Store Reward Cards

I had started trying to be more consistent in my posts and figured out that about every two weeks I would post on Monday's and not run out of ideas for awhile.  Plus, I am keeping a little book of some ideas to post on.  But today I happened to stop by Rite Aid after work for some items on sale and I started thinking about different store reward cards and decided to post!!

Yesterday I found the Rite Aid circular for this week in my area.  I looked through it and found some items that we use that were Buy One Get One Free or Buy Two Get One Free.  After work today I stopped at the Rite Aid I pass going to and from work.  I went in to pick up three different items I knew I wanted from looking through the circular and ended up with a few more.  I ended up saving about $35 after all was said and done plus two $2 coupons to use on a later trip.  Not bad!! We will not need the little dishwashing tabs for SEVERAL months as I have already three boxes not opened when I bought the two today.  (Yep, I just admitted that!!)  I probably could have saved more with some coupons but my coupon pile is not big.  I need to work on that!! If I can combine coupons and some sales, savings can be bigger!!

With store reward cards you have to understand how that particular store works their Buy One Get One free deals.  Rite Aid really did give me the second item free.  For example, the diswashing tabs were Buy One Get One Free on the two different sizes they had there - a 20 count box and a 32 count box.  I opted for the larger 32 count box for $7.99 and the second box rang up at the register for $0.00.  There are some stores that if they advertise Buy One Get One Free each item will ring up half price.  (Some may already know a store or two that do this.)  Make sure you know how the store works it.  Maybe do a test run on an item or two to see how that store does it - one item is free or both items ring up at half price.  Definitely take the time to stock up on some items when sales like this run using your store rewards card.  Also try to work coupons in there for more savings.  One example I have of this is a store had some new Gevalia coffee and had it at a discounted price, I think it was $6.99.  I received a coupon in the mail for buy one get one free.  So I bought the one bag for $6.99 (on sale) and used the coupon which made the second bag of coffee free and I got both bags of Gevalia coffee for $6.99.  (Best coffee savings I can ever remember!)  So, do not discard the idea of store reward cards.  If you wait for some sales, you can stock up a bit on things you use around the house at some pretty good prices.  It just takes some time, practice and patience.  Do not beat yourself up over not working on your savings like others.

What is your thought on store reward cards? Do you use them? Do you like them? Do you not like them?

Jenn