FREE HOME PLANNER
SAMPLE!
How to Save at CVS
Since CVS is by far the easiest drug store to shop with coupons (at least in my opinion?) I figured we'd start off this week working on how to shop CVS using coupons. Now, we're going to start with very basic information here (so you seasoned CVS'ers may find all this old news), but I want to make it as simple to follow as possible for folks who've never used a coupon in their lives.
(Hopefully we'll all learn a thing or two, and if you see anything that I Â miss please add that information to the comments section so I can get it added!) Â Here goes. . .
The Basics of CVS Shopping
1. Â Request a CVS Extra Care Card.
You can get a CVS card at your local store or sign up for one on the CVS website.
2. Â Also register your CVS card online.
CVS emails out coupons fairly regularly, so you'll want to register your card HERE to make sure you don't miss any deals.  Just for signing up for a card you may receive a coupon for a few dollars off your purchase. Definitely take a few minutes to sign up to get some extra savings!
3. Â Use your Extra Care Card every time you shop.
Using your Extra Care Card every time you shop will  help make sure that CVS sends you tarted coupons, and you won't miss out on any extra savings.  If you forget your card at home you may use the phone number tied to your account when checking out so that you don't lose any savings.
 Note that you should have only one CVS card per household. There is some debate on this one, however I feel like it's not worth sacrificing my integrity for a deal – and I promise there are plenty of deals even with just one card!
4. Scan  your CVS card at the red coupon machine.
As soon as you walk in the door at CVS, you'll notice a red machine where you can scan your card to receive extra coupons. You'll also get targeted savings, as well as a coupon for a free item occasionally! CVS uses these coupons to motivate you to shop, and since these they're store coupons, you can “stack” them with additional manufacturer coupons to save even more. (We'll talk more about stacking coupons at CVS shortly.)
5. CVS offers two kinds of sales each week.
When shopping CVS, watch for traditional store sales updated each Sunday, as well as “Extra Care Buck” (ECB) offers. Typically your very best buys of the the week at CVS will be the ECB deals, but always scan through the weekly ad to see what items get you the most for your money! CVS sometimes offers Buy One Get One offers (often on toiletries or detergents), and those savings can be as much or more than the regular ECB savings.
Also watch for clearance items throughout the store, as clearance items in addition to Extra Care discounts will be the best you'll find in the store!
Always (always!) be nice to your cashier. It's completely worth it, and will make you feel good too!
Today's CVS Trip: See how Shannon bought everything above for $3.84 today at CVS
Stop back tomorrow night when I'll explain more about what Extra Care Bucks are and how to use them, and how to “roll” your Extra Care Bucks. Be sure to prepare for the series by reading through this week's CVS deals, and if you have friends who could benefit from saving on diapers, toiletries, paper products and more, I'd love for you to invite them to join us too!
This isn’t a question, but rather something I’d suggest. When we do receive the CVS emails with discounts included, I like to use the “send to card” option. That way, I don’t have to worry about misplacing the coupon, and my hubby can also take advantage of the discount if he happens to go to CVS without me (because I’d be the one with the coupon if I printed it). Saves ink and paper too!
I’m guessing you will also include how best to break up transactions and in what order to take advantage of using printed ECBs right away. I hate to think ECBs might not get used before they expire!
That’s a great tip Jennifer and I hadn’t thought of that yet – I’m glad you suggested it. Thank yoU!