12/17 Publix ... Spent $80.94 ... Saved $194.07

We used rainchecks, store, competitor, and manufacturer's coupons, and store sales to save 71% on this shopping trip.  We used 68 coupons total.  Manufacturer's coupons worth $37.25.  Store and competitor's coupons worth $46.25.  Sale prices saved us $110.57 off regular price. 

So at this time of year when everyone is trying to take advantage of deals and sales for presents just changing your shopping habits to include buying things when they are on sale and stockpiling you can save a substantial amount all year long.  Our savings from sale prices alone this year is $4,408.54.  Adding the coupons saved us another $3,704.10.  That does not include the $1,202.95 we saved at CVS because they do not break down your savings on their receipts.

18 Month Results ... Saved $24,225.64 ... Spent $7,649.14

After a year and a half of couponing the results have blown me away.  Using our budget from before we started couponing of $175/week we have cut that to almost half ($97.53/week average) and we have more food and household stuff then we ever did before.

In 18 months we have spent $7,649.14 which means we have saved $6,075.86 from our budget, that is money that we used to spend but now we save.  That doesn't include the $18,149.78 worth of stuff that we didn't pay for by using coupons and store savings.  So our total savings counting money not spent and products we got for free is $24,225.64

7/29 Publix ... Spent $67.48 ... Saved $109.79

10 Tidy Cats Litter- BOGO $7.49 used 10 $1 off 1 coupons made them $27.45
6 Eggo waffles- BOGO $2.69 used 2 $1 off 3 coupons made them $6.07
2 Banana Nut Crunch- BOGO $4.29 used 1 $1 off 2 made them $3.29
2 Oreo- 2 for $5 used 1 $1 off 2 coupon made them $4
Milk- $3.89
Whole Fruit- BOGO $3.59 used $0.50 off 1 coupon that doubles made it $0.80
12 double rolls Publix bath tissue- $5.49
6 Newmans Own cat food- 5 for $5 used 6 $0.50 off 1 coupons that doubled made them FREE
8 Kraft BBQ sauce- BOGO $2.79
8 Velveeta shells and cheese- BOGO $2.33 used 8 $1.50 off 1 peelie coupon from the BBQ sauce made all of the BBQ sauce and shells and cheese $8.48

Subtotal = $59.47 + $8.01tax made it $67.48

7/23 Rite Aid ... Spent $11.17 ... Saved $52.86

Took advantage of Rite Aid's 75% off garden supplies.  Spray bottles were $0.37 each, 8# potting soil was $0.49, organic potting soil was $0.74, ladies gloves were $0.49 each, leather gloves were $0.74 each, hoses were $2.49 each, hose nozzle was $1.12.

7/13 Target ... Spent $35.51 ... Saved $59.54

6 Sierra Mist Natural 12pk - $2.75 each used 6 $1 off 1 coupons made it $10.50 for 6
6 Room Essentials pillows - $2.50 each used 6 $2 off 1 coupons made it $3 for 6
7 packs of 10 PaperMate pens - $1.02 each used 7 $1 off 1 coupons made it $0.14 for 7
5 Sharpie 2 packs - $1 each used 5 $1 off 1 coupons made them FREE
4 17Gallon Tubs - $2.99 each made it $11.96 for 4
Hopper bounce toy - $2.99
Laser Cat toy - $3.99

Subtotal $32.58 + $2.93tax makes Total $35.51

6 Month Results ... Spent $2,306.50 ... Saved $9,074.80

We are halfway through 2011 and we have had a a lot of success so far.  So far this year we have cut our budget from $175 per week before we started couponing to $85.80 per week.  That's $2,218.50 cash in our pockets that we didn't spend.  Add to that the $6,856.30 worth of stuff that we got for free and that is how we got over $9,000 in savings in 6 months.

Go to the Receipt Logs tab to download tutorial and blank versions of my spreadsheet to start tracking your savings.

Flying Lesson for Father's Day for $75

Groupon is offering an introductory flying lesson for Father's Day.  http://www.groupon.com/r/uu6211483

From the groupon:

Do what you were born to do with today's deal: for $75, you get an introductory discovery flight package from Pilot Journey, which includes one actual flying lesson, pre-flight ground-work, take-home instructional materials, and more (a $149.95 value). Click here for participating flight schools. Participating schools are marked with the Discovery Flight logo.
Pilot Journey connects FAA-certified flight instructors with hopeful pupils. The comprehensive introductory discovery flight package helps fledgling flyers get their footing in the great blue yonder, bypassing the perils of ignorance and the feral pigeons that populate the stratosphere. Included in the package is "Reach for the Sky," a CD written by Pilot Journey pilots that contains several computer-based seminars and two computer-based ground lessons, helping students get acquainted with aircraft procedures from the familiar comforts of earth. Two electronic flying handbooks reinforce this knowledge.
Once you've completed Pilot Journey's suggested preflying curriculum, you'll get to put your knowledge to the test during a 30–40 minute assisted-control flying lesson with an experienced instructor. After your exhilarating zigzag through the clouds, you'll return to the realities of earth, but quickly get lifted from the humdrums with a six-month subscription to a leading flight magazine and a certificate of accomplishment. See a full list of the discovery flight package's contents here.
Pilot Journey is a nucleus for top-notch aviation instruction nationwide that functions by connecting aspiring pilots to the best flight schools in their area. When you purchase a discovery flight package through Pilot Journey, you receive a certificate that can be cashed in at any of the Pilot Journey's affiliated (and participating) locations, making it a convenient gift for far-flung friends as well as beloved-but-meddling family members you'd like to fling a bit farther.

The Fine Print

• Expires Jun 13, 2012
• Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Must be 18 or older or have guardian consent. 265lb weight max. Valid ID required. Must sign waiver. Age subject to instructor approval. Extra fee for shipping