Saving hard-earned dollars at the drugstore

There are many drugstores that offer rewards and coupons that'll help you keep money in your wallet when it's time to cash out. You'll be surprised at how much it adds up when you start finding the savings.

• Saving money at the drugstore by combining sales with coupons and using rewards programs is not as difficult as you may think.

Once you've mastered the saving strategy below, you can use that extra money for other items.

You can find coupons in your Sunday paper and online at coupon sites. Cut and print any coupons that fit your needs, then wait until the item goes on sale at your local drugstore.

• Many stores will hold sales that coincide with the release of coupons. If you wait until the sale to use your coupons, you'll save even more.
• Keep an eye on the drugstore circulars, which you can do online if you don't get them through the mail or in the newspaper.
• Keep track of the sale dates, as some drugstore sales may start on a Sunday and end on a Saturday, while others may start later in the week.

Most drugstores offer reward programs. Enrolling in these programs provides you with another way to save. The process is generally easy, and you can usually enroll at the cash register.

• Once enrolled, you'll be given a card that has your unique code or account number.
• Some stores may offer a small card that you can attach to your keychain for easy access.
• The rewards programs offer various incentives.
• One incentive is special prices on items in the store.

When you search drugstore shelves, certain items may be available at a special discounted price for rewards program members. If you're enrolled, you'll receive the cheaper price at checkout when you present your card.

Another incentive is reward points. Reward points are accumulated through purchases. If you spend $20 at the drugstore, you may receive 20 reward points. You may use these points towards future purchases. Basically, the drugstore rewards you for shopping at its establishment.

Focusing your efforts on one store is the best strategy to save money at the drugstore. Your reward points will add up faster than if you shop at two or three drugstores.

• Before you choose the drugstore, visit several to determine which one has the products you want and the easiest layout. This plan won't work if you don't like the drugstore you've chosen because it's too far from home or it doesn't offer items you want to buy.
• Saving at the drugstore is easy when you have a plan in place. It only takes a few minutes to match sales and coupons and use a rewards card.