Using Register Rewards at Walgreens

Since this is the weekend of the 4th, there won't be coupon inserts in the paper (except a small P&G).  I know, why do coupons get holidays off, the retail prices sure don't!  So I decided to try to figure out the best way to use register rewards at Walgreens.  I have yet to stumble across the sale of something there that I actually need that will result in free or nearly free items.  When that day comes, though, I want to get the most bang for my buck.  Who doesn't?  That said, this is the best way I've figured out how to do that.

Walgreens won't let you use RR earned from the same item towards the purchase of the next in a consecutive transaction and still earn RR on that.  For example if diapers have a $5 RR I won't be able to get a pack of them, pay for it, open a new transaction to buy another pack of diapers and use that already earned $5 RR and still earn another $5 RR.  Confused yet?  Maybe this will help.  If, however, you alternate your purchases, you will be able to roll the last earned RR and help cut down on your up front costs.  So let's pretend diapers have a $5 RR and some vitamins I use have a $5 RR on them as well.  I will first buy a pack of diapers, start a new transaction with my vitamins and use my $5 RR from the diapers to help pay for the vitamins.  I will earn $5 from the vitamins and turn around and start a 3rd transaction with another pack of diapers using the $5 RR from the vitamins.  This will keep more money in your pocket.

But please, don't buy something just because it has a Register Reward attached to it.  That's not saving you money at all, at that point you will be spending more money, especially if it's something you don't use

Now another not-so-well- known coupon policy with Walgreens.  You must have as many items as you have coupons.  So if you have a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon for 1 item, you will need a 2nd item.  this is when you want to use what is known as 'filler'.  Find something cheap, I've seen taffy by the register for 10 cents.  This will meet the requirements and still allow you to stack your coupons.  If you have a register reward from a previous transaction, that counts as a coupon so make sure you grab an extra piece of filler there.  And here is the best order to give your coupons in at Walgreens:

Register Rewards
Manufacturer's Coupons
Store Coupons

Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend.  Please don't drink and drive.