Jenny has the list of matchups for CVS this week HERE....
I'm with Jenny on her assessment of this week: not very exciting. SO, here's my grand-tabulous plan!
Buy:
(4) Pepsi 12-packs, 4/$12
Use:
-(4) $0.25/1 Pepsi fridge pack
-$8 ECB
Total Due: $3.00
Get back: $3.00 ECB
...
...
...
...
... Yep... That's it! I'm getting my cheap Pepsi for the spouse, taking my $3 ECB, and running. It will be weird to go back to CVS with only $3 ECB. These one-stop shopping trips have spoiled me good. :-)
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Showing posts with label CVS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CVS. Show all posts
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Softsoap/Irish Springs at CVS... STILL going?
A quick note... I took another look at my CVS receipt from this Sunday and saw that under my Extra Buck Offers for the week it was STILL listing the following:
Irish Spring, Buy 1 Get 2 EB
Quantity toward this Reward 3
Quantity needed to Earn this Reward 1
This is the same deal as last week with the Softsoap bodywash AND Irish Springs.... Is this a MONTH-long ECB deal, maybe? Now I did NOT check for any shelf tags while in the store because I had no idea this might still be going... But if any of you all have extra Softsoap coupons lying around, it may be worth it to go snag a bottle and see what happens...
Let me know if you get ECB again and if this deal is advertised where you are or not!
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Irish Spring, Buy 1 Get 2 EB
Quantity toward this Reward 3
Quantity needed to Earn this Reward 1
This is the same deal as last week with the Softsoap bodywash AND Irish Springs.... Is this a MONTH-long ECB deal, maybe? Now I did NOT check for any shelf tags while in the store because I had no idea this might still be going... But if any of you all have extra Softsoap coupons lying around, it may be worth it to go snag a bottle and see what happens...
Let me know if you get ECB again and if this deal is advertised where you are or not!
.
Monday, September 7, 2009
CVS - Week of 9/6.... Yup, already!
I came home from camping on Sunday only to turn myself around in the shower so I could go straight to a funeral service for one of my recent students... Frankly, I am still deeply saddened by the loss of such a promising young life... and I was having a really hard time shaking myself back to normal after the services. I thought that maybe a quick run to spend my $13.99 in ECBs at CVS would be good to get my mind focused on something else for a short while.
Jenny at Southern Savers has the BIG list for CVS and you can also view the actual ad scan here. I did not even really touch her Grand Plan (I notice I've been deviating from it a lot more... is that good?? Or is that why I've spent more out of pocket??) because I had twice as many ECBs to start, and I was missing a lot of the good coupons for things like Neutrogena and Loreal. Overall, I about broke even when you considered what I earned BACK... but I'm still trying to get AHEAD with little to nothing out of pocket in the first place! ARGH.
Like last week, I got to keep it easy with one transaction:
(1) Schick ST3 Disposable Razors, 8 ct - $6.99 ($4 ECB)
(1) Aussie Styling product - $2.99 ($2 ECB)
(1) CoverGirl Clean Liquid Foundation - $4.99 ($2 ECB)
(1) CoverGirl Line Smoothing Liquid SPF 15 - $7.99
(1) Quilted Northern Bath Tissue, 12 roll - $6.97
Use:
-$4 off Schick disposables
-$1 off any CoverGirl
-$FREE Face product wyb CoverGirl Foundation (see below)
-$1 off Quilted Northern
-$13 ECB
...... I needed the TP and had intended to use some of these ECBs for free paper goods anyway last week. The Aussie was a good deal with the ECB it spit back out (IMO) even though I didn't have a coupon for it. My total OOP SHOULD have been roughly $1.95, plus tax on ~$40 in items.
Jenny's site said you should be able to use the $1 coupon with the Get FREE wyb X coupon... but I think the CVS computers calculate those 2 coupons as covering 3 items, not 2. Basically after they scanned the $1 coupon, the FREE coupon beeped and told them there were too many items. Now, would it have worked if I'd had a little random filler item, or did I need to buy 3 CG items? I'm not sure.
So, I had them void the $1 and scan the FREE coupon instead. The FREE coupon was weird because it didn't state a max of ANY kind on it. Nothing. No direction what-so-ever. But I found out that the max is the non-sale price of the foundation ($6.19 for me). So, it worked, but in order for your Face Product to be truly FREE... it had to be less than whatever the regular foundation price was. This added almost $3 to my overall... SO:
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.75 + $2.77 = $8.52 (Saved 79%... still GRRRRRR)
Got Back: $8 ECB
I'm really going to start looking for ways to figure the tax ahead of time and see if I can get my ECB to cover that too. It's not a HUGE deal but it's messing up my projections of how much I'm supposed to spend and making me do double takes before I leave the store. Any ideas? I'm listening!
.
Jenny at Southern Savers has the BIG list for CVS and you can also view the actual ad scan here. I did not even really touch her Grand Plan (I notice I've been deviating from it a lot more... is that good?? Or is that why I've spent more out of pocket??) because I had twice as many ECBs to start, and I was missing a lot of the good coupons for things like Neutrogena and Loreal. Overall, I about broke even when you considered what I earned BACK... but I'm still trying to get AHEAD with little to nothing out of pocket in the first place! ARGH.
Like last week, I got to keep it easy with one transaction:
(1) Schick ST3 Disposable Razors, 8 ct - $6.99 ($4 ECB)
(1) Aussie Styling product - $2.99 ($2 ECB)
(1) CoverGirl Clean Liquid Foundation - $4.99 ($2 ECB)
(1) CoverGirl Line Smoothing Liquid SPF 15 - $7.99
(1) Quilted Northern Bath Tissue, 12 roll - $6.97
Use:
-$4 off Schick disposables
-$1 off any CoverGirl
-$FREE Face product wyb CoverGirl Foundation (see below)
-$1 off Quilted Northern
-$13 ECB
...... I needed the TP and had intended to use some of these ECBs for free paper goods anyway last week. The Aussie was a good deal with the ECB it spit back out (IMO) even though I didn't have a coupon for it. My total OOP SHOULD have been roughly $1.95, plus tax on ~$40 in items.
Jenny's site said you should be able to use the $1 coupon with the Get FREE wyb X coupon... but I think the CVS computers calculate those 2 coupons as covering 3 items, not 2. Basically after they scanned the $1 coupon, the FREE coupon beeped and told them there were too many items. Now, would it have worked if I'd had a little random filler item, or did I need to buy 3 CG items? I'm not sure.
So, I had them void the $1 and scan the FREE coupon instead. The FREE coupon was weird because it didn't state a max of ANY kind on it. Nothing. No direction what-so-ever. But I found out that the max is the non-sale price of the foundation ($6.19 for me). So, it worked, but in order for your Face Product to be truly FREE... it had to be less than whatever the regular foundation price was. This added almost $3 to my overall... SO:
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.75 + $2.77 = $8.52 (Saved 79%... still GRRRRRR)
Got Back: $8 ECB
Shelf Cost of everything? $40.62
I'm really going to start looking for ways to figure the tax ahead of time and see if I can get my ECB to cover that too. It's not a HUGE deal but it's messing up my projections of how much I'm supposed to spend and making me do double takes before I leave the store. Any ideas? I'm listening!
.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
CVS - Results... Kept it simple
I was starting to feel a bug coming on late Saturday, but I knew that we had a full day ahead on Sunday and if I didn't make a quick midnight run I'd never get the stuff that was free or super cheap. So I went and made it just that: a quick single-transaction run! I had $10 ECBs to start and so I got most of the good deals I wanted with just that plus coupons... I may go back to get some paper goods free plus something to give me a few ECBs for next time. Just not sure how I want to spend what I have and don't want to waste them just to get it over with b/c I NOW have a full on case of "crud" and a nap looks better than shopping right now.
(1) Glade Fragrance Collection Reed Diffuser - $6.99 ($6.99 ECB = FREE)
(2) Bounce Dryer Bar, Singles - $3.99 - ($1 ECB each, limit 2)
(1) Softsoap Nutriserum Bodywash - $4.99 ($2 ECB, limit...??? ... see below)
(1) Aquafresh IsoActive Foaming Tooth Gel - $3.99 ($3 ECB)
Used:
-$4 off $20 CVS Readyfill coupon
-$2 off Glade Fragrance collection item IP-$2.50 off Bounce Dryer Bar (Vocalpoint)
-$1.50 off Bounce Dryer Bar (Vocalpoint)
-$2 off any Softsoap/Irish Springs IP (had ONE of these left)
-$1 off Aquafresh Foaming Tooth Gel IP
-$10 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $3.89
Got back: $13.99 ECBs (made back my OOP and then some!)
SHELF Cost of everything above: $32.89
I was pretty happy the limit on the Bounce was 2 instead of 1; that definitely helped. On the Softsoap, I'm not sure WHAT the limit is... I'm out of those great $2 printables now b/c I used a couple last week on Irish Springs when the SAME deal was going at my stores in Knoxville even though it wasn't in the ad. The other weird thing is that my receipt for the Softsoap/Irish Springs says I still have an amount of "1" to earn toward this deal (I already have 3... 2 last week, 1 on this trip). But the shelf tags last week said "Limit 1" as does the ad this week. So I can go back and get at least 1 more? May be just what I do...
.
(1) Glade Fragrance Collection Reed Diffuser - $6.99 ($6.99 ECB = FREE)
(2) Bounce Dryer Bar, Singles - $3.99 - ($1 ECB each, limit 2)
(1) Softsoap Nutriserum Bodywash - $4.99 ($2 ECB, limit...??? ... see below)
(1) Aquafresh IsoActive Foaming Tooth Gel - $3.99 ($3 ECB)
Used:
-$4 off $20 CVS Readyfill coupon
-$2 off Glade Fragrance collection item IP-$2.50 off Bounce Dryer Bar (Vocalpoint)
-$1.50 off Bounce Dryer Bar (Vocalpoint)
-$2 off any Softsoap/Irish Springs IP (had ONE of these left)
-$1 off Aquafresh Foaming Tooth Gel IP
-$10 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $3.89
Got back: $13.99 ECBs (made back my OOP and then some!)
SHELF Cost of everything above: $32.89
I was pretty happy the limit on the Bounce was 2 instead of 1; that definitely helped. On the Softsoap, I'm not sure WHAT the limit is... I'm out of those great $2 printables now b/c I used a couple last week on Irish Springs when the SAME deal was going at my stores in Knoxville even though it wasn't in the ad. The other weird thing is that my receipt for the Softsoap/Irish Springs says I still have an amount of "1" to earn toward this deal (I already have 3... 2 last week, 1 on this trip). But the shelf tags last week said "Limit 1" as does the ad this week. So I can go back and get at least 1 more? May be just what I do...
.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
CVS - Week of 8/30... My Plan
This week at CVS is looking "interesting" at least. There isn't an overwhelming amount of really great ECB deals, but at least the items are nicely varied so I can get some stuff that we'll really use and need. Per Jenny's advice at Southern Savers (who has the FULL list), and because I'm starting off MY week with $10 ECB, I think I AM going to use this week as a chance to get 1-2 items for the general household supply for free. Jenny's Grand Plans look great, but I just never seem to save those coupons for the glucose meter thingies that are always such moneymakers.
So my scenario is going to be a bit different. One thing's for sure: I am scaling back and NOT spending more than a couple of bucks out of pocket this week if I can help it. Last week's haul was great but I still feel like I could've done sooo much better.
Planned Trans #1
Glade Fragrance Collection Reed Diffuser ($6.99 ECB) - $6.99 ea, Limit 1
Bounce Dryer Bar ($1.00 ECB) - $3.99 ea
Softsoap Nutriserum Wash ($2.00 ECB) - $4.99 ea, Limit 1 ***
Gillette Venus Embrace Razor ($3.00 ECB) - $8.99 ea
Use $4 off $20 CVS coupon
Use $10 ECB
-$4 off any Glade Fragrance collection
-$1 off Bounce Dryer bar
-$2 off Softsoap Wash (printable -- I still have them!)
-$2 off Venus Embrace
Total OOP: $1.96
Get back $12.99 ECB
I'm wondering about that Softsoap... When they were on sale a few weeks ago AND last week (along with the Irish Springs bodywash), the tags said Limit 1 but most people had no problem snagging 2-3 and getting the ECBs... I wonder if that will be the case this week... I also need to check if my printable $2 coupons that I horded are good to 8/30! If not, I'll be using the $1 off from the paper and may rethink a couple things to keep the OOP as low as possible.
Planned Trans #2
Bausch & Lomb Renu Solution Twin Pk ($3.00 ECB) - $7.99 ea
Bausch & Lomb Renu Solution Twin Pk ($3.00 ECB) - $7.99 ea
Bounty Basic 6 Big Rolls - $5.89 ea
Use $4 off $20 (if I have 1 extra) OR $3 off $12 eyecare CVS coupon
Use $12.99 ECB
-$2 off Renu
-$2 off Renu
-$.25 off Bounty
Total OOP: $.63 OR $1.63
Get back $6 ECB
.
So my scenario is going to be a bit different. One thing's for sure: I am scaling back and NOT spending more than a couple of bucks out of pocket this week if I can help it. Last week's haul was great but I still feel like I could've done sooo much better.
Planned Trans #1
Glade Fragrance Collection Reed Diffuser ($6.99 ECB) - $6.99 ea, Limit 1
Bounce Dryer Bar ($1.00 ECB) - $3.99 ea
Softsoap Nutriserum Wash ($2.00 ECB) - $4.99 ea, Limit 1 ***
Gillette Venus Embrace Razor ($3.00 ECB) - $8.99 ea
Use $4 off $20 CVS coupon
Use $10 ECB
-$4 off any Glade Fragrance collection
-$1 off Bounce Dryer bar
-$2 off Softsoap Wash (printable -- I still have them!)
-$2 off Venus Embrace
Total OOP: $1.96
Get back $12.99 ECB
I'm wondering about that Softsoap... When they were on sale a few weeks ago AND last week (along with the Irish Springs bodywash), the tags said Limit 1 but most people had no problem snagging 2-3 and getting the ECBs... I wonder if that will be the case this week... I also need to check if my printable $2 coupons that I horded are good to 8/30! If not, I'll be using the $1 off from the paper and may rethink a couple things to keep the OOP as low as possible.
Planned Trans #2
Bausch & Lomb Renu Solution Twin Pk ($3.00 ECB) - $7.99 ea
Bausch & Lomb Renu Solution Twin Pk ($3.00 ECB) - $7.99 ea
Bounty Basic 6 Big Rolls - $5.89 ea
Use $4 off $20 (if I have 1 extra) OR $3 off $12 eyecare CVS coupon
Use $12.99 ECB
-$2 off Renu
-$2 off Renu
-$.25 off Bounty
Total OOP: $.63 OR $1.63
Get back $6 ECB
.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
"Hidden"/Unpublished SoftSoap/Irish Spring ECB deal at CVS this week?
Does anyone remember how crazy we all went to print those $2 off any Softsoap or Irish Springs coupons from that one zip code on Coupons.com (which I can't even remember anymore)?
Well, I hope you saved a couple! I noticed on Sunday that the Softsoap Nutriserum and Irish Springs bodywashes were tagged for $4.99 with a $2 ECB. I thought it may have been an old tag or error because I don't recall seeing that in the ad matchups anywhere.
But it's current!
What's more, the tags in store say Limit 1, but I bought 2 without even thinking, used 2 coupons I had leftover, and got back $4 ECB! My receipt also says that I can buy at least one more (no "Limit Reached" message).
Oh, and see my post below about possibly FREE Shower Poufs??? I'm STILL not sure what that was about. All I know is that my cashier was chatting me up on these free chocolates and buttery-mints they had baskets of at the front (I said something about how it's not even Halloween and they're already giving out free candy), and she suddenly told me to grab a pouf from a nearby bin for free. Never look a gifthorse in the mouth!
My shopping trip report(s) on CVS had me spending way more out of pocket than normal, but I'm loving that store this week!
.
Well, I hope you saved a couple! I noticed on Sunday that the Softsoap Nutriserum and Irish Springs bodywashes were tagged for $4.99 with a $2 ECB. I thought it may have been an old tag or error because I don't recall seeing that in the ad matchups anywhere.
But it's current!
What's more, the tags in store say Limit 1, but I bought 2 without even thinking, used 2 coupons I had leftover, and got back $4 ECB! My receipt also says that I can buy at least one more (no "Limit Reached" message).
Oh, and see my post below about possibly FREE Shower Poufs??? I'm STILL not sure what that was about. All I know is that my cashier was chatting me up on these free chocolates and buttery-mints they had baskets of at the front (I said something about how it's not even Halloween and they're already giving out free candy), and she suddenly told me to grab a pouf from a nearby bin for free. Never look a gifthorse in the mouth!
My shopping trip report(s) on CVS had me spending way more out of pocket than normal, but I'm loving that store this week!
.
CVS Aveeno Deal!!! And my totals this week...
This week I probably ended up spending the most out-of-pocket at CVS than I have since starting couponing. But I think I got some great deals on stuff we use anyway.
As it turns out, the Olay Definity Cleansers I had planned to start off with were NOT part of the Olay deal; only the items that were $24.99. Some people were reporting that their CVS managers made the final call and manually printed the $12 ECBs, but I didn't want to mess with it. So I started off with this on Sunday:
Trans #1
(4) Pepsi 12-Packs ($3 ECB wyb 4 Pepsi) - 4/$12
Use:
-$4 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $8.93
Get back $3 ECB
Trans #2
(2) Glade Sense & Spray Kit ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - 2/$10
(4) Kraft Mac & Cheese ($2 ECB wyb 4) - 4/$4
Use:
-(2) $4 off Glade Sense & Spray
-(1) Buy 3 Kraft Mac & Cheese, Get 1 FREE
-$3 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $3.24
Get back $5 ECB
After this I was going to pretty much done for the week until I read about THIS deal on the Aveeno from Hip2Save's site! I got the Aveeno Cleansing Pads a few weeks ago and I love them. They're really great for a quick spot refresh (b/c the cleansing foam is contained to the scrubbing pad) or overall. I also found more Glade coupons, so I went back and did this today at 2 separate CVS's:
Trans #1
(3) Aveeno Positively Ageless Cleansing Pads ($10 ECB wyb $25 in Aveeno) - $8.99 ea.
(1) Shower Pouf - $2.99 on my receipt (not sure if this is a local promo but my cashier just said "Hey, grab you one of those out of that bin" and she'd give it to me FREE... um... SURE!)
Use:
-$5 off $25
-$10 off 3 Aveeno Positively Ageless IP
-$5 ECB
-$4 CVS coupon (this is what she scanned against my Shower Pouf... again, umm.. OK!)
Total OOP w/ Tax: $7.90
Get back $10 ECB (that PAID for itself!)
NOTE: Okay - HERE I got a little messed up... See, I'd found more Glade coupons (in the Sense&Spray I bought previously) so I was planning to FIRST do the Glade deals again and use the $5 ECB I had (which would have worked out as being under a dollar), and THEN do the Aveeno with the $6 ECB from the Glade.
BUT, the first CVS I hit up was nearly CLEARED OUT of ALL Glade products. Zip, zilch, nada. They did have the Aveeno and not many, so I chose to do that deal just in case there was no hope of finding more Glade (with the $4 off coupon in the paper this week, I figured it was a lost cause). However, when I hit the 2nd CVS just for the heck of it they were completely stocked on Glade...?? But I now had a large single $10 ECB to spend and I still wanted to use my $4 off $20 coupon... The end result is that I threw in a few extra things to make sure I wasn't under.
Trans #2
(2) Glade Sense & Spray Kit - 2/$10
(2) Glade PlugIn Scent Oil Lasting Impressions Kit - 2/$10
(2) Irish Springs Body Wash ($2 ECB - Hidden Deal??) - $4.99 ea
(2) Reeses PB Cups Milk Chocolate - 2/$1
(2) Reeses PB Cups Dark Chocolate - 2/$1
(1) Nivea Lip Balm SPF 30 (Clearance) - $1.50
Use:
-$4 off $20
-(2) $3 off Sense & Spray
-(2) $3 off Scented Oil Lasting Impressions
-(2) $2 off Irish Springs or Soft Soap IP
-(2) B1G1 Reese PB Cups (new Dark or orig Milk)
-$10 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.21
Get back: $10 ECB ($6 on Glade, $4 on Irish Springs)
In retrospect, the 2nd Irish Springs put me just over where I needed to be. I didn't need the clearance Lip Balm and could've put that back. My quick (and wrong) mental math in the store somehow made me think the Reeses cups would be free but I ended up paying $1.00 for all 4 packs. But, hey, that's life.
TOTAL OOP w/ tax......... $25.28 (OUCH! ... It's okay, though! It's okay! I just keep telling myself that with the $10 ECB I got back, it's really $15.28... and on a normal grocery trip $12 of that would have been straight outta pocket for DH's beloved Pepsis)
Total merchandise PURCHASED (before sales/coups)..... $138.90
Total saved: 82%
Technically, I have done MUCH better... but overall I'm not too unhappy.
.
As it turns out, the Olay Definity Cleansers I had planned to start off with were NOT part of the Olay deal; only the items that were $24.99. Some people were reporting that their CVS managers made the final call and manually printed the $12 ECBs, but I didn't want to mess with it. So I started off with this on Sunday:
Trans #1
(4) Pepsi 12-Packs ($3 ECB wyb 4 Pepsi) - 4/$12
Use:
-$4 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $8.93
Get back $3 ECB
Trans #2
(2) Glade Sense & Spray Kit ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - 2/$10
(4) Kraft Mac & Cheese ($2 ECB wyb 4) - 4/$4
Use:
-(2) $4 off Glade Sense & Spray
-(1) Buy 3 Kraft Mac & Cheese, Get 1 FREE
-$3 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $3.24
Get back $5 ECB
After this I was going to pretty much done for the week until I read about THIS deal on the Aveeno from Hip2Save's site! I got the Aveeno Cleansing Pads a few weeks ago and I love them. They're really great for a quick spot refresh (b/c the cleansing foam is contained to the scrubbing pad) or overall. I also found more Glade coupons, so I went back and did this today at 2 separate CVS's:
Trans #1
(3) Aveeno Positively Ageless Cleansing Pads ($10 ECB wyb $25 in Aveeno) - $8.99 ea.
(1) Shower Pouf - $2.99 on my receipt (not sure if this is a local promo but my cashier just said "Hey, grab you one of those out of that bin" and she'd give it to me FREE... um... SURE!)
Use:
-$5 off $25
-$10 off 3 Aveeno Positively Ageless IP
-$5 ECB
-$4 CVS coupon (this is what she scanned against my Shower Pouf... again, umm.. OK!)
Total OOP w/ Tax: $7.90
Get back $10 ECB (that PAID for itself!)
NOTE: Okay - HERE I got a little messed up... See, I'd found more Glade coupons (in the Sense&Spray I bought previously) so I was planning to FIRST do the Glade deals again and use the $5 ECB I had (which would have worked out as being under a dollar), and THEN do the Aveeno with the $6 ECB from the Glade.
BUT, the first CVS I hit up was nearly CLEARED OUT of ALL Glade products. Zip, zilch, nada. They did have the Aveeno and not many, so I chose to do that deal just in case there was no hope of finding more Glade (with the $4 off coupon in the paper this week, I figured it was a lost cause). However, when I hit the 2nd CVS just for the heck of it they were completely stocked on Glade...?? But I now had a large single $10 ECB to spend and I still wanted to use my $4 off $20 coupon... The end result is that I threw in a few extra things to make sure I wasn't under.
Trans #2
(2) Glade Sense & Spray Kit - 2/$10
(2) Glade PlugIn Scent Oil Lasting Impressions Kit - 2/$10
(2) Irish Springs Body Wash ($2 ECB - Hidden Deal??) - $4.99 ea
(2) Reeses PB Cups Milk Chocolate - 2/$1
(2) Reeses PB Cups Dark Chocolate - 2/$1
(1) Nivea Lip Balm SPF 30 (Clearance) - $1.50
Use:
-$4 off $20
-(2) $3 off Sense & Spray
-(2) $3 off Scented Oil Lasting Impressions
-(2) $2 off Irish Springs or Soft Soap IP
-(2) B1G1 Reese PB Cups (new Dark or orig Milk)
-$10 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.21
Get back: $10 ECB ($6 on Glade, $4 on Irish Springs)
In retrospect, the 2nd Irish Springs put me just over where I needed to be. I didn't need the clearance Lip Balm and could've put that back. My quick (and wrong) mental math in the store somehow made me think the Reeses cups would be free but I ended up paying $1.00 for all 4 packs. But, hey, that's life.
TOTAL OOP w/ tax......... $25.28 (OUCH! ... It's okay, though! It's okay! I just keep telling myself that with the $10 ECB I got back, it's really $15.28... and on a normal grocery trip $12 of that would have been straight outta pocket for DH's beloved Pepsis)
Total merchandise PURCHASED (before sales/coups)..... $138.90
Total saved: 82%
Technically, I have done MUCH better... but overall I'm not too unhappy.
.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
CVS - Week of 8/23... Just keep luring me in with cheap Pepsi...
It's looking like a sort of slow week at CVS and I'd probably take the week off... but the promise of cheap Pepsi is luring me back!
As usual, Jenny at Southern Savers has the scoop on the full ad matches but this is what I think I'll be trying to do. I won't be heading over at midnight either; this scenario will force me to wait until the paper shows up tomorrow morning.
Trans # 1
Olay Definity Cleanser ($12 ECB wyb 2 participating Olay products) - $10.98
Olay Definity Cleanser ($12 ECB wyb 2 participating Olay products) - $10.98
Use $4 off $20 Facial Care CVS coupon (have to pick up a prescrip so I'll be asking about the ReadyFill program/booklet... *grin*)
Use (2) $3 off Olay coupons (THIS is what I have to wait on... grrr)
Use $4 ECB
Total due: $7.98
Get back $12 ECB
Trans #2
(4) 12-packs of Pepsi ($3 ECB wyb 4) - $12.00
Use $12 ECB
Total due: NOTHING
Get back $3 ECB
Trans #3
Glade Sense & Spray ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - $5.00
Glade Sense & Spray ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - $5.00
CVS Composition book 100 sheets ($.99 ECB) - $.99
CVS Composition book 100 sheets ($.99 ECB) - $.99
Use $3 ECB
Total due: $.98
Get back $4.98 ECB
We'll see how it goes tomorrow. My main goal is the Pepsi, and really I could just get those, use my $4 ECB, pay $8 out of pocket, and then move on to the Glade. But I admit the Olay deal is too tempting, and I like the idea of getting the Pepsi for "nothing", plus some nice facial cleansers. I'll be hitting up my 24 hour CVS b/c that's where my prescription is. Here's hoping I can get there early enough to snag what I need!
.
As usual, Jenny at Southern Savers has the scoop on the full ad matches but this is what I think I'll be trying to do. I won't be heading over at midnight either; this scenario will force me to wait until the paper shows up tomorrow morning.
Trans # 1
Olay Definity Cleanser ($12 ECB wyb 2 participating Olay products) - $10.98
Olay Definity Cleanser ($12 ECB wyb 2 participating Olay products) - $10.98
Use $4 off $20 Facial Care CVS coupon (have to pick up a prescrip so I'll be asking about the ReadyFill program/booklet... *grin*)
Use (2) $3 off Olay coupons (THIS is what I have to wait on... grrr)
Use $4 ECB
Total due: $7.98
Get back $12 ECB
Trans #2
(4) 12-packs of Pepsi ($3 ECB wyb 4) - $12.00
Use $12 ECB
Total due: NOTHING
Get back $3 ECB
Trans #3
Glade Sense & Spray ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - $5.00
Glade Sense & Spray ($3 ECB wyb $10 in Glade) - $5.00
CVS Composition book 100 sheets ($.99 ECB) - $.99
CVS Composition book 100 sheets ($.99 ECB) - $.99
Use $3 ECB
Total due: $.98
Get back $4.98 ECB
We'll see how it goes tomorrow. My main goal is the Pepsi, and really I could just get those, use my $4 ECB, pay $8 out of pocket, and then move on to the Glade. But I admit the Olay deal is too tempting, and I like the idea of getting the Pepsi for "nothing", plus some nice facial cleansers. I'll be hitting up my 24 hour CVS b/c that's where my prescription is. Here's hoping I can get there early enough to snag what I need!
.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
CVS - Week of 8/16... The newbie chick is back!
Among all the chaos and craziness, I took a week off from CVS mostly because it just did NOT look like there were many good deals to be had. If you look at my post from the week before last, you'll see that I got a lot of great stuff and racked up $10.48 in ECB! I've never had that many before and I just... didn't want to waste them on a so-so week. There were NO free school supplies either (by the way, after letting hubby select from the fab pens and such for work, I donated my stash to a coworker who took them to her daycare and church).
Fortunately, things were looking up this week! The Pepsi deal was back and that was probably enough for me. Of course, I went to Jenny at Southern Savers to see what her scenarios were looking like, although I have to say I'm starting to be okay at planning my own trips! But I still like to check her Grand Plans to make sure I'm not missing something.
She had a LOT of different versions posted because there are several $-off-$-purchase coupons floating around. I have not snagged any yet, I confess, but I'm going to go in and ask for the Readyfill Coupon booklet this week.
Anyway, even though we have company again tonight (yep, same as from this week), I slipped out to my 24 hour store. Overall, not a lot of stuff in quantity, but a good haul.
Trans #1
(2) Papermate Write Bros Pens, 10 pk - $.99 ea ($.99 ecb)
(1) CVS Mini-Composition Book, 80 sheets - $1.99 ($1.99 ecb)
(1) Philips Earhook Headphones - $6.99 ($6.99 ecb)
Use:
-$10.48 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.22
Get back $10.96 ECB
***NOTE: The headphones are a specific one, just in case they aren't marked at your store (mine and others don't always mark all ECB items) and they were hung with several very similar looking Phillips headphones. Look for the model #SHS3201 and look specifically for the ear HOOK shape; not the "buds"! Mine were stored in a locked glass case with the Audio/Video items.
OH! And on my first transaction I'm not sure WHAT happened but the register spit out like 4 feet of tape in coupons! I got $1 off any mouthwash, and coupons for digital prints, Aveeno haircare, and $3 off $15 in Suncare products. I guess this means I'll need to start learning to stack CVS and mfr coupons with ECBs next...?
Trans #2
(1) L'oreal Skin Genesis Cleanser - $5.99 ($10 ECB wyb L'oreal Cleanser w/ Revitalift Wrinkle Repair)
(1) L'oreal Revitalift Deepset Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream - $14.99 (ECB same as above)
Use:
-$1 off L'oreal Cleanser
-$5 off L'oreal Revitalift Deepset Wrinkle Repair
-$10.96 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.96
Get back $10.00 ECB
Trans #3
(4) Pepsi 12-can Fridge Packs - 4/$12 ($4 ECB wyb 4 packs)
Use:
-$10.00 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $2.93
Get back $4.00 ECB
SO, my grand total OOP was $10.11 (not $8 like I quoted to my husband when I walked back in... see how even frugal girls have a tendency to underestimate and round DOWN conveniantly?). Without SALES and coupons, the items purchased would have been $68.52, so a savings of 85%. Not bad considering I got some headphones I actually NEEDED (my iPod earbuds just KILL my ears), some great facial cleanser and eye cream, plus... the coveted Pepsis that keep my spouse happy (think of Pepsi as his "coffee").
.
Fortunately, things were looking up this week! The Pepsi deal was back and that was probably enough for me. Of course, I went to Jenny at Southern Savers to see what her scenarios were looking like, although I have to say I'm starting to be okay at planning my own trips! But I still like to check her Grand Plans to make sure I'm not missing something.
She had a LOT of different versions posted because there are several $-off-$-purchase coupons floating around. I have not snagged any yet, I confess, but I'm going to go in and ask for the Readyfill Coupon booklet this week.
Anyway, even though we have company again tonight (yep, same as from this week), I slipped out to my 24 hour store. Overall, not a lot of stuff in quantity, but a good haul.
Trans #1
(2) Papermate Write Bros Pens, 10 pk - $.99 ea ($.99 ecb)
(1) CVS Mini-Composition Book, 80 sheets - $1.99 ($1.99 ecb)
(1) Philips Earhook Headphones - $6.99 ($6.99 ecb)
Use:
-$10.48 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.22
Get back $10.96 ECB
***NOTE: The headphones are a specific one, just in case they aren't marked at your store (mine and others don't always mark all ECB items) and they were hung with several very similar looking Phillips headphones. Look for the model #SHS3201 and look specifically for the ear HOOK shape; not the "buds"! Mine were stored in a locked glass case with the Audio/Video items.
OH! And on my first transaction I'm not sure WHAT happened but the register spit out like 4 feet of tape in coupons! I got $1 off any mouthwash, and coupons for digital prints, Aveeno haircare, and $3 off $15 in Suncare products. I guess this means I'll need to start learning to stack CVS and mfr coupons with ECBs next...?
Trans #2
(1) L'oreal Skin Genesis Cleanser - $5.99 ($10 ECB wyb L'oreal Cleanser w/ Revitalift Wrinkle Repair)
(1) L'oreal Revitalift Deepset Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream - $14.99 (ECB same as above)
Use:
-$1 off L'oreal Cleanser
-$5 off L'oreal Revitalift Deepset Wrinkle Repair
-$10.96 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.96
Get back $10.00 ECB
Trans #3
(4) Pepsi 12-can Fridge Packs - 4/$12 ($4 ECB wyb 4 packs)
Use:
-$10.00 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $2.93
Get back $4.00 ECB
SO, my grand total OOP was $10.11 (not $8 like I quoted to my husband when I walked back in... see how even frugal girls have a tendency to underestimate and round DOWN conveniantly?). Without SALES and coupons, the items purchased would have been $68.52, so a savings of 85%. Not bad considering I got some headphones I actually NEEDED (my iPod earbuds just KILL my ears), some great facial cleanser and eye cream, plus... the coveted Pepsis that keep my spouse happy (think of Pepsi as his "coffee").
.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
CVS Results... (Note - Do not shop when in pain!)
Overall, EVERYTHING went according to plan, with a minor miss here and there. So I'm happy!
However, definitely try to avoid shopping when exhausted after a day of keeping up with two 10-12 yr old boys on trails AND when you've inadvertently pulled a back/shoulder muscle that limits your movement painfully when you least expect it (like reaching down/forward for stuff on low shelves)!
With what a good week it was, and with how well publicized a lot of the deals were, I knew that if I didn't trudge to my midnight CVS, I'd regret it today. So, here's how it went down last night...
Trans #1
(2) CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick ($.99 ecb ea) - $0.99 ea
(2) CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct ($.99 ecb ea) - $0.99 ea
(1) Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99 ea
(1) 2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) - $0.49 (or 2/$.99)
FREE CVS Ibuprofen!!! (Worth $3.29)
- Use $6.89 ECB
OKAY! Interruption! Here's the first miss and tweak: I got the "It's Academic" Scissors instead of the Caliber brand (which didn't seem to matter b/c I was going off the ad; remember, my 24 hr CVS waits until the wee hours to put up sale signs). No ECB printed. I politely asked the guy if he could check it, and apologized since I know they have a MILLION items genereating ECBs this week. He was nice, and manually printed me a $3 ECB. Yea! Of course, I was so focused on that, that I MISSED not getting an ECB on the portfolio folder. No biggie, it would have been a filler item anyway. So....
Total OOP w/ tax = $1.07
Get back $6.96 ECB
Trans #2
(1) Blink Tears 0.5 oz or Gel Tears 0.34 oz ($7.99 ecb) - $7.99 ea
(1) Caliber/CVS 1 subject Notebk 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99 ea
-Use $1.50 off Blink Tears IP
-Use $6.96 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax = $1.07
Get 8.98 ECB back
Trans #3
(4) Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10 ecb) - $4.50 ea
(1) Airwick Scented Oil Refill 2/$6 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $3.00 ea
-Use (4) $2.50 off Electrasol
-Use $8.98 ECB
Okay, quick interruption here too... I needed a refill for my Airwick and thought I had a $1 coupon... except it was for 2 of the single $3 refills. So I scrapped that and just got it.
Total OOP w/ tax = $3.96 (yeah, paying the tax on the grand total kills me mathmatically)
Get $10 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $5.00 ($.50 over the flyer I planned from)
(1) Listerine FreshMint (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $3.00
(1) Caliber/CVS Notebook 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $0.50 off Listerine
-Use (2) $1.00 off Benadryl
-Use $10.00 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax = $2.78
Get $5.99 ECB
Trans #5
(1) Softsoap Nutriserum Bodywash ($4 ecb) - $4.99
(1) Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
(1) 2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) - $0.49 (or 2/$.99)
-Use $2.00 off Softsoap or Irish Spring Bodywash IP
-Use $5.00 ECB
What happened here is that my initial "plan" told me I needed a cheapie filler, hence the folder, which AGAIN did not print any ECBs and AGAIN... I missed it b/c I was focused on reminding the cashier that he'd probably need to generate the ECBs for the scissors. ALSO... I was in such a bleary hurry to tear the ECBs off the previous tape, that I only tore off the $5.00. I left $.99 ECB on there and just forgot to use them.
Total OOP w/ tax = $2.26 (again, this tax on the entire total thing... ugh)
Get $7.00 ECB (plus the $.99 I forgot about)
Now, I STILL had a gift card with about $10 and change on it from my prescription transfer; I can't use it unless the purchase is over $2, which several of these were and I should've whipped it out, but again.... pain, tired, looking forward to giving those FREE ibuprofens a test-drive, etc...
But, no matter, because when I got the ad this morning I noticed something different. They had another ECB deal for (4) 12-packs of Pepsi for $12 that spit out $4 ECBs... Forwhatever reason, the ad I planned off of had them as (4) 8-packs... which is weird and really just isn't that great a deal. Hmm... the spouse is out of Pepsi. And I DO need to use that card. So I went back TODAY and did this...
Trans #6 (Sunday)
(4) 12-packs of Pepsi ($4 ecb) - 4/$12
(1) Caliber Compass ($1.50 ecb) - $1.50
(2) Caliber Stretch Book Covers ($.99 ecb ) - $.99 ea
-Use $4.99 ECB (used that $.99 that hid from me last night!)
-Use $10.59 balance on Gift Card
Total OOP w/ tax = $1.15
Get back $7.48 ECB for a grand total of $10.48 ECB for next time!
Okay, the GRAND total of everything I bought and what I saved (included sale prices, etc)?
Total WORTH of Items purchased.... $115.44
Total SPENT...................... $12.29
.
However, definitely try to avoid shopping when exhausted after a day of keeping up with two 10-12 yr old boys on trails AND when you've inadvertently pulled a back/shoulder muscle that limits your movement painfully when you least expect it (like reaching down/forward for stuff on low shelves)!
With what a good week it was, and with how well publicized a lot of the deals were, I knew that if I didn't trudge to my midnight CVS, I'd regret it today. So, here's how it went down last night...
Trans #1
(2) CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick ($.99 ecb ea) - $0.99 ea
(2) CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct ($.99 ecb ea) - $0.99 ea
(1) Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99 ea
(1) 2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) - $0.49 (or 2/$.99)
FREE CVS Ibuprofen!!! (Worth $3.29)
- Use $6.89 ECB
OKAY! Interruption! Here's the first miss and tweak: I got the "It's Academic" Scissors instead of the Caliber brand (which didn't seem to matter b/c I was going off the ad; remember, my 24 hr CVS waits until the wee hours to put up sale signs). No ECB printed. I politely asked the guy if he could check it, and apologized since I know they have a MILLION items genereating ECBs this week. He was nice, and manually printed me a $3 ECB. Yea! Of course, I was so focused on that, that I MISSED not getting an ECB on the portfolio folder. No biggie, it would have been a filler item anyway. So....
Total OOP w/ tax = $1.07
Get back $6.96 ECB
Trans #2
(1) Blink Tears 0.5 oz or Gel Tears 0.34 oz ($7.99 ecb) - $7.99 ea
(1) Caliber/CVS 1 subject Notebk 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99 ea
-Use $1.50 off Blink Tears IP
-Use $6.96 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax = $1.07
Get 8.98 ECB back
Trans #3
(4) Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10 ecb) - $4.50 ea
(1) Airwick Scented Oil Refill 2/$6 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $3.00 ea
-Use (4) $2.50 off Electrasol
-Use $8.98 ECB
Okay, quick interruption here too... I needed a refill for my Airwick and thought I had a $1 coupon... except it was for 2 of the single $3 refills. So I scrapped that and just got it.
Total OOP w/ tax = $3.96 (yeah, paying the tax on the grand total kills me mathmatically)
Get $10 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $5.00 ($.50 over the flyer I planned from)
(1) Listerine FreshMint (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $3.00
(1) Caliber/CVS Notebook 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $0.50 off Listerine
-Use (2) $1.00 off Benadryl
-Use $10.00 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax = $2.78
Get $5.99 ECB
Trans #5
(1) Softsoap Nutriserum Bodywash ($4 ecb) - $4.99
(1) Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
(1) 2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) - $0.49 (or 2/$.99)
-Use $2.00 off Softsoap or Irish Spring Bodywash IP
-Use $5.00 ECB
What happened here is that my initial "plan" told me I needed a cheapie filler, hence the folder, which AGAIN did not print any ECBs and AGAIN... I missed it b/c I was focused on reminding the cashier that he'd probably need to generate the ECBs for the scissors. ALSO... I was in such a bleary hurry to tear the ECBs off the previous tape, that I only tore off the $5.00. I left $.99 ECB on there and just forgot to use them.
Total OOP w/ tax = $2.26 (again, this tax on the entire total thing... ugh)
Get $7.00 ECB (plus the $.99 I forgot about)
Now, I STILL had a gift card with about $10 and change on it from my prescription transfer; I can't use it unless the purchase is over $2, which several of these were and I should've whipped it out, but again.... pain, tired, looking forward to giving those FREE ibuprofens a test-drive, etc...
But, no matter, because when I got the ad this morning I noticed something different. They had another ECB deal for (4) 12-packs of Pepsi for $12 that spit out $4 ECBs... Forwhatever reason, the ad I planned off of had them as (4) 8-packs... which is weird and really just isn't that great a deal. Hmm... the spouse is out of Pepsi. And I DO need to use that card. So I went back TODAY and did this...
Trans #6 (Sunday)
(4) 12-packs of Pepsi ($4 ecb) - 4/$12
(1) Caliber Compass ($1.50 ecb) - $1.50
(2) Caliber Stretch Book Covers ($.99 ecb ) - $.99 ea
-Use $4.99 ECB (used that $.99 that hid from me last night!)
-Use $10.59 balance on Gift Card
Total OOP w/ tax = $1.15
Get back $7.48 ECB for a grand total of $10.48 ECB for next time!
Okay, the GRAND total of everything I bought and what I saved (included sale prices, etc)?
Total WORTH of Items purchased.... $115.44
Total SPENT...................... $12.29
.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
CVS - Week of 8/2... and what a week!
This WILL sound lame, but I am super excited about this week at CVS. I seriously may get there at 11:30pm tomorrow night. There's a TON of ECB deals to be had, though not all of them are as fantastic as CVS would have you believe. Still, this should be a great week for way more than school supplies. Jenny has posted her Grand Plan at Southern Savers (along with fabulous matchups) but I actually created my OWN for once! I'm starting with $6.89 ECB. I will probably not score ALL the free supplies in favor of other stuff I can use. I'm also ditching the diapers that are part of her plan b/c we don't need them.
MY Grand Plan.... (we shall see how it goes)
Trans #1
CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick; 2 pk Stickys; Pencil/Ink Eraser ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick; 2 pk Stickys; Pencil/Ink Eraser ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct / Pencils 10 ct ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct / Pencils 10 ct ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) $1.19 w/o card - $0.49
- Use $6.89 ECB
Get 7.44 ECB back
Total OOP = $0.55
Trans #2
Blink Tears 0.5 oz or Gel Tears 0.34 oz ($7.99 ecb) - $7.99
Caliber/CVS 1 subject Notebk 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $1.50 off Blink Tears/Gel
-Use $7.44 ECB
Get 8.98 ECB back
Total OOP = $0.04
Trans #3
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10 ecb) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Airwick Scented Oil Refill 2/$6 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $3.00
- Use (4) $2.50 off Electrasol
- Use $1.00 off Airwick Refill
- Use $8.98 ECB
Get $10 ECB
Total OOP = $1.02
Trans #4
Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $4.50
Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $4.50
Listerine (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $3.00
Caliber/CVS Notebook 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $0.50 off Listerine
-Use (2) $1.00 Benadryl
-Use $10.00 ECB
Get $5.99 ECB
Total OOP = $0.49
Trans #5
Softsoap Nutriserum ($4 ecb) - $4.99
Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
FILLER? (Possible other ECB item?)
-Use $2.00 off Softsoap or Irish Spring Bodywash
-Use $5.99 ECB
Get $6.99 ECB
Total OOP = $0.49
MY Grand Plan.... (we shall see how it goes)
Trans #1
CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick; 2 pk Stickys; Pencil/Ink Eraser ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber 3 pk Glue Stick; 2 pk Stickys; Pencil/Ink Eraser ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct / Pencils 10 ct ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
CVS/Caliber ballpoint pens 20 ct / Pencils 10 ct ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
2-pocket Portfolio ($.49 ecb) $1.19 w/o card - $0.49
- Use $6.89 ECB
Get 7.44 ECB back
Total OOP = $0.55
Trans #2
Blink Tears 0.5 oz or Gel Tears 0.34 oz ($7.99 ecb) - $7.99
Caliber/CVS 1 subject Notebk 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $1.50 off Blink Tears/Gel
-Use $7.44 ECB
Get 8.98 ECB back
Total OOP = $0.04
Trans #3
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10 ecb) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Electrasol 2/$9 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $4.50
Airwick Scented Oil Refill 2/$6 (Buy $20 / Get $10) - $3.00
- Use (4) $2.50 off Electrasol
- Use $1.00 off Airwick Refill
- Use $8.98 ECB
Get $10 ECB
Total OOP = $1.02
Trans #4
Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $4.50
Benadryl-D (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $4.50
Listerine (Spend $10 / Get $5) - $3.00
Caliber/CVS Notebook 70-80 sheets ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
-Use $0.50 off Listerine
-Use (2) $1.00 Benadryl
-Use $10.00 ECB
Get $5.99 ECB
Total OOP = $0.49
Trans #5
Softsoap Nutriserum ($4 ecb) - $4.99
Caliber/It's Academic 5" Scissors ($2.99 ecb) - $2.99
FILLER? (Possible other ECB item?)
-Use $2.00 off Softsoap or Irish Spring Bodywash
-Use $5.99 ECB
Get $6.99 ECB
Total OOP = $0.49
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Couponing Question: When to make a fuss or not
It's only Sunday and there are already about 130+ comments on the CVS post on Southern Savers, SEVERAL of which deal with the Kashi promo that I had trouble with... based on what I'm reading, those TLC Honey Almond bars I got last night should have rung up as part of the deal. Hmmmph.
Here's the funny thing: on our way out for the day's adventures I got DH to stop at another CVS so I could run in to grab some drinks for us AND.... another box of Kashi cereal (since I knew that worked). THIS store in Maryville didn't have the ECB signs up on the Kashi products either. Is this a coupon conspiracy of some sort? It just seems weird that those tags wouldn't be up.
So, I now HAVE my ECBs b/c the cereal triggered them, but I'm debating taking those Honey Almond bars back to my usual CVS for a refund. It's not so much that it's a lot of extra money, but that a deal that should have worked did not.
I've had the same question when it comes to shopping at Walmart. Normally, I only go to Walmart if there's an especially long and appealing list of cheap/free stuff, and I normally NEVER go when it's super busy. But, on 2 consecutive shopping/couponing trips to Walmart I went when it was fairly busy (once on a Saturday afternoon -- yeah, never again!)... and on both of those I got over charged.
On the first trip the cashier rang up an extra Mac and Cheese and forgot to scan a coupon or 2. Okay. No big deal. On the second, the cashier double rang up a couple of items putting me $4 over where I should've been. For both of these, I didn't notice until I was already home and it would've been rather difficult to take those receipts back to the store to prove I didn't actually get those items.
So, I guess my question is: When you're saving sooo much on any one trip and others, at what point do you make a fuss over being incorrectly charged or a coupon not being rung up, etc? When is it worth it? Just curious.
Here's the funny thing: on our way out for the day's adventures I got DH to stop at another CVS so I could run in to grab some drinks for us AND.... another box of Kashi cereal (since I knew that worked). THIS store in Maryville didn't have the ECB signs up on the Kashi products either. Is this a coupon conspiracy of some sort? It just seems weird that those tags wouldn't be up.
So, I now HAVE my ECBs b/c the cereal triggered them, but I'm debating taking those Honey Almond bars back to my usual CVS for a refund. It's not so much that it's a lot of extra money, but that a deal that should have worked did not.
I've had the same question when it comes to shopping at Walmart. Normally, I only go to Walmart if there's an especially long and appealing list of cheap/free stuff, and I normally NEVER go when it's super busy. But, on 2 consecutive shopping/couponing trips to Walmart I went when it was fairly busy (once on a Saturday afternoon -- yeah, never again!)... and on both of those I got over charged.
On the first trip the cashier rang up an extra Mac and Cheese and forgot to scan a coupon or 2. Okay. No big deal. On the second, the cashier double rang up a couple of items putting me $4 over where I should've been. For both of these, I didn't notice until I was already home and it would've been rather difficult to take those receipts back to the store to prove I didn't actually get those items.
So, I guess my question is: When you're saving sooo much on any one trip and others, at what point do you make a fuss over being incorrectly charged or a coupon not being rung up, etc? When is it worth it? Just curious.
CVS - Week of 7/26... No ECB sales tags finally burns me
I didn't get a chance to post up the deals from CVS for the week but I can tell you that I followed Jenny's plan at Southern Savers again ALMOST to a tee. I actually just got back and I'm now convinced that midnight Saturday shopping is a MUST with these 3-day only school supply sales. Sheesh. I’m not sure if they had not stocked their shelves yet but already I got the last 2 eraser packs and index card cases. Still, I managed to get all the school supply deals which was great.
I did run into a few small issues... The Neutrogena stuff was listed somewhere as starting at $3.49 and Jenny's plan gives a $6 pricepoint. My CVS also only had $7.99 cosmetics as the cheapest Neutrogena item. No biggie, I got two lip glosses essentially free. I also had that $25 prescription transfer gift card so I put any transaction amount owed over $2 on that.
Also, I got there closer to 12:30ish this time and they were JUST starting to do the ECB tags but I still had to hunt for most everything using my list as I usually have to. I figured this method would burn me eventually (just a little) and it did.
Can’t complain; on my 2nd trans the cashier actually allowed me to end up with a NEGATIVE $0.04 balance…? And I paid for the 1st and 3rd transactions with my $25 prescrip transfer gift card (total spent abt $9). Read on... Here are my transactions:
Trans #1
(1) Colgate Total Advanced Toothpase ($2 ECB) - $2.88
(2) Caliber Composition Bks 100 shts ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
(2) Caliber/CVS Erasers 7-15 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
(2) Neutrogena Cosmetic (3.49-14.99) BOGO - $7.99 ea
Use
-$4.00 ECB
-$1.00 of Colgate Total
-$3.00/1 Neutrogena Cosmetic
-$3.00/1 Neutrogena Cosmetic
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.21
Pay with Precription Transfer Gift Card!
Get 5.96 ECB back
Trans #2
(4) Bic Triumph Pens 2-4 pk BOGO - $3.99 ea
(2) Caliber Pencil Case or Index Card Case ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
(2) Pilot Easytouch Pens, 2 pk ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
(2) Tot Swingline Stapler or Caliber Sticky Notes 2 pk ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
Use
-$5.96 ECB
-(4) $2.00/1 Bic Triumph Pens
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.25
Get 5.94 ECB back
Ok, here's where I went wrong. On my last trans I did the Kashi deal and tampons. I got home and saw that I had snagged a box of GoLean cereal, TLC bars, and a box of honey almond bars that was right next to the TLC bars. But the Honey Almonds aren’t part of the deal! They rang up for $4.69. I was frankly pretty tired and just wanted to get in, get out so I didn't question it or check my ECBs at the register.
Trans #3
(1) Kashi GoLean Cereal 3/$10 (Get $5 ecb wyb $10) - $3.33
(1) Kashi TLC Bars 3/$10 (Get $5 ecb wyb $10) - $3.33
(1) Kashi Honey Almond Bars - $4.69
(1) CVS Tampons ($1.89 ecb) - $1.89
Use
-$5.94 ECB
-(3) $1.50 any Kashi product
Total OOP w/ tax: $3.87
Pay with Precription Transfer Gift Card!
Get $1.89 ECB
Obviously, I'll have to go back this week to get one more Kashi product that qualifies in order to get my $5 ecb. At least I have that gift card!
I did run into a few small issues... The Neutrogena stuff was listed somewhere as starting at $3.49 and Jenny's plan gives a $6 pricepoint. My CVS also only had $7.99 cosmetics as the cheapest Neutrogena item. No biggie, I got two lip glosses essentially free. I also had that $25 prescription transfer gift card so I put any transaction amount owed over $2 on that.
Also, I got there closer to 12:30ish this time and they were JUST starting to do the ECB tags but I still had to hunt for most everything using my list as I usually have to. I figured this method would burn me eventually (just a little) and it did.
Can’t complain; on my 2nd trans the cashier actually allowed me to end up with a NEGATIVE $0.04 balance…? And I paid for the 1st and 3rd transactions with my $25 prescrip transfer gift card (total spent abt $9). Read on... Here are my transactions:
Trans #1
(1) Colgate Total Advanced Toothpase ($2 ECB) - $2.88
(2) Caliber Composition Bks 100 shts ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
(2) Caliber/CVS Erasers 7-15 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
(2) Neutrogena Cosmetic (3.49-14.99) BOGO - $7.99 ea
Use
-$4.00 ECB
-$1.00 of Colgate Total
-$3.00/1 Neutrogena Cosmetic
-$3.00/1 Neutrogena Cosmetic
Total OOP w/ tax: $5.21
Pay with Precription Transfer Gift Card!
Get 5.96 ECB back
Trans #2
(4) Bic Triumph Pens 2-4 pk BOGO - $3.99 ea
(2) Caliber Pencil Case or Index Card Case ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
(2) Pilot Easytouch Pens, 2 pk ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
(2) Tot Swingline Stapler or Caliber Sticky Notes 2 pk ($.99 ecb) - $0.99
Use
-$5.96 ECB
-(4) $2.00/1 Bic Triumph Pens
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.25
Get 5.94 ECB back
Ok, here's where I went wrong. On my last trans I did the Kashi deal and tampons. I got home and saw that I had snagged a box of GoLean cereal, TLC bars, and a box of honey almond bars that was right next to the TLC bars. But the Honey Almonds aren’t part of the deal! They rang up for $4.69. I was frankly pretty tired and just wanted to get in, get out so I didn't question it or check my ECBs at the register.
Trans #3
(1) Kashi GoLean Cereal 3/$10 (Get $5 ecb wyb $10) - $3.33
(1) Kashi TLC Bars 3/$10 (Get $5 ecb wyb $10) - $3.33
(1) Kashi Honey Almond Bars - $4.69
(1) CVS Tampons ($1.89 ecb) - $1.89
Use
-$5.94 ECB
-(3) $1.50 any Kashi product
Total OOP w/ tax: $3.87
Pay with Precription Transfer Gift Card!
Get $1.89 ECB
Obviously, I'll have to go back this week to get one more Kashi product that qualifies in order to get my $5 ecb. At least I have that gift card!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
CVS Prescription Transfer rewards and upcoming weeks...
Okay, so maybe I'm behind the curve on this but I just got into following the site "i heart cvs", and WOW. I had no idea that they got the sales flyers complete with ECBs so far ahead of schedule! I was wondering how other blogs I followed were able to post up about getting your hands on coupons for one thing or another that was GOING to be on sale at CVS in a couple of weeks.... I guess I just figured they had a serious "in" with a store manager, LOL.
The reason that this discovery is so perfectly timed is because I took advantage of something that made up for the mild hassle of Ingles shopping; I transferred a prescription to my local CVS and got to take advantage of the $25 gift card reward! Shortly after I signed up for my CVS card AND registerred it online, I got a mailing with 2 coupons for $25 each, one for any prescription transferred. So I went over there the other day and moved one from Walgreens. It made more sense since I moved it to the 24 hr CVS I always shop at now, plus it's just around the corner from our house.
Supposedly many pharmacies do this sort of program and many will also honor competitors' offers and coupons for the same thing, although I've read varying reports on which stores will and won't. My CVS has a big sign up that says they will take competitors' offers, at least.
The great thing is that I can take this $25 card and use that to pay for my Out-of-Pocket charges for the next couple of weeks of rolling ECBs! There is a $2 minimum charge rule, so maybe I'll save it for when I really want a big ECB deal (one of those Buy $20, Get $10) or when I've got very few ECBs to start with. I'll be starting this week with $4 ECBs.
Waiting on the full matchups from Southern Savers for CVS but I know there will be another set of free school supplies to take advantage of... More stuff to donate to my girlfriend who teaches at a fairly low-income middle school. After THAT, the week of 8/2 is looking REALLY good, so says Jennifer at Coupon Mommie and a few others. The sales flyer states that there's going to be well over $100 in ECBs to be had that week, including the Electrasol/Lysol/Airwick deal, Blink Tear Gel (my contacts will be grateful), Cheezits, Pepsi, Head & Shoulders AND Pantene, and another deal including Johnson & Johnson products (Benadryl D is on that list and that's EXACTLY what my gift card may go toward... I hate fall allergies!).
I may seriously lose my little coupon mind. :-)
The reason that this discovery is so perfectly timed is because I took advantage of something that made up for the mild hassle of Ingles shopping; I transferred a prescription to my local CVS and got to take advantage of the $25 gift card reward! Shortly after I signed up for my CVS card AND registerred it online, I got a mailing with 2 coupons for $25 each, one for any prescription transferred. So I went over there the other day and moved one from Walgreens. It made more sense since I moved it to the 24 hr CVS I always shop at now, plus it's just around the corner from our house.
Supposedly many pharmacies do this sort of program and many will also honor competitors' offers and coupons for the same thing, although I've read varying reports on which stores will and won't. My CVS has a big sign up that says they will take competitors' offers, at least.
The great thing is that I can take this $25 card and use that to pay for my Out-of-Pocket charges for the next couple of weeks of rolling ECBs! There is a $2 minimum charge rule, so maybe I'll save it for when I really want a big ECB deal (one of those Buy $20, Get $10) or when I've got very few ECBs to start with. I'll be starting this week with $4 ECBs.
Waiting on the full matchups from Southern Savers for CVS but I know there will be another set of free school supplies to take advantage of... More stuff to donate to my girlfriend who teaches at a fairly low-income middle school. After THAT, the week of 8/2 is looking REALLY good, so says Jennifer at Coupon Mommie and a few others. The sales flyer states that there's going to be well over $100 in ECBs to be had that week, including the Electrasol/Lysol/Airwick deal, Blink Tear Gel (my contacts will be grateful), Cheezits, Pepsi, Head & Shoulders AND Pantene, and another deal including Johnson & Johnson products (Benadryl D is on that list and that's EXACTLY what my gift card may go toward... I hate fall allergies!).
I may seriously lose my little coupon mind. :-)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
CVS - A few changes to the plan this week
What's that thing they always say about the "best laid plans"? Well, they have a point. Things don't always go the way you'd like. We had some unexpected company on Saturday evening and by the time they left I was in no mood to drag myself to CVS. I wasn't feeling too hot today, so I finally got out to one before dinner this eve. I ended up hitting my 2 closest stores (one regular, one 24-hour) and the first one was out of the binders, pencils, and memo books. So I did this:
Trans #1
(2) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00
(2) Papermate 1.2 Pens 10 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
Filler Item: Thyme Leaves (Clearance) - $0.50
Use $6 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $0.52
Get 5.98 ECB back
I debated doing the Bandaids/Neosporin/Johnson&Johnson deal next, but the only thing I could find that was $2.99 (where their prices started) was the J&J cloth first aid tape. I put 4 of the cloth tapes in my basket... then took them out. We just DON'T use that much medical tape (thank goodness)! The bandaids and Neosporin were all in the $3.29-$5.00+ range and I couldn't come up with a scenario I liked. And I wanted to still try to score the free school supplies. So I headed to my 2nd CVS; they had the binders! But no pencils or memo books. Like I said, I was still feeling cruddy and just wanted to get home to make dinner so with the binders in hand, I did these...
Trans #2
(2) 1" Vinyl Binder ($3 ECB) - $3.00
Use $5.98 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $0.58
Get $6 ECB (still have another $2 from last week for a total of $8 ECB)
Trans #3 (I decided to get some things we WOULD use)
(1) Neosporin w/ Pain Relief - $5.69
(1) Bandaids w/ Antibiotic (Mixed Size) - $4.49
Use
-$0.50 off any Bandaids
-$1.00 off any Neosporin printable
-$8 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.44
Get $5 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Speed Stick Pro 2.7 oz Deodorant ($2 ECB ea) - $2.99
(1) Filler: Swanson Chicken Broth - $1.49 (b/c I was making soup that night)
(1) Cheezits Travel Box - $1.00 (I could've found another 50-cent filler but hubby likes these and the box was a cute travel size)
Use
-(2) $1.50 off any Speed Stick printable
-$5 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.21
So, ALTOGETHER, with CVS "sale" savings, I got $40.87 in items for $3.75 out of my pocket. I also have $4 ECB from the Speed Sticks for the next week. I doubt I will go chase down the pencils and memo books at this point; I still have all the supplies from last week and it should make for a nice little "gift" bag of supplies for my teacher friend.
Trans #1
(2) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00
(2) Papermate 1.2 Pens 10 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99
Filler Item: Thyme Leaves (Clearance) - $0.50
Use $6 ECB
Total OOP w/ Tax: $0.52
Get 5.98 ECB back
I debated doing the Bandaids/Neosporin/Johnson&Johnson deal next, but the only thing I could find that was $2.99 (where their prices started) was the J&J cloth first aid tape. I put 4 of the cloth tapes in my basket... then took them out. We just DON'T use that much medical tape (thank goodness)! The bandaids and Neosporin were all in the $3.29-$5.00+ range and I couldn't come up with a scenario I liked. And I wanted to still try to score the free school supplies. So I headed to my 2nd CVS; they had the binders! But no pencils or memo books. Like I said, I was still feeling cruddy and just wanted to get home to make dinner so with the binders in hand, I did these...
Trans #2
(2) 1" Vinyl Binder ($3 ECB) - $3.00
Use $5.98 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $0.58
Get $6 ECB (still have another $2 from last week for a total of $8 ECB)
Trans #3 (I decided to get some things we WOULD use)
(1) Neosporin w/ Pain Relief - $5.69
(1) Bandaids w/ Antibiotic (Mixed Size) - $4.49
Use
-$0.50 off any Bandaids
-$1.00 off any Neosporin printable
-$8 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.44
Get $5 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Speed Stick Pro 2.7 oz Deodorant ($2 ECB ea) - $2.99
(1) Filler: Swanson Chicken Broth - $1.49 (b/c I was making soup that night)
(1) Cheezits Travel Box - $1.00 (I could've found another 50-cent filler but hubby likes these and the box was a cute travel size)
Use
-(2) $1.50 off any Speed Stick printable
-$5 ECB
Total OOP w/ tax: $1.21
So, ALTOGETHER, with CVS "sale" savings, I got $40.87 in items for $3.75 out of my pocket. I also have $4 ECB from the Speed Sticks for the next week. I doubt I will go chase down the pencils and memo books at this point; I still have all the supplies from last week and it should make for a nice little "gift" bag of supplies for my teacher friend.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
CVS - Week of 7/19... And the Newbie becomes a Teacher?
I'll try to make this quick as I have a younger friend coming by who wishes to learn "The Way of the Coupon". I'm not sure if I'm fully experienced and equipped to teach her, but I'm planning to show her around a couple of websites, help her make a list and go take advantage of Kroger's Mega Sale tonight!
As for my own couponing adventures, it's looking like another great week at CVS for free school supplies! We can use 1-2 items around the house here, but otherwise I'll be donating it to a friend who teaches middle school. I'll be going off of Jenny's basic Grand Plan over at Southern Savers, with a few twists b/c she's starting the week with $5 ECB. I'm starting with $8 thanks to the Pepsis I sprung for last week for the spouse.
Trans #1
(1) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00 ea
(2) 1" Vinyl Binder ($3 ECB / 3.49 w/o carD) - $3.00 ea
Use $8 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Get $8 ECB back
Trans #2
(1) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00 ea
(2) Papermate 1.2 Pens 10 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99 ea
(2) Caliber/CVS Pencils #2, 24 ct ($1.99 ECB) - $1.99 ea
Filler item - $0.05 to $0.99
Use $8 ECB
Total OOP - $0.01-$1.00 (roughly)
Get $7.96 ECB back
Trans #3
(4) Neosporin/Bandaid/J&J Red Cross - $2.99 ea
Use
-$1.00 off Neosporin or $1.00 off Red Cross or $0.50 off Bandaid
-$7.96 ECB
Total OOP - $0.00 to ... ??? (Should be under $2.00)
Get $5 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Speed Stick Pro 2.7 oz Deodorant ($2 ECB) - $2.99 ea
(2) Caliber/CVS Memo Book 50-80 pg ($.99 ECB) - $0.99 ea
Filler item - $0.05 to $0.99
Use
-(2) $1.50 off Speed Stick IPs
-$5 ECB
Total OOP - Under $1.00???
Get back $6 ECB for next week
This should result in about $43 in items for under $5.00. I'll be going out at midnight to make sure I score the school supplies that seem to run out so fast, so wish me luck!
As for my own couponing adventures, it's looking like another great week at CVS for free school supplies! We can use 1-2 items around the house here, but otherwise I'll be donating it to a friend who teaches middle school. I'll be going off of Jenny's basic Grand Plan over at Southern Savers, with a few twists b/c she's starting the week with $5 ECB. I'm starting with $8 thanks to the Pepsis I sprung for last week for the spouse.
Trans #1
(1) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00 ea
(2) 1" Vinyl Binder ($3 ECB / 3.49 w/o carD) - $3.00 ea
Use $8 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Get $8 ECB back
Trans #2
(1) Caliber/CVS Filler Paper 150 sheets ($2 ECB) - $2.00 ea
(2) Papermate 1.2 Pens 10 ct ($.99 ECB) - $0.99 ea
(2) Caliber/CVS Pencils #2, 24 ct ($1.99 ECB) - $1.99 ea
Filler item - $0.05 to $0.99
Use $8 ECB
Total OOP - $0.01-$1.00 (roughly)
Get $7.96 ECB back
Trans #3
(4) Neosporin/Bandaid/J&J Red Cross - $2.99 ea
Use
-$1.00 off Neosporin or $1.00 off Red Cross or $0.50 off Bandaid
-$7.96 ECB
Total OOP - $0.00 to ... ??? (Should be under $2.00)
Get $5 ECB
Trans #4
(2) Speed Stick Pro 2.7 oz Deodorant ($2 ECB) - $2.99 ea
(2) Caliber/CVS Memo Book 50-80 pg ($.99 ECB) - $0.99 ea
Filler item - $0.05 to $0.99
Use
-(2) $1.50 off Speed Stick IPs
-$5 ECB
Total OOP - Under $1.00???
Get back $6 ECB for next week
This should result in about $43 in items for under $5.00. I'll be going out at midnight to make sure I score the school supplies that seem to run out so fast, so wish me luck!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
CVS Success! With a tweak here & there...
YES! Just got back from my 2nd CVS trip having completed all of my deals for the week. There were a few changes and last minute purchases, but overall I think I did pretty great. I'm also really thrilled with myself for finally learning to do the multiple transaction thing. Both the cashier at midnight last night and this morning were perfectly pleasant and fine with it (yeah, I did go back TWICE, but that's partially because I was waiting on our Sunday paper to get a coupon I needed to finish off the round).
Random scary/funny story: I asked the midnight cashier about the robbery they'd had several weeks back (someone walked up to the pharmacy demanding Oxycontin -- surprise, surprise) and if she was working. She said, no, she was off that night, but they had been robbed again just LAST night (Friday eve)! Here's the funny part: the thief only got away with $122 from the cashier, but he didn't even get that far with that amount. He went out the back door by the Pharmacy... right into a couple of squad cars who were passing through! I was just glad to hear everyone was unharmed and that it got resolved quickly. It really makes you want to be extra nice to the people who work the counters after midnight; they take on more risk than just a messed up sleep schedule.
Anyway, onto my deals... The midnight trip was to round up the school supplies in the first 3 transactions I posted below. I had a feeling these would go fast and I was right; by this morning most of them were GONE. One thing that may be working in my favor is that my 24 hr CVS does not put up the sale tags until early early Sunday morning. I managed to make some good guesses and get all the right items, but from now on I think I'll take printed pics from the ad scan with me just in case. NOTE: These are all after tax
Trans #1
(2) CVS 1 Subject Notebook - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(3) Papermate Grip Pens - $.99 ea (earn $2.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $5 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Trans #2
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Glue - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #3
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Ruler - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.05
HERE'S what I did Sunday morning... A few curveballs: I only had ONE of the $2 coupons left for the Tylenol Arthritis, so I printed off (2) of the $1/off any Tylenol. I did NOT see the $1/off Scott Towels or Tissue in todays inserts but I wasn't going to get upset over an extra $1. Also, my dear spouse indicated that he was out of Pepsi cans. (For those unaware this has the potential to lead to nuclear caffeine meltdowns of seismic proportions.)
I also decided to ditch the Photo Book deal b/c I didn't realize you had to bring IN photos to create it right there (I thought it was just a little scrapbook-y album type thing). A nice idea, but I didn't have time. So...
Trans #4
(1) Gillette Fusion Razor - $7.99 (earn $4 ECB)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
USE $4/off Gillette Fusion
USE $2/off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP with tax = $1.66
Trans #5
(1) Tylenol 8-hour - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB) (LAST one!!!)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
(1) Scott Towels - $5.49
(4) Pepsi 12 Packs - 4/$12.00 (earn $2 ECB - How conveniant!)
USE $1/off Tylenol IP
USE $1/off Tylenol IP
Use $2/off Scott Mega Rolls 4-pack (ok, I had put this in my pile last night thinking that was the right coupon, then checked the post this am and realized it wasn't... but forgot to yank it; NOT something you should do but this was an honest "oops" and I'd have been fine if they hadn't taken it)
USE $7 ECB
Total OOP - $16.04 (kill me!)
TOTAL ECB for next week - $8.00
So, altogether, I got $57.49 of items for about $17.00. That's not too bad considering that I paid about what we normally do for the Pepsis, and they were the majority of that OOP cost. ORRRR... If you want to factor in the "CVS Sale Savings", I got $83.77 in products for $17.82! That's an average 79% savings. How are you doing this week?
Random scary/funny story: I asked the midnight cashier about the robbery they'd had several weeks back (someone walked up to the pharmacy demanding Oxycontin -- surprise, surprise) and if she was working. She said, no, she was off that night, but they had been robbed again just LAST night (Friday eve)! Here's the funny part: the thief only got away with $122 from the cashier, but he didn't even get that far with that amount. He went out the back door by the Pharmacy... right into a couple of squad cars who were passing through! I was just glad to hear everyone was unharmed and that it got resolved quickly. It really makes you want to be extra nice to the people who work the counters after midnight; they take on more risk than just a messed up sleep schedule.
Anyway, onto my deals... The midnight trip was to round up the school supplies in the first 3 transactions I posted below. I had a feeling these would go fast and I was right; by this morning most of them were GONE. One thing that may be working in my favor is that my 24 hr CVS does not put up the sale tags until early early Sunday morning. I managed to make some good guesses and get all the right items, but from now on I think I'll take printed pics from the ad scan with me just in case. NOTE: These are all after tax
Trans #1
(2) CVS 1 Subject Notebook - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(3) Papermate Grip Pens - $.99 ea (earn $2.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $5 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Trans #2
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Glue - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #3
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Ruler - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.05
HERE'S what I did Sunday morning... A few curveballs: I only had ONE of the $2 coupons left for the Tylenol Arthritis, so I printed off (2) of the $1/off any Tylenol. I did NOT see the $1/off Scott Towels or Tissue in todays inserts but I wasn't going to get upset over an extra $1. Also, my dear spouse indicated that he was out of Pepsi cans. (For those unaware this has the potential to lead to nuclear caffeine meltdowns of seismic proportions.)
I also decided to ditch the Photo Book deal b/c I didn't realize you had to bring IN photos to create it right there (I thought it was just a little scrapbook-y album type thing). A nice idea, but I didn't have time. So...
Trans #4
(1) Gillette Fusion Razor - $7.99 (earn $4 ECB)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
USE $4/off Gillette Fusion
USE $2/off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP with tax = $1.66
Trans #5
(1) Tylenol 8-hour - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB) (LAST one!!!)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
(1) Scott Towels - $5.49
(4) Pepsi 12 Packs - 4/$12.00 (earn $2 ECB - How conveniant!)
USE $1/off Tylenol IP
USE $1/off Tylenol IP
Use $2/off Scott Mega Rolls 4-pack (ok, I had put this in my pile last night thinking that was the right coupon, then checked the post this am and realized it wasn't... but forgot to yank it; NOT something you should do but this was an honest "oops" and I'd have been fine if they hadn't taken it)
USE $7 ECB
Total OOP - $16.04 (kill me!)
TOTAL ECB for next week - $8.00
So, altogether, I got $57.49 of items for about $17.00. That's not too bad considering that I paid about what we normally do for the Pepsis, and they were the majority of that OOP cost. ORRRR... If you want to factor in the "CVS Sale Savings", I got $83.77 in products for $17.82! That's an average 79% savings. How are you doing this week?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
CVS Deals - Week of 7/12
If you haven't checked it out already, go visit Jenny here over at Southern Savers to see her deals for this week at CVS (aka "The Goldmine").
Once again it is looking like a GREAT week at CVS with tons of possible free or cheap stuff! I'm going to do my best to follow Jenny's "Grand Plan" at the bottom of the list to get about $54 in products for only $4 out of my pocket (plus tax). Just like her, I'm starting the week with $5 ECB, so even true newbies can get in on this one by shelling out an extra $5.
Trans #1
(2) CVS 1 Subject Notebook - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(3) Papermate Grip Pens - $.99 ea (earn $2.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $5 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Trans #2
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Glue - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #3
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Ruler - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #4
(1) Gillette Fusion Razor - $7.99 (earn $4 ECB)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
USE $4/off Gillette Fusion
USE $2/off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $1.03
Trans #5
(1) CVS Photo Book - $7.99 (earn $7.99 ECB)
USE $7 ECB
Total OOP = $.99
Trans #6
(2) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 ea (earn total $6 ECB for next week)
(1) Scott 12 Roll Bath Tissue - $6.99
USE (2) $2/Off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $1/off Scott Tissue
USE $7.99 ECB
Total OOP = $1.98
The only issue is that I may not have 3 of the $2 coupons for Tylenol and if so, I'll have to rearrange a bit there but I'll worry about it when I get through the first 3-4 transactions.
There are a LOT of school supplies that are only on sale Sunday through Tuesday and are FREE after ECBs. That tends to make them go fast so I'll be hitting my 24 hour CVS at midnight. One thing I think I WILL try tonight... multiple transactions at one store. I'm not sure if it'll work b/c the midnight clerk at my local 24 CVS is... well, he's not exactly personable. Let's just put it that way. Also, that CVS got robbed about 2 weeks ago around 4am on a Sunday so I'm thinking that the whole store is probably still on edge. Anyway, I usually just hit a round of CVS stores over 2-3 days, but I'm thinking it'll be easier if I can just separate them out at one. Wish me luck!
Once again it is looking like a GREAT week at CVS with tons of possible free or cheap stuff! I'm going to do my best to follow Jenny's "Grand Plan" at the bottom of the list to get about $54 in products for only $4 out of my pocket (plus tax). Just like her, I'm starting the week with $5 ECB, so even true newbies can get in on this one by shelling out an extra $5.
Trans #1
(2) CVS 1 Subject Notebook - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(3) Papermate Grip Pens - $.99 ea (earn $2.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $5 ECB
Total OOP = $0.00
Trans #2
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Glue - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #3
(1) CVS Scissors - $2.99 (earn $2.99 ECB)
(2) CVS Ruler - $.99 ea (earn $1.98 total ECB)
(1) Portfolio 2 Pocket Folder - $.05 ea (filler item just to be safe)
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $0.07
Trans #4
(1) Gillette Fusion Razor - $7.99 (earn $4 ECB)
(1) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 (earn $3 ECB)
USE $4/off Gillette Fusion
USE $2/off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $4.95 ECB
Total OOP = $1.03
Trans #5
(1) CVS Photo Book - $7.99 (earn $7.99 ECB)
USE $7 ECB
Total OOP = $.99
Trans #6
(2) Tylenol Arthritis - $3.99 ea (earn total $6 ECB for next week)
(1) Scott 12 Roll Bath Tissue - $6.99
USE (2) $2/Off Tylenol Arthritis
USE $1/off Scott Tissue
USE $7.99 ECB
Total OOP = $1.98
The only issue is that I may not have 3 of the $2 coupons for Tylenol and if so, I'll have to rearrange a bit there but I'll worry about it when I get through the first 3-4 transactions.
There are a LOT of school supplies that are only on sale Sunday through Tuesday and are FREE after ECBs. That tends to make them go fast so I'll be hitting my 24 hour CVS at midnight. One thing I think I WILL try tonight... multiple transactions at one store. I'm not sure if it'll work b/c the midnight clerk at my local 24 CVS is... well, he's not exactly personable. Let's just put it that way. Also, that CVS got robbed about 2 weeks ago around 4am on a Sunday so I'm thinking that the whole store is probably still on edge. Anyway, I usually just hit a round of CVS stores over 2-3 days, but I'm thinking it'll be easier if I can just separate them out at one. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
One last CVS run, I swear!
Well, I tried something a bit new for today: purchasing items TOWARD a CVS deal in one transaction and then purchasing the rest in a totally different one. (Don't ask why I had never done this before... I was somehow under the misguided assumption that I HAD to - or it was best to - buy everything for one deal in one shot).
Since I had to head to Maryville this evening straight from work for dinner plans, I had a little time to kill. I also wanted to snag a card for my wonderful spouse for our anniversary. Lo and behold as I was driving around the mall perimeter: CVS!
I went in hoping to luck out on the Trail Mix cereal deal (buy 3/$10, use 3 coupons for $2 each, use $4-5 ECB and come out FREE having made $5 ECB)... but again, nothing but a big hole in the shelf space. This is the 4th CVS I've visited in 3 days. I'm giving up the ghost on that one.
Then I remembered the receipt that had the 3 Febreze items I'd bought yesterday; I was beyond the $10 minimum needed to earn the $5 ECB for that deal. Before coupons and everything, I had actually purchased 3 items for $14.50. So, I only needed to spend another $5.50 to reach the next $10 increment! I didn't have any more coupons on those, but I had $5 ECB from my last transaction... Eh, what's the difference if I roll $5 to get another $5? So I did this:
Bought:
2 Febreze Air Effects, $3.00 each
1 very cute and not-traditional sappy anniversary card, $.99 (before you judge, it WAS just a REALLY perfect card!)
Used:
$5 ECB
Total OOP before tax: $1.99
Get Back: $5 ECB
So, I now have gotten $37.94 in products and spent only about $4.23. One thing I love about CVS deals is that I save probably the most I have EVER saved on any individual transaction. I know, I know, it's a lot easier when you're doing relatively small and simple transactions compared to the ladies who get out of a grocery store having saved over $100 and spent under $10. But still! It's exciting to look at my spreadsheet and see that my savings percentages for these 4 CVS trips ranged from 72% to 93%. If you haven't tried CVS yet, this is still a great week to get in on it!
Since I had to head to Maryville this evening straight from work for dinner plans, I had a little time to kill. I also wanted to snag a card for my wonderful spouse for our anniversary. Lo and behold as I was driving around the mall perimeter: CVS!
I went in hoping to luck out on the Trail Mix cereal deal (buy 3/$10, use 3 coupons for $2 each, use $4-5 ECB and come out FREE having made $5 ECB)... but again, nothing but a big hole in the shelf space. This is the 4th CVS I've visited in 3 days. I'm giving up the ghost on that one.
Then I remembered the receipt that had the 3 Febreze items I'd bought yesterday; I was beyond the $10 minimum needed to earn the $5 ECB for that deal. Before coupons and everything, I had actually purchased 3 items for $14.50. So, I only needed to spend another $5.50 to reach the next $10 increment! I didn't have any more coupons on those, but I had $5 ECB from my last transaction... Eh, what's the difference if I roll $5 to get another $5? So I did this:
Bought:
2 Febreze Air Effects, $3.00 each
1 very cute and not-traditional sappy anniversary card, $.99 (before you judge, it WAS just a REALLY perfect card!)
Used:
$5 ECB
Total OOP before tax: $1.99
Get Back: $5 ECB
So, I now have gotten $37.94 in products and spent only about $4.23. One thing I love about CVS deals is that I save probably the most I have EVER saved on any individual transaction. I know, I know, it's a lot easier when you're doing relatively small and simple transactions compared to the ladies who get out of a grocery store having saved over $100 and spent under $10. But still! It's exciting to look at my spreadsheet and see that my savings percentages for these 4 CVS trips ranged from 72% to 93%. If you haven't tried CVS yet, this is still a great week to get in on it!
CVS Deals - Week of 7/5
The 4th was great but the really exciting thing this week is the HUGE amount of CVS deals and, more importantly, FREE stuff to be had with a small initial investment! If you're really new to CVS I highly suggest you check out Jenny's posts on how to get going over at Southern Savers. As she says in her how-to blog, CVS is a literal GOLD MINE... you just need to get in on a good week (which this is) so you can get started with a minimum OOP (out of pocket) cost and start rrrrrolling those ECBs (Extra Care Bucks).
Jenny has a fabulous grand plan for herself to get about $85 in products for only $1.50 (*bowing to her couponing greatness*) but she has also posted a good starter set of deals. I was only starting the week with $4.00 ECBs myself and didn't have the coupons for those glucose meters that seem to always be a moneymaker, so I chose to run the starter deals.
I did a midnight run on Saturday after a BBQ b/c I learned in just a few weeks that the REALLY good deals at CVS can run out of stock quick, especially when it's an item whose ECB pays for itself. I had planned to hit a few more on Sunday but we ended up heading to a movie with some Regal giftcards from Xmas. By the time we got out, all of the CVS's around were closing! I have to give credit to my very supportive & understanding spouse; he actually took a looong route home so we could try to hit any CVS that might be open.
Finally, I just had to rearrange my deals b/c I was NOT able to find the Trail Mix cereal anywhere, and it seemed like a couple of other deals were getting cleaned out quick (Febreze mostly). So here’s what I did between Sun/Mon (w/o sales tax):
Transaction 1
Buy:
($3) CVS Transparent Tape - $1.49 ea
Use:
-$4 ECB from last week
Total Due: $0.47
Get back $4.47 ECB ($1.49 for each Tape) / $2.00 ECB spring Savings (unexpected - yay!)
Transaction 2
Buy:
Febreze Noticeables Kit - $6.50
Febreze Fabric Refresher - $5.00
Febreze Air Effects - $3.00
Use:
-$4 Off Noticeables
-$.50 Off Fabric Refresher
-FREE Air Effects wyb Fabric Refresher
-$6.47 ECB
Total Due: $0.53
Get back $5 ECB ($5 ECB wyb $10 in Febreze)
Transaction 3
Buy:
Head & Shoulders - $4.99
Head & Shoulders - $4.99
Dawn Dish Soap - $1.00
Dawn Dish Soap - $1.00
Use:
-BOGO Head & Shoulders
-$.50 Off any Dawn
-$.25 Off any Dawn
-$5.00 ECB
Total Due: $1.24
Get back $5 ECB ($2 ECB for each H&S / $1 ECB wyb 2 Dawns)
Altogether I got $30 in products for $2.24 with $5 ECB for next week. It's not $85, nor is it the $60 I originally planned out but not too bad (though if I DO run across the Trail Mix cereal, I will do that deal with the Colgate as my last for the week... and that should bump my total back up to $60)! NOTE: Unfortunately, the CVS tape and Pencils/Sharpeners that were returning the full purchase price in ECBs were only Sunday/Monday deals. BUT, if you have the coupons for them, you can definitely get started using the Febreze scenario or the Head and Shoulders. Good luck!
Jenny has a fabulous grand plan for herself to get about $85 in products for only $1.50 (*bowing to her couponing greatness*) but she has also posted a good starter set of deals. I was only starting the week with $4.00 ECBs myself and didn't have the coupons for those glucose meters that seem to always be a moneymaker, so I chose to run the starter deals.
I did a midnight run on Saturday after a BBQ b/c I learned in just a few weeks that the REALLY good deals at CVS can run out of stock quick, especially when it's an item whose ECB pays for itself. I had planned to hit a few more on Sunday but we ended up heading to a movie with some Regal giftcards from Xmas. By the time we got out, all of the CVS's around were closing! I have to give credit to my very supportive & understanding spouse; he actually took a looong route home so we could try to hit any CVS that might be open.
Finally, I just had to rearrange my deals b/c I was NOT able to find the Trail Mix cereal anywhere, and it seemed like a couple of other deals were getting cleaned out quick (Febreze mostly). So here’s what I did between Sun/Mon (w/o sales tax):
Transaction 1
Buy:
($3) CVS Transparent Tape - $1.49 ea
Use:
-$4 ECB from last week
Total Due: $0.47
Get back $4.47 ECB ($1.49 for each Tape) / $2.00 ECB spring Savings (unexpected - yay!)
Transaction 2
Buy:
Febreze Noticeables Kit - $6.50
Febreze Fabric Refresher - $5.00
Febreze Air Effects - $3.00
Use:
-$4 Off Noticeables
-$.50 Off Fabric Refresher
-FREE Air Effects wyb Fabric Refresher
-$6.47 ECB
Total Due: $0.53
Get back $5 ECB ($5 ECB wyb $10 in Febreze)
Transaction 3
Buy:
Head & Shoulders - $4.99
Head & Shoulders - $4.99
Dawn Dish Soap - $1.00
Dawn Dish Soap - $1.00
Use:
-BOGO Head & Shoulders
-$.50 Off any Dawn
-$.25 Off any Dawn
-$5.00 ECB
Total Due: $1.24
Get back $5 ECB ($2 ECB for each H&S / $1 ECB wyb 2 Dawns)
Altogether I got $30 in products for $2.24 with $5 ECB for next week. It's not $85, nor is it the $60 I originally planned out but not too bad (though if I DO run across the Trail Mix cereal, I will do that deal with the Colgate as my last for the week... and that should bump my total back up to $60)! NOTE: Unfortunately, the CVS tape and Pencils/Sharpeners that were returning the full purchase price in ECBs were only Sunday/Monday deals. BUT, if you have the coupons for them, you can definitely get started using the Febreze scenario or the Head and Shoulders. Good luck!
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