Couponing Stigma - Yes or No?

Those of us who blog about couponing and those of you loyal readers out there who are dedicated coupon shoppers as well can lose sight of the fact that many folks out there simply *don't* use coupons.

~Maybe because they think it takes too much time to clip all of them (I agree, which is why I use a file by insert date organization method).

~Maybe because they don't see coupons for products they anticipate using during the coming week when they flip through the Sunday inserts (which is why we save those inserts).

~Or, maybe because there still lingers a stigma attached to using coupons and they're afraid of looking cheap (you won't look cheap, just smart).

I wrote a post over at my personal blog not too long ago where I mentioned one of the latest trends I've seen in person: coupon binders disguised to look like a pretty handbag.

I thought it would be fun to see what some of you out there thought, so I tweeted the question a day or so ago. Here's some responses:


I agree, @TweetyMama, on both counts. I've gotten some odd looks, too. But I've worked hard to build pleasant relationships with many of the cashiers I see each week. I think they're just as thrilled as I am to see how much I save. And pinching pennies is hip!


Erin @5DollarDinners, I totally agree with you! We are ahead of the curve, baby!


Stacey @TreeRootTwig had some valid concerns about couponers taking too long in line or not being informed about store coupon policies. This falls under the rules of Couponing Etiquette, a post I plan on writing later this week.


Andrea @MommySnacks and I have had this discussion before in real life, so I wasn't too surprised to see her response. This is right in line with the cheap label I mentioned above. Here's the thing: couponing is just one more method in your personal finance toolkit to help you save money.


Carrie @CarriesCooking, sums it up well. We live in a new economy where you absolutely must creatively stretch each dollar that comes your way.


This last point is a good one, too, made by Jeff Green, social media manager at UPromise; the sheer number of sites dedicated to online shopping coupon codes is staggering. I'll touch on all of those in a future post.

And since I forgot to mention it in my first edition of Back to Basics: Couponing {Gathering}, Upromise also offers e-coupons you can load to your shopper loyalty card. The amount saved is automatically deposited into your Upromise account, a total win-win situation for us busy parents.

Now it's your turn! Do you think there still exists a couponing stigma or stereotypes about couponers? Have you experienced it personally? Share in a comment!

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