Another lackluster day as the store was depleted of all the items I intended to purchase. I couldn't even scrounge up enough worthwhile merchandise to use the $5OFF$20 from the online Santa Cruz Sentinel. Oh well, at least I scanned my cloth bag one more time. Three more times to get another 1ECB.
I started with 20.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
4.19 SpeedStick Stainguard Roll-on
2.19 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Cream
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Cream
0.89 Dove Chocolate Bar
13.25 TOTAL Non-Sale Regular Prices
Sale Prices:
2.99 SpeedStick Stainguard Roll-On
1.10 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Cream
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Cream
0.50 Dove Chocolate Bar
7.59 TOTAL Sales Prices
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
2.00 STORE Coupon "Buy Two Blades, Save $1"
2.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS Skincare"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon SpeedStick
2.00 ExtraBuck
7.00 TOTAL Discounts (Coupons/ECB)
My balance was $0.59. When adding in $0.28 tax, the total out-of-pocket paid came to 87 cents. I spent 2.00ECB and earned 2.00ECB from the SpeedStick.
My ECB total remains 20.50ECB.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2010-02-23 -- $1.04
I start with 15.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
4.49 Dove Chocolate (9.5oz bag)
2.29 Betty Crocker Frosting
3.69 Pringles 100-Calorie Box
3.69 Pringles 12-count mini-stack
4.29 Fruity Cheerios
3.29 Colgate MaxFresh
3.99 Speed Stick Stainguard Roll-On
1.69 PowerBar Raspberry Bits
3.99 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
3.99 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
1.99 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
37.39 TOTAL Non-Sale Regular Prices
Sale Prices:
3.00 Dove Chocolate (9.5oz bag)
1.50 Betty Crocker Frosting
1.49 Pringles 100-Calorie Box
1.49 Pringles 12-count mini-stack
1.99 Fruity Cheerios
2.99 Colgate MaxFresh
2.99 Speed Stick Stainguard Roll-On
1.50 Powerbar Raspberry Bits
2.00 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
2.00 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
1.00 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
21.95 TOTAL Sales Prices
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
2.00 STORE Courtesy Coupon for finding expired merchandise
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS SkinCare"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Dove Chocolates
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Speed Stick
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Colgate
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon Cheerios
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Betty Crocker Frosting
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Pringles
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Pringles
6.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
21.25 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
That makes my net balance only 70 cents. Add in 34 cents worth of tax and the grand total for this transaction comes to $1.04.
I also "messed" up on this transaction, forgetting to use my "$1 OFF 2 Planters" coupon. Oh well. The coupon does not expire until March and CVS is clearancing out lots of Planters nuts (with 2011 expiration dates too), so I will likely find another 2 canisters to purchase.
I started with 15.50ECB. I "spent" 8ECB, yet earned 5.50ECB (2ECB for Colgate, 2ECB for SpeedStick, and 1.50ECB for Powerbar).
That leaves me with 13ECB.
Regular Prices:
4.49 Dove Chocolate (9.5oz bag)
2.29 Betty Crocker Frosting
3.69 Pringles 100-Calorie Box
3.69 Pringles 12-count mini-stack
4.29 Fruity Cheerios
3.29 Colgate MaxFresh
3.99 Speed Stick Stainguard Roll-On
1.69 PowerBar Raspberry Bits
3.99 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
3.99 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
1.99 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
37.39 TOTAL Non-Sale Regular Prices
Sale Prices:
3.00 Dove Chocolate (9.5oz bag)
1.50 Betty Crocker Frosting
1.49 Pringles 100-Calorie Box
1.49 Pringles 12-count mini-stack
1.99 Fruity Cheerios
2.99 Colgate MaxFresh
2.99 Speed Stick Stainguard Roll-On
1.50 Powerbar Raspberry Bits
2.00 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
2.00 Planters Unsalted (16oz)
1.00 CVS Deep Moisture HandWash
21.95 TOTAL Sales Prices
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
2.00 STORE Courtesy Coupon for finding expired merchandise
1.00 STORE Coupon "Any CVS SkinCare"
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Dove Chocolates
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Speed Stick
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Colgate
0.75 MANUFACTURER Coupon Cheerios
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Betty Crocker Frosting
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Pringles
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Pringles
6.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
1.00 ExtraBuck
21.25 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
That makes my net balance only 70 cents. Add in 34 cents worth of tax and the grand total for this transaction comes to $1.04.
I also "messed" up on this transaction, forgetting to use my "$1 OFF 2 Planters" coupon. Oh well. The coupon does not expire until March and CVS is clearancing out lots of Planters nuts (with 2011 expiration dates too), so I will likely find another 2 canisters to purchase.
I started with 15.50ECB. I "spent" 8ECB, yet earned 5.50ECB (2ECB for Colgate, 2ECB for SpeedStick, and 1.50ECB for Powerbar).
That leaves me with 13ECB.
2010-02-23 -- 17 Cents
OK, some weeks seem to have no exciting ExtraBuck offers and this week falls into that category. In addition, several items that generate ECB are out of stock. On the flip side, there are massive discounts throughout the store (50-75%).
I start with 17.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS HandWash
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel
1.99 CVS Plastic Razor Travel Case
9.96 + TAX TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
1.00 CVS HandWash (50% OFF)
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel (50% OFF)
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel (50% OFF)
1.00 CVS Plastic Razor Travel Case (50% OFF)
5.00 + TAX TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons And Discounts Applied:
2.00 STORE COUPON "Buy Two Blades, Save $2"
1.00 STORE COUPON "Any CVS Skin Care"
2.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
So, for this shopping trip, my balance is zero, however I must pay 17 cents in tax. I also spent 2.00ECB and did not earn any ExtraBucks.
My ECB Balance on this card drops from 17.50ECB to 15.50ECB
I start with 17.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS HandWash
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel
2.99 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel
1.99 CVS Plastic Razor Travel Case
9.96 + TAX TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
1.00 CVS HandWash (50% OFF)
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel (50% OFF)
1.50 CVS Blade Scorpion Shave Gel (50% OFF)
1.00 CVS Plastic Razor Travel Case (50% OFF)
5.00 + TAX TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons And Discounts Applied:
2.00 STORE COUPON "Buy Two Blades, Save $2"
1.00 STORE COUPON "Any CVS Skin Care"
2.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
So, for this shopping trip, my balance is zero, however I must pay 17 cents in tax. I also spent 2.00ECB and did not earn any ExtraBucks.
My ECB Balance on this card drops from 17.50ECB to 15.50ECB
2010-02-19 -- $2.30
I started with 18.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
25.94 + TAX Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
21.98 + TAX Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 via SFChronicle
1.00 STORE Coupon Any Skin Care Item
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy Glade Jar, Get One Free
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy Glade Jar, Get One Free
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Any Neutrogena Item
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Any Neutrogena Item
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
21.00 TOTAL Discounts (Coupons/ECB)
0.98 + 1.32 TAX = 2.30 TOTAL Amount Paid
I started with 18.50ECB and spent 7.00ECB. However, I earned 9.00ECB (4ECB for Glade and 5ECB for Neutrogena). I spent a bit over two dollars in cash, yet earned 2ECB, making the net cost just 30 cents.
I ended the day with 20.50ECB
Regular Prices:
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
3.99 Glade Jar Candle
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
25.94 + TAX Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
3.00 Glade Jar Candle
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
4.99 Neutrogena Hand Creme
21.98 + TAX Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 via SFChronicle
1.00 STORE Coupon Any Skin Care Item
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy Glade Jar, Get One Free
3.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy Glade Jar, Get One Free
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Any Neutrogena Item
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Any Neutrogena Item
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
21.00 TOTAL Discounts (Coupons/ECB)
0.98 + 1.32 TAX = 2.30 TOTAL Amount Paid
I started with 18.50ECB and spent 7.00ECB. However, I earned 9.00ECB (4ECB for Glade and 5ECB for Neutrogena). I spent a bit over two dollars in cash, yet earned 2ECB, making the net cost just 30 cents.
I ended the day with 20.50ECB
2010-02-19 -- 48 Cents
Start with 17.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissue (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissue (200ct)
3.89 Colgate Enamel (4oz)
5.39 Crest ProHealth Rinse
3.99 Oust Sanitizer Surface+Air
1.49 SoBe Water
1.49 SoBe Water
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
7.96 XMAS Stickers (1.99X4)
24.95 XMAS Paper (4.99X5)
59.12 + 0.10CRV = 59.22+TAX Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
2.99 Colgate Enamel (4oz)
3.50 Crest ProHealth Rinse
3.99 Oust Sanitizer Surface+Air
1.49 SoBe
1.49 SoBe
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
0.40 XMAS Clearance (4X10cents)
2.00 XMAS Clearance (5X40cents)
23.82 + 0.10CRV = 23.92 Sales Item Cost
Coupons And Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 via SFChronicle
1.00 STORE Coupon "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissue Save $1"
2.00 STORE Courtesy Coupon for finding expired merchandise
0.49 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy One SoBe, Get One Free
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Colgate
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Chex Mix
2.99 CVS Promotion Buy One Chex Mix, Get One Free
1.49 CVS Promotion Buy One SoBe, Get One Free
3.50 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
23.97 Total Discounts (Coupons/ECB/BOGO)
Once again, my total goes negative. Once tax and CRV are added, the total amount due comes to 48 cents. I spent 8.50ECB and received 9.50ECB in return (2ECB for Colgate, 3ECB for Oust, 3.50ECB for Crest Rinse, and 1ECB for using my cloth bag for the fourth time).
I started with 17.50ECB and end with 18.50ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissue (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissue (200ct)
3.89 Colgate Enamel (4oz)
5.39 Crest ProHealth Rinse
3.99 Oust Sanitizer Surface+Air
1.49 SoBe Water
1.49 SoBe Water
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
7.96 XMAS Stickers (1.99X4)
24.95 XMAS Paper (4.99X5)
59.12 + 0.10CRV = 59.22+TAX Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
2.99 Colgate Enamel (4oz)
3.50 Crest ProHealth Rinse
3.99 Oust Sanitizer Surface+Air
1.49 SoBe
1.49 SoBe
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
0.40 XMAS Clearance (4X10cents)
2.00 XMAS Clearance (5X40cents)
23.82 + 0.10CRV = 23.92 Sales Item Cost
Coupons And Discounts Applied:
5.00 STORE Coupon $5OFF$20 via SFChronicle
1.00 STORE Coupon "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissue Save $1"
2.00 STORE Courtesy Coupon for finding expired merchandise
0.49 MANUFACTURER Coupon Buy One SoBe, Get One Free
1.00 MANUFACTURER Coupon Colgate
0.50 MANUFACTURER Coupon Chex Mix
2.99 CVS Promotion Buy One Chex Mix, Get One Free
1.49 CVS Promotion Buy One SoBe, Get One Free
3.50 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
2.00 ExtraBuck
23.97 Total Discounts (Coupons/ECB/BOGO)
Once again, my total goes negative. Once tax and CRV are added, the total amount due comes to 48 cents. I spent 8.50ECB and received 9.50ECB in return (2ECB for Colgate, 3ECB for Oust, 3.50ECB for Crest Rinse, and 1ECB for using my cloth bag for the fourth time).
I started with 17.50ECB and end with 18.50ECB.
Friday, February 19, 2010
2010-02-18 -- $1.16
Often, I will split my purchase into two transactions, allowing me to benefit from extra discounts. Most cashiers will gladly allow this. If the store is busy or short-staffed, I may take my first purchase to the car and return through the line a second time with my items.
Since I was the only person shopping at 855PM, I simply asked the cashier if it would be OK to do two transactions and he gladly agreed.
I began with 13.50ECB and of course, another copy of the $5OFF$20 coupon from the online San Francisco Chronicle.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
3.99 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
3.99 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
9.99 Glade Sense+Spray Starter Kit
4.99 Aussie Hair Gel
5.39 Crest ProHealth Enamel Rinse
3.99 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz)
3.99 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz)
40.31 TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
3.00 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
3.00 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
6.00 Glade Sense+Spray Starter Kit
2.99 Aussie Hair Gel
3.50 Crest ProHealth Enamel Rinse
1.00 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz) -- 75% Clearance!
1.00 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz) -- 75% Clearance!
22.47 TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.00 Store COUPON "Save $1 on Any Haircare Item"
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Glade Sense+Spray
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Buy One Glade Jar Get One Free
2.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $2 on Any Crest Rinse
1.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $1 on Aussie Haircare
1.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $1 Off Two Planters
2.00 ExtraBuck
3.47 ExtraBuck
22.47 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
As you can see, my discounts matched my purchases, for a ZERO balance. The cashier had to reduce my 3.50ECB by three cents to 3.47ECB in order to complete the transaction. Sometimes, the register will allow you to go into a negative balance, while other times it will not. No one has been able to fully explain this, although part of it involves the cashier's routine and part of it involves the order of coupons being applied to the purchase.
Regardless, my tax came to 1.16.
I started this transaction with 13.50ECB. I spent 5.50ECB (actually 5.47ECB, but the ECB is out of my possession now). And I earned 4.00ECB for the Glade purchases, 2.00ECB for the Aussie hair gel, and 3.50ECB for the Crest ProHealth Rinse.
So now, the card for my second household has 17.50ECB. Once again, CVS has paid me about $3.00 to shop.
I received nearly $70 in merchandise and paid only $2.26.
I started the day with 9.00ECB and ended with 17.50ECB.
Since I was the only person shopping at 855PM, I simply asked the cashier if it would be OK to do two transactions and he gladly agreed.
I began with 13.50ECB and of course, another copy of the $5OFF$20 coupon from the online San Francisco Chronicle.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
3.99 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
3.99 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
9.99 Glade Sense+Spray Starter Kit
4.99 Aussie Hair Gel
5.39 Crest ProHealth Enamel Rinse
3.99 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz)
3.99 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz)
40.31 TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Cost
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
3.00 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
3.00 Glade Jar Candle Apple Cinn
6.00 Glade Sense+Spray Starter Kit
2.99 Aussie Hair Gel
3.50 Crest ProHealth Enamel Rinse
1.00 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz) -- 75% Clearance!
1.00 Planters No-Salt Peanuts (16oz) -- 75% Clearance!
22.47 TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.00 Store COUPON "Save $1 on Any Haircare Item"
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Glade Sense+Spray
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Buy One Glade Jar Get One Free
2.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $2 on Any Crest Rinse
1.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $1 on Aussie Haircare
1.00 Manufacturer COUPON Save $1 Off Two Planters
2.00 ExtraBuck
3.47 ExtraBuck
22.47 TOTAL Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
As you can see, my discounts matched my purchases, for a ZERO balance. The cashier had to reduce my 3.50ECB by three cents to 3.47ECB in order to complete the transaction. Sometimes, the register will allow you to go into a negative balance, while other times it will not. No one has been able to fully explain this, although part of it involves the cashier's routine and part of it involves the order of coupons being applied to the purchase.
Regardless, my tax came to 1.16.
I started this transaction with 13.50ECB. I spent 5.50ECB (actually 5.47ECB, but the ECB is out of my possession now). And I earned 4.00ECB for the Glade purchases, 2.00ECB for the Aussie hair gel, and 3.50ECB for the Crest ProHealth Rinse.
So now, the card for my second household has 17.50ECB. Once again, CVS has paid me about $3.00 to shop.
I received nearly $70 in merchandise and paid only $2.26.
I started the day with 9.00ECB and ended with 17.50ECB.
2010-02-18 -- $1.10
So it's time for another transaction. This time, I am shopping for my second household, using my second card, which has not been used for the new weekly ad deals.
I start out with just $9.00ECB and use one of the non-card-specific $2OFF complimentary coupons obtained over the weekend after finding expired sunscreen at a CVS in the Bay Area. And yesterday, there was once again a $5OFF$20 coupon in the SFChronicle online version.
Starting with 9.00ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
9.49 Gillette Custom-Plus Disposable Razors (10ct)
3.99 Crest ProHealth (4.2oz)
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
25.46 + 0.90TAX = 25.36
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
6.49 Gillette Custom-Plus Disposable Razors (10ct)
3.50 Crest ProHealth (4.2oz)
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
19.95 + 0.90TAX = 20.36
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
2.00 Store COUPON Finding Expired Merchandise
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy 2 Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.00 Store COUPON "Any Household Cleaning Item 2.99+"
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Gillete Custom-Plus Multi-Count
0.75 Manufacturer COUPON Crest Toothpaste
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
19.75 Total Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
0.20 TOTAL + 0.90TAX = 1.10
I had 9.00ECB and spent 7.00ECB, leaving me with 2.00ECB. I earned 6.00ECB for the two cans of Oust, 2.00ECB for the Gillette razors, and 3.50ECB for the Crest ProHealth.
I started with 9.00ECB. Now I have 13.50ECB. CVS paid me almost 4.00 to shop!
I start out with just $9.00ECB and use one of the non-card-specific $2OFF complimentary coupons obtained over the weekend after finding expired sunscreen at a CVS in the Bay Area. And yesterday, there was once again a $5OFF$20 coupon in the SFChronicle online version.
Starting with 9.00ECB.
Regular Prices:
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
9.49 Gillette Custom-Plus Disposable Razors (10ct)
3.99 Crest ProHealth (4.2oz)
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
25.46 + 0.90TAX = 25.36
Sale Prices:
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
0.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
6.49 Gillette Custom-Plus Disposable Razors (10ct)
3.50 Crest ProHealth (4.2oz)
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
3.99 Oust Surface and Air Disinfectant
19.95 + 0.90TAX = 20.36
Coupons and Discounts Applied:
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SFChronicle
2.00 Store COUPON Finding Expired Merchandise
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy 2 Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.00 Store COUPON "Any Household Cleaning Item 2.99+"
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Gillete Custom-Plus Multi-Count
0.75 Manufacturer COUPON Crest Toothpaste
4.00 ExtraBuck
3.00 ExtraBuck
19.75 Total Discounts (Coupon/ECB)
0.20 TOTAL + 0.90TAX = 1.10
I had 9.00ECB and spent 7.00ECB, leaving me with 2.00ECB. I earned 6.00ECB for the two cans of Oust, 2.00ECB for the Gillette razors, and 3.50ECB for the Crest ProHealth.
I started with 9.00ECB. Now I have 13.50ECB. CVS paid me almost 4.00 to shop!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2010-02-14 -- 19 Cents
This week, I hadn't really spent any time plotting a CVS shopping trip. I am in Northern CA and this area is rather new for CVS. CVS acquired the Longs Drugstore chain in 2009 and converted them to CVS stores last summer. Strangely, CVS has been marketing their sales quite differently in "Northern CA". This was mostly bad in 2009, as many "deals" were stripped from our region-specific ad as CVS seemed to focus on "lowering prices".
In 2010, things have been decidedly better, as CVS has been aggressively marketing CVS store coupons in Northern CA. For nearly two months, each week has brought a fantastic "$5.00 OFF $20.00 Purchase" CVS store coupon in the Sunday and Wednesday newspapers. Many of these newspapers post their ads online, so you can either print out the store coupon or purchase a newpaper to get the store coupon.
In addition, many of the Northern CA former Longs CVS stores accept expired coupons, as long as they "do not beep" when scanned at the register.
So, each week, I have been dutifully acquiring the beloved $5OFF$20 store coupon and enjoying all the great low prices and ECB offers at CVS.
Many CVS fans rack up tens or dozens of dollars of in-store scrip (ECB), I generally tend to keep each of my cards with $5-15ECB and roll them week after week after week. I mostly buy items that I will use or that are free or money-making which can be donated.
I also strive to have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
The new ad kicked in on Sunday. I was in the Bay Area for the weekend and popped into an unfamiliar suburban store. I had no real strategy since our unique Northern CA-specific ads cannot really be previewed in any way.
Since I had $22.50ECB and last week's just-barely-expired $5OFF$20 coupon, I figured that I would be able to concoct a decent deal on the fly.
Here are the items purchased:
Regular Prices
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
9.49 Gillette Custom-Plus 10-Count Mens Disposable Razors
5.99 Head+Shoulders Shampoo (14.2oz)
3.99 Crest ProHealth with BONUS 3D WhiteStrips
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
29.43 TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Price
Sale Prices
0.99 CVS Tissues
0.99 CVS Tissues
6.49 Gillette Custom-Plus 10-Count Mens Disposable Razors
4.99 Head+Shoulders Shampoo (14.2oz)
3.50 Crest ProHealth with BONUS 3D WhiteStrips
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
22.94 TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SanFranciscoChronicle
2.99 BOGO Chex Mix (Sale Price - BOGO)
0.50 Manufacturer COUPON Chex Mix
0.75 Manufacturer COUPON Any Crest Toothpaste
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Gillette Custom-Plus Multi-Count
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.50 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
23.74 TOTAL Discounts (Coupons/BOGO/ECB)
22.94 TOTAL Sales Item Cost - 23.74 TOTAL Discounts = - 0.80
Yup, that's right, my total went negative. However, because my non-food items generated 99 cents in tax, my total became $0.19.
In addition, while shopping in this "new-to-me" store, I found a display rack set up with about 25 cardboard inserts from the quarterly CVS magazine "Reinventing Beauty", which you can purchase for $0.99. When I was living in Southern CA, it was commonplace to see a little display set up, promoting the magazine, a few selected items, and a stack of complimentary cardboard inserts. Hardly a soul would ever take any and I could pick up one on nearly every shopping visit.
This insert contains 12 coupons (a mix of store coupons for CVS brand items and some manufacturers coupons that can be used at CVS or elsewhere) -- at least $25 in potential savings, with coupons expiring at the end of March. So I added two inserts to my stack of coupons, leaving plenty for other customers,
Plus, the Gillette disposable razor package included $5 in manufacturers coupons that do not expire until December 2011.
And I earned the following ECB from this transaction:
3.50 Crest
2.00 Head+Shoulders
2.00 Gillette Razors
I now have 19.50 in ECB to spend next time, 3.00 ECB less than when I started.
HOWEVER.
I also located two items in the store which had "expired". In 2009, CVS entered into an agreement with the CA Attorney General to ensure that it would no longer sell items which were beyond the posted expiration date. The settlement states that any customer who finds any item which has "expired" is due a $2.00 "Courtesy Coupon" which does not expire. Ever.
While shopping, I noticed that two bottles of spray-on Coppertone sunscreen had expiration dates of 11-08 (2008!) stamped on the bottom of the bottle. So after completing my transaction, I handed the cashier the two expired bottles. At first, he started to issue a refund (yikes, that would be nearly $20.00). I stopped him and explained that I had not bought them. He was aware of the $2.00 policy, but didn't recall how to process the claim.
By now, the line had grown from non-existent to 6-deep, so I told him to set it aside and move on to the next customer while he waited for assistance. A few moments later, his supervisor appeared. Again, I told her to handle the overflow of customers first, which she quickly did. Less than two minutes later, she quickly keyed in the "Courtesy Coupon" and presented me with two $2.00 coupons. I handed one back to her since it was a single "item" (quantity two), but she insisted that I take both.
So, for this CVS trip, I brought home 10 razors, 2 boxes of tissues, 2 bags of Chex Mix, a bottle of shampoo, a tube of toothpaste, and a single-use sample-size of WhiteStrips for 19 cents. That's nearly $30 in merchandise, more if you add in the non-food item tax, for less than a quarter.
I entered the store with 22.50ECB and departed with 19.50ECB + 2.00CourtesyCoupon + 2.00CourtesyCoupon. That's a net gain of $1.00 in "store credit".
So, CVS paid me 81 cents to shop in their store.
In 2010, things have been decidedly better, as CVS has been aggressively marketing CVS store coupons in Northern CA. For nearly two months, each week has brought a fantastic "$5.00 OFF $20.00 Purchase" CVS store coupon in the Sunday and Wednesday newspapers. Many of these newspapers post their ads online, so you can either print out the store coupon or purchase a newpaper to get the store coupon.
In addition, many of the Northern CA former Longs CVS stores accept expired coupons, as long as they "do not beep" when scanned at the register.
So, each week, I have been dutifully acquiring the beloved $5OFF$20 store coupon and enjoying all the great low prices and ECB offers at CVS.
Many CVS fans rack up tens or dozens of dollars of in-store scrip (ECB), I generally tend to keep each of my cards with $5-15ECB and roll them week after week after week. I mostly buy items that I will use or that are free or money-making which can be donated.
I also strive to have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
The new ad kicked in on Sunday. I was in the Bay Area for the weekend and popped into an unfamiliar suburban store. I had no real strategy since our unique Northern CA-specific ads cannot really be previewed in any way.
Since I had $22.50ECB and last week's just-barely-expired $5OFF$20 coupon, I figured that I would be able to concoct a decent deal on the fly.
Here are the items purchased:
Regular Prices
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
1.99 CVS Tissues (200ct)
9.49 Gillette Custom-Plus 10-Count Mens Disposable Razors
5.99 Head+Shoulders Shampoo (14.2oz)
3.99 Crest ProHealth with BONUS 3D WhiteStrips
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
29.43 TOTAL Regular Non-Sale Price
Sale Prices
0.99 CVS Tissues
0.99 CVS Tissues
6.49 Gillette Custom-Plus 10-Count Mens Disposable Razors
4.99 Head+Shoulders Shampoo (14.2oz)
3.50 Crest ProHealth with BONUS 3D WhiteStrips
2.99 Chex Mix
2.99 Chex Mix
22.94 TOTAL Sales Item Cost
Coupons and Discounts Applied
5.00 Store COUPON $5OFF$20 from SanFranciscoChronicle
2.99 BOGO Chex Mix (Sale Price - BOGO)
0.50 Manufacturer COUPON Chex Mix
0.75 Manufacturer COUPON Any Crest Toothpaste
3.00 Manufacturer COUPON Gillette Custom-Plus Multi-Count
1.00 Store COUPON "Buy Two Boxes CVS Tissues Save $1"
1.50 ExtraBuck
4.00 ExtraBuck
5.00 ExtraBuck
23.74 TOTAL Discounts (Coupons/BOGO/ECB)
22.94 TOTAL Sales Item Cost - 23.74 TOTAL Discounts = - 0.80
Yup, that's right, my total went negative. However, because my non-food items generated 99 cents in tax, my total became $0.19.
In addition, while shopping in this "new-to-me" store, I found a display rack set up with about 25 cardboard inserts from the quarterly CVS magazine "Reinventing Beauty", which you can purchase for $0.99. When I was living in Southern CA, it was commonplace to see a little display set up, promoting the magazine, a few selected items, and a stack of complimentary cardboard inserts. Hardly a soul would ever take any and I could pick up one on nearly every shopping visit.
This insert contains 12 coupons (a mix of store coupons for CVS brand items and some manufacturers coupons that can be used at CVS or elsewhere) -- at least $25 in potential savings, with coupons expiring at the end of March. So I added two inserts to my stack of coupons, leaving plenty for other customers,
Plus, the Gillette disposable razor package included $5 in manufacturers coupons that do not expire until December 2011.
And I earned the following ECB from this transaction:
3.50 Crest
2.00 Head+Shoulders
2.00 Gillette Razors
I now have 19.50 in ECB to spend next time, 3.00 ECB less than when I started.
HOWEVER.
I also located two items in the store which had "expired". In 2009, CVS entered into an agreement with the CA Attorney General to ensure that it would no longer sell items which were beyond the posted expiration date. The settlement states that any customer who finds any item which has "expired" is due a $2.00 "Courtesy Coupon" which does not expire. Ever.
While shopping, I noticed that two bottles of spray-on Coppertone sunscreen had expiration dates of 11-08 (2008!) stamped on the bottom of the bottle. So after completing my transaction, I handed the cashier the two expired bottles. At first, he started to issue a refund (yikes, that would be nearly $20.00). I stopped him and explained that I had not bought them. He was aware of the $2.00 policy, but didn't recall how to process the claim.
By now, the line had grown from non-existent to 6-deep, so I told him to set it aside and move on to the next customer while he waited for assistance. A few moments later, his supervisor appeared. Again, I told her to handle the overflow of customers first, which she quickly did. Less than two minutes later, she quickly keyed in the "Courtesy Coupon" and presented me with two $2.00 coupons. I handed one back to her since it was a single "item" (quantity two), but she insisted that I take both.
So, for this CVS trip, I brought home 10 razors, 2 boxes of tissues, 2 bags of Chex Mix, a bottle of shampoo, a tube of toothpaste, and a single-use sample-size of WhiteStrips for 19 cents. That's nearly $30 in merchandise, more if you add in the non-food item tax, for less than a quarter.
I entered the store with 22.50ECB and departed with 19.50ECB + 2.00CourtesyCoupon + 2.00CourtesyCoupon. That's a net gain of $1.00 in "store credit".
So, CVS paid me 81 cents to shop in their store.
Store Coupons
There is a second type of coupon called a "store coupon". These are coupons that are created by the marketing departments of a particular merchant to help drive sales and move product. These coupons are store-specific and generally redeemable ONLY at the store that provides the coupon. The coupon will be labeled as a "Store Coupon" or a "Target Coupon" or a "CVS Coupon" or a "Walgreens Coupon". They will have bar codes, but usually only work with the registers in the originating store chain. In some hyper-competitive regions, a few stores will gladly accept and honor "competitor coupons". It never hurts to ask.
When shopping at CVS or Walgreens or Target or some regional grocery chains, you are allowed to COMBINE one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon to purchase a single item. Yes, that's right. You can "double-dip" and receive even more savings.
Many consumers are unaware of this. In fact, some cashiers are not aware of this either, although most store management will gladly clarify their policy and accept both coupons.
Using two coupons on a single item often gets confusing since some coupons will have miniscule print indicating that the coupon is valid on one item. And yes, that is true. You can not use multiple manufacturer coupons or multiple store coupons on a single item.
But the store policy is often to accept both a Manufacturers Coupon and a Store Coupon. When I am checking out and hand over my coupons (one by one), I will often tell the cashier that "Here is a coupon for X" and "Here is a Store Coupon for X". That seems to reassure them that I know what I am doing.
When shopping at CVS or Walgreens or Target or some regional grocery chains, you are allowed to COMBINE one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon to purchase a single item. Yes, that's right. You can "double-dip" and receive even more savings.
Many consumers are unaware of this. In fact, some cashiers are not aware of this either, although most store management will gladly clarify their policy and accept both coupons.
Using two coupons on a single item often gets confusing since some coupons will have miniscule print indicating that the coupon is valid on one item. And yes, that is true. You can not use multiple manufacturer coupons or multiple store coupons on a single item.
But the store policy is often to accept both a Manufacturers Coupon and a Store Coupon. When I am checking out and hand over my coupons (one by one), I will often tell the cashier that "Here is a coupon for X" and "Here is a Store Coupon for X". That seems to reassure them that I know what I am doing.
Coupons Coupons Coupons
Everyone has used a coupon for something. It may have saved you a dollar at the grocery store, or a few bucks at a restaurant, or half-off at a carwash. And anyone who has purchased a Sunday newspaper has seen the colorful stack of pre-printed advertising circulars.
Currently, there are three companies who create and distribute the "coupon flyers". Red Plum, Smartsource, and Procter+Gamble have regular distribution throughout most of the USA. Red Plum and Smartsource each have websites that allow you to select specific coupons and print them out, generally three-to-a-page. Proctor+Gamble has a consumer-oriented website, but generally does not offer computer-generated coupons.
When you access http://www.redplum.com/ or http://www.smartsource.com/ (or http://www.coupons.com/), you are prompted to download a small software widget called the "coupon printer". This scares many folks off, but thousands (millions?) of consumers use this software daily and have decided that the "risk" of adding this small program to your PC is vastly outweighed by the benefits. Sure, you are sharing information with the marketing company, but the shareware program does not appear to impact PC performance nor does it prompt any crazed popup programs, malware, nor virus-laden adware.
The "coupon printer software" tracks your coupon printing. Once you have exhausted your two prints, you will be unable to print any additional copies of that coupon. The coupon check-off box may be shaded in, preventing you from selecting it for print. Or you may go through the entire process only to get a blank printout, a message on your screen telling you that you have "no prints remaining", or even a coupon shaped print that says "sorry" (wasting your ink!!). Often, the marketing companies do re-set their coupons (generally at the beginning of a month, but also if they re-launch a product with some type of advertising campaign.
All of these examples are MANUFACTURERS coupons. They are funded by the companies which produce the item being sold.
Coupons can be used at nearly all grocery and drugstores. Internet-generated coupons were once rather problematic, but the printing software has made them much more widely accepted. And no, you cannot simply photocopy coupons. That is coupon fraud.
All manufacturers reimburse the stores when the merchant mails in the coupons. So don't ever feel as if you are "stealing" from the store. Every grocery and drugstore is reimbursed in full for every coupon you hand the cashier, plus a small handling charge PER coupon (usually 8 cents).
Every person who "coupons" has their own way to keep track of their coupons. Some use binders, some use envelopes, some use recipe boxes, some only carry the ones they plan to use, some carry everything. If you are just starting, then you should do whatever is simplest for you.
Currently, there are three companies who create and distribute the "coupon flyers". Red Plum, Smartsource, and Procter+Gamble have regular distribution throughout most of the USA. Red Plum and Smartsource each have websites that allow you to select specific coupons and print them out, generally three-to-a-page. Proctor+Gamble has a consumer-oriented website, but generally does not offer computer-generated coupons.
When you access http://www.redplum.com/ or http://www.smartsource.com/ (or http://www.coupons.com/), you are prompted to download a small software widget called the "coupon printer". This scares many folks off, but thousands (millions?) of consumers use this software daily and have decided that the "risk" of adding this small program to your PC is vastly outweighed by the benefits. Sure, you are sharing information with the marketing company, but the shareware program does not appear to impact PC performance nor does it prompt any crazed popup programs, malware, nor virus-laden adware.
The "coupon printer software" tracks your coupon printing. Once you have exhausted your two prints, you will be unable to print any additional copies of that coupon. The coupon check-off box may be shaded in, preventing you from selecting it for print. Or you may go through the entire process only to get a blank printout, a message on your screen telling you that you have "no prints remaining", or even a coupon shaped print that says "sorry" (wasting your ink!!). Often, the marketing companies do re-set their coupons (generally at the beginning of a month, but also if they re-launch a product with some type of advertising campaign.
All of these examples are MANUFACTURERS coupons. They are funded by the companies which produce the item being sold.
Coupons can be used at nearly all grocery and drugstores. Internet-generated coupons were once rather problematic, but the printing software has made them much more widely accepted. And no, you cannot simply photocopy coupons. That is coupon fraud.
All manufacturers reimburse the stores when the merchant mails in the coupons. So don't ever feel as if you are "stealing" from the store. Every grocery and drugstore is reimbursed in full for every coupon you hand the cashier, plus a small handling charge PER coupon (usually 8 cents).
Every person who "coupons" has their own way to keep track of their coupons. Some use binders, some use envelopes, some use recipe boxes, some only carry the ones they plan to use, some carry everything. If you are just starting, then you should do whatever is simplest for you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
CVS Extra Care Buck Program
The key to saving money when shopping at the CVS/pharmacy drugstore chain is the ExtraCare Buck program. Each week, CVS offers items for sale that generate in-store credit, or scrip, commonly called ECB. To earn these instore "coupons", you must obtain a red, plastic, store savings card: The CVS Extra Care Card.
You hand your card to the cashier upon checkout and the cashier will scan the barcode in the register. Your receipt will contain Extra Care Buck coupons at the end of your receipt. These ECB can come in a variety of dollar amounts, are valid for 30 days, and can be used to buy nearly anything in the store (except alchohol, tobacco, lottery, and gift cards).
The in-store credit (also called ECB or ExtraBucks) can only be redeemed when using that same red savings card. If you lose your card or lose the paper receipt, it will be nearly impossible to redeem this "store-credit". The barcode on your card must match with the barcode/account on the printed ECB. You cannot use another Extra Care card to redeem amounts generated from your initial card, so keep track of your cards and ECB. The ECB can be used on your next purchase at any CVS location. The ECB can be used one minute later or 30 days later. It's like cash.
Years ago, CVS allowed one card per person. That has been changed to one card per household. Luckily, many CVS customer have multiple households (smile). I have three cards with three unique card numbers, although I keep one inactive and rotate between the other two.
When first starting out, it's best to have just one unique card number. Once you have mastered the process and understand how the savings work, adding a second unique card is often helpful. Just remember to keep the accounts and purchases separate. There is nothing worse than mixng up your cards and trying to use ECB from one card on another card's transaction. OOOPS.
You hand your card to the cashier upon checkout and the cashier will scan the barcode in the register. Your receipt will contain Extra Care Buck coupons at the end of your receipt. These ECB can come in a variety of dollar amounts, are valid for 30 days, and can be used to buy nearly anything in the store (except alchohol, tobacco, lottery, and gift cards).
The in-store credit (also called ECB or ExtraBucks) can only be redeemed when using that same red savings card. If you lose your card or lose the paper receipt, it will be nearly impossible to redeem this "store-credit". The barcode on your card must match with the barcode/account on the printed ECB. You cannot use another Extra Care card to redeem amounts generated from your initial card, so keep track of your cards and ECB. The ECB can be used on your next purchase at any CVS location. The ECB can be used one minute later or 30 days later. It's like cash.
Years ago, CVS allowed one card per person. That has been changed to one card per household. Luckily, many CVS customer have multiple households (smile). I have three cards with three unique card numbers, although I keep one inactive and rotate between the other two.
When first starting out, it's best to have just one unique card number. Once you have mastered the process and understand how the savings work, adding a second unique card is often helpful. Just remember to keep the accounts and purchases separate. There is nothing worse than mixng up your cards and trying to use ECB from one card on another card's transaction. OOOPS.
Debut
The goal of this blog is to document the methods and procedures that I use daily to save money by combining coupons, sale prices, and store promotions. It's not intended to be a comprehensive review of all offers out there, nor is this blog meant to describe every imaginable savings opportunity.
Up until 2007, I had shopped for 20+ years at conventional grocery stores (Vons/Ralphs/Albertsons) and general retail stores (Target/WalMart). I was never coupon fanatic, although I would purchase the Sunday newspaper on occasion, clip a few coupons for items I intended to purchase anyway, organize them into a single white envelope, and enjoy a good deal now and then on items that I used.
I have always been a very active internet user, often checking out various deal sites and printing the occasional coupon. One day in Fall 2007, I wandered into the User Forums on www.slickdeals.net/forums and discovered a massively generous Extra Care Bucks promotion involving glucose monitors, store coupons, and "overage". I was hooked.
I still shop at the occasional grocery store, but for over two years, I have scored hundreds of dollars of items from CVS and Walgreens, with a miniscule of out-of-pocket expense. It has been a remakarble journey -- one that is still ongoing.
In 2010, there are countless sites that document how to save with coupons. This blog will not dwell too heavily into the "theories". Instead, I will present my deals, to show real-life examples of the savings. And to provide a template that others may replicate. I found this method to be very helpful when I was learning.
So here we go.
Up until 2007, I had shopped for 20+ years at conventional grocery stores (Vons/Ralphs/Albertsons) and general retail stores (Target/WalMart). I was never coupon fanatic, although I would purchase the Sunday newspaper on occasion, clip a few coupons for items I intended to purchase anyway, organize them into a single white envelope, and enjoy a good deal now and then on items that I used.
I have always been a very active internet user, often checking out various deal sites and printing the occasional coupon. One day in Fall 2007, I wandered into the User Forums on www.slickdeals.net/forums and discovered a massively generous Extra Care Bucks promotion involving glucose monitors, store coupons, and "overage". I was hooked.
I still shop at the occasional grocery store, but for over two years, I have scored hundreds of dollars of items from CVS and Walgreens, with a miniscule of out-of-pocket expense. It has been a remakarble journey -- one that is still ongoing.
In 2010, there are countless sites that document how to save with coupons. This blog will not dwell too heavily into the "theories". Instead, I will present my deals, to show real-life examples of the savings. And to provide a template that others may replicate. I found this method to be very helpful when I was learning.
So here we go.
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