I’ve had a number of people asking about shops at both CVS and Walgreens recently, so I thought I would begin to share some shop suggestions with you! These suggestions should be tailored to fit what works best for your family and your financial situation, so make sure that they work for you before heading out! That being said, here is what I would do based on the best deals this week (assuming you have no ECB or RR to start with):
CVS
Transaction #1
Buy 2 Nivea Lotion 2.5 oz $2.99 each ($5.98)
Use 2 $2 Nivea or Nivea Men Body Lotion from 5/11 RP
Pay $1.98 plus tax, Get $5 ECB
Final Price: $3.02 Moneymaker
Transaction #2
Buy 4 Excedrin Extra Strength 24 pk $4.99 each ($19.96)
Use 4 $2 Excedrin coupons
Use $2/$10 or $1.50/$5 from Red Instant Coupon Machine (printed last week)
Use $5 ECB from last transaction
Pay As low as $4.96 plus tax, Get $10 ECB
Final Price: $.04 Moneymaker (or 4/$.46 if you got the $1.50/$5 or $.12 each)
Transaction #3
Buy 3 Neutrogena Cleansing Bars $3.29 each ($9.87)
Buy Free Tote Bag (with purchase of 3 Neutrogena)
Buy 1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush 1 ct $3.49
Use $1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft Manual Toothbrush from 4/27 SS
Use $10 ECB from last transaction
Pay $2.36 plus tax, Get $10 ECB from Neutrogena and $2.50 ECB from Colgate
Final Price: $.14 Moneymaker
Transaction #4
Buy 1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush 1 ct $3.49
Use $1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft Manual Toothbrush from 4/27 SS
Use $2.50 ECB from previous transaction
Pay $0 plus tax, Get $2.50 ECB
Final Price: Free
Transaction #5
Buy Gillette Venus Razor $6.49-$7.49 regular price (depending on area)
Use $2 Venus Razor or Disposables Pack printable
Use $2.50 ECB from previous transaction
Pay As low as $1.99 plus tax, Get $5 ECB
Final Price: As much as $.51 Moneymaker
Walgreens
Buy 2 Nivea Shave Gel B1G1 for $3.19
Buy 1 All Detergent $2.99
Use $1 All Product printable or $1 from 5/11 RP
Use 2 $1 Nivea coupons from 5/11 RP
Pay $3.18 plus tax, Get $1 All Detergent from Checkout 51
Final Price: $2.18
*Note – if you want to buy the Neilmed Wash at Walgreens (Pay $5, Get $5 RR) make sure that it’s something you want before shelling out the tax!*
After shopping at both stores, you’ll walk away spending $13.47 out of pocket and you’ll have a $10 ECB from Neutrogena and a $5 ECB from Gillette left over. That’s a $1.53 moneymaker! If you have any RR or ECB to start with, feel free to change these deals to what will work best for you! These are just a jumping point. Happy shopping!

Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!