This week’s Budget Bootcamp challenge is to Roll Rewards.
What is Rolling Rewards?
Basically, you make a purchase that results in rewards, and then use those rewards in another transaction to lower your out of pocket expenses. Beth has an excellent post about Getting Paid to Shop and Clair explains Rolling, Rolling, Rolling. Beth also has an excellent All-you-ever-needed-to-know-about-stores page that I highly encourage you to scan. I was honestly only aware of two places to roll rewards and had only used the CVS extra care bucks before this week’s challenge. However, many stores offer some type of rolling rewards program – CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Menards, Meijer, Target, Kroger, Toys ‘R Us, Babies ‘R Us, to name a few.
I love how Beth and Clair (and so many others) not only give you the deals of the week, but often spell out exact scenarios of how to make the most of your rollover money. And at this point, I need it spelled out.
CVS – http://ingoodcents.com/tag/cvs-weekly-deals
Walgreens – http://ingoodcents.com/tag/walgreens-weekly-deals
Rite-Aid – http://ingoodcents.com/tag/rite-aid-weekly-deals
Target – http://ingoodcents.com/tag/target-weekly-deals
This week, I made a trip to CVS. I was equipped with coupons and a CVS circular. I took advantage of 4 deals (make up and hair products) that I needed already, and though I had to spend around $45, I came back with $14 of CVS extra care bucks, which is more than I’ve ever gotten. My challenge today (after a trip to the bank and a quick return at Staples) is to stop by CVS with a strict plan to spend those ECBs to get more for a future purchase. Eventually, I won’t be paying anything out of pocket, and I can’t wait for that day to come!
What is your favorite place to roll rewards, or are you a newbie like me?
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Is this similar to a rewards card? We have a rewards credit card that pays us back up to 5% on purchases. Just got a check in the mail this last week.
That’s so cool, I tried this once at Rite Aid…but it seemed like I just bought alot of stuff that I never would’ve just because I had coupons. LOL Maybe I should do my homework and research a little more in advance.
OK, Rory. Will you take me shopping with you and show me how to become a pro?! I hardly know where to start, other than what I’ve tried before.
This is the only part of the budget bootcamp that I’m actually good at! I use the rewards programs at Target, CVS, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sephora, Babies R Us/Toys R US, KMart, Hallmark, Giant (they even incorporated Giant’s rewards with discount at Shell Gas!), AC Moore, Cosi, and a few others… even Godiva (Hey, don’t judge — Free chocolate!)! I know I drive my Mother In Law crazy whenever we’re out shopping and I’m having the stores use my rewards! Some are better than others, but always worth the extra minute to sign up and participate!