Even though it was Mother’s Day today, I had to get my shops in! A couponer never says die! (Or is that Goonies never say die? Same thing…) Since my final run-in with Walgreens, I’ve decided to take a different approach. I will buy ONLY the items that I truly need, ONLY the items that won’t give me a coupon hassle (sorry free Revlon) and ONLY check out at the Beauty register (as many of you suggested – thank you!) I had to stop at CVS last night since I knew that I would never get to both stores today (read more about the awesome Neutrogena update here), but since one of my local stores starts the new week’s deals after 5pm on Saturday evenings, I tried to plan this week accordingly. Here’s what I did:
CVS
Transaction #1
4 Excedrin Extra Strength 24 ct $4.99 each (Used 4 $2 Excedrin coupons AND $2/$10 Pain Relief from CVS Instant Coupon Machine last week)
Used $10 ECB from previous weeks
Paid $0 plus tax, Got $10 ECB
Final Price: Free!
Transaction #2
3 Neutrogena Facial Bars $3.29 each
1 Neutrogena Tote (free with purchase of 3 Neutrogena)
5 CVS Blue Box Antacids $1.49 each (read more about these here)
2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes $3.49 each (Used 2 $1 coupons from 4/27 SS)
Used $10 ECB and $7.45 ECB from previous weeks
Paid $4.85 plus tax, Got $20 ECB from Neutrogena (read more here), $7.45 ECB from Antacids and $5 ECB from Colgate
Final Price: $10.15 Moneymaker!
Walgreens
1 All Detergent $2.99 (Used $1 All Product printable or $1 from 5/11 RP)
2 Nivea Shave Gel B1G1 for $3.49 (Used 2 $1 from 5/11 RP)
Paid $3.48 plus tax, Got $1 All from Checkout 51
Final Price: $2.48
Overall, this shop turned into a $7.67 moneymaker! If I had known that I was going to get the Neutrogena at CVS I would have brought the $3/2 from 5/4 SS, but it was a spur of the moment purchase. My store had been out all week! If you’re in the same boat, just start carrying the coupon with you and maybe you’ll get lucky! Also, I didn’t see any sign of the smaller Nivea Lotion at CVS (moneymaker!), but I’ll be keeping those coupons on me all week just in case! 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!