CVS Bought $54, Paid $0.64

I had a great day at CVS yesterday with their ECBs (Extra Care Bucks). Even though I had to take my children with me I decided to go ahead and make the trip because some of my coupons were going to expire yesterday.

The total for everything above came to $53.80 plus tax. But thanks to many coupons and a VERY generous cashier I only paid $0.64!! My CVS was out of the extended release acetiminophen which gave $3.69 ECBs, so the cashier volunteered to "coupon it off"! I wasn't expecting this, but am very grateful.

I used

• $3.69 couponed off by cashier
  3 $1/1 Scotchbrite scrubber coupons
  2 $3/ Post-it Flag coupons
  4 $2/1 Bic Soliel coupons
  2 $10/$50 CVS coupons
  1 $3/$15 CVS coupon
  $10.29 ECBs

Which left me with just $0.64 OOP (out of pocket). Whooo Hoo! Yeah CVS!

I am really still a newbie at doing the deals at CVS. I am rarely able to completely work out my purchases ahead of time becaue our CVS is small and frequently runs out of things giving ECBs or doesn't carry all the items listed in the Sunday insert. So, when I get a deal like this once every 3-4 weeks I get really excited!

Blogging Note: Someday I'll figure out how to link to some of the coupons I use as well as back to MoneySavingMom.com so that you can take advantage of these as well!

The Beginning of the Journey

Frugal:
1.economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful: a frugal manager.
2.entailing little expense; requiring few resources; meager; scanty: a frugal meal.

So, where does one begin? How does one begin to be frugal? What makes you decide to begin the "Journey to Frugal"? For me, it was the reality of too much month at the end of the paycheck combined with increasing prices for every basic need. I don't think we have been in the habit of living a luxurious lifestyle by any means. But, certainly we've made some less than frugal decisions along the way. So some time ago I began to focus more of my energy on using less expense, fewer resources to provide for the needs of our family. I've really just begun the journey. I've discovered that there are many more out there, further along that path. I see them up ahead establishing markers along the path, encouraging new pilgrims to join the journey. I find this encouraging. They provide suggestions, wisdom, and a host of ideas for how to be more frugal. As I continue along this journey, I'll introduce you to some of them.

I'm looking forward to the journey. I hope to meet you there soon.