This is an AWESOME week for shopping!! I was so excited to head out that I did my first shop last night at CVS! I have gotten to the point in my shopping where I try to purchase only the items that my family will use (even if they are free!) because tax in Chicago is HIGH (9.25% at the drugstore). So if it’s not a moneymaker or I don’t need it, I typically let it pass.
CVS
Transaction #1
2 Starbucks Refreshers 2/$3
1 Reese’s Cups $.77
1 Kraft Mac & Cheese $.99
1 Reese’s Theater Box $.99
1 Orbit Gum $1
1 Wrigley’s 5 Gum $1
1 GUM Toothbrush 2 pk $2
1 Children’s Advil 1 oz $2.37 (Used $1.50 Advil Children’s Item printable – or $1 from 10/13 RP)
1 Right Guard Deodorant $2.99
1 Glade Warmer $1.25 (Used $1 Glade coupon)
1 Advil Film Coated 4 pk $.99
1 CVS Wipes 12 pk $.99
1 Visine Red Eye Relief $5.49 (Used $4 Visine CVS coupon)
1 Total Home Detergent 20 oz $1.79
1 Ricola Extra Strength 4 pk $.99
2 Sparkle Paper Towels $1 each (Used B1G1 Sparkle coupon)
1 CVS Panty Shields 20 ct $1.27
I also donated $1 to St. Jude when they asked (I was making money, so it was an easy decision!)
Also used $19.99 in ECB from previous weeks
Paid $3.20 plus tax, Got $23.62 ECB AND $1 Right Guard from SavingStar
Final Price: $1.43 Moneymaker!
After this shop I realized that the limit of Kraft Mac & Cheese is two AND the GUM limit is two, so I went shopping again this morning:
Transaction #2
Colgate Toothpaste $3 (Used $2.50 from Red Instant Coupon Machine AND $.75 from 11/24 SS separate insert)
GUM Toothbrushes 2 pk $2
Kraft Mac & Cheese $.99
Used $2.99 ECB
Paid $0 plus tax, Got $2.99 ECB
Final Price: Free!
Then I saw on my receipt that the GUM actually has a limit of three! This transaction did wrap it up, so the true limit is three.
Transaction #3
GUM Toothbrushes 2 pk $2
Used $2 ECB
Paid $0 plus tax, Got $2 ECB
Final Price: Free!
Then I went over to Walgreens. Seriously, this was an incredibly frustrating trip!! I found out while there that the 10/6 SS coupon for Swisse does NOT ring through even though it doesn’t really specify (in my opinion) what vitamins are included. That being said, the coupons from today’s inserts (11/24) ARE working. I did not know this at the time, so I’ll have to go back to do the Swisse $5 moneymakers later this week. After my very nice cashier tried over and over to use my coupons and was unsuccessful, I was out of time, needed to use a $9.99 Register Reward from two weeks ago today and just had to get out of there. Here’s what I did on the fly (when my original ideas no longer worked!)
Walgreens
Transaction #1
Tums Freshers $4.50 (Used $1 from 11/10 RP or 10/13 RP)
Nice! Large Eggs $.99
Scope Dual Blast Mouthwash $3 (Used Use $1 Scope Outlast printable or $1 from 11/24 RP)
Gelusil Antacid/Antigas (Used $2 printable – no longer available)
Dean’s Milk 2% $3.29 (not pictured)
Used $9.99 Register Rewards from two weeks ago
Paid $.78 plus tax, Got $4.50 RR from Tums, $2 RR from Scope and $3 RR from Gelusil
Final Price: $1.27
Transaction #2
Gelusil Antacid/Antigas $3 (Used $2 printable – no longer available)
Tums Freshers $4.50 (Used $1 from 11/10 RP or 10/13 RP)
Paid $4.50 plus tax, Got $4.50 RR from Tums and $3 RR from Gelusil
Final Price: $3 Moneymaker!
Transaction #3
Tums Freshers $4.50 (Used $1 from 11/10 RP or 10/13 RP)
Paid $3.50 plus tax, Got $4.50 RR
Final Price: $1 Moneymaker
After all was said and done, I made a total of $4.16! I will go back later in the week with the new Swisse coupons that came out today, but don’t let the same issue happen to you! AND if you’re going to be at CVS, pick up the easy $45 Moneymaker while you’re there!
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!