More on playing the CVS game

A lot of people have asked me to teach them to shop at CVS.

A couple of days ago, I gave my first lesson!

Here is a recap:
1. Gather as many coupons as you can
2. Don't throw away your coupon inserts, you never know when you are going to need them!

Here is lesson 2: Click here to go to moneysavingmom and read CVS 101. This is where I learned! After you read the article I think you will be ready for some scenarios. I will post some newbie scenarios tonight or tomorrow. Get your coupons ready :)

CVS 8.31.08

This is a cheap one!!

1 Pantene shampoo $3.33
1 Pantene conditioner $3.33
1 Pantene conditioning treatment $3.33
1 Dawn utlra $0.88
1 CVS hand creme $1.49

Coupons:
-$1 Pantene August PG (expires today)
-$4.69 Pantene Septmember PG (The coupon was for a free treatment, the cashier took off the original price, not the sale price. This was LUCKY, most cashiers probablly won't do this)
-$2.00 CVS skincare
-$2 off $10
-$2.49 ECB

Total OOP $0.15
ECBs earned $2.00

Free secret deodorant

This is reported to be a FULL SIZE sample of Secret Clinical Strength Sport deodorant.

You will need to copy and paste the link: https://secretsport.safeprocessing.com/

Sign up quick, supply is limited!

****If you are having a hard time signing up for this, click here to be linked to mygoodcents who also has info about the freebie.

So you want to play the CVS game....

So some people have been asking for lessons on shopping at CVS, since I am a teacher, I figure I might as well put my skills to use.

The lessons are going to go real slow, since its my first week back to school and I'm super busy.

Tip #1 Gather a lot of coupons!!

I used to clip coupons each Sunday and then throw the insert away. To do well at CVS, you will need to KEEP your coupon inserts. You never know which coupons you will need each week, sometimes you might need a coupon that is a couple of months old. When I post a deal, I will tell you which insert it came from. A great way to keep your inserts organized is by DATING them. Immediately when you get your coupon inserts on Sunday, write the date on them on the front in marker. I keep mine in a magazine rack. I am still using coupons from inserts that came out in late May!! SO KEEP YOUR COUPON INSERTS UNTIL ALL COUPONS ARE EXPIRED.

Tip #2 Get more than one set of coupons each week!!

One way that I get a lot of coupons, is by subscribing to two papers. By doing this, each week I get a minimum of 2 copies of each insert. I pay around $40 a year for my two subscriptions by bargaining with the companies, threatening to cancel, etc. I receive the Sun daily and the LA Times just on Sunday. When I read my Sunday paper, I make sure that it is COMPLETE. If one of my papers is not complete, I call and ask for another one to be delivered to my house. For example, sometimes a coupon insert is missing, or sometimes the Target ad is missing. If something is missing, you can call your newspaper and request another copy which results in getting more sets of coupons.

Tip #3 More ways to get coupons!

Ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. for their coupons if they are not going to use them. I exchange coupon inserts with my grandma. My mom, dad and mother in law give me their coupons. A couple of people at work sometimes remember to give me their coupons. When you have a huge stockpile of something that you are not going to use, then make give away bags for the people who make your couponing possible, the people who give you coupons. This will help them "remember" to give you their coupons.

Ok, thats it for the first lesson. There will be another one tomorrow, and I'll post scenarios for you to use at CVS when the new ad comes out on Sunday.

OMG! Free gas!

Its not a lot of free gas, but you can click here to register and take a quiz to win a free $5 gas card. Who knows, you might even win more then $5.

Free Yesterday's News Cat Litter

Sign up here for a coupon for a free bag of Purina Yesterday's News Cat Litter. This is a 13.2 lb bag of cat litter for free!!

Another free Kotex sample

You might have already signed up for this gift pack on kotex.com or from WalMart, but now Walgreens is offering one and you can sign up again! Click here to sign up for the pack which includes 3 samples plus coupons.

Free load of laundry!!

Click here for a sample of Ultra Gain with Baking soda laundry detergent from WalMart. Pair this with the free fabric softener sample that I posted a few days ago and you truly will have a load of free laundry. Water down the samples and you can make it 2 or 3 loads (just kidding mom :)

CVS- lots of girly loot

2 Stayfree pads $9.00

1 Kotex liners $1.49

1 Playtex tampons $4.99

1 Zipfizz orange $5.99

2 Clean and Clear cleanser $1.98

1 Scotch Brite sponge $3.99 (not on sale, just needed them)

1 CVS antibacterial hand soap $1.99

1 CVS baby wipe $0.99 (filler)

1 CVS tissue pocket pack $0.33 (filler)

Coupons:

-0.50 scotch brite sponge 6/8 RP

-0.99 clean and clear 8/3 SS

-0.99 clean and clear 8/3 SS

-1.00 kotex 7/20 SS

-1.00 playtex 6/22 RP

-6.50 stayfree BOGO 6/29 RP(the cashier took off the maximum allowed and screwed me up causing me to need fillers)

-2.00 CVS skincare

-3.00 CVS coupon ($3 off $15, I finally got my first CVS email coupon)

-1.49 ecb

-3.00 ecb

-5.00 ecb

-5.79 ecb

Total OOP: $0.30

ECBs earned: $5 stayfree, $3 playtex, $1.49 kotex, $5.99 zipfizz

Total saved today $35.41

Awesome Lean Cuisine Coupon

I eat Lean Cuisine every day at work, and I have never found such a good coupon!!! This coupon is for $1 off 1 Lean Cuisine entree. Usually you have to buy 4 or 5 to get a $1 off so this is a really great find. After you print one, hit the back arrow and you can print one more. You can only print 2 per computer so if you need more than that, just use a different computer.

Click here or here for the coupon, you can get 2 from each link for a total of 4! By the way, my favorite Lean Cuisines are the Chicken in Peanut Sauce, Sesame Stir Fry with Chicken and Sesame Chicken. If you haven't tried these flavors, you should!

***Update: click here to have a coupon mailed to you!!

Purex fabric softener sample

I love an almost free load of laundry!! Sign up here for a free sample of Purex fabric softener. Due to overwhelming demand it may take 12 weeks, but I'm sure you'll still have laundry to do in 12 weeks.

Cascade sample

Walmart is offering a free sample of Cascade dishwasher soap and Mr. Clean magic eraser. Click here to sign up!

CVS 8.20.08

I'm having a bad week. So far, I've made two critical mistakes that I am really mad at myself about! Details below:

Transaction #1

1 Revlon lash fantasy $7.99

1 Puffs tissues $1.79

1 Puffs tissues free (they are BOGO this week)

Coupons:

-$2 off $10

-$0.25 puffs 8/3 p&g

-$0.25 puffs 8/3 p&g

-$2.00 Revlon 7/20 ss

-$5 ECB

Total OOP $0.50

ECBs earned $5.00
****Critical mistake 1: Revlon makeup is BOGO this week, I could have gotten something free for buying the mascara :(

Transaction #2
4 Crest Tartar ($1.77) each= $7.08
1 Crest Scope $3.29
1 CVS hand soap $1.69
1 Puffs tissues $1.79
1 Puffs tissues free (they are BOGO this week)

Coupons:
-$2 off $10
-$2 off CVS skincare
-$0.25 puffs 8/3 p&g
-$0.25 puffs 8/3 p&g
-5 coupons: $0.75 crest
-$5 ECB

Total OOP $1.24
ECBs earned $4.00
****lots of critical mistakes here! First, I forgot a $0.25 puffs coupon at home. Second, the crest scope was $1.77 on the shelf and rung up$3.29, and I didn't get an ECB for it, so I wasted an ECB when I spent $5. I usually like to get back what I spend or more in ECB's :( Oh well, my mind is somewhere else and I'm just going to CVS to feed my coupon addiction and we go through tissues like water at my house.

Transaction #3

1 Pantene shampoo $5.99

1 Puffs tissues $1.79

1 Puffs tissues free (they are BOGO this week)

1 CVS shaving cream $2.49

Coupons:

-$2 off $10

-$6 pantene (from facebook, coupon no longer available)

-$2 CVS skincare

Total OOP $0.77

ECBs earned $0

Summary for the week:

OOP: $2.51

ECB's earned: $9

ECB's spent: $10

Want to see more CVS savings? Visit the "Cents"ible Sawyer's CVS Superstars!

Free sample of Neutrogena face wash

Click here to sign up for a free sample of Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash. It is pink grapefruit flavored!

Scott Toilet Paper Sample

Who couldn't use a roll of free toilet paper?? Sign up here and Walmart will send you a free roll of Scott toilet paper.

More coupons!

Click here to get $27 worth of coupons from Proctor and Gamble including a coupon for a FREE Cascade rinse agent for your dishwasher. I tried to sign up yesterday, and I got a message saying that I had already signed up. I tried again today and it worked!! It asks you what TV station you saw the offer on, I just picked a random one because I didn't see it on TV.

Free sample of bounce

Click here to sign up for a free sample of bounce dryer sheets!

CVS- yay batteries!!

Transaction #1
1 Alavert $5.99
1 CVS Sunscreen $0.29
1 Lamisilk repair $9.99
1 Lamisilk hyrdate $8.29

Coupons:
-$2 off $10
-$2 CVS skincare
-$3.00 Lamisilk
-$3.00 Lamisilk
-$4.00 Alavert
-$10 ECB

Total OOP $1.38
ECBs earned $13.00

Transaction #2
4 Energizer AAA batteries $11.96
1 CVS Sunscreen $0.29

Coupons:
-$2 off $10
-$2 CVS skincare
-4 $1.00 Energizer
-$3.79 ECB

Total OOP $0.82
ECBs earned $0

Transaction #3
2 Dove candy bags $6.00
2 M&M candy bags $4.00
2 Energizer AA batteries $5.98
1 CVS paper towel $3.29
1 CVS Sunscreen $0.29
1 Orbit gum (filler) $1.19

Coupons:
-$2 off $10
-$2 CVS skincare
-2 $1.00 Energizer
-$1.50 M&M's
-1 $1.50 dove
-$10 ECB

Total OOP $0.25
ECBs earned $10.00

Summary for the week:
OOP: $2.45
ECB's earned: $23
ECB's spent: $23.79
My husband is going to be happy getting 20 batteries for $3.24 (OOP + $0.79 lost in ECBs), he likes batteries as much as I like coupons!!!

Want to see more CVS savings? Visit the "Cents"ible Sawyer's CVS Superstars!

Say no to Vons!!

Now Vons is changing their coupon policy to match the policy at Ralphs. They call it limited double coupons which means $1 coupons are not doubled, if a coupon is 75 cents it is raised to $1, if a coupon is 50 cents or less is still doubled. Vons reports that it needs to change the policy to keep prices down which is complete crap. I've been in line many times and observed that I am the only in sight using coupons and many customers aren't even using their Vons card (same observations at Ralphs) so when you top that with high prices, Vons is making tons of money.

This policy will start on August 20th and like Ralphs, Vons promises to "lower prices." Please boycott both of these stores, if for no other reason then their prices are outrageous!! Also please sign this petition. I'm not sure if it will do any good, but I'm still secretly hoping and praying that Ralphs will bring their policy back because sales have dropped so much for them since they stopped doubling coupons. If Vons changes their policy I think it might be the point of no return for both stores.

Sign up for $74 in coupons!!

Click here to fill out a 10 minute survey from Proctor and Gamble. After you fill out the survey, they will send you $74 in coupons. Let me know if the link doesn't work or try this one! This survey/coupon giveaway might not be around for long, get it done ASAP!!


I found this from freebies4mom, thanks Heather!

Rice Cake Freebie

Click here to get a free sample of Orville Redenbacher’s 100 Calorie Mini SmartCakes. You can choose carmel or cheddar.

CVS San Diego loot!!

I have been in San Diego this week at a conference and I just couldn't keep myself out of CVS! San Diego CVS employees probably can't wait for me to go home :)

Transaction #1
1 Dawn ultra $0.88
1 Colgate total $2.99
2 Pert plus $3.99 (BOGO)
2 Sure deodorant $2.69 (BOGO)
1 CVS hand soap $1.99

Coupons:
-$0.50 dawn
-$1.50 colgate
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 cvs skincare
-$2.69 sure coupon
-$1.50 ECB

Total OOP $1.05

ECBs earned $2.00

Transaction #2
1 Dawn ultra $0.88
1 Oral B toothbrush $2.49
2 Pert plus $3.99 (BOGO)
2 Sure deodorant $2.69 (BOGO)
1 CVS hand soap $1.99

Coupons:
-$0.50 dawn
-$1.00 oral b
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 cvs skincare
-$2.69 sure coupon
-$2.00 ECB

Total OOP $.47

ECBs earned $1.50

Transaction #3
1 Dawn ultra $0.88
1 Oral B toothbrush $2.49
2 Pert plus $3.99 (BOGO)
2 Sure deodorant $2.69 (BOGO)
1 CVS hand soap $1.99
2 Schick intuition $7.98 (raincheck from last week)

Coupons:
-$0.50 dawn
-$1.00 oral b
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 pert
-$2.00 cvs skincare
-$2.79 sure coupon
-$1.50 ECB
-$4.00 schick
-$4.00 schick

Total OOP $.98

ECBs earned $1.50

San Diego Summary: $2.50 OOP, $5.00 ECB earned

Want to see more CVS Savings?
Visit the "Cents"ible Sawyer's CVS Superstars!

Free Iams dog or cat food!!

Click here for a free sample of Iams Premium Protection cat or dog food. After I filled out the form, the website said that I would recieve a coupon in the mail (within a week!!) for a four week supply. It sounds like a little more than just a sample!!

****I just saw this food tonight at Target, so you'll be able to redeem your coupon there when you get it!!

Sorry, this deal must be over, I can't the link to work anymore :(

CVS 8.3.08

1 Dawn Ultra $0.88

1 Oral B Advantage toothbrush $2.49

1 Excedrin PM 24 count $3.79

2 Pert Plus $3.99 (BOGO)

1 CVS Aspirin $1.99

1 CVS Antibacterial Soap $1.99

Coupons:

- $0.50 Dawn

- $1.00 Oral B toothbrush

-$2.00 Excedrin coupon

-$2.00 Pert Plus

-$2.00 Pert Plus

-$1.99 CVS Aspirin (August gift)

-$2.00 CVS skincare coupon

-$3 ECB

Total OOP: 1.13

ECB's earned: $3.79 (Excedrin), $1.50 (Oral B)

Free Pampers Potty Training Kit

Get a free potty training kit from Pampers here.

This kit includes:
* A free sample of Easy Ups Trainers
* High-value coupons
* Fun stickers & coloring pages
* Step-by-step potty training tips
* Potty Progress Chart
* Dora or Diego training trophy

Target

2 Purina cat food $4.58
2 Solo paper plates $5.54
1 All laundry soap $3.79
2 Carefree $2.04
3 Buddies $2.82 (for my favorite friend Alexis :)
1 Comet (no coupon, just needed it)

Coupons:
-$2.29 purina
-$2.29 purina
-$2.00 solo
-$2.00 solo
-$1.50 target coupon all
-$1.00 manu coupon all
-$1.00 carefree
-$1.00 johnson's
-$1.00 johnson's
-$1.00 johnson's
-$5.00 target coupon on 5 Johnson's products

Total OOP $1.65

CVS

Transaction #1

1 Revlon eyeshadow $9.99
1 Shick intuition (bonus pack :) $3.99
3 Pledge dusters $2.61
1 CVS Antibacterial soap $1.99

Coupons:
-$1.00 pledge (I had more at home and forgot them :(
-$2.00 CVS skincare
-$2.00 revlon
-$3.99 schick
-$7.99 ECB

Total out of pocket $2.27. I don't usually like to pay this much OOP, but I really like the pledge dusters and I was completely out of them. If I hadn't of forgotten my coupons for them at home, my total would have been less than a dollar for tax, oh well, live and learn!

ECB's earned $9.99 (revlon)

Transaction #2

2 Maybelline mascaras $11.98

1 bandaid ultra $2.99

Coupons:

-$1 bandaid

-$1 maybelline

-$1 maybelline

-$1.98 ecb

-$9.99 ecb

Total OOP $0.24!!!

ECB's earned:

$10 (maybelline)

$2 (bandaid)

YAY, I rolled my ECB's!!!