Good NestingFollow these money-saving tips when at the drugstore, and you won’t have to sacrifice your well-being.
Do you feel like your health is putting the squeeze on your finances? If so, it’s probably not an illusion since statistics show that the cost of prescriptions has increased 33 percent over the past six years. Unlike other expenses, though, prescriptions and other health-related items like supplements and vitamins aren’t something you can eliminate without having negative consequences. That’s why it’s a must to find savings wherever you can.
Here are some tips you can use the next time you visit the drugstore to lower the cost of your health-related items. In doing so, you’ll not only keep more money in your pocket, but you’ll also ensure that you do everything possible to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape.
Visit GoodRx.com Before Heading Out
If you want to see which drugstore has the best price on your prescriptions, go to GoodRx.com and type in the drug’s name. This simple move has saved consumers an estimated 70 percent on their prescriptions.
Compare the Prices of OTC Meds
The competition between drugstores is fierce. But their prices may vary on some over-the-counter meds, which is why you should shop around before making a purchase.
For instance, Walgreens sold a popular allergy medication for $21.99, while CVS had it for $27.99. By shopping around, you could save a whopping $6 on one box.
Find Savings on Shelves
Look for yellow or orange indicators on drugstore shelves. They’ll usually say something like, “1/2 off” or “Save $1.” You may also see pads attached to displays with tear-off coupons that can yield some excellent savings at checkout.
Give the Cashier Your Coupons in This Specific Order
Drugstores often offer loads of coupons that can lead to copious savings. But when it comes to coupons, order matters if you’re looking to maximize your savings, so hand them to the cashier like this:
- “Spend x to save x or get x in rewards or points.” – You want such coupons used at the highest price point. You can find them on store receipts, in the circular, or a savings book.
- Manufacturer or store coupons. – You can find them online or in circulars.
- Loyalty club coupons or dollars. – These will shave more money off of your final cost.
Steer Clear of Impulse Purchases
Drugstores are loaded with necessities like prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements that get you in the door. But once inside, you’ll notice that these very same stores are packed with unnecessary items that can nullify any savings you snag on necessities.
For instance, let’s say you go to CVS to pick up a prescription and some allergy medicine to combat all the pollen outside. You saved money on those items using some of the tips above. But as you walk out, you notice a seasonal display with some decorations that you can’t miss. After picking up some of those, you pass an eye-catching candy display on the way to the register. Before you know it, you’re making several impulse purchases that drain your wallet.
If this has happened to you, it’s all by design since 76 percent of drugstore sales come from candy and seasonal displays. Bring a list with you to the drugstore and stick to it to keep these costly impulse purchases at bay.
