Monday, November 9, 2009

"Follow Me Monday" CVS Shopping!

It's Monday and that means my eighth edition of "Follow Me Monday"! Today I'm going to discuss CVS shopping! Before posting the video, I thought it would be good to do a quick overview of how to shop CVS.

The first step to take, before you can even begin shopping, is to either go to CVS or online here and fill out the Extra Care membership form. The benefit of going in the store is you will be able to get the card immediately, rather then having to wait two weeks for it to come in the mail.

Once you have your Extra Care card you'll be able to start earning Extra Care Bucks! Extra Care Bucks (ECB) are CVS rewards that will give you money back to spend in the store however you please. There are a couple of different ways you can earn Extra Care Bucks:

First, you will earn 2% cash back on every purchase in store and online. Every three months these Extra Bucks will print out at the end of your receipt. You can also earn one Extra Care buck for every two prescriptions purchased in the store or online.

... And finally, the main way to earn Extra Care Bucks is by flipping through the weekly ad. In the ad you will find products advertised that will generate Extra Care Bucks when purchased. The best part is that you can also use manufacturer coupons and/or CVS coupons to really lower your out of pocket expense. They also often have promotions where a product is FREE after Extra Care Bucks-- meaning if you purchase something for $3.99, you will get back $3.99 in Extra Care Bucks. Plus, you can use coupons on these type of items to "make money" after Extra Care bucks!

After you get one or two Extra Care Bucks you can start "rolling" them. This basically means that you'll be able to use the Extra Care Bucks you've already earned to pay for new Extra Care Buck Deals. If you keep doing this week after week you'll spend very little out of pocket... possibly only $1-$2 per transaction!

Finally, my favorite part about CVS shopping, is that they often have money off store coupons available. Currently, you can print a $5 off $30 coupon and $5 off $20 coupon. Use these coupons BEFORE your manufacturer and CVS coupons to really sweeten all the Extra Care Buck Deals and sale items!

Alright, on to the video:


**Go here if you can't see the video.

For more CVS Deals and CVS Coupons visit the new Hip2Save.com

83 comments:

Shanna Barnhisel said...

Love your Tulle jacket ... I have the same one and so do my sisters. Thanks for all the great deals!

fishinglady said...

I do this all the time I love CVS......

Anonymous said...

I have never stepped foot into a CVS but am excited to try. I think I finally got the hang of Walgreens & Rite-aid, now off to CVS.

Anonymous said...

After Wags, CVS will be a cake walk, trust me! I usually dread Wags and can't wait to get over to CVS!!!

Anonymous said...

Colin you are goofy! i love it! .. Im glad my Wags are pretty laid back

Saving in Colorado said...

Only wish we had a CVS.

Unknown said...

Collin, you crack me up! I love your follow me series. That was so helpful! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

wish we had rite-aid

content2be said...

Warning: Grade school humor - it sounded like you were saying a four letter word when you said "Schick" razors! Made my fourth grade humor bubble up! Enjoyed the video.

Paula said...

You are so goofy and remind me of....well....me! You always make me laugh, but in a GOOD way! :) Thanks for posting all that you do!

Pat said...

Now I'm going to pay closer attention to my cvs flier and give it a try. You inspire me!
Who is your camera person? You need to give them some quick camera time!

Anonymous said...

you are so funny! Look forward to more vlogs
rands91@hotmail.com

Nicole D said...

Always hated CVS till I started couponing... Now it's one of the best stores when it comes to accepting coupons and stacking... Love the video. Had me smiling! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

that's the same thing i thought, content2bd. :)

colin, thanks for the video! i already do cvs, but its SO nice to see videos on it. and now that you did the candy deal, i think i HAVE to do it too. :)

Anonymous said...

I use the $2 off on the 1.29 razors, it beeps, but I've never had a problem with the cashier adjusting it down to 1.29. (or adjusting down any coupons ever)

So you could use 2 coupons for 2 razors and pay just tax or you could use 1 coupon on 2 razors and pay 58c + tax.

(I was watching you and was all nooo nooo save the 58c!! nooo!! like watching a horror movie. haha)

Chrissy said...

could someone tell me where to get the coupon book? I have trouble hearing (goig deaf0 and couldnt quite make out what was said about them. THANKIES!!!

All That Glitters said...

Girl, you are crazy!!!!!! Thanks for the video!!! I look forward to Mondays now!!!! lol!

trash2cash4u said...

CVS is my favorite store!!! I LOVED the "Mental Math Break" !!!

BTW, my CVS adjusts coupons down, too. If I am just using as a filler ( when do I need razors nowadays?), I use one and get them to adjust it.

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad I saw you in your tulle jacket because mine is short too and I didn't know if it was supposed to cover more. Way to go on the candy bars. I've locked up my candy (Fannie May, other deals) downstairs so that I don't break into any. I have no CVS, but of course I watched anyway. Great tips!

Meredith said...

Did you print 2 copies of the $5 off of $20 coupon and use one on both transactions? I've already used it once but I printed an extra and I'm wondering if I can use it again or if it will beep. Thanks! Love your website. :)

Angela Richardson said...

I love this video! I normally coupon at Kroger and Publix only, but I'll be checking out CVS now for sure. Not sure about coconut chocolate, but I'll give it a whirl. I love your REAL video! You make us feel like we're all your friend. My blog is crumbsinmybutter.com. I'm going to put your link on there today!

Tina Horn Alabama said...

Collin I love your hints.. I always thought I was a coupon gurue until My daughter showed me this place.. I love the videos it really helps to SEE how its done.. I have told so many others about his site too.. I was in Target and had extra coupons and shared with some other shoppers and they asked where I get them and I told them about here!!! SPREAD THE LOVE.. yes!

Anonymous said...

I love the video--in St. Louis our CVS stores open in January, so I'm happy for the tutorial. And I love your mental math--so me! My math skills are improving with couponing!

MommyKate said...

I am so new to CVS but I follow your blog every week... I thought it would be harder to shop CVS than it is... SHOCKER... it's super easy! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this store! Great job on the follow me mondays!

Unknown said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to play the CVS EB game! This is one of the first places I tackled when I started playing the coupon game. Sooo may free items :)

mona said...

i love your video!!! :)

Andrea said...

Loved the video Collin! I have to take mental math breaks all the time!! I did not shop CVS until I started couponing, but its my favorite drug store now!

Anonymous said...

When do you get your extra care bucks? Is it every three months, or each time you shop? The way you explain it, it sounds like it is instant but when i just read it while signing up, it says every three months it will print. I find it confusing. I am new to this.

Anonymous said...

I just realized you are in the same town as I am! I thought the target in the last video looked familiar then today you went to my favorite cvs.

Anonymous said...

"Mental Math Break"... ha, ha, ha.. hilarious. Thanks for another great video. I watch all your videos even though I know how the deals work. I actually like the deals you point out, I would not have noticed otherwise.

Anonymous said...

I also wanted to mention that CVS also has a little machine inside where you can scan your card and it will give you a coupon. I got a $5 off a $15 purchase yesterday which worked out great! Love your videos!!

Unknown said...

3:54 Anonymous:
You get the EBs you earn on the participating products they day you purchase them.

You also earn ExtraCare rewards that is 2% of your total spending. They print in the form of an EB reward every 3 months.

Cherilyn said...

Nice Tulle jacket! I wish I had that green color... jealous!

Coupon Pro said...

Loved the mental break... haha!

Anonymous said...

I love your videos so much! Thank you!

MalibuBeachBum said...

I just watched the video on my iPhone while sitting in my car waiting for my hubby to come out of a store. I laughed SO LOUD when you took your "Mental Math Break". OMG! I could almost hear crickets chirping during that break! LOL! People in that parking lot must think I'm crazy! SOOOOOOO funny!!!

Thanks for another wonderful installment and thanks also for the laughs. Too cute!

Andrea A said...

anon 3:59 You are in my town too!

We will have to have a coupon lunch sometime. LOL!!

Another great video. I was discouraged with CVS lately. Well couponing all together. This makes me want to get out there! Thanks for the motivation.

hook'emhorns said...

New to your sight and LOVE IT!! I have found my self addidcted to it -- this means my housework is suffering but my wallet is not. I was super excited today when I paid only .80 for a tub of Huggies wipes (CVS receipt coupon and mfg combo). Thanks for inspiring me!! YOU ROCK!!

Anonymous said...

Your so dang precious, thank you for sharing all your hard work. I seriously appreciate you and your blog. THANK YOU

Anonymous said...

Two things you did not mention - when you go into the store scan your card on the little red machines and coupons will print out - do this everytime. Also, my stores will stack the 5/25 coupons with the 4/20 coupons and the 3/15 coupons that your get. Also, my store will take these when they are expired. Also, once I got a 7/49 and I stacked it with a 5/30 and a 4/20 and then used coupons and ECB's It was truly amazing. I would love to know if others have been able to stack these - I keep worrying they will stop.

mathmomof2 said...

I don't think the stores down south have been blessed with the little red machines yet...off topic question...has anyone printed a certificate from Hollywood movie money for Cloudy with a chance of meatballs? Now that I have the activation email the movie is not playing anywhere within a 50 mile radius!! What a waste of time! Do you have to use the certificate for that specific movie? Thanks for the help!

Chrystal said...

I'm still having trouble finding the 5 off of 20 CVS coupon. I can't find the banner. Help!

Anonymous said...

I know that you were trying to get your total up but if you used those Schick coupons at walmart and gotten a 12 pack of razors for free

Kate said...

I don't have a CVS nearby, but had to watch the video once I saw that Tulle coat! I have the same one and love it! Get complements on it all the time. Thanks for those great finds!

Anonymous said...

I am new to couponing and have been doing WAGS a for about 5 weeks. I decided to start CVS this week so this was perfect timing. I just started small though, just did 1 deal. Hope to be a master soon :)

Jenn said...

No CVS in our state. :( Totally chuckled outloud at your mental math break! Ha

Allison said...

I love your follow me Mondays! Thanks for all the great tips!

Anonymous said...

This is totally off the subject but I got my Nerf darts that were offered as a "rebate" of sort if you bought Nerf Striker guns today. I got 4 packs with 8 darts per packet times 8 packets and four packages. This is over 200 darts (64 per package of darts. I was so impressed with what was sent for FREE and I got 4 guns (with coupons) for kids for Xmas and now darts will be everywhere!

mommyof4 said...

Love your video as always. :))

Anonymous said...

Can you be any more adorable?! I means seriously now! lol

I don't have a CVS here but still enjoyed watching you do your thing!

Heather said...

You make me laugh so much! Love your FMM pieces! :-)

Anonymous said...

Question on the Extra Care Bucks - are they a manufacture's coupon, like Walgreen's RR? Can you use a coupon and an ECB on a product, or do you have to buy a filler item like at Walgreens?

Thanks, Brooke

Anonymous said...

Collin, I can just see it now....You with your OWN show called, 'It's Hip 2 Save!' You never know what could happen.... :) You could get paid to do what you love, in more ways than one. ;)
~V

Sheree said...

I love how you are "normal" like the rest of us. I can't do math on the fly either. You're the best and can't wait each Monday to see your next one. Keep up the GREAT work. I have to try that coconut chocolate. I love coconut and would have never look at this.

Anonymous said...

I actually lol ed with the mental math break. I am the same way.

Remember to tell folks about scanning their card at the price checker for coupons too.

Ashley

Rochelle said...

It's a good thing they don't have specials on those Lindt bars every week or I'm thinking your waistline wouldn't be so darn tiny! :) Thanks so much for all the pointers. You are wonderful.

Amanda said...

I have a quick question about CVS. I see they have in-store coupons on their website that you can print. Can I use these in-store coupons and stack them with manufacturer's coupons from the newspaper? I've always been too "scared" of the beep to try it.

Kathleen said...

I love CVS!! I have been rolling ECBs for almost a year. It really helps me to sit down with a pencil and calculator and figure it all out before I go and shop. Then I have a pretty good idea of how much I will end up spending. This is especially true if I was going to use a $5.00 off 20.00 coupon then you know you will get to the 20.00 mark. That total is before any other coupons or ECBs you would use, so like Collin said you can get a great deal if you plan your shopping out. I always give the $ of $$ coupon first then any other CVS coupons, then manufactuer coupons, then ECBs last. I do the ECBs last because if the total is less than what your ECBs are you can throw in a filler item. So if your total out of pocket was say $5.00 and the ECB you wanted to use toward your purchase was $6.00 you can just throw something in for a dollar so you don't "lose" your 1.00. One last thing, I always check to make sure my ECBs print out on my recipet for the purchases that I made because once in a while they don't. If they don't just tell the cashier and they can manually print them out.

Anonymous said...

Where do you find the $5 off $20 coupon? I loved the tips. Thanks!!

SaraJC said...

Your are so crazy! lol crazy good though lol I love your videos and look forward to seeing even more. You have really inspired me to cut those coupons and save money. My finances have changed ever since I subscribed to your site. Thank you!

Christy said...

Girl, you are too cute!

Roxanne said...

We don't have a CVS in Wichita KS but I still watch your videos, you can still get tips on couponing anyway! I love your humor, I act silly too and laugh at myself all the time.....
Thanks alot!

Anonymous said...

OMG- you are so cute and funny! I love your site and of course the mental math break made me LMAO!!!

Jenna said...

once again...my fav. You are so silly and cute.

Anonymous said...

<3 UR VIDEOS

Anonymous said...

Great video! I tackeled CVS when I first started couponing because it was so much easier for a beginner. That mental math break was totaly me! I can't tell you how many times I've been in a aisle with my calculator trying to figure out the best way to purchase my items.
Your the best! Thanks for a great website! It's my favorite and the one I recomend to all new couponers!

Kaitlyn said...

You look so much cuter in your Tulle jacket then I do!! :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

@Anonymous (Brooke)

EBs are like cash, not a coupon. So no it's not like Wags where you need a filler. It's kind of like payment.

Some easy steps:
1. Buy your products
2. Hand over X off XX purchase Q
3. Hand over Manufacturer Qs
4. Hand over CVS Qs (either from website, magazines, receipt coupons, or card scanner machine, etc)
5. Pay balance with EBs
6. Pay with cash/credit/etc if needed. (sometimes not!)

Please note you DO NOT get cash back from EBs though if your total is less than the EB you are trying to pay with. One of two things can happen: 1. either the EB will be adjusted down to your total (you essentially lose money) OR you can buy filler items to get your total up.

Check out Collins CVS info page, it really covers alot and is a great explanation!

Terry said...

Oh, Collin, you have such a a delightful little personality! So cute. Thanks for another great episode! I tried Wags after I watched that episode and I love it! Now I am excited to try CVS this week!

Anonymous said...

I've read several blog tutorials abouts CVSing but it sounded so complicated. The video was great! I'm not scared anymore! Can't wait to try them out. Thanks, Colin, I love your site.

Anonymous said...

I hope you used the $5 ECB for a calculator!

Anonymous said...

I love your follow me mondays! I went back and re-watched your walmart episode...I had to take notes ;)

Carla said...

We don't have CVS here in Salem, OR, but of course I watched anyway! :) You are so cute and fun! I too cracked up at your mental math break! I'm almost relieved that we don't have CVS because I already spend too much time at Walgreens and Rite Aid every week, but now after learning more about the program...I hope it comes sometime soon! :)

Teresa said...

How do you get so lucky to have a CVS, Walgreens, Super Target, Walmart and Rite Aid all in the same town?

Jenn Cook said...

not sure if you mentioned, but our CVS has a extra care card scanner in the store that I always scan my card as soon as entering the store. It'll then print out coupons for you to use and occasionally extra care bucks!

Jenn Cook said...

also, not sure if you mentioned their green bag tag - $0.99 for the tag, but for every 4 times you swipe the tag while checking out (and supposedly having your own check out bag, even though my cashier said I just needed to give her the tag) you'll get $1.00 ECB!

minnow said...

Sadness, I don't have a CVS near me. BUT thanks for the video all the same!

...and is that the Jacket from the $5.99 score this summer?? I got it in orange!!

Nicole said...

Everytime you do one of these videos I learn something new! I didn't know about the walmart and huggies pullup wipes which I had and have let expire before too so I snagged those after you posted the walmart one. Now I'm learning about the shavers have 2 of those coupons and I have 6 of the $4/2 for the roliads =) I'm a happy camper plus you've gotten me to venture into target and now I'm about to do the same for CVS. I don't know I was always the skeptic about couponing at both!!!

Anonymous said...

I googled to see how these extra care bucks work I've never seen them before they're coupons like register rewards but assuming they're some how different?

Anonymous said...

i was wondering where is the follow me monday for 11-23-09?

Unknown said...

I actually work at a CVS in Bremen, IN. At our store we still take your extra bucks even if they are expired. That is your money coming back to you, how should it figure that it expires? Extra care is a great program for customers. I even had a customer come in and buy over$100 worth of merchandise. What did they pay after coupons, extra bucks, etc.? Less than a dollar for taxes. :-) Happy hunting!