The Adventures of a Gather Earned CVS Gift Card: how far can it go?? ~chapter 1~

I cashed out for my first Gather card, a $10 CVS gift card.  I am keeping track of how far it goes.  I am hopping to get at least $100 in retail price. 

I will use coupons, rain checks, sales and any extra bucks (instant CVS store rebates--show up as coupons on the bottom of the receipt) that I earn on purchases from this card.  So here is today's trip.   The CVS card goes shopping. 

Today's Beginning Balance:  $10.00  (April 14, 2009)

Transaction #1                                                                         ITEM                                                   RETAIL         SALE PRICE  

1   Softsoap Scrub Body Wash           5.29              4.99  earn 4.99 in extra bucks

1 coupon used:  free body wash*                            (4.99)         

 *(I received this from Colgate from complimenting them on their products)

Paid tax only:                                            TOTAL:  .34  

Transaction #2  

1   Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste        4.89                3.99 earn 3.99 in extra bucks

1  Rapid Energy Gum                          2.49                1.25

1 trial size Cotton swabs                       .50                  .50

1 Extra buck I earned in #1 above                              (4.99)

1 Manu. coupon for colgate                                         ( .75)

Paid tax only:                                             TOTAL:        .05    

Transaction #3  

 1 Right Guard Clinical                        9.99                  6.00  earn 6.00 in extra bucks      (used a raincheck I had)

 1 Manu. coupon Right Guard                                      (2.00)

1 Extra Buck I earned in #2                                         (3.99)

Paid .01 & tax:                                              TOTAL:     .15               

Transaction #4  

1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush                   3.99                  3.99  earn 3.99 in extra bucks

2 CVS Apple Juice                                5.18                  3.00   

(used a raincheck I had)

1 Manu. coupon Colgate                                                ( .75)

1 Extra Buck I earned in #3 above                                 (6.00)

Paid .24 & tax:                                               TOTAL:        .26  

$10.00 Card Less above transactions leaves a balance of:  $9.20 and I have a $3.99 Extra Buck coupon to use on my next shopping trip.  So actually I turned a $10 gift card into $13.19 to spend and I brought home a total of:  $32.33 regular CVS price.  

Can you tell this is my hobby?  I love it.  It gives me lots of necessary items for free and I even have leftovers to donate often.   

Thank you gather and most of all, my gather friends.