Almost everything I “buy” at Walgreens is free or close to it.  There are two money saving programs I use.

IN STORE COUPONS PROGRAM

1. Use the Easy Saver catalog (for monthly coupons) and the weekly sale ad flier (for weekly coupons). Multiple copies of both pays off.

2. Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons for maximum savings. The coupon deals are so-so at best without the manufacturer coupons.  Typically, I’m not impressed by just the store coupons.  Most times I can find a slightly better deal elsewhere.  However, if you put a manufacturer coupon with it, it makes it sweet and irresistible.

REGISTER REWARDS PROGRAM

1. No need for a store card. This is different than CVS and all my grocery stores where I need a store card in order to maximize the deals.  Thank you Walgreens!

2. Find the items in the weekly sale ad flier that print Register Rewards (RR) at purchase. RR’s are the equivalent of in store cash.  You may use them on your next purchase. However, unlike CVS, you can’t roll them over and over with numerous transactions of the same product.

3. Stack store coupons and manufacturer coupons then pay with your gift card. This will maximize your savings and possibly grow your RR stash.

Until recently I have stayed away from the RR program.  I’ve heard a lot of internet chatter about how difficult it can be for some folks to use.  For others it’s a breeze.  I don’t know if the issues vary from cashier to cashier, manager to manager, store to store, or region to region.  It’s just one of those things you need to jump in and try, make some mistakes, and go from there.

In most locations, the cash register is wired so that it will not take more coupons than you have items for.  If you have three items in one transaction, you may only use three coupons.  Fine, however, the register counts a RR as one coupon.  Sooooo, if you have three items, three coupons and a RR, you’ll need to grab a “filler item” (for me it’s usually a pack of gum or another cheap item) or you’ll completely screw up the transaction.

Now, when you pay, use RR’s first, then in store coupons, then manufacturer coupons.  Hand them to the cashier in that order because, most likely, the cashier will not know there is a specific order to ring them through in order to get your maximum savings.

It REALLY IS worth trying to figure all of this out.  If you’re new to shopping at Walgreens for free, pick one method, master it, then try the other.  Learn lessons and continue until you get it down.  Long term pay-off is great.

Tips to note:
There are some great clearance deals, so be sure to check out the end caps on isles.
If you discover your store is out of a product, you can get a rain check.