Comments on: CVS: My Frugal Dream Come True!

By: Annie G

Annie G — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:25:14 +0000

They rarely if ever have the deals listed in their flyer actually in stock. Plus you have to go back to use the coupon (expires in 1 month). Also their regular prices are outrageously high.

Overall, I get better deals from Walgreens with the rebate offers, coupons, regular store prices, etc. Or Kroger, where they have amazing toiletry prices and offer double coupons (lots of almost-free toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)

CVS has it’s place for frugal shoppers, but be careful that you really calculate the value of the “great deal”.

By: Miss M

Miss M — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:14:44 +0000

I keep hearing about the CVS game and since we have one right near the house, I guess I should check it out. The donation idea is wonderful and probably the main reason I want to try it, I don’t really care to have a 3 years supply of shampoo!

By: Weekend Linkage - November 16, 2008

Weekend Linkage - November 16, 2008 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:15:24 +0000

[...] Dollar Plan: CVS: My Frugal Dream Come True! We have a CVS, but I almost never shop there. I like [...]

By: Vickie

Vickie — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:58:43 +0000

I would say I am a CVS Addict! I love CVS and only wished that I had understood ECBs when I was a single mom. It would have radically changed my life back then. I have a closet full of razors, shampoo, shaving gel, oral care products, and the like…most I have gotten for free or nearly free.

The only problem I see now is that in this depressed economy people that never shopped CVS are doing so and now the shelves are bare most of the time with all the great deals being snagged. Thank goodness we have at least five within five miles of my home.

It is thrilling to have things you can donate to your church or homeless shelter. But nothing can replace the rush you feel when you have a cart full of products and the final tally is under a dollar! WOW! You walk out of the store in amazement!

Enjoy your new CVS! I love your blog.

By: Colombian Coffee

Colombian Coffee — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:39:49 +0000

These are great ideas! I already have my CVS card, but I will be registering my email and checking out the coupons.

One other idea for the “extra free stuff”: Save it for when you have guests over. I recently had my in-laws spend the weekend with us and I made them each a little bathroom package (soap, body wash, lotion) they were all the small travel sizes and I put them together with a ribbon and bow and gift tag with each guest’s name on them. I think it was a great touch!

By: Trevor

Trevor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:51:03 +0000

Wow- like the first guy who commented, I had no idea it was such a big deal; I, too, and not exactly a true “frugalist.”

That said, I’ll definitely take a look!

Love the blog..

By: MoneyMateKate

MoneyMateKate — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:45:13 +0000

Thanks for the idea about CVS couponing for charitable purposes. I’m always looking for ways to give more without breaking the bank. Speaking of food bank stock, Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge mentioned today that they’re in need of pet food. Combining her post and yours – and the stacks of coupons I’m able to clip from 20 sets of Sunday circulars – I think I’ve got a plan!

By: newsugarmoon

newsugarmoon — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:17:18 +0000

Thanks, Adrienne–that’s tremendously helpful!

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:40:53 +0000

I really wouldn’t worry about privacy concerns from shopper cards. Most companies have strict rules governing how the data is used. As an analyst who has worked with many companies on their shopper card data the personal info is kept separately from the regular data. I could look at the number of women who bought x or how many times the average shopper bought y or how you could increase a shoppers frequency with a coupon but I could not see what Jane Doe bought. If you’re really worried about it you could always sign up with a different name but I don’t think you need to worry.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:32 +0000

Me too! I live in the Bay Area (Nor. Cal.) and Long’s is the other drug store besides Walgreen’s. CVS is buying out Long’s and I am so excited although I love Long’s !! But the two drug store chains in contention were CVS and Walgreens. We don’t need another Walgreen’s. I am so happy for their decision to go with CVS. Hopefully the transition will take place before the new year.

By: newsugarmoon

newsugarmoon — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:28:56 +0000

I am a reformed spendthrift who loves this blog and has a question about shopper cards.

I’ve always avoided signing up for rewards cards at CVS, the grocery store, etc. because of privacy concerns. I don’t like the idea of every personal purchase I make being tracked and tied to my name. (Remember during some post-9/11 terrorist trials, when suspects’ shopper-card records were subpoenaed?)

But the potential savings are very attractive. I wonder if Madison or any of my fellow readers have any information or insight to share about this issue.

Thanks a million!

By: lulugal11

lulugal11 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:21:49 +0000

Oh yeah I shop at CVS. I am now a bonafide CVSaholic and I even have a page dedicated to it at my blog.

I go every Sunday when the new stuff comes out and so far I have gotten some pretty good deals. I only wish I had known about CVS earlier!!!!!

I would appreciate if you would check out my CVS page and let me know what you think.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:59:27 +0000

To be honest, I am not a true “frugalist” and had no idea that CVS deals were so legendary. We have one nearby so I intend to explore this further. Thanks for the tips. You may convert me!