I stopped by CVS at lunchtime today and scored BIG! Here’s what I got:
Starting ECBs: $5.00
Merchandise Value: $29.44
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1.49 + tax
Ending ECBs: $5.49
Savings: $27.95( 95%)
Transaction #1
What I Bought:
2 Garnier Hair Color (not that I color, of course!) – $8.49 each
2 Dove chocolate bars (Hmm… Where IS that other one?) – $.49 each
1 Poise liners (to donate) – $2.49
Coupons Used:
-$4.00 off $20.00 CVS coupon received via email
-$2.00 off x 2 Garnier coupon from 4/11 RedPlum insert
-$4.00 off 2 Garnier CVS store coupon from previous receipt
-$2.49 off Poise – Free coupon printed at the machine in the store
-FREE Dove candy bar coupon x 2 from previous receipts
-$5.00 ECBs from last week
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $0 (+1.10 tax – paid with gift card from PNC Bank points)
ECBs Earned: $5.00 (Garnier)
Transaction #2
What I Bought:
1 Dove Conditioner – $4.49
3 Trident Gum 3-packs – $1.50 each
Coupons Used:
-$1.50 off Dove hair care coupon from 3/28 RedPlum insert
-$1.00 off 3 Trident coupon from 4/11 SmartSource insert
-$5.00 ECBs from Transaction #1
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1.49 (+$.32 tax)
ECBs Earned: $5.49 ($1 Trident, $4.49 Dove)
So I spent $1.81 and ended up with $1 more in ECBs than I started with. Not bad!
Let me explain my use-a-bunch-of-free-product-coupons strategy. I wanted to spend as little as possible out-of-pocket. I had a coupon good for $4 off if my total (before coupons was $20). My hair color was only $16.98. In order to use my $4 coupon, I needed to have another $3.02 worth of products.
I knew I had 2 coupons for free Dove candy bars. That was $1.98. I also had a coupon for free Poise liners up to $2.49. I found one priced right at $2.49, so it was also going to be free. So, basically I got an extra $4 off my hair color by adding free products to my order. Creative… but perfectly legitimate!
That’s why I try not to use my free product coupons until I have an email coupon from CVS!
This post is linked to:
:: Friday Finals hosted by Southern Savers
:: Super Savings Saturday hosted by Money Saving Mom
:: Share Your Savings Saturday hosted by Frugal Fun and Fortune
