Photograph Credit: iStockphoto
Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.
Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.
Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.
To receive a daily e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts of each day, subscribe to my free daily newsletter. In case you miss a post in this series, I will provide the link to each day as the month progresses. 🙂
- Day 1: Select a Planning Tool
- Day 2: Add Your Priorities
- Day 3: Print and Display Your Menu Planner – with free printable
- Day 4: Record Membership Expiration Dates
- Day 5: Mark Due Dates for Monthly Bills
- Day 6: Insert Credit Report Schedule
- Day 7: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance
- Day 8: Set Your School and Work Activities
- Day 9: Highlight Contract and Subscription Expiration Dates
- Day 10: Download a Savings Tracker
- Day 11: Note Daily Deals Expiration Dates
- Day 12: Setup Bill Pay
- Day 13: Secure Doctor Appointments
- Day 14: Purchase Batteries
- Day 15: Include Holidays
- Day 16: Jot down Library Return Dates
- Day 17: Track Your Family’s Favorite Meals
- Day 18: Reserve Time for Your Priorities
- Day 19: Post Your Payday Schedule – with free printable
- Day 20: Prepare Your Medical Spending Record – with free printable
- Day 21: Check Light Bulbs and Air Filters
- Day 22: Choose Event Dates
Day 23: Enter Reward Deadlines
If you shop the sales and promotions at the drugstores, then you are probably earning rewards. Though each program is different, each drugstore offers rewards in the form of coupons for your next transaction or next visit.
By entering the expiration dates of the reward into my calendar, I can remember to use the rewards before they expire to save my family money. Rewards entered are CVS Extra Bucks, Walgreens Register Rewards and Balance Rewards, and Rite Aid +Up! Rewards.
CVS Extra Bucks
During weekly promotions, you can earn Extra Bucks coupons for dollars off your next transaction. The deals are listed in the store circular stating any restrictions.
Last week, I purchased 6 bottles of Suave body wash at $2 each with the “spend $12, get $4 in Extra Bucks” promotion. I used 3 manufacturer’s coupons for $1 off a purchase of 2 Suave products as well as a $6 Extra Bucks coupon from a previous visit. My total came to $3.18, and I received a $4 Extra Buck coupon on the bottom of my receipt.
For my second transaction, I purchased 3 packages of Huggies diapers and 2 bottles of Dawn detergent. I used the following manufacturer coupons: 2 – $2 off Huggies diapers, 1 – $1.50 off Huggies diapers, and 2 – $.25 off Dawn detergent.
Combining the coupons with the “spend $30, get a $10 CVS gift card” promotion, the $4 Extra Bucks received from transaction #1, and $10 Extra Bucks earned from a previous visit that was soon expiring, I spent $11.15 and received a $10 CVS gift card. Having used all my Extra Bucks, I had none due to expire.
By far, CVS has been my favorite drugstore. I started learning the drugstore game with CVS, and find little to no problems with their promotions at the register. If the store is out of the item, then no worries, the employee will give you a rain check for the item(s) with the promotion attached.
Walgreens Register Rewards and Balance Rewards
Walgreens has a number of programs going at the same time, including rebates. Their system is more complicated than CVS, but you can snag some great deals when you combine the savings strategies. The Register Rewards print at the register to use on another transaction. You must follow the promotion exactly to get the reward to print.
Balance Rewards are fairly new. You can earn points and then redeem those points for cash off at the register. Combining the rewards gets tricky. For a better understanding of Walgreens rewards, I recommend The Krazy Coupon Lady’s post, Walgreens: How to Roll Balance Rewards Points.
Rite Aid +Up! Rewards
I miss Rite Aid. With their monthly video rewards, I used to watch their videos (short commercials for products) and print high value store coupons that could be paired with manufacturer coupons for deep discounts. I would then wait for sales or promotions with Up! Rewards to get merchandise dirt cheap.
Since Rite Aid has made some changes to their program and I am out of the loop, keep current with Fabulessly Frugal, and Mel’s thorough explanations. I found Rite Aid’s program worth my time and energy.
Working hard to save money and earn the rewards, you don’t want to lose those savings by missing the expiration date. Enter reward deadlines on your calendar to remind yourself to use them.
In using time wisely, take the few moments to jot down the dates to help you save money, energy, time, and frustration. Keep planning for success, and happy savings!
Question: Which drugstores are your favorites?
I <3 CVS. I used to try and do Walgreens, but always had issues and the two stores in my area had the meanest employees! I stick with CVS. I have never had a problem, EVER! 😀
Great to hear about CVS. I’ve only had a couple of problems, but their customer service or district manager corrected the errors quickly. Thanks for the comment, Shannon!