Getting Started

Here is a quick "how-to" for some of the stores I regularly post about. Email me if you have questions.

CVS
In order to “work” CVS, you will first need to get an Extra Care Card. They are free and can be picked up at the register. After that, simply check their ad for items that offer ECBs (extra care bucks). As an example, you may find that Total toothpaste is 2.99, but the ad says free after ECB. That means that you will pay for the item, and then a coupon for 2.99 off your next order will print at the bottom of your receipt. Please notice the expiration date on the ECB. You only have a few weeks to use it before it expires. Ideally, you should use your ECBs to purchase items that generate additional ECBs. CVS limits the amount of each item you can purchase. Check the ad for limits. For example, you may only be able to purchase 3 Total toothpastes. CVS will also accept manufacturer’s coupons. That means that if you have a Total coupon, the above scenario is actually a money maker!

Rite Aid
Rite Aid has a wonderful rebate program! Each month, they publish a rebate booklet that you can pick up in store or view online. It lists all the rebates for the month. There are usually at least a few free items. Just make sure and read the rebate information because some rebates are only valid on specific days, others are valid all month. You simply purchase the item (use a coupon if you have one) and then log into www.riteaid.com and enter the transaction information from your receipt. You can request the rebate check at any time, and will receive it two to three weeks after requesting.

Walgreens
Walgreens will occasionally offer register rewards when you purchase specific items. A register reward is a coupon for a certain amount off your next purchase. Like all manufacturers coupons, it has an expiration date. Ideally, you should use your register rewards to purchase items that generate additional register rewards. This is where it gets tricky. Check your register reward to see which manufacturer offered the register reward. If for example the register reward was offered by General Mills, and you use your RR to purchase General Mills products, additional register rewards will not be printed. Also, Walgreens will not allow you to have more coupons than items in your transaction. Since the register reward counts as a coupon, you may occasionally need to purchase additional small (filler) items in order to use all of your coupons. ◦

Getting Started