CVS Pays me to shop!

It is a momentous occasion: This is an Ellie-free post. Readers beware...

After watching many of my friends show-and-tell of their amazing steals from CVS, I finally joined the "Free-V-S" system a few months ago. It takes a bit of work (i.e. clipping coupons and working out the best deal scenarios each week and month). However it is worth it, as we essentially get all of our basics (toothpaste, TP, PT, shampoo, deo, etc.) for FREE. To date, our family has saved over $400 in the last 6 months, and all it took was an initial $12 and a few dollars here and there.

Take today, for example. I bought the following:

• 1 Powerade drink
• 3 Colgate toothpastes
• 2 Infant Advil
• 1 Clean and Clear lotion
• 2 Pert Plus shampoos
• 2 Almay concealers
• 1 Ibuprofen

My total was $52.10. But after coupons, I walked out of the store only paying $2.65 out of pocket, PLUS receiving $25.58 toward my next purchase. Essentially, CVS paid me to take away the stuff! Now that is a deal.