What most people don’t realize is you can get a LOT of things cheap or even free at the drug store. Things you need everyday like shampoo, deodorant, makeup, paper products and even cereal and snacks for the kids lunches. No one says we need to buy everything in the food store. Yes, it does require stopping at two or more stores each week but if you plan ahead of time, you can stop when your in the neighborhood of the stores while you there for other reasons. For instance, if you have a doctor’s appointment and you know CVS is near there, then check out the CVS ad and see if there are some good deals and then stop on your way there. You may find that you don’t even have to go out of your way much most weeks.
If you save money on these basic items that we all use every day, then you will have extra money for the things that rarely go on sale or perhaps to go out to dinner once a month, if that’s what you like to do.
In order to get the most bang for you buck at the drug stores on these products, you will need to do some homework before hand. First you need to find out what’s on sale this week and what the best deals are. Then you need to locate the coupons that are available to maximize your savings. You also want to take advantage of the store discount programs. Each store does something different. CVS has Extra Care Bucks (ECB), Walgreen’s has Register Rewards (RR) and Rite Aid has Single Check Rebates (SCR).
Once you start finding all the great deals, you can begin to build a stock pile and then you’ll never pay full price for the items you and your family use everyday. Still not sure where to begin? Visit my blog and read this post which will explain it just a bit more.
Happy Saving!
Karen is a stay at home mom of 2 girls and she loves finding the best deals around and sharing them with her readers on her blog, Koupon Karen.
Cat
January 11, 2010I’ve always wanted to get into using the drug stores for stocking up and sales but find it so overwhelming. I’ll head over and check out your detail post, I could sure use it.
I find it really confusing, too, Cat. Like I just don’t even know where to start. But, it’s one of my resolutions and Karen’s an expert! If anyone can teach us, it’s her.
Louise
January 11, 2010I love her blog, I quoted her in a post yesterday. She has one of the best money saving blogs, just ask Google
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
January 11, 2010I don’t go in drug stores regularly but I admit when I do I am surprised at some of the things I find in there.
Gena
January 12, 2010I love shopping at the drug stores but we don’t have one here that offers great deals. Ours is local and is EXTREMELY expensive. Great article though! Thank you for the reminder!!
Deal-ectible Mom
January 12, 2010I score SO many free items at CVS and Rite Aid and we def. have a large stockpile going on! I’m set on body wash, shampoo, razors and alot more for a long, long time! Great post!
Brandy
January 13, 2010Great post and tips!!
Erin@theMomBuzz
January 13, 2010I know people can save so much doing this! I feel like its a talent, but I am going to start saving!
Whitney
January 13, 2010It is overwhelming at first, but once you learn it- it’s like second nature. I hate that Walgreen’s did away with their rebate program, but there are still many deals to be had!
HenriettaN
January 13, 2010I read so much about this topic online and have never tried it! We don’t shop at drug stores often but with the savings there seem to be maybe I should look into it! Great post!
sarah caiafa craziness
January 13, 2010thanks for the info. i will be trying this this week