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 relatively new to the whole Walgreens thing, but I am super excited about going there today. There is a coupon out for $10 off any purchase of $40 or more after coupons, valid today and tomorrow only. While that doesn’t seem like that great of a deal, the new September Easy Saver Free After Rebate items are now available, and you can use BOTH the Easy Saver coupons from August and September today and Friday. In other words, get a whole bunch of stuff for less than free!

Here is my personal shopping plan for today:

• 2 Gallons of Milk
  On Sale for $3.39 Each

• L’Oreal RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate
  Retails for $16.49, but I’m going to assume it’s on sale for $12.37 since that’s what others are reporting, Use $1 Manufacturer’s Coupon (there’s also a $3 coupon floating around that I can’t seem to find), Receive $12.37 Rebate for September (or possibly $16.49 rebate if the discount shows up on a separate line)
  Final Price = Overage of $1 (or More) After Rebate

• Revlon Nail Color
  $4.79, Use $2 Manufacturer’s Coupon, Receive $4.79 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Overage of $2 After Rebate

• Chemistry Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment
  Approx. $7.99, Use $3 Coupon from August Easy Saver Book, Receive $7.99 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Overage of $3 After Rebate

• Nivea for Men Body Wash
  $4.99, Use $1 Manufacturer’s Coupon, Receive $4.99 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Overage of $1 After Rebate

• Mitchum Smart Solid Deodorant
  On Sale for $2.99, Use $2 Walgreens Catalina Coupon (or $1 Manufacturer’s Coupon), Receive $1 Register Rewards
  Final Price = Free After Register Reward

• Reach Prevent Crystal Clean Toothbrush
  On Sale for $1, Use $1 Manufacturer’s Coupon
  Final Price = Free

• Walgreens Acid Controller Complete 25 Ct.
  $7.99, Use $2 Coupon from Walgreens Pharmacy Booklet, Receive $7.99 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Overage of $2 After Rebate

• 4 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Warmers
  On Sale $4.79 BOGO, Use 2 BOGO Coupons to Get Them All Free (or, use 2 $4 off coupons if they won’t accept that or you don’t have 2 BOGO coupons), Receive $4 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Overage of $4 After Rebate

• LypSyly Honey Bunny w/ SPF 15 or Original Lypmoisture .1 oz. Stick
  $1.99, Receive $1.99 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Free After Rebate

• Crest Pro Health Toothpaste
  $3.79 (use $0.75 coupon if you still have it - I don’t), Receive $3.79 Rebate for September
  Final Price = Free (or $0.75 overage)

Your total after coupons and before taxes will be $42.68. Use the $10 off $40 coupon to get your total down to $32.68 plus tax. You’ll receive (at least) $47.91 in rebates (plus an extra $4.79 if you have it put on a gift card) and $1 in register rewards.

Congratulations! Walgreens just paid you over $16 to buy all this stuff!

When planning your scenario, visit Money Saving Mom for ideas and make sure that your total number of items exceeds your total number of coupons by at least one. Also, be sure to have a couple backups in case some of your items are out of stock.

If you haven’t been to Walgreens this week, this month, or ever - here’s your chance!

Click here for a $5 off $20 Walgreens coupon, valid in-store only on Friday and Saturday. While there are the typical exclusions (beer, smokes, gift cards), there are a ton of free after rebate items your coupon can be put to good use for:

• Walgreens Soft White Light Bulbs 4 Pack or 3 Way Single Bulb - $1.99 (limit 1)
• bioINFUSION Organics Shampoo,Conditioner, or Olive Oil Hair Care, 6 to 15.4 oz. - $5.99 (limit 2)
• jane. Be Pure Mineral Crushed or Sheer Powder .06 oz., Mineral Powder Brush or Mineral Liquid Foundation, 1 oz. - $4.99 (limit 1)
• Pert Plus 2 in 1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner, 13.5 oz. - $4.29 (limit 1)
• Living Solutions Vacuum Bags - Various Sizes - $5.99 (limit 1), $9.99 (limit 1)
• Walgreens Pitcher Filter Replacement Cartridge - $6.99 (limit 1)

Just pick up the Walgreens Easy Saver Catalog at the store (or download it here), purchase the items you want, save your receipt, and apply for a rebate online. You can choose to receive your rebate in the form of a Walgreens gift card and get a 10% bonus loaded onto the card. Then, use your gift card for next month’s free items, and you’ll never pay out of pocket again!

Photo Credit: For Texas in June, That’s Pretty Cold! by The Rocketeer, used under Creative Commons licensing

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.

I have been shopping so much this week, it’s crazy! But I can’t believe all the bargains out there. Here are the places I visited in addition to CVS this week.

WalMart:

4 One-Subject Notebooks - On Sale for $0.05 Each
2 10-Packs of Bic Cristal Pens - On Sale for $0.88 Each, Used $1 Off 2 Coupon = $0.38 Each
Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner - $2.94 Each, Used $3 Off 2 Coupon = $1.44 Each, Plus a Free Pedicure!
Powerade Zero - On Sale for $0.60, Used $1 Coupon = FREE Plus $0.40 Overage
Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes - $1.32, Used $1 Coupon = $0.32
Honey Bunches of Oats Just Bunches Cereal - $2.50, Used $2 Coupon = $0.50
Kashi Vive Cereal - $3.46, Used $2 Coupon = $1.46
Krunchers Potato Chips - $2.75, Used $1 Coupon = $1.75
Other Non-Deal Purchases (For the Sake of Full Disclosure): Roma Tomatoes - $0.50, Lettuce Head - $1.28, Mission Tortillas - $2.18, Great Value Shredded Cheddar Cheese - $2.68, Great Value Sugar Free Syrup - $1.48

Total Before Taxes: $16.59 ($8.47 Excluding Non-Deal Purchases)

Hen House:

2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudels - On Sale for $1.93, Used 2 $1 Off Coupons = $0.93 Each
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Sandwiches - On sale for $2.99, Used $1 Off Coupon = $1.99
2 Keebler Ice Cream Cone Packages and Blue Bunny Ice Cream - Cones On Sale for $1.50 Each, Ice Cream Was $3.55 and I Got a $1.50 Discount for Buying the Cones = $5.05 (This would have been a better deal if I hadn’t accidentally bought Blue Bunny instead of Blue Bell, which I had a $1 coupon for)
Coke Zero - On Sale for $3.34, Used $1 Coupon Redeemed at My Coke Rewards = $2.34

Total Before Taxes: $12.80

Walgreens:

Walgreens has some great deals on school supplies this week, but everything was sold out when I went on Wednesday. I still managed to pick up a couple things:
Reynolds Wrap Foil - On Sale for $0.89 with Walgreens Coupon, Used $0.55 Manufacturer’s Coupon = $0.44
Bic Comfort 3 Razors 4-Pack - On Sale for $2.99, Used $2 Coupon = $0.99 (Look for the Packs with 2 Bonus Razors!)

Total Before Taxes: $1.33

Target:

I heard the toys were on clearance at Target, so I got a few things for birthdays/Christmas.
Hulk Toy - Originally $9.99, On Clearance for $2.48
Star Wars Toy - Originally $9.99, On Clearance for $2.48
MXS Toy - Originally $14.99, On Clearance for $3.68

Total Before Taxes: $8.64

JC Penney: (Two Stores)


JC Penney is having AMAZING clearance sales right now! After this week’s sale shopping, my stepson is fully stocked for next summer.
4 Boys Shirts - Originally $24.99 Each, On Clearance for $2.97 Each
2 Boys Shorts - Originally $29.99 Each, On Clearance for $4.97 Each
Boys Swimsuit - Originally $25, On Clearance for $4.97 (Comes with Free Goggles)
Infant Pajama Set - Originally $22.50, On Clearance for $4.97 (Bought for a Friend’s Baby’s First Birthday Party)
2 Womens Blouses - Originally $30 Each, On Clearance for $2.97 Each
Womens Short-Sleeve Suiting Jacket - Originally $44, On Clearance for $2.97

I used a 15% off coupon on everything.
Total Before Taxes: $33.02 (Saved $279.92!)

Macy’s:

Boys Nike T-Shirt - Originally $16, On Clearance for $2.40
Boys Blue Shirt - Originally $24, On Clearance for $3.60

Total Before Taxes: $6.00

Children’s Place (Online):

5 Boys Shirts - On Clearance for Between $3.39-$4.24 After Additional 15% Off Promo Code
Boys Shorts - On Clearance for $2.54 After Additional 15% Off Promo Code

Shipping was $5.
Total Before Taxes: $27.05

Border’s (Online):

Use promo code BR41925 to get $5 off every book (making books under $5 free!). Read more details about getting this deal to work here.
Board Books for Babies (More First Birthday Presents!): Dr. Seuss’s ABC; Are You My Mother?; Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb; The Nose Book, Go, Dog, Go!; The Tooth Book; The Foot Book; Big Dog…Little Dog; Put Me in the Zoo
Books for My Stepson: The Day My Butt Went Psycho!; Guinness World Records 2008; How to Draw Pokemon; Football Nightmare; What’s Happening to Me: Boy’s Edition; Barfing in the Backseat: How I Survived My Family Road Trip; Who Ordered This Baby? Definitely Not Me!; Report to the Principal’s Office; Tsumanis and Other Natural Disasters
Books for My Niece’s Birthday: Camp Rock: The Junior Novel; Jammin’ with the Jonas Brothers

Free Shipping to the Store.
Total Before Taxes: $5.48

Ann Taylor Loft (Online):


I am not much of a bargain shopper when it comes to my own clothes, but I thought this was a pretty good deal considering the source.
Purse - Originally $49, On Clearance for $19.99, saved Another 25% with TEACHER20 Code = $14.99
Sandals - Originally $34, On Clearance for $16.99, Saved 50% on 2nd Sale Item, Saved Another 25% with TEACHER20 Code = $6.37

Shipping was $5.38.
Total Before Taxes: $26.74

In case you’re wondering…NO, I do not usually shop this much! If I did, I think I’d need a 12-step program! I’m just trying to get ahead of the seasons on gifts and clothes (to reduce spending) and cut my grocery/household item costs. All of the stores I visited are within a mile of my route to and from work. Please let me know if you have any questions about the deals!