I never really got into couponing though until a good friend of mine reintroduced me to it. She taught me the basics and I've been at it ever since. I, by no means, am a crazy coupon lady haha I just use my basic skills to get some good deals!
I'm going to walk you through my basic process so hopefully some of you can give it a try!
Where you shop: CVS
What items you buy: Mostly toiletries, cleaning supplies, makeup, and occasionally food
Where to start: Coupons can be found in many places these days but I always start with the Sunday paper. Make sure you are buying a paper that has coupon inserts. In my area it's the Palm Beach Post. Cut out all the coupons you will use and file them in a coupon book.
(I usually don't cut out the ones I know I won't use but I always feel like I'm wasting them. I'm thinking about starting a coupon swap so none of my coupons get wasted.)
Next, get the CVS flyer from the newspaper (it should be in the same area as the coupons where). Look through and look for the best deals. As a rule for myself I usually look for the deals with Extra Bucks first and then decide if it's something I really need (It's so easy just to buy things because it's a good deal) and then look if I have a coupon for it.
 |
| Note that under the deals that have Extra Bucks it says -1.00 or however much extrabucks. This is how much you will get back. Also, it shows you if there is a coupon in your local newspaper. |
When I find something I want I circle it and set the coupon aside so it's ready for my trip. (Note: Extra Bucks are unique to CVS and they are basically cash back rewards in the form of a coupon that can only be used at CVS. The importance of these is that on your next trip they can be used and the amount of Extra Bucks you have will be taken off your total.)
 |
| Note that is shows you how much it's worth, when it expires, and what you got the reward for. This one was for buying a Gillette Fushion ProGlide and Manual Razor. |
Other places to find coupons: I don't always have the time to find more coupons but there are plenty out there on the Internet that can simply be printed out.
- A good website to check is www.iheartcvs.com. They feature a section each week devoted to the weekly CVS flyer and the coupons that go along with it.
- All You Magazine is sold at Walmart and not only is this a great magazine to read but it also has good coupons.
- The coupon center at CVS: While I'm on this subject, before you start your CVS adventures you will need to get a CVS card if you don't have one already. This card is scanned at every trip to ensure you get your extrabucks and and other rewards (I.E. if you enroll in the beauty club (free) you get $5 extrabucks for every $50 you spend on beauty products but you have to make sure you are scanning your card at each trip.)
- Now back to the coupon center. When you walk into CVS, there will be a red machine somewhere close to the door. If you scan your card under it, it will print out coupons for you and if you're lucky you might get a good one like $5 off $25! Even more money off your total!
What to bring: When you are heading out to CVS make sure you bring your coupon book with coupons you are using ready and your CVS flyer. Being prepared is the key to not spending hours walking around aimlessly.
Once you get there: Scan your card for extra coupons and start shopping! Flip though your flyer and start getting your goods. Always make sure you are getting the right product for the sale, noting the size and other details. Also, match your coupon and make sure it is the same product. (Note: if you don't see a sale sign next to an item you know is on sale, pick it up anyways and show the cashier the sale flyer. Sometimes they either haven't marked something yet or maybe have forgotten.)
Once you get to the register: Get ready for the fun! This is always my favorite part because I get to see all my hard work in action. Let the cashier scan your CVS card. Then unload all your items for the cashier to scan and make sure you watch the little screen to make sure everything that is on sale rings up for the correct amount. (Note: you will not see the Extra Bucks until the end). Then give the cashier all of your coupons and Extra Bucks. I always have them scan my normal coupons, then Extra Bucks after. Sit back and watch your total go down and down!
Once you get your receipt: I always always check my receipt before getting into my car. At the end of the receipt there should be all of your Extra Bucks printed out. If you are off by even a few cents on how much you had to spend to get the Extra Bucks you will not get them so be sure to see that you got all the Extra Bucks you were supposed to. If not go back in! Also check how much you spent and how much you saved! This part is so exciting! :)
Once you get home: Cut out your Extra Bucks from your receipt and put them in your coupon book for your next trip! (Note: you should register your CVS card online because that way if you lose your Extra Bucks from your receipt, your online account will have them saved and you can print them from your computer).
I'm going to share a few of my trips with you so you all have some motivation but before I want to give you a little side note.
If this is your first time going to CVS you will likely not have any Extra Bucks. Therefore, your bill will be higher than if you did have Extra Bucks. It's okay! The reason is, your first trip will lay a foundation and then each trip you will spend less and less because you will be getting Extra Bucks back every time. So don't be alarmed if you spend more on your first trip. It'll be worth it!
A couple weeks ago I was starting from scratch again and spent around $50. I got a lot of stuff but of course it would've been lower if I had some Extra Bucks. But at that trip I earned about $18 Extra Bucks so now my trips since then have been much lower spending. Here's a sample:
June 3rd:
Spent: $20.12, Saved: $44.42, Earned: $12.00 Extra Bucks.
June 24th:
Spent: $2.20, Saved: $24.91, Earned: $8.00 Extra Bucks.
If you have any questions let me know! I hope some of you give this a try. It's so rewarding, literally, because you are saving so much money on items you already buy and it's really fun! I'll try to give an update each week on my weekly trip.
Happy Thursday!
xoxo Jessenia + Baby
No comments:
Post a Comment