I started out on this with Walgreens after seeing the http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/ one time.  She mentioned having 9 items rung up at a time.  There were so many items offerred with Register Rewards that I knew I would use eventually, that I haunted several Walgreens stores and that first time wound up earning $160.00+ in Register Rewards that week, then spent that on items that would earn rebates, and helping a friend get started.  I watch for the $5 or $10 off one day only (always Friday) Walgreens coupons that are usually posted on the Walgreens thread.  I have rebates on a gift card, and those are helping me buy next month's rebate items.  Walgreens will take their own plus manufacturer coupons, but the Register Rewards can't be spent on items to generate more Register Rewards.

At the suggestion of a fellow Forumite, I have also been working the CVS deals, but am still not proficient with those.  Many of the items are already gone from the shelves when I get to the store, and I look up ads in advance on Hot Coupon World for some of the stores. 

After all the great stories on this website, I've been trying to get into the Walgreens system (we don't have CVS here).  I look at the ad weekly to see what is available and what you can get RR for.  To be honest, so far, I haven't found any deals that were good enough to start shopping there.  I get my toiletries and paper goods at Costco and Target.  So far, from watching the ads, I haven't seen any Walgreens deals that are less than what I am paying at those stores (though I don't get the Sunday paper/coupons so maybe that could be a reason why).  It may also be my area too, the ad varies by location I think.  Anyway, I want to take advantage of the great deals that others seem to be getting but so far, just haven't seen any yet!  Still looking though!

I save quite a lot at CVS.  I have been doing the savings for about a year and I rarely spend more then 10 dollars every 2-3 months.  I am so stocked up now that I will slow down for a bit. 

Lynnea Berr:

IAt the suggestion of a fellow Forumite, I have also been working the CVS deals, but am still not proficient with those.  Many of the items are already gone from the shelves when I get to the store

I have this problem, but I still love CVS and try not to let it discourage me. I think the key is to hit the store Sunday, right after the adds come out. Also, it helps to know what day your local CVS gets more stock in. Since I work, I have several stores along my commute that I stop at.

God bless,

Julie

jennylyn:

I get my toiletries and paper goods at Costco and Target.  So far, from watching the ads, I haven't seen any Walgreens deals that are less than what I am paying at those stores (though I don't get the Sunday paper/coupons so maybe that could be a reason why).

Well, we did get all the Sunday coupons and while we did shop at Walgreens when the prices were good, it was still cheaper for us to buy at Target or Big Lots.  I do believe, like you said, that the prices and ads and bargains can vary from place to place.

I don't shop at Walgreen's, but there is a coupon book inside the store that has additional coupons in it.  They can be used with coupons from the newspaper.  You should be able to get many items for free.