CVS 101

Here are a few things you need to know to become successful at the CVS game. Trust me, it really is a game. You never know what products will actually be available, what you can find on clearance or if the limits listed in the ad really are the limits! Read on for tips to get you started.

• First thing you need to do is get a CVS Extra Care card. You can get one in the store or online.


• Second, go online and register your card with your email. CVS will periodically send you coupons to print for $/$$ (ex: $5/$25). This will really increase your savings.


• Be sure you know your limits! If a product is giving Extra Care Bucks but has a limit of 1, you don't want to buy 2. But wait, sometimes the real limits are higher than the ad states! That's why it is important to read the bottom of your receipt. It will tell you when you have reached the limit for Extra Care Bucks. So always look at the bottom of your receipt!


• You do not have to do a buy $$ get $ ECB in one deal, you can split it up. For example, if Olay Ribbons body wash is buy $20 get $10 ECB, you can spend $10 in one transaction and then the other $10 in another transaction. The bottom of your receipt will let you know how much you need to meet the requirements for the deal.
• If a deal has a limit of 5 that will produce ECB's for all 5 items, you may want to do them in seperate transactions. Example: toothpaste is on sale $2.50 and is giving $2 ECB with a limit of 5. If you buy all 5 in one transaction you will get 1 ECB for $10. This may be harder to use after you learn how to work your deals. Smaller ECB's are always easier to use. If you did 5 seperate transactions for the toothpaste you would get 5 seperate ECB's of $2 each.
• You can use a Manufacture coupon and CVS coupon in the same transaction. For example: if you have a coupon for toothpaste and you have a CRT (Cash Register Tape) for that toothpaste, you can use both coupons at the same time.
• Combining sales with Manufacture coupons and/or CVS coupons could mean the item will be FREE or a MoneyMaker!! So keep your eyes open and check my blog for these!
• Know how to hand over your coupons:

1.) $/$$

2.) MF Q

3.) CVS Q

4.) ECB's

5.) cash (if any)

• And most importantly, be nice to your cashier, the manager and other shoppers. If you have multiple transactions or a really big one, let other shoppers check out first.

There you have it! Now go out and try your hand at CVSing! But beware, it is addicting!!!

Couponing Lingo

There is actually lingo for couponing! It is much like texting. So I here it is:

Q=coupon
OOP=Out of Pocket
MM=Money Maker
BOGO=Buy One Get One Free
WYB=When You Buy
ECB=Extra Care Buck (CVS)
CRT=Cash Register Tape (ex: CVS has coupons @ end of receipt)
CAT=Catalina (a coupon that is dispensed @ register after purchase)
MFG=Manufacture
IP=Internet Printable
SS=Smart Source (coupon inserts in paper)
RP=Red Plum (coupon inserts in paper)
P&G=Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in paper)
WAGS=Walgreens
RR=Register Reward (Walgreens)
IVC=Instant Value Coupon (Walgreens)
ESR=Easy Saver Reward (Walgreens)
MIR=Mail In Rebate
FAR=Free After Rebate
RC=Rain Check
WM=Wal-Mart
GDA=Good Deal Alert
HCW=Hot Coupon World (forum)
YMMV=Your Mileage May Vary (ie: just depends on your store/mgr.)

These are the most common but of course, there's more.

Couponing Tutorials

Want to save $MONEY$ ? I have saved a lot of $$$ using coupons. "How?" you ask? Read on...

Step 1: Start Clipping!

• Sunday newspapers-I buy the Dallas Morning News because it always has better coupons in it. The Waco Tribune Herald has fewer coupons. So, if at all possible, go for the Dallas paper. IMPORTANT: SAVE ALL COUPONS regardless of whether you think you will use it or not. It could make you $$!
• Ask around-Neighbors, co-workers, friends & family may get the Sunday paper. Ask them if they mind saving the coupon section for you.
• Internet printables-These coupons can be found on the internet. I will try to link as many as possible in this blog to help you access them.
• Keep your eyes open!-Look around the stores. Many stores have blinkies(*), tearpads(*) &/or peelies(*) for numerous products. (*See my tutorial on LINGO)
• Use a clipping service-you can buy coupons on Ebay or through services like couponclippers.com
• All-U Magazine-This magazine is only found at Wal-Mart unless you get a subscription. It is full of coupons!

Step 2: Get Organized!

• Binders-This is my method of organizing coupons. I have a zipper binder that has baseball card holders to sort my coupons.
• Small Sorter-This is a small accordian style sorter found at Wal-Mart or maybe Target. I started out with one of these but learned very quickly that it was not the right choice for me.
• Envelopes-Simple enough.
• Picture albums-You could use the small 1 picture per page albums to sort coupons.

All of these are just ideas. Try them out and see how they work for you. If you don't like it, try something else. It is completely up to you how to organize your coupons. But trust me, coupons can get out of hand very quickly if you don't stay organized!

Step 3: Study, Research & Plan!

• Study your store ads-Sometimes several stores will have the same product on sale. Make sure you get the best value.
• Research the ads-Many times you can find the ad online before the sale begins. Check for coupons you have that will match the sale.
• Plan before you hit the store-You may not be able to plan every detail but having a good idea of what you need/want will make the process easier.

Step 4: Build A Stockpile!

• Buy in bulk-This doesn't necessarily mean buy the BIGGEST box of cereal you can find! Buy several boxes if they are on sale or a good bargain. Little by little. This takes time so be patient!
• Buy ahead of time-Don't wait until you completely run out of something. This can cause you to spend more than necessary. I am very guilty of this.
• Make room-You need a place to keep all of your stockpile. You may need to rearrange your pantry or clear out an unused closet.
• Stop being brand loyal!-Don't commit to only buying one brand. Many times you can get another brand cheaper or even FREE!

Step 5: Price Match!

• Make a list of the items you use the most.
• Carry this list with you when you visit stores and write down the prices. (I would pay attention to the price per ounce section on grocery items). You will learn how often stores put products on sale which will help you plan for bulk buying.

Step 6: Be Patient!

• This will take time! There is a lot to learn so keep at it.
• Don't get frustrated! It is worth the time and effort, I promise.

There you have it! Follow these steps and you will be on your way to saving more money!