$1 CVS HAUL!

Being a savvy shopper at CVS is an art, and trust me, after many years of couponing, I've picked up some serious tricks to turn those weekly ads into amazing hauls! It's not just about clipping coupons; it's about understanding the entire ecosystem of savings. First off, mastering the CVS app is non-negotiable. This is your secret weapon. Every week, check for new digital coupons – these can be manufacturer coupons or CVS store coupons, and sometimes they even stack! For instance, I look for those $5 Schick digital coupons or the specific ones for Garnier Fructis shampoo. You'll also find personalized 'ExtraCare' coupons here, which vary from person to person. Always scan your ExtraCare card at the red coupon machine in-store too, as it often prints additional valuable coupons you might not find in the app. Understanding ExtraBucks (EB) is key to deep savings and even moneymakers. ExtraBucks are essentially CVS cash that prints out after qualifying purchases. My recent haul, where I got items like Schick razors, Crest toothpaste, and Sally Hansen nail polish for free or even made money, was thanks to rolling ExtraBucks. The trick is to use ExtraBucks you earned from a previous transaction to pay for a new one that generates more ExtraBucks. It's a cycle of savings! Always check the weekly ad to see which products are offering EBs. Coupon stacking is where the magic truly happens. You can often combine a manufacturer coupon (digital or paper) with a CVS store coupon (digital, red machine, or printed from online). For example, if you have a $3 manufacturer coupon for Garnier Fructis shampoo and a $3 CVS store coupon for the same, you can use both on one item, dramatically reducing the price. This is how I often get items like a CVS Health toothbrush or Crest Pro-Health Advanced toothpaste down to free or close to it. Timing your purchases is another pro tip. CVS's weekly sales typically run from Sunday to Saturday. I like to plan my trips early in the week to ensure items are in stock, especially for popular deals. Sometimes, stores will have unadvertised sales or clearance items, so it's always worth a quick browse. Don't forget to look at the online-only deals too; sometimes these are different from in-store offers and can be just as lucrative for items like shaving gels or other personal care products. Finally, always have a plan before you go. Look at the ad, match coupons, calculate your final cost after ExtraBucks, and know exactly what you're buying. It saves time and prevents impulse buys. Being flexible is also important; if an item is out of stock, have a backup plan or ask for a rain check if applicable. With these strategies, you'll be consistently scoring amazing daily deals and steals, just like a true savvy shopper!