Hi Everyone,
I’m on vacation this week, so I’ve asked my friend, Cheryl, over at Simply CVS to be my “guest blogger” this week. I’ve followed Cheryl’s CVS advice for probably a couple of years now. Nobody does it better! I’ve been amazed at how she has turned a $10 CVS gift card into literally hundreds of dollars worth of products. What she can’t personally use, she donates to people or organizations that can. I’m sure you will learn a great deal from her “CVS 101: Ten Steps to Saving” blog! I’m posting “chapter one” but when you get done, head on over to her site and check out the rest! Thank you, Cheryl!
...Since 5/1/2010
.. ......Saved
.......$1483.93
.........Spent
... ....$24.09
..Saved Year To Date
...... .$2188.93
Disclaimer
Simply CVS is in no way connected to or compensated by CVS/pharmacy. I am just a satisfied customer who has learned to save thousands each year shopping at CVS and I love to teach others how they can, too.
CVS 101: Ten Steps to Saving
CVS Shopping = Super Savings
Do you want to learn to save money and easily keep your family stocked with necessary health and beauty items, some food and cleaning supplies for free or pennies on the dollar?
You can keep your family's H&B item needs met with very little out of pocket cash. You will also be able to have extra items for gifts, for sharing or for donating. Just by shopping at CVS and using their weekly sale ad, their coupons, their extra care bucks' program and manufacturer coupons.
It is a whole new way of thinking and shopping, but it is also very rewarding. It will take a while to learn the ropes, change your thinking and get the hang of the system, but before long you will be enjoying the benefits of learning to "CVS."
Below are 10 easy lessons to get you on the road to enjoying the benefits of shopping at CVS.
CHAPTER ONE:
CVS EXTRA CARE REWARD CARD
Have you ever thought of CVS as a place to save money on your basic health and beauty needs and some of your food needs? Even bring home some items for free? I never did, but CVS Pharmacy is a great place to do just that. I have been shopping at CVS weekly now for a couple of years and each week I bring home several to dozens of things for pennies on the dollar.
Let me help you get started saving at CVS.
Step # 1: Get an CVS Extra Care Reward Card.
With the CVS Extra Care Card you will receive sale prices, extra bucks on certain items (these are coupons on the end of your receipt to use almost just like cash at CVS) and quarterly extra bucks on all of your CVS purchases and prescriptions, and CVS coupons for a variety of products in the store (see the CVS 101 Lesson "What's an Extra Care Buck").
There are two ways to do this: you can either pick up an application in the store or fill one out on line. The benefit of picking one up at CVS is that you can get it immediately and can start shopping and saving.
Be sure to link your CVS card at Upromise to earn savings for college on selected items while you shop.
Step #2: Register Your Card Online
Go to CVS.com and on the top right hand side is an "Extra Care" icon which when clicked has a place to register your card. Be sure to put down that you want to sign up for all CVS home and email mailings--you will receive added savings in the form of periodic mailings of coupons.
Within a few weeks of registering your card you should receive an email from CVS with a $4 coupon good on a $20 purchase if you gave an email address. Then keep your eyes open for more emails with special savings.
CVS has great customer service. The 800 number is on the back of the card you will receive (800-SHOPCVS). You can also contact them thru their website. If you have any questions or concerns call CVS and they will clarify anything you might not understand or tend to any problems you encounter at your local CVS.
To read the remainder of this article, please visit Simply CVS.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the Lingo
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons. If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix “super deals” for 8/16-8/25 please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 8/19-8/25, please click here
For Publix ongoing sale list, please click here
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita's Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://www.simplycvsshopping.com/
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.iheartpublix.com
http://www.iheartwags.com
http://www.iheartcvs.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://www.grocerydeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.southernsavers.com
http://freefrugality.blogspot.com
http://getadealdude.com
E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here. http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com/GET_YOUR_E-BOOK_.html
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website at http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
I grant permission for every reader to reproduce on your website the article you are now reading but copy this article, without any alteration whatsoever. Include the copyright statement, too, please.
"Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place." http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I know that may seem like an odd topic for an article on saving money. However, in my experience, it is very important to remain watchful so that you are not ripped off!
Let me explain.I recently contacted my telephone provider, who also supplies my internet and cell phone services. I wanted to see if they were offering any other service plans that would save me some money. I have found that every few months they change up their service plans and there might be something better available. They advised me of a plan that was supposed to cost less, and they had a free promotional offer which included free installation. I agreed to switch. During a call to technical support after everything had been completed, I found out that this new “plan” was digital phone service via a modem. So, if I lost power, I no longer had any phone service. After the experience we had during the last hurricanes that hit our area, this was not acceptable to me. To make a long story short, I eventually ended up making them switch me back to what I had before – a traditional landline and DSL internet service. They never once mentioned any cost to me for switching back. I received my first bill from them for the initial switch and it included a $149 installation charge. I immediately called and, after about thirty minutes of my time, was told the charge would be reversed. Later I received a “late notice” for the $149 fee. This required another phone call, and another 45 minutes of my time to get it corrected. Then, after switching back to what I originally had, I received another bill with another $149 installation charge! At this point I had spent probably four hours or more of my time on the phone with technical support, billing, etc already. I was almost tempted to just pay it and be done with it. However, we simply don’t have $149 to throw away, and even more it was the principal of the matter that I refused to ignore. So, another hour of my time on hold with a representative to get that charge reversed. Let’s hope it truly IS reversed so I don’t have to go through this yet again! My diligence in reviewing bills saved us over $300 (adding in taxes, etc).
However, I wonder how many people don’t pay attention to their bills and just end up paying fees like this? I have had various services charged to my home phone or cell phone accounts. When I call the number given, they try to tell me that someone in my house signed up for this special voice mail service or various other things. All of which I know is not true. Occasionally we’ve had unrecognized charges on our credit card bills. It turned out that someone had stolen our credit card number even though the cards were still in our possession. Again, how many people never review their bills and just pay the charges? I also found out that my telephone service provider can change your account to require a password to make any changes to it, which has prevented these unwanted services from being added. You may want to check into that as well, especially if you have children who might put your phone number in for something online, not realizing they are “authorizing” a charge to your phone. I cannot urge you enough to be diligent to review every bill before you pay it. It could save you a considerable amount of money each year.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the LingoBOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Back-To-School ShoppingBefore we start on the grocery store deals, don’t forget that this weekend is the Tax-Free Back To School Shopping. I found a great list recapping where the deals are for each type of item over at BeCentsAble.
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons.
If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix 'Super Deals' for 8/12-8/18, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 8/12-8/18, please click here.
For Publix ongoing sale list, please click here .
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita's Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://cvssimply.blogspot.com
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.iheartpublix.com
http://www.iheartwags.com
http://www.iheartcvs.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://www.grocerydeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.southernsavers.com
http://freefrugality.blogspot.com
http://getadealdude.com
E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here.
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website at http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
I grant permission for every reader to reproduce on your website the article you are now reading but copy this article, without any alteration whatsoever. Include the copyright statement, too, please.
"Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place." http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
Let me explain.I recently contacted my telephone provider, who also supplies my internet and cell phone services. I wanted to see if they were offering any other service plans that would save me some money. I have found that every few months they change up their service plans and there might be something better available. They advised me of a plan that was supposed to cost less, and they had a free promotional offer which included free installation. I agreed to switch. During a call to technical support after everything had been completed, I found out that this new “plan” was digital phone service via a modem. So, if I lost power, I no longer had any phone service. After the experience we had during the last hurricanes that hit our area, this was not acceptable to me. To make a long story short, I eventually ended up making them switch me back to what I had before – a traditional landline and DSL internet service. They never once mentioned any cost to me for switching back. I received my first bill from them for the initial switch and it included a $149 installation charge. I immediately called and, after about thirty minutes of my time, was told the charge would be reversed. Later I received a “late notice” for the $149 fee. This required another phone call, and another 45 minutes of my time to get it corrected. Then, after switching back to what I originally had, I received another bill with another $149 installation charge! At this point I had spent probably four hours or more of my time on the phone with technical support, billing, etc already. I was almost tempted to just pay it and be done with it. However, we simply don’t have $149 to throw away, and even more it was the principal of the matter that I refused to ignore. So, another hour of my time on hold with a representative to get that charge reversed. Let’s hope it truly IS reversed so I don’t have to go through this yet again! My diligence in reviewing bills saved us over $300 (adding in taxes, etc).
However, I wonder how many people don’t pay attention to their bills and just end up paying fees like this? I have had various services charged to my home phone or cell phone accounts. When I call the number given, they try to tell me that someone in my house signed up for this special voice mail service or various other things. All of which I know is not true. Occasionally we’ve had unrecognized charges on our credit card bills. It turned out that someone had stolen our credit card number even though the cards were still in our possession. Again, how many people never review their bills and just pay the charges? I also found out that my telephone service provider can change your account to require a password to make any changes to it, which has prevented these unwanted services from being added. You may want to check into that as well, especially if you have children who might put your phone number in for something online, not realizing they are “authorizing” a charge to your phone. I cannot urge you enough to be diligent to review every bill before you pay it. It could save you a considerable amount of money each year.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the LingoBOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Back-To-School ShoppingBefore we start on the grocery store deals, don’t forget that this weekend is the Tax-Free Back To School Shopping. I found a great list recapping where the deals are for each type of item over at BeCentsAble.
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons.
If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix 'Super Deals' for 8/12-8/18, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 8/12-8/18, please click here.
For Publix ongoing sale list, please click here .
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita's Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://cvssimply.blogspot.com
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.iheartpublix.com
http://www.iheartwags.com
http://www.iheartcvs.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://www.grocerydeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.southernsavers.com
http://freefrugality.blogspot.com
http://getadealdude.com
E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here.
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website at http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
I grant permission for every reader to reproduce on your website the article you are now reading but copy this article, without any alteration whatsoever. Include the copyright statement, too, please.
"Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place." http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Simple Saving Strategies / Weekly Deals 8/5-8/11/2010
Back-to-School time is quickly approaching! Have you been watching your stores sales flyers for the deals? I hope so! I managed to get some great deals at Office Depot last week. This week they are offering a free backpack with a $10 minimum purchase (while supplies last and in stores only). And most stores are offering some really good prices on school supplies right now. But, before you start buying, why not take yourself on a little shopping spree in your own home? We recently had to move our couch looking for something. Needless to say, I found enough pencils underneath to last us at least a year, if not more! I also needed a large 3-ring binder and didn’t want to buy one when I knew we had one somewhere. Sure enough, as we were de-cluttering our office, my husband found exactly what I needed, along with some page protectors that I wanted for organizing some of my children’s crafts. So, take a good inventory of what is in your own home before spending money unnecessarily. And don’t forget that the tax-free back-to-school shopping is August 13-15 for Florida residents. If you need more information on that, please click here.
A couple of other quick tips to help with your grocery budget:
1.) Make sure you are purchasing your produce in season. Publix has an easy guide on their site here. Or, you can find a guide map that shows each state (to help with purchasing local produce) here.
2.) Consider reducing the amount of meat you use. I will be the first to admit that this is very hard for us. But eating one meatless meal per week could cut down your grocery budget by a decent amount. Adding rice to a vegetable stir-fry will help it be more filling, and is also very healthy if you’re using long-grain rice.
3.) Stop buying all the different cleaners for your home! Most things can be cleaned perfectly well with vinegar, water and baking soda. Even bleach is a simple and effective cleaner that is very affordable. If you need more information on homemade cleaning recipes, please see my article on Frugality of Homemade Cleaning Products.
4.) Stop using paper towels! I know paper towels are convenient, but they are not very cost-effective. For many tasks, old rags work better and they don’t cost you anything. In addition, cloth napkins can save you purchasing paper napkins all the time.
Now, on to this week’s deals!
Know the Lingo
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons.
If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix “super deals” for 8/5-8/11, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 8/5-8/11, please click here.
For Publix ongoing sale list, please click here.
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita's Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://cvssimply.blogspot.com
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.iheartpublix.com
http://www.iheartwags.com
http://www.iheartcvs.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://www.grocerydeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.southernsavers.com
http://freefrugality.blogspot.com
http://getadealdude.com
E-Book now available!I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here.
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website at http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
I grant permission for every reader to reproduce on your website the article you are now reading but copy this article, without any alteration whatsoever. Include the copyright statement, too, please."
Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place." http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
A couple of other quick tips to help with your grocery budget:
1.) Make sure you are purchasing your produce in season. Publix has an easy guide on their site here. Or, you can find a guide map that shows each state (to help with purchasing local produce) here.
2.) Consider reducing the amount of meat you use. I will be the first to admit that this is very hard for us. But eating one meatless meal per week could cut down your grocery budget by a decent amount. Adding rice to a vegetable stir-fry will help it be more filling, and is also very healthy if you’re using long-grain rice.
3.) Stop buying all the different cleaners for your home! Most things can be cleaned perfectly well with vinegar, water and baking soda. Even bleach is a simple and effective cleaner that is very affordable. If you need more information on homemade cleaning recipes, please see my article on Frugality of Homemade Cleaning Products.
4.) Stop using paper towels! I know paper towels are convenient, but they are not very cost-effective. For many tasks, old rags work better and they don’t cost you anything. In addition, cloth napkins can save you purchasing paper napkins all the time.
Now, on to this week’s deals!
Know the Lingo
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons.
If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix “super deals” for 8/5-8/11, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 8/5-8/11, please click here.
For Publix ongoing sale list, please click here.
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita's Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://cvssimply.blogspot.com
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.iheartpublix.com
http://www.iheartwags.com
http://www.iheartcvs.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://www.grocerydeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.southernsavers.com
http://freefrugality.blogspot.com
http://getadealdude.com
E-Book now available!I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here.
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website at http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
I grant permission for every reader to reproduce on your website the article you are now reading but copy this article, without any alteration whatsoever. Include the copyright statement, too, please."
Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place." http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
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