A reader asked why I do so many transactions. The answer is simple.
They keep more money in my pocket.
Each week I look at the items that are giving Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) and how many ECBs I am starting with. You can go here to see my past CVS shopping; here to see this week’s deals and here for an explanation of how CVS works.
I plan scenarios which will allow me to use the ECBs I currently have to earn ECBs of the same or greater amount, or which will enable me to get something I need by paying with ECBs rather than cash. In this way I am able to get the maximum amount of products for the least amount of money.
If I start with small amount of ECBs (or none!) I will buy something that costs $3.00 or less, which gives about the same amount of ECBs. For example, toothpaste that is on sale for $2.99 but gives $2 ECBs means that I am paying $2.99 but getting $2.00 back for my next order. If there is a $1.00 coupon available for the toothpaste I would pay $1.99 and earn $2.00 ECBs which means I essentially got that toothpaste for free.
Using the ECBs I have earned to buy the next item giving ECBs means that I pay less cash for that item.
If I paid for everything in one transaction I would get the same amount of ECBs, but I would pay more upfront out of pocket. This strategy means that some weeks I buy items that I don’t need yet or won’t use at all. You can go here to read what I do in that case.
As far as the store being open to multiple transactions, my CVS cashiers are very friendly. I do, however, always ask if they mind if I do more than one transaction. I also try to be considerate of other customers and if someone comes up while I am checking out, I will finish the transaction I am on and then move aside to let them go ahead of me.
If this is all to complicated for you, start with one small transaction or combine everything into one transaction. You are still saving money when CVS gives you Extra Care Bucks on sale items.
If you have questions, please feel free to click the CONTACT tab to email me.
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