CVS GUIDE

FIRST STEP: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CVS EXTRACARE CARD - GO GET ONE!

Okay, really the next time you go in the store would be fine. Or you can sign up online, but that will take a little time while they mail it to you.

What I really mean is, there are loads of deals and FREEBIES to be had at your local CVS. All it takes is a little time and you'll be able to get the following FREE:

Bandaids
Cough Drops
First-Aid Creme
Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap
Razors
Shampoo (Conditioner, Hair Products)
Shaving Creme
Lotion
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Soap
Mouthwash
Floss
Pain Medicine (and cold/cough medicine)

Basically, anything in the store is up for grabs, depending on sales and how you choose to spend your EXTRA BUCKS.

Now, these little EXTRA BUCKS will soon become your best friends while shopping CVS. First thing is first. Your EXTRACARE CARD is just like a loyalty card at BiLo or Food Lion. Remember to put it on your keychain and use it every time you go.

EXTRA BUCKS are earned when you make specific purchases that are in the ad every week (The best ones will say FREE after ECB).

So you go in and your first trip you will pay OOP for your "FREE after ECB" purchase. Then you have your remaining ECB (EXTRACARE BUCKS) that print out on your receipt. These are just like money - and can be used on your next purchase. You can even purchase the same thing again using your ECBs!

SCENARIO:
Buy 1 tube of toothpaste at $2.99
Earn $2.99 ECBs
Walk back to the toothpaste aisle, and get a second tube of toothpaste. Use your ECBs to pay for it, and depending on the deal you may continue to earn ECBs. You could do this deal all day long - or until the limit for the deal is reached. Limits are posted on the ad.

Now we sweeten the deal....
Buy 1 tube of toothpaste at $2.99
Use $1 OFF coupon
Total is $1.99 - AND - you earn $2.99 in ECBs. You just made a buck!

Buy that second tube at $2.99
Use another $1 OFF coupon
*And you have $1 here to spend on whatever (preferably something that earns and ECB)*
Then pay with your $2.99 ECBs
And you earn ECBs for your next trip.

These deals go on and on! If you're like me, you will keep a higher running total of ECBs because I like to save them for when diapers are on sale. FREE diapers are good for me!

A FEW CVS RULES AND POINTERS:
-ECBs are just like cash so they can be combined with coupons (manu and CVS specific)
-ECBs are good for just about everything in the store (except prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco)
-ECBs generally expire 4 weeks after they are printed
-You don't get change back from ECBs - so if your total is less than the ECBs you are paying with you will lose that money. Try to look for clearance items or a piece of candy to fill in.

CVSing takes practice, but once you get it down it's a breeze! And the first time you really "get it" you will want to yell from the mountaintops what a great deal it is!

Other great places to look at CVS deals and scenarios can be found here and here.
My best advice is to check out my deals at CVS and other scenarios. This is the best way to learn what will work for you! Happy Shopping!