My Coupon Box - Couponing Lesson

My coupon box is simply a clear plastic container with a locking lid. The locking lid is absolutely required unless you wouldn't mind spending hours sorting your coupons and then drop the box or hit your brakes and it falls to the floor! Been there - Done that, it was not a pretty sight!

I organize my individual coupons alphabetically. Betty Crocker cake mix filed under "B", etc.

I have "A" - "Z", then I have one called "free", and another one call "mixed". The mixed one is for coupons that say things like "Buy milkyway or reese's". I also place numbered things in this one like 9 lives cat food.

So ladies.... lets get going.. head on over to ebay and do a search for "100 coupons" then buy 5 or 6 of these auctions, but pay no more than $2 per auction including shipping. Be sure to read the description because you do not want to buy any coupons that expire before Jan 1. NO December coupons! You won't have time to use them! Basically my rule of thumb is 30 days or more to expiration WHEN I ORDER THEM! So if I order on Dec 15, I wouldn't want to get any that expire before Jan 15.

As soon as you have ordered your coupons, come back here and post a comment so I'll know your ready and we will move onto the next step... SHOPPING!!

My plan is to list here the "deals" that will be available for the stores around us, locally.

• I will tell you What is on sale
• I will tell you what coupon you need.
• I will tell you what the final cost to you will be.
• Then you guys can pull out the coupons needed for each store, by looking in your coupon box. (by then you will have already bought your coupons from ebay and will have them filed alphabetically)   
• If you need a visual, I will then tell you when I can go to the store and you can meet me there or we can possibly make arrangements to car pool, and I will walk you through the whole shopping experience .

Any questions?

Rite Aid +UP Reward Program

Rite Aid has another new program nationwide called the +UP Reward program.

Here's how it works:

• If you shop at CVS, the program appears to be similar to the CVS Extra Care Bucks program, where the reward is printed at the bottom of your receipt. (see above)

• You will find the +Up Rewards qualifying items listed in Rite Aids weekly ad.  Look for a shelf tag next to the item specifying the +UP Reward (just like the the Single Check Rebate tags).

• You will need to scan your Wellness+ card to get the +UP rewards.

• The rewards print on your receipt. .

• They will “roll”. So you can buy one, get the +UP rewards and buy the same item, earning another +UP rewards. No limit.

• There is a limit of 1 +UP Reward per item per transaction. 

• The +UP Rewards are appearing to roll.  

• At this time, there does not appear to be a limit on the number of times you can get a +UP Reward for an item in separate transactions.  This may change in the future as Rite Aid refines the program.

• +UP rewards expire 2 weeks from when the +UP reward deal ends. If its 7/01 but the reward deal ends on 7/14..then your +UP rewards would have an expiration date of 7/21.  But if its 6/1 and your reward ends /1 then your expiration date would be 5/15

• Rite Aid will not adjust your +UP rewards down, so you will need a filler if your rewards exceeds your item. No overage.

• As of right now, Rite Aid still has the SCR program.  However, it is still to be seen if they phase out the SCR program in favor of the +UP Rewards program.

Can't print internet coupons? Here's a quick fix!

     Are you having trouble printing Bricks coupons: getting a “please wait” or “please install printer” message. If this seems to be your problem I have found some information that may be helpful to you. I read an article recently that explained how to fix it.

     The problem is that most of these coupons have a link that is meant to be printed in a certain browser (i.e. Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.Opera). When you try to print a coupon in a different browser than was intended, you will get one of those annoying messages

     When trying to print a “bricks” (starts like this http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?) coupon you will need to change a few letters in the address depending on which browser you are using:

     For example if you clicked on this example in Internet Explorer (IE)  it would work fine:
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=vi&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j but if you tried to use the same link in Firefox, you would get one of those annoying messages about being unable to print..blah, blah, blah!

If you are using Internet Explorer, this link will work just fine. For those using Internet Explorer (IE) your link can look like this:

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=vi&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j

OR....

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=wi&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j

If you are using Firefox (FF) just change those two bold letters in the addresses above to either “vg” or “wg.” So it would look like this

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=vg&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j

OR....

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=wg&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j

Safari users on Mac should change the two letters to "xs", like this:

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zemrdpf48932135&bt=xs&o=62006&c=UL&p=UbmXxF1j

Coupon Lingo

For those of you that are new to couponing, I’ve compiled a list of some of the abbreviations/terms that you might find while shopping/blogging in the coupon arena. If you see one that I missed, please let me know and I’ll add it. Thanks!

$$/$$ – This means $ off when you spend $ amount. Example: $5/$30 is $5 off your purchase when you spend $30. (Check to see if the amount has to be before or after coupons to apply.)

$/# – This means that you get $ off for every # you buy. Example: $5/2 would mean that you get $5 off every 2 that you buy.

B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free (B1G2 is Buy One Get Two Free etc.)

Blinkie = A coupon that prints out at a machine in the store. They are located by the product associated with that particular coupon.

BOGO = Buy One Get One Free

CRT = Cash Register Tape = Your Receipt.

CAT = Catalina. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase or $$ off a certain product. You typically have to use them at the store they printed, but some stores will take “competitor’s” coupons. Note: These are sometimes delayed in printing so wait a minute before walking away from the register. If you think you were supposed to get one and didn’t, talk to the cashier/manager and explain.

Catalina = Also referred to as CAT. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase or $$ off a certain product. You typically have to use them at the store they printed, but some stores will take “competitor’s” coupons. Note: These are sometimes delayed in printing so wait a minute before walking away from the register. If you think you were supposed to get one and didn’t, talk to the cashier/manager and explain.

Closeouts – These are typically greatly reduced items that the store does not plan on re-stocking.

Competitors – This is the term meaning of related chains. For example, grocery stores will take other grocery store’s coupons and drug stores will take other drug store coupons. Always check with each store on what their couponing policy is and whom they consider to be a competitor.

Couponing Policy – This is the statement that each individual store abides by, in relation to coupons. What is typically included in their policy is whether they: take competitor’s coupons, take coupons past expiration dates, “double” or “triple” coupons, accept Internet Printables or if they even accept coupons.

Coupon Insert – These are packets of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG)They are also referred to as inserts, S, SS, RP and PG.

CRT = Cash Register Tape, or your receipt

Discontinued – This means that a store has depleted their inventory of an item and does not plan on re-stocking it.

Double Coupons = This is the term used when stores will double a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $1 off coupon, they’ll take $2 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week. Some stores may also set a maximum value limit. Example, no coupons over $2 and only 10 per transaction/day.

ECB = Extra Care Bucks. Exclusive to CVS. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.)

ES = Easy Saver. This is Walgreens’ monthly rebate program. You can find the books by their ads in the store.

EXP = Expires or Expiration Date

FAR = Free After Rebate (See Rebate for explanation)

FAE = Free after Extra Care Bucks (See ECB or Extra Care Bucks for explanation)

FARR = Free After Register Rewards (See RR or Register Rewards for explanation)

Inserts = These are packets of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG) They are also referred to as coupon inserts, S, SS, RP and PG.

Internet Printable = A coupon that can be printed online. Also referred to as IP or Printable.

IP = Internet Printable Coupon. Also referred to as printable.

IVC = Instant Value Coupon. These are found at Walgreens in their weekly ads.

MFR = Manufacturer

MIR = Mail In Rebate. These are checks or coupons that the manufacturers/stores will send you if you meet the requirements on the rebate form.

OOP = Out-of-Pocket. This is the amount of money that you have spent after coupons, ECBs, RRs, Catalinas (See terms for explanations)

OOS = Out-of-Stock. This means that the store is temporarily out of an item but plans on getting in more inventory. Sometimes they will offer a raincheck in cases like these.

OYNO = On Your Next Order. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next order at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

OYNP = On Your Next Purchase. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next purchase (order) at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

Peelie = Coupons found on products in the store. (Don’t forget to pull these off and hand them to your cashier when you check-out. Don’t rely on the cashier to notice them for you. It will only aggravate you later when you come home to find it’s still there!) :)

PG = Proctor & Gamble. A big chain of brands that also puts out a coupon insert.

Prinables - These are coupons that you can print online. Also referred to as IP or Internet Printables.

Q = Coupon (which use to be called c/o, meaning cents-off)

Raincheck = A slip you can ask for in the store when an item’s on sale and out-of-stock. Some sales will specifically say “No rainchecks” and some stores will put an expiration date on their rainchecks

RP = Red Plum. This is a coupon insert that you’ll either find in your paper or the mail.

Register Rewards = Exclusive to Walgreens. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.) Also referred to as RRs.

Rolling Catalinas – This means that you can use a catalina (see definition) as payment on another transaction of equal merchandise and another catalina will still print. Example, if you buy 5 “name brand items,” a $5 catalina will print. If you then buy another set of those same 5 “name brand items,” you can use the previous catalina you received as payment towards the order and another $5 catalina will print.

RR = Register Rewards. Exclusive to Walgreens. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.)

S or SS = Smart Source. This is a big name coupon source. They not only send out inserts in the papers but they also have an online site with printables.

Stacking Coupons = This is the term used when stores will let you use their own store coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. Example: Most Targets would let you use their $ off “specific brand” product coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for that same “specific brand” product.

Triple Coupons = This is the term used when stores will triple a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $1 off coupon, they’ll take $3 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week. Some stores may also set a maximum value limit. Example, no coupons over $2 and only 10 per transaction/day.

UPC = Universal Bar Code. This is the bar code that’s scanned on products for pricing/info at the stores. Several companies will ask you to mail these in on rebates

WAGS = Abbreviation for Walgreens

WT = Wine Tag. These are coupons that you’ll find hanging on the wine bottles in the stores.

YMMV = Your Mileage (Manager) May Vary. This is what you’ll see when someone finds a deal but they want you to know that your store branch may not offer the same deal.

WYB = When You Buy

CVS For Beginners

Friends, Family and online chat buddies are constantly asking me how to “do CVS.”   Everyone is feeling the financial pinch these days and CVS deals is on my list of top 10 stores I get the best deals at!  So, for all of you who have requested it, here’s a lesson in how to work CVS and the Extra Care Buck program.

STEP 1:
Sign up for a CVS card. It is just like a loyalty card. The cashier scans your card each time in order to receive rewards which will be explained later. You can receive a card at the store or you can get them online HERE.

STEP 2:
The weekly ad is just like any store circular. It will have all the deals including a couple of items that earn ECBs (or Extra Care Bucks). For example, one of the items in this week’s flyer is the Excedrin 10ct. Vial for $2.49. Under this it says you’ll get $2.49 ECBs – making it “FREE” with a limit of 1. Let’s say you just decided to get this one item. You take it to the checkout. It will ring up $2.49 + tax. You will have to pay the amount. But, then you’ll get a receipt and at the end of the receipt it will say you’ve earned $2.49 ECBs. Don’t loose this receipt! This little “coupon” at the end of your receipt is just that – a coupon! You can cut it off and keep it and use it just like cash on your next transaction. It will take $2.49 off your total.

STEP 3:
Okay now that you have your card and your flyers you are ready to decide what to buy and plan your transactions. You can also use this blog to help you.

Of course items that are “FREE” after ECBs are going to earn back all your money with little effort. Let’s say this week Gillette deodorant is on sale for $3.99 and you’ll earn $3.99 and the Excedrin is $2.49 and will earn you $2.49 in ECBs. You don’t have any coupons. So your transaction goes like this:

Buy Gillette deodorant $3.99
Buy Excedrin $2.49
Final Total: $6.48

You'll pay $6.48 + tax and at the end of your receipt you'll get 2 ECBs. One will say $3.99 and the other will say $2.49. So, you earned a total of $6.48 in ECBs - your products were "free."


STEP 4:
Let's take the same scenario as above but this time you've brough along a coupon for Excedrin for $2 off and a BOGO (buy one get one free coupon) on the Gillette deodorant. Your transaction will go like this:

Buy (2) Gillette deodorants $3.99 each (total:$7.98)
Buy Excedrin $2.49
Final Total: $10.47
Use $2 coupon for Excedrin
Use BOGO coupon for the two deodorants
Final total after coupons: $4.48

You’ll pay $4.48 out of pocket +tax and at the end of the receipt you will receive an ECB for $2.49 for the Excedrin and another $7.98 for the deodorant (assuming there wasn’t a limit of one). So, you earned a total of $10.47 in ECBs to spend like cash next time – even though you only spent $4.48!


OPTIONAL STEP 5:

Every now and then CVS releases $/$$ coupons. These come in the newspaper, online, and every now and then they’ll print on the end of your receipt or in your email! These coupons are in denominations of $2/$10 (meaning $2 off of a $10 purchase), $3/$15 (meaning $3 off a $15 purchase), and $4/$20 (meaning $4 off of a $20 purchase). These can be used in addition to manufacturer’s coupons. So, let’s take the same transaction as above one more time:

Buy (2) Gillette deodorants $3.99 each (total:$7.98)
Buy Excedrin $2.49
Final Total: $10.47
Use the $2 off of $10 coupon (it is important to use this coupon FIRST while your total is over $10).
Use $2 coupon for Excedrin
Use BOGO coupon for the two deodorants
Final total after coupons: $2.48

You’ll pay $2.48 out of pocket +tax and at the end of the receipt you will receive an ECB for $2.49 for the Excedrin and another $7.98 for the deodorant (assuming there wasn’t a limit of one). So, you earned a total of $10.47 in ECBs to spend like cash next time – even though you only spent $2.48!


The goal in CVS shopping is to pay very little out of pocket and take home products you can use and products that you NEED.

So, each week or so you’ll want to use your ECBs to pay for your purchases instead of using your cash.

Let’s say I did the above transaction. I only spent $2.48 my first week of CVS shopping and I brought home 2 deodorants and a bottle of Excedrin. Not very exciting, but I can use both products or donate them and I have $10.47 to spend the following week. (Note: you can use your ECBs immediately after they print but let’s just say I did one transaction a week to keep it simple). The following week I look at my flyer and determine that toothpaste is $2.99 this week and will earn me $2.99 in ECBs and a pack of Bic razors are $6.99 and will earn me $4 in ECBs. I decide those are things that will earn me the most bucks and they are items I can use. I also have a $1 off coupon for the toothpaste and a $2 coupon for the razors. As you can see I am basically making $1 off the toothpaste and paying only $1 for the razors. I also really need milk this week and would like to try to see if I can pay for it with ECBs to take that off my grocery budget. So my transaction goes like this.

Buy (2) toothpastes $2.99 each ($5.98 total)
Buy razors $6.99
Buy Milk $3.99
Final Price: $16.96
Use $3/$15 CVS coupon
Use (2) $1 off toothpaste coupons
Use $2 razor coupon
Final total after coupons: $9.96 + tax
Then, I use my $7.98 ECB from last week

That means I spend $2.02 cash and I earned another $5.98 ECBs for the toothpaste and $4 ECB for the razors. That is a total of $9.98 in ECBs for next week to spend (plus the $2.48 ECB from the Excedrin the week before I haven’t used yet). So, I took home more products I can use and the milk I needed plus I have MORE money to spend next week!

That is the goal with CVS shopping – to keep “rolling” (using ECBs from last week this week) your ECBs over and “growing” (making more ECBs this week then you had the last). Some weeks are bad, you may roll your ECBs and lose a few. Other weeks are worse, you “blow” your ECBs. But, no worries, you can always do better next week. Don’t give up over one bad week!


Just remember: when you get to the check out you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Present your card to the cashier so she/he can scan it.
2. The cashier will scan all your stuff.
3. Present an $/$$ CVS coupons
4. Present any manufacturer’s coupons
5. Pay with ECBs*
6. Pay the remaining balance with cash

*You will NOT get change on your ECBs. If your total is $8.23 and you have an ECB for $9 the cashier can scan it but you won’t get the $0.77 back. You could throw in a candy bar or something and make sure to use it all up. Otherwise you’ll be throwing away “money.”