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

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

Money Saving Blog & weekly deals for 2/4-2/10/10

Most of you know by now that I write a weekly blog for Boca Raton Magazine and The Examiner.com. I would very much appreciate your views and comments as it makes the editors happy too! :)

I found and compiled some excellent information on saving on fuel that I'm sure all of us can use! In addition, I've highlighted the super deals at Publix for the week of 2/4-2/10.

You can find it here.

The Value of a Dollar

When is the last time you checked out a “dollar store?” Or maybe a discount store such as Big Lots? Well, it may be time to do so again.

In the last couple of years, I have noticed that many dollar stores seem to have disappeared. It really didn’t surprise me as I’m sure it takes a considerable volume of sales to pay the rent. However, just recently it seems that I’m seeing more dollar stores opening up again. In my quest for furthering my dollar, I decided to check them out.

I found Dollar Tree to be surprisingly good. This store is a true “dollar store,” meaning that every item in the store sells for $1 or less. They seem to consistently carry a variety of name-brand products. And even their food items have been within the “sell-by” date. In the past I have seen a fair amount of “outdated” foods in various dollar stores so I’m always cautious about the expiration dates. I even bought a loaf of bread from there that was fresh from the bakery – name brand, whole wheat! You can find a wide variety of items – greeting cards, paper products, seasonal items, cleaning products, food, and much more.

I’ve also seen Dollar General and Family Dollar stores opening up. These stores do not sell every item for $1, but they do have some good discounts on name-brand items. Be sure to know your prices before going shopping because other store sales may be the better deal. But, you may just find some incredible bargains as well.

Big Lots also seems to be expanding their store locations. Big Lots are usually fairly large stores that sell just about everything, including furniture. Their prices are discounted considerably as well. I always advise to check expiration dates on any perishable items.

I’m sure there are many other similar stores around the country. I encourage you to go check them out periodically. These stores won’t always have everything in stock, but when you find what you need, it’s usually for a great price.

**** Save money on eating out ****
Restaurant.com is offering an 80% off special right now! If you order online using the discount/coupon code INDULGE you can purchase a $25 gift certificate for $2!! Go check it out! You can do a search to see which restaurants participate. Code is valid through January 19, 2010, but gift cards don’t expire for a year after purchase.Now, on to some local deals for the week

For more information on my book, please visit my book's website here.

Hundreds of online discount Codes

I recently found out about an amazing website that I wanted to share with you that offers literally hundreds of discount codes for online shopping. With the economy as it is, and the holidays just around the corner, more and more people need to find the best deals available. I believe you will LOVE this particular site.

http://www.couponchief.com

This site offers so much more than the standard coupon site. The first thing you will want to do is to view their short video by clicking on the "How it Works" tab. If you are new to online shopping, or new to using discount codes, this video offers a very quick tutorial on how to use them.

In addition, the site offers some "community features" that help everyone by allowing us to comment or rate the coupon codes and how they worked for us. You can also share the coupon code by emailing it to friends, and register to get email alerts.

Want more? You've got it! This site also offers a "Pays-2-Share" program. If you find discount codes that are not already listed, you can register in the Pays-2-Share program and earn a percentage of all sales made using the discount code you have uploaded. The discount codes have to be for stores that participate in their Pays-2-Share program, but the list of participating retailers is quite impressive. What could be better than earning money for sharing the deals? And, use your own coupon after you upload it and you are earning on your own purchases! Your account must reach $25 before you can be eligible to receive payment, and they pay via check or Paypal.

One thing I love about this site is the ease of finding coupon codes for your particular needs. I know I have spent far too much time in the past searching for a discount code for what I needed. With CouponChief, you can search by item, category, or store. You can browse their featured stores, popular coupons and new coupons as well. The site is laid out very nicely and makes it so easy to find what you are looking for.

Go check it out! You'll be glad you did!

http://www.couponchief.com

Publix Shopping 5/13/09

Went to Publix to hit the sales before they ended. Spent more than I wanted but still did good. I was bummed though. I'd been told that Publix had Chinet plates on sale for $2 and there were coupons for $2 off in 5/3's paper. They didn't have any and it was not listed in any of their sales flyers so I couldn't get a rain check. :(

Acronyms first:
BOGO - buy one, get one free
MC - Manufacturer coupon
SC - Store Coupon
OOP - Out of Pocket

So here's what I got.

4 Gorton's Shrimp Temptations - BOGO for $7.49, less 4 MC for $1 each - or $2.75 each
6 Del Monte green beans, canned - BOGO for $1.29 less 3 MC for $0.45 off 2, or $0.42 each
6 Del Monte Corn, canned - BOGO for $1.29, less 3 MC for $0.45 off 2, or $0.42 each
2 Publix black beans - no sale $0.83 each
2 pkg lender's bagels - BOGO for $1.99
2 Breathe Right strips - $12.79 less 2 SC for $3 and 2 MC for $1 or $8.79 each
2 kids Bandaids - sale for $1.99 less 2 MC for $1 - $0.99 each
Kraft Bagelful's - sale for $2 less MC for $1
2 pkg Kotex - 2 MC for $1.50 each - $1.95 each
Kashi Go Lean Waffles - $2.79 less MC for $2.79 (thank you Vocal Point)
1 2-roll pkg Viva paper towels - $4.49 less SC for $1.25 and MC for $1 - $1.12 each
1 30-ct corn tortillas - $2.09
1 Palmolive Pure/Clear - $3.19, less MC for $1, have rebate to get $2.99 back
2 Friendship sour cream - $1.39 each, less MC for $1 off 2 - $0.89 each
1 pkg Phil. Cream Cheese - $1.99 less MC for $1
Ground beef - $2.79/lb - $9.44 less SC for $1 off meat
2 Oscar Mayer lunchables - sale 2 for $4 less MC for $1 off 2
2 Quilted NOrthern TP - sale for $6.49, less 2 MC for $1 off each
Total before sales & coupons: $144.94
Total OOP - $78.48

Almost $150 in Groceries for under $60!

This is from my shopping trip on 5/6/09.

First some acronyms...
BOGO - Buy one, get one free
MC - Manufacturer coupon
SC - Store Coupon
OOP - Out of Pocket

Ok…so here’s how I got almost $150 in groceries for less than $60!!

2 Publix Ice Cream – on sale 2 for $5, used 2 store coupons for $1 off each (1 from the Publix Family Style magazine and one from the Preschool Pals program)
2 Farm Rich French Toast Sticks – BOGO for $3.29 less $1 MC
1 Publix Texas Toast – on sale $1.67
7 Kashi frozen entrees – half price sale for $1.89, less 7 MC for $1 off
3 Kashi Pocket bread sandwiches – half price for $1.59, less 3 MC for $1 off
Onions - $2.35
Canteloupe - $2
2 pkg Strawberries - $2.50 each
Plum tomatoes - $0.74
4 Corn on the cob - $1
4 Breakstone sour cream, 8 oz – BOGO for $0.99 less 2 MC for $0.55 each, so $0.22 each!
4 Contessa Complete meals, on sale for $4.99 (reg. $7.99), less 4 MC for $2 each that were right in front of the product!
1 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations sandwich – MC for FREE
1.5 lb shrimp - $7.68 less SC for $1 off
1 can Publix Black beans - $0.83
1 lb Publix Sweet Ham lunchmeat - $6.05
2 boxes Capri Sunrise juice pouches – on sale for $3 each, less 2 MC for $1 off
Ground Chuck – sale for $2.69/lb - $3.79, less SC for $1
1 box Bandaids- $1.99 less $1 MC
1 pkg 30 ct Corn Tortillas - $2.09
1 Country Hearth bread - $1.89
1 Publix Multigrain Bagels - $2.59
Also had a coupon from a mailer for $5 off $30 or more.
Total retail value: $146.56
Less coupons & sales - $87.20
Total OOP: $59.36

CVS Deals 4/23/09

ECB - Extra Care Bucks - store coupons issued by CVS for specific items
OOP- Out of Pocket, total actually paid out
MC - manufacturer coupons

Ok, so I'm really liking the www.iheartcvs.com site and the www.kingdomfirstmom.com site!

Total retail value of all: 50.89
Total spent: $24.17 plus I still have $2 in ECB's for next trip. Not the GREATEST trip, but still good

Transaction #1
3 John Frieda shampoos - on sale for $5 each, get $5 ECB's back, used 3 MC for $2 off 1 and a ECB for $0.50
Spent $9.45 OOP

Transaction #2
3 Tresemme hair spray =- on sale 3 for $10, get $5 ECB's back, used 3 MC for $1 off 1 and the $5 ECB from transaction #1
Spent $2.33 OOP

Transaction #3
2 Crest Pro Health Rinse - on sale for $2.88 each, get $4 ECT ($2 each), used 2 MC for $1 off 1
1 Breathe Right Strips - $13.99, used $3 ECB that was product specific (ONLY for these), and $1 MC (not the greatest price, but with store & mc it matched the price I'd probably pay at Walmart or Target), also used $5 ECB from Transaction #2
Spent $9.52 OOP

Transaction #4
1 Act Restore Mouthwash, on sale $3.79, get $2 ECB back, used $1 MC
2 cokes
used $4 ECB from transaction #3
Spent $1.96 OOP

Transaction #5
1 Act Restore Mouthwash, on sale $3.79, get $2 ECB back, used $1 MC and $2 ECB from Transaction #4
Spent $0.91 OOP

If I had been thinking better, I would have saved the 2 cokes for the final transaction and used my final $2 ECB and saved a bit more. Oh well, I'll use it later.

I had some other items on my list but they were out of them and then I forgot to get a raincheck!

Also, I looked at the Aveeno deal - spend $25 get $10 ECB's but I wouldn't use the facial skin care so I was only looking at the sunscreens. Seemed like a good deal - just over $4 each with coupons & ecb's, but the bottles were only 3 oz. So, ounce per ounce, there are other brands that would be less and still quality brands. For example, Banana Boat was on sale for $6.99 and it was an 8 oz bottle. I'm sure Walmart or Target would be even cheaper.