Confusion

A lot of people (yippee, they read my blog) have told me that they are overwhelmed or confused about how to actually save the most money at CVS and Walgreens doing the multiple transactions. Even though, I did not do it this way, I can see the benefits in it now.

1. Start small. (I started HUGE).
2. Take a friend (if available) with you the first couple of times. Besides, it is much more fun when you both get great deals. (I took Wes.)
3. Get a subscription to the Sunday paper. ($9.00 a month for the Sun Herald Wednesday/Sunday edition). I just got it last week.

In the beginning, I did not have many coupons because I did not get the Sunday paper. Now, that I am subscribed to the paper, I have a nice collection of coupons. Unless I have already used it, I almost always have the coupons Jenny tells me about.

I have not done this yet, but I also think it is a good idea to find someone who gets the Sunday paper who is willing to give you their coupons. This way you have multiple coupons for the same item thus helping you stock up for less. Anyone want to give their coupons to me?

So you say, I went to Southern Savers, I have my list, I have my coupons, now what?

Before you go to the store, look at your list and create scenarios that allow you to use the ECBs at CVS or the RR at Walgreens to pay for other items on your list. Place a number 1 by the items you want to include in the first transaction, a number 2 by the second and so on. Next put your coupons in order of your transactions. Now, you are organized.

Now you say, I am at the checkout counter, now what? Before getting to the register, organize your buggy into your transaction piles.

Tell the cashier that you are going to be doing multiple transactions. The cashiers at both CVS and Walgreens are very nice and accommodating.
After coupons are given and you've paid for trans 1, ECBs or RRs will print. ECBs (CVS) will print at bottom of receipt and RRs (Walgreens )will be on separate paper.

Place your items for transaction 2 on the counter, and give the cashier your ECBs or RRs when you give him/her your coupons. Pay the difference, if any. I have done up to 4 transactions at a time.

Here is an example I did at Walgreens that you can do this week.

Transaction 1
$5.00 RR wyb 4/$13-12 pack Pepsi
-2 RR from last week (If you don't have this, don't worry.)
Get back $5.00 RR (makes it 4/$6 before taxes)

Transaction2
1-Mott's Apple Juice $2.50
1-8 pack Rice Krispie Treats $1.99
1-Walgreens brand seal lunch bags .99 (w/ in ad coupon)
-5RR from Transaction 1
Pay $.48 before taxes.

Also, Jenny has this deal posted for new CVS new users this week.

Getting Started Scenario

If you are brand new to CVSing, it is important to start slow. Buy one thing, use a coupon and get your first Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Then buy another one thing, use another coupon and pay with those ECB’s you just got. Now go home. You can spend your remaining ECB’s next week.

Transaction #1
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
Total Due: $2.49
Get Back: $2.50 ECB

Transaction #2
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
-$2.50 ECB
Total Due: nothing
Get Back: $2.50 ECB

If you don't have the coupons, don't fret. Start collecting now.

I think this is as clear as mud!

Until next time..

XOXOXOX