CVS - How do I get items for free?

If you are new to any of the "Drug Store Games", please begin with CVS since I have done a quick video tutorial that will explain the basic premise of using your ECBs. (Extra Care Buck coupons). These are are printed at the end of your receipt, and usable as free money at your next CVS transaction.)

Click here and see other tips before you begin on this CVS adventure.

I did this video spontaneously last September in answer to questions that I was receiving. I will be updating it with tips I've learned this year.



I have not had to pay for toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, ibuprofen, soap or a myriad of other household essentials by just learning how to use their gracious extra care bucks system. The small learning curve is so worth the hassle. Some weeks are better than other weeks, and this happens to be a wonderful week to begin.
Unfortunately, on any major holiday weekends, there are no coupon inserts, but that doesn't mean this isn't a great week to begin. You can get your first free toothpaste. :)
I have added the deals below.

Your first time shopping the CVS Extra Bucks system (abbreviation from now on - ECB), you will have to spend some Out of Pocket (OOP) money. After that, you will continue to "roll" your bucks for the free items, with virtually no OOP money.
I even recommend that you consider doing two transactions your first time. That way you minimize your out of pocket expense and turn around and use those bucks immediately on other "Free items." Many stores offer a machine that allows you to swipe your CVS card when you first enter. Often this spits out additional ECBs and coupons. Look to see if your store has that option. Unfortunately, the one I frequent does not, but when I am "in town," I take advantage of the stores that do.
Please note that it is a benefit for CVS that you use your CVS bucks. The CVS management is incentivized by customers using their bucks. I had some negative comments left on on my video, and after those comments occurred, I questioned the managers. They explained the benefits that stores receive by having a higher percentage of used ECBs, and said the negative comments probably came from hourly employees that just don't want the hassle.
Deals will vary as some stores DO take internet coupons, while some managers will not. Try them, and they will let you know. All the CVS deals I list always only use newspaper coupons since my store does NOT allow internet coupons.
If you are just beginning couponing, you may not get all of these items for free, but there are still wonderful "almost free" deals, and the next time you shop....they'll be free!

Here's what works well this week:
Buy 2 Neutrogena suncare products, and you'll receive $10 ECB's back.
The Neutrogena 1 oz Ultra Sheep SPF 55 is working for this deal. They are priced at $1.99, so when you buy 2 and spend $3.98 you'll get $10 in ECB's back! That's a "extra bucks money maker."

Buy Colgate Total for $2.99,
Get $2 ECBs back (Limit 1)
Use $1/1 coupon from the 5/10 Smart Source
FREE after using coupon and ECBs!

Speed Stick Pro Deodorant - $3.99/ea
Get $3.99 in ECB when you buy 1 (limit 2 - you can get TWO for free :)
Final Price = $3.99/ea but It's like getting this for FREE with ECB

Getting free things at CVS definitely Works for Me!

CVS couponing...shop for free (almost)

I have had so many questions about my last posts on how to benefit from the CVS system. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to attack this tutorial in written form, so my sons gave me a great idea - make a video. I didn't even know we could do that.
It pays to have teens in the house. I only had to talk for a few minutes, and my son did the rest.

I did this very spontaneously Friday evening when I walked in the door from shopping.
I didn't think through how best to explain the CVS process in its entirety, so I will try and give an updated post with any questions that might arise.
I didn't even fix my hair for you girls....what you see is what you get. :)

My best advice with CVS - go Sunday and start small with just a few items.

I highly recommend you take a minute to register your CVS card below.
Sign up for CVS coupons, and see locations.
They will send you additional coupons, and deals, as well as keep track of the extra bucks that you earn. For those of us who have a hard time keeping organized (ME!!), you may print off the extra bucks from your account if you lose them before the expiration date. This is a tip most people do not know and it's worth it's weight in gold (or extra bucks. :)

Once you begin shopping regularly at CVS, you will also receive coupons at the bottom of your receipt for $3 off a $15 purchase. That is in addition to your extra bucks. I think I call them care buckson the video. Either way - they are free store dollars to spend in CVS. I have gotten this additional coupon every time I shop for the last few weeks. It's awesome!!
Go this weekend and get the free or nearly free items to gain your confidence and figure out how the system works. Walgreens/Rite Aid have similar systems, but master one store and the rest of the systems will fall in place.

My apologies for the lack of intro, and the abrupt ending. We realized that we can't edit, and I certainly wasn't going to do it again....this was a "one take" video. I had planned on showing the HUGE amounts of Hershey's chocolate that I got for $1.25 a bag....
Check out the coupons that I have linked to after the video.


I am going to start posting some of the on-line coupons that I personally use for my grocery shopping. This will help me stay organized, as well as share the coupon love with you.
Down below are a few to get you started.

(these expired 12/08)
For those of you with Harris Teeter chains. IT's TRIPLE your COUPON weekend through Sunday (coupons up to .99). Kellogs Cereal, Edy's Ice cream and Arnold Bread is on sale BOGO, and I have coupons for them all posted here. Enjoy some fun frugal food finds on me. :)