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CVS deals for the week of 4/18

April 19, 2010 by

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

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 a CVS Pharmacy green bag tag – $.99, get a $.99 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = Free after ECBs

Buy Thermacare neck or arm wrap (1 ct) – $2.49, get a $2.49 ECB (limit 2 per household)
$1/1 Thermacare printable
Final Price = $1 moneymaker after coupons/EDbs!

ECB DEALS:

*Spend $10 on these products, get a $3 ECB:  Smuckers preserves – $3, Jif – $3, Folgers or Dunkin Donuts coffee – $6 (limit one per household)
$1.50/2 Dunkin Donuts coffe – 3-28 RP
$.55/1 Smucker’s fruit spread – 2-22 RP
$1/3 Smucker’s fruit spread – 2-22 RP
$1/2 Folgers, any – 3-28 RP

*Buy Advil caplets or tablets (50 ct) – $3.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$2/1 Advil – 1-31 RP
$1/1 Advil printable
Final Price = $.99 after coupons/ECBs!

*Align Probiotics digestive care (28 ct) – $28.99, get a $5 ECB (limit 3 per household)
$3/1 Align – 3-7 PG
Final Price = $20.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Spend $15 on American Greetings cards, get a $3 ECB (limit 1 per household)

*Buy Ban roll-on – $4.99, get a $2 ECB (Limit 2 per household)
$.40/1 Ban product – 4-18 SS
$.75/1 Ban printable
Final Price = $2.24 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy Colgate Pro Clinical – $3.99, get a $2 ECB (limit 2 per household)
$1/1 Colgate Pro Clinical toothpaste – 4-11 SS
Final Price = $.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength toothpaste (4 oz) – $2.99, get a $2 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$.75/1 Colgate Total printable
$1/1 Colgate Total – April All You Magazine
$.75/1 Colgate Total, Max White, Max Fresh, Sensitive, or Kid’s toothpaste – 3-28 SS
Final Price = free to $.24 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy CoverGirl Volume Exact or Lash Exact – $5.99, get a $4 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1/1 CoverGirl product, any – 3-7 or 4-4 PG
Final Price = $.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy CVS Pharmacy Pain Relief – $9.99, get a $3 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = $6.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy CVS Pharmacy Protective Undergarments – $8.99, get a $2 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = $6.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy CVS Pharmacy Purelax – $12.99, get a $3 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = $9.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy CVS Pharmacy Saline Spray or Allergy Relief bonus size – $3.99, get a $2 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = $1.99 after ECBs

*Buy Edge or Schick shave gel – $2.79, get a $1.80 (limit 2 per household)
Final Price = $.99 after ECBs

*Buy Halle Orchid or Halle, get a $5 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price – varies

*Buy Herbal Essence, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, or Ausssie family size (PSA $5.49), get a $2 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1/1 Herbal Essence shampoo/conditioner/styler – 3-14 RP, 4-4 PG
$1/1 Pantene Styler/hair spray/treatment – 3-7 PG, 4-4 PG
Buy One Head & Shoulders shampoo, get one conditioner free – 4-4 PG
$1/1 Head & Shoulders shampoo/conditioner -3 -7 PG
Buy one Aussie shampoo/conditioner, get $2 off Aussie styler

SCENARIO:
Buy 1 Head & Shoulders shampoo – $5.49
Buy 1 Head & Shoulders conditioner – $5.49

$1/1 Head & Shoulders shampoo/conditioner
Buy Head & Shoulders shampoo, get conditioner free

Spend $4.49 OOP, get a $2 ECB
Final Price = $2.49 after coupons/ECBs

*Spend $10 on Hershey’s candy, get a $5 ECB:  Hershey’s Big Bag – $4/each, Hershey’s singles – BOGO free, Twizzlers – 2/$4, Hershey’s assorted 8 pk – $.88/each, Theater Box candy – 2/$2, Hershey’s bags – 2/$6, Hershey’s Extra large bars – 2/$3, Hershey’s king size – BOGO free, Cadbury chocolate bar – 4/$5, Ice Breakers – 2/$3, Ice Breakers Ice Cubes – 2/$5
$1/2 Hershey’s Kisses caramel or Meltaway chocolates – 4-11 SS
$1/3 Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Hershey’s Miniatures, and York candy – 4-11 SS

SCENARIO:
Buy 4 Hershey’s caramel kisses – $3/each

Use 2 $1/2 coupons

Spend $10 OOP, get a $5 ECB
Final Price = $5 after coupons/ECBs ($1.25/bag)

Submit your Hershey’s UPCs (bags must be 10 oz+) and earn a free movie ticket!

*Spend LaRoche-Posey Anthelios, get a $5 ECB (limit 1 per household)

*Spend $24.99 on these Olay products, get a $10 ECB:  Olay Regenerist Total Effects – $18.99 or Olay Regenerist kits, treatments, or ALL Definity facial care – $24.99 (limit 1 per household)
Buy Olay Total Effects Moisturizer, get free Total Effects Anti-Aging Body wash – 3-28 SS
Buy Olay Total Effects Moisturizer, get free Total Effects facial cleanser – 3-28 SS
$1/1 Olay Facial moisturizer/cleanser – 3-7 and 4-4 PG
$3/1 Olay Regenerist Facial moisturizer/cleanser – 3-7 PG
Final Price = $11.99 after coupons/ECBs

*Buy 2 Kellogg’s cereal or bars (Raisin Bran Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Mini Wheats, All Bran, special K, or Nutri-Grain bars) – 2/$5 and one gallon of milk, get a $3 ECB (limit 2 per household) – reportedly this deal is regional – my area has it, but make sure you check your ad!
$1.50/2 Raisin Bran or Frosted Mini Wheats printable
Final Price – varies

*Spend $15 on Nivea or Eucerin products (includes all Nivea lip, body wash, lotion, creme or Nivea for Men facial care) – limit 1 per household (reportedly the limit is actually 5)
$2/1 Nivea body wash for women printable
$2/1 Nivea for men and Nivea for women body wash – April All You
$1/1 Nivea body wash for women – 4-11 RP
$1/1 Nivea body wash for men – 4-11 RP
BOGO free Nivea body wash – May All You

SCENARIO:
Buy 4 Nivea for Women body washes – $5.99/each

Use BOGO free coupon
Use 2 $2 Nivea body wash for women printables

Spend $7.98, get a $5 ECB
Final Price = $2.98 OOP

*Buy Pampers Baby Dry, Swaddlers, or Cruisers – $21.99, get a $5 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers, Extra Protection diapers – 3-14 RP
Final Price = $14.99 after coupons/ECBs

(There is also a $3/1 Pampers Swaddlers/Cruisers CVS store coupon in the May Parents magazine, so it would be $11.99 after coupons if you have this one!)

*Spend $10 on any Revlon cosmetics or beauty tools, get a $3 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$3/1 Revlon Color Burst lipstick (must register to print)
Final Price – varies

*Buy Schick Hydro (3 or 5 blade razor system) – $8.97, get a $6 ECB (limit 1 per household)
Final Price = $2.97 after ECBs

*Buy U by Kotex – $4.99, get a $1 ECB (limit 1 per household)
$1/1 U by Kotex printable
$1/1 U by Kotex – April All You magazine
Final Price = $2.99 after coupons/ECBs

BOGO FREE DEALS:
*CVS Pharmacy batteries (limit 6)
*CVS Pharmacy calcium supplements, glucosamine chondroitin
*CVS Pharmacy hair care, skin care, cotton, nail polish, or eye makeup remover
*Dove invisible solid deodorant (PSA $3.49) – final price = $.49 after ECBs
$3/2 Dove printable
*Lumene skin care
*Nature’s Bounty or Flex-a-min (limit 6)
$1/1 Nature’s Bounty – 3-14 RP
*NYC cosmetics
*Rimmel cosmetics
$1/1 Rimmel mascara – 3-14 RP
$1/1 Rimmel product – 3-14 RP
$1/1 Rimmel printable

OTHER DEALS:
*Gold Emblem purified drinking water – $2.88/each

The following scenarios are for people who are new to shopping at CVS and have few (or no) ECBs to start with. (These are just ideas….you do not have to follow this exact order and you can skip some items if you do not want/need them): $13.94 in merchandise for $3.22 OOP, $2 ECB left to spend

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy 1 Thermacare heat wrap – $2.49

Use $1/1 coupon

Spend $1.49 OOP, get a $2.49 ECB

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 1 Thermacare heat wrap – $2.49
Buy 1 Green Bag tag – $.99

Use $1/1 coupon
Use $2.49 ECB (adjusted to $2.48)


Spend $0 OOP, get a $2.49 ECB and a $.99 ECB

TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Colgate Total care – $2.99
Buy 1 CVS facial tissues – $.99


Use $.75/1 Colgate coupon
Use $2.49 Thermacare ECB


Spend $.74 OOP, get a $2 ECB


TRANSACTION #4:
Buy 1 Colgate Pro Clinical – $3.99

Use $1/1 coupon
Use $2 ECB

Spend $.99 OOP, get a $2 ECB

If you have a $4/20:

Buy 1 Thermacare heat wraps – $2.49/each
Buy 3 Nivea for women body wash – $5.99
Use $4/20 CVS coupon
Use $1/1 Thermacare coupon
Use 2 $2 Nivea coupons
Use BOGO free Nivea coupon

Spend $5.47 OOP, get a $5 ECB (Nivea) and a $2.49 ECB (Thermacare)

OR

Buy 4 Hershey’s caramel kisses – 2/$6
Buy 2 Thermacare heat wraps – $2.49
Buy 1 Colgate Total – $2.99
Buy 1 Green bag tag – $.99

Use $4/20 CVS coupon
Use 2 $1/2 Hershey’s caramel kisses coupon
Use 2 $1/1 Thermacare coupons
Use $1 Colgate coupon

Spend $11.96 OOP, get a $5 ECB (Hershey’s), $4.98 ECB (Thermacare), $2 ECB (Colgate), $.99 ECB (Green bag tag)

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. 

Filed Under: Scenario Sunday Tagged With:

Publix deals through 3/21

April 18, 2010 by


Thanks to Brittany from The Prudent Patron for the weekly Publix deals!

Here are the highlights for the week. You can find all of the deals for the week at The Prudent Patron (this is based on the Florida/Southern Georgia market)

Here are some of the items that are free this week:

 
Alka Seltzer as low as $2.49
$2/1 Green Advantage Flyer (store Q- exp. 4/27)
$1/1 RP 2/21
::  FREE when you use both 

Bayer Aspirin 24ct $2.23
 $2/1 Green Advantage Flyer (store Q- exp. 4/27)
$1/1 SS 3/21 or Printable
::  FREE when you use both

Beechnut Let’s Grow Meals $1.00 – $1.25
$1/1 SS 1/3
:: FREE  – $.25 each 

 
Muir Glen Tomato Sauce, small can $.89
 $1/1  Printable
::FREE + overage 

Prevacid 14 ct, $10.99
$5/1 Green Advantage Flyer (store Q- exp. 4/27)
$6/1 SS 3/28
::  FREE + overage when you use both

 
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner, 22 oz, at $3.29
$2/2 There’s Value in the Family booklet (store Q)
$.50/1 March All You Magazine
$1/1 SS 3/21
:: FREE + overage when you use the store q and (2) $1/1 manuf. Qs

These items are less than $1:
 
Campbell’s Soup, Selected Varieties, 10.5 or 10.75 oz can, $1.00
$. 40/4 SS 2/28, 3/28 SS
$1/2 Printable
:: $.50 each
 
Emerald Trail Mix, 5.5. oz., $1.50
$1.50/2, $1/1 RP 3/14
:: $.50

Fisher Fusion Snacks $1.77
$1.00/1 SS 10/4, 11/15, 12/6, 12/13, 2/8
::Pay $.77

 
Kraft Shredded Cheese, 14-16 oz, $3.99
$1.25/1 Printable (store Q)
$2/2  or $1/2 Blinkie (Thanks, Roxanne)
:: $.74 each

Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice, Assorted Varieties, Microwavable, 8.5 or 8.8 oz pouch, $1.33
$1/2 RP 2/21
$.75/1 Printable 
::$.58    
 
Remember to check out The Prudent Patron for the rest of the weekly deals!   
 
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

Target deals for the week of 4/18

April 18, 2010 by

Keep in mind that pricing may vary by area. Always check your local ad to confirm that they have the “weekly deals.”  The “main” thing I saw in the ad this week is the free Earth Day bag.

Sunday, 4/18, only get a FREE Earth Day bag with any purchase.  Quantities are limited, no rain check.  Limit one bag per guest (Sponsored by Tide, GE, and Coca Cola)

Electronics trade-in ~ Trade in your new or used iPod or iPhone for a Target gift card.

Get Text Alerts from Target: receive coupons, deals, and weekly ad reminders on your mobile phone – use a barcode that can be scanned at check-out for multiple one time only coupon deals throughout the month.  The text alerts for mobile coupons appear to be released on Sundays and appear to be valid for one week only (when the new round is released on Sundays, the old round disappears).

Target now offers price matching. You can check out their policy here.

At Target, you can use one Target coupon and one manufacturer’s coupon per item. The printable Target coupons now state “one per transaction” meaning you can only use one “like” coupon per transaction. The Target coupons from the inserts do not have this wording and neither do the Target toy coupons. You can read/print their coupon policy here.

They are also offering a .05 credit when you bring in your own reusable shopping bag!

Regular Markdown Schedule in other Departments
Monday – Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday – Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday – Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty, Lawn & Garden items
Thursday – House Wares, Lingerie, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, Music, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday – Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry

BABY:

This coupon is available regionally in the RP insert of some newspapers today, so make sure you check your inserts!  If you didn’t get the coupon, you can get it through My Coupon Hunter.  While you’re there, you may want to pick up some of the $2/1 Pampers coupons from the 3-14 RP insert.  The boxed sets are on sale for $19.99 this week, which would make them $14.99 after coupons.  It’s been awhile since I bought a box of diapers, so I don’t know how many are in a box.

(Thanks Totally Target!)

GROCERY DEALS:

Cucumbers or green peppers – $.79/each

Del Monte canned vegetables are on price cut through 5/8
$1/8 Del Monte canned fruits/vegetables – 3-21 RP (expires 5/16/10)
$1/4 Del Monte brand products printable
Final Price = $.25-.37/each
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Heinz vinegar – white or apple cider – $.99
$.50/1 Heinz vinegar printable
Final Price = $.49

Michael Angelo’s Frozen Entrees – $2.50 (on price cut through 4/24)
$1/1 Michael Angelo’s Entree printable
BOGO free Michael Angelo’s Entree printable (must register to print)
Final Price = $1.50 for 2!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Sobe Lifewater – 10/$10
BOGO free Sobe Lifewater printable
Final Price = $.50/each after coupon (when you buy 2)

Strawberries – $1.99

Tyson chicken breast nuggets – $2.50

HEALTH & BEAUTY:

Some Target stores now have the Gillette Fusion MVP razors in new packaging for $4.99.  Use the $4/1 coupon from the 4-4 PG insert and get it for $.99!  (Thanks Cuckoo for Coupon Deals!)



Some Target stores also have the Gillette Venus razors in the new packaging for $4.99.  Pair the $2/1 Venus coupons from the 4-4 PG insert and get it for $2.99!

Herbal Essences – $2.50
$1/1 Herbal Essence shampoo/conditioner/styler – 3-14 RP, 4-4 PG
Final Price = $1.50/each

Kandoo 42 count flushable wipes – $1.65
$1/1 Kandoo, any – 4-4 PG
Final Price = $.65/each
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Lip Smackers – $1.47
$1/1 Lip Smackers printable
Final price = $.47

Nivea Body Wash for Women – $3.49 (on price cut through 5/1)
$2/1 Nivea body wash for women printable
BOGO free Nivea body wash for women – April All You Magazine

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Nivea Body Wash for Women – $3.49/each

Use $2/1 Nivea printable
Use BOGO free coupon

Spend $1.49 OOP ($.75/each)
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Extra Super Lash Rimmel Mascara is priced at $2.99 in some Target stores.  Use the $3/1 Rimmel coupon from the March All You Magazine and get it for FREE!

(Thanks Totally Target!)

Reach floss – $1.12
$1/1 Reach floss – 10-18 RP, 1-3 RP
Final price = $.12

St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea butter body wash travel size, St. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E body moisturizer travel size, St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub travel size – $.97/each
$1/1 St. Ives, any (does not include trial sizes) – 3-21 SS
Final Price = Free after coupon!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

Vaseline Total Moisture body lotion – $2.99
$1.25/1 Vaseline lotion, any – 4-11 RP
$1/1 Vaseline skin care lotion Target printable
Final Price = $.74 after coupons

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion – $5.99
$3.75/1 Vaseline Sheer Infusion – 4-11 RP
$1/1 Vaseline skin care lotion Target printable
Final Price = $1.24 after coupons!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

HOUSEHOLD:

GE Energy Smart Light bulbs – $2.99
$2/1 GE Energy Smart light bulbs Target printable
$1/1 GE Energy Smart light bulbs printable
Final Price = Free after coupon (make sure you give the Target coupon last!)

Ziploc slider bags are on price cut for $2.27 through 5/8
BOGO free Ziploc slider bags – 4-11 SS (expires 6/5/10)
$.55/1 Ziploc bags – 3-21 SS (expires 5/15/10)
Final Price = $.90 each after coupons when you buy 2!
(Thanks Totally Target!)

More Scrubbing Bubbles Deals:

The Scrubbing Bubbles Daily Shower Power Sprayer is $7.99 and the refills are $3.94.  There is a Buy Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer, Get a refill Free printable coupon.  There were also $5/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer starter coupons in the 4-11 SS.  Plus, there was a FREE $5 Target gift card when you buy 3 Scrubbing Bubbles products in the 4-11 SS.

Here’s a scenario to work this deal:

Buy 3 Scrubbing Bubbles Daily Shower Power Sprayer – $7.99/each
Buy 3 Scrubbing Bubbles power sprayer refills – $3.94

Use 3 $5/1 Power Sprayer coupons
Use 3 Buy Power Sprayer, get free refills coupons (will deduct $3.94/item)
Use 2 $5 Target gift card coupons

Spend $8.97 OOP, get 2 $5 Target gift cards
Final Price = $1.03 moneymaker after coupons and gift cards!

Here’s another Scrubbing Bubbles scenario:
Buy 1 Scrubbing Bubbles toilet gel – $3.99
Buy 1 Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 starter kit – $6.29
Buy 2 Scrubbing Bubbles bahtroom cleaners – $2.24/each (YMMV on pricing)

Use $1/1 Scrubbing Bubbles toilet cleaning gel coupon (3-21 SS)
Use Free Fresh Brush starter kit WYB toilet gel coupon (4-11 RP)
Use 2 $.75/1 Scrubbing Bubbles coupons (3-21 SS)
Use $5 Target gift card WYB 3 Scrubbing Bubbles products (4-11 SS)

Spend $5.97 OOP, get a $5 Target gift card
Final Price = $.97 after coupons/gift card

(Thanks Hip2Save!) 

Here are some links to the clearance deals online: (don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get 4% cash back)

Want to get on the Target mailing lists? This isn’t a sure thing, but it’s worth signing up here. (Thanks A Full Cup!)
This post is part of Becentsable’s Grocery Gathering.
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

Freebie Friday: Free Redbox, Cascade, Jack in the Box, Stayfree and more!

April 16, 2010 by

Get a free Redbox rental if you rent 3 movies through the end of April! A unique code will be e-mailed to you on May 7. You must enter an e-mail address when you rent movies and “free” rentals do not qualify for this promotion. (Thanks Freebies4mom!)

Here are a few other codes that may work if you have not used them before:
BREAKROOM
DVDONME
REDBOX

For use at Kroger only:  DVDKROG

For use at Walgreens only: DVDATWAG

You can use these codes once per card (you do have to swipe a credit or debit card to “rent” the movie).

To learn more about Redbox (or to find a location, see what’s available, or reserve a selection online), check out their blog here and their site here.

Here are some more freebies:

Cascade ~ Get 2 free Cascade Action Pacs

Jack in the Box ~ Get free fries today (4/16) ONLY. (No other purchase necessary)


Gas X Thin Strips ~ Get free Gas X Thin Strips plus coupons! (Thanks Kristi!)

Stayfree ~ Free sample of Stayfree Thermal Control pads

Free weekend activities around town: (you may want to call your store to confirm that they are participating before going)

Lakeshore Learning ~ Free Earth Day Bag from 11 am-3 pm.  Decorate an “Earth Day Bag”

Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic ~ Make a free “See it Grow” planter Saturday 4/17 from 10-11 a.m.  Register fro this Build & Grow Clinic here.

Toys ‘R Us:  Visit your local Toys ‘R Us location for a Thomas Play Date on Saturday, 4/17 from 11 am-1 pm.  Enjoy storytime, coloring fun, Thomas trivia, special offers, and free gifts!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Filed Under: freebies

Thrifty Thursday: Getting items for free or close to free using rebates!

April 15, 2010 by

Before I started using coupons, I thought that rebates were basically for high dollar electronics purchases, software purchases, or cell phones.  That had been the extent of my rebate “experience.”  I had no idea that I could submit rebates for a variety of products that I purchase and use regularly or that I could end up getting those items for free or close to free or that sometimes they would even be “money makers” So, if you’re wondering if some of the rebate offers I’ve posted (or that you may have seen posted on other sites) are “legit” I can assure you that they are and that those rebate checks here and there add up quickly!

Here are some tips to help you if you are new to using rebates:

Save rebate forms ~ Many times, there are rebates that match up with items that I am already getting for free or closer to free with Extra Care Bucks or Register Rewards at CVS or Walgreens. Every time I see a rebate form in the inserts or find one on tear pads on displays in stores, I grab it and hang on to it – you never know when it might come in handy!

Organization is the key ~ When I submit a rebate, I usually scan or make a copy of the receipt, rebate form, and any UPCs I may have submitted for my records. I hang onto it until I get my rebate check back. Typically, I don’t have any “issues” when I submit rebates, but every now and then I will get a letter or e-mail telling me that something is missing and then I have proof that it was submitted.

There is also a great website that you can use to keep track of your rebates. It is called Rebate Tracker and it allows you to enter your rebate details (including submission address, the date you purchased the item and where you purchased it, and the date you submitted the rebate form). You can also update the status once you receive the rebate. In addition, you can keep track of out of pocket expenses and track how much you receive as “reimbursement.”

Is it “worth it”?  My criteria for determining whether a rebate offer is “worth it” may be different from others.  I will not buy a product that is “free after rebate” if it’s not something I really want and need because I am still having to put money out up front.  I typically only take advantage of rebate offers if the item I am getting will be free or close to free up front (meaning I can use a coupon, Extra Care Bucks, or Register Rewards to offset the cost), which makes it a “money maker” or if it is for an item I would be buying anyway because it is for something we want or need.

Using your rebate money ~ People also have different uses for their rebate money.  When I get a rebate check, it goes into our savings for our 100% Cash Christmas.  How do you use your rebate money?

Do you have a Thrifty Thursday idea to share?  Don’t forget to link up below!

For more Thrifty Thursday ideas, check out Coupon Teacher, Madame Deals, and Life as a Mom. 

Filed Under: Thrifty Thursday Tagged With: