Paid to Shop CVS

I picked up three items at CVS today, paid nothing out of pocket by using previously earned ECB's, and earned $10.99 ECB back. ECB's are coupons printed at the end of your receipt, that can be used same as cash, but they expire one month from when you earn them.

This is how I did it.

Gillette Fusion razors: $9.99, get $5 ECB back. I used a $4 off coupon from the newspaper inserts I picked up yesterday, so the total I paid was $5.99 in ECB, and nothing out of pocket.

Then, the Covergirl Clean Foundation was $5.49, and I had a BOGO coupon on Covergirl products, so I paid with ECB's and got the concealer for free. Because the CG foundation is FREE after ECB's, I earned $5.49 back.

Another example of getting paid to shop. I really needed the razor and the concealer. I didn't really need the foundation, but because it got me the concealer for free and some more ECB's, it was a good item to purchase.

The reason I went into CVS was actually to transfer over a Rx. They have a promotion this month, if you transfer over a Rx you can get a $30 gift card. I also have a coupon for this promotion for a $25 gift card that expires at the end of the year. This is a great way to get some money to start your CVS savings adventures, and never have to pay anything out of pocket to get started at earning those ECB's.

I didn't get my gift card, however, because I have a government insurance, and because it is federally funded insurance, they won't give me my gift card, unless every time I refill my Rx I want to pay completely out of pocket! ha ha ha ha ha... yeah right. My Rx is about $100 for a 30 day supply! I get it for FREE from the Army post pharmacy, but they won't give me the full 90 days at a time, and I hate going in every 30 days to stand in line for it. But I guess standing in line every month at a crowded military hospital pharmacy is much better than paying $100 every month. Bummer. No $30 gift card for me.

Anyway- If you have Rx, and want to get started on the CVS trips for FREE to begin with, this would be a really good offer to take on!

All for a Dollar

For the longest time I've always thought coupons were a waist of time and effort and not worth any savings... and a lot of times that is still true. For years I've curiously watched the crazy coupon clippers of the world. I'd be amazed at how much effort my SIL, Paula would put into it, and come home with bags and bags full of toiletries, and only a few dollars gone from her pocket. I still just thought it's something I can't do. Every time I'd get a coupon in hand, ready to use, I'd find I could buy the same thing in a different brand for less.

I recently discovered couponing is like a cult! There are some crazy smart shoppers out there. Take Christine at Crazy Coupons for example, who spends just pennies and bring home the same amount I spend hundreds on! Seriously- she got ALL of this for just $0.18

I've decided I've been inspired and will give it a try. It's a little discouraging though, looking at all these smart shoppers' blogs. They go to store after store after store. I myself, am usually just a one stop shopper, making Super Walmart my go-to place for nearly everything. It's hard to hit multiple stores in one week when you don't have a car to yourself all week, and usually have to shop with a cranky 2 yr old.
Today was my second try at CVS'ing... another cult all in itself..... I was awfully proud of myself! I got all this for only $1.03!!!

It seriously amazes me. It did take quite a bit longer in the store and some advance planning to accomplish this, but still! I'm sure if I just keep at it I'll get the hang of it more. I'm so proud of myself!