So, I have been fighting this cold for several days now and it finally won - I am staying home today - I should not be around food so I'm not going in today. I have not been able to look at the other blogs since Sunday because I have not been home and when I have gotten home, I have just crawled into bed trying to convince myself I am not sick so there is a lot of new info out there and I will try to get some posted today.

I did check my email this morning and here is the email I received from Catalina (you probably received the same one if you have signed up but I am posting it for those that have not)


Dear Valued YourBucks Member,

As the company proud to bring you high-valued savings, we want to express our appreciation for your participation in the YourBucks test pilot.

This test is designed to reveal the unexpected. Meaning, if the YourBucks program is rolled out nationally, we want to deliver a flawless, exceptional experience for our members.

Unfortunately, during this period of learning, some offers are being abused by a very small group of shoppers which is forcing us to modify the following three offers:

From
- Buy any ONE Ragu Pasta sauce 26oz or larger - $2.00
- Buy any ONE Suave® product excluding trial or travel size - $2.00
- Buy any ONE Degree® Anti-perspirant/Deodorant item excluding trial or travel size - $2.00

To
- Buy any 1 (One) or more Ragu Pasta sauce 26oz or larger - $1.00
- Buy any 2 (Two) or more Suave® product excluding trial or travel size - $1.00
- Buy any 1 (One) or more Degree® Anti-perspirant/Deodorant item excluding trial or travel size - $1.00


Please know this is not a decision we take lightly. And, we apologize that you are being impacted due to the questionable actions of so few.

Ultimately, our intention is to secure the long-term viability of the YourBucks program, and to continue to offer you and your families high-valued savings. Again, thank you for your participation and patience as we work to build a solid, lasting YourBucks platform.

If you have any additional questions, please connect with us at http://tv.catalinamarketing.com

Sincerely,
YourBucks Customer Service.

Now, maybe it is the Nyquil but when I read that email, I actually felt guilty! Then I re-read it and thought about it and I do not feel guilty. I did not go out and do 80 transactions of Suave, Ragu or Degree (actually didn't get any of that!) in a row - I didn't do many transactions at all so I do not feel that I have abused the system. I did transactions that landed me around 5 - $.89 Suave Shampoos and around 7 jars of free Ragu pasta sauce, all of which I have given away or donated so no, I do not feel guilty. I did "buy" 4 Ragu pizza sauce that my family will use. You should not feel guilty either if you have bought enough to feed your family and give a few away. This is what couponing at this level is all about - feeding our families for as little as possible and being able to share the wealth of food with others. This is why I do it and yes, if I can make a $1 on Ragu once in a while to offset the cost of the organic chicken I buy, I will. Will I go out and do it 50 times? No, I will not abuse the system and have always taught people to coupon ethically and honestly and I know that if you follow this blog, you will not be abusing the system either. :-)

Happy Shopping!