Debunkifying "How to CVS"

People always tell me that "It's so confusing" or, the most familiar line, "I just don't have time." So, I want to debunkify those comments and help you "play" the CVS game by just a few things to remember.

So, here are my Top 5 Tips to "How to CVS".

CVS has a CVS Card you use each time you shop there. If you don't have a CVS card, just request one at your first shopping trip or go to CVS' website and request a card. Be sure to register you card online so you will get access to money-saving coupons (more on that in a second).

CVS has monthly (there is a book at the register with the monthly deals) and weekly items you purchase to earn CVS coupons which are called ECB's (extra care bucks). The ECB's print at the bottom of your receipt as soon as you make the purchase that earns the ECB's. ECB's work just like a coupon works the only caveat is that you must purchase an item for each ECB you choose to use. You can also use real manufacturer's (MFG) coupons with ECB's to reduce you out-of-pocket (OOP) expense. Remember, they expire just like MFG coupons so use 'em or lose 'em!
You don't have to purchase all of the ECB items in one transaction! Just purchase the ECB items within that weekly sale (or monthly ECB book) in order to get the ECB to print.

CVS has money-saving coupons that they email customers that you can also use to further reduce your OOP in addition to using your ECB's and MFG coupons. These also have expiration dates.

In order to maximize your savings (and to avoid annoying beeps at the register), use your coupons in this order - I call it the CVS Coupon Submission Order:
1) CVS Coupons via email, 2) MFG coupons, 3) ECBs

NOTE: If you know your total before you go to CVS, you can use this order:
1) CVS Coupons via email, 2) ECBs, 3) MFG coupons

This order helps to pay for some of the sales tax - but even with my high analytical style, I haven't minded to pay pennies for getting $50 worth of stuff!

If you are just starting and know that you will be buying stuff that earn ECB's, make one transaction with those items and pay with cash. Get your ECB's and turn around and make another transaction paying for your other items (that will hopefully earn your more ECB's). Make a third if you want too. I personally have never had a store get upset about this (not only do I do it all the time, but my first time at a CVS was 10 TRIPS TO THE REGISTER!)