There is an ancient proverb about giving a man a fish and feeding him for a day vs. teaching him how to fish and feeding him for a lifetime. In this saying, the basic point is that instructing someone on earning a livelihood is more helpful than providing their living. Since its beginning, the Savvy Shopper has provided extensive information about specific deals, coupon matchups, and any available rewards.
In a way, it’s kind of like giving Savvy Shoppers a fish. In the interest of learning to fish, I thought I would mix in articles that emphasize instruction about taking advantage of coupons and rewards programs. While deals summaries will always be a part of this feature, this Sunday’s deals article is providing pointers about ways to fully utilize rewards programs at CVS:
• CVS ExtraCare:The ExtraCare program is the centerpiece of saving at CVS and it enables you to take advantage of rewards, sale prices, and a wide variety of other opportunities. In particular, the program offers incentives in the form of “ExtraBucks”. For those who haven’t shopped at CVS, an ExtraBuck can be thought of as store credit. Upon issue, ExtraBucks usually expire after 30 days. Although it would be nice if the rewards never expired, the good news is that great deals are almost always available so expiration dates shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. To participate in the savings, pick up an ExtraCare card at any CVS and register it online.
• Email List:When you register your card, sign up for their email list to get store coupons. Although what you receive waxes and wanes, there are periods where CVS will send several coupons for substantial savings. As an example, there is a class of coupons that give dollars off a transaction (i.e.: $4 off a $20 transaction). What makes these coupons even more powerful is they can be stacked with manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and ExtraBucks. To sign up, go here: https://bit.ly/3iAXDka.
• CVS Beauty Club:In addition to the email list, join the CVS Beauty Club and earn 10% back in ExtraBucks rewards along with a free gift every month when you when you spend $30 on beauty products. Even if you don’t use much in the way of cosmetics, a lot of other items at CVS qualify for this program. Consequently, even guys can take advantage. Even better, this offering is free and takes little time to join. To get started, go here: https://www.cvs.com/extracare-cvs/beauty-club.
• Carepass Program:If you regularly shop at CVS, you should join the CVS Carepass program. For $5 per month (or $48/year), you receive $10 in ExtraBucks every month. At the least, that’s a 100% rate of return. Try duplicating that with a CD! In addition, membership in this program entitles you to free prescription delivery and 20% off of CVS brand products. I have used it and have no complaints. For more information about a free trial offer: www.cvs.com/carepass/join.
• CVS App:If you have a handheld device like an iPod or a smart phone and don’t have the CVS App, download it and link it to your ExtraCare account. With all the exclusive coupons available, CVS App users save three times as much as a CVS shopper who doesn’t have it. For more information: www.cvs.com/mobile-cvs/apps.
• Coupon Kiosk:Before doing anything else at the store, scan your Extra Care card at the coupon kiosk and receive CVS store coupons. In addition, you can use this resource to print out rewards you have earned through the CVS Beauty Club.
• Pharmacy Savings:Earn as much as $50 in ExtraBucks by filling prescriptions. In addition, rewards are available for immunizations and other services. At times, CVS also offers incentives to transfer your prescription. To sign up, go here: https://bit.ly/3wXMvrh.
• Checking Out:After you finish shopping, check the bottom of your receipt for even more store coupons. When you find something promising, file it away in your coupon organizer immediately at the store. If you don’t, I promise that you will overlook and misplace more than a few. Learn from the voice of experience.
• Quarterly Bonuses:Even after trips to the store, the ExtraCare program is a gift that just keeps on giving. ExtraCare members get 2% of their purchases back in ExtraBucks. You can spend these earnings as you please or allow them to accumulate.
The good part about most of the opportunities is that once you sign up, the rest is on autopilot. CVS does the rest! And with one exception, all the programs I outlined cost nothing to participate in. While this article is mainly intended for beginners with a few nuggets thrown in to please experts, there is probably even more to CVS than what’s been summarized. In fact, I’m probably leaving money on the table!
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SEAN FIELDS is the A-J’s Savvy Shopper. Read his columns Sundays and Wednesdays. Email him at SavvyShopperLubbock@gmail.com, like his Facebook page at Facebook.com/LubbockSavvyShopper, or see previous columns and deals at lubbockonline.com/savvy-shopper
