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???