I’m about to start a multi-day series on couponing. Couponing isn’t dead. Years ago, TV introduced us to “extreme couponing,” where people somehow walked out with three shopping carts of groceries and a receipt that looked like the store owed THEM money. Like many TV trends, that version of couponing has mostly faded. The traditional paper-clipping, weekly-ad matching system isn’t what it used to be. But couponing isn’t gone, it simply evolved.

One big reason is that bargain hunting became more complicated. Many stores tightened policies around stacking coupons and shifted promotions to digital offers tied to loyalty accounts. For those who once carried coupon binders thick enough to count as upper-body exercise, the modern system can feel like less control.

The savings haven’t disappeared; they’ve changed form. Digital coupons, member pricing, and targeted offers can apply automatically when the right products are in your cart. Instead of flipping through pages at home, you check deals before shopping and verify savings at the register.

Another misconception is that couponing only works for people willing to spend endless hours planning. In reality, you can coupon “lightly” and still save. Focus on staples you already buy and use coupons only when they beat the regular sale price. Compare unit prices because sometimes the giant “SAVE $2!” sign is just a magician’s trick wearing a price tag.

The most important factor is expectations. Couponing today is less about extreme stockpiling and more about smart timing and methodical shopping.

Moral of the story:

Is couponing dead? Absolutely not! We use coupons whenever we can. It simply evolved into a system that rewards consistency. Check offers, match them to your needs, and confirm the final total. Because saving money is great… but buying twelve bottles of mustard because it was “a deal” may be a different conversation.