I've looked at these blogs and sites, and from what I can see, I'd have to do significantly more driving AND I'd have to make compromises on what I'm willing to eat, like more processed foods. Staples don't often get the coupons. Still, I'd love to hear from more people who were skeptical like me but who have started doing this. My main concern is time. I work in academia, make very little money--two grand a month take-home, and work 50-60 hour weeks during the school year, and 30-40 hour weeks during the eight-week summer break. The free time I have is precious to me because during the school year I often only see my wife and child when I'm exhausted. But, obviously, money IS an issue. (On a related note: if you know a young person considering a PhD in English, kick them in the head repeatedly until they change their minds--unless they are a trustafarian or something like that.)

My mother used to do really well using coupons when I was a kid - however, our local grocery store doubled coupons, so it really was worth it. I've tried couponing, but I usually find that the store brand of just about anything is cheaper than a name-brand-item-with-a-coupon. I agree that it's a serious time/money trade-off.

I used to be a big coupon user when my husband and I first got married. However, since I now cook most of our food from scratch, most coupons don't apply or are for things that are more expensive than the store brands even after the coupon. Plus, many coupons call for you to buy 2 of an item ("save a $1.00 when you buy 2 VeggieBurgers"), which is all fine except the cost of all those "one extras" adds up.

If you really want to save money, learn to cook Indian food - the vegetarian options. I bought the cookbook, 660 Curries, and I am saving money hand-over-fist. Seriously, the recipes are wonderful.

The coupons that require buying multiple items annoy the hell out of me. Small kitchen, limited storage space.

I do use coupons, but I'm very conscious of buying only what I would normally, or using the "free" coupons to try something. Pet food, some cereal, some snack items and household cleaners. I've yet to see a coupon that works at the farmer's market.

Yeah, when I was a kid my mom did really good at couponing and combined it with refunding. But since we mainly eat non-processed meats, and fresh fruits/veggies I just don't find a whole lot of coupons for thinsg like that. Plus, most of the dry goods stuff that we purchase on a regular basis, (bulk rice, beans flour, sugar etc) don't usually have coupons for them.

Only time I've done great at coupons is when I bought formula for my son. Bought those 'check's online (ie Get $5 off any purchase of formula) and combined those checks with catalina coupons.....which were usually BOGO. So I'd go in and pick up about $30 of formula for $5 or so. I figure I spent about $120 on buying the coupons, but got a years supply of formula for less than $300 out of pocket.

And Safeway had a $10 off a $50 or more coupon a while back. Bought them on ebay for about $0.75 each.

You can get coupons for staples; for example, if you join Publix baby club (if you live in such an area that has one) you regularly get coupons for meat and vegetables, and fruit.

Stores that double coupons are where you do really save a ton of money. You can't be very brand picky though, I agree. I'd save more if I weren't.

This must not be a Minnesota thing. All the coupons I ever see have expiration dates on them, and most of them state that they cannot be used with other offers and are for a limited number of items. I always look through them as I walk around the store and typically save $5 or so on a $40 dollar purchase, but isn't that par for the course? The store also prints off little gift certificates, but you get like $1 for every coupon you spend.

Sure you can occasionally see some buy one get one free, but that is not getting you anywhere but fatter typically. And often the stuff which is a really good deal is either horrible, damaged, or about to expire in a few hours.

Franlkly, if you have a negative attitude about couponing you WON'T enjoy it and you won't find the deals. I'm a discount shopper overall and I have always enjoyed "the hunt," so to speak. For about a year and half, I became a serious couponer and regularly saved 75% off or more on my purchases. I did try lots of products I never would have but I enjoyed the whole process. Once you really get into it, you can find and get coupons on staples but you won't find them in the Sunday paper.

When I was at my most involved, I was able to stockpile quit a bit - which is really the way to make the most of your couponing. Buy mulitples when you can get things free or near free. I was able to have 2-4 years worth of cleaning supplies, paper goods, shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. stored in my basement. Now, if you don't have much storage space, this method is not for you.

Back to my orginal point, if you have a negative attitude, you will not be successful with couponing.