How to CVS

Here is my first "how to" post. I thought I would start with CVS. Alot of you know how to do this but just in case I thought I would get it in writing.

First CVS requires that you have a card to get the good deals. You can either get this online or in the store.

Each week there are deals advertised that you receive Extra Care Bucks (ECB) back on. You use the ECB like cash on your next transaction. (Can't be used on stamps and gift cards). The goal is to use some ECB from the previous transaction and get the same amount or more back. ECBs print on the bottom of your receipt when you check out.

The best way to do this is to stack Manufacturers coupons (MQ) and/or CVS coupons along with an ECB deal. for example Right Guard deodorant was on sale for 2.99 and produced 2ecb. There was also $1. MQ out for this so it was free...2.99-1.00MQ=1.99 get back 2 ecb. This had a limit of 3 so you could get 3 free deodorants.

A lot of times there are even deals where you "make money" know as "money makers". For example there was a deal for Revlon nail care for 3.99 and produced 3ecb. I had a CVS coupon for $2. off Revlon. So it was a $1. money maker (MM). If there would have been a MQ out for that item I could have used it also to make even more. I always use my overage on other items like milk. It greatly reduces my grocery bill.

There is also a monthly book that CVS puts out each month that has tons of deals in it. You can find these booklets on the checkout or you can ask. These deals go on all month and are usually a limit of 1-5 per deal. Lately the monthly deals have not been that good. I'm hoping it's just a summer thing...we shall see.

Each time you go to CVS be sure to scan you card at the Card Scanners for additional CVS coupons. These machines were new around here this summer. If you can't find it you can just ask. You can usually scan your card once per day and receive coupons.

The other AWESOME coupon from CVS is the money off money coupon know as the $$/$$ coupon. They can come in all amounts like 2/10, 3/15, 4/20 and so on. You simply get your total to $10. and this coupon takes off $2. This can make major overage. Unfortunately these are becoming rare so if you get one don't let it go to waste. Sometimes these print on the scanner or at the bottom of your receipt and sometimes they are printable online.

Here are the sources for coupons from CVS.
CRT --is a coupon that prints at the bottom of your receipt. Can be used along with a MQ
Scanner coupon also referred to as CRT-- from the scanner machines
MQ -- (manufactures coupon) from Sunday papers and in grocery stores
Online--sometimes there are printable CVS coupons online to print.
$$/$$-- printable online, on your receipt, or on scanners

Well I took a stab at it. It's a lot harder to explain in writing than one would think. If I have confused you please go here to Money Saving Mom she explains it VERY well.

Happy CVSing