9/13 Coupon Insert Preview

This Sunday, 9/13, you can expect up to 5 inserts!
(3) Smart Source
(2) Red Plum
Many areas will not get all of these, so as always remember to get the biggest paper available to you. 
SmartSource #1: General Mills

.25/1 Betty Crocker Box or Pouch Potatoes, excludes Potato Buds (exp 11/7)
.40/1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, 17.5oz+ (exp 11/7)
.50/2 Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Gushers, Roll-ups or Stickerz (exp 11/7)
.50/1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Mini Bowls (exp 11/7)
.50/1 Chex Mix Bars box (11/7)
.50/2 Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, 4.5oz+ (exp 11/7)
.40/1 Fiber One Chewy Bars box (11/7)
$1/3 General Mills Cereals, huge list (exp 10/24)
.75/3 Hamburger Helper, Tuna, or Chicken Meals (exp 11/7)
.40/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars box (exp 11/7)
$1 off NatureValley Granola Nut Clusters (exp 11/7)
.50/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls (exp 12/5)
.40/2 Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads, Loaves, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls, or Pizza Crust (exp 12/5)
$1/3 Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough - $1.00 off any 3 (exp 12/5)
.35/1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust (exp 12/5)
.55/1 Pillsbury Savorings Bread Bowl Bites (exp 12/5)
.55/1 Pillsbury Savorings product (exp 12/5)
$1 off Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough (exp 12/5)
.55/1 Pillsbury Special Edition Cinnabon Cookie (exp 12/5)
.50/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls (exp 12/5)
.55/2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries (exp 12/5)
.25/1 Progresso High Fiber Soup (exp 11/7)
$1/4 Progresso Soups  (exp 11/7)
$1 off Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites Dinner Kit (exp 11/7)
.50/2 Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza Products (exp 12/5)
.40/2 Totino's Rolls Snacks (exp 12/5)
$1 off Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit (exp 11/7)
$2 off Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée (exp 11/7)
$1 off Yoplait Delights Yogurt Multipack (exp 11/7)
$1 off Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt Multipacks (exp 11/7)
.75/2 Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt, any flavor (exp 11/7)
$1 off YoPlus or YoPlus Light Yogurt 4pk (exp 11/7)
.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt Cups, Whips! or Smoothies (exp 11/7) 2 coupons
*Switch to YoPlus for FREE – more information at YoPlus.com

SmartSource #2: Diabetes Smart

.50/1 Birds Eye or Steamfresh bag (exp 10/24)
.50/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Lightly Sauced Vegetables and Pasta bag (exp 10/24)
$1.50 Birds Eye Steamfresh Meal bag (exp 10/24)
.75/1 Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds 100 cal 7ct, or Whole Natural Almonds 6oz can (exp 12/31)
.55/1 Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Breyers Swirled Lowfat Yogurt Disney Multipack (exp 12/6)
$1/2 Breyers YoCrunch Multipack (exp 12/6)
.50/1 Breyers Yogurt Inspirations Lowfat Yogurt 4pk (exp 12/6)
.40/4 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soups (exp 12/15)
.40/2 Campbell's Condensed Soups, (exp 12/15)
.50/2 Campbell's Select Harvest Soups (exp 10/25)
$1 off Dole Fruit Bowls in Sugar Free Gel (exp 11/30)
.50/1 French's French Fried Onions, 6oz (exp 10/25)
$1/2 Glade Plugins Scented Gel Refill Packs (exp 10/24)
B1G1 Glade Plugins Scented Gel Warmer (exp 10/24)
Free Hill's Science Diet Feline 5.5oz canned Food wyb Hill's Science Diet Feline Dry Cat Food (exp 10/31)
B2G1 Hill's Science Diet Feline Canned Cat Food, 5.5oz (exp 10/31)
$1 off Hormel Refrigerated Entrée (exp 11/30)
$1/2 Johnsonville Brats or Italian Sausage, 19.76oz (exp 10/31)
.55/1 Johnsonville Smoked or Cooked Sausage (exp 10/31)
.50/1 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourable (exp 10/12)
.50/1 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Trigger or Plus Bleach (exp 10/12)
.50/1 Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner (exp 10/12)
.50/1 Lysol Bathroom Cleaner or Mildew Remover (exp 10/12)
$1/2 Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (exp 10/12)
.75/1 Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Lime & Rust Removers (exp 10/12)
$5 off Nature's Best Dry Dog or Cat Food, any size bag (exp 12/31)
.50/2 Nissin Chow Mein or Chow Noodles (exp 12/31)
$2 off Pert Plus 25.4oz Family Size (exp 10/31)
$1 off Pert Plus or Pert Plus for Men, 12oz+ (exp 10/31)
$1 off Resolve Deep Clean Powder (exp 10/25)
$1 off Resolve Product (exp 10/25)
$1/2 Rubbermaid TakeAlongs (exp 11/15)
.50/1 Spray 'n Wash product (exp 10/25)
.50/2 Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast (exp 11/15)
$1/2 V8 Splash or Smoothie, includes Diet) (exp 10/25)
$1.50 Wholly Guacamole Product (exp 9/30)

SmartSource #3

$4 off Air Wick Freshmatic Compact i-Motion Starter Kit (exp 10/25)
$6 off Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra i-Motion Starter Kit (exp 10/25)
$4 off Air Wick Scented Oil i-Motion Starter Kit (exp 10/25)
$1 off Airborne product (exp 11/02)
$1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry product (exp 11/15)
$1 off Arm & Hammer Total 2-in-1 Moist Dryer Cloths (exp 11/15)
B1G1 Better than Ears 9pk, Guilt-Free Treats 8oz, or Nut-tastics 10oz (exp 12/13)
.40/1 Betty Crocker Pouch Potatoes (exp 11/7)
.55/1 Bumble Bee Premium Tuna Pouches, 2.5 or 5oz (exp 12/31)
$1 off Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Pouch, 4oz (exp 12/31)
$1 off Bumble Bee Sensations Seasoned Tuna Medley Bowl, 5oz (exp 12/31)
$2 off Claritin Non-Drowsy Children's, 4oz syrup or 10ct+ (exp 10/11)
$6 off Claritin Non-Drowsy Liqui-Gels only, 24ct+ (exp 9/20)
$4 off Claritin Non-Drowsy or Claritin-D, 15ct+ (exp 10/11)
$1 off Colgate Total Enamel, Advanced Whitening, Clean, or Fresh Toothpaste only, 4oz+ (exp 10/3)
$2/2 Crystal Light Drink Mix Products (exp 10/10)
$1/10 Dannon 6oz Single-Serve Cups Yogurt (exp 12/13)
$1 off Depend Guard for Men (exp 11/01)
$1 off Depend product (exp 11/01)
$2 off Discover Card Members - any purchase at any where store coupons are accepted (exp 10/31)
$1 off Dreamfields Pasta Angel Hair or any variety of pasta box (exp 11/30)
$1 off Dulcolax laxative Tablets or Suppositories (exp 12/31)
$1 off Dulcolax Stool Softener (exp 12/31)
.55/1 Duncan Hines 100% Whole Grain Muffins box mix (exp 1/31/10)
$1 off EAS Product (exp 11/15)
.50/1 Egg-land's Best Cage Free or Organic Dozen Eggs (exp 12/31)
.35/1 Egg-land's Best Eggs (exp 12/31)
.35/1 Egg-land's Best Hard-Cooked & Peeled Eggs (exp 12/31)
$1 off Ensure 6-pack Shake (exp 11/15) *limit one coupon per transaction
$1 off Freschetta Naturally Rising, PizzAmore, Brick Oven, or Flatbread Pizza (exp 11/15)
Free Freshpet Select Homestyle product (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment (exp 10/15)
.75/1 Garnier Fructis Style product (exp 10/15)
$2 off Garnier Nutrisse Shade or Multi-Lights Kit (exp 10/15)
$1 off Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer (exp 12/15)
$1.50 Glucerna Product (exp 11/15) *limit one coupon per transaction
.40/1 Gorton's seafood item (exp 11/22)
$1 off Grande Tortilla Chips (exp 12/31)
.50/2 Green Giant Frozen Vegetables (exp 11/7)
.50/1 GreenGiant Valley Fresh Steamers frozen vegetables (exp 11/7)
$1 off Hershey's Kisses Brand Chocolates, 10oz+ (exp 11/30)
.55/1 Mentos Gum (exp 12/31)
$1 off MidNite or MidNite PM (exp 6/30/10)
$1 off Nature's Bounty Vitamins and Supplements (exp 10/28)
$2 off Nature's Bounty Your Life Men's or Women's Multi (exp 10/28)
$1 off Nature's Source Natural Cleaner (exp 11/7)
.75/2 Ortega products (exp 11/30)
$1 off Ortho Kill & Contain Mouse Trap or any Home Defense Max rodent product (exp 10/31)
$2 off PanOxyl Product (exp 12/31)
$1.50/2 Poise Pads (exp 10/25)
$1.50/2 Poise Pantiliners (exp 10/25)
.30/1 Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil, 30 sq. ft (exp 10/11)
.75/1 Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil, (excludes 20,25, and 30 sq.ft.) (exp 10/11)
$1 off Schick Disposable Razor Package (exp 10/25)
$1 off Scott Naturals Bath Tissue 4+ rolls (exp 10/25)
$1 off Scott Naturals Paper Towels 6+ rolls (exp 10/25)
.55/1 Shout Laundry product (exp 11/7)
.75/1 Silk Soymilk Half Gallon (exp 10/31)
$1 off Soft Scrub Scrubby Pads (exp 10/31)
$1 off Spot Shots Instant Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator product (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Sweet Sue Chicken & Dumplings (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Sweet Sue Poultry product (exp 12/31)
$1 off Schick Quattro Disposable Razors (exp 10/25) *Target coupon
.75/1 Tyson 17oz Heat-and-Eat Entrée (exp 12/12)
.55/1 Tyson Refrigerated Chicken or Steak Strips product (exp 12/12)
$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bags (exp 11/7)
.40/2 Ziploc Brand Bags (exp 11/7)
$1.50/2 Ziploc Brand Containers  (exp 11/7)
.55/1 Ziploc Brand Containers  (exp 11/7)
.55/1 ZonePerfect Single Bar or Multi-count Box  (exp 11/15)

RedPlum #1

.50/1 Angel Soft 4-double roll + (exp 12/31)
$2/2 Aussie hair care (exp 10/31)
$2 off Caribou Coffee 12 oz (exp 12/31)
$1/2 Combos Snacks Bags (exp 11/15)
.75/1 Crisco Olive Oil  (exp 12/31)
$6 off Flex-a-min Joint Care any (exp 10/27)
$1 off Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner, Styler, or Haircolor (exp 10/31/0)
$1 off Imodium any product (12/29)
.55/1 Kellogg's Pop-Tarts (exp 11/8)
$1 off Olay facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser (exp 10/31)
B1G1 Oral-B Pulsar Manual Toothbrush single pack (exp 10/31)
$1 off Pantene Expressions or Restoratives  (exp 10/31)
$1 off Pedigree Good Bites Treats for Dogs (exp 11/08)
$4 off Scotch Fur Fighter any (exp 12/31)
$1 off Scotch Hair or Lint Removal Product (exp 12/31)
.50/3 Scotties boxes or 1 multipack (exp 12/31)
$1/2 Smart Balance Buttery Spreads (exp 10/11)
$1.50 Smart Balance Butter Blend Sticks (exp 10/11)
.55/2 Smuckers Jams or Jellies any (exp 12/31)
$1 off Sparkle Paper Towels 2-giant roll + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Temptations Cat Treats (exp 10/24)
$1 off Tropicana Trop50 59 oz (exp 11/15)
$1 off Tylenol Cold, Sore Throat, or Severe (exp 12/31)
$1 off Tylenol Extra Strength (exp 12/31)
$1 off Tylenol Plus Children's (exp 12/31)
$1 off Tylenol Sinus any (exp 12/31)
$3/2 Tylenol Sinus, Cold, Cough or Allergy  (exp 12/31)
$1 off Whiskas Dr Cat Food 2.7 lb + (exp 11/08)
$1 off Whiskas Multipack Cat Food (exp 11/08)
$4 off Zyrtec Itchy Dry Drops 0.17 fl oz (exp 12/6)
$2.50 Zyrtec 14 ct + (exp 12/6)
$4 off Zyrtec 30 ct + (exp 12/6)

RedPlum #2

$1 off Advil PM 16 ct + (exp 10/31)
$1 off Advil Cold & Sinus or Allergy Sinus (exp 11/30)
$1 off Country Crock Side Dishes (exp 11/8)
$1.50/2 Degree Absolute, Clinical Protection, Fine Fragrance or Ultra Clear (exp 12/6)
$1/2 Degree Deodorant (exp 12/6)
B1G1 Fancy Feast Appetizers  (exp 12/31)
$1/6 Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys  (exp 12/31)
.50/1 Hot Pockets (exp 12/06)
$1/3 Lean Cuisine Entrees (exp 12/31)
.50/1 Nescafe Tasters Choice stick pack carton, 20 ct + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough (exp 11/1)
.50/1 Nestle Toll House Morsels any (exp 11/1)
$1 off Purina Carvers Dog Snacks  (exp 12/31)
B1G1 Purina Friskies Selects (exp 12/31)
$1.50 Purina Naturals Cat Chow or Healthful Life 3 lb +  (exp 11/13)
$3 off Purina One Dry Dog or Cat Food any size or variety (exp 10/13)
B1G1 Purina One 13 oz can Wholesome Entrée Dog Food (exp 10/13)
.75/2 Ragu any (exp 11/08)
.55/1 State Fair any (exp 11/15)
B2G1 Suave Body Washes (exp 12/6)
.75/1 Suave Body Lotion 18 oz + (exp 12/6)

Parade Magazine

.75/1 Hormel Compleats Microwave Meal, any (exp 11/22)

Its a Race Thing

I can't believe all the hub bub about the upcoming speech by the POTUS (figure it out) to school children of America. The Pres just wants to let kids know that education is important and so are they. What's the big deal, let them listen to a few minutes of a speech especially for them. Hey, we all gathered in the conference room to watch the inauguration didn't we?? Didn't you? NO? Oh, well then just move on in your thoughts and activities for the day. But whew - the internet is hot today on this topic to occur on the next business day to come upon us (Next Tuesday, 11 am CST) and the sentiment is that its inappropriate, and the Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty believes its "uninvited" in this interview, and the schools in "the South" are requiring teachers to review it prior to showing it to students to judge whether the content is valuable. Jeez. I think no matter what anyone says, it's a race thing. Get over it. He's the Pres, don't you think he's probably figured out how to have his speech writers develop appropriate content?

Web CEO is a SEO Champion - Free Software Download

This new version of Web CEO found here introduces many functions to improve SEO workflow and meets so many of the expectations of our users that they can call it 'User Choice'. In Web CEO 8.0, you can enjoy the new Advanced Position History report giving the most complete idea of your Search Engine Positioning history for all keywords in all search engines. The Keyword tool has been completely updated and now it provides the most reliable data for keyword research. The updated Partner Finder tool will notify you if your link partners' pages are dropped by a major search engine. Good news for those who are involved in the blogosphere – you can promote your blogs in Blog Search Engines and Directories and get registered with Blog Communities with the help of our Submission tool.

 

The Downfall of An Impressive CV

A stunning story in the Toronto Star has me thinking about my choice to commute by bicycle on a daily basis. Apparently, this well provided for gentleman got in a tussle with a cyclist and dragged him down the street like a gangster movie. Now his impressive background is all for naught as he is charged with some pretty serious crimes since the bicyclist died (see picture above of cyclist).

 

Reminds me to follow the motto on my new bumper sticker WAG MORE, bark less

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and this is to remind citizens that they can take steps to be prepared if there's a disaster. It's important to make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. A survival kit includes basics like fresh water and food for up to three days, blankets, matches, battery-operated radios and lights. Checklists on what to include can be found on here

 

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival:

fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Economic Troubles Encourage Coupon Savings Habit

Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council Reports an Increase in Coupon Activity in 2009, Anticipates Long-term Savings Trend

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the financial crisis deepened a year ago, coupon use has been on the rise. Marketers made substantially more coupons available to encourage consumer purchases, and shoppers responded by increasing their coupon use by approximately 20 percent during the first half of 2009.
That double digit growth in coupon use started during the fourth quarter of 2008 and coupon redemption has continued to rise ever since.
"Coupons are even more influential in consumer purchasing decisions today due to the economic downturn as shoppers realize it's the smart thing to do," says Charles Brown, Co-Chair of the PMA Coupon Council. "Both manufacturers and retailers are promoting at a greater pace to appeal to consumers who are seeking deals to stretch their budget and changing their spending habits in ways that are expected to continue permanently, even when the economy recovers."
PMA Coupon Council Co-Chair Matthew Tilley adds, "Given the new frugality of American households brought on by the current economic hardship, the interest in finding new and additional ways to save is expected to continue. Coupons are a perfect fit as a convenient way to save a good deal of money without a lot of effort. That's something everyone likes to do, in good times and bad."
Coupon Statistics

* $3 billion of savings were achieved by consumers using packaged goods coupons last year.
* More than $400 billion of packaged goods coupons are offered annually.
* The average value offered per coupon is approximately $1.35.
* 94 percent of the overall population report that they have used coupons when shopping (for grocery, household and healthcare items), an increase of 5 share points. 
* 89 percent of the overall population report that they have prepared a shopping list using coupons, up from 78 percent who said they did so a year ago. 

September is National Coupon Month, which is sponsored by the PMA Coupon Council. That makes September a great time for shoppers to refine their coupon saving skills by better organizing the coupons they receive, clip, or download to maximize their share of the $400 billion dollars of discounts available annually in the U.S.
"Once someone creates a coupon habit, they can achieve a lifetime of savings," said Brown. "The typical family can easily save $1,000 annually by spending just 20 minutes a week seeking, clipping and organizing their coupons. If you do that every year for the next 30 or 40 years, that's $30,000 or $40,000 at today's value of money. Imagine how you can stretch your budget over time by routinely using coupons when shopping."
"Organization is key," said Tilley. "Many shoppers sort coupons by category and keep their coupons in a file or envelope. But no matter how you organize your coupons the point is to be sure you take them with you to the store. When it becomes part of your shopping routine, the savings can be enormous."
For more information about coupon usage, coupon clipping tips and more, please visit http://www.nationalcouponmonth.org.
About the PMA Coupon Council
Founded in 1994, the PMA Coupon Council is an advocacy group for coupons within the Promotion Marketing Association. The group focuses on providing education on, and promoting the use of, couponing among manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Coupon research is conducted by Coupon Council member companies, Inmar and NCH Marketing Services.
About the PMA
Established in 1911, the Promotion Marketing Association, Inc (PMA) is the premier not for profit organization and resource for research, education and collaboration for marketing professionals. Representing the over $1 trillion integrated marketing industry, the organization is comprised of Fortune 500 companies, top marketing agencies, law firms, retailers, service suppliers and academia, representing thousands of brands worldwide. Championing the highest standards of excellence and recognition in the promotion and integrated marketing industry globally, PMA's objective is to foster a better understanding of promotion and integrated marketing and its role in the overall marketing process. The PMA is headquartered in New York City with its affiliate, the PMA Educational Foundation, Inc.
SOURCE Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council

The Accompanied Minor

Many years ago we moved out of state, across the country from our families, and my husbands child from a previous marriage. When we moved, his child was 9 years old and had never been on a airplane. The first experience was for visitation at Easter break and the child was boarded on a direct flight from Minnesota to Florida. Back then, the whole unaccompanied minor situation was not so common, but it was common enough that the airlines accomodated worrying parents by escorting children from the gate into the airplane, and then from the airplane to the gate for pickup by the other parent. Remember, back in the day when you could actually sit and wait with someone until their plane came in? Anyway, there were no extra charges or fees for this service, or even any forms to sign.

 

We did this for many years for spring, summer and winter break without any troubles. But times have changed and they will never go back to the good old days. These days to send a child across the country on an airplane unaccompanied costs a few bucks. I'm not sure how much, since I don't do it anymore.

 

Today a woman at work was there earlier than usual (which is early!) and she mentioned it was because she had to take her husband to the airport. I inquired where this retired gentleman was off to now, and she said he was flying with their grandson (who is 10) back to Newark, and then flying back. Tonight. Yes, he is flying to escort their grandson up North, and then immediately turning around and flying back to Florida. I couldn't believe it. What a way to not be frugal. Granted its not the same as it was fifteen or twenty years ago, but airlines do offer escort services for children for a fee and I'm thinking its pretty safe. The lady at work wouldn't even hear of doing that, what if her grandson ran into some turbulence and got scared? I asked if he's like that, scared of things. She said no, but she just wants the peace of mind. Apparently, her husband agrees with her too, since he's the one spending ALL DAY in an airplane, even transfering in Baltimore for a layover. I didn't ask how much his plane ticket was, but it was regular price she said.

 

Just another example of how hard it is to be frugal when you're a worry wart.

Screwed

While out on a nice motorycle ride this weekend, all of a sudden my back tire started feeling like it was falling off. My backend started swaying back and forth, and I slowed down thinking the wheel was off the axle. My riding partner yelled STOP YOU HAVE A FLAT! Great. It actually could have been a hundred times worse circumstances, but we were on a back road with light traffic so we were able to roll the bike aside and assess the problem. It became obvious relatively easily, I was screwed. What bad luck to run over 2" screw and have it impale my new tire. The tire still have knobbies on, its only got 2600 miles on it. We're hoping we can plug it and fill it up and ride it home.  So I hop on the other bike and we ride two up back home to get the truck, tool bag and our air station. So we get back and realize our plug kit is a little old, probably since 2007 and its lost some of its gooeyness. The first plug didn't hold the air. So we did it again, this time it worked. We rode the bike home and have pretty much decided that the peace of mind would be worth just replacing the tire with a brand new one.

So I call the Honda motorcycle dealer and find out its $51 to replace a flat tire with a new one. Being the frugal pair that we are, we need to continue to investigate and we hope we ask all the right questions. Does this install include balancing and spin test, what about disposal fees. I wonder if I can sell the old patched tire on craigslist? How much would it go for?

It turns out the back tire on my bike is a Bridgestone Mag Mopus 130/90-15M/C G508 which is an import. Great. These are not sold that I can find in the US. The only available tires are Chinese brands like Shenka, or the domestic brand Dunlop. A replacement Dunlop is $72 plus $10 shipping. So will the dealer let me bring in my own tire and they install it? Will it be covered for any warranty, even 30 days?

I probably wouldn't bother to replace the plugged tire if it weren't for the fact that this is a brand new 2009 Honda motorcycle. Its still under warranty through October. I haven't had any problems with it, but would like the dealer to tighten the chain, and tighten a loose rattling on the front headlight. I figure if they replace the back tire, they have to adjust the chain anyway, and I could tighten the bolt on the loose rattle - so bringing this in right away is a little premature. Except, the first evening after the flat tire, we noticed the back tire was flat again. It had drained air. The old dried out plugs weren't working. So we got a new fresh pack of plugs ($2) and re-plugged the hole. It is holding up nicely after 48 hrs, so maybe no replacement would be necessary.

This is a lot of drama for me. Usually I don't have surprise things happen that I'm not prepared for. Actually, we were pretty prepared and didn't have any trouble getting home, fixing it and riding it back home. Its just the next, long term decision that I need to deal with now. Keep or Replace?

Stockpile Overstock

Last night we made our weekly grocery trip to Publix and did pretty good on savings (78%) considering we didn't need much except produce and milk. It was our last shopping of the month and we came in a little over budget. We spent $219, but saved $766 so our overall savings was 78% for the month. But you know if you're a couponer that to get these type of savings you need to buy lots of stuff that is free or a moneymaker, and this stuff may or may not be something you want or need.

We have come to the point where we have enough. We got a shelf to finally store our stockpile off the floor, and it is already full. The secondary freezer we got on craigslist at the beginning of the month is also full. So for the next month or so we're going to live off our stockpile. We've been giving away cereal, Shout, Pop tarts, toilet bowl cleaner, Ajax and A1 sauce to friends and neighbors but we still have a bunch. The box of stuff to go to the food shelf is full, and we gave away a backpack full of school supplies to a local elementary.

This couponing stuff is addicting and I'm struggling to control my urges to get the best deal. I read on blogs about super shops where others spend pennies to get over $100 worth of stuff. But who really needs 20 bottles of steak sauce? Not me. I try to be considerate of others who may want to buy that product, and not clear out the inventory just because I have coupons. What about the hard to find, or seldom restocked stuff that someone may really need? In my opinion, some of the couponers out there need therapy - they go way overboard. I admit I get more stuff than I need or have room for, but I like to think its giveaway stuff that makes others happy. But what about the stuff that I still have after I've given it away to everyone we know?

So here are my new rules to buy something with a coupon:
1. Its something we use regularly and we're out of supply, or less than one months usage.
2. Its a moneymaker with coupons, at least $0.50.
3. If its free w coupon, we will use the product and our current supply is not excessive.
4. Only one shop per week for groceries, no repeat trips.
5. Avoid walgreens, CVS purchases w/RR or ECB's rebates, these really aren't free. Also stick to maximum one trip per week.

My goal is to spend less than $200 next month, but I expect we could spend less than $100. We'll see, check back then.

We Still Have Our Clunker

Well, it's done and over and the stats are in on the CARS program. We still have our clunker, an old 1998 Ford Explorer with 61K miles. Its been paid for since 2001 - so we've been free of car payments for 8 years. But our old clunker keeps clunking - towing that big boat, hauling firewood, furniture, towing trailers and moving appliances. But lots of Americans don't. Personally, I wonder how many of them will end up being repo'd when the person they brought along to co-sign the loan loses their job and says "I can't pay for your car now".

 

Number Rebates Submitted: 690,114

 

Dollar Value: $2.87 billion. That means about $100 million was not spent and up to 28,500 car buyers had the door shut prematurely, but they probably procrastinated, and besides that old clunker they ended up keeping doesn't have payments.

Top 10 New Vehicles Purchased

• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Civic
• Toyota Camry
• Ford Focus FWD
• Hyundai Elantra
• Nissan Versa
• Toyota Prius
• Honda Accord
• Honda Fit
• Ford Escape FWD

All car companies were suffering from poor sales, but I would have to say the real winners in Cash for Clunkers were Toyota and Honda. The Hyundai is a crappy car and it won't even last until the next CARS deal comes along. We have a Ford and it's been a great vehicle so its good to know there are going to be more Ford Focuses on the road.

Top 10 Trade-in Vehicles

• Ford Explorer 4WD
• Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
• Ford Explorer 2WD
• Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD
• Jeep Cherokee 4WD
• Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
• Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
• Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
• Ford Windstar FWD Van

All American down the line, which is too bad, because that is that fewer American cars on the road. Our Ford Explorer 2WD is the 4th highest vehicle traded it, but ours isn't a clunker. Our 1998 vehicle only has 61,800 miles and is going strong. I think there were plenty of foreign clunkers out there that could have been traded without the mileage restrictions.

Vehicles Purchased by Category

• Passenger Cars: 404,046
• Category 1 Truck: 231,651
• Category 2 Truck: 46,836
• Category 3 Truck: 2,408

Vehicle Trade-in by Category

• Passenger Cars: 109,380
• Category 1 Truck: 450,778
• Category 2 Truck: 116,909
• Category 3 Truck: 8,134

The government reports that 84% of trade-ins under the program are trucks, and 59% of new vehicles purchased are cars. I'll allow them this little bit of hyperbole because the facts seem to support it, "The program worked far better than anyone anticipated at moving consumers out of old, dirty trucks and SUVs and into new more fuel-efficient cars."

Average Fuel Economy

• New vehicles Mileage: 24.9 MPG
• Trade-in Mileage: 15.8 MPG
• Overall increase: 9.2 MPG, or a 58% improvement

Cars purchased under the program are, on average, 19% above the average fuel economy of all new cars currently available, and 59% above the average fuel economy of cars that were traded in. This means the program raised the average fuel economy of the fleet, while getting the dirtiest and most polluting vehicles off the road, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported.

Requested Voucher Dollar Amount by State:

• ALABAMA - $31,251,500
• ALASKA - $4,868,500
• ARIZONA - $39,542,500
• ARKANSAS - $23,402,500
• CALIFORNIA - $326,822,000
• COLORADO - $37,676,500
• CONNECTICUT - $40,114,000
• DELAWARE - $11,235,000
• DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - $67,500
• FLORIDA - $146,565,000
• GEORGIA - $70,496,000
• GUAM - $675,000
• HAWAII - $7,333,500
• IDAHO - $11,655,000
• ILLINOIS - $143,613,000
• INDIANA - $65,797,000
• IOWA - $37,728,000
• KANSAS - $31,496,500
• KENTUCKY - $40,246,500
• LOUISIANA - $33,376,500
• MAINE - $16,579,500
• MARYLAND - $74,903,000
• MASSACHUSETTS - $64,855,000
• MICHIGAN - $132,407,500
• MINNESOTA - $73,160,500
• MISSISSIPPI - $12,463,500
• MISSOURI - $61,271,500
• MONTANA - $6,461,000
• NEBRASKA - $21,784,500
• NEVADA - $14,582,000
• NEW HAMPSHIRE - $23,045,500
• NEW JERSEY - $103,375,500
• NEW MEXICO - $13,941,500
• NEW YORK - $156,292,000
• NORTH CAROLINA - $78,601,500
• NORTH DAKOTA - $8,938,000
• OHIO - $136,267,000
• OKLAHOMA - $37,422,000
• OREGON - $37,531,500
• PENNSYLVANIA - $138,651,500
• PUERTO RICO - $2,252,000
• RHODE ISLAND - $10,690,500
• SOUTH CAROLINA - $37,207,500
• SOUTH DAKOTA - $10,367,500
• TENNESSEE - $50,949,000
• TEXAS - $183,776,500
• UTAH - $24,102,500
• VERMONT - $9,879,000
• VIRGIN ISLANDS - $1,553,000
• VIRGINIA - $98,523,500
• WASHINGTON - $55,927,500
• WEST VIRGINIA - $13,477,000
• WISCONSIN - $70,165,000
• WYOMING - $2,513,000

Who knew they even sold new cars on the Virgin Islands and Guam?