This is not anything new, in fact I have shared this often, but it bears repeating. “It isn’t a deal if it isn’t a deal.” There. That was it. Ok, for the sake of being a Frugal Friday post I wll elaborate. I went to CVS the other day because they had my son in laws favorite cereal on sale. Buy one, get one free. So for 4.79 I got two boxes. But the same box was only 2.42 at walmart. So two boxes there would cost 4.84. So even thought I got two free boxes at CVS I only really saved a nickle each. Hardly worth my time. And here is the kicker. The family size at walmart is even cheaper per ounce. So I actually lost money by following a sales ad. You have to know what things cost. If that had been something I normally shop for I would have had the price in my book or in my head. It pays to know. Literally.
Penny, I was curious to know if you use coupons at CVS?
Your right that sometimes it’s not the cheaper way to go, and it is important to know your prices. The only way I’ve found CVS Buy one Get one free to be a deal is when I can use 2 coupons.
This was good information. I think when we see anything buy one get one our brains automatically think we’re getting a deal.
Kristie
Kristies last blog post..Freebie Friday
I rarely shop at CVS, only go in for a special, but if I have one I do. We live in the country so I never just “run in” it is awell planned trip.
You make a good point! I find myself being seduced often by big signs telling me something is cheap. I’m ashamed to admit I often believe it without blinking, and I put it into my cart just because the sign says it’s a good deal.
Next time I’m going to think whether it really ís a good deal!
Relimoms last blog post..I tell you, get up, take your fears and worries and go home
Very true! I did the same thing yesterday, only on trash bags. Since Kmart is doubling coupons up to and including $2 ones, I bought the trash bags there. They were $8.99 (80 ct) and I had a $1/off coupon, so I actually got $2 off, making them $6.99. But when I looked at Walmart, they were $7.43. Had I bought them at Walmart and used my $1 off coupon, even without it being doubled, I still would’ve come out ahead 57 cents. At least I know for next time!
Phoebes last blog post..Happy Birthday Anna
I keep a list of commonly used item prices on my phone so that I can compare them at the stores. I also make sure I look at unit prices. I have found it cheaper to buy 4 small boxes of baking soda than 1 large and get the same amount.