Due to the volume of questions I've been getting I'm going to try to address some couponing issues I think will be helpful if you're trying this out. Take babysteps. Try, mess up, learn what you can and can't do.
Extra Bucks. Colgate toothpaste is advertised for $3.99 and earn $3.99 EB(Extra Bucks). When you get to the register you will have to pay $3.99 + tax. After paying you will recieve a coupon for $3.99 EB good on your next purchase of anything in the store. Now you can go grab something else on sale. bargainbriana.com will list an item as $3.99- $3.99EB = Free.
Tax. Even tho an item looks free or pretty cheap, I found out the tax you pay is for the cost of the item before coupons and EB. This was something I had to learn.
Limits. Usually items that earn Extra Bucks have offer limits in fine print underneath the advertisement. Sometimes you can only earn the EB once, like on the toothpaste this week. Other times there is a limit of 3 per household. Because you use a card, the computer keeps a record of how many times you earned that reward.
Coupons. At my CVS I can use coupons I've printed off the internet. I can only use one coupon per item and I am not allowed to use more than one on the same product. For example: I have two different coupons for Colgate toothpaste. One for .25 off any colgate product, and another for $1.00 off Colgate Total. Some stores will allow you to use both on the same box of toothpaste, your CVS may let you.
Sales.Occasionally CVS will have good sales on items, but I generally stick to ones I can match with a coupon. For me, this isn't always a product that earns Extra Bucks. Like a 6 pack of Scott paper towels on sale for $4.99- my $1 coupon, I get 6 rolls for $4. Even without EB that's still a really good deal. Here are a few things I've noticed that go on sale frequently along with possible prices after EB and coupons: diapers $4-$6, cereals .50 , deodorant .25-.50,toothpaste free-.50, shampoo/cond .50-$1, soaps/bodywash free-.50, maxipads/liners $1, cold medicines $1.50, makeup-CHEEP,razors 1.99 regularly $10!
Planning. Places like http://www.bargainbriana.com/ and http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/ will list new deals each week, how much they cost, how much EB you will earn and where to get the coupons to match the deal. I make out a list of items I want to look for based on the info I find on these sites. Next I label an envelop "CVS" and put the coupons I will need for those items inside with my list.
Go get em and keep me posted.
