Finance Gets Personal

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll now be posting the drugstore deals on the new “Drugstore Deals” page (upper right corner) from now on. So, if you’re interested, pop on over!

Last month, I did something I’ve never done before.

I transferred a prescription from CVS to Walgreens to get a $25 gift card. Actually it was more like a $25 Walgreens check, which I used to purchase a $25 gift certificate to Chili’s (that I gave away in my blog re-launch giveaway).

It was so easy, I think I’m going to transfer that prescription to a different CVS location this month, and get a $25 gift card there.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

I have a monthly prescription for my anti-depressants, and I probably have a prescription for some eczema lotion in my medicine cabinet somewhere. My husband also has two prescriptions from his dermatologist, and might be getting a third. Can we say $100-$125 in gift cards a month???

It should work if I transfer them from CVS near my house to Walgreens near my work to CVS near my work to Walgreens near my house, and back around again. Target also offers a $10 gift card, but I don’t think my insurance is accepted there.

Since a lot of people in my family asks for gift cards, and we have several “Chinese Christmas” exchanges as well, I’ll be able to shave at least $200 off the cost of Christmas presents this year. I’m not worried about the cost of the prescriptions because they seem to cost the same at each place, and we have extra money in our health care spending account to use.

I better get “shopping!”

Photo Credit: Prescription for Freedom by bondidwhat, used under Creative Commons licensing.

CVS

• Excedrin Express Gels 20 Pack
  On Sale $3.99, Receive $3.99 ECBs (Limit 1)
  Final Price = FREE

• Purex Laundry Detergent
  On Sale $2.99, Use $0.50 Coupon, Receive $1 ECB (Supposed to be Limit 5, But My Receipt Indicates Limit 4)
  Final Price = $1.49 Each

• 2 Revlon One Color Eye Shadows
  $4.49, On Sale BOGO, Use 2 $2 Coupons
  Final Price = $0.49 for 2

Walgreens

• Glade 4 oz. Candle
  On Sale $1.99, Use $1 Off Coupon, Receive $1 Rebate (Limit 4 Rebates)
  Final Price = Free After Rebate

• 2 Glade PlugIn Gels with Warmer
  On Sale $1.99, Use BOGO Coupon, Receive $2 Mail In Rebate (Limit 4 Rebates - $4)
  Final Price = Free After Rebate

• Colgate Toothpaste
  On Sale $2.99, Use $2 Super Coupon from Walgreens Ad, Use $0.75 Coupon (Limit 2)
  Final Price = $0.25

I’m super-excited about this week’s deals! Check out these scenerios…

CVS

Transaction 1:

• 4 Right Guard Sport or Xtreme Deodorants
  On Sale for $2.99, Use 4 $1 Off Coupons from Recent Insert, Receive $2 ECB for Each

Use $2 Off $10 CVS Coupon
Final Price = Overage of $2.04 After ECBs

Transaction 2:

• 1 Right Guard Sport or Xtreme Deodorant
  On Sale for $2.99, Use $1 Off Coupon, Receive $2 ECB

• L’Oreal Age Perfect, Revitalift or Skin Genesis Cleaner 5.8 oz. or Towelettes 25 ct.
  On Sale for $5.99, Use $1 Coupon (Or $3 Off Coupon if You Have That), Receive $5.99 ECB

• Gallon of Milk
  On Sale for $2.99

Use $2 Off $10 CVS Coupon
Final Price = Overage of $0.02 After ECBs

Transaction 3:

• Revlon Nail Enamel (Sunday and Monday Only)
  $3.99, Use $2 Off Coupon (Note: This may not work, as I was unable to use it at Walgreens last week for nail polish), Receive $3 ECB

• Chex Mix
  On Sale for $1, Use $1 Coupon

• Arnicare Homeopathic Pain Relief Gel (Monthly Deal)
  $8.99, Use $2 Off Coupon, Receive $8 ECB

Use $2 Off $10 CVS Coupon
Final Price = Overage of $4.02 After ECBs

Walgreens

• Buy 7 SC Johnson Products, Get $10 Register Rewards
  Here’s My Plan, Based on the Coupons I Have:
  2 Scrubbing Bubbles Flushable Bathroom Wipes $2.49 Each, Use 2 $1 Off Coupons
  2 Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner $2.49 Each, Use 1 $1 Off Coupon and 1 $0.75 Off Coupon
  1 Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber Starter Kit $3.79, Use $1 Off Coupon, Mail in Rebate for $3.79
  1 Pledge Multi Surface Product $3.79, Use $2 Coupon
  1 Windex $2.49, Use $0.75 Coupon

• Crest Pro Health Mouthwash 500 ml
  $4.49, Use $0.75 Coupon, Receive $4.49 RR

• Excedrin Express Gels 20 Pack (Monthly Deal)
  $3.99, Receive $3.99 Rebate

• 4 Schick Quattro for Women Refills
  $4.99 Each, Use 4 $4 Off Coupons

• Glade Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator
  $2.99, Use $1 Easy Saver Coupon, Use $1.50 Manufacturer’s Coupon

• Curves Chewy Granola Bars
  $2, Use $0.75 Coupon

Final Price = $3.69 After Register Rewards and Rebates

There’s not a whole lot going on at CVS and Walgreens this week, but here is my CVS scenario:

• Cover Girl Wetslicks Amazemint
  $5.99, Use $1 Off Coupon from Yesterday’s P&G Insert, Receive $5.99 ECBs
  Final Price = $1 Overage After ECBs

• 2 Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lip Color or Aqua Smoothers Lip Products
  On Sale BOGO, Use BOGO Coupon from Yesterday’s P&G Insert
  Final Price = Free

• 2 Colgate Total Advanced Clean Toothpastes
  $2.99 Each, Use $1 Coupon on One and $0.75 Coupon on Other (or Use $1.50 All You Coupons, or $1.50 Internet Coupons)
  Final Price = $0.25 for 2

After using the $2/$10 coupon, your total will be $7.22 plus tax, and you’ll receive $9.99 in ECBs!

For more great ideas, visit Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.

I completely forgot to take a picture this week, but here’s what I scored:



CVS:

5 Crest Toothpastes
$1.99 Each, Used 5 $0.75 Off Coupons, Received $5 in ECBs
Final Price = $0.25 Each After ECBs (or free if you still have $1 coupons - and it’s actually limit 6!)

3 Boxes Puffs Facial Tissue
$0.88 Each, Used 3 $0.25 Off Coupons
Final Price = $0.63 Each

1 Schick Quattro Titanium Razor
$7.99, Received $5 ECB
Final Price = $2.99 After ECBs (I bought this in order to use my $10 in ECBs, continue to roll ECBs, use the $2/$10 coupon and because they were out of the Revlon Lash Fantasy Mascara - $1.99 after ECBs/coupon)

Used $2/$10 CVS Coupon

For more great CVS scenarios, see Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.



Walgreens:

3 Bags Hershey’s Candy (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Kisses)
On Sale 2/$3 (Limit One), and the Third was $2, Used $1 Easy Saver Coupon (Took Off $1.50)
Final Price = Free After Rebate (I needed $5 more toward the $5 rebate on $10 worth of Hershey’s)

Triamedic Cough Strips
On Clearance for $3.29, Used $2 Off Coupon
Final Price = $1.29 (and eligible for Flexible Health Savings Account reimbursement)

Speedo Swim Goggles
On Clearance for $1.49

For more great Walgreens scenarios, see Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.

Photo Credit: CVS Pharmacy - Sign Restoration by pixeljones, used under Creative Commons licensing; Milkmanby Куртис Перри, used under Creative Commons licensing

I didn’t make it out today because I was having printer issues and didn’t want to miss my Internet coupon savings, but here’s what I’m planning for tomorrow:

CVS
Transaction 1:
2 Lamasilk Products
It looks like the Lamasilk products are for dry skin, not just for Athlete’s Foot, so I’m planning on getting those
Approx. $8.29 Each, Use 2 $3 Off Coupons from Recent Insert, Receive $10 ECB
Final Price = $0.58 for 2 After ECB

I’ll also use the $2 off $10 coupon for extra savings.

Transaction 2: (At Another Store)
Alavert or Alavert D 12-15 Count
I’m going to look for a box with “50% more”
$5.99, Use $4 Internet Coupon and $2 CRT, Receive $3 ECB
Final Price = $3.01 Overage After ECB

Skin Effects Skin Care
Prices Starting at $6.99, Use $2 Skin Care Coupon, Receive $5 ECB
Final Price = $0.01 Overage After ECB

CVS Sunscreen Lotion or Spray
On Sale for $2 Off with Prices Starting at $1.89
If I can find one that’s not too expensive, I’ll purchase using my $1 CRT
Final Price = Starting at Free

I’ll also use the $2 off $10 coupon for extra savings

For more great CVS deals, check out Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer!

Walgreens
8 8-Packs of BIC Ultra Round Stic Grip Pens
On Sale for 2/$1, Buy 8, Use 8 $1 Off 2 Coupons from Recent Insert
Final Price = Free

Bic Soleil 4-Pack Cartridges
On Sale for $5.99, Use $2 Easy Saver Coupon, Use $2 Coupon from Today’s Insert
Final Price = $1.99

4 Bags Hershey’s Bliss
On sale 2/$6, Use 2 $2/2 Easy Saver Coupons, Use 4 $1 Internet Coupons, Receive $5 Rebate
Final Price = $1 Overage After Rebate

2 Glade Flameless Candles
On Sale for $5.99 Each, Use 2 $3 Off Coupons from Recent Insert, Receive 2 $2 Rebates
Final Price = $0.99 Each After Rebate

Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber
Approx. $5.69, Use $2.75 Internet Coupon, Receive $1.50 Walgreens Rebate, Receive Manufacturer’s Rebate of Full Purchase Price (Up to $5.69)
Final Price = Approx. $4.25 Overage After Rebates

3 Kleenexes
$0.89 Each with Walgreens Coupon, Use $0.50 Off 3 Coupon from Recent Insert
Final Price = $2.17 for 3

One Touch UltraMini Blood Glucose Monitoring System
On Sale for $14.99, Use $20 Coupon (Will Likely be Reduced Down)
Final Price = Free (Plan to Sell or Donate)

Happy Shopping!

CVS
I made one trip to CVS today, but am planning one or two others. Part of the problem today was that I stopped at the gas station on the way to CVS to purchase four more newspapers, but forgot to bring scissors. I can only stand to fold, lick and tear so many coupons! So, I’ll be returning.

Here’s what I bought today (Transaction 1):


CVS Ibuprofen
$2.99, used free coupon (my August gift)
Final Price = Free

Extreme Energy 6-Hour Shots
I hope I don’t have a need for these anytime soon, but they were $4.99 with a $4.99 ECB
Final Price = Free after ECB

Oral B Advantage Toothbrush
$2.49, used $1 off coupon, received $1.50 ECB
Final Price = $0.01 overage after ECB

2 Colgate Total Advanced Clean Toothpastes
$2.99 each, used 2 $1 coupons, received 2 $2 ECBs
Final Price = $0.02 overage after ECB

2 Pert Plus Shampoo/Conditioners
$3.69 each, on sale BOGO, used 2 $2 off coupons
Final Price = $0.31 overage

Cover Girl Trublend Liquid Foundation, Whipped Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush and Aqua Foundation
$7.49-$9.19 each, on sale BOGO, used BOGO coupons for free powder/concealer/blush with foundation purchase
Final Price = Free

Planned Transaction 2:
Children’s Advil
$5.79, use $1 Internet coupon, receive $5.79 ECB
Final Price = $1 overage after ECB

4 More Cover Girl Products
On sale BOGO, use BOGO coupons
Final Price = Free

2 More Oral B Advantage Toothbrushes
$2.49 each, use 2 $1 off coupons, receive 2 $1.50 ECBs
Final Price = $0.02 overage after ECBs

5 Dawn Hand Soaps
On sale for $0.88, use 5 $0.50 off coupons
Final Price = $0.38 each

Planned Transaction 3 (Have to Wait Until Tues. for $5 School Supply Rebate):
1 More Children’s Advil
$5.79, use $1 Internet coupon, receive $5.79 ECB
Final Price = $1 overage after ECB

2 More Oral B Advantage Toothbrushes
$2.49 each, use 2 $1 off coupons, receive 2 $1.50 ECBs
Final Price = $0.02 overage after ECBs

2 More Pert Plus Shampoo/Conditioners
$3.69 each, on sale BOGO, use 2 $2 off coupons
Final Price = $0.31 overage

2 Sure Deodorants
I heard they were $2.69, on sale BOGO, use 2 $1 off coupons
Final Price = $0.69 for 2

$5 in “School Supplies”
When you purchase $5 worth of Sure and/or Pert Plus, there is a mail-in rebate offer for $5 worth of school supplies. I plan to purchase the CVS envelopes ($1.69 BOGO), Mead index cards ($1.19 BOGO), Papermate pens/mechanical pencils (3/$1 - buy 4) and Avery glue sticks ($0.99)
Final Price = Free after mail-in rebate

For more great CVS ideas, visit Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.

Walgreens
I haven’t made my Walgreens trip yet, but here’s what I’m planning:

Glade Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator
$2.99, use $1.50 Internet coupon, use $1.50 Easy Saver (Walgreens) coupon
Final Price = $0.01 overage

2 Pledge Sprays
2/$6, use BOGO coupon, receive $2 rebate
Final Price = $0.50 each after rebate

2 Glade Candles
$1.99 each, use 2 $1 off coupons, receive 2 $1 rebates
Final Price = $0.02 overage after rebate

Shout and Scrubbing Bubbles
2/$5, use 2 $0.75 coupons, receive $2 rebates
Final Price = $0.75 each after rebate

4 Kellogg’s Cereals
4/$10, use 2 $1 off 2 coupons, receive $5 register rewards
Final Price = $0.75 each after register rewards

8 Speedstick/Lady Speedstick Deodorants
$1.99 each, use 4 $0.75 off 2 coupons, receive $10 register rewards
Final Price = $0.36 each after register rewards

For more great Walgreens ideas, visit Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.

Here’s what I bought at CVS today. I’ll probably go again on Friday when the new monthly deals come out…



Transaction 1:
Revlon Mineral Wear Lip Gloss
$9.99, received $9.99 ECB (there are also $2 off Revlon coupons from last week if you haven’t used them already)
Final Price = $9.99, $9.99 ECB (Free)

Transaction 2:
Band-Aid Ultra Strips
$2.99, used $1 off coupon, received $2 ECB
Final Price = $1.99, $2 ECB ($0.01 Overage)

Colgate Total Toothpaste
On sale for $1.77, used $1 off store coupon received from the card scanner last week, used $0.50 manufacturer’s coupon
Final Price = $0.27

Four Coke Zero 12-Packs
On sale for 4/$11
Final Price = $11.00

One Touch Ultra Mini
$19.99, used $20 coupon
Final Price = FREE (Plan to sell on eBay)

I used the $9.99 ECB, so total out of pocket was $3.27 plus tax and I have a $2 ECB for my next trip.

For more great CVS scenarios, visit Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.

As you may know, I began visiting CVS regularly to take advantage of their Extra Care Bucks program last month. So far, I’ve *saved* $522.58.

Although I’m technically still on “staycation,” here’s what I snagged this week in case you’d like to play along at home…



L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo and Deep Conditioner
Originally $4.99 each, on sale B1G1, used B1G1 coupon from 7/13 SmartSource insert
Final Price = FREE

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow and LipGLIDE Lip Gloss
Originally $4.49 for the eye shadow and $8.99 for the lip gloss, lip gloss was marked as 50% off ($4.50), on sale B1G1, used two $2 off coupons from 7/20 SmartSource insert (purchased an extra newspaper earlier)
Final Price = $0.50 for Both

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer and Smart Shade Blush
Originally $6.99 for the concealer and $9.99 for the blush, on sale B1G1, used $2 off store coupon from in-store kiosk
Final Price = $7.99 for Both (Not a super deal, but I was out of concealer and don’t have any blush)

All Small and Mighty and Free and Clear
Originally $6.19 each, on sale B1G1, used $1 online coupon and $0.50 coupon from previous insert (not sure which one)
Final Price = $4.69 for Both

I also had a $3 off $15 store coupon (hurry, expires today!), so my total cost before taxes for everything was $10.18.

I didn’t have any Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) to spend today, and didn’t earn any for next week, but hopefully there are some better deals coming up!

For more great CVS scenarios, visit Money Saving Mom and The “Cent”sible Sawyer.