Today I paid $15.84 out of pocket for $42.27 worth of items. At first it looks like a good deal but I am mad at myself for two reasons. The first is that I was trying to not spend ANY money out of pocket and simply rely on the gift cards that I got from one of my cash back cards. The second reason is that I could have spent a lot LESS if I had broken this into two transactions, instead of being lazy and just doing one big one.

Transaction 1

Item: 2 Arm and Hammer laundry detergent (will be giving to a friend)

Price: $7 for 2 (used $1 MFR)

CVS Extra Care Bucks earned: $2.00

Item: Dove deodorant/antiperspirant

Price: $12 for 2

CVS Extra Care Bucks earned: $4.00

Item: Kotex liners 60 count (the 18 ct and 50 ct were all the same price so I got the box with MORE)

Price: $4.99

CVS Extra Care Bucks earned: $4.99…FREE item!!!!!!!!!


Item: Venus razor set

Price: $9.99

CVS Extra Care Bucks earned: $0

Item: Oil of Olay body wash with ribbons

Price: $8.29 but got this FREE for buying the razor above

CVS Extra Care Bucks earned: $1 for using my reusable bag

Total coupons used: $3 MFR + $7.99 ECB

Total paid today: $8.31 , on gift card + $15.84 on credit card.

Total CVS Extra Care Bucks earned today: $11.99

Total out of pocket to date: $15.84

Gift Card balance : $50.00 (got a new gift card that I could have used but for poor planning)

Total CVS Extra Care Bucks earned to date: $122.44

CVS Extra Care Bucks Used to date: $110.45

CVS Extra Care Bucks Balance: $11.99

Abbreviations used

MFR = manufacturer coupon

ECB = extra care bucks

Join me next time as I look for more ways to save money as I visit CVS.