On one of my recent trips to Albertsons, I noticed a great deal on Marie Callender's Meals and Pot Pies where I would receive $10 toward a future shipping trip with my purchase. This dropped the price of my Marie Callender's meals and Pot Pies to $1.40 each. I was so excited about my find that I rushed home and told my husband about the amazing deal I had found. A few weeks later on a trip to Costco, I discovered that I could purchase the Pot Pies at Costco for $1.34 per item when I bought in bulk. This experience helped me realize that not all deals are great deals.

How do we know when to stock up on an item and when do we pass and wait for an even better deal? I am dedicating this blog to finding really great deals and helping to share the experience with others who appreciate rock bottom prices. I love to combine store loyalty cards, advertised specials and coupons to find the best deals available.

Today on a shopping trip to Walgreen's I took advantage of a promotion where you purchase a (2) pack of gel pens and receive a $1 coupon toward a future shopping trip so the item is free (after coupon).

(1) 2 pack of Gel Pens $1.00 (free after register reward coupon toward next purchase)
(3) 5 pack of papermate refillable pencils $.19 each for a total of $.57
(The sale also includes a 10 pack of blue or black pens for $.19 per pack- limit 6. What a great price to stock up on school supply items!)
(2) Penway highlighers for $.09 or $.18 total
(1) pack of 2 erasers $.24 on clearance
(2) 2 liters of Coke products for $.79 each for a total of $1.58
(I had found Coke 2 liters for $.87 a couple of weeks ago and thought that $.87 was a steal).

My grand total was $3.57 plus I got a coupon for $1 toward my next purchase.

My best find today was at another Walgreen's where I purchased (4) 2 liters of Coke for $1.35 total ( the cashier offered me a $1 coupon at checkout and I used my register reward towards my purchase).

Today's finds were definitely a great deal. I will continue to ask the question - is it really a deal?

Does the Tony's Pizza deal at Albertsons sizzle or fizzle? Come back tomorrow to find out how the deal pricing holds up to the competition.