Tax Free Weekend in Texas

There's been some miscommunication that everything you buy this weekend is going to be tax-free. That is NOT true! Here is a list of what is tax exempt and what is not.

TAX FREE
Baby clothes
Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
Belts with attached buckles
Boots - cowboy, hiking
Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
Coats and wraps
Diapers - adult and baby
Dresses
Gloves (generally)
Gym suits and uniforms
Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Jerseys - baseball and football
Jogging apparel
Neckwear and ties
Pajamas
Pants and trousers
Raincoats and ponchos
Robes
Shirts
Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
Socks (including athletic)
Shorts
Suits, slacks, and jackets
Sweatshirts
Sweat suits
Sweaters
Swimsuits
Underclothes
Work clothes and uniforms

NOT TAX FREE
Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches
Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students
Baseball cleats and pants
Belt buckles (without belt)
Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders
Buttons and zippers
Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
Dry cleaning services
Football pants
Golf gloves
Handbags and purses
Handkerchiefs
Hard hats
Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports
Ice skates
Jewelry
Laundering services
Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel
Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder
Personal flotation devices
Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
Roller blades and skates
Safety clothing, glasses
Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

for the extended list please click here

The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gym bags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

A word of caution: If you sell items that do not qualify for the exemption, you may not advertise or promise that you will pay your customers’ sales tax. Additionally, you are prohibited from advertising that you will not collect sales tax on items that do not qualify. You may advertise that tax is included in the sales price of the taxable items that you sell, however.

For information on how to report tax on these sales, please visit Reporting Sales Tax on Tax-Free Items or call us toll free at (800) 252-5555.

Walmart Shopping

I made another trip to Wal-Mart for a few things and ended up making a pretty good transaction.
$42.45 (before tax and coupons)
- $18.58 (total of coupons)
SAVINGS OF: $23.87 (before tax)

Here's how I did it:
3 All-You magazine @ 1.77 each
Bread @ .78
3 Honey Nut Cheerios Snack Mix @ $1.00 each
2 Great Value Pizza Sauce @ .88 each
15 packages of Kool-Aid @ .20 each (planning a craft with these)
2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights @ 1.46 each
Tabasco Sauce @ .98
Dole Fruit Cup Parfait @ $1.78
Dora Kid's Yogurt @ $2.24
YoGo Variety @ $1.67
Nabisco Wheat Thins Family Size @ $3.48
Crystal Lite @ $2.98
WellPatch @ .97
Kraft American Singles @ $2.98
1lb Oscar Mayer Beef Hot Dogs with Cheese @ $2.50
Kraft Dressing @ 1.58
South Beach On the Go drink mix @ $2.00
Great Value Milk @ $2.52
________________________________________
$42.45 (pre tax)

COUPONS USED:
1 - .60 off Cheerios Snack Mix = .40
2 - .50 off Cheerios Snack Mix = .50 each
Buy 3 Kraft, Nabisco, Oscar Mayer get ____ FREE: (bought 15 kool aid = $3.00)
- Wheat Thins = FREE
- Kraft Singles = FREE
- Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs = FREE
- Kraft Dressing = FREE
- Crystal Lite = FREE
1 - $1.00 off WellPatch = FREE plus .03 overage
2 - .50 off Betty Crocker Warm Delight = .96 each
1 - $1.50 off Kid's Yogurt = .74
1 - $1.00 off YoGo Snacks Variety = .67
1 - $.75 off Fruit Parfait = $1.03
1 - $2.00 off South Beach on the go drink mix = FREE
1 - .50 off Tabasco = .48
(and there was an extra coupon in there but I have no idea for what @ $1.00 off)

Grand total: $18.58 before tax.


Despite the savings, it was kind of a nightmare. The kid behind the counter was a smartass and didn't understand coupons. He kept trying to act like I was stupid and that he knew what he was saying, but he really didn't. The buy 3 get ___ FREE coupons weren't ringing up correctly. He stood and argued with me for a good (and long) 10 minutes that Kool-Aid was NOT a Kraft item (even though it says on the back that it is). At first he was reading the coupon wrong thinking it said to buy 3 of this one item get the 4th free. Then I read it to him slowly and kindly that it was ANY kraft, nabisco, or oscar mayer. I told him the Kool-Aid was my Kraft item and he didn't believe me that it was a Kraft item. He said in a very distinct "your stupid" tone, "NO, I don't think it is. It's not Nabisco and it's obviously not Oscar Mayer. That's for sure. I'm pretty sure it's not Kraft because it's not ringing up." I told him if he were to look it up on the internet it would show Kool-Aid as a Kraft item. I even thought about whipping out my cell phone's internet to show him. Finally on the back I discovered that it DOES say Kraft and I showed him. So then he took his sweet time ringing everything up. I silently ended up giving the woman behind me a Redbox rental code for being so patient (since it was Monday and there was a free code available till midnight). lol Normally cashiers that frustrate me so much, I will just forget the transaction and take my business elsewhere or at least to another cashier. But I was tired, it was late, and these coupons were getting me over $40 worth of groceries for under $20! I think once the lady behind me saw that, she understood too. lol God bless those people behind us coupon ladies. ;)

going shopping at CVS?

follow some of these deals!

Dawn dish liquid 88 cents
find 50 cent coupons in the P&G Saver = you pay 38 cents!
also, there are more Dawn coupons here if you need help stocking up with coupons!

CoverGirl TruBlend, Aqua Smoothers, and Clean makeup BOBO free
Use BOGO coupon in the P&G Saver = get 2 free!
You should also be able to use the second CoverGirl coupon for $1 off any CG product!

Tide $4.97
find $1.00 off coupon in the P&G Saver = you pay $3.97

Scott toilet paper 12pk $6.49
find $1.00 off 2 4pk or larger printable here = $11.98 for 24 rolls
note: you'd have to buy 2 packages to get this discount

Bounty 8pk paper towels $5.49
find insert coupon to save 50 cents on 2 or more rolls = you pay $4.99 for 8 rolls

BOGO free Post Cereal
find insert coupon to save $1.00 on 2 = you pay $1.00 off the first box, 2nd box free!
(note: Just Bunches cereal does not appear to be part of this sale, so those coupons won't work)
(without card:$4.29 - $4.89 = 1 box would be aprox $1.64 - $1.94 each)

Kellogg's Pop Tarts $1.79
Rice Krispy Treats $1.79
find Kellogg's insert coupon for $1.00 off 2 poptarts and get 2/$2.58
find Kellogg's insert coupon for $1.00 off 2 Krispy Treats and get 2/$2.58

Chex Mix, Gardetto's, Gold Emblem 2/$3
Get $1.00 off coupon here for Chex Mix (print twice if you can) = you pay 2/$1 (.50 a bag!)

Foldgers 2pk Classic Roast coffee $6.99
find a P&G Saver coupon for 25 cents off any foldgers = you pay $6.74 (plus get $3 ECB back!)
(probably not the best time to use this coupon unless this is the only coffee purchase you plan to make for a while)

Cheez-It and Pringles STIX $2.99
find newspaper insert coupon for .30 off one Pringles STIX = you pay $2.69

Olay $6.99-$7.99 products (others on sale, too)
find P&G Saver Olay $1.00 off any one Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser OR
$3.00 off any two Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser = you pay $5.99-$6.99 for one OR $10.98-$12.98 for two.

Olay Body Wash with Ribbons $5.99
use printable found here for $1.00 off = you pay $4.99
Olay Definity Facial care $5 off coupon here (I think these are $24.99)
Olay Quench lotion $5.99
use P&G coupon for $1.00 off = you pay $4.99

Buy $15 Clean and Clear get $5 ECB
use printable coupon here or here or here
also find newspaper insert coupon $1.00 off any clean and clear product
and newspaper insert coupon $3.00 off 1 C&C Advantage Acne Control Kit or on 1 C&C Blackhead Eraser
plus save $1 on all C&C products when you use your Extra Care Card

Buy L'Oreal Age Perfect, Revitalift, Wrinkle De-Crease Eye, Day, Night Cream
get a FREE L'Oreal Age Perfect or Revitalift Cleanser or Towelettes
use a coupon found here once you register wtih L'Oreal

Gillette, Zest, Old Spice High Endurance body wash $3.99
use Zest P&G Saver coupon .35 off body wash or bar bundle = you pay $3.64
(or use this coupon on the 3pk bars @$1.99 = you pay $1.64
use Gillette P&G Saver coupon $1.00 off body wash = you pay $2.99
use Old Spice P&G Saver coupon $1.00 off any two old spice products = you pay $6.98 for 2

Head and Shoulders or Pantene Pro-V Expressions or Restoratives $4.99
use P&G coupon for $1.00 of 2 Pantene = you pay $8.98
(you must buy 2)

Gillette Venus Embrace, Vibrance, Breeze, manual or power Fusion $9.99 (plus $3.00 ECB)
use P&G Saver $4.00 coupon for one Fusion razor = you pay $5.99 and get $3ECB
or use P&G Saver $2.00 coupon for one Gillette Venus Razor you pay $7.99 and get $3ECB
(limit 1)

Gillette Shampoo/Conditioner 2/$9 (plus $2.00 ECB)
use P&G Saver $1.00 off coupon = you pay 2/$8 and get $2 ECB
or use two coupons = you pay 2/$7 and get $2ECB

BOGO free Pert Plus 2-1 shampoo/conditioner or Sure Solid Deodorant
use newspaper insert coupon $2.00 on one Pert Plus shampoo/conditioner
combine with printable coupon $1.00 off here (you can print twice if you click back on the browser and refresh screen)
use newspaper insert coupon $1.00 off any one Sure Antiperspirant & Deodorant
combine with printable coupon $1.00 off here (you can print twice)

Mennen deodorant (excludes men's 24/7 ) $1.99
use newspaper insert coupon .75 off any 2 speed stick or lady speed stick or teen spirit = you pay $3.23
use newspaper insert coupon $1.00 off lady speed stick 24/7 = you pay $.99

Colgate MaxFresh Burst or Total Advanced toothpaste $2.99 (plus $2.00 ECB)
use newspaper insert coupon $1.00 off one Colgate Total Advanced Clean toothpaste = you pay $1.99 and get $2.00 ECB
use this printable for $1.50 off Colgate Total Advanced Clean toothpaste = you pay $1.49 and get $2.00 ECB
(limit 2)

Orajel toddler toothpaste, pre-brush gel, or plaque revealing rinse for kids BOGO free
use this $1.50 rebate for cash back
also get future Orajel coupons by mail for signing up here

Durex condoms 12pk $12.99 get $3 ECB
use newspaper insert coupon $2.00 off any durex item = $10.99 plus $3 ECB

Aleve $2.99 20ct.
use printable coupon here for $1.00 off = $1.99

Excedrin 2/$5
use printable coupon here for $2.00 off Excedrin Migraine = you pay 2/$3
if you print it twice = you pay 2/$1

Pantene Pro-V 3/$10 plus $2 ECB
use P&G Saver coupon $1.00 off 2 = 3/$9 (plus $2 ECB)

Extreme Energy $4.99 plus $4.99 ECB = FREE after ECB

Crest Pro-Health, w/Scope, Whitening Expressions toothpaste or Ora-B Advantage toothbrush $2.49 (plus $1.50 ECB)
use P&G Saver coupon .75 off Crest Extra Whitening, Extra White, Whitening plus Scope, Whitening plus Scope Extreme, Whitening Expressions, Nature's Expressions, etc = you pay $1.74 plus $1.50 ECB
use P&G Saver coupon $1.00 off Oral-B Pulsar, Cross-Action, or Advantage toothbrush = you pay $1.49 plus $1.50 ECB

Pampers $8.88
use P&G Saver coupon (there have been two) $1.50 off = you pay $7.38

my cvs shopping trip

My husband has been home for the past 3 days and will be today and tomorrow too. We've been taking care of a lot of stuff around the house. Our internet is switching over and dropping our phone line today. It won't be back on till tomorrow (sometime before noon). Hopefully nothing extremely awesome will happen between now and then. lol

For those who are reading this blog for the first time, this post is about my CVS trip yesterday. To get into the CVS deals, you'll need to sign up for a free Extra Care Card (do it online or in the store - you get it immediately when you sign up in the store). This will help you get items discounted and earn "2% cash back" in the form of ECBs. ECBs are Extra Care Bucks that print out with your receipt when you buy certain items. You can use the ECBs like store cash on your next transaction or save them for future transactions. They do eventually expire, so just make sure you use them before that. It takes a small investment and helps stretch your dollars to be able to get more than you would only walking in with your cash. Think of it like a small deposit box on a piece of paper. If you pay attention to the sale ads, there are items you can use your CVS cards on and get things for free while rolling over the entire amount of your ECBs (see transactions below - such as the Revlon makeup and CVS pantyliners). I know guys won't need those two things, but you should always try to take advantage of these deals because if you don't need them, you can bless someone else who will (even charity) without spending a dime or using up your ECBs.

Yesterday I made my trip to CVS. I spent quite a bit out of pocket but also got a LOT of stuff for free thanks to my ECBs from the money I did spend. I still came out with $25.99 ECBs for my next trip. Not bad for walking in with a lot less EBCs than what I left with and spending some inbetween walking in and walking out.

My first transaction was on the Revlon Limited Edition makeup on sale for $9.99 (getting $9.99 ECBs back), another package of .99 CVS pantyliners (which was my limit of 2 so it also popped out a $1.50 off coupon in addition to .99 ECB), and a package of bandaids. I've seen other CVSers choose the novelty bandaids - such as Hello Kitty, Cars, etc - but I found some colored bandaids with ointment already on the bandaid and got those for the deal instead. The bandaids were $2.99 and gave me $2.00 ECBs back.
grand total was .15 out of pocket because I used up my ECBs.
however, I got back everything but .99 cents of that back with new ECBs.

My second transaction I bought the $10 of candy to get $5 back in ECBs. I also bought 2/$1.59 palmolive and paired it with two .25 coupons from Sunday's inserts (one was from a neighbor). So basically I got that 2/$1.09!
I used my ECBs from the first transaction and paid .12 out of pocket.

My third transaction I bought a ton of stuff that cost way more than my ECBs (though I did use up what ECBs I had). We were just in need of stuff that happened to be on sale even though I did buy things that gave me more ECBs and I hardly bought anything that wasn't paired with a coupon or two. Too bad they don't print out coupons for beer. haha Corona 12pk longnecks were only $11.99 (usually over $15 even at Walmart) so we didn't want to pass that up because my husband actually has the time off to enjoy a late night of beer drinking. I took advantage of the sale ad page that has the buy $20 worth and get $10 back. I bought the bottle of Zyrtec and a Johnson's sleepytime bath wash both with coupons helping to deduct part of the $10 I'd spend after getting $10 in ECBs. I found a Zyrtec coupon for $5 off (I also found a few $2 that I have printed out if you're interested). I had a $1.00 off coupon for the sleepy time Johnson's bath wash. So that's $6 off making it $14 out of pocket and getting $10 of it back in ECBs. I won't go over the entire list of things I bought, but I ended up with a LOT of ECBs.

My fourth transaction, I bought 6 bottles of VO5 shampoo (3) and conditioner (3) that were on sale for .75 (which is .04 cheaper than the sale ad) and 2 Kashi rolls (in the health bar section) for $1.00 each. I paired some ECBs with it and ended up only paying .50 out of pocket!

So that's three whole transactions that I paid .77 out of pocket for over $30 of stuff and still walked away with $25.99. I was kind of bummed that they were out of a lot of the things on my list (like the neutrogena wave - which the manager said he hasn't ever seen at the store but might come on the truck today). I feel pretty good with what I did spent already, so I'm just going to leave it at that and not worry about going back for it. That thing is going on sale pretty much everywhere.

Although I'm not a master at this yet, I'm getting there. It's definitely good to walk away with more ECBs than what I started with. It just takes some careful planning of what ECBs you have, what thing you're buying that will print new ECBs, and what things you're buying that won't print ECBs (like the entire VO5 shampoo/conditioner and Kashi rolls transaction).

shopping trip

There is a lot more I need to start posting with deals. I need to stop waiting till the last few days of a sale to do my shopping. Sometimes what I come out with is really awesome and I really need to tell everyone about it - but there's no time left for anyone to shop the same deals. I'll try to do better about that. Really. That's what this blog is for anyhow. It's not just about my savings - but also about getting you YOURS.

On that note, I shopped 4 stores today (HEB, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart). The total cost was $257.39 before coupons. At the end of all my shopping, I only spent $190.15! That's a savings of $67.14 (26%)!!! I also walked away with a $1.50 off 4 General Mills cereal coupon from Walgreens and $1.00 Extra Buck from CVS. That includes back to school stuff, groceries, charity items, and even diapers and formula! The best deals were the BOGO backpacks at Walgreens for $9.99 (that got me 2 backpacks $5 each). Also, the $4 coupons (fill out the survey once for bark and once for pur using different email addresses) for the Purina kitty/cat and puppy/dog food (that got me 2 bags of food for 62 cents!). Those are going to our local shelter tomorrow because we don't have any pets but was an awesome opportunity to help someone else. 4/$1 one subject notebooks (limit 8) at Walgreens. 8/$1 two pocket w/prongs folders. I also got 3 boxes of cereal for $5. Walgreens has GM Cereal on sale 3/$7 and I had two $1.00 off coupons for Honey Nut Cheerios so I made sure two of the three were that kind so that I could basically get 3/$5. And something that totally wasn't on sale, but I bought anyway was Mission cinnamon twists. They are like the ones from Taco Bell, but are Mission brand. I love Mission chips and tortillas, so I'm sure these won't disappoint either. Not to mention they were only 88 cents a bag at Walmart! I'm going to have to see if I can find a coupon for those anytime soon. :) I noticed HEB is also carrying my favorite spaghetti sauce now (Rinaldi). We used to buy it all the time in California, but haven't found it out here till now. It was still kind of pricey (over $2), so I'm going to have to dig for some coupons and see if it goes on sale anytime soon.

Oh and I finally had a transaction today where I spent less than what I saved! I'm definitely learning the right things. I promise to start getting these deals to you sooner so that you can take advantage of them too.

a little something to talk about

I picked up a Sunday paper today and I was thrilled to see how many coupons were included. Although this won't mean anything for you non-locals... the PARADE section in the Corpus Christi paper even has coupons. I don't really know why I never looked there before, but I was happily surprised to see coupons in there too. :) Guess I really should "read" the paper I buy.

Last Sunday I just had the P&G SuperSaver plus whatever coupons were in the sale ads that I post here. This Sunday, I got the RedPlum coupons AND SmartSource coupons. Landry's seafood also had a coupon that caught my attention. They are offering FREE bananas foster with purchase of 2 dinner entrees. It happens to be my favorite dessert. That could make a very lovely date night for my husband and I. ;)

It's getting late where I am and I need my sleep because tomorrow I'm back on 24 hour mom-only duty. With three kids 5 and under, I'm sure you'll understand the energy they create and how much sleep I need to keep up with them. :) I will be posting tomorrow the deals created from these coupons and these weekly ads. I'll also post another coupons and freebies entry.

One last thing, I wanted to mention that I headed out to Walmart tonight considering their back to school sale began today. They were already almost out or completely out of every REALLY good deal. The 5 cent single subject spiral notebooks were COMPLETELY GONE! Lots of empty boxes, but no spiral notebooks ANYWHERE in the store. Lots of other things were slim to none. I did happen to grab a package of the $3 printer paper they had on sale. Those were almost all gone too. I actually had to find some outside of the back to school section and even that stack was almost gone! I guess my best advice for these weekly ads is to get there as soon as you can. Also, see a manager and try to get a raincheck if they'll allow it. That way if they can't stay stocked this week, you can get more at the same price the following week. The sales usually last one week, so unless it says "quantities limited" or "limited supply" or "no rainchecks" or something like that, you should be able to get a raincheck on the last day of sale if there are no supplies left at that price.

a trip to HEB

I had to pick up a few extra things today at the store. Here's what I got for LESS than $25.

24 HEB rootbeer sodas (2 12pk)
2 HEBuddy apple juices (2 liters each)
1 gallon HEB spring water
1 large jar of HCF grape jelly (it was a larger jar than I needed, but was cheaper than the small jars)
1 can Enfamil EnfaCare Lipil 12.8oz (had a $1 Enfamil check)

plus I got a receipt coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 free Nestle GoodStart 12oz can!!
(too bad we don't use that kind lol)

FYI: The can of formula runs 14.58 at HEB making it 13.58 with my retail check.
That means that I got all the other stuff for under $12!!!

when you find yourself without a coupon

When you find yourself needing things that you can't find coupons for, consider buying generic. The other day I had to get baby wipes, trash bags, and sodas. I had $10 (and no coupons on me). I bought HEB 140ct baby wipes, HEB 12pk rootbeer, and Hill Country Farms 20ct 30gal trash bags and spent just over $7!

today's walgreens and wal-mart shopping trip

So I headed out to Walgreens to pick up some perscriptions for my mom. That was an uncool $40. However, while I was there, I decided to pick up some of the deals from the ad since I had to get groceries for the week anyway. I wish it was my own house I was stocking up today, but I know my parents will appreciate not having to buy so much of this stuff in the near future. Not to mention, saving a lot.

FlavorIce Popcicles $1
Betrolli Dinner $5.99 sale + $2.50 off coupon I listed on coupons and freebies post the other day.
2 20ct gallon zip bags $1 each (that's 40 gallon bags for $2).
2 Hanna Montana notebooks 2/$5 (a splurge, but at least on sale)
2 Walgreens brand aluminum foil 20ft 2/$1 w/weekly ad coupon. (normally 1.19 each)
2 Chex Mix Chocolate Turtle 8oz 2/$6 plus printed coupon from coupons.com for .65 off
2 Walgreens Foam Dinner Plates 40ct 2/$3
Pampers Swaddlers $9.49 sale (and got $1off next pampers purchase on receipt rewards)
3 Ragu Sauce 26oz 3/$5
Sun 2x Detergent 78oz $1.99 sale
2 Lipton Tea Bags 100ct 2/$5 (that's 200 bags for $5)
Pepsi 12pk x3, Sierra Mist 12pk, pepsi diet max 4/$11 and the diet max was free with weekly ad coupon

TOTAL: $55.91
SAVED: $25.39
(PLUS i got $1 off next pampers purchase, 10 pepsi stuff points, $5.00 off a $15 purchase of Unilever products = receipt rewards)

At Walmart I had about $29 to spend and I got:
3 packages of Tuna Helper @ 2/$3 and a .80 off purchase of 3 printed coupon from coupons.com
3 cans of tuna @ .56 each
3 packages of spaghetti @ .92 each
1/2 dozen eggs for .92
2 cans of carrots @ .50 each
huge 46oz Heinz Ketchup bottle for $2 (2/$4 sale)
and $15 worth of gasoline (on shopping card for extra 3 cents off)
** I ended up with about $2 left over that I added to the "saved" fund**

TOTAL ON EVERYTHING: $82.91
BUT SAVED: $27.39
(not including my savings at Wal-Mart)

More good deals tomorrow!!