High on Coupons

Yesterday was Sunday, and therefore coupon-ing day. Usually I’ll do my coupon-ing at CVS after my shift is over, but last night I was working until close so I didn’t have time. On my way home to Woonsocket I stopped at the 24-hour CVS and did my shopping there. It’s a little awkward shopping at a different CVS while still wearing your CVS uniform. Employees kind of look at you like, “… Does she work here? I’ve never seen her before.”

Luckily I was able to successfully complete my shopping trip even though Fran was ringing me out. Every time I go there she’s working and I can’t stand this lady. She’s the cashier that once told me that because I accidentally tore off the expiration date on a coupon she wasn’t allowed to use it. Since when is that a rule? If it was expired, the computer would automatically reject it. Just because the coupon’s expiration date got ripped off doesn’t automatically make it not able to expire. I made her call a manager up for that one who was like, “So….?” Obviously I can’t get too mad at her because she is about 70 years old and working third shift at CVS. It took her about 20 minutes to finally finish my purchase, but it got done which is all that matters.

CVS Shopping Plan:

(1) St. Ives Bodywash: $3 (used $1 MC from All You magazine)
(2) Dove deodorants: 2/$6 (used BOGO clipped MC)
(2) Nivea chapsticks (my favorite): 2/$5 (used $3/2 clipped MC)
(2) Qtips 350ct.: $1.99/each (used $1/2 clipped MC)
(4) Axe bodywash/deodorant: $4.49/each + Buy 3 get $3ECB (used two BOGO clipped MCs)
(1) Bic Soleil Shimmer 4ct. cartridges: $5.99 + $3ECB (used $3 clipped MC)
(1) Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor: $9.99 + $5ECB (used $4 clipped MC)
(3) Revlon lipstick/lipgloss: $5.79/each + $3ECB/each (used three $1/1 clipped MCs)
(2) Colgate Sensitive ProRelief: $3.99/each + $2ECB/each (used two $1/1 clipped MCs)

Total before coupons = $81.39. Employee Discount = $1.60. Total manufacturer coupons used = $28.98. Total CVS coupons used = $15.00. Total Extra Care Bucks used = $18.00.

Grand Total = $17.81

Total Extra Bucks Earned On This Purchase = $22.00

Guess what?! I decided that I’ve been doing so well at CVS coupon-ing lately that it’s time to move on to a new store I can conquer. So this week I tried something new and went shopping at Walgreens. Even before I started working at CVS I never liked Walgreens. It’s something about their dirty tile floors and awkward shelf arrangements that just gets to me. I know as an employee I have a bias, but CVS just looks so much better and more professional. Sure some items might be a bit more expensive, but I think the high-end customer service we offer is worth the price.

It was interesting to shop at a new store that I’m not used to. Since I already had my list and my coupons I compiled by reading the weekly ad online, I was able to complete my trip quickly and efficiently. The only thing that took time was figuring out where the products I wanted were and reading the signs to make sure I was getting the right product. Sale signs are different in every store and it’s an important part of being a savvy shopper to become familiar with your store’s sale signs. They should include the price, any special rewards like Extra Care Bucks or Register Rewards, the size of the item (Make sure you match the size of the item in your hand to the size on the sign to make sure you are about to buy the right product. Customers at CVS will often misread signs or not realize the product in front of the sign is in the wrong spot and end up spending more money than they wanted to.), the expiration date of this deal (is it until the end of the month or just for the week?).

Why Coupon-ing Is Awesome: When you go shopping like I do, it doesn’t leave room for off-the-cuff shopping or “Oh yeah, I forgot I needed this” moments that ultimately end up costing you lots of cash. What I love about coupon-ing is that it creates a stockpile of everyday needed items so you never run out of something and have to add it to your list at the last minute. I build splurge items into my budget as they go on sale, so I don’t suddenly decide I’m going to treat myself to a lipstick purchase and waste money, because I know I have a drawer of un-opened beauty products at home that I can shop through for a new treat whenever I feel like it. Since I started coupon-ing, even though I’m spending money consistently every week, I’ve actually saved tons of money. Because I shop with a plan, I no longer crave the good feeling spending money gives you. Clipping coupons actually excites me, and getting ready for my big purchase each week gives me that same high that shopping does (usually it’s even better!).

My Walgreens Plan: