This Week's CVS Deals

Okay, I have had LOTS of questions about couponing over the past few weeks. I would like to answers these and clarify a few points about 'my" couponing.

One of my favorite things about couponing is that it is fun! I have always liked to shop, but in recent years with money and time restraints I have found that shopping (especially grocery shopping) has become a burden. I hate to see the shampoo bottle empty becuase that used to mean that I would have to find a way to squeeze that into my shopping list. Couponing has given me freedom to buy things that I preciously would not have. It allows me to SAVE money on the things I NEED and therefore opens up opportunities for me to do things like SAVE, SHARE, and ENJOY the "extra" money.

Questions Answered...YES, it takes time. I try not to let the clipping, internet browsing, and list making take time away from the important stuff like Bible study, prayer time, family time, or dog training:) However, both Justin and I can see the benefits of devoting a little time each week to this savings.

YES, I have help. I often get people who already get Sunday papers to save their coupons for me AND I have my mom help a lot. She prints coupons and has "value" cards at the same places (like CVS) that I shop. When we work together we can save more and share in the benifits!

YES, you have to spend a little money to save money. But I work hard to plan and organize the trips so that I am spending the LEAST out-of-pocket cost (OPC) as possible for the maxium amounts of item. I will not spend more than my "normal" weekly budget for groceries...and

No, I do not stockplie. At least not like you see on TV. My rule is that if I (or someone in my immediate family) cannot use the item within the next Three Months...I won't buy it. It is pointless (IMO) to spend even a dollar if the item is not useful.

So, my mom made the first CVS trip of the week for me. CVS sales run from Sunday to Sunday. However, if you call the store you might find out that the computers are already set for the sale on Saturday evening. If this is the case...you can shop early.

This was our first "haul"...

This was split into three transactions. You have to plan based on the OPC and how much ECB you will get back. For all of this (plus two cans of peanuts) we spent $13.00 and left with $9 ECB to spend on our next trip! I was after the Dove body wash which has totally helped my skin. They were on sale for $6ea so we got ALL of these items for what I would have paid just for the body wash!!!

Today, I went in for ONE deal and realized that I had another money maker on my hands. I don't have a picture so I break down the items for you.

First I bought...

(4) Airwick Double pack Oil refills (which I used all over the house) for $5 each
used (4) $1/1 coupons
(3) Airwick Oil Warmer Units
used (3) Get on Free with purchase of refills coupon
My total was $20-$4(coupons)-$9ECB= $7 out-of-pocket and got $10 in ECB plus a $4 ECB coupon that randomly prints!!! They paid ME $7 to takes these items out of the store!

Then I bought...
(1) 12pk Scotts Bath Tissue ($6.88)
used $1/1 coupon
(2) CoverGirl Lipstick (which I was in BAD NEED OF) $6each
used (2) $2/1 coupons
(2) Mars candy-filled eggs $.99ea
used $1/1 coupon
My total was $20.86-$6(coupons)-$14.00ECB=$.86

I am proud of my $7.86 "haul". The items I needed were the toilet paper and the lipstick. I got all of this for less that I would have paid for those TWO items on their own!!

Can you tell how much fun I had???

Mid Week Deals

I guess technically Monday is not mid week huh! My "couponing" week starts on Wednesday with the release of the Publix circular; so to me it seems like mid week!

Today, school released early due to the possibility of tornadic weather later this afternoon. This gave me a chance to enact the CVS/Walmart plan I made yesterday when the coupons  came out.

First, I used the info from coupondivas.com to see the match-ups from the CVS paper and the weekly coupons. I found some really good prices on things that we totally needed anyway! I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!

Walmart Purchases

If you are going to REALLY coupon you must check prices! CVS had toothbrushes on sale. With the coupon I had it was going to be $5.98-$2= $3.98 for 2. But when I checked the price at Walmart it was $3.00-$2.00= $1.00 for two! That is $.50 each. I was happy as Justin needed a toothbrush and he is picky about what type he uses. Also, I found these Ziploc containers that I use everyday in Carys's lunch marked down to $1 each. I had a coupon for $1.50 off 2 which made them $2.00-$1.50=$50. That is $.25 per pack!!!

Total Wal-mart Bill = $1.50 :)

CVS

This was my first attempt at REAL couponing at CVS. I have been using my mom's CVS card for years. I decided that we might both need to get in on some deals so I got my very own today:)

I decided to try my hand at "stacking" my purchases to get the most reward points that I could. I must say that if I had been in need of laundry detergent or toilet paper I think I could have left with a profit. But, I was not so I settled for these deals. 

In my first transaction, I bought (2) Irish Spring Bar soap and (1) Softsoap hand wash re-fill. These were 3/$9 and I got $3 Extra Care Bucks to spend on the next transaction. 

My next transaction was Dawn ($.99-$25 coupon=$.74), (2) Listerine $3.48-$2.00/2=$1.48/2), Bounty Paper Towels $5.98, (2) Ziplock Bags $6.00-$1.50=$4.50/2) MINUS $3.00 Extra Care Bucks

Total for both CVS Transactions $18.70 

I figured up how much all of this would have cost at the lowest regular price. At the very least, I saved $18.35...which means that I paid HALF of what I would have normally paid if I had shopped at one store (walmart) with no coupons! That may not seem like much savings but it is about 1/2 of a tank of gas for me. As much as I drive that is awesome!

Also, I stated this in my last post, but some of these items allow me to stock-pile items that I won't need to buy in the near future (ex. bar soap). I bought two 8pks for the price it would cost be to buy one normally which means (a) I did not spend any extra out-of pocket money and will SAVE by not having to buy it until I can get a super good deal on it in the future! Remember... 

I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!