The Wednesday Balance

Card1 = 4.00ECB
Card2 = 2.99ECB
Card3 = 11.99ECB

That makes a total of 18.98ECB for all three Households.

2010-12-23 -- 39 Cents

Yup, it's been another slow CVS week, but I noticed a free book offer when buying three BandAid items.  Since those are on ECB special for the week, I popped into CVS and made a quick purchase.  I will mail off the receipt and have a 2011 XMAS present for a little one.  I began with 5.00ECB on Card1

Regular Prices:
3.59 Toy Story BandAids (20ct)
3.59 Toy Story BandAids (20ct)

7.18 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.49 Toy Story BandAids (20ct)
2.49 Toy Story BandAids (20ct)

4.98 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 ExtraBuck

5.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Surprisingly, the balance went negative ( - $0.02) rather than hearing a register BEEP for using an ECB in excess of the amount purchased, but with $0.41 in local tax, the total amount paid was $0.39.  I spent all 5.00ECB, but earned back 4.00ECB for the BandAids.

2010-12-20 -- 82 Cents

I began with 14.99ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
5.79 BioTrue
4.79 Reeses Dark Minis
4.49 Hersheys Special Dark
0.99 Candy Cane Cocoa
0.99 Candy Cane Cocoa
0.99 Excedrin (8ct)

18.04 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.79 BioTrue
2.50 Reeses Dark Minis
2.50 Hersheys Special Dark
0.99 Candy Cane Cocoa
0.99 Candy Cane Cocoa
0.99 Excedrin (8ct)

13.76 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "BioTrue"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Excedrin"
1.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "BioTrue"
5.00 ExtraBuck

13.50 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to 26 cents, plus an additional 56 cents for local tax, making a grand total of 82 cents.  I spent 5.00ECB and earned 2.00ECB (for Hersheys/Reeses).  Card3 now has a balance of 11.99ECB.

2010-12-16 -- 19 Cents

I began with 3.99ECB on Card2.  Lots of clearance items made it a somewhat successful transaction.

Regular Prices:
9.99 Barielle Cuticle Care
9.99 EOB Manicure Kit
4.99 Nature Made Vitamin D
4.99 Nature Made Vitamin D
4.19 Maxell VHS 8-Hour
2.99 Progresso Soup
2.19 Visine
1.99 MM Popcorn Bowl

41.32 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.00 Barielle Cuticle Care
1.00 EOB Manicure Kit
4.99 Nature Made Vitamin D
0.00 Nature Made Vitamin D
0.42 Maxell VHS 8-Hour
1.67 Progresso Soup
2.19 Visine
0.20 MM Popcorn Bowl

11.47 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "Nature Made"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nature Made"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nature Made"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Visine"
1.00 ExtraBuck

12.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Yup, thanks to the BOGO Nature Made supplements, the transaction went negative ( - $0.53 ), but ended with a total of $0.19, thanks to $0.72 in local tax.  I spent 1.00EB and earned none.  Card2 now has a balance of 2.99ECB.

2010-12-15 -- $6.70

I began with 10.99ECB on Card3.  It's been a dreadful pre-XMAS for CVS shopping, with deals few and far between.

Regular Prices:
6.29 Nivea Smooth
6.29 Nivea Smooth
6.29 Nivea Smooth
4.69 Nature Made Vitamin D
4.69 Nature Made Vitamin D
2.99 Nivea Lip

31.24 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.29 Nivea Smooth
6.29 Nivea Smooth
6.29 Nivea Smooth
4.69 Nature Made Vitamin D
0.00 Nature Made Vitamin D
2.99 Nivea Lip

26.55 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off $20+ Skin Items"
3.00 STORE Coupon "Nature Made"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nature Made"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nature Made"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Smooth"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Smooth"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Smooth"
2.00 ExtraBuck

22.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $4.55, plus an additional $2.15 in local tax, for a grand total cost of $6.70.  I spent 2.00ECB, but earned 6.00ECB (5.00ECB for Nivea and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  As a result, Card3 now has a balance of 14.99ECB.

2010-12-11 -- $1.16

I began with 12.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
8.99 ColdBlaster
3.99 Scunci 3-Pack
2.27 Fig Newtons
1.29 Orbit Gum

16.54 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
8.99 ColdBlaster
0.40 Scunci 3-Pack
1.00 Fig Newtons
1.00 Orbit Gum

11.39 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Orbit Gum"
10.00 ExtraBuck

11.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.39, plus an additional $0.77 in local tax.  The grand total was $1.16.  I began with 12.00ECB, spent 10.00ECB, and earned 8.99ECB (for ColdBuster).  Card3 now has a balance of 10.99ECB.

2010-12-09 -- $0.20

I began with a whopping 23.35ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
3.79 Planters Flavor Grove
3.79 Planters Flavor Grove
3.79 Planters Flavor Grove

70.65 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
0.00 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
0.00 ZhuZhu Pet
9.88 ZhuZhu Pet
0.00 ZhuZhu Pet
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove

37.14 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
9.88 STORE Coupon "Buy 2 ZhuZhu, Get 1 Free"
2.50 STORE Coupon "Planters Flavor Grove"
2.50 STORE Coupon "Planters Flavor Grove"
2.50 STORE Coupon "Planters Flavor Grove"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Any ZhuZhu"
6.99 ExtraBuck
6.99 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
1.59 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

38.74 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Thanks to the BOGO sale on ZhuZhu Pets, the balance went negative. (This is a nice quirk of the CVS register systems!).  The local tax was $1.80, but I paid a mere two dimes, thanks to this "coupon overage".

I began with 23.35ECB and spent 20.36ECB. I earned a mere 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag.  Card2 now has a measly 3.99ECB.

2010-12-09 -- $4.70

I began with ZERO ECB on Card3.  Yikes!

Regular Prices:
12.99 Fusion ProGlide Gift Set
3.79 Planters Flavor Grove
3.79 Planters Flavor Grove

20.57 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.99 Fusion ProGlide Gift Set
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove

14.99 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 STORE Coupon "Apology - Expired Merchandise"
2.50 STORE Coupon "Planters Flavor Grove"
2.50 STORE Coupon "Planters Flavor Grove"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Fusion ProGlide"

11.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $3.99, plus an additional $0.70 in local tax, for a grand total of $4.70.  I had no ECB, but completed my $30 worth of selected Procter+Gamble products, awarding me 10.00ECB. In addition, I found expired Listerine on the shelf, guaranteeing me an extra $2.00 for a future purchase.  Because neither the cashier nor the manager knew how to key the "California Attorney General $2.00 Courtesy Coupon", they offered a 2.00ECB.  I ended with 12.00ECB for Card3.

The Wednesday Balance

Card1 = 5.00ECB
Card2 = 23.35ECB
Card3 = 0.00ECB

That makes a total of 28.35ECB for all three of my Households.

2010-12-08 -- $1.59

I began with 6.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
12.99 Fusion ProGlide Gift Set
3.49 Hersheys Kisses
3.49 Hersheys Kisses

19.97 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.99 Fusion ProGlide Gift Set
2.50 Hersheys Kisses
2.50 Hersheys Kisses

14.99 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 STORE Coupon "Apology Coupon - Expired Merchandise"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Save $1 on Two Kisses"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$4 Off Fusion Razor"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Kisses"
2.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck

14.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.99, plus an additional $0.60 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.59.  I spent all 6.00ECB.  Card3 currently has NO ECB.

2010-12-06 -- $1.03

I began with 7.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
5.79 Pantene Classic Gel
4.99 Pantene Shampoo 2-In-1
3.49 Planters Flavor Grove Almonds
0.89 Reeses
0.89 Reeses
0.89 Reeses

17.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.74 Pantene Classic Gel
3.74 Pantene Shampoo 2-In-1
2.50 Planters Flavor Grove Almonds
0.89 Reeses
0.89 Reeses
0.00 Reeses

11.76 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.50 STORE Coupon "$2.50 Off Planters"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Apology Coupon - Expired Product"
3.74 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Pantene, Get 1 Free"
3.00 ExtraBuck

11.24 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.52, plus an additional  $0.51 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.03.  I spent 3.00ECB and earned 2.00ECB (for Pantene Gel).  Card3 now has a balance of 6.00ECB.

2010-12-04 -- 75 Cents

I began with 24.35ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
2.99 Bugles
3.49 EOC Lip Balm

6.48 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.50 Bugles
2.99 EOS Lip Balm

4.49 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.99 ExtraBuck

3.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to 50 cents, plus an additional 25 cents in local tax, for a grand total of 75 cents.I spent 3.99ECB and earned 2.99ECB (for EOS).

In addition, I found two items in the store that had NOVEMBER 2010 expiration dates.  As a result, the cashier issued me two (2) "TWO DOLLARS OFF" coupons that are not tied to any card and can be used in any transaction.

Card2 now has a balance of 23.35ECB.

2010-12-04 -- $3.03 + $1.51 = $4.54

I began with a whopping 19.34ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
9.99 Olay Quench
7.89 Olay BodyWash
4.49 Tide Stain Release
3.59 BandAids
3.59 BandAids
3.49 EOS Lip Balm
1.39 Gain Dish
1.39 Gain Dish
1.39 Gain Dish

38.11 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.99 Olay Quench
7.00 Olay BodyWash
3.99 Tide Stain Release
3.00 BandAids
3.00 BandAids
2.99 EOS Lip Balm
0.99 Gain Dish
0.99 Gain Dish
0.99 Gain Dish

32.94 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:

8.79 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Olay, Get Quench Free"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Tide"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Gain Dish"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Gain Dish"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Gain Dish"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Gain Dish"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "BandAid"
7.98 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.99 ExtraBuck
1.59 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

32.63 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.31, plus an additional $2.72 in local tax, for a grand total cost of $3.03.

This transaction was a comedy of errors, though.  First, the cashier only deducted 7.00 for the "free Quench coupon".  I didn't notice this until after the transaction and since my non-tax total was so low (31 cents), she offered to issue a 1.20ECB.  That was fine by me, since I knew that it would automatically round up to 2.00ECB.

Second, the ECB for the Specialty BandAids did not generate.  There is a 2.00ECB offer for the entire month of December, but the quantity pricing is messing up the ECB.  The BandAinds are priced @3.59, but when you buy two they are only $3.00 each (2/6.00).  The ECB is 2.00ECB on a 3.59, so that must be causing the problem.  I had to get two 2.00ECB (4.00ECB total) manually printed.

So, I spent all 19.34ECB and earned back 10.99ECB (4.00ECB for BandAids, 2.99ECB for EOS, 2,00ECB for Olay, and 2.00ECB for the Quench "error").

Card3 then had a balance of 8.99ECB as I made a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
6.49 Emerald Nuts (11oz)
6.49 Emerald Nuts (11oz)
5.49 Planters Cashews

18.47 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.33 Emerald Nuts (11oz)
3.33 Emerald Nuts (11oz)
3.34 Planters Cashews

10.00 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Two Emerald Nuts"
4.00 ExtraBuck
2.99 ExtraBuck

8.49 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $1.51, with no additional local tax.  I spent 6.99ECB and earned back 3.00ECB.  Card3 now has a balance of 7.00ECB.

2010-12-02 -- $2.80

I began with 5.00ECB on Card1 and needed to complete the weekly Procter+Gamble promotion. It wasn't much of a deal, but post-Thanksgiving, the deals are few and far between (thus far!).

Regular Prices:
4.99 Pantene Shampoo
4.99 Pantene Conditioner
4.99 Pantene Shampoo
4.99 Pantene Conditioner
1.69 Dawn

21.65 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.33 Pantene Shampoo
3.33 Pantene Conditioner
3.33 Pantene Shampoo
3.33 Pantene Conditioner
0.88 Dawn

14.20 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.33 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 Pantene, Get 1 Free"
3.33 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 Pantene, Get 1 Free"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Dawn"
4.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

12.16 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $2.04, plus an additional $0.76 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.80.  I spent all 5.00ECB and earned back 5.00 ECB (for Procter+Gamble products).  Card1 now has a balance of 5.00ECB.

2010-11-29 -- $1.50 + $0.37 = $1.87

I began with 13.93ECB on Card1.

Regular Prices:
27.48 Twelve Cosmetic Items (12 X 2.29)
3.59 BandAids
3.59 BandAids
3.49 EOS Lip Balm
1.79 Scotch Tape
1.69 Dawn
1.69 Dawn
1.69 Dawn
1.69 Dawn
1.37 Suave Deodorant
1.37 Suave Deodorant

49.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.76 Twelve Cosmetic Items
3.00 BandAids
3.00 BandAids
2.99 EOS Lip Balm
0.44 Scotch Tape
0.88 Dawn
0.88 Dawn
0.88 Dawn
0.88 Dawn
0.89 Suave Deodorant
0.89 Suave Deodorant

17.49 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Suave"
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Suave"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
7.98 ExtraBuck
3.18 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

17.43 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.06, plus an additional $1.44, for a grand total of $1.50.  I spent all 13.93ECB and earned back 7.99ECB (4.00ECB for BandAids, 2.99ECB for Lip Balm, and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  Card1 had a balance on 7.99ECB when I made the second transaction.

Regular Prices:
2.19 MultiGrain Pringles
2.19 MultiGrain Pringles
1.69 Dawn
1.69 Dawn
1.69 Dawn

9.45 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.50 MultiGrain Pringles
1.50 MultiGrain Pringles
0.88 Dawn
0.88 Dawn
0.88 Dawn

5.64 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Two Pringles"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dawn"
2.99 ExtraBuck

5.49 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.15, plus an additional $0.22 in local tax, for a total cost of $0.37.  I spent 2.99ECB.  The balance for Card1 is now 5.00ECB.

I should be able to roll those 5.00ECB into a couple additional transactions to yield the 5.00ECB for buying $20 worth of Procter+Gamble items.  Not a moneymaker, but worth the effort, given the spate of decent coupons (Dawn for 38 cents and Pantene for 1.67).

Black Friday Weekend

Total Regular Retail cost for nine transactions = $134.96
Total Sale cost for nine transactions = $113.52
Total actual cash cost for nine transactions = $26.76

ECB Beginning Total = 21.00ECB
ECB Ending Total = 56.67ECB

ECB Increase = 35.67ECB

Not exactly a mega-moneymaker weekend, but being paid nearly $10.00 (in ECB) is nice, especially when you get:

9 Reeses
8 M+M King Size
6 Bottles of Herbal Essense
5 Advil PM Mini Bottles
3 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
3 Mini-Bottles of Excedrin
2 Bottles of Eucerin
2 Tubes Colgate Sensitive
2 Old Spice Spray
1 Listerine PocketPack
1 Carmex Lip Care
1 Philips EarBud

Not bad for a few hours of Friday shopping.

2010-11-26 -- $2.50 + $0.12 = $2.62

I began with 13.50ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
6.99 Eucerin Daily Skin Lotion
5.89 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
4.49 Listerine Pocket Packs
1.69 Carmex Lip Care
1.69 M+M King Size
0.99 Excedrin (4ct)
0.89 Reeses

22.63 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Eucerin Daily Skin Lotion
4.00 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
2.99 Listerine Pocket Packs
0.99 Carmex Lip Care
1.59 M+M King Size
0.99 Excedrin (4ct)
0.79 Reeses

18.34 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
0.99 STORE Coupon "Any Excedrin" (reduced from 1.00)
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Gillette"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Listerine PocketPack"
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
1.50 ExtraBuck

16.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $1.35, plus an additional $1.15 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.50. I spent all 13.50ECB and earned back 19.34ECB (6.99ECB for Eucerin, 4.00ECB for Gillette, 2.99ECB for Listerine, 0.99ECB for Carmex, 1.59ECB for M+M, 0.99ECB for Excedrin, 0.79ECB for Reeses, and 1.00ECB for the fourth scan of my cloth bag.)

It was time for a second transaction to close out Black Friday Weekend shopping.

Regular Prices:
4.99 Colgate Sensitive
4.29 Herbal Essense Shampoo
4.29 Herbal Essense Conditioner
1.69 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.89 Reeses

17.14 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.99 Colgate Sensitive
3.99 Herbal Essense Shampoo
3.99 Herbal Essense Conditioner
1.59 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.79 Reeses

15.34 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off 2 Herbal Essense"
6.99 ExtraBuck
2.99 ExtraBuck
1.59 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

16.34 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Yup, at least one of the weekend transactions went negative.  The total tax was $1.12, making my out-of-pocket cost exactly 12 CENTS.  I spent 15.34ECB and earned 15.34ECB (7.98ECB for Herbal Essense, 3.99ECB for Colgate, 1.59ECB for M+M, 0.99ECB for Advil, and 0.79ECB for Reeses.)

Card3 started the weekend with 13.50ECB and ends the weekend with 19.34ECB.  My total actual cash cost was $2.62, so once again CVS paid me $3.22 to buy these items.  Again, not a major money-maker, but a decent haul.

2010-11-26 -- $9.42 + $3.51 +$0.39 = $13.32

I began with 7.50ECB on Card2.  While shopping, I located one of the CVS Holiday Catalogs. Inside the catalog was a coupon that "awarded" a 4.00ECB when your purchase amount exceeded $20 (before coupons).  This caused me to morph my plans on the fly, leading to a bit more extra out-of-pocket cost than I prefer, but things mostly worked out, over the course of three separate transactions.

Regular Prices:
5.99 Old Spice Spray
5.99 Old Spice Spray
4.29 Herbal Essense Shampoo
4.29 Herbal Essense Conditioner
1.69 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.99 Excedrin (4ct).
0.89 Reeses

25.12 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
4.00 Old Spice Spray
4.00 Old Spice Spray
3.99 Herbal Essense Shampoo
3.99 Herbal Essense Conditioner
1.59 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.99 Excedrin (4ct)
0.79 Reeses

20.34 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Excedrin"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1, Get 1 Old Spice Free"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off 2 Herbal Essense"
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
1.50 ExtraBuck

12.50 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $7.84, plus an additional $1.58 in local tax.  The grand total was a massive $9.42.  In addition, I noticed several hours later that somehow 1.00ECB did not get scanned.  The ECB most likely stuck to another and in the flurry of the moment was overlooked, discarded, and un-scanned.  Argggg.

So, for the initial transaction, I spent all 7.50ECB and earned 20.34ECB (7.98 for Herbal Essense, 4.00ECB from the catalog coupon, 4.00ECB for Old Spice, 1.59ECB for M+M, 0.99ECB for Advil PM, 0.99ECB for Excedrin, and 0.79ECB for Reeses.)  It was time for Transaction #2.

Regular Prices:
10.49 Philips EarBuds
6.99 Eucerin Daily Skin Lotion
4.99 Colgate Sensitive
1.69 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.99 Excedrin (4ct)
0.89 Reeses

27.03 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Philips EarBuds
6.99 Eucerin daily Skin Lotion
3.99 Colgate Sensitive
1.59 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.99 Excedrin (4ct)
0.79 Reeses

22.33 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
7.98 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
1.59 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

20.34 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $1.99, plus an additional $1.52 in local tax, for a grand total of $3.51.  I spent all 20.34ECB and earned 22.33ECB (6.99ECB for Eucerin, 6.99ECB for Philips, 3.99ECB for Colgate, 1.59ECB for M+M, 0.99ECB for Excedrin, 0.99ECB for Advil PM, and 0.79ECB for Reeses.)

Card2 had 22.33ECB as I began the third transaction.

Regular Prices:
5.89 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
1.69 M+M King Size
0.89 Reeses

8.47 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
4.00 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
1.59 M+M King Size
0.79 Reeses

6.38 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any GIllette"
1.59 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck
0.79 ExtraBuck

6.36 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.02, plus an additional $0.37, for a grand total of $0.39.  I spent 4.36ECB and earned 6.38ECB.

After three transactions, Card2 has 24.35ECB.  I began with a mere 7.50ECB and spent a whopping $13.32 in actual cash.  Yet, once again, CVS has paid me $3.50-ish to shop on Black Friday Weekend.  It wasn't a huge moneymaker, mostly due to lack of store coupons.

2010-11-26 -- $8.90 + $0.50 + $0.08 + $1.34 = $10.82

Well, that didn't last very long.  I had retired Card1 earlier in the month, but decided that the Black Friday Weekend Deals were just too good to pass up.

I began with absolutely no ECB on Card1. I decided to re-start that card by purchasing a couple of VISA gift cards.

Regular Prices:
4.95 Activation Fee VISA Gift Card
3.95 Activation Fee VISA Gift Card

8.90 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:

4.95 Activation Fee VISA Gift Card
3.95 Activation Fee VISA Gift Card

8.90 TOTAL Sale Prices

There were no discounts or coupons used, since you cannot "discount" gift cards. However I earned 9.00ECB from the transaction (5.00ECB for purchasing two gift cards and 4.00ECB for using the Holiday Coupon and spending at least $20 in a single transaction).  So, in effect, I was paid 10 cents to buy the two gift cards. Card1 for Household1 had 9.00ECB and I made the following transaction:

Regular Prices:
5.89 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
1.69 M+M King Size
0.89 Reeses

8.47 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
4.00 Gillette OdorShield Roll-On
1.59 M+M King Size
0.79 Reeses

6.38 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Gillette"
4.00 ExtraBuck

6.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.38, plus an additional $0.12 in local tax, for a grand total of $0.50.  I spent 4.00ECB, but earned 6.38ECB (4.00ECB for Gillette, 1.59ECB for M+M, and 0.79ECB for Reeses).  Card1 had a balance of 11.38ECB when I made the next transaction:

Regular Prices:
1.69 M+M Mini King Size
1.69 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.89 Reeses
0.89 Reeses
0.89 Reeses

7.04 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices: 

1.59 M+M Mini King Size
1.59 M+M King Size
0.99 Advil PM (4ct)
0.79 Reeses
0.79 Reeses
0.79 Reeses

6.54 TOTAL Sale Prices
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 ExtraBuck
1.54 ExtraBuck (reduced from1.59ECB)

6.54 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to ZERO, plus an addditional $0.08 in local tax, for a grand total of $0.08.  I hadn't intended on reducing the ExtraBuck, but since it was only 5 cents, I didn't bother grabbing another candy bar.

I spent 6.59ECB and earned back 6.54ECB.  Card1 has 11.33ECB as I began the fourth and final transaction.

Regular Prices:
4.59 Herbal Essense Hydralicious Shampoo
4.59 Herbal Essense Hydralicious Conditioner
0.99 AdvilPM (4ct)

10.17 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:

3.99 Herbal Essense Hydralicious Shampoo
3.99 Herbal Essense Hydralicious Conditioner
0.99 AdvilPM (4ct)

8.97 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Herbal Essense"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Herbal Essense"
4.00 ExtraBuck
2.37 ExtraBuck

8.37 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.60, plus an additional $0.74 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.34.  I spent 6.37ECB and earned 7.97ECB (6.98ECB for Herbal Essense and 0.99ECB for AdvilPM).

So, after four transactions, costing $10.82 in actual cash, Card1 went from 0.00ECB to 13.93ECB.  CVS paid me over two dollars and I have two bottles of shampoo, 7 bags of candy, 8 Advil PM, and 1 roll-on deodorant.  The regular price for all the items bought, including activation fees for two gift cards was $34.58.

2010-11-17 -- $1.14

I began with 8.00ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
5.49 Aussie Hair Gel
3.49 CVS Absolutely Divine CC Cookies
2.49 Blistex
1.00 Small Plastic Funnel

12.47 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.99 Aussie Hair Gel
0.99 CVS Absolutely Divine CC Cookies
2.49 Blistex
0.25 Small Plastic Funnel

6.72 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
0.55 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Blistex"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Aussie"
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck

6.05 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.67, plus an additional $0.47 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.14. I spent 5.00ECB and earned 4.50ECB (2.00ECB for Aussie, 1.50ECB for Blistex, and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  Card2 now has a balance of 7.50ECB

2010-11-15 -- $1.02

I began with 17.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
7.29 L'Oreal Go360 Cleanser
7.29 L'Oreal Go360 Cleanser
4.99 Aussie Hair Gel
4.89 Lipton Tea (100ct)
4.39 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
4.39 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
4.39 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream
2.49 Blistex

44.11 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.82 L'Oreal Go360 Cleanser
1.82 L'Oreal Go360 Cleanser
2.99 Aussie Hair Gel
2.50 Lipton Tea (100ct)
2.50 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
2.50 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
2.50 Lipton Decaf (48ct)
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream
2.49 Blistex

23.11 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.99 STORE Coupon "Any Lumene Vitamin C"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "L'Oreal Go360"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "L'Oreal Go360"
0.60 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Lipton Tea"
0.60 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Lipton Tea"
0.40 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Lipton Tea"
0.40 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Lipton Tea"
0.55 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Blistex"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Aussie"
10.00 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck

23.04 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $0.07, plus an additional $0.95 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.02.

I began with 17.00ECB, spent 14.00ECB, and earned back 10.50ECB (3.00ECB for Lipton, 2.00ECB for Aussie, 1.50ECB for Blistex, and 4.00ECB for the Holiday Savings Card from the XMAS 2010 CVS Catalog.)  Card3 now has 13.50ECB.

2010-11-13 -- $2.03

I began with 15.00ECB on Card2 for Household2. I shopped late on a Saturday night to take advantage of both week's advertisements.  Even then, the ECB deals were slim pickings.

Regular Prices:
4.89 Lipton Tea (100ct)
4.89 Lipton Tea (100ct)
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream (.5oz)
3.69 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
3.69 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
3.69 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
2.00 Santitas Chips
1.57 Renuzit Cone
1.57 Renuzit Cone

29.98 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.50 Lipton Tea (100ct)
2.50 Lipton Tea (100ct)
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream (.5oz)
1.67 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
1.67 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
1.67 Skippy Natural Crunchy (15oz)
1.67 Santitas Chips
0.99 Renuzit Cone
0.99 Renuzit Cone

17.64 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.99 STORE Coupon "Any Lumene Vitamin C"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Renuzit Cone"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Renuzit Cone"
10.00 ExtraBuck

15.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $1.65, plus an additional $0.38 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.03.  I began with15.00ECB, spent 10.00ECB, and only earned back 3.00ECB (for Lipton+Skippy). Card2 now has a balance of 8.00ECB.

2010-11-06 -- 97 Cents

I began with 7.00ECB and decided to close out Card1 (for awhile at least....)

Regular Prices:
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream
2.27 Fig Newtons (8oz)
2.27 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.99 Lorna Doone
1.59 Nestle Crunch (8ct)
1.49 Trident Layers
1.49 Trident Layers
1.49 Trident Layers
1.29 Trident
1.29 Trident
1.29 Trident
0.99 CVS Toothbrush

21.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices
3.99 Lumene Vitamin C Cream
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Lorna Doone
0.77 Nestle Crunch (8ct)
0.99 Trident Layers
0.99 Trident Layers
0.99 Trident Layers
0.99 Trident
0.99 Trident
0.99 Trident
0.99 CVS Toothbrush

14.69 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.99 STORE Coupon "Lumene Vitamin C"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS Oral Care"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off 3 Trident"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off 3 Trident"
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck

13.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to 70 cents, plus an additional 27 cents in local tax, making a grand total of 97 cents.  I spent all 7.00ECB and earned NONE. Card1 earns a well-deserved rest from the usage rotation.  November deals seem to be tax-heavy, with few ECB promotions that won't generate oodles of tax. Plus, with few X/XX coupons being generated, it's been hard to generate a decent return on investment.

2010-11-05 -- 96 Cents

I began with 11.00ECB for Card1.

Regular Prices:
9.99 Hydro 5 Razor
9.99 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
7.29 Olay Ribbons Body Wash
3.99 Schick Shave Gel
1.00 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.99 CVS Toothbrush
0.99 CVS Toothbrush
0.89 Starburst
0.89 Starburst
0.89 Starburst

36.91 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
8.99 Hydro 5 Razor
7.00 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
7.00 Olay Ribbons Body Wash
3.99 Schick Shave Gel
1.00 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.99 CVS Toothbrush
0.99 CVS Toothbrush
0.89 Starburst
0.89 Starburst
0.00 Starburst

31.74 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "$3 Off $15+ Cosmetic Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "CVS Oral Care"
1.00 STORE Coupon "CVS Oral Care"
0.50 STORE Coupon "Starburst"
7.29 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Olay, Get Olay Free"
5.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Secret, Get OlayFree"
3.99 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Razor, Get Gel Free"
10.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

32.78 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total went hugely negative ( $ - 1.04), but $2.00 in local tax made the grand total $0.96.  I spent all 11.00ECB and earned 7.00ECB (4.00ECB for Hydro and 3.00ECB for Olay). The balance for Card1 is now a paltry 7.00ECB.

2010-11-05 -- $1.78

I began with 18.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
9.99 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
7.29 Olay Ribbons Body Wash
6.99 Oral B Pulsar Battery Toothbrush
6.99 Oral B Pulsar Battery Toothbrush
3.99 MMs
1.49 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.89 Three Musketeers
0.89 Three Musketeers
0.89 Three Musketeers

39.41 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.00 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
7.00 Olay Ribbons Body Wash
4.99 Oral B Pulsar Battery Toothbrush
4.99 Oral B Pulsar Battery Toothbrush
2.50 MMs
1.49 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.89 Three Musketeers
0.89 Three Musketeers
0.00 Three Musketeers

29.75 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "$3 Off Cosmetic Purchase"
7.29 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Olay, Get Olay Free"
5.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Secret, $5 Off Olay"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$3 Off Battery Toothbrush"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$3 Off Battery Toothbrush"
8.00 ExtraBuck

29.29 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $0.46, plus an additional $1.32 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.78.  I spent 8.00ECB and earned 7.00ECB (4.00ECB for OralB and 3.00ECB for Olay).  The balance for Card3 is now 17.00ECB.

2010-11-02 -- $4.13

I began with 15.00ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
74.99 Bayer Didget Glucose Monitor
9.79 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
8.99 Oral B CrossAction Battery Toothbrush
7.29 Olay Spa Ribbons Body Wash
2.19 Pringles MultiGrain
2.19 Pringles MultiGrain
2.19 Pringles MultiGrain
1.99 Dole Pineapple
1.00 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.99 CVS Toothbrush

111.61 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
29.99 Bayer Didget Glucose Monitor
7.00 Olay Total Effects Body Wash
4.99 Oral B CrossAction Battery Toothbrush
7.00 Olay Spa Ribbons Body Wash
1.50 Pringles MultiGrain
1.50 Pringles MultiGrain
1.50 Pringles MultiGrain
1.50 Dole Pineapple
1.00 Secret AntiPerspirant
0.99 CVS Toothbrush

56.97 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS Oral Care Item"
25.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Contour Didget"
7.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Olay, Get BW Free"
5.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Secret, $5 Off Olay"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Oral B Battery Toothbrush"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Three Pringles"
10.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck

57.00 TOTAL Discounts and Coupons

My total went negative (- $0.03). However, there was a whopping $4.16 in local taxes, making $4.13 the total amount paid.  I used all 15.00ECB and earned 15.00ECB (10.00ECB for Contour, 3.00ECB for Olay, and 2.00ECB for Oral B).

2010-10-30 -- 95 Cents

I began with 18.00ECB.

Regular Prices:
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
4.49 Revlon ColorSilk
4.29 Maxell 8-Hour VHS
2.99 Greenlight Bulbs (4ct)
2.99 Greenlight Bulbs (4ct)
2.79 Sara Lee Whole Wheat
2.49 CVS Tortilla Strips

27.03 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
2.99 Revlon ColorSilk
0.42 Maxell 8-Hour VHS
0.30 Greenlight Bulbs (4ct)
0.30 Greenlight Bulbs (4ct)
2.00 Sara Lee Whole Wheat
0.25 CVS Tortilla Strips

13.25 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "Any Hair Color"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any AZO"
5.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

13.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to 25 cents, plus an additional 70 cents in local tax, for a grand total of 95 cents.  I spent 8.00ECB and earned 5.00ECB (for AZO).  The balance for Card2 is now 15.00ECB.

The Wednesday Balance

Card1 = 11.00ECB
Card2 = 18.00ECB
Card3 = 18.00ECB

That makes a total of 47.00ECB for all three of my Households.

2010-10-27 -- $1.53

I began with 20.00ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
7.79 Nyquil Sinex (20ct)
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
2.99 Progresso Soup

24.76 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.79 Nyquil Sinex (20ct)
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
0.99 Progresso Soup

22.76 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Nyquil"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nyquil Sinex"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any AZO"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any AZO"
13.00 ExtraBuck

22.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $0.76, plus an additional $0.77 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.53. I spent 13.00ECB and earned 11.00ECB (10.00ECB for AZO and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  The balance for Card2 is now 18.00ECB.

2010-10-27 -- $3.15

I began with 15.00ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
7.79 Nyquil Sinex (20ct)
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes

21.77 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.79 Nyquil Sinex (20ct)
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes

21.77 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Nyquil"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nyquil Sinex"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
6.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

20.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $1.77, plus an additional $1.38 in local tax, for a grand total of $3.15.  I spent 7.00ECB and earned 10.00ECB (for AZO).  The current balance for Card3 is now 18.00ECB.

2010-10-25 -- $4.31

I began with 5.50ECB on Card1. However, I misplaced my quarterly 0.50ECB, so that meant I started shopping with only 5.00ECB. In addition, I had a $2.00 Courtesy Coupon from last week when I found four bags of expired CVS pretzels.

Regular Prices:
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
3.99 Reeses Snack Size
3.99 Reeses Snack Size
2.99 Progresso Soup
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels

26.53 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
6.99 AZO Itch Wipes
2.00 Reeses Snack Size
2.00 Reeses Snack Size
0.99 Progresso Soup
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels

20.55 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Two Reeses"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Two CVS Pretzels"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any AZO"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any AZO"
2.00 Courtesy Coupon
5.00 Extrabuck

17.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $3.55, plus an additional $0.76 in local tax, for a grand total of $4.31.  I spent all 5.00ECB and earned 11.00ECB (10.00ECB for AZO and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  That leaves Card1 with a balance of 11.00ECB.

2010-10-19 -- 64 Cents

I began with 18.48ECB for Card3.

Regular Prices:
11.79 Blink Gel Tears
5.49 CVS Unsalted Cashews
4.49 Dove Chocolate
3.99 Hersheys Dark Kisses
3.49 M+M Fun Size
0.79 CVS Pretzels

30.54 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.99 Blink Gel Tears (RAINCHECK)
3.34 CVS Unsalted Cashews
3.00 Dove Chocolate
2.50 Hersheys Dark Kisses
2.50 M+M Fun Size
0.79 CVS Pretzels

20.12 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Dove Chocolate"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Two CVS Pretzel+Nuts"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Hersheys Fun Size"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Hersheys Dark"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Dove Candy"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "M+M Fun Size"
5.98 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck

19.98 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to 14 cents, plus an additional 50 cents in local tax, for a grand total of 64 cents.  I spent 10.98ECB and earned 8.00ECB for Blink (via RAINCHECK).  The balance for Card3 is now 15.50ECB.

In addition, I found 4 bags of CVS Pretzels which had an expiration date of 09-08-2010.  That meant a nice $2 OFF coupon for future purchases, thanks to the CVS agreement with the CA Attorney General.

2010-10-19 -- $2.12 + $3.08 = $5.20

I began with 10.00ECB on card2 for Household2.

Regular Prices:
7.49 Neutrogena Moisture
6.99 Azo Itch Relief
3.99 Crest Vivid 3D (4oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels

21.63 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.49 Neutrogena Moisture
6.99 AZO Itch Relief
2.99 Crest Vivid 3D (4oz) (RAINCHECK)
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.79 CVS Pretzels
0.40 CVS Pretzels
0.66 CVS Pretzels

20.11 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Two CVS Pretzels"
1.00 STORE Coupon "$1 Off Two CVS Pretzels"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Crest"
10.00 ExtraBuck

19.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance came to $1.11, plus an additional $1.01 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.12.  I spent all 10.00ECB and earned back 14.49ECB (7.49ECB for Neutrogena, 5.00ECB for Azo, and 2.00 for Crest via RAINCHECK from March 2010).

I then made a second transaction for Card2.

Regular Prices:
32.99 Oral B Vitality Floss Action Toothbrush

32.99 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
23.00 Oral B Vitality Floss Action Toothbrush (RAINCHECK)

23.00 TOTAL Regular Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
10.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Oral B Rechargeable"
7.49 ExtraBuck

21.49 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The second total came to $1.51, plus an additional $1.57 in local tax, for a grand total of $3.08.  I spent 7.49ECB and earned 13.00ECB for Oral B (RAINCHECK).  Card2 now has a total of 20.00ECB.

20-10-18 -- $4.89

Yet another lackluster week.  Even with a consistent string of "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" in-store coupons, it's been rather difficult to keep the out-of-pocket cost and the ECBs rolling. I began with 5.50ECB on Card1.

Regular Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Cream
3.99 Hersheys Dark Kisses
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)

27.80 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Cream
2.50 Hersheys Dark Kisses
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
0.00 Essense Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.79 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.40 CVS Pretzels (5oz)
0.66 CVS Pretzels (5oz)

21.80 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Essence Of Beauty"
1.67 STORE Coupon "Buy 1 Essence Of Beauty, Get 2oz Free"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Save $1 When Buying 2 CVS Pretzels"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Save $1 When Buying 2 CVS Pretzels"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Hershey Dark Chocolate"
5.00 ExtraBuck

17.67 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $4.13, plus an additional $0.76 in local tax, for a grand total of $4.89.  I spent 5.00ECB and earned 5.00ECB (for Azo).  The balance for Household1 is 5.50ECB.

2010-10-16 -- $1.93 + $1.02 = $2.95

I began with 12.00ECB and made two back-to-back transactions late Saturday evening, taking advantage of sales for BOTH weeks.  Even then, it was a stretch to find good use for the persistent "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" in-store coupons.

Regular Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Relief
3.99 Hersheys Dark Kisses
3.69 Colgate Total Enamel (4oz)
3.69 Colgate Total Enamel (4oz)
2.27 Fig Newtons (8oz)
2.27 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.99 Golden Oreos (5.5oz)
1.69  Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
1.00 CVS Soda
0.99 Brachs Candy Corn
1.00 Purex Sample (2ct)
1.00 Raisinettes (3ct)
0.10 CRV

30.67 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Relief
2.50 Hersheys Dark Kisses
2.99 Colgate Total Enamel (4oz)
2.99 Colgate Total Enamel (4oz)
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Golden Oreos (5.5oz)
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
1.00 CVS Soda
0.99 Brachs Candy Corn
0.25 Purex Sample (2ct)
0.25 Raisinettes (3ct)
0.10 CRV

22.75 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Essence Of Beauty"
0.99 STORE Coupon "Brachs Candy"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Hersheys Dark"
12.00 ExtraBuck

21.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $0.76, plus an additional $1.17 in local tax. The grand total out-of-pocket came to $1.93.  I spent all 12.00ECB and earned back 11.98ECB (5.98ECB for Colgate, 5.00ECB for Azo, and 1.00ECB for CVS Soda).  I began the second transaction with 11.98ECB.

Regular Prices:
4.89 Kelloggs Raisin Bran (18.2oz)
4.89 Kelloggs Raisin Bran (18.2oz)
4.29 Kelloggs Frosted MiniWheats (18oz)
4.29 Kelloggs Frosted MiniWheats (18oz)
3.99 Kelloggs Special K (12oz)
3.99 Kelloggs Special K (12oz)

26.04 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.34 Kelloggs Raisin Bran (18.2oz)
3.33 Kelloggs Raisin Bran (18.2oz)
3.33 Kelloggs Frosted MiniWheats (18oz)
3.33 Kelloggs Frosted MiniWheats (18oz)
3.34 Kelloggs Special K (12oz)
3.33 Kelloggs Special K (12oz)

20.00 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Kelloggs"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Kelloggs"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Kelloggs"
5.98 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

18.98 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $1.02 with no additional local tax.  I spent all 11.98ECB and earned back 10.00ECB (for Kelloggs).  After both transactions, the total for Card2 is 10.00ECB.

2010-10-16 -- 49 Cents

I began with 26.50ECB.

Regular Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Relief
3.99 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
3.69 Colgate Total Advance (4oz)
3.69 Colgate Total Advance (4oz)
3.39 Campbells Chunky Soup
3.39 Campbells Chunky Soup
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)

28.52 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Azo Itch Relief
3.99 Essence of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (8.7oz)
2.99 Colgate Total Advance (4oz)
2.99 Colgate Total Advance (4oz)
1.25 Campbells Chunky Soup
1.25 Campbells Chunky Soup
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
1.69 Essence Of Beauty Hand Sanitizer (2oz)

22.84 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.69 STORE Coupon "Free Sanitizer"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Azo"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Chunky Soup"
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck

23.69 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

2010-10-11 -- $4.77

This week's ECB deals are a tad lackluster, even with a sudden glut of "Save $4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupons.  I began with 26.50ECB on Card3 from Household3.

Regular Prices:
4.19 VHS Blank 8-Hour Tape
3.99 Wavy Lays
3.99 Wavy Lays
3.69 Campbells Chunky Soup
3.69 Campbells Chunky Soup
3.69 Campbells Select Soup
3.69 Campbells Select Soup
2.99 Cheetos
2.99 Cheetos
2.99 Cheetos
2.99 Frito Scoops
1.00 Dollar Item
1.00 Dollar Item
1.00 Dollar Item
0.99 Brachs Candy Corn

42.88 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
0.42 VHS Blank 8-Hour Tape
2.50 Wavy Lays
2.50 Wavy Lays
1.25 Campbells Chunky Soup
1.25 Campbells Chunky Soup
1.25 Campbells Select Soup
1.25 Campbells Select Soup
2.50.Cheetos
2.50 Cheetos
2.50 Cheetos
2.50 Frito Scoops
0.10 Dollar Item
0.10 Dollar Item
0.10 Dollar Item
0.99 Brachs Candy Corn

21.71 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
0.99 STORE Coupon "99-Cents Off Brach Candy Corn"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Chunky Soup"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "$1 Off Two Select Soup"
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck

16.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $4.77 ($4.72 + $0.05 in local tax) and since all my remaining ECB were in excess of 5.00ECB, I was forced to pay actual cash (boo-hoo).  I spent 10.00ECB and earned 6.00ECB (5.00 for Lays Products and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of cloth bags), leaving Card3 with a balance of 22.50ECB.

2010-10-09 -- $4.42 + $2.53 = $6.95

I began with 8.49ECB on Card1.

Regular Prices:
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
2.49 CVS Charm
1.99 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin
1.99 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin
1.99 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin

28.42 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
2.49 CVS Charm
1.50 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin
1.50 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin
1.50 Ceramic Mini Pumpkin

22.95 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "Any Halloween Items
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
7.99 ExtraBuck

19.48 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $3.47, plus an additional $0.96 in local tax, resulting in a grand total of $4.42. I spent 7.99ECB and earned 12.00ECB (for Revlon).  After the first transaction, Card1 had a total of 12.50ECB.

Regular Prices:
22.49 Lumene TimeFreeze Lift (.47oz)
3.99 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (.5oz)
3.99 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (.5oz)
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
1.99 Hunts SnakPak Pudding

41.43 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
22.49 Lumene TimeFreeze Lift (.47oz)
3.99 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (.5oz)
3.99 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (.5oz)
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
1.00 Hunts SnakPak Pudding

40.44 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
21.99 STORE Coupon "Buy $15 Lumene, Get TF Free"
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off $30+ Purchase"
12.00 ExtraBuck

38.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

This total came to $1.45, plus an additional $1.08 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.53.  I spent 12.00ECB and earned 5.00ECB.  Card1 now has a balance of 5.50ECB.

2010-10-09 -- $0.96 + $3.56 = $4.52

Coupon-palooza led to two transactions for Card3. I began with 29.49ECB.

Regular Prices:
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.79 Revlon Nail Enamel
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers

24.76 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers
1.00 Halloween Stickers

20.96 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "Any Halloween Items"
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
7.99 ExtraBuck

20.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Yup, the total went negative (- $0.03), but local of $0.99 made the out-of-pocket cost $0.96.  I spent 7.99ECB and earned back 12.00ECB (for Revlon). Card3 now has a total of 33.50ECB, it was time for a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
22.49 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (1.7oz)
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.49 CVS Charm
1.99 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.99 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.99 Oreos (5.5oz)

45.90 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
22.49 Lumene TimeFreeze Day Cream (1.7oz)
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.99 Lumene Cleansing Wipes
2.49 CVS Charm
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.00 Oreos (5.5oz)

42.93 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
21.99 STORE Coupon "Buy $15 Lumene, Get TF Free"
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
12.00 ExtraBuck

40.48 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total for the second transaction was $2.45, plus $1.11 in local tax, for a grand total of $3.56.  I spent 12.00ECB, earned 5.00ECB (for Lumene), leaving Card3 with a remaining balance of 26.50ECB.

2010-10-09 -- $0.53 + $3.36 = $3.89

An explosion of great new coupons led to two separate transactions. I began with 6.50ECB on Card2 for Household2.

Regular Prices:
4.99 Pumpkin Decoration Kit
1.50 Pumpkin Candle

6.49 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.99 Pumpkin Decoration Kit
1.50 Pumpkin Candle

5.49 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "Any Halloween Decor"

5.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The initial transaction came to 49 cents, plus an additional 4 cents in local tax, for a grand total of 53 cents. Then it was time for a second transaction to take advantage of some coupons and ECB deals.

Regular Prices:
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
4.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
2.49 CVS Charm
1.99 Oreos (6oz)

24.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
3.99 Revlon Nail Enamel
2.49 CVS Charm
1.00 Oreos (6oz)

19.45 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Revlon Item"
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
0.50 ExtraBuck

16.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total for the second transaction came to $2.46, plus an additional $0.90, for a grand total of $3.36.  I began with 6.50ECB, spent all of them, and earned back 12.00ECB (for Revlon).

Both transactions cost $3.89 in real actual cash.  The ECB total for Card2 rose from 6.50ECB to 12.00ECB.  A nice overall money-maker for Household2.

2010-10-05 --$1.06

I began with 9.49ECB.

Regular Prices:
13.79 Rubbermaid 41-Quart Carton
5.99 Rubbermaind 1.5-Gallon Box
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin

24.78 TOTAL Regular Price

Sale Prices:
1.38 Rubbermaid 41-Quart Carton
0.60 Rubbermaid 1.5-Gallon Box
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin

6.98 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off Halloween Items"
1.00 ExtraBuck

6.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to 98 cents, plus 8 cents in local tax, for a grand total of $1.06.  I spent 1.00ECB and earned none, leaving Card1 with a balance of 8.49ECB.

Second Quarter ExtraBucks

With October comes the start of a new calendar quarter and the delivery of the quarterly extrabucks, based on 2% of your in-store purchases.  Since my out-of-pocket costs are extremely low, I generally receive the bare minimum.  And that was the case for 3Q 2010.

All three households, and all three cards, received a flat 0.50ECB for the quarterly bonus.

Here's the current summary:

Card1 = 9.49ECB
Card2 = 6.50ECB
Card3 - 29.49ECB

TOTAL = 45.48ECB

2010-10-04 -- $5.10

I began with 3.00ECB and my LAST "Save $4 Off $20+ Purchase" store coupon. Luckily, I found a nice clearance section and had some matching coupons.

Regular Prices:
19.99 CVS Congestion Relief DM (90ct)
8,99 ReNu Sensitive
7.99 GUM SuperTip Toothbrushes (4ct)
6.79 CVS Pain Relief Caplets (100ct)
5.99 BreatheRight
3.69 Oral B Advantage Toothbrush

53.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.00 CVS Congestion Relief DM (90ct)
7.99 ReNu Sensitive
2.00 GUM SuperTip Toothbrushes (4ct)
1.70 CVS Pain Relief Caplets (100ct)
5.99 BreatheRight
0.75 Oral B Advantage Toothbrush

20.63 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.99 STORE Coupon "Free BreatheRight"
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS Pain Relief"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS Pain Relief"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any GUM Toothbrush"
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Oral B Advantage"
3.00 ExtraBuck

16.74 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $3.89, plus $1.21 in local tax for a whopping $5.10 total out-of-pocket cost. I spent all 3.00ECB and earned back 8.99ECB (7.99ECB for ReNu and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of the cloth bag). So, even with the high OOP actual cash, I did come out ahead, spending the equivalent of 8.10 ($5.10 + 3.00ECB) and ending with 8.99ECB, making the transaction an 89-cent money-maker

2010-10-04 -- $2.57

I began with 32.80ECB.

Regular Prices:
8.99 ReNu Sensitive
4.99 Revlon Nail
4.99 Revlon Nail
3.29 Halloween SoftSoap
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.50 Halloween Stickers
0.50 Halloween Stickers
0.50 Halloween Stickers

29.70 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.99 ReNu Sensitive
3.99 Revlon Nail
3.99 Revlon Nail
3.29 Halloween SoftSoap
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.49 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.49 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.99 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.49 CVS Tootsie Rolls
0.50 Halloween Stickers
0.50 Halloween Stickers
0.50 Halloween Stickers

25.20 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "Halloween Items"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Buy Three CVS Candy, Save $1"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Buy Three CVS Candy, Save $1"
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
1.80 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

23.80 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $1.40, plus an additional $1.17 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.57.

I began with 32.80ECB, spent 16.80, and earned back 13.99ECB (7.99ECB for ReNu and 6.00ECB for Revlon).  It also seems that two 1.00ECB's were stuck together, since only one appeared on the receipt. The other likely was tossed or remained stuck in the register.  Oh well, at least it was a mere 1.00ECB on a card that is loaded with ECB.

As a result, Card3 now has 28.99ECB.

2010-10-04 -- $1.13

I began with 8.80ECB and received a nifty "$5 Off Halloween Items" coupon from the in-store scanner.

Regular Prices:
5.99 BreatheRight Advanced (10ct)
5.00 CVS Mega Calculator
5.00 CVS Soft Pillow
5.00 CVS Soft Pillow
4.99 Revlon Nail
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin

30.98 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.99 BreatheRight Advanced (10ct)
1.25 CVS Mega Calculator
1.25 CVS Soft Pillow
1.25 CVS Soft Pillow
3.99 Revlon Nail
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin
2.50 Halloween Blinking Pumpkin

18.73 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.99 STORE Coupon "Free BreatheRight"
5.00 STORE Coupon "Any Halloween Items"
1.00 MANUFCTURER Coupon "Any Revlon"
5.00 ExtraBuck
1.74 ExtraBuck (Reduced from 1.80ECB)

18.73 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to ZERO, with $1.13 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.13.  I spent 6.80ECB and earned 4.00ECB (3.00ECB for Revlon and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of a cloth bag).  The balance for Card2 is now 6.00ECB.

2010-10-02 -- 74 Cents

I discovered that I had 5.00ECB expiring today, so I popped in and made a quick transaction. I began with 33.80ECB.

Regular Prices:
6.89 Olay Daily Facials (30ct)
6.89 Olay Daily Facials (30ct)

13.78 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.00 Olay Daily Facials (30ct)
5.00 Olay Daily Facials (30ct)

10.00 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Olay Cloths"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Olay Cloths"
5.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

10.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to exactly ZERO, plus 74 cents in local tax, for a grand total of 74 cents.  I spent 6.00ECB and earned 5.00ECB.  The new total for Card3 is 32.80ECB.

An Impressive September

Transactions: 28
Total Retail Prices: $866.27
Total Sale Prices:  $575.85
Total Out-Of-Pocket Paid: $48.80
Total Taxes Paid: $27.97

Percent Saved Off Regular Retail:  94.4%
Percent Saved Off Sale Prices:  91.5%

Actual Non-Tax Real Cash Spent:  $20.83  

2010-09-27 -- $3.11

I began with 36.79ECB on Card3 for Household3.

Regular Prices:
14.99 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
14.99 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
14.99 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
6.29 Nivea Smooth Indulgence (5oz)
6.29 Nivea Smooth Indulgence (5oz)
3.19 Nivea Lip Cream
2.49 CVS Charm
1.00 CVS Post-Its
1.00 CVS Post-Its

65.23 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.74 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
3.74 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
3.74 Febreze Flameless Candle Kit
5.99 Nivea Smooth Indulgence (5oz)
5.99 Nivea Smooth Indulgence (5oz)
2.99 Nivea Lip Cream
2.49 CVS Charm
0.25 CVS Post-Its
0.25 CVS Post-Its

29.18 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Febreze Candle"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Febreze Candle"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Febreze Candle"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Smooth"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Smooth"
9.99 ExtraBuck

28.48 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to 70 cents.  The local tax amount was $2.41, making the total out-of-pocket cost $3.11.  I began with 36.79ECB, spent 9.99ECB, and earned 6.00ECB (5.00ECB for Nivea and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag). That leaves Card3 with 33.80ECB.

I miss the "Save $4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupons already!!

2010-09-27 -- $1.55 + $0.88 = $2.43

I began with 9.00ECB.

Regular Prices:
5.99 Head+Shoulders
5.99 Head+Shoulders
3.69 Febreze Set+Rest
3.69 Febreze Set+Rest
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.20 CA CRV
0.89 Candy Bar

26.81 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.00 Head+Shoulders
5.00 Head+Shoulders
2.99 Febreze Set+Rest
2.99 Febreze Set+Rest
0.99 SoBe
0.00 SoBe (RAINCHECK)
0.99 SoBe
0.00 SoBe (RAINCHECK)
0.20 CA CRV
0.89 Candy Bar

19.05 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Head+Shoulders"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Head+Shoulders"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Febreze S+R"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Febreze S+R"
0.99 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
0.99 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck

18.98 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Initially, my total went negative, freaking out the cashier and necessitating an 89-cent candy bar to bring the total back into positive territory.  That 7 cents, plus and additional $1.48 in local tax, made for a grand total of $1.55.

I spent all 9.00ECB and only earned back 5.00ECB (for Head+Shoulders).

I had intended to complete the special Febreze ECB promotion, but the store was limited in its inventory, so I headed to a nearby store and made a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
3.69 Febreze Set+Rest
3.69 Febreze Set+Rest
2.99 Photo Cube
1.00 Holiday Towel
1.00 Holiday Towel

12.37 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.99 Febreze Set+Rest
2.99 Febreze Set+Rest
0.29 Photo Cube
0.49 Holiday Towel
0.49 Holiday Towel

7.25 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon
5.00 ExtraBuck

7.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

This total came to 25 cents, plus an additional 63 cents in tax, for a grand total of 88 cents. I spent all 5.00ECB and earned only 3.00ECB (for Febreze).

2010-09-22 -- $3.24 + $2.47 = $5.71

Not the greatest of deals, but wallowing in ECB and coupons led me to make a couple quick transactions.

Regular Prices:
7.99 Revlon LipStick
7.49 LOreal Revitalist Towels
4.49 Right Guard
4.49 Right Guard
3.49 Edge Shave Gel
1.99 Bowl Appetit

29.94 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Revlon LipStick
5.99 LOreal Revitalist Cream
2.99 Right Guard
2.99 Right Guard
2.79 Edge Shave Gel
1.00 Bowl Appetit

22.75 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Two Right Guard"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Revlon LipStick"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any LOreal Revitalist"
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
1.99 ExtraBuck

20.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total for the first transaction came to $1.76, plus an additional $1.48 in local tax, for a grand total of $3.24.  I began with 10.99ECB, spent all of them, and earned 10.80ECB (5.00ECB for Revlon, 4.00ECB for Right Guard, and 1.80ECB for Edge).

I had expected to receive an additional 2.00ECB for LOreal, but had mistakenly read the offer.  I needed to purchase TWO LOreal (making it a not-really-all-that-great deal).  So, armed with some additional coupons, I made a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
8.99 Revlon LipStick
7.49 LOreal Revitalist Cream
3.29 CVS Absolutely Divine Cookies
2.49 CVS Charm
1.99 Bowl Appetit
1.59 Glade Plug-In Oil Base

25.84 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Revlon LipStick
4.99 LOreal Revitalist Cream
2.50 CVS Absolutely Divine Cookies
2.49 CVS Charm
1.00 Bowl Appetit
1.59 Glade Plug-In Oil Base

20.56 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
1.50 STORE Coupon "Any Glade"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Absolutely Divine"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any LOreal"
5.00 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck

18.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total for this transaction came to $1.57, plus $0.90 in tax, for a grand total of $2.47.  I spent 9.00ECB and only earned back 7.00ECB (5.00 for Revlon and 2.00 for LOreal).

After both transactions, Card2 for Household2 has 8.80ECB.

2010-09-20 -- $0.47 + $1.38 = $1.85

I began with 37.96ECB on the recently unretired Card3 for Household3.  Once again, I had two separate "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupons, so I made back-to-back transactions.

Regular Prices:
8.29 Nivea Happy Sensations
8.29 Nivea Essentially Enriched
3.29 CVS Absolutely Divine Chocolate Cookies
2.49 CVS Charm

22.36 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7.99 Nivea Happy Sensations
7.99 Nivea Essentially Enriched
2.50 CVS Absolutely Divine Chocolate Cookies
2.49 CVS Charm

20.97 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Lotion"
1.00 STORE Coupon "CVS Absolutely Divine"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Happy Sensation"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Nivea"
5.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck

21.48 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts Applied

My total went negative (mostly due to some pricing discrepancies with the Nivea), but with $1.03 in local tax, my grand total cost came to $0.47.  I began with a whopping 37.96ECB, spent 8.99ECB, and earned back 5.00ECB.  Card3 now has 33.97ECB.  Immediately, I used the second "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupon to make a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
7.99 Revlon Lipstick
4.49 Dove Chocolate (9.5oz)
4.49 Right Guard Total Defense
4.49 Right Guard Total Defense
3.49 Edge Infused Hydrate Gel
3.49 Edge Infused Hydrate Gel
1.00 Emerald Nuts

29.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
6.99 Revlon Lipstick
2.99 Dove Chocolate
2.99 Right Guard Total Defense
2.99 Right Guard Total Defense
2.79 Edge Infused Hydrate Gel
2.79 Edge Infused Hydrate Gel
1.00 Emerald Nuts

22.54 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 STORE Coupon "Dove Chocolate"
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Two Right Guard"
2.79 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 Edge, Get 1 Free"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Dove Bag"
4.99 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck

22.27 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The balance for this transaction was $0.27, plus an additional $1.12 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.37.  I spent 7.98ECB, earned 10.80ECB (5.00ECB for Revlon, 4.00ECB for Right Guard, and 1.80ECB for Edge).  The balance for Card3 is now 36.79ECB.

So, for a grand daily total of $1.85, I got two bottles of Nivea lotion, two Right Guard, two Edge shave gel, a bag of chocolate, a box of cookies, a can of nuts, a lipstick, and a CVS charm (also a lipstick!).  In addition, my ECB balance went from 37.96ECB to 36.79ECB, barely a dollar reduction.  All told, I spent barely "three dollars" in cash and credit.

2010-09-17 -- $2.46

I began with 10.99ECB on Card1.

Regular Prices:
7.99 Tylenol Precise
5.99 Almay Towelettes
5.99 Almay Towelettes
3.99 Skintimate

23.96 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.99 Tylenol Precise
5.99 Almay Towelettes
5.99 Almay Towelettes
3.99 Skintimate

21.96 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Almay"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Almay"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Tylenol Precise"
5.00 ExtraBuck
4.99 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck

20.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to $0.97, plus an additional $1.48 in local tax, for a grand total of $2.46.  I spent all 10.99ECB, but earned back 9.00ECB (4.00ECB for Almay, 3.00ECB for Skintimate, and 2.00ECB for Tylenol Precise).

Card1 for Household1 now has 9.00ECB.

2010-09-17 -- $1.07

I began with 17.99ECB.

Regular Prices:
7.99 Tylenol Precise
5.99 Almay Towelettes
5.99 Almay Towelettes
3.99 Skintimate
1.99 High Octane Chews
1.99 Lorna Doone Cookies
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.00 Emerald Nuts

34.90 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
5.99 Tylenol Precise
5.99 Almay Towelettes
5.99 Almay Towelettes
3.99 Skintimate
1.99 High Octane Chews
1.00 Lorna Doone Cookies
1.49 Altoids Mini
0.00 Altoids Mini
1.49 Altoids Mini
0.00 Altoids Mini
1.00 Emerald Nuts

28.93 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Almay"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Almay"
2.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Tylenol Precise"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
9.99 ExtraBuck
8.00 ExtraBuck

28.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Once again, my total went negative:  - $0.06.  Since there was $1.13 in tax, the total transaction cost was $1.07.  I spent all 17.99ECB and earned back 10.99ECB (4.00ECB for Almay, 3.00ECB for Skintimate, 2.00ECB for Tylenol, and 1.99ECB for High Octane Chews).

The new balance for Card2 is 10.99ECB.

2010-09-16 -- $3.11

I began with 11.98ECB.

Regular Prices:
12.29 Blink Tears
10.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.49 Altoids Mini
1.00 Emerald Nuts

27.26 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
7,99 Blink Tears (RAINCHECK)
9.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
1.49 Altoids Mini
0.00 Altoids MIni
1.00 Emerald Nuts

20.47 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Blink"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
5.00 ExtraBucks
4.99 ExtraBucks
1.00 ExtraBucks
0.99 ExtraBucks

18.48 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

The total came to $1.99, plus an additional $1.12 in tax, for a grand total of $3.11.  I began with 11.98ECB, spent all of them, and earned back 17.99ECB (9.99ECB for Alive and 8.00ECB for Blink Raincheck).

Once again, CVS has paid me to shop.  For $3.11 in actual cash, I bought these five items and increased my ECB from 11.98ECB to 17.99ECB.  Overall, a nearly $3.00 profit.

The Wednesday Balance

The perpetual CVS Store Coupons ("$4 Off $20+ Purchase") continue to keep my ECB balance quite high.

Card1 = 10.99ECB
Card2 = 11.98ECB
Card3 = 37.96ECB

Nearly 61.00ECB for all three of my Households.

2010-09-14 -- $0.83 + $1.20 = $2.03

I began with 10.00ECB on Card2 for Household2.

Regular Prices:
6.29 Nivea Men Body Wash
4.29 AirWick AquaMist
4.29 AirWick AquaMist
4.29 AirWick AquaMist
4.29 AirWick AquaMist
0.99 Halloween Mix

24.44 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
4.99 Nivea Men Body Wash
2.50 AirWick AquaMist
2.50 AirWick AquaMist
2.50 AirWick AquaMist
2.50 AirWick AquaMist
0.99 Halloween Mix

15.98 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off $15+ Purchase"
2.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 AquaMist, Get 1 Free"
2.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 AquaMist, Get 1 Free"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Men"
5.00 ExtraBuck

16.00 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

Yup, I went negative.  Always scary, but also rewarding. The tax of $0.85 put me back into positive territory.  I paid $0.83 total.  I had started with 10.00ECB, spent 5.00ECB, an earned back 11.98ECB (5.00ECB for AirWick, 4.99ECB for Nivea, 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag, and 0.99ECB for the Halloween Mix).  That brought the total for Card2 to 16.98ECB.

Card2 also generated TWO "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupons, so I made a second transaction to use that coupon.

Regular Prices:
8.99 Nivea Body Lotion
8.99 Nivea Body Lotion
2.49 CVS Charm
1.99 Golden Oreos
1.99 Lorna Doone cookies
1.00 Emerald Nuts

25.45 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
8.99 Nivea Body Lotion
8.99 Nivea Body Lotion
2.49 CVS Charm
1.00 Golden Oreos
1.00 Lorna Doone Cookies
1.00 Emerald Nuts

23.47 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "Free CVS Charm"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Lotion"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Two Nivea"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck

23.49 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

BOOM. Yup, a second negative transaction.  For this transaction, the tax came to $1.22, making my grand total $1.20.

I began this transaction with 16.98ECB, spent 10.00ECB, and earned back only 5.00ECB. Card2 for Household2 now has 11.98ECB.

Once again, I spent barely two dollars in actual real cash ($0.83+$1.20=$2.03) and increased my in-store credit total from 10.00ECB to 11.98ECB.  So, in effect, it cost me one nickel to buy a dozen items.

2010-09-14 -- $8.83 + $1.37 = $10.20

Whoa.  An out-of-pocket total of more than TEN DOLLARS. Egad.  Horrors.

But there is a rationale.  My longest-held card, Card1, obtained in the early 2000s while I was traveling on the East Coast and mostly clueless about "how to CVS", had dwindled down to a mere 0.99ECB.  I was actually intending on retiring this card for awhile, despite the decent store coupons I have been getting.  Juggling purchases for three households can get confusing, especially with so many deals and wonderful coupons of late.

But the temptation was just to great.  When I scanned Card1 on Tuesday, out spit TWO "$4 Off $20+ Purchase" coupons.  And that was on top of the "$5 Off $15+ Purchase" coupon that I had gotten over the weekend.  I had been toying with a way to use the lowly 0.99ECB with the 5/15 coupon and had crafted a decent transaction with little out-of-pocket cost.  Of course, that plan was foiled when three items I had planned to buy were out of stock. These were all semi-pricey items with BOGO manufacturer coupons.  Had the items been in stock, I could have parlayed the 0.99ECB into enough ECB to then use the "$4 Off $20+ Purchase".

But alas, inventory issues stopped me cold.  I debated just not using these great store coupons, but then decided that in the long run, I could re-start Card1 and build from there.

So, began with 0.99ECB.

Regular Prices:
10.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
5.99 Nivea Men Body Wash
0.99 Halloween Mix

17.97 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
4.99 Nivea Men Body Wash
0.99 Halloween Mix

15.97 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off $15+ Purchase"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Men"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Alive"
0.99 ExtraBuck

7.99 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to $7.98, plus an additional $0.85 in tax for a grand total of $8.83.  I began with 0.99ECB, spent all of it, and earned back 15.97ECB (9.99ECB for Alive, 4.99ECB for Nivea, and 0.99ECB for Halloween Mix).

So, even with the huge amount of cash paid, the cash yielded nearly 100% more in ECB. Using those 15.97ECB, I made a second transaction.

Regular Prices:
8.99 CVS Swim Goggles
8.99 CVS Swim Goggles
8.99 CVS Swim Goggles
8.99 CVS Swim Goggles
7.99 Nivea Body Lotion
7.99 Nivea Body Lotion
2.49 CVS Charm
1.49 Altoid Minis
1.49 Altoid Minis

57.41 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
0.89 CVS Swim Goggles
0.89 CVS Swim Goggles
0.89 CVS Swim Goggles
0.89 CVS Swim Goggles
7.99 Nivea Body Lotion
7.99 Nivea Body Lotion
2.49 CVS Charm
1.49 Altoid Minis
0.00 Altoid Minis

23.52 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
2.49 STORE Coupon "CVS Charm"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any Lotion"
4.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Two Nivea"
9.99 ExtraBuck
0.99 ExtraBuck

23.47 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to $0.05, plus an addtional $1.32 in local tax, for a grand total of $1.37.  I began with 15.97ECB, spent 10.98ECB, and earned back 6.00ECB (5.00 for Nivea and 1.00ECB for the fourth use of my cloth bag).  As a result, I ended the day with 10.99ECB for Card1.

So, yes, I spent a whopping $10.20 in real actual cash (yikes).  But I added 10.00ECB to Card1. So for two dimes, I bought 12 items, at least half of which will be used for holiday gifts/stocking stuffers.

2010-09-14 -- $0.82 + $1.08 = $1.90

I began with 32.98ECB for Card3.

Regular Prices:
5.99 Nivea Men Body Wash
4.99 Tresemme Mega Gel
4.99 Tresemme Mega Gel
2.00 CVS Summer Napkins
2.00 CVS Summer Napkins

19.97 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
4.99 Nivea Men Body Wash
4.99 Tresemme Mega Gel
4.99 Tresemme Mega Gel
0.49 CVS Summer Napkins
0.49 CVS Summer Napkins

15.95 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon "$5 Off $15+ Purchase
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any Two CVS Napkins"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Nivea Men"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Tresemme"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Tresemme"
6.95 ExtraBuck (Reduced from 6.99)

15.95 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to ZERO, plus a loss of 4 cents due to a cashier-reduction of the 6.99ECB.  The local taxes came to 82 cents.

I began with 32.98ECB, spent 6.99ECB, and earned 9.99ECB (5.00ECB for Tresemme and 4.99ECB for Nivea Men).  As a result, Card3 for Household3 had a total of 35.98ECB.

Upon arrival in the store, I scanned my card and received TWO additional mega coupons.  Yay. Since I had two "$4 Off $20" coupons available, I quickly concocted another transaction to take advantage of some additional weekly deals.

Regular Prices:
10.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
3.99 Skintimate Shave
1.99 Fig Newtons
1.99 Kitchen Item
1.99 Kitchen Item
1.99 Kitchen Item
1.99 Kitchen Item
1.59 Reeses 8-Pack Snack
1.49 Altoid Minis
1.49 Altoid Minis
1.00 Emerald Nuts
0.99 Halloween Mix

31.49 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
9.99 Alive Multi-Vitamins
3.99 Skintimate Shave
1.00 Fig Newtons
0.39 Kitchen Item
0.39 Kitchen Item
0.39 Kitchen Item
0.39 Kitchen Item
0.77 Reeses 8-Pack Snack
1.49 Altoid Minis
0.00 Altoid Minis
1.00 Emerald Nuts
0.99 Halloween Mix

20.79 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Alive Multi-Vitamins"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Skintimate"
5.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck

 20.75 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to $0.04, plus an additional $1.04 in local tax for a grand total of $1.08.

I began this transaction with 35.98ECB.  I spent 14.00ECB and earned 13.98ECB (9.99ECB for Alive, 3.00ECB for Skintimate, and 0.99ECB for the Halloween Mix.)  In addition, I found two packages of gum that had expiration dates of JULY 2009 !!!!!  So, in keeping with the CVS policy of rewarding CA customers for locating expired product, the cashier generated an extra 2.00ECB. (She did not know how to do the $2.00 "apology" coupon.)

So I began the day with 32.98ECB, then had 35.98ECB after my first transaction and ended up with 37.96ECB on Card3 for Household3.

I spent less than two dollars in actual cash, bought 17 items, and gained nearly 5.00ECB.  Yet again, CVS has paid me to shop.

2010-09-11 -- FREE

Well, OK, sorta free.  My total came to $1.02, but the SoBe Buy-One-Get-One Promotion failed to kick in and I was charged for both SoBe.  I had paid for one with a coupon, and the other didn't auto-deduct.  The cashier simply refunded the $1.59, so I paid $1.02 and CVS then handed me $1.59 in cash.

I began with 5.99ECB on Card1.

Regular Prices:
4.49 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
4.49 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
4.49 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
4.49 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
3.49 SunMaid Raisins
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.10 CA CRV
1.49 Stride Shift
1.00 Emerald Nuts
0.89 Three Musketeers

28.11 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.77 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
1.77 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
1.77 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
1.77 Kelloggs Raisin Bran
2.50 SunMaid Raisins
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.10 CA CRV
0.99 Stride Shift
1.00 Emerald Nuts
0.50 Three Musketeers

15.35 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "$3 Off $10+ Grocery Purchase"
0.75 STORE Coupon "75 Cents off Three Musketeer"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Emerald Nuts"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Two Raisin Bran"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Two Raisin Bran"
4.00 ExtraBuck
1.99 ExtraBuck

14.33 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

As noted above, my balance came to $1.02. I paid and was somewhat perplexed as I had not intended on spending all my ECB. Once I looked at the receipt, I saw that the SoBe had not "zero-ed out".  It seems that I had a grabbed a SoBe Tea that was not part of the promotion.

The cashier refunded me $1.64 in cash (including CRV), then we purchased a "free" SoBe at a cost of $0.00+CRV.  Yes, I came out $0.57 ahead, but my ECB total plummeted from 5.99ECB to 0.99ECB, which I gained from the Stride Shift gum.

Shockingly, the ECB total for Card1 is now a measly 0.99ECB.  Even with the nifty three-day-only "$5 Off $15" coupon, as well as a few other card-specific coupons, it will be a challenge to raise my ECB total on this long-time card without having to spend some real, actual cash.  EEEK.

On the plus side, since this location was entirely out of SoBe, I did get a nice RAINCHECK that will come in handy once they re-stock the SoBe, hopefully before the 09-30-2010 expiration of the fantastic "BOGO" coupon game on sobe.com.

2010-09-11 -- 25 Cents

I began with 34.99ECB on Card3.

Regular Prices:
2.29 Otis Muffins (3ct)
1.99 Lorna Doone Cookies (5oz)
1.99 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.20 CA CRV
1.59 Reeses 8-Pack Snack
1.49 Stride Shift

15.91 Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
2.29 Otis Muffins (3ct)
1.00 Lorna Doone Cookies (5oz)
1.00 Fig Newtons (8oz)
1.59.SoBe
0.00 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.00 SoBe
0.20 CA CRV
0.77 Reeses 8-Pack Snack
0.99 Stride Shift

9.43 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "$3 Off $10+ Grocery Purchase"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
3.00 ExtraBuck

9.18 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My balance came to 25 cents, with no additional tax.  I spent 3.00ECB and only earned back 0.99ECB.  The balance for Card3 is now 32.98ECB.

2010-09-11 -- 48 Cents

 I hadn't planned on shopping, but once I discovered that all ExtraCare cards were receiving BOTH a one-day-only "$3 Off $10+ Grocery" coupon and a separate three-day-only "$5 Off $15+ Purchase" coupon upon checkout using the first coupon, I figured it was time to burn some ECB and buy some snacks. After all, the "$4 Off $20+" has been great and "$5 Off $15+" is even better.

I began with 10.99ECB on Card2.

Regular Prices:
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.20 CA CRV
1.59 Reeses 8-Pack Snack

19.60 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
1.00 Betty Crock Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crock Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crock Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crock Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crock Warm Delight
1.59 SoBe
0.00 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.00 SoBe
0.20 CA CRV
0.77 Reeses 8-Pack Snack

9.15 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
3.00 STORE Coupon "$3 Off $10+ Grocery Purchase"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 SoBe, Get 1 Free"
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Two Warm Delights"
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Any Two Warm Delights"
0.99 ExtraBuck

8.67 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to 48 cents. As all items were food, there was no additional tax.  As you can see, I mistakenly bought an ODD number of Betty Crocker Warm Delights.  I had originally put six in my cart, then decided only to buy four, since my total was in excess of $10.  I didn't realize I had bought FIVE until after unloading the bags in the car.  I wasn't expecting to need to use an ECB, so I knew something was screwy.

I began with 10.99ECB, spent 0.99ECB, and earned none. The balance on Card2 for Household2 is 10.00ECB.

2010-09-10 -- 85 Cents

I began with 16.99ECB for Card2.

Regular Prices:
12.99 Transformers Toy
9.99 Cold Stone Ice Cream Machine
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
2.29 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.59 SoBe
1.59 SoBe
0.10 CA CRV
1.49 Stride Shift
1.29 Stride
0.89 Three Musketeers

52.83 TOTAL Regular Prices

Sale Prices:
3.25 Transformers Toy
2.49 Cold Stone Ice Cream Machine
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delight
1.59 SoBe
0.00 SoBe
0.99 Stride Shift
1.29 Stride
0.50 Three Musketeers

20.21 TOTAL Sale Prices

Coupons and Discounts Applied:
4.00 STORE Coupon "$4 Off $20+ Purchase"
0.75 STORE Coupon "Three Musketeers"
1.59 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy 1 Sobe, Get 1 Free"
1.29 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Stride, Get Stride Shift"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Two Warm Delights"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Two Warm Delights"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Two Warm Delights"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Two Warm Delights"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon "Buy Two Warm Delights"
5.00 ExtraBuck
1.99 ExtraBuck

19.62 TOTAL Coupons and Discounts

My total came to 59 cents, plus an additonal 26 cents for local taxes, making a grand total of 85 cents.

I began with 16.99ECB, spent 6.99ECB, and earned back 0.99ECB for Stride Shift.  The new total for Card2 is 10.99ECB.