How to Get Cheap (but Reliable!) Pregnancy Tests - $1 or less at the Dollar Store, Walmart, and Amazon!

I am always shocked when I see how much pregnancy tests cost at the store -- easily $10-$15 (or more) depending on the brand!  I could never stand to pay that much, so I was thrilled when we found some great cheaper options.  Since we're currently expecting baby #6, we have lots and lots of experience with trying out different tests!  ;)

These are all super options if you're dealing with infertility, you just can't stand to wait any longer, or want to take a dozen tests just to be sure!  The costs of raising children add up fast -- this is an excellent way to start on the right foot by saving money now before they're even here!


Dollar Store:
The one we've used most often have been from the dollar store (Dollar Tree specifically), and they sell them for $1! (obviously, lol)  I've used them quite a few times over the past 13 years and I have found them to be very reliable!  I've never had a "false" reading and we trust them completely. (They have the same sensitivity level as many of the name brands, such as ClearBlue, e.p.t., First Response...etc)

I used to find these in the HBC section, but now they are often by the register to deter theft.
*Dollar Tree also has ovulation kits for only $1.  I haven't personally used them, but I have heard good things about them as well!

{photo credit: Holy Craft}

Walmart:
I recently discovered an .88¢ section at Walmart that has some really good bargains -- including "First Signal" pregnancy tests for only .88¢!  This is the one we used with this current pregnancy and it worked just as well and easily as the Dollar Tree tests.
*My photos were from the HBC section near the pharmacy, but I've also seen the .88¢ items at the checkout.

{this is the proof of our current bun in the oven}

funny story....last year I pulled an April Fools joke on my husband by having a sweet pregnant friend take a test for me and then left it in the bathroom for my husband to find.  It was the best. joke. ever!  Since we thought we were done with 5, he was so shocked he couldn't believe it - he almost puked, he almost cried....it was awesome, lol!
This year I took this test a couple weeks before April 1st and as it showed positive in seconds, the "joke" was on me this time!  ;)  We're all very happy about it though, so it was a good joke.

Amazon:
If you're just starting a family, TTC, or are a compulsive test taker.....this may be a great option!  The Wondfo brand pregnancy test strips (25-ct.) on Amazon are currently $8.15 + FREE Super Saver Shipping!  That's .33¢ each!  Even cheaper than the dollar store tests and the comments are overwhelmingly positive.  They are reported to be very accurate and very sensitive so you can find out faster!  (You can also get the Wondfo 50-ct. pregnancy test strips for only $15.95 -- .32¢ each! Also eligible for FREE SSS)  For the same price as an expensive "name brand" test at the store, you can get up to 50 test strips!
*Note that Amazon prices do vary, but these are the prices today.  =)  I have seen them lower than this too!

I hope this information helps and good luck!  =)

{photo credit: Baby Gaga}

Amazon.com Deal: Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System -- only $29.95 + FREE Shipping!

This looks like a great deal on a toy for summer fun indoors when it gets too hot, an ideal way to keep the peace on long trips, or stocking up for birthdays......this Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System now is just $29.95 (reg. $82.99!) + FREE Super Saver Shipping since it's over $25!

It seems like a great price on an electronic learning system for kids ages 36 months - 6 years!  My littles would be thrilled to have this on our annual journey to see our Iowa family!

"An exciting handheld device, the Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System is a great introduction to technology that provides plenty of fun learning activities for young children. This sophisticated, yet kid-friendly toy features six distinct interactive options--such as a Digital Reader, Game Player, and MP3 Player--that will entertain and teach kids aged 3 to 7. By connecting this device to your computer you can add your own photos and music to the iXL, create profiles, and download extras that will enhance your child's experience."


(thanks Hot Coupon World!)

Kodak Mini Video Camera for only $29.99 shipped on Amazon! (reg. $99!)

Whoo hoo! Amazon's Gold Box Deal is a great one today!  You can get the Kodak Mini Video Camera with SD Card (Grey)for only $29.99 shipped - regularly $99! And it ships FREE with Super Saver Shipping!

I've thought about getting a video camera like this for my older kids for Christmas and this is a great price! (Especially with FREE Swagbucks credit!)  I'd better decide quickly, I don't think this will last long!

• Small - Size of a Credit Card
• Waterproof Design (even works underwater!)
• One Touch Video and Audio Recording
• Auto Focus
• Simple Button Layout
• Expandable Flash Memory (2 GB Micro SD Memory Card included)
• Built-in Battery Charger

Kohl's - Randy's steal of a deal!! $200 retail for FREE!!

$200 of clothes for Free??!!?!!   Yes!!!!

I loove browsing in the Kohl's clearance section!! Some of my favorite shirts have come from there, and once I found the most darling Carter's outfit for Emma for .90 cents!

Recently, it was my husband, Randy, who was doing the browsing. He had to buy a suit there for a wedding he was in, and Kohl's was running a "Kohl's cash" deal the weekend he bought the suit. That's where you get $10 credit to spend later for every $50 you spend. So, he ended up with $20 of Kohl's cash.

Of course we forgot about it until 7pm the day it expired (have I mentioned we're the biggest procrastinators??). Neither of us wanted to make the 20 minute drive, but of course we weren't going to waste $20!! So, Randy ran out to spend it, and this is what he came back with.............

1 Columbia coat (orig. $120) - $12
1 brown/blue button-up shirt *wearing* (orig. $40) - $3.80
1 brown button-up shirt (orig. $40) - $4
total $19.80
used $20 Kohl's cash
= FREE!!

Grand Rapids Moms Sale at the DeltaPlex - Sat. June 6th, 2009

If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area there's a cool thing going on this weekend. The West Michigan Moms Sale is being held at the DeltaPlex from 9am-3pm this Saturday, June 6th.

My sister and I met up with a couple girlfriends from Kalamazoo to go to their last one in May and we had a great time!! It was like a gazillion yard sale tables all dedicated to children's things, newborn to sz. 8 all in one building. No driving from sale to sale, not too hot or too cold, no bugs, no rain....it was great. Like yard sales, the prices did vary, but there was so much to choose from that if you thought things were too expensive at one table you could make an offer or move on to another.

Details:
~ Parking is free.
~ Admission: Early Bird shopping is available from 9am-noon and is $5. From 12pm-3pm it costs $3.
~ No strollers are allowed until noon.
~ Children 12 and under are free.
~ Bring your own shopping bags.
~ Bring small bills.


From their website:

"The West Michigan Mom’s Sale was organized in 2008 by a group of local moms to give other moms in the area a better way to sell and shop for their growing kids’ clothing and toys. Modeled after Southeast Michigan’s popular Mom-2-Mom sales, the West Michigan Mom’s Sale has quickly become the largest Mom-2-Mom-type sale in Michigan. This sale is, without doubt, the best place in Grand Rapids to bargain shop for gently used baby/children’s clothing (up to size 8), toys, baby gear, baby/toddler furniture, and maternity clothing.
The West Michigan Mom’s Sale is dedicated to giving back to the community. We are committed to donating 10% of all profits from each sale to Alpha Women’s Center, a local non-profit that serves women and children in the greater-Grand Rapids area. "

Here's a map and the DeltaPlex's website. If you're interested in selling, check the GRMS website for details. They have a couple more sales scheduled for September 19 and December 12, 2009.

Why I do what I do

I love saving money. It thrills me. I get giddy when I get a great deal......find something great that's on clearance......come across a great rebate or Try Me Free offer.....or combine a sale and a coupon to make an item free or even a money-maker.......giddy I tell you!! It's like going hunting and when I find that bargain, it's like bringing home a trophy.

At times it can be a lot of work, but to me it's worth it to be debt-free and to be able to stay home with my babies. It's also an amazing feeling to be able to give so much more because we can afford to be generous. As a family we love to help others and be giving, but haven't always felt like we could with our budget.
There are a lot of tips and tricks that I've learned over the years (and still am!). Now it's become second nature to me. I'm finding new things all the time, and I love to share what I know. Many things that I'll write about here are things that I wish someone had told me about years ago. I wish I'd known that I didn't have to pay full price, or in many cases, even a sale price! And I love helping people find out how.
If you want to make your money go further (and who doesn't??), just try one new thing at a time. Don't let it overwhelm you. Feel free to pick and choose the money-saving tips that you like and try them out.
"Baby steps Bob, baby steps."