See
more of the story
CVS
Sign up for the ExtraCare card in any CVS store. You'll get your card immediately. Then watch the Sunday flier for items that earn "extra bucks" in the form of store credit. Use your store credits to buy items that are on sale for maximum savings. The CVS flier is not included in the Sunday Star Tribune, but can be found in the store or at CVS.com.
Go to the reader forums at HotCouponWorld.com or IheartCVS.com to learn the best tips for the current week's shopping.
Check the IheartCVS.com site for coupons if you see a good deal in the flier and have no coupon. The site often provides a link to download and print a coupon. CVS is aware of the site, but it is not sponsored by the company.
Look for the clearance section at the back of CVS stores. It's not large, but items are often 90 percent off and you can use coupons on them. Some CVS stores accept expired coupons.
Shop Sunday for the best selection. Readers have mentioned sale items being out of stock even as soon as Monday. Regulars ask what day the next truck arrives with new stock.
WALGREENS
Sign up for Walgreens' Rebate Savings card in the store or at Walgreens.com. Skip the hassle and time of mail-in rebates by signing up to receive your rebate savings on a Walgreens gift card and get a 10 percent bonus credit. Also look for Walgreens' rebate book, available in stores and online.
Check the aisles for the orange "last chance" clearance stickers. The savings can be significant. A $13 Revlon lip gloss was only 49 cents ($2.49 on clearance with a $2 coupon).
Shop early in the week for specials. Popular items frequently sell out, although customers can ask for rain checks.
Get on the e-mail list at Walgreens.com. Occasionally, customers get a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase. Last week, CVS started a similar offer for its e-mail subscribers.
JOHN EWOLDT
