Who here does the coupon thing at Walgreens and CVS?

**stevie** · 06-01-2008, 10:42 PM

I have not used coupons much in years, we have no stores that give double coupon deals and we don't eat very much processed foods so I am no expert at the coupon thing at all. With gas prices going up I am having to rethink my lifestyle.

I am trying to stock up on things like shampoo and toothpaste and saw some good deals at places like Walgreens and CVS but haven't ever used their cards or rebate programs. Which is the best? How do they work? Are they worth it? Any thoughts or advice would be great. Thanks!

**IntlMom** · 06-01-2008, 10:57 PM

Do them both! I only have Walgreens near me, so that;s all I do. CVS is great though. CVS can be a bit confusing, what I understand, but it's worth figuring out, I'm sure!! Both can net you free toiletry items and other stuff!

**cissylu** · 06-02-2008, 12:49 AM

I`d do both if also if there was something I needed. I have to go out of town for both.

**frugalnana** · 06-02-2008, 01:04 AM

Walgreens is a little confusing to me, but its kind of like CVS.
With CVS you use your rewards card and it saves at the register plus builds points towards stuff, then if it says $3 cash back on your next purchase when you buy a certain item, it will print off that $3 coupon and the next time you can use it towards your bill, I try to get a few at at time then get stuff free. My mom got a $25 gift card last year. It doesn't matter if you have 5 items with cash back they will all print off and you can use them the next time.
With coupons I generally try to get toothpaste, shampoo, soap etc for next to nothing or free. Just like our local Pick n Save has crest toothpaste for .99 and I have 3 $1 coupons, so I will get them for nothing. But you really have to look at your ads and compare your coupons to see who has the better deal.
I don't know if I answered you in what you were asking so I hope it helped some.

**Jskell911** · 06-02-2008, 05:46 AM

I do CVS almost every week. I am not hardcore as I know some are but I do well with it on items we use.

This blogpost I found explains CVS wonderfully:

http://www.shopliftingwithpermission...s-it-done.html

**baxjul** · 06-02-2008, 06:05 AM

I use Walgreen's, only because CVS seems to be more confusing to me. I just combine my coupons, with Walgreen's ads, and save alot.

**dancar3** · 06-02-2008, 07:57 AM

I love CVS'ing and for many items I get paid to get them, which then keeps rolling over for future weeks. I don't do Walgreens, since I'm not sure how to do that one yet. Also, some people on other boards talk about how some cashiers give them a hard time so I've not tried it yet. Since we're getting a Walgreens in my small town, however, I might try it for a few items and see how it goes.

**jkelstaten** · 06-02-2008, 08:29 AM

I don't do Walgreen's because it's not convenient for me to go there, but I do shop at CVS with their Extra Care program.

I don't do it as faithfully as some people I know (on-line), but enough that I don't pay for toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, etc.

This month you can get CVS brand bandages for free after the ECB. If you are just starting out the simple way to do it is to buy one package and the ECB will print for that package. Then do another transaction and use the ECB you just got to buy another package. I forget what the limit is on that item off the top of my head, but I know it's at least 2 (I think 5)

And when an item is free after ECB you can also use a coupon on it which helps you to "make" money. And once you get some ECBs built up you won't be spending much at all, like cents only to cover tax on items.

If you need some help PM me and I can send you to a website that explains it all VERY well. They helped me get started and keep going with it without much work on my part other than clipping the coupons and going to the store.

**geckoace** · 06-02-2008, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by baxjul

I use Walgreen's, only because CVS seems to be more confusing to me. I just combine my coupons, with Walgreen's ads, and save alot.

this is what i do, its the simplest way for me, then u can get your rebate money on a gift card with an extra 10%

**Mom23boys** · 06-02-2008, 12:26 PM

I do both. They are about three blocks from each other on the same street, so I am not going out of my way to pick up deals from one or the other. I love CVS because they give you extra care bucks for certain items. These items are posted in their ads. You get the extra care bucks on your receipt when you check out. You use them like cash to help pay for other purchases in the store the next time you shop. You must have their CVS extracare card though. I shop at Walgreens, but not as often. I mostly shop for their free after rebate items and send all the receipts in at the end of the month. They sometimes have some good coupons in their ads that you can combine with manufacturer coupons as well.

**anna021** · 06-02-2008, 05:04 PM

I do cvs, been rolling over the same 20 bucks + since last November, BTW, this week looks like a great one for stocking up on TP, paper towels and batteries. Also all the June freebies. Need help figuring it out? Head on over to moneysavingmom.com, she explains it beautifully.

**BetterLateThanNever** · 06-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Thanks Stevie for asking this question. I was just wondering the same thing myself. Thanks to all of you who answered and thanks for the website that explains it all.