Drugstores may have the best deals after all...

When you think about drug stores, you often think that the items inside are overpriced, right? Sure, that package of bandaids may well cost half price at Walmart, but that doesn't mean everything in your chain drug store is overpriced.

To some, CVS is a religion, if you will forgive me for blasphemy. I may not be as die hard a CVS'er as some, but really, CVS does indeed offer many good deals if you are a smart shopper. CVS' Extra Bucks program gives consumers back money by way of coupons (Extra Bucks) that print out at the register after the purchase has been made. Previously, the Bucks printed within 48 hours, but since last spring, the Bucks print automatically once the required items were purchased. This made rolling your Bucks a lot easier. By rolling your Bucks, I mean that you take those same Bucks and buy something else that has Extra Bucks incentive and then continue the cycle. Interested in learning more? Please read my article Savvy Shoppers Shop at CVS... and if you want to read the story of a CVS convert, please check out CVS --- Putting the ExtraCare Program to the Test. Both articles give an overview of the program. You won't believe what you are missing if you aren't shopping there.

Riteaid has a rebate program called Single Check Rebate (SCR). Many items, though I find them mainly to be toiletries, offer a rebate back to the consumer by way of a check received in the mail. Internet savvy shoppers can enter their receipts online and request their check at the end of the rebate period. Those without internet capabilities can claim their check the old fashioned way - by mailing in their submission. By using coupons in addition to the SCR program, you can actually come out ahead.

Walgreens runs much the same way, from what I have heard. I currently don't have one handy to shop at, but from what I have read on other boards, Walgreens' program may be slightly better than Riteaid in that it offers you an extra bonus if you take your rebate on a Walgreens gift card. This makes it ever so easy to roll your rebate money onto the next month's deals, plus they add 10% to sweeten the pot.

So there you have it! To save money, you will have to abandon the idea that chain pharmacies are over priced on every item. Sure, for many things they are, but if you are a smart shopper, you too can save money by shopping at a CVS, Riteaid or Walgreens instead of Walmart!