Even though I told you, up front, that I’m a complete spaz when it comes to coupon shopping, some of you have still asked for my help. Maybe it’s the idea that I’m a rank beginner that appeals to other rank beginners. You know, not looking down my nose at your ineptitude because my ineptitude is also huge.
Well, big-hearted, giant of a MOM that I am, there’s very little help that you could ask for that I would refuse you.
So, here we go.
The blind shopping with the blind.
The first, very first thing you need to do is go read Crystal’s post called CVS 101. Then read it again 3 more times. Really, she can do this and we can’t. I promise, every time I read it I glean a new tidbit. And this CVS shopping is all about the tidbits.
Next, call your local newspaper and subscribe to the Sunday only edition. You NEED those coupon inserts. Also, you need to start bugging asking all your friends and acquaintances and your hubby’s co-workers for their coupon inserts.
Before you go to the store, write down a detailed list of what to buy and how to buy it. I mean, list each coupon you are gonna use, the regular price of the item, how many you should buy, what the sale price is, and any other detail that is pertinent to the transaction. You ARE gonna get nervous and forget ALL of the details. Write ‘em all down. And use a paper-clip to attach the coupons to the list. Write each transaction out separately, and attach each group of coupons separately. A manila folder is very helpful for this.
If you have a friend who is a CVS guru, ask her for help. Ask her to go with you. I can’t tell you what a confidence booster it was to have Faith go with me the first couple of times.
That said, I have to tell you, the real learning came when I was on my own, yesterday. I had to figure out my own deals and make ‘em work. I even made mistakes. But, I still ended up saving a huge bundle of money and bringing home tons of items we will be using over the next 6 months.
Before you go home, stop by The Dollar Tree and buy some of their organizational containers, like the stack-able boxes and the little crates. I even use dishpans for some stuff, shampoo and Dawn seem appropriate in them. That way if there’s an accident, it’s contained and easily cleaned up by the careless Pirate. Um, yeah, I know my children.
And then, after you have shopped, write down what really happened at the store. Just make a summary, list the following: total value, coupons you used, OOP (ya like that? it’s CVSer lingo for out of pocket), and be sure to list the savings. That way you can see if there was anything you could have done better.
After you have actually been to the store and done a transaction or two, go back and re-read Crystal’s blog, all over again, twice. You’ll be surprised at how much more sense it makes after you’ve been to the store. And remember her sage advice. Don’t start too fast and only buy stuff you will use.
One final bit of rookie advice. Don’t try to do CVS and Walgreen’s and the grocery store all in one outing. I’m exhausted!
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