If you are new to couponing–you may have encountered the weekly coupon match-ups. Being thrown into the couponing world there tends to be a ton of new things that you have no idea what they are!

I’ve created a informative post for all the newbies (and the ones that aren’t new!) to help you better understand my coupon match ups for various stores.

1. Usually you will see a list of items that I feel are the “best deals” I list coupons that are associated with the item. Usually there are several coupons to choose from–so I list all coupons to make it easy for you to reference (sometimes coupons are regional, so I list all so you know that there are others available)

2. Where to Find the Coupon: I almost always list the coupon by what insert it came out in and what day. For our example above: SS= What insert, this is the Smart Source insert. 5/15/11 = May 15th 2011. If you need more info on the lingo that is used here on SCS, you can find that HERE

3. Final Price: In the example above you see that I use two different value coupons. I will always reflect the lowest final price, since we have a .75 coupon and a $1 coupon I have used the $1 off coupon in the final price.

4. Asterisks: I use asterisks when showing my favorite stock up prices (**). It is safe to say that this price is the best for the week and that you should likely purchase more than one to stock up on the deal.

If you are new to couponing–you may have encountered the weekly coupon match-ups. Being thrown into the couponing world there tends to be a ton of new things that you have no idea what they are!

I’ve created a informative post for all the newbies (and the ones that aren’t new!) to help you better understand my coupon match ups for various stores.

1. Usually you will see a list of items that I feel are the “best deals” I list coupons that are associated with the item. Usually there are several coupons to choose from–so I list all coupons to make it easy for you to reference (sometimes coupons are regional, so I list all so you know that there are others available)

2. Where to Find the Coupon: I almost always list the coupon by what insert it came out in and what day. For our example above: SS= What insert, this is the Smart Source insert. 5/15/11 = May 15th 2011. If you need more info on the lingo that is used here on SCS, you can find that HERE

3. Final Price: In the example above you see that I use two different value coupons. I will always reflect the lowest final price, since we have a .75 coupon and a $1 coupon I have used the $1 off coupon in the final price.

4. Asterisks: I use asterisks when showing my favorite stock up prices (**). It is safe to say that this price is the best for the week and that you should likely purchase more than one to stock up on the deal.

Extra Care– Your Store Loyalty Card:
:: You will need to go in store and sign up for this card.
:: Fill out a small form and they give you a card right there.
:: Need this card before you start doing any deals!

Extra Care Bucks or ECB:
:: This is essentially CVS cash.
:: You will know when an item gives you this by simply looking at the ad or the price sticker.
:: It will clearly state if you will receive ECB on the item.
:: ECB will print at the end of your receipt.
:: Make sure you watch for limits.

What you can use your ECB’s on:
:: You are allowed to use ECB’s on almost everything in the store.
:: Exclusions include: prescriptions, alcohol, gift cards, lottery, money orders, stamps, prepaid cards, & tobacco products.
:: Notice that list doesn’t include milk like many of the other catalina/coupon restrictions!!
:: YES, you can buy milk with your ECB’s!

Extra Care Coupons:
:: This is a CVS coupon. Most of the time you can get these through the CVS Coupon machine, at check out, or online.
:: Can be “stacked” meaning you can use one CVS coupon and one MQ for the item being purchased.

Additional Coupons Offered:
:: Often releases $3/$15 or $4/$20 coupons.
:: Coupons which often print at the bottom of your receipt.

How to “roll” ECB’s:
This is how you get the best savings on products at CVS.
:: “Rolling” is a term used when you use ECB’s to purchase another item that will give you ECB’s back.
:: When you first start out, you will have to pay cash initially, but as long as you continue using your “CVS money”, you will pay little  on your next transaction.

Here is an example:
Transaction 1:
Huggies $8.99 Get $3 ECB back
Buy (1) Huggies at $8.99
Pay$ 8.99
Get back $3 ECB
=5.99 for Huggies after ECBs
Hold on to all ECB’s!
You “roll” by purchasing other items that gives you back ECB’s and paying with the ECB from transaction 1.

Transaction 2:
Doritos 2/$4 get back $2 ECBs
Buy (2) Doritos chips = $4
Use $3 ECB (from Huggies transaction)
Pay $1 out of pocket; get back $2 ECB.
Now if you have coupons to use, this makes the deal even better!
It’s as simple as that!

Tips to Shopping CVS:
:: Always hit the coupon machine and scan your card. You may get coupons to use for your purchase.
:: You can use MQ on ECB purchases, this helps to get the lowest OOP as possible!
:: Goal should be to not only roll your ECBs over and over week to week, but to “grow” them so you have “overage” to use towards  other groceries you need.
:: If you plan to use a ECB at checkout, make sure your total is over the ECB amount. You will not get cash back.
Example: You have a $10 ECB but your purchase is only $8, you will not get back the $2 in ECB. It dies and goes to ECB heaven.

Secrets to shopping CVS:
:: Some stores turn their ads on early! I have two stores near me that both have their ads on by 10 pm Saturday night!
:: Ask your local CVS if they take expired CVS coupons (many do this, just ask!) If yes is the case, you will want to hold onto those to use at a later time!

CVS Coupon Policy
:: Multiple Coupons:
:: Will accept 1 MQ & 1 CVS coupon per item.
:: Offers at the Register (OAR) ie: $3/15 etc. are unearned and issued at the register. Will take one (OAR) coupon per transaction.
B1G1 offers:
:: You can use a B1G1 MQ to get both for free or you can use 2 $ off coupons.
:: Reserve the right to limit quantities.
:: Does not accept competitors coupons or match competitors sale prices.

New to Coupons? Check out my entire Extreme Couponing Series

click the picture to watch my Rite Aid vlog–or go HERE

Please note: you can no longer stack in-ad coupons w/ Video Value coupons! (as I previously stated in my vlog)

As we all know: I love Rite Aid! Living right across the street from one was probably the best thing I could do for my family

Here are the basics when it comes to scoring free items and great deals at Rite Aid:

Wellness + Card:
:: You will need to go in store and sign up for this card.
:: Fill out a small form and they give you a card right there.
:: You need to get this card before you start doing any deals!

Overview of the Wellness + Program:
:: Earn one point for every dollar spent on non-prescription purchases.
:: Earn 25 points for every prescription you purchase.
:: Get special wellness + only sales
:: Get special wellness + coupons
:: Earn Free Health Screenings

:: Rewards Earned:
:: For every 125 points**
a one-time 10% off shopping pass
:: 500 points
10% off all non-prescription regular price purchases every day.
:: 500 points
free health screenings
:: 1000 points
20% off all non-prescription regular price purchases every day.

Wellness + Coupons and CRT Coupons:
:: There are also coupons online specific to your wellness card.
:: You must login to see your coupons.
:: Sometimes these include $3/15, $4/20, $5/25.
:: Sometimes these include % 0ff coupons.

Proper Usage of Wellness + Coupons:
:: Only ONE Rite Aid coupon and ONE manufacturer coupon may be used on a product.
:: Exception to this is Rite Aid in ad coupons. You can use a RA in-ad coupon with a wellness coupon and MQ.

Wellness + Terms : (most important items from their very long list)
:: Points accrued based on calendar year.
:: Customers earn one (1) point for every dollar spent on eligible front-end purchases they make when they scan their card at the register.
:: Excludes cigarettes, alcohol, gift cards, online purchases, lottery tickets, licenses, money orders, money transfers, prepaid cards, :: stamps, other mail services and items prohibited by law.
:: Discount will remain active through the end of the calendar year.
:: Members will be informed of discount eligibility via email.
:: Members must present their wellness + membership card at check out to receive discount.
:: When used with a sale priced item the customer will receive the lower of the discount price or sale price.
:: Discount not valid on prescriptions, prescription co-pays, cigarettes, alcohol, gift cards, online purchases, lottery tickets, licenses, money orders, money transfers, prepaid cards, stamps, other mail services and items prohibited by law and may not be :: combined with any other offer.

Rite Aid Programs: 
:: SCR- single check rebates- Rebates offered for purchasing a specified item. Submit Rebate online and receive a check for that amount.
:: Most items require a single item purchase.
:: Coupons can be used & will not be deducted from the rebate amount.
:: Some will require multiple purchases.
:: You can make purchases during the entire valid period
:: Purchase do not have to be on one receipt
:: List of products that qualify for the SCR will be shown
:: Coupons can be used and will not be deducted from the rebate amount
:: SCR lasts a month

SAVE YOUR RECEIPT!
:: Single check rebates can be entered anytime during the month.
:: Takes about 2-5 days after purchase to credit account.
:: Only request once a month.

+UP Reward Program:
:: “Rite Aid” money offered for purchasing a specified item (see ad)
:: Prints at the end of receipt.
:: Can “roll”.
:: Limits specified in ad. No limit? Expect unlimited.
:: Have expiration date.

Coupons to use at Rite Aid:
:: Manufacturer coupon
:: In-ad coupons
:: Ad Perk coupons (watch a video and receive coupon and $$/$$ coupons)

How to Maximize Your Savings:
:: Stacking
:: In-ad coupon w/manufacturer coupon
:: Ad perk coupon/manufacturer coupon
:: Use $/$$ coupon to pay less Out of Pocket

Rite Aid Coupon Policy:
IP Coupons:
Will accept IP coupons up to $5 off.
RA coupon with RA logo is not considered an IP and is an exception to this rule.
+UP Reward Coupons:
Multiple +UP coupons can be used up to the amount of the purchase before sales tax.
Accepts 2 coupons for 2 items that are part of a B1G1 sale.
Accepts B1G1 coupon on a B1G1 sale – both free
Total Purchase Coupons:
Total much be reached before tax & before coupons are applied.
Other coupons can be used in conjunction with a total purchase coupon.
Acceptance Guidelines:
If the item’s price is less than the value of the coupon, the coupon will be adjusted down.
Cannot refund cash for coupon if an item is returned.
Multiple Coupons:
No more than 1 “48” coupon , 1 “49” coupon & 1 MQ can be used on an item. (this code is at the bottom of the coupon and is the first two #’s)
Accepts multiple identical coupons as long as there is enough stock. Based on store manager discretion.

New to Extreme Couponing? Read the entire Extreme Couponing Series Here.