CVS deals for the week of 1/16

If you are new to shopping at CVS and would like some tips, check out this article here and here. 

If you need coupons for your “deals” I recommend My Coupon Hunter!

Tag your reusable bag: Buy a Greenbag tag for $.99 at the register, get $1 ECB every 4th visit – limit 1 use per day, per household

If you haven’t already, register your CVS Extra Care card here and you should receive a $4 off a $20 purchase coupon in your e-mail. This also registers you to receive other e-mail coupons!

FREEBIES:

Buy Blink (.5 oz) or Gel Tears (.34 oz) – $7.99, get a $4 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$4/1 Blink peelie (attached to the package in some stores)
$1/1 Blink – 1-2 SS2
Final Price = as low as free after coupons/ECBs (if your stores have the peelies)

Buy Crest or Oral B dental Care – $2.99, get a $2 ECB (limit 2 per household)
-Crest 3D White Vivid or Scope Outlast toothpaste (4-4.2 oz)
$1/1 Crest toothpaste – 1-16 PG
$.75/1 Crest toothpaste – 12-26 PG
-Crest Pro Health rinse (8.4 oz)
-Oral B satin floss (55 yds)
$.75/1 Oral B satin, Glide floss, or floss picks – 12-26 PG
Final Price = Free after coupons/ECBs

Orbit Gum – BOGO free
BOGO free Orbit printable (scroll down and click on “get special savings)
Final Price = free after coupons

NOTE:  Being able to do this deal is a YMMV.  Not all stores will allow you to combine a BOGO free coupon with a BOGO free store promotion.  I have been told by corporate that this is up to store and district managers.

ECB DEALS:

Spend $15 on American Greetings cards (Hallmark in some areas), get a $3 ECB (limit 2 per household)
Final Price – varies


Buy Colgate toothpaste (includes Total, MaxWhite, MaxFresh, and Caviety Protection) – $2.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 2 per household)
$1/1 Colgate Total – 1-2 SS2, 1-16 SS
$1.50/2 Colgate Total CRT
Final Price = as low as $1.24 each after coupons when you buy 2

Buy Dulcolax Balance, Laxative tablets, stool softener, or suppositories – $5.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$3/1 Dulcolax printable
Final Price = $1.99 after coupons/ECBs


Buy Herbal Essences or Aussie family size shampoo/conditioner – $5.99, get a $3 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Free Styler WYB Aussie/Herbal Essence – 12-26 PG

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Aussie/Herbal Essence family size shampoo/conditioner – $5.99/each
Buy 2 stylers

Use 2 BOGO free coupons

Spend $11.98 OOP, get a $3 ECB
Final Price = $8.38 after coupons/ECBs ($2.25 each!)

Buy Listerine Original, Cool Mint, Fresh Brush, Total Care, or Zero mouthwash (16.9 oz) or Listerine Pocketpaks (72 ct) – $3.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1/1 Listerine mouthwash – 1-9 SS2
$2/1 Listerine Zero – 9-19 RP
Final Price = as low as $.99 after coupons/ECBs for Listerine Zero

Buy M&Ms (Valentine’s) – 2/$5, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1/2 Mar’s Valentine’s products printable (includes M&Ms)
$1/1 M&Ms CVS CRT
Final Price = 2/$2 after coupons and ECBs

Spend $25 on select P&G products, get a $10 ECB (limit 1 per household)
-Bounty Basic paper towels (12 ct) – $9.99
$.25/1 Bounty – 12-26 PG
-Charmin big rolls (16 ct) – $9.99
$.25/1 Charmin – 12-26 PG
-Duracell Batteries – $9.99 or rechargeable batteries/charger – $9.99
$1.50/1 Duracell batteries – 12-12 RP
-Puff’s Tissues – $.99
$.25/1 Puffs tissue – 12-26 PG

SCENARIO:
Buy 1 Bounty Basic – $9.99
Buy 1 Charmin – $9.99
Buy 6 Puffs – $.99/each

Use $.25/1 Bounty
Use $.25/1 Charmin
Use 2 $.25/3 Puffs


Spend $24.92 OOP, get a $10 ECB
Final Price = $14.92 after coupons/ECBs

Spend $20 on Pepsi products, get a $10 ECB (limit 3 – at least – per household)
-Aquafina (12 ct or 6 ct) – 2/$6
-Amp (4 pk) or Starbucks Frappuccino – $4.99
$1/1 Starbucks printable
-Doritos or Lays potato chips – 2/$5
-Pepsi 12 ct, 12 oz cans – 3/$10
-Pepsi 2 liter, Gatorade, or Sobe Lifewater – 5/$5

SCENARIO:
Buy 20 Gatorade – $1 each

Spend $20 OOP, get a $10 ECB
Final Price = $.50/each after ECBs

Buy 6 Pepsi – 3/$10

Spend $10 OOP, get a $10 ECB
Final Price = $.50/each after ECBs

Buy Tom’s of Maine deodorant, toothpaste, or mouthwash – $3.99, get a $3 ECB (limit 2 per household)
Final Price = $.99 each after ECBs

Buy Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – $4.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1.50/1 Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – 1-16 PG
Final Price = $2.49 after coupons/ECBs

The following scenarios are for people who have few, if any ECBs to start with: $13.96 in merchandise for $4.97 OOP

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy 2 Crest toothpaste – $2.99

Use 2 $1/1 Crest coupons

Spend $3.98 OOP, get a $4 ECB

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine product – $3.99

Use $4 Crest ECB (adjusted down to $3.99)

Spend $0 OOP, get a $3 ECB

TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine product – $3.99

Use $3 Tom’s of Maine ECB

Spend $.99 OOP, get a $3 ECB

MY PLAN:  (I am starting with a $10 ECB) – $39.88 in merchandise for $15.38 OOP

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy 2 Crest – $2.99/each
Buy 2 Tom’s of Maine – $3.99/each

Use 2 $2 Crest coupons
Use $10 ECB

Spend $1.96 OOP, get a $4 ECB (Crest) and a $6 ECB (Tom’s of Maine)

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 1 Bounty – $9.99
Buy 1 Charmin – $9.99
Buy 6 Puffs – $.99

Use $1/1 Bounty (home mailer)
Use $1/1 Charmin (home mailer)
Use 2 $.25/3 Puffs
Use $4 and $6 ECB

Spend $13.42 OOP, get a $10 ECB

Frequently asked questions:

Do you really do multiple transactions at your stores?

In the past, I usually had $20-30 ECB on hand, so I didn’t have to break up my transactions as much as I did when I first started, but now that I am starting over, yes, I am doing multiple transactions. If you are doing multiple transactions, I recommend that you let the cashier know up front that is what you are planning to do. If there are several people in line, let them go in between your transactions. This gives you time to clip your ECBs and get prepared for your next transaction.

My store was out of all the freebie items first thing this morning. Can I get a raincheck?

This all depends on your store. I have contacted corporate about this before because some stores in my area give rainchecks and others won’t. According to corporate, this is up to the individual stores.

I bought the wrong item or I bought the RIGHT item and my ECB didn’t print. What can I do?

If you bought the right item, show the store clerk your ad and your receipt. They should be able to manually print your ECB at the store. If they don’t know how, you can call customer service and they can add one to your account that will print within 48 hours (you have to wait 48 hours from your purchase time to do this so they can “see” your transaction in their computer).

If you bought the wrong item and didn’t receive ECBs, you can do a return and purchase the correct item. If you paid using ECBs, they will have to give you money on a gift card.   

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

31 Ways to Save in 2011: saving on family entertainment

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Going to the public attractions in your area such as the zoo or The Children’s Museum is a fun family activity, but it could easily be a budget buster, too! In my area, a trip to the zoo would cost $40 for our family of four and a trip to the children’s museum would be $32 (plus $7 for parking).

Here are some tips for helping to save on family entertainment:

*Check the website – In my area, the zoo and the children’s museum both have times where you can get free admission listed on the website!

*Check with local grocery stores – Many times, local grocery stores will offer discounted admission to area attractions when you purchase tickets at the customer service desk

*Buy a City pass – Some cities offer a “City Pass” that offers heavily discounted admission to area attractions at a bundled rate.  The “catch” is that you usually only have nine days to access all of the activities included in the pass, but this is perfect if you’re visiting a city on vacation or if you’re on spring break, summer vacation, or Christmas break!  Click here to see if a City Pass is available for your city.

*Watch for free offers from businesses:

Bank of America offers free admission to more than 125 museums nationwide the first weekend of every month if you have a Bank of America credit or debit card!  In my area, this includes the zoo and the children’s museum!  Check to see what’s included in your area here.

Target Supports the Arts provides more than 2,200 free events at over 120 locations nationwide.  The Museum of Fine Arts in my area is free the first Sunday of every month, but they have also sponsored free events at the zoo and the art museum.  Find out what free events Target sponsors in your city here.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Make it a Blockbuster night….for free!!

If you get a three day weekend, take it easy and watch a free movie from Blockbuster Express!  You can get a free one night rental when you enter the code ESU11B at check-outThis code is valid through January 18th. 

The following code is also available: 14CH2DX (expires 1/20)

The code can be used once per card.  Search for a participating Blockbuster Express kiosk in your area here.

NOTE: You will be charged a fee of $1 per night if you do not return the movie by 9 p.m. on the night following your initial rental.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Walgreens deals for the week of 1/16

If you are new to shopping at Walgreens, make sure you check out my tips for shopping at Walgreens here.  If you need coupons for the deals this week, check out My Coupon Hunter!

These are not all of the weekly RR deals.  These are just some of the highlights!

FREEBIES:

Buy Full Fast Appetite Control Spray – $10, get a $10 RR
Final Price = FREE after RRs 

Buy Joint Juice Glucosamine Chondroitin – $10, get a $10 RR
$1/1 Joint Juice printable
Final Price = $1 moneymaker after coupons/RR

Buy Pill Glide Swallowing Spray – $5, get a $5 RR (this is a monthly deal)
Final Price = FREE after RR

Buy Thermacare Pain Relief Heatwrap – $2.50, get a $2.50 RR
$1/1 Thermacare, any printable
Final Price = $1 moneymaker after coupon/RRs

Spend $5 on participating Vicks products, get a $5 RR or spend $20 on participating Vicks products, get a $10 RR
-Vicks NyQuil, DayQuil (20 ct) or liquid (10 oz), or Formula 44 (6 oz) – $5/each
$1.50/1 Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – 1-16 PG
$4/1 Vicks Sinex – 12-26 PG

SCENARIO:
Buy 4 Sinex – $5 each

Use 4 $4 coupons

Spend $4 OOP, get a $10 RR
Final Price = $6 moneymaker

Buy 4 Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – $5/each

Use 4 $1.50 coupons

Spend $14 OOP, get a $10 RR
Final Price = $4 for 4 ($1 each)

RR DEALS:

Buy Cascade Powder, Gel, or Actionpacs (15 ct) – $3.99, get a $1 RR
$.25/1 Cascade – 12-26 PG
Final Price = $2.74 after coupons/RR

Buy 2 Chloraseptic, get a $5 RR (PSA $3.99)
$1/1 Chloraseptic printable

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Chloraseptic – $3.99/each

Use 2 $1 coupons

Spend $5.98 OOP, get a $5 RR
Final Price = $.98 after coupons/RR

Buy Gillette Fusion Pr-Glide manual or power razor – $9.99, get a $5 RR
$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide – 12-26 PG
Final Price = $.99 after coupon/RR


Buy Kotex maxi pads, pantiliners, or tampons – 3/$9, get a $3 RR
$2/2 Kotex – 1-16 SS
Final Price = 3/$4 after coupons/RR

Buy Listerine (Pocketpacks, Zero/Total Care/Advanced mouthwash) – $2.99, get a $1 RR
$1/1 Listerine – 1-9 SS, 10-10 RP
Final Price = $.99 after coupons/RR
NOTE:  This is the same RR as the Reach deal below

Buy Pantene hair care – 2/$7, get a $2 RR
$3/2 Pantene products – 12-26 PG
Final Price = 2/$2 after coupons/RR


Buy Pampers Jumbo Pack diapers – 2/$18, get a $3 RR
$1.50/1 Pampers – 12-26 PG
Final Price = 2/$12 after coupons/RR ($6/each!)


Buy Reach Advanced Design toothbrushes (2 pk) – $2.99, get a $1 RR
$2/2 Reach toothbrushes printable
BOGO free Reach toothbrush – 1-3-10 RP
$1/1 Reach toothbrush – 10-10 RP


SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Reach Advanced Design toothbrushes – $2.99


Use BOGO free coupon
Use $1/1 coupon

Spend $1.99 OOP, get a $1 RR
Final Price = $.99 for four toothbrushes after coupons/RR!

Buy Tom’s of Maine – $3.99, get a $3 RR (includes toothpaste, deodorant, and mouthwash)
Final Price = $.99 after RR

OTHER DEALS:

Carefree Pantiliners (22 ct) – $.99 (w/ in ad coupon)
$.50/1 Carefree – 1-9 SS
$.50/1 Carefree printable
Final Price = $.49 after coupons

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (5.8 oz, PSA $4.29) – STOCK UP PRICE!
$.75/1 Colgate Total – 1-2 SS, 1-16 SS
$1/1 Colgate Total – Diabetes & You Magazine (found near the pharmacy in Walgreens stores)
$1/1 Colgate Total Walgreens store coupon – Diabetes & You Magazine

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Colgate Total Advanced – $4.29

-$4.29 (from BOGO free promotion)
-$2 (2 $1 manufacturer’s coupons)
-$2 (store coupon should deduct $2)

Final Price = $.29 OOP ($.15/each!)
NOTE:  I did this deal last week and it worked perfectly!  No beeps or glitches!

Dulcolax Balance – $6.49
$3/1 Dulcolax printable
$3/1 Dulcolax Walgreens in ad coupon
Final Price = $.49 each after coupons

Kraft Homestyle macaroni & cheese – 3/$5
$1/1 Kraft Homestyle Mac & cheese – 1-16 SS
$1/2 Kraft Homestyle Mac & cheese – Walgreens January coupon book (you can find this by the ads in the front of the store)
Final Price = $.17 each (when you buy 6)

Valentine’s M&Ms – 2/$5
$1/2 Mars holiday candy (includes M&Ms) printable
$1/2 M&Ms – Walgreens January coupon book (you can find this by the registers in the front of the store)
Final Price = 2/$3 after coupons

FILLER ITEMS:
*Arizona tea – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)
*Dawn dish liquid – $.99 (w/ in ad coupon) – $.74 after both coupons
$.25/1 Dawn – 12-26 PG
*Mars candy – $.49 (w/ in ad coupon)
*Novelty Valentine candy – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)
*W candy (3.5-9.5 oz) – $.49
*Wrigley’s Extra gum – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)

The following scenarios are for people who are new to shopping at Walgreens or who have very few RR to “roll” into deals: $19.06 in merchandise for $3.27 OOP

NOTE:  This is assuming you don’t have the $4 Sinex coupons (these were hard to come by!)  If you do have these coupons, start with the scenario under the Sinex match-ups above

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy Thermacare Heat wrap – $2.50

Use $1/1 Thermacare coupon

Spend $1.50 OOP, get a $2.50 RR

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine deodorant, toothpaste, or mouthwash – $3.99

Use $2.50 Thermacare RR

Spend $1.49 OOP, get a $3 RR

TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Listerine – $2.99
Buy 2 Colgate toothpastes – $4.29/each (BOGO free)
Buy 2 Wrigley’s gum – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use $1/1 coupon
Use 2 $1/1 Colgate manufacturer’s coupon
Use $1/1 Colgate Walgreens coupon (from Diabetes & You magazine) – will deduct $2
Use $3 Tom’s of Maine RR

Spend $.28, get a $1 RR

MY PLAN:  I am starting with a $5 RR$50.52 in merchandise for $4.24 OOP, $2.50 RR left to spend

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy 1 Gillette Fusion Pro Glide razor – $9.99
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use $5 RR
Use $4 Gillette razor coupon

Spend $1.49 OOP, get a $5 RR

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 2 Chloraseptic – $3.99/each
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use 2 $1 Chloraseptic coupons
Use $5 Gillette RR

Spend $1.48 OOP, get a $5 RR
TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine – $3.99
Buy 2 Reach toothbrushes – $2.99/each

Use BOGO free Reach coupon
Use $1/1 Reach coupon
Use $5 RR

Spend $.98, get a $3 RR and a $1 RR

TRANSACTION #4:
Buy 1 Thermacare heat wrap – $2.50
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)
Buy 2 Colgate toothpaste – $4.29 (BOGO free)
Buy 6 Kraft Homestyle macaroni & cheese – 3/$5

Use $1 Thermacare coupon
Use $3 Tom’s of Maine RR
Use 2 $1 Colgate coupons
Use Walgreens Colgate coupon (will deduct $2)
Use 6 $1 Kraft Homestyle coupons
Use $1/2 Walgreens Kraft coupon (should deduct $3)

Spend $.29 OOP, get a $2.50 RR

FAQS: (Check out Walgreens new coupon policy here!)

Do you do multiple transactions at one store on one visit?
It just depends. Several stores in my area have gone to a “one RR per item per day” rule, which means I can’t do more than one transaction where I’m earning RR for the same product at the same store. Some of the stores in my area also will not let you use the RR you earn from one transaction on another transaction in that same visit.  I’m fortunate to have several stores within a few minutes of my house, so I usually try to break up transactions at different stores and on different days to stay in the good graces of my stores.

What is Walgreens policy on using BOGO free coupons with a BOGO free offer, adjusting down coupons, etc.? 
The new coupon policy does not really using a BOGO free coupon with a BOGO free promotion, but it does say you can use up to two coupons as long as the total doesn’t go below zero, so, you SHOULD be able to do this!!

Walgreens coupon policy is now to adjust the value of coupons down – YAY!!

Some helpful tips:
*At Walgreens, you can use ONE manufacturer’s coupon and ONE store coupon per item (always give the store coupon last to avoid problems)

*At Walgreens, you cannot do a promotion more than once in a transaction and earn Register Rewards. (for example, if you buy 2 Listerine, you will only earn a RR for one)

*You also typically cannot use the Register Rewards earned from a promotion on the same promotion and earn Register Rewards again. For example, if you buy the kid vitamins and use the RR from that to buy more, the RR will not print

*Register Rewards are considered to be “manufacturer’s coupons” and you can only use one manufacturer’s coupon per item. You will have to add “filler” items if you are using a manufacturer’s coupon and a RR. The in ad coupons often have good, inexpensive filler items. (check out the weekly match-ups for ideas)

*If you are using more than one RR in a transaction, always give the RR with the highest value FIRST. Sometimes strange things happen with coupons and taxes and even if you think you have planned out your scenario very well, you will end up with more overage than you planned for.

*If you are buying items that would result in a “free” item or “overage” when combining a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon, give the manufacturer’s coupon FIRST, and the store coupons LAST to avoid beeping/issues at the register! Make sure that you are purchasing enough items in your total transaction to “cover” the overage. You will not get cash back and you will have to add items to cover the overage or they will not take the coupon.

*If your Register Reward doesn’t print for some reason and you have fulfilled all of the obligations for the “deal” (including not using RR from the same parent company to pay) DO NOT let them tell you it is because you used coupons! Chances are they didn’t print because the catalina machine is not working. You have two choices: you can return your items and try again or you can contact the catalina company by doing the following:
*The store will give you a form to fill out and mail in to catalina
*Call 1-877-210-1917, option 1

This post is part of Becentsable’s Grocery Gathering.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Magazine Deals: Parenting – The Early years 2 year subscription for $4.99!

Tanga’s “Deal of the Day” today is a one year subscription to Parenting:  The Early Years for just $4.99! This magazine is geared toward moms of kids ages 0-5. They’ve had Amazon 20% off diaper coupons and Gymboree coupons for several months now and for that price, I don’t want to miss out on any more hot coupons! 

Go here and click on “Parenting:  The Early Years” Then, click on the red “Buy” button and enter the code “EARLY”.  You can make payment using Paypal or any major credit card.

Right now, you can also get Shape Magazine for $3.99.  This magazine has 12 issues per subscription and you can order up to 3 years at once.  Start your Shape subscription today by clicking here.  Make sure you enter the code SHAPE at check-out to get the discount.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.