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About 7 years ago, I had a closet full of bath and beauty necessities. Shampoo, deodorant, soap… you name it, I had it. It was like my own personal convenience store. The best part, I had paid practically nothing for all of it, thanks to couponing. Once I got pregnant with my youngest, I stopped. We had enough to last us for a few years and let’s face it, with a newborn, I was in no hurry to wake up early, spend time searching for deals, clipping coupons and shopping. I just wanted to sleep.
About a month ago, I decided that I was ready to get back into couponing. We had finally run out of everything and since we only had one steady income coming in, I wanted to do my part to help my family save money. I got my two older girls involved and they helped me look for deals, find coupons and make our lists. We woke up at 6am, headed over to our local CVS and I taught them how much fun it is to save money.
And then my husband got the phone call that we’ve been afraid of for years. He was let go from his job. At first I didn’t want to believe him, but once reality set in, I realized that we were in trouble. While my blogging career is incredible and the most fun I’ve ever had, nothing is guaranteed so not having a steady income at all scared the crap out of me. We immediately went into panic mode and planned out our meals for the week, gas and bills, leaving us with $20.
We spoke to our 2 oldest daughters and explained the situation. It was hard and there were tears (from me). I have always wanted to give my girls everything they needed and now we are in a situation where we need to tighten those purse strings and for an 8 and 12 year old, that may be a little hard to understand. On Saturday, my 8 year old asked if we would still be able to go couponing. She has already become excited about it and I knew I couldn’t disappoint her. So we sat down, made a detailed list and headed out first thing yesterday morning with our coupons and our last $20.
We came home with $107.79 worth of goodies. And we paid $3.52 for it all, which was retail tax. PLUS, I received $17.50 in ExtraBucks Rewards for our next trip and I received another $.50 from Ibotta in rebates. It was our best couponing trip ever. We must’ve high-fived about 20 times in the car. There was so much to celebrate. Not only because we had gotten so much for so little, but because it was a glimmer of hope in this sad and scary time for our family. If we plan and get focused on the things we need vs. the things we want, we will be ok.
I know we aren’t the only ones going through something like this, so I wanted to share my knowledge of couponing, in hopes that another family can save some money and gain a new hobby that will help them to live an easier life.
Couponing Tips for CVS Pharmacy
Get a CVS Extracare Card: If you don’t already have one, go and get one. They are really easy to sign up for and they’re FREE. You’ll need one to get all of their best deals and to earn ExtraBucks Rewards. You’ll also be able to scan it at the store for some additional savings! Every quarter, you’ll receive bonus rewards just for shopping and you’ll receive rewards for beauty products throughout the year.
Download the CVS app: Connect your CVS Extracare Card to the app. You’ll be able to check out the weekly ad (Sunday’s ad is available days before so you can plan). There is a coupon and deals section on the app. Scroll through and add any coupon you might purchase to your CVS Extracare card. Adding coupons to your card will allow you to use these coupons with just a scan of your card at the register. No clipping and no worrying about losing them.
Scan the Weekly Ad: Go page by page and search for the best deals. What I love about CVS is that they actually tell you when there is a coupon available on their app or in the local paper. What I do first, is look at all of the items that offer you ExtraBucks Rewards. If they have a great deal, a coupon and ExtraBucks Reward, even better. Their weekly ad will let you know how much you will pay after your savings and rewards. My favorites are the “spend $30, get $10 ExtraBucks Rewards.” They are often things we all need, like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc.
Make a List: Make a list of all the things you are getting. Write down the retail price, what coupons are available (or you have already) and how many ExtraBucks Rewards you will get. This will help to determine how much you’ll pay out of pocket. Just a heads up, you will pay something out of pocket that first trip since you won’t have any rewards yet. Try to take advantage of the ExtraBucks Rewards deals! You’ll be able to use those rewards on any future purchase.
Search for Coupons: If you buy your local Sunday paper, there are usually around $400 in coupons in each insert. We try to buy one paper a week. You can also search online for printable coupons. The easiest thing to do is google “[brand name] coupon”. Make sure you check the size/qty to make sure you can use that coupon for that particular deal. For example, if the special is on 50 oz detergent and you find a coupon for 80 oz+, you won’t be able to use it. Check out coupondivas.com, coupons.com, redplum.com, and smartsource.com – all printable coupon databases. My recommendation is print anything you might possibly buy and print 2 of each (that’s the max per computer). While you may not be buying that particular product during this trip, they may have a deal on it next time and you’ll be glad you have that coupon in hand.
Join Ibotta: Lastly, you must join Ibotta! I JUST found out about it on Friday night and within 24 hours, I had already racked up $27.75 in rebates on things I had already purchased that week. Once you’ve downloaded the Ibotta app, you can search for deals. Just like the CVS app, you add those deals to your Ibotta account. Within a week of purchasing any of the products, you take a picture of your receipt and claim money back on those items. And once you hit $20, you can cash out! It’s literally the best thing ever and I’m sad I didn’t know about it sooner. Right now, you can qualify for a $10 welcome bonus just for signing up and redeeming at least $10 in rewards. PLUS, this May, everyone who refers at least 2 friends will split $100,000. Want to share $100,000 with me? Sign up today!
My Freebies Included:
- (3) 12 Packs of Coca-Cola
- (2) Packages of Oreos
- (2) Boxes of Wheat Thins
- (3) L’Oreal Elvive Shampoo/Conditioner
- (1) Purex Laundry Detergent
- (3) Softsoap Body Wash
- (4) Irish Spring Body Wash
- (1) Colgate Toothpaste
- (2) NYK Lip Gloss
Retail Subtotal: $107.79
Total Paid: $0
Total ExtraBucks Rewards Received: $17.50
Total Rebates Received: $.50
I hope these tips helped. I’m more than happy to answer questions. Just leave me a comment below!
This post is not sponsored; however it may include affiliate links.
Elizabeth O
April 26, 2019Looks so interesting. You reminded me to get back to couponing. Sounds like a great way to save!
Fatima Torres
April 25, 2019I love getting a good deal — never tried couponing though. I’ve always wanted to give it a try. Thanks for this.
Erica
April 25, 2019That’s awesome! I still can’t figure out how to do it!! I’m going to have to read this over again
blair villanueva
April 25, 2019OMG these are awesome! You save a lot of money with couponing, and you are very diligent 🙂
You are a savvy shopper!
Shannon Gurnee - Redhead Mom
April 25, 2019I love the deals I get at CVS Pharmacy. That is pretty amazing that you got all of that for such a low price!
Jessica Hughes
April 24, 2019This is amazing! I always wanted to get into couponing!
Swathi
April 24, 2019Looks like you are couponing queen. I didn’t get much from coupon so I use it rarely. Anyway you saved a great bunch. of money.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
April 24, 2019I need to do as you did! OMG, that was a lot of savings! This is why we are called super moms! I am going to start looking for coupons for the usual things we get.
Rachel
April 24, 2019I am going to do this! It is such an impressive haul. I always count things wrong and mess up my deals.
Marysa
April 24, 2019We were just at CVS and scored some awesome deals on Easter goodies, plus I had some Extra Care rewards! It is good to know how to save, it is really worth it!
Diana Chastain
April 24, 2019I use to love couponing, but haven’t found the time for it since I have been blogging more regularly. I don’t know how you keep track of everything you do. I have highly functioning anxiety that I keep maintained with daily vigorous exercise. You truly are Super Mom.
Cobus vdM
April 24, 2019Firstly, sorry to hear about your situation. I can imagine the stress that comes with it.
And ten, I never realized that couponing could be so big and that all those purchases could be made from it.
So I’m glad for the relief that could be fond from it.
In my neck of the woods, couponing is not such a common thing.
Thanks for sharing
Toni | Boulder Locavore
April 24, 2019Wow! That is really amazing! You inspired me to get back to couponing!
Ruth I
April 24, 2019All the best way to save more! I like using some app here that has coupons or vouchers that I can use.
Paula Schuck
April 24, 2019I can certainly relate to this this year . Couponing is super important when you’re trying to stick to a budget . Some great online apps and tools that help . Thanks for the reminders in the resource here I will definitely take a closer look and see which ones I can start using immediately.
Chubskulit Rose
April 24, 2019We don’t use CVS but I use the ibotta app which saved me almost 200 bucks in a year. I USED TO USE CHECKOUT21 APP BEFORE.
KeshiaRichmond
April 24, 2019Couponing can be very rewarding as shown with your amazing haul.
artchee
April 24, 2019Wow, that’s a lot of items from just couponing. I’ve read a lot of good things about Ibotta and it’s great that you can vouch for it. :0)
Snehal
April 24, 2019Wow… that is one of the best deals I have come across. Will be checking out the CVS pharmacy app. 😀
Emmanuel Damian
April 24, 2019Extreme Couponing at its best! I really want to try coupons when I get to go to US. I know I can save a lot from it for sure!
Subhashish Roy
April 24, 2019I loved the way you planned it out with your kids. Great savings. I too use coupons to save quite a lot while planning my holidays.
Caroline
April 24, 2019Oh wow! You really saved so much money! I wish I had the patience for couponing, but I really don’t and I’m always so forgetful, I’m lucky I even get everything I want at the store!
Cinny
April 23, 2019I’m so sorry you’re in such a situation. I’m amazed you saved so much and found some sunshine in your current position.
Erin Knight
April 23, 2019I have never thought you can use coupon at CVS. It is definitely a good trick to save money.
Terri Steffes
April 23, 2019What a great way to make the best of it. You did so well! I am super impressed.
Marcie W.
April 23, 2019I used to do a lot of couponing and CVS always had awesome offers available. I need to set aside time to get back into it since I love saving money!
Sarah Bailey
April 23, 2019OK now this is an amazing shop to have got for free! I love how you can coupon over there, we do get vouchers over here but nothing like you do over the pond.
Tasheena
April 23, 2019You did amazing! I love couponing at CVS. The process is so simple. Looking forward to using your tips.
Liz Mays
April 23, 2019Wow, great work on this. Your advice should help me save on my next shopping trips!
Amber Myers
April 23, 2019I am impressed for sure. I love using coupons. I need to head to CVS soon for other deals. I don’t have the app yet.
candy
April 23, 2019I have never been good at coupon using and find it amazing you can get all this for free. Suppose the items we don’t use but get for free we could give away like the soda and oreos.
Heather
April 23, 2019Absolutely! We donate whatever we don’t use.
GiGi Eats
April 23, 2019THIS IS WHY I LOVE CVS! I am always walking out of there having saved a whole bunch of money!! And then the LONG ASS coupon receipt is amazing too!!!
Tara
June 24, 2018Back in 2012 or so, I had a huge coupon book, I still have it somewhere, all the coupons would be expired by now. I still am part of the couponing group, they’ve graciously kept me around. My best score was a short overage at Walmart once, the manager double checked everything several times. But in more cases than not, I was spending more money couponing than saving, leaving me quite envious of my friends South of the border with these amazing hauls.
Laura
May 11, 2018I remember when you got me into couponing! It was so much fun!! I was able to get so many diapers before I even had Luke, talk about a money saver!!
Angela Ricardo
May 10, 2018I only discovered the magic but I still need to learn a whole lot to get to that level. I can use all the massive savings for sure!
Heather
May 10, 2018My dad will leave out his best couponing receipts so we can all see his savings. But he’s not ever done anything nearly as amazing as you did. I’m sure it’s a tricky time, but together with your family you can make it through the tough times like you did with your amazing couponing success.
Gemille Sleweon
May 9, 2018I’ve been getting into couponing a lot lately. I’m always looking for ways to save money and couponing is a great start!
Rachel
May 9, 2018By me, super couponing is no joke. I have tried to go and get the deals and CVS is always sold out.
The Super Mom Life
May 9, 2018We go early in the morning but haven’t run into that problem yet 🙂
Ruth I
May 9, 2018I didn’t know you can get so much from couponing. That is so amazing to know.
rika
May 9, 2018I love CVS and iBotta too! I stocked up on shampoo, laundry detergent and diapers using coupons. I saved a ton of money.
Bohemian Babushka
May 9, 2018Babushka used to do a lot of couponing, but as you said, life gets in the way sometimes and it was put to the side. Now that my eldest is back home and The Grands visit more often, it’s time to go back to saving. Gracias for the updates on the latest ways to save. BB2U
Rose Ann Sales
May 8, 2018Such a great way to save money and couponing things sound good to me because I want to save a lot. And I totally agree with you, we need to know what we just need versus on what we just want thank you for sharing this with us.
Vyjay Rao
May 8, 2018You did get a lot of stuff from couponing. I must say that is really smart. Good of you to involve the kids too. It is good to let them understand the realities and practicalities of life though sometimes it is difficult.
Ashley
May 8, 2018Wow go you! I’m pretty decent at couponing but not this good lol
Ann Snook-Moreau
May 8, 2018Wow, that’s some good couponing! Ibotta currently isn’t available in Canada (boo!) but I do use Checkout 51 which is similar.
Mandee
May 8, 2018First, I’m so sorry to hear about the job loss.
The couponing though…that is amazing! I’ve never really understood couponing and have always wondered how people did it! Thanks for sharing!
Danielle Schaffer
May 8, 2018Coupons are a life saver! CVS always has such great deals!
Colleen
May 8, 2018I love CVS. I always score great deals, and I love their Extra Bucks. I need to get better at my game, though.
Reesa Lewandowski
May 8, 2018I used to love couponing. I should start again. I will tell you though, I know a lot of people who coupon a lot at CVS, but I never found I was able to.
Melissa Dixon
May 8, 2018I just love saving money at the grocery store. I bet it was a thrill to save that much. I am all about getting the deals but I need to start upping my coupon game! This is great, thanks for sharing!
ANOSA
May 8, 2018I have to check the Ibotta! So many coupons that will definitely be a big help on savings. I need to learn more about this. Nice haul, by the way. 🙂
Alison Rost
May 8, 2018FREE?! That’s the best way to save on essentials. I think this is awesome especially for people who shop at CVS often. Thanks for sharing how you did it! So helpful!
Crystal
May 7, 2018Oh it’s been so many years so I did big coupon shopping. You got a pretty nice haul
Bonnie G
May 7, 2018Absolutely awesome! I love couponing too but have been slacking lately. I will have to get back to it. It saves a lot of money.
Kita Bryant
May 7, 2018Ibotta is such a great money saving tool. I use it all of the time!
Brandy
May 7, 2018That is amazing. I have not mastered couponing yet, I so need to. Love that you were able to master this and get everything free.
Tomi C
May 7, 2018I am a couponer! I love seeing the savings on the bottom of my receipts. This is a huge haul!
robin rue (Masshole Mommy)
May 7, 2018That is absolutely amazing. I don’t use coupons, so I am always impressed when people get rewarded for all their hard work like this.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
May 7, 2018Years ago, right after my youngest started school, I got into couponing. I even took the Southern Saver’s class when she came within a couple of hours of our house. I was ready to save! I did well a few times, but nothing free. But then I started running into that when the coupon pages were supposed to be in our paper on Sunday’s, according to their website, they weren’t. I thought it was a fluke a couple of times, but then it was constantly on repeat. So I stopped couponing.
The Super Mom Life
May 7, 2018These days you don’t have to rely on Sunday papers for coupons. They are all over the internet and ready to print! Free isn’t something that will happen right away. It takes time and practice! This was my 4th trip in a month.
Melissa Chapman
May 7, 2018I always get good deals at CVS and get many extra bucks. I need to join Ibotta it sounds like a great way to save and get the things we need.
The Super Mom Life
May 7, 2018I had no idea Ibotta even existed. It’s like getting rewarded for shopping for things you were buying anyway. So cool!
Alli Smith
May 7, 2018You really saved a lot of cash! I’m always saying I’m going to start couponing but I never have. After seeing your amazing results, I really need to do it.