterparts."
Can I use coupons generated from the Internet in a commissary?
Yes, commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements - the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., "Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date." Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, "Buy One Get One Free" coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.
Procter and Gamble (P & G) does not authorize Internet coupons for any of their products.
This can be found http://www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/coupon_use.cfm
Yes. Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon.
Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.
Patrons who wish to use coupons as part of a purchase transaction must buy the item(s) indicated on a coupon, and-except in foreign overseas areas-must use a coupon prior to or on the expiration date stated on a coupon.
Commissaries located in foreign overseas areas accept coupons up to six months after the expiration date stated on a coupon.
Do commissaries ever have "double coupon" or "triple coupon" promotions like those offered by commercial stores?
No. The "double" or "triple" coupon promotions offered by commercial stores involve doubling, tripling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon. Commercial stores who offer these types of promotions get paid by the coupon issuer only for the face value of a coupon, and have to absorb the costs of "doubling" or "tripling" coupon face value in their pricing and profit structure.
Because commissaries are required by law to sell goods at prices set only high enough to cover the cost of those goods, commissaries make no profit from which to pay the costs associated with "double" coupon promotions.
Additionally, DeCA cannot use funds provided for the operation of commissaries to support such promotions, because law strictly prescribes the uses of these funds, and "promotional support" is not among the allowable uses of these funds.
Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of "double coupon" promotion than described above. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These "double coupon" promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.
May I use coupons in combination on the purchase of an item in a commissary?
"No, customers may use only one coupon per item in DeCA commissaries. Even coupons without "exclusionary language," such as "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER COUPON, " "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER," "ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE," etc. , may not be used in combination on the purchase of an item. This policy is in line with the policies of other DoD resale activities and our commercial counterparts."
Can I use coupons generated from the Internet in a commissary?
Yes, commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements - the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., "Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date." Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, "Buy One Get One Free" coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.
Procter and Gamble (P & G) does not authorize Internet coupons for any of their products.
This can be found http://www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/coupon_use.cfm
How I bought $125 worth of stuff for only $20.91 at CVS
Several things I do before I go:
- I get two Sunday papers a week. I clip coupons for things that I might or might not want to stash for a sale.
- I constantly search several sites, boards, and blogs for good coupons to print. (I've found some of the best coupons are printable, so get a good printer that doesn't use a lot of ink.)
- Always check out the ad in the Sunday paper and plan accordingly.
Frizz-Ease
CVS price 2/$10
Get $5 ECB (Extra Care Bucks are gift cards that print at the end of your receipt for you to use when you come back, I usually have a stack to roll over to each purchase)
Used 2 $2.50 off coupons (http://www.johnfrieda.com/
Final price = FREE
L'Oreal Studio Gel
CVS price 2/$5
Used to 2 $1 off coupons from last Sunday's paper
Final price = $1.50 each
L'Oreal Ever Strong Conditioner
CVS price $5.99
Get $5 when you buy two
Used 2 $2 off coupons from Sunday Paper
Final price = $1.49 each
Shick disposable razors
CVS price $7.69
Special Buy One Get One FREE
Used 2 $3 from Sunday paper
Final price = $.85 each
(You can combine manufacturer coupons with CVS specials for big savings!!)
Kotex U
CVS price $4.99
Get $4.99 ECB
Use $1 coupon ( http://www.ubykotex.com/ge
Final Price = FREE plus $1 in coupon overage!
Irish Sprine/SoftSoap
CVS price- varies
Get $5 if you buy $15 worth of featured products
Used 2 $.50 off Irish Spring
Used 2 $1 SoftSoap
Final Price for 3 3-packs of bar soap, Irish Spring shower gel, 2 SoftSoap shower gel = $7 or $1.17 each
Aveeno
CVS price - $5.99 for big bottles/$3.49 for small bottle
Spend $20 and get $10 in ECB
Used 2 $2 off 2 Aveeno lotions ( printed, but campaign is over)
Final price for all 4 bottles = $1.86 each
Collgate Wisps
CVS price - $2.59
Buy Two, Get One FREE
Used 2 $.50 off coupons from Sunday paper (Could've used three)
Final Price = $1.39 each
Biore Pore Strips
CVS price - $4.99
Get $2 ECB
Use $2 coupon from their facebook page, under sweepstakes tab.
Websites I use: http://mommysavers.com/boa
http://mommysavers.com/boa
Monday, July 26, 2010
FREE P&G Coupon Book for Military
http://familyunitpg.com/Registration.aspx
P&G has partnered with the USO to give away P&G coupon booklets to Military Families. I can't wait for mine to come in!
P&G has partnered with the USO to give away P&G coupon booklets to Military Families. I can't wait for mine to come in!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
MyCAA back with some changes...
DOD to Resume Restructured Military Spouse Career Program
The Department of Defense announced today the resumption of a restructured military spouse career advancement account program - MyCAA, following a comprehensive review. The program will be available to spouses of service members in the pay grades of E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 beginning October 25 at 8 a.m. EDT.
“The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers,” said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We fully support the program and are committed to ensuring the program’s sustainability. To that end, we are making several critical operational changes.”
Amongst these changes, eligible spouses will receive a total of $4,000 in DoD-funded financial aid, with an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year; funding must be used within a three-year time period from the start date of the first class; and must be used to obtain an associates’ degree, licensure or certification. A waiver may be granted when fees for licensure or certification require an up-front fee greater than $2,000 and up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
“The MyCAA program popularity grew beyond our expectations and became too expensive to continue. Therefore, we are returning to the original intent of the program in a way that is attainable and fiscally responsible for the Defense Department,” said Stanley. “As we look to the future, we envision a program that is much broader than DoD’s financial assistance component. Military spouses will be guided along a more holistic approach to career planning.”
Under the long-term program guidelines, career counselors will continue to work with all military spouses to help develop career and education goals and plans, and assist them in identifying and accessing available federal education benefits toward these goals.
“Families play a crucial role in supporting our men and women on the battlefield. When service members are confident that their families at home have access to resources and support, they are better able to focus on their mission,” said Stanley. “The Defense Department is committed to investing in military families. When we invest in the well-being of the family, we invest in the well-being of the force.”
More information can be found on the MyCAA Web site: https://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx.
http://www.defense.gov//releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13725
“The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers,” said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We fully support the program and are committed to ensuring the program’s sustainability. To that end, we are making several critical operational changes.”
Amongst these changes, eligible spouses will receive a total of $4,000 in DoD-funded financial aid, with an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year; funding must be used within a three-year time period from the start date of the first class; and must be used to obtain an associates’ degree, licensure or certification. A waiver may be granted when fees for licensure or certification require an up-front fee greater than $2,000 and up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
“The MyCAA program popularity grew beyond our expectations and became too expensive to continue. Therefore, we are returning to the original intent of the program in a way that is attainable and fiscally responsible for the Defense Department,” said Stanley. “As we look to the future, we envision a program that is much broader than DoD’s financial assistance component. Military spouses will be guided along a more holistic approach to career planning.”
Under the long-term program guidelines, career counselors will continue to work with all military spouses to help develop career and education goals and plans, and assist them in identifying and accessing available federal education benefits toward these goals.
“Families play a crucial role in supporting our men and women on the battlefield. When service members are confident that their families at home have access to resources and support, they are better able to focus on their mission,” said Stanley. “The Defense Department is committed to investing in military families. When we invest in the well-being of the family, we invest in the well-being of the force.”
More information can be found on the MyCAA Web site: https://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx.
http://www.defense.gov//releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13725
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Do you have an emergency plan?
Every one should have an emergency plan. Depending on where you are stationed will decide what types of plans you need.
When we were stationed at Fort Stewart, we had a Hurricane evacuation plan. Now that we are stationed in the Midwest we have a Tornado plan. You should have plans for floods, fire, and other natural disasters. Always be prepared!
Does your family have a safe word? This would be an every day word that only your family would know. What if a Police Officer has to rescue your child, but your child is afraid because they are a stranger. Simply tell the Police Officer the safe word and your child will know that Mom or Dad sent the stranger to help them.
For more good ideas visit: www.ready.gov/america
When we were stationed at Fort Stewart, we had a Hurricane evacuation plan. Now that we are stationed in the Midwest we have a Tornado plan. You should have plans for floods, fire, and other natural disasters. Always be prepared!
Does your family have a safe word? This would be an every day word that only your family would know. What if a Police Officer has to rescue your child, but your child is afraid because they are a stranger. Simply tell the Police Officer the safe word and your child will know that Mom or Dad sent the stranger to help them.
For more good ideas visit: www.ready.gov/america
Military OneSource is offering FREE Life Coaches for Military families!!! (This includes teenagers!!!)
Military One Source FREE Webinar: The Healthy Habits Coaching Program has three areas of focus:
- iCanChange uses a personalized, flexible, and supportive approach to help you reach your weight and health goals.
- iCanThrive can help you learn how to fuel your body with healthy foods, begin a program of enjoyable physical movement, and relax more.
- iCanRelax can help you become aware of stress and how it affects you, and gain skills for handling your reactions to stressful demands and changes.
The programs feature an optional telephonic or online personal health coach, a personal homepage with a tracker, interactive tools, and much more!
DATES: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 11:00am Eastern Time and Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 1:00pm Eastern Time Dial in to the teleconference at: Toll Free: 1-888-299-3723 (toll +1-720-239-5801) conference code: 8479050209. www.militaryonesource.com
- iCanChange uses a personalized, flexible, and supportive approach to help you reach your weight and health goals.
- iCanThrive can help you learn how to fuel your body with healthy foods, begin a program of enjoyable physical movement, and relax more.
- iCanRelax can help you become aware of stress and how it affects you, and gain skills for handling your reactions to stressful demands and changes.
The programs feature an optional telephonic or online personal health coach, a personal homepage with a tracker, interactive tools, and much more!
DATES: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 11:00am Eastern Time and Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 1:00pm Eastern Time Dial in to the teleconference at: Toll Free: 1-888-299-3723 (toll +1-720-239-5801) conference code: 8479050209. www.militaryonesource.com
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