Don't Let The Man Push You (or Your Wallet) Around

So, I got three parking tickets in the last few weeks.

Yikes.

I feel 1) like a total idiot for not paying attention to the warning ticket I received weeks ago and researching temporary parking permits in DC, 2) vindicated because the meter maid gave me a ticket for parking in a residential parking zone while I had a prominently displayed temporary residential parking permit (see above photo), 3) like a total idiot for not paying attention to the street sweeping signs when parking the night before street sweeping.

So, here's my frugal lesson:

1) Don't be an idiot. Pay attention to the street signs, even when you are super tired and just want to flop into bed and could care less about where you leave your car. Also, don't think you can get away with parking in an illegal spot either because the meter maid will come that day, even if other cars always park in front of that fire hydrant and they never get ticketed. The one day you are too close to the stop sign is the day that the meter maid will get you. Yep. Then you'll be cursing loudly at 8am while a woman walks by with her toddler on the way to kindergarden. Very classy. Also, don't be a jerk and double park, block in someone's driveway, or park in the handicapped spot. Tisk Tisk. You should know better. Karma also comes around. Just like the meter maid.

2) Know the rules. If you just moved somewhere, learn the rules for parking on the city streets, even if you only plan to live there temporarily. Don't assume that you know them, look them up. The internet can teach you many things. Case in point: I got a warning ticket for not registering my car in DC and I paid it no mind. I assumed that it meant that I needed to get a visitor parking permit, which I did. Nope. I needed to register my car in DC since I will be living here more than 30 days. If I had researched this thoroughly before I moved I would have learned a work around which would have allowed me to register my car as a frequent out of state visitor (cost: $0). Instead, I didn't look up the rules, didn't read the warning carefully, and ended up with a ticket (cost: $100) and having to register my car temporarily in DC (cost $285). Hence, being ignorant is more expensive than being informed.

3) Fight the power. If you get a parking ticket that was issued in error, like the residential parking ticket I got while I had a valid residential parking permit, fight it. Seriously. It only takes a few minutes of your time to write a letter, enclose a picture and save yourself some moolah. DC even allows you to submit your ticket ajudication online and you can even attach photos to it. Super easy. I assume that they will contact me soon and let me know that they are forgiving my ticket but, just in case, I am keeping the ticket, a copy of the text I submitted online, and pictures. I have successfully fought other tickets due to over-excited meter maids who fail to pay attention to permits and improperly posted signs.

If you don't deserve the ticket, don't pay it. Save your dignity and some money and fight the man. It will pay off.

Also, if you did deserve the ticket, pay it. Otherwise it doubles. And let it be a lesson to you to pay closer attention next time.

It's Free Slurpee Day at 7-11!!!

YAY!! Today is Slurp-free day at 7-11! Head over to your local 7-11 between 11am and 7pm today for a free 7.11oz Slurpee!

As my friend suggested, you may benefit from waiting until a rush of school kids goes through after 3pm and the store runs out of the 7.11oz cups then gives you a full size Slurpee for free instead. Apparently it's worked 3 years in a row. Good luck!

Rite Aid Coupon Matchups: May 20-26

Below are some coupon matchups for this week's Rite Aid deals. Remember to roll your +UPs to spend less out of pocket by breaking your purchase into a few transactions and using the +UPs from the first to pay for the later transactions.

Sign up for the Wellness Plus card and use it to get +UP Rewards to spend in the store as well as discounts when you accumulate points. The great thing about Rite Aid is that they allow you to stack a Rite Aid Store Coupon with a Rite Aid Video Values Coupon (http://riteaid.adperk.com) as well as a Manufacturer Coupon. Rite Aid also has Single Check Rebates (SCR) on lots of items every month which only requires you to enter your receipt number online and they mail you a check at the end of the month. So stacking coupons x3 + SCR= tons of savings!

Buy 2 Clorox Bleach, 96 oz $1.88 each
Buy 2, Submit for $3.00 Single Check Rebate (limit 1)
Use 2 $0.50/1 Clorox Liquid Bleach, 82 oz or Larger Facebook printable
Pay $2.76, Submit for $3.00 Single Check Rebate
Final Price: $0.24 Moneymaker when you buy 2

Samy Fat Foam Hair Color $7.99
Buy 1, Receive $6.00 +Up Reward, Limit 2
Final Price: $1.99

Colgate Toothpaste, 6.4oz, Wisp, 4pack, or Wave Manual Toothbrush, 1ct $1.99
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 +Up Reward, Limit 4
Use $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive Pro-Relief, 4oz+, Smart Source 5/13
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste printable
Or $0.35/1 Colgate Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive Pro-Relief, 4oz., Smart Source 5/13
Or $ 0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz+, Smart Source 4/29
Or $0.50/1 Colgate Kids Toothpaste printable
Pay $1.24, Receive $1.00 +Up Reward
Final Price: $0.24

Mr. Clean, Magic Eraser, Formula 409, Soft Scrub or Tilex $2.50
Submit for a $3.00 Single Check Rebate when you buy 2 Formula 409 or Tilex
Use $1.00/2 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, P&G 5/13
or $1.00/2 Mr. Clean Liquid or Spray, P&G 5/13
Pay $5.00, Submit for $3.00 Single Check Rebate
Final Price: $1.00 each when you buy 2

Folgers Coffee, 10.3-11.3oz, Maxwell House Coffee, 10.5-11.5oz, or Splenda Sweetener, Packets 100ct, Granular 3.8oz $3.49
Use $2.00/1 Splenda Sugar Blend, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or Splenda Sweetener (200+ ct), Smart Source 4/1
Or $1.00/1 Maxwell House Coffee, Smart Source 5/6
Or $1.00/1 Splenda Essentials No calorie Sweetener products, Smart Source 4/1
Or $1.00/1 Splenda No Calorie Sweetener Product printable
Or $2.00/1 Splenda Sweetener Product printable
Final Price: $1.49

Schick Quattro, Intuition or Hydro3 Razor, 1ct, or Cartridge Refills, 3-4ct $8.49
Use $3.00/1 Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle Razor printable
Or $2.00/1 Schick Hydro 3 or Schick Hydro 5 Refills, Smart Source 4/22
Or $2.00/1 Schick Intuition Razor or Refill, Smart Source 5/20
Or $1.00/1 Schick Razor or Refill, excludes 2 ct disposable, Smart Source 4/22
Final Price: $2.69

Spend $30.00, Receive $10.00 +Up Reward when you purchase select products
Deal Idea: Buy 4 Kleenex Facial Tissues, Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes $2.00
Buy 2 Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers, PullUps or Goodnights $11.00
Use 2 $0.50/2 Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes, Smart Source 5/13
And 2 $2.00/1 Huggies Pull-ups Training Pants, jumbo pack+, Smart Source 5/20
Pay $25.00, Receive $10.00 +Up Reward
Final Price: $2.50 each when you buy all 6

You can find these and other matchups at KrazyCouponLady.com

CVS Coupon Matchups: May 20-26

Here are coupon matchups for some of the best deals at CVS this week. Prices change on Sunday.
Remember to scan your ExtraCard card at the coupon machine (usually near the door) for in-store coupons. If you need help deciphering coupon lingo click here.

This week the coupon machine is printing a $3.00 off $10.00 cosmetics coupon which you can pair with other coupons for a great deal!

Just a heads up: Next week you can get a Milky Way Bar free with Extra Bucks! So print this coupon now for $.75/2 Milky Way Bars and get two for free next week!

Ocean Spray Juice, 64 oz, Price Unknown
Buy One Get One Free
Use BOGO Ocean Spray Juice printable (No longer available)
Final Price: Free

Salonpas-Hot Capsicum Patch, 1 ct $1.87
Buy 1, Receive $1.87 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Pay $1.87, Receive $1.87 Extra Bucks
Final Price: Free

Pringles Potato Crisps, 5.7-6.75 oz (Excludes Fat Free) $1.49
Buy 4, Receive $1.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Use $1.00/4 Pringles Super Stack Cans, Red Plum 4/29
Pay $4.96, Receive $1.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.99 each when you buy 4

Irish Spring Antiperspirant/Deodorant, 2.7-3 oz, Body Wash, 15 oz or Bar Soap, 6 pk $3.50
Buy 2, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Use 2 $0.50/1 Irish Spring Deodorant, Smart Source 5/20
or Use 2 $1.00/1 Irish Spring Deodorant, Smart Source 5/20
or $0.50/1 Irish Spring Multi-Bar, 3 pk or larger or Body Wash, Smart Source 5/20
Pay $6.00, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $.50- $1.00 each when you buy 2

Pantene Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, 12.6 oz or Styler, 5.7-11.5 oz $3.49
Buy 2, Receive $1.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 1
Use BOGO Pantene Products up to $4.99, P&G 4/29
or $3.00/2 Pantene Products, P&G 5/13
Pay $3.49, Receive $1.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $1.25 each when you buy 2

V05 Shampoo or Conditioner, 15 oz $0.89
Use $1.00/3 Alberto V05 Shampoos or Conditioners, Smart Source 5/13
Final Price: $0.56 each when you buy 3

DenTek Floss Picks, 15o ct $2.50
Buy 1, Receive $1.50 Extra Bucks, Limit 2
Final Price: $1.00

Spend $12.00, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks on select Suave Products (Excludes Clearance Items), Limit 1
Deal Idea: Buy 4 Suave Naturals Body Lotion, 18 oz $3.00
Use 2 BOGO Free Suave Body Lotion, up to $3.00, Red Plum 5/20
Pay $6.00, Receive $4.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.50 each when you buy 4

Suave Naturals Body Lotion, 18 oz $3.00
Use BOGO Suave Body Lotion, up to $3.00, Red Plum 5/20
Final Price: $1.01 each when you buy 2

Suave Professional Shampoo, Conditioner, 12.6-14.5 oz, Styler, 3.25-11 oz or Body Wash, 12 oz $2.00
Use $0.50/1 Suave Professionals Styling Product, Red Plum 5/20
or $0.50/2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner Products, Red Plum 5/20
Final Price: $0.84

Suave Naturals, 22.5 oz or Kid’s, 12 oz $1.50
Use B2G1 Free Suave Naturals or Kids Body Wash, up to $3.00, Red Plum 5/20
Final Price: $0.67 each when you buy 3

Suave Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo or Conditioner, 12.6 oz $3.00
Use $0.50/1 Suave Professionals Styling Product, Red Plum 5/20
or $0.50/2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner Products, Red Plum 5/20
Final Price: $1.51

Suave Invisible Antiperspirant Solid, 1.4 oz $1.00
Use $0.50/1 Suave Deodorant Product, Red Plum 5/20
Final Price: $0.17

Buy 1 Revlon ColorStay Nail Polish $4.99, Sale Price
Buy 1, Receive $3.00 Extra Bucks, Limit 6
Use $1.00/1 Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel Tearpad coupon
Pay $3.99, Receive $3.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.99

You can find these and other great deals at the KrazyCouponLady.com.

Try Julep Nail Polish For A Penny!

Such a deal! I have been really into nail polish lately and stumbled across this deal while reading beauty blogs. Julep, a popular nail polish company with monthly subscription boxes, is offering new members an opportunity to get a box for just 1 penny!

Their subscription service is called Julep Maven and when you sign up you take a short style quiz to help determine what nail polish colors you would prefer. I'm Classic With A Twist and they also have Bombshell and It Girl. Then the company automatically will send you a box each month with over $40 worth of products in it. It normally costs $19.99 a month but new subscribers can get their first box for just a penny! Seriously! I tried it, only got charged a penny, and received a box with two nail polishes (one purple and one pinky-nude, what a great combo!)and a nice glycolic hand scrub. You can cancel any time and can skip months that you don't want too. You can even send your box to a friend and they make great gifts. There's free shipping on all orders so you just pay the cost of the box.

The upcoming May box is huge and values at over $140 but still costs the same $19.99! It includes 7 nail polishes, a foot scrub, and other goodies!

To get your first box for a penny use the promo code PENNY when you sign up.

What have you got to lose! Go ahead a sign up and enjoy your fancy nail polish in no time for almost no cost!

Julep also has a cool style blog that shows off hot new nail polish trends and how to's.

Safeway Coupon Matchups: May 16-23

Remember, coupons double at Safeways in the DC area (except for eCoupons) so final price includes doubled coupon amount.

In-ad coupons can be added electronically as eCoupons to your Safeway Club Card on www.Safeway.com. Go to Just4U in the Coupons section.

Just a precaution, my local store isn't taking more than one "like" internet printed coupon and will not accept an internet printed coupon for more than 50% of an item's price. You can see my post on this coupon policy discrepancy here.

Here's the best deals for this week:


**Friday 5/18- Sunday 5/20 Only**
Van de Kamp’s Seafood Frozen Selections, 7.2-24.6 $2.99
Use $1.00/1 Van De Kamp’s Seafood Item printable
Final Price: $1.99

Quaker Life, 13oz $1.99
Use $1.00/2 Quaker Cereal, 12oz-28oz printable
Final Price: $1.49 each when you buy 2

Nabisco Snack Crackers, 5.5-10oz $1.99
Use $1.00/2 Nabisco Cookies & Crackers printable
Final Price: $1.49 each wyb 2

Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail Drinks, 64oz $1.67
Use BOGO Free Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice, 64 oz printable
Final Price: $.83 each wyb 2
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Fresh Express Spinach Salads, 8-16oz $0.99
Use $2.00/1 Fresh Express Salads printable
(click on yellow Print Coupons icon)
Final Price: $1.00 moneymaker!

Pringles Potato Crisps, 5.71-6.41oz $1.25, Limit 8 with in ad coupon
Use $1.00/4 Pringles Super Stack Cans, from RP 4/29
Or $1.00/4 Pringles Super Stack Cans, from RP 5/20
Final Price: $1.00 each when you buy 4

Colgate Total Advanced or Arm & Hammer Toothpaste $2.49, Limit 4 with in ad coupon
Use $1.00/1 Arm & Hammer Toothpaste or Whitening Booster, 2.5 oz or larger from SS 4/1
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive Pro-Relief, 4oz+ from SS 5/13
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste printable
Final Price: $1.49

Oscar Mayer Selects or Carving Board Lunchmeat, 7-9oz $2.99, Limit 5 with in ad coupon
Use $1.00/1 Oscar Mayer Selects Cold Cuts, Smart Source 4/15
Final Price: $1.99

Colgate Total Advanced or Arm & Hammer Toothpaste $2.49, Limit 4 with in ad coupon
Use $1.00/1 Arm & Hammer Toothpaste or Whitening Booster, 2.5 oz or larger, Smart Source 4/1
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive Pro-Relief, 4oz+, Smart Source 5/13
Or $0.35/1 Colgate Total Advanced, Optic White or Sensitive Pro-Relief, 4oz., Smart Source 5/13
Or $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste printable
Final Price: $.99 - $1.79

Heinz Ketchup, 32-36oz $1.49
Use $0.50/1 Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Smart Source 5/20
Final Price: $0.49

Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows, 10-10.5 $1.25
Use $0.50/2 Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows, Smart Source 5/06
Final Price: $.75 each when you buy 2

Garnier Fructis Hair Care Shampoo, 5-13oz $2.99
Use $1.00/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner or Treatments printable
Or $1.50/2 Garnier Fructis Shampoos, Conditioners or Treatments, Red Plum 4/29
Or $0.75/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner printable
Final Price: $1.49-1.99

Ziploc Storage Bags, 15-30ct $2.99
Use $0.50/1 Ziploc, Smart Source 3/18
Or $1.00/2 Ziploc slider bags, Smart Source 5/6
Or $0.55/1 Ziploc perfect portions bags, Smart Source 5/6
Or $1.00/2 Ziploc brand bags, Smart Source 5/6
Final Price: $1.89-2.49

Lean Cuisine Simple Favorites, 8.5-11.5oz $2.00
Use $1.00/4 Lean Cuisine products, Smart Source 4/29
Or $0.55/3 Lean Cuisine Varieties printables
Final Price: $1.63 each when you buy 3

Land O’ Frost Bistro Lunchmeat, 6oz $2.50
Use $0.55/1 Land O’ Frost Premium, Bistro or Deli Shaved Lunchmeat printable
Or $1.00/2 Land O’Frost packages, premium, delishaved, bistro favorites OR (1) Land O’Frost Wrap Kit or Sub Sandwich Kit, Red Plum 4/29
Final Price: $1.40 - $2.00

Barilla Pasta, 12-16oz $1.00
Use $1.00/2 Barilla Plus Pasta, Smart Source 4/22 (If included)
Final Price: $0.50 each when you buy 2

Blue Diamond Almonds, 6oz $2.50
Use $0.60/2 Blue Diamond Almonds, 6 oz, Smart Source 5/13
Final Price: $1.90 each when you buy 2

Popcorn Indian, 5.4-10.5oz $2.99
Use $1.00/1 Popcorn Indiana, 5 oz+, Smart Source 3/25
Or $1.00/1 Popcorn Indiana Chipins or Popcorn, 6.7 oz+, Smart Source 3/25
Final Price: $1.99

All Detergent 2x Liquid $4.49
Use $1.00/1 All Mighty Pacs or Liquid Laundry Detergent, Red Plum 4/1
Final Price: $3.49

Yosicle Novelties, 19.2oz $2.99
Use $1.00/1 Popsicle Yosicle Product printble
Or $0.50/1 Popsicle Yosicle printable
Final Price: $1.99

Safeway Coupon Matchups: May 9-15

Remember, coupons double at Safeways in the DC area (except for eCoupons) so final price includes doubled coupon amount.

In-ad coupons can be added electronically as eCoupons to your Safeway Club Card on www.Safeway.com. Go to Just4U in the Coupons section.

Just a precaution, my local store isn't taking more than one "like" internet printed coupon and will not accept an internet printed coupon for more than 50% of an item's price. You can see my post on this coupon policy discrepancy here.

Here's the best deals for this week:

Friday (5/11) through Monday (5/14) Only
Pepsi 24 pack- $5.00 (Friday only)
Use $2.00/2 Pepsi 24 pack, PepsiCo Moments To Save 4/29
Final Price: $4.00 each wyb 2

Frito-Lay Variety Pack- $5.00 (Friday only)
Use $1.00/1 Frito-Lay, PepsiCo Moments To Save 4/29
Final Price: $4.00

California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Pizza– $5.00 (Friday only)
Use $1.50/2 California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Pizza, Smart Source 4/29
or $1.00/1 CPK Facebook printable
Final Price: $4.00- $4.25 each

Frito Lays Stax, 5.5-5.7oz- $1.00
Use $.55/2 printable
Final Price: $.45 each wyb 2

Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, 18 oz. Crunchy Nut Cereal or 14.1 oz.- $2.29
Use $0.70/1 Crunchy Nut Cereal, Red Plum 4/1
Final Price: $0.89

Nabisco Chips Ahoy! or Ritz Crackers, 9.5-16 oz.- $1.99
Use $.50/1 Safeway e-coupon Ritz 9.5-15.1oz
Final Price: $1.49

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls, 7oz- $2.50
Use $.55/1 Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls printable
Final Price: $1.40

White Corn Ears- $.33 each

*****************************************************************
In-Ad Coupons
*make sure to add the e-coupon to your card or clip it from the circular

Atkins Bars or Shakes, 5ct, 1.2-1.6oz Bars or 4pack, 11oz Shakes- $4.99 (Limit 4)
Use $1.00/1 Atkins Bars 5ct box, Smart Source 3/11 or 5/13
or $1.00/1 Atkins Shake 4ct, Smart Source 3/11 or 5/13
Final Price: $3.99

Eggland's Best Eggs,12ct Large Grade A- $2.49 (Limit 2)
Use $.50/1 Egglands Best, Smart Source 1/29
Final Price: $1.49

Shedd’s Spread Country Crock, 15 oz.- $1.99 (Limit 4)
Use $1.00/1 Country Crock Spreads printable
Final Price: $0.99

Eggo Frozen Breakfast, 10.7-16.4 oz.- $1.99 (Limit 4)
Use $.75/2 Eggo Frozen Product, Red Plum 5/6
Final Price: $1.24 each

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Colgate Toothpaste, 6.4 oz. select varieties- $0.99
Use $0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste, 4 0z. or larger, Smart Source 4/29
Final Price: Free

Carefree Panitliners, 20-22 ct- $0.99
Use $0.50/1 Carefree Products, Smart Source 5/6
Final Price: Free

Pepsi Products, 2L- $.99
Use $1.00/1 Sun Drop, Smart Source 5/6
or $.55/1 Pepsi Next, PepsiCo Moments to Save 4/29
Final Price: Free

Maruchan Yakisoba, 4-4.11 oz.- $0.79
Use $1.00/2 Maruchan Yakisoba products, Smart Source 3/11
or $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles from SS 3/11
Final Price: Free-$0.29 each

Pedigree, 22 oz. or Iams,12.3 or 13.2 oz. Canned Dog Food- $1.00
Use B4G1 Pedigree Canned food for Dogs, 13.2 oz-22 oz up to $1.25, Red Plum 4/29
Final Price: $0.80 each when you buy 5

Soft Scrub Cleansers, 24-26 oz. or Pine Sol, 48 oz.- $2.99
Use $1.00/1 Pine Sol, 28oz or 48oz printable
Final Price: $1.99

Palmolive Dish Detergent, 25 oz. $2.99
Use $0.25/1 Palmolive Dish Liquid, 20oz or Larger printable
Final Price: $2.49

Clorox Bleach, 82-96 oz. $2.29
Use $0.50/1 Clorox Liquid Bleach, 82oz or Larger Facebook printable
Final Price: $1.29

Hillshire Farm Deli Carvers or Ultra Thin Sliced Lunchmeat, 8-9 oz.- $3.99
Use $0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Deli Carvers Lunchmeat Facebook Printable
Final Price: $2.89

Nature Valley Chewy Granola Bars, 6.7-7.4 oz.- $2.50
Use $0.50/1 Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars printable
Final Price: $1.50

Balance Bar – $0.99
Use $1.00/5 Balance Bar printable
Final Price: $0.79 each wyb 5

Get 2 boxes of Barilla Pasta FREE when you buy 2 jars of Classico or Barilla Pasta Sauce- $2.00
Use $1.00/2 Classico Pasta Sauce, Smart Source 5/6
or $1.00/2 Barilla Sauce and Pasta coupon, Smart Source 3/18
Final Price: $.75 each (for each pasta and sauce)